C11 Meeting

Yang Xiao strode out of the City Lord's Mansion and made a beeline for Yang Xuan's courtyard. Without mincing words, he confronted Yang Xuan, "Who did you encounter here last night after we left?"

A flicker of wariness passed through Yang Xuan's mind. Had the man in black been captured? He answered, "I didn't encounter anyone."

Yang Xiao scrutinized Yang Xuan's face, finding no change in his expression. He pressed on icily, "Tell me the truth. I clashed with the thief last night and noticed his Spiritual Force was lacking. He claimed he was wounded in a skirmish with you and that you made off with the treasure."

Yang Xuan shook his head. "You're aware that Eldest Uncle forbids me from cultivating. Who would defy his edict and secretly instruct me in the arts of cultivation? Thieves are hardly paragons of virtue; their words are not to be trusted."

Yang Xiao himself doubted Yang Xuan's capability to best the man in black. Having dueled with the man, he knew the thief's skills were formidable, and it was unlikely he'd be bested by Yang Xuan.

Casting another glance at Yang Xuan, Yang Xiao considered the possibility that the treasure might not be with him. But what if the thief, seeing the dilapidated state of the courtyard, had hidden the treasure here, hoping it would go unnoticed? With this in mind, he issued a stern warning.

"Every member of the Yang family is born with a duty they must not forget, a duty to honor the nurturing grace of our lineage. Even if we can't contribute positively to the family, we must never bring it into disrepute. If the treasure is indeed in your possession, hand it over immediately. Should your actions cause me to offend the City Lord and jeopardize my career, or if they hinder the Yang family's standing in Qingzhou City, I fear you won't be able to redeem yourself, even in death. Remember, without the Yang family, you wouldn't be here today."

Yang Xuan responded evenly, "Yes, I haven't forgotten the Yang family's benevolence."

"Furthermore," Yang Xiao added, "the City Lord will have you summoned to the Mansion tomorrow. The thief insists he visited your courtyard that night. Just answer the City Lord's questions truthfully. And regarding the authentic work of Prime Minister Xu found in your room—you've got some nerve defacing it. The City Lord cherishes Xu's calligraphy; don't give him a reason to detest the Yang family. Own up to your actions." With that, Yang Xiao left without a backward glance, his swift departure as if lingering another moment would be an affront to his dignity.

Yang Xuan was taken aback.

An original by Prime Minister Xu? Indeed, he had penned it himself—there was even another piece in the room! Could it be that the City Lord himself couldn't tell the difference?

It looked like he would need to bring the calligraphy he had copied that night and give the City Lord a thorough explanation. Clarifying the matter of Prime Minister Xu's original was straightforward enough, but as for the treasure stolen from the City Lord's Mansion...

That very treasure was now within him. If the City Lord held the Yang family responsible, Yang Xuan couldn't just stand by. They had raised him, and he would defend their honor, even at the cost of his own life... No, he wanted to live. He was determined to uncover the truth behind his parents' passing.

With thoughts of the pearl weighing on his mind, Yang Xuan was restless, struggling to find sleep until the dead of night.

Before he knew it, morning arrived. The City Lord's Mansion guards came to Yang Xuan's courtyard to escort him to the mansion.

"Yang Xuan, the City Lord has summoned you. Follow this path straight to him. And remember, when the City Lord questions you, no lying," the guard instructed, pointing down the path.

"Understood, I'll keep that in mind."

Yang Xuan proceeded along the path, about forty meters in length and twenty meters wide, lined with pebbles. Flanking the path were a variety of flowers and plants—edelweiss, roses, and more, all vying for attention in a vibrant display. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of the blossoms through the air.

Nestled among the flora, an elderly man with a straw hat was intently planting flowers. His beard, peeking out from under the hat, was as long as a hand and silver-white. His nondescript shirt was paired with pants rolled up past the knees, showcasing his sturdy calves.

Having reached the path's end without a glimpse of the City Lord, Yang Xuan wondered if the guard had misdirected him. Approaching the old man, he crouched down and inquired, "Excuse me, could you tell me where the City Lord is? I need to see him."

"You're Yang Xuan, aren't you?" The elder lifted his head slowly, his face radiating kindness as he regarded Yang Xuan.

Yet, to his surprise, he noticed the Spirit Aura swirling incessantly around the youth, converging towards his dantian. If he wasn't mistaken, this was the work of the Soul Absorption Bead. The very bead that had been stolen was now willingly acknowledging its new master?

He had possessed the Soul Absorption Bead for nearly a decade, and despite his many attempts, he could never unlock the box. Little did he expect that this young man, not yet eighteen, would be so fortunate.

The elder was filled with a sense of wistfulness. Well, he thought, let it be a gift to Yang Xuan, and may it forge a bond of goodwill between them.

Upon hearing the elder's words, Yang Xuan turned his attention to him and realized that, while the old man might look like any other, his eyes and presence were extraordinary.

"I am Yang Xuan," he said with due respect. "The deacon from the Immortal Cultivation Hall did not find the authentic handwriting of Prime Minister Xu in my room. It was merely my imitation of his style, which I never imagined would cause such a great misunderstanding. I have another piece of imitation calligraphy with me; please, City Lord, have a look."

With that, Yang Xuan promptly presented another piece of calligraphy to the elder.

"How did you figure out I am the City Lord of Qingzhou City?" the old man asked with a hint of curiosity. "By my looks, do I not resemble a mere subordinate of the City Lord?"

Yang Xuan shook his head. "It's a different feeling."

The City Lord's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "What is it that you feel?"

Yang Xuan replied, "I can't quite put it into words."

The City Lord chuckled at Yang Xuan's response, wiped his hands, and took the calligraphy to examine it closely. Indeed, it was identical to the piece from the previous night.

He was impressed by Yang Xuan's innate sense for cultivation and his evident gift for calligraphy. Could this young man be the next Prime Minister Xu?

"I can tell that your calligraphy skillfully alternates between subtlety and boldness. That's commendable. To observe one's writing is to observe their character – you are neither haughty nor impulsive, neither subservient nor arrogant. Moreover, your level of cultivation is impressive among your peers," the City Lord said, stroking his beard in admiration.

Yang Xuan's cultivation level is not insignificant, is it?

Could it be that he has already joined the ranks of Immortal Cultivators?

Taken aback, Yang Xuan quickly responded, "I turned sixteen this year. Could the City Lord share some basic knowledge about Immortal Cultivation with me?" Concerned that the City Lord might misunderstand, he added, "I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. I worry about holding back my family's cultivation progress because I'm not well-versed in these matters."

After a moment's thought, the City Lord produced a book from his sleeve and tossed it to Yang Xuan, saying, "I've been cultivating for decades, and in the latter stages, it's mostly about comprehending the Heavenly Dao. This is the only book on cultivation I carry; take it. It should clear up most of your uncertainties."

"Since you're sixteen, has your birthday passed yet? And how did you fare in your Leap Test?" the City Lord inquired further.

Yang Xuan was perplexed. What was a Leap Test?

Noticing Yang Xuan's bewildered look, the City Lord chuckled. "The Soul Absorption Bead has already chosen you as its master, so the Leap Test is irrelevant for you now. It's merely a path for cultivators to enter officialdom."

Yang Xuan's attention waned; he fixated on the earlier mention of the Soul Absorption Bead.

So the City Lord had known about the bead's presence all along.

Eager to clarify, Yang Xuan bowed deeply, but before he could speak, the City Lord gestured dismissively.

"That bead has chosen you, and thus it is rightfully yours. You needn't concern yourself with the opinions of others," the City Lord reassured him with a smile.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Yang Xuan earnestly asked, "Thank you, City Lord. May I inquire about the nature of the Soul Absorption Bead?"

The City Lord replied with a smile, "The Soul Absorption Bead can absorb the Heaven and Earth Spirit Aura, making it exceedingly valuable to cultivators. You should head back now, and remember, keep the bead a secret."

Yang Xuan's face remained composed, yet his gratitude was palpable. He bowed once more, "I am deeply thankful, City Lord. Your words will be etched in my memory."