Chapter 44: White Immortal Cave

“Three thousand taels?!” Everyone nearby gasped audibly upon hearing this.

Although they were familiar with money, they never expected that a casual accessory belonging to the Nineteenth Prince could fetch such a high price. The looks in many onlookers’ eyes towards Chen Luo began to change dramatically.

‘This guy is incredibly lucky! Judging by his clothes, he must be from the General Affairs Division.’

A few of the secretaries nearby started scheming how to make this fellow from the General Affairs Division obediently hand over the item. Their aim wasn’t profit but rather to curry favor with the Nineteenth Prince. Winning the approval of such influential figures could secure their future for life.

This opportunity arose partly due to recent changes in Qingya County; otherwise, even if not recognized by the esteemed county magistrate himself, the adviser would undoubtedly know insiders within the county. Chen Luo had calculated this risk precisely, allowing him to boldly infiltrate without suspicion. Likely, none of these people anticipated anyone daring enough to sneak into the county yamen while military forces were still present.

The Nineteenth Prince smiled, carefully stored the item, and returned to his seat. He understood their motives well but remained indifferent.

To him, securing what he desired mattered more than any concern for others’ fates!

**

In his view, even if others later schemed against Chen Luo and brought about his downfall, it would simply be bad luck for not being able to handle such immense fortune.

“Many thanks, Gongzi! Many thanks!” Chen Luo’s face lit up with surprise, and his smile grew even brighter as he looked at the Nineteenth Prince. To those observing nearby, this genuine smile appeared as mere flattery, which was expected from someone lower in status towards a superior; no one suspected anything amiss.

Chen Luo was equally delighted, as he had finally confirmed something crucial. The Nineteenth Prince indeed possessed a method to detect ‘immortal treasures,’ but its capabilities were severely limited. With just a tiny infusion of pale blue energy, Chen Luo managed to deceive him effortlessly.

“You may leave now; there’s nothing more for you here.” For some inexplicable reason, gazing at Chen Luo’s beaming face stirred an uneasy feeling within the Nineteenth Prince.

It’s just my imagination, definitely! He picked up the wine glass on the table, took a sip, and chuckled at the absurdity of his thoughts. As the crown prince of Ning, albeit a lesser-born one, he held the highest status in a small place like Qingya County. Comparing himself to a mere county yamen servant was like contrasting heaven with earth. After today, their paths could never intersect again; they were destined to remain parallel lines.

What threat could someone like him pose?

“Unless there’s anything else, you may leave now.”

Although reassured, Nineteenth Prince still dismissed Chen Luo.

“Yes, many thanks, Nineteenth Prince.”

Smiling broadly, Chen Luo retreated with the ring gifted by the Nineteenth Prince.

The nearby secretaries, though tempted, remained silent. Asking for something just bestowed by their master would be seen as openly disrespecting him. They knew to wait until later when attention had waned; then, with a few empty promises, they could easily persuade an inexperienced servant to willingly hand over the item.

As Chen Luo exited the courtyard, he gradually straightened from his bowed posture and glanced back at the lively scene, his grin widening even more.

Nightfall.

Midnight.

Having enjoyed his fill, the Nineteenth Prince declined further invitations from Magistrate Zhou and others, heading towards Luomei Pavilion.

A middle-aged scholar followed closely behind.

Once inside the pavilion, after dismissing all guards, both sat down, showing no signs of intoxication on their faces.

Still cautious, the Nineteenth Prince rose, peered around the entrance to ensure they were alone, and only then relaxed completely.

“Your Highness, about that servant today…”

As the teacher of the Nineteenth Prince, the middle-aged scholar had observed everything at the banquet closely. With too many people around earlier, it was not appropriate to inquire, but now with just the two of them, he naturally sought clarification.

His interests were intertwined with those of the Nineteenth Prince, so understanding the purpose behind his actions and offering counsel was crucial for finding opportunities to regain their standing.

“Have you heard of cultivators?” The Nineteenth Prince sat near the table, placing the jade booklet beside the candlestick, barely able to contain his excitement.

Cultivators?!

The middle-aged scholar’s pupils contracted sharply, as if suddenly recalling something. He swiftly stood up, gazing intently at the jade booklet held by the Nineteenth Prince.

Having been to the capital, he was well-aware of the concept of immortal cultivators.

In the Yue Kingdom, the shadows of cultivators loomed behind its highest nobility. Although these beings remained aloof, rarely acknowledging mortal affairs, their every action influenced the nation profoundly. Everyone dreamed of one day stumbling upon ‘immortal destiny’ and becoming transcendent, akin to those from the heavens above.

“Indeed, this jade slip belongs to an immortal being! That foolish servant, as dumb as a pig, had no clue about its true value.” As he spoke, Nineteenth Prince retrieved his personal jade pendant from around his neck.

Upon its appearance, it immediately resonated with the jade booklet. The hidden text within both objects began to slowly emerge, casting a faint blue glow throughout the room.

“It’s the script of the White Immortal Cave! The writings on this jade booklet must have been left by an elder from the White Immortal Cave. With this artifact, I can gain entry and receive three months of enlightenment opportunities,” Nineteenth Prince exclaimed, his eyes now unreservedly filled with fervor.

He held no fear of his teacher finding out. Having fallen so low, he needed to demonstrate some value; otherwise, one day his mentor might defect to support another brother instead.

Nineteenth Prince was well aware of his own weaknesses: without his teacher’s assistance, he stood no chance against his siblings.

“Enlightenment opportunities? Just a single opportunity?”

The middle-aged scholar had regained his composure and began pondering the potential benefits involved.

Initially, he thought Prince Ning had completely abandoned this son. However, it now seemed there might be significant unknown factors at play behind the scenes.

“An opportunity like this is exceedingly rare. The White Immortal Cave is a hermitage of immortals, and releasing ‘immortal scripts’ serves as their method for selecting disciples. It aligns with the concept of destiny favored by immortals. Anyone holding such an immortal script is considered fated to enter. The three-month chance to listen and comprehend the Dao acts as a selection process; those who grasp it can stay, while the unsuccessful will be expelled.”

“How does Gongzi know this so precisely?”

“When I was seven years old, I used one of these jade pendants once myself. That’s when my aptitude was first discovered.” As Nineteenth Prince spoke, his gaze fell upon the middle-aged scholar. “Teacher, I’ve revealed all my secrets to you now,” he said pointedly.

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged scholar sighed, stood up, and with a sincere expression, bowed to the Nineteenth Prince.

“I assure you, I will not disappoint Your Highness.”

“Ha ha ha! Excellent. If I ever become an immortal, I am certainly going to guide my teacher as well, ensuring you too attain immortality and live forever,” the Nineteenth Prince mimicked his father’s manner, making grand promises that held little substance. Any other commitment might not have resonated with the middle-aged scholar, but the prospect of becoming an immortal stirred him deeply.

“No wonder,” said a voice suddenly from outside the window. “Could Your Highness enlighten me on the whereabouts of this White Immortal Cave?”

Bang!!

In the next moment, there was a loud crash as the tightly closed window, previously shut by the Nineteenth Prince, burst open.

A figure clad in black garments flipped into the room - Chen Luo, whose attire seemed to proclaim ‘I am not someone to be trusted’ written all over it.