Chapter 29
Part 1
The young girl left the Shen residence with light steps, a black carriage carrying her away toward the other end of the long street. Wen Heng rubbed his temples. Was he too exhausted, seeing strange things?
Lian Wushang noticed Wen Heng’s unease and gently patted his shoulder. “Are you alright?” Wen Heng shook his head. “I’m fine.”
Shen Liang laughed heartily. “Is it that you feel unwell, Fellow Daoist Wen?”
Before Wen Heng or Lian Wushang could respond, Shen Liang explained, “The young lady who just departed is my niece, Shen Rou. She possesses a naturally superior water spirit root. She is betrothed to the grandson of my sect’s senior brother, and their wedding is set for a month hence. The Shen Manor is currently filled with the dowry we’ve prepared for Rou. To deter thieves, we’ve set up a spirit-trapping array. Fellow Daoist Wen, this being your first encounter with such an array, you may feel slightly uncomfortable. Rest assured, it poses no harm to cultivators.”
Wen Heng didn’t take offense at Shen Liang’s words. He grinned, “The Shen residence is truly magnificent. I’ve never seen such a splendid estate before.”
Shen Liang chuckled and walked ahead. He was now utterly convinced that Wen Heng was a complete fool, merely riding on the coattails of Lian Wushang. Speaking of which, Lian Wushang had come from Sangzi Island, and Shen Liang remained deeply wary of him.
Lian Wushang kept his eyes fixed straight ahead throughout the journey. Though the Shen residence contained many rare treasures, he didn’t spare them a single glance. Shen Liang’s entire focus was now directed at dealing with Lian Wushang. If Lian Wushang knew he’d aroused such intense suspicion in Shen Liang, he’d surely be both amused and exasperated.
Shen Liang settled Lian Wushang and Wen Heng in a beautiful courtyard adorned with pavilions, towers, bridges, and flowing streams. “This courtyard is mine, adjacent to my own quarters within the Shen residence. You two Daoist friends may stay here for now. Should you need anything, remember to tell me.”
Lian Wushang’s expression betrayed no emotion. He nodded. “Thank you for your trouble, Daoist Shen.”
Wen Heng, however, was slightly excited. “Thank you, thank you! I’ve never lived in such a splendid place in my life!” His two claws grabbed Shen Liang’s hand, successfully making Shen Liang feel uncomfortable once again.
Shen Liang smiled impassively as he withdrew his hand. “You two should rest first. Come evening, I’ll send someone to bring your other companion here.” “We’re grateful for your kindness.” Lian Wushang remained as serene as ever.
After Shen Liang departed, Wen Heng opened his mouth to speak, but Lian Wushang gestured for silence. His fingers fluttered, and Wen Heng watched as azure spiritual energy streamed from Lian Wushang’s hands. Something enveloped them both. Wen Heng blinked, mouthing silently to Lian Wushang, “What’s happening?”
Lian Wushang could speak now. “This house has a barrier. I added another one so they can’t hear us.” Wen Heng gave him a thumbs-up. “Impressive, Wushang.” Lian Wushang smiled. “It’s nothing. If you practiced cultivation, you’d do better than me.”
Wen Heng felt no confidence in that. Sitting on an ornate stool, he lifted a teacup and poured one for Lian Wushang. “You always say I could cultivate, but honestly, I have zero faith in my own future. Hey, this tea is actually hot.”
Lian Wushang took the cup. “There’s a small array inside that keeps the water warm.”
After taking a few sips, Lian Wushang rose and walked to the room’s doorway. The room faced the courtyard, where afternoon sunlight slanted across the flowers and plants.
Lian Wushang took a few steps, and Wen Heng followed him out. “The Shen family truly is a wealthy household.” Lian Wushang replied, “Many cultivation families have existed for thousands of years. Their foundations are naturally profound.”
Wen Heng and Lian Wushang conversed in the courtyard for a while. Before long, Gouzi was brought in by the servants. He wore a yellow Taoist robe, which fit him well enough, but Gouzi was so thin that the robe looked oddly mismatched on him.
Gouzi stood trembling, utterly bewildered, a tiny leopard still dangling from his sleeve. Only upon seeing Wen Heng and Lian Wushang did he relax. The moment the servants departed, Gouzi shed his composure entirely, lunging forward with a loud cry: “Ahhhhh… You scared the life out of me!”
On his first day at Qingcheng Sect, Gouzi was given a Taoist robe. After a cursory wash, the steward dragged him off to clean. Wielding his broom, Gouzi worked diligently at first. But when he realized no one was watching, he’d sweep a bit, then take a break. Slacking off while cleaning, it was just as the two young disciples had described—leisurely and carefree.
But just as his shift was ending, someone from Qingcheng Sect suddenly came looking for Gouzi. Cold sweat poured down his back. He thought, “Someone must have reported my goofing off! I’m done for—I’m going to lose this job!”
The young disciple who led him away said nothing, only that someone sought him. Thus, trembling all the way, he journeyed from Qingcheng Sect to the Shen residence. Had the disciple not used talismans to guide him, he’d likely still be wandering the mountains of Qingcheng Sect.
His pockets still held the lunches meant for Wen Heng and Lian Wushang. Only upon seeing them in the beautiful courtyard did Gouzi feel his wandering spirit, which had nearly flown out of his skull, finally return.
He patted his chest. “Holy crap, Mr. Heng and Mr. Lian! What happened to you guys? How did you even find such a great place?”
Gouzi pulled out the snacks he’d left for Wen Heng and the others from his Qiankun Sleeve, along with the leopard, who was snoring away. The leopard lay sprawled on the stone table in the courtyard. He lifted his eyelids, glanced at Wen Heng and Lian Wushang, then closed them again and went back to sleep.
![Flying Dust [Fei Chen]](https://novels.space/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/9k.png "Flying Dust [Fei Chen]")
