This was the True Martial Blessed Land, the foundation of the Yuan clan in the Northern Plains.
The surname Yuan was not rare, quite common, found in all five regions like the Southern Border, Eastern Sea, Western Desert, and so on. But in the Northern Plains, the surname Yuan carried more weight, representing a super force, supreme authority.
Above the deep pool, an old man in white robes danced with a long spear, his presence vast and majestic, stirring up clouds and mists, the wind moving through ten thousand pines like rolling waves.
The old man had white hair, his spirit hale and hearty. As he changed his postures, he was sometimes as swift as lightning, other times as still as a boulder. The long spear in his hand stretched out like a swimming dragon, full of spiritual charm.
But no matter how great a commotion he stirred up, the lake at the peak of this green mountain remained undisturbed and calm as a mirror.
The lake water was also full of life, water plants swaying, moving even without waves. A large group of carps stared through the water surface at the white-robed elder wielding his spear. Their small mouths kept opening and closing, and they actually began to speak.
“Old man Yuan, not bad moves, quite a sight.”
“That thrust was good, has a bit of the Spear Daoist from back then.”
“Hmm, that sweep was excessive, a bit skewed.”
Hearing the carps’ comments, the white-robed elder abruptly stopped his movements and landed by the pool.
The long spear in his hand suddenly bloomed with white light, transforming into a Gu and disappearing into his wide sleeves. He then saluted the carps in the lake and humbly asked for guidance: “May I ask, why was that sweep skewed?”
“You used too much force!”
“Too violent, it lost its spirit and charm.”
“You're old. Your fire is too strong. You should eat some water plants to cool down.”
The carps commented freely.
These carps were no ordinary creatures, their skin white as snow, their scales black as ink. The black and white interwove distinctly, with no other colors. The world called them True Martial Carps. They were a mystical essence of heaven and earth, each one a king of strange beasts.
The white-robed elder pondered for a moment and raised a finger, using his arm as a substitute long spear, trying to practice. “Is this acceptable?”
“No.”
“Wrong.”
“Old man, you're so dumb!”
The carps scolded the elder.
Just then, Yuan Chi, the Gu Immortal of the Yuan family, hurried over. Hearing the True Martial Carps’ criticism, he was not surprised. He bowed to the white-robed elder and said respectfully, “Greetings, Supreme Elder.”
The white-robed elder was none other than the Yuan clan's Supreme Elder, with rank seven cultivation and peak combat strength. Seeing the newcomer, he frowned unhappily. “Little Yuan Chi, why are you here? Didn't I tell you not to disturb me when I am practicing in peace?”
“Senior, you previously instructed me to remind you not to miss the auction.” Yuan Chi was even more respectful.
“Oh? There was such a thing. I almost forgot… So, the auction is coming up?” The Yuan clan Grand Elder slapped his forehead.
Yuan Chi smiled bitterly: “Senior, today is the day of the auction.”
“Ah? Time flies so fast! Kid, good reminder. I will reward you when I return. Off I go.” Saying this, the Yuan clan Grand Elder waved his sleeve, and an Immortal Gu flew out from Mirror Lake.
This Gu was called Human Speech, which could translate the words of beasts into human speech.
The moment the Human Speech Immortal Gu left, the discussion of the True Martial carps suddenly ceased abruptly, leaving only faint popping sounds as their mouths opened and closed.
The Yuan clan Grand Elder put away the Human Speech Immortal Gu, shot up into the sky, and vanished in a flash of light.
The carp group interlaced, and after a while of what seemed like secret discussion, finding it boring, they all dove down.
Yuan Chi watched until the Grand Elder's figure completely disappeared from sight.
“The Grand Elder is still the same as ever.” He sighed, and waved his sleeve towards the Mirror Lake at the peak.
Instantly, wind rose and clouds gathered, thick white clouds once again covering this most secret and important heavy ground of the Yuan family.
...
“Mulan paddle boat in lotus flower hometown, singing, the evening air turns cool.”
“Willow strands beyond the mist, water outside the lake, mountain brows faintly azure, moon brows yellow.”
The scholar swayed his head, holding a scroll, sitting and reclining in a pavilion. Outside the pavilion, lotus flowers bloomed quietly, the dawn moon gently lit the night, a light breeze brushed his face, and a hidden fragrance flowed.
A maidservant attended the scholar. Her brows were like a painting, her wrists white as snow. She was holding a small pot, pouring wine into a cup on the stone table.
The scholar finished reading the poem, holding the book in one hand while his gaze remained on it, and casually picked up the cup with the other. Without looking, he poured the wine into his mouth, smacked his lips a few times, and muttered, “The wine is good, but there isn't much left. Timing is perfect, with the auction coming up, I will ask that person for a few more jars. Hongxiu, you will accompany me this time. Let Tianxiang stay here and guard the blessed land.”
“As you command, Young Master.” The maidservant was slightly delighted and answered in a soft voice.
...