猫咪3.0

A banquet, an unexpected twist, actually led to tremendous changes in the world.

The next day, news spread like wildfire across the land.

“North City’s Li Liuxian, defying the imperial edict, murdered the prince, and has become a traitor, to be hunted by parties from all directions!”

“The imperial court dispatched a million troops, marching south to suppress the rebel, determined to pacify the disloyal subject.”

“Overnight, the seven provinces of the south changed their allegiance, all coming under the jurisdiction of the Guo Bei Academy.”

“The six provinces of the north were greatly shaken, and thereafter, the major noble families united their strength, generously donating funds to assist the imperial court in eradicating the rebellion.”

“The great Taoist schools also entered the fray, with the conflict between Buddhism and Taoism about to erupt!”

“Both sides took Qinhuai as the boundary, forming a standoff between the north and the south!”

Thus began the turbulence of war-torn times.

But no one would have thought that this beginning would last fifteen years!

The north and south remained deadlocked.

During those fifteen years, neither side launched an offensive, instead strengthening their fortifications, training their soldiers, and stockpiling provisions.

This situation wasn’t strange at all.

Because everyone knew, in this world, what decided the outcome of battles wasn’t numerous soldiers and horses, but Taoist cultivators.

If the cultivators didn’t move, what was the use of soldiers slaughtering each other in battle?

Meaningless attrition was something neither side would engage in, so such a stalemate was within reason.

Fifteen years later.

The capital city of the Northern Territory.

It was the peak of summer, and despite being in the north, there was little relief from the heat.

Although summer nights were stifling, the hearts of the people were tranquil and peaceful.

The city was festooned with lights, as if a grand event were about to take place.

In front of every home, there was an altar with incense burning, and it was laden with fruits and vegetarian offerings.

At street corners and alleys, almsgiving took place, with monastery monks opening their doors wide, offering relief to the poor.

In addition, in the major temples, tens of thousands of monks chanted Buddhist scriptures in unison, with the solemn Brahma Sound’s chanting echoing immensely, like the striking of a great bell, shaking the hearts of people, awakening profound realizations.

Only outside the city, along the Zhishui River, was it slightly deserted.

If it were any normal time in the bustling capital, the river would surely be filled with pleasure boats, Huakui’s laughter, and endless romantic escapades.

But due to the convening of the “Water-Land Dharma Assembly,” there were taboos within and outside the city, and such businesses of pleasure had to cease the drums and lower the banners.

Unable to do business, unable to attract customers, the lantern-less pleasure boats were quietly moored on the water, being battered by the wind.

It was on one such pleasure boat.

“Miss, why have you come out again?”

A strikingly attractive woman in red sat by the railing, staring into the distance at the brightly lit capital city, lost in deep thought, silent for a long time.

An attendant quickly approached her side, covering her with a cloak: “You know your own body, catching wind, getting cold, what would we do? Even though these past few days there is a Water-Land Dharma Assembly in the city and we don’t have to entertain guests, should you still torment yourself like this?”

The woman did not speak, letting the attendant attend to her, and after a long while, she finally said, “Die, after the Water-Land Dharma Assembly ends, won’t it be time for me to leave the pavilion?”

Seeing her despondent, like a walking corpse, the attendant realized and sighed deeply, speaking sorrowfully, “Miss, rest assured, Mother said she would find you a good place.”

“A good place?”

Upon hearing this, the woman let out a bitter laugh, “What good place? After she has made a fortune out of me, surely the courtesan manager will be replaced by the brothel keeper, do you really think I am a three-year-old child?”

“Miss, you mustn’t talk nonsense.”

The attendant’s face changed, quickly covering her mouth: “If someone were to hear this, it would be terrible.”

Gazing at the attendant and then back at that brightly lit capital with its faint Buddha’s light and constant flow of Brahma Sound, the woman murmured, “The Buddha is compassionate, saving all beings, why won’t he spare a glance at me? Could it be that I’ve really sinned in a past life, destined to suffer in this life?”

“Miss, please don’t say anymore!”

The attendant, hearing her speak so, turned as white as a ghost, quickly holding her, begging, “Let’s go back, shall we?”

Seeing the attendant so frightened, the woman knew she had spoken too much, closed her eyes, nodded slightly, and got up to leave.

However, just as she rose to turn her head, she caught a glimpse of something startling—a lone figure.

Upon the river under the full moon, a single light boat floated, with a person standing alone on the boat, in a green robe floating ethereally, as though he was close at hand, yet also distant on the horizon.

Caifeng was startled, standing in place for a moment, as if possessed, she inexplicably called out, “Excuse me, sir, the night air is cold, would you care to come aboard for a drink?”

“Sir? What sir?”

The attendant, not comprehending, followed her gaze and then saw the figure, equally astonished.

The man turned his head, looking at the two on the boat, and smiled, stepping toward them.

With one step, he traversed space as if it were nothing, appearing instantly beside them.

This kind of skill made Caifeng’s heart skip a beat, and she hastily bowed, saying, “My name is Caifeng, I have the honor of meeting you, sir. May I inquire of your name?”

Li Liuxian smiled and said, “My surname is Li, named Liuxian.”

“Li Liuxian?”

“This…”

Caifeng was shocked, her face full of astonishment, but she quickly regained her composure, sizing up the man before her, then bowing again, “So you are Master Li. Today, the pleasure boat is not receiving guests, but it can entertain friends. If Master Li doesn’t mind, would you like to come inside for a chat?”

Clearly, she did not recognize him as the infamous Li Jieyuan, mistaking him for someone with the same name by coincidence.

Li Liuxian, seeing her, responded with a light smile, “That would be nice.”

“Die, go to the kitchen quickly and prepare some food and drinks.”

Caifeng exclaimed with joy, ordering the attendant, then turning to say, “Sir, please come in!”