Chapter 30: The Enigmatic Emperor and the Whispers of the Palace

Along the journey, the talkative vendor introduced himself as Wang, taking the opportunity to tell them about Hunyuan Hall.

Much like Fulong City, Yunjing harbored a significant population of rogue cultivators, a legacy stemming from the Great Chu’s long history.

Rogue cultivators, by their very nature, sought tranquility and freedom, shunning the intricate affairs of sects.

Yet, humans are inherently social beings, and cultivators are no exception. This fundamental need gave rise to various loose organizations for rogue cultivators.

Most of these organizations simply offered members a place to exchange cultivation insights, trade rare treasures, and offer mutual support in times of need. Among them, Hunyuan Hall stood as the largest in Yunjing.

Hunyuan Hall was nestled within a serene district deep in the East Market. Its facade was not particularly grand, but its interior stretched remarkably deep, featuring a charming labyrinth of pavilions and courtyards, elegantly arranged yet practical.

Vendor Wang was clearly a familiar face here. After greeting the guarding cultivators, he led Hua Yan and her companions through the front courtyard to a reception hall.

“Hall Master Li, esteemed guests have arrived!” Vendor Wang announced, cupping a hand in greeting towards a middle-aged cultivator who resembled a scholar, currently savoring tea within the hall.

Hall Master Li lifted his gaze, his eyes sweeping over Hua Yan and Yun Xueshang. Sensing the subtle yet immense Core Formation stage spiritual energy emanating from them, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

He promptly set down his teacup and rose to greet them.

“Haha, Old Wang, you’ve certainly brought esteemed guests to my Hunyuan Hall!” Hall Master Li exclaimed, his face wreathed in smiles as he cupped his hands in greeting.

“I am Li Mo, humbly serving as this hall’s master. May I inquire about the names of you two fellow Daoists? And who is this young friend?”

“Hall Master Li, you are too kind,” Hua Yan replied, returning the courtesy and offering the alias she had prepared.

“I am Hua Yan’er, this is my inner companion Bai Xueshang, and our young daughter Rongrong. We are new to Yunjing, and thanks to Fellow Daoist Wang’s introduction, we have come to pay our respects to the Hall Master.”

“Fellow Daoist Hua, Fellow Daoist Bai, what a pleasure to meet you both! Please, take a seat quickly!”

Hall Master Li warmly invited them to sit. He then turned to Hua Xiangrong, who stood beside them, and said with a gentle smile,

“Rongrong, you sit too. Come, try our Yunjing Cloud Mist Spirit Tea; it’s beneficial for nourishing a child’s meridians.”

As he spoke, he waved a hand, and a delicate plate of pastries materialized on the table.

Hua Xiangrong’s eyes instantly lit up at the sight. However, she suddenly recalled something and turned to gaze at Hua Yan with eager eyes.

“Why are you looking at me? Eat if you wish.”

Hua Yan had long forgotten her admonition from earlier that morning about not eating snacks, finding Hua Xiangrong’s expression somewhat perplexing.

“Mm! Thank you, Mother! Thank you, Uncle Li!”

“Hahahaha, no need to thank me, no need to thank me!”

Hall Master Li burst into laughter, amused by her innocent charm, and the atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly relaxed. Hua Yan and Yun Xueshang settled into their seats, and the group began to converse.

Hall Master Li, a cultivator at the Mid-Nascent Soul stage, was smooth and considerate in his speech and manner. Before long, he was chatting amiably with Hua Yan and her companion.

Upon learning that this ‘Hua family couple’ had traveled here, seeking a peaceful place to temporarily reside and cultivate, while also wishing to learn about the local customs, his attitude grew even more enthusiastic.

“With such profound cultivation, it is truly an honor for you two fellow Daoists to grace my Hunyuan Hall!

As for local news, while Hunyuan Hall dares not claim omniscience, our fellow Daoists here are in close contact, and we are quite privy to the rumors and anecdotes from the markets, the streets, and even the imperial court.”

Hua Yan’s heart stirred, and she seized the opportunity to inquire,

“Then I thank Hall Master Li for your kind offer. We have long lived in the mountains and know little of imperial affairs, especially curious about the current situation. I wonder, under the rule of Great Chu, what is the plight of cultivators like us?”

Hall Master Li’s face immediately showed a blend of emotion and reverence. Setting down his teacup, he said earnestly,

“Since Fellow Daoist Hua asks about this, I, Li, will speak fairly—our current Emperor of Great Chu has truly endured much hardship these past years!”

He sighed softly, then continued,

“You two fellow Daoists know that our Great Chu is situated on the edge where the righteous and demonic paths converge. Hundreds of years ago, this location was uniquely blessed; merchant caravans and cultivators flocked here from north and south, making Yunjing incredibly prosperous!”

“But now, friction between the righteous and demonic paths is increasing, and relations are growing ever tenser.

These trade routes… alas, they are far from what they once were. Many past sources of wealth have been severed, and the court’s annual revenue and the livelihoods of the common people have all been significantly affected.”

At this point, his tone shifted, carrying a clear note of affirmation. “Despite all this, our Great Chu’s situation is far better than that of several neighboring small countries similarly affected! This is all thanks to His Majesty’s sagacity.”

His eyes were filled with admiration.

“In his early years, His Majesty was diligent and loved his people, laying a solid foundation for Great Chu. Later, when trade routes were obstructed and the national treasury was strained, His Majesty did not resort to exorbitant taxes.

Instead, he focused on rectifying internal affairs, cutting redundant expenses, encouraging the development of domestic industries, and exploring mountain forests and mineral resources.”

“He even managed to stabilize several crucial, safe trade routes. Although Great Chu is not as prosperous as it once was, the market is still quite active, and we rogue cultivators can still find cultivation resources and take on tasks to make a living.”

Several other Hunyuan Hall cultivators seated nearby nodded in agreement.

“Hall Master Li speaks truly. In these times, merely stabilizing the situation is no easy feat.”

“Indeed. In previous years, those small countries to the north fell into chaos simply because their trade routes were cut off. Unlike our Great Chu, which remains relatively peaceful.”

“Though His Majesty rarely appears these days, the rules he set have never changed. Order still prevails throughout the land, and he has been lenient towards us rogue cultivators.”

Hua Yan and Yun Xueshang exchanged a subtle glance, their expressions betraying nothing.

[According to them, this Great Chu Emperor is a rare enlightened ruler? But if he is an enlightened ruler, how could evil cultivators be hidden by his side? Has he not noticed, or… is there another hidden truth?]

[Yan’er, don’t rush. Someone just said the Emperor has rarely appeared these past few years. Could something have happened because of that? Let’s ask for more details.]

[Mm, that’s a good idea.]

Hua Yan nodded gently in her thoughts, then looked up and spoke again, “I wonder…”

***

Meanwhile, in Yunjing’s West Market.

The vermilion-lacquered signboard of Yun Jin Xuan stood out prominently in the afternoon sunlight.

As the most renowned and diverse inn within Yunjing City, its entrance was perpetually bustling with a continuous stream of people from all walks of life.

A blue-canopied carriage pulled to a stop before the entrance.

The curtain was drawn back, and the first to alight was a young woman dressed as an accountant’s attendant. She wore a lotus-root colored dress, her hair styled in simple twin buns adorned with two plain silver hairpins.

Her features were delicate and refined, and she carried a wooden box on her back.

After stepping down, she immediately turned and respectfully helped another young woman descend. This young woman was petite, clad in a dark purple silk jacket and a lake-blue pleated skirt.

Her hair bun was adorned with kingfisher feather hairpins and gold pins, and she held a round fan, golden bracelets gracing her wrists.

Though her beauty was only moderately above average, her eyes were exceptionally lively and astute, and her entire demeanor exuded the steady composure cultivated from navigating the currents of commerce.

This was none other than Qu Linglong and Lin Qianqian, in disguise.

“Miss, please be careful,” Lin Qianqian murmured softly.

Qu Linglong gave a slight nod, her gaze sweeping over the inn’s facade and the flow of people.

She lightly covered her mouth and nose with her round fan, seemingly a little uncomfortable with the mingled scents, her brow faintly furrowed, presenting the image of a pampered, fastidious individual.

“A Qing, is this the place?”

“Yes, Miss, this is Yun Jin Xuan, the largest inn in Yunjing. Master’s letter instructed us to meet several shopkeepers here to discuss this year’s market prices for silk and spices,” Lin Qianqian, using the alias A Qing, responded softly.

At that moment, a quick-witted inn attendant, his face wreathed in smiles, had already approached.

He instantly discerned that while the two female guests’ attire wasn’t the pinnacle of luxury, the materials and craftsmanship were exquisite, and their accessories were genuine.

More importantly, the young lady’s overall composed demeanor was clearly not something that could be cultivated by an ordinary merchant family.

“Welcome, esteemed guests! Are you here for a meal or to stay? Our superior rooms are quiet and elegant; satisfaction guaranteed!”

Qu Linglong then stepped inside, with Lin Qianqian following closely behind, her hands poised to assist, carrying the wooden box.

The hall was a cacophony of noise, storytellers’ voices, finger-guessing games, bargaining, and waiters’ shouts all blending into one.

“We require two adjacent superior rooms, quiet ones. We’ll stay for five days to start,” Qu Linglong stated, walking directly to the counter, her tone steady and beyond question. “A Qing, pay the deposit.”

“Alright! Heavenly Character Rooms Six and Seven, adjacent and quiet, guaranteed to satisfy!” The shopkeeper said, his face beaming as he personally retrieved the room tokens.

Just then, the slurred whispers of a nearby drunk patron faintly reached their ears: “…If you ask me, this world isn’t peaceful, and the root of it all is in the palace!”

“Shh! Keep your voice down! Do you want to die?”

“What’s there to be afraid of? Who in all of Yunjing doesn’t know? How wise the Emperor used to be, until that vixen surnamed Bai entered the palace…”

“Hey! That’s the current Empress!”

“Empress? Bah! She’s clearly a demoness! She’s bewitched His Majesty so much he hasn’t attended court for years. Ever since that fox demon entered the palace, something’s been wrong with this world!”

“Isn’t that the truth! People go missing from the palace every now and then.

They say that demoness is practicing evil cultivation, trying to absorb people’s vital essence! Otherwise, why would His Majesty show himself less and less? The fate of our Great Chu has been ruined by her!”

“…”

The drunk patrons deliberately lowered their voices, but Qu Linglong and Lin Qianqian, though disguised as mortals, possessed profound cultivation. They heard every single word crystal clear.

Qu Linglong’s expression remained unchanged as she subtly exchanged a glance with Lin Qianqian.

[Fellow Daoist Lin, it seems we’ve found the right place.]