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Chapter 379 How to Cultivate the Dragon Transformation Technique (Three-in-One)

Mr. Piaodang returned to the highest stone chamber and knelt down, saying, "Please punish me, Your Majesty."

The Ancient Corpse Empress snorted coldly: "You're really generous to these fair-weather friends!"

"I am as generous to them as I am to His Majesty."

"Humph."

That was the end of that matter.

If Xu Yuan were to ask the Ancient Corpse Empress for the "Dragon Transformation Technique," she would definitely use it to control him, forcing him to produce some results before rewarding him in parts.

Xu Yuan then secretly sought help from Mr. Piaodang.

Mr. Drifter really helped a lot this time.

……

Xu Yuan's trip to Ghost Mountain was arduous and costly, but all he gained was a copy of the "Dragon Transformation Technique".

But Xu Yuan was also very satisfied.

The Crown Princess only knows the fourth level of the Dragon Transformation Technique.

But that was enough for Xu Yuan.

After parting ways with Tian Jing, Xu Yuan returned to Champa.

She quietly switched identities back with Lang Xiaoba.

Then Lang Xiaoba reported: "My lord, Lord Gao was invited away by the Crown Princess a few days ago and has not returned yet."

Xu Yuan nodded slightly: "Understood."

Lord Xu had anticipated that Gao Wanli would return later than him.

He was very familiar with Ghost Mountain, while Gao Wanli had fallen into the river and didn't know where she would drift to; she would definitely be slower than him.

Afterwards, Lord Xu went to visit Aunt Wang and her stepmother.

Lin Wanmo is still in seclusion.

They are still forging another artifact for Lord Xu.

Aunt Wang breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Xu Yuan return safely, and didn't ask him what he had been doing.

Lang Xiaoba came with the adults and quietly returned the heart to Aunt Wang.

Xu Yuan chatted with Aunt Wang for a while, then went back to his room to rest.

This trip to Ghost Mountain was quite mentally taxing, and Xu Yuan was somewhat exhausted.

After taking a nap, Xu Yuan began to study the "Dragon Transformation Technique".

This method is very different from the methods practiced in general.

Because it transforms the entire life into another form of life.

The life form of the dragon is many levels higher than that of humans.

Xu Yuan studied the "Dragon Transformation Method" carefully several times and sighed: From the perspective of cultivation alone, the "Dragon Transformation Method" can be described as "as difficult as ascending to heaven"!
From the very beginning, every step is a transformation of life form.

It can be said that once you enter the realm of human beings, you can no longer be considered a "human" being.

The difficulty of this is self-evident.

The Ming Dynasty has many families that cultivate the "Dragon Transformation Technique." Their ability to continuously achieve success in cultivation is not because their descendants are all geniuses.

It was because, in addition to bestowing the "Dragon Transformation Method," the Dragon King of the Grand Canal also provided detailed cultivation guidelines.

It details how to do each step and how to deal with it when the standard is raised.

Even solutions are provided for various unexpected situations that may arise at each step.

The family must make extensive preparations for the cultivation of its members.

It can be said that every disciple who cultivates the Dragon Transformation Technique is someone whose family has painstakingly built up with manpower and resources.

Even so, there are still many losers.

Xu Yuan cannot yet be considered to have truly cultivated the "Dragon Transformation Technique".

Another point is that Xu Yuan doesn't want to become that kind of monster that's neither human nor dragon.

Even if one eventually cultivates to a first-class level, does that mean one becomes a true dragon?
The Crown Princess's large part of "The Dragon Transformation Method" does not provide the answer.

Xu Yuan, however, was skeptical.

However, if the level of the "Dragon Transformation Technique" cannot be improved, there will be no way to help the family.

Xu Yuan carefully studied the "Dragon Transformation Method" in order to find a suitable method.

I do have an idea: to combine Fu Chongjiu's Dragon Ball with the skin dragon.

His own consciousness sank into the leather dragon.

Using Pilong as a "substitute" to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Technique!
It seems to be a perfect match, but if it fails, the precious Pylon Stand will be destroyed.

Fu Chongjiu's Dragon Ball was also destroyed.

It also consumes a lot of precious materials, needless to say.

Therefore, Xu Yuan did not act rashly, but kept thinking and deducing.

The next day, Xu Yuan put aside the matter of the "Dragon Transformation Technique" and summoned Miao Yan and Lang Xiaoba: "How is the matter of infiltrating the Canal Gang and the Fishing Gang going?"

Xu Yuan once instructed Miao Yan to plant a few spies within the canal gang.

Miao Yan immediately said, "Four people have already infiltrated, and one of them has become a minor leader in the canal gang."

Lord Xu nodded: "Very well, I have some things for you to do."

Xu Yuan wouldn't put too much effort into fulfilling his promise to the Ancient Corpse Empress, but he would still show some signs of "making progress."

Moreover, Xu Yuan had long wanted to deal with the fishing gang.

These guys actually dare to raise and sell evil spirits!

I really don't know how to write the word "death".

Xu Yuan gave some instructions, and Lang Xiaoba and Miao Yan went to do their work.

Xu Yuan, seeing that there was no ban on traveling at night, quietly waited until evening.

But Gao Wanli has not returned yet...

As night fell, Xu Yuan appeared at the old market in Xiaoximiao.

Without lingering around, we went straight to Zhang Laoya's shop.

Old Zhang was sitting in the shop, legs crossed, leisurely sipping tea and smoking.

Several strange creatures were sitting nearby.

He hired a new shop assistant, who turned out to be a clever two-faced rascal.

Its front face is a ferocious green fang, while its back face is a comical smiling face, much like the "white face" in a play, but even more comical.

Because he runs a business, he often turns his back to people.

Old Zhang is also a man of considerable skill.

When he reappeared in the old market, some evil spirits came to cause trouble, wanting to seize the property.

Zhang Laoya, who had transformed into a ghost soldier, was not afraid. After several rounds, not only was his shop not taken away, but Zhang Laoya also gained a small courtyard at the west end of the old market.

With a few modifications, you can open a new small shop.

Old Zhang had never mentioned this courtyard to Xu Yuan.

Old Zhang, true to his businessman nature, felt that this was money he had earned through his own abilities, and that Xu Yuan had no part in it.

But he deliberately avoided thinking that he himself was Lord Xu's ghost soldier.

Even if you acquire a fortune that rivals that of a nation, what good would it do?
Old Zhang is now a ghost soldier, and can no longer enjoy many things in the mortal world.

But his desires suddenly erupted.

It's a bit like... after a eunuch loses his manhood, his desire for power, wealth, and the like suddenly swells.

Old Zhang, knowing he could smoke, bought the most expensive tobacco regardless of the price.

And the tea was the best you could buy at the old market.

He can't drink, but he can smell the aroma.

This money was, of course, included in the operating costs of the shop.

Old Zhang usually brews tea and smokes in his shop. When he has nothing to do, the owners of the surrounding shops will come over to mooch some cigarettes and tea.

His shop was often quite lively, with a strong eerie atmosphere.

Today was no different. He was smoking and chatting with a few ghost friends when he suddenly saw Lord Xu come in. He quickly got up, gave the evil spirits a look, and told them to leave quickly.

The evil spirits burrowed into the ground and disappeared.

Xu Yuan glanced at the cigarettes and tea on the table, but didn't say anything. He simply said, "Come with me to the back."

Old Zhang instructed the two-faced imp to look after the business, and then immediately followed Xu Yuan to the back room.

Xu Yuan cut to the chase and asked, "Do you have any dragon-themed materials in the shop?"

Old Zhang was taken aback. He subconsciously wanted to ask what he needed this kind of material for, but Xu Yuan's gaze forced him to swallow his question.

"No, we need you to get our supplies," Old Zhang said.

You know perfectly well what kind of materials are in the shop.

Xu Yuan then asked, "Can I buy it at this old market?"

Old Zhang thought for a moment and said, "I heard that Yin Yang Zhai recently received a batch of goods. I'll go and ask about it."

"I'm waiting for you."

Old Zhang took him away.

Xu Yuan didn't want to show his face as soon as he heard it was Yin Yang Zhai.

Having offended the other party severely last time, the Yin-Yang Python is unlikely to be happy to see him.

Old Zhang moved quickly and returned in no time, saying, "There really is one; it's the shell of an old tortoise that has already grown dragon horns."

"Buy it."

That old tortoise was already a fifth-rate evil spirit, and the material wasn't cheap, but since Xu Yuan had spoken, Zhang Laoya had no choice but to buy it, and the money made him wince.

Xu Yuan picked up several kinds of materials and crafts he had collected recently that he didn't need and gave them to Zhang Laoya: "Sell them in the shop."

With the new goods in hand, Old Zhang's spirits lifted: "Great!"

Xu Yuan then took the tortoise shell and left the old market town of Xiaoxi Temple.

Xu Yuan found a piece of dragon-related material, but he had not yet made up his mind to use the leather dragon to cultivate the "Dragon Transformation Technique".

After returning to the government office, Xu Yuan slept for half the night. When he got up at dawn, he took out the "Dragon Transformation Method" and studied it carefully.

Before they knew it, it was noon. Xu Yuan came out for lunch and asked, "Has Gao Wanli returned?"

"not yet."

Xu Yuan wondered to himself, "Could Gao Wanli have died in Ghost Mountain?"
You're at least a respectable sixth-rate person!
Her skill level speaks for itself, which is why Xu Yuan felt comfortable letting her come back on her own.

If she really dies in Ghost Mountain, then Tian Jing's performance will have been in vain.

In the late afternoon, Yu Yunhang suddenly came to report: "Sir, Deputy Chief Lawyer Gao has returned. However..."

Yu Yunhang suppressed a laugh, hesitating to speak.

"What's wrong? Tell me."

"She wrapped herself up tightly, as if... she was too ashamed to show her face," Yu Yunhang said rudely.

Xu Yuan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It's good that Gao Wanli is back.

If she really doesn't come back... then no one will be able to relay the news to the Prince of Xiang's residence that the murderer of the Crown Princess was the evil spirit from Copper Coffin Cliff.

The Prince of Xiang's Mansion would not send anyone to seek revenge or cause trouble for the Ancient Corpse Empress, thus preventing the Ancient Corpse Empress from having time to attend to him.

No one told the Fu family that it wasn't Lord Xu who secretly practiced the Dragon Transformation Technique...

Xu Yuan then went out to find Gao Wanli, intending to feign concern but actually wanting to find out why she came back so late.

……

Gao Wanli looked gloomy.

Her clothes were completely covered, and she wore a veiled hat with a black veil hanging around the brim instead of the usual white veil.

The white veil couldn't completely cover her face; others could still vaguely see it.

Gao Wanli was extremely frustrated.

She fell into the river and was devoured by those vengeful spirits and ghosts, leaving scars all over her body, including her face.

His face was completely ruined.

She wasn't pretty to begin with, and now she's even worse.

She wandered around Ghost Mountain for several days, getting lost several times.

I've lost count of how many times I've been attacked by evil spirits. Not all of these evil spirits are flesh-eating creatures; their methods are bizarre and strange.

A piece of Gao Wanli's soul was permanently licked away by a strange tongue that hung down from mid-air.

Gao Wanli never understood where that strange tongue came from!

It appeared out of thin air in mid-air, and then shrank back into nothingness!
Her two feet were turned into two pig's feet by a monkey dressed in a brightly colored and gorgeous funeral shroud.

She also contracted a strange form of tuberculosis.

After finally getting out of the mountains, they found the official road and stopped a caravan, hoping to hitch a ride back to Champa.

The convoy was so frightened that it fled.

"Evil spirits from the mountains are coming down! Run!"

Enraged, Gao Wanli took out a small tin frog figurine, wound it up, and threw it out.

The tin frog leaped over ten feet in one bound, catching up with the convoy, and opened its mouth—which then projected a five-foot-wide maw into the air!
Iron teeth!

With a snap, it tore a car and all the people inside in half.

Blood splattered.

Those unfortunate merchants, whose bodies were bitten off, screamed in agony as if they had been cut in half at the waist, but did not die immediately.

Only after the tin frog painting destroyed the convoy did Gao Wanli finally feel a sense of relief.

I was very satisfied with getting the tin frog back.

This was the first Western-made object she ever encountered, and she loved it very much.

It was also the first crafted item she personally created after becoming a craftsman.

I think it's better than all the crafts made by the old craftsmen of the Ming Dynasty!

The tin frog kept inhaling through its nostrils, drawing in the vengeful spirits of everyone who had been killed.

This is the "cost of using" the tin frog.

Afterwards, Gao Wanli chose a horse and rode it back to Champa.

She didn't dare go directly back to the government office. Instead, she went to find her subordinates, took a bath, changed her clothes, and covered herself up completely.

He then wrote a secret letter, had his subordinates send it out immediately, and only then did he return to the yamen.

The secret letter was, of course, a report to superiors about the deaths of the Crown Princess and the Seventeenth Uncle.

Gao Wanli must do everything in her power to confirm that the murderer is hiding in Ghost Witch Mountain, and is the thief who stole and practiced the Dragon Transformation Technique.

If she couldn't convince the Prince of Xiang's Mansion and the Fu family of this, the suspicion against her would skyrocket.

A large group of people entered Ghost Witch Mountain together, but you were the only one who came back alive?
Your strength may not be enough to kill the Crown Princess and Seventeenth Uncle, but who knows if you've colluded with evil spirits in the mountains?
Even the Gao family behind you has your support!

Gao Wanli, of course, had no idea that this was exactly the situation Lord Xu wanted to create.

……

“Lord Gao…” Xu Yuan’s voice rang out from outside the door.

Gao Wanli was sitting in her room, lost in thought.

This is a really big deal!

Gao Wanli always felt that it might not be so easy for her to clear her name.

Now she doesn't even have the heart to hate Xu Yuan.

My mind is filled with thoughts of Ghost Mountain.

"Please come in, Lord Xu."

When Xu Yuan came in and saw Gao Wanli's appearance, he almost couldn't help but laugh.

"Lord Gao has disappeared without a word for several days. Shouldn't the authorities give an explanation?"

Gao Wanli was in a terrible mood, and then Xu Gou came up and started questioning her.

Gao Wanli immediately wanted to yell back, "What's it to you?!"
But then I thought... I'm in a difficult situation right now, so forget it, I shouldn't make any more enemies.

Gao Wanli said in a deep voice, "The Crown Princess summoned me and ordered me to accompany her... There are some secrets that are inconvenient to say. Lord Xu, you don't need to ask any further. You will know soon enough."

Xu Yuan snorted coldly and left with a flick of his sleeve.

I now understand why this woman came back so late.

Although he was wrapped up tightly, some of his injuries were still visible.

Although Gao Wanli was a sixth-rate person, she was a scion of a prominent family and had been pampered since childhood, never venturing into any uncivilized areas on her own.

Alone in the Ghost Mountain, I suffered a great deal.

You ate well; you can eat more next time.

When Lord Xu left, he walked with a pigeon-toed gait, happily heading back to continue studying the "Dragon Transformation Technique".

But Fu Jingyu came over and earnestly advised Lord Xu: "You should personally review the official documents in the yamen. You can't let me handle them all for you."

Fu Jingyu was supposed to be patrolling the southern city, but during this time he was caught by Xu Yuan and brought to the station.

All official documents and case files were handed over to him to handle.

Lord Xu's official seal was also kept with him.

Xu Yuan felt very reassured that Fu Jingyu was handling these official matters.

He believed that this was making the best use of everyone's talents and a brilliant way to manage subordinates.

Xu Yuan readily accepted the advice, indicating that what you said made sense, but this official did not intend to correct it.

Fu Jingyu was truly helpless about this.

After seeing Fu Jingyu off, Xu Yuan repeatedly went over his plan to use the leather dragon to cultivate the Dragon Transformation Technique several times.

"I'm 70% confident..." Xu Yuan pondered, "Time waits for no one. Reaching the fifth rank in six months is no easy feat!"

So they made the decision; they were willing to take the risk.

What in this world is without risk?

Moreover, even if they failed and lost Pilong and Fuchongjiu's Dragon Balls, although it was a great pity, they were just external objects and would not affect their own safety.

But Xu Yuan did not act immediately.

With the Crown Princess dead, the Xiang Prince's Mansion and the Fu family will surely react immediately to such a major event.

However, to cultivate the "Dragon Transformation Technique" using a leather dragon, one needs to go into seclusion.

Xu Yuan couldn't be sure how long it would take to get out of the country.

If the people from the Prince of Xiang's residence come to investigate the death of the Crown Princess, but he himself goes into seclusion—that's rather suspicious.

The death of the Crown Princess also means that another copy of the "Dragon Transformation Method" has been lost.

The people of the Prince of Xiang's mansion will inevitably suspect: Are you practicing the Dragon Transformation Technique?

……

Xu Yuan didn't have to wait long; Zhu Zhanlei arrived the next morning.

He came secretly in plain clothes to warn Lord Xu: "Something big has happened, I've come to let you know."

"The Crown Princess died in Ghost Witch Mountain!"

"The Grand Canal Administration is in an uproar. Not only in Zhancheng, but also in Luocheng, it has been affected."

“My third sister also brought people over to assist in the investigation of this major case.”

“Miao Yu was called to the dock early this morning, and I have to hurry over there too.”

Zhu Zhanlei left quickly after he finished speaking.

Xu Yuan wasn't surprised, but he pretended not to know.

As expected, Lang Xiaoba came to report shortly after he started his shift at the yamen: "Sir, Gao Wanli has been summoned away."

Xu Yuan nodded and pulled Lang Xiaoba aside, saying, "Let's put the fishermen's affairs on hold for a while. The docks have been too chaotic lately."

"Understood, I will go and inform Miao Yan immediately."

……

In the afternoon, various messages came in.

The Grand Canal Administration's Jiaozhi Canal Supervisor personally came from Hue City.

They brought four whole battalions of river soldiers!

The commander of the Shanhe Division in Jiaozhi personally arrived, bringing with him nine people, including Zhu Zhanmei, the chief law officer, and the patrol inspector.

There are also 500 captains!

Zhan Chenghejian and Gao Wanli, who were involved in the incident, were repeatedly interrogated.

Even Mr. Lu and Mr. Jiang, who were under Gao Wanli's command, did not escape and were directly imprisoned.

Xu Yuan appeared indifferent, but secretly he was closely monitoring the situation at the dock.

Two hours later, as darkness fell, Xiang Qinghuai arrived weary from his journey from Luocheng.

Upon entering the Champa office, Xiang Qinghuai pulled Xu Yuan into the duty room, closed the door, and said in a deep voice, "The commander ordered me to come here specifically to ask you a question: Does the matter of the Crown Princess concern you?"

Xu Yuan gave a wry smile and spread his hands, saying, "How could that be! The Crown Princess died in Ghost Witch Mountain. I've been at the yamen all this time, and even Gao Wanli can testify for me!"

Xu Yuan deliberately shifted his expression, as if he had thought of something, and lowered his voice to ask, "Were those two assassination attempts carried out by the Crown Princess?"

Xiang Qinghuai waved his hands repeatedly: "That's not the case. Those two assassination attempts of yours..." Xiang Qinghuai hesitated for a moment, but finally said: "Anyway, you know what's going on in your mind. We don't have any evidence, and you probably won't be able to find any solid evidence anyway."

Ma Tianshou also suspected that it was the Crown Princess who did it.

Champa is only so big, and the various forces inside and outside the city are also limited.

Who else could send so many powerful cultivators to assassinate Xu Yuan twice in a row, besides the Crown Princess who suddenly arrived in Champa?

It's as obvious as a louse on a bald man's head.

But if you have no evidence and dare to make things up, that's slander.

Ma Tianshou knew that Xu Yuan was someone who wouldn't suffer a loss, so when he heard that the Crown Princess had died, he was shocked and immediately sent Xiang Qinghuai to inquire about Xu Yuan.

They were genuinely worried that Xu Yuan would secretly take action.

Originally, we wanted to have Old Yan come, but the old man was too old, so we changed it to Xiang Qinghuai.

Xiang Qinghuai couldn't help but ask again, "It really wasn't you?"

“It really wasn’t me.” Xu Yuan pointed outside: “Go ask anyone. I’ve been working diligently in the office the whole time.”

Xiang Qinghuai waved his hand: "It's good that it's not you. There's another reason why the commander sent me here. The Grand Canal Administration has already spoken with the old master, and this time we are to fully cooperate with the Shanhe Division."

Xu Yuan glared at them: "We'll cooperate with them? On what grounds?"

Xiang Qinghuai sighed: "This is a huge matter. The commander's idea is that we should keep a low profile at this time. We should do whatever the Grand Canal Administration tells us to do and not give them any excuse to cause trouble."

"Up there..." Xiang Qinghuai pointed upwards, "Several officials are furious, and it's said that even His Majesty knows about this."

Xu Yuan nodded: "Alright then, let's keep a low profile."

"At the latest tomorrow, the canal administration will summon you there, and I will accompany you."

Just then, a shout came from outside: "Hey, hey, hey, why is your goose so fierce!"

Xu Yuan looked out the window and saw Dafu in the yard spreading its wings and chasing Zhu Zhanlei, pecking at him fiercely.

Zhu Zhanlei covered his head and face, but his buttocks were exposed, and Dafu gave him a hard peck.

"Ouch—" Zhu Zhanlei screamed and crashed through the door, stumbling inside.

Xu Yuan quickly stopped Dafu behind him: "Alright, alright, he won't dare to eat yours."

Dafu is extremely vengeful.

Zhu Zhanlei winced in pain: "I won't eat it, I won't eat it. I'll never dare to talk nonsense again."

Dafu strutted away arrogantly, cackled once, and left.

Xu Yuan greeted Zhu Zhanlei, "Why are you here again? Please have a seat."

The moment Zhu Zhanlei's bottom touched the stool, he jumped up again with a "whoosh".

It hurts so much.

Xu Yuan and Xiang Qinghuai both looked at Zhu Zhanlei with suspicion.

"Dafu pecked at you..."

Zhu Zhanlei vehemently denied it: "Absolutely not! Something's wrong with your goose, why is it in so much pain?"

He touched the spot on his buttocks where he had been pecked, and immediately winced in pain.

"Can you take a look and see if it's swollen?" He turned around.

Xu Yuan and Xiang Qinghuai waved their hands and turned their faces away: "We absolutely won't look!"

Zhu Zhanlei's clothes had a hole pecked into them.

Zhu Zhanlei cursed under his breath and turned around: "Fine, I won't sit down. I have some news to tell you, and I'll leave after I finish."

The canal authorities originally wanted to summon you over this afternoon, but they discovered that the Crown Princess had twice sent assassins to kill you…”

(End of this chapter)