"This, this is an inn?" Li Qinglian asked in disbelief.
"Hehe, are you surprised? This was the largest inn in the Ancient Desolate Realm: Zhongshan Inn. I came here by chance when I was traveling with my Monster Clan brothers.”Er 'Lai felt a great sense of accomplishment from Sister Qing Lian's shocked reaction.
At this moment, the stone lions on both sides suddenly moved and said,"May I ask if the two guests want to queue up or stay in the hotel?”
"You can stay in the inn even if you want to go to the restaurant. Please serve us good wine and dishes.”Er 'Lai said as he dragged Li Qinglian into the inn.
"Alright, please wait for a while.”
"I'm making a reservation for the Heaven Grade A rooms.”
After saying that, the two stone lions returned to their original appearance and stood still.
Er 'Lai and Li Qinglian walked through the door. Zhongshan Inn was divided into three halls and a guest residence. The main hall was square in plan, with three rooms in width and depth. There were corridors on all sides, marble floors, and a single-eave roof with four pointed corners. The roof was covered with yellow glazed tiles, and the middle was a bronze gilded treasure roof.
The east hall was opened on all sides. There were 12 three-intersecting six-sided doors on the front, four doors on each side of the east, north and west sides. The stone steps in front of the door were one in the east and west, three in the north and three in the south. In the middle was a royal road with embossed clouds and dragons, with shallow curls of grass patterns on the steps and hanging belts.
The front and back doors of the west hall are blue brick sill walls with locked windows on them. The rest of the layout is the same as that of the east hall.
The inn was built in a three-step staircase. The entrance of the main hall was the lowest and flattest. The main hall, the east hall, and the west hall were the second steps in the middle. The guest rooms were located at the highest point and were divided into four types of rooms: Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow. The rooms were arranged in a triangle shape in the guest area. The rooms were mostly built behind the mountain. The first-class rooms were the highest rooms in the inn. They were located on the mountainside of Mount Shouyang and could overlook most of the mountain range.
The two of them came to the front of the main hall. The inner and outer eaves of the main hall were decorated with golden dragons and imperial seals. The ceiling was decorated with golden dragons. There were various seats in the hall, such as a screen throne and a secluded pavilion.
At this moment, there were no other customers in the hall. It looked like business was bleak. The shop assistant came up and said,"This is really strange. There are actually guests who are waiting to stay in this season. I don't think the two guests are foreign businessmen who do business in other cities.”
The waiter who spoke looked like a human, but his limbs were as thin as a dried corpse. Moreover, there were two heads on his shoulders. The other head then opened its mouth and cursed,"You talk too much. Anyone who comes is a guest. Why do you care when the guest comes?”
"What does a guy like you, whose head looks like a latrine, know? The guests were also divided into different ranks. If these two were hunted down and came to the safety zone to take refuge, should we also entertain them?”
"You can't say that! Even if the two of them were unlucky people who were being hunted down or poor people, even if we were cursing the seller in our hearts, we had to smile on our faces. This was the boss's order.”
……
Just as the two of them were arguing endlessly, Li Qinglian whispered,"They don't know you?"
"I don't know them either. The last time I came was 800 years ago, right? And the waiter who received me at that time was a mortal without any cultivation. They should be the waiters that Brother Buwei hired later.”Er 'Lai replied softly.
Er 'Lai and Li Qinglian simply ignored the two-headed guy and went straight to the counter in the middle of the main hall. The shop owner was a middle-aged man with an ordinary appearance and a thin figure, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle. At this moment, he was buried in the account book and was still playing with an abacus in one hand. When he sensed someone approaching, he raised his head and asked with a gentle smile,"May I know what you need…"
Before he could finish his sentence, the shopkeeper saw Er 'Lai, who was also wearing a straightforward smile. His expression instantly froze, and his warm smile suddenly turned into frost in the cold winter. He said in an extremely cold tone,"Tch, so it's you. I didn't expect that after 800 years, you're still alive?”
"Ahaha, Brother Wei must be joking. It has always been difficult for a felon in the imperial prison to die even if he wanted to. If he could really die completely, we wouldn't have to bitterly seek release in the imperial prison.”Er 'Lai reached out his hand and pulled Jiang Buwei out from the counter. Without any explanation, he dragged Jiang Buwei and Li Qinglian to a private room and sat down.
"Let, let go!" Jiang Buwei struggled a few times, but it was useless. Fortunately, Er 'Lai had chosen a seat not far away, so he quickly released the restraint. Jiang Buwei roared with a livid face," You rascal, you're still so reckless after hundreds of years. You don't care about the feelings of others at all. How preposterous."”
Hearing this, Li Qinglian nodded in agreement. Er 'Lai scratched his head and said with a smile,"Ah, sorry, sorry. I didn't notice. Hehe.”
Knowing that Er 'Lai had no intention of reflecting on his actions, Jiang Buwei tidied up his slightly messy silk robe and continued to curse,""Ever since Lin Kexi became your teacher, you've learned a lot of bad habits from that woman. In her subsequent reincarnations, she still couldn't get rid of these bad habits of yours. As the saying goes, it takes three days to learn bad, and it takes thirty years to learn good. However, you've been doing this for 800 years, and you're still like this. I really don't know what to say about you.”
"Hey, hehe…"
Jiang Buwei saw Er 'Lai's honest and straightforward appearance, and his anger instantly dissipated by half. He shook his head and sighed,""Although I'm in the Mountain and Sea Realm, I'm quite well-informed. I heard that the woman's 80th reincarnation died in the war between the Immortals and the mortals thirty-some years ago? If the news is true, it's only been 70 to 80 years since her 81st reincarnation. Aren't you afraid that you'll be wandering around in the Otherworld like last time, causing your teacher to be isolated and helpless in the human world and become the enemy of the whole world?”
"Uh... but Teacher has already reincarnated, and he's in the Mountain and Sea Realm...."
"W-What did you say? Reincarnated in less than a hundred years? " This is the first time I've heard of it…" Jiang Buwei stood up in shock. However, he quickly regained his composure and sat down again. He said indifferently," Hmph, is that so? So you're here to wait for her. In that case, stay for a few more days. On account of our old acquaintance, I won't take your spirit stones this time."”
As they spoke, wine and food were served on the table. There were more than 20 dishes in a row. The color, fragrance, and taste of the dishes were almost the same as those in the human world. The more than 20 dishes gathered the best of the eight major cuisines, and the reasonable combination of meat and vegetables would not cause the excellent flavors of the major cuisines to conflict with each other.
"Hehe, spirit stones are nothing. We haven't seen each other for so many years. I'm going to have a drink with you today.”As he spoke, Er 'Lai lifted the lid of the wine jar on the table, raised his head, and poured the wine into his mouth. In an instant, he finished the wine in one gulp. He held the empty jar and shouted at Jiang Buwei,"Come!"
It had been a long time since they had seen an old friend, so they were naturally happy. However, due to the lack of face, Jiang Buwei could only put on a reluctant expression and drink with him. Li Qinglian, on the other hand, naturally said something when she saw that there was wine to drink. The three of them had their own things to say, but they all stopped before the good wine and food.
After an unknown amount of time, empty wine jars were piled up under the table and beside the chairs. The three of them were all people who drank heavily and looked half-drunk. Seeing that they were half-drunk, Jiang Buwei took advantage of the alcohol and asked,"Lin Kexi…No, what's her name in this life? Is it a man or a woman?"
"Ah?" Er 'Lai was stunned for a moment before he said,"I don't know. I haven't seen Teacher yet…"
Then, the two of them looked at Li Qinglian. Li Qinglian continued,"Li of the common people, winter of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It's a pity that he's a pure man, hehe ~"
" I see. It seems like Lin Kexi is an exception that cannot be replicated…" Jiang Buwei sighed softly.
"Right, Brother Buwei, when do you plan to return to the Righteous Alliance?”
"Go back? I'm not going back! There was no way he would ever return. The Mountain and Sea Realm was so big, and the beasts here were so cute and sweet-talking. Why would he return?”
"Eh? Why was that? Are you not willing to invest in your teacher's career anymore?”Er 'Lai gloomily scratched his head. Lin Kexi laoshi's generation was the richest generation of the Righteous Qi Alliance. Wealth and resources could be said to be inexhaustible, and the reason for this was because of Jiang Buwei's peerless way of management.
"Hmph, go back? What am I going back for? I'm a businessman, and I'm famous for money. The reason why I decided to invest in Lin Kexi, who was penniless, was because I took a fancy to her charisma as a leader. In the end, other than causing trouble for me all day long, what else did the two of you do? " If it weren't for the fact that my Lu Family has some assets, it wouldn't have been enough for the two of you to ruin…" Jiang Buwei glared at Er 'Lai fiercely, as if he was going to skin him alive.
"Ahaha ~~" Er 'Lai suddenly felt a little embarrassed and laughed."Teacher's personality was like that back then. No one could do anything about it, right? However, after his teacher's death, his personality was quite steady and reliable? Why are you still unwilling to come out of the mountain?"
"Hmph, because there's no need for that anymore.”Jiang Buwei growled in a low voice, his face gloomy as he took a sip from his wine cup.
Suddenly, Li Qinglian slammed the table and stood up. She looked at Jiang Buwei in surprise and asked,""Wait! Lu Family? Could you be the number one legendary merchant in history, Lu Buwei?”
"…Don't misunderstand. I'm not the same person as the one in history. Strictly speaking, I'm his reincarnation. It's just that I was lucky enough to be listed on the List of Sages in the Yu Tribute Jiuzhou Meeting in the 18th year of Kaiyuan of the Tang Dynasty. I also enjoyed the honor of the memorial tablets of the Ten Sages in the Confucian Temple of the four generations and the title of Prime Minister. Later, Yu the Great bestowed me with the Nine Cauldrons of the Nine Cauldrons, allowing me to live for more than 1,200 years. Speaking of which, I haven't asked this little sister for her name yet.”Jiang Buwei cupped his hands and bowed.
Li Qinglian was obviously not referring to the Lu Buwei in the history books. In the development of the Righteous Qi Alliance, this middle-aged man had played a pivotal role. Not only had he pulled the Alliance back from the brink of poverty and weakness, but he had also managed to return to its peak, gaining the strength to stand on equal footing with the strongest faction in the Immortal World, the Xuanyuan Alliance. This was the only time in the thousands of years since the establishment of the Alliance!
Compared to the legendary businessman in history, Jiang Buwei's achievements were not inferior. It was precisely because of this that Jiang Buwei was a legendary figure that all Reincarnators talked about during their free time. And such an extraordinary figure had actually appeared in front of Li Qinglian. How could she not be excited?
"Greetings, Lord Prime Minister! I'm Li Qinglian from the Li family, and I inherited my abilities from the immortal poet Li Taibai.”Li Qinglian stood up and cupped her fists.
"Mm, you're welcome. How long has the Li family been in Tiandi Alliance?”Jiang Buwei asked indifferently.
"It has been six hundred years. At that time, my Li family ancestor was being hunted by Yuan soldiers. It was the seventy-fourth generation leader Zhao Bing who saved my Li family ancestor.”Li Qinglian replied.
At this moment, Er 'Lai patted Qing Lian's shoulder and said in a drunken voice,"Sister Qinglian, you don't have to be so reserved. No, Brother Wei just likes to pretend to be serious. Don't look at how he never smiles and looks fierce.”
"Oh, right! It's tsundere!"
"Er 'Lai, do you still remember how much money you owe me?”Jiang Buwei's serious expression suddenly changed into a businessman's smiling expression.
"No, Brother Wei, we're brothers. Talking about money hurts our relationship…"
"If you don't want to return those four trillion pieces of Xuanyuan Ancient Jade, then shut your mouth and sit at the side.”
"Yes, sir!"
Er 'Lai immediately sat upright, his eyes never turning sideways.
"Pfft! Four trillion? Or is it the Xuanyuan ancient jade?" Li Qinglian spat out a mouthful of wine before she could swallow it. She was secretly speechless. The Xuanyuan Ancient Jade was the Spiritual Stone of the Five Elements. It was the top-grade Spiritual Stone with the highest purity and the most Primordial Qi in all the Great Thousand Worlds. It was also the currency with the strongest circulation among cultivators. The reason why it was called the Xuanyuan Ancient Jade was that the Xuanyuan Alliance controlled the largest Spiritual Stone mine known to date.
Even if the Li family had accumulated for six hundred years, they only had a total of two thousand pieces of Xuanyuan Ancient Jade. Er 'Lai actually owed Jiang Buwei a total of four trillion pieces! What did he do? Could it be that he had sunk a continent in the immortal world?
"Senior, junior has something to ask!”
"It doesn't matter, as long as it's what I know.”
"May I ask how I can reach the same height as my ancestor?”Li Qinglian humbly asked.
" Phew…" Jiang Buwei seemed to sigh, but then he said helplessly," Your words are already the problem.”
"Hmm? Senior, what do you mean?" Li Qinglian was puzzled.
" It shouldn't be reaching, but at least surpassing. For most Reincarnators, the glory and legends created by their ancestors are both a form of pride and a burden, especially those achievements that can only be described as miracles in history. Most Reincarnators can't even catch up to them even if they put in all their effort. Therefore, abandoning these useless psychological burdens is the first step to success. After that, other than inheriting the abilities of their ancestors, they have to work hard to learn other abilities.”
Jiang Buwei took a sip of wine and continued,"" For example, Lu Buwei, the prime minister of the Qin State in my previous life. Although he was a great talent in politics, economy, education, and military during the Warring States Period, his knowledge and abilities in various fields changed greatly as the times changed. Therefore, it was far from enough to just pass on his knowledge. He cultivated spells, honed his martial arts, read medical books, and identified herbs. Although I was not fully proficient in these skills and could not compare to the top figures in various industries... However, I have already surpassed most of the talents in various industries.”
" Therefore, your vision is only to achieve the same achievements as your ancestors. In that case, you can only look up to the backs of your ancestors forever. Since you have the heart of a strong person, then you should advance with the belief of surpassing your ancestors. Everyone has their own shadow. There's no need to hide in the shadows of others and live. You can create your own legend and be respected by thousands of people. This is to encourage more descendants to surpass you. This is the meaning of our existence as Reincarnators.”
"The above is what I have learned in my life. I hope it will be of help to you.”
Li Qinglian thought for a long time with a dull expression. Finally, she took a deep breath and cupped her hands."Thank you for your guidance, Senior.”
It wasn't that he knew or understood, but that he understood. Jiang Buwei nodded in satisfaction.
After the three of them had their fill, it was already evening. Jiang Buwei reminded them,""The Sacred Unicorn Valley will have a Night Wandering God patrolling the various mountain ranges from 10:00 to 12:00 the next day.”
Er 'Lai knew that these words were directed at him. Normally, he wouldn't have listened to them, but now was different. Firstly, he wasn't at his peak condition. Secondly, there were many mighty figures living in the Holy Qilin Valley. It would be bad for his teacher to make enemies.
"Alright, it's rare to come out with Sister Qinglian. Let's get drunk tonight!”As he spoke, he pulled Li Qinglian and walked towards the first-class room.
They arrived at the Heaven-tier room through the teleportation array. It was as luxurious as a presidential suite. There were four rooms and a living room. The bed in each room occupied half the room.
However, the two of them did not plan to sleep tonight. Li Qinglian said excitedly,"Come! Today, let's see who can hold their liquor better. The loser will tell us about the dark history of his brothers and sisters in the alliance. How about it?”
"Hey, if you want to talk about this, I can talk for days and nights!”Er 'Lai said as he raised his wine jar. He had the intention to fight until dawn.
……
……
After Han Que brought Li Dong into the seven-colored light, they arrived at a mysterious place. At first glance, it was a cliff that was as beautiful as a fairyland. Clouds surrounded the place, birds sang, and flowers bloomed. Every plant was filled with an abundant spiritual charm that could be seen with the naked eye. The spiritual qi of heaven and earth circulated in an orderly manner in the space, nourishing every living creature.
The four sides of the cliff were like four seasons, contrasting four different sceneries. The scenery of spring and winter alternated in the east, the ice and snow melted, and the flowers bloomed and withered in an instant. In the south, the autumn and winter scenery alternated, but the maple leaves fell slowly as if they were still. After a day, the maple leaves fell to the ground. The scene of summer and autumn in the west, the cicadas still alive and the leaves changing color, seemed to be forever fixed in the picture.
The four seasons on the cliff alternated between slow and fast, and time seemed to be disorderly. Only time in the north was neither fast nor slow.
Suddenly, a huge figure appeared. That figure had a dragon head, an elk body, an ox tail, dragon claws, and fish scales. It had two horns, which were dragon horns. Its entire body was covered in a green light, and its mighty body covered the sky.
At this moment, Han Que bowed and greeted,"Your Highness, I'm sorry for disturbing you today."”
"You are no longer a member of the Six Paths, and Heaven's Horizon is not a place for you to stay for long.”The figure let out a majestic voice that resounded throughout the world.
Han Que understood and placed Li Dong steadily on the ground. He cupped his fists and bowed before slicing open space with his sword and leaving.
"Open your eyes, my friend. Now that your life tribulation is coming, it's not time for you to fall.”Golden light flashed in the Sky Water Qilin's eyes, and a dazzling light enveloped Li Dong's entire body. His body, which was riddled with holes, instantly returned to its original state, not even a scar was left behind. Only his originally slightly white skin remained the color of wheat.
"Oh, my body is so heavy, so painful!" Li Dong let out a low groan and sat up. When he saw this incomparably majestic and beautiful creature in front of him, he could not help but be stunned.
"Zi Gan, my friend, since Shang Yin, we have not seen each other for three thousand years. Do you still miss the prosperity of the world?”The water qilin lowered his head to look at Li Dong as he asked, his tone slightly intimate.
Hearing this, a blurry memory flashed through Li Dong's mind. He vaguely recalled some things and muttered,""You are the Water Qilin from Heaven's Horizon? The Lord of the Mountain and Sea Realm!"
The water qilin nodded slightly, and Li Dong hurriedly stood up and cupped his hands.""This brat has been impolite. Please forgive me, Your Highness!”
"No worries!" The water qilin continued to ask," How many memories do you remember from your previous life?”
" Memories of my past life?"
After carefully recalling for a long time, Li Dong slowly shook his head and said,""I only remember Di Hongzi…Ah Shou, and…the Heavenly Book. I don't know the exact details.”
"Forget it. After so many years, the past of your previous life is not important. Let me ask you, when the world and your relatives choose one, where will you go? Where do you go when the way of the world contradicts your existence? When the world forsakes you, where do you go?" The water qilin threw out several baffling questions.
Must he answer? He felt even more nervous than answering a conversation with a leader. Would there be any punishment if he answered wrongly?
Throwing aside those inexplicable thoughts, Li Dong thought about it and answered seriously,""I feel that the so-called 'heaven and earth' is the combination of countless small worlds. If you can't even protect your own 'heaven and earth', how can you protect the heavens and earth of others? Giving up the small family to care for the big family was indeed for the sake of the big picture, but what did one get in the end by constantly giving up? Giving up the pond for the river, giving up the river for the sea, giving up the great righteousness for the small righteousness was selfishness, and giving up the small righteousness for the great righteousness was forgetting the roots.”
"How can there be a perfect balance in this world?"
"Why is there no such thing as the perfect method in this world?" Li Dong asked," Tragedies in the world are all caused by the lack of ability of the person involved. At the crossroads of life, when faced with a choice, one can only follow the crowd and never think about whether this path of the world is really suitable for oneself.”
" Therefore, rather than following the same path for thousands of years, I would rather take a different path and have a clear conscience. Even if I am criticized and despised by thousands of people, I will not change my ambition!”
Li Dong's tone was sonorous and forceful, and his eyes revealed determination. Clearly, he spoke from the bottom of his heart.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。