CHAPTER 195: 133. IN THE HALL OF LONGEVITY... (5K LARGE CHAPTER)

The stories Xu Xing told—of the Flying Feather Immortal Palace; the people and customs of various nations like Baoxiang Country and Lanyue Country; an endless variety of physiques, including the experiences of Ouyang Pan’an with her Butterfly Phoenix Body—were all recounted without much embellishment. Yet, with his profound knowledge, these tales were as vivid and captivating as any storyteller’s, full of twists and turns, a few simple sentences sketching out a grand world of cultivation.

"I never imagined Miss Ouyang would also seek immortality, just like you," Scholar Su remarked.

"Emperor Chongming was on the throne back then. Brother Ouyang and I were close friends. I once visited his home and heard rumors that their young lady had vanished, so I naturally made some inquiries..." He paused. "I never thought Brother Ouyang would deceive me as well."

Scholar Su shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his expression.

Thinking of this, though his spirits dampened, his poetic inspiration suddenly surged. He dipped his fingers into his Tea Cup, drew out some tea, and wrote upon the Eight Immortals Table:

"Pouring wine for you, may you find your own solace; human sentiment is as fickle as the shifting waves.

Though white-haired friends, we still grip our swords; those who first reach the Vermilion Gate scoff and adjust their caps.

The grass, soaked through by the fine rain, lies damp; flower-laden branches stir, yet the spring wind is cold.

Worldly matters are but floating clouds, why bother to ask? Better to recline at ease and enjoy another bite."

After finishing the poem, Scholar Su shook off his dejection. He called out loudly to the teahouse waiter, ordering a plate of Beef Offal and a plate of Braised Pork.

He no longer wrote poetry for the nobility, nor did he view it as a means to profit through the Imperial Examination. A literary giant like him could craft exquisite verses effortlessly, speaking in poetic phrases without conscious effort.

At this moment, he regarded Xu Xing as a friend, not as the lofty Emperor Tiande or some other powerful figure. Thus, the poem flowed from him naturally, without a hint of bashfulness on his face.

"Ouyang Zai, having been an official for so long, has certainly learned the ways of the court," Xu Xing observed, shaking his head.

Ouyang Pan’an had entered the Flying Feather Immortal Palace more than three years before him. It was shortly after Xu Xing had occupied Guanxi Road that an escort from the Flying Feather Immortal Palace took Ouyang Pan’an away to join the Sect.

For a living person to disappear just like that...

Scholar Su and Ouyang Shuda were close friends, a friendship that transcended their age difference and had lasted many years. Scholar Su also knew Ouyang Pan’an. So, when she vanished, it was natural for him to inquire.

Unexpectedly, Ouyang Shuda had deceived Scholar Su.

According to the rules of the Flying Feather Immortal Palace, Ouyang Shuda’s actions were understandable. However, Scholar Su had been friends with Ouyang Shuda for many years. Being deceived so easily inevitably left him feeling lost.

"Mr. Xu..." Scholar Su began, "my niece is not inherently a bad person. Please be lenient with her. I recall when she was sixteen, she once said, ’In times of war, I’ll marry a general; in times of peace, a scholar.’ She was quite a remarkable girl."

The poem vanished as the tea dried on the table.

Suddenly realizing his poem might cause trouble for the Ouyang family, Scholar Su quickly added this, attempting to improve Xu Xing’s perception of them. They were, after all, family friends of long standing. A single thought from the Emperor could end the Ouyang family’s official careers during the Tiande Dynasty. Given Xu Xing’s current status in the Flying Feather Immortal Palace, even a casual expression of his views, a slight inclination, would be enough to make Ouyang Pan’an’s life exceedingly difficult. Such things were not mere fantasy. It was not uncommon for the preferences of superiors to lead to the ruin of their subordinates’ families. Although he was inwardly displeased that Ouyang Shuda had concealed things from him, he didn’t want the younger generation of the Ouyang family, or Ouyang Pan’an herself, to be implicated because of this.

"She is indeed a remarkable girl," Xu Xing nodded in agreement.

During their conversation, the teahouse waiter approached, carrying a Redwood Lacquer Plate. On it were the plate of Beef Offal and the plate of Braised Pork that Scholar Su had ordered. Both were hearty dishes. The Beef Offal was covered with a thick layer of chili seasoning, while the Braised Pork was stewed until tender and soft. A generous ladle of thickened sauce was poured over the bottom of the plate, and then sprinkled with shredded red and white garnishes.

The two began to eat.

Although consuming the Five Grains would affect one’s cultivation, a single meal like this was inconsequential. The taboo for cultivators was the daily consumption of mortal food, which would impede their practice.

The sun climbed to its zenith. After they had eaten for about a quarter of an hour, the two hearty dishes and the pot of Spirit Tea were entirely consumed by the pair.

"Waiter," Scholar Su called out, pulling a brass toothpick from his Sleeve and propping his right leg on the long bench. He looked remarkably like a street ruffian, nothing like the world-renowned literary giant he was. "Check, please."

"I can certainly afford to treat Mr. Xu to a meal," he declared. "You treated me to several meals while I was in prison. I’ve repaid the kindness of that one meal, and I don’t wish to owe you any more. Of course, the money the Court’s Night Patrol Department slipped to us storytellers doesn’t count as a debt to you. After all, I also fabricated stories and extolled your virtues for a while; my efforts were compensated."

Seeing Xu Xing about to rise and pay, Scholar Su stopped him. He unfastened a Brown Money Bag from his belt. It was the size of a fist, its opening tied tightly, its contents bulging. Scholar Su then dangled the bag by its drawstring and shook it, showing he had money.

The copper coins clinked, their sound as crisp as a silver bell.

"No more debt!" Xu Xing nodded. He rose, clasped his fists in a bow to Scholar Su, and then strode out of the teahouse.

Their friendship had begun with a meal. And its end... should also conclude with a meal. This meeting in the mortal world was just a chance encounter. Logically, neither an Emperor nor an Immortal would typically pass by the market entrance to listen to a storyteller’s ramblings.

「The summer rain in Shenjing.」

It began unnoticed, first as a fine drizzle like ox-hair, but within a few breaths, the rain began to SPATTER heavily against the blue stone slab streets. The fierce wind and driving rain showed no sign of abating.