Chapter Seventy-Four: Ancestor Fu Can

Taifu Palace—

One of the Eight Sects and Six Orders of Xu City Heaven, its mountain gates are nestled within Yangrang Mountain of Donghun Prefecture, neighboring the Zhongyi Sword Sect and the Divine Sovereign Order. The three factions each occupy one of the last remaining spiritual caves within Dongmi Prefecture.

Aside from the Northern Polar Garden, this is the most mysterious of the Eight Sects and Six Orders, and it also boasts the fewest disciples among them. The Palace only accepts disciples with innate fortune and spiritual acuity; in every generation, the number of disciples never exceeds the count of one’s fingers.

There are no branch estates, nor are there many subordinate courtyards or Daoist lineages.

Taifu Palace is founded on the art of talismans, renowned for possessing forty-nine Supreme Clear True Talismans, each one imbued with power beyond comprehension.

If unleashed with full force, to remake the world, instruct the Taichu, and so on, are trifling matters. Even to shatter the heavens into a scene of desolate apocalypse—without sun, moon, stars, or light—would only require some extra effort and thought.

According to the self-proclaimed Ancestor Talisman Ginseng, this wizened old man claimed his true form was a grand, enduring ginseng, brought from the outer void by the fourth Palace Master of Taifu and personally planted within Yangrang Mountain.

How many countless ages passed thereafter, before he was suffused with profound Daoist essence, thereby gaining a primordial spirit root.

Now, though his true form remains in the mountain gate of Taifu Palace, to avoid the covetous eyes of those Immortal giants nearing the end of their lives and seeking reincarnation, he rarely ventures forth himself.

Nevertheless, being nurtured within a preeminent talismanic sect and having perused untold volumes of talismanic scriptures and incantations, he has, through fate, witnessed even half of those forty-nine Supreme Clear True Talismans.

Thus, although Ancestor Talisman Ginseng is a spirit of grass and wood, he possesses earth-shattering arcane powers, and each of his ginseng leaves is a talisman, each with its own marvelous effect.

Whenever a disciple of Taifu Palace prepares to descend the mountain for travel, the old ancestor generously bestows his own leaves, sometimes dozens, at least five at a time.

He knows well that, being a root of immortality that nourishes life, if he dared leave the protection of Taifu Palace, he’d barely last a moment before being seized by ruthless powerhouses and thrown into their cauldrons to be refined into supreme elixirs.

Yet, being by nature lively and fond of bustle, he’s always yearned to explore the boundless world and witness its wonders.

So he beseeched the experts of Taifu Palace to create for his primal wood body a method to divide his primordial spirit, thereby entrusting a wisp of his essence to each of his leaves.

In this way, when disciples journeyed abroad, though his true form remained in Yangrang Mountain, he could still behold the landscapes and vistas of the world.

Word of this spread.

Countless disciples of the Eight Sects and Six Orders, when passing Donghun Prefecture and the Yangrang Mountains, would make it a point to visit Taifu Palace and request a ginseng leaf from the ancestor, equipping themselves with new means.

And the old man never refused anyone, not caring whether they were orthodox or demonic; any who sought, he would generously bestow.

Because Taifu Palace has always been sparse in numbers, and apart from cataclysms like the “Zhonglang Calamity,” rarely intervened in worldly affairs—

Not only orthodox sects, but even the Six Demon Orders sought friendly ties, and as for the canny Twelve Noble Clans, that goes without saying.

Due to the ancestor’s indiscriminate generosity, in just twenty years, that grand ginseng had been nearly stripped bare...

This even startled the Palace Master of Taifu, who was then traveling beyond the heavens, compelling her to return in haste, personally admonishing the ancestor, and sending a talismanic decree to the Eight Sects and Six Orders, after which things finally quieted down.

……

After hearing the old man on his shoulder boast of his origins, Chen Heng glanced inquiringly at Wei Lingjiang, who nodded slightly, confirming his tale.

“But why did Ancestor Talisman Ginseng say I resemble my father? My father…” Chen Heng paused, suppressing a trace of anxiety, and asked in a low voice, “Who is my father?”

Ever since obtaining the “Divine House’s Exalted Lord’s Treatise on the Taishi Prime True Canon,” Chen Heng had harbored this doubt.

Whether in his method of cultivating Qi, or in the four mysterious talismans in his pouch—identified by the Mahasammita Radiant Samadhi as “Dou Talismans,” whose usage still eluded him—there was something strange throughout.

Was his birth father truly just a wandering Daoist versed in a few tricks? Did he really die from harming his mind through contemplation?

Chen Heng felt as though a vast, invisible web was slowly being woven around him, and he was already caught within, each step forward only tightening the strands, until there would be no escape.

But the ancestor on his shoulder only chuckled, refusing to answer.

A tiny wisp of cloud, barely the size of a fingernail, formed beneath the old man’s feet, lifting him several feet higher, until he hovered above Chen Heng and Wei Lingjiang. There, he hunched over, eyes darting mischievously between them.

“You’re a fine-looking lad! Your whole family is handsome, but you’re the most striking of all your brothers—excellent! Such fine features! I’m stealing them!”

He scrutinized Chen Heng up and down, his face breaking into heartfelt admiration and a raised thumb.

“I’ll remember this… Next time I go out, I’ll assume this boy’s appearance! Won’t the priestesses at the foot of Yangrang Mountain be driven mad? They might even serve a few extra dishes just for me!”

Silently plotting, the ancestor grinned, baring his large teeth, then turned to Wei Lingjiang, his eyes lighting up as he muttered, “Hey! Girl, it’s been a while—you’ve grown even more radiant! Truly dazzling! Judging by looks, you’d make a perfect pair with this boy, but—”

“How long since you last saw me, Ancestor? At least ten years, hasn’t it?” Wei Lingjiang cut him off coldly. “I know you like to borrow faces for mischief in the human world, but you’re not allowed to use mine—ours! Never! Or I’ll report you to the Hall of Longevity and let the elders of Taifu Palace judge you.”

The ancestor glared, then sighed in resignation.

She had seen right through his thoughts. Being called out so directly left him a bit embarrassed.

“Child, what are you saying? I am your elder—would I stoop to such indecency? You’re looking down on me! Looking down on Taifu Palace!” he grumbled in protest.

Wei Lingjiang ignored him.

“But… you’re still untouched, aren’t you, girl? Hm, then I was wrong before—boy, you’re nothing like your father!” The ancestor narrowed his eyes at Chen Heng, clicking his tongue. “You’re quite restrained, aren’t you?”

Chen Heng’s face remained expressionless.

The ancestor found this amusing. He knew some of his ginseng leaves had ended up with various descendants of the Jade Pivot family; even Chen Yushu, now in the “Waterborne Rongcheng’s Fate” grotto, had once come to Yangrang Mountain seeking a leaf in his youth.

With all his experience with the Jade Pivot clan, he found this scene especially entertaining...

But before he could tease them further, Wei Lingjiang shot him a cold look. The ancestor shrugged and fell silent.

…

“May I ask, Ancestor, can you answer my previous question?” Chen Heng hesitated, then stepped forward and saluted. “This matter has troubled me for long; please, show mercy and enlighten me.”

“Ah, that matter?” The ancestor pondered, then spoke slowly, “Whether it’s a blessing or a curse—I truly can’t say. Those who lack promise need not be mentioned. As for the most promising among them, he’s already carved out several domains beyond the heavens, establishing his own halls and leading his own way—how enviable! Even I am jealous of his glory. But as for what comes next…”

He ended with a strange laugh, his eyes full of mischief, and no matter how Chen Heng pressed, he only waved him off without a word.

Wei Lingjiang’s brows furrowed.

She’d grown up in the Chiming Sect at the side of her master, True Lord Zhuojing, and rarely heard outside gossip, much less these cryptic, elusive tales from the ancestor. She looked at Chen Heng, blinking, unable to resist asking herself.

But the ancestor, this time, refused to be swayed by old ties, covering his ears and shaking his head like a rattle.

“I won’t say! I won’t! It’s no fun if I do! I travel the world for amusement—if there’s no fun to be had, why not just nap in Yangrang Mountain?”

Wei Lingjiang was helpless, though somewhat exasperated. She glanced at Chen Heng, whose expression remained calm.

“If the ancestor is unwilling, so be it. But I have another question,” he said.

“Ancestor, you say you hail from Taifu Palace, a true sect of the Dao, and it’s clear my senior sister knows you well. May I ask, which immortal sect does senior sister hail from?”

Wei Lingjiang’s eye twitched, her fist clenched, and she suddenly didn’t want to respond.

“I won’t say! I won’t! I’m deaf and dumb now!” The ancestor grinned, descending on his cloud to the tea table, waving his hand as he collapsed, sprawling out. “Didn’t you summon me for a discussion? Get on with it! I’m just a Talisman of Far-Seeing now—don’t expect miracles from me!”

Seeing his obstinacy, Chen Heng realized he’d get nothing more from the ancestor, so he composed himself and turned to Wei Lingjiang. “Senior sister, you said you wish to expose the Lord of Huaiwu Grotto. Is this Talisman of Far-Seeing your only backup plan?”

Wei Lingjiang’s earlier words were no exaggeration. The Art of Concealing Form may hide one’s aura, but not one’s body; even with robe and mask, it’s mere disguise and can’t fool a master of the Grotto Profound. The Lord of Huaiwu’s gift of pills likely meant he’d had them in his sights for some time; with that master’s intent, even the best concealment wouldn’t guarantee escape.

“With the ancestor’s Talisman of Far-Seeing, and your Boundless True Qi of the Supreme State…” Wei Lingjiang, seeing Chen Heng’s composed expression, gritted her teeth and explained the plan.

The Lord of Huaiwu has a reputation for making friends with up-and-coming cultivators—others think he’s hedging his bets, but from the case of the Crane Embryo Pill, it’s clear he’s ensnaring them.

“We didn’t ingest the pill, so he can’t ensorcell us into his demonic thralls, but as long as he’s covetous, he’ll make a move,” Wei Lingjiang said, pointing to the ancestor. “The Talisman of Far-Seeing may not defend or kill, but it can silently project the surrounding scene a thousand miles away. If the Lord of Huaiwu tries to use demonic arts, then—”

“Then the truth will be revealed, and his collusion with demons exposed. Even Wuguang Sect and Divine Fire Cliff, if they witness it, can’t play deaf,” Chen Heng finished. “But he’s a Grotto Profound master—can the Talisman truly escape his notice?”

“Nonsense! Are you doubting me? Doubting Taifu Palace?” Before Wei Lingjiang could reply, the ancestor sat up, indignant. “Not even a Golden Core master can pierce its secrets! Have no doubt.”

The two ignored his outburst. Wei Lingjiang shook her head. “Besides, it’s not Wuguang Sect’s blade we’re borrowing, but the Yuchan Sect’s. Their triennial lineage examination is approaching, so their patrolling Daoists must already be in the southern region—only with the blade of a great sect can we cut cleanly.”

“…Yuchan Sect? Lineage examination?” Chen Heng was startled, but now was not the time to ask, so he continued, “Even if all goes as planned, if the Lord of Huaiwu uses demonic arts on me and I become a thrall, would you really have me die for the sake of rooting out evil?”

Wei Lingjiang’s gaze was cool as she produced a radiant golden talisman and handed it to him.

“A Golden Light Talisman?” Before Chen Heng could speak, the ancestor leapt up. “That’s no common thing! It dispels evil and wards off harm—even I ruined hundreds of leaves before grasping its true essence! Even Nascent Soul masters treasure one for protection. Girl, you’d give this to him? What a waste for a Qi refiner!”

Wei Lingjiang ignored him, watching as Chen Heng took the talisman, a trace of relief in her eyes.

This Golden Light Talisman was obtained on Jiyan Island from a toothy old man. She’d traded half a talisman coin for a rusty tin, within which was concealed this treasure, coveted even by Nascent Soul masters.

Later, she tried to find the old man again, but he always vanished...

“Why don’t you ask, junior brother, why you alone must take this risk?” she asked.

“Because of my Boundless True Qi? If you took the bait, your higher grade of Qi would give us away at once, and the Lord of Huaiwu would flee,” Chen Heng replied quietly. “I can mask my aura; I am the best choice for bait. Isn’t that what you thought as well?”

“I—”

“I don’t blame you, senior sister. The affair with the Lord of Huaiwu concerns my life too. If we can rid ourselves of evil, I am willing to be the bait.”

He lowered his eyes. “But are you sure Yuchan Sect is nearby? Will they come in time?”

Wei Lingjiang nodded.

Chen Heng fell silent, then suddenly smiled.

“What are you smiling at?” Wei Lingjiang asked uneasily.

“Sigh, the resources for Qi cultivation are many, but I was born poor as dirt, with neither companion, fortune, nor means. Truly a hard and bitter path.”

Wei Lingjiang’s face was expressionless. “Care to be more direct?”

“I mean, your plan is brilliant,” Chen Heng said with a salute and a smile. “I can be the bait, but—”

“You want more money?”

“I want more money,” Chen Heng replied frankly. “Let’s call it hazard pay for selling my life. How about it?”

Wei Lingjiang glanced sidelong at him.

She’d intended to ignore him, but seeing the trace of a smile at his lips, she couldn’t help lowering her eyes, her own lips curving slightly.

“If you’d drop that forced smile and give a genuine one, I’ll agree,” Wei Lingjiang said quietly.

“Oh?” Chen Heng reined in his smile, his expression just as calm. “Then let’s die together. It seems you’re determined to die with me—how touching.”

“You—” Wei Lingjiang began, but before she could retort, a knock sounded at the door.

Chen Heng frowned, gestured to lift the room’s silencing spell, and heard the voice of Qingzhi calling outside.

After a moment, as the door remained closed, the calls grew louder, near wailing.

“Don’t open it!” Wei Lingjiang, seeing Chen Heng about to rise, seized his sleeve anxiously. “Qingzhi’s tongue is the most gossipy—if she finds us alone together, there’ll be no end of trouble!”

“If we let her wail, it might alert the enemy,” Chen Heng replied. “You and I have clear consciences; what should we fear? And besides, the ancestor is also present—it’s hardly just the two of us.”

“Well, I could not count as a person, actually,” the ancestor noted, lifting his head. “I’m just a grand, enduring ginseng…”

At that moment, the door opened from within.

Qingzhi stood outside, arms full of candied hawthorn, cheeks puffed with indignation.

Seeing the door open and Wei Lingjiang still clutching Chen Heng’s sleeve, Qingzhi’s face turned from shock to a look that said, “So it’s true.”

“You…” she began, but before she could finish, Wei Lingjiang knocked her over with a fist, seized her collar, and hurried off to her own room.

“Why hit me? I hadn’t even said anything yet!” Qingzhi cried, her vision going dark.

By the time she regained her senses, she glared at Wei Lingjiang in outrage.

“It’s better you say nothing at all,” Wei Lingjiang replied without looking back.

“Ancestor, aren’t you going with them?” Chen Heng asked the little old man on the tea table.

“The Talisman of Far-Seeing is for you, not her. Why should I go? And that chubby green-clad brat is too noisy—I’d rather not deal with her; my ears can’t take it,” the ancestor grumbled.

Chen Heng smiled.

Knowing the ancestor would say no more, he saluted and settled on his mat to cultivate with his talisman coins.

A short distance away, the ancestor muttered in surprise, “You’re quite tactful, boy.”

With that, he rolled over on the tea table and said no more.

……

The next day.

At Baoju House.

In the main hall, Hao Qingyan lounged in purple robe, reclining with a teacup in hand, half-asleep.

Several clerks with thick ledgers were bent before him, apparently seeking his approval.

Suddenly, a light laugh sounded outside. Hao Qingyan opened his eyes to see Chen Heng strolling into the hall.

“So the manager is at leisure—seems I’ve disturbed your peace,” Chen Heng remarked.

Hao Qingyan’s face broke into a broad smile. He cupped his hands, about to offer a few pleasant words.

Just then—

Chen Heng stepped aside, and in came a veiled, graceful woman and a plump little girl in green.

“What’s this about?” Hao Qingyan wondered.

“Could it be he hasn’t come to fence goods, but has brought his partner and family to shop?”