Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 82 A Dialogue Across Time and Space (Please Subscribe)
Prince Wei's Mansion.

After the banquet, Wu Chengsi returned to the Prince's Mansion and stepped down from the Mirage Palace.

This underground palace was built three zhang below the palace, with steps made of green jade, a floor covered with blood sand, and walls inlaid with South China Sea pearls, which made even the darkest places glow with a strange blue light.

Legend has it that this place was once the alchemy room of a sorcerer from the previous dynasty, but now it has become his secret lair for raising extraordinary individuals.

And now.

The person he wanted to meet was Chi Ming, the high priest of Langqiong Zhao, one of the six Zhao kingdoms in Miao territory.

Bronze lamp trees stood on both sides of the steps, the lamps burning not with ordinary candlelight, but with eerie green phosphorescent flames. Every seven steps, a stone-carved beast stood guard, its mouth holding an iron chain with dried heads hanging from it—all belonging to the assassins who had trespassed into the Mirage Court in recent years, now serving as decorations to warn those who came after.

Halfway through the journey, they suddenly heard a mournful wail coming from the stone chamber on their right.

Wu Chengsi did not stop walking, only glancing at it indifferently.

Inside the stone chamber, a sorcerer with disheveled hair was inserting silver needles into the prisoner's seven orifices. With each needle insertion, strange incantations would appear on the prisoner's skin, writhing like living things. When the sorcerer saw Wu Chengsi pass by, he hurriedly prostrated himself in respect. However, the prisoner's screams did not stop, and became increasingly heart-wrenching.

"Your Majesty..."

The sorcerer chuckled obsequiously, "In three more days, the 'human puppet' will be completed, and then... there won't be any more disturbances..."

Wu Chengsi did not respond and walked straight past.

Further ahead, the passageway widens, and water droplets seep from the stone walls on both sides, giving it a faint blood-red hue.

The ground was slippery, with faint, winding serpentine tracks visible – the path that the "Snake Granny" kept the red-banded king snakes roamed daily. The air was filled with a sweet, nauseating smell, yet strangely alluring.

Wu Chengsi sighed. It was hopeless to expect these people to clean up their own mess. The servants he sent down disappeared without a trace before they even started working, leaving only skeletons the next day. Oh well, these vermin love living in places like this. Why should I meddle in their business?
After rounding a bend, a vermilion sedan chair suddenly appeared ahead, its curtains moving without wind.

A charming laugh came from inside the sedan chair: "What brings Your Highness to my humble abode today?"

Wu Chengsi kept his eyes straight ahead: "'White Bone Guanyin', if you try your rouge on a living person again, I will let you taste the feeling of being skinned alive."

The woman in the sedan chair chuckled softly: "I only wish to possess the beauty of a woman; since Your Highness forbids it, then so be it..."

As the laughter faded into the distance, the vermilion sedan chair, as if drawn by an invisible force, slowly retreated into the darkness.

Wu Chengsi continued forward and finally stopped in front of an ebony door. The door was unlocked, but it was wrapped with dense red threads, with small copper bells hanging from the threads. The slightest touch would alert the people inside.

Wu Chengsi raised his hand, and a wisp of cold air condensed at his fingertips. The red thread was instantly covered with white frost, and the copper bell fell silent.

Pushing open the door, a stench hit me.

We've arrived at Chi Ming's villa.

"Your Majesty."

Qu Baichuan strode out and bowed respectfully.

Wu Chengsi glanced at the wooden house ahead: "How is Chi Ming's injury?"

A flash of hatred crossed Qu Baichuan's eyes as he whispered, "The formation backfired, further aggravating my injuries. The old poison I suffered when I escaped from Miao territory years ago has relapsed, exacerbating my power depletion. If it weren't for the timely rescue by the Purple Lightning Sable, Shangguan Wan'er's sword strike would probably have already..."

Wu Chengsi stretched out his hand, revealing a pill in his palm: "Give him this Creation Pill."

Qu Baichuan was startled: "Your Highness, this elixir is from the Imperial..."

Wu Chengsi knew what he was going to say and said calmly, "It's alright. After all, you're working for me. I've already made you lose a junior brother, so I can't make you lose a senior master as well."

Qu Baichuan immediately knelt down, his forehead slamming against the ground: "Baichuan's life..."

"okay."

Wu Chengsi interrupted with a flick of his sleeve, his black fox cloak sweeping across the bloodstains on the ground. "We are master and servant, there's no need for this."

The wooden door opened silently by itself.

There were no lights in the room, only the bronze cauldrons hanging in the four corners burning eerily, their bluish-purple flames illuminating the room with a sinister glow.

Chi Ming leaned against the couch, his snow-white inner robe open, revealing a strange backlash wound on his chest—the wound was surrounded by eerie blood patterns that seemed to writhe slowly like living things.

The purple electric sable shrank and curled up on his neck, its severed tail wrapped with blood-soaked silk. When it saw someone coming, it immediately raised its fur and let out a threatening growl.

"The Prince himself has come to deliver the medicine?"

Chi Ming lazily raised his eyes, his face deathly pale. "Are you afraid I'll die... or afraid I won't be completely dead?"

Are you angry?

Wu Chengsi sneered, "I told you to have Baichuan protect you with the formation, but you were so confident that the Yin-Yang Connection Formation was rare in the Central Plains and invincible that you became paranoid and worried that he would harm you while you were casting the spell... Now that the Yin Formation has been broken, and you're already old, why are you still acting all coquettish with me!"

"you--"

A sudden flash of blood appeared in Chi Ming's eyes, aggravating his injuries, causing him to cough painfully.

Qu Baichuan was anxious watching from the side, but he couldn't interrupt at this moment.

"What the prince means is..."

Chi Ming's voice was low and hoarse, with a hint of ferocious laughter, "I deserve it?!"

Sensing its master's anger, the sable instantly arched its back, bared its sharp white teeth, and let out a low growl.

Qu Baichuan's expression changed drastically. He hurriedly stepped forward and knelt on one knee. "Your Highness! My senior uncle is still seriously injured and confused for a moment. He had no intention of disrespecting me!"

He turned to look at Chi Ming, his eyes full of pleading, "Uncle-Master, the Prince's gift of medicine is already an immense favor, you—"

Chi Ming suddenly raised his hand, and a streak of blood shot from his fingertip, grazing Qu Baichuan's cheek and leaving a bloody mark on his cheekbone.

"Who gave you the right to interrupt?!"

Qu Baichuan stood frozen in place, blood beads sliding down his cheeks, but he dared not wipe them away.

Wu Chengsi coldly watched this scene, then suddenly chuckled: "It seems you still resent me for not allowing you to take action because of Wu Huagu's death... Fine, even if things don't go well, you still went through fire and water for me in the end. I won't do anything because of a few words of anger, but don't forget—I can let you live, and I can also let you die!"
You saw how he died, and it's obvious who did it! Lin Hanyi… I advise you to forget about this. If you want to do something for your beloved disciple, start with Lu Chenyuan. Now that it's all over, heal your wounds, and you can seek revenge anytime. However, either be absolutely certain of success, or don't go and die. He has more than just the Four Skeletons by his side! That's all I have to say.”

Wu Chengsi turned away with a flick of his sleeve.

"Baichuan." He said calmly without turning his head, "Keep an eye on him. If anything goes wrong again—"

Before the words were even finished, the person had already stepped out the door.

Qu Baichuan kowtowed deeply, "Your subordinate understands!"

Once Wu Chengsi's footsteps had completely disappeared, Chi Ming suddenly flicked his sleeve, and the copper basin beside the bed exploded with a bang, splattering black blood all over the wall.

"Get out!"

Qu Baichuan gritted his teeth and said in a low voice, "Uncle-Master, your injuries have not yet healed, please do not get angry..."

Chi Ming slowly raised his eyes, the bloodlust still lingering in them. "You dare to interfere with me?"

Qu Baichuan remained silent for a moment, then finally put down the pill, bowed deeply, and withdrew.

The moment the door closed, Chi Ming coughed up a mouthful of black blood, his fingertips digging deep into his palm.

The ferret anxiously licked his wrist, but he grabbed it by the back of its neck.

"Lin Hanyi, Lu Chenyuan, Shangguan Wan'er..."

He stared at the blood on his fingertip, then grinned maliciously, "I'll remember this debt!"

……

[Technique: Qi Refining a Thousand Edges]

[Rank: Upper Fifth Rank]

[Note: During the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, when Tao Hongjing was forging the "Jingzhen Sword" at Maoshan, he witnessed the sword's aura soaring to the sky at the peak of its forging process. He thus grasped the principle of "the unity of qi and sharpness," and created this Yin-Yang technique. This technique uses the dantian as the furnace, true qi as the iron, and divine consciousness as the hammer, forging an invisible qi blade through countless hammerings. During practice, one must hold the sword finger in front of the chest, drawing the killing qi of heaven and earth into the meridians, condensing it at the fingertips. When slashing, the qi is as powerful as a rainbow; anything within ten zhang (approximately 33 meters) will instantly die.]

The festival has come to a close.

Lu Chenyuan was promoted and made a fortune, and he also obtained a fifth-grade secret manual and a fifth-grade spiritual weapon.

The secret manual he chose was this metal-attribute Yin-Yang technique—"Qi Refining a Thousand Edges".

Yin-Yang magic is driven by the divine sense, and practicing this art helps to hone the divine sense.

Lu Chenyuan didn't need any other martial arts; he chose this book simply to see what Yin-Yang techniques were all about. Then he picked out a fifth-grade spiritual weapon called the [Heavenly Sound Thunder Cymbals]. It was said to have been forged by the Tibetan Tantric monk 'Mahayana' using meteorite iron from outer space and cold copper from snow-capped mountains. The two cymbals weighed 136 jin, and the surface of the cymbals was engraved with the Sanskrit of the Diamond Sutra. When swung, they emitted a faint thunderous sound.

These are weapons that are Tibetan, Tantric, and strangely shaped.

Even if Lu Chenyuan didn't choose it, it would just be gathering dust in a corner; he'd only be able to pay off his inventory by using it.

Seeing how "frugal" he was, the rich woman immediately rewarded him with eight more sixth-grade weapons, all of which she had obtained from the twenty-four assassins.

[The Yin-Yang Disc of Two Elements], [Lone Smoke in the Desert], [The Beauty's Calamity], [The Mysterious Iron Dragon Staff]...

After completing the "Forging Gold Chapter", Lu Chenyuan's requirements for divine weapons and artifacts went even further.

Ordinary sixth-grade techniques can only forge a golden body, not strengthen the soul. Only divine weapons and magical artifacts imbued with spirituality are truly beneficial. Fortunately, there are enough of them. Body refinement is essentially essence refinement, and the transformation of the three treasures can also improve one's spiritual sense.

Moreover, there is also a fifth-grade weapon.

He spent the entire morning absorbing all the weapons into dust, and his consciousness underwent a great change within his Niwan Palace.

The golden essence, which was originally as solid as iron, suddenly cracked like ice in spring, with fine patterns appearing on its surface. The next moment, the golden essence burst open, but it did not shatter. Instead, it was like peeling silk from a cocoon, with hundreds of strands extending out from it and weaving into a dazzling net of light within the sea of ​​consciousness.

The second stage of "Forging Gold": Weaving the Heavenly Net.

With a breakthrough in cultivation techniques, the divine sense underwent a qualitative change and spread, and the energy throughout the body suddenly surged.

The iron horse hanging from the old locust tree in the courtyard moves automatically without wind, emitting a clear and melodious clang.

Lu Chenyuan slightly spread his five fingers, and within three zhang, all metal objects moved as if they were his own arms.

His gaze fell on the Flying View Sword beside him. He slowly drew the sword from its sheath, and it gleamed like autumn water across the sky.

On the four-foot-two-inch blade, fine cloud patterns were faintly visible. It was the legendary sword, forged by Cao Pi with the waters of the Qingzhang River and polished with various stones. The moment Lu Chenyuan's golden essence net-like divine sense touched the sword, it flowed like a stream into a river. In an instant, the past of the Flying Scenery Sword unfolded in his mind like a scroll painting.

The second realm of supernatural power in "Forging Gold": [Touching Iron and Asking for Spirits].

In the twenty-fourth year of Jian'an, in Ye City.

The furnace fire illuminated the sky, the anvil resounded, and the swordsmith quenched the sword with the water of the Qingzhang River. When the sword was completed, its cold light streaked across the sky like a shooting star. Cao Pi stroked the sword and sighed, "This sword should be named 'Flying Scenery'. When a gentleman wears it, he will shine as brightly as the sun and moon."

Luoyang during the Yongjia era of the Western Jin Dynasty.

The renowned scholar Ji Shao used this sword to protect the emperor. His robes were stained with blood, yet he stood firm and refused to retreat. The sword's light, as sharp as frost and snow, illuminated his loyal soul.

During the Liang Dynasty of the Southern Dynasties, Jiankang was the capital.

Prince Zhaoming Xiao Tong once used this sword to cut off his delusions and gave it to the eminent monk Huiyue, saying: "The sword is a weapon of killing, but a virtuous person can use it to cut off troubles."

Chang'an during the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty.

This sword was once owned by Emperor Taizong, and later bestowed upon Wei Zheng to commend his integrity in offering honest advice.

Before his death, Wei Zheng returned the sword to the armory, saying, "This sword does not belong to one person; it should be left to a wise ruler."

……

Over the centuries, the Flying View Sword has remained untainted by evil spirits. Each generation of sword masters has nurtured the sword with righteous energy, making its sharpness ever more formidable.

At this moment, Lu Chenyuan's golden essence net resonated with the spiritual energy within the sword, causing the sword to tremble slightly and emit a clear, melodious dragon's roar, as if responding to his divine sense.

"What a sword!"

Lu Chenyuan couldn't help but praise again, his fingertips lightly stroking the spine of the sword. The golden silk net flowed along the cloud pattern, and a faint golden light was reflected on the sword. The sword moves of the Flying Scenery Sword throughout the ages—Ji Shao's fierceness, Xiao Tong's elegance, and Wei Zheng's composure—all turned into sword intent and merged into his sea of ​​consciousness.

—Any metal or iron that possesses a spirit can be used to communicate and inquire about its meaning, just as one can read the lines on one's palm!
Lu Chenyuan, feeling triumphant, sheathed his sword and headed to the Lingni Palace to continue gaining experience in mechanical arts.

The goddess had already prepared the materials needed to make the wooden ox and flowing horse, just as he had requested.

Just as Lu Chenyuan was about to inscribe the rune array, he suddenly remembered something: Could mechanical puppets be considered weapons? Could they be used for "spirit summoning"?
"Lingxi, come here."

"elder brother?"

The goddess sat obediently beside him, tilting her head and showing a puzzled expression.

Lu Chenyuan reached out and touched her cheek.

The goddess subconsciously closed her eyes and slightly raised her head.

Then she felt a surge of divine consciousness entering her body, and the star-patterned steel and celestial silver deeply embedded in her meridians lit up at the same time, outlining a vast star map under her snow-white skin.

Lu Chenyuan's divine sense transformed into a golden silk net, spreading along the veins of the star map.

In an instant.

His vision blurred, and within his sea of ​​consciousness, two figures appeared deep within the Mechanized City:

The man, dressed in a blue robe, stood with his hands behind his back. His face, around thirty years old, was as slender as jade, and his eyes seemed to hold the stars. As he looked around, there was a natural flow of clouds and mist. The cloud patterns embroidered on his sleeves swayed with his movements, and there were even faint glimmers of stars!
Needless to say.

Such a distinguished figure naturally brought three words to Lu Chenyuan's mind: Gu Yunsheng!
The woman beside him wore a pale yellow dress, with a jade belt lightly tied around her waist, and only a plain silver hairpin in her hair, yet it could not conceal the heroic spirit between her brows.

Needless to say, Princess Pingyang, Li Xiuning.

She gently stroked the sleeping mechanical puppet's face with her fingertips, her movements incredibly tender.

The charm in her eyes and brows was exactly the same as that of the current Empress.

"You forged this child's bones and muscles with your own hands..." Li Xiuning said softly, the [Taihua Qing Shuang] at her waist humming slightly, "But these eyebrows, eyes, and skin were sculpted by me stroke by stroke..." She suddenly turned her head and smiled at Gu Yunsheng: "It's been three months, and I really can't bear to part with him."

Gu Yunsheng chuckled: "Then I'll leave it to you."

"Do not."

Li Xiuning shook her head: "Let's leave it to someone destined for us. I'm not so fragile that I need a substitute to accompany me." She suddenly took a step closer, and the sword energy of Taihua Qingshuang carved fine ice patterns on the blue bricks. "I want you to come back soon—take me away."

The last gear snapped shut with a bang.

Gu Yunsheng sighed softly, his figure gradually fading away, leaving only his lingering voice echoing in the bronze passageway: "Going to the East Sea, my fate is uncertain. Once everything has settled, if I am still alive... I will go to the Daming Palace to find you!"

Li Xiuning stood alone for a long time, then suddenly drew her sword.

A chilling sword aura shot into the sky, carving a deep sword mark on the dome of the mechanical city.

"I'm waiting for you."

The three words resonated deeply, echoing long after the sound of a sword rang out, while the figure in pale yellow turned and stepped into the darkness.

"..."

Lu Chenyuan frowned slightly.

Given Gu Yunsheng's cultivation level at the time, how could he still face a life-or-death crisis? What kind of demons and monsters are lurking in the East Sea?
Just then, a golden light appeared in their field of vision.

A poem flashed by where Gu Yunsheng stood:
-

Taishi Clouds Deep, Jade Dragon Hidden

Bodhi shadow falls on red palm leaves

Thunder Pool Night Tempers Starlight Cold

Thick fog blankets the area before the Crimson Emperor Peak.

Hangu Pass Receiving the Purple Qi

Mermaid's tears are exhausted, the moonlight is empty.

Listening to the Tortoise's Language on the Immortal Raft Beyond the Clouds

Identifying the Armor in the Pine Waves of Snowy Mountains

If you want to know where immortality is,

The King of Qin counted the green peaks in his mirror

-

The golden light dissipated.

Lu Chenyuan released his grip, his divine sense exhausted, and he felt dizzy.

The goddess quickly reached out to support him: "Brother, what's wrong?"

"fine……"

Lu Chenyuan's face was pale, but his eyes shone brightly. He was incredibly shocked: "Did he foresee that the person who obtained the 'Heavenly Craft Scroll' would cultivate the 'Gold-Swallowing Treasure Scroll'... or was it just a coincidence? If it was a coincidence, then it wouldn't be a big deal, but if it wasn't... then this is a bit terrifying. He directly predicted sixty years into the future!"

This poem is undoubtedly the hiding place of the ten supernatural powers and techniques in "The Secret Records of Hidden Immortals".

Except for the Heavenly Craftsmanship Scroll.

Of course, being able to see this scene means that you have already obtained the Divine Queen and the Heavenly Craft Scroll, so there is no need to say anything more.

Each line of poetry represents a general location, though not precise, but it's certainly easier than searching the whole world.

"very good……"

Lu Chenyuan thought to himself that he had to hurry up and cultivate. Among the world's most powerful skills, only Gu Yunsheng's supernatural abilities were worth learning, and only his secret to "becoming an immortal" was worth exploring!

While pondering the places the poem referred to, he inscribed talismans and assembled mechanisms.

Soon, a [Mysterious Wooden Ox] took shape under his hands.

(End of this chapter)