The gods began by supporting Guo Jing to become emperor

Chapter 317 Return to Bashu
Song clan.

Shi Zhixuan was wearing a white Confucian robe, holding a folding fan, with slightly gray hair on his temples and a vicissitudes of life in his eyes, like a Confucian scholar who had experienced many things in the world. He sat in the hall and saluted everyone, "Everyone, I am Pei Ju, a Confucian scholar who is valued by the master of the family. In the future, we will be colleagues. Thank you for your guidance."

Song Lu had previously been doing business on behalf of the Song clan and knew of Pei Ju's name. He immediately returned the greeting, "I am Song Lu, nice to meet you, Mr. Pei." He then introduced Pei Ju's background to the civil and military officials of the Song clan behind him.

After listening to him, Song Zhi, Song Shidao and others bowed to him and said, "Hello, Mr. Pei."

Among them, only Kou Zhong was surprised. He had seen this person two days ago and thought he was a villain who had infiltrated the Song family. He did not expect that he would become the guest of his master today. Moreover, this person gave him a very strange feeling, as if he was not just a simple Confucian scholar.

His mind was full of daydreams, but he saluted with everyone else as a sign of courtesy.

Song Que sat at the top, his brows revealing the majesty of a local lord, as the saying goes, where you live changes your spirit and where you stay changes your body, before this, he was just a martial arts master, although he had the title of the lord of the Song clan, he did not participate in the operation of the clan's internal affairs, did not hold power, and sat in the Grinding Knife Hall for decades.

Today, Song Que has virtually taken control of the entire Bashu. The sons of the Song clan and outstanding scholars from various families in Lingnan have been appointed as officials. He is stationed in Chengdu Prefecture, handling government affairs. Even if he does not command the military, he is in charge of government affairs and can regulate yin and yang. With a single stroke of the pen, he can control the fate of countless people. He is awe-inspiring without even getting angry. Even if his time is still short, he is a veritable overlord, far more powerful than the mere title of a clan leader.

After Pei Ju surrendered, he doubted his ability and directly appointed him as the chief secretary of the Zhennan Palace.

Naturally, other people in the Song clan had opinions about Pei Ju's immediate high position, but they were frightened just by looking at Song Que, let alone objecting, and the matter was settled without any fuss.

With Pei Ju's qualifications, only Song Que in the Song clan could surpass him, because he was a minister at the center of power in the Sui Dynasty and had outstanding achievements. Song Que had a deep conversation with him overnight and was even more impressed by the other's talents. In addition to the relationship with Su Ming, he entrusted him with the important task without hesitation.

This is trust and also a test. If Pei Ju can hold on to this position, others will naturally have no objections. If he cannot hold on to this position, there is no need to say more. Of course, with Shi Zhixuan's ability, it is not difficult for him to be a mere chief secretary of a prefecture.

Similarly, this is also a way for Song Que to balance the internal forces of the Song clan.

The beauty of it is not something that can be told to outsiders.

……

“You should not go to Sichuan when you are young, and you should not leave Sichuan when you are old. The scenery of Bashu is perfect for you to spend your old age.”

In the carriage, Lu Miaozi lifted the curtain. On the Chengdu Plain, common people were coming and going, men, women, old and young, all happy and contented. Their toil was filled with a bit of ordinary comfort, and they took a break from their busy schedules, unlike the people in the Central Plains who were constantly busy and exhausted, like tireless mules that would not stop until they died.

Su Ming immediately smiled and said, "That's wrong. Only under a stable regime can Bashu usher in peace and tranquility. In the past few years, bandits in Shu gathered in the mountains, trade routes were cut off, and the people were living in poverty. How could we see such a scene?"

After the three expeditions to Goguryeo, the Sui Dynasty basically lost control of remote areas except for the Guanzhong area, especially places with inconvenient transportation like Sichuan and Guizhou. The actual controller of Bashu at that time was not the government, but the Bashu martial arts world, and the chaotic scene can be seen from this.

Lu Miaozi was stunned for a moment, then nodded, "That's true."

Soon, the carriage drove into Chengdu Prefecture.

……

In front of the Song Mansion, Song Que and Kou Zhong were waiting here early. When they saw the carriage slowly approaching and Su Ming got off, he laughed heartily, "I have received the news a long time ago and ordered people to prepare a banquet. Please come to the table, sir."

Su Ming's eyes swept over Kou Zhong, and seeing his eyes like torches, full of murderous intent, he nodded secretly, "Brother Song, please!"

"please!"

When Lu Miaozi got off the carriage, Song Que first took a look at him, and then looked at Su Ming, only to see the other party showing a mysterious smile, "Let me keep you in suspense for now."

Apart from the core members of the Song family, there were only Shi Zhixuan and Lu Miaozi at the banquet.

As everyone sat down, Song Que picked up his glass and said with a smile, "I haven't seen you for a long time. You are still as elegant as before. I offer you a toast."

Su Ming smiled happily, "I have never changed, but the change of the master of the clan surprised me a lot. Bashu changes with each passing day, which is rare. It is also inseparable from your hard work. Let's drink together."

Everyone present raised their glasses and drank the wine in them.

Then, everyone raised their glasses.

Song Lu was the first to toast Lu Miaozi, "May I know the name of this old gentleman?"

Lu Miaozi picked up the wine glass and said modestly, "I am Lu Miaozi, a wanderer in the mountains and fields, not worth mentioning."

For a moment, the hall fell silent, and no one knew who the other party came from.

Lu Miaozi?
The first person who thought of the origin of this name was not Song Que, nor Song Zhi and others, but Shi Zhixuan. Lu Miaozi was a person who had lived in seclusion for thirty years and was once famous in both Buddhism and Taoism.

However, Shi Zhixuan, as the evil king of the Demon Sect, knew clearly that Lu Miaozi had been good friends with the Evil Emperor Xiang Yutian, and had built Yang Gong's treasury for Yang Su. It was rumored that the Demon Sect's most precious treasure, the Evil Emperor's relic, was in this treasury.

It turned out to be this person. It seems that Su Ming did not lie to me.

Shi Zhixuan lowered his eyes to hide his surprise. Since Lu Miaozi himself was here, Yang Gong's treasure must have been in his hands. It was only a matter of time. The other party's appearance made him feel much more at ease.

Song Que also recalled the other party's identity, but did not say anything.

Seeing that no one said anything, Lu Miaozi felt disappointed and drank the wine in the cup. As soon as he finished, he saw Song Lu, whose hair and beard were all white, looking at him excitedly, "Lu Miaozi? Are you the world's number one craftsman, Lu Miaozi?"

He immediately smiled, and his disappointed look disappeared. "No, no, I am Lu Miaozi, but I am not worthy of being the best craftsman in the world." Although he was humble, his complacency was evident in his words.

Song Zhi also quickly stood up and saluted to Lu Miaozi, "So you are Senior Lu Miaozi who helped Yang Su build Yang Gong's treasury. I am so sorry, so sorry."

Except for Song Que, Shi Zhixuan and Su Ming, the rest of the people present can be regarded as Lu Miaozi's juniors. When he became famous all over the world, these people were just teenagers.

"It's okay. That's all in the past. I'd like to offer a toast to the clan leader." Lu Miaozi toasted Song Que, and Song Que returned the toast solemnly.

After Lu Miaozi finished drinking, his smile became wider. "I have lived in seclusion for thirty years, but I am not far away from the world. I have traveled all over the world. Now the world is in chaos. I thought that only the place where I live can be called a paradise. I didn't expect that this land of Bashu is a rare peaceful year, which is much better than the Guanzhong Great River and the north and south of the river."

"It is a blessing for the people of Bashu to have a clan leader in charge."

Song Que also took the opportunity to recruit him, "Mr. Lu, you are too polite. Song Que just did what he should do. The rise and fall of the world, there is always someone to bear the responsibility. I, Song Que, have no choice but to do my duty. If the Song family can get Mr. Lu's service, it is no less than getting a strong army." Lu Miaozi agreed without saying a word, "Master, you are too polite. Since you think highly of me, an old man, I am also willing to serve the Song family."

"Meet the Valve Master."

"Please get up."

……

With the joining of Lu Miaozi, the atmosphere of the banquet became more and more intense. After three rounds of wine and five dishes, everyone dispersed one after another.

Su Ming also returned to his house. It looked the same as when he left a year ago. Nothing had changed. Obviously, someone had been cleaning the place since he left.

"Song Que is a thoughtful person."

At the same time, a figure slowly walked over to the door, but stopped there without knocking.

Soon, a voice came from the door, "Come in."

With a creaky sound, the gate opened and the man stepped into the yard.

Kou Zhong walked to the door nervously, "Kou Zhong greets the senior."

Suddenly, the door opened by itself, and Su Ming walked out. He glanced at Kou Zhong's sturdy figure and said, "I guessed you would come. Come in."

"Thank you, senior."

As soon as he sat down, Kou Zhong couldn't wait to ask, "Senior, how is Xiaoling now?"

Su Ming raised the corners of his mouth slightly and smiled, "He, he is now a Taoist disciple, traveling in the north, maybe there is a beauty by his side."

"As for you, I see that you are full of murderous aura. I don't know how good your sword skills are. Don't let Ziling outshine you."

Thinking of the rumors he had heard in the past two months, Kou Zhong clenched his fists, making a crackling sound, and a high spirit flashed across his resolute face, "I will not lose to Xiao Ling."

It seemed like he was talking to himself, and it seemed like he was talking to Su Ming.

"I returned from the north and didn't avenge your mother. Can you blame me?"

These few words made Kou Zhong silent. After a long time, he unclenched his fist and his voice became deeper. "Senior, you have your reasons for not killing him. Besides, killing him now would be too easy for him. If you want to kill him, you must kill everyone and wipe out the Yuwen family." The deep words contained a cold murderous intent.

Su Ming raised his eyebrows. This kid had indeed become more murderous. In the original novel, he had forgiven many people who had been hostile to him.

"You need to sharpen your knife. There will be a big battle soon."

Kou Zhong immediately said, "Please rest assured, senior, Kou Zhong will never let you down!"

However, Su Ming just looked at him meaningfully, "I hope so."

It won't be long before the people from the north attack, and the person Kou Zhong will face will probably be Shi Feixuan. He hopes that when he meets the other party, he will still be able to bring himself to kill her!

……

In the mountains and forests, there is a gurgling stream and a large blue stone beside the pool. On the stone stands a man with a handsome face, jade-like eyes and a quiet and calm temperament, just like a calm lake.

Suddenly, the man opened his eyes, and it seemed as if a sword flashed in his eyes. The deep pool that was splashing water suddenly stopped, and then returned to calm. A trace of enlightenment appeared on his face. "It turns out that the core of cultivation is to cultivate spirit, energy and spirit. If the spirit is strong, the blood and qi are full, the skin is tough and the flesh is thick, and the recovery is fast, just like Xiaozhong and I recovered quickly after being injured. If the qi is full, the skills and true qi are strong, and each move is full of vigor, and the speed and strength are doubled. If the spirit is full, the thinking is agile, the understanding is strengthened, and the reaction to the enemy is extremely fast, and you can even understand it with your mind. You can faintly sense the enemy's moves and detect the impending crisis in advance."

"The secret of longevity is to use Qi as the key, to connect the whole body, to integrate Yin and Yang, and to combine movement and stillness. I finally understand why Master asked me to read Taoist scriptures instead of just teaching me to practice Qigong."

The Piaomiao Sword Technique and the Dragon Elephant Prajna Technique that Su Ming taught him can only be used as techniques to protect the Dao, but cannot be used as fundamental methods, because these are not their Dao.

Along the way, Xu Ziling has seen a lot and also understood many truths. Most of the masters of external skills are strong people with great strength and high defense. Their moves are simple and domineering. When they reach a higher level, they can generate pure and domineering internal energy from the outside to the inside. Once they return to their innate state, they will return to the path of practicing Qi.

He knew that this was not a mistake in the external skills, but a limitation of the world. Physical training required sufficient material cultivation, and the cost was much greater than that of Qi training.

After reaching the innate state, the warriors' spirit and energy are majestic and powerful, and they are close to or even reach the limit of the human body. They can predict the enemy's moves and release powerful energy at will. They have a long lifespan and can be called true immortals on earth. These are grand masters, such as Fu Cailin and others.

Among the three elements of essence, energy and spirit, the enhancement of essence and energy tends to the cultivation of essence and energy, and when essence is full, it turns into energy, and when energy is full, it produces essence. All of these can be gradually brought to perfection through the practice of internal and external martial arts, reaching the limit of the human body. It is a method of action, and even a practice of the intersection of existence and non-existence.

At this time he thought of his battle with Du Fuwei. He had made rapid progress before, but was stuck at the innate level. The reason was that his spirit was insufficient. However, spirit is not so easy to increase and cultivate. It is difficult to rely on external objects. One must not obtain anything, but must see one's nature. To put it bluntly, it depends on enlightenment.

Without sufficient understanding, it is difficult to attain the great way.

Therefore, countless Taoist practitioners have summarized the right path of cultivating both nature and life, that is, "exhausting the principles, fulfilling the nature, and reaching the life", which means that in the process of cultivation, one should pay equal attention to cultivating the mind, improving the state of mind, seeing through the world, abandoning illusions, and even achieving the unity of heaven and man. The spirit resides in the heart and guides the heart. The heart and the spirit influence each other. When the mind is clear and the nature is seen, and the wisdom is clear, the spirit will merge with the void and be endless.

Unfortunately, he has seen a lot of things, has not practiced for long, and has not experienced much. It is difficult for him to transform these things into his own spiritual insights in a short period of time. He can only rely on life-and-death battles to hone his abilities and break through his limits.

He could find the connection between these things from the Book of Immortality. As his practice became more advanced, the oracle bone inscriptions that he had not recognized before reappeared in his mind. Although he did not understand the words, he knew their meaning. This was also a mysterious thing.

Suddenly, there was a sound of breaking air in the forest. He jumped and dodged a leaf. He looked down and saw the leaf sinking into the big bluestone. The familiar method made him helpless.

"Come out."

Wanwan gracefully descended from the treetops, her pretty face full of smiles, "Hehe, Senior Brother, why are you running?"

Xu Ziling felt a headache on his forehead. "Ms. Wanwan, how long have you been pursuing me? What do you like about me? Can't I change it?"

Wanwan said jokingly, "You don't have to change it, just follow me back to the Holy Gate."

(End of this chapter)