Chapter 293: Jiang Yan
Linghai Prefecture had originally been the domain of the Yu Family.
After the Azure Pond Sect regained control of the area, the Yu Family quickly changed their allegiance. With several of their ancestors serving in the Azure Pond Sect, they managed to retain most of their territory and continued to dominate Linghai Prefecture.
However, after the deaths of several ancestors, the Yu Family's influence slowly waned year after year. Despite the emergence of a genius, Yu Yuxie, he quickly perished at the southern border, leading to the decline of the main branch of the Yu Family.
Several branches united with external families and established their own bases. Although the vast territory still nominally belonged to the Yu Family, they were fragmented and operated independently.
Fortunately, Linghai Prefecture was located in the southeast, surrounded by no external enemies, and the Azure Pond Sect did not allow clans to span prefectures. Thus, the fragmented Yu Family managed to maintain a status quo, preserving a rigid social structure that had lasted for nearly two centuries.
The wide road was bustling with people. From time to time, small traders and vendors passed by on donkeys and horses. By the roadside, a raggedly dressed boy sat, his face pale and lips blood-red, his gaze lightly scanning the passersby. Suddenly, he spoke, "Master, what exactly are the cultivators of the Purple Mansion Golden Core Dao cultivating?"
From among the passersby emerged an old farmer, who was sweating profusely. He sat down next to the boy, his stench overwhelming. With a mouth full of yellow teeth, he replied, "The Purple Mansion Golden Core Dao... The cultivation method involves consuming people, playing with spells, refining pills, gathering qi, and manipulating the lives of others… None of their cultivators are good people."
The boy raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Does this path not cultivate the metallic essence? To seek longevity, one will naturally use all means possible."
The old farmer spat and scoffed. "Heh! The Maha and Dharma Masters who cultivate destinies aren't any better. You will serve the Mahas for generations, year after year under their rule. Encountering a Maha or Dharma Master brings about despair and injustice that is even worse than dealing with Golden Core Daoists!"