The Song Dynasty was the king for thirteen years before he knew that he was Tianlong.

Chapter 342 Mirage City
A'Zhu blinked her bright eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering like small fans, and stepped forward: "Your Highness."

Zhao Ti smiled and said, "You look rather thin. How's your magic practice going?"

A'Zhu said, "I have already mastered two kinds of techniques, one related to music and the other similar to illusion."

Zhao Ti thought for a moment. He knew about the Gandharva's lineage, but he had never cultivated it. After all, without the imprint seed, it would take more effort. It would be better to first master the lineage of the Great Free God King.

Gandharvas are known as the gods of fragrance, music, mirage creators, and magicians; their magic is naturally related to these titles.

He said, "Let's see you perform."

Azhu nodded: "Your Highness, the spell related to music is called Demonic Sound of Chaos and Tragedy. It is a sharp attack that will create layers of black blades and dark waves. It is not suitable to use in this room, as it may break or damage some things. However, the spell that seems to be an illusion is convenient to use in the hall."

Zhao Ti nodded: "What's this called?"

Azhu said, "It's called the Mirage City."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ti said with great interest, "A mirage? That sounds magnificent."

Azhu smiled and said, "This is the name of a set of spells in the inheritance. It is divided into several minor spells. I have only mastered the first minor spell, Azure Sea Tide."

“The blue sea rises with the tide…” Zhao Ti pondered for a moment and said, “Use it now.”

A'Zhu nodded, then gracefully stepped back, her sleeves slowly waving, instantly creating ripples in the air, and then the scene inside the hall began to change.

The sound of waves rose, and the colors of the sea and sky gradually appeared. Zhao Ti found himself on a solitary reef, surrounded by azure sea and sky, with white seagulls soaring around him—a breathtaking scene.

"Hmm?" His lips twitched. The scene was incredibly realistic, and the voice sounded just like it was from the real ocean.

He gazed out from the isolated reef and saw a huge island not far away. The island's shore was bustling with people, resembling a vibrant and lively marketplace with no end in sight.

"Your Highness, that is the mirage of the Lost Sea." A clear voice rang out.

Zhao Ti turned around and saw that A Zhu had appeared beside him at some point, with a head shaped like a small red carp and two large, crystal-clear eyes that blinked, making her extremely cute.

"This servant can change her appearance in this illusion. The Mirage City spell contains thirty-six minor spells. Once all of them are mastered, she can change into thirty-six different appearances in the illusion."

Zhao Ti touched the little carp's face; it was smooth and tender to the touch, clearly still A Zhu's cheek.

"Thirty-six different appearances?"

The little carp blinked: "That's right. And if I cultivate to the Dao Palace realm, then this Mirage City spell will directly transform into the supernatural power of the Mirage."

Zhao Ti smelled a strange fragrance that seemed familiar, and couldn't help but ask, "What smells so good?"

The little carp said shyly, "It's due to the inherited magic; most of them carry this kind of fragrance."

Zhao Ti laughed and said, "Since she is the God of Fragrance, it's not surprising. This technique can pull people into an illusion to fight, which is quite useful."

The little carp said, "Right now, the Azure Sea Tide can only be used on these reefs. Once the spells are fully mastered, we can step into the sea and go to the large island ahead to enter the sea market. After all the spells are mastered, we can completely control the maze city on the island, and its power will increase many times over."

Zhao Ti squinted and saw that inside the mirage, deep within the island, there was a city indistinctly, with pavilions, towers, houses and fortresses. It must be the mirage city that A Zhu had mentioned.

He gently took the little carp's hand and, seeing that it still had slender, jade-like fingers, couldn't help but ask, "Can you only change your head in this illusion, but not your body?"

The little carp lowered its head, obscuring the toes of its shoes, and said, "My whole body can change, but although it's an illusion, I'm really not used to it, so I only changed my head."

Zhao Ti laughed and said, "Let's see what happens when everything is changed."

The little carp responded, and then began to transform from under its neck, instantly turning into a red carp, standing upright on its tail, while Zhao Ti's slender hand turned into a forefin.

Zhao Ti observed for a few moments: "How are we supposed to fight like this?"

The little carp looked at him and said, "Your Highness, it's actually still an arm, but what the eyes see are fins, and it can change back at any time."

As he spoke, the arm that Zhao Ti was holding returned to its original shape.

Zhao Ti pondered for a moment. Just then, the illusion gradually dissipated, and the little carp exclaimed in panic, "Oh no! We don't have enough magic power. The illusion is about to disappear!"

A few breaths later, the room returned to normal. Zhao Ti released A Zhu's hand and asked, "What kind of transformation will the second minor technique undergo?"

Azhu blinked and said mischievously, "It will turn into the Conch Girl."

“The Conch Girl…” Zhao Ti stroked his chin, lost in thought.

"What is Your Highness thinking about?" A'Zhu gently tugged at Zhao Ti's sleeve.

"I wasn't thinking about anything." Zhao Ti coughed lightly. "A'Zhu, you've come all this way, go and eat something, then rest a bit."

Azhu said, "I'm not hungry. I just need to rest and tidy up."

Zhao Ti nodded: "Come with me."

He then went out the back door of the military hall and arrived at his residence. There were other houses next to it. Zhao Ti said, "Choose one to live in yourself."

Azhu looked at the main room in the middle and said, "This servant will stay to Your Highness's right, so it will be convenient for Your Highness to call me if you need anything."

Zhao Ti said, "The rooms are all clean and tidy. You can decide what you need to add."

Azhu nodded: "Then this servant will go there. Your Highness, please call me if you need anything."

Zhao Ti said, "It's nothing, just dinner tonight, and then we'll discuss how to take over the Wolf Mountain on the grassland."

A'Zhu agreed and then walked towards the house, while Zhao Ti walked with his hands behind his back towards Zhou Tong's residence.

In the past, Zhou Tong was practicing Qi cultivation with Huang Tianbiao. Originally, Huang Tianbiao's ancestral cultivation method was not suitable for humans, but Zhao Ti inquired and felt that the original cultivation method, which was like a human cultivation method, had been modified to be suitable for weasels to practice, while humans could still cultivate it.

He asked to come to the hall for two nights to discuss matters concerning Wolf Mountain, and then returned to his dormitory to practice his skills until evening before going out again.

After having dinner with A'Zhu, they arrived at the military hall, where they found Kumārajīva, Zhou Tong, and Huang Tianbiao already waiting outside.

Once inside the hall, the candles were lit. Zhao Ti explained Huang Tianbiao's plan to undermine the enemy's strength, and everyone understood. They began to discuss how to get close to the Wolf Mountain Commander, the Wind Wolf Demon.

Since the execution was to be carried out, troops and horses could not be brought along, and the number of people could not be too large, probably just a few inside the hall.

Several people advised Zhao Ti not to go in person, as there was danger involved, but Zhao Ti firmly refused, insisting that he must go, otherwise he wouldn't feel at ease.

After discussing for about an hour, they finally decided against a direct attack on the wolf's den and instead opted to lure it out. As for how to lure it out, they finally came up with a rough outline around midnight.

In the days that followed, they planned meticulously every day, and before they knew it, it was already the end of February.

By this time, the weather had warmed up. Although the north was not as lush and vibrant as the south, with its blooming peach blossoms, the trees were still sprouting new branches, and the grasslands were changing color, with new green shoots emerging.

On the third day of the third lunar month, the Tokyo Kite Festival, a day when kites filled the sky, Zhao Ti, along with A Zhu, Kumārajīva, Zhou Tong, and Huang Tianbiao, arrived at the foot of Yinshan Mountain.

Huo Linglong did not come along; there had to be someone who knew Taoist arts to stay in the military prefecture and deal with unexpected situations.

Zhao Ti was dressed in a silver-white brocade robe with subtle floral patterns, and a silk sash tied around his waist. His handsome appearance exuded a dignified and aloof air.

A Zhu, also dressed in white, with bright eyes like stars, possessed an exquisite beauty that could topple cities and kingdoms with a single smile.

Kumārajīva remained dressed as a monk, except that his face was smeared with lamp oil, giving him a dignified appearance, much like when he went to Tianlong Temple in Dali to seize the Six Meridians Divine Sword.

Zhou Tong, dressed as a servant, carried a basket on his back. Huang Tianbiao peeked inside the basket, his rat-like face showing excitement.

As we walked along the foot of Yinshan Mountain, we gradually arrived at Langshan Mountain. The mountain was rough, and even though it was springtime, the greenery on the mountain was not as abundant as in other places.

Suddenly, A'Zhu's silvery voice rang out: "Young master, this mountain seems to be somewhat extraordinary."

Zhao Ti looked up as if he was observing carefully, then reached out to the side, and A Zhu immediately handed him the compass she had borrowed from Zhu Chuyi.

His gaze swept over a wolf hiding in a crevice in the rock, then he said loudly, "What a fine mountain! After I examine it, I might just have to settle down here to cultivate."

A'Zhu asked, "Young master, shall we go up the mountain now?"

Zhao Ti nodded, picked up the compass, and started walking up the mountain.

At this moment, Huang Tianbiao jumped out of the cage behind Zhou Tong and spoke in human language: "I've come to clear the way for you, young master." After saying that, he ran forward.

The wolf hiding in the crevice of the rock saw Huang Tianbiao and its eyes flickered, revealing a human-like expression of confusion.

Zhao Ti walked slowly up the mountain, his eyes scanning his surroundings and checking the compass display, looking very serious.

A moment later, they climbed to a spot and discovered that there were wolves hiding in several places, both near and far, observing their movements.

Zhao Ti couldn't help but smile, then suddenly said, "Why do I sense a demonic aura?"

A'Zhu immediately exclaimed in surprise, "Young master, could it be that there are demons dwelling in this mountain?"

Zhao Ti lightly flicked his sleeve at the compass and said leisurely, "All things in heaven and earth can cultivate. If I settle down on this mountain, I will indeed have a neighbor."

A'Zhu said, "Young master, this mountain is quite large. Should we keep our well water separate from the river water?"

Zhao Ti smiled slightly: "Let's settle in first, and I'll pay a visit when I have time."

A'Zhu asked, "Young master, where should we settle down in the mountains?"

Zhao Ti looked around and saw a relatively flat area. He pointed and said, "I think the scenery there is quite nice, and the spiritual energy is good. Let's go and tidy it up."

The group nodded, then walked to the flat, gently sloping area and began to work.

This is a place with small peaks and trees behind it, and an old pine tree in front to greet you. The ground is relatively large and flat, but there are many thorns and some boulders.

Then Kumārajīva walked up to a huge rock weighing several thousand kilograms, suddenly exhaled and let out a long howl, grabbed the rock with both hands, lifted it high above his head, and then threw it down the mountain.

Then a loud "boom" was heard, and the stone fell to the ground, causing the mountain to tremble. It then rolled forward and fell down the mountain, leaving a trail of dust and smoke that went over a hundred feet away.

"Good, Master, what skill!" Huang Tianbiao exclaimed, and began to show off his skills. With a wave of his hands, he released puffs of yellow smoke that swept across the area.

Insects, ants, snakes, and rats from the crevices of grass, trees, mud, and rocks all crawled out and ran away in a panic. In just a short while, the place was free of all sorts of living creatures.

A'Zhu smiled sweetly beside Zhao Ti: "Young master, then this servant will also make a fool of herself."

As he spoke, he used his magic to sweep away the thorns and weeds. In no time, he had cleaned the area up completely.

Seeing this, Zhao Ti smiled and said, "In that case... then I will build a house for you to settle in."

He walked to the trees behind him and looked at them, then said to Azhu, "Bring me the talismans."

A'Zhu presented him with the cinnabar talismans he had drawn a few days earlier. Zhao Ti flicked his hand, and the talismans flew out and immediately stuck between the trees.

This was a pre-prepared incantation for building a house from wood. In fact, it could have been drawn directly on the trees and rocks on the spot, but that would have consumed magical power. Wolf Mountain was dangerous, so to conserve strength in case of emergency, it was prepared in advance.

Then, following the incantation, the trees began to change, and houses appeared one after another. A flower hall stood in front, open on three sides, with a light veil covering it, fluttering in the wind. It looked very exquisite, even somewhat ethereal.

"Young Master's magical power is extraordinary; he can even create things out of thin air," A'Zhu exclaimed in amazement.

"Your methods are truly remarkable!" said Kumārajīva.

"Young Master's magical power is boundless, his supernatural abilities are vast. The sun and moon cannot match his brightness, the heavens and earth cannot match his size. Since the beginning of time, no one else has possessed his power and virtue. Young Master's virtue matches the heavens and earth, his might shakes the universe. No one in ancient or modern times can compare to him..." Huang Tianbiao exclaimed loudly.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ti laughed heartily and said, "Go in and take a look. From now on, settle down on this mountain and cultivate here."

After he finished speaking, he walked into the flower hall, and several people followed him in single file.

Once everyone had entered the hall and could no longer see any people outside, some hidden places in the distance began to stir, and the wolves that had been hiding gradually retreated deeper into the mountains.

Zhao Ti was now seated in the flower hall. The hall was magnificent, but there were no tables or chairs, only ancient-style couches. At the far end was a table with upturned corners. He listened for a moment behind the table and laughed, "Only one is left. The rest have all run back to deliver messages."

This was the previously planned strategy of luring the snake out of its hole. Since it was difficult to find the gust of wind and wolf spirit, and it was inconvenient to directly attack it, they decided to occupy a place on the mountain to settle down, while displaying their martial arts and magical powers to intimidate the patrolling wolves and prevent them from making any rash moves.

These wolves have all become spirits, but they can't transform into human form yet. They are inherently bullies who prey on the weak and fear the strong, and now they know how to seek good fortune and avoid misfortune. Seeing that Zhao Ti and his group are intimidating, they will definitely rush to send a message back.

Upon hearing the report, the Great Commander of Wolf Mountain, Yunfeng Langsha, would surely be furious. As the saying goes, "How can one allow another to snore beside one's bed?" He would definitely come to cause trouble.

However, knowing that its own kind were not easy to deal with, it might not be too reckless. It might launch a sneak attack or use some tricks. Whether it was open or covert, it was fine. It would set up an ambush and make sure that the enemy would not return alive.

Zhao Ti pondered for a moment and said, "If we're going to do a show, let's go all the way and add some realism."

(End of this chapter)