Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1295 Yin Shen
His voice echoed in the darkness, scattering the heavy snow and seemingly stirring up thunder and rain, an endless ocean, but it was swallowed up one by one by the swirling black light.

"That's how it should be!"

But the old man's gaze was intense and grew ever brighter.

"Back then, the 'Kan Water' was already the Chi Pearl that all the dragons were fighting over. Whoever had the virtue to unite and promote it would become the Dragon Lord. The dragons killed and harmed each other, and finally the Dragon Lord was chosen!"

"This is why the Kan water is called 'Jiazi Kan water Qiannexing'!"

He shone brightly, his eyes filled with enlightenment:

"Jiazi, Jiazi, firstly means completeness, secondly... the first among all things is called [Jia], and then this [Zi], actually also represents the nine sons of the True Dragon!"

"The so-called 'Jiazi' refers to the first child of all kinds, the 'first of the nine sons'! It is the Eastern Sun Residence! It dominates the 'right position and seize the abyss', and at the same time shakes the Kan Water and Fu Water, so the Kan Water changes, and the two characters Jiazi are born for it!"

"The first of the nine sons pushed his palace into the Kan trigram, thus forming a union. From then on, the dragon kings who vied for the position of ruler of the Kan trigram all had to perform a ritual to replace the Eastern Sun Palace as the Jiazi of the Kan trigram—the first Chizi, and also the [union] left over from the Kan trigram!"

At this moment, Xiao Chuting resolved his great doubts about Kan Shui Xuanming. All his cultivation was connected, and his supernatural powers emitted a thunderous waterfall sound. His voice changed unpredictably in the world, as if it had touched some great supernatural power, twisting and converging into a ball.

If it weren't for the protection of the banished Qi, the Xuanhai Heavenly Thunder should have struck right now!
Shock finally appeared in Yang Gongcao's eyes. He raised his head and looked at the terrifying scene brewing in the dark world. His Yin spirit body was affected by the intense spiritual energy struggle and fluctuated incessantly.

'He...he just...figured it out out of thin air...and he even dared to say it!'

As the terrifying storm brewed, an endless expanse of darkness finally spread out, like a golden beam spanning the sea, calming all the storms. The heavy snow no longer carried intense power, but was instead enveloped in utter silence and darkness.

Xiao Chuting seemed to be standing in a void. Apart from the small patch of snow under his feet, there was nothing else, nothing that could be seen or touched, and his spiritual consciousness was completely empty and dark.

In the stillness, the snow stopped.

Then came the sound of distant footsteps, followed by laughter that gradually grew louder. As they drew closer, human voices were finally heard:
"sharp."

Xiao Chuting turned slightly to the side, and Yang Gongcao beside him had already knelt down on the ground, as humble as an ant. From the endless darkness, a person slowly emerged.

This was a simply dressed old man. He was quite old, but one could still vaguely see the imposing figure he once possessed in his face. Xiao Chuting, being a Purple Mansion cultivator, recognized him instantly.

'Yang Tianya.'

This direct descendant of the Yang family once passed through the Xiao family's territory, and Xiao Chuting, being older, naturally remembered him.

But Xiao Chuting didn't believe he was just Yang Tianya.

This 'old friend' didn't give Xiao Chuting much time to react, but spoke calmly:

"Back then, when Judge Jiang said that you, Xiao Chuting, were a talented person, I never believed it. Now I've finally seen it for myself."

He said calmly:
"The matter of He Shui usurping the throne is not a secret in the eyes of adults, but Bei Jia is concerned about his reputation and has managed to cover it up cleanly. Relying on the slightest clues in the world and his Dao wisdom and cultivation, he has figured out everything out of thin air and been able to expose his true colors..."

The old man finally grinned:
"He's a character."

Xiao Chuting, possessing five supernatural powers, could even sense Yang Gongcao, who was a Yin God. Yet, when faced with the person before him, he only saw emptiness. He didn't investigate further, or rather, he simply didn't care.

He took a step forward and said:
"What you mean is that Xiao Xiu guessed correctly."

Yang Tianya sat down in mid-air, and a dark red wooden table and chair appeared out of nowhere. Almost simultaneously, Yang Gongcao served tea to him, remaining silent and respectful.

Yang Tianya said:

"Sixty percent."

Xiao Chuting remained silent for a moment.

He guessed that the events of Liang Chu back then were not without reason. This was not only due to his understanding of his own Taoist cultivation and the Kan River, but also to his judgment of the situation!
Since Liang Chu suffered a major setback back then, those important figures who were involved back then will most likely interfere with Xiao Chuting's breakthrough this time as well!
'There's still 40% left…'

The man stretched out his hand, blew on the tea, and said:
“Xiao Jinzhou, I know him too. He praises you to the skies, calling you a seed of enlightenment, but he is not as good as you. No matter how high your Dao wisdom is, it will all be in vain in the end.”

Xiao Chuting glanced at him, then bowed and said:
"To the point that he could win the praise of an adult."

Yang Tianya put down his cup, a genuine hint of regret in his eyes, and said:

"pity."

He smiled and said:
"Moreover... Xiao Chuting, even if you are such a prodigy, you still cannot prove it."

Yang Tianya shifted his gaze from him and stared into the darkness in the distance.

His tone was cold and decisive, as if it had already happened.

Xiao Chuting remained unmoved. Even though the person before him was a top-tier Yin God of the Underworld, a powerful being whose words could decide life and death and manipulate the entire Jiangnan region like a chessboard, the judgment of his golden words was like a breeze, lightly brushing past his ears.

He said:

"Since that's the case, sir, you're willing to see me because you want to see the methods used in Cangzhou."

Upon hearing the name Cangzhou, Yang Tianya revealed a strange smile, his face showing a rare human emotion.

It was like irony, yet also like pity.

He said:

"Not only that."

The judge laughed:

"Since you asked Yang Gongcao a question, I'll ask you one in return."

His tone calmed down:
"Xiao Chuting, you must remember the Golden Bridge Lock."

Xiao Chuting lowered his head:
"Naturally remember."

Yang Tianya said:

"The Golden Bridge Lock was originally just a golden lock on the Azure Steps, the gate to the Dao Palace, before the Mysterious Thought Bridge. However, after being guarded by many powerful beings, it gradually acquired mystical properties and eventually became a magical artifact..."

"The Qingyuan Lushui Zhenjun set up the Golden Bridge Lock in the Great Void to prevent the wrathful Dharma Form from responding to the appearance of the Four Wrathful Demon Emperors and rescuing Jingzhan. Secondly, the use of the Golden Bridge Lock was also justified."

He smiled and said:
"After all, the Path of Wrath is the only one of the Seven Aspects that was transformed by a Qingxuan cultivator who entered into Buddhism."

"But Lushui, Xiuyue, and even all the other parties focused on it, causing chaos in the battle, which caused that person to lose control... Because you spoke up to stop it, all the families felt that it was my underworld that interfered."

The judge's voice was light and airy:

"Today, I have to ask you something."

"Who gave you the courage?"

Xiao Chuting stood in the snow, seemingly trapped in endless darkness, yet he remained calm.

Since the Yang family is unwilling to get involved in the Kan River incident, they certainly won't touch Xiao Chuting either; this is nothing more than a test!
Sure enough, seeing that he remained silent, Yang Tianya smiled and said:

"Wangyue Lake."

Xiao Chuting said quietly:
"What you really want to ask is, sir, is who you served back then. As a cultivator of the Kan Water realm, my supernatural powers were weak at the time, and I was ignorant of the bigger picture. I acted on my own initiative and took advantage of the situation to get close to Moon Lake..."

Yang Tianya laughed and interrupted:

"You lack a sense of the bigger picture? You're far too sensible! But Master Xiao, why would Wangyue Lake help you for no reason?"

He gazed into the distance and said softly:

"Although Xuan'an is a fox borrowing the tiger's power, he has the backing of a celestial artifact and is extremely skilled in the mysteries of Taiyin. Otherwise, he would not have been able to deceive the world back then. Hiding is the first ritual of Taiyin. No matter what methods he used on you, you will not be able to see them without even thinking about it."

"Xiao Chuting, have you ever considered that the so-called assistance you receive on the lake is merely a ploy to collude with the dragon and plot against Mingyang?"

"I'm more afraid of not colluding."

Xiao Chuting slightly moved his lips, but the person in front of him already understood. He stood up, waved his hand to stop him, and smiled:
"You've had your suspicions for a while now."

Judge Yang seemed very interested and said:

"You don't trust anyone, yet you've guessed almost everything. Your breakthrough is crucial to Xuancang, Xiuyue, Luoxia, and Yuehu..."

Xiao Chuting said quietly:
"And the underworld of adults."

Judge Yang said:
"Oh?"

The old man adjusted his straw hat and said casually:
“If my pursuit of the Dao in the netherworld is of no use, then Lord Yang would not have the possibility of seeing me alone.”

"There are benefits."

Judge Yang nodded approvingly:

"Of all the families in the world, only the Underworld is not interested in you. We only hope that you will destroy Dalingchuan. We have never interfered in matters related to the Water Virtue. Now that the overall situation is settled and you have given me, Yang, enough benefits, I have no need to disturb your good deeds. If you have any expectations, you don't need to mention them again."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Xiao Chuting's eyes.

The judge before him raised his chin and said quietly:

“But if you can seize all the benefits of Dalingchuan by your own abilities, I may still be able to protect you if you fail.”

Xiao Chuting raised her eyebrows to look at him.

Judge Yang laughed:

"Afterwards, you can enter my Netherworld and become a Yin God, and there is even a possibility of reincarnation and cultivation."

He said:

"There are many in the world who can make this promise. For them, reincarnating a cultivator is troublesome in their own way, but for my Underworld, it is the easiest thing to do."

"You can still seek the Dao again, and there is still a possibility of ascending to the throne."

Xiao Chuting said quietly:
"What does the adult need?"

Judge Yang stared at him:
"Follow the primordial energy, delve into the netherworld, open your mind and let the celestial artifact see your true spirit."

It's not surprising that the Netherworld possesses a celestial artifact. Given that the Netherworld ranks all immortals, there are quite a few who suspect that this thing is a celestial artifact!
Xiao Chuting stared at him for a long time without saying a word.

'This is directed at that sir on the lake.'

The old man's mind raced like lightning; in an instant, he had grasped the overall situation of the world, and his resolve remained unwavering.

What the lake promised was Xiao Chuting's life after he succeeded, while what the underworld promised was his survival after he failed. As seekers of the Dao, how could they not clearly distinguish which was superior and which was inferior!

So they fell silent.

The person in front of him ignored him and continued drinking his tea. After some time, the tea in his cup was empty, and he gently placed it on the mahogany table.
“Master Xiao, we will meet again in the Dalingchuan. I hope that when that time comes, your mind will still be as firm as iron.”

The sound was like a ray of light, illuminating the boundless darkness. The world was bright for a moment, then plunged back into thick darkness. But the man in the straw hat and raincoat had already disappeared from the snow.

Only heavy snow fell from the sky.

Yang Gongcao, who had been waiting for a long time, noticed that the official was still staring blankly into the distance, so he bowed and respectfully said:

"My lord... since he refuses to comply, what preparations should we make...?"

Judge Yang's gaze swept over them, and he said:

"He is building up momentum."

"The 'Kan Water' signifies extreme danger. One must fight one's way out of this danger, seeking the Way without regret or complaint, only then can one be said to have 'positioned amidst danger'!"

"Moreover, they may not necessarily disobey."

The old man's eyes were dark:

"He still needs to rely on Moon Lake, so he can't express his opinion. When he proves his Dao on Dalingchuan and sees you all taking turns to appear, his hopes will be dashed, and he will naturally have to rely on us."

"After all, he has no choice but to believe Xuan Cang's words, whether he likes it or not."

Yang Gongcao pondered for a moment, then said:
"I'm afraid someone won't let him go easily."

"Who? Xuancang? Or Beijia, which can't even reach the mainland?"

The old man sneered:

"Even if the Dragon Clan has a sense of mutual dependence, they can't stop me from within the sea. That golden essence, along with its true spirit, I'm determined to seize..."

"If it weren't for the requirement that only those who have verified the gold can sense the immortal artifact, Li Zhouwei's True Spirit Sunset Glow would never have been given to us, and Xiao Chuting wouldn't have had such an opportunity either!"

Yang Gongcao hesitated and said:

"I'm afraid... he didn't benefit from Wangyue Lake..."

"That's enough."

Judge Yang said quietly:

“I am not afraid of trouble, and besides, this may be quite a big deal. That is True Lord Kan Shui. The lake has exhausted its tricks and cannot let this opportunity pass.”

He stood up, stepped into the snow, and a hint of regret appeared on his face. He said:
"If he truly has the potential to attain enlightenment, it would be an excellent opportunity to test Wu Guang. Unfortunately... we can only settle for second best and investigate the situation on Wangyue Lake."

Yang Gongcao followed with his head bowed, not uttering a word. He had finally begun to relax a little when he suddenly heard the old man's cold voice:
"How much do you know about the relocation of the capital?"

The spirit remained hesitant and tried to change the subject, fearing He would speak, but ultimately could not escape this ordeal. He was chilled to the bone by the question, lowered his head meekly, and respectfully replied:

"Your subordinate... truly had no idea... that it was Prince Wei who conspired with Your Highness... that we were all pushed outside!"

There was a moment of silence amidst the heavy snow, before the man spoke slowly:

"That's because you're incompetent."

Upon hearing this, Yang Gongcao was struck dumb, knelt down, and kowtowed repeatedly, saying:

"My lord! The imperial palace has been moved there completely; it's just a change of location... His Highness hasn't done much, it's just... just... he has ambition!"

"Ambition?"

The judge sneered and said:

"They gave birth to two good-for-nothings, kept in seclusion, and after a hundred years of cultivation, they've never even killed a chicken. One is treacherous and disloyal, while the other is kind and compassionate, but both are soft-hearted and weak-willed. Who can they possibly keep in check!"

"What was supposed to be a proper North-South conflict turned into such a mess on Salt Lake, with you being led by the nose. Even Qi Lanyan could use you as tools. Only Yang Fu was blind back then to pick out such useless people like you and let them live on!"

Yang Gongcao dared not refute, and prostrated himself on the ground. The official, however, was too lazy to argue with him, and said in a cold tone:
"I don't care how you cause trouble, and the Song Dynasty can withstand it. But remember this: the orders of the Netherworld come first. If things get out of hand one day, call me to clean up the mess..."

He sneered:
"Do not blame me for disregarding the consequences of my actions when I was a human being."