The Heavens: A Qing, the Yue Girl at the beginning

At the same time, in the Sword Dynasty world, "Dragon Tomb Island".

The mountains glowed coldly blue in the moonlight, and the canyon looked like a scar cut by a giant axe from the gods.

Zhao Qing sat cross-legged in the void in the center of the canyon, his emerald robe fluttering in the wind, with star-like spots of light flowing between his sleeves.

She closed her eyes slightly, and a silver light flickered between her eyebrows. Her divine thoughts spread out like a tide, covering a radius of a hundred miles, echoing with the stars in the sky. Tonight was cloudless, and the Milky Way was particularly bright. Countless starlight penetrated the deep night sky and condensed into a substantial silver mist around her.

"Lead." Zhao Qing spoke lightly, uttering one syllable.

In an instant, the starlight directly above her suddenly became ten or a hundred times brighter. Visible star energy poured down like a waterfall, gathering in front of her into a brilliant beam of light about ten feet in diameter, connecting the sky above and the earth below, outlining a complex and mysterious trajectory in the void.

It was silvery white at first, then gradually turned light purple as it passed through the clouds, and by the time it reached the sky above the canyon, it had turned into a deep, dark blue.

In the center of the light column, there was a three-foot-long sword embryo suspended. It was dark in color with a rough and uneven surface.

"Quench!" Zhao Qing shouted softly, and his hands changed seals like a butterfly flying through flowers. Every time he changed the seal, a ray of starlight was peeled off and turned into a light as thin as a hair and pierced into the sword embryo.

Starlight poured in, and dazzling blue light burst out from the cracks on the dark surface. Impurities were burned by the star power and turned into wisps of black smoke and dissipated. The sword embryo began to shrink at a speed visible to the naked eye, but its luster became purer and purer, and finally the whole body was as transparent as crystal, and there seemed to be a galaxy flowing inside.

The newly refined Star Flying Sword emitted a cheerful hum and circled around Zhao Qing three times, as if expressing its joy.

In the mountains on both sides of the canyon, some seemingly ordinary mushrooms suddenly glowed. The Destruction Mushroom glowed dark red, the Sunlight Mushroom glowed with warm golden light, and the Moonlight Mushroom glowed with cold silver light. The three kinds of light intertwined into a web, illuminating the canyon like a dream.

These spiritual plants did not grow naturally, but were arranged in a specific array, forming a huge rune network.

Even more bizarre were the green vines—they suddenly came alive, moving among the ores like spirit snakes, and forging out rough sword-shaped embryos one after another with precise processing according to some ancient rhythm. Every time a sword was completed, a vine would roll it up and throw it into the void in the center of the canyon.

"The Big Dipper moves westward, and the Tianji is in its proper place. The Tianxuan leads the way, and the Disha follows. Go!"

Zhao Qing put his fingers together like a sword and pointed it into the air. The flying sword turned into a stream of light and shot straight into the sky, leaving room for the new embryo to be tempered.

At the same time, the sound of clear and melodious swords rang out continuously in the canyon - those were the thousands of flying swords that had long been arranged and suspended in the sky, responding to the arrival of new members.

Zhao Qing looked up at the sky. Her pupils had now completely turned into the deep blue of the starry sky. She could clearly see that the first circle of the sword formation was in operation at a height of three thousand feet. Three hundred and sixty flying swords were connected end to end, forming a perfect circle.

Each sword is one degree apart, which corresponds exactly to the number of Zhoutian.

The sword formation rotated slowly, and the star power it attracted formed a vortex of clouds in the center of the ring.

At six thousand feet, the second sword formation was even larger. Seven hundred and twenty flying swords formed a double-layer structure, rotating in the opposite direction of the first circle. Between the two sword formations, the star energy intertwined into a net, attracting more starlight in quantity and variety than the first circle.

The second ring is six thousand feet, the third ring is nine thousand feet, and so on, until the seventh ring is twenty-one thousand feet high. The total number of flying swords required is as high as 10080.

Each sword corresponds to one or even several stars, and all the power of the stars in the sky is incorporated into the formation.

The number increases by 360 on each level, which is in line with the cycle of nature.

The seven sword rings echoed each other, and as the starlight flowed, they formed a three-dimensional formation that was so complex that it was difficult to describe.

They gradually began to resonate synchronously, and the star power they attracted no longer fell vertically, but instead spiraled around the canyon.

From a distance, the entire canyon seemed to be shrouded in a huge, glowing vortex of star power.

Zhao Qingnao's body and soul, who had just passed through the world of the Stone of Life, was lifting piles of supplies in his hands. When he saw this scene, he couldn't help but realize something and understood the truth contained in it.

To a certain extent, if a distant star is regarded as an extremely powerful practitioner, the stellar energy it radiates and projects to thousands of light years away is close to the true energy cultivated by the practitioner, and even has some characteristics of the innate energy.

Therefore, extracting, tempering, and integrating specific star energy into weapons is theoretically equivalent to establishing a deep resonant connection, turning these "star flying swords" into extensions of the star outside the body, and imprinting them with a "spiritual" imprint, similar to the relationship between the "Demon Sword" and the "Demon Star".

Combining the "Starfire Sword Sutra", "The Art of Unity of Heaven and Earth", "The Art of Transmutation of Soul and Sword", Tianlong's innate magical powers, and the core of the unity of man and nature and the unity of all things and me, Zhao Qing simply closed himself off and carefully researched a peerless sword technique that specifically utilizes the power of the stars, which he included in the "Star Attraction" chapter.

To put it simply, it is like using extremely mysterious means of spiritual will communication to fool or persuade the stars in the sky, allowing it to hold the "Star Sub-Sword" that has been integrated with the corresponding imprint, unleash its own vast and infinite power, descend across the sea of ​​stars, and slash in one direction.

This type of branded sympathy, which is similar to the innate vitality, according to Zhao Qing's test, is actually effective instantly at a distance, breaking the speed of light. However, no matter how fast the "induction" is, the star vitality itself cannot exceed the speed of light. Basically, only the "star consciousness" descends, and the power is extremely limited.

But this "limited" is only relative to the incredible power of the stars themselves.

Although the power that the "star consciousness" of any planet can control is unlikely to reach the level of destroying itself, it may not be a big deal to collapse continents and cleanse the surface. The existence of larger stars, neutron stars, etc. are millions of times more powerful.

When one's cultivation reaches this level, even if one is only using a descending medium, making a move from a distance of trillions of miles away, and using only one ten-thousandth, one billionth, or even a much smaller proportion of "consciousness", it can still unleash unimaginable terrifying destructive power!

However, the greater the power, the harder it is to control.

The "star consciousness" that is both active and "easy to deceive" also needs to go through numerous screenings and cultivate its "offspring". After a consciousness descends and launches a round of attack, it will usually remain dormant in this direction for a period of time. This requires preparation to communicate with a large number of stars, otherwise it will be difficult to sustain.

If used in attacking battles, each Star Flying Sword would undoubtedly be a consumable and the cost must be kept as low as possible.

Fortunately, Zhao Qing has already developed a method to transform specific metals into "star iron" by relying solely on star power to temper them, so there is no need to worry about waste.

Furthermore, "star consciousness" can be used in combat, and naturally it can also be used for cultivation. With the assistance of formations, the effects include tempering her mind and sword intent, optimizing her artistic conception, etc.

"Why not just use 'imported' computers to access the Internet? Just set up a few servers. Why do we have to develop a new type of talisman?"

After taking a break beside her main body and browsing the messages from the "Cross-Border Chat Room" project development team, her body spirit smiled slightly and quickly gave her own explanation: "For practitioners, the perception and control of divine thoughts and true essence is a much more subtle and faster method than typing with fingers."

"This means that although the initial functionality is insufficient and the cost is much higher, in the long run, after the development and iteration of related symbols reach a certain level, traditional computers will lose their advantages - because the broad prospects of direct connection of thoughts represent efficiency and the future."

"Computers can only transmit ordinary 'information', but talismans have a good chance of developing into ones that can transmit 'perceptions'. When a cultivator describes 'flying with a sword', the computer can only display text and video images, but cannot allow others to 'experience' the feeling of wind passing over the sword, the flow of true energy, or even the sharpness of the sword itself."

……

As the sun sets, the water of the Suiye River shimmers with golden red waves, like a winding vein flowing between the vast Gobi Desert and grassland. A caravan consisting of more than 30 camels and more than 20 horses is moving slowly along the river.

The tinkling of camel bells, mixed with the crisp sound of horses' hooves on gravel, was particularly clear in the silence of dusk.

The leader of the caravan, Wusun Mao, raised his hands, which were roughened by the wind and sand, and signaled the team to stop.

He dismounted, his sheepskin boots stepping on the soft mud of the river bank, leaving a deep footprint. "Let's camp here, it's getting dark."

Wusun Mao's voice is hoarse but powerful, like tumbleweed in the Gobi Desert, tough and adaptable.

The caravan members unloaded the goods skillfully and set up simple tents. These tents combined the styles of the Western Regions and the Central Plains - the dome frame was covered with thick cloth woven in the Central Plains, and the edges were embroidered with geometric patterns in the Western Region style.

Several dark-skinned boys took copper pots and leather bags from the camels' backs and started making a fire by the river to cook.

Wusun Mao walked to the river, squatted down, scooped up a pool of water with both hands and splashed it on his face. The water dripped down his gray beard, diluting the dust on his face. He turned around and looked at his deputy, Li Su, who was dressed like a Central Plains man.

"Old Li, what are we having for dinner tonight?" Wusun Mao asked, his eyes fixed on the chef who was preparing food.

Li Su smiled, with deep wrinkles on the corners of his eyes: "We were lucky today. We caught a few salmon by the river. We also brought cumin and pepper from Qiuci, as well as a few Hu cakes."

"Is there any wine?" Wusun Mao licked his cracked lips.

"There are still two bags of rambutan wine left, but you have to drink it sparingly, as it's still three days to the next trading point."

Wusun Subaru nodded, turned and walked towards the bonfire that had already been lit.

In the light of the fire, the three leaders of the caravan sat together - in addition to Wusun Mao and Li Su, there was also the caravan's guide and shaman Wulus.

He was a priest of a not-so-small tribe on the grassland. He wore a robe made of various animal skins, a necklace made of wolf teeth and colored stones around his neck, and his face was painted with red and white paint. He looked mysterious and a little funny.

"Master Wizard, what are the results of tonight's divination?" Li Su handed him a piece of baked Hu pancake spread with honey and sesame paste, and asked respectfully.

Although this shaman only has the cultivation level of the upper fourth realm, he is already a rare practitioner in the caravan.

Ulus took the food and took a bite before answering, "There is a sense of uneasiness in the wind, but the stars have not yet shown a clear omen." He chewed, his Adam's apple rolling up and down, "We'd better be vigilant, especially those on night watch."

Wusun Subaru frowned: "Is it that rumor again?"

Li Su took off a leather bag from his waist and poured a small cup of dark red rambutan wine for each person: "Have you heard? Seven days ago, another caravan disappeared at night, less than fifty miles away from here."

"Is it the Sogdian team?" Wusun Mao took the wine glass and drank it all.

"No, they were from the Great Yuezhi." Li Su lowered his voice. "More than 20 people, 30 camels, and all the goods disappeared without a trace overnight. The next morning, shepherds passing by only found a few empty tents and extinguished campfires."

Wulus suddenly raised his head, with a strange light flashing in his eyes: "Are they camping near the bend on the north bank of the Suiye River?"

Li Su and Wusun Mao looked at each other and nodded at the same time.

"It's there again..." Ulus' voice became low, "The ghost town has appeared again."

The bonfire suddenly crackled and sparks flew, as if responding to the wizard's words.

The temperature around seemed to drop suddenly by several degrees.

"Ghost Town?" A young caravan member couldn't help but come over, holding a wooden bowl full of fish soup in his hand.

Wulus glanced at the young man and sighed: "The ghost city that devours everything is one of the oldest legends in the Suiye River Basin. It has a history of at least hundreds of years, but it was gradually forgotten by people. It was not until recent years that it reappeared with an abnormally high frequency."

Li Su took over the conversation: "Over the past decade, travelers have reported seeing the phantom of an ancient city at night. The city walls are tall, the city gates are wide open, and the lights are bright inside. Some people couldn't help but walk in out of curiosity..." He made a disappearing gesture, "and never came out again."

"Could it be a mirage?" the young man asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Wusun Subaru snorted coldly: "Mirages don't eat people, and they rarely appear at night."

"Last year, an old friend of mine, the experienced guide Ashde, witnessed a caravan entering the phantom city. He said the city gate closed silently behind them, and then the entire city disappeared into the night as if it was wiped away by an invisible hand."

Li Su rubbed his hands nervously: "We will pass through that area tomorrow... It is said that the ghost town will move and appear wherever it wants. Old Shaman, I rely on your blessing."

"Don't worry too much," Wulus comforted him, "According to records, ghost cities do not appear every night, and they mostly occur on full moon nights. Tonight is just a new moon, so it should be safe."

"But..." He looked around at everyone seriously, "Everyone must strictly abide by the rules and not leave the camp without permission at night. Even if you hear someone calling your name or see any strange lights, don't be curious and pay no attention to them."

“If I really encounter that ancient city reappearing in the world, with my humble cultivation, I’d be lucky to be able to protect myself.”

Wulus took out a small leather bag from his bosom, poured out some dark red powder and sprinkled it around the camp, muttering something. The powder burned as soon as it hit the ground, and a puff of green smoke with the aroma of herbs rose up, forming a faint light shield that enveloped the camp.

“The world is so big, and its secrets are endless.”

After the old shaman finished the ritual, he sat back beside the fire tiredly and said, "Some things are not for us mortals to explore."

The young caravan member turned pale. “But what if…if someone…walks in?”

“Almost no one ever came back.”

Wusun Mao said in a deep voice: "Over the past decade, hundreds of people have disappeared in that damn place. It is said that the only person who escaped went crazy and died of bleeding from all seven orifices three days later."

The campfire fell into silence, with only the crackling of the flames and the sound of the water flowing in the distant Suiye River. The moonlight was like water, sprinkling on the river surface, creating silver ripples.

At the same time, on a low hill about two miles away from the caravan camp, a barefoot man with messy hair stood quietly in the shadows. As the night wind changed direction, he slightly tilted his head, and every word of the conversation around the caravan's campfire came into his ears, as clear as if it were right next to him.

The man was wearing an untanned sheepskin robe, with a totem painted with colored stone powder on it that glowed strangely in the moonlight. It was difficult to tell his age from his face - he looked like a young man of twenty, but also a centenarian. Only his eyes were as deep as the abyss, as if he had seen through the vicissitudes of life.

He was none other than Emperor Han Chen, the last emperor of the Han Dynasty that was destroyed by the Qin Dynasty. He had practiced hard in the north of Yinshan Mountain for ten years and had become a grandmaster who had reached the pinnacle of the seventh realm. He came to the meeting after receiving a message from Zhao Qing.

"Ghost City? It doesn't look like some strange phenomenon in the world..." Han Chendi muttered to himself, "It looks more like a cultivator's writing brush. But to be able to do this? What kind of cultivation is required?" He pondered for a moment, "Both at the peak of the seventh realm, half a step to the eighth realm? Or... even higher?"

"Could it be that a powerful magical secret method has been passed down for hundreds of years and someone has finally mastered it again, and has been practicing diligently in recent years?"

...(End of chapter)