The Banquet at the State Office and the Invasion of the Daoist Kingdom

On the eve of the banquet, Peach Blossom Valley held its first formal "family meeting".

It was called a family meeting, but in reality, it was just Li Xian and three women sitting around a stone table by the hot spring. On the table was a gilded invitation card sent by Chu Huaizhou, and next to it was a summary of intelligence just delivered by the Superman drone.

"We can't go." Miss Chunmeng was the first to speak, tapping her finger on the words "You must attend" on the invitation. "That old fox Chu Huaizhou is clearly setting a trap. You are now seen as the 'successor of the celestial sage' by the court, the 'holy master' by the remnants of the demonic sect, and the 'enemy' of the Linghan Palace remnants—going to the prefectural government is like walking into a trap!"

Binglan shook her head: "I think we should go. If Chu Huaizhou really wants to arrest people, he can just send a large army to surround Peach Blossom Valley. Why bother with an invitation? Since he is treating us with courtesy, it means that the court doesn't want to break off relations at least for now."

"Naive," Miss Chunmeng sneered. "How many of the court's methods have you witnessed? Back then, the Demonic Sect was lured to the capital by the court's 'courtesy,' and what happened? Of the thirty-six elders, less than ten returned alive!"

The two were arguing and both looked at Xiao Lingshan.

Xiao Lingshan was nurturing the sapling with wood-based techniques when she heard this. She looked up, thought for a moment, and said, "I think... we can go, but we need to be well-prepared."

"What preparations?" Li asked first.

"First, we can't go alone." Xiao Lingshan counted on her fingers. "Sister Chunmeng is right, safety comes first. But Sister Binglan also makes sense—since Chu Huaizhou invited us, it would seem guilty if we didn't go. So, we have to go, but we need to bring enough people with us."

"Secondly, we need to decide beforehand what to say and what not to say." She looked at Li Xian. "What does the imperial court want most? Nothing more than your 'heavenly inheritance' and your ability to create. We need to have a plan for what can be revealed and what must be kept secret."

"Third..." She paused, looking out of the valley, "We must guard against someone taking advantage of our banquet to launch a sneak attack on Peach Blossom Valley."

These words served as a reminder to everyone. The Holy Sect's foundation was not yet secure, and the valley was mostly populated by newly initiated women. If an attack were to occur, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"What about the people who will stay behind?" Li asked first.

"I'll stay," Xiao Lingshan volunteered. "My wood-based techniques are best suited for defense, and with the help of the drone squad, we can hold out for a day or two without any problem."

Miss Chunmeng raised an eyebrow: "Aren't you afraid that if Mr. Li takes me and Binglan to the banquet, people will misunderstand it as 'bringing a beauty along'?"

Xiao Lingshan blushed, but said frankly, "I'm afraid. But it's precisely because I'm afraid that I have to stay—someone has to guard the house."

These words were spoken with such confidence that Miss Chunmeng was taken aback for a moment, then snorted and did not refute them further.

Li Xian was moved and was about to speak when the manager suddenly spoke in his mind: "This girl has the demeanor of a matriarch."

"Shut up."

"Honestly," the manager said seriously, "it was the right thing for her to stay. Peach Blossom Valley needs someone to guard it, and... the three of you going is just the right number: Chunmeng represents the Demonic Sect background, Binglan represents the Linghan Palace background, and you represent the 'Heavenly Legacy.' The three forces are complete."

That's a new perspective.

After a moment's thought, Li Xian finally made the decision: "Alright, it's settled then. Ling Shan will stay behind, while Chun Meng and Bing Lan will accompany me to the banquet. Superman and Dark Knight will go with me, and Daya and Er Ya will stay behind to assist with defense."

"When is the banquet?" Binglan asked.

"Tomorrow at 5 PM." Li Xian looked at the invitation. "There's still a day for preparations. Chunmeng, go prepare some 'small gifts'—no need for poison, but some self-defense measures are necessary. Binglan, organize the relevant information about Linghan Palace; Chu Huaizhou might ask. I…"

He paused for a moment: "I'll go make a 'demonstration prop'."

"What prop?"

"You'll find out when the time comes," Li Xian said with a mysterious smile.

The following day at dusk, at the Tonghai Prefecture government office.

The government office was closed today. Two rows of Qingying Guards stood outside the gate, their helmets and armor gleaming, exuding a menacing aura. The streets were cleared, with only a few civilians peeking out from afar, whispering amongst themselves.

"I heard that Lord Chu is hosting a banquet for that 'successor of the celestial sage' today?"

"Is that the young master Li who can create holy water?"

"More than just holy water! I heard that the mechanical creations around him can talk and even fly!"

"I also heard... he's surrounded by beautiful women, and today he brought two stunning beauties with him..."

Amidst the murmurs, Li Xian and his two companions arrived.

Li Xian was unusually dressed today in a moon-white robe, his hair tied up with a jade hairpin. Although his face was still pale, he seemed to be in good spirits. Miss Chunmeng had changed into a dark red outfit, with a black gauze cloak over it, her brows and eyes sharp. Binglan, on the other hand, wore a light blue dress, with the ice lotus hairpin in her hair, her appearance as pure and cold as snow.

As soon as the three of them got off the carriage, a man came out from inside the gate of the prefectural government office to greet them—it was Chu Huaizhou.

"Young Master Li, Madam Meng, Miss Binglan, I'm so sorry for not greeting you sooner." Chu Huaizhou smiled warmly, his gaze sweeping over the three of them before finally settling on the magnetic sword at Li Xian's waist. A glint of shrewdness flashed in his eyes. "Please come in, the banquet is ready."

In the back garden of the prefectural government office, a banquet was held with three tables.

The chairman sat Chu Huaizhou, flanked by Qin Xiao, the Right General of the Green Eagle Guard, and an elderly man with a white face, no beard, and sinister eyes—the imperial envoy from the capital, Eunuch Zhao.

On the left sat local martial arts figures from Tonghai Prefecture: the leader of the Iron Fist Sect, the head of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect, the head of the Hundred Herbs Hall, and others—all familiar faces. On the right, however, Li Xian's gaze sharpened.

There were three people sitting there.

Leading the group was a woman in blue, whose face bore a striking resemblance to Bing Lan, but whose temperament was even colder, her eyes like ice—it was Bing Wei. Beside her sat two elderly men in white, their auras deep and resolute; they were clearly the remaining elders of Linghan Palace.

Binglan paused, her face paling slightly. Miss Chunmeng gripped the short blade hidden in her sleeve.

Chu Huaizhou seemed oblivious to the subtle atmosphere and introduced with a smile, "Young Master Li, this is Miss Bingwei, the newly appointed acting palace master of Linghan Palace. Miss Bingwei, this is Young Master Li."

Bingwei looked up at Li Xian.

That look in his eyes was complex: there was coldness, indifference, and a hint of... emotions that Li Xian couldn't understand.

"Young Master Li, I've heard so much about you." Her voice was calm.

"Miss Bingwei," Li Xian said, bowing slightly. "Your younger sister has been very worried about you."

Bingwei trembled almost imperceptibly, but did not reply, only lowered her eyes.

Chu Huaizhou smoothed things over, saying, "Please take your seats, everyone. This is just a private dinner, so please make yourselves at home."

Li Xian and his two companions were seated at the head table, alongside Chu Huaizhou, Qin Xiao, and Eunuch Zhao. As soon as they sat down, Eunuch Zhao spoke in a shrill voice: "Young Master Li, I have come to Tonghai Prefecture on His Majesty's orders to witness the 'Celestial Inheritance.' Would you be so kind as to allow me to broaden my horizons?"

They've arrived, and they're already putting on a show of force.

Li Xian calmly asked, "What would you like to see, sir?"

"I've heard that you, young master, can create 'holy water' that can bring the dead back to life?" Eunuch Zhao narrowed his eyes. "Could you demonstrate it?"

"The production of holy water requires a specific environment, which is inconvenient here." Li Xian paused for a moment, "However, I did bring some other things with me."

He took out a palm-sized wooden box from his pocket and opened it.

Inside the box lay a pale golden crystal, about the size of a pigeon's egg, with fine lines on its surface, emitting a soft glow.

"This is..." Qin Xiao frowned.

"Energy crystals," Li Xiandao said. "They're like a solidified version of 'holy water.' While they can't bring the dead back to life, wearing them can nourish the meridians and alleviate internal injuries."

He picked up the crystal and looked at Eunuch Zhao: "Eunuch, you have served His Majesty for many years, and you must be overworked and your meridians are damaged. I will give this crystal to you as a gift."

A glint of greed flashed in Eunuch Zhao's eyes, but he feigned modesty: "This...how could I possibly accept this?"

"Father-in-law, you don't need to be so polite." Mr. Li handed over the crystal.

Eunuch Zhao took it; its smooth texture warmed his skin, and a gentle energy spread along his arm, easing the lingering pain from his long-standing ailment. His expression changed, and when he looked at Li Xian again, his eyes held a newfound seriousness.

"Young Master Li truly lives up to his reputation." He put away the crystal, his tone softening considerably.

Chu Huaizhou clapped his hands and laughed, "Young Master Li is so generous. Come, everyone, let's raise our glasses to celebrate this gathering today."

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere seemed harmonious.

But Li knew that the real game had not yet begun.

When the wine was half-finished, Chu Huaizhou suddenly put down his wine cup: "Young Master Li, to be honest, besides maintaining our friendship, there are two other things I would like to discuss with you today."

"Please speak, Lord Chu."

"The first matter concerns the 'Academy of Crafts'," Chu Huaizhou said solemnly. "His Majesty intends to expand the Academy of Crafts, recruiting extraordinary talents from across the land. If you, young master, could enter the Academy, you would at least hold the position of 'Academy Judge,' enjoying the court's stipend and being able to utilize national treasury resources for research—what are your thoughts, young master?"

This is an open recruitment.

The room fell silent. Everyone looked at Li Xian.

Li Xian pondered for a moment and said, "I am grateful for Lord Chu's kindness. However, the 'Creation Saint Gate' has just been established and everything needs to be rebuilt, so I really cannot spare the time. Besides... I am used to being idle and cannot stand the constraints of the court's rules."

This is a euphemism, but the meaning is clear: I'm not going.

Eunuch Zhao's expression darkened slightly: "Young Master Li, this is His Majesty's grace."

"I will forever remember Your Majesty's kindness," Li Xian said, neither humble nor arrogant. "But everyone has their own ambitions, and I hope Your Majesty will understand."

The atmosphere was a bit tense.

Qin Xiao suddenly spoke up: "Young Master Li, do you know what it means to refuse the imperial court's offer of service?"

"Does that mean... we might be seen as a threat by the imperial court?" Li Xian asked rhetorically.

Qin Xiao didn't speak, but his eyes gave the answer.

Li Xian smiled: "General Qin, Lord Chu, Eunuch Zhao—I have a question, but I don't know if I should ask it."

"Please speak, young master."

"Did the imperial court recruit me because they value my 'creative abilities,' or... are they afraid that these abilities will be used by others?"

The question was so direct that several gasps of surprise rippled through the room.

Chu Huaizhou gave Li Xian a deep look: "Both."

His honesty was surprising.

"In that case," Li Xiandao said, "we might as well try a different approach. The imperial court doesn't need to recruit me, it just needs to... cooperate with me."

"cooperate?"

"Yes." Li Xian nodded. "'The Sacred Gate of Creation' can become a special force for the imperial court in the martial arts world. We will not participate in court politics, nor interfere in local affairs. We will only do three things: First, research the extraterrestrial inheritance and promote technological progress; second, eliminate evil forces and maintain order in the martial arts world; third..."

He paused, then looked at Bingwei's table: "To shelter and protect the innocent who have been persecuted."

Bingwei's body trembled, and she looked up at him.

Li Xian continued, "In return, the imperial court needs to grant the Holy Sect a legitimate status, as well as... limited autonomy. We can submit research findings to the Academy of Crafts on a regular basis, but the specific research content will be decided by ourselves."

This is about building a "state within a state".

Chu Huaizhou frowned: "Young Master Li, these conditions... I'm afraid the imperial court will find them difficult to accept."

"Then there's nothing to discuss." Li Xian shrugged. "The Holy Gate will continue to exist and develop. The imperial court can choose to annihilate us, but the cost will be enormous—and it will lose all opportunities to obtain the extraterrestrial inheritance."

He was gambling. He was gambling that the court valued "succession" more than "control."

Silence fell over the table.

Eunuch Zhao said in a sinister tone, "Young Master Li, do you know that if the imperial court wants to wipe out a martial arts sect... it's not difficult."

"I know," Li Xian nodded, "but the Holy Gate is no ordinary martial arts sect. We have drones for reconnaissance, sonic weapons, and energy shields—of course, these eunuchs might not understand. Simply put: to wipe us out, the imperial court would have to pay the price of at least five thousand elite troops and three Heavenly Origin Realm experts. And..."

He smiled and said, "It's not certain that it will succeed."

These words sound arrogant, but when combined with the energy crystals he had previously displayed, they were so compelling that no one could refute them.

Chu Huaizhou pondered for a long time before suddenly saying, "This matter is of great importance, and I must consult the imperial court. Before that... I urge Young Master Li to restrain the Holy Sect and prevent them from causing trouble."

"That's natural," Li nodded.

The first round of the game ended in a draw.

The banquet continued, but the atmosphere had changed.

Eunuch Zhao was clearly dissatisfied with Li Xian's attitude, his face darkening. Qin Xiao, on the other hand, seemed lost in thought, weighing the pros and cons. Only Chu Huaizhou remained cheerful and talkative, as if the earlier confrontation had never happened.

After a few rounds of drinks, Bingwei suddenly stood up.

"Young Master Li," she said, holding a wine glass, as she walked up to Li Xian, "I'd like to offer you a toast."

Li stood up and raised his glass: "Miss Bingwei."

The two drank together.

Bingwei put down her wine cup and suddenly lowered her voice: "Be careful of Eunuch Zhao. Behind him... is more than just the imperial court."

Li Xian's eyes narrowed: "What do you mean?"

"Although Linghan Palace has disbanded, its intelligence network remains." Bingwei said in a very low voice, "Before Eunuch Zhao came to Tonghai Prefecture, he secretly met with the envoy from the 'Daitu Kingdom'."

The Kingdom of Thiza?

Li Xian recalled the overseas island nation that Miss Chunmeng had mentioned, the place where the remnants of the demonic cult had fled.

"What are they plotting?" Li asked.

"I don't know." Bingwei shook her head. "But things have been unsettled along the coast lately. Several unidentified forces have landed. One of them... is moving in the direction of Hanjiabao."

Han Family Fortress!

Li Xian's expression changed slightly. Xiao Lingshan was still in Peach Blossom Valley, which wasn't far from Han Family Fortress!

Bingwei looked at him and said, "I delivered the message. Consider it... repaying the favor you did for saving my sister."

After saying that, she turned around and went back to her seat, refusing to look at him again.

Li sat back down, and Miss Chunmeng immediately asked in a low voice, "What did she say?"

"There are unidentified forces moving in the direction of Hanjiabao, possibly related to the Daoist Kingdom," Li Xian said quickly. "We'll head back immediately after the banquet."

"Leave now?" Binglan asked.

"No, let's wait a bit longer." Li Xian looked at Chu Huaizhou. "There are some things we need to confirm."

He suddenly stood up and said to Chu Huaizhou, "Lord Chu, I have just remembered something."

"Please speak, young master."

"There have been unusual movements along the coast recently; an unidentified force has landed." Li Xian stared into Chu Huaizhou's eyes. "Is the imperial court... aware of this?"

Chu Huaizhou's smile faltered for a moment, then returned to normal: "Young Master Li's information network is indeed impressive. Indeed, the Green Eagle Guard received intelligence that overseas bandits are harassing the coast. However, they are just small groups of roving pirates and are not a cause for concern."

"Really?" Li pressed. "Then why does intelligence indicate that one of them is moving towards Hanjiabao?"

Upon hearing this, Qin Xiao abruptly looked up: "Han Family Fortress? Is the news accurate?"

"Ninety percent certain."

Qin Xiao looked at Chu Huaizhou: "My lord, Han Family Fort is the northern gateway to Tonghai Prefecture. If it falls..."

Chu Huaizhou raised his hand to stop him and looked at Li Xian: "Where did Young Master Li get this information?"

"We have our own channels." Li Xian didn't answer but instead asked, "Lord Chu, if something truly happens, how does the court plan to respond?"

"Naturally, we will send troops to wipe them out."

"when?"

"This..." Chu Huaizhou was speechless.

Li Xian sneered, "By the time the imperial court mobilizes troops, Han Family Fort will probably be awash in blood. Lord Chu, how about we make a deal?"

"What kind of deal?"

"The Holy Gate assisted the Imperial Court in repelling the invading enemy," Li Xiandao said. "In return, the Imperial Court officially recognized the Holy Gate's legitimate status and granted us three months to develop—during which time the Imperial Court shall not interfere in the Holy Gate's internal affairs for any reason."

This is taking advantage of someone's misfortune.

But Chu Huaizhou had to consider it. If Han Family Fort were truly breached, he, as the inspector, would be held responsible. And Li Xian's Holy Gate... did indeed possess strange and unusual methods, which might actually come in handy.

"I need time to consider this," Chu Huaizhou said.

"Time waits for no one." Li stood up. "I need an answer by morning tomorrow. Otherwise... the Holy Gate will act in its own way."

He said no more, and said to Miss Chunmeng and Binglan, "Let's go."

The three left their seats.

It was already late at night when I left the prefectural government office.

Miss Chunmeng whispered, "Are you sure you want to get involved in this? The people of the Trayastrimsa Kingdom... are not easy to deal with."

"I know." Li Xian looked north, "But Ling Shan is in Peach Blossom Valley. If Han Family Fort falls, Peach Blossom Valley will also be difficult to defend. What's more..."

He paused for a moment: "This is the first real 'debut' for our Holy Sect. If we fight well, we can gain a foothold in the martial arts world."

Binglan said softly, "I'll go with you."

"I'll go too," Miss Chunmeng snorted. "Perfect timing, I can meet some old friends from the Kingdom of Tushita."

The three boarded the carriage and sped off towards the outskirts of the city.

Inside the carriage, Li Xian closed his eyes and pondered.

The manager spoke in his mind: "You did a good job just now, you were starting to look like a 'Holy Lord'."

"Don't tease me," Li Xian said with a wry smile. "I have absolutely no confidence right now."

“That’s normal,” the administrator said. “But remember, you’re not alone anymore. You have the Holy Gate, the women who are willing to follow you, the drone squad, and… me.”

"Will you help me?"

"Of course," the manager chuckled. "After all, if you die, I won't live either."

These words, though realistic, warmed Li Xian's heart.

The carriage drove out of the city gate and disappeared into the night.

Inside the prefectural government office, Chu Huaizhou stood by the window, watching the carriage disappear into the distance. After a long while, he sighed.

"My lord, are you really going to agree to his request?" Qin Xiao asked.

"What can we do if we don't agree?" Chu Huaizhou smiled bitterly. "If something really happens to Han Family Fortress, neither of us can bear the responsibility. Besides... have you noticed?"

"What?"

"That Bingwei girl from Linghan Palace seems to be secretly helping Li Xian." Chu Huaizhou narrowed his eyes. "The waters of the martial world are getting muddier and muddier."

He turned to Eunuch Zhao and said, "Eunuch, please draft a memorial tonight to report today's events to His Majesty. Also... inform the capital that there may be trouble in Tonghai Prefecture, and request that reinforcements be sent immediately."

With a gloomy face, Eunuch Zhao nodded and left.

In the garden, Bingwei stood alone under the moonlight.

An elder stepped behind her: "Acting Palace Master, why are you helping Li Xian?"

"I'm not helping him," Bingwei said, gazing at the night sky. "I'm just... atoning for my sins."

"Atonement?"

"My sister died because of me, and my younger sister was humiliated because of me," Bingwei said softly. "This is what I owe them."

She turned to the elder and said, "Pass down the order: the remnants of Linghan Palace... from this day forward, shall secretly assist the Holy Gate."

The elder was taken aback: "Acting Palace Master, this..."

"Just do as I say." Bingwei said no more and turned to leave.

Under the moonlight, her silhouette looked exceptionally lonely.

(End of Chapter 44)