The Immortal Official Manor of Hongfu County was grand and magnificent, far surpassing that of Thousand Canals.
The Immortal Official hosted a banquet for his guests, complete with ceremonial music, dancing, fine wine, and delicacies.
"Junior Brother Song, look—even during continuous rainy days, the golden glow atop the Hongfu God Temple never fades."
The weather was clear at that moment. Pushing open the carved windows, one could see the God Temple standing proudly, its golden radiance shining brilliantly beneath the azure sky and drifting clouds.
After saying this, Liu Hongshan looked rather pleased with himself, observing the reactions of the three low-level cultivators.
The Hongfu God Temple enjoyed flourishing incense offerings—which Immortal Official wouldn’t envy it? But after waiting a moment, he found they showed no reaction at all.
Their expressions remained unchanged, without a single exclamation of awe.
Liu Hongshan maintained a smile on the surface, but his eyes gradually turned cold.
I said we’d sit and discuss the Dao, and you actually dared to accept. I, a Golden Core Perfection cultivator, a future Nascent Soul expert—what Dao is there to discuss with a Qi Refining cultivator like you? How could we possibly discuss it together?
In his view, Song Qianji did possess some unique talents and skills.
He could play chess, create calligraphy and paintings—truly a "refined scholar and elegant artist." Because of this, he relied on his talents and dared to oppose the sect.
Perhaps he had some cleverness, but these traits had no direct relation to combat strength or courage.
Although there were three thousand paths to the Great Dao, in today’s Cultivation World, Sword Cultivators were universally acknowledged as the strongest in combat.
Song Qianji, after all, originated from the Huawel Sect as a Sword Cultivator. Yet, while traveling in the mortal world, he didn’t even dare to carry a treasured sword at his side.
The white-clad youth beside him, Meng Heze, at least genuinely earned the title of Martial Champion in the "Grand Assembly of Distinguished Appraisals" and carried himself more like a Sword Cultivator than Song did.
Low cultivation was low cultivation. The reason the sect hadn’t moved against Song Qianji was solely because his backing was too formidable to eliminate by force.
Either assassinate him covertly or outsmart him.
What he was doing now was the latter.
Through this Hongmen Banquet, he intended to thoroughly intimidate Song Qianji and carve out a substantial profit from him.
Liu Hongshan coughed lightly, and the Master of Rites hurried forward, bowing as he poured the wine.
Amber-colored liquor filled the Spirit Jade cup, rippling as a rich aroma filled the room, intoxicating even before a sip was taken.
The Master of Rites, understanding the cue, said, "This Amber Nectar Wine requires over a hundred years of brewing with forty-three types of Spirit Herbs. This jar, a premium product from the Dayan Sect, is priceless. Across the entire Western Sky Continent—"
Before he could finish, Liu Hongshan raised his cup and laughed heartily, "No matter, no matter. We open it today to commemorate my first meeting with Junior Brother Song."
Before Song Qianji could move, the white-clad youth beside him moved as swiftly as a drawn sword, snatching the jade cup and downing it in one gulp.
Meng Heze drank too hastily, choking and coughing repeatedly, his face flushing red.
Senior Brother Song must never touch alcohol—not even fruit wine, not even fermented rice brew.
Song Qianji patted his back, smiling, "How old are you, trying to drink like an adult?"
Meng Heze muttered, "I’m only a year younger than you, Senior Brother."
Liu Hongshan chuckled softly, his eyes mocking. Even if he’s the Martial Champion, he’s still a low-born rustic. Hearing about rare Spirit Wine, he snatches it without considering whether he can handle it.
Why doesn’t Song Qianji scold him for making a scene in public?
"Indeed, not bad," Ji Chen remarked suddenly. He took a small sip, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Liu Hongshan looked at him. Ji Chen, completely unaware, shook his head and sighed:
"Unfortunately, it’s only two hundred years old, and the Yellow Jade cellar is somewhat lacking."
"You can tell?" Liu Hongshan stared in astonishment."As for Jade Amber, it must be the five-hundred-year vintage from the Red Jade cellar for a richer aftertaste, with a fragrance that isn't so frivolous and gaudy," Ji Chen advised. "The Yellow Jade cellar produces dregs the Dayan Sect uses to swindle money. Fellow Daoist Liu, don't let yourself be fleeced like a fool."
He actually set down his cup and drank no more.
Liu Hongshan stared at him. Where am I supposed to find a five-hundred-year vintage for you? And you're not even finishing the half-cup, returning it to me?!
"What does Junior Brother Song think?" he asked, suppressing his anger.
Song Qianji candidly admitted, "I don't drink, and I know even less about wine. Fellow Daoist Liu, please enjoy it yourself."
The atmosphere fell silent for a moment. Liu Hongshan rallied his spirits, clearing his throat to signal the master of ceremonies.
Behind the landscape screen, the qin music abruptly shifted into a ensemble of qin, se, pipa, dongxiao, and short flute.
The master of ceremonies said apologetically, "This piece is called 'Wind and Snow Array Entry Tune,' the most popular melody nowadays. Originally a solo for the seven-string qin, it was adapted into an ensemble by Fairy Miaoyan three days ago. The score hasn't spread yet—it's priceless and hard to obtain—"
Liu Hongshan smiled. "Even living in the mortal world, we must keep up with the changes in the Cultivation World with celestial music. Otherwise, spending all day with mortals easily taints one with worldly vulgarity. What do you think, Brother Song?"
Many cultivation families and major sects hadn't even obtained this score yet, but he, here in Hongfu County, had already gotten ahead. Though half of it relied on Miaoyan's special relationship with the Huawel Sect, and half on his clan brother's connections within the sect. Without these ties, no matter how much others spent, they couldn't buy it.
Song Qianji choked.
What sin have I committed? I've already left the mountains, yet I still have to listen to a piece I composed myself!
He ate his dishes while absentmindedly agreeing, then suddenly frowned. "Did Miaoyan swindle you out of your money?!"
"How dare you disrespect the fairy!" Liu Hongshan's expression changed sharply.
"There's another section after this. What she gave you is an incomplete score, right?" Song Qianji advised. "Can't you hear it? The third movement isn't finished, but it's already repeating the middle section of the first movement."
Liu Hongshan was struck speechless with shock, his mouth slightly agape.
Song Qianji thought he was upset about being deceived and consoled, "Fellow Daoist Liu, what she did isn't right. I suggest you ask for a refund—at least half of the spirit stones back."
Liu Hongshan struggled to twitch the corner of his mouth. "Junior Brother Song must be joking."
Miaoyan had adapted this score deliberately using the unfinished version played by He Qingqing, connecting the end to the previous chapter instead of the original remaining sections.
This matter was little known, and the Celestial Sound Sect had instructed that it not be leaked. How did Song Qianji know about it?!
The God Temple displayed power, the Spirit Wine flaunted wealth, and the new score signified origins and background.
Three moves in a row, each one countered.
The banquet atmosphere grew even more silent. Liu Hongshan couldn't smile.
Ji Chen cautiously transmitted his voice, "Brother Song, did I say something wrong earlier?"
Song Qianji transmitted back, "...Eat more dishes."
Meng Heze held chopsticks in one hand, the other hanging under the table, always near the hilt of his sword.
After the dishes had been served past the fifth watch, with cups and plates in disarray, Song Qianji smiled. "Fellow Daoist Liu has been a generous host. As guests, we ought to repay our host's hospitality."
Liu Hongshan said coldly, "Of course."
"When I played chess with Old Man Chess Devil, he taught me a unique technique of the Purple Cloud Temple. It's his secret skill, and he warned me not to reveal it lightly."
Liu Hongshan was taken aback, a gleam flashing in his eyes. "Qi Observation Art?!"The Purple Cloud Temple was renowned for two unique arts: formation arrays and the art of reading qi and destiny. While formation arrays could be learned by anyone, the art of reading qi was exceedingly rare.
Song Qianji shook his head: "My method of reading qi differs even from ordinary techniques. It not only discerns one's luck but also reveals their path of cultivation, opportunities, and breakthrough triggers. Would Fellow Daoist Liu be willing to test it?"
Liu Hongshan's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes concealed deep wariness and suspicion.
His impending Nascent Soul breakthrough was no secret. If Song Qianji thought he could deceive him with this, he had miscalculated.
Kid, I've eaten more salt than you've consumed fasting pills. The number of charlatans and scams I've encountered could fill the "Offshore Cultivators' Anti-Fraud Handbook."
"If you're going to perform the qi-reading art, wouldn't it be inconvenient with so many people around?" Liu Hongshan waved his hand with a laugh. "Clear the hall!"
As his words fell, the banquet abruptly quieted. Musicians, dancers, and performers filed out in orderly procession while the Minister of Rites, Minister of Military Affairs, and others bowed and withdrew.
Song Qianji also smiled: "You may leave."
Meng Heze and Ji Chen rose as instructed but glanced back with every step they took.
The great doors closed, cutting off all sound. Formation arrays activated, blocking any divine sense probing.
The two refused to follow the Minister of Rites to the side hall for rest, standing rigidly outside the main hall with tense expressions.
Ji Chen cautiously sent a voice transmission: "Does Brother Song truly understand the art of reading qi?"
After a moment's hesitation, Meng Heze carefully replied based on memory: "He might... know a little?"
Song Qianji held great disdain for matters of luck and destiny, so of course he didn't understand qi-reading. But he understood Liu Hongshan.
They were "old friends" from their previous lives. He had been a minor Outer Sect disciple of the Huawel Sect who "committed murder and broke out of prison," while the other was the clan brother of Discipline Hall Elder Liu Hongfeng, who unsurprisingly took on the task of hunting him down.
Song Qianji repeatedly escaped until he successfully turned the tables, all while his opponent never achieved Nascent Soul breakthrough.
Of course, in this life, Song Qianji had no intention of killing him a second time.
As the sun's shadow shifted westward, the golden light from the distant God Temple faded from bright to dim.
Twilight enveloped the land, stretching two silhouettes long across the smooth blue bricks.
Three times Meng Heze reached for his sword. Inside the hall was a hostile Great Adept at the Nascent Soul stage - Senior Brother Song needed his protection.
Three times Ji Chen restrained him: "Don't ruin Brother Song's plans."
Meng Heze paced back and forth like an anxious lion.
Beyond the single door, Song Qianji was speaking with amiable composure:
"Fellow Daoist Liu, recently during meditation, does your mind wander, unable to gather qi and focus? Is your lifebound magical artifact water-aligned in the five elements, recently operating with some difficulty? Are you practicing a secret technique of Tai Chi and Yin-Yang to assist your breakthrough, yet finding it incompatible with your own spirit qi? Have you newly obtained a metal-aligned flying sword and encountered some troubles during its refinement?"
His tone was slow and conversational.
Liu Hongshan's expression shifted from sneering to shock, then to anxiety, all previous contempt swept away.
Clutching Song Qianji's hands, he nearly shed tears:
"Brother Song, you are truly divine! Brother Song, you must help me!"
OpenNovel