Chapter Fifty-One: Undercurrents Surge

Within the span of a few breaths, countless strategies flashed through Lin Feng's mind. After a moment of deliberation, he feigned difficulty and said, "The cultivation secrets of my sect must never be passed to outsiders. If the master of the manor truly wishes to pursue the Dao, I can, upon returning to the mountain, report the matter and try to secure you a position as an external steward for the sect. With the renowned reputation of Bamboo Pavilion Manor for raising fine horses, it should not be difficult to hang such a title. Then, we would belong to the same sect, and it would not interfere with your horse breeding. Together, we could study the Dao. What do you think?"

Summer Bai Zhu stroked his beard and laughed, "Your words are excellent. Once we help the prince fulfill his grand aspiration and pursue the Dao together, we shall be of one brotherhood. If so, let me call you brother—would you accept me as your elder brother?"

"Elder brother above, receive my bow!" Lin Feng sprang to his feet, clasped his fists, and bowed.

"Haha! Good, today brings double joy. I am most delighted. I have already prepared a banquet in the front hall; come, brother, let us go together." Summer Bai Zhu, all smiles, took Lin Feng by the arm and led him toward the hall.

Old fox! To survive between two nations, I’ve underestimated him. He claims to seek talents for Prince Rongqing, but doubtless he pursues personal gain even more. Fortunately, I have not revealed everything; he surely suspects I still hold back a few tricks… Along the way, Lin Feng wore a pleasant smile, but in his heart he saw through Summer Bai Zhu, the hypocrite, entirely.

Meanwhile, Summer Bai Zhu was also calculating, This boy is much harder to deal with than Ye Ziyin. I must take my time, and eventually make him hand over the cultivation secrets. Hmph! He says he’ll secure a position for me after returning to his sect—such empty words to fool me. He underestimates me, Summer Bai Zhu!

When they reached the front hall, Ye Ziyin and others were already seated, guided by the steward. The red bamboo tables were piled with tea delicacies and fruits. Beside them sat a white-haired elder, conversing merrily with Zuo Qingcheng.

"Brother, let me introduce you. This is the honored guest of Bamboo Pavilion Manor, known in the martial world as 'Elder of a Hundred Miles,' Master Situ Fengyang. The 'Step Through Rain to Pluck Stars' technique I practice was taught by Master Situ." Summer Bai Zhu laughed as he introduced them, leading the two to the main seat.

Large households often kept martial experts, even lay Taoists with some knowledge of cultivation. They came and went freely, each minding their own affairs, summoned only when needed for important matters. Such people were respected as honored guests.

"So the old master is also a martial arts expert. My apologies for underestimating you," Lin Feng had thought this elder was some senior of the manor, but he turned out to be a deeply hidden master.

"Haha, I am no great master—only that my feet move faster than others, so I can run." Situ Fengyang's cheeks were gaunt, his hair and beard short, his appearance unremarkable—nothing to suggest a martial artist.

"Judging by your esteemed title, surely your speed is more than ordinary?" Lin Feng chuckled, "If you have a moment, I hope you can offer me some guidance."

"Gladly, gladly. I enjoy the company of young people most. After the meal, let’s find a place to chat alone." Situ Fengyang laughed, his eyes twinkling.

Everyone took their seats. Lin Feng felt something was missing, and realized Miss Summer Tong had not appeared since returning from her morning ride; no wonder the atmosphere felt strange.

"Gentlemen, today’s feast is to welcome our guests and cleanse away the dust of travel. We discuss the pleasures of life, not matters of state. Please enjoy yourselves. I shall drink this cup first." Summer Bai Zhu rose and looked around before draining his wine.

"Very well, I, Zuo, am honored and toast the master first!" Zuo Qingcheng drank with Summer Bai Zhu, followed by Ye Ziyin, Lin Feng, Liu Yun, and Liao Kai. Each toasted the master, and the rounds of drinking came thick and fast.

After several rounds, Summer Bai Zhu's cheeks were flushed. He stood and said, "Friends, Bamboo Pavilion Manor not only raises excellent horses, but its people are charming as well. Please witness for yourselves—"

He clapped his hands. Steward Qu Bo, waiting outside, beckoned. A seductive woman holding a lute sashayed in, her waist as supple as a willow. Several maids followed. She wore a golden hairpin, light makeup, and a pink gauze dress; every movement was a graceful dance. Entering the hall, she bowed elegantly, "Greetings, manor master and esteemed guests. Xiaojun will perform a dance for your pleasure. If it is lacking in grace, please forgive me."

Her voice was tender as water, making one's ears tingle and heart flutter. Lin Feng frowned slightly and glanced at the others, seeing all eyes fixed on the dancer—even Ye Ziyin was captivated.

What a powerful charm technique! If I weren’t a cultivator, I too might have lost myself to her. Lin Feng’s gaze grew steely as he watched the woman.

The lute's clear notes and her melodious singing, accompanied by her elegant dance, enchanted all but Lin Feng. The audience was mesmerized, their eyes following her every movement and expression.

When the performance ended, everyone was still intoxicated, faces dreamy and enraptured. Lin Feng was now certain she was no ordinary dancer, and quietly observed her closely.

"Splendid! Xiaojun’s skill grows ever more refined. What do the gentlemen think?" Summer Bai Zhu laughed, returning to himself.

Ye Ziyin nodded, "This lady’s artistry surpasses even the palace musicians. May I ask if you are self-taught or learned from a master?"

Xiaojun smiled serenely and replied, "Sir flatters me. I taught myself the lute and dance, never studied under a teacher."

Ye Ziyin turned away, unable to meet her gaze.

"Haha, brother, what do you think?" Summer Bai Zhu asked Lin Feng.

Lin Feng raised his head to look at Xiaojun, his gaze calm. He silently circulated the longevity technique, clearing his mind entirely.

"Miss Xiaojun’s singing is beautiful and moving, her lute playing profound. But I do not understand music and cannot grasp its essence—my apologies," Lin Feng said, meeting her eyes with a gentle smile.

Summer Bai Zhu was momentarily stunned, not expecting such an answer, and the atmosphere became awkward.

"You are talented beyond compare, sir; I am just a humble performer," Xiaojun smiled, her eyes holding a deep meaning as she looked at Lin Feng.

"You are too modest, Miss Xiaojun. Master Lin is an immortal adept, unversed in worldly matters and unfamiliar with music. Please do not mind," Summer Bai Zhu hurried to smooth things over.

"Of course, I take no offense," Xiaojun replied with a dazzling smile, lighting up the hall.

"Esteemed guests, master, Xiaojun has other duties and will take her leave. Please enjoy yourselves." She bowed, and departed gracefully, leaving the crowd amazed.

Summer Bai Zhu coughed, raised his glass, and invited, "Come, gentlemen, finish this cup and try our manor’s special Bamboo Rice Double Wild Goose."

"Haha… This is my favorite dish! If none of you eat, you’ll make an old man suffer." Situ Fengyang laughed and raised his glass, and the atmosphere grew lively again.

Several signature dishes arrived in succession. The guests toasted and conversed merrily, soon addressing each other as brothers. Even the Elder of a Hundred Miles lowered his status and called Lin Feng brother. The manor master, tipsy, retired to his chamber with the aid of maids.

After the banquet, Situ Fengyang and Lin Feng walked together along the garden path, chatting.

"Brother, you want to learn my footwork, don't you?" Situ Fengyang, a little drunk, held up three fingers, gesturing repeatedly.

"Hehe, you guessed right, elder brother. If possible, I would like to learn from you." Supporting the old man, Lin Feng felt as if he were holding a wisp of cotton—light and elusive.

"Hehe, learning martial arts requires tuition! What can you offer to make me impart all my skills?" Situ Fengyang squinted at Lin Feng.

This old man showed no sign of drunkenness—his mind was sharp. There are no free lunches in the world. Lin Feng pondered, then remembered something. "I have a well-made assassination blade. Would you be interested?"

The blade was taken from an assassin. Lin Feng had intended to give it to Zuo Qingcheng, but the stalwart refused to accept a weapon from an opponent. Mu Hong’s gear was likewise kept by Liu Yun.

"An assassination blade? Hmm, let’s go see it." Situ Fengyang’s eyes lit up, all traces of drunkenness gone.

The two pulled along the flushed Liu Yun to examine the blade.

Inside, Summer Bai Zhu sat in a bamboo chair, sneered, and his face grew grim. He murmured, "That boy actually resisted Xiaojun’s charm. Plans must change."

"Master, should I take action?" A tall, thin figure in the shadows asked in a deep voice. His face hidden in darkness, he stood like a bamboo pole—silent as a corpse unless he spoke.

"Not yet. Wait until the prince replies before making a decision. Lin Feng… If you know what’s good for you, hand over the cultivation method soon. Don’t force me to use that technique against you!"

On the bronze mirror in the corner, Summer Bai Zhu's twisted face was reflected.