It was noon by the time we returned to the city of Luoyang.
The night before was quite dark, and Chen Yun really hadn't had a chance to fully appreciate the scenery of Luoyang.
Luoyang city is grand with impressive architecture, broad streets, a large population, and a thick cultural ambiance.
Chen Yun walked along the streets, where he could see men of all ages—elderly, middle-aged, young, and the youth—dressed in Confucian scholar attire.
This is not often seen in other cities.
Moreover, the roads in Luoyang city are quite different from those in other cities.
The roads in Xigou City are made of blue stone, and walking on them is a bit uneven and bumpy.
However, the roads in Luoyang city are made of a mixture of mud and sand compacted, with fine sand laid on top. It gives a sense of modern roads.
There are many palaces, temples, gardens and markets within the city. The street layout of Luoyang city also has its own characteristics, mainly composed of four main streets (East-West-North-South) and eight side streets, forming a crossroad layout.
This layout makes the traffic in Luoyang City very convenient, also facilitating the development of commerce and culture.
Looking far, you can see that merchants gather, and goods are abundant.
The merchants here come from all over the country, bringing a variety of goods such as silk, tea, porcelain, spices and so on. They have attracted a large number of customers to come and buy.
Within the city, there are also many cultural venues such as academies, theaters, and temples.
Chen Yun just passed by a Taoist temple and was happily admiring the scenery.
Suddenly, a familiar voice from behind said, "Little Uncle Chen, you've also come to Luoyang City?"
Huh?
Is it He Xiangu?
Chen Yun turned around and saw two ordinary-looking women standing behind, dressed like women of a small, elegant family.
Among them, the green skirt girl on the left had a familiar scent, which was undoubtedly He Xiangu. She probably used some kind of transformation spell, so her appearance didn't match her original form.
As for the other woman in white dress, he really had no idea who she was.
Chen Yun bowed and said, "Greetings to the Immortal Lady."
He Xiangu blinked and said, "I heard that you caused quite a commotion in the Luoyang area, and even my teacher had to come personally to help you."
Chen Yun sweated slightly, "Madam He, please don't tease me. I was just trying to get myself out of a difficult situation."
He Xiangu seemed about to tease him further.
Chen Yun quickly changed the subject, "Madam He, what should I call this other immortal beside you?"
The woman in white dress spoke in a cold tone, "I am Xie Ziran."
Huh?
Are you Xie Ziran?
Chen Yun couldn't help but freeze for a moment.
This person is a well-known figure in the history of Taoism.
According to rumors, Xie Ziran was a disciple of Sima Chengzhen and surpassed his teacher. In her early years, she once soared into the sky in midday at White Hill, ascending to immortality and leaving an indelible mark on history. She became a model for later Taoist cultivators, especially female practitioners, providing them with confidence in their pursuit of enlightenment.
Xie Ziran's act of ascending to immortality was so astonishing that it shocked the entire imperial court and proved with incontrovertible facts that achieving a state of form and spirit becoming one, eternal life, and ascension to immortality through Daoist cultivation is a reality, refuting the notion held by many schools of thought that ascension is only about the essence, and that the physical body must die.
It can be said that Xie Ziran established a new milestone in the practice of cultivation.
Now that Chen Yun sees the true appearance of this legendary immortal woman, he can't help but be particularly surprised in his heart.
As for why Xie Ziran gets along so well with He Xiangu as if they are sisters, Chen Yun can understand this.
Xie Ziran's teacher, Sima Chengzhen, was the twelfth patriarch of the Taoist Shangqing School. Later, he was summoned by the Eastern King and transformed into an immortal, becoming the Qingtong Jun (the Youthful Immortal) of the East Sea. In a way, he could be said to be part of the Eastern King's lineage.
That's why it's only natural for He Xiangu to be close to Xie Ziran.
These thoughts flashed through Chen Yun's mind.
Chen Yun immediately bowed respectfully and said, "Chen Chong, paying my respects to the Eastern Pole Immortal."
Xie Ziran seemed to be somewhat unworldly, or perhaps didn't expect to make friends with Chen Yun, and nodded slightly as a gesture.
He Xiangu said, "Little Uncle Chen, don't pay much attention to her. She has a cold nature with anyone."
Whether she is naturally cold or not, Chen Yun couldn't possibly have any objections, after all, she is an immortal.
He simply didn't bother to pay attention to Xie Ziran and turned to look at He Xiangu, "How did you come to Luoyang?"
He Xiangu and Chen Yun had a good relationship, so she didn't conceal anything. She said casually, "Recently, the birthday of the Supreme Way God was celebrated. As a matter of routine, the supreme state holds an annual birthday sacrifice for the three pure ones (Shengtiandianzun), three realms (sanshichengzhao), and three treasures (sanshichibao) of Taoism in its capital city. Therefore, all immortals of our Daoist family have gathered together to celebrate the birthday of the deity."
The Supreme Great Way God refers to the Lingshu Tianzun. It is generally referred to as the Supreme Great Way God now, but the popularity of calling him Lingshu Tianzun or Lingbao Jun didn't spread until the Song Dynasty.
In addition, the birthday of the Supreme Great Way God is the day of the summer solstice.
Because the date of the summer solstice is not fixed, it can be in early May, sometimes in mid-May, or sometimes in late May.
Now it is late May, close to the summer solstice, so it indeed coincides with the birthday of the celestial master.
Just as he was thinking, He Xiangu said again, "I haven't been to Luoyang for a long time and haven't had a chance to properly explore it. I will see you later."
"Goodbye." Chen Yun bowed respectfully and said, "I sincerely wish a safe journey to the Madam He and the Eastern Pole Immortal."
This time, Xie Ziran was different from her previous coldness and responded with a bow of her own before turning around and leaving with the immortal.
After saying goodbye to the immortal, Chen Yun walked in the direction of the house given to him by Zhang Chenfan.
Little did Chen Yun know that Xie Ziran and He Xiangu were discussing him.
The two were walking on the streets.
Xie Ziran frowned slightly and said, "Shougu, is this your little brother really the disciple of Master Zhongli?"
He Xiangu was taken aback, "Ziran, why do you say that?"
Xie Ziran said, "I felt three different kinds of forces from him just now. The most powerful one is your True Essence of Internal Alchemy, the second is the refining body law, and the last one seems to be refining the Yin Ghosts. He has practiced so many different techniques, including some cult practices. Is Master Zhongli not guiding him?"
Upon hearing this, He Xiangu smiled and said, "You don't know that well, I come from the Eastern King's lineage, which emphasizes personal enlightenment. As long as you have achieved mastery in what you have learned and can integrate it with your understanding, it doesn't matter how many different practices you have. For example, my teacher, Chunyang Zhenren, learned from Huolong Zhenren and then studied the internal alchemy of his own school. It is not self-praising, but my Dao of cultivation is a combination of external and internal alchemy."
Xie Ziran seemed to understand something, "If he can one day integrate all the knowledge he has learned throughout his life, he can indeed become a great master."
He Xiangu looked at her and said softly, "In the aspect of achieving sainthood through the physical body, there are very few people in the world who can match you. If my little uncle were to merge the path of achieving sainthood with the cultivation of Dan (elixir), he might seek your guidance in the future. At that time... I hope you, Xie Ziran, can give him some guidance on my behalf."
Xie Ziran still had a cold expression, "Let him come and seek me first, my Dao is too great for anyone to learn. If he really can understand it, I will be delighted."
He Xiangu understood what Xie Ziran was implying, that she would be willing to provide guidance.
She smiled broadly and said, "Since you are so generous, then the perfume... I'll give you half... no, let me give you three tenths."
Xie Ziran lightly snorted, "Small-minded."
……
On the other side, Chen Yun felt his way to the mansion gifted by Zhang Chengfan.
Only here can you see around the magnificent mansions, surrounded by gilded and magnificent architecture, indicating that many officials and nobles live here.
His own mansion was not inferior, Chen Yun had not yet walked in, but he could see that the entire mansion covered an area of about 2000 to 3000 square meters. Although it did not compare to Bai Juyi's super-mansion with a floor area of 8000 square meters, in Luoyang, where land is as valuable as gold, it was also quite rare to have such a vast footprint.
Crossing the threshold of the vermilion door, a garden-style scenery unfolds inside.
Inside, there are flowers blooming everywhere, and green trees provide shade.
Row upon row of houses are arranged in a well-coordinated manner, exuding a sense of solemnity and magnificence.
Chen Yun realized then that his previous valuation of this mansion might have been too low.
The two-bedroom house of Lin Chen, which is about 50 to 60 square meters, costs 420 taels.
This mansion, with an area of over 2000 to 3000 square meters, is also in a location far superior to the suburbs.
Chen Yun estimated that this mansion is worth at least 30,000 to 40,000 taels of money.
He had just walked near the main hall.
Chen Yun saw Zhang Qian and Lin Chen discussing something.
He walked up to greet, "Master Zhang, Master Lin."
Zhang Qian turned his head and said, "Brother Chen."
Lin Chen also turned his head and looked, with an amazed expression on his face, "Brother Chen, your mansion is too luxurious! We searched for the kitchen for half an hour this morning and it was truly luxurious to the extreme!"
Chen Yun laughed and waved his hand, "This is something outside, besides I will not live in Luoyang for long. Afterwards, this place will be used for you and Master Zhang to stay. When I come to Luoyang, it is also convenient not to live in the inn."
Zhang Qian nodded deeply, "The inn really isn't as comfortable as staying at home."
As he spoke, he furrowed his brow, "However, this mansion is so large that even my brother and I can't take care of it alone."
Chen Yun had considered this problem before, but he didn't say it immediately. Instead, he asked in return, "Brothers Master Zhang and Lin, please forgive my impertinence to ask a question. What business are you planning to run in Luoyang?"
Zhang Qian looked towards Lin Chen.
Lin Chen understood Zhang Qian's gaze and truthfully said, "For the past five years, I and Master Zhang have been staying in the Taoist temple, studying mainly to divine spirits, fortune-telling with divination implements like lotus seeds and Yarrow stalks, and other classic texts. If we want to make a living, we would occasionally calculate people's fortunes or drive away evil spirits."
Chen Yun thought for a moment and said, "Master Zhang, Brother Lin, it's not that I look down on you. It's just that the business of driving away evil spirits and catching ghosts is indeed dangerous. Take the last time we went to the Wu family estate as an example. Even a somewhat learned ghost can take our lives. If you really want to make a living, I have an idea here, but there is one premise. You need to find a way to protect this business, otherwise others may covet it and it may be harmful to you in the future. Of course, if you are willing to use the title of 'direct descendant of Daoist Temple' for your teaching style, I believe ordinary dignitaries would not dare to mess with you."
Lin Chen asked humbly, "Brother Chen, what kind of business are you talking about?"
Chen Yun looked towards Zhang Qian and asked, "Master Zhang, do you remember the soap I made once?"
Zhang Qian breathed in and said, "Brother Chen, you're willing to teach us such a precious secret recipe?"
Lin Chen was somewhat confused until Zhang Qian explained. It was then that he realized how precious the soap really was, and for a moment, he also said repeatedly that he dared not accept it.
Chen Yun has only two true friends in this world - Zhang Qian and Li Si, and Lin Chen can be considered half of that.
Of course, he did not wish for the two of them to take any more risks such as exorcism.
After much persuasion, Chen Yun finally convinced the two to accept the secret recipe.
Lin Chen and Zhang Qian were extremely grateful, even promising earnestly that if they could indeed make a profit, they would give Chen Yun 60% of the profits and keep the remaining 40% for themselves.
Although Chen Yun did not care much about money, he knew that if he did not agree to his two friends' proposal, they would likely continue to press the issue for a long time.
After discussing the matter of making a living.
After talking about the matters of making a living, Chen Yun called Lin Chen aside and took out the Zhu Chaou Jupi Form (Zhong Kui Symbol) with great seriousness. "Brother Lin, this symbol was left by you when we went to the Wu family estate. I accidentally found it that night and intended to return it to you immediately. However, you were expelled by Master Wang... Well, since it has been returned to you now, I am at peace as well."
Lin Chen looked at Chen Yun with a moved expression, "Brother Chen, you traveled thousands of miles to Luoyang just to return my Zhong Kui Symbol? This kindness is moving heaven and earth."
Chen Yun smiled warmly, "I wouldn't take something that isn't mine. Alright, just quickly put it away."
Who would have thought that Lin Chen would wave his hand and say, "Brother Chen, since I am now making a living in the mortal world, with the soap formula you've given me, I don't have to face those evil spirits. The Zhong Kui Symbol is only effective against yinful things. Perhaps you should keep it."
Chen Yun refused, "Well, better to be safe than sorry. If you had the Zhong Kui Symbol with you beforehand, you wouldn't have been captured by the Shitie Xian (Spiritual Ascension Sorcerer).
Lin Chen said, "Brother Chen, you've given me such a precious formula for making soap, and I have nothing to offer in return. That's disrespectful. The Zhong Kui Symbol is a way for me to express my gratitude, so please don't insist on giving it back to me."
Despite Chen Yun's repeated persuasions, the other party still refused to take back the Zhong Kui Symbol.
At last, he had no choice but to take back the Zhong Kui Symbol while saying, "Brother Lin, I ask you one question: now that you've been away from the Daoist Temple for a long time, do you still have the wish to pursue Dao?"
Although he did not know why Chen Yun asked this question, Lin Chen still answered truthfully, "Alas, I certainly have a desire to pursue the Dao, but... alas, I have no opportunity to do so."
Chen Yun winked and said, "What if I said I can impart you with a secret technique that allows you to have a chance to continue pursuing the Dao?"
Lin Chen stared at Chen Yun's face fiercely, his eyes struggling intensely.
Ultimately, he still let out a long sigh and said, "Brother Chen, I cannot harm you. You have been admitted to the Master's door so easily, and if you were to pass on the Grand Law to me, it might incur the Master's reprimand, or even... expulsion from the sect."
Chen Yun laughed heartily, "With your words, Brother Lin, I am satisfied. To be honest with you, this secret technique is not a Daoist Temple grand law; it's something I obtained by chance. I've already passed it on to Master Zhang. If you don't want to learn it, that's fine."
Yes, the last sentence was him teasing Lin Chen intentionally.
As expected, Lin Chen's face lit up with a pleased expression when he heard that he wouldn't harm Chen Yun. "No, please don't. I want to learn, I certainly want to."
Chen Yun then imparted the method of cultivating the Yin Spirit to Lin Chen.
It was only because he had received the great law, that Lin Chen felt at ease about accepting the Zhong Kui Symbol.
After all, in terms of preciousness, the secret of immortality is unknown to be hundreds or even thousands of times more valuable than the Zhong Kui Symbol.
As he imparted the method of cultivating the Yin Spirit, Chen Yun couldn't help but sigh internally, thinking that originally, he had traveled all the way to Luoyang just to return the Zhong Kui Symbol to Lin Chen.
Who would have thought that in the end, Lin Chen still gave this precious talisman to him.
Chen Yun felt that this might be a divine guidance from the heavens.
Perhaps, in the future, this Zhong Kui Symbol will play a vital role at some point. Otherwise, how could it end up back in my hands after all these twists and turns?
Arrange good livelihood for friends.
And all this while, I've comfortably acquired the Zhong Kui Symbol.
Overall, Chen Yun's mood is quite wonderful.
Stay here for a day, and then return to the Daoist Temple tomorrow. Quickly brew the Essence Refining and Qi Condensation soup, strive to cultivate into an inferior mage, and then find the master to learn the arts.
As he thought of this, Chen Yun's eyes involuntarily narrowed.
He remembered the trouble caused by Lin Feiyun. If it weren't for his background, perhaps Zhang Qian and Lin Chen, the two innocent friends, would have been beheaded.
Understanding to take action against oneself.
Injuring innocent friends and relatives is something Chen Yun cannot forgive.
Therefore, he has decided that as soon as he cultivates to an inferior mage and learns magic, he will definitely seek revenge on Lin Feiyun for shooting an arrow at him.
It's not that he's trying to show off his strength, but rather to seek justice for Zhang Qian and Lin Chen, his two friends!
So, Lin Feiyun must die!
(Chapter complete)
