Apprenticeship at Qingcheng Mountain, Senior Brother Yu Canghai

Chapter 234 Yu Wenhuaji Arrives
On the canal a hundred miles away from Yangzhou City.

Yu Wenzhi stood at the bow of the warship, looking at both sides of the canal.

At this time, the sky was slightly bright, and a dazzling rainbow light appeared from the horizon and gradually rose, bringing dawn to the world.

The banks of the canal that kept passing by behind him, as well as the five warships traveling with him, made him feel in high spirits and thought that the world was just like this.

Yu Wenzhi was about thirty years old, tall and thin, with long hands and feet, a rugged face, a cold expression, and a pair of deep and unfathomable eyes. He gave people the impression of being ruthless and cold, but also had a domineering aura that shocked people.

"Shihe, how long will it take to get to Yangzhou City?"

Yu Wenzhi didn't even turn his head, with his hands behind his back, and asked his confidant Zhang Shihe who had just walked out of the cabin behind him.

These five ships were called the Wuya warships, and were built under the personal supervision of Yang Su, a founding hero of the Sui Dynasty. Each ship had five floors on its deck, and was twelve feet high. Each ship could accommodate eight hundred soldiers.

The five masts on the ship were fully sailed, and the fleet was heading towards Yangzhou downstream of the canal at a speed as fast as galloping horses.

They came from Luoyang and were originally going to tour Jiangdu with Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty, but were sent to Yangzhou by Yang Guang halfway to help him seize the "Secret of Immortality".

"In just over an hour, we will reach Yangzhou, Steward."

Zhang Shihe bowed behind him.

"Have you found out the whereabouts of the Secret of Immortality?"

Yu Wenzhi asked again.

"I have inquired clearly. According to the information provided by His Majesty, the 'Eternal Life Secret' is in the hands of Shi Long, the number one martial artist in Yangzhou. However, for some reason, Shi Long was only considered a first-rate martial artist in the martial arts world. However, in the past two years, his martial arts skills have improved by leaps and bounds. He has become a congenital martial artist and has defeated many martial artists who have challenged him. Now he is known as the number one martial artist in Jiangnan. Could it be that he has really mastered the 'Eternal Life Secret'?"

Zhang Shihe said in a somewhat puzzled tone.

"Oh?"

Yu Wenzhi frowned when he heard this. He turned around and said, "Perhaps the rumor that the Secret of Immortality can make people immortal is just a rumor. It is actually a powerful martial arts secret book?"

He originally didn't believe in the "Secret of Immortality".

As for the task assigned to him by Yang Guang, he only thought that it was laughable that the emperor was obsessed with the Taoist alchemy technique of immortality.

If there really is a magical art of immortality in the world, there should be immortal people long ago. However, among the Taoist sages, no one has ever heard of anyone who can achieve immortality.

But if "The Secret of Immortality", one of the four great books widely circulated in the martial arts world and said to make people immortal, is actually a more powerful martial arts secret book, he can still accept it.

"I don't know."

Zhang Shihe shook his head.

"Any other news?"

Yu Wenzhi asked again.

"Two years ago, a young Taoist priest appeared beside the stone dragon. It was said that he was a good friend of the stone dragon. He and the stone dragon lived together in a manor outside Yangzhou City. It is not clear how good his martial arts skills were."

Zhang Shihe said again.

"Taoist priest?"

Yu Wenzhi frowned when he heard this: "Have you found out any information about the young Taoist priest? Could he be related to Ning Daoqi, one of the three great masters in the world?"

Zhang Shihe shook his head: "I haven't found any information about the young Taoist priest. It seems that he suddenly appeared. He came to Yangzhou City two years ago, but he should not be Ning Daoqi's disciple or descendant. I have never heard of the rumor that Ning Daoqi accepted a disciple."

Yu Wenzhi's tone relaxed: "Since he is not Ning Daoqi's disciple, it is not surprising."

Even though that "Mountain Pusher" Shi Long is an innate master, he has only just entered the innate stage.

Although he was not among the top masters of the innate realm, he felt that he was much stronger than Shilong, who had just entered the innate realm.

What's more, this time he brought three thousand imperial guards. These three thousand imperial guards were familiar with military formations, and he felt that capturing the stone dragon would be an easy task.

"Pass my order, move forward at full speed. We must reach our destination at 9:00 p.m. The influence of the "Shilong Martial Arts Field" is spread all over Jiangnan. Maybe the news of our arrival has been known to the other party in advance, and they have already responded in time."

Yu Wenzhi gave the order.

"As you command, sir."

Zhang Shihe went down to pass on the order.

When the message came back, Zhang Shihe bowed to Yu Wenhuaji who was standing at the bow and said, "Congratulations, General Manager. This time I found the "Eternal Life Secret" for His Majesty, which is another great achievement."

Yu Wenzhi said calmly: "Go down and do your work."

Seeing that his flattery didn't seem to have much effect on Yu Wenzhi, Zhang Shihe had no choice but to leave.

After Zhang Shihe left, Yu Wenzhi kept muttering the word "stone dragon" to himself.

"In recent years, as I have gained more power and influence, I have rarely fought with others!"

Thinking about coming to Yangzhou this time and fighting against others again after a long time, Yu Wenzhi looked up at the sky, and his originally calm heart gradually became hot.

"The emperor has been investigating for more than ten years and finally found out that the book fell into the hands of Shi Long, who was known as the best "Mountain Pusher" in Yangzhou. It's ridiculous that Shi Long hoped to survive by getting the book, but died because of it. It's really ironic..."

Yu Wenzhi was alone on the bow of the ship, with an unfathomable smile flashing in his eyes.

……

Outside Yangzhou city.

In the manor.

Ever since Shi Long came over yesterday and told Chu Yuan about Yu Wenzhi leading his men straight to Yangzhou, the two of them discussed it and decided unanimously to wait for Yu Wenzhi's arrival in the manor.

On the surface, Yu Wenzhi came for the stone dragon, but in fact he came for the "Secret of Immortality".

But as early as two years ago, Shi Long gave "The Secret of Immortality" to Chu Yuan.

In other words, Yu Wenzhi came for Chu Yuan.

Shi Long felt that Chu Yuan was indebted to him, and that Yu Wenzhi probably came for the "Eternal Life Secret". Chu Yuan's arrival not only saved him, but also took the blame for him, so he decided to stay and join forces with Chu Yuan to deal with Yu Wenzhi.

Although Chu Yuan was confident that he could deal with Yu Wenzhi alone, Shi Long also had good intentions, so he did not refuse.

"Speaking of which, I wonder what Master Shi's plans are for the future?"

Chu Yuan and Shi Long were playing chess in the yard when Chu Yuan asked Shi Long.

Since he knew that Yu Wenzhi was coming, he didn't plan to practice anymore. It would not be too late to continue practicing after he had dealt with Yu Wenzhi.

"Does Taoist Qingyang have any advice?"

Shi Long asked Chu Yuan.

To be honest, although he was known as the best master in Yangzhou before, he was just a small figure in the world.

By chance, he obtained the "Secret of Immortality" and then lived in seclusion in a manor on the outskirts of Yangzhou, devoting himself to studying the "Secret of Immortality". He handed over the management of the "Shilong Martial Arts Field" he founded to his disciples, leaving it to fend for itself.

After Chu Yuan arrived, he stopped studying the "Eternal Life Secret" and put the "Stone Dragon Martial Arts Field" back on track.

Chu Yuan played with white pieces, and his chess skills were only average, not particularly great.

The same goes for Shi Long. He used all of his few talents in martial arts.

After Chu Yuan placed a piece on the chessboard, he looked up at Shi Long and said, "Now the world is in turmoil and chaos is imminent. If Master Shi can take advantage of the chaos and occupy a corner, he will be a hero in the world."

Although Shi Long remained calm on the surface when he heard this, he was shocked in his heart.

He used to only focus on practicing martial arts and never thought about conquering the world.

Mainly because of his identity, he is not qualified to think about such questions.

However, as his martial arts skills have now reached the level of a congenital master, the influence of the "Shilong Martial Arts Field" has spread from Yangzhou in the beginning to the whole of Jiangnan.

I am indeed qualified to think about this kind of question.

Because he is a congenital master, he is considered a master who is famous throughout the world.

Shi Long pondered, and the chess piece in his hand was still not dropped: "Young Master Chu, do you want me to go and compete for the world?"

Chu Yuan shook his head: "Whether you fight for world domination or not, you must occupy the existing base. If you don't occupy it, someone else will."

In the original plot, Shilong died at the hands of Yu Wenzhi, needless to say.

Now that he has become a congenital master, he has the capital to compete for the world.

And he remembered that in the original plot, Jiangnan seemed to be occupied by Du Fuwei.

Now that Yang Guang is still alive, the world is not in chaos, and Du Fuwei has not yet gained power, if Shi Long can find supporters and raise a large army, he might be able to divide Jiangnan with Du Fuwei.

If worst comes to worst, Jianghuai will do!

Shi Long fell silent after hearing this. He felt a little annoyed and didn't know what to do.

In the past, he was just a small figure who had a little better luck and got the "Secret of Immortality" by chance, and he had never thought about this problem.

Who knew that after meeting Chu Yuan, he would be qualified to compete for the world.

Seeing Shi Long's embarrassment, Chu Yuan said, "Don't worry, Master Shi, think about it first. I am just suggesting it. Wait until you have thought it over. You don't have to answer me. Anyway, this matter concerns your future destiny. Whether you are willing or not, just think it through."

Shilong nodded and said, "I understand. I will think it over carefully."

At this moment, Chu Yuan's right hand, which was about to make a move, stopped in mid-air and did not fall down for a long time.

Shi Long reminded Chu Yuan: "Master Qingyang, it's your turn."

Chu Yuan looked at Shi Long: "I know, but there are guests outside the manor."

Following Chu Yuan's reminder, Shi Long also looked outside the manor gate, because he felt a strong sense of uneasiness in his heart.

Shi Long asked, "Could it be that Yu Wenzhi has arrived?"

Chu Yuan also looked outside the manor: "Maybe!"

At the same time, outside the manor, about a hundred feet away from the manor, Yu Wenzhi, who was about to walk into the manor, suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong, steward, why don't you leave?" Zhang Shihe, his trusted confidant behind him, also stopped and asked.

"There is an expert in the manor, and he has discovered me."

Yu Wenzhi said with a serious expression.

He sensed the aura of the two masters in the manor ahead. In his perception, both energies were not weak. Although one was weak and the other was strong, they were both auras that only innate masters possessed.

"What should we do, butler?"

Zhang Shihe said with some fear.

The other party must be quite skilled in martial arts to be able to spot them from such a distance.

"Let's go. We can only sense the energy roughly, but we have to see the real result with our own hands."

Yu Wenhua and Tao.

If victory or defeat could be determined solely by the strength of one's Qi, there wouldn't be so many fights and conflicts in the martial arts world.

However, if there are two innate masters in Shilong’s manor, it means that Zhang Shihe did not get the clear information at the beginning.

"There are two innate masters inside, Zhang Shihe, you have failed in your duty."

Yu Wenzhi said in a cold tone.

Zhang Shihe was so frightened that his face turned pale.

He begged for mercy hesitantly: "Boss...Boss, I know I was wrong, please spare my life."

Yu Wenzhi said: "Let's do the work first, and we'll deal with the rest when we get back."

Then he led his men and continued walking towards the manor. After Zhang Shihe came to his senses, he looked nervous and could only follow.

They walked along the winding ridges of the fields, where there were common people working in the fields, wearing tattered linen and cloth clothes. They saw that Yu Wenzhi and his group were dressed in fine clothes, and they were either high-ranking officials or nobles.

Fear rose in their hearts and they dared not speak at all. They could only lower their heads deeply, wishing they could bury their heads in the ground, for fear that Yu Wenzhi and others would notice them and bring them into trouble.

Fortunately, Yu Wenzhi’s target was not them.

Soon, Yu Wenzhi brought several of his trusted aides to the gate of Shilong's manor.

He was just about to ask his confidant Zhang Shihe to knock on the door. Since the other party had already discovered them, it would be a luxury for him to sneak in and suddenly capture the other party.

It would be better to be open and aboveboard and just go up and knock on the door.

At this moment, the gate of the courtyard opened without wind, and a young voice came from the courtyard: "Dear guest, please come in."

Yu Wenzhi glanced at Zhang Shihe and the others and said, "You guys wait outside, I will go in by myself."

Zhang Shihe said worriedly, "Manager, there are two innate masters inside. If you go in alone, will it be dangerous?"

Yu Wenzhi asked Zhang Shihe, "If you come in with me, can you help me?"

Zhang Shihe was silent for a while.

They are all strategists themselves, and in terms of martial arts, they are basically the same as having no martial arts skills.

If there really are two innate masters inside, it makes no difference whether they enter or not.

Zhang Shihe looked sad, he knew that he had indeed failed in his duty.

If the steward had found out earlier that there were two innate masters between Shi Long and his companions, he would have definitely been more prepared and brought more masters with him, instead of taking the risk of going alone like he was doing now.

After mocking his confidant Zhang Shihe, Yu Wenzhi walked into the manor alone.

Since Yang Guang has sent him to seize the "Secret of Immortality", he must get it no matter what and bring it back to present to Yang Guang.

To his surprise, after walking in, Yu Wenzhi found that there were two people in the yard, sitting under the shade of a locust tree in the yard playing chess.

A man in his early forties, dressed in tight clothes, looks like Shi Long, the best martial artist in Jiangnan.

A young Taoist priest about sixteen or seventeen years old, with his hair tied up in a hairpin and wearing a dark Taoist robe.

They both looked at me quietly as I walked into the manor.

"Are you Shilong, the Mountain Pusher?"

Yu Wenhua asked.

"Yes, I am."

Shilong nodded.

"I am Yu Wenzhi, the chief of the Imperial Guards. Brother Shi, you have been very troublesome. You have obtained the longevity manual that is coveted by all the Taoists, but you did not present it to the emperor, which made him unhappy. I am a salaried person and can only run errands for you. Let me see if Brother Shi is a knowledgeable and interesting person!"

Yu Wenzhi looked at the stone dragon and said.

"General Manager Yuwen wants me to present the Secret of Immortality to His Majesty, but I'm sorry it's difficult to do so."

Shilong shook his head.

Because he had someone backing him up, Shi Long was not afraid of Yu Wenzhi, so he did not deny that the "Secret of Immortality" was in his hands.

Yu Wenzhi's face changed: "Brother Shi, I'm giving you a chance, don't make the mistake of cherishing it."

At this time, Chu Yuan said beside him: "Master Shi can't give it to me, because the "Eternal Life Secret" is not in his hand, but in my hand."

Seeing Chu Yuan talking, Yu Wenzhi turned his attention to Chu Yuan: "Who are you?"

Chu Yuan said: "The leader of Qingcheng Sect is Qingyang."

Yu Wenzhi frowned: "Qingcheng Sect..."

He had never heard of this sect.

He couldn't help but wonder in his heart, could this be the rare and hidden Taoist sect?

Chu Yuan continued, "Master Shi has already given me the Secret of Immortality. If Chief Steward Yuwen wants the Secret of Immortality, just ask for it from me."

Yu Wenzhi suddenly said: "You are another innate master in this manor..."

Chu Yuan nodded: "Yes, it's me."

As he spoke, he took the Secret of Immortality from his arms and raised it towards Yu Wenzhi: "The Secret of Immortality is right here. If you want it, come and get it yourself!"

When Yu Wenzhi saw Chu Yuan's age and appearance, a trace of disbelief flashed through his heart.

A teenage master of innate talent!

How can this be?

Simply unheard of.

Yu Wenzhi's eyes fell on the "Eternal Life Secret" in Chu Yuan's hand: "I will give you a chance. If you are willing to personally present the "Eternal Life Secret" to His Majesty, I will definitely ask the Emperor for a reward for you."

He had a liking for Chu Yuan.

The most important thing is that if Chu Yuan is willing, he can get the "Eternal Life Secret" without bloodshed and go back to report to Yang Guang.

In addition, the combination of Chu Yuan and Shi Long, two innate masters, put tremendous pressure on him.

Although he believed that there were very few people in the world who could defeat him after he had mastered the family martial art "Xuan Bing Jin", the two innate masters did put him under great pressure.

Chu Yuan saw through Yu Wenzhi's intention and laughed for a moment: "I have heard that the Yuwen family is one of the four major families in the world, and the Yuwen chief steward is the most powerful master besides the head of the family, Yuwen Shang. If you want to defeat the enemy without fighting, you are making a wrong calculation."

What is the difference between joining Yang Guang now and joining the National Army in 1949?
Maybe even the Yuwen family has begun to think about rebelling against the Sui Dynasty!

With the failure of the three expeditions to Goguryeo, Yang Guang went on a tour to Jiangdu. Chaos was about to break out in the world, and Yang Guang was not far from death!

In fact, there are so many powerful families in the world now, and Yang Guang, the nominal emperor, has almost no area under his jurisdiction. Even the Yuwen family under his command has shown rebellious intentions towards him.

If he offered the "Secret of Immortality" at this time, not only would he not get any benefits or rewards in return, but he might even have to rescue Yang Guang when the time comes.

If Yang Guang was a normal emperor, he would have waited until he had comprehended the "Secret of Immortality" and presented it to Yang Guang in exchange for Yang Guang's reward and support.

But the key point is that Yang Guang is not.

"Forget it, it seems that we still have to take action."

After hearing Chu Yuan's words, Yu Wenzhi knew that Chu Yuan had no intention of handing over the "Eternal Life Secret", and his eyes turned cold.

Then he punched the two of them through the air.

It was the height of summer and the weather was scorching hot. Since it hadn't rained in Yangzhou for some time, the ground was cracked and dried out during the day.

But as Yu Wenzhi's punch came, the whole yard became cool and cold.

It was like going from midsummer to cold winter in an instant. The air was filled with biting cold, and in some places on the ground, frost formed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Ordinary people would have already been shivering from the cold.

Chu Yuan and Shi Long were both innate masters, so the icy energy from Yu Wenzhi's fist had little effect on them.

Seeing Yu Wenzhi taking action, Chu Yuan stood up and walked out of the shade of the locust tree without any haste.

boom!
As Chu Yuan stood up, a powerful stream of fiery true energy spread out in all directions with Chu Yuan's body as the center.

The cold around them and the frost on the ground dissipated at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the yard returned to its original scorching heat.

The power of Yu Wenzhi's fist was reduced by several times, and the power was reduced by 70% to 80%.

When the last bit of the punch was about to hit Chu Yuan, Chu Yuan just lightly pointed out with his left hand, and the punch was offset.

"How can this be!"

Yu Wenzhi opened his eyes wide, looking at the incredible scene in front of him, he exclaimed in surprise.

Ever since he mastered the "Xuan Bing Jin", he has never encountered such an incredible situation!

(End of this chapter)