The food and wine that Wang Sheng's father had ordered arrived right on time. Since the house was small, the guests naturally split into two groups according to temperament.
Mu Wanxuan, Xi Lian, Xiaomiao, Hao Ling, and Wang Sheng's parents sat at the dining table. They focused on the food before them, chatting leisurely as they ate.
The rest sat around the tea table in the living room. Since their gathering was centered on weightier matters, the mood was not particularly lively. The conversation drifted along, broken and sparse. Googlᴇ search 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚•𝕟𝕖𝕥
Qing Yanzi asked whether Wang Sheng had encountered any difficulties in his cultivation. In response, Wang Sheng shared the doubts that had arisen in his heart while cultivating using the Pure Yang Immortal Mantra. His master patiently answered each question in detail.
As they spoke, Qing Yanzi began to pour out a flood of his own insights, filling his second disciple with all that he had comprehended. He couldn't believe that he, a leading figure in the Hua Republic's cultivation world, had a disciple who did not cultivate using the Pure Yang Cultivation Method and another who was already on the verge of surpassing him.
If he did not fulfill his duty as a master now, he would probably end up having to depend on his disciples later.
"Once you reach the Nascent Soul Realm using the Pure Yang Immortal Mantra, you must strive toward the state where the 'Yang Spirit Aligns with the Dao.' If you can grasp this state, it will aid your path immensely. You'll also benefit greatly from it as you progress through the Nascent Soul Realm…
"Pass me two of those lotus-leaf cakes, please. This roasted duck is unexpectedly delicious. It's been years since I last touched meat. Anyway, the best way to reach that state is to refine a breath of Pure Yang Qi. Fortunately, you already possess such a breath, which saves you a lot of trouble. As for me, I must find a way to force one out. Haaa."
Wang Sheng could not help but feel that his master was boasting. Awkwardly smiling, he wrapped a piece of roasted duck. He paired it with sauce, scallion strips, cucumber, and radish. He then respectfully offered it to his master.
At the other table, Wang Sheng's father quietly texted the restaurant owner to quickly deliver two more roasted ducks.
Qing Yanzi talked about the Pure Yang Immortal Mantra until Mou Yue, who had been listening nearby, could no longer stop herself from joining their discussion.
"Daoist Master Wang, we wish to raise your position slightly on the Heavenly Rankings to eighth. Would that be okay?" Mou Yue asked.
Wang Sheng hesitated slightly. It was not that he feared the saying, "The tree that stands out will be felled by the wind." He simply did not wish to be ranked above his senior sister. After all, he was well aware that his senior sister sometimes tried hard to appear strong.
Qing Yanzi laughed. "That's a fine proposal. Considering how strong you are now, we wouldn't be questioned even if we put you in the top three, Little Sheng. You don't have to restrain yourself too much."
Wang Sheng smiled and nodded. "Handle it as you see fit, but the ones above me are all seniors. The Heavenly Rankings measure more than just strength in combat. Anyway, if you need anything, just let me know and I'll see what I can do."
Having received his confirmation, Mou Yue immediately pulled out her phone and sent out a message.
Wang Sheng then asked, "Don't we have a department that has the same level of authority as the Special Investigation Unit now?"
Qing Yanzi nodded. "Because of the Special Investigation Unit's grave failures during the Ziyan Temple incident, the higher-ups decided to establish a department to balance and coordinate with it. It oversees the Cultivator Police Unit, cultivator crime prevention, and the spread of techniques among the populace.
"I thought your mistress would use this opportunity to retire, which would have let me enjoy a few peaceful days. Unexpectedly, she became the chief of both the Special Investigation Unit and this new Special Affairs Unit… Fortunately, I ordered a pill of eternal youth from Medicine God Valley. The ingredients are rare and hard to come by, but with some effort, I can still manage to gather them."
"Lately…" Mou Yue lowered her voice. "Lately, there have been some concerns."
Those at the tea table immediately grew alert. They wouldn't get information anywhere else.
"The Special Affairs Unit has submitted several proposals in succession, all concerning the full utilization of each sect's grand elders to lessen external pressures on the world." Mou Yue glanced at Wang Sheng. "The higher-ups were just about to agree when you stepped in and wiped out the external pressure, Daoist Master Wang. Considering your actions may have disrupted certain plans, some people likely have complaints about you."
Wang Sheng nodded, but he did not take it to heart.
"You don't have to dwell on this, Little Sheng. Your task now is simply to cultivate in peace. If the nation isn't in peril, the warhorse can be sent back to the mountains," Qing Yanzi said calmly, striking his disciple's heart deeply.
Wang Sheng nodded firmly. "Understood, Master. I still have to resolve the whole matter revolving around the Blood-Dissolving Divine Sword, though. If I have to travel for comprehension after breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm, I'll take that chance to deal with it."
Qing Yanzi raised his head. "Considering your understanding of the Dao of the Sword, you should have no trouble defeating even an ancient prince of the Blood Race once you've broken through. I wouldn't be worried about letting you roam by then."
Huai Jing took a bite of his cucumber. "Daoist Master Bu Yan, you're worrying too much. Fei Yu can pretty much walk unhindered on Earth. You have nothing to worry about."
Shi Qianzhang grinned mischievously. "The Dark Faction has been quite unlucky. Having finally suppressed the Light Faction and extended their reach into our country, they sought to stir up trouble, only to run into a sword immortal who could wield heavenly tribulations. They're probably still trembling from all the recent chaos. Well, I can't really blame them. After all, our nation is in a better situation than the rest of the world."
Zhou Yinglong sighed. "When we were behind, closing the doors meant isolation. Now that we're ahead, closing the doors in cultivation means securing the high ground for ourselves."
Huai Jing raised his glass of soda. "Let us juniors drink a toast! Come! If it's liquor, a sip will do. If it's beer, bottoms up!"
The corners of Shi Qianzhang and Zhou Yinglong's mouths twitched. They were both drinking beers.
"Daoist Master Wang, how can our department help you deal with the Blood-Dissolving Divine Sword?" Mou Yue asked seriously.
Wang Sheng thought for a moment. "I'd like for you to continue gathering intelligence on these swords across the world. We can't just wait until they become true disasters before we do something about them. It's better to snuff out dangers while they're still just sparks. After I break through and my realm stabilizes, I will personally destroy every last one of those devilish swords.
"Once I'm done with that, I'll stay with Big Sister Xi Lian to cultivate in seclusion until I reach the Rebirth Realm. Only then will I step out again. Master, now that the Hua Republic is prosperous and safe, and the Special Warfare Unit has grown stronger, you don't have to rush about anymore. You deserve a vacation, too."
Qing Yanzi laughed softly and sighed. "I wish to cultivate quietly as well, but I can't seem to run out of matters to handle. Ah, that's it! In a few days, I'll confront your mistress and demand she grant me several years' leave."
"Several years?!" Mou Yue worriedly exclaimed. "No one in our department can replace you. Without you, we'll lose direct communication with masters on the Grand Celestial Master's level."
Qing Yanzi shrugged. "Don't worry. The Daoist sects are stable now. If trouble arises, it will only come from those dozen grand elders."
Wang Sheng listened quietly. This was not the first time that he had heard his master and Mou Yue mention the grand elders. The "criminal cultivators" whom they had rescued from the Small Nether Realm were far stronger than the experts on the Heavenly Rankings. It was natural for his master to be wary.
In truth, they didn't have to worry too much about the grand elders either. After all, Lady Meng, an immortal, was standing by in the Small Nether Realm. Should the grand elders break their oath and interfere in the cultivation world, she could be called upon to eradicate them.
Qing Yanzi raised two fingers and declared, "In another twenty years at most, the Hua Republic will stand supreme on Earth. The Daoist sects will once more enter an age of prosperity.
"By then, no foreign power will dare intrude, and no inner strife will be born. All will walk the path of immortality together, and our swords shall point toward the Tushita Palace!"
"Well said!" Shi Qianzhang applauded enthusiastically, though Qing Yanzi looked faintly embarrassed.
The topic soon shifted to the Heavenly Court. According to investigations, "Heavenly Court" was one of the five most frequently spoken terms among cultivators in their gatherings. From least to most mentioned, the other four were "artifact," "technique," "Heavenly Rankings," and "fairy."
Wang Sheng drew out Spiritless and rested it lightly against the sofa. It was incomparably sharp, yet it left not a trace on the fabric, which was rather astonishing.
Somehow, the conversation veered toward the "female corpse." Fortunately, Qing Yanzi swiftly redirected it. Had they spoken disrespectfully of Yaoyun, the situation would have grown very lively.
Before long, fresh roasted duck was brought to the table once more. After three rounds of wine and five plates of dishes, the conversation grew more animated.
Zhou Yinglong said, "Honestly, I believe the Dark Faction has always been a tumor on Earth's civilization. There's no denying it now that they've openly come against us."
"What's the plan, then?" Huai Jing asked half jokingly. "Shall we ally with the Light Faction?"
"Why would we join hands with Western zealots who do nothing but shout slogans and wait for angels to descend all day? Do you want them to steal the fruits of our victory afterward?" Shi Qianzhang rolled his eyes. "The Daoist sects must always remain independent, autonomous, and a neutral party. In a few more years, once more experts reach the Heavenly Abode Realm, we'll only need a few moments to wipe out the Dark Faction."
Mou Yue smiled. "Daoist Master Shi, you're too hostile. That's bad for cultivation, you know."
Shi Qianzhang waved his hand and lowered his head. "Alright, alright. I was only speaking idly."
Still gazing at Spiritless, Wang Sheng commented, "I believe the government doesn't need to devote a lot of energy to targeting the Dark Faction. It's better to treat them as a training ground for Daoist cultivators. A senior of mine once told me that the environment of our Daoist cultivators has become far too comfortable.
"This isn't what true cultivation is like. The greatest challenge for a cultivator is not to hide in the mountains preserving a pure heart. It's to walk among the mortal world, endure its trials and hardships, and still retain a heart pure for the Dao."
The others nodded, though only some understood him.
Qing Yanzi chuckled softly. "Little Sheng, your vision has already grown broader and higher than mine."
Xi Lian, who was now in the form of a four or five-year-old child, crept forward. Everyone just continued their discussion about Wang Sheng's comment, pretending not to notice. She snuck to the corner of the tea table, snatched up a dish that had barely been touched, and tiptoed away.
When Wang Sheng turned to her, Xi Lian bolted. She brought the plate to Mu Wanxuan as if it were a treasured offering.
She was truly mischievous.
Their chatter lasted until nightfall. The aftermath of the Sakura Island incident had stabilized by now. Eventually, the guests took their leave until only Mu Wanxuan, Xi Lian, Wang Sheng, and his family were left. Qing Yanzi claimed once more that he would ask Chi Ling for leave, though no one knew if he would truly succeed.
They worked together to clean up. Some cleared the table and tea set, while some used enchanted power to tidy the house.
Insisting on cultivating, Mu Wanxuan withdrew to meditate upon the Dao of Balanced Yin and Yang. Xi Lian returned to her youthful form, earnestly working to turn Xiaomiao into her permanent companion.
Meanwhile, Wang Sheng stretched lazily on the sofa, turned on the news, and began watching the follow-up reports. Being a part of the incident being reported and then seeing himself on the screen certainly felt strange.