Chapter 514: The Golden Core Zhao Family
With this thought in mind, He Song no longer felt any burden about hiding his identity.
Given the premise that there was clearly a potential pitfall ahead, He Song would naturally conceal his identity to prevent anything from happening later that might affect his reputation.
In He Song's view, there was definitely something suspicious about the Zhao family welcoming him with such ceremony. Otherwise, being fellow Golden Core cultivators, why would this Flying Tiger True Monarch before him, and the Golden Core family under his command, act this way?
Such an attitude towards an unfamiliar Golden Core True Monarch was not common.
Holding this thought, after speaking, He Song also made a secret decision in his heart. If Flying Tiger True Monarch later proved to be, as he suspected, preparing to ask him for a favor, he would need to weigh it carefully. Regardless of whether the matter Flying Tiger spoke of was simple or difficult, or perhaps very troublesome but without danger, he needed to handle it with extreme caution.
The best course of action would be to refuse directly. This way, even if there was some trap involved, he could avoid it.
Though this thought flashed through his mind, He Song's expression remained unchanged as he continued to exchange pleasantries with Flying Tiger True Monarch.
Upon hearing He Song's words, Flying Tiger True Monarch's eyes immediately lit up.
"Oh? That's quite a coincidence. My cultivation moniker and Fellow Daoist's moniker both share the character 'Fei' [Flying]. It seems there's quite some fate between us."
As Flying Tiger True Monarch spoke, the dozen or so Zhao family Foundation Establishment cultivators beside him also chimed in with praises, saying that He Song was fated with their Zhao family and that it called for celebration.
Once the atmosphere was sufficiently built up, Flying Tiger True Monarch continued.
"Fellow Daoist has come from afar, you must be somewhat weary."
"This is not the place to talk. Fellow Daoist, please enter my Zhao family residence. I have already prepared a banquet to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey."
After speaking, Flying Tiger True Monarch looked at He Song. The joy in his eyes was thick, as if he was extremely happy to see He Song arrive. However, deep within his gaze, there was also a hint of probing.
Neither he nor the other Golden Core True Monarchs in the Zichuan Prefecture Capital knew for sure if He Song had truly come from afar. Although these words were standard pleasantries for inviting He Song into the Zhao residence, they were also a form of probing.
If He Song accepted, it would naturally indicate that he had indeed come from afar and was merely passing through this place by chance. His subsequent probing would then proceed on this basis. But if He Song had a different reaction, then the situation would naturally be different.
He Song's next response would determine the basis upon which he would conduct the next step of his probing towards He Song.
However, just as Flying Tiger True Monarch looked at He Song, ready to see how he would respond, He Song waved his hand, seemingly indifferent.
"Fellow Daoist's words are mistaken. As a Golden Core True Monarch, although my cultivation isn't exceptionally profound, it isn't low either. With such strength, how could one speak of fatigue?"
"Although I have indeed traveled a long distance to arrive at your esteemed location, the scenery here is endlessly beautiful. The Zichuan River, in particular, made me linger and forget to leave."
"How could I feel tired in such a place blessed with outstanding people and spiritual energy? I haven't had enough time to admire it yet!"
"However, what Fellow Daoist said is also very true; this is not the place to talk."
"In that case, I thank Fellow Daoist for this hospitality. Fellow Daoist, please lead the way."
He Song pretended not to understand Flying Tiger True Monarch's probing and feigned a lack of worldly experience, excessively praising the scenery of the Zichuan River before seemingly unintentionally revealing that he had come from afar.
Furthermore, while speaking, He Song deliberately mentioned that a Golden Core True Monarch's cultivation wasn't exceptionally profound, but also wasn't low.
As for this statement, He Song made it intentionally.
A Golden Core True Monarch raised in what kind of power structure would feel that Golden Core cultivation wasn't particularly profound, yet also wasn't low?
At the very least, for rogue cultivators and cultivators from small Golden Core sects, a Golden Core True Monarch was like a celestial being. A Golden Core True Monarch raised in such powers would never say such a thing.
Only a Golden Core True Monarch raised within a Major Nascent Soul Sect, or a power comparable to one, would realize this point and engrave it in their heart.
This was because, within a Major Nascent Soul Sect, Golden Core True Monarchs were numerous, and there were also Nascent Soul Ancestors overseeing things.
In such a power structure, the cultivation of a Golden Core True Monarch naturally wouldn't be considered particularly profound. Moreover, even within a Major Nascent Soul Sect, a Golden Core True Monarch's cultivation was not low.
He Song said this merely to establish a persona for himself, making Flying Tiger True Monarch believe he hailed from a major power. This way, even if He Song made a misstep later, he might still leave himself some leeway.
Additionally, regarding one's place of residence, whether mortal or cultivator, everyone holds some affection for it.
He Song's praise for the Zichuan River's scenery, while not enough to greatly increase Flying Tiger True Monarch's favor towards him, could at least let him understand that He Song had been traveling leisurely, sightseeing along the way.
This was different from the typical Golden Core True Monarchs who were usually in a hurry.
It better fit He Song's persona of coming from a major power.
At the same time, these words inadvertently answered Flying Tiger True Monarch's probing, allowing him to instantly realize that He Song had come from afar and was not a permanent resident with a cave abode established in Zichuan Prefecture or the surrounding Immortal Prefectures.
Furthermore, He Song's status seemed extraordinary; at the very least, he was a Golden Core elder from some Major Nascent Soul Sect traveling abroad.
Otherwise, He Song couldn't possibly have said such things. Judging by He Song's leisurely sightseeing behavior, it seemed he hadn't traveled far from home before, likely having spent his time diligently cultivating within his sect.
In other words, within his sect, He Song belonged at least to the elite type.
Such individuals were bound to be quite powerful, and their background certainly wasn't shallow. It might be fine if nothing happened, but if trouble arose, they could likely summon several Golden Core cultivators for assistance in an instant.
Within Major Nascent Soul Sects, connections like master-disciple lineages were exceptionally united. If something truly happened, someone would definitely seek revenge for them.
Thinking of this, Flying Tiger True Monarch's heart skipped a beat, and some thoughts that hadn't really existed in the first place were quietly discarded from his mind.
Thus, after receiving his answer, the gaze Flying Tiger True Monarch directed at He Song became considerably more enthusiastic. He repeatedly beckoned He Song, and under the escort of the dozen or so Zhao family Foundation Establishment cultivators, the group quickly transformed into streaks of escaping light and landed within the Zhao family's territory below.
Within the Zhao family's territory.
Inside a huge palace.
He Song, Flying Tiger True Monarch, and the dozen or so Foundation Establishment members of the Zhao family quickly took their seats.
Flying Tiger True Monarch sat in the host's seat. This was his home ground, his Zhao family's territory, so there was nothing unexpected about him sitting there.
He Song sat in the seat of honor to Flying Tiger True Monarch's left, the most distinguished position at the banquet besides the host's.
As for the dozen or so Zhao family Foundation Establishment True Persons, they sat a considerable distance away from He Song and Flying Tiger True Monarch, near the edge of the banquet area.
No one had any objection to this. Being able to attend a banquet in the same hall as Golden Core True Monarchs was already fortunate for these dozen Zhao family Foundation Establishment members.
If this weren't the Zhao family's territory and Flying Tiger True Monarch hadn't permitted it, these dozen cultivators likely wouldn't even have had the qualification to enter the palace.
The difference in status between Golden Core and Foundation Establishment was still quite large. Although not as exaggerated as between Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment, it was certainly not small.
Inside the palace.
As everyone took their seats, beautiful serving maids soon arrived gracefully, bringing delicious food and fine wine to the seated guests.
During the casual chat, Flying Tiger True Monarch, having already formed some speculations about He Song's identity, didn't probe too much further. Everything proceeded very smoothly, almost as if he genuinely wanted to befriend He Song.
With neither side intending to cause trouble, the atmosphere at the banquet was naturally quite harmonious.
He Song and Flying Tiger True Monarch conversed happily. The occasional minor secrets about Major Nascent Soul Sects that He Song dropped would elicit gasps of amazement from Flying Tiger True Monarch.
However, these secrets were mostly things He Song had heard from True Monarch Luo Jing, or from Meng Guan and Wei Fan. True Monarch Silver Moon's memories also contained quite a few such tidbits. Therefore, what He Song said was basically true, so he didn't need to worry about Flying Tiger True Monarch telling others later and having his story exposed.
If Flying Tiger True Monarch really did so, and verified that what He Song said was true, He Song's identity would naturally be confirmed. Perhaps then, during He Song's stay in the Zichuan Prefecture Capital, he would receive a continuous stream of various invitations.
A cultivator who had reached the Golden Core realm and possessed a respected status was very popular wherever they went. This was something He Song had anticipated long ago.
However, the banquet was still ongoing, so He Song didn't think too much about it, just casually chatting with Flying Tiger True Monarch before him.
But even through casual chat, the two quickly became much more familiar. Their words lost the previous formality.
Thus, it continued until a certain moment.
Flying Tiger True Monarch suddenly spoke.
"I wonder if Fellow Daoist has come here intending to reside here permanently? Or is this just a temporary stop?"
After becoming more familiar, the purpose behind Flying Tiger True Monarch's invitation to He Song naturally had to be brought up.
The main reason Flying Tiger True Monarch had invited He Song to this banquet was actually to ask this question. As for the previous probing and subsequent familiarization, most of it was just preliminary preparation for this sentence.
Asking earlier if He Song had come from afar was laying the foundation for this current question. Knowing He Song's origins weren't from the surrounding Immortal Prefectures, Flying Tiger True Monarch's current inquiry felt natural.
Next, regardless of how He Song responded, his objective had already been achieved.
He Song was well aware of this in his heart. The sudden arrival and settling down of an unfamiliar Golden Core True Monarch would naturally attract the attention of the other Golden Core True Monarchs within the prefectural capital. Flying Tiger True Monarch having such concerns was only human nature.
However, He Song had only arrived here by chance, and his purpose was merely to wait for the items he had purchased. In this Zichuan Prefecture Capital, He Song would stay for several months at most. In such a short time, even if He Song wanted to cause some trouble here, it would likely be difficult.
Under these circumstances, He Song naturally had no intention of residing here permanently, nor did he intend to compete for resources with the other Golden Core families in the Zichuan Prefecture Capital. Now, facing Flying Tiger True Monarch's question, He Song certainly couldn't just spout nonsense.
Therefore, upon hearing Flying Tiger True Monarch's inquiry, He Song quickly put on an expression of sudden realization and spoke.
"So, Fellow Daoist invited me for this reason. This matter is indeed my oversight."
"I traveled far to reach this place, and it was merely a spur-of-the-moment decision to purchase some items here in the Zichuan Prefecture Capital."
"Unfortunately, although these items are not highly valuable, they are quite rare. Even the Treasure Gathering Pavilion temporarily has no stock."
"Left with no choice, I can only wait here for a period until the Treasure Gathering Pavilion delivers the items I need, then I shall depart."
"This stay is not intentional, and I will not remain here long. Fellow Daoist has worried too much."
He Song did not hide the purpose of his visit. His direct trip to the Treasure Gathering Pavilion upon entering the prefectural capital couldn't be hidden.
Although his conversation with the Pavilion Master there was discreet, it could still potentially be leaked.
Rather than beating around the bush, it was better to state things plainly and directly inform Flying Tiger True Monarch of his purpose.
This way, as long as He Song casually mentioned that the items he needed were not highly valuable but quite rare, Flying Tiger True Monarch would likely believe him to some extent.
If, in the future, the price of the items he sought was revealed, with his prior statement, it might even make the other Golden Core True Monarchs somewhat more wary of He Song.
After all, the items He Song wanted included many precious things of considerable value. For He Song to describe them as "not highly valuable" would thoroughly solidify his persona of coming from a major power.
At that time, even if the Golden Core True Monarchs in the Zichuan Prefecture Capital truly had designs on He Song, they would likely have to think twice.
As for whether Flying Tiger True Monarch before him would completely believe his words now, He Song wasn't expecting full belief.
Believing him somewhat, enough not to harbor ill intentions towards him because of this matter, would suffice.
At least, during these few months, it would prevent Flying Tiger True Monarch from developing any bad ideas about him due to the items he needed.
After several months, He Song would have long since departed, so he naturally wouldn't need to worry about whether Flying Tiger True Monarch believed him or not.
Simultaneously, He Song directly stated that he was only staying here temporarily.
He would not have any conflicts of interest with the Golden Core True Monarchs in the Zichuan Prefecture Capital.
Under these circumstances, Flying Tiger True Monarch and the other Golden Core True Monarchs would naturally not be too wary of He Song.
Although the cultivation world was incredibly dangerous, that danger, most of the time, arose due to competition for resources.
The possibility of a passerby like He Song, especially one who had reached the Golden Core realm, encountering sudden, inexplicable danger was very low.
(End of Chapter)