Chapter 153: Meng Danyun
Chapter 153: Meng Danyun
Chen Mu quickly returned to the Yu Family Compound.
Putting aside his tangled thoughts, Chen Mu spoke to Chen Yue and Yu Ru, "Go back and inform Hongyu that you're safe. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't be joining you."
With no issues at the Yu Family Compound, he had to make a trip to the Inspector Bureau.
Yu Ru obediently agreed, while Chen Yue looked at Chen Mu with a hint of concern. She worried about Chen Mu getting entangled in the dangerous affairs of the Harmony Sect, but she knew she couldn't be of much help. Staying out of trouble was the best way to assist him.
After arranging for the Yu Family's guards to escort Chen Yue and Yu Ru back, Chen Mu quietly left the compound and headed to the Prefecture, soon arriving at the Inspector Bureau and making his way up to the sixth floor.
Yan Jingqing was still immersed in his reading.
"Director Yan, I have something to report to you," Chen Mu said respectfully as he approached.
After a brief pause, Chen Mu took a few steps forward and whispered, narrating the intentions of the Harmony Sect.
Yan Jingqing listened attentively, then fell into deep thought.
Currently, the Seven Mysteries Sect's plan was indeed for the four sects to handle the issues of the Sky Corpse Sect. However, once the matter with the Sky Corpse Sect was resolved, the situation in Yu Prefecture would inevitably become chaotic. The Seven Mysteries Sect couldn't remain unaffected, and conflicts over resources would inevitably arise, leading to both brief alliances and intense confrontations.
But these were matters for another time. The Seven Mysteries Sect had tasked him with handling the affairs of Yu Prefecture because, compared to the sect elders, Chen Mu, who had risen through the ranks from a local official in the prefecture to the Inspector General, was more adept at managing disputes among various powers.
The Harmony Sect's friendly overtures could indeed be used to further their cooperation.
However, such demonic sects were not known for their trustworthiness. It was common for them to form an alliance in one moment and then betray it in the next. In this regard, the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion were more suitable partners.
But the Heavenly Sword Sect's disciples, known for their pursuit of the extreme sword path and sword intent, were often considered a bit simple-minded and inflexible. As for the Mystic Mechanism Pavilion, although it appeared to be a righteous sect, its actions were peculiar, and its intentions were difficult to discern.
"Very well, I understand. You may go now," Yan Jingqing said, indicating that Chen Mu could take his leave without providing any response.
Chen Mu was content to stay out of the matter and promptly bowed before quietly departing. Instead of returning to the Yu Family Compound, he made a detour within the Prefecture and headed to the Demon Slayer Bureau.
Currently, the Demon Slayer Bureau had four Directors, but there was only one Head Director, named Meng Tianzhang. He was a direct disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, promoted through the ranks to become an Executive, and then dispatched to Yu Prefecture as the Head Director of the Demon Slayer Bureau. His primary responsibility was to control the resources of the Demon Slayer Bureau, ensuring that Xue Huai Kong did not falsify the annual tribute of resources and money to the Seven Mysteries Sect. He also managed the distribution of resources from the Seven Mysteries Sect to Yu Prefecture.
Soon, Chen Mu arrived at the Demon Subduing Tower, located in the center of the Demon Slayer Bureau.
"Head Director, I wish to comprehend the Wind Hexagram Conceptual Diagram," Chen Mu said respectfully after greeting Meng Tianzhang.
Meng Tianzhang, appearing to be in his sixties or seventies, merely nodded slightly at Chen Mu's request. After a moment's thought, he replied, "The Conceptual Diagrams are located in the Tranquil Chambers below. You may go down and study them on your own."
His attitude was calm, and he didn't even mention the matter of merit points. Chen Mu descended the tower, deep in thought.
It seemed that his position as a Director in the Demon Slayer Bureau set him apart from others. Meng Tianzhang's attitude might be due to his connection with Yan Jingqing or Chen Mu's dual role as a Director in both the Inspector Bureau and the Demon Slayer Bureau, making him akin to a direct disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, much closer to the sect than others.
Soon, Chen Mu arrived at the Tranquil Chambers beneath the Demon Subduing Tower. The chambers were arranged according to the Eight Trigrams, with the two rooms representing Heaven and Earth empty, while the other six displayed Conceptual Diagrams.
As Chen Mu entered the chamber displaying the Wind Hexagram Conceptual Diagram, he noticed another person inside. Unlike the officials, this person wore a simple gray robe, and their appearance was androgynous. With long hair and a slender figure, they appeared to be around thirty years old.
Sensing Chen Mu's arrival, the person turned and gave him a glance, assessing him briefly before speaking, "You're Director Chen Mu from the Inspector Bureau."
"Greetings, Senior Sister Meng Zhenchuan," Chen Mu replied with a slight bow, recognizing her as a direct disciple of the Spirit Profound Peak, Meng Danyun, despite it being their first meeting.
He hadn't expected another direct disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect to be in Yu Prefecture, especially one with the surname Meng, possibly related to Meng Tianzhang.
"When did Senior Sister Meng arrive in Yu Prefecture?" Chen Mu asked.
According to the sect's rules, he should address her as 'Senior Sister,' but since he wasn't an official disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect and Meng Danyun held no official position, addressing her as 'Senior Meng' might not be appropriate.
Meng Danyun shook her head slightly, "Since you're working under Director Yan Jingqing in the Inspector Bureau, it's fine to call me Senior Sister. For now, let's keep my presence in Yu Prefecture a secret from others."
Chen Mu acknowledged her request.
Director Yan Jingqing's appointment in Yu Prefecture indicated the Seven Mysteries Sect's continued control over the region. It wasn't unusual for a direct disciple like Meng Danyun to be here, and Meng Tianzhang likely allowed her access due to Chen Mu's position as a Director in the Inspector Bureau, making him a clear subordinate of Yan Jingqing and, by extension, the Seven Mysteries Sect.
"I heard you've cultivated the Wind and Thunder Intention in a short time?" Meng Danyun asked.
Meng Danyun was slightly curious as she appraised Chen Mu, "With your talent, after joining the Seven Mysteries Sect and reaching the Organ Realms, you'd have the qualifications to compete for a position as a direct disciple of the Seven Peaks. Why didn't Yan Jingqing let you join the Seven Mysteries Sect directly? Well... I suppose your age isn't quite suitable, but with your exceptional talent, it's not impossible to make an exception."
There weren't many people in Yu Prefecture who left an impression on Meng Danyun. Aside from Meng Tianzhang, Yan Jingqing, and the city lord Xue Huikong, there was also Chen Mu, who had recently been promoted to the Inspector General Director by Yan Jingqing.
"Perhaps Yan Jingqing had other considerations," Chen Mu replied.
Meng Danyun shook her head, "That person is rather peculiar... If you wish to join the Seven Mysteries Sect, I can speak to my master on your behalf when I return to the sect after this matter. You can come to Spirit Profound Peak for your cultivation."
Join the Seven Mysteries Sect? Chen Mu hadn't expected this option to suddenly arise here. However, considering that there were still many unresolved matters in Yu Prefecture, it wasn't yet suitable for him to leave.
"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Sister Meng, but with the current situation in Yu Prefecture, it's better to wait until things stabilize before considering it further," Chen Mu said.
"Sure, it's up to you," Meng Danyun nodded and then looked at Chen Mu again, suddenly asking, "How deeply have you comprehended the Whistling Wind Intent?"
Chen Mu replied honestly, "I've only grasped the basics."
Meng Danyun extended her right hand towards Chen Mu, her palm facing him.
Seeing that Meng Danyun seemed to want to guide him, Chen Mu didn't hesitate and raised his right hand as well, pressing forward to release a gentle breeze that accompanied his palm as it descended.
Setting aside the Thunder Rumbling Intent and Fire Departure Intent for the moment, Chen Mu's understanding of the Whistling Wind Intent was indeed shallow, and his application of the intent's nuances was inadequate. After all, he had been cultivating on his own, and the system had only enhanced his understanding of the intent without providing him with practical combat experience to utilize it effectively. Techniques like 'Autumn Wind Sensation' were something he had comprehended on his own.
Meng Danyun's palm also emitted a gentle breeze, and both of their hands stopped about three inches apart, with the two streams of air intertwining to form a visible whirlwind that quickly dissipated into nothingness.
Meng Danyun retracted her hand and nodded slightly, "Indeed, it's only a basic comprehension, but it's still impressive. Given your level, you should have grasped the 'Gentle Wind Perception' technique."
"Yes, Senior Sister has keen insight," Chen Mu had nothing to hide. Meng Danyun's understanding of the Whistling Wind Intent was likely not at the second stage yet, but it was still far more profound than his own. Whatever she knew, Meng Danyun would undoubtedly know as well.
Meng Danyun smiled, "There's nothing special about it. I'm a few years older than you, and I comprehended the Whistling Wind Intent many years before you. In a few years, you'll naturally reach my level of comprehension."
She paused briefly before continuing, "However, the comprehension of intent and the techniques to apply it are two different concepts. I sense that your application of the Whistling Wind Intent is somewhat crude... I cultivate both the Whistling Wind and Water Hexagram Intents, so I can't guide you in the Thunder Rumbling Intent. But regarding the Whistling Wind Intent, you can come to me with any questions. I'll be staying here for some time."
"Then I'm truly grateful to Senior Sister Meng," Chen Mu's heart stirred slightly.
Currently, he was somewhat unskilled in applying intent, and during his encounter with Flower Shadow, he had been somewhat lacking in handling the details, not acting as calmly and freely as he could have. He had been lacking a suitable sparring partner; Yu Jiujiang wasn't suitable for combat, and the others in the Yu family were weaker and far less capable than a direct disciple like Meng Danyun.
If he could spar with Meng Danyun more often, his application of intent would naturally become more refined.
Meng Danyun's expression softened, "Don't mention it. Your insight is excellent, and with your dual cultivation of the Wind and Thunder Intents, once you enter the Organ Realms, you might surpass me soon."
Chen Mu smiled, "Senior Sister Meng is too modest. Just comprehending the Whistling Wind Intent will take me a long time."
Meng Danyun nodded slightly and watched as Chen Mu moved to the side to continue his cultivation. She then turned her gaze to the Whistling Wind Intent diagram on the wall, but instead of studying it carefully, she stared at it absentmindedly.
Although the Seven Mysteries Sect didn't possess the legendary 'Pictorial Eight Phases Diagram,' they did have a higher-quality Whistling Wind Intent diagram. However, despite her years of cultivation, Meng Danyun hadn't mastered the second stage of either the Whistling Wind or Water Hexagram Intents. Studying them here was merely better than nothing.
"The second stage of intent..." Meng Danyun murmured to herself.
Comprehending the intent was one thing, but taking the second step was another.
When she was twenty-three, Meng Danyun had entered the Bone Forging Realm and simultaneously comprehended the Whistling Wind Intent. At twenty-four, she grasped the Water Hexagram Intent. Afterward, she eagerly sought to progress further, but six years had passed in the blink of an eye, and she had been in the Organ Realms for three years. Yet, she was still a step away from the second stage of both the Whistling Wind and Water Hexagram Intents.
If she could comprehend the second stage of the Whistling Wind Intent, then when the true disciples of the four sects gathered to compete, she would undoubtedly be one of them. However, she couldn't win against those few individuals. They were the most talented among the true disciples of the four sects, while she was only the sixth-ranked direct disciple in the Seven Mysteries Sect, so some gap was to be expected.
The second stage of intent had truly stumped her for too long. Her master even suggested that she stop secluding herself and go out into the world, as she might find a breakthrough opportunity. As it happened, the situation in Yu Prefecture was the most complex among the provinces, and the four sects had established themselves there.
So, she had come to Yu Prefecture, hoping to encounter some fortuitous opportunities.
(Chapter End)
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