No matter how magnificent and grand the exquisite villas on the hills looked from the ground, gazing down upon them from Tiantong Island made them all seem tiny and charming.
This feeling of looking down upon all living beings was truly intoxicating.
Tiantong Island was also filled with numerous shops, teahouses, opera houses, and establishments whose wares were a mystery to outsiders—all standalone estates tucked behind lush greenery and verdant walls. From their gates to their signboards, every single one went to great lengths to exude "elegance."
Yet to He Lingchuan's eyes, they really only exuded a single word:
Expensive!
Inconceivably expensive.
A half-hour walk through the spring-clad floating isle brought them to the Ke Residence.
He Lingchuan was somewhat surprised. The estates on Tiantong Island were not large at all; compared to the manors in the lower city that easily spanned half a hilltop, these might be only a tenth of that size.
Even the Ke Residence covered just thirteen mu—less than nine thousand square meters.
An island was an island, after all. Land was limited, and no one could squander it as freely as they did in the lower city. Over six hundred years, Lingxu City had fostered an abundance of nobles and elites. You wanted to live in the sky, and so did I, so everyone had to squeeze together as neighbors. If one wanted an estate that stretched beyond sight, the only option was the lower city.
The facade of the Ke Residence was grand and imposing; even a first-time visitor could never mistake it.
If nothing else, right outside the black gates of golden sandalwood stood two exquisite statues of purple-gold horses, taller than real steeds and exuding immense grandeur.
Though entirely devoid of ornamentation, these two statues were arguably the most prestigious treasures on Tiantong Island.
For before the reconstruction of Mount Xu Heavenly Palace, they had stood outside the main gates of Zhaixing Tower!
The purple-gold horses bestowed by the celestial gods were a supreme honor exclusive to the Ke clan.
With the arrival of the Crown Prince of Chiyan, the gatekeeper swiftly dashed inside to report.
Before long, Ke Yanjing, the Fifth Young Master of the Ke family who had shown his face at Pianxiang Villa a few days earlier, came out to greet them.
Fu Shanyue wore a genial smile, but inwardly felt puzzled.
His return visit today had been scheduled in advance, and the Ke Residence had even sent an acknowledgment. According to protocol and etiquette, when the Crown Prince of Chiyan paid a visit, the head of the Ke family, Ke Shouyi, should have come out personally to welcome him.
Why had Fifth Ke come instead?
Fortunately, Fifth Ke was well versed in worldly courtesies. Upon meeting, he cupped his hands and said, "An unexpected guest arrived, and my father is currently attending to them. Please don't take offense, Brother Fu Shan! How about we head to the Plum Garden for some tea first?"
"Lead the way." What kind of distinguished guest could drop by unannounced and warrant Ke Shouyi's personal reception?
In the great manor of the Ke clan, the main buildings occupied only a quarter of the grounds; the rest consisted of gardens, beast enclosures, and spring pools.
Red blossoms and green foliage could be found everywhere on Tiantong Island; how could the Ke Residence fill its gardens with common fare?
Only uniquely crafted bonsai or spiritual trees centuries old earned a place here. Every planter was exceptionally refined, adorned routinely with pearls, agate, gold, and jade.
Seeing these potted plants, He Lingchuan finally understood where the "Floral Stone Mountain Pavilion" gifted to him by Fifth Ke had come from.
He had probably just picked one out from here on a whim.
As He Lingchuan passed a rockery, he spotted a seven-foot-tall fiery-red coral tree perched upon it. Shaped like a peacock spreading its tail feathers, even its thinnest branches were flawless.
A treasure like this was qualified to be inducted into the royal treasury back in the Yuan Kingdom, yet in the Ke Residence, it was nothing more than an outdoor decoration on a rockery.
He Lingchuan gave a silent sigh. He suddenly recalled the fishing town behind the gibbon Old Ge's house. The old man who had guided him the first time walked with a limp, reportedly because years of diving for treasures had inflicted him with decompression sickness and bone necrosis.
In the demon kingdom, even if you worked yourself into chronic illness, you still couldn't compare to a fish demon operating effortlessly underwater.
It was an utterly unfair playing field, yet what else could ordinary mortals rely on to make a living?
"The Plum Garden is just ahead," Fifth Ke smiled and said. "Our garden boasts a five-hundred-year-old plum tree sovereign that awakened as a demon when the Emperor's Flowing Dew descended a century ago. Its blossoms are exceptionally large and fragrant."
Just as the words left his mouth, two figures stepped through the moon gate—a man and a woman.
The man was unfamiliar, of average build and around fifty years of age. The woman was a beauty with an oval face; though dressed in plain garments with only a single white jade hairpin in her hair, she radiated poise and noble elegance.
Most importantly, He Lingchuan recognized that face—
National Preceptor Qingyang!
He had never imagined he would run into National Preceptor Qingyang face-to-face in this courtyard blooming with plum blossoms at the Ke Residence.
Xi Yunhe's painting skills were truly masterful; with just a few strokes, he had captured National Preceptor Qingyang's essence. Seeing her in the flesh now, He Lingchuan could identify her at a single glance.
Fu Shanyue was also caught off guard, his steps coming to a halt.
National Preceptor Qingyang had been conversing cheerfully with Ke Shouyi. Seeing Fu Shanyue walking toward them, a flicker of surprise crossed her face, but she smiled immediately. "Little Fu Shan, long time no see."
"Greetings, National Preceptor Qingyang!" Fu Shanyue, who had always projected an image of fearing nothing in heaven or earth, bowed to offer the greetings of a junior upon meeting her. "A decade has passed, yet the National Preceptor's grace remains as magnificent as ever."
So Ke Shouyi's guest had been National Preceptor Qingyang—no wonder he had to attend to her personally.
Ke Shouyi and Fu Shanyue exchanged courtesies as well. National Preceptor Qingyang's gaze swept past Fu Shanyue's side, paying no heed to Jiao Yu, but settled on He Lingchuan. "And who is this?"
"This is my special envoy, He Xiao."
National Preceptor Qingyang fixed him with a deep gaze and gave a drawn-out, "Oh... so you are He Xiao!"
The words carried deep undertones, noticeable even to Ke Shouyi.
He Lingchuan cupped his hands in salute. "Greetings, National Preceptor!"
On the surface, he had to observe full propriety.
Her voice was laced with emotion. "I heard that you met my traitorous disciple in Baishaqu?"
He Lingchuan's eyes flickered. "You mean Mai Xuewen?"
"His true name is Xi Yunhe. You should already know that, shouldn't you?"
He Lingchuan's response was watertight. "Emissary Bai touched base with the Crown Prince a few days ago and mentioned this matter as well."
"He is not an easy man to deal with," National Preceptor Qingyang sighed softly. "Even the Zhongsun family's boy was done in by him. You're quite lucky to have survived."
There was more behind her words than met the ear. He Lingchuan pretended not to catch the hidden meaning and said solemnly, "He is indeed a very troublesome, thorny fugitive!" Shouldn't I thank you for teaching him so well back then?
National Preceptor Qingyang asked Fu Shanyue, "How has the case progressed since then?"
Fu Shanyue gave an "Ah," and said, "Allow me to brief the National Preceptor. From the day Emissary Bai arrived at Baishaqu, he took over the case in its entirety. I came to Lingxu City under my royal father's orders essentially to inquire about further developments as well. At present... sigh!" He shook his head.
To put it plainly: I don't know either.
Fu Shanyue was the initial investigator, while the Azure Palace loomed as the implicit end point of the case, making this abrupt encounter somewhat awkward. Fu Shanyue's implication was clear: this matter is no longer under our jurisdiction, so don't come looking for trouble with me.
Listening on the sidelines, He Lingchuan felt secretly amused. Fu Shanyue had already mastered the routines of officialdom and bureaucratic maneuvering; his future looked promising.
National Preceptor Qingyang gave a faint smirk. "With Emissary Bai investigating, we will naturally offer our full cooperation." She turned to Ke Shouyi. "In that case, I leave that matter in your capable hands, Lord Ke. I shall take my leave now. Enjoy your conversation."
All smiles, Ke Shouyi insisted on escorting her all the way to the main entrance.
Unable to decline politely, National Preceptor Qingyang walked outward accompanied by the four of them, exchanging a few casual words along the way.
He Lingchuan observed her gentle and placid demeanor, her measured speech, and her warm, gracious bearing toward others. As for the case of the elixir of immortality that had dragged her into the center of the vortex, the primary culprit was Xi Yunhe, and the second was none other than He Lingchuan. Yet from the glances and smiles she cast his way, He Lingchuan could not detect the slightest trace of hostility; instead, she seemed as forgiving and amiable as if looking at a junior.
Such grace, such composure.
Had he not been embroiled in the elixir case, had he not had that deep conversation with Xi Yunhe, he most likely would have believed that the woman before him was worthy of deep respect and admiration.
After just these few steps, he somewhat understood how Xi Yunhe had felt all those years ago. No wonder someone as intelligent as Xi Yunhe had failed for so many years to see through the true face of his mentor.
Fu Shanyue had also mentioned that even now, many in Lingxu City fiercely criticized the investigation's progress, stubbornly refusing to believe that National Preceptor Qingyang had any link to the case of the elixir of immortality.
Even if you laid all the evidence out in front of them, they would stiffen their necks and chant: I don't believe it, I don't believe it!
Furthermore, He Lingchuan knew better than anyone what kind of adversary Bai Ziqi was. What He Lingchuan had thought was airtight still betrayed flaws before him.
Yet in Bai Ziqi's sparring with National Preceptor Qingyang, he had failed to gain the upper hand so far. For every clue he unearthed, National Preceptor Qingyang managed to seal it off behind him. The trouble simply could not be directed into the Azure Palace.
In terms of public reputation, the Azure Palace was at a disadvantage.
Yet regarding the progress of the case, it was Bai Ziqi who was caught between a rock and a hard place.
Moreover, Xi Yunhe and Fang Canran were right: how could someone like National Preceptor Qingyang only defend and never attack? Her counterattacks were mostly in the shadows; it was just that He Lingchuan was no longer investigating the case, so he could not perceive them.
Several times he wanted to sound her out regarding the celestial centipede bone flute, but held himself back.
Now was definitely not the right time; he could not afford to invite unnecessary complications.
Only after National Preceptor Qingyang boarded her carriage and departed did Ke Shouyi turn back to Fu Shanyue with a smile. "National Preceptor Qingyang dropped by without warning, so I had no choice but to attend to her. I hope Your Highness does not take offense."
"A trifling matter." Fu Shanyue brushed it aside casually, asking in passing, "What brought National Preceptor Qingyang here today?"
"We handle affairs on behalf of the Azure Palace, after all. She merely came to adjust a few requests—nothing of great consequence."
Fu Shanyue was tactful and did not press further. The web of relationships among Lingxu City's high-ranking nobility was intricately tangled, sometimes striking even him as inscrutably complex.
Playing his part, Ke Yanjing gave a light cough from the side. "Your Highness, will the elixir of immortality case truly lead all the way to the Azure Palace?"
"The trail went cold at Qingfu Temple. I don't know whether Emissary Bai has made any new discoveries; if not, it won't reach the Azure Palace." National Preceptor Qingyang had barely left, yet these fellows were already gossiping behind her back. Fu Shanyue looked at him with a grin. "Fifth Ke, have you ever heard of Qingfu Temple selling the elixir of immortality?"
Startled, Ke Yanjing waved both hands frantically. "Your Highness must be joking! How could I have heard of such a thing?"
"The elixir of immortality is exceptionally difficult to brew. Not only does it require vast numbers of pulp beads, but the medicinal catalyst is the rarest part of all. In this vast Lingxu City, those capable of procuring such a catalyst can be counted on one hand." Fu Shanyue drew out his tone. "Besides, it's contraband. The price must be astronomical. How could ordinary households ever afford to buy or use it?"
When it came to the case of the elixir of immortality, he possessed far greater authority to speak than these Lingxu City nobles.
The lives of the rich were precious, so naturally, the elixir of immortality came with an equally exorbitant price tag.
Chapter 613