Chapter 70: Azure Cloud (48)

The Immortal Alliance was a good place, but the Twelve Towers were not. The Immortal Alliance had thirty-three heavenly palaces, inside which was a heap of wine-sacks and rice-bags passing their days. Only the Azure Yang, Vermillion Brightness, White Repository, and Dark Shadows four palaces truly required risking one’s life. Every year, the greatest loss of immortal officials and clerks within the Immortal Alliance was also from them.

Unlike other sects that required knocking at mountain gates, seeking immortals and asking about the Dao, examining aptitude, and taking masters to learn arts, this place had lenient entry and strict exit. Once you entered the Immortal Alliance, it was ten years minimum, starting from the lowest level. Three-year evaluations—the capable rose, the weak fell. Sent to various places across the nine provinces to slay demons and evil, or dispatched to borders to guard the immortal-demon frontier, they were called immortal clerks.

As everyone knew, places with lenient entry and strict exit could not be good places.

Lady Xiangli stood in the corridor. She looked at Xiangli Lingze kneeling on the ground and suddenly scoffed, her gaze showing pity. “My child, you can still turn back now while there’s time.”

“Don’t think the Immortal Alliance is your savior. A moment’s recklessness, one wrong step—wasting your youth. When the time comes if you want to turn back, it will be as difficult as ascending to heaven.” She rarely spoke so much. Looking at the young man’s thin back, her gaze was heavy, carrying mockery. “You, a music cultivator, entering the Immortal Alliance is seeking death.”

Indeed, currently within the Immortal Alliance were mostly sword cultivators, famously willing to risk their worthless lives, fighting when provoked. Whether music cultivators or formation cultivators, these types all required large amounts of wealth and famous masters to carefully nurture, daily relying on refined discussions, musical scores, immortal formation patterns, ancient lost music and such to enter meditation and elevate their mental state.

When they fought, they had no combat or self-defense ability. Only those with addled brains would go to the frontlines to die.

“Madam’s words are mistaken.” Xu Jingzhen suddenly refuted. He looked at Lady Xiangli, patiently explaining. “Music cultivators, sword cultivators, formation cultivators, medical cultivators are no different. You cannot discriminate against a child because of their cultivation method. On the battlefield everyone has their duty. Music cultivators can calm hearts and also confuse spirits. Their role is very important. The Immortal Alliance now is not like before with solo fighting. Everywhere immortal clerk teams enforce law relying on coordinated cooperation. We don’t go to places we’re not confident about. I also won’t let anyone go to their death…”

Xu Jingzhen had grown a fresh and beautiful, misty and hazy face. Just looking at his appearance, he was truly an elegant and gentle Jiangnan beauty. Even his voice was like a clear spring. Only this spring water flowed for truly too long, tinkling and babbling and rushing on. From Immortal Alliance reforms to Immortal Alliance establishment, from the Nine Luminaries Mountain to the Three Heavens Four Palaces Twelve Towers, then discussing how the higher-ups currently planned to organize and implement demon-catching and evil-slaying squads, from south to north… In short, many words, very dense, very upright.

In the entire small courtyard, everyone else was quiet, listening to Xu Jingzhen alone with eloquent speech, endless flow, discussing heavenly Dao above and human sentiment below, citing extensively, speaking methodically and reasonably.

He Tinglong gripped his damaged outer robe, leaning further into the corridor. His gaze drifted over, looking toward Dean Xu beside him who was full of gratification, clicking his tongue inwardly.

Truly a family.

Lady Xiangli already didn’t want to listen. She tried to interrupt several times but was blocked by Xu Jingzhen. Who knew if he was intentional or accidental, or intentionally accidental. Xu Jingzhen half-pushed Xiangli Lingze forward, wiping clean the blood on the young man’s face. He pointed at the palm print on Xiangli Lingze’s face and the bruises at his chin, his gaze full of disapproval, frowning. “Children also cannot be taught this way. Parents should lead by example. If you use violence to coerce, he will only learn violence and coercion in the future. Why can’t you be gentler and properly reason with him?”

“Your mother lets you choose again.” Xu Jingzhen looked at Xiangli Lingze’s eyes, asking repeatedly. “I’ll give you another chance to choose. Now will you follow her home, or persist in wanting to enter under my command?”

Xiangli Lingze was already nearly dizzy from being led in circles. He stood somewhat unsteadily, his weakened body entirely relying on Xu Jingzhen’s support to avoid collapsing on the spot. His somewhat drifting gaze swept through the courtyard. He didn’t look at his mother, but rather at Xiangli Xuan who had been standing in the shadows with lowered head, not saying a word.

After a long while, he nodded heavily. “I choose the Immortal Alliance. I’m not going back.”

Xu Jingzhen patted his shoulder with gratification. “Excellent.”

“Xuan’er, come here.” Lady Xiangli standing in the corridor suddenly spoke. She was tall, wearing a madder-colored long dress, her shawl blown by the wind, like a divine consort immortal maiden. She extremely gently took Xiangli Xuan’s hand. “Let’s go. We’re going home.”

She led him away without giving Xiangli Lingze a single glance. Only when leaving through the entrance did she give He Tinglong at the side a sideways look, saying with a half-smile, “You’re very good.”

He Tinglong cupped his hands, modestly saying, “Many thanks for Madam’s praise.”

The group left mightily, leaving only Xiangli Lingze alone here. The chaotic courtyard returned to quiet. He Tinglong walked over in two or three steps, supporting the nearly collapsing Xiangli Lingze. Beside them, Xu Jingzhen released his hands, letting Xiangli Lingze collapse on the ground. He tilted his head, asking in a low voice, “You’re his good friend?”

He Tinglong nodded. “I suppose so.”

Xu Jingzhen looked down from above. “I’ve seen you before, at the last courtyard. Are you interested in entering my Azure Yang Palace?”

He Tinglong smiled as he helped Xiangli Lingze up, hoisting him on his shoulder, explaining, “Many thanks for Lord Jingming’s regard, but I’m Master Qin’s disciple.”

“Qin Tan?” Seeing He Tinglong nod, Xu Jingzhen sighed, his gaze showing slight regret. “Then never mind. I can’t compete with him. If you had come two years earlier, you’d be my disciple. What a pity, what a pity.”

After speaking, he waved his hand, indicating for He Tinglong to take the person away. He himself went to Dean Xu’s room, where the two went to whisper and mutter.

Xiangli Lingze’s whole body was burning, his steps unsteady. He sniffled, saying hoarsely, “Thank you.”

He Tinglong: “Just a small effort, nothing worth mentioning.”

In the past dozen-plus lifetimes, Xiangli Lingze either returned home early or stayed at Azure Clouds Academy, the two brothers mutually harming each other. It rarely got this awkward. This time was also strange.

But it also counted as a variable. Just had to see what it would become.

Stuffing him into the Immortal Alliance was a last resort. If possible, He Tinglong actually didn’t really want him staying by Xu Jingzhen’s side.

This person Xu Jingzhen had a far-reaching fine reputation with many followers, but He Tinglong wasn’t familiar with him. He truly died too early—not much contact.

Dao Lord Jingming, only son of current Immortal Alliance Dao Venerate Xu Yinyou, eldest son of the Xu clan, primarily cultivating sword Dao. Eternal runner-up on the Azure Clouds Rankings, slightly inferior to Qin Tan in swordsmanship, but far stronger than Qin Tan in connections.

After all, Sword Master Guili truly had a bad temper.

Under the blessing of his status and character, Azure Yang Palace was the place within the entire Immortal Alliance with the most immortal officials, widest range, and strongest power.

Xu Jingzhen was basically internally decided as the future Immortal Alliance leader. His conduct was beyond reproach. Unfortunately, he only served two years before being plotted against by the Pathless Road evil sect. By the time He Tinglong entered the Immortal Alliance, he had already died.

Then came internal chaos in the Immortal Alliance, falling apart. The demon realm took advantage of the Immortal Alliance being too busy to attend to the seal and poured out in full force, killing out of Cold Mountain Realm. Then Su Tan, to save his disciple, led teams to fight to the death at Cold Mountain Realm, sacrificing himself for the Dao and reopening the seal. After that, Xie Xuanxiao rose to power, regathered the Immortal Alliance, guarded the nine provinces, and opposed the demon clan. Then… tch, what came after everyone knew.

He Tinglong shook his head, flinging those chaotic images out of his brain. Just recalling gave him a headache and bad luck.

Outside, spring was bright and beautiful, a hundred flowers blooming. Azure Clouds Academy was a good place. After Dean Xu took it over, he actually transformed it quite beautifully. As Xiangli Lingze walked, he suddenly felt sorrow welling up from within and smiled bitterly. “Do you think I’ll die?”

“No.” He Tinglong didn’t even raise his head, speaking decisively.

Xiangli Lingze’s melancholic emotions hadn’t even surfaced before being interrupted. He said in confusion, “Why?”

He Tinglong: “Because disasters last a thousand years.”

Xiangli Lingze: “…Tch, I accept your auspicious words.”

He Tinglong supported him as they walked down the mountain, crossing several long flights of stairs. Halfway up the mountain was a platform. Looking down from above, they could see students coming and going at the mountain base, the shimmering waves of Guangze Lake, and more distant processions.

It was that group from the Xiangli clan. Their pace was extremely fast—they were almost out the mountain gate.

Xiangli Lingze leaned on the railing. His hair was loose, blown by wind to stick to his face, drooping his eyes as he looked at that group. “Sigh, I thought you’d comfort me. After all, Mother said I’m trash. The Immortal Alliance is so dangerous—trash like me, who knows how long I can live.”

“Do you truly think yourself trash?” He Tinglong raised his brows. “Don’t forget who took the top spot in the Azure Clouds final test. That was Xie Xuanxiao, number one under a hundred years old. You could beat Xie Xuanxiao flying. Who else are you afraid of? You’re practically invincible, you know?”

Xiangli Lingze eased up, his spirits improving somewhat, then laughed again. Supporting his arm, he patted He Tinglong’s back. “You’re absolutely right. Good brother, you still have three years. I’ll go scout ahead in the Immortal Alliance. Once I make a name for myself later, come find me. This young master will definitely cover you!”

“It’s a promise!” He Tinglong raised his hand to fist-bump with him.

The wind was strong on the mountain. Cold wind poured into clothes. He Tinglong’s back felt cold. He shivered. His clothing was torn in half, rustling loudly in the wind.

Hearing the sound, Xiangli Lingze’s gaze turned, looking at He Tinglong’s back. He burst into laughter holding his stomach. “Your clothes, hahaha!”

“Cut by your family’s people.” He Tinglong tugged at it twice. From outer robe to inner clothing, all torn. He extended his hand toward Xiangli Lingze, taking it for granted. “Compensate me.”

“Fine, this young master will compensate you. Want a bright red robe woven with gold thread?”

“No, wearing it would look like a big rooster.”

“No taste.”

…

Xiangli Lingze swayed unsteadily, mutually supporting each other with He Tinglong as they continued down the mountain. An incense stick’s time later, they returned to Tianyin Pavilion’s disciple courtyard. The sky had darkened. People came and went, lamps lit in the rooms. Only his courtyard was dark, a lock on the entrance—it had actually been directly sealed.

Barely mustering some energy, Xiangli Lingze climbed the wall and stretched his head to look, only to discover inside had been completely emptied. Nothing remained in the disciple courtyard, everything taken away. Not even the zither was left. Thinking of something, his face immediately turned iron blue.

A disciple in the neighboring courtyard heard sounds and looked out. Seeing the two of them, he said in confusion, “Xiangli Lingze? Why didn’t you leave? Didn’t your mother withdraw you both from school? She said you wouldn’t come back again, so she even ordered people to clear out and discard everything in the courtyard.”

Xiangli Lingze turned to look at He Tinglong, smiling bitterly and helplessly. “Sorry, I’m afraid I can’t compensate you for those clothes.”

“Then just owe it.” He Tinglong looked up at the sky, then at the young man in just an inner robe, barefoot, disheveled like a beggar. After a long silence, he pointed toward the Sword Pavilion direction. “How about squeezing into my place?”

Xiangli Lingze’s whole body felt cold. He rubbed his arms and quickly moved closer. “Then I’ll respectfully accept rather than decline.”

Fu Fengyan came back early today, specially making a meal—three dishes and a soup. He very patiently used radish to carve out plum blossoms as thin as cicada wings, cluster after cluster floating in the soup, nearly filling the entire pot.

Yue Qianxun propped his head staring at the bowl until his eyes nearly crossed. “Does this make it taste better?”

“No, it makes it prettier.” Fu Fengyan placed the last flower in. “This is called ‘a hundred flowers blooming.'”

“Radish convention.” Zhang Duixue supplemented. “Raw radish egg drop soup. Nutritious.”

Yue Qianxun wiped his cold sweat, changing the subject. “Speaking of which, why hasn’t Brother He returned yet?”

“I’ll go look.” Fu Fengyan stood, walked two steps then turned back to warn. “Don’t secretly eat, okay?”

Yue Qianxun nodded repeatedly, patting his chest in assurance. “Rest assured, such delicious things, I’ll definitely save them all for Brother He!”

Fu Fengyan happily left.

On the table were four dishes—one pot of radish egg drop soup, one plate of peach blossom pancakes, one dish of apricot flower scrambled eggs, one plate of crystal-clear fish slices. Colorful, magnificent—all showing off knife skills and plating. As for taste…

Anyway, whether Yue Qianxun or Zhang Duixue, neither wanted to drink honey-flavored egg drop soup.

“Brother He is most cunning. He’ll definitely try to split it evenly with us later.” Yue Qianxun’s eyeballs rolled. “Better a dead friend than a dead poor Daoist. How about Snow-brother and I run first? Go out to eat together?”

Zhang Duixue hesitated. “This is A-Fu’s good intentions. How can we disappoint him?”

Yue Qianxun’s face was expressionless. “Then you eat more later.”

“Ah! My stomach suddenly hurts. Quick, come with me to see a doctor.” Zhang Duixue sprawled on the table, weak and listless.

“How could this happen? Let’s go, let’s go now.” Yue Qianxun quickly jumped up. But just as he supported Zhang Duixue’s arm, the main gate banged. Looking up, they saw He Tinglong and Fu Fengyan carrying someone in together.

Xiangli Lingze was disheveled, face pale, waving at the other two in the courtyard. “Good evening!”

His gaze searched back and forth in the small courtyard, finally landing on that table of blooming flowers. He praised, “Wow, so elegant! You’re even raising bowl lotuses. Are you admiring flowers by lamplight?”

He staggered to sit at the table’s edge. After observing twice, he heard Fu Fengyan say faintly, “This is food.”

“Aiya, my timing is unfortunate.” Xiangli Lingze rubbed his hands. “You don’t mind if I mooch a meal, right?”

Yue Qianxun rapidly stood, ran to the kitchen to fetch bowls and chopsticks, enthusiastically hosting. “Don’t mind, don’t mind! It’s not like we haven’t gathered before. Your timing is just right!”

“Come, come, eat first!”

He Tinglong’s gaze settled on the table’s plating, then looked toward Fu Fengyan whose face was written all over with “praise me,” and to the side Yue Qianxun and Zhang Duixue who couldn’t avoid it fast enough. He was pushed to sit down, staring at the white rice in his bowl for a long while. He raised his chopsticks, hesitantly picked up a radish slice and put it in his mouth, chewed, then expressionlessly nodded. “Everyone eat.”

So everyone picked up their bowls and chopsticks.

Xiangli Lingze was exhausted from the day, eyes dim. Sitting here now, looking at his little companions, he just felt extremely warm. He wasn’t polite either, rolling up his sleeves, guileless as he ladled himself a big spoonful of soup, not forgetting to praise. “This is actually edible? You all live quite well. So refined!”

A mouthful of soup all sprayed on the table. Xiangli Lingze sprawled at the table’s edge. As his taste buds revived, in an instant he recalled sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty—all the varieties of the human world ultimately condensed in this one bowl of radish egg drop soup.

He raised his head. Thinking of this miserable day, two lines of tears fell. Under everyone’s horrified gazes, he coughed several times, covered his throat, and crashed to the ground with a bang, losing consciousness.

Yue Qianxun cried out loudly, “It’s over, we’ve poisoned someone to death!”

The others quickly rushed over for emergency rescue. Fu Fengyan sat at the table’s edge, gripping his chopsticks. He looked at the little flowers in his bowl, then at He Tinglong beside him who had dropped his bowl and chopsticks to save someone. Feeling slightly dejected, quite hurt.