Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao-Chapter 512 - 283 Duke Chu

Upon hearing the Turtle Minister's words, Lu Xun finally gained a preliminary understanding of his mysterious ancestor. Indeed, he was the great personage from the legends, which is why Old Apricot insisted that he must visit his ancestor on Mountain Luoxia before taking action to restore the kingdom.

Once he entered the great hall, he saw an elderly figure in a ceremonial robe with white hair and beard waiting there. It was none other than the elder who had previously helped them cross the river.

This time the elder, dressed in a ceremonial robe and with an aura as deep as an abyss, seemed to be the center of the great hall. Everyone's gaze unconsciously focused on him, as a glowing divine light radiated from his body.

Upon seeing Lu Xun arrive, the elder's face showed a joyful expression. He took a small step forward, bowed, and said, "This old servant, Chu Feng, greets His Highness the Crown Prince."

Seeing Chu Feng's exceedingly respectful attitude, Lu Xun quickly waved his hands and said, "Duke Chu, why bother with such formalities? I am merely a prince of a fallen country. What right do I have to receive such a grand gesture?"

But Chu Feng smiled and said, "This old servant was a minister of Great Chu and naturally bows to the Crown Prince of Great Chu. Moreover, Your Highness's choice of this path also shows great courage, which is very impressive to this old servant."

Chu Feng's words were indeed sincere— not every ruler of a dynasty could make such a resolved decision to break before rebuilding. One should know that this task is fraught with difficulties; a single miscalculation could lead to years of national fortune being squandered in vain.

"It is particularly hard for Your Highness, bearing such a heavy responsibility at a young age," said Chu Feng as he gently stroked his beard and smiled, his words filled with appreciation. "I was initially concerned that Your Highness might become unbalanced and indecisive after encountering great adversity and miss out on opportunities. However, discussing with Your Highness on the clear waters, I found that despite being in adverse circumstances, Your Highness is not discouraged, and you think meticulously yet treat people with sincerity, which is very admirable."

Lu Xun's performance deeply satisfied this old Great Chu minister. He felt that the Emperors of Great Chu had made a wise bet this time; this young Crown Prince possessed the hidden potential of a wise monarch.

"Duke Chu flatters me too much," Lu Xun said with a bitter smile. "I am but a child, who now can only struggle in this mortal world. As for the matter of restoring the kingdom, I don't even know where to start, with its myriad complexities."

He knew his own circumstances— without territory, funds, or personnel, how could he compete with the various heroes for the Central Plains? His only hope lay with his ancestor, looking for guidance from this Immortal with expansive Divine Skills.

"Your Highness need not worry too much," Chu Feng said. "The current situation is not as difficult as you imagine. Nowadays the Noble Families and Clans show their fangs, each wishing to compete for supremacy over the Central Plains, which has resulted in a relatively balanced power distribution among the factions. It is unlikely that a victor will emerge anytime soon. As the I Ching says, 'The Hidden Dragon should not act.' Now is an excellent time for Your Highness to keep a low profile and accumulate strength."

"Besides, Great Chu has nurtured its scholars for eight hundred years and still possesses many loyal and devoted servants eagerly awaiting someone who can turn the tide and rebuild Great Chu. Rest assured to build up your strength, Your Highness, and wait for the right moment."

Listening to Chu Feng's explanation, Lu Xun's eyes gradually brightened. Not only did Chu Feng's words stabilize his current uneasy heart, but they also pointed out a path for his future. He could not help but exclaim in his heart that Chu Feng was indeed a famed minister of old Great Chu, with a vision and insight far from ordinary.

After saying this, Chu Feng pulled Lu Xun towards the upper part of the great hall, and said with a smile, "As the saying goes, starting is the hardest part. I heard you are going to visit the Tea Saint on Mountain Luoxia, so I set up this banquet to ensure that all the demons and supernatural beings along the way do not trouble Your Highness."

Only then did Lu Xun understand the reason for Chu Feng's invitation to the banquet. It turned out that Chu Feng was concerned about Lu Xun being obstructed by ghost deities along the way, so he hosted this banquet as a way to support Lu Xun.

Under Chu Feng's guidance, Lu Xun settled at a table to the side. Soon after, a crisp bell rang out, its sound echoed within the Crystal Palace with a distinct rhythm. All the demons and monsters in the vicinity knew that the River God was beginning the feast.

Atop a high mountain, a hundred-zhang-long green serpent was coiling around a peak, breathing in and out at the bright moon. Its vast mouth opened and closed, drawing silvery moonbeams into itself like flowing water.

At that moment, the crisp bell sound from the River Qing reached her ears. The serpent spoke in human tongue, a woman's voice so clear and crisp, murmuring to herself, "What matter does old River God have to call a banquet for us now? Oh well, after living under his rule for so many years, it wouldn't be right to disrespect him."

Having said this, the gigantic body twisted gently, displaying remarkable agility as it rushed down the mountain. In no time at all, it reached the banks of River Qing and plunged in.

Simultaneously, all the notable demons and ghost deities within hundreds of miles heeded the call, flocking into River Qing. The once-quiet riverbed was a hub of activity, with various fearsome and horrifying demons and ghost deities making their way towards the Crystal Palace, filling the aquatic tribes in the river with fear and trepidation. These were no benevolent creatures; many of them were troublemakers, yet Duke Chu's formidable abilities kept these restless beings firmly under control.

Lu Xun sat before Duke Chu, silent, yet curiously observing the demons and ghost deities arriving at the feast. He was seeing these legendary beings up close for the first time in his life. Meanwhile, Chu Feng's soft voice reached his ears, explaining the origins and preferences of these demons.

In a short while, the great hall was filled with demons and ghost deities of all shapes and colors. They looked up at Chu Feng, who was situated at the center of the great hall, awaiting his response. After all, since Chu Feng had taken his position, the number of feasts hosted by the River God could be counted on one hand, and each was an occasion of great importance.

Chu Feng just smiled without speaking and instructed his subordinates to serve the dishes, suggesting that everyone start eating. Some clever demons immediately noticed Lu Xun sitting next to Chu Feng. They cast inquisitive looks upon him, for it wasn't a common sight to see someone seated so high alongside the esteemed River God. They silently speculated about Lu Xun's identity.

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on freeweɓnøvel.com.

Under the scrutiny of so many demons, an immense pressure bore down upon Lu Xun, his soul frantically warning him—a natural instinctual response to being in the presence of beasts capable of killing him. Yet, Lu Xun managed to suppress the fear inside him with great mental fortitude, instead offering a calm smile to the group of demons.

Lu Xun's composure even led many of the demons and ghost deities to doubt themselves. There seemed to be no trace of mana on him, yet there he sat, relaxed and composed, as though he truly belonged. They dared not underestimate him.

Chu Feng quietly watched Lu Xun, and seeing his demeanor, he couldn't help but nod in approval. With the poise of an emperor, unshaken as Mount Tai crumbles before him, the River God, ever loyal to Great Chu, felt greatly relieved.