A Pawn's Passage

A groomsman would accompany the groom, while a bridesmaid would accompany the bride during a wedding. They were generally peers of the bride and groom, either siblings or close friends. They needed to be well-versed in wedding etiquette and quick-witted. When a bride first arrived at her husband’s household, she often faced many inconveniences. During the customary wedding-night pranks, she was frequently the target of jokes, so a bridesmaid was needed to help her respond and maintain decorum. Likewise, when the groom went to fetch the bride, he encountered similar challenges, so a groomsman was needed to assist him in bringing the bride home smoothly.

Of course, Qi Xuansu and Zhang Yuelu were not worried about wedding-night pranks or being deliberately made to jump through hoops. The Zhang family observed strict rules and did not engage in such antics. Qi Xuansu had no relatives, and Zhang Yuelu was actually more familiar with their new home than he was.

The primary role of the groomsmen and bridesmaids was to help the couple deal with various miscellaneous matters.

Just as Qi Xuansu had said, the ceremony, the betrothal gifts, and the dowry were all secondary. The real challenge lay in hosting the guests.

It was easy to imagine that, on the day of the wedding, the number of guests would certainly exceed that of Qi Xuansu’s disciple ceremony. Moreover, none of the guests would be ordinary people, so none could be neglected. Even with the elders handling much of the reception, the bride and groom themselves would hardly have a moment’s rest. At such times, they would need attendants who could serve in a role similar to personal secretaries, staying by their side throughout.

Things were much easier on Zhang Yuelu’s side. She had no shortage of female cousins, senior and junior sisters, or secretaries. Zhang Yuyue, Xiao Yueru, Mu Jin, and many others were all suitable candidates.

Qi Xuansu, on the other hand, found himself in a difficult position. He had no relatives, nor any senior or junior brothers. He could only look among his former classmates. Should he ask Mo Qingdi? Even that would be far from enough. Zhang Wuyue belonged to the Zhang family, so he was obviously unsuitable. Even if he included Chen Jianchou and brought Cheng Lixue over as well, it still did not quite feel right.

Qi Xuansu could not help but sigh. “Who would have thought I’d be short of people in every possible area?”

Zhang Yuelu suggested, “Old Lin and Xu Kou may be a little old for the role, but if it really comes down to it, they’ll have to do.”

Qi Xuansu hurriedly waved his hands. “Let’s forget about Old Lin. He’s a respected elder. I couldn’t possibly ask that of him. He’d be better off babysitting Little Yin.”

There was no question that Little Yin would be attending the wedding as well, which meant someone had to keep an eye on her. Otherwise, there was no telling what sort of trouble she might stir up. Lin Yuanmiao was undoubtedly the most suitable person for the job.

Qi Xuansu said helplessly, “Let me think about it a little more.”

There would be far too many distinguished figures present, so it would hardly be appropriate for Qi Xuansu to resort to creating a Corpse Liberation Incarnation. It simply would not look good.

Just then, Zhang Wuyue cautiously pushed the door open, poking his head inside to take a look.

Qi Xuansu said to Zhang Yuelu, “Tian Zhong is here. Let’s leave it at that for today.”

Zhang Yuelu reminded him, “Don’t spoil him.”

Qi Xuansu replied, “Don’t worry. Tian Zhong has turned over a new leaf. He’s doing legitimate business now.”

Zhang Yuelu ended the conversation.

Zhang Wuyue walked over to the other side of the table with a smile. “Was that Big Sister?”

Qi Xuansu said, “Yes, she told you to be upright.”

“Of course.” Zhang Wuyue cleared his throat. “I’ve already reached a preliminary agreement with High Mage Qian Xisheng, who is under Sage Huangfu. We’ve drafted a proposal. Brother-in-law, would you please take a look?”

As he spoke, Zhang Wuyue took out a thick file that was well over 100 pages and placed it before Qi Xuansu.

Qi Xuansu felt a headache coming on, but he still accepted the file. “I’ll give you an answer after I’ve read it.”

Zhang Wuyue said, “Qian Xisheng shouldn’t dare pull any tricks.”

Qi Xuansu set the file aside for the moment. “Your sister and I were just discussing the wedding arrangements.”

Zhang Wuyue immediately let out a sigh of relief. “Oh, good, you two are finally getting married. I thought it would be delayed for another few years.”

“You’ll be going back as well,” Qi Xuansu said. “Before you leave, make sure everything you’re currently handling is properly arranged.”

“Of course I’ll go,” Zhang Wuyue replied. “But there’s no need to rush it, is there?”

Qi Xuansu said, “It’s different. You’ll still be able to come back, but I won’t. If nothing unexpected happens, the person succeeding me will be Li Changge, the Chief Deputy of the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion.”

Zhang Wuyue’s expression froze.

The Zhang and Li families had been rivals for many years. After all, a local official was more formidable than a distant emperor. How could anything good come of this?

Qi Xuansu continued, “I’ll be going to the Wanxiang Daoist Palace. Although I can still ask Sage Huangfu to look after you, you should prepare yourself as well.”

Zhang Wuyue’s expression grew serious. “Understood.”

Qi Xuansu asked, “That settles it. Is there anything else?”

“Oh, right, there’s one more thing.” Zhang Wuyue hurriedly recounted everything concerning Zhong Boyu.

“A member of the White Jade Hall?” Qi Xuansu was momentarily taken aback.

Long-buried memories came flooding back.

Back then, he had made his jaw-dropping leap from the flying ship and landed in the Starry Sea, effectively feigning his own death and temporarily leaving the Daoist Order. From there, he traveled to Cuowenbu, where he encountered a series of events. On the shores of Cuowenbu, members of the White Jade Hall had obtained a Great Asura in an abandoned manufacturing plant, only to fall into an ambush laid by the Daoist Order.

Amid the chaos, Qi Xuansu had obtained a Blood Pill. Later, he had also obtained a piece of Xuan Jade from the White Jade Hall.

After that, they had little further interaction. More recently, he had heard that the White Jade Hall had already been disbanded.

After a moment’s thought, Qi Xuansu said, “Bring him here. I want to meet him.”

Zhang Wuyue replied, “I’ll bring him over right away.”

Naturally, Zhang Wuyue had no intention of making Qi Xuansu wait idly. He had already brought Zhong Boyu with him and made him wait outside. Zhang Wuyue had come in first to gauge Qi Xuansu’s attitude. If Qi Xuansu was willing to see Zhong Boyu, he would be brought in immediately. If not, the matter would simply be dropped.

Before long, Zhong Boyu entered with his head lowered. “Greetings, Sage Qi.”

“No need for formalities,” Qi Xuansu said.

Zhong Boyu raised his head and looked at the renowned rising star of the Daoist Order, only to freeze in surprise.

Qi Xuansu was likewise studying Zhong Boyu when something suddenly came back to him.

Back then, after Qi Xuansu took the Blood Pill from the manufacturing plant, he saw a colossal ferocious figure with a green face and protruding fangs emerge from the ground. The creature opened its enormous, blood-filled maw and effortlessly swallowed everyone from The Inn in a single gulp.

At the time, Qi Xuansu had guessed that it was the Great Asura, which he later confirmed.

Qi Xuansu also remembered a solitary figure standing upon the Great Asura’s shoulder, smiling faintly with his hands clasped behind his back.

That scene had left an indelible impression on him.

That person had been a member of the White Jade Hall.

Qi Xuansu remained silent, leaving Zhang Wuyue completely baffled yet unwilling to ask rashly.

After a moment, Zhong Boyu said, “Sage Qi, forgive my presumption, but...I feel as though we’ve met somewhere before.”

Qi Xuansu replied, “Of course, we have. I wonder if you still remember the abandoned manufacturing plant by the shores of Cuowenbu?”

Zhong Boyu’s eyes flew wide open.

He was the White Jade Hall member who had controlled the Great Asura that day. Later, the Great Asura was destroyed by Shangguan Jing, the Deputy Tiangang Hall Master.

Zhong Boyu was fairly familiar with Qi Xuansu’s career. He had started out in Tiangang Hall, where he first met Zhang Yuelu. He later transferred to Ziwei Hall, where his rise began, and subsequently served at the Imperial Capital Daoist Mansion, Fenglin, and the Poluo Daoist Mansion. Now, he was the Chief Deputy of Beichen Hall and the Daoist Order’s Envoy, wielding tremendous influence across the Southern Continent.

Instinctively, Zhong Boyu assumed that Qi Xuansu had taken part in the operation to eliminate the Great Asura. “Were you aboard the flying ship as well, Sage Qi? But if I remember correctly, not long after that was the Yinglong Warship crash. Deputy Tiangang Hall Master Shangguan died because of it, and it was said that none of the other Daoist priests accompanying him survived...”

Qi Xuansu said, “I did indeed come close to dying at Wu Luo’s hands, but that wasn’t at Cuowenbu, it was at the Kunlun Mountain Pass. After the events at the Kunlun Mountain Pass, I left Tiangang Hall and transferred to Ziwei Hall.”

Only then did Zhong Boyu realize he had been mistaken. Even so, Qi Xuansu still seemed strangely familiar to him. He was certain they had met before, but it must have been nothing more than a fleeting encounter. It was perhaps a casual glance, so the memory had never left much of an impression. No matter how hard he tried, he simply could not recall where they had met.

A look of intense concentration spread across Zhong Boyu’s face.

Qi Xuansu said, “Alright, stop trying to remember. I was indeed at the manufacturing plant in Cuowenbu that day, but not in the sky. I was on the ground, watching from a distance. I personally witnessed the Great Asura swallow The Inn’s people. After the Daoist Order intervened, I left.”

With Qi Xuansu’s reminder, Zhong Boyu finally remembered. He had never imagined that the two of them shared such an unexpected connection.

After a brief hesitation, Zhong Boyu explained, “There were circumstances behind the incident. I’d like to explain them to you, Sage Qi.”

Qi Xuansu nodded. “Go ahead.”

Zhong Boyu said, “At the time, I wasn’t there because of the Great Asura. I was acting under orders from my superior to retrieve something from that place.”

Qi Xuansu asked, “What was it?”

Zhong Boyu answered truthfully, “It resembled an ancient knife-shaped coin and was entirely jade-green, called a Xuan Jade. I heard that the Taiping Sect was also searching for the Xuan Jade, and The Inn was working for them. This piece of Xuan Jade was hidden deep within corpse-raising grounds. Since The Inn’s people were nearby, I had no choice but to activate the Great Asura that Huasheng Hall had sealed there to obtain the Xuan Jade. Although I dealt with The Inn’s people, I happened to run straight into Tiangang Hall’s guns, and the Great Asura was destroyed. I was never trying to take the Great Asura away, much less make an enemy of the Daoist Order. I hope you will judge this fairly, Sage Qi.”

It was a cleverly crafted explanation. On one hand, he had sabotaged the Taiping Sect’s plans. On the other hand, he insisted he had never been an enemy of the Daoist Order. Since Qi Xuansu’s relationship with the Taiping Sect was well known to everyone, undermining the Taiping Sect actually counted as a point in Zhong Boyu’s favor.

Qi Xuansu could not help but give Zhong Boyu another look.

If he was not mistaken, the Xuan Jade Zhong Boyu had taken away back then was the very same one that Qi Xuansu later obtained from the White Jade Hall.

This piece of Xuan Jade was no ordinary treasure. Although it did not greatly increase Qi Xuansu’s cultivation, it attracted the attention of the Three Yin Beings. When he later traveled through the Ghost Pass, Master Yin personally guided him into the Ghost Kingdom.

Afterward, the Three Yin Beings placed their bets on him by giving him a Pingtian Crown, allowing him to open the gateway to the Ghost Kingdom and repeatedly summon them to escape danger. They had also enabled him to establish a connection with the Emperor Willow, allowing him to look back into the past and create a divine domain. More importantly, it was through this chain of events that Qi Xuansu came to know Little Yin.

This piece of Xuan Jade had brought Qi Xuansu far too many opportunities and fortunes. As a result, after learning that it had been Zhong Boyu who had originally retrieved it, Qi Xuansu could not help but feel a measure of goodwill toward him.

Qi Xuansu nodded slightly. “Since we’re old acquaintances, you can stay by Tian Zhong’s side for now. As for your cultivation, I’ll make arrangements after I return to the Central Plains.”

Zhong Boyu had not expected Qi Xuansu to be so accommodating. Overjoyed, he said, “Thank you, Sage Qi.”

Qi Xuansu gestured, indicating that the two of them could leave.

After the two had departed, Qi Xuansu contacted Madam Qi once more and got straight to the point. “Madam Qi, there are two things I need from you. First, are you attending my wedding ceremony? I need a definite answer. Second, help me investigate Zhong Boyu. He was formerly a member of the White Jade Hall and the Eight Tribes.”

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