Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting from Immortal Martial Arts

Chapter 107 Analysis of the Anomalies!

Half an hour ago, when Jia Tang had just returned.

In the unperceptible depths of the Boundary Sea, the Celestial Venerable slightly raised his eyes, emitting rays of divine light, within which flashed traces of the Dao of Evolution. His tone was somewhat surprised, and his divine voice echoed throughout heaven and earth: "Eh, vanished without a trace, and cannot be found either. Truly interesting."

In another mysterious place, a warm, dense firelight illuminated a cave. A burly old man dressed in animal skins sat cross-legged by the campfire, surrounded by the eternal light of the Great Dao, radiating a sacredness and majesty that surpassed all others.

The old man chuckled, "Luckily, those old fogies didn't find out, otherwise it would have been difficult to hide."

Meanwhile, in the Tianshou Palace of the Imperial City, Emperor Chongwu, sitting cross-legged on the dragon bed, swallowed a blood pill, which was enveloped by qi and fell into the qi liquid lake in his dantian.

As the Blood Pill was refined, a dense wave of blood surged forth, flowing through the meridians into the internal organs. It was then tempered into waves of Qi that flowed into the dantian, condensing into drops of liquid Qi that fell into the lake.

Suddenly, Emperor Chongwu opened his eyes and frowned. His soul had inexplicably sensed that the Divine Ranking he had forcibly refined was now struggling violently, trying to break free from the corruption of the Blood Pool.

The sudden attack almost caused his internal energy to surge backward and damage his internal organs.

Just then, the night outside the imperial city suddenly turned golden, and a golden tiger with boundless divine power pressed down on the entire city.

Emperor Chongwu's expression changed, and he said in disbelief, "Jin Hu? A member of the Jia family?"

The palace deep beneath the earth of Xianjing.

Within the sweet and viscous pool of blood, a jade shaft engraved with a majestic dragon trembled slightly, drawing upon the fortune of those listed on the God Ranking from the void to resist the erosion of the blood of ten thousand people!

Suddenly, the dragon eyes of the true dragon on the surface of the Divine Ranking flashed inexplicably, and then it began to struggle violently, causing the blood waves below to surge and swell!

At this moment, the surrounding space slightly distorted, and a golden flame appeared out of thin air. As it struggled on the God Ranking, it transformed into a dragon and disappeared into it!

In an instant, the true dragon on the list of gods seemed to come alive, and a phantom dragon shadow emerged from it, with a faint dragon roar echoing in the air.

The illusory dragon shadow lowered its majestic dragon head, opened its mouth and exhaled scorching dragon breath, and a beam of crimson-gold light shot straight towards the blood pool.

"boom!"

Invisible, illusory golden flames exploded from the pillar of light, clinging to the blood pool and burning fiercely.

"ah"

A mournful wail echoed from the pool of blood, and wisps of black smoke rose into the air.

"Pfft~"

Emperor Chongwu, who had just arrived at the place, immediately vomited blood. It turned out that the changes here had caused his soul to experience a tearing pain, which made him unable to suppress the violent surge of his internal energy, resulting in some impact on his internal organs.

Emperor Chongwu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes fixed on the flames that had just been extinguished. In just a few breaths, the blood of ten thousand people in the blood pool had evaporated into a thin layer.

What on earth could have caused this?

"Blood Dragon, investigate whether there are any abnormalities in this batch of 10,000 people's blood!"

The black-clad cultivator who had accompanied Emperor Chongwu bowed and accepted the order: "Yes, sir!"

"Uncle Qiulong, I trouble you to go outside the city and stop the Jia family's son!"

"only!"

Chen Kan stood still in mid-air, his brows furrowed as he looked at the spot where the Flame Lion and the Ferocious Crocodile had turned to ashes. He then turned to look at Jia Tang, his words filled with barely suppressed rage.

"Alright, alright, good for not responding at all!"

He killed two real people right in front of him, and then claimed he didn't even realize it?

..

This is a third-tier clan! To target the Jia family like this, even if it's not the Chen family's foundation, it's still a potential ally. And they just died for nothing.

Chen Kan had intended to save the two of them, but for some reason, he had a feeling of great terror lurking in the shadows, and that if he made a move, disaster would befall him. That's why he took a step back.

Jia Tang remained expressionless and said calmly, "I learned it from a master."

Chen Kan took a deep breath, suppressing the killing intent in his heart, and shouted, "The capital has been attacked repeatedly, and bandits are running rampant. I order the Flood Dragon Guard, led by the four princes, to leave the capital to search for them, to plunder the mountains and seas, and to slay demons and monsters!"

"only!"

A resounding voice announced the order, and four middle-aged men, all dressed in the same imperial robes, flew out of the imperial city. They were the four princes of the imperial clan who held great power during the reign of Emperor Chongwu.

They commanded squads of armored warriors clad in magnificent armor, adorned with imposing dragon designs, who soared through the sky in the four directions: east, west, south, and north.

Seeing this, Chen Kan snorted coldly, glanced at the group, and said sternly, "From this day forward, if any cultivators fight in any city under the jurisdiction of Da Zhao, the Chen family will settle accounts with them to the end. Don't say you weren't warned!"

As soon as he finished speaking, his figure disappeared.

A cold glint flashed in Jia Tang's eyes, and he shouted, "Fourth brother, go out of the city and find the various prefectural officials who were chasing and killing the bandits earlier!"

"only!"

Upon hearing the sound, Jia Kang sprang into action and vanished in an instant.

"Dismantle the protective array, repair the mansion, hoist the white sails, and open the gates to welcome the mourners!"

"only!"

In the study of Ruihu Courtyard, Jia Tang sat in the main seat, with Ma Kui and Shi Cuiyue on his left and right, respectively, and Jia He and Jia Ping, who had just arrived, sitting beside him.

"Was Old Ancestor saved by the first Duke?"

Jia Tang and the three third-level cultivators of Niu Hou, Chen Ma and Si Fu had all met. All the third-level cultivators were the first generation who survived during the founding of the country. For example, Ma, who guarded the two prefectures, was invited by him in a secret letter before his departure. Only Shi Cuiyue had never met him.

Ma Kui nodded slightly and explained, "Originally, only the Jia and Niu families knew that Brother Shi was alive. It was a closely guarded secret among our eight families until thirty years ago when Old Niu and Old Hou entered the third tier, at which point the matter was circulated among the third tier."

Shi Cuiyue sighed with emotion: "I hid in fear for decades, and only six years ago did I reach the third level and begin to operate in the Guangdong and Guangxi regions. A month ago, some old brothers sent me a message, so I rushed back."

Ma Gui laughed and said, "Now both of your Jia family mansions have reached the third rank, only the Liu family is left to follow suit. Things are really getting better."

...

Although the mansion is currently decorated with mourning halls and white sails, these are child's play to those who are used to life and death. In the past, their parents and brothers have died in front of them.

There's only one reason he was killed: he was too weak. Once he has the strength, he can find the culprit and take revenge. Crying or laughing doesn't matter.

Upon hearing this, Jia Tang sighed. The elder brother of the first Duke of Liu failed to break through to the third level twenty years ago and died from his body exploding. At present, there are not many people in the Liu family at the second level, and there is no major cultivation in the later stage. It seems that it will be a long time before they can accumulate enough to reach the third level.

However, if someone gets into the Jade Book, then things are hard to say.

Shi Cuiyue shook his head: "My Shi family only has my younger brother and sister-in-law and a grandson left. I will need your help in the future."

"We've shared life and death for over a hundred years, so we can help each other no matter what. We used to stay in the shadows because of your needs, but now that Tiger Boy is here, things will definitely get better."

Jia Tang and Shi Cuiyue exchanged a glance and nodded in unison: "That's how it should be."

Then Jia He handed over the secret letters he had accumulated over the years, and the group reviewed the major events that had occurred in the past month.

Due to the dramatic changes in the world at the end of November, a surge of vital energy emerged, and two members of prominent families across the country had already broken through to the third level, holding grand banquets.

The Jurchens in Liaodong were besieging the pass. First, Guangning fell, and then after Liu Fang led the border troops to aid Liaodong, the Jurchens sent second-tier cultivators several times, which led to the fall of Yizhou and Jinzhou. The Liaodong army is now retreating to Ningyuan, and a large number of people have been moved into the pass.

In the southeastern region of Huguang, the incense-burning sorcerers took advantage of the great changes in the world to spread evil gods. In broad daylight, they brought out the statues of evil gods, absorbed their faith power to break through to the third level, and caused popular uprisings in De'an and Chengtian prefectures. Although they were suppressed by the Jiangnan Grand Camp, sorcerers from various incense-burning sects appeared in various parts of the south.

The secret letter stated: "The Fragrance-Smelling Sect, the Inaction Sect, and the resurgent Sacred Worship Sect are all active in various prefectures of Huguang, each doing its own thing without interfering with each other."

This leads to the emergence of an evil god; the demonic cultivator who broke through to the third rank was a follower of the Holy Cult.

The saints worshipped by this religion are ancient alien deities from the Huayang Realm, obtained from a secret realm. Their doctrine is to shed the mortal body and transform into a holy body, advocating the use of human blood to nourish all saints, and claiming that all human bodies are vessels for the saints.

This is an evil cult that suddenly appeared at the end of the previous dynasty when the world was in great turmoil. It often cultivated faith in the people and harvested their flesh and blood. It was extremely cruel and bloody. It was slaughtered by the founding line of Emperor Anwu for decades but was not wiped out.

Legend has it that the ambush that killed the Jia brothers in their later years was orchestrated by the Holy Church. After that battle, the two Jia brothers died, and the Holy Church disappeared without a trace. Unexpectedly, it has resurfaced now.

Seeing Jia Tang deep in thought, Jia Ping casually transmitted his voice to advise, "General, why think so much? Don't forget that before the eldest and fourth brothers broke through, we surrounded and killed a demon king from another realm. Now that they've both entered the third tier, and you have your superior combat power, why worry?"

Upon hearing this, Jia He glared at his second brother and said irritably, "You blockhead, this is only the first alien realm we've explored. The cultivation systems are different, and the strength will definitely vary. Now that we're back in the manor, we must not be careless or arrogant. Remember, pride comes before a fall."

As the three were exchanging whispers, Ma Qing exclaimed, "Tiger boy, the world has changed drastically since you left. Did you do something naughty?"

Shi Cuiyue laughed and replied, "If that's really the case, then let's do it a few more times. After all, it's been a month since we last showed up, and both of our family generals are now at the third rank."

Jia Tang hadn't paid much attention at first, but upon hearing the two talking like that, alarm bells went off in his mind.

The dramatic changes that occurred after he left meant that his only action was to open a portal and enter another world.

Is it due to the gate to another realm, or is it the aura of another world emanating from it?

The two men didn't pay much attention to Jia Tang's deep thought. Too many things had happened recently, making it dizzying and overwhelming. He really needed to think things through carefully.

After discussing and talking for a while, the two third-level True Immortals left one after another.

Seeing this, Jia Tang said to Jia He, "Go to the underground chamber and have everyone rest for half a day, wash up and rest. In the afternoon, they will take turns on duty in the mansion. The rest of you should come to the secret chamber to study Taoist arts until you have mastered one of each of the three types of Taoist arts: attack, defense, and shield. Then you can return to your previous routine."

"only."

"Let the retainers learn first, then order them to go south and, together with the Li family, plow through Fengyang Prefecture."

"only!"

"Tell the retainers to investigate the person behind this as thoroughly as possible, and to notify Jia Kang immediately if anything is found."

Just now, Jia Kang was secretly instructed by Jia Tang in the city using a divine sense transmission method from another world. He was told to find three True Immortals and then go to Jiangnan to await orders.

"only!"

After Jia Tang finished arranging everything, he left his study and summoned two maids, Qingwen and Amber, who had stayed in Ruihu Courtyard ever since the incident, saying they would help Jia Tang guard the courtyard.

No matter how Zhou Jia tried to persuade him, he remained unmoved.

Upon seeing Jia Tang, the two pretty maids rushed into his arms, clutching his clothes tightly with their small hands, their faces streaked with tears.

"Master, if there's a next time, please bring your servant."

Qingwen's bright eyes were filled with tears as she choked out her plea. Amber, though silent, nodded in agreement, wiping away her own tears.

"Alright, alright, whatever you say."

The three of them went into the west wing room to bathe and change. Jia Tang released Xiaoqian and the two maids to get to know each other, ignoring how the three of them communicated, and leaned against the bath tub into deep thought.

Although the world has undergone tremendous changes, it is still within the established framework. With the current two third-tier members, plus a dozen second-tier members and nearly a hundred first-tier members, they are more than capable of dominating the present.

With each annual trip to foreign lands, our foundation will only grow stronger.

After washing up, it was already bright outside and the sun had long since risen in the east. Jia Tang changed into a brand new robe and prepared to go to the West Mansion to discuss the funeral arrangements when he noticed that there were people from the palace coming to the front yard.

He didn't want to get involved, and planned to deal with everything after the funeral.

But remembering that a wisp of dragon and tiger energy had inexplicably disappeared from his body, and that the fortune of becoming an official and being granted a title had not manifested, and considering that the person who came was also there because of the war in Liaodong, he went to the front yard.

Inside the hall, a red-clad eunuch sat anxiously at the end of the left row. Upon seeing Jia Tang enter, he hurriedly stood up and said, "Oh, my lord, we've been waiting for you!"

Jia Tang cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Eunuch. What is His Majesty's decree?"

"His Majesty has decreed that I have heard that the Marquis of Wuying has left the pass and will immediately attend court for a meeting," the red-robed eunuch said in a high-pitched voice. After speaking, he looked at Jia Tang with a fawning smile and said, "My lord, it's getting late, let's go."

Jia Tang nodded and instructed, "Jia He, go wait for me at the palace gate. I'll fly over there first."

Without waiting for the others, he flew directly towards the palace.

After flying to the Dazhao Gate and landing, Jia Tang arrived outside the Huangji Hall under the guidance of the guards on duty. As the eunuchs announced his arrival, he strode into the hall.

Under the scrutiny of the civil and military officials around him, Jia Tang came to the center, saluted, and then lined up behind Niu Jizong. Chen Ruiwen, standing to the side, quickly explained the contents of the court meeting.

Emperor Changwu, seated on his dragon throne, looked at Chen Ruiwen without speaking, then asked Jia Tang, "Does the Earl of Wuying have a good plan?"

Jia Tang stepped forward and looked at the Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet, saying, "I said before that the Jurchens were a formidable enemy, but Grand Secretary Liang didn't believe me. Now you do, don't you?"

After saying this, he looked at Emperor Changwu and said, "Your Majesty, now that the world is recovering further, cultivators at all levels have made breakthroughs. Moreover, the Jurchens took the lead by sending ten second-level cultivators to suppress Guangning and blatantly broke the cultivators' agreement. Afterwards, they sent second-level cultivators to join the battlefield many times. In that case, our Great Zhao is a great nation with many cultivators. We can also support a group of first and second-level cultivators as spearheads to surround and kill the Jurchens' second-level cultivators."

Upon hearing this, Liang Pei retorted, "No, that's absurd. If we do this, and the enemy does the same, wouldn't the situation become even more chaotic?"

Jia Tang narrowed his eyes and said coldly to Liang Peisen, "Then let's risk everything to destroy Liaodong, even if it means the entire Liaodong army is wiped out. We must bring down the Jurchens and exterminate their race. That's the only way to solve this once and for all!"