Chapter 14 Wind Sweeping Across the Jade River

On the Yu Lin River, a lone figure stood, one finger pointing to the sky, commanding a violent wind to rise, churning the river into a frenzy of waves.

*Whoosh whoosh whoosh*—

The surging waves crashed against the bank, scattering like shattered jade and scattered pearls, drenching the surrounding onlookers.

The earth-shattering commotion frightened pedestrians on the street, who scattered and hid far away. Guests in the pleasure boats on the river scrambled ashore, using both hands and feet in their panic. Some even knelt on the spot, crying out that the gods had manifested.

This scene was as if the Dragon King, who controlled the clouds and rain, had descended to the mortal world!

Inside the Emerald Pavilion's third-floor room, transformed into an open-air enclosure, the assembled dignitaries were utterly shocked, their minds reeling.

They realized they had been completely wrong. They had always thought this was a charlatan, that the tales of walking on the river and controlling the wind were largely fabricated. But now they knew that this was not some cheap trick but genuine celestial power!

"An immortal! This person is truly an immortal! He can even summon wind and rain!"

Zhao Xing'an cried out in disbelief, his composure, cultivated over years of officialdom, utterly shattered.

This was not the first time Ye Shunzhong had seen Zhou Jing use his powers, but previous displays had been subtle. This was the first time he had witnessed such a dramatic scene. While secretly pleased, he also felt a surge of awe.

'Indeed, these young masters of prominent families have been questioning him repeatedly, likely displeasing the Daoist Master. The Daoist Master deliberately did this to let these people know that celestial powers can be understated, or they can cause heaven and earth to change color, using this as a deterrent…'

Ye Shunzhong's heart trembled.

Seeing the officials and nobles in the room looking horrified and the commotion on the street growing more chaotic, he quickly stood up, went to the broken hole in the room, and shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Daoist Ling Fengzi, everyone is convinced! Quickly withdraw your powers!"

Zhou Jing glanced back at the scene inside the room upstairs. Suddenly, he flipped his palm, and the howling wind abruptly turned into a gentle breeze. The turbulent river gradually calmed.

In the next moment, his sleeves fluttered, and he rose into the air, soaring effortlessly on the wind, gracefully flying back to the open-air room on the third floor of the Emerald Pavilion.

His feet touched the ground again, Zhou Jing stood with his hands behind his back, exuding the demeanor of an otherworldly expert. Not a single part of his feather robe and Daoist headdress was wet. He spoke calmly:

"These are just minor divine abilities, nothing worth mentioning. Lord Zhao has seen it now, do not forget the matter you promised to this humble Daoist."

Zhao Xing'an was jolted, jumping up as if his backside was on fire. He hurriedly stepped forward to salute and apologize:

"Immortal, please don't misunderstand! This official was merely overcome with curiosity and wanted to witness your abilities. Now that I have seen it, you are truly a divine being of this era, opening my eyes! This official will do his best to fulfill the matter you requested."

His address had directly changed from "Daoist Master" to "Immortal."

The nobles present came back to their senses and could no longer sit still. They changed their previous attitudes, eagerly stepping forward to chat and make conversation, offering apologies and flattery, even resorting to bootlicking.

Realizing that this person was truly an extraordinary expert, they felt awe and anxiety, fearing that Zhou Jing was displeased with their earlier doubts. They only wanted to make amends as soon as possible.

They also felt helpless. Having not witnessed his divine powers firsthand, they were naturally skeptical and dared not take it seriously.

The nobles present usually thought highly of themselves, believing their knowledge was superior to the ignorant common people. Holding such a superior mindset, they naturally did not care much for the exaggerated rumors that the common people believed to be true, thinking that they could not be fooled and never easily believed anything.

Liu Ping's face was ashen, and he was frightened. He also stepped forward to apologize, nervously saying, "Immortal, please don't be offended. This one's eyes failed to recognize Mount Tai. I hope you will forgive my rudeness just now…"

"You need not,"

Zhou Jing interrupted him, his tone indifferent.

He deliberately displayed a cold attitude, as if he was too lazy to speak to this person.

This attitude, which neither blamed him nor offered polite words, made Liu Ping even more uneasy, knowing that his previous impolite words had already offended the expert.

He wanted to continue apologizing, but Zhou Jing did not give him a chance, causing him to be repeatedly rebuffed.

Liu Ping was anxious, feeling that the relationship had become strained and not knowing how to salvage it. He was so anxious that he wished he could kowtow to Zhou Jing on the spot.

His own affairs were trivial, but if he implicated his family, causing the expert to develop a prejudice against the Liu family, it would be a great loss.

Because the room had a hole, the stunned pedestrians on the street were pointing and whispering, creating a commotion.

Zhao Xing'an asked the manager to change to a private room to isolate them from the gaze of the common people.

As for the room that Zhou Jing had turned into an open-air space, Ye Shunzhong originally wanted to bear the cost of repairs.

Unexpectedly, the manager refused, excitedly stating that it was the Emerald Pavilion's honor for an expert to display his divine powers there. He even wanted to preserve the original state for people to admire, showing a knack for business.

After everyone took their seats in the new room, they eagerly chatted with Zhou Jing, further introducing the families behind them and expressing their desire to visit in the future. They all wanted to represent their families in forming a connection with such an expert.

Zhao Xing'an even stated on the spot that he would handle the "seeking out heavenly secrets" matter that Zhou Jing had requested.

They were so enthusiastic, not only because they were shocked by Zhou Jing's divine powers—the confirmation of his powers made everyone believe that he was truly capable. Therefore, Zhou Jing's earlier talk of alchemy was even more believable. These officials and nobles had their own thoughts and wanted to seek longevity pills.

Zhou Jing did not immediately agree, but he did not refuse either, simply saying that the matter would be discussed later, and then moved on to another topic.

His arrogant and casual demeanor made the nobles present feel that it was appropriate for an expert to behave this way, and they became even more enthusiastic.

These officials, nobles, and scions of prominent families could put on airs in front of those who were inferior to them, and they could also be obsequious in front of those they needed to curry favor with. They were always prepared with two faces, switching between them effortlessly, which were family traditions, much more capable than ordinary people.

The banquet was lively, and everyone respectfully bid farewell to Zhou Jing, then dispersed and hurried home to report what they had seen that day.

Zhou Jing also boarded a soft sedan chair and returned home with Ye Shunzhong, thinking to himself:

"After tonight, my reputation can be considered truly established and spread among the upper classes of Ning Tian Prefecture. With these officials and nobles vouching for me, I have truly entered the court's line of sight…"

…

The next day, the news of Zhou Jing displaying his divine powers on the Yu Lin River last night swept through the city like a hurricane.

This was the second time Zhou Jing had revealed his supernatural abilities in front of the city's residents since arriving by stepping on the river—the two events, "Stepping on the River into Ning Tian" and "Wind Sweeping Across the Jade River," spread like wildfire in the city and became the most heated topics on the streets and alleys, discussed with great enthusiasm.

Zhou Jing had only been in the city for a few days, but he frequently created commotion, making the common people, who had not been bombarded with information in this era, as excited as if it were the New Year. When talking to others, they gesticulated wildly, as if everyone was a witness.

Soon, Prefect Zhao Xing'an fulfilled his promise and came forward to promote the "seeking out heavenly secrets" matter.

With the government's endorsement, the people of Ning Tian Prefecture finally believed that this was not a joke and took it seriously.

Immediately, there was a huge response. Many people, either out of curiosity, wanting the Ye family's reward, or simply wanting to join in the fun, went to the Ye family every day, seriously claiming that they had discovered "strange things."

These people were mostly spouting nonsense and were politely asked to leave by the Ye family, but they all said that they would come again next time, turning this into a recreational activity that they enjoyed—it was rare for so many people to gather together. Every time they lined up, they chatted with others, and everyone felt that their knowledge had greatly increased. Everyone here was talented, their words were pleasing, and many people didn't even want to go home.

On the other side, the various prominent families in Ning Tian Prefecture also took action. Every day, people submitted name cards, seeking to meet Zhou Jing, and every visit was accompanied by gifts, intending to form a connection.

For a time, Zhou Jing became the most prominent figure in Ning Tian Prefecture, famous and well-known to the local people and traveling merchants.

Every day, there was an endless stream of visitors, almost breaking down the Ye family's threshold.

Ning Tian Prefecture was full of noble families, and although the Ye family was wealthy, they had never possessed such a prominent position, making the Ye family overjoyed, feeling that their faces were shining.

As his reputation spread wider and wider, the name of "Immortal Controlling the Wind" was completely established in Ning Tian Prefecture. From the nobles to the ruffians, everyone knew that a contemporary expert lived in the Ye family of Ning Tian.

…

"Damn it, that Ling Fengzi beat me to it!"

In a courtyard deep in the bamboo forest, the female Daoist was frustrated and angry.

She had originally wanted to observe Zhou Jing's Daoist skills, but she didn't expect this person to act so quickly, immediately establishing his reputation, setting up a signboard in Ning Tian Prefecture, and being treated as an honored guest by many nobles.

That detestable colleague! How skilled!

In this way, if she wanted to become famous, she could not avoid this person and would inevitably be compared to him.

The female Daoist felt resentful in her heart.

"However, this person subdued the nobles overnight, and countless people witnessed it. The event of 'Wind Sweeping Across the Jade River' is probably true… Is that Ling Fengzi using the legendary art of summoning wind and rain? Has someone actually mastered such a divine art?"

The female Daoist's expression became solemn, quite apprehensive about Zhou Jing's Daoist skills.

If she were to compete with this person in a duel, she might not be able to gain the upper hand. No one knew what other methods this Ling Fengzi had not yet revealed…

The female Daoist was considering retreating, but she was unwilling to easily give up Ning Tian Prefecture, this southern auxiliary capital.

It was no secret that the Emperor would occasionally come to Ning Tian Prefecture to reside.

If she could make a name for herself here, and if she was lucky enough to be summoned by the Emperor, with her beauty and charm, she would have the opportunity to gain the Emperor's favor, cling to imperial power, and then boundless power would be within reach!

In her opinion, apart from the step of sleeping with the Emperor, Ling Fengzi was definitely planning the same thing as her.

"My beauty and charm are my weapons. Ling Fengzi may have profound Daoist skills, but as long as he doesn't come to make trouble, I still have the opportunity to gain the Emperor's appreciation… But how could a fellow practitioner like him sit idly by and watch me become famous? A mountain cannot have two tigers. If I emerge, he would probably eliminate me, a potential opponent."

The female Daoist's face was uncertain, frowning and pondering.

At this moment, she suddenly had a flash of inspiration and came up with a plan.

"I was really thinking wrong. Why should I fight with this Daoist? Since he is a fellow practitioner, why don't I join forces with him? He has divine powers, that's true, but can he sleep with the Emperor? He deceives the Emperor from the outside, and I blow pillow talk from the inside, a two-pronged approach. This old Emperor would be completely under our control, and in the future, we can get whatever we want. It would benefit both of us. Wouldn't that be a win-win situation?"

The female Daoist's eyes flickered, and a sly idea emerged.

A mountain cannot have two tigers… unless one is male and the other is female!

As long as she could gain Ling Fengzi's trust, this matter could be accomplished.

As for how to do it… it would be best to meet him first and then decide.

At worst, she could return to her old profession, such as becoming a Daoist couple, or worshiping Ling Fengzi as her master, letting him have a taste of her fragrance, and serving this person with her proficient charm and ever-changing dual cultivation and replenishment techniques.

With the status of master and disciple or Daoist couple, there would be a bond of trust, and Ling Fengzi could also recommend her to the Emperor, gaining the Emperor's appreciation.

The Emperor had many concubines, but he definitely had not favored the "Daoist couple" or "disciple" of an enlightened expert. Just a change in identity could ignite the Emperor's desires, allowing her to stand out and make the Emperor linger.

Moreover… if she gained the Emperor's favor, she could secretly rendezvous with Ling Fengzi, depending on the situation. Having the identity of the Emperor's woman would be even more exciting, wouldn't it?

In terms of charm, she was a professional!

—And by the way, she would have the opportunity to learn Ling Fengzi's spells, which were truly tempting.

The female Daoist thought it was more and more feasible, gritted her teeth, and decided to do it!

If Ling Fengzi did not agree to cooperate, then she would make a decision. She felt that she still had some self-preservation skills.

…

On the other side, in an ordinary inn in Ning Tian Prefecture.

The old Daoist and the boy settled down here, inquiring about the situation on the streets every day, waiting for an opportunity. They also learned about the "Wind Sweeping Across the Jade River" event that was rumored on the streets. This time, more people witnessed it firsthand, and even if he doubted it, he had to believe most of it.

"I didn't expect that Ling Fengzi really has Daoist skills… Is there really a spell to summon wind and rain in the world? Did the ancestor not just spout nonsense?"

The old Daoist stroked his beard and muttered softly.

The boy was smug: "I told you it was true, but you didn't believe me, Master."

The old Daoist rolled his eyes and said to himself:

"In this way, the situation in Ning Tian Prefecture has changed… That demonic Daoist is hiding in the dark, protected by powerful people, and I can't do anything to him, but this Ling Fengzi may have a way."

The boy was shocked: "Master, are we going to find this Ling Fengzi?"

The old Daoist hesitated, and whispered:

"Your teacher hasn't decided yet. This Ling Fengzi doesn't know what kind of person he is. Looking at the way he's making friends with powerful people, he doesn't seem like a righteous Daoist. If he also has the intention of causing chaos with spells, then we are not on the same path. If we rashly go to his door, it may be like throwing ourselves into a trap."

"Yes, yes, that's what I think too." The boy nodded quickly.

The old Daoist glanced at him and immediately changed his mind: "Since even your dull head thinks so, then it seems that we should meet this Ling Fengzi."

"… Ah?"

The boy's face twitched, feeling his master's deep malice.

The old Daoist stroked his beard and pondered: "No matter what, this Ling Fengzi has not caused any trouble yet. Even if he has the intention of clinging to powerful people, if he learns that another demonic Daoist is hiding in the city, he will definitely be interested and will not sit idly by and watch his opponent hide in the dark. And we are not his fellow practitioners, as long as we don't go to him to make trouble, he probably doesn't want to provoke us… So this meeting can happen."

"Master's words make sense… But we still don't know what kind of person Ling Fengzi is. These are all conjectures. This trip is still dangerous."

The boy scratched his head and muttered.

The old Daoist snorted: "When the master has something to do, the disciple serves. If that Ling Fengzi really makes things difficult, I will leave you there to cover our retreat and help me run away as fast as possible."

"… Master, is it too late for me to break off relations with you now?"

7017k