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Chapter 640: Confucian Cultivator
Chapter 640: Confucian Cultivator
"Senior Lu, I've found the Confucian cultivator you requested."
As soon as Lu Xuan entered the branch of the Hailou Commerce Guild, Mudao Ren greeted him with a fervent smile.
"Thank you for your efforts, Fellow Mudao," Lu Xuan said mildly.
"It was quite challenging to find someone from the Liuyang Realm in such a distant place as the Daxia Realm. One of them is at the mid-foundation establishment stage, while the other's cultivation falls slightly short, having only perfected the Qi Refining stage." Mudao explained.
"That's acceptable. Please take me to see the foundation establishment Confucian cultivator first." Lu Xuan prioritized those with higher cultivation levels, as the Nine Confucian Treasure Tree was a sixth-grade spirit plant, and a higher cultivation level in the Confucian arts likely indicated greater proficiency in poetry and literature.
"This way, Senior Lu." The tall elder led the way, guiding Lu Xuan to a street in the lower section of the Plucking Star Tower.
The street was lined with houses in close proximity, much denser than the guild branch's location.
"That Confucian cultivator usually resides in one of the eighteen star caves of the Tianxing Cave. He keeps a low profile and rarely ventures out. It was only by chance that he revealed his abilities in Confucian techniques that we became aware of his existence. I've specifically invited him here to the Plucking Star Tower to await your instructions." Mudao whispered, wanting to save Lu Xuan some time by bringing the cultivator to him.
Lu Xuan nodded slightly and followed the elder into a small courtyard protected by simple restrictions.
As soon as they entered, a rather ordinary-looking cultivator emerged and greeted Lu Xuan with a cautious gaze.
"Fellow Zhang, this is Senior Lu Xuan," the elder introduced.
"Greetings, Senior Lu," Zhang Yingqi bowed in salute.
Lu Xuan's eyes swept over Zhang Yingqi, and with his cultivated Pomo Eye Technique, he immediately perceived that the Confucian cultivator's appearance was altered by a secret technique.
"Fellow Zhang, please rise. I mean you no harm or trouble, only good news." Lu Xuan said gently.
Zhang Yingqi's heart, which had been hanging heavy, finally relaxed upon hearing Lu Xuan's words.
He had been hiding in the Tianxing Cave, thinking that no one knew his identity. Then, out of the blue, a cultivator showed up at his door, inviting him to the Plucking Star Tower.
Zhang Yingqi had many secrets, but he couldn't find an opportunity to escape, so he had no choice but to follow the Hailou Commerce Guild's cultivators to this place.
After days of anxious speculation, the Golden Core cultivator who had been pursuing him finally showed up.
"Before we discuss anything further, I have a few questions for Fellow Zhang, and I ask that you answer them truthfully." Lu Xuan said solemnly.
"I will be completely honest and hide nothing," Zhang Yingqi replied promptly.
"How long has Fellow Zhang been away from the Liuyang Realm?" Lu Xuan asked.
"About five years."
"And what is your cultivation level in the Confucian arts?"
"It's decent. I studied at Lushan Academy for over twenty years, and after coming to Tianxing Cave, I've continued my diligent practice without interruption."
"Why did you travel so far from the Daxia Realm, a place so suitable for Confucian cultivators, to come to Tianxing Cave?" Lu Xuan's gaze was piercing, as if he could see through any deception.
Zhang Yingqi hesitated for a moment before slowly answering, "I was a member of a small family clan in the Daxia Realm, Senior. Our clan possessed a cultivation method for a Confucian art, which unfortunately came to the attention of others, bringing disaster upon us."
"In the end, our clan was annexed by a powerful family clan in the Daxia Realm. All who resisted were killed. I was fortunate to have been away on business and thus managed to escape." As he spoke of these events, Zhang Yingqi's teeth clenched with hatred, his eyes glinting with a tangible intensity.
"Was that family clan very powerful?" Lu Xuan asked curiously.
"Thank you, Fellow Zhang, for clearing my doubts. I, Lu Chen, will consider your offer and give you my answer in due time."
Lu Xuan said, and then left with Mudao Ren.
"Fellow Mudao, please take me to see the Confucian cultivator who has perfected the Qi Refining stage."
Lu Xuan's expression was calm as he spoke in a low voice.
"Of course, Senior Lu."
The tall elder led the way, guiding Lu Xuan while also providing information about the other Confucian cultivator.
"This Confucian cultivator is named Hong Qinghai. As he couldn't afford the expensive rent at Tianxing Cave, he resides in a small market town near Plucking Star Tower. I've also invited him here."
Soon, the two arrived outside an alcohol shop. The elder activated a transmission talisman, and after a few breaths, a young man emerged from the shop.
"Greetings to the two seniors!"
"Fellow Hong, this is Senior Lu Xuan. He has something to discuss with you, and it might be a great opportunity for you if you meet his requirements."
The elder introduced Lu Xuan to the young man, pointing at him.
The young man had a moderate build, clear black and white eyes, and a very intelligent look. He wore a blue robe, exuding a scholarly aura.
"Junior Hong, if you don't mind, Senior Lu has a few questions for you, and your answers may lead to a great opportunity."
Upon hearing this, the young man's expression became more respectful.
"Please ask, Senior Lu. I will answer truthfully and leave nothing unsaid!"
"Good."
Lu Xuan nodded.
"May I ask about your background and how long you've been in Tianxing Cave? Also, what brought you here?"
"I come from a humble background, Senior Lu. My father was a minor scholar with shallow cultivation. My parents passed away when I was young. I showed some talent in Confucian arts and entered the Jixia Academy to study."
"I've been in Tianxing Cave in the Liuyang Realm for less than three years. The reason I left Daxia Realm was that I offended the son of a prominent scholar at the academy, and he oppressed me at every turn. Unable to bear the humiliation, I had no choice but to leave my hometown and come to Tianxing Cave."
Lu Xuan nodded slightly.
Both Confucian cultivators he had found had their own stories, and he found it difficult to choose between them.
Zhang Yingqi had significantly higher cultivation in Confucian arts, and logically, he would be a better fit for cultivating the Nine Confucian Treasure Tree. However, it was evident that he was very concerned about his grudge, and if given the opportunity, he would likely return to the Daxia Realm for revenge, which might also attract the attention of the powerful Confucian family behind him. Stability was not his strong suit.
As for Hong Qinghai, his cultivation had not yet reached the foundation establishment stage, but judging from his academic background, his talent was probably no less than that of Zhang Yingqi. He had come to the Liuyang Realm on his own initiative and had fewer ties to the powers of the Daxia Realm. It seemed that he intended to settle down in Tianxing Cave.
With these thoughts in mind, Lu Xuan's decision began to lean in a certain direction.
"Fellow Hong, if you succeed in your cultivation, will you return to seek revenge on that scholar's son?"
"I would definitely like to, but the chance is too slim. After all, he has the support of a prominent scholar. So, my thoughts of revenge have faded."
Hong Qinghai replied with a carefree smile, not seeming too concerned about his grudge.
"Would you be willing to follow me and help me with a task?"
"If your offer satisfies me, I won't hesitate to assist you, even if it means helping you break through to the foundation establishment stage."
Lu Xuan smiled, confident in his ability to provide such assistance. Even if he had little else, he had Foundation Establishment Pills, which he could offer like candy to help Hong Qinghai reach the foundation establishment stage.
"I would be delighted to!"
Hong Qinghai knelt on one knee, his voice filled with excitement.
(End of Chapter)
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