Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

Lu Yu sometimes thought that if he had not known Monkey, he might have already become nourishment for Lu Zhang's dragon qi.

However, once the dragon qi took shape, it would nourish its host in turn, and it was for this reason that Lu Yu's cultivation proceeded smoothly. Now at a critical juncture, Lu Yu planned to make a trip to the Underworld to resolve the matter of the Nether Dragon Court.

Xu Jianglin, watching the roaring Serpent in the distance, could no longer hide his aura. His immense fortune and destiny erupted, and the ferocious dragon qi roared, sensing the strength of Lu Zhang's dragon qi, he couldn't help but frown and say, "I didn't expect this person to have come into his own."

From the dragon qi, he could sense that Lu Zhang's strength surpassed his own. In fact, he had never considered Lu Zhang as a rival, but now he was surprised by the outburst of Lu Zhang's dragon qi and its formidable power.

The news that Yonzhou had been taken reached Great Chen Fengjing, and the King smashed his beloved porcelain, issuing an angry roar. It was a fury from both the Emperor and the dragon qi. However, by this point, he was powerless to deal with Lu Zhang.

The White Lotus Sect in Zhongzhou continued to expand its territory, and Xu Jianglin of the Black Armored Army, with his undisguised ambition, paid lip service to the Imperial Court, covertly defying it. The era of Great Chen had long since entered an age of heroes vying for supremacy.

Lu Zhang, with his ordinary mortal eyes, naturally did not know of the events unfolding around him, and he was even less aware of the storm that was brewing in the world because of him.

At this time, he was led by Sheng Hong through the mountains in search of talented individuals. Having just occupied Yonzhou, his biggest problem was the lack of sufficient manpower to govern, especially those skilled in internal affairs.

Hu Shengliang was the most skilled in internal affairs among those under Lu Zhang's command. However, his strength lay in calculation and he fell short in grand strategizing. Since taking Yonzhou, the expanded territory and increased population had begun to overwhelm him.

Moreover, given his advanced age, his energy could not always keep up, so he also suggested that Lu Zhang search for capable individuals as soon as possible.

Lu Zhang sent people to inquire around, and that was when he learned that Yonzhou had a great sage who was but a poor Scholar.

Despite possessing outstanding abilities and having helped the local government office with famine relief during a disaster year, intricately organizing everything, this person of humble character had declined the government's invitation and had hidden himself deep in the mountains.

"This Mr. Xiao is indeed a great talent; all the officials and scholars in the vicinity hold him in high esteem, everyone says he has the talent of a Prime Minister," Sheng Hong, while leading the way for Lu Zhang, introduced the deeds of Mr. Xiao.

"I never imagined that such great talent could come from a humble background, truly incomparable," Lu Zhang remarked wistfully upon hearing about the mysterious Mr. Xiao who, despite his humble origins and only a few years of schooling, had made a name for himself and had taught many brilliant disciples.

"Yes, who would have thought that such a great talent had only a few years of schooling. Now his students are found everywhere. If my lord can recruit him, there surely won't be a lack of capable people under your command," Sheng Hong added, smiling.

Since Lu Zhang had taken Yonzhou, Sheng Hong's status had risen significantly, and now he was also counted as an important figure within Lu Zhang's influence.

The group walked along the small mountain path for a while, and suddenly a burst of guqin music came from the forest.

The music was melodious, making everyone listen in delight, feeling as if the tiredness from their many days of work had been swept away by the sound of the guqin.

Following the sound, they soon came upon a small farmyard. The yard wasn't large, surrounded by a low hedge overgrown with purple morning glories swaying in the wind.

A few chicks followed a hen on a leisurely stroll through the yard. The peaceful scene paused abruptly with the arrival of Lu Zhang and his companions as the guqin music stopped, and a Scholar stepped out of the house.

Dressed in a simple white robe, he wore a gentle smile, refreshing as a breath of spring air.

"I wasn't aware of any honored guests visiting; I apologize for not greeting you sooner," the Scholar said politely, but his demeanor remained calm, showing no sign of being affected by the obviously wealthy or noble appearance of Lu Zhang and his party.

Lu Zhang saw this and nodded to himself. Just by his calm demeanor, he knew this man was extraordinary. He returned the salute and said, "I am Lu Zhang from Yuzhou. I have long admired your great name and have come to see you today especially."

This statement slightly surprised the Scholar, who sized up Lu Zhang, then smilingly replied, "It is nothing but unwarranted praise. I am, but a humble student with shallow learning, and undeserving of the title 'Scholar.'"

Though he had chosen to live in seclusion, he had heard of Lu Zhang's reputation in recent times. Now, seeing Lu Zhang, he found that this overlord, who ruled over three provinces, did not display the arrogance of his position. He knew that Lu Zhang had come from humble beginnings, and yet, his demeanor was even better than those children of noble families.

However, he could not pinpoint why this man looked so familiar to him.

"Why sell yourself short, sir? My general is in dire need of wise men. With the world in such chaos now, it is men like you who are needed to restore order to the land and bring peace to the people," Sheng Hong said, trying to recruit on behalf of Lu Zhang.

Upon hearing this, the Scholar's expression changed slightly and he replied, "What capabilities do I possess? I am merely a hermit who enjoys farming and studying every day. I lack the ability to help and support the world."

Sheng Hong wanted to say more but was stopped by Lu Zhang, who had realized that the Scholar seemed to lack the intention to emerge from his seclusion; insisting further would be unseemly.

"My dear, since guests have arrived, shouldn't you invite them in for a cup of water before they leave?" A woman's voice came from inside the house.

Only then did the Scholar smile and say, "What the lady says is very true." Find more to read at empire

Turning to Lu Zhang and his companions, he continued, "You have come from afar. Why not come in and rest for a while? I was born in poverty and it is only by heavenly grace that I live this life today. I sincerely do not wish to be embroiled in conflicts and controversies, and I hope the General understands."

As he would still need to make a living under Lu Zhang's rule, the Scholar did not wish to offend him, hence his words were very polite. But his refusal to come out of retirement was definite.

When the group entered the house, they found it small but exquisitely arranged. An old earthen jar sat atop a wooden table, containing dried branches, which had a unique charm.

Lu Zhang and his companions were amazed as they observed the room, clearly designed for a refined person.

At that moment, they finally saw the hostess of the house, a very elegant woman, dressed in ordinary clothes, yet with a natural poise.

"We have taken the liberty of visiting unannounced and apologize for the intrusion. We hope the lady of the house can forgive us!"

"It's no bother. Having distinguished guests visit is also a blessing for our home. Please wait a moment, and I will prepare some simple dishes," she replied.

What his wife said surprised the Scholar; this was very unusual for her, to proactively offer to host a meal.

Quietly, he followed after his wife, intending to inquire about her reasons, only to see her turn to him with a smile and say, "Haven't you noticed that General Lu bears a resemblance to Mr. Lu?"

His wife's words led to an epiphany for Xiao Ke. He had been quietly puzzled before, feeling that Lu Zhang looked familiar despite never having met him. It was only after his wife's reminder that he realized Lu Zhang bore a similarity to Lu Yu.