Chapter 3: Elegance and Beauty

Ask a young girl, and she will gaze dreamily, saying that there are countless youths in flowing robes, handsome and ethereal.

Three words, falling into the ears, seem to add an ethereal and distant layer to the very air itself

"The Asura Blade Merchant is late." Wen Siyuan's response was perfectly timed. "Like you, I have come at the invitation of the Jing'an Marquis's residence."

If you ask an old woman, she will humbly tell you that it is a temple on the sacred mountain that grants every wish.

He was dressed simply and modestly, accompanied only by a few attendants, without any unnecessary ostentation, yet exuding an unmistakable nobility, akin to that of a born prince.

A robe of Taoist attire, an ancient sword, and a solitary figure entering the rivers and lakes

The long-lost eldest son of the Hou family, Zuo Qingci

In the world, those who excel in the Way are greatly admired by martial artists, and many prominent families send their descendants to the temple to cultivate themselves and learn the arts. However, Zhengyang Palace has always adhered to the teachings of its founding master, allowing only the most outstanding talents to be accepted as true disciples. As a result, any disciple who enters the world is bound to possess astonishing skills, making a name for themselves in the martial realm

Yin Changge had a proud disposition, and upon hearing these words, he immediately felt displeased. His expression turned serious as he said, "What kind of joke is this? Members of our sect would never associate with thieves."

Yin Changge glanced and then fell silent, waiting quietly.

Even though she had long resided at Tiandu Peak and was accustomed to the talents within the gates, Shen Manqing could not help but secretly admire them. What surprised her even more was that among her companions was actually a notorious thief. When Wen Siyuan introduced the unremarkable-looking young man, almost all eyes were filled with astonishment and disdain.

At an opportune moment, I respectfully clasp my hands: "On the 29th day of the 8th month in Jinling, at a quarter past the fifth hour, I stopped at the Yunshui Pavilion, having been invited by Young Master Ying to gather here. I am fortunate not to have failed in my duty."

The expression of the youth changed with a start, as if he were looking at a stranger

A servant appeared at the staircase, bowing gracefully as he announced: "Young Master, Lu Lanshan, Shang Wan, Yin Changge, and Shen Manqing have arrived and are waiting downstairs"

If it were not for a Taoist who, a century ago, obtained secret teachings from ancient texts and comprehended the swordsmanship and lightness techniques of Taoism that had long been lost, Zhengyang Palace would merely be a small temple with dwindling incense offerings, obscure and little known.

What exactly is Zhengyang Palace

Since then, the Zhengyang Palace has been bustling with visitors, with dignitaries and nobles from the front mountain coming to pay their respects, while recluses and sages from the back mountain engage in philosophical discussions. Each finds their own realm of victory beyond the mundane world. Several years later, as our ancestors have passed away, the Tiandu Peak remains prosperous, and after more than fifty years, the incense offerings continue to thrive.

In the field of the Asura Blade Merchant, Leng Mei glanced around and said: "Does this matter require the combined efforts of several people?"

The youth's gaze swept by, suddenly darkened: "The jade lion sings a long song, with fair hands and a blue complexion, sinking into a deep blue; the short halberd from Lu is thought to be the nine-patterned halberd of Mount Luolan, and also—"

The young man paused for a moment, then suddenly his figure bent like lightning as he dashed out. He struck the door of a private room several steps away with two swift palms, and the entire door unexpectedly crashed down.

If you ask an old man, he will stroke his beard and tell you that it is a celestial abode, home to countless enlightened immortals

No one knows how that Taoist discovered the secret tome, nor can anyone ascertain how he devoted himself to hidden cultivation, only leaving Tiandu Peak to step into the mortal world at the age of forty

Zuo Qingci sat down in the main seat, and Wen Siyuan lightly coughed once before slowly stepping forward: "You should have heard about the chaos in Shu a few months ago."

The seemingly sturdy partition is actually made of lacquered bamboo strips, thin as paper or silk. Inside the room sits a young man, who remains unfazed as the wall tilts slightly, gradually standing upright.

When asked by a strong man, he would respectfully reply, that is a sacred place of martial arts, where one can learn a few techniques and then roam the rivers and lakes with ease

A person suffering from tuberculosis for many years should not look so attractive, and a bastard son should certainly not possess such elegant demeanor. His simple attire accentuates his extraordinary temperament, making Wen Siyuan appear overly refined and inferior in comparison.

In the thirty-sixth year of Jian'an, Emperor Wu favored Daoism and personally ascended Mount Tiandu.

The young man smiled faintly, an air of calm nobility emanating from him, and his voice was clear and melodious: "Good eye, I am indeed Zuo Qingci from the Jing'an Marquisate."

The shadows of the day cast upon a light blue garment, resembling the moonlight filling the collar. Before one can discern her features, she is already perceived as exceptionally graceful. A pair of elegantly upturned long eyes shimmer with brilliance, her demeanor as refined as jade, causing the beauty of the lake and mountains to pale in comparison.

Although the Jing'an Marquisate holds a prestigious position, its members are all formidable figures, each possessing their own demeanor and temperament, and would not easily submit to assignments

As the situation stagnated, pressure suddenly mounted. Left Minister Qi seemed unaware, giving a faint nod. "Young Master Yin, please remain calm. This matter is of great importance and cannot be taken lightly. Since we have come this far, there is no need to rush. It would be better to listen to the entire account before making a decision."

Fifteen years later, he sheathed his sword and withdrew from the martial world, returning to Tiandu Peak to cultivate his path. He selected intelligent children to take as disciples to impart swordsmanship, and with his exceptional wisdom, he studied the Daoist scriptures. More than ten years later, not only had he not aged, but he had also become increasingly agile and vigorous. People rumored that he had glimpsed the Dao of Heaven, transcended the Three Realms, and appeared as if he were a celestial being.

The jade lion's long song deepens the confusion. The first to speak said: "I am grateful for the invitation from the lord. My master has sent me and my senior sister down the mountain to assist, but we are completely unaware of the matters and reasons involved. I kindly ask the young master to clarify."

You and Shang Wan are the ones I have summoned for this discussion, while the others are here solely for the sake of the Hou family. Wen Siyuan explained smoothly and unhurriedly, "Shang Wan's swordsmanship is peculiar, and his temperament is ruthless. In the past, he directly targeted the heads of the twelve leaders of the Lianhuan stronghold, and his assassination techniques are unparalleled; Lu Lanshan has slain notorious figures such as Nezha and Gui Sha, and he is known for his steady and just conduct, earning him much praise. The Hou family was able to invite him due to the trust placed in him by his close friend; Yin Changge and Shen Manqing are outstanding representatives of the younger generation of Zhengyang Palace, and it was only through a personal letter from the Jing'an Marquis that they were persuaded to come. This gathering in Jinling has brought together four masters from the martial arts rankings, plus you, Fei Kouer—the fifth person designated by the young master—making it truly unprecedented.

The jade ornament on the belt of Wen Si Yuan shone brilliantly, and a knowing smile lingered at the corners of his mouth, seemingly reflecting his cunning identity as a broker. "These two are also figures in the martial arts world rankings; feel free to offer your comments on them."

The youth's back stiffened, and after a moment of tension, he said: "The son of the Hou residence?"

It is a Taoist temple located on the majestic and grand Tiandu Peak

Even the flying thieves have been invited, and no one knows what this mysterious young master truly intends to do

Among several individuals, Lu Lanshan, who wields the Nine-Patterned Halberd, is the oldest. His demeanor is composed, and although he has not yet spoken, he has furrowed his brow.

Perhaps only the identity and majesty of the emperor could allow an immortal, who has transcended the mundane world, to meet him in an extraordinary manner. Emperor Wuzong stayed at Tiandu Peak for three days, during which he enjoyed tea, recited poetry, discussed philosophy, and inquired about the state of the world. On the last day of his stay on the mountain, the Son of Heaven bestowed Tiandu Peak upon Zhengyang Palace entirely, issuing an edict that the local authorities must not disturb it lightly

In a single evening, the name became renowned throughout the world

What is Zhengyang Palace? Different people may have different answers

His words were not boastful; they were calm and composed, subtly suppressing the turmoil in the room. Lu Lanshan felt a sense of appreciation and responded, "What you say is reasonable, I would like to hear more details."

Countless admirers have traveled from afar, and the small Zhengyang Palace is bustling with visitors. The incense offerings are on the rise, and Tiandu Peak has become a renowned sacred mountain. Zhengyang Temple has also become a holy site in the martial arts world