Chapter 1410: The Venerable Young Master Xu of Shangcang, Unparalleled in His Era
Xu Shenghua traveled without pause, heading straight for the territory of Consort Yan. His Dao heart was firm, his mind focused on nothing else. Although the temptation of the Taiji Primordial Liquid was immense, he did not take even a single sip.
Qin Mu often boasted about the strength of his own Dao heart, yet his temperament was lively and impulsive—he would frequently have a sudden idea and find himself unable to resist acting on it. But Xu Shenghua was different.
The Venerable Young Master Xu of Shangcang, unparalleled in his era.
He was more composed than Qin Mu, more restrained, and at the same time humble and cautious, possessing virtues that Qin Mu lacked.
His ideas were not as numerous nor as whimsical as Qin Mu's, but when it came to intelligence, Qin Mu would readily concede defeat. However, what made him succeed also made him fail—precisely because he was too composed, too restrained, too humble and cautious, he had a significant shortcoming in pioneering spirit compared to Qin Mu.
But that was only when he had no worthy opponent. If Xu Shenghua met his match, encountering a fellow Daoist or a formidable enemy, he would be stimulated to unleash extremely powerful creativity. For example, the Yongjiang Divine Treasury was a Divine Treasury he had pioneered after making a bet with Qin Mu.
The Yongjiang Divine Treasury was also called the Tianhe Divine Treasury. Without knowing that the Yongjiang River was actually the Tianhe River, Xu Shenghua had forcibly pioneered this Divine Treasury before Qin Mu did. This single feat alone was enough to rank him among the Heavenly Venerables.
His other achievement was planting the Primordial Jianmu within the Divine Treasury, using the beauty of numerology to connect the seven great Divine Treasuries, unifying them into one. This was also an achievement worthy of a Heavenly Venerable.
With opponents and fellow Daoists, Xu Shenghua shone brilliantly, radiant and dazzling.
It was only because he was too humble and reserved that his reputation was far inferior to Qin Mu's, and also inferior to Yan Feng Emperor and former National Preceptor Jiang Baigui.
Xu Shenghua traveled all the way to Consort Yan's territory when suddenly another violent tremor came from afar. The third great Spirit Energy Transfer Bridge of the Heavenly Court had been completed and opened, its light shooting into the sky, illuminating the night.
It was nighttime now. Xu Shenghua glanced over, then entered the divine city of Consort Yan's territory to rest for the night. When the sun was high in the sky, he entered the gateway to the Taishi Mine Vein, presented the Mu Heavenly Venerable's visiting card, and requested an audience with Consort Yan.
—Of course, Qin Mu had not given him any visiting card. The so-called Mu Heavenly Venerable's visiting card was written by Xu Shenghua himself the night before.
After a moment, Xiu Hongsu came to greet him. She saw a strikingly handsome young gentleman standing outside the gate, standing there quietly, making one feel that time itself was beautiful.
Xiu Hongsu's heart unconsciously beat two beats faster. She stepped forward to greet him, saying, "How should I address the envoy?"
"Xu Shenghua of the Shangcang Divine Sect of Yankang, sent by Mu Heavenly Venerable to pay respects." Xu Shenghua returned the greeting, every gesture and movement so perfect that one could not find a single flaw.
Xiu Hongsu felt her heart intoxicated without realizing it, and she couldn't help but develop a deep fondness for him. She said, "The Consort already knows. Please, Young Master Xu, come this way." Only after the words left her mouth did her heart start in alarm.
As a being at the Imperial Throne realm, the personally cultivated great disciple of Consort Yan, holding high position and great authority, she had unconsciously lowered her own status, addressing Xu Shenghua as "Young Master Xu"!
This had never happened before!
Xu Shenghua was from a sect in the small nation of Yankang in the Primordial Realm, and he had been sent by Mu Heavenly Venerable. In terms of status and position, he was naturally far inferior to herself. Yet she had lowered her posture—was she being seduced by male beauty?
Xu Shenghua's gaze fell upon her eyes, showing a hint of confusion. Xiu Hongsu, intoxicated by his look, suddenly realized: "He is asking me why I haven't yet gone to see the Consort—it's not a flirtatious glance. He is courteous and polite, though puzzled, he did not ask directly, unlike that crude fellow Mu Heavenly Venerable..."
She led the way ahead, and her words unconsciously became more numerous. Speaking with such a handsome man was always a pleasant thing.
Xu Shenghua was a very good listener, always smiling as he listened to her, occasionally replying with a sentence or two. But even one or two sentences were enough to make Xiu Hongsu very happy.
They arrived at Consort Yan's detached palace, and suddenly Xiu Hongsu realized: "Oh no! The Consort likes young and handsome men. If she sees Young Master Xu, even Little Seven will fall out of favor. Little Seven's temperament is far inferior to his..."
But they had already arrived before the hall, and now it was too late to leave.
From within the hall came Consort Yan's voice: "Hongsu, invite the envoy in."
Xu Shenghua wore a smile on his face as he walked toward the hall. His divine consciousness rippled, transmitting a message to Xiu Hongsu: "The purpose of my visit is to seek an audience with the Taiji Ancient God through the Consort. Please, young lady, inform the Taiji Ancient God of this."
Xiu Hongsu was slightly startled, then understood his intent. She led him into the detached palace.
Inside the hall, Consort Yan sat upon her throne, holding a white cat in her arms. She lowered her head to look at the cat, her delicate jade-like fingers sliding from the back of the cat's head down its back, then to its tail.
She was so absorbed in looking at the cat that although she heard the footsteps, she did not raise her head. She laughed and said, "As the Taiji Ancient God predicted, Mu Heavenly Venerable indeed sent the Taiji Primordial Liquid back. However, Mu Heavenly Venerable calculated everything except whether he could resolve his grudge with the Taiji Ancient God—that still depends on my mood. If I do not permit it, the envoy of Mu Heavenly Venerable will never be able to see..."
She raised her head to look at Xu Shenghua, and her gaze suddenly froze.
Xu Shenghua offered his greeting. Though his movements were light and casual, not overstepping any propriety, his bearing and temperament formed an inexhaustible elegance around him.
Suddenly, the white cat's fur stood on end. It arched its back and let out a threatening growl at Xu Shenghua.
Consort Yan rose, tossing the white cat to the ground. The cat arched its body, sidestepping as it approached Xu Shenghua, its tail twitching like a snake, circling around him with measured steps.
It seemed to be looking at its enemy, ready to spring at any moment and deliver a fatal strike.
"Little Seven, stand down. Do not disturb our honored guest."
At Consort Yan's command, the white cat, though unwilling, had no choice but to retreat.
"Hongsu, you may withdraw as well." Consort Yan waved her hand and smiled.
Xiu Hongsu took the opportunity to withdraw.
Xu Shenghua said, "So, Consort, do you permit me to see the Taiji Ancient God, or not?"
"Permit or not—that depends on the envoy."
Consort Yan approached him, smiling playfully: "The envoy is young and handsome, not only good-looking but also possessing extraordinary bearing. That such a figure as you exists in the lower realm is truly a rare occurrence."
"The Consort flatters me."
Xu Shenghua bowed slightly and said, "The Consort sits high above, blessed by the Heavenly Emperor's grace. I worry..."
"Worry about what?"
Consort Yan hooked her wrist around his neck, leaning into his embrace. Her seductive eyes were like silk threads as she laughed: "He seeks other women, not even sparing my own sister. I intend to sleep with every handsome man in the world to take revenge on him!"
Xu Shenghua naturally wrapped his arm around her waist. The two gazed at each other, and Xu Shenghua looked directly into her eyes, speaking softly: "After you take your revenge on him, Consort, have you ever felt happiness?"
Consort Yan's heart trembled. The soft place within her was touched, and she felt a wave of bitterness surge into her heart.
"No."
"I thought so."
Xu Shenghua continued to look into her eyes, speaking gently: "Every time you take revenge on him, you recall his betrayal once more, and you feel pain once more. Your revenge does not hurt him—it only hurts yourself, again and again. Consort, why do you torment yourself so?"
...
Outside the hall, Xiu Hongsu watched the furious white cat Little Seven storming away. Her heart stirred, and she quickly called out to stop him, thinking to herself: "If I go to inform the Taiji Ancient God, then the Consort will surely trace it back to me. Though she and I are master and disciple, in truth we are master and servant. I climbed to my current position with great difficulty. For such a risky matter, it's naturally better for someone else to do it."
She then spoke to the white cat Little Seven, explaining the matter to him.
The white cat Little Seven was overjoyed. He stood upright on his hind legs, clasping his front paws together in a bow toward Xiu Hongsu, and said, "Thank you, Senior Sister, for the guidance! That bastard Mu Heavenly Venerable has harmed me, sending a pretty boy to steal my fortune and share the Consort's favor! I absolutely cannot let him succeed!" With that, he hurried away.
Before long, the two Taiji Ancient Gods arrived together. The female Ancient God said, "The Empress Consort stopped Mu Heavenly Venerable's envoy, not letting him see us. She must be plotting something!"
"No need to say more. We'll know once we see the envoy."
The two arrived before the detached palace. Xiu Hongsu hastily blocked them, saying, "Two seniors, please allow this junior to announce your arrival!"
How could the two Ancient Gods be blocked by her? They walked right past her, leaving Xiu Hongsu grasping at air.
Her scalp went numb. She hurriedly chased after the two Ancient Gods, inwardly lamenting: "If they are in the middle of an intimate moment inside, with their clothes in disarray, what do I do?"
She and the two Taiji Ancient Gods entered the palace one after another. Xiu Hongsu's heart was anxious as she hurriedly looked up—and was stunned.
She saw Consort Yan and Xu Shenghua both seated high upon the cloud platform, chatting and laughing together. It did not look like a scene of passionate intimacy at all. Rather, Consort Yan seemed to treat Xu Shenghua as a close confidant, a bosom friend, chatting and laughing freely with him, occasionally raising her fragrant handkerchief to cover her mouth as she giggled.
Xiu Hongsu was utterly bewildered. This scene was something she had never anticipated. She had assumed the place would surely be filled with romantic splendor, yet she never expected that faced with such an outstanding man, Consort Yan would still treat him with courtesy, speaking heart-to-heart words with Xu Shenghua.
"Vice Minister Xu truly should come more often."
Consort Yan rose from the cloud platform, smiling: "Speaking with you has eased my heart considerably. I have no confidants, no kindred spirits. It is rare to encounter such a thoughtful friend as you. I wish I could pour out all my feelings. Unfortunately, you are Mu Heavenly Venerable's envoy, and I detest ugly, stinking men like Mu Heavenly Venerable. That fellow constantly opposes me..."
Xu Shenghua said, "If the Consort does not mind, I can come often."
Consort Yan was overjoyed. She took his hand and walked down from the platform, saying, "With Vice Minister Xu's words, I am reassured. Hongsu, from now on, when Vice Minister Xu comes to see me, you must not block him."
Xiu Hongsu grew even more bewildered, but she dared not show her surprise. She lowered her head and acknowledged the order.
Consort Yan walked down from the cloud platform, releasing Xu Shenghua's hand, and said, "Mu Heavenly Venerable sent you to see Brother Taiji. Though I wanted to block you and ruin his plans, I fear that when you return, that stinking man will punish you. So I might as well grant your wish. Hongsu, let's go. Let Vice Minister Xu speak slowly with the two brothers."
Xu Shenghua bowed in thanks.
Consort Yan quickly returned the bow, then walked out of the palace together with Xiu Hongsu.
"What a wonderful person."
Consort Yan walked out of the detached palace, turning back to look and unable to resist praising: "That Mu Heavenly Venerable actually has such a talented and virtuous person by his side. How enviable."
Xiu Hongsu blinked her eyes, feeling strange inside: "Has the Consort changed her temperament?"
The white cat Little Seven came running over in a flash, but Consort Yan acted as if she didn't see him. The white cat dared not jump into her arms to act spoiled, feeling wronged inside: "Have I come too late? That fellow surnamed Xu really is quite swift..."