The Lord of Void and Real
Chapter 1429

Chapter 1429: Chapter 1425: Undercurrents Surging Chapter 1429: Chapter 1425: Undercurrents Surging Shen Luo had long realized that the man in the fox fur coat who was following him was not a human but belonged to the Jade Fox Clan.

Because of his connection with the Jade Foxes of Jilei Mountain, Shen Luo had a favorable impression of the Fox Clan. Seeing that the man had not shown a hint of demon qi or used any enchantments nor forced the young girl to sell wine, he couldn't help but think highly of him.

At this moment, seeing the man's fondness for wine, Shen Luo felt a stir of sympathy and had the young girl pour him a pot of peach fruit wine from Lu Huaming's wine bottle.

The fox fur man was incredulous at first and then showed great delight, bowing deeply to Shen Luo in gratitude.

“There's no need for such formalities,” Shen Luo quickly helped him up.

“Haha, how may I address you, my friend? I owe you a pot of wine this time. I'll repay you with a bottle next year,” the fox fur man said with a hearty laugh, rubbing his hands together.

“My name is Shen Luo. The wine is actually for a friend; I'm not much of a drinker myself,” Shen Luo responded with a smile.

“So you are Brother Shen! I, Hu Bugui, should have guessed. You've probably noticed I'm from the Fox Clan of the Qingqiu lineage,” the man who introduced himself as Hu Bugui said with a laugh.

As the two of them joked, the young girl finished pouring the wine and handed the wine pot and bottle to the respective owners.

Taking the wine pot, Hu Bugui eagerly took a sip, first frowning slightly, then relaxing and savoring the taste, involuntarily smacking his lips in satisfaction.

Shen Luo, on the other hand, stored all of Lu Huaming's wine into his storage ring, shaking his head with a smile.

“Are you also heading back to Chang'an, Brother Shen? If so, it would be nice to travel together,” Hu Bugui made the suggestion after hearing Shen Luo was on his way back to Chang'an City.

Shen Luo hesitated for a moment but then agreed.

On the way back to the city, neither of them traveled by wind flight. Hu Bugui pulled out two paper-folded white horses from his sleeve, chanted some spells, and threw them into the air, transforming them into two tall horses.

Shen Luo rode along with him on the official road towards Chang'an City.

They chatted idly along the journey, and Shen Luo learned that Hu Bugui had already been wandering around Chang'an City for several days. It was the reputation of the peach fruit wine that piqued his interest and hastened his journey to Taolin Town.

Still, they had only just met. Delving too deep into personal matters was a big taboo, so they both agreed to talk only about their interests in mystic arts and talismans. Although both enjoyed the conversation, they tacitly avoided probing into each other's personal histories and sect affiliations.

Upon reaching the City Gate of Chang'an, Hu Bugui put away the paper-folded white horses, and they entered Chang'an City on foot.

Just as Shen Luo stepped into the city, he heard the “ding-dang” rhythm of hammer strikes. Looking toward the sound, he saw seven or eight bare-chested strongmen swinging giant iron hammers, driving steel rods as thick as a child's arm into the ground beneath the walls of the city.

Behind the strongmen, there were several men dressed in court official robes, including those from the Department of Household and the Department of Works, seemingly engaged in repairing the city wall.

Shen Luo watched for a moment but did not pay too much attention and moved on with Hu Bugui.

When they were near the Inner City, they parted ways. Hu Bugui claimed he would stay at an inn called “Zhongmingya Garden” in the East City, an ordinary establishment, not one for immortals.

Because the Inn brewed its own decent wine, Hu Bugui had chosen to stay there.

Shen Luo went directly to the Great Tang Dynasty Government, where he still had a small Other Garden arranged for him by Cheng Yaojin.

At their parting, the two exchanged addresses and noted that they could seek each other out if the need arose.

When Shen Luo arrived at the Great Tang Dynasty Government, he immediately noticed a different atmosphere.

The security force outside the Big Gate had more than doubled since before, and the identity checks at the gate were notably strict. If Shen Luo had not already been a familiar face within the Great Tang Dynasty Government, he would have had quite the hassle trying to get in.

He inquired with an acquainted Sentinel Captain and found out it was because the “Yan and Peace Conference” was about to be held.

“This Yan and Peace Conference is different from the last Three Realms Martial Arts Conference.” The captain explained, “Despite being called 'peaceful transformation,' there are undercurrents stirring. Everyone is worried that the Demon Clan might not accept the punitive conditions and would instead flip the table.”

“Even though it's taking place in Chang'an City, the heartland of the Human Race, would they really dare make a fuss?” Shen Luo was somewhat surprised. Could it be that they hadn't secured a stance from all parties before the conference?

“Ah, because it is in Chang'an City, everyone is being cautious, afraid that the Demon and Demon Clans might indeed throw caution to the wind and create a situation where both suffer, just like what happened with the Jing River Dragon King that year. Numerous were wounded or killed, and people suffered immensely. After all, those demons might not truly uphold any sense of morality,” the captain sighed.

“If there are concerns like this, wouldn't it be simpler not to hold it in Chang'an City? Moving to another location would seem to be a better option. Could it be those few Demon and Demon Sects won't allow it?” Shen Luo speculated.

“Yes, they're not fools; they wouldn't simply disregard their own life and death, leaving it in the hands of the Immortal and Human Clans, would they? I think the official stances taken before the conference might just be perfunctory,” explained the captain.

“In that case, there's something worth discussing at this conference. Previously both sides were wary of each other and testing one another,” Shen Luo nodded to himself upon hearing this.

“That's how things seem on the surface; what goes on behind the scenes is something we aren't clear about,” the captain said with a sheepish grin.

It was rare for an Immortal Master to be willing to discuss such matters with him, and he was happy to share. But as he said, his insight into the inner workings was limited, and that was as far as their conversation could go.

After bidding the captain farewell, Shen Luo was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something and asked, “By the way, where have the various Major Sects been accommodated since arriving in Chang'an City?”

“That is… not easy to say,” the captain hesitated before answering, “Some that are familiar with the Great Tang Dynasty Government have been lodged in the guest houses within the Government Office according to the arrangements. Others who already have their own pavilions in Chang'an City are staying in those. Then there are some, like Mount Putuo, who have good relations with Hua Sheng Temple and are temporarily staying at Hua Sheng Temple outside the city.”

“Where are the people from Tianji City staying?” Shen Luo asked again.

“Oh, them? They have quite a few shops in Chang'an City. I've heard they're staying at the Tianji Pavilion in East City. It's said that the Little Master who achieved great mastery in Yan Technique has even left Tianji City to come to Chang'an,” the captain recalled and said after a moment of thought.

Hearing this, Shen Luo was overjoyed.

After clarifying the location of the Tianji Pavilion, Shen Luo took his leave.

He had originally planned to visit Cheng Yaojin first and then head directly to the Tianji Pavilion, but upon arrival, he was informed that Cheng Yaojin had gone to discuss matters with National Master Yuan Tiangang and would not be returning any time soon.

With no other choice, Shen Luo returned to his own Small Courtyard to rest. As evening approached, he set out again, making his way towards the East City.