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Youzhou City is not like Chang'an, where the night is restricted. The brothels and inns in Chuguan are bustling with activity, with courtesans greeting guests. The taverns and restaurants are lively and noisy, and even the Xu Zhen does not dare to be too ostentatious. She invited the old man and the young girl to a restaurant, seeking a private room to sit down separately.
This restaurant is called Wanlong Sheng, which is not particularly famous in Youzhou. The errand boy first brought Kumis, which they treated as tea porridge. The Xu Zhen picked up an empty wine bottle and gently pushed it in front of the old man. The old man's brow raised, completely devoid of the previous submissiveness.
The Xu Zhen's eyes suddenly brightened as she took a deep breath and slammed her palm down on the wine bottle!
"Bang!"
The young girl beside the old man was startled and jumped up. She saw that the Xu Zhen's palm was flat on the table, and when she opened her hand, the table was completely empty, with not even a tiny shard of the imagined broken wine bottle in sight!
Although Caesar and Zhou Cang had been following the Xu Zhen for a long time and had seen her Illusion technique many times, they were still shocked by this sudden display!
The old man showed no surprise; instead, there was a calmness in his eyes as if he had expected this. Once the Xu Zhen withdrew her hand, he scratched himself without any pretense, reached out into the air as if grasping something, then gently placed his hand on the table in front of the Xu Zhen. Slowly raising his hand revealed a wine bottle on the table!
"Indeed, we are kindred spirits!"
Xu Zhenxin was overjoyed. In fact, when Yang Kui and others surrounded the old man and the young girl, the Xu Zhen had already noticed that this old man was extraordinary. Although he appeared to be suffering from beatings and looked miserable, Yang Kui could not harm him at all!
Because although this old man seemed to be struggling to evade attacks, he was actually using a method of shifting bones and flesh. While it was not quite like the Seven Sacred Blade Secret Technique, it had a similar effect!
Knowing that the other party was a senior expert, the Xu Zhen did not dare to be negligent. She immediately stood up to show respect as a junior and greeted him.
"I apologize for my disrespect; I hope Old Immortal can forgive me. May I ask for your name?"
The old man slightly raised his eyebrows, seemingly appreciating the Xu Zhen's earlier display. When she referred to him as Old Immortal, he appeared quite pleased.
The Xu Zhen has always been interested in metaphysics and has some understanding of Daoism from later generations. In this realm of Daoism, there are distinctions among practitioners. For example, those like Lü Zu who have attained celestial status yet still roam among mortals are known as Tianzhen Dao; those who have achieved Earth Immortal status but remain in this world belong to Shenxian Dao; like Zuo Ci from the Three Kingdoms period who played tricks on Cao Cao, he is also part of Shenxian Dao.
Those who have attained profound Taoist arts and are about to become immortals are referred to as practitioners of the Hidden Path; those who have resolved their worldly affairs and retreated to the mountains for cultivation are known as the Mountain Dwelling Path; those who practice within a temple are called the Monastic Path; and those who cultivate at home are referred to as the Fire Dwelling Path.
This elder was clearly an accomplished immortal, and the Xu Zhen addressed him as the Old Immortal, which was certainly not an exaggeration. The elder calmly accepted this title and smiled as he spoke to the Xu Zhen, saying, "Young Master, you flatter me. I am just an old man from the mountains, my humble name is not worth mentioning. If you do not mind, please call me Qingxiazi."
"Qingxiazi?" Xu Zhenxin was puzzled. He had no impression of this name. Although he was well-read in Historical Records, he could not remember everything, and there were many talented individuals and eccentric figures in the countryside who were not recorded in history due to societal rejection. Thus, the Xu Zhen naturally had no way of knowing.
Little did they know that Qingxiazi was a name from the Sui-Tang period. He had once hidden himself in Juqiu Mountain (now known as Maoshan) for cultivation, obtaining true secrets from the Deity of Fate. He had also practiced on Mount Luofu in Azure Valley, hence he took the name Qingxiazi.
He was known for his strange techniques and authored The Treatise on the Way, which elaborated on inner alchemy practices. He also referenced texts such as Ancient Text of Dragon and Tiger and Zhou Yi Can Tong Qi to compile Dragon-Tiger Golden Liquid Elixir and the Theory of Returning to the Origin, focusing on refining the spirit elixir within one's heart and creating a new realm in Taoist cultivation.
The Xu Zhen did not recognize his name but dared not be dismissive. She bowed and said, "So it is Azure Mist Celestial Master. I am Xu Zhen, it is an honor to meet you!"
Qingxiazi smiled slightly and waved his hand. After the Xu Zhen returned to her seat, he pointed a finger at the edge of her wine cup. Gradually, a green Jade Liquid began to rise from the bottom of the cup, exuding a fragrant aroma that filled the air, refreshing and invigorating!
"Xu Xiaoyou," Qingxiazi continued, "if I am not mistaken, you must have practiced inner power through the I Ching's marrow washing technique and acquired some external methods. This is a brew made in my mountain, called Late Tiger; it can condense one's breath and refine one's meridians—consider it a gift for our meeting."
The Xu Zhen was momentarily taken aback, waves of astonishment surged within her. Although she practiced Illusion techniques, she understood that Illusion was merely a deceptive method. Even Li Jing's personally taught I Ching marrow washing technique was just a health regimen for regulating breath; Seven Sacred Blades and Yoga Techniques focused on strengthening physical resilience.
What Qingxiazi exhibited at that moment embodied the essence of an Earth Immortal. To be honest, the Xu Zhen felt both shocked and doubtful; this elder completely overturned her understanding. Despite her reluctance to believe it, there was an impulse within her that wanted to firmly believe this elder was indeed a true immortal!
"Thank you for your gift of wine, Celestial Master!" The Xu Zhen did not act carelessly; she clasped her hands in respect and drank down the Jade Liquid. She felt as if icy coolness flowed down her throat, merging into her chest and spreading throughout her body, invigorating her spirit!
Zhou Cang watched in amazement as Qingxiazi spoke so remarkably. He stared wide-eyed at the Xu Zhen drinking wine, swallowing hard with anticipation. Scratching his head with a grin, he asked for some wine: "Grandmaster Immortal, may I also have a taste of such fine liquor?"
Seeing Zhou Cang's straightforwardness and innocence brought joy to Qingxiazi. He pointed at Zhou Cang's cup as well. Zhou Cang watched with delight as Jade Liquid slowly emerged from his cup; he tilted his head back and drank it all down, wishing he could swallow the cup itself.
Caesar had always been aloof; although he recognized that celestial wine was rare, he still wore a frown. Qingxiazi took the initiative to speak up using pure Turkic Language!
"This girl has too much killing intent and is not suitable for drinking this Late Tiger Wine. I will gift you a piece of Calming Incense," said the old man. After speaking, he took out a Sachet from his sleeve. Caesar was somewhat reserved, carefully accepting it and nodding in thanks. Qingxiazi seemed to see through Caesar's temperament and did not mind, but the young girl beside her curled her lips, clearly dissatisfied with Caesar's nonchalance.
Zhang Suling also received a Sachet, but coming from a Brothel, she was sweet-tongued and clever, making her quite likable. The young girl, who was about the same age as her, quickly became familiar with her.
As the saying goes, no merit means no reward. Xu Zhen and the others felt a bit guilty for receiving gifts from the old man, but they thought that since he was an enlightened master, he would not need any return from mere mortals like them.
After some more polite exchanges, the food and drinks were served. Qingxiazi, who dined on celestial delicacies, looked down on earthly pleasures, while the young girl showed no restraint and began to eat voraciously.
Just as Xu Zhen was about to ask about breathing techniques for cultivation, she suddenly felt numb all over. The old man in front of her wore a strange smile and seemed to fade into nothingness. Struggling against dizziness for a moment longer, she heard two thuds; Zhou Cang and Caesar had already collapsed. Looking at Zhang Suling, she saw that she too was swaying unsteadily!
"Oh no! We've fallen into a trap!"
Xu Zhenxin thought it was bad news when he suddenly heard Qingxiazi shout "Down!" and his vision went dark.
As soon as the four collapsed, someone walked in—it was Gao Di from Youzhou Prefecture and City Guard Officer Yang Kui!
"Hmph! Prince Jin—oh no, Your Highness truly is weak and ineffectual. You can't even deal with a mere Loyal Martial General. It's fortunate to have Mr. Cui as a capable advisor who makes decisive judgments. What’s so surprising about encountering bandits on the way to take up your post as general and dying in the wilderness?"
Yang Kui chuckled maliciously, his beady eyes constantly scanning Caesar and Zhang Suling while flattering Gao Di: "Your Excellency indeed has great courage! Allow me to take care of him right now!"
As Yang Kui spoke, he drew out his blade. Qingxiazi and the young girl frowned tightly but stepped aside without saying another word, looking at Xu Zhen and the others with expressions filled with shame and unspoken pain.
Seeing Yang Kui draw his sword, Gao Di slapped him across the face with his backhand, shaking his beard as he scolded: "How this person should be dealt with should be decided by Governor Gao and Mr. Cui! When did it become your turn to act? Hurry up and call someone in to take these people to my residence!"
Yang Kui covered his burning cheek in pain, obediently agreeing while hurriedly summoning servants to carry Xu Zhen and the others away. However, he secretly grumbled that despite claiming to hand them over to the governor, wasn't it because he had taken a liking to these two Young Ladies' beauty? Once they reached the residence, who knows if he might enjoy them first before presenting them to the governor and Mr. Cui?
Gao Di indeed had such intentions; being a lecherous man himself, how could he let go of beauties like Caesar and Zhang Suling? Looking at the mature and voluptuous Caesar and then at the pure and delicate Zhang Suling, a wave of lust surged within him. Gao Di could hardly wait to return home for some enjoyment.
Qingxiazi saw Gao Di about to leave and hurriedly stepped forward to ask, "Chief of Staff, you promised... Since the matter has been settled, what about my young master..."
Gao Di was in high spirits and, seeing the old man and the young girl, immediately became angry. He pointed at Qingxiazi and shouted, "You blind old dog! Can't you see that this Chief of Staff is dealing with important matters? I, the Chief of Staff, keep my word. In a few days, I will release that poor wretch. Stop your incessant noise here!"
After cursing, Gao Di glanced at the young girl beside Qingxiazi. Noticing her slightly developed chest and recalling Caesar's voluptuous figure, he lost interest in taking the young girl along and hurriedly left the tavern, happily returning home with Yang Kui and others.
Qingxiazi sighed deeply. Looking at the four people in distress, he remembered how Xu Zhen had helped and treated him well. He felt a pang of guilt but then thought of the person in Youzhou's death row. Ultimately, he gritted his teeth and left the tavern with the young girl.
Meanwhile, Zhang Jiunian had settled many of his personal guards outside the city. As he saw the city gates about to close and his lord had not yet returned, he couldn't help but feel worried. After careful consideration, he decided to enter the city alone to search for him.
Xu Zhen was imposing; Zhou Cang stood nine feet tall with a fierce appearance. Caesar and Zhang Suling were both exceptionally beautiful and easy to recognize. Zhang Jiunian inquired along the way and soon arrived at Wanlong Sheng.
The tavern staff dared not offend Youzhou Chancellor and merely claimed they had not received such guests. Zhang Jiunian was shrewd and perceptive; how could he not see through their concealment?
Since the tavern staff was deliberately hiding things, Zhang Jiunian realized the situation was dire. He did not linger but quickly left the building. He asked nearby shops and residences but no one dared to respond.
Just when he was at a loss, he spotted a fortune-telling stall where the fortune teller appeared quite ethereal, accompanied by a young girl who looked no older than thirteen. Zhang Jiunian immediately rushed over!
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