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86.79% Plundering the Dao of the Immortal Journey / Chapter 230: To the Capital City

Capítulo 230: To the Capital City

Editor: Translation Nation

Pei Zi Yun watched on as the oxcart with Ye Su’er gradually departed. He stayed firmly rooted to the spot until the oxcart disappeared from his view altogether. He then stretched a finger out. At this point, a white Plum Blossom appeared as it gradually became larger and transformed faster. Before long, it became a semi-transparent information interface, bearing with it faint light. Numerous words could be seen on it.

"Mission: Relieve the danger of Free Cloud Sect. Become a Dao Master (Completed)

This wasn’t the time for him to be deep in thought, hence Pei Zi Yun turned around to go. At this point, the preparation was done. He then invited the eunuch into a hall.

Most people would do things differently. After reading out the Imperial Edict, most people would lose reverence and respect for the eunuch, who was just a mere eighth ranked official. Monasteries in this realm are not prohibited from consuming meat and fish, but had food with slightly simpler tastes according to the customs. Everyone had eight dishes before them and a jug of wine to pour for themselves.

After the meal was over, fruits were served before Pei Zi Yun concluded the banquet. He then ordered for everyone to leave and led the eunuch into the adjacent hall and served him tea. The eunuch then spoke, "Actually I don’t belong to the Emperor’s Palace. Instead I come from the Crown Prince’s Palace. After receiving your gift, the Crown Prince was elated and invited you to the capital city again when you’re free. Since an edict had to be issued to you, I was thus sent here to see through the procession."

"Eunuch, is there something wrong with the Crown Prince?" Pei Zi Yun asked. No wonder the ceremony was such a simple one.

The eunuch laughed, "Dao Master, I don’t know much about the thoughts of the Crown Prince. But all will be made known to you when you see him."

Pei Zi Yun hesitated. To be frank, he didn’t want to get involved in affairs between the Crown Prince and King Lu any longer. The problem between the pair of them was extremely complicated and required a great deal of skill to handle.

Whoever wanted to solve it can go ahead!

He knew that he wasn’t someone who belonged in the Imperial Court. At this point, how many more titles can the imperial court confer upon him after coming to the rescue of the dynasty? Unless the reward was money, but then again out of the 20,000 taels of silver he once had, he still had 17,000 taels!

Besides, the last time he was in the capital city, he heard that there was some gold owned by the previous dynasty that had been sunk intentionally. Although there were talks of it, most people regarded it as just groundless rumors.

Only after ten years was the precise location of the treasure found. Jade, gold bars, silver bars and gold ingots were unearthed.

Such news shocked the world. Even though the original owner was imprisoned, he heard of such tales. Besides, something like this had nothing to do with Daoists sects whatsoever and thus wasn’t something taboo. This memory remained extremely clear to the original owner.

Indeed, the treasure was buried on an island nearby called Shigu island.

As for how much it was worth, the original owner couldn’t be sure. But it wouldn’t be less than 300,000 taels of gold. If those idiots who uncovered it gave it to the Crown Prince, Pei Zi Yun was sure that they would eventually end up dead.

Thinking this way, a Plum Blossom appeared before his eyes as it gradually became bigger and transformed faster into a transparent information interface, bearing with it faint light. Words could be seen across his vision.

"Mission: Assist the Crown Prince, Defeat Holy Jail Sect"

"This system seems particularly bent on me destroying the Holy Jail Sect."

"But even if I were to assist the Crown Prince, I won’t do it in a way which would compromise my life. That’s only something the original owner would do." Pei Zi Yun thought to himself before he spoke, "Since the Crown Prince has invited me, how can I ever refuse? However, you’re an Imperial Envoy, and it won’t be fitting that someone of a lower status should travel with you. Give me several days, I shall find my way to the capital city."

After these words were spoken, the eunuch released as he smiled, "Now that the Dao Master has agreed, I can break the good news to the Crown Prince."

Dark Altar Sect

Several warriors patrolled the vicinity of the sect.

It had rained for several hours now as clouds and fog enveloped the entire area. At the same time a certain mysterious feel was added to the monastery. All of a sudden, music was played as fireworks exploded in the sky.

After several continuous explosions, the town beneath the mountain came alive as people came and went. Many were out buying gifts as they hurried along their way.

Some distance away stood the monastery and the halls within were extremely dark. The only thing that could be seen was incense which had been lit before the statue of an anchor. The winds blew against the paper curtains, as the sound of a clock ticking could be heard far away. The Blind Daoist was seated on the ground with his legs folded. All of a sudden, he jolted up and pricked his ears to listen. There were ten rings.

"Ten consecutive rings, looks like he finally reached Yin Master level 10. And has sent this signal to inform the sect."

The Blind Daoist opened his eyes, stood up, and mumbled under his breath, "The fortunes in the sky changed abruptly, but Xie Cheng Dong managed to reach the tenth level. His authority must’ve increased significantly and he shall come to ask questions. I have to prepare myself."

Several days had passed

Xie Cheng Dong was dressed in a set of golden robes with embroidery all over. When he walked past, the warriors who guarded the area bowed deeply, "Young master!"

Xie Cheng Dong brought a little kid along with him. This kid held onto a green box with several inscriptions on it. From time to time, the box trembled as if there was a living animal contained within.

As soon as he reached the monastery, Xie Cheng Dong felt dark energy looming over the area as it seeped out. When he focused and entered his Yin Master realm, he could see that grey and black energy swirled around. However, as he walked towards the black mist, it dissipated, as if his body had repelled the black mist.

Xie Cheng Dong sighed, as he walked further in. He felt the black energy become stronger and more concentrated. Additionally, he also felt a certain pressure being exerted on his body, which was extremely disconcerting.

"The evil energy is so heavy now?" Xie Cheng Dong thought as he opened the door and entered the hall. Even when the doors were open, the light from outside found it hard to penetrate through the dense darkness. After his ascent to the tenth stage of Yin Master, the dark energy within this hall became way more obvious to him. In fact, it almost caused a certain fear and repulsion to this Full Circle Foundation (Level 10) Yin Master.

"This sacrifice was being made for the greater good." Xie Cheng Dong walked across the hall, his face was downcast.

Before long, he could see the Blind Daoist seated on the mat, he chanted several mantras as the air within the hall rippled violently.

Xie Cheng Dong sat before the Blind Daoist as the child handed the green box over to him before the child left.

Soon, the Blind Daoist stopped chanting and whispered, "Young master has finally arrived."

"I’ve arrived." Xie Cheng Dong acknowledged as the hall went silent once more.

After some time of silence, Xie Cheng Dong handed the box over, "This is a spiritual medication given by the sect. It can help improve your longevity."

The Blind Daoist fell deep into thought for some time before he spoke, "Although my physical eyes don’t work, I can tell that young master has already reached the Full Circle Foundation of the Yin Master, the tenth stage. You’re only a small step away from becoming an Earth Immortal."

Xie Cheng Dong then sighed, "If it weren’t for my father and yourself, I wouldn’t be where I am today. All this was only achieved through your hard work. Please, keep this spiritual medication."

Hearing these words, the Blind Daoist sighed, "Many years ago, I was chased after and attacked by my enemies. I met your father by chance, and he took me in, protected me and got revenge for me. I haven’t forgotten his grace to me."

"Both you are your father are extremely gifted, if not, it would be extremely difficult to rebel against the heavens and alter your fate." The Blind Daoist laughed, "It’s just that it had to be done through my hands."

"Although that’s the case, I shall never forget what you’ve done for me." Xie Cheng Dong sighed as he stood up and took several paces. "The more I progress, the more I understand how rare it is for someone to help me the way you did."

"My father was just a normal disciple at the age of 30. After gaining your assistance, he became a Core Disciple from a normal disciple within a year. Soon after, he became an Elder."

"And I was well protected and groomed since I was young, also with your help. I soared and ascended levels rapidly. Before long, I was the best disciple within my sect. Now, I’m almost an Earth Immortal, while my peers are still struggling to open the gates to heavens. Most of them wouldn’t even succeed."

Xie Cheng Dong spun around, his eyes were opened wide and glowed, "Maybe my father and I are both gifted, but we wouldn’t ever have thrived to this extent. My father broke the rule twice, and I managed to alter my fortunes once. All this was true hard work on your part."

"Now that I’ve already reached the pinnacle of Dark Altar Sect, what should I do?"

The incense before the anchor gradually burned out, emitting a distinct smell.

Hearing Xie Cheng Dong’s words, the Blind Daoist seemed to sink into sorrow as he coughed twice and covered his mouth with a handkerchief. He then spoke, "Although I cannot peer into the Will of Heaven any longer, I can tell that the Emperor’s longevity has already been capped. There’s no way he can increase it, it will only be decreased. Following this thought, he only has two years more to live at most."

"Were there more changes to the Will of Heaven?" Xie Cheng Dong looked straight at the Blind Daoist and asked.

"That’s right. I’ve already taken into account these changes. In the past, the Crown Prince was heirless and King Lu’s ascent to the throne was clear. However, it seems like the pair of tiny dragons are at war with each other now, trying to win the throne for themselves."

"Although a tenth stage Yin Master is extremely rare, there are many throughout the course of history. Do you know why you haven’t become an Earth Immortal?"

"Because there’s already an Earth Immortal within Dark Altar Sect. Although we also have a Paradise, it only has enough resources to support a single Earth Immortal."

"When a person becomes an Yin Master, his longevity isn’t increased. In fact, there have been cases of Earth Immortals dying from using too much energy without restricting it."

"When a person becomes an Earth Immortal, he could live up to 200 or even 300 years old."

"A normal disciple of Dark Altar Sect, might not even live up to 70 years of age. And yet young master is unable to wait for the current Earth Immortal to vacate his Paradise, and leave an empty seat for you."

"As for breaking through the bottleneck from the Full Circle Foundation of Yin Master to Earth Immortal, you have to go against the Imperial Qi, that’s the only way." The Blind Daoist didn’t mince his words as he spoke.

When Xie Cheng Dong heard this, he seemed to understand and laughed, "With so many things happening in the world, we cannot ever escape fighting, and yet we will never let victory escape us as well."

"Mister has put in much effort into educating me, I’ve learned." Xie Cheng Dong then stood up to leave without turning back.

Without speaking a word, the Daoist waited for Xie Cheng Dong to leave. Once the door slammed shut, the room turned dark once more. The only sounds that were heard were the sounds of breathing and the footsteps of warriors as they patrolled.

On a regular day, even birds won’t fly near this monastery. Apart from Xie Cheng Dong, nobody else was permitted near the monastery.

After sometime, the Daoist stood up and smashed the teacup ferociously on the ground.

"Haha, you think I’m useless now?" The Blind Daoist shouted out as he coughed violently and pressed a cloth to his mouth. When he took the cloth away, there were bloodstains on it. He then laughed, "But don’t you ever forget the seeds you sowed when you were weak and young."

Pier

Pei Zi Yun was on the boat as he admired the scenery.

The boat had stopped by the pier, as people disembarked and walked along the stretch of roads connected to the pier. Many people came and went from the pier, as they did their daily duties.

Ren Wei then appeared and saw Pei Zi Yun having some wine from afar on the deck of the boat. He hurriedly hopped on and was about to speak when he heard Pei Zi Yun whisper, "Two years!"

Hearing this, Ren Wei asked suspiciously, "Firstly, congratulations to master Top Scorer for annihilating the pirates effortlessly. The journal which you wrote had already reached this area and everyone is talking about it. What two years?"

"No, nothing. It’s just that the last time I was here in the capital city was two years ago." Pei Zi Yun laughed. He was just thinking about how according to the original owner’s memories, the Emperor would rule for eleven years and ten months. It has already been nine years and eleven months. He didn’t even have two full years left.

"Even without needing other pieces of information, it’s clear that there isn’t much time left. Unless the Emperor decides to oust King Lu himself, it’s impossible for the Crown Prince to completely defeat King Lu in the race for the throne. It’s only enough for him to close the gap between the both of them."

"Once the Emperor dies, peace will end and the following days would be difficult."

"With difficult days, the opportunity for him to take over the throne would be presented."


Capítulo 231: Recruiting

Editor: Translation Nation

The water rippled gently as reeds were swayed along with the gentle winds.

Ren Wei had boarded the boat and felt rather anxious and apprehensive, yet hopeful. He had only come because Pei Zi Yun wrote to him, inviting him into service. He would be paid a hundred taels of silver per year.

Ren Wei thought about it for several days before he agreed. That was why he was invited to the boat with Pei Zi Yun today.

"How’ve you been these few days Brother Ren?" Pei Zi Yun asked. Ren Wei was dressed in a neat set of fresh robes, as he laughed, "Many thanks for your help back then. My days are good."

As he finished speaking, he turned around to take a closer look at the boat he was on. Since there were no other guests on board, he was rather surprised, "Brother Pei, why aren’t there any other guests?"

Pei Zi Yun smiled and waved his hands, "This boat belongs to me. The last time I travelled to the capital city I used it too. The reason I came here was to pick Brother Ren up."

When Ren Wei heard this he froze, "How should I dare to allow you to fetch me."

Pei Zi Yun smiled, "Other people, I wouldn’t do the same. But you and I get along well. This is nothing. Let’s move!"

Pei Zi Yun ordered, the boat crew raised the anchor as they set sail. He then led Ren Wei around. "Look, this is the third level."

"The first level is built on the same level as the deck. The dining room and kitchen are here. Across the hall is the tea room."

When Ren Wei looked, he saw a large and spacious corridor with a flight of steps in the middle. The railings were ornamented with a variety of polished rocks and the floorboards were made out of mahogany. By the shelves were bottles of wine.

A screen separated the rooms from each other. When he turned around the corner to look into the tea room, he saw a chessboard placed in the middle of the table. Around the chessboard were different equipment used to make tea. There was also a soft cushion chair along with a bookshelf, where incense was placed.

Ren Wei looked around and was delighted with what he saw, "This is a great place to study."

"Let’s go down and take a look."

As they stepped into the hallway leading to the cabins, he noticed that there were six cabins. He randomly opened the doors to one and saw that it was furnished with a bed and complete with tables and a closet.

"These are the rooms for my honored guests. You and I can choose any room we wish."

"The boat crew live in their quarters."

"You don’t have to see the basement, there’s nothing there except for some goods."

"This boat which I bought cost me about 7,000 taels of silver." Pei Zi Yun explained.

As they continued their exploration around the boat, Ren Wei scrutinized his surroundings and noted that the workmanship was excellent, and the quality of wood used was very good as well.

At last, both of them returned to the deck after they walked back and forth around the boat. Pei Zi Yun pointed behind him and said, "This boat carries many of our goods. I’ve made plans to sell them all once we reach the capital city."

Hearing these words, Ren Wei then spoke out, "Brother Pei comes from such a rich family, what an envy!"

Pei Zi Yun smiled, "All these were created by my own bare hands. My father died when I was young, my mother had a hard life raising me single handedly. I had to struggle my entire life until I became what I am today."

When Ren Wei heard this, he was surprised and found it hard to believe.

"Brother Pei, this business was built by you alone? I was just wondering which wealthy family you came from." Ren Wei was extremely impressed as he spoke.

"Ha ha!" Pei Zi Yun smiled and was clearly satisfied by these remarks.

"Brother Pei, looking at how courteous you are, I’m guessing you have something you wish to say." Ren Wei stopped smiling and asked.

Pei Zi Yun then nodded his head, "Indeed, there’s something I wish to talk to you about. Let’s go into the tea room and speak."

"After you!"

The pair entered the tea room together. The bookshelves were contained many different books. One of the books was left open on the table, as if Pei Zi Yun had been reading it earlier.

"Serve the tea", Pei Zi Yun ordered.

"Yes, Young Master." Bai Ya, who had been waiting outside gave a bow.

Ren Wei then sat down as Bai Ya carried a pot of tea and placed it before both of them. Ren Wei opened the lid of the teapot and fanned the steam which rose out of it. A sweet aroma filled the room at once.

"Let’s drink." Pei Zi Yun spoke casually.

"Great tea!" Ren Wei took a sip and considered for a second before speaking, "Brother Pei, are you trying to recruit me as an advisor to you?"

Pei Zi Yun nodded his head, "Naturally, with someone as talented as Brother Ren, who wouldn’t want you on their side."

"Brother Pei is too polite. I still wish to advance another level in my academic progress." Ren Wei considered before saying. Supporting King Lu and becoming his advisor would mean a person could be an official. Supporting Pei Zi Yun wasn’t as beneficial in that aspect.

Even though Pei Zi Yun was a Dao Master recognized by the Imperial Court and the Sect Leader of Free Cloud Sect, it wasn’t the brightest prospects.

Pei Zi Yun didn’t speak immediately. At this point, it was November and the winds were rather chilly. As the boat moved, they moved past several plains which made for a rather relaxing sight.

Pei Zi Yun laughed before he spoke, "Is there any way that I can persuade you to join me?"

"I don’t wish to hide this from you as well. The reason I’m going to the capital city this time is because I have dealings with the Crown Prince himself. There will definitely be many different problems which will be complicated. Brother Ren is a genius, and I would be beyond gratitude if Brother Ren could assist me and offer his ingenuity."

When Ren Wei heard this, he hesitated as Pei Zi Yun smiled, "Brother Ren, despite your talents, you still have to pass the examinations before you will ever be considered for an appointment. I have no such requirements however, I am more than willing to work together with you."

Ren Wei considered these words and understood as he sighed, "Since that’s the case, I shouldn’t reject young master on this."

Now that their statuses were realigned once more, the atmosphere had changed.

Pei Zi Yun then retrieved a notebook, "All the loot and spoils of war from the pirates had been handed over to the relevant authorities. However, there are 200 households on Golden Island, and a thousand mu of good land which I’ve acquired. From this alone, I’ve gained immensely."

"There were also several pirate boats which were seized. It wouldn’t be appropriate to use them, and thus I sold them off."

"I exchanged them for a new boat and three other merchant boats. The boat following us is one of those merchant boats. Since I’m heading towards the capital city, I took it along with me to make some sales."

Ren Wei didn’t seem to mind such controversial topics. Besides, regardless of how talented he was, he wasn’t able to turn back the clock and undo these deeds. Hence, he laughed, "Three merchant boats, do you earn at least 3,000 taels per year?"

"3,000 taels?" Pei Zi Yun laughed coldly, "If the boat remains within the country alone then maybe. But if it were to leave the country and trade outside, a single boat can earn 3,000 taels in a year!"

Ren Wei was astounded by these numbers and it took him a while before he spoke again, "Don’t worry, I shall handle your affairs properly for you."

Pei Zi Yun smiled. He brought two boats along with him today intending to make some profits from business and not for pleasure. However, his main priority was to unearth the hidden gold.

This sunken gold was supposed to be dug out in five or six years time according to his memories. This meant that as of now, nobody else around had a clue of its existence. After all, the previous dynasty would have ensured to keep the sunken gold a secret despite all kinds of rumors concerning it.

Since digging it out and giving it to the Crown Prince would cause many problems for himself, including the possibility of death, he decided to dig it out for himself.

Still thinking about this, "Looks like most of the legacies within the original owner’s memories have already been found by me. Most of this hidden gold was going to come in gold bars, but there were other precious gems as well."

"In fact, there could possibly be Daoists’ Legacies hidden with the gold.

"Once I unload all these goods off the boat, I can take the opportunity to load the treasure up. Besides, at this point I don’t trust anyone except Golden Island and those mountainous people."

Without speaking further, they spent the next few days at sea.

As they travelled across the sea, the would read books, play chess against each other and confide in one another. Living like this while they were travelling was rather luxurious and comfortable. Their pillows were soft, and their wines were of high quality. In fact, even the books were very proper. Whenever Ren Wei had any questions, he would raise them with Pei Zi Yun, who would clarify all of them effortlessly.

From time to time, Ren Wei would study till his eyes were tired. He would walk over to the edge of the deck and stand there, allowing the wind and seawater to splash up at him. Living like this, it was no surprise that time flew by. In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.

December

On the deck of the boat, Ren Wei and Pei Zi Yun stood side by side. Snowflakes fell gently onto the ground as the pair held umbrellas. A gust of wind brushed past, bringing along with it the smell of sea.

"Young master is really amazing. If I had interacted with you all those years ago, maybe I wouldn’t have failed my examinations so many times." Ren Wei sounded rather gloomy as he spoke. "Now that everything is clear, and I understand so much more, but I’m getting old. I’m 41 years old this year. Even if I do take the examinations, they might not less me pass."

"If I don’t pass it this time, would I have to wait until I’m 48?"

"Looks like I’m better off just being a permanent guest under young master’s roof."

"Brother Ren’s talents are not limited to just studying. Besides, now that you’ve understood these concepts, you shall be ready for the examinations. Look we’re already at the pier which means we’re now in the capital city." Pei Zi Yun said.

"Yes, that’s right. This boat has saved us a great deal of torturous travel by road." Ren Wei forced a bitter laugh, deciding not to speak about the examinations anymore as he sighed.

Once they docked by the pier, it was already late. Snow and rain were fell to the ground. Lanterns were lit everywhere as the entire pier was bustling with people.

Several soldiers had thick coats draped around their bodies as they patrolled the area. In fact, these soldiers were dressed more warmly than normal. Pei Zi Yun took his entire crew along with Ren Wei up the pier as they hailed an oxcart and boarded it. Just travelling down this stretch of road was enough to cause their bones to feel pain from the intense cold.

The oxcart came to a halt right outside a mansion, which had been locked. Bai San Chu hurriedly got off the cart to open the door. As soon as they entered, she started cleaning up.

There was a large tree in the backyard of the mansion. As they walked into the mansion, a Daoist followed behind them.

"I bought this mansion some years ago, and it’s been awhile since anyone has lived here. It requires a slight bit of cleaning up. I shall leave Bai San Chu and Bai Ya here to clean this place up. Please protect Mr Ren!" Pei Zi Yun instructed.

"Yes, Sect Leader." The Daoist behind them responded.

"I still have some affairs to handle. Brother Ren, I have to depend on you to move the goods for me." Pei Zi Yun smiled as he spoke.

In this era, there was no discrimination whatsoever to merchants. Hence, Ren Wei didn’t mind the task one bit. After he escorted Pei Zi Yun through the door, he sighed, "Everyone please help me to clean this place up. We shall stay here tonight."

"Chen An, can I trouble you to buy some quilts, bedsheets, oil, candles, and food? You can take the oxcart."

Pei Zi Yun then took another cart and headed for the pier towards his new boat. He Qing Qing greeted him by the pier. Pei Zi Yun met up with He Qing Qing, several members of the mountainous tribe, and the boat crew.

These mountainous tribe people were indeed very different. Each of them wore dark robes and radiated fearsome killing auras. They had blades around their waist and looked very intimidating.

"The Lumen Troops pay their respects to Young Chieftain." The villagers fell to their knees.

Pei Zi Yun swept a glance across them and was secretly glad. This was the remaining group of people left behind by the Priestess. Although the numbers were reduced drastically, they were still united.

After they were treated for their wounds, everyone regained their courage and fighting spirit. At this point, they had a use.

Everyone would be able to assimilate in a new environment, it was only a matter of how well they adapted. However, now that Pei Zi Yun had acquired an island for these people to reside in, they will thrive.

Hence, Pei Zi Yun could stop worrying. He waved a hand, "Let’s sail to Shigu Island."

"Yes, Young Master." He Qing Qing then ordered the crew, "Raise your sails, let’s go."

As the boat moved, these twenty-mountainous people looked extremely fearsome as they stood atop the deck, they remained vigilant. Their faces were expressionless as they held blades in their hands which reflected light from time to time.


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