Chapter Fourteen: Hao Shan Awakens from His Initial Slumber

Three days later, within the capital city of Yu in the Xia Dynasty.

It happened that three days after the Grand Historian Zhonggu returned home, he encountered General Guan Longfeng at the Xuan Gate. The two exchanged warm greetings, inquiring after each other’s well-being. Zhonggu confided that he was about to retire and return to his homeland, shedding his official robes and no longer taking part in court deliberations. At last, he entrusted Guan Longfeng with matters concerning King Wu and Cheng Tang, then, in a fit of indignation, hurriedly departed the capital.

Guan Longfeng accompanied him to the outskirts of Yu, and, after a tearful farewell, unexpectedly encountered a Taoist master passing by. The Taoist wore flowing, pristine robes and carried a horsetail whisk, exuding an air of immortal detachment. The old Taoist cast a subtle, meaningful glance at General Guan Longfeng. Sensing something unusual, Guan Longfeng, a man of uncommon perception, silently followed out of curiosity.

He followed for some time, until, within a wooded mountain path, the old Taoist halted with a smile and turned to face him. “General Guan Longfeng, why have you trailed this poor Taoist all the way here?”

“Just now, you glanced at me, and I was curious. No other reason,” replied Guan Longfeng, his character upright and taciturn. Though he possessed strength capable of shattering mountains, it was only on the battlefield that it found use.

The Taoist chuckled, “I see that you, General, are a man of great feeling, ill-suited for the scheming of court politics. Today you watched as your old friend departed the capital in frustration, his loyal heart stifled and no knowledge of when to advance or withdraw. Had you not met me today, you might have returned at once to the palace to counsel the Emperor, speaking truth before the mortal sovereign. Am I correct?” From his attire, it was clear that this Taoist was not a mere cultivator but a sage of the Pure Wind Sect—a fact unknown to Guan Longfeng.

“Master, you truly are a sage beyond the world. How did you perceive all this?” Guan Longfeng’s straightforward nature left his thoughts plain on his face for any attentive soul to discern.

The old Taoist smiled, “It is a fateful encounter to meet the General today. I have something to give you. Remember my words: when you return to the city, do not act on impulse. Unless a matter of life and death arises, do not step forth rashly at a critical moment.” With that, he flicked his horsetail whisk, sending a yellow talisman fluttering toward Guan Longfeng. “Keep this talisman close. In dire straits, it may save your life. Should you survive calamity and gain new understanding, I hope you will then seek a new lord, change your course, and begin anew.”

“Master! How should I use this talisman? Wait—Master?” Guan Longfeng had only just received the yellow talisman and wished to ask further, but the Taoist had already vanished without a trace.

Only Guan Longfeng stood alone amidst the mountain woods, dazed for a moment before quietly departing.

Not long after Guan Longfeng left, the old Taoist reappeared, gazing at the capital of Yu with a murmur,

“After Yu, Jie’s rule will be tyrannical, inviting outsiders and flattering traitors.”

“Cheng Tang is imprisoned, rescued by a beauty; after two years, he shall return to overthrow and destroy.”

...

Upon returning to the city, General Guan Longfeng saw a procession of carriages bearing the banners of Shangqiu approaching slowly. Calculating the days, he realized it was time for the Left Prime Minister of Shangqiu, Yi Yin, to enter the capital. Guan Longfeng walked forward to greet the carriages, bowing deeply, “Is this the esteemed Lord Yi Yin, Left Prime Minister of Shang?”

“It is. And who might you be?” From the lead carriage, Yi Yin replied, seated in front of Lady Mei Xi, the seventh daughter. Even as he spoke, Yi Yin stepped down from the carriage.

“I am Guan Longfeng, General of the Xuan Gate,” Guan Longfeng announced.

“So, it is the renowned General of the Xuan Gate. I have long heard of you!” Yi Yin respectfully bowed in return.

“Lord Yi Yin, have you come for King Wu, Cheng Tang?” asked Guan Longfeng.

“I have indeed. I also escort Lady Mei Xi of the Shi Kingdom to the court to plead for forgiveness. We hope His Majesty will show mercy and pardon King Wu, Cheng Tang. The people of Shang are unaware their lord is imprisoned here; if this becomes known, chaos will erupt in Shang.”

“General, I fully agree,” Guan Longfeng replied through gritted teeth. “When King Wu came to the capital, I greatly admired him. It was that treacherous Grand Minister Zhao Liang who slandered him to His Majesty. Had it not been so, King Wu would not now languish in the Summer Tower. In my eyes, King Wu is a wise and virtuous sovereign, yet he has been brought low by villainy—I cannot help but feel aggrieved on his behalf.”

“Is that so?” Yi Yin’s expression shifted. He appraised Guan Longfeng as a loyal man whose words could be trusted. “General, if you would permit us to enter and rest for the night, tomorrow we shall enter the palace with Lady Mei Xi to plead our case. I hope you will speak well to His Majesty on behalf of King Wu. If you do, I shall be eternally grateful.”

“Lord Yi Yin, you are too kind. King Wu is a loyal and upright ruler, worthy of the highest admiration. When faced with calamity, he remains unshaken, dignified as Mount Tai even in captivity. Which lord among the vassals can compare to such bearing? When the time comes, I shall certainly speak truth to His Majesty for him!” General Guan Longfeng’s face flushed with impassioned resolve.

“Then I thank you here and now, General Guan Longfeng!” Yi Yin bowed respectfully once more.

At that moment, a gentle female voice sounded from within the carriage—Lady Mei Xi herself. “Prime Minister, please board my carriage; I have a matter to discuss.”

Hearing her voice, Guan Longfeng glanced over. Though her features were hidden by the curtain, her pure and graceful presence could not be concealed. Yi Yin saluted her, then boarded the carriage.

Guan Longfeng turned and entered the city gates. Within the carriage, Lady Mei Xi spoke softly, “Prime Minister, I have just now conceived a plan and seek your counsel and assistance—would you be willing?”

“I am all ears,” replied Yi Yin earnestly.

“General Guan Longfeng mentioned that Grand Minister Zhao Liang slandered us to His Majesty. After some thought, I believe we should first pay a visit to Zhao Liang, offering gifts to test his intentions. At present, loyal ministers are out of favor in the Xia court, and His Majesty may well vent his anger on them. If that happens, General Guan Longfeng will be endangered, and I cannot bear it. So, my suggestion is to approach Zhao Liang first. If he is willing to intercede with the Emperor for King Wu’s release, all the better. If not, we shall try another way.”

“You are absolutely right, Lady. I shall prepare rare treasures at once.”

Shortly thereafter, the party entered the city and settled in. Guan Longfeng had already instructed his subordinates to escort Yi Yin and his group to the Golden Court Inn for their accommodation.

...

Meanwhile, in the Illusory Realm, five years passed in the blink of an eye. Though Hao Dan’s appearance had changed little, those who looked closely would see his heart had greatly matured.

He had now mastered several mystical arts, and Fairy Bai Ling’s abilities were truly formidable. As the sole disciple of the Daoist Lord Lu Ya, her skills were second to none. One day, moved by curiosity about Lu Ya’s cultivation, Hao Dan asked Bai Ling, “Bai Ling, I have always wanted to know—just how powerful is your master Lu Ya? Is he truly formidable among the immortals?”

“Eh?” Bai Ling was momentarily taken aback by the sudden question. She raised a slender, jade-like finger to her lips and smiled. “My master? He is indeed powerful! Even compared to the Three Primal Saints above the thirty-six heavens, his cultivation is not a whit inferior. He is carefree by nature, having attained sagehood countless years ago. He simply dislikes the affectations of the celestial court, preferring tranquility and freedom. That is why few among the immortals know much of him—even in heaven, few have heard of the Daoist Lord Lu Ya.”

“Oh, I see! But if you compare Lu Ya to the rest of the immortals, how great is the gulf between them?” Hao Dan pressed. To him, Lu Ya was shrouded in mystery, and like many immortals, always spoke in riddles.

Indeed, “When immortals speak, their words contain hidden meanings!”

“How can they even be compared? Do you know what status my master holds in the celestial realm? He is far above the common immortals!” Bai Ling replied, her voice full of emotion.

Then, under Hao Dan’s eager gaze, Bai Ling continued with confidence, “Take me for example: my current cultivation places me among the Celestial Immortals. Before that is the rank of Immortal Lord, and above Celestial Immortal is Divine Immortal, and then comes the Great Golden Immortal. Above all is the rank of Sage, such as the Jade Emperor himself. My master is at the Sage level—do you understand now?”

“So that’s how it is! Does that mean I haven’t even reached Immortal Lord level?” Hao Dan reflected on his years of cultivation in this realm, realizing his progress far outstripped his years of training in Song Mountain’s cave. Whether in movement or stillness, his Daoist arts had grown immensely.

“That’s right. Judging by your current level, you can at least rival the Cave Master Nan Tongzi, the ‘True Lord Nan Tong.’ Below Immortal Lords are mortal cultivators without celestial fate; if they learn even a hint of immortal arts, they can establish their own sects in the mortal world and usually call themselves ‘True Lord.’ Some beings with unusual cultivation can even contend with Celestial Immortals.”

“Eh! Am I really that accomplished? Why did I not realize?” Hao Dan was astonished.

“That’s because you were destined for the immortal path, and your background is shrouded in mystery. That supreme treasure around your neck—though I do not know its full origin, I can tell it is extraordinary,” Bai Ling said, pointing to the golden bell that hung from Hao Dan’s neck—the ‘Eastern Emperor Bell,’ which had yet to awaken.

“If that’s the case, then when I return to the mortal world, I should be able to become a Celestial Immortal, shouldn’t I?” Hao Dan’s heart brimmed with hope; his current strength already surpassed that of True Lord Nan Tong, and he longed to return to Song Mountain to display his newfound power.

“That depends on your efforts over these last two years!” Bai Ling replied with a dismissive smile.

“Very well! I shall become a Celestial Immortal, and then they will all have to call me Immortal Hao Dan! Hahaha!” Hao Dan began to daydream about the Seven Heroes of the Cave and True Lord Nan Tong kneeling before him, addressing him as Immortal Hao Dan—a glorious scene.

“How childish!” Little Bai Ling looked at this dreaming youth with undisguised disdain.