Jixia spent ten quiet days in Yanxiang Manor.
During this time, Zhao Wu and Fan Zhu visited him several times for long conversations. Each time Fan Zhu came, she brought rare treasures and toys for Qianqian and Shangluo and delivered precious ingredients to Shi Yang, saying they were gifts from the Sixth Prince.
However, Jixia's impression of Fan Zhu had worsened significantly due to the banquet incident. While he didn't oppose such purposeful gatherings, the fact that Fan Zhu had placed him in that situation without prior consent left a sour taste. In contrast, Jixia still appreciated Zhao Wu's bold and forthright character. Their discussions were mostly free from ulterior motives, revolving around local customs or cultivation insights, making their exchanges quite pleasant.
The manor had grown livelier with the addition of new occupants. Qianqian and Shangluo often played with Jilin, whose nascent intellect lagged behind theirs. Yet, the three young ones got along splendidly.
Shi Yang, apart from his regular trips to procure supplies, was diligently cultivating. Despite this, Jixia couldn't fully discern Shi Yang's true strength. While Shi Yang's spiritual fluctuations suggested he was close to breaking through a critical barrier, his snow mountain was tightly veiled by a blue light, leaving Jixia puzzled.
Not wanting to pry, Jixia respected Shi Yang's privacy, as long as his loyalty remained unwavering.
Jilin's cultivation progressed rapidly. His snow mountain grew solid and robust, and his spiritual essence became denser by the day. The spirit-gathering rune Jixia had gifted him was already losing its effect within just ten days.
"Jilin's cultivation level has probably reached the sixth tier of the heavens. What astonishing speed," Jixia thought in amazement. He recalled how, just days ago, Jilin's snow mountain had barely formed. Now it was grand and towering, yet peculiar in its entirely black hue, radiating an eerie glow with strange smoke coiling around it.
"This manor truly harbors many oddities," Jixia mused. His gaze shifted between Shi Yang's residence and Jilin, who continued to play while absorbing spiritual essence. He found the situation amusing.
Compared to Shi Yang and Jilin, Su Yao seemed unremarkable. Aside from her delicate appearance and graceful demeanor, her cultivation was ordinary, barely stronger than that of a common person.
Nevertheless, her work ethic was exemplary. She woke before dawn daily to clean the courtyard and prepare meals. Su Yao had even taken to experimenting with recipes, introducing fresh dishes to the table. Though primarily vegetarian, her meals now featured a few meat dishes that were both flavorful and well-presented.
Having grown accustomed to the coarse fare of Taicang, Jixia was not used to such refined cooking and praised Su Yao several times. The young rabbit-eared maiden, though only 18 or 19 years old, had matured through hardship. Initially tense around Jixia, her demeanor gradually shifted to one of deep gratitude.
If not for Jixia, she would have long met a grisly fate, dismembered and served on the plates of twisted gourmands. Despite her aversion to meat, Su Yao forced herself to overcome her revulsion to prepare such dishes, ensuring the household was well-fed.
Life in Yanxiang Manor had a peaceful and harmonious rhythm, yet Jixia's heart remained restless. His thoughts lingered on Taicang, and he yearned to return.
With the royal jade token gifted by the Sixth Prince and the symbolic runes from Lu Yuqi's storage pouch, Jixia had already achieved his primary objectives in Dafu. These items provided him a means to address any future challenges from Dafu, allowing him to safeguard Taicang without revealing his true identity.
However, one matter still bound Jixia to Dafu—Shi Yu.
He sought an opportunity to eliminate Shi Yu and avenge Meng Gui. If such a chance failed to materialize before Riyou, he would have to withdraw.
After all, as the ruler of Taicang, Jixia could not afford unnecessary risks. If the opportunity for retaliation never arose, Jixia planned to expose the existence of the cult-like Shen Altar to Dafu authorities. As a county governor, Shi Yu might escape punishment, but her survival would hinge on her luck.
In Taicang, Jixia would have eradicated such a heretical group without hesitation. He doubted Dafu's rulers, like King Fusheng, would tolerate a faction bent on summoning an evil deity to seize control of the realm.
If Jixia managed to kill Shi Yu discreetly, the continued existence of the Shen Altar could benefit him by destabilizing Dafu. A divided and weakened Dafu would grant Taicang a respite for growth, ensuring its survival against the whims of Dafu's power players.
"Master, the young lord of the Fu Zhao Clan, Zhao Wu, has come to visit."
Jixia's musings were interrupted by Shi Bo, who entered to announce Zhao Wu's arrival.
"Invite him in," Jixia said.
Moments later, Zhao Wu strode in confidently, clad in a gray outfit. Despite his bright smile, there was a hint of worry in his eyes.
"Brother Qin, Zhao Wu greets you again," he said warmly.
Jixia rose to greet him, inviting him to sit and calling for tea. Zhao Wu declined, shaking his head.
"No tea, Brother Qin. I've come to invite you to my clan's ancestral birthday celebration. It will take place in twenty-two days," Zhao Wu explained. "My grandfather, who enjoys the company of young talents, has long wished to meet you. I hope you can honor us with your presence."
Jixia hesitated. "The timing is difficult. Riyou is fast approaching, and I must return to my clan within seven or eight days. Staying longer might incur severe penalties."
Zhao Wu sighed in understanding. "Great clans impose strict rules. I understand."
However, after a moment of thought, Zhao Wu brightened. "Since you cannot stay for the celebration, why not visit our clan today? My grandfather would be delighted to meet you, even briefly."
Seeing no harm in a visit, Jixia agreed.
As they approached the Fu Zhao clan's grand estate, Jixia activated his Great Sun Spirit Eyes. A sudden sight at the heart of the compound caught his attention—a low house emitting constant streams of black smoke. His Soul Furnace stirred within him, and the twin golden crows perched upon it spread their wings, their eyes gleaming with hunger. It was as if they had found prey.