This time, the Qingxia Goddess did not summon the Cyan Bird again.
Because the Cyan Bird was too conspicuous.
Zhang Jian's ancestral rites were too frequent, so the Qingxia Goddess had to be more discreet.
She bestowed the Golden Lotus Seeds through several different channels.
...
At the county government, in the back residence of the County Magistrate, Yang Qing and his son were discussing matters when Zhao Xing hurriedly walked in.
"Master, something bad has happened!"
Zhao Xing looked a bit weary at this point. Ever since Duanmu Yan and Gu Xiu'Er had not returned after a whole day and night, he had been investigating around the Zhang Family. Through rumors emerging from the Zhang Family, he finally learned the bad news.
"What, has Sister Xiu'Er fallen into the hands of the Zhang Family?"
Yang Qing hadn't reacted much, but Yang Zhonghuai couldn't sit still. Seeing Yang Qing's displeased expression, Yang Zhonghuai's face froze slightly, and he muttered.
"Father, what should we do now?"
Yang Qing's expression was grim; he could easily see what Yang Zhonghuai was thinking about Gu Xiu'Er without even trying.
Yet, such a high-born and noble lady as Gu Xiu'Er was not someone the Yang Family could aspire to, especially since Yang Zhonghuai was already married and still had ideas about her, which was nothing but self-humiliation.
"Look at what you're worried about now, you're not even concerned about your legitimate wife at home but are running wild outside all day!"
Yang Qing glared fiercely at Yang Zhonghuai, feeling somewhat helpless.
Duanmu Yan and Gu Xiu'Er were honored guests of the Yang Family, and Gu Xiu'Er was his wife's cousin, originally just passing by. They volunteered to help him uncover the truth at the Zhang Family after hearing his troubles.
Who would have thought such an accident would occur?
"I will go see the madam. None of you spread the word about this!"
Yang Qing hastily headed to the back residence.
Though greedy and cunning, Yang Qing was unusually 'respectful' towards his wife, not only because Mrs. Gu was from the renowned Gu Family in Fengyang County, but also because of her strong personality, which was even more ruthless than his own.
She was difficult to associate with.
For years, no concubine in the Yang Qing household managed to survive until New Year's Eve, proving Mrs. Gu's harshness.
Inside the back residence, a splendid noblewoman was reading in the morning light. Her demeanor was outstanding, her skin like white jade in the sunlight, with serene eyebrows, looking more like a peaceful young maiden than a noblewoman who had raised several children.
Yang Qing hurried over. After hearing Yang Qing's news, Mrs. Gu's expression slightly pondered.
"It seems that the hidden forces of the Zhang Family are beyond our imagination, and things might be dire!"
Mrs. Gu stood up, instantly aware of the danger involved.
She wasn't sure if the Zhang Family had sensed the hostility emanating from Yang Qing. If the plan was exposed, the Yang Family would likely face great peril.
"Sir, can the Five Heroes of the North be contacted? Notify them to stop immediately!"
Though ruthless, Mrs. Gu was never brainless; otherwise, she couldn't have kept Yang Qing under check so closely.
Yang Qing had a grim expression, shaking his head: "Those five have their own methods, not within our control, and they don't trust us either, so it's not easy to find them!"
Yang Qing took a deep breath.
The sword had been drawn; it was not so easy to retract it.
Mrs. Gu glared at Yang Qing and scolded, "I always tell you to consult me more, but you always have to show off, leading to today's dilemma!"
Yang Qing was used to such scoldings, smiling wryly: "Madam, at this point, we can only ask the old father-in-law for help..."
Mrs. Gu's expression was solemn, and she sighed:
"The Gu Family now faces pressure from the Yu Family of the Commandery City. That member of the Yu Family wishes to suppress all families in the city and become a de facto duke. How can my father spare the energy to help you!"
She put down the book in her hand, contemplating for a moment before saying:
"Xiu'Er is, after all, a disciple of the Shangyuan Sect. I will now draft a letter and quickly send it to the Shangyuan Sect, asking Wang Yuanlang to intervene. Duanmu Yan and Xiu'Er are both disciples of the Shangyuan Sect, making it more appropriate for the sect to intervene. I will also write to my father; perhaps this is an opportunity to help you eradicate the Zhang Family!"
"How dare a mere local noble family detain someone from the Gu Family!"
"Also, you should investigate further. It's best to find out exactly how Xiu'Er and the others fell into the hands of the Zhang Family. They are all seasoned experts in the Nourishing Yuan Stage with excellent teachings; how could an ordinary place confine them?"
Mrs. Gu's expression was full of doubt.
The Zhang Family was, at best, a prominent local clan, only slightly better than ordinary wealthy landlords, but they shouldn't be able to confine two Inner Cultivation Martial Artists in the Nourishing Essence stage.
Nearby, mentioning Wang Yuanlang made Yang Qing's expression somewhat uncomfortable, his demeanor slightly gloomy.
Mrs. Gu noticed but didn't care much.
With limited capabilities, any grievances had to be swallowed back down.
She simply started to write the letter, then had someone send Yang Qing to quickly send it to the Fengyang County City.
...
At the Zhang Family, the night was as cool as water.
In the dream, Zhang Jian was more conscious this time. He felt his spirit suddenly leave his body, naturally flying into a place filled with incense. From afar, he saw a majestic Stone Mirror and figures emerging from Divine Master Tablets, smiling at him before disappearing one by one.
"Looks like a shrine, is it Yin Soul Divine Travel?"
At that moment, Zhang Jian mused, his eyes showing some awe. He had read about such descriptions in some miscellanies, finding it quite strange.
As the light shifted, in front of him was only a majestic golden female form, slowly transforming into a graceful and exquisite figure, then a ray of golden light flew out from it, merging into his body.
He faintly saw a shimmering golden lotus seed, the fragrance overwhelming. Once inside, it was refreshing, as if his soul had warmth.
Simultaneously, a message entered his mind.
"This is the Jade Pool Golden Lotus Seed, capable of nourishing the body, increasing Divine Wisdom, nurturing the soul, and with a small chance of integrating the 'Dao Rhythm Fragment' naturally born from the Lotus Seed, imprinting on the soul, offering a one-in-a-thousand chance to gain one of the Innate Divine Techniques!"
He faintly saw that graceful and exquisite figure slightly smile at him, the eyes like stars, leaving an imprint on his heart.
On the Luo Bed, Zhang Jian naturally sat upright. At this time, the "Celestial Spirit Child Skill" within him seemed to operate by itself, as he faintly sensed a continuous flow bursting within him, enhancing his five senses.
Momentarily, he felt a shock as if his "soul" had shed the constraints of his physical body, with an extra set of eyes that could move, transitioning from a 180-degree horizontal view to a 360-degree spherical one.
Through this ability, even in the dark, everything within a few meters around him became exceptionally clear.
Warm, crimson-studded quilts, snow-white mosquito net, the aromatic scent of the Luo Bed.
The tall candle stands beside the Luo Bed with bird-shaped nozzles were also remarkably clear.
This sensation was similar to what Zhang Yi described as opening the Heaven and Earth Two Bridges, allowing one to use the Five Senses Spiritual Sense to subtly perceive the Spiritual Mechanism of Heaven and Earth, discerning heavenly dominance.
The Inner Cultivation Nourishing Essence stage focuses on ceaselessly nurturing essence, energy, and spirit to achieve balance, finally comprehending heavenly dominance and opening the Bridge of Heaven and Earth to nurture one's three treasures with Innate power!
"It seems to be an Innate breakthrough!"
"However, according to Uncle Yi, even after breaking through to the Innate Stage, it's only a matter of sharper senses, not being able to fully perceive all surrounding details!"
"Mine seems different!"
In the night, Zhang Jian opened his eyes, faintly feeling as if he had half a foot into a brand new realm.
Yet, the Innate Divine Techniques mentioned by the 'Ancestor' he couldn't feel!