Among the Four Great Treasures, even acquiring one would be cause for ancestral graves to emit auspicious smoke, yet Yin Weiyin has gained all four—how truly breathtaking!

"The golden boy and jade girl of Taihua Mountain are renowned across the world. Daoist Yin's Dao companion must undoubtedly be a rarity among rarities, a union of dragon and phoenix..."

"Indeed. Even I, dwelling deep in the mountains, have heard of Chen Yi's reputation. A prodigy who, at just over twenty, was already recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals. But it seems he committed a grave act of irreverence."

"It is precisely because he committed such irreverence that he is a true prodigy. Otherwise, how would he be worthy of the Taichua Goddess?"

Earlier, Yin Weiyin's eloquent discussions on the Dao had astonished everyone. Impressed not only with his brilliance but also with his connections, the Taoists sang his praises. Though partially out of flattery, most of their admiration was earnest and heartfelt.

As the group showered him with compliments, the female crown merely offered a slight smile and remarked, "Far from a Dao companion, he is but a dinglu."

The moment her words fell, the entire hall was stunned, and everyone froze in disbelief.

Yet the female crown's expression remained composed. She gently swirled her tea bowl and continued, "The path I pursue is a new one—one in which the Great Dao of immortality is walked alone. I seek longevity through my own strength alone. Why, then, would I need a Dao companion? The higher one climbs, the clearer it becomes that companions are but hindrances."

Her declaration left the crowd astounded. Although the rumor that the Taichua Goddess regarded her Dao companion as a dinglu had circulated before, hearing her confirm it in person still shocked them deeply. After their initial reaction, they couldn't help but marvel in awe.

Who could have imagined such an unparalleled woman's unfathomable Dao heart—proud, solitary, seeking only immortality? Beyond longevity, all else was dismissed as dross. The very concept of Dao companionship, so coveted by many, was seen as nothing to her. Such extraordinary conviction!

What a rare woman!

Reflecting on the Taichua Goddess's lofty perspective, the Taoists couldn't help but feel humbled. Elderly members etched the encounter into their hearts, intending to use it to inspire the young disciples back at their sects.

Yin Weiyin held his tea bowl, his expression passing as placid, though his inner thoughts were seething with resentment.

Curse you for consorting with other Immortals!

If you are heartless, don't blame me for being ungracious.

I will spread it far and wide, making everyone believe you're nothing but my dinglu!

Yin Weiyin's emotions churned. Unbidden, he recalled the image of a man and woman chasing one another amid lively Shantong City—bittersweet beyond words.

Feeling utterly powerless, he could only drain his cup of tea.

This tea… why does it taste even more bitter than wine?

............

"Magistrate, is this how you treat your guests?"

As soon as Jiang Shangli returned, Zhao Yan greeted him with a sly smile, his tone teasing.

The County Magistrate forced a laugh and responded:

"I'm doing my best. You are both esteemed guests. As a mere County Magistrate, it's hard to please everyone equally."

Chen Yi interjected, "So… neither side is satisfied?"

"Oh dear, such words are inconsiderate. How could I dare to disappoint both sides?"

Jiang Shangli, holding a wine pot, poured drinks for the pair and added:

"Better to discuss state affairs first. Our Shantong City hasn't been thriving ever since the Jinmen Mountain path was sealed. Stuck between high and low. The county government's coffers are drained, not a penny to spare. Now there's a group of Western Jin spies aiding the fugitive who wields the Lonely Smoke Sword in escape. We must rely on you two."

Zhao Yan asked, "So, are we relying on me or relying on Lord Long?"

Clearly forcing a choice… Jiang Shangli replied, "On Lord Long…"

Zhao Yan's hand moved to the blade concealed in his robes. His posture stiffened, and his gaze bristled with murderous intent!

"…and on Boss Zhao."

Zhao Yan withdrew his hand and glanced at Chen Yi. The two exchanged a hearty laugh,

"Hahahahahahahahaha."

After taking a sip of wine, Zhao Yan remarked, "Magistrate, your coffers might be empty, but extracting hard-earned money from a commoner like me won't be easy."

Jiang Shangli seated himself and grinned, "There isn't a magistrate under the heavens who doesn't profit from the people's labor. Their fat and blood are indeed lush. But I am different; if I profit, I will profit from the Heavenly Family's coffers."

Chen Yi turned his face slightly to ask, "How does one profit from the Heavenly Family's coffers?"

Jiang Shangli tapped his finger on the table and slowly explained, "Chen Qianhu!"

Chen Yi's pupils contracted.

Lu Ying froze momentarily. Yet, her Dao heart, steady as a crane, soon settled back into the serenity of Heart Lake. Managing to suppress her unease, she tilted her head and saw Zhao Yan's own pupils trembling, his focus entirely on Jiang Shangli.

With deliberate slowness, Zhao Yan began, "Though I come from Western Jin, I too have heard of the Heavenly Family's hunt for the former Thousand Household Leader, Chen Zunming. What intentions does Jiang Magistrate have?"

Jiang Shangli replied, "Naturally, to apprehend Chen Qianhu and report it to the Heavenly Family. But all things in due course."

Following these words, Zhao Yan seemed to grasp the meaning. The Magistrate was using "Chen Qianhu" as a cipher for Lifeng Pavilion's intent to kill Min Qianhu.

"Dragon liver, phoenix marrow—beyond rare delicacies."

At this moment, Chen Yi remarked softly:

"But this Chen Qianhu may have wandered far beyond the horizon."

Jiang Shangli countered, "Wherever the horizon lies, that's where Chen Qianhu will be."

"Oh?"

"Where the horizon is, there Chen Qianhu resides."

Jiang Shangli clarified a little further:

"This means, wherever I say Chen Qianhu is, that's where he is. Beat them into confessing, frame someone as a scapegoat, and then, voilà—Chen Qianhu is here!"

"Haha, well said, precisely here."

"And what steps would the Magistrate take?" Zhao Yan asked, leaning forward, "I believe this Chen Qianhu is no ordinary figure. They say there's a Thousand Household Leader surnamed Min in this city. We would need to find someone convenient to take the blame."

Chen Yi blinked, his mind puzzled,

Min Ning is in Shantong City? Didn't she head to Western Shu?

Zhao Yan, seemingly without noticing, leaned closer to Jiang Shangli, saying, "Pick the softest persimmon to squeeze."

"Even if tough, it's still a persimmon."

Jiang Shangli glanced at Lu Ying's Taoist robe and hesitated, wary:

"But we must wait until the persimmon softens. Don't rush the matter."

Though Zhao Yan didn't understand what Jiang Shangli was still waiting for, he chose to endure for now.

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