Chapter 910 - 352: Dreamlike Tune (Part 2)
After the Immortal Dynasty fell into an Imperial Dynasty, especially following that chaotic night of the demon cultivator uprising, Changning City’s internal forces underwent a great reshuffle, presenting such an opportunity.
Many forces from other places also planned to come here to try their luck.
Over in Little South Continent’s Fan Family, Fan Wubing originally thought that his father would come to Changning City too. But unexpectedly, he secured a large loan from the Heaven and Earth Bank, and during White Jade Capital’s period of weakness, acquired a plain located in the core area of Central Spirit Mountain, intending to develop a second Spirit Realm following that Spirit Realm plan.
Upon learning of Fan Qi’s intentions, Fan Wubing couldn’t help but admire his father’s keen sense and long-term wisdom as the patriarch.
While thinking about various trivia, suddenly, a waiter from a nearby teahouse stopped him,
"Honorable guest, please wait!"
Fan Wubing stood still and asked, "What is it?"
The waiter pointed and nodded obsequiously, "A distinguished guest over there invites you for a chat."
Fan Wubing looked in the direction he was pointing. By the window on the second floor, a middle-aged man, handsome in appearance and dressed simply yet tastefully, nodded and smiled at him.
"Alright."
Without a second thought, Fan Wubing went up to the second floor of the teahouse and sat opposite the inviter at a tea table.
After pouring tea for Fan Wubing, Tang Rushi smiled and introduced himself,
"I am Tang Rushi, the head of the Heaven and Earth Bank, offering tea for the Lord of All Beings."
Fan Wubing glanced at him lightly, then took a sip of tea,
"Mr. Tang, there’s no need for such formality. Your revered daughter is a friend of mine and has provided me with considerable help."
Tang Rushi chuckled, "My daughter is fortunate to have made friends with both the Lord of All Beings and the Divine Phoenix Celestial Venerable."
Fan Wubing said, "Mr. Tang, you indeed have keen insight. I suspect you’ve been guiding her from behind the scenes."
Tang Rushi was refined and scholarly, his eyes extraordinarily bright, and he said gently, "Indeed, no matter how much I disguise myself, I am revealed before the Lord of All Beings. However, I must also thank you for your assistance to the Illusion Immortal Tower."
"Compared to my help, the aid from the Heaven and Earth Bank to me, to the Eternal Immortal Sect, to the Fan Family, and even the whole Little South Continent, is what truly deserves gratitude."
"That was an investment. I can only say that the Heaven and Earth Bank invested wisely."
"The investment from distinguished ones is a tremendous help for ordinary people," Fan Wubing said softly.
Tang Rushi laughed, "Then I must accept the compliment from the Lord of All Beings."
"What matter did Mr. Tang wish to discuss with me today?"
Tang Rushi didn’t rush to explain, instead pouring himself a cup of tea. Whether due to carelessness during brewing, some tea residue was left unfiltered, with a small tea stem remaining. The stem floated on the surface of the tea, especially conspicuous.
Fan Wubing gently furrowed his brow. For some reason, he instinctively felt uncomfortable with such a sight. It was as if a spot of dirt had tainted a pure white immortal robe.
Then, he saw Tang Rushi lightly tap the rim of the teacup with his right index finger.
After a few ripples passed, the tea stem stood upright, and the part above and below the water surface were perfectly symmetrical, with not a hair of difference.
The discomfort Fan Wubing felt instantly vanished without a trace.
In this scenario, the word "balance" intuitively emerged in his mind. He looked earnestly at Tang Rushi,
"Mr. Tang, you are indeed a remarkable person."
Tang Rushi smiled, "I merely take the kindness of others. Young Master Fan has heavy responsibilities, unlike my idle life. Yet, never forget that sometimes stopping and looking back allows you to appreciate a different view."
After saying this, he drank the tea in one gulp, leaving only the tea stem.
Fan Wubing smiled knowingly, then stood to take leave.
After leaving the teahouse, he strode rapidly, the wind in his brows, reaching another place in the Immortal Continent in a few steps.
This place was called Flower Planting Valley. It was a "lawless zone" due to the constant invasion of chaotic spiritual currents, with no forces taking root here. However, the area was picturesque, home to ninety thousand varieties of peculiar flowers, as if planted by immortals, hence the name Flower Planting Valley.
Fan Wubing entered the Flower Planting Valley, walking amidst the vibrant blooms. After passing through a thousand-zhang high waterfall, he saw a steep isolated mountain, where ancient pines grew among the rocks.
He took a step and started climbing up a mountain path.
Upon entering the forest, a deep, rumbling roar greeted him. Looking up, he saw a giant beast covered in scales, staring intently at him. The beast was a mix of azure and crimson, with golden edges on its eye sockets, eyebrows, and ears. Standing on all fours, its eyes were round as bells, and it had a pair of antler-like horns, resembling a mix of ox, deer, tiger, and dragon.
It was a Piqiu.
The Piqiu barred its teeth and glared with a fierce light in its eyes as Fan Wubing attempted to climb the mountain.
Fan Wubing sneered,
"Called a celestial beast, yet don’t become a fool!"
As he spoke, his eyes narrowed slightly, his footsteps faltered briefly, and the majesty of the true dragon burst forth.
This bloodline suppression, the residual might of ages past, directly invaded the Piqiu’s will. The true dragon’s essence, nurturing and encompassing the earth and sky, promptly dissolved all the Piqiu’s dominance and pride.
The Piqiu immediately recognized the presence of the Dragon Lord, shrinking to the size of a small pup, prostrating before Fan Wubing, whimpering softly, its tail wagging like a fan.
Fan Wubing bent down to stroke its head, laughing,
"Not foolish, a celestial beast indeed."
The Piqiu joyously circled around him.
Fan Wubing smiled gently.
Though he might not know, this Piqiu, a long-lived creature like Bixi from the Great Wilderness, possessed the wisdom of an old monster. By voluntarily lowering its status, pretending to be a small, sentient dog, it simultaneously expressed submission for its earlier offense and joy for the return of the true dragon.
At that moment, a flute melody wafted through the forest.
Fan Wubing’s heart stirred, and he looked around, seeking the flutist, but not finding anyone, he spoke,