On the bustling Qinglong Street in the imperial capital of Wu Kingdom, pedestrians instinctively made way, their gazes fixed in one direction.
“Mother, look at those horses!” a young boy in his mother’s arms exclaimed, his eyes sparkling.
“Those aren’t horses. They’re called Blood Qilin Beasts, mounts reserved for nobles,” the woman said softly.
“Nobles? Mother, just how wealthy are they?” the boy asked.
The woman thought for a moment, then shook her head. “Wealth beyond our reach in this lifetime.”
On Qinglong Street, the two Blood Qilin Beasts snorted loudly. Their blood-red fur seemed as though it had been stained with fresh blood. A single horn protruded from their foreheads, their hooves bore fiery patterns, and their tails burned with flames that swayed, exuding intense heat.
The beasts pulled an enormous carriage. Its golden fabric was embroidered with white tigers, one after another. The coachman, his face marked by a long scar, held the reins firmly.
Inside the carriage sat a man and a woman, separated by a considerable distance.
The man furrowed his brows, as though burdened with heavy thoughts.
A light veil concealed her face, obscuring her full features. Yet from the half-visible visage alone, it was clear her beauty could topple kingdoms.
The woman sat with her eyes closed, silent.
The man glanced at her, his expression devoid of any untoward thoughts, replaced by reverence. “Master National Preceptor, perhaps we could delay our entry to the palace and visit my humble residence first? It would be an honor to host you.”
The woman slowly opened her eyes, revealing a pair of enchanting phoenix eyes. They exuded an imperial grace but also carried an inexplicable allure that drew people in.
“Wenshan, even if you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have intended to visit your residence.”
“Hm?” Zhao Wenshan asked, puzzled.
He had only extended the invitation out of politeness, hoping perhaps to recommend someone from his household who might catch the Preceptor’s attention. To his surprise, the Preceptor already had such intentions.
The woman, whose Daoist title was Wangxuan, spoke without concealment: “While meditating earlier, I sensed a powerful vortex of fate beneath the capital. Upon astral projection, I traced it to the vicinity of the Xu and Qin mansions. I understand these two houses are closely linked. Could you introduce me? I wish to investigate.”
Zhao Wenshan’s heart leapt with joy. “Naturally. My sister recently wrote to inform me that the matriarch of the Xu family is hosting disciples at their residence. It would be an honor for the disciples to accompany you, Master Preceptor. If someone from the Xu or Qin families catches your eye, it would be a blessing for both houses.”
Wangxuan shook her head. “The Dukes of Qin and Xu followed the founding emperor of Wu Kingdom in his conquests. It’s only natural for their descendants to produce talented individuals.”
“Ah, Master Preceptor, you flatter them too much,” Zhao Wenshan sighed. “Indeed, the two dukes once achieved great feats. But over the past two centuries, both the Qin and Xu families have lost themselves in the wealth and splendor of the capital, sinking into decadence. Their glory from that era is all but gone.”
As he spoke, Zhao Wenshan clenched his fist and struck his thigh heavily. “Now, with the Northern Wastes watching us like tigers eyeing their prey, the Western Desert cults stirring, and the southern thousand demon kingdoms rising, our nation’s challenges grow ever more dire…”
“Even within our great Wu Kingdom’s borders, the various sects are arrogant and overbearing. They outwardly pledge allegiance but hardly regard Wu Kingdom in their eyes.
This time, I must speak earnestly with my brother-in-law and the matriarch. If the younger generation of the Xu and Qin families continue down this path, how will they protect themselves when chaos inevitably descends?”
Listening to Zhao Wenshan’s words, Wangxuan said nothing. She merely closed her eyes again.
Before long, the Blood Qilin Beasts stopped at the gates of the Xu household.
As Zhao Wenshan alighted from the carriage, a loud voice rang out: “Master Zhao has returned!”
“Hurry, light the firecrackers! Go inform the matriarch, the masters, and the ladies!” The Xu family steward’s commands were swiftly followed, and soon the sound of firecrackers echoed across both the Xu and Qin households.
Amid the festive noise, the Blood Qilin Beasts stood motionless, even yawning lazily in boredom.
“Hahaha, Wenshan, you’re finally back!” Qin Ruhai, the master of the Qin household, warmly approached to welcome his brother-in-law.
“Wenshan, it’s been at least ten years since we last met! You’ve grown even more dashing and robust!” Xu Zheng, master of the Xu household, also stepped forward with enthusiasm.
“Brother-in-law, Brother Xu.” Zhao Wenshan bowed respectfully. Despite his mixed feelings about the Xu and Qin families, he still observed the necessary courtesies as a member of their extended family.
“Why so formal?” Qin Ruhai quickly helped Zhao Wenshan to his feet. “The Dukes of Qin and Xu are still in court and couldn’t personally receive you. You’re not upset, are you?”
Zhao Wenshan shook his head. “How could I ever be upset with my two uncles?”
“By the way, Brother-in-law, Brother Xu, we have an esteemed guest with us.” After exchanging pleasantries, Zhao Wenshan hastily added.
Just as Qin Ruhai and Xu Zheng were expressing their confusion, the curtain of the carriage was lifted, and Wangxuan stepped down.
The sight of the veiled woman, ethereal and graceful, with a presence as serene as an orchid and an air as otherworldly as a celestial being, left both men momentarily stunned.
“This humble Daoist, Wangxuan, greets Master Qin and Master Xu.” Wangxuan descended and bowed politely to the two.
Both Qin Ruhai and Xu Zheng held minor ceremonial roles within the Ministry of Rites, so Wangxuan addressed them by their titles.
“Elder Wangxuan is the foremost elder of the Tianxuan Sect’s ten elders,” Zhao Wenshan introduced, standing to the side. “She has come to Wu Kingdom’s capital at His Majesty’s invitation to assume the role of National Preceptor.”
Upon hearing Wangxuan’s polite greeting and Zhao Wenshan’s introduction, Qin Ruhai and Xu Zheng finally recovered from their daze. Hastily, they withdrew their gazes and respectfully saluted Wangxuan. “This subordinate greets the National Preceptor!”
Wangxuan gently shook her head. “Masters, there is no need for such formality. My visit today may trouble you, and I apologize for the inconvenience.”
“You are too gracious, National Preceptor. It would be an honor for us to assist you in any way,” Xu Zheng quickly replied.
Wangxuan nodded slightly. “When I entered the capital, I performed an introspective meditation and observed a spiritual phenomenon above the Xu and Qin households. I saw auspicious light transforming into a dragon, a sign of prodigious talent. May I request to meet the children under ten years old in your households? If there is a suitable connection, I would like to take them as disciples and guide them in their cultivation.”