Chapter 2 The Next Evening. Yulin Riverbank, Emerald Jade Tower

Two sedan chairs passed through the bustling streets teeming with pedestrians and stopped in front of the restaurant. Zhou Jing and Ye Shunchong were seated inside respectively.

The two got out of the sedan chairs, and the prefect's attendant waiting at the door immediately greeted them.

"Master Ye, the Prefect is already waiting in the private room on the third floor. Is this the Lingfengzi Daoist?"

The attendant first greeted them politely, then looked at Zhou Jing with curiosity, secretly sizing him up.

Ye Shunchong nodded and cupped his fist politely: "We are here at the Prefect's invitation for the banquet. Please lead the way."

Hearing this, the attendant suppressed his thoughts and led the way, respectfully leading the two upstairs.

As Ye Shunchong ascended the stairs, he lowered his voice and said to Zhou Jing:

"Lord Zhao has been the Ningtian Prefect for many years. He has specially arranged this banquet, and has also invited the dignitaries of Ningtian Prefecture to accompany us. They must want to get to know a master like Daoist Priest."

Zhou Jing nodded, but he didn't think so in his heart. Because he had displayed supernatural powers in front of the Ye family, Ye Shunchong was convinced from the bottom of his heart. However, these dignitaries and aristocratic families at most only heard rumors. With the knowledge and experience of these powerful people, it was unlikely that they would deeply believe it.

In his opinion, these dignitaries were inviting him to the banquet not only to get to know him, but also to expose his methods and make him "reveal his true form." He was afraid that it would be a banquet with ill intentions. At most, they would not force him too much for the sake of him curing the Ye family's Grandfather.

Only by suppressing these dignitaries today can he truly gain a firm foothold in Ningtian Prefecture, and his reputation can be achieved?

Zhou Jing secretly calculated.

The two soon arrived on the third floor and were led into a private room by the attendant, immediately attracting the attention of everyone in the room.

The people present were all dignitaries of Ningtian Prefecture. Their eyes immediately focused on Zhou Jing, their eyes filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

Unexpectedly, this Lingfengzi was far from the image of an immortal master in their imagination. Not only was he strangely dressed, but he was also a little fat.

"Lord Zhao." Ye Shunchong hurried forward a few steps to greet the man in plain clothes in the main seat.

This man in plain clothes was Zhao Xing'an, the Prefect of Ningtian. He was not wearing his official uniform at this time. He smiled and comforted Ye Shunchong:

"I heard that Ye Family's Grandfather has recovered from his long illness. This official has not yet congratulated you. When Ye Grandfather is well, I will invite him to drink and chat another day."

Then, Zhao Xing'an turned to look at Zhou Jing and cupped his hands with a smile:

"So it is Daoist Priest."

Zhou Jing didn't bow, but only cupped his hands. He had now changed his outfit, wearing a feathered robe, a Daoist crown, and cloud shoes. Although his appearance was "unflattering," his overall appearance already had the feel of a Daoist priest.

"In recent days, the Daoist Priest's name has been like thunder in the ears. Seeing you today is indeed extraordinary. Daoist Priest and Brother Ye, please be seated."

Zhao Xing'an smiled and invited the two to take their seats, his manners were still considerate.

No matter what the people present thought in their hearts, they were not in a hurry. They all cupped their hands and introduced themselves, this one from which family, that one from which clan, it was a simple acquaintance.

Once everyone was present, Zhao Xing'an ordered the restaurant to serve the dishes. All kinds of exquisite dishes were brought up in a steady stream, with a complete range of colors, aromas, and flavors.

"The chef of this Emerald Jade Tower is one of the best chefs in Ningtian Prefecture, with superb skills. I wonder if it suits the Daoist Priest's taste. If the Daoist Priest doesn't like it, I will ask the kitchen to change it."

Zhao Xing'an nodded to Zhou Jing at the banquet, his tone amiable.

"This humble Daoist is a mountain person, accustomed to eating wind and drinking dew, I am not picky."

Zhou Jing responded casually.

"It seems that the Daoist Priest is a man of indifference." Zhao Xing'an smiled, then looked out the window, looking for a topic to chat. "This Yulin Riverbank is a prosperous scene in the world. Overlooking it from here has a special flavor. I wonder what the Daoist Priest thinks?"

Zhou Jing also looked over and saw that the painted boats outside the window were connected and the tourists were like clouds. He nodded in agreement:

"Indeed, it's not bad. Ningtian Prefecture's prosperity is rare in the world."

Zhao Xing'an withdrew his gaze and asked with a smile: "Is this the first time the Daoist Priest has come to my Ningtian Prefecture? I wonder where the Daoist Priest is from, what is your family like, and where did you cultivate before?"

These words had a feeling of a leader asking what your parents do.

Zhou Jing looked back again and found that everyone present was staring at him intently, so he slowly said:

"This humble Daoist is a wandering cloud and wild crane, taking the world as my home. Where I came from in the mortal world is no longer important. Where I will go in the future is what I think about. The way of cultivation lies in one's own heart. If there is a Dao in the heart, there is no need to seek elsewhere."

Hearing this, Ye Shunchong also chimed in from the side and said with a smile: "I first met the Daoist Priest a few days ago and asked about this matter. The Daoist Priest also answered in this way, saying that it is not in the temple, but in the mountains and fields, and there is no need to borrow external objects. These words were enlightening and gave me a great sense of enlightenment."

The dignitaries and children of aristocratic families present were slightly moved and carefully savored it. They only felt that these words were a bit interesting and really like what a master would say.

"In that case, is the Daoist Priest going to write a book and establish a sect?" A child of an aristocratic family raised his eyebrows, his tone a bit playful.

"As long as you have the heart to seek the Dao, everyone can establish a sect."

Zhou Jing pretended not to hear the other party's sarcasm and chuckled.

Another child of an aristocratic family couldn't help but say: "Lingfengzi Daoist Priest, you speak so profoundly that no one understands."

"What if they understand, and what if they don't understand? Most of the floating life is illusory, flowers bloom and fall, fleeting clouds. The Dao leaves no trace. Even if you understand, how can it affect your daily life? If fate arrives, you will naturally understand."

Zhou Jing spoke vaguely, pretending to be profound. What's not important, the important thing is to grasp the feeling of a master.

Everyone was stunned. They felt that Zhou Jing was deliberately mystifying, but they also felt that these words could be carefully "tasted" a bit. For a moment, they didn't know if this person was fabricating or really had something.

If he was really a con man, then the con men's business level is really quite high now.

The dignitaries present were preconceived and believed that Zhou Jing was swindling. Although Zhou Jing had recently saved Ye Grandfather, the story of stepping on the river at the beginning was still too incredible. The dignitaries present still felt that Zhou Jing used some trick at the time, so they were inherently distrustful of Zhou Jing, in a state of half-belief and half-doubt.

Just because of the Ye Family Grandfather's matter, these aristocratic families' impression of Zhou Jing changed from the initial "con man" to the current "con man with outstanding medical skills"—if this Daoist was just a doctor, then they would not make things difficult, but this person insisted on pretending to have supernatural powers, trying to become famous with this, then everyone couldn't help but want to expose this person's "fraud."

"What the Daoist Priest said is really wonderful. How about everyone raising a glass together for this profound meaning?"

Zhao Xing'an didn't freeze, he brushed aside these words, smiling as he raised his glass, setting off the atmosphere of the banquet.

Everyone also came back to their senses, smiling and clinking glasses, wishing each other wine words, sipping slowly, a scene of upper-class elegance. After eating and drinking for a while, Zhao Xing'an spoke to Zhou Jing again, curiously saying:

"I heard that the Daoist Priest is proficient in the art of alchemy, and it was with this that you cured Ye Grandfather. However, the art of alchemy has a bad reputation among the people. I wonder what the mysteries of the Daoist Priest's art of alchemy are. Can the Daoist Priest explain one or two to us?"

Hearing this, everyone also put down their wine glasses and stopped chatting, all pricking up their ears.

Seeing this, Zhou Jing smiled and asked: "I wonder what Lord Zhao thinks alchemy is like?"

Zhao Xing'an was stunned, but then replied: "I have also read some Daoist classics. According to legend, the way of alchemy is divided into inner alchemy and outer alchemy. The inner alchemy method seems to be to use the human body as a furnace, to achieve immortality. The outer alchemy method is to burn gold and stones to refine immortal pills, and after taking them, ascend to immortality."

After Zhou Jing finished listening, he nodded and said:

"Lord Zhao is knowledgeable and speaks well. Let's not talk about the inner alchemy method, the outer alchemy method is the most controversial. Burning gold and stones to take, in the eyes of ordinary people, is incredible. Eating this so-called immortal pill will not only not prolong life, but may also die early. Therefore, the world is skeptical of the way of alchemy."

Seeing Zhou Jing so readily admit that there was a problem with alchemy, everyone was a little surprised and nodded without concealing it.

However, at this time, Zhou Jing changed the subject and said slowly:

"However, in my opinion, there are also two kinds of outer alchemy methods. One is to burn gold and stones into pills as mentioned earlier, but the correct way to use them is not to take them, but to transform different minerals into new forms through burning, turning stone into gold, which is more appropriately called alchemy."

"The second outer alchemy method is to integrate medical skills and medicine, eating fungus and grass to make pills. This is the real alchemy that is beneficial to the human body, and this is what I am good at. The pills I refine can replenish qi and strengthen the body, treat hidden diseases, slow down aging, stay young forever, and even seize the creation of heaven and prolong life."

He deliberately explained it this way, which was to brag about himself. The focus was to throw out that his alchemy can prolong life—with this as a pretext, he can truly be respected as a guest by dignitaries.

Who wouldn't want to live a long life and enjoy more days in this world if they have power and wealth? This trick can be said to be hitting the industry's pain points and grasping customer needs. At this moment, countless demon Daoists in history were possessed, he was not fighting alone.

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone present shook violently, and their attention was indeed all on the "pill to prolong life";

"Is what the Daoist Priest said true? Is there really such a method?" Zhao Xing'an couldn't help but ask.

"This humble Daoist never speaks falsely."

Zhou Jing's face didn't change, and he was talking nonsense. Zhao Xing'an's eyes flickered, but he didn't move, he just smiled: "Hehe, the Daoist Priest is really a master of this world."

Although the pie was very beautiful, everyone present was skeptical and didn't fully believe it. Some people even believed that Zhou Jing was忽悠人.

There have been many Daoists in history who claimed to be able to refine the elixir of immortality, and this Lingfengzi is no exception. The so-called hearing is false, they will not be easily fooled, not to mention that they are preconceived and do not trust Zhou Jing very much.

At this time, a child of an aristocratic family named Liu Ping finally couldn't bear Zhou Jing's pretentious behavior, and suddenly spoke, his tone slightly playful:

"I have heard about the story of Lingfengzi Daoist Priest stepping on the river into Ningtian. We are deeply regretful that we have not seen it with our own eyes. It just so happens that we are now on the Yulin Riverbank. Why don't the Daoist Priest show us a hand on the spot?"

Hearing this, everyone had the mind to watch the fun. Their original intention was to expose Zhou Jing and watch the swindler make a fool of himself. At this time, someone was making things difficult, and everyone was happy to see it succeed and did not stop Liu Ping.

Zhou Jing glanced at him and said lightly: "This humble Daoist's supernatural powers are not a street performer's trick."

He didn't mind showing his hand, but he didn't intend to do what these children of aristocratic families asked him to do with this attitude.

Demanding others to show their skills to please them in a high-handed manner, the superiority of the powerful was fully displayed. If he directly agreed, he would seem like a "clown performing" in the eyes of these dignitaries, which would greatly reduce his status and make it difficult to maintain his image, so he planned to continue to play hard to get.

Hearing this, Liu Ping only felt that Zhou Jing was cowardly, and immediately revealed an expected expression, shook his fan, and sneered:

"Could it be that the Daoist Priest can't reproduce the miracle and is afraid of losing face in public and being exposed for fraud?"-

Ye Shunchong on the side was immediately annoyed and couldn't help but say:

"Young Master Liu, the Daoist Priest's skills are what I have seen with my own eyes, how can it be fake? Don't be so offensive to the Daoist Priest!"

Liu Ping shook his head dismissively: "Brother Ye, you are deceived but do not know it. This person may have some medical skills, but this method of stepping on the river must have used some illusion, how can it be true?"

Before Ye Shunchong could speak again, Liu Ping stared at Zhou Jing and said proudly:

"Hehe, Daoist Priest, since you entered the door, you have been deliberately mystifying. We are all well-known in Ningtian Prefecture, but you dare to make a fool of yourself in front of us, swindling, do you think we are easy to bully? For the sake of Brother Ye, I will not make things difficult for the Daoist Priest, but if the Daoist Priest does not dare to use supernatural powers in front of us, then it is better to leave sensibly. A con man, what qualifications do you have to sit with us?"

Zhao Xing'an frowned and couldn't help but say: "Young Master Liu, this is the official's banquet today, and Lingfengzi Daoist Priest is the distinguished guest I invited."

Liu Ping immediately cupped his hands to the Prefect and apologized: "Lord Prefect, don't blame me, I'm just angry that this person is treating us as fools, making a fool of us and deceiving us, so I spoke out in anger."

Everyone was silent, just looking at Zhou Jing meaningfully, the atmosphere was delicate.

The pressure came to Zhou Jing's side, and normal people would naturally feel like sitting on pins and needles in this atmosphere.

But Zhou Jing didn't care at all. After all, he had enough confidence in his heart. At this moment, he was just watching Zhao Xing'an and Liu Ping's conversation coldly. He knew that this was mostly a pre-arranged cooperation.

These people held a banquet today, and they originally intended to "expose" him. Although they had a pleasant chat before, how could a few big words, whether true or false, easily dispel the doubts of these dignitaries? So, they made things difficult at this time. Speaking to this point, showing his skills can solve the problem once and for all. He originally had this plan, but he needed a reason.

Zhou Jing rolled his eyes, already having a plan. He ignored Liu Ping and looked at Zhao Xing'an and said:

"Lord Zhao, I am here for a banquet today, but there is one thing I want to discuss."

Seeing that Zhou Jing's face was as usual, Zhao Xing'an couldn't help but feel a little surprised, and felt that this person was still able to hold his breath, and said with a smile: "Daoist Priest, please speak."

Zhou Jing: "I came to Ningtian Prefecture to search for the secrets of heaven, which will be helpful to the country. However, the secrets of heaven are ethereal and formless, and I don't know how they will appear, so I hope that the Prefect will announce to the people of the city and pay attention to some strange things in peacetime. If there is any discovery, please inform me."

"I have also heard a little about it. Haven't you already asked the Ye family to do this for you?" Zhao Xing'an raised his eyebrows.

"That's right, but the people in the city are doubtful, and there has been no movement in the past few days. If the Prefect tells the people on behalf of the government, the people will believe it to be true."

Zhou Jing nodded and responded calmly. Zhao Xing'an turned his eyes, with a smile that was not a smile: "This matter is not difficult, but this official is also quite curious about the Daoist Priest's methods. How about this, if the Daoist Priest can show his supernatural powers and walk on water, let us have a good look, this official will help you with this matter. Since the Daoist Priest has the ability to step on the river, then stepping on this Yulin River should be just a small matter for the Daoist Priest, right?"

Zhou Jing deliberately sighed: "I don't want to easily show my supernatural powers to others, and the Yulin Riverbank is crowded with people. If I show it in public, I'm afraid it will cause riots and trampling. Why is Lord Zhao forcing me?"

Zhao Xing'an didn't care and waved his hand: "It doesn't matter, the Daoist Priest doesn't need to worry about these common people, we are really curious. But if the Daoist Priest is unwilling, then I won't force it, but this official can't handle the Daoist Priest's matter."

Zhou Jing frowned and deliberately glanced at Ye Shunchong. Ye Shunchong was blessed with inspiration and hurriedly chimed in: "Searching for Tianyue is not a child's play. Since Lord Zhao is willing to help, the Daoist Priest's skills are superb, so please take action."

Hearing this, Zhou Jing deliberately snorted softly and said lightly: "Okay, since Layman Ye also said so, then I will make an exception once, and I hope Lord Zhao will not go back on his word."

"Hehe, naturally not." Zhao Xing'an stroked his beard and responded casually.

Everyone was also quite curious and wanted to see how this Lingfengzi would end up after being trapped by words. They were all waiting to see the joke.

Zhou Jing slowly got up and walked slowly to the window of the elegant room, facing the Yulin River.

Under the puzzled gaze of the dignitaries in the field, Zhou Jing lightly raised his palms and pressed them on the walls on both sides of the window.

"What is he going to do?" Everyone was puzzled.

However, in the next second, a shocking change occurred. Boom!

Suddenly, a strong wind rose, and the walls of the elegant room exploded with a bang, breaking a big hole leading directly outside the building!

Whoosh__

Broken wood and bricks flew down from the third floor, causing a scream from the pedestrians on the street.

Nearby passers-by dodged one after another, looking up in surprise, and were immediately stunned. They stopped to watch, shouting loudly.

I saw Zhou Jing standing in front of the hole on the third floor of the Emerald Jade Tower, and suddenly stepped out, actually standing in mid-air.

Immediately afterwards, he stepped into the air step by step, as if stepping on invisible steps, from the third floor of the Emerald Jade Tower, all the way diagonally to the surface of the Yulin River.

At the same time, bursts of strong wind howled, sweeping the river surface, setting off shocking waves.

I saw rows of painted boats undulating with the water surface, constantly colliding together, in a chaotic mess-

It was as if the river was overturned and the sea was turned upside down, and the Dragon King was angry

In the room, many dignitaries who were originally waiting to watch the show were all stunned. Looking at this incredible scene, they were horrified.

Zhao Xing'an's hand trembled, and he almost pulled off his beard.

Everyone present had the same incredible thought at this moment.

This guy is actually playing for real?! Seeing everyone's reaction, Ye Shunchong felt a burst of joy in his heart, feeling proud and elated.

Hmph, who told these people not to believe him and laugh at him for being deceived!

You are all fools, what I believe in is a true god!

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