After a lively banquet, everyone respectfully bade farewell to Zhou Jing before dispersing and rushing home to report what they had seen today.
Zhou Jing also sat in the sedan chair and went home with Ye Shunzhong. He thought to himself along the way,
“After tonight, my name will be confirmed and spread among the upper class of Ning Tian Prefecture. With the certification of these high-ranking officials, I will truly enter the sights of the Imperial Court…”
…
The next day, the news of Zhou Jing using his divine power on the Yu Lin River last night swept through the entire city like a hurricane.
This was the second time since he came from the river that Zhou Jing had revealed his magical abilities in front of the people in the city. The two deeds of “Treading the River to Ning Tian” and “Summoning the Winds in Yu Lin River” had spread throughout the city. They had once again become the hottest topic in the streets and alleys.
It had only been a few days since Zhou Jing entered the city, but he had already made a lot of fanfare. This made the commoners, who had never received any information bombardment in this era, feel as excited as if they were celebrating the new year. When they chatted with others, they danced around, mimicking his actions as if everyone had experienced it personally.
Soon, the magistrate, Zhao Xing’an, fulfilled his promise and stepped forward to create momentum for the search for the heavenly secrets.
With the approval of the government, the citizens of Ning Tian Prefecture finally believed that this was not a joke.
This time, many people gathered. Many of them were either curious, wanted the Ye Family to reward them, or just wanted to join in the fun. Every day, a large number of idlers would go to the Ye Family and say that they had discovered a “strange matter”.
These people were basically talking nonsense. They were politely invited out by the Ye Family, but they all expressed that they would come again the next time. Surprisingly, they treated this as an entertainment event and were happy to enjoy it. It was rare for so many people to gather together.
Every time they queued up, they would chat with others and make up nonsense together. They felt that they had broadened their horizons. Everyone here was talented and spoke nicely. Many of them did not even want to return home.
On the other side, the various aristocratic families in Ning Tian Prefecture also took action. Every day, someone would submit a visiting card and request to see Zhou Jing. Every time they came, they would send gifts with the intention of befriending him.
For a time, Zhou Jing became the most famous person in the entire Prefecture. The local people and merchants had all heard of him.
There was an endless stream of visitors every day, almost breaking apart the door threshold of the Ye family.
Ning Tian Prefecture was filled with the rich and powerful. Although the Ye family was rich, they had never had such a glorious influence. The Ye family was so happy that they were overjoyed and felt proud.
As his reputation grew, the title of “Perfected Master Windwalker” was completely established in Ning Tian Prefecture. From the nobles to the ruffians, everyone knew that there was an expert living in the Ye family.
…
“Damn it, I actually let this Ling Fengzi beat me to it!”
In the courtyard deep in the bamboo forest, the female Daoist was furious.
She originally wanted to observe Zhou Jing’s cultivation, but she did not expect this person to act so quickly and establish his reputation. He had cemented his position in Ning Tian Prefecture and was treated as an honored guest by many nobles.
What a despicable peer! He was actually so proficient in marketing!
This way, if she wanted to become famous, she would not be able to avoid this person. She would definitely be compared to this person.
The female Daoist felt hatred for this man all the way to her bones.
“However, this person subdued the rich and powerful overnight. Countless people have witnessed it with their own eyes. The story of him sweeping the winds on the Yu Lin River is most likely true… Could this be the legendary Wind Summoning Technique? Someone actually mastered such a magical technique?”
The female Daoist’s expression became solemn, quite afraid of Zhou Jing’s cultivation.
If she fought with this person, she might not be able to gain the upper hand. No one knew what other methods Ling Fengzi had yet to reveal…
The female Daoist wanted to retreat, but she was unwilling to give up on the southern auxiliary capital, the Ning Tian Prefecture so easily.
It was not a secret among the people that the Emperor would occasionally come to live in this area.
If she became famous here and was lucky enough to be summoned by the Emperor, with her beauty and charm, she would have a chance to obtain the favor of the Emperor and cling to the royal authority. Then, the monstrous power of the Imperial Family would be right in front of her!
In her opinion, other than accompanying the Emperor to sleep, Ling Fengzi must have the same plan as her.
“My looks and charm techniques are sharp weapons. This Ling Fengzi might have deep attainments, but as long as he doesn’t cause trouble, I still have a chance to obtain the Emperor’s appreciation… However, how can a kindred spirit like him sit by and watch me become famous? Two tigers cannot share one mountain. If I appear, he will probably eliminate a potential opponent like me.”
The female Daoist’s expression was uncertain as she frowned in thought.
At this moment, she suddenly had an idea.
“I’m really thinking too much. Why should I fight this Daoist? Since he’s a kindred spirit, why shouldn’t I join forces with him? It’s true that he has divine powers, but can he accompany the Emperor to sleep? As he influences the Emperor outside, I’ll blow pillow talk inside. With both sides at the same time, this old emperor will be under our control. In the future, we can get whatever we want. Isn’t it beneficial to both of us?”
The female Daoist’s eyes flickered as she came up with a plan.
One mountain could not accommodate two tigers… unless it was a male and a female!
As long as she could gain Ling Fengzi’s trust, this matter would be settled.
As for how to do it… it was best to meet first.
At most, she would do her old job, such as becoming Dao companions or becoming the disciple of Ling Fengzi. She would let him get close to her and serve this person with her proficient charm techniques and all kinds of dual cultivation techniques.
With the status of master and disciple or Dao companion, there would be a bond of trust. Ling Fengzi could even offer her to the Emperor and obtain his appreciation.
The Emperor had many concubines, but he definitely had not doted on the Dao Companion or the disciple of an expert. Just a change in identity could cause the Emperor’s desires to burn brightly, allowing her to stand out and make the Emperor fixated on her.
Moreover… if she managed to obtain the Emperor’s favor, but still continued to secretly meet with Ling Fengzi to serve him, wouldn’t he find it even more exciting to have the Emperor’s woman?
In terms of seducing others, she was a professional!
At the same time, she would have a chance to learn the spells of Ling Fengzi. It would really be a case of killing multiple birds with a stone.
The more she thought about it, the more she felt that it was feasible. She made up her mind and decided to do it!
If Ling Fengzi did not agree to cooperate, she would think about competing with him for fame and reputation. She felt that she still had some ability to protect herself.
…
On the other side, in a civilian inn within Ning Tian Prefecture.
The old Daoist priest and the young man settled down here and investigated the situation on the street every day, waiting for an opportunity. At the same time, they also learned about the rumors on the street about the “Summoning the Winds in the Yu Lin River”. This time, more people had witnessed it with their own eyes. No matter how suspicious he was, he had no choice but to believe it.
“I didn’t expect this Ling Fengzi to really have some cultivation… Is there really a technique to call the wind and rain in the world? The patriarch actually didn’t lie?”
The old Daoist stroked his beard and muttered softly.
The young man said proudly, “I knew it was true. Master, you didn’t believe me.”
The old Daoist rolled his eyes and continued talking to himself,
“In that case, the situation in Ning Tian Prefecture is changing… That demon is hiding in the dark and under the protection of a powerful force. I can’t do anything to him, but this Ling Fengzi might have a way.”
The young man was shocked, “Master, are we going to find this Ling Fengzi?”
The old Daoist priest was also a little hesitant as he replied,
“I haven’t thought about it yet. I don’t know what kind of person this Ling Fengzi is. From the way he befriends the rich and powerful, he doesn’t seem to be a righteous Daoist. If he also has the intention to cause trouble with his spells, he’s not on the same side as us. If we rashly come to his door, we might be walking into a trap.”
“That’s right, that’s right. I think so too.” The young man quickly nodded.
The old Daoist glanced at him and immediately changed his words, “But since even a fool like you thinks so, it seems that I should go and see this Ling Fengzi.”
“…Huh?”
The young man’s face twitched as he felt his master’s deep malice.
The old Daoist stroked his beard and pondered, “No matter what, this Ling Fengzi hasn’t caused trouble yet. Even if he has the intention to curry favor with the nobles, he will definitely be interested when he finds out that another demon is hiding in the city. He would not bother to wait and allow his opponent to hide in the dark. And we’re not his kindred spirits. As long as we don’t cause trouble for him, he probably will not provoke us… Therefore, we can meet.”
“Although what Master said makes sense… We still don’t know what kind of person Ling Fengzi is. This is all speculation. This trip is still dangerous.”
The young man scratched his head and muttered.
The old Daoist snorted, “If the Master has decided, then as a disciple, you have to follow. If that Ling Fengzi really causes trouble, I’ll leave you there to cover my back and help me slip away.”
“…Master, is it too late for me to sever ties with you now?”