Beichen Sword Sect's Headmaster's Secret Records

Chapter 375 Linglong Pavilion

The way of the Sword Sect is to fight, to contend, and to risk one's life.

Huangfu Yi won, and in return for Zhang San's life, he received a plaque, a stick, a copy of "The Northern Star Divine Qi Refining and Sword Casting Manual"... and a horse.

However, to be honest, Zhang San did have a chance to win, at least three times.

After all, those three thrusts were truly masterful. If they had been delivered recklessly, risking one's life for another, even Huangfu Yi wouldn't have been confident he could have withstood them; he might have been the one to fall to the sword.

But to be honest, Huangfu Yi had just finished fighting the Six Doors, and he was covered in blood with his skin torn and bleeding. He didn't look like he could fight for long. If he delayed any longer, he might run out of energy and bleed to death, and be slaughtered at will. Why risk his life?

So ultimately, the sword was in Zhang San's own hand. His sword was too slow, so he lost and then died.

The fate of a swordsman is nothing more than this.

Huangfu Yi flipped through the Qi Refining Manual. After all, it was a Xuanmen Qi cultivation technique. With the guidance of the general outline of the pirated Heavenly Book he had some things on hand, he didn't find it too difficult. Following the example, he condensed a divine Qi sword.

He tried to infuse the iron plate with the Divine Qi of the Sword, opened the storage token, and took out some clean robes and pancakes. Finally, Huangfu Yi was able to change and take a breather, as no one was disturbing him.

Looking up at the sky, Huangfu Yi saw that the madwoman had snatched the sword and fled north. He could no longer sense her presence, and the blue sky and white clouds no longer showed any trace of the azure glow. Looking at the iron plaque in his hand, Huangfu Yi pondered for a moment.

There are priorities, and eliminating the Blood Demon is the most important task. Although the Soaring Sword is powerful, it should be given a later priority.

Besides, although he lost his precious sword, he couldn't break his promise. He had to at least send Pei Yuhan to Jiuyin Mountain to settle the matter.

That girl had a dog with her all the time. If she were to die on the way and her body were never found, the karmic debt she would incur would be enormous.

Thinking of this, Huangfu Yi no longer hesitated. He simply noted down the matter of taking off and continued westward along the plank road, heading straight towards Qianyang City.

Of the three capitals of the Heavenly King, Qiandu is one, a powerful and influential town, where only the virtuous can reside. It controls the mountains and rivers, sits on the shoulders of the world, guards the heavens and the earth, and is a vital strategic pass.

As early as the era of the Immortal Venerable, Beidu Qianyang was the royal city guarding the northern border, ranking among the three capitals of the Immortal Emperor, the armory of the Immortal King, and the permanent seat of the Emperor. It was here that the Immortal Venerable gathered his army, stationed troops on the plains of the Qianzhou Basin, transported grain directly from Sizhou via the Qian River, and relied on the strategic terrain of Qianzhou, which was surrounded by mountains on three sides and had eight passes, as a forward base. It could advance and retreat as needed, launching repeated attacks and finally sweeping away the demon's lair and monstrous cave in the north.

However, in a place like Qianzhou, where powerful armies abound and where only kings and tyrants reside, if they were to march down the river, their forces could reach the capital in a matter of days. Without the abilities of a Celestial Venerable, it would be impossible to control them.

Therefore, whenever there was internal strife within the Celestial Palace, Qianzhou would frequently raise troops to rebel and get involved. Later, a mysterious woman suddenly appeared out of the mountains, conquered Qianyang, attacked the throne of the Supreme God, and seized the bird's throne. Qianzhou was no longer part of the Celestial Palace.

Under heaven, all land belongs to the emperor. The Immortal Palace naturally could not swallow this insult. Throughout the dynasties, they launched campaigns against the Immortal Palace year after year, and even reached the gates of Qianyang City on several occasions. However, the people of the Xuanmen Sect have been evolving and upgrading in the face of these attacks. In each generation, a large number of exceptionally talented individuals have emerged, creating a whole host of strange and wonderful killing techniques. They utilize the high mountains, dense forests, and treacherous terrain to conduct special guerrilla warfare.

In contrast, the Immortal Palace has not only made no progress, but is still relying on its old Gangquan technique. In the later stages, it didn't even dare to enter the mountain pass. The repeated defeats at the front made the Three Enclosures Court increasingly wary and suspicious of the soldiers on the front, suspecting that they were hoarding troops and wanted to follow the old ways of the Demonic Sect. In the end, they felt more and more that the sons of noble families were the ones they could rely on.

As a result, the positions of high-ranking officials were increasingly passed down through blood relations and were completely monopolized by the immortal clans who supported each other through marriage and self-recommendation. The traditional channels through which border guards could rise to the rank of general or prime minister by protecting their homes and country, slaying demons and seizing heads, and earning military merits were almost completely cut off.

As time has passed and years have gone by, the world has become chaotic and turbulent. Ultimately, after Qianzhou, the immortal soldiers of Duizhou, Kanzhou, and Genzhou also rebelled one after another. This forced the powerful clans to coerce the imperial court and flee to the Southern Capital.

On the contrary, Qianyang City is located in the heart of the country, surrounded by mountains, with natural barriers, and is protected by numerous major sects. It is rarely plagued by demons and monsters, and is a place of peace, prosperity and tranquility.

As Huangfu Yi rode alone, gazing towards Qianyang City in the distance, dusk was falling. The setting sun cast its golden rays upon the mountains, revealing a vast town nestled among three mountains, facing the plains to the south. From north to south, the Qian River flowed through the city like a silver ribbon, its riverside paths spreading across the expansive land like tree roots. Carriages and horses thronged the area, countless people thronged, wisps of smoke rose like veils, and countless lights twinkled like stars. It was just as the poem described: "The setting sun paints the mountains purple with the colors of a thousand forests, and ants swarm back from the ferry crossing." The clear creaking of oars echoed in the middle of the river, and geese took flight in flocks on the sandy shore.

Such a massive town would be easy for anyone with ambitions to conquer the Central Plains and establish a powerful empire. However, it's a pity that the people of the Xuanmen sect have been led astray by the Xuan Nu. They only think about becoming kings and conquerors, and nothing compares to becoming immortals, attaining longevity, and living a carefree and joyful life. So they focus on cultivation and enlightenment and have lost interest in the mortal world.

Although Qianyang City is strategically located and has a basin plain for farming and raising troops, there are no rare natural treasures around it, and the earth veins and minerals have long been exhausted. Therefore, there are no famous sects or clans around it. It is similar to Jiangzhou in that the local gentry work together to maintain order, and many independent cultivators and cultivation families live together. Occasionally, people from the mountains will come out to trade.

After entering the city, Huangfu Yi went to the local Weiyuan Escort Agency to inquire about the Pei family's caravan and ask about Pei Yuhan's current whereabouts.

After all, he was an outsider, and the escort agency wouldn't completely believe him if he suddenly asked about the caravan's whereabouts. However, they still agreed to immediately send a carrier pigeon to contact Jiangzhou and asked him to come back in two days for news. Huangfu Yi had no choice but to stay at a nearby inn for the time being, but there happened to be a Fairy Market nearby, so he went to take a look.

In a place like Qianzhou, there are immortal lineages everywhere. Even if you are a true orthodox sect and you cherish your sect's secrets, aren't there still wild and unorthodox cultivators, family traditions of cultivation, and things that have flowed out from heretical sects?

Moreover, even though the Xuanmen sect is strict about the management of true secret manuals, other items are not too bad. Outer disciples, sect elders, and Daoist partners and disciples can all obtain various cultivation resources by completing sect tasks. Any surplus items can naturally be exchanged.

The Five Arts of Xuanmen emphasize diligent study and practice, striving for perfection. Therefore, many Xuanmen practitioners make a lot of elixirs, talismans, and magical artifacts to hone their skills. They only need to use the most refined natal magic weapon, and they will trade the others for materials when they are updated.

Therefore, the Immortal Market in Qianyang City was truly magnificent. The entire market was arranged in a nine-palace eight-trigram formation, displaying a dazzling array of rare and precious materials, spiritual fruits and rare treasures, divine martial arts manuals, elixirs and magical artifacts. It broadened the horizons of Huangfu Yi, a country bumpkin, leaving him overwhelmed and reluctant to leave.

Of course, if judged by systemic standards, these things sold at stalls are utterly worthless and not even worth a second glance – they're just "garbage!"

However, even garbage has its uses. After all, for a mere scumbag seeking medical treatment, some garbage is enough. If it really comes down to something more serious, you might get injured and still not find the right medicine.

"It's just some superficial injury, nothing serious."

This Five Spirits Meridian-Continuing Pill is specifically for treating internal injuries to the meridians. Take three pills three times a day, after meals, with water.

Ziyang Rejuvenating Pill strengthens the body and consolidates the vital energy. Every day during meditation, one pill should be held under the tongue and swallowed to nourish the vital energy.

Ganlu Di'e San stops bleeding and disinfects. It is used in conjunction with Xuanshuang Shengji Gao for both external and internal application. After mixing well, apply it to the wound twice a day, morning and evening.

Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol.

"Thank you, senior."

Huangfu Yi waited in line for half a day at the clinic in Xianfang before a famous doctor in the area finally took his pulse by threading a needle. He quickly handed over a pile of silver coins.

The doctor, who had come from the mountains and had been through a lot of trials, usually encountered a bunch of people with kidney deficiency and qi depletion who wanted to have children for a lot of money. So when a real person with a serious bone injury suddenly appeared, he became interested and casually offered a few more words of advice.

"Fellow Daoist, your foundation is solid, your internal strength is pure, and your breathing and qi circulation are precise and disciplined. Even people in the mountains rarely have such solid skills as you. You are clearly trained by a master."

However, you don't even understand the basics of alchemical formulas and pharmacology. It seems you are still learning and haven't received the true teachings yet. You should find a sacred mountain to become a disciple as soon as possible, so as not to miss the opportunity and waste your chance.

"Furthermore, the karmic consequences of the 'Soldier-Repelling Coins' are too heavy. Usually, one coin can be exchanged for a magical treasure. Carrying too many will easily attract calamities and endless troubles. You should distribute them as soon as possible and exchange them for Qi-Replenishing Pills, Blood-Returning Pills, and Divine Coins." "I see, thank you for your guidance."

Touching the heavy pile of silver coins in his arms, Huangfu Yi realized how that crazy woman had found him.

These silver ingots and knife-shaped coins are the immortal currency issued and used internally by members of the Xuanmen sect. It is said that they were originally tools for warding off evil spirits and ghosts. Later, the true masters of the Xuanmen sect gave them to the outer disciples and children to offset karma and exchange for cultivation materials. Originally, they were not circulated outside the Xuanmen sect.

However, later, the demon tide rose again in the north, and there were simply too many demons and monsters. Even rogue cultivators could obtain some demon materials. In order to collect rare and precious materials, the various sects of the Xuanmen relaxed their rules and agreed to exchange some basic cultivation techniques and secret manuals. As a result, the Bibingqian (a type of currency) gradually flowed into the folk and was used specifically for trading rare and precious materials. It was far more valuable than the privately minted and poorly issued Immortal Palace Divine Coins of today.

If we were to exchange it for Foundation Establishment Pills or similar rare and precious materials, the value of one Sword-Repelling Coin would fluctuate between 100,000 and 1 million coins. Thinking about it that way, wasn't it actually quite reasonable for that senior brother to throw out such a large sum of money for his sword?
However, having killed the person and taken the money, Huangfu Yi was too lazy to dwell on it. Leaving the clinic, he strolled through the market, looking around to see if there was anything else he could trade. After all, such a large city couldn't be entirely made up of junk…

"Something!"

Sure enough, the system popped up again.

"Is there really something? Where is it?"

Following the system's guidance, Huangfu Yi found his way to the center of the market. He looked up and saw a tall building with colorful auspicious clouds covering its top and five-colored precious light shining in all directions. Under the vermilion and gold-painted eaves, a gilded plaque hung with the words "Nine Heavens Exquisite Pavilion". Even the brocade-maned lions guarding the entrance were clearly great auspicious beasts that had formed their core. Even a blind man would know that this was a place for the wealthy to spend their money. He hesitated for a moment.

The system replied, "What are you afraid of! Are you short of money, or do you lack a sword?"

Well, that makes sense, but if you can give me the money, then give me the money first...

So Huangfu Yi walked towards the Linglong Pavilion, casually tossing a coin to the lion blocking his way. The lion immediately retreated, realizing its mistake. Just as he lifted the beaded curtain, he heard the sweet, melodious voice of a nightingale from inside, like shattered jade being thrown onto a plate.
"Oh, I wonder which immortal mountain you are from, that you have the leisure to grace my Linglong Pavilion with your presence."

Huangfu Yi looked up and saw a woman emerge from behind a sandalwood screen painted with large clusters of peonies. Upon closer inspection, the woman was voluptuous, with skin as white as jade, exquisite eyebrows and eyes, captivating gaze, and cherry-like lips; her figure and appearance were truly eye-catching.

After all, whether it's a demonic palace or a demonic sect, female cultivators who aspire to immortality mostly seek to preserve their youth and maintain a beautiful appearance, thus paying particular attention to skincare and beauty. The owner of this Linglong Pavilion must at least possess the True Person realm to gain a foothold in Qianyang City, so her outstanding appearance is only natural.

What truly shocked and amazed Huangfuyi was her outfit.

Her hair was adorned with a gold phoenix hairpin, dangling with twenty-four South China Sea pearls. She wore a brocade cloak with a gold peacock pattern, the hem of which was embroidered with eight flowers and eight colors, shimmering with golden light with the slightest movement. At her waist hung a belt, which was paired with a Hetian white jade double fish pendant, a gold-inlaid and jeweled Qiankun bag, a purple-gold eight-treasure glass cup, and countless other rare and precious treasures.

Her ten slender fingers were made of millennia-old cold iron, and she wore a jade bracelet with a gold dragon pattern and a phoenix red gold ruby, making her look like a walking treasure chest. She was ridiculously rich...

"Hehe, Daozi, if you stare at me like that, I'll get shy."

The proprietress of Linglongxuan sat down on the bed, flipped her slender fingers, and took out a Kunlun jade pipe to play with.

Huangfu Yi also came to his senses. He figured that since the other party was so wealthy, it was no wonder he had something. So he took out the bag of money for warding off soldiers from his pocket.

"I'm here to buy something."

The proprietress gave a half-smile.
"Avoidance money? Daozi, don't joke around. These things are just made by mountain people to settle karma."

If you take one out to exchange, he might have the time to help you out.

But if you actually dare to pull out a gun, he might as well just kill you. I don't want that troublesome thing.

"Uh, what do you want? I also picked up a few strings of Divine Coins, do you want them?"

The proprietress chuckled as well.
"Didn't you walk into my shop by yourself? I haven't even opened for business yet."

It seems that Daozi sensed something and saw some kind of energy in my building.
"We need to have someone announce their name so everyone can understand and clarify things; that's the proper way to do things."

Huangfu Yi was momentarily confused, but fortunately the system provided guidance.
"This woman is quite knowledgeable; she shouldn't be so clueless as to not recognize or be able to hide something of value."

Ask her to bring out some of the recently collected stolen goods and take a look.

Huh? Something dirty?
"Oh~ You're asking for dirty stuff right off the bat. You're straightforward and bold. I like that."

However, the proprietress could understand the system's slang. Her eyes lit up, she took a drag of her cigarette, blew out a cloud of smoke that obscured the area in front of the door, and then gave a wink, leading Huangfu Yi behind the sandalwood screen. Only then did she untie the brocade pouch and take out one 'dirty item' after another, placing them on the table.

Okay, there are quite a lot of things: swords, spears, clubs, jewelry, martial arts manuals, etc., but most of them are clearly stained with blood, so they're definitely 'dirty' stuff.

Huangfu Yi understood that most of these goods were stolen goods from murder and robbery, and most of them were related to the karma of enemies. For example, although he had killed many people along the way, he would not be foolish enough to carry the Taoist robe of the Xuanmen disciple or the official knife of the Court of Justice for catching thieves.

However, ordinary people might not be willing to make a move. Linglongxuan has such a large output, and the proprietress is very shrewd and resourceful. She must be proficient in the art of weapon crafting and have strong backing to dare to have connections in both the legitimate and illegitimate worlds and trade so casually.

"Which one has caught your eye, Daozi?"

The proprietress probed with a half-smile, probably wanting to see what tricks this naive young man could pull off after learning a few words.

But to everyone's surprise, Huangfu Yi didn't even need the system's guidance. He swept through the pile of spilled filth, his eyes immediately lit up, and he decisively pointed to one particular object.
"I'll take this one. Name your price."

"this?"

The proprietress glanced at the item...

"what is this?"

This is a square iron box. At first glance, it looks like an iron brick, but it is obviously not a magic treasure. At first, the proprietress thought it was a box for hiding things, but she couldn't find an opening or runes no matter how she turned it over. Only some grooves could be vaguely seen on one side. Its appearance was completely unlike the creations of the immortal palace and the mystical sect.

Huangfu Yi didn't hide anything from her.
"It's a hard drive."

(End of this chapter)