Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 46 It’s better to block than to open up
The window paper was pierced.

The relationship has taken another step forward.

Although Li Lingyue was still a little shy, she no longer rejected his touch and could hold his hand naturally, but she couldn't go any further—she could touch her face with his hand, but if Lu Chenyuan took the initiative to reach out, she would immediately turn red and blush like a steam girl, as if her Taiyi True Qi was about to explode at any moment!
This is a matter of life and death.

Lu Chenyuan had already witnessed it yesterday, so he wasn't in a hurry.

He also needs time to adjust to the change in status and to figure out his and Li Lingyue's roles. This is his girlfriend, no longer just a rich woman.

Lu Chenyuan continued to massage her, his movements becoming even more focused and attentive.

Li Lingyue shifted her body, getting closer, and looked up at him, counting his eyelashes.

Lu Chenyuan was both amused and exasperated. He stopped by her ears with his hands and said, "You really are like a cat. When I get close to you, you feel uncomfortable, your face turns red, and you feel awkward all over. But as soon as I straighten up, you move closer again, trying to seduce me..."

Li Lingyue's eyes widened immediately, and she spat out, "What, what seduction? I just wanted to be closer to you..."

Lu Chenyuan leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Are we closer now?"

too close!
Being so close that she could feel his breath and temperature, Li Lingyue trembled, her brain went blank, and her face quickly turned red.

Before she could react, Lu Chenyuan quickly stepped back, straightened his body, coughed, and continued the massage in a serious manner, saying, "Well, let's get down to business."

"..."

Li Lingyue was both embarrassed and angry, and glared at him with a flushed face.

Lu Chenyuan pretended not to see and continued massaging his hands, saying, "As expected, martial arts masters who have heard the news are flocking to the capital. They are probably capable of anything for the sake of the 'Heavenly Craft Scroll,' so we still need to find a way to deal with it."

Without hesitation, Li Lingyue replied, "Defense? I've already set it up."

Lu Chenyuan pondered for a moment and said, "People are always full of imagination about the unknown. The more something is hidden away, the more curious they become. They are not afraid of thieves stealing, but they are afraid of thieves eyeing them, so..."

Li Lingyue was taken aback: "You want them to participate? But what if..."

Lu Chenyuan laughed, "Does Your Highness know how difficult the [Four Symbols Revolving Heart Wheel] is? Leaving aside the earlier variations, just the final variation, [White Tiger Carrying Corpse], requires 242 steps to solve, with 124,600 variations! Each variation has a theoretical basis, and the core solution logic is extremely profound! Simply getting the right solution wrong, the reverse solution wrong, the auspicious solution wrong, or the inauspicious solution wrong, and you have to solve each step correctly to open it—one wrong step and you die! Such a puzzle, let alone Gao Jian, even his master might not be able to solve it, at least not in the short term. Sometimes I even wonder if the Hidden Immortal is deliberately making things difficult for me…"

Even if someone could solve it, this is the capital city, a vital strategic location, overseen by a sage. Whether they stay or leave is entirely up to the court. Like Gongshu Jie, too many people won't learn their lesson until they hit a wall! Strict defense would only play into Xiao Hanchuan's hands, inevitably leading to many deaths and injuries. It's better to let things flow than to suppress them; it's better to expose them to the public. This would reveal all their conspiracies and show them just how powerful and unscrupulous they are!

"..."

Li Lingyue looked at him intently and listened attentively to his eloquent speech. He was still as radiant and dazzling as ever!
She loved him so much; his confidence and assurance of victory were captivating.

She instinctively tightened her grip on his hand, about to speak, when she suddenly realized something was wrong: "Wait? A solution with two hundred and forty-two steps..."

Li Lingyue blinked and looked at Lu Chenyuan.

You even know how many steps it takes to solve this, and you're still telling me you're not confident?
Lu Chenyuan: "..."

Done!

It's a slip of the tongue.

Lu Chenyuan was somewhat flustered by her sudden attack, and his vigilance was greatly reduced. He thought to himself, "This girl is quite perceptive. What should I do now?" Play dumb!

Lu Chenyuan coughed and began massaging intently, seemingly oblivious to everything else around him.

That stinky man...waiting for the right price...

Li Lingyue smiled, not stating anything directly, but going along with him, saying, "But even if Mother follows this suggestion, how will so many martial arts practitioners be organized? Will they be put into the underground palace one by one? If not, how will they be assessed? Will a martial arts examination be held? These martial arts practitioners are not scholars seeking fame and fortune; they will not listen to the court's arrangements, and I'm afraid they will even oppose the court."

"Simple."

Lu Chenyuan breathed a sigh of relief. Since he had made the suggestion, he had naturally thought of the consequences. He smiled and said, "I'll make a small thing. Anyone who can unlock it can be let in. I made this thing. If I can't unlock the Four Symbols Heart Wheel, and they can't even unlock something I made, what face do they have to clamor to enter the Mechanized City?!"

"Oh?"

Li Lingyue asked curiously, "What is that? The Lü Lü Yi? Speaking of the Lü Lü Yi..."

"It doesn't need to be that complicated."

Lu Chenyuan took the paper and pen and quickly scribbled and drew, finally handing the design to Li Lingyue.

Li Lingyue swallowed the words that were about to come out and looked it up and down: "What is this thing?"

Lu Chenyuan said, "Rubik's Cube. [The Myriad Forms of Rubik's Cube]."

To be precise, it's a 4x4 Rubik's Cube.

Lu Chenyuan originally wanted to make it more difficult by solving a five-Cube puzzle, but he was afraid that no one could solve it, which would be awkward.

The Rubik's Cube may seem simple, but solving it is very difficult. For example, there are about 4325 quadrillion possible combinations of a 3x3 cube. It is very difficult to derive the formulas yourself without knowing them.

Solving a Rubik's Cube requires a certain level of spatial geometry knowledge, enabling one to imagine and analyze the cube's structure and rotations in three-dimensional space. For example, to understand how to move a corner piece from one position to another through rotation, one needs to consider the changes in the corner piece's coordinates in three-dimensional space, as well as the impact of rotation on its position and orientation.

This is undoubtedly a huge challenge for people without a solid foundation in spatial geometry.

In addition, a great deal of logical reasoning is required, including analyzing the consequences of each turn and how to achieve the desired effect through a series of turns. This requires rigorous logical thinking and reasoning skills.

The people who invented the Rubik's Cube spent a month figuring out how to do it.

Moreover, it's the most basic 3x3 Rubik's Cube.

The 4x4 Rubik's Cube takes this level of difficulty to a whole new level. It has issues such as the orientation of the center pieces and special cases of the edge pieces. Without corresponding formulas, it is very difficult to find a solution.

In modern times, it would be almost impossible to solve without understanding the formula.

Times have changed, and there is such a magical power as divine consciousness. Guangyin Xian's "Four Symbols Revolving Heart Wheel" is quite extraordinary. Therefore, Lu Chenyuan did not underestimate these mechanics and chose the fourth rank instead of the third rank.

Anyone who can solve a fourth-order problem is definitely a master. The fact that such a master is getting frustrated inside will further intimidate others.

The Rubik's Cube has an ingenious design, but its material is nothing special.

The Princess's Mansion, the Kite Terrace, and even the Suiming Pavilion all had skilled craftsmen. Li Lingyue handed the design drawings to Yuan Qingshuang, and soon someone delivered a finished Rubik's Cube to her.

Li Lingyue examined the cube in her hand: "Is this how it is?"

Lu Chenyuan took it and examined it closely. He had to admit that it was indeed the work of a top craftsman. The Rubik's Cube was perfectly square, with an ebony frame and copper rails. The four corners were inlaid with jade bearings. Each side was inlaid with different precious materials, such as black iron, yellow jade, cinnabar, mother-of-pearl, and celadon. It rotated smoothly and had a beautiful shape. It was simply a work of art.

"This is it."

Lu Chenyuan tried it out and nodded in satisfaction: "But it doesn't need to be so extravagant. Ordinary materials will do. Make more, and then price it higher. We can take the opportunity to make a quick buck. It's a good fat sheep, so why not take advantage of it!"

Li Lingyue couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this, looking at him gently and saying, "You're quite the schemer. Alright, let's do it this way!"

Just as Lu Chenyuan was about to speak, Li Lingyue changed the subject, looking at him and saying, "Speaking of the music and ritual system..."

Her eyes sparkled: "Last night, someone gave his sister a musical instrument that allows her to see the stars, and even said to her: 'Why are you jealous of her...' Who is this 'her'? Does Lord Lu particularly dislike her?"

Lu Chenyuan: "..."

I can't live this day!
Dating an intelligence chief is a recipe for disaster!
Lu Chenyuan sighed deeply, "I regret it. Your Highness, could you ask that question again?"

Li Lingyue knew he was joking, so she pretended to be angry and said, "What? You want to go back on your word? No way! Answer me now!"

"Then who else could it be?"

Lu Chenyuan chuckled helplessly, reached out to stroke her face, and whispered, "How could I not like her? I love her to death!"

It's too straightforward.

This time, it was Li Lingyue's turn to lose it. She was about to turn into a steam princess again, and she couldn't bring herself to interrogate him. Her face was flushed as she let him gently stroke her, and she whispered, "Then why did you deliberately try to make me angry? You're not jealous at all... I want stars too, you have to pluck them for me!"

Lu Chenyuan smiled and said, "Okay." It would be a good opportunity to study divine sense and rune arrays, starting with the [dim light] rune array needed for this kind of projection lamp.

His feelings for her were genuine, and he was willing to invest his heart, but he understood that love was unreliable. So, even if his girlfriend was the Queen Mother of the West, he still had to learn what he needed to learn. Only strength and skills would not fade with time.

After a sticky lunch, Lu Chenyuan began making the second "projection lamp".

The advantages of having a rich girlfriend are once again evident: all the materials are delivered to my doorstep, and I can cook right there in my bedchamber.

Lu Chenyuan began to study how to use his divine sense to inscribe talisman arrays, and he got busy with it earnestly.
In the early stages of their relationship, Li Lingyue became incredibly clingy, constantly trying to get close to him, yet she was also easily embarrassed. Lu Chenyuan was speechless at her clumsy yet playful behavior. At the same time, Li Lingyue also felt a little regretful. She could sense that Lu Chenyuan's attitude had changed, showing more genuine affection, but it didn't seem like he liked her that much, so she was always worried that he would run away.

Li Lingyue liked not only his talent, but also that he understood her.

That day, she listened to "The Nightingale" all night long, and the deep resonance between their souls captivated her.

She wanted him to love her wholeheartedly.

Just thinking about that scene made her feel happy.

It's ok.

We've only just begun.

Li Lingyue sat at the table, one hand supporting her chin, the other pretending to flip through case files, but her gaze remained fixed on Lu Chenyuan. She smiled and her eyes were full of affection: Lu Chenyuan, you can't escape, you can't escape in this lifetime!
……

afternoon.

Li Lingyue brought the Rubik's Cube into the palace and reported the new plan.

Lu Chenyuan brazenly slacked off in his bedchamber, creating musical instruments.

Once women start competing, it never ends. If he just copies someone like Kerr, she'll definitely be dissatisfied, at least in her heart. It's a thankless task to do something for free, so he might as well go all out and do it perfectly from the start.

He spent almost an afternoon polishing the lens, carving out the star map, and composing new music, and then came the most crucial stage.

— Inscribe the rune array.

Lu Chenyuan closed his eyes, focused his mind, adjusted his breathing, and began to carve talismans with a carving knife in hand.

Talisman engraving is a branch of talisman drawing, and the talismans used are similar. However, talisman engraving requires an extra step called "dotting the eyes," which involves injecting cinnabar into the engraved talisman. Cinnabar has the effect of communicating between heaven and man, and it is the most common and also the lowest quality material for refining artifacts and drawing talismans in the cultivation world. With the conduction of cinnabar, vital energy can flow freely within the artifact.

Like the [Qing Shang Rune Array], the [Dim Light Rune Array] is a low-level sixth-grade rune array.

Its function is very simple—lighting.

To make a projection light, a light source, a lens, and an image carrier are all indispensable.

If it weren't for the [Faint Light Rune Array], he wouldn't have been able to make it even if he wanted to, given the conditions in ancient times.

Lu Chenyuan held a piece of green jade in his left hand and picked up a special engraving knife for weapon refiners in his right hand. Guided by his divine sense and infused with true energy, he carefully made engraving marks on the jade piece.

With keen observation, his mind kept flashing back to the relevant materials he had read before: "The 'Records of Talisman Carving' states: 'Those who carve talismans use a knife as a pen and metal, stone, bamboo, or wood as paper to carve the mechanisms of heaven and earth and condense the changes of yin and yang. Jade is the best material to choose, as it is warm, smooth, and spiritual, possessing natural spiritual energy that complements the talismanic inscriptions perfectly...'"

"The runes inscribed on the symbols are also composed of dots, lines, circles, hooks, etc. Dots are the core of the condensation of true qi, like twinkling stars, containing the essence of heaven and earth; lines are divided into straight lines and curves. Straight lines are rigid, representing masculine and righteous qi, while curves are soft, symbolizing feminine and agile; circles symbolize endless circulation and infinite life; hooks have the power to pull and move, and can mobilize the primordial qi of heaven and earth. Such different combinations form ever-changing patterns, each with its unique function and meaning..."

The [Qing Shang Talisman Array] only has three strokes, while the [Wei Guang Talisman Array] is slightly more complex, requiring four strokes.

Lu Chenyuan focused intently, first carving the "Dawn Pattern," which is shaped like a left-hand stroke and is used to gather yang energy. Next was the "Solid Pattern," shaped like an upper horizontal stroke, which can lock the range of light. Then came the "Continuation Pattern," which looks like a lower half-circle. Its function is to slowly absorb the surrounding primordial energy to charge the talisman array. Finally, there was the "Moistening Pattern," which is shaped like a right-hand stroke and is used to balance the various properties of matter.

Each stroke must be infused with divine sense and true energy to define the desired scope of each rune's function.

For example, light intensity, the rate of vital energy absorption, etc., must be done in one go without interruption.

Lu Chenyuan's divine sense was just beginning to solidify, and he was still struggling to directly depict it. Fortunately, he had learned the "Forging Gold Chapter" - the second chapter of the "Gold-Swallowing Treasure Book" was about the cultivation of divine sense. Although he was now like a skilled cook without rice, his understanding of divine sense was far beyond that of an ordinary beginner. He managed to depict four strokes with great difficulty.

Finally, cinnabar was poured in, and the entire rune suddenly lit up before quickly dimming.

"It's done."

Lu Chenyuan breathed a sigh of relief and was about to wipe his sweat when Li Lingyue took a handkerchief and wiped his forehead.

Lu Chenyuan took her hand and smiled, "You're back just in time. I've already prepared everything."

Seeing how tired he was, Li Lingyue regretted her actions and quickly said, "No need to rush... I'm just..."

Lu Chenyuan glanced out the window; it was already dark, the time was perfect: "Blow out the lamp."

Li Lingyue: "...Huh?"

She suddenly became nervous.

Lu Chenyuan flicked his finger, and a few strands of true energy extinguished the candlelight. Instantly, the room's light was extinguished by the thick darkness of night.

Darkness, like soft silk, instantly enveloped the two of them tightly.

Li Lingyue stiffened, as if the air around her had suddenly frozen. She could clearly hear her own heartbeat, pounding in her chest like a war drum, one beat after another, making her feel flustered and disoriented. Although they had been sharing a room and sleeping together for several nights, she had never felt so nervous before.

The next moment.

With a soft click, light shone on the ceiling.

The starry river swirled, and the entire bedchamber was instantly filled with countless stars!

Li Lingyue opened her eyes wide in surprise.

She tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on the ceiling, which had transformed into an endless night sky, with stars scattered about, some bright as hanging pearls, others faint as swaying fireflies.

Gradually, a bright moon emerged among the stars, and its soft moonlight cast a hazy and gentle glow on the palace walls, making them appear as if they were coated with a delicate frost, creating a dreamlike scene.

The entire starry sky was moving slowly.

Occasionally, one or two shooting stars streak across this dreamlike starry sky, trailing long, thin tails of light, disappearing in an instant.

The music and dance accompaniment played a song.

The melody was neither "The Nightingale" nor the children's song in Lu Ke'er's hand. It was clear and ethereal, penetrating straight to the heart. In a daze, one could intuitively feel the fragrance of orchids in a secluded valley, and a clear and aloof demeanor would leap into one's heart.

Li Lingyue recalled the poem Lu Chenyuan had given her: "The orchid is graceful and fragrant. If it is not picked and worn, what harm will it do to the orchid?"

This is the poem "Youlan Cao" that he gave to her.

Li Lingyue stared blankly, listening intently. Starlight shone on her slightly reddened eyes, and a tear silently slid down her cheek.

"Why are you still crying?"

Lu Chenyuan was standing beside her, still thinking about the runes. He turned his head and was shocked. He quickly wiped them off for her. He was both amused and exasperated. Was it really necessary? It was just a starry night lamp.

Li Lingyue could no longer hold back. She turned around and threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly and burying her face in his chest.

“Lu Chenyuan…”

She called his name softly, her voice choked with sobs: "I want to lock you in my bedchamber... so you can never leave me..."

Lu Chenyuan: "...Your Highness, can't you be a little more dignified?"

Li Lingyue listened to his strong heartbeat and silently made a wish.

—I wish to be with Lu Chenyuan forever, just like the starry sky and moonlight, eternally together.

(End of this chapter)