PDLP Chapter 159 Interactions and Marriages
Chapter 159 Interactions and Marriages
Li Jun returned to his room and lay down on the bed.
There was still no sound from the main house next door.
He stared with his eyes open at the rafters on the roof.
Moonlight streamed through the cracks in the window, drawing thin white lines on the ground.
He didn't know how much time had passed before he drifted off to sleep.
My dream was a jumbled mess.
One moment it's the Kunlun Mountains, the next it's the back of my master sitting at the door, and then it's that golden sword light that stretches across the sky.
Finally, the image freezes on the ice cave.
In front of that simple stone mound grave, there was a wooden plank stuck in the ground.
The words on the wooden board were covered by frost and could not be seen.
But Li Jun knew what was written on it.
He stood there, wanting to move forward.
But no matter what I did, I couldn't take a step.
Just then, a voice rang out.
"Let's go back."
The voice was old and weary, as if it came from a very, very far place.
"Take good care of Shouqing for me."
Li Jun suddenly opened his eyes.
It was already broad daylight.
He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, his heart pounding a little fast.
That dream...
That's so true.
It felt so real, it didn't seem like a dream.
Li Jun sat up and lay on the bed in a daze for a while.
Then he got dressed, pushed open the door, and went out.
The morning air was chilly, carrying the scent of grass, trees, and earth.
Hearing the noise, the arowana in the tank poked its head out from the edge of the tank and nodded at him.
Li Junchong smiled and walked to the well to draw water to wash his face.
The cool well water splashed on my face, and I was completely awake.
After washing his face, he went to the kitchen.
But halfway there, they suddenly heard a whooshing sound coming from the direction of the backyard.
That was the force of a punch.
Following the sound, Li Jun went around the main house and walked to the backyard.
The backyard is small, just an open space with a few old locust trees.
At this moment, the old Taoist priest was practicing his boxing in the center of the open space.
He was wearing an old, faded Taoist robe with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his lean forearms.
Throw a punch.
Pull your fist back.
Kick your leg.
Turn around.
The movements were not fast, but each move was very steady.
The force of the punches whistled, causing the surrounding withered grass to sway slightly.
Li Jun stood by the courtyard wall without making a sound.
He just watched.
Watching his master punch the ground, one punch at a time.
Sunlight filtered through the locust tree branches, falling on the master, on his gray hair, and on his slightly hunched yet still straight back.
Li Jun suddenly remembered his childhood.
Back then, my master did the same thing every morning, practicing boxing in the backyard.
He squatted down and watched, and then fell asleep.
When he woke up, his master had already put down his fist and was squatting beside him, looking at him with a smile.
"Awake? Let's go eat."
That was a long time ago.
At this moment, the old Taoist priest slowly exhaled and stood still, having finished his practice.
Then he turned around and saw Li Jun standing by the courtyard wall, looking at him.
The old Taoist priest was taken aback.
Then he smiled.
"You brat."
He spoke, his voice a little hoarse, but with a hint of a smile in his tone.
"The sun's practically high in the sky before you get up?"
"Hurry up and cook!"
"Do you want to starve this old man to death?"
Li Jun looked at him.
Looking at the familiar smile on my master's face.
Looking into my master's eyes... that long-unseen gleam.
Li Jun smiled too.
"Master, I'll go do it right away."
"What would you like to eat?"
The old Taoist priest walked over and dusted himself off.
"Just make something simple, something light will do."
"I'm getting old, I can't eat anything too greasy."
The master and apprentice walked one after the other towards the back gate.
After walking a few steps, the old Taoist priest suddenly stopped.
He turned around and looked at the old locust trees in the backyard.
Sunlight filters through the branches and leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
The old Taoist priest looked at it for a few seconds.
Then he looked away and continued walking forward.
Li Jun followed behind him without saying a word.
……
In the kitchen.
Li Jun tied on her apron and started working.
The old Taoist priest sat on a small stool by the stove, watching his apprentice bustling about.
The flames in the stove flickered, casting an orange glow on his face.
"Master," Li Jun asked while cooking, "which hotel are Daoist Jingchen and the others staying at?"
"The Dongfeng Hotel in the county town," the old Taoist priest said. "The one at the crossroads, the three-story one."
Li Jun nodded.
"I'll go see them this morning, and we'll treat them to lunch."
The old Taoist priest waved his hand.
"I won't go."
"The temple cannot be without people."
"Your advisor just got back; we can't leave him home alone."
Li Jun paused in his movements.
He didn't turn around.
He simply hummed in response.
The kitchen was quiet for a while.
The only sounds were the cleaver hitting the cutting board and the soft crackling of firewood in the stove.
"Master."
At this moment, without turning his head, Li Jun said, "How about I buy some vegetables and cook them at the temple?"
"Please invite the five gentlemen up the mountain for a meal."
"It'll be more lively."
The old Taoist priest was taken aback.
He watched Li Jun's retreating figure.
I glanced at it for a few seconds.
Then he shook his head.
"That's too much trouble."
"You and Xiao Hao should take the five gentlemen to the county town for a good meal."
"They've come all this way and been working so hard for us these past few days, we really need to thank them properly."
"Doing it in a temple doesn't seem grand enough."
Li Jun remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he nodded.
"Okay, whatever you say."
after awhile.
"Master, dinner is ready."
The master and apprentice carried the food to the small house next door.
That's where they usually eat.
A small square table and two stools.
On the table were two bowls of porridge, a dish of pickled vegetables, a plate of green vegetables, and two boiled eggs.
The master and apprentice sat facing each other, eating quietly.
The chirping of tits came from outside the window.
Sunlight streamed through the window and fell onto the table.
It's very warm.
After finishing the meal.
Li Jun cleared away the dishes and went to the well to wash them.
The old Taoist priest moved a chair and sat in the courtyard to bask in the sun.
The sunlight fell on him, warm and comforting.
He squinted and leaned back in his chair.
I wonder what he's thinking.
After washing the dishes, Li Jun returned to his room.
He first took the clothes out of his backpack, folded them, and put them in the closet.
Then, he took out two swords.
A weapon to ward off evil.
A broken sword.
He placed the two swords side by side on the table.
The Demon-Suppressing Sword lay quietly, its blade gleaming with a faint, eerie light.
The broken sword remained gray and dull, like a piece of scrap metal.
But Li Jun could see that those tiny specks of light were still slowly emerging from the broken sword.
One by one, they drifted toward the Demon-Suppressing Sword.
The moment it touched the blade, it melted into it.
Li Jun watched this scene and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
They can really eat.
He suddenly remembered something.
He turned and walked to the bedside, bent down and dragged a small wooden box out from under the bed.
Open the wooden box, and inside lies a fish-shaped talisman about the size of a palm.
Li Jun took out the fish-shaped tally and weighed it in his hand.
It feels warm and heavy to the touch.
He thought about it.
The Demon-Suppressing Sword can absorb the contents of a broken sword.
Fish-shaped talismans should also work, right?
After all, the fish-shaped talisman houses the souls of over eight hundred heroes.
Those heroic souls also need to "eat," right?
Li Jun touched the fish-shaped talisman and said softly:
"Thank you for watching over the house these past few days."
Then, he infused a wisp of power into the fish-shaped talisman.
The fish-shaped talisman trembled slightly, and a faint golden light appeared on its surface.
Li Jun placed it next to the broken sword.
hum!
The number of light spots emanating from the broken sword suddenly increased!
What was originally just a thin wisp of light now seemed to be like a tap being turned on, with those specks of light gushing out from the broken sword and rushing toward the fish talisman!
The fish-shaped talisman lay there quietly, welcoming all who came.
The moment those points of light touched the fish-shaped talisman, they were sucked in.
The absorption speed is much faster than that of the Evil-Suppressing Sword!
Li Jun was stunned for a moment.
Before he could react...
hum! ! !
A sharp sword cry rang out!
The Demon-Suppressing Sword trembled violently, and the patterns on its blade suddenly lit up!
It floated up, the tip of the sword aimed at the fish-shaped symbol, the blade trembling incessantly.
That clearly means:
"Master! It stole my things!"
Li Jun watched this scene, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
He reached out and patted the Demon-Suppressing Sword.
"Alright, alright, you've been eating this for two days already, let's be a little more considerate."
The Demon-Suppressing Sword trembled even more violently.
The sword's cry grew even sharper, as if in protest.
Li Jun was helpless.
He reached out and grasped the Demon-Suppressing Sword, channeling a surge of power into it.
"obedient."
The tremors of the Demon-Suppressing Sword gradually subsided.
The sound of the sword's cry also diminished.
But it remained suspended there, the sword blade pointing at the fish talisman, motionless.
Li Jun could sense that it was very unhappy.
I'm very unhappy.
Like a dog guarding its food, watching helplessly as another dog takes away its meaty bone.
Li Jun patted it again.
"Alright, stop fooling around."
"You keep eating yours, and it keeps eating itss."
"It's not like there aren't enough to go around."
The Demon-Suppressing Sword finally calmed down.
However, the patterns on the sword surface lit up slightly, accelerating the absorption of light points.
Clearly, they were unwilling to accept it.
Li Jun watched this scene and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
These two treasures are quite interesting.
He stayed until after 10 p.m., making sure they were all behaving themselves, before turning around and leaving the room.
yard.
The old Taoist priest was still sitting in his chair, basking in the sun.
Li Jun walked over.
"Master, I'm going down the mountain."
The old Taoist priest opened his eyes and looked at him.
"Drive carefully."
"Um."
Li Jun responded and walked towards the courtyard gate.
He suddenly stopped at the door.
I glanced back.
Master was still sitting there, sunlight falling on him.
He's looking this way.
Li Jun suddenly remembered something.
"Master."
The old Taoist priest looked at him.
"What's wrong?"
Li Jun opened his mouth, as if to say something.
But in the end, he just smiled.
I'll be back this afternoon.
The old Taoist priest nodded.
"it is good."
Li Jun turned around and walked out of the courtyard.
We walked down the mountain path.
The sound of footsteps, one after another, was particularly clear on the mountain path.
……
at the foot of the mountain.
Jin Hao was already waiting by the car.
He was leaning against the car door, looking down at his phone.
He looked up when he heard footsteps.
"Taoist priest!"
He waved and put his phone away.
The two got into the car and set off for the county town.
On both sides of the road are withered yellow fields and sparse trees, and rolling hills can be seen in the distance.
Jin Hao gripped the steering wheel, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.
After driving for a while, he suddenly spoke.
"Brother Taoist, there's something I need to tell you."
Li Jun looked at him.
"explain."
"Zhang Tianshi of Longhu Mountain and the head of Maoshan Sect will come to pay their respects tomorrow."
Li Jun was stunned for a moment.
He thought of Master Qingwei.
I recall the young man in my dream, who looked flustered but held his head high and declared, "I am going to Kunlun for the sake of the country, even if it means my death."
That young man is now an old Taoist priest with white hair and beard.
Li Jun nodded.
"Um."
He didn't say much.
Seeing his reaction, Jin Hao didn't ask any more questions.
The car continued driving forward.
……
at the same time.
South City, Night Watch Division.
In the reception room.
Liu Zhenguo looked at the three people in front of him with a helpless expression.
Zhang Yunpu, the Celestial Master of Longhu Mountain.
The head of the Qingwei Sect of Maoshan.
And Mingxin, the young Taoist priest and disciple of Master Qingwei.
Liu Zhenguo had originally prepared to receive them first thing tomorrow morning.
Yesterday, President Qin personally gave the order, and he started making arrangements early this morning.
Accommodation, vehicles, and accompanying personnel—everything was arranged perfectly.
I'm just waiting to pick them up at the station tomorrow morning.
The result was unexpected.
These two leading figures in Taoism today launched a surprise attack on him.
At this moment, Liu Zhenguo carefully considered his words before speaking:
"Seniors, please stay in Nancheng tonight. We can go up the mountain tomorrow morning."
The Qingwei Sect Leader waved his hand.
"Mr. Liu, you don't need to overthink it."
"We came early because we don't want tomorrow to be too rushed."
He paused, his tone tinged with emotion.
"It would be extremely impolite to rush off to pay respects to Senior Xuanzhen tomorrow."
Zhang Yunpu nodded.
That's exactly what I meant.
Upon hearing this, Liu Zhenguo picked up the teapot and refilled the tea for the two of them.
"Then you two can stay in Nancheng tonight, and we'll head to Lu County together tomorrow morning."
"I've already arranged accommodation."
Zhang Yunpu and the Qingwei Sect Leader exchanged a glance and nodded.
"Thank you for your help, Manager Liu."
Liu Zhenguo replied, "I wouldn't dare, it's my duty."
The three of them drank tea and chatted idly.
Zhang Yunpu suddenly spoke.
"Manager Liu, I heard that a few days ago, Master Li unleashed a sword strike in Kunlun?"
Liu Zhenguo paused slightly in the hand holding the teacup.
He raised his head and looked at Zhang Yunpu.
Zhang Yunpu's face didn't show any particular expression; he just looked at him calmly.
Liu Zhenguo remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he nodded.
"That is indeed true."
Zhang Yunpu and the Qingwei Sect Leader exchanged a glance.
Their eyes were filled with deep shock.
Although they had heard about this from various sources.
But hearing it confirmed by Liu Zhenguo himself still feels different.
Zhang Yunpu spoke slowly.
"Although I did not witness Master Li's sword strike in person, I can sense its immense power even from the rumors alone."
"A single sword strike cleaved nearly four thousand miles, instantly killing a god-level expert and shattering a divine artifact..."
He paused, his tone full of emotion.
"Such methods are beyond human capability."
The Qingwei Sect Leader nodded.
"I once thought that since I had entered the Void Refinement stage, although I dare not say that I am invincible, I have at least some confidence."
"Can you see Master Li's sword strike...?"
He gave a wry smile.
"Only then did I realize what it means to be a frog in a well."
Listening to their reflections, Liu Zhenguo was also filled with emotion.
He recalled the moment he saw that sword aura with his own eyes.
The shock, the fear, the awe...
It's simply indescribable.
The three remained silent for a while.
Suddenly, Sect Leader Qingwei spoke.
"By the way, Manager Liu, what's the situation in Miao territory...?"
"I've heard that Chief Lan has been making some big moves lately."
Upon hearing this, Liu Zhenguo gave a wry smile.
"Things are indeed not peaceful on Chief Lan's side..."
"However, at present, she has suppressed the opposition from various villages and hamlets."
Zhang Yunpu was somewhat curious.
"Oh? What exactly did Chief Lan do to almost incur public wrath?"
Liu Zhenguo glanced at Zhang Yunpu.
After a few seconds of silence, he slowly began to speak.
"She's getting her daughter married off."
Zhang Yunpu was stunned for a moment.
Even the Qingwei Sect Leader was taken aback for a moment.
Immediately, a look of realization appeared in both of their eyes.
They were familiar with the situation in Miao territory.
Lan Cailing's daughter, Lan Nianzhen, is the current Holy Maiden of the Witchcraft lineage and is destined to succeed as the Chief of the Cave and carry the banner of the Witchcraft lineage.
Since ancient times, the holy maidens of the witchcraft lineage have only taken in sons-in-law and never married out of the family.
This is a rule that has been passed down for countless years.
For a tradition to be passed down, these rules that involve the future are the hardest to change.
Moreover, this is especially true for a closed and conservative force like the witchcraft lineage.
Lan Cailing wants to break this rule and have her daughter marry out of the country...
This is taking the entire lineage of witchcraft as a dowry!
No wonder it caused such a big commotion.
"Chief Lan..." Zhang Yunpu said slowly, "She truly deserves to be called a heroine among women, with extraordinary courage."
"Such skill is beyond my ability."
The Qingwei Sect Leader nodded and sighed:
"That's right, Chief Lan's ability to suppress dissenting voices and make all the villages obey... his methods are simply astonishing."
"That young friend Yin Jian is also a blessed person to have a friend like Master Li."
Master Zhang nodded.
"really."
"Master Li may seem aloof, but he is actually very loyal and righteous."
"To be valued by him is a blessing earned over many lifetimes."
Liu Zhenguo silently drank his tea without saying a word.
He knew that this topic was not suitable for further discussion.
……
the other side.
Lu County, the county seat.
Li Jun and Jin Hao stood at the entrance of a hotel.
The hotel is small, a three-story building, and the entrance is kept clean and tidy.
Li Jun glanced at the doorplate and nodded.
"This is it."
The two walked inside.
As soon as I entered the hall, I saw Shi Yong coming down the stairs.
He was dressed casually, looking very energetic. When he saw Li Jun and Jin Hao, he was stunned for a moment, and then quickly walked over to them.
"Master Li! What brings you here!"
Shi Yong's voice was loud, filled with obvious surprise.
Li Jun smiled.
"Mr. Shi, thank you for your hard work these past few days."
"I came here today specifically to see you all."
Shi Yong waved his hand repeatedly.
"Not at all! It's my honor to serve you, Master!"
As he spoke, he turned and called upstairs.
"Old Luo! Come down quickly! Master Li is here!"
A noise came from upstairs.
Soon, Luo Yunshan, Lin Xiugu, Zhou Zheng, and Daoist Jingchen all came out of the room and hurried downstairs.
"Master Li!"
"The Taoist priest has arrived!"
"Come in and sit down!"
Everyone was incredibly enthusiastic.
Li Jun was somewhat helpless in the face of this situation.
He smiled and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to the crowd.
"Gentlemen, you've had a hard time these past few days."
"I'd like to treat everyone to a simple lunch today as a small token of my gratitude."
Master Jingchen quickly replied, "You're too kind, Master. We only offered our meager assistance and are unworthy of such praise."
Luo Yunshan also said, "Yes, Daoist Master, you are too kind."
Li Jun waved his hand.
"Gentlemen, you have come from afar and have been busy with all this these past few days. I feel very sorry for you."
"It's just a simple meal, nothing special."
"If you gentlemen do not mind, please do me the honor."
Having said that, no one could refuse any longer.
Master Jingchen nodded in agreement.
"Then... I will trouble you."
The others nodded in agreement.
Li Jun smiled.
"Shall we head over now?"
"Jin Hao has already made a reservation at the restaurant."
Jin Hao nodded hurriedly beside him.
"Yes, yes, let's go now!"
The group left the hotel.
Jin Hao led the way toward the center of the county town.
Along the way, Shi Yong and the others followed behind Li Jun respectfully, with genuine smiles on their faces.
Being able to do something for Master Li is already an incredible stroke of luck.
I can still dine at the same table as Master Li now...
This is something I can brag about for the rest of my life.
.