Chapter Forty-Seven: The Dragon Ascension Banquet, A Discour
wly and resolutely drew his long sword.The high platform slowly descended, its branches contracting until the entire arena of the magical duel transformed back into a small sapling and burrowed into t...Some people spend their whole lives seeking what they desire, but everything remains out of reach and impossible.
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Some people march forward with determination, having long since learned to walk with ease even in wind and rain.
In a sense, Wang Changji and Jiang Wang share a similar attitude toward fate.
Wang Changji didn't believe in miracles, because the miracle he was expecting hadn't happened in Fenglin City.
And Jiang Wang believed she could do everything she wanted to do, no matter how impossible it seemed.
They won't rely on others.
See me in my building.
After the "Jade Dragon" dish was served, another waiter carrying a tray ascended to the second floor. On the tray were five wooden cylinders, resembling something hidden in clouds and mist.
Before he approached the round table, each of the five seated individuals was given one.
After the meal of "Jade Dragon," Lord Jiang showed twelve points of respect to this table of banquet.
He gazed intently at the wooden cylinder before him, studying the beautiful carvings on its surface—a depiction of fish leaping over the Dragon Gate.
The second dish of this feast is called "Dragon's Gate".
The maidservant of the chief attendant lifted the cylinder entirely, and Jiang Wang thus saw that on a wooden base carved in the shape of a lotus flower, stood a small and ancient gate tower, gilded and crimson.
A wisp of heat rises, drifting like a fairy.
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There was also a faint, refreshing scent, playfully dancing around the nose.
The serving girl explained, "This dessert is made with the essence and roe of a Jade Dragon fish."
She handed him the ivory chopsticks: "Please use them, sir."
Jiang Wang took the chopsticks and, with a faint air of reluctance at such extravagance, lifted the lid off the exquisitely crafted Longmen and put it in his mouth.
It was supposed to be a dragon gate-shaped pastry, something with some bite to it, yet the moment it touched my mouth, it melted away instantly.
In the cool, creamy smoothness, he tasted tiny, warm granules that burst one after another on his tongue.
This explosion is extremely gentle, like a massage for your tongue.
The aroma wafted instantly.
The wonderful taste dominated all senses at this moment.
It makes people feel satisfied.
It is like a fish leaping over the Dragon Gate, becoming famous throughout the land.
A decade of honing one's skills, frost flowers blossoming all over.
After that feeling vanished, Jiang Wang unexpectedly felt a surge of excitement, as if wanting to draw his sword and dance.
What a magnificent Dragon Gate!
Jiang Wang enjoyed the taste and ate quickly, not being hindered by the number of people present.
Enjoy your meal and eat with ease.
Though not as elegant and composed as Zuo Guangyu, he has his own kind of casual and unrestrained charm.
He quickly finished his pastry and then kindly glanced at Zuo Guangshu.
Zu Guangshu was accustomed to using his left hand for dining. At this moment, he held a jade spoon and ate Dragon Gate Cake slowly and gracefully.
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Raising his right hand silently, his arm lay across the table.
...a wall rose between me and my elder brother in an instant.
Jiang Wang expressed regret over the lack of trust between people.
Out of respect for this feast, Jiang Wang remained silent.
He waited silently for the other four to finish their meal, waiting for the waiter to come and take away the five sets of dishes, then went downstairs again.
New dishes are here.
The new waiter who just moved upstairs, held up a tray of polished gold, shimmering like flowing light. Upon the tray sat a miniature palace!
Jiang Wang thought, it was probably another kind of pastry.
And as the waiter served the dishes, he placed this golden tray on the round table, instantly revealing its exquisite craftsmanship to all those present.
This palace is intricate and exquisite.
All the pavilions, towers and halls are genuine.
Every deity and fairy is vibrant and lively.
...and a wispy, ethereal fragrance wafted around the temple.
Jiang Wang subconsciously thought of his Five Prefectures' Sea-above Cloud Peak Immortal Palace, but then shook his head secretly...
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Where does that ruin belong
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The maid of the chief attendant introduced, "This banquet's third course is named 'Divine Court'. Legend has it that the true dragon resides in the Divine Court, governing all under heaven."
Jiang Wang looked carefully and indeed saw that these divine generals and fairies all had dragon horns on their foreheads.
Thinking to myself, I'd have to ask that old sea dragon later, see if their dragon clan truly had such a grand procession before they retreated to the depths of the sea.
Then the maidservant, laughing, said: “Please smell this fragrance, everyone.”
Jiang Wang lightly sniffed, and suddenly felt a sense of peace.
The chief attendant's maidservant said, “This is the scent of food that calms the spirit, used before the division of the divine court.”
As she spoke, she took a dinner knife and brought it down at the center of the Divine Court. With a slight flick of her wrist, she made five cuts, dividing this "Divine Court" into five equal portions.
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Then, she placed one of them on the Ru kiln porcelain dish in front of Jiang Wang.
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Jiang Wang was just about to pick up his chopsticks.
The handmaid's dining knife was just a bit out of reach.
The "Divine Court" before Jiang Wang's eyes, unexpectedly, burst into flames.
The golden flames danced on the porcelain dish, not bringing much heat, but this entire "Divine Court" was melting away. The pavilions, towers, divine generals and fairy maidens were disappearing one by one.
Jiang Wang felt that her own heart, seemed to have melted along with it.
Then he looked at the "Divine Court" in front of several other people, and it also ignited with golden flames. This allowed him to confirm that the maidservant who had served him was not trying to ruin his meal.
Among the leaping golden flames, this "Divine Court" grew smaller and smaller until it finally melted into a pool of gold sauce, covering the porcelain dish.
And right in the middle of this golden sauce, stood a bright red round fruit.
The Divine Court was cleft by blades and consumed by flames.
And from the midst of flames, red fruit is born!
The maidservant serving the dishes presented a jade spoon with a soft voice, "Please use this, Young Master."
Jiang Wang used a jade spoon to scoop up this red, round fruit and couldn't help but ask, "What kind of fruit is this"
The serving girl chuckled, "I'll explain after young master finishes his meal."
Jiang Wang stopped talking and put the round fruit into his mouth.
One bite, and my heart stopped.
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What flavor
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At this moment, Jiang Wang couldn't taste anything.
He only felt his soul boiling, his brain slightly tipsy, and the world around him was a kaleidoscope of colors.
He couldn't help but laugh, his joy bubbling over.
He wanted to sing a joyous song, but he felt it would be too presumptuous. Yet, if he didn't express himself wildly, how could he release this happiness
A wonderful feeling lingered in my mind for a long time before gradually fading away.
Gradually, as the fog cleared from Jiang Wang's mind, he finally understood why they had to smell the scent of the calming food before entering the Divine Court. Otherwise, their souls might have leaped out of their bodies in fear!
The handmaid then whispered an explanation: "These are fruit made from jade dragon bone powder, nurtured with a whole divine court as sustenance. Only five were grown."
The diners at the table were silent, each lost in that blissful feeling.
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Though my heart is clear now, there are still near-infinite echoes lingering in my mind.
Jiang Wang had never imagined that eating could bring about such a feeling, but it was happening so truly.
The waiter removed the five saucers laden with sauce, followed by the jade bowls and ivory chopsticks, leaving behind only a most exquisite phoenix-patterned nightlight cup.
The maidservants of the vegetable dishes then opened the concealed compartments in the pillars surrounding the room.
One made a pot of tea, and the other lit an incense burner, each placing it on the windowsill at opposite ends.
Shortly after, a waiter came up, carrying a small brazier in his left hand and a wine pot in his right.
When someone comes close, first offer a bow.
Then, he placed the brazier in the center of the round table and set up the Swallower's Dragon Flask on top. With a light tap, the brazier was ignited.
In a short while, the wine in the pot began to gurgle.
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Gulu gulu, gulu gulu, very soft and gentle, making the listener's heart peaceful as well.
Then the aroma of wine gradually permeated the air.
The wind brought wisps of tea fragrance and incense, making the aroma of wine even more refreshing.
Everyone remained silent, still savoring the aftertaste of the divine fruit.
Perhaps it was a minute, perhaps two.
The maid of the chief steward lifted the dragon-swallowing wine pot from the hearth and poured a cup for Jiang Wang.
The rest of the serving maids also did the same.
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"Master, please have this cup. It is the end of our banquet today." she invited.
Jiang Wang, in that sort of leisurely happiness, raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp.
This wine...seems to have no taste at all.
The moment this thought arose in my mind, all the feelings from the banquet just now came rushing back.
Satisfying, intoxicated, blissful...
Jiang Wang felt as if he were a dragonfish, swimming upstream against the current and challenging the heavens. After enduring countless hardships, he finally reached the Dragon Gate. With a mighty leap, he transformed into a true dragon!
And then entered the main hall of the gods, enjoying great wealth and being revered by all.
...and then suddenly awoke, it was all just a dream.
In an instant, everything vanished. My mind was clear and my vision sharp.
... Yet, there was a sense of disappointment.
The chief female attendant explained at just the right moment, "This cup of wine is called 'Awakening Dream'. It's made from Jade Dragon Marrow and only two jars were produced this spring. This is one of them."
"Indeed, I'm awake!" Jiang Wang sighed.
This Yulong, Longmen, Shenting, and Xingmeng are truly amazing and diverse, the ultimate taste of this world.
Jiang Wang wasn't someone who hadn't enjoyed life. With his current status and position, his food, clothing, housing, and transportation in Linzi were all top-notch.
After having a meal at Changle Palace, Young Master Yan invited him to a banquet. He had visited and tasted all the renowned restaurants and delicacies, the best of the best.
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But today on this Huangliang stage, just three dishes and a cup of wine are already the first delicacy in Jiang Wang's life, surpassing all others.
It's like a dream, a yellow beam dream, a dream that has lasted for a thousand years!
After everyone had finished their single cup of wine, the attendant removed the small brazier and the wine jar.
Five maidservants also took the empty cups, made a slight bow, and went downstairs.
Only the five people who had already enjoyed the banquet remained, still savoring the gentle breeze blowing from all sides.
Even though the dream has ended, its lingering beauty remains.
"Master Jiang, how are you" Qu Shunchu asked the host and guest.
"This is truly the best taste in the world!" Jiang Wang praised incessantly: "Besides seeing Guangshu, this is the happiest thing that has happened to me since coming to Chu."
He wasn't exaggerating at all; today, thanks to this delicious feast, he truly felt a sense of "happiness."
Even this gave him some inspiration for Taoist arts, concerning the tongue-hell of the five senses...
How can one build a truly persuasive "tongue's hell" without having tasted the world's greatest flavors
Qu Shunhua laughed and said, "To have Brother Jiang's words is enough to make this gathering worthwhile!"
This Shenglong feast, in reality, is a dream of a rising dragon. After waking from the dream, everyone becomes different.
Jiang Wang was already renowned throughout the land, and he woke up a bit earlier than the others.
Yelan chimed in from the side, "So all those feasts I've eaten in the past were for nothing"
Qiu Shunhua laughed and said, “Did you set this up for nothing You’d have to ask yourself that. Eating without working, how can that work”
"Alright, I knew you weren't being sincere. Even now, to eat a meal as a guest, you still want to settle a debt!" Ye Lan'er's beautiful eyes flickered, looking at her and saying: "Come on, Miss Qu, what is your command"
Qu Shunhua glanced at her and chuckled softly, "I'll tell you later."
Zuo Guangshu remained silent, while Chu Yu said with a hint of emotion, "Today's gathering feels even more profound than before. It's hard to describe. I feel like I've benefited from Jiang brother's presence!"
Jiang Wang hurriedly said, "I'm embarrassed to hear that. It's all Qiu Gu's kindness. I just have my name on it."
"Big Brother Jiang, I genuinely invited you to dinner. You are the honored guest!" Qu Shunhua chided. "How can you say it's just using your name"
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She turned her head and asked Zuo Guangshu, "What do you think"
"You're right." Zu Guangshu replied.
“Alright, I spoke out of turn. I apologize to both of you.” Jiang Wang took the initiative to apologize, and added: “This spread isn’t something just any chef could make...”
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He pondered for a moment and asked, "May I ask who is your esteemed self"
"As the Confucian sages have said, a gentleman keeps away from the kitchen. This saying is widely circulated because it stems from compassion."
Qiu Shunhua smiled and looked at Jiang Wangdao: "Speaking of it, many people have eaten at Huangliangtai. Many are curious about the chef, but few think of any big shots. Brother Jiang, how did you guess"
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Jiang Wang thought for a moment, then said very seriously: "When hungry, one eats; when cold, one wears clothes. This is the way of heaven. When seeking food, one seeks fineness; when seeking clothing, one seeks beauty. This is human nature. Compassion is something everyone should have. The desire to be beautiful is something everyone has. The desire to be full is something everyone must have."
Compassion, truly, is the heart of a virtuous person. But what need is there to add anything to this natural law
The ancients said that a gentleman should keep away from the kitchen, but that was just for a specific time and place. It was said to one person, not meant as an eternal rule.
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"I think that there are many gentlemen even among cooks!"
Although he doesn't have a lot of time to devote to cooking, his love for the culinary arts has not diminished...at least not yet.
Therefore, I am earnestly maintaining the act of cooking itself.
What is being said is— "There are also many gentlemen in the kitchen."
What I'm thinking is—"I, Jiang Qingyang, am also!"
And Ye Lan, hearing this, finally felt a bit better about the situation.
I feel pity seeing oxen and sheep being slaughtered, but slaughtering them to feed ourselves is also a natural act.
Both sides actually make sense.
When opposing, Jiang Wang only calmly and rationally presented his own views, without disparaging the words of the sages to attract attention. For someone who achieved fame at a young age, this restraint is quite rare.
"Brother Jiang, your words are wise indeed! If our ancestors heard them, they would surely find a kindred spirit!" Qu Shunhua laughed.
As soon as these words were uttered, all present except for Zuo Guangsu were astonished.
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Qiu Shunhua's grandfather...
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The Duke of Yu, Qu Jin Kui!
The Duke of Yu, a prominent figure, is actually the master chef behind Huangliangtai
"You..." Yelan glared playfully at Qu Shunhua, "You've been keeping this from me for quite some time!"
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She naturally knew that the head chef of Huangliangtai must be extraordinary, but she never imagined that Yu Guogong would go there.
After all, a national Duke is vastly different from the identity of a Yellow Dream Stage head chef. It's really hard to connect the two.
Chu Yu chi then exclaimed repeatedly, "No wonder, no wonder! If the way of a chef is compared to cultivation, today's banquet is indeed the pinnacle. It could only be done by Duke Yu! I never expected that I would have such fortune!"
Qu Shunhua bowed and said apologetically: "My ancestors didn't want others to know, so as not to be disturbed by too many people coming over. So I hope you will just listen and refrain from spreading it. This is a secret of our Huang Liang Stage. If it weren't for Brother Jiang mentioning this, I wouldn't tell you."
"I wouldn't have expected the Duke of Yu to, amidst managing affairs of state, possess such refined taste." Jiang Wang felt deeply moved.
Especially thinking about the fact that I'm actually quite interested in cooking, but due to my busy schedule of cultivation, I haven't had time to delve into it deeply, it's a pity, truly regrettable!
Otherwise, perhaps I could spar with Duke Yu.
Qiu Shunhua said, "He actually only makes one meal by hand each month, and this meal is not usually served to guests. The rest of the time, dozens of chefs at my Huangliangtai restaurant follow his recipes. Every step must be perfect in order to make three meals a day and capture five percent of the true flavor."
She laughed gracefully, “I specially chose today’s banquet to invite Brother Jiang because our ancestor is free today and will be personally cooking!”
As everyone knows, a garment made by the Duke of Yu himself would attract countless nobles and princes from the Chu state.
The value is simply immeasurable.
And the reason why Qu Shunhua treated him like this, of course, was because of Zuo Guangdou.
Jiang Wang was deeply touched: "Miss Qu, you are so kind!"
“Qū Jiā Jiejie said, perhaps Grandpa Qū could become bosom friends with Elder Brother Jiāng. I think it’s very likely!” Zuǒ Guāngshū opened his mouth at this time and said: “My grandfather and Elder Brother Jiāng got along very well. Yesterday they chatted for several hours, I don't know what they talked about. Perhaps Elder Brother Jiāng is the kind of person Grandpa likes. If Grandpa Qū has time, Jiejie, you might introduce them.”
The Duke's time was precious; they could chat for several hours, which wasn't just polite conversation. This added a touch more respect to Chu Yu's eyes.
What surprised him even more was that someone with Left Guangshu's personality would actually take the initiative to pave the way for others, thinking of introducing Yu Guo Gong to Jiang Wang.
It was Jiang Wang who became the Duke of Qi. If he were from Chu, his meteoric rise would have begun right here.
How did Jiang Wang and Zuo Guangshu develop this friendship
It's said that they met in the Illusory Realm of Emptiness.
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Besides martial arts sparring, Taixu Fantasy Realm is surprisingly also a place to expand one's network
Although Chu Yu had once dismissed the Illusory Realm of Emptiness with indifference, believing that it was not truly about life and death, he now found himself piqued by a sliver of interest.
“Good.” Qu Shunhua smiled in response to Zuo Guangshu, and then addressed Jiang Wang: “I suppose Brother Jiang is also a culinary gentleman.”
Jiang Wang smiled modestly: "There are many culinary gentlemen in the world! As far as I know, the Crown Prince of Qi is also a good cook."
But after saying that, he suddenly felt a change in his heart——
Should the strength of Prince Jiang Wuhua of the State of Qi be reconsidered
If one is devoted to the art of cooking, surely they can find someone as exceptional as Duke Yu of the State of Yu.
Then, what about Jiang Wuhua, who is equally devoted to the culinary arts Could he be even more than that
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Qù Shùn huá laughed and said, "I must try Brother Jiang's skills if I have the chance."
Jiang Wang smiled confidently: “You and Guang Shu are family, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future.”
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“Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish.” Ye Lan’er softly said, “By employing virtue to govern the world, even ghosts and spirits will not rebel. If they do rebel, it’s because their nature is evil; if they are evil, they will harm people. If they harm people, even a sage will not harm them in return. Since both sides refrain from harming each other, virtue returns naturally.”
Jiang Wang's eyes twitched. What Ye Lan'er was reciting was the original text from the Tao Te Ching, a scripture of the Da Luo Mountain teachings.
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Although Fenglin City Daoist Academy belonged to the Yu Jing Mountain lineage, he had read this passage during his time at the academy. He knew that this section was about governing by doing nothing and achieving peace in the world.
But he did not reply.
It was Chu Yu who spoke first, "Miss Ye, it seems you have a fondness for the Daoist sect"
Although we are currently in Chu territory, this is not a matter of causing pain.
All schools of cultivation in the world originate from Taoism.
There are countless individuals seeking the path, and their political stances are entirely irrelevant.
"Where does the Dao begin Who wouldn't want to take a look" Ye Lan brought the conversation back around. "I just wanted to say, as long as there is the Dao in your heart, everything you do is a form of practice. Governing a country is, cooking is also."
She smiled softly: "Where is there no gentlemanly conduct It's just that there are few gentlemen!"
Nightingale’s words seemed to carry a hidden meaning.
Jiang Wang smiled and said, "I wonder in Ye Girl's eyes, how many gentlemen are there among the young people of Chu"
"The term 'gentleman' in Confucianism refers to a person who has reached a certain level of moral cultivation and spiritual realm."
But when they spoke of them at the banquet today, they referred to those who were extraordinary and out of the ordinary.
Qu Shunhua and Chu Yu might have thought that Jiang Wang was intentionally trying to chat with the first beauty of Great Chu.
Only Zuo Guangshu glanced at Jiang Wang, knowing in his heart that Big Brother Jiang had entered "battle readiness" and started to assess the opponent.
gentlemen among the young people of the Chu state...
Aren't they all competitors in the Shan Hai Jing
Ye Lan's smile is very charming, and she is also very good at smiling.
Upon hearing this, Wen Sheng merely smiled and said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's hard to say for certain."
Turning her gaze to Chu Yu, she asked, "What do you think, Young Master Chu"
As the first beauty of Chu, it's not appropriate for her to judge young heroes. Otherwise, there would be inevitable jealousy and competition.
Chu Yu did not hesitate. After a moment's thought, he replied: "Xiang Shi's son, with his heavy eyes, is brave and valiant. Can he be considered a gentleman"
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This statement openly praises Xiangbei and subtly elevates Jiang Wang's status.
Everyone here knows about the fight we just had at Huangliangtai, don't they
Ye Lan nodded and said, "Yes."
Chu Yu continued, "Wu Shi Wu Ling, where soldiers and scholars converge, forming their own school of thought. Could they be considered gentlemen"
Ye Lan smiled: “That’s possible.”
Chu Yu continued, "Zhongli Yan, who sacrificed his grain to the Valley of Chu, once lost to Dou Zhao in a duel and, enraged, abandoned his studies to focus on martial arts. Now, with twenty layers of vertebrae, is he not a gentleman"
This was Jiang Wang's first time hearing the name Zhongli Yan. His martial prowess had reached twenty-one heavens of the Martial Dao Spine, comparable to a god's presence. While Chu State was renowned for its magic techniques, Zhongli Yan abandoned them to cultivate martial arts, demonstrating great courage and ambition. Especially since he could reach twenty heavens so quickly, his cultivation rivaled Dou Zhao, undoubtedly making him a prodigious talent.
Ye Lan'er smiled and said, "Zhongli Yan is certainly a gentleman."
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Chu Yu paused for a moment, then spread his hands and laughed: "Can Dou Zhao be called a gentleman"
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He mentioned before that everyone should be briefly introduced.
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When it came to Dou Zhao, he only uttered one name.
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But everyone present applauded and sighed: “Truly a gentleman!”
Dou Zhao, Zhongli Yan, Wu Ling...
It seems that these three are the biggest rivals in the Shan Hai Jing.
As for the others...
Perhaps this is disrespectful, but it's true —
Xiangbei was the top official in Chu State's domestic affairs. Naturally, those under Xiangbei didn't need to treat him with too much importance.
...including Chu Yu who is speaking now.
As for Qu Shunhua, she is now recognized as the sister-in-law of Jiang Juer by Jiang's master. She is no longer on the list of rivals.
>I just don't know who these people have invited to help.
Will there be familiar people
Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate! to the vast procession from Mount Wangjiang, the cultivators of Mount Sanshan seemed lonelier and more scattered.If it weren't for Dong A personally stepping in to treat them, they wouldn't even have...