Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension Chapter 1747 - 938: Listening to Hearts (Filler - )

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Previously on Cultivating for a hundred lifetimes to ascension...
Han Lin inexplicably healed from his injuries and broke through to the Sixth Level of Qi Refining, a feat further aided by a mysterious stone bead that provided immense spiritual energy. Meanwhile, in a distant city, the renowned scholar Zhang Xu Sheng was struck by a piece of broken jade and suddenly fainted amidst a festival crowd, only to awaken later with a chilling remark from an unseen observer.
An hour later, a carriage approached from the street's end and eventually halted before a grand, six-story establishment.

The driver, gripping the reins, turned his head and eagerly pulled back the curtain. With a sycophantic grin, he announced, "Young Master, we have reached the Mingyu Pavilion."

Within the carriage, Zhang Xusheng straightened his garments. He then rose and stepped out, not forgetting to offer his gratitude to the man handling the horses.

Just as he was about to push open the restaurant's door, a voice unexpectedly reached his ears: "Hmph, you dress so finely, yet you won't even toss a single copper coin as a tip!"

Zhang Xusheng paused for a moment. Casually, he retrieved a silver coin from his sleeve, turned back, and pressed it into the driver's hand with a smile. "I nearly forgot. Thank you for the ride. Here is the fare; please accept it."

The driver appeared flattered and repeatedly declined, stating, "How could I possibly accept? Someone has already settled your payment in advance, Young Master. I would not dare take a second payment."

Zhang Xusheng firmly pushed the silver coin into his palm, saying, "Just take it. Consider it my gratuity for your service."

The driver beamed with joy and quickly bowed repeatedly, fawningly exclaiming, "Thank you for your generosity, Young Master! May you soon achieve top honors and may your legacy endure for generations!"

Zhang Xusheng gave a slight nod and turned, proceeding into the Mingyu Pavilion.

As he crossed the threshold, Zhang Xusheng felt a profound sense of inner turmoil.

This was because he was utterly shocked to find that everything had transformed since his awakening.

He had gained the ability to 'hear' the thoughts of others and possessed an extraordinary sensitivity to their emotional and mental shifts.

Simultaneously, countless shimmering, colorful 'Light Points' had materialized in the world around him, sparsely dotting the sky, the ground, and the depths of the ensuing night.

While Zhang Xusheng was lost in this bewildered state, a voice, incredibly familiar, suddenly cut through his chaotic thoughts.

"You have finally arrived in this world."

Zhang Xusheng turned towards the source of the voice and immediately recognized his mentor, Lord Huaiyuan.

Xu Huaiyuan was a highly respected scholar within the Jiangbei region, devoted to educating and mentoring students, a pursuit that earned him widespread acclaim.

Three years prior, Xu Huaiyuan had personally taken Zhang Xusheng under his wing as his final disciple. From that moment, he had diligently imparted his knowledge and shown him deep affection.

Upon Zhang Xusheng reaching adulthood, Xu Huaiyuan had personally bestowed upon him the courtesy name "Current Generation," imbuing it with significant meaning!

Despite his advanced age, Lord Huaiyuan took a few steps forward, clasped Zhang Xusheng's arm, and guided him towards the upper floors.

"Mentor—" Zhang Xusheng, caught unprepared, managed to call out hastily but was abruptly cut off by his teacher before he could complete his sentence.

"Current Generation, you must listen very carefully. This banquet is of utmost importance. The Lord Prefect has personally extended invitations to all the promising young talents in the city. Not only is the Lord Prefect in attendance, but also the Deputy Magistrate, a Great Grandmaster, and the heads of numerous influential families.

I understand this banquet has been specially arranged by the Prefecture for a 'distinguished guest.' That guest is already seated, and when you meet them later, you absolutely must not..." Xu Huaiyuan, while leading his disciple upward, advised with meticulous and unflagging earnestness.

Zhang Xusheng was deeply touched, as he could clearly perceive his mentor’s heartfelt concern for him.

Yet, concurrently, he could also sense his mentor's complex inner feelings, which were laced with an unspoken ambition for political influence, a fear of aging and declining health, and a subtle undercurrent of both envy and admiration.

As Zhang Xusheng carefully absorbed his mentor’s emotional state, the pair had already ascended to the sixth floor of the Mingyu Pavilion.

The Lord Prefect, occupying the highest seat in the hall, roared with laughter upon their arrival, calling out, "Haha, Mr. Huaiyuan, you are late; you must be fined a drink!"

Xu Huaiyuan took a few steps toward the center of the hall, bowed with clasped hands to the Prefect, and replied, "This old man has forsaken both drinking and worldly desires due to my declining health. Would you permit my disciple to drink this cup on my behalf?"

With these words, Xu Huaiyuan immediately directed all eyes toward his own disciple.

Zhang Xusheng instantly felt dozens of gazes fixated upon him, a sensation that made him profoundly uncomfortable.

This was because these gazes were laden with a multitude of emotions, including not just malice and greed, but also contempt and other dark sentiments.

"Hmph, he appears presentable, but who knows if he possesses any true capability."

"How can such an alluring 'darling' exist in this world? I must experience his 'essence.'

"Haha! Another pretty face. All appearance and no substance."

"...I've heard this individual is skilled in poetry, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Since this Young Master doubts it, I shall find an opportunity later to test him, and ideally, humiliate him publicly.""Hmph, Zhang Xusheng, just you wait; I will definitely bring about your complete ruin.""Merely looking at that face makes me sick. Sooner or later, I will disfigure it...""...I wonder if this person is married. My third sister is still waiting in her chambers..."Listening to the unspoken thoughts of everyone around him, Zhang Xusheng maintained a composed outward appearance, though his heart was churning with immense internal turmoil.It is said one might see a person's face, but never their true heart!He had never anticipated that so many individuals present harbored detrimental intentions towards him.Zhang Xusheng surveyed his surroundings, immediately identifying seven or eight individuals he considered "friends," along with quite a number of his former academy schoolmates.These peers occupied the lower-tier seats, their gazes directed towards him with varied expressions; most offered faint smiles, while a few unfamiliar faces appeared quite somber.In a fleeting instant, countless thoughts raced through Zhang Xusheng's mind, leading to an exceptional clarity of thought.Upon hearing this, the Prefect immediately turned his attention to Zhang Xusheng, his initial scrutiny rapidly transforming into admiration."Excellent! My office has long received word that Lord Huaiyuan has taken in a disciple of exceptional talent. To see you in person today, you truly possess a remarkable aura.Someone, fetch some wine for Young Master Zhang."As soon as the Prefect uttered these words, an orderly maid promptly approached Zhang Xusheng, holding a wine cup.Zhang Xusheng reached out to accept the cup, first raising it in a gesture to everyone present, then silently emptying its contents in a single gulp."Splendid!" the Prefect declared, and without delay, dozens of influential figures within Chaozhou City echoed his approval."Master Huaiyuan, please take your seat promptly." After offering his praise, the Prefect promptly invited Xu Huaiyuan to be seated.Xu Huaiyuan offered his gratitude once more before proceeding to acknowledge the Deputy Magistrate, the Grand Preceptor, and the others individually.Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xu Huaiyuan guided Zhang Xusheng to the middle-tier seats; the two were seated one behind the other, perfectly positioned, neither too close nor too far from the main seat.In close proximity were several affluent individuals and members of influential families, while the secondary seating arrangements were occupied by a group of young masters.The moment they were seated, Zhang Xusheng immediately detected the subtle glances cast his way, accompanied by whispers that reached his ears."Tsk, a man more comely than a courtesan likely has a taste for 'the softer arts.'""With talent overflowing, this fellow is sure to put on a spectacular display today.""Zhang Xusheng, you are taking what I desire! I, Liu Fangyan, cannot endure your presence.""Damn it, with this young lad here, I will never achieve prominence. I must find a way to ruin him..."Zhang Xusheng remained indifferent to these remarks, maintaining a composed and serene expression, seemingly engaged in intently listening to the conversation between the Prefect, the Deputy Magistrate, the Grand Preceptor, and the other high-ranking officials.Simultaneously, musical melodies began to fill the air, and twelve graceful dancers commenced their performance.Zhang Xusheng subtly shifted his gaze, appearing to appreciate the unfolding dance.However, beneath his seemingly pleasant facade, an internal emptiness began to grow, as if something vital were missing.This unsettling feeling of hollowness had persisted since his awakening; initially faint, it had intensified considerably as time wore on.Just as Zhang Xusheng's unease started to escalate, a faint, peculiar odor suddenly assailed his senses.Before he could pinpoint the source of the scent, it abruptly grew potent, permeating the entire hall.A wave of nausea washed over Zhang Xusheng, bringing with it a sudden, overwhelming urge to retch.Nevertheless, mindful of the solemnity of the occasion, he forcefully suppressed the impulse, preserving a gentle and refined demeanor externally.At this juncture, every individual present looked around, their nostrils twitching as they seemingly detected something amiss."How exquisitely fragrant!" exclaimed one person in surprise."Hmm, from whence does this peculiar aroma emanate?" the Prefect inquired, also looking about with curiosity, a subtle glint clearly visible in his eyes.As everyone searched for the origin of the mysterious scent, a woman materialized at the center of the hall as if from thin air.The woman was adorned in a flowing pink gown, her hair intricately styled, radiating an aura of refined elegance; she was undeniably a sophisticated beauty.Upon witnessing the woman's appearance, the Prefect was so taken aback that he instantly rose to his feet.Observing this, the Deputy Magistrate, the Grand Preceptor, and the others also stood in deference.The Prefect hurried forward, bowing deeply to the woman, respectfully announcing, "Zhao Yidi, Prefect of Chaozhou, pays respects to the Esteemed Fairy of Qiushui Palace."

A graceful smile graced the woman's lips as she waved her sleeve, assisting him to his feet. "Our Palace experienced an unexpected entanglement that caused a delay. The Prefect will surely understand, won't he?"

Upon hearing her words, the Prefect's forehead began to bead with cold sweat almost instantly.