Even for Kim Man-sung, who had a wide range of friends, it was not easy to invite him, and this Admiral Zheng had only agreed to come because he saw the great profits of the ocean trade. He did not expect to see such a seductive woman as soon as he arrived. He was about to reveal his identity and wait to see her surprised gaze when Kim Man-sung's introduction scratched his itch.
Xu Xian nodded his head slightly, indicating that he understood.
When he passed the heavenly tribulation and became an immortal, he could not help but gradually look down on this common official rank.
In the past, even though he did not care for fame and fortune, when he saw it, he would still have some thoughts. But now, in his eyes, there was no navy admiral, only a fat man with a full beard.
Admiral Zheng's expression became even uglier. Although he was not well-versed in literature, he had heard of Xu Xian's name. Although he lived in Jiangnan, he was not on Pan Wang's side and had some disagreements with Pan Wang's younger brother, Governor Pan.
In his eyes, Xu Xian was no more than a proud scholar. His real official rank was no more than a mediocre Hanlin. Even though he had a wide range of friends, he did not believe that those people would become enemies with him, a first-rank official, for the insignificant Xu Xian.
His deduction could not be considered wrong. Under normal circumstances, no matter how much Pan Wang appreciated Xu Xian, he still had to consider his entire family. And the title of immortal poet bestowed by the Emperor was only an empty title. If he found out that Xu Xian had broken the law, he would not be lenient. Even with Li Bai's great reputation, he could not avoid the fate of being rewarded with gold and then released. Later, he had almost been involved in a rebellion and died a violent death.
How could he know that the reasons were so complicated? Not to mention the relationship between Pan Yu and Xu Xian, even the Emperor, who was obsessed with longevity, would not offend this senior brother disciple for any reason.
Seeing that a mere Hanlin Academy dared to look down on him, Admiral Zheng couldn't help but sneer and say, "Xu Hanlin is so arrogant." He bluntly reminded him of his status and let him understand the difference between a superior and a subordinate official.
Originally, he would not have been so unable to endure. Perhaps it was because the green-clothed woman only glanced at everyone before returning her gaze to Xu Xian. She treated everyone else as if they were nothing. Even the words "Navy Admiral" did not make her look at him more than once.
He had also seen many women who didn't care about official titles and only loved the title of 'gifted scholar'. And when he ruthlessly humiliated the so-called 'gifted scholar' in front of those women, he showed them what a real man was.
However, Xu Xian's eyes once again looked toward the depths of the ocean, leaving everyone with a tall back. Of course, he could feel all kinds of emotions and even hostility from this Admiral Zheng. This kind of bureaucrat was not uncommon in his previous life. He thought he had great power in his hands and was used to the flattery and flattery of others. If someone stood up straight and wanted to treat him as an equal, he would feel that they were belittling him and harbor hatred in his heart.
Of course, when this kind of person saw someone with more power than them, they would naturally put on the appearance of a slave. In reality, this was an extremely morbid mentality.
As a cultivator with several hundred thousand points of spiritual energy per second, Xu Xian really did not have the heart to play a battle of wits and courage with mortals.
Thinking of this, his heart shook. Mortals?
So I am also starting to not think of myself as a mortal?
No matter how firm his original beliefs were, as his position changed, his mentality would also quietly change.
Like water dripping through a stone, it slowly changed people's hearts.
And just based on his external temperament, he was no longer the original Xu Xian.
The understanding of the memories of two lives, the training of life and death battles, and the memories from Dongyue The Great, all kinds of temperament merged into one on his body, forming a style of its own. He had the majesty of a ten thousand mountains, and the calmness of a thousand miles of plains.
Sitting next to Xiaoqing, no one would feel that he was not worthy of her. Instead, it was Xiaoqing who was secretly relying on him.
Admiral Zheng was even more furious, almost about to explode.
The aristocrats behind him all stretched their necks, waiting to see how this matter would end!
As the host, Kim Man-sung naturally could not sit and do nothing. He hurriedly welcomed the other aristocrats upstairs and arranged them around a few square tables. He ordered the servants to serve the dishes.
Kim Man-sung said respectfully, "Lord Admiral, please take a seat!" He secretly sighed in his heart, "Why must you do this?"
Knowing that Xu Xian had already offended this Lord Admiral, he must find an opportunity to take revenge. It was better to offend a gentleman than to offend a lowly person!
Admiral Zheng also knew that Xu Xian was not an ordinary scholar and could be easily dealt with. Thus, he temporarily suppressed his anger. "For a gentleman to take revenge, ten years is not too late." If he was patient, he would be able to find out Xu Xian's shortcomings. When that time comes, it would be too late for him to cry!
Thinking of this, his heart became complacent again. He glared fiercely at Xu Xian and sat on the seat that Kim Man-sung pulled out for him. His eyes then fell on Xiaoqing's body. Her clothes fluttered in the wind, further outlining her graceful figure. If only he could...
But before waiting for the lowly person to find an opportunity to take revenge, he heard Xiaoqing's delicate reprimand, "What are you looking at? If you keep looking, I'll dig out your eyeballs!" She easily pulled the warm atmosphere upstairs back to freezing point. Each and every one of them stared at Admiral Zheng.
When had Admiral Zheng ever been treated so disrespectfully by a woman in public? He was so angry that he laughed. "What a slut, to actually dare to be rude to this official!" However, he laughed coldly in his heart. He had just been looking for an opportunity, and this opportunity had delivered itself to his door.
And just as his thoughts moved, two slender jade-like fingers were only a few millimeters away from his eyes. The glaring wind caused two streams of tears to flow down. And the owner of these two slender fingers was Xiaoqing, who had been standing by the window just a moment ago. The wind that was raised fluttered her green clothes and then dispersed upstairs.
Only then did the bodyguards react. One by one, they secretly swallowed a mouthful of saliva. No one had clearly seen how she had moved.
Xiaoqing was not some kind person, and the words she had said were definitely not weak threats. As for the admiral, what was that? Could it be eaten?
Admiral Zheng's lips opened and closed, but he couldn't say anything. His body was stiff and he couldn't move. That originally soul-stirring eyes were now filled with a solemn killing intent. It made him feel that if he moved a finger, he would be mercilessly killed on the spot.
Everyone upstairs was stunned. Kim Man-sung was the first to react. He turned pale with fright. "Young … Young Lady Qing!" What kind of crime was it to assassinate a first-rank official of the imperial court? Even if Xu Xian had connections, he still couldn't bear the responsibility!
Xiaoqing turned her head and casually asked, "Can he be killed?" Everyone's gaze then looked towards Xu Xian.
And at this moment, Xu Xian was reflecting on his comprehension just now. Hearing this, he waved his hand and smiled, "Young Lady Qing is magnanimous. Please spare this dog official!"
Xiaoqing pursed her lips into a smile. Her beautiful and flirtatious appearance, even at this time, caused many people to stare blankly.
She then coldly said to Admiral Zheng, "If you dare look around again, I'll dig out your eyes. If you speak nonsense again, I'll cut off your tongue!"
Finishing her words, she retracted her hand. With light steps, she returned to Xu Xian's side and pushed his shoulder. "Hey, what are you thinking about!"
It was unknown whether Admiral Zheng was scared or angry. His lips trembled. Pointing at Xiaoqing, he said, "You dare to assassinate this official. Guards, take her down for me. No, protect this official first!"
More than ten bodyguards immediately came forward and surrounded the admiral, but none of them went forward to take Xiaoqing.
They weren't fools. With that kind of strange speed just now, with just the few of them, they probably wouldn't even be enough to fill the gaps between the other's teeth!
And Xu Xian's expression was still calm. He lightly grasped Xiaoqing's white hand on his shoulder. "Nothing!"
Admiral Zheng stood and slowly retreated under the protection of a group of bodyguards. After retreating to a distance that he thought was safe, he pointed at Xu Xian and said, "Xu Xian, you dare to order an assassin to assassinate an official of the court. This official must report to His Majesty to strip you of your rank and throw you into the death prison. No one will be able to protect you!" No matter how strong one's martial arts was, could one fight against thousands of troops and horses?
Naturally, he had become his pet. He wanted to properly humiliate him to vent his anger. But he was also afraid of Xiaoqing's martial arts. He slowly retreated downstairs and prepared to mobilize the troops and horses.
At this time, Xu Xian's thoughts finally came to a conclusion. "No, if this continues, I will be separated from the masses. Isn't that going against my original intentions? I must do something!"
Xu Xian, who wholeheartedly wanted to find the feeling of a normal person, finally set his gaze on the body of the navy admiral.
If a normal person was provoked by this kind of person, they would probably be angry!
Brat, you dare to look at my girl? You don't want to live anymore?
Cough, cough, this was not the feeling of a normal person, but the feeling of a street thug.
Seeing that the navy admiral had already retreated to the staircase, Xu Xian stood and said with a smile, "Speaking of His Majesty, I have a rare item here for everyone to see!" He took out the gold medal from his bosom and raised it high.
Although his back was facing the sun, the four words "As if I had personally come" shone with a golden light.
Everyone was stunned. They all guessed the origin of the gold medal. If not, they would have to say that their leader had a fast reaction. Once Admiral Zheng saw the gold medal, he was the first to kneel down and shout, "Long live the Emperor!" His movements were swift. No matter how unwilling he was, he didn't dare to show the slightest bit of disrespect.
The other aristocrats quickly followed suit and knelt down on the ground.
Xu Xian let out a breath. It seemed, he had found a bit of a feeling!
Xiaoqing looked with surprise at the gold medal in Xu Xian's hand. She didn't think that such a small medal without any magic power would have such a magical effect!
She, who was inexperienced in the ways of the world, naturally did not understand the majesty of imperial power in the mortal world. The words "as if the Emperor had personally come" were not just words. If this admiral dared not kneel, it was equivalent to disrespecting the Emperor. His crime was much greater than assassination.
Xu Xian saw that her surprised expression was very cute and couldn't resist giving her a light peck on the lips, causing her to pout coquettishly. She immediately bit back, sending a wave of fragrant saliva into Xu Xian's mouth, completely disregarding how many people were present.
The surrounding people all heard some noise, but they all had their heads lowered and couldn't see. Only Admiral Zheng desperately squinted his eyes. Seeing this scene, he became even more jealous and hateful.
Xu Xian walked with large strides towards Admiral Zheng. The guards were all kneeling, so of course they couldn't be of use as guards.
Admiral Zheng could clearly see a pair of spotless boots walking towards him. His heart was filled with hatred and he swore to wipe away this humiliation.
Xu Xian put the gold medal back into his sleeve and loudly said, "Everyone rise!"
The gentry stood up one after another, Zheng Tidu also stood up. He raised his head and was about to glare fiercely at Xu Xian, but then he saw the four words' as if Zhen Ren had personally arrived '. His knees bent and he hastily knelt down again, while loudly singing, "Long live our Emperor!" That pair of boots pressed close to his head.
The other aristocrats were baffled and quietly discussed among themselves. Only then did they understand that Xu Xian had hidden the golden medallion in his wide sleeve. In this way, only Admiral Zheng could see it. As soon as he saw it, he could only kneel down.
Xu Xian let down his sleeve and Admiral Zheng rose again. In an instant, the gold medal fell into his eyes again, and he could only kneel again.
This happened three or four times, but not once was he able to stand up straight.
Admiral Zheng's body was fat. Suddenly standing up and then hurriedly kneeling down, his appearance was very comical. A smile floated onto some people's faces, but when they remembered his identity, they hurriedly put on a serious expression. Their expressions were very strange.
The aristocrats, who originally had to curry favor with him, all felt secretly pleased.
Kim Man-sung, on the other hand, had a bitter smile on his face. This way, he had offended the other person. However, even if he didn't offend him, this Admiral would definitely not let it go. He stood to the side and watched the show. This Xu Xian was also not a soft persimmon that anyone could knead.
Xiaoqing, on the other hand, couldn't help but laugh out loud. When she laughed, everyone couldn't help but laugh. In any case, Admiral Zheng couldn't see clearly, so he just opened his mouth and laughed along.
Amidst the roar of laughter, Admiral Zheng no longer stood up. He knelt on the ground and was so angry that his entire body trembled. His face was full of malevolence, and he wanted nothing more than to skin and swallow Xu Xian alive.
Xu Xian, who held the gold medal in his hand, didn't feel much pleasure. Instead, there was a trace of sorrow on his face. Admiral Zheng's performance just now could be said to be a high-ranking official of the border. Normally, he couldn't help but flaunt his martial prowess and be pleased with himself. When he saw this small gold medal, it was as if his bones had been pulled out. He was like a well-trained dog, and the one who tamed him was not the Emperor, but the fame, wealth, and wealth of the human world.
Wasn't the sly worldly-wise person that was praised by the world like this in essence?
If he didn't cultivate, would he be like him?
In this secular world, he would be slowly polished into other shapes!
Xu Xian put the gold medal back into the Merit Jade Medal and said with a smile, "Sir Zheng, quickly get up. Just now, I was just joking with you!" Everyone shook their heads in their hearts. What was the use of saying this now? Even if they apologized, it was too late!
Admiral Zheng probed for a long time before carefully getting up. "You actually dared to use the gold medal bestowed by His Majesty to tease me. This … this is a crime of great disrespect!"
Xu Xian let out a long sigh and said, "Why bother?
Why bother?
As the saying goes, it's better to squash enmity than keep it alive. In this joyous occasion, it is even more important to be harmonious and have love! "
Kim Man-sung didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He only felt that Xu Xian's eloquence was really not that good.
However, in this sentence, Admiral Zheng's entire body shook. Just now when he was kneeling on the ground, all kinds of malicious thoughts suddenly disappeared. Instead, he began to slightly regret that he shouldn't have relied on his status to have thoughts of lust. Then, he thought of all the evil deeds he had done in the past, and a trace of remorse arose.
The Great Thunder Sound Technique was a method of exhortation by Buddha. It contained the power of great mercy and could make all living beings let go of the evil thoughts in their hearts.
Xu Xian could only make people dispel their evil thoughts for a moment. If Buddha spoke, it wouldn't be a problem for this Admiral Zheng to immediately convert to Buddhism and no longer be reluctant to stay in the world of power.
Among the many techniques, this could be considered the one that Xu Xian used the most. He could already integrate it into ordinary words. Even though it hadn't reached the state of "Words Become Law", it wasn't something that ordinary people could resist.
Admiral Zheng was lost in thought. Xu Xian whispered a few more words in his ear. Then, he said, "Go back and continue drinking!" Then, he let Admiral Zheng return to his seat.
The anger on Admiral Zheng's face was swept away, and he became amiable. Even though he felt that something was wrong, he couldn't say what it was.
Thinking about it, he was indeed in the wrong just now. He should not have been rude to the young lady and caused such an incident. He felt rather guilty in his heart. Seeing that the guards were still foolishly standing in the same place, he said unhappily, "What are you still standing there for?" He no longer had his usual arrogant attitude and became much more easygoing.
The aristocrats were dumbstruck. They couldn't figure out what Xu Xian had said to Admiral Zheng to achieve such an effect.
After looking at each other, they returned to their seats one by one. Only then did the banquet truly begin.
Kim Man-sung quietly stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "My worthy nephew, this?"
He secretly glanced at Admiral Zheng. Based on his ability to observe people's words and body language, he could naturally tell if Admiral Zheng was enduring silently.
Xu Xian smiled slightly and said, "Using virtue to win people over."
Even though the Great Thunder Sound Technique had the effect of making the speaker's voice penetrate deeper into people's hearts, it wasn't to confuse them. Instead, it made people think of right and wrong, good and evil, and naturally, they would be enlightened.
Kim Man-sung knew that he wouldn't be able to get anything out of him. He changed the topic and asked, "Prince Xu, will the ship really come back?"
Xu Xian said confidently, "With the blessing of Matsu, the ship will definitely come back."
Kim Man-sung was slightly confused. "Matsu?
I think I've heard of it before. "He didn't live by the sea and naturally didn't know much about this rising goddess.
Xu Xian smiled and said, "Yes, Matsu. All the boatmen on the sea believe in this goddess, who blesses the safety of the sea. When the ship comes back, don't forget to build a temple to worship her!"
Seeing that Xu Xian was so confident, Kim Man-sung was also relieved. He smiled and said, "If the fleet can really return safely, not to mention one temple, even if there are ten, what harm is there?"
At this time, people believed in ghosts and gods, and Kim Man-sung was the same. No matter what god it was, it would not be a loss to worship them.
Xu Xian raised his eyebrows and said with a smile, "Then it's a deal!" He didn't expect that he would be able to help Yu'er expand his business.
Kim Man-sung was stunned. He didn't expect Xu Xian to be so serious. He reacted and said straightforwardly, "Alright, it's a deal!"
If they were able to overcome this difficulty, the Jin family would have a large business and would not lack the money for these ten temples. Moreover, the sea trade was not a one-off business. If this Mazu Niangniang could really bless the ship, he would be willing to worship her memorial tablet at home.
The banquet was getting more and more intense. The sun was setting, but the ship was still nowhere to be seen. The crowd waiting on the beach gradually became noisy.
Kim Man-sung's forehead was covered in sweat, but he glared at Kim Sung-ho.
Kim Sung-ho shrank his head. He was already at the table, pretending to inadvertently spread the news.
If the ship really couldn't come back, it couldn't be blamed on them. But he didn't know that it was this naive thought that made Kim Man-sung angry.
All the aristocrats looked at Xu Xian with suspicion. But they saw that he was just sitting by the window, staring at the depths of the sea and slowly drinking a glass of wine.
Xu Xian suddenly stopped drinking and turned to the people in the building and said, "They're back!"