The Immortal Seeker: Legend of Bronze Mirror
Chapter 158 - 94: The Spring Thunder Explodes, Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound_2

Chapter 158: Chapter 94: The Spring Thunder Explodes, Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound_2

Hence, there’s a saying: "A new Emperor brings a new court."

The current Emperor favors the Dao, but the next may not.

By that time, Xu Qing would be in his prime. Should he enter the court and advocate for the Great Zen Temple, wouldn’t that be...

Unfortunately, he and his fellow disciples are merely secular disciples with little say within the monastery.

This matter could be discussed with Monk Yan Kong from the Golden Ray Monastery.

After all, Golden Ray Monastery is already deeply bound with Xu Qing.

Upon further reflection, Guard Wang realized the old monk was truly astute; through the incense money issue, he managed to get on board with Xu Qing directly.

While Monk Fayue put his life on the line out there, the old monk reaped all the benefits and even solved the financial woes of the Golden Ray Monastery.

Don’t assume it’s easy for those with martial prowess in Golden Ray Monastery to make money.

If they take the underworld route, Black Wind Village already occupies the best terrain in Jiangning Prefecture. They could take the White Path, which would normally work, but the affair with the Lotus Sect has led to involvement and complications.

If it hadn’t been for Xu Qing’s assistance, the Golden Ray Monastery would now only be able to dabble in deceiving gods and ghosts to scrape by on temple expenses.

This is not a long-term strategy.

Such is the way of the world: there are many ways to make a quick buck, but to earn sustainable income, one must have a powerful backer. Otherwise, even if one makes money, it’s just like fattening a pig for the slaughter.

...

...

During the festive season, business at the Heavenly Fragrance Courtyard unexpectedly quiets down.

Of course, no matter how indulgent one’s daily life, during the festive season, one has to return home to be with one’s wife and children.

The women who came to learn from Su Lianqing at the Heavenly Fragrance Courtyard, such as Qiuniang and Shancai, are now out on the streets soaking up the festive atmosphere.

For a while, the Heavenly Fragrance Courtyard becomes quite desolate.

Su Lianqing actually enjoys being alone.

But at this time, an uninvited guest arrives at the Meixiang Boudoir—Madame Lu, the old matron of the Heavenly Fragrance Courtyard.

"Madame Lu, hello," Su Lianqing quickly greets her.

Madame Lu smiles, "Miss Su, Jiangning Prefecture isn’t as prosperous as Yingtian Prefecture; it must be hard on you."

Su Lianqing: "The scenery of Jiangning Prefecture is beautiful, and the people, like Madame Lu, are kind."

Madame Lu laughs, "In these past days, I’ve seen your relationship with Xu Sanyuan growing closer. I can’t help but have a word of advice."

"Please speak, Madame Lu."

"A woman’s beauty lasts but a few years. It’s common for young men to favor the new over the old; Miss Su should plan early."

"Mm, what advice does Madame Lu have regarding this?"

Madame Lu: "Before you came to Jiangning Prefecture, Mother Chen should have mentioned that I have a powerful figure behind me. Actually, by now you probably already know that Heavenly Fragrance Courtyard is run by the Inner Factory. What I mean is, why not officially join the Inner Factory? I can then provide you with a status, and if you accomplish something notable in the future, your courtesan’s registry can certainly be removed."

Su Lianqing: "What kind of accomplishment does Madame Lu think I should strive for?"

Madame Lu: "Among the students you’ve taught in this batch, there is a girl named Sun Xiang, do you remember her?"

"Yes, that girl has a unique fragrance about her, different from ordinary people."

Madame Lu smiles: "Soon, someone will contact and assess her. If she passes, she will smoothly join the organization. If one day, she wants to draw you into that organization, just agree."

"Oh."

"Don’t worry, this is a penetration plan of ours from the Inner Factory. Miss Su merely needs to go along with the plan."

Su Lianqing: "I’ll think about it more."

Madame Lu smiles: "For the next month, Miss Su can think it over properly. The Inner Factory will not mistreat its own people."

"Mm, I won’t reveal this matter to anyone, please rest assured, Madame Lu."

Madame Lu: "Miss Su is a smart person, I am confident in that."

Su Lianqing sends off Madame Lu, but can’t help frowning.

She has an urge to smash the vase in front of her, but considering the loud noise, she decides to restrain the impulse.

This Sun Xiang is a task handed down from the Main Temple of the Luo Sect, said to be a descendant of the Golden Centipede Dharma King, a bloodline left outside the sect. She was tasked with guiding this person back to the sect.

Unexpectedly, before she even began, the Inner Factory was already preparing to place their person.

What is the Main Temple doing?

Looking for an inside agent on their own?

This Jiangning Prefecture only needs her as the inside agent.

Sigh.

"No, something this important should be decided by the young master." Su Lianqing has decisive action but lacks resolution, and such matters cannot bypass the young master.

Fortunately, the Li Mansion is not far from the Heavenly Fragrance Courtyard; she can travel there with her Divine Soul after nightfall to discuss the matter.

...

...

Xu Qing’s visit to Guards Wang and Ma was not merely for sparring or to validate his own strength, but also to showcase his current power and potential.

After making Guards Wang and Ma aware of his immense value, he brought up the matter of the Spiritual Fox’s flesh.

After all, the two brothers were getting on in years, and the flesh of the Spiritual Fox would have limited effect on them.

It would just help them advance their Bright Strength to a higher level, but no further; the small amount of Spiritual Fox flesh would not be sufficient for more.

Thus, Xu Qing cleverly negotiated and spent a hefty sum of silver to purchase the remaining flesh from them. Thanks to the cold winter weather and the use of a Jade Box for storage, combined with special processing, much of the potency of the Spiritual Fox’s flesh was still preserved.

Xu Qing planned to use this flesh to concoct another batch of Qi Blood Powder. Combined with his remaining Qi Blood Powder and Pei Yuan Pills, with his current Divine Soul, he should be able to complete all 206 forms of the Tiger Demon Bone Refining Fist in a short period.

Doing so would enhance the potency of his Dark Strength as well.

Moreover, once the Tiger Demon Bone Refining Fist training was complete, it could also benefit the cultivation of the Xuantian Visualization Image, accelerating the process of opening up the Purple Emperor Meridian.

A thousand years is too long, seize the day.