Chapter 281: Plans and Promises in Mingsha City

“Master, have you reached a decision?”

Seeing the Daoist Master’s tone, the Young Daoist Priest brightened and quickly replied.

“Decision? The place our Ancestor left is absolutely non-negotiable!”

The Daoist Master’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Then, did you mean that you’ve come to an agreement with Master Cangshan? I thought you intended to join him in Mingsha City!”

Realizing his misunderstanding, the Young Daoist Priest felt a pang of disappointment.

In this world, although various Daoist sects may employ methods that defy modern understanding—like traditional Zhu You Technique—they are inherently personal. Even in today’s society, real money and everyday life still matter.

Moreover, true Daoist practitioners hold cultivation merits in high regard! Using personal methods to amass wealth would damage one’s merits, so temples without devotees often struggle financially—a fact no one can dispute.

But Master Cangshan is different! At present, he has aligned with a wealthy landlord and discovered an excellent location. Once the Daoist Master returns, life is bound to be lavish.

By then, he could recruit numerous disciples, reviving his lineage with renewed vigor.

“I’m heading to Mingsha City! But not for the reason you think. That place is Master Cangshan’s domain—there’s no way we could conspire together!”

The Daoist Master stroked his beard thoughtfully.

“So you mean…”

“Didn’t the news today mention that Mingsha City is hosting the Long Kingdom International Magic Competition, even awarding a direct spot in the main event? The first prize is 5 million M gold—over 30 million Long Kingdom coins. With that money, we’d never have to worry about funding temple repairs!”

The Daoist Master grew more convinced with every word.

“What? Master, you’re entering a magic competition? That simply won’t do!”

The Daoist Master’s initial silence was bearable, but once he started speaking, the Young Daoist Priest was momentarily stunned.

“Are you implying Master lacks ability?”

“Of course Master’s ability is never in question!”

At these words,

the Young Daoist Priest couldn’t help but roll his eyes.

It’s well known that while his Master’s reputation might not match that of the Long Kingdom Daoist Association’s top figures, his true power far exceeds theirs—indeed, they’re in completely different leagues.

With a simple display of his techniques, his Master’s abilities would far surpass the modern magic tricks in mere fantasy.

“Then why not?”

The Daoist Master raised his beard with a slight smirk.

“Master, didn’t you say that using our techniques in public harms our merits? Competing now would squander the merits we painstakingly built over at least three years!”

The Young Daoist Priest muttered under his breath.

“Merits? Losing our Ancestor’s legacy would be far worse. And besides, I haven’t stolen or extorted—so there’s no harm done to our merits.”

The Daoist Master sighed deeply.

It’s truly the case of not having a penny to spare! “Master, even if this idea works, you yourself said Mingsha City only has one participant slot. Do you really think they’ll offer it to you? The City Master of Mingsha City is too esteemed to recognize an obscure hermit like you.”

The Young Daoist Priest couldn’t help but add.

Following the recent Long Kingdom Traditional Cultural Expo, the events at the ancestral rite had frightened him considerably.

Experts dismissed it as a normal weather phenomenon, but disciples of that lineage knew it wasn’t a mere meteorological issue—it was a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the altar that stirred unspeakable events.

“No worries—as long as I invoke Master Cangshan’s name, the City Master of Mingsha City will surely grant me face! Without Master Cangshan, Mingsha City could never have built that altar or Jixia Academy.”

The Daoist Master waved his hand dismissively.

He believed the stir in Mingsha City was all due to Master Cangshan’s prior arrangements; otherwise, even with the City Master and modern construction teams, such a structure would be impossible.

“So, then…”

The Young Daoist Priest was momentarily at a loss for words.

“Alright, I’ll head to Mingsha City first thing tomorrow to finalize this matter!”

After a brief pause, the Daoist Master continued:

“You’re going already tomorrow? With the New Year just days away!”

“Hmph! I don’t need a ticket just to visit Mingsha City,” retorted the Daoist Master, shooting the Young Daoist Priest a sharp glance before striding toward the main hall.

“Master, will you let me come along?”

Seeing this,

the Young Daoist Priest quickly followed him.

“Take you along? Not a chance! You must stay here and watch over the temple. We can’t both venture to Mingsha City and return only to find our temple turned into a tourist attraction!”

“Uh!”

Mingsha City, Ancient Building Courtyard

Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng exchanged worried looks over the documents before them. “Brother Hao, didn’t we decide that Mingsha City wouldn’t field any participants? Now you’re changing your mind! Our venue is only just taking shape—the foundations are barely laid and there’s much left to do!”

After a moment, Luo Peng couldn’t hold back any longer and asked. Previously, Xu Hao had entrusted him with all matters regarding the International Magic Competition.

Hence, sourcing participants naturally fell to him.

It wasn’t that he lacked ability; with the competition at the end of April, prominent domestic contestants had already registered for internal preliminaries.

Where was he to find those skilled in Traditional Magic? Mingsha City might cherish traditional culture, but in terms of ancient magic, it was utterly blank. If it were a culinary contest, they could simply send the top chefs from Zhaixing Pavilion.

“No choice—yesterday the International Magic Competition suddenly trended online!”

Xu Hao rubbed his brows.

He’d assumed the competition was unrelated to Mingsha City, but now it clearly positioned Mingsha as the genuine host. Their chosen contestant would undoubtedly become the focus of the Long Kingdom’s public.

Even if officials imposed no specific requirements on Mingsha City’s pick, the people—

Once the public championed Mingsha City online, they expected the city to, like the Cultural Expo, pull off a dramatic turnaround and vindicate Long Kingdom’s traditional magic.

“Brother Hao, could it be that someone is deliberately stirring the pot behind the scenes?”

Nearby, Zhu Qiang couldn’t help but continue the conversation.

“It’s those foreign contestants heading to the competition; they posted some boastful remarks online, claiming this event would finally let Long Kingdom’s traditional ancient magic show Western magic who’s boss.”

This sparked an outcry among netizens.

Xu Hao glanced at Zhu Qiang.

Last night, while on a call, Li Jue had already recounted everything.

“Crushing us? How many years has their magic even been around? They’re not exactly afraid of a little wind messing up their words!”

Both Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng furrowed their brows in unison.

“Even you admit it—those netizens’ reactions are entirely understandable.”

Xu Hao stole a glance at the Sand Table.

“Brother Hao, what’s our next move?”

After a brief silence, Zhu Qiang couldn’t help but ask again.

“Then let Little Luo handle the Magic Competition. We’ll all put our heads together to source participants—let’s see how it goes.”

Ding dong dong. Just as Xu Hao began organizing the next tasks, his phone rang.

He picked it up and, after signaling Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng, stepped aside to answer.

“Hey, Third Brother! Have you arrived?”

It was Xu Chen on the line.

“Not yet. The scheduled flight’s been delayed; we’re not sure when it will depart. Just wanted to let you know.”

A moment later, Xu Chen’s voice continued,

“Alright then, I’ll inform Second Sister. They’re probably at the airport by now!”

Xu Hao immediately responded.

Normally, it’d be Grandfather’s honor to pick everyone up at the airport when he comes back home. But Grandfather’s stubborn streak means he insists it’s unnecessary—after all, we’re family, so there’s no need for such formalities. We must focus on our tasks here.

Reluctantly, Xu Hao told Second Sister Xu Xin to head to the airport.

“Second Sister is going to the airport? That’s great! Oh, and Old Six, by the way—I almost forgot. Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister won’t be joining us in Mingsha City for the New Year. Only First Sister, her husband, and Grandfather will be there!”

After a brief pause, Xu Chen’s voice resumed.

“Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister aren’t coming?”

Xu Hao was somewhat taken aback.

They had originally planned for the whole family to gather. Although Fourth and Fifth Sister rarely kept in touch, they weren’t completely out of the picture—unlike First Sister Xu Hui, who, before her time-travel, was utterly indifferent to Old Six.

“Yeah. They planned to come, but then I got a call from the New Country saying there was an emergency over there. So…”

Xu Chen explained.

“Oh!”

“Forget about them. I’ll let you know—once things settle after the New Year, they can come to Mingsha City too.”

“That works!”

“By the way, Old Six, is your college professor’s girlfriend planning to come to Mingsha City this New Year? Grandfather has been hinting at it all the way—seems like he wants to settle matters between you two.”

After a brief pause, Xu Chen continued,

“Girlfriend?”

Xu Hao instinctively glanced at the Electronic Wall Calendar on the wall in the distance.

“Yeah!”

“Third Brother, what about Xiaoqing?”

Xu Hao hesitated.

Ever since the matters of Mingsha Academy were finalized, Han Xiaoqing had resigned from Yan City University, completed all procedures at the Ancient Architecture Research Institute, and officially become a teacher at Mingsha Academy!

Originally, they planned to bring her grandparents along for a tour of Mingsha City,

but a sudden issue with a project overseen by Grandfather led to Han Xiaoqing being drafted into service. Just last night, she texted that if things were resolved quickly, she’d come over; otherwise, it might be after the New Year.

And as for Grandfather’s project, Han Xiaoqing provided no details—Xu Hao didn’t press further.

Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t an ordinary research project!

“What? Has it fallen through? If it really fails, I know someone to introduce you to,” Xu Chen teased.

Hearing this, Xu Chen paused.

“Fallen through? Third Brother! What do you mean by that? She really does have something going on this time. But what about you? Why haven’t you found a girlfriend yet?”

Xu Hao cleared his throat.

“Me? My girlfriend is coming along this time!”

Xu Chen chuckled.

“Ah? Since when did you start dating? I had no idea!”

Stunned, Xu Hao was momentarily speechless.

This revelation was even more shocking than hearing about Mingsha City’s participation—it was unheard of for his conservative Third Brother to even discuss dating.

“What? Do you need to report it to me every time?”

After a brief silence, Xu Chen’s voice returned, dripping with pride and a hint of bragging.

“Anyway, our plans are almost set. After the New Year, both families will officially meet. Your sister-in-law has been keeping a close eye on Mingsha City, even saying that if you marry next year, the wedding should be held there! She’s always been enamored with the Wan Gong Sedan Chair.”

“Get married?”

At those words, Xu Hao was stunned once again.

“I’m nearly in my thirties; I can’t keep putting this off.”

“Third Brother, it’s not that you can’t marry, it’s just a bit sudden. And is your sister-in-law from the New Country?”

“No, she’s from the Long Kingdom!”

“Long Kingdom…”

“Enough—let’s discuss the details when we meet. You focus on your work. Since Second Sister is at the airport, I’ll coordinate with her. I’ll update you once I reach Mingsha City.”

“Alright!”

Beep beep beep. Soon, his phone played an unrecognized ring tone.

“Marrying next year? That’s really quick!”

A few minutes later, Xu Hao finally returned to Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng, still mulling over what Xu Chen had just said.

“Brother Hao?”

Seeing Xu Hao distracted, Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng exchanged glances.

“Oh, just now Third Brother called to say Grandfather’s flight was delayed!”

Upon hearing this, Xu Hao immediately remarked.

Everyone knew that when Grandfather came to Mingsha City for the New Year, it was only proper to give him a grand reception. After all, many of Mingsha City’s key figures had arranged for their relatives to join the festivities.

Zhu Qiang and Fang Hou were in full agreement, and Luo Peng didn’t even need to add—when you have a family reunion with relatives from all corners, Mingsha City turns into a celebration.

“So, what now?”

“No need. Second Sister is at the airport—we’ll just pick them up at the City Gate. By the way, Little Luo mentioned the International Magic Competition. How do we plan on getting our contestants? Need any help with the venue?”

Xu Hao casually steered the conversation back on track.

“Brother Hao, here’s what I’m thinking. What do you say?”

Getting down to business, Luo Peng immediately produced a thick folder of blueprints and designs from his briefcase, handing them over to Xu Hao. “This much?”

Xu Hao was taken aback.

He hadn’t expected Luo Peng to prepare such elaborate plans; he thought a simple replication of an ancient three-by-seven hall would suffice.

But from the sheer volume of blueprints and designs, it was clear that this wasn’t just a replica of an ancient structure.

“It’s rather complex!”

Luo Peng quickly defended,

“President Luo, you’re overdoing it. We’re just hosting a magic competition—not the Olympics, and it’s pretty niche too.”

Nearby, Zhu Qiang joined in as well.

Only after Xu Hao unfolded the overall design plan on the first page did Zhu Qiang gasp and comment.