Chapter 179: True Intent of the Dao Realm

Chapter 179: The True Essence of the Dao Realm

A matchmaking proposal?

Jingzhou’s Liu family truly intends to ally with the Xiao family?

Liu Rong reflected on the spring rain pavilion, Chen Yi’s words stirring a sense of awe within him.

It seemed the boss possessed even greater strength than he had imagined.

How remarkable—he had uncovered such a secret as the Xiao and Liu families’ clandestine union.

Now, even if Black Fang arrived to confirm, the boss’s identity as Liu family’s escort would remain unexposed.

As Liu Rong pondered these thoughts, Liu Zhaoqing’s voice drifted from the courtyard: “What time tomorrow?”

Liu Wen smiled: “Naturally, at noon when there are more people.”

“Brother Liu, aren’t you afraid the Xiao mansion won’t open its gates?”

“Heh, why fear it? Uncle is here to shield us.”

“You and I are too far apart in rank from old Lord Hou. If he acts so rudely, the Xiao family would bear the disgrace.”

As Liu Wen spoke, he seemed to recall something, gesturing toward the woman beside him:

“Forgot to introduce her.”

“This Miss Yu Zhen is Brother’s specially sent servant from Uncle.”

The woman named Yu Zhen stepped forward gracefully, bowing: “Servant Yu Zhen bows to greet Third Miss.”

Liu Zhaoqing glanced her over, nodded: “Thank you, Brother.”

Liu Wen chuckled softly: “You thank the wrong person. You should thank Uncle.”

“Oh, my mistake, Zhaoqing. I thought Brother had ordered Uncle to send someone to protect you.”

“Perhaps that’s how it is, heh.”

“Yu Zhen, hurry and attend to Zhaoqing?”

“Servant obeys…”

As the two exchanged words with practiced ease, Liu Rong, though slow to grasp, discerned the tension between the Liu siblings.

Recalling the poison-minded disciples who had sought Liu Zhaoqing earlier, a sly smile tugged at his lips.

He wondered if the boss cared for such news.

It probably did.

Not long after.

Liu Wen bowed and departed. Liu Zhaoqing stood motionless in the courtyard, then silently followed Yu Zhen back to the wooden pavilion.

Liu Rong, not waiting to deliberate, silently trailed Liu Wen into the eastern residence.

Only after Liu Wen had inspected the area and confirmed the guards were stationed outside did Liu Rong approach the pavilion.

Pressing his ear to the door, he heard faint giggles and laughter within—clearly, Liu Wen was not alone.

“Seems this Liu Wen is also a man of many charms.”

“Just like me… *snort*.”

After a moment’s thought, Liu Rong knocked thrice on the door.

Click. The door opened.

A soft sound echoed within.

The laughter ceased, replaced by Liu Wen’s slightly annoyed voice: “Who’s there?”

“It’s me, Liu Er, coming late at night. Forgive the intrusion.”

“Who are you? What do you want?”

“I’ve come to deliver two words from your household.”

“Oh? What are they?”

As Liu Rong spoke, faint footsteps approached inside. He lowered his head, tucking his hood tighter, and stood motionless beneath the eaves.

The door creaked open.

Before Liu Rong could peer inside, a cold, gentle, and icy aura washed over him.

Without hesitation, his hand seized his waist blade.

*Chik.*

The blade emerged three cun, its light slicing through the darkness, illuminating the pavilion.

It also gleamed upon Liu Wen’s raised sword.

“Black Fang?”

Liu Wen halted, then stepped back three paces, his expression tinged with wariness.

Liu Rong slightly raised his head, his eyes peering through the hood at Liu Wen.

“Lord Liu, I meant no disrespect. Forgive me.”

He sheathed his blade.

After a moment, Liu Wen’s face flickered with a smile—though not warm. His breath steadied.

“Liu Er, your blade technique is admirable.”

“Come, this isn’t a place for talk. Let us retire to the study.”

Liu Rong bowed slightly: “No need. I’ve said what I came to say. I’ll leave now.”

Liu Wen’s eyes flashed with displeasure, yet his lips remained smiling: “What did you say? You came to deliver a message from your household? From whom?”

“My household is Black Fang of the Bright Moon Tower.”

To prove his identity, Liu Rong flashed his Bright Moon Tower token.

“I’ve come to inform you—this evening at the wuxu hour, my master will visit you. There are matters to discuss.”

“Oh, Black Fang… No wonder Liu Er’s blade skills are so formidable.”

Liu Wen glanced at the token, nodding slightly.

He had heard of Black Fang before, knew he was the tower’s elder and the black-market overseer of Shu Zhou.

And he knew Liu’s sixth brother, Liu Jing, had collaborated with Black Fang to plot against the Xiao family.

Alas, it ultimately ended in failure.

A moment of silence followed. Liu Wen sheathed his long sword and smiled, asking, "I wonder what your lord wishes to discuss with me?"

Liu Lang paused, recalling Chen Yi's admonition in his heart, and bowed slightly, saying, "You will know by tomorrow evening."

Upon finishing his words, he tapped his toes lightly and vanished into a black shadow, fleeing towards the distant courtyard.

As he disappeared from sight.

Liu Wen's smile gradually faded, and a cold, icy aura emanated from him.

"Black Hair, Bright Moon Pavilion…"

No sooner had the words been spoken than two delicate, revealingly dressed women approached.

"My lord, that man was so frightening!"

Liu Wen glanced at them and grinned, asking, "You heard what he said just now?"

One of the women timidly nodded, saying, "What Black Hair, Bright Moon Pavilion…"

"Hmm."

Before she could finish, a sword tip suddenly appeared at her back, then slowly withdrew as she stood frozen in shock.

The other woman shivered upon seeing this. "G-Governor, I-I know nothing!"

Liu Wen sheathed his sword, his face cooling, and smiled as he approached, embracing her and leading her towards the hall.

As he walked, he consoled her with a smile, "I like girls who are a bit simple and obedient, don't you agree?"

"Y-Yes, I'm simple..."

Black Hair, I simply must see what kind of medicine you're hawking from your gourd.

I hope whatever you're saying does justice to that fair lady.

……

No words were spoken that night.

The rain ceased at midnight, and the clouds dispersed.

After dawn broke, the prefecture city of Shuzhou was clear skies.

Here, naturally beautiful mountains and waters, the air filled with the fragrance of grass and trees.

After being nourished by the rain, the faint fragrance carried a fresh, natural scent.

In the lush spring lotus garden, it was even more so.

At least before the sun reached three feet, before the harsh summer heat, the courtyard would be like this.

Early in the morning.

Xiao Biao was busy at work.

Sweeping leaves from the courtyard, clearing water weeds from the pond, washing and drying the clothes of Xiao Wo and Chen Yi, and meticulously cleaning two wooden pavilions…

Busy for over an hour.

Just as Xiao Biao wiped the fine sweat from her forehead, she felt not a bit tired.

She crossed her waist, looked at the clean and tidy courtyard, and a smile appeared on her pretty face.

"It's time to call the master and the young master for breakfast."

This morning, the kitchen prepared the pancakes she loved most, paired with Guangyuan's spicy sauce and the dried small fish from Jiaozhou, which were delicious.

Whenever she thought of it, her taste buds would explode.

Xiao Biao glanced at the neatly arranged breakfast on the table, unconsciously gulped some water, and quickened her pace to run upstairs.

She, as usual, first went to serve Xiao Wo's grooming and dressing, then proceeded to Chen Yi's chamber.

She carried a basin of warm water in her hands, a towel over her shoulder, yet moved light and swift.

She carefully pushed open the door and peeked in, seeing Chen Yi seated cross-legged on the bed.

"Young master, are you meditating?"

Xiao Biao looked at the calm Chen Yi with some understanding, then gently placed the warm water beside the washbasin.

*Click.*

Chen Yi's eyebrows and eyes moved slightly, slowly opening his eyes to meet Xiao Biao's gaze, smiling and asking, "What time is it?"

Xiao Biao saw he was awakened by her, and awkwardly cleared her throat, saying, "Young master, it's already past the middle of the third watch."

Chen Yi nodded, got up from the bed, stretched his limbs, and asked her to help him dress.

Xiao Biao smiled and nodded, went to the wardrobe, and asked about his plans for the day while searching through it.

She probably wanted to know if he was going out, to decide if he needed to dress more formally.

Chen Yi was about to say he wouldn't go out of the prefecture, but saw a few lines of text floating on the recently projected light screen:

[Daily Intelligence·Xuan Tower Grade: At noon, Xiao's Clear Mansion, a group from the Liu family of Jingzhou came to visit the distant relative Xiao Yuan. A small amount of favorable circumstances could be obtained.]

After glancing at it.

Chen Yi paused slightly, then ordered, "Get a slightly more formal long robe; today I'll go to Clear Mansion to pay respects to the old master."

Xiao Biao nodded, took out a light blue brocade robe from the wardrobe, and also fetched the jade belt, fragrance pouch, etc., to serve him dressing.

"Young master, you haven't been to Clear Mansion for quite some time."

"A few days ago, there were people in the prefecture chewing the root of their tongues, saying you're now a master of the academy, with great fame, and some look down on you."

"Is that so?"

Chen Yi, while stretching his hand and leg in compliance, pondered who from the Liu family of Jingzhou had come and their purpose.

If it were Liu Yu, it would be about the summer grain tax in the three prefectures.

If it included Liu Wen and Liu Zhaoxue, it might be about the marriage alliance matter that the Liu family of Jingzhou still hadn't given up on.

However, Chen Yi actually hoped it was Liu Wen.

That way, he could take a look and listen, which would be some preparation for tonight's journey.

After having a simple breakfast.

Chen Yi thought for a moment, then went to the study, and wrote a calligraphy piece for the old master.

As per the old master's glance the day before Sun Rui left, he already knew of Chen Yi's progress in literature and martial arts.

Sending it over now would be just right.

Unlike the previous time when the old master had a birthday and wrote congratulatory words, Chen Yi only wrote four characters this time:

"Peace and Distant Goals."

The ink fell like gold, the imagery formed—seeing continuous mountains and waters, the waves winding around the mountains, drifting slowly towards the distance.

No figures, no sounds.

This was the second time Chen Yi laid bare his literary talents, after completing his path in the Way of Writing.

Compared to that piece written for Sun Fu, "Ningjing Zhiyuan"—the four characters that truly suited his free and easy spirit—

When the imagery arose, onlookers would feel as if they were within it. Moreover, under the combined spiritual resonance of heaven and earth, they would calm their hearts and minds, a form of realization.

Chen Yi held the cloud-pine paper, scrutinizing it with care, his heart filled with understanding, a smile tugging at his lips: "Ah, the Way of Writing indeed holds such remarkable effects."

Four words written down, and their influence over others' minds was profound, truly demonstrating the essence of the Dao.

Perhaps, after completing the martial path of fist, gun, and blade, similar potency exists.

As the imagery unfolded, it could "capture the true essence of the martial Way," captivating hearts and minds.

Chen Yi mused on these thoughts, and when the ink on the paper had dried, he rolled it up and placed it in a silk box.

He then made some preparations, summoned Xiao Gun, and instructed Xiao Die to remain at the Spring Lotus Garden, before carrying the silk box towards the Pure Dwelling.

At this moment, the hour of ma had just passed, still far from noon.

Chen Yi chose this time to go there, intending to stay a while longer in the Pure Dwelling.

After all, he intended to fulfill Sun Fu's advice—to spend more time with the old master.

Besides that, he also had some thoughts of testing the old master.

Xiao Gun, unaware of these things, saw him carrying the silk box and thought to bring a gift for the old master, so he led him towards the Prosperous Palace Garden.

Chen Yi would not refuse such an offer.

To their surprise, upon arriving at the Prosperous Palace Garden, he saw Xiao Gun's eyes filled with a hint of sorrow.

Xiao Wan'er said, "Many letters have been delivered from the capital today, all come seeking you."

Chen Yi replied, "No, I don't wish to see them."

Xiao Wan'er, hearing this, frowned and snapped, "Then why did you come?"

(End of Chapter)