Chapter 418: A Troubled Winter

The desolate Xiamawei finally showed signs of life. Li Yufu had already hastily departed the capital, staying far from the heart of conflict. Meanwhile, Jian Chi Wang Xiaoping, now without Shen Tu, remained at the inn, likely to face countless accusations of complicity in the future. Wang Xiaoping entered a side room and closed the door, refusing visitors. Soon after, the young monk Nanbei rushed to Xiamawei in a great hurry, scratching his bald head upon seeing the crown prince's bleak situation. Xu Fengnian did not elaborate on his dangerous "argument" in the imperial palace, instead agreeing with Nanbei to leave the capital together and then visit Liangchan Temple. Unexpectedly, the young monk shook his head and said, "My master told me to go to Beiliang with His Highness, to teach him the method of sudden enlightenment on his behalf."

Xu Fengnian asked in surprise, "It would be fine if you hadn't come to the capital for an imperial audience, but if you go to Beiliang with me right after leaving the city, wouldn't that openly declare that your Liangchan Temple has completely fallen out with the court? Aren't you afraid that the court will seal the main gate of Liangchan Temple in anger?"

Miss Li Zi was disinclined to bother with these matters, focusing entirely on building snowmen in the courtyard. After exhausting the snow in the backyard, she had even made Xu Fengnian shovel snow from the outer courtyard and even the street, bringing it back in baskets. By now, she had built thirty snowmen of various sizes, creating an impressive spectacle. The young monk Nanbei grinned, "It doesn't matter if my master seals the temple. The monks inside won't starve to death anyway. Without the comfort of guaranteed warmth and satiety, the Dharma is practiced with a sincere heart during times of hardship."

Xu Fengnian said helplessly, "Your master certainly has an open mind."

Nanbei looked melancholic and worried. "I just fear that my master's sudden enlightenment won't turn out well."

Xu Fengnian lay languidly on a rattan chair, saying with a nonchalant expression, "Nanbei, why don't you and Li Zi just skip Beiliang? Or, if I miss you someday, I'll invite you as guests to Beiliang then."

Miss Li Zi had used up all the accumulated snow, successfully completing her last snowman. She walked over, patting her frozen red hands. Upon hearing his words, she paused, initially intending to retort furiously, but then remembered something that made her turn pale and hesitate.

Clearly, she belatedly recalled the nightmare of Nanbei achieving Buddhahood.

Xu Fengnian said calmly, "I believe in fate; I'd rather believe it exists than not. But believing doesn't mean I have to resign myself to it. I don't care what your master or Li Zi's father think. If you dare to come to Beiliang, I can tie you up and throw you into the South Sea, or the East Sea for that matter. The sudden enlightenment that leads to instant Buddhahood... in this vast world, Beiliang is indeed the easiest place for it to spread. But you also said that during hardship, the Dharma is practiced with a more sincere heart. So, go endure hardship somewhere other than Beiliang. For now, Beiliang is not open to you."

The young monk Nanbei, who was clumsy in all matters except scriptures, immediately found himself in a dilemma.

Xu Fengnian gave them no chance to think further and continued mercilessly, "You two must leave the capital immediately, to avoid being implicated by me."

Miss Li Zi's eyes were red, and she bit her lip.

Xu Fengnian sternly said, "Do you not understand a dismissal?"

Miss Li Zi said tearfully, "I haven't seen you for only a short while, and your hair has already turned white. What if you die next time? You and Wen Hua are my only friends, and I can't find Wen Hua. What am I supposed to do?"

Xu Fengnian hesitated to speak.

Nanbei clasped his palms together and walked to her side. Xu Fengnian closed his eyes and said softly, "You can first pass through Xishu and enter Nanzhao, and then travel all the way to the edge of the South Sea. The path is difficult, but relatively safe."

Miss Li Zi had finally matured from a girl into a young woman. This time, she didn't act spoiled or pester him. She turned, wiped her tears, sniffled, and whispered, "Then I'm leaving."

Xu Fengnian remained with his eyes closed, his expression focused, and his heart like stone.

She finally managed to move to the backyard gate. She turned and said, "I'm really leaving now."

Xu Fengnian remained unmoved.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng discreetly rolled her eyes.

A while later, Xuanyuan Qingfeng looked somewhat exasperated. A small head peeked out from the doorway, eyes brimming with tears. Then a bald head also stealthily emerged.

Xu Fengnian suddenly stood up, and both heads quickly ducked back inside.

Xu Fengnian stepped over the threshold and saw her with her back to him. He walked over, gently twisted her ear, turned her around, and smiled softly, looking down. "Before, I always gave you gifts. This time, you and Nanbei are going to the South Sea; remember to pick out a few gifts for me. When we meet again, I'll ask you for them. I'm materialistic; the more outrageously expensive the gifts, the better."

Miss Li Zi lowered her head and murmured, "Oh."

Xu Fengnian turned to Monk Nanbei and smiled, "Then I'm entrusting this little sister to you. Take good care of her. Remember, ten thousand catties of rouge and powder are no match for a living person."

Monk Nanbei nodded.

Escorting them to the entrance of the Xiamawei inn, Xu Fengnian simply waved and turned away.

He left behind a sobbing young girl and a flustered young monk.

Back in the courtyard, Xu Fengnian squatted in front of a knee-high snowman, lost in thought.

His second sister, Xu Weixiong, had been mischievous and clever since childhood. As a young girl, she once carved the five characters "Exiled three thousand li" on the back of the True Martial Emperor statue on Wudang Mountain. At the time, the Taoists on Wudang Mountain dismissed it as a child's innocent prank. Now, thinking back and connecting it to his first journey, which went beyond three thousand li, it could be considered a prophecy come true.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng asked, "Are you the reincarnation of the True Martial Emperor?"

Xu Fengnian said indifferently, "No one close to me has had a good fate. My mother lost her status as a Land Sword Immortal, my eldest sister has faced many misfortunes, my second sister almost died from plum wine, my master Li Yishan died of illness, and my younger brother might enter the Zhixuan realm for me at any time. Aren't you afraid?"

Xuanyuan Qingfeng burst into genuine laughter, like a madwoman, holding her stomach. "How utterly tragic! I'm practically dying of happiness!"

Xu Fengnian let out a heavy sigh, ignoring the madwoman's schadenfreude, and stood up, saying, "Let's go home."

Shen Tu, the foremost talisman-sword in the world, had returned to the True Martial Emperor. Zhao Danping's expression fluctuated between dark and light; he silently calculated heavenly secrets but couldn't even discern a hint. Master Bailian gasped, muttering "Jian Chi Wang Xiaoping" in a questioning tone. Sun Tanglu and several court diarists instinctively lowered their heads, looking at their toes, not daring to glance at this sight, which was yet unknown whether it was an omen of ill fortune or good. Zhao Ningshen, whose face bore a striking resemblance to an ancient patriarch Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain, stood dazed, muttering to himself and shaking his head continuously. After Longhu Mountain had effectively suppressed Wudang, it had seized destiny. Purple-gold lotus flowers bloomed in the Dragon Pool, swaying gracefully, and talented individuals from Longhu Mountain emerged one after another. Furthermore, there was a tradition where those with the Zhao surname and those with other surnames complemented each other. After Qi Xuanzhen's demon-slaying, Qi Xianxia, who wielded a whisk like a sword, gained renown in the martial world and was hailed as one of the most promising candidates to become a contemporary sword master. His name was remarkably apt; Qi Xianxia truly possessed chivalry and an ethereal aura. In addition, with four Zhao-surname Great Celestial Masters still alive, Zhao Danping promoting their cause in the capital, and the younger Zhao Ningshen emerging, not to mention Master Bailian's assistance, Longhu Mountain seemed to be in a period of flourishing fortune. Yet, while their outward appearance was impressive, internally the Celestial Master's Residence was troubled. The few remaining lotus plants in the Dragon Pool still showed dismal signs of continued wilting, which utterly perplexed the high-ranking officials of the Celestial Master's Residence.

The Emperor calmly addressed Zhao Danping, "Celestial Master Zhao, go to the Imperial Observatory."

Zhao Danping acknowledged the command and left in haste.

Even after becoming Crown Prince, Zhao Zhuan seemed to retain the relaxed composure he had as Prince Ya. The Emperor turned and smiled, "Zhuan'er, take Master Bailian and Ningshen for a walk around. If you find anything amiss anywhere, write a report to me later. Remember, don't have someone else write it for you."

Zhao Zhuan nodded with a pained expression. The Crown Prince and the two Taoist priests strolled aimlessly through the imperial palace. Zhao Zhuan suddenly asked with a smile, "Master Bailian, what if the eldest legitimate son of the Xu family is actually the True Martial Emperor? Wouldn't that be very troublesome?"

Bai Yu chuckled softly, "A celestial being in heaven, a human on earth. Even if that's the case, it doesn't matter. Eight hundred years ago, the Emperor of Great Qin, who claimed to be the reincarnation of the True Martial Emperor, also failed to unify Beimang and could only pass away with regrets, just like any common person."

Zhao Zhuan asked a very pointed question, "Master, everyone envies immortals for their longevity. Emperors throughout history have earnestly sought alchemists, either to refine elixirs or visit immortals, but none have achieved immortality, and not a single emperor has lived past a hundred. Since your Longhu Mountain is the ancestral home of Taoism, have there been any Celestial Masters who truly achieved longevity through enlightenment? I don't quite believe in the ascension mentioned in Taoist texts. Master Bailian, do you believe it?"

Master Bailian burst into hearty laughter and said cheerfully, "When I, Bai Yu, was young, my master brought me to Longhu Mountain, and I once asked him if there were immortals in the world. I will simply relay my master's words: a Taoist cultivating immortality and seeking the Great Dao is like a herb gatherer climbing a mountain to collect herbs. Some people are very lazy, yet what is fated to be theirs will eventually be theirs. They enter the mountain once, gather precious herbs, and return fully laden. Among such individuals, Wudang has Hong Xixiang, and Longhu Mountain, where I reside, also has one. However, most people benefit from diligence; they may not always succeed, but they ultimately gain something. The four Great Celestial Masters of the Celestial Master's Residence are like this; they have become living immortals in the eyes of the outside world, just a hair's breadth away from the methods of a true Taoist immortal. Many more return empty-handed. Yet, by frequently climbing the mountains, even without gathering herbs, simply by gazing at the scenery, their horizons broaden and their minds are refreshed. Walking strenuous, less-traveled mountain paths can also strengthen the body and prolong life. Indeed, in previous dynasties, many incompetent alchemists used 'longevity arts' to curry favor with emperors and destabilize the court. In my view, this causes a hundred harms and not a single benefit, and future generations should learn from this. However, Longhu Mountain's inner alchemy methods, which do not delude people with the words 'longevity,' bring a hundred benefits and no harm. Whether emperors, ministers, or common peddlers, anyone can learn them. Thus, when His Majesty first summoned me to the capital, he, like His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, asked me with a smile whether there were carefree immortals or superior longevity arts in the world. I answered no. In truth, as a cultivator of the Tao, I, Bai Yu, naturally believe in ascension and the existence of immortals. However, the emperor's duty lies not in securing immense personal blessings, but in seeking peace for all under heaven. Longevity arts are against the natural order. An emperor, who claims to be the Son of Heaven by divine mandate, finds it especially arduous to achieve longevity through enlightenment, and it is not favored by Heaven. The movement of stars, the flow of rivers, the strategies in the court, and life and death itself, all adhere to the principle of 'ritual and order'. The reason Confucianism ranks above Taoism in the imperial court is that its internal principles of benevolence and righteousness and external emphasis on propriety are indeed a fundamental remedy for governing the nation. Yet, there is no panacea under heaven that can cure all ailments. Taoism's tranquility and non-action is another kind of remedy, as is Buddhism, which spread eastward to the Central Plains. His Majesty's suppression of Buddhism was not to destroy true Buddhism, but to eradicate false scriptures and fake monks. Was it not also a preparation for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to grant a great amnesty to Buddhism upon his ascension? Good medicine tastes bitter, and His Majesty's intentions are indeed profound. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, by concealing his abilities and biding his time, profoundly understands the essence of Huang-Lao philosophy, and this must be carefully considered."

Crown Prince Zhao Zhuan had been inattentive during the previous discussions on Buddhism and Taoism. But now, as Bai Yu spoke articulately, he listened intently, not missing a single word. He glanced around, and seeing no one nearby, whispered softly, "My imperial father views the Qingci Prime Minister Zhao Danping as merely a performer, but I would not dare treat Master Bailian in such a manner! I hope, Master, that one day you will be able to join the imperial court as an official, not seeking personal longevity, but only the welfare of all people."

Bai Yu offered a faint smile, noncommittal.

Zhao Zhuan also smiled knowingly.

Zhao Ningshen, meanwhile, remained deep in thought, completely oblivious to the conversation between the Crown Prince and Master Bailian.

Zhao Zhuan led the two Taoist priests from the Celestial Master's Residence to outside the Imperial Observatory before departing. Master Bailian gazed at the Imperial Observatory's towering structure, which exceeded customary regulations, and quietly asked, "Have you figured it out?"

Zhao Ningshen nodded, saying, "It is indeed Xu Fengnian."

Bai Yu, neither surprised nor pleased, instead showed a trace of sorrow, muttering to himself, "No wonder the first Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain manifested in the Dragon Pool and left behind the prophecy of 'horses trampling dragons and tigers' in the Heavenly Book. But even among earthly vassal kings, it's a case of 'king does not meet king'. Liyang is currently at a juncture where Heaven, Earth, and Man converge, so it's no wonder your background, Xu Fengnian, is so desolate. Among those you care about, has even one found completeness or a good end?"

Bai Yu sighed and patted the shoulder of the young Taoist priest beside him. "The lone recluse Zhao Huangchao managed to usurp destiny and even raise a malevolent dragon in the Earth Lung Mountain. I refuse to believe you and I cannot achieve the same."

Fifty li outside the capital, there was a small town. When the Liyang Dynasty first pacified the Central Plains, it gathered all the gentry, wealthy merchants, artisans, and other people from all walks of life into the capital. Before the city was expanded, a large number of people had to settle outside its walls, leaving the city sparsely populated. Over time, these areas were taken over by later powers, like a cuckoo usurping a magpie's nest. This town, Furlong Town, benefited from its proximity to the capital, and it was quite prosperous, nestled by mountains and rivers. Some well-located mansions are still occupied by powerful Beijing aristocrats, used for spring outings, summer retreats, autumn excursions, and winter snow viewing. In a quiet inn within the bustling Furlong Town, an old man with a head full of silver hair arrived. His appearance was not extravagant, but his demeanor was exceptionally distinguished. The innkeeper and staff were awestruck. Normally, no one dared to approach the old man, dressed in gray, as he sat alone, eating and drinking.

Then another pair of guests arrived and sat at the same table as the old man in gray. The woman was as beautiful as a celestial fairy, carrying a long, ornate zitan sword box on her back, like a peerless beauty stepped out of a classical painting. Unfortunately, she possessed an intimidating aura that kept others at bay. The middle-aged scholar, who seemed like a servant, had temples streaked with white and sat opposite the old man.

The old man in gray said calmly, "Cao Changqing, you've crossed the threshold of the Heavenly Phenomenon realm to become a Confucian Saint. Have you come here to show off your power, or are you here to stop me from killing Xu Fengnian?"

The scholar, now a Confucian Saint, smiled faintly. "I happen to be waiting for Xu Fengnian to return something, so I just stopped by to reminisce with you. After that, I will not interfere in your grievances."

Han Diaosi, his hair completely white, glanced at Jiang Si, the exiled princess of Western Chu, then withdrew his gaze. "Though I, Han Diaosi, am a eunuch, I know that His Majesty will not mistreat the common people of the realm. While you, Cao Changqing, may not act out of personal selfishness, you are harming the world for the sake of a single kingdom, aiming for restoration? Even if you were a Land God Immortal, could you truly restore it?"

Cao Changqing shook his head and said, "Unless one exhausts all human effort, one cannot know the will of Heaven."

Han Diaosi sneered, then stood up and said fiercely, "Tell Xu Fengnian that within five hundred to one thousand li, one of us will surely die."

Cao Changqing said nothing.

Han Diaosi threw a pouch of silver onto the table and walked out of the inn.

Cao Changqing looked at Her Royal Highness the Princess, who said calmly, "Only I can kill him."

Cao Changqing had a headache. "Han Diaosi may not be able to kill Xu Fengnian."

The young woman, who could now wield a sword like an immortal, maintained an unperturbed expression and tone. "My words stand."

Even Cao Changqing, a Confucian Saint capable of blocking Gu Jiantang's Nanhua Fangcun Lei, was helpless in the face of this.