With the time it took to finish a meal, Lu Ren finally cleared his mind: this place was no longer the Taiwu Dynasty that Kong Qiu spoke of, but rather a New Dynasty, though the Taiwu Dynasty had existed for nearly fifteen hundred years.
However, due to issues with the feudal societal structure, the upper echelon of the Taiwu Dynasty was severely corrupt, ultimately leading to the complete decay of the court’s roots. The lowest classes were subjected to extreme oppression, unable to survive, and thus overthrown by revolting peasants.
Quite an odd dynasty succession.
At that time, paths for upward movement were almost monopolized by people from the upper classes, while the lower classes suffered extreme exploitation.
Most of society’s resources were concentrated among the upper class: masters, armies.
In such an era of overwhelming martial force, the absolutely disadvantaged lower class could not possibly stage an overthrow.
But the truth was that the New Dynasty was indeed established.
Lu Ren, however, felt no curiosity about it and quietly ate his Blood Corn.
This rice was truly remarkable, the Blood Corn was crystal-like, with a color as vivid as blood, and paired with the other dishes, offered him a long-lost sense of fullness upon digestion.
If one were to supplement according to this degree of Blood Corn energy level, the emergence of top-tier martial artists would be abundant, let alone the superior martial artists of the Bright Awakening Realm.
The dishes contained even more herbs, which upon consumption, dispersed a faint warmth within his body, quickly restoring his physical strength.
Lu Ren’s eyes shone brightly; there indeed were many things here worth exploring.
Just the Blood Corn alone was a food unique from Huaxia; if brought back and meticulously cultivated, it could certainly further enhance the essence of the Super Concentrated Nutrient Pills.
Perhaps it could maintain his current physique.
The essence of a world always breeds greed.
Lu Ren sighed in his heart, gazing at the empty bowl, feeling somewhat incomplete.
In the next instant, Lu Ren dismissed this thought; he wanted to test the martial artists of this world, and this New Dynasty intrigued him quite a bit, too.
Though there remained a nominal emperor, the system seemed somewhat akin to a constitutional monarchy, with a cabinet below governing the country, the territory being vast, far exceeding the real-world Huaxia.
Even just a single prefecture was as large as the Western Regions of Huaxia.
"When it comes to the top masters in Crescent Town, Taoist Liu Xuansu of Yuhe Hall is unmatched. His Thundering Dragon Dispersing Hand is unrivaled within a hundred miles!"
At that time, I was fortunate enough to witness Taoist Liu’s duel with the bandit Cao Jing of Xuanji Mountain. With just three punches, Cao Jing was forced to retreat, and to this day, he dares not set foot in Crescent Town!
A youth dressed like a scholar appeared, his face flushed from drunkenness, but upon mentioning Liu Xuansu, his expression turned excited, gesticulating animatedly.
Someone nearby poured cold water, saying, "If Liu Xuansu were truly that formidable, he wouldn’t be hiding in such a small place here. Not to say much, just the governor Zhang Xuhe of Shuangliu City, a hundred and thirty miles away, is a master from the New Dynasty! Can Liu Xuansu even make it onto the rankings?"
The young scholar’s face turned beet red.
"That’s nothing. If Taoist Liu hadn’t retired to live out his days, he wouldn’t bother with such rankings at all!"
"I think it’s just that Taoist Liu has aged and his body can’t quite handle it anymore."
"I suppose Taoist Liu, with a mind free from worldly pursuits, has no interest in such fame and thus has chosen to live in seclusion somewhere."
Everyone expressed their respect before someone nonchalantly spoke up.
"But it certainly isn’t as Brother Li said; maybe it’s because he was too obsessed with martial arts and fell into an insanity."
A burst of laughter erupted, and for a time, the tavern was filled with an atmosphere of joy.
The youthful scholar, also enraged, sat down and drank several cups before being persuaded by others.
Xuanji Mountain’s Cao Jing, Yuhe Hall’s Liu Xuansu... hmm...
So how strong is the power of the government here?
In his thoughts, Lu Ren swiftly finished off the table of dishes and exited the tavern. After asking others for the location of Yuhe Hall, he went straight there.
Yuhe Hall was situated on the outskirts of Crescent Town, only three to four miles away, built by the lake, and it worshipped the Nine Heavens Primordial True Monarch.
Upon entering the main hall of Yuhe Hall and seeing the statue of the Nine Heavens Primordial True Monarch, he paused, for this portrayal seemed to be one he had seen in Ji Quanzhen’s guarded cave.
He governs thunder across the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter, evolving from ultimate vitality to darkness and extinction as the True Monarch.
Why would he be here!
"Friend, I see that your spirit is quite exhausted. Do you need a place to stay?"
A clear voice sounded from beside him, causing Lu Ren to turn his gaze.
The voice was full of energy, containing an abundance of Essence, Qi, and Spirit, and in his perception, the other person’s life magnetic field was perfectly harmonious, yet carried a hidden intent of life and death.
Withered and flourishing, life and death.
Indeed, a rather good master.
Pity he hasn’t stepped into the Bright Awakening Realm, which Lu Ren thought rather unfortunate.
Lu Ren curiously asked, "Are you the Taoist Liu Xuansu?"
Liu Xuansu replied with a smile.
Liu Xuansu was tall in stature; although his physique didn’t stand out much, it was well-proportioned, and under his wide Taoist robe lay a highly muscular body.
Yet in Lu Ren’s eyes, he seemed a bit thin, like a sausage; he wondered if Liu Xuansu could withstand a punch from him.
With thoughts racing through his mind, Lu Ren didn’t express a bit, as his current physique was a whole head taller than Liu Xuansu’s, coupled with a fierce build that didn’t allow Liu Xuansu to be careless.
Such a frame could only grow due to either innate divine power or someone focused on horizontal training.
Lu Ren nodded slightly, "Could I possibly lodge here?"
"Of course, Yuhe Temple has specially built a few modest cottages for pilgrims who come here."
"I heard people in Crescent Town refer to it as Yuhe Hall; why is it called Yuhe Temple here with the Taoist?"
Liu Xuansu laughed and pointed to the plaque above with his finger.
"Because the main hall is called Yuhe Hall."
Lu Ren was dumbfounded; well, that was completely nonsensical.
With that, Liu Xuansu led Lu Ren to settle in, saying, "Young master, should you not mind these simple cottages, feel free to stay for several days. Soon it will be mealtime, prepared by some inept little apprentices of mine. If there’s anything unpalatable, I beg your pardon."
Lu Ren shook his head, "Thank you, Taoist. Having something to eat is blessing enough."
After Liu Xuansu left, Lu Ren finally had time to take stock of the room.
Though called a modest cottage, it was fully furnished, even equipped with a standalone bathroom inside, cleverly installed with a flushing system, its pipes leading directly to Crescent Lake, saving quite a bit of trouble.
Although this New Dynasty was still an ancient society, some aspects of life had been made quite convenient.
Yet Crescent Town was too small, and couldn’t glean much information, merely due to being close to the Endless Wilderness, frequented by martial artists who ventured into the mountains for hunting.
Thus, though Crescent Town was small, it was quite prosperous.
Resting briefly upon his bed, there was a knock at the door, followed by a rather youthful voice.
"Scholar, it’s time to eat."
Lu Ren got up and opened the door.
The young Taoist seeing Lu Ren’s physique could only raise his head, looking at Lu Ren with wide eyes, seemingly having seen a moving mountain.
Especially seeing Lu Ren’s impassive face.
The small mouth slightly pouted, seemingly startled, yet bravely refraining from crying.
"Scholar, let me lead you over."
"Thank you, young Taoist."
Seemingly finding Lu Ren’s voice quite gentle, contrary to his appearance, which seemed daunting, the young Taoist became cheerful.
Leading Lu Ren to the dining hall, Lu Ren saw a table full of fish and some roasted meat.
Liu Xuansu laughed, saying, "It’s simple fare. Scholar Lu, please don’t mind, being in the countryside, we lack the standards of major cities."
"It’s already quite good."
Having finished the meal, Lu Ren expressed his gratitude before leaving.
The little apprentice cleaning up the table curiously asked, "Master, where is this scholar from?"
Liu Xuansu shook his head slightly, "I don’t know, but..."
Yet the person in front of him brought an extreme sense of danger; he truly wished not to engage unless necessary.
Sighing, he wondered if it was a good or bad thing that such a strong figure suddenly appeared in Crescent Town.
He only hoped it was an Overseas Dragon merely happening by here.
As for Liu Xuansu’s thoughts, Lu Ren didn’t give it much attention, even though he was aware of Liu Xuansu’s probing intentions, Lu Ren understood as well.
His power transcended the norm, definitely beyond what ordinary martial artists could compare to. Wandering in Crescent Town might be fine, but such a powerful figure specifically visiting Yuhe Hall, Liu Xuansu couldn’t be careless.
A powerful one indeed...
Lu Ren somewhat narcissistically entered the room and lay down to rest.
The Kunlun region was exceedingly vast; the sun in the sky was now slanting westward, and after nearly a month’s time, only a few remnants of sunlight remained. Follow current novᴇls on novel·fiɾe·net