Immortal Art Madman (Two-in-One Chapter)

"Biu~"

"Biubiu~"

However... Hermit Caolu had misunderstood the situation. The truth was that a group of patients were surrounding him, pointing their fingers like pistols and providing their own sound effects, playing a game of make-believe.

"Ah!! The demoness is coming, everyone run!"

At this moment, someone in the outer circle shouted again.

The patients, who had been pretending to be judges—having specially donned tattered white mops and clutching ragdolls—instantly put their things away and hid their props thoroughly.

A group of psychiatric patients began to feign sleep.

In the silence, the door opened.

Wang Xiuzhi walked in wearing a white lab coat. Her beautiful eyes swept over the patients pretending to sleep, and she sighed inwardly, too lazy to expose them.

"Sigh, only they are more innocent than children."

As she whispered in her heart, the tall Dr. Wang walked up to Hermit Caolu and tore off the tape, making sure to keep a gentle smile on her face so as not to frighten this homeless old patient.

"Lady Shishi!" Having survived the ordeal, Hermit Caolu was full of surprise. "So you didn't die."

Shishi?

Stunned for a moment, Wang Xiuzhi didn't take it to heart; after all, it was perfectly normal for patients to ramble incoherently. Therefore, she kept the smile on her face, just about to speak words of comfort.

Hermit Caolu suddenly frowned and said neurotically:

"You are not Shishi, you are Yaoji!"

"Hmph, since Caolu has been captured by your demonic arts, I have nothing more to say. If you want to kill me, then do it; there is no need for further words!"

"Don't be afraid, getting too excited isn't good for sleep. I am not Yaoji, and even if I were, I wouldn't kill you. Be good and go to sleep, okay?"

As she spoke in a soft, comforting tone, a figure appeared abruptly.

It was a young man.

He had a handsome face and wore a wide robe, his thick black hair tied at the ends with a red string. His temperament was exceptionally calm. Wang Xiuzhi, who had been startled by the ghostly figure, immediately quieted down, curiously sizing up the other person.

The next moment, the Hermit, still tied to the chair, exclaimed in surprise: "Are you a plant spirit that has attained human form?"

"..." Fang Xiu.

Putting it that way, it wasn't actually entirely wrong.

Wood Release: Wood Clone.

--Creates a Wood Clone identical to the user. It is harder to distinguish than a Shadow Clone and is mainly used for reconnaissance. Although its combat ability is inferior to the original body, it possesses a certain amount of strength. When the clone is dispelled, it can instantly transform into wooden branches to entangle or attack the enemy.

This was one of the results of his special training.

"You could say that."

As he spoke, the ropes binding Hermit Caolu shattered completely. Fang Xiu, in his Wood Clone form, couldn't be bothered with pleasantries and got straight to the point: "Senior, come with me. Let's go rendezvous with your two disciples."

"The Fusang Ghost King has already been unleashed; we must eradicate him as soon as possible..."

Meanwhile.

Ma Shangfeng and Xiaogui, two ancient men dressed in armor and unconventional attire, were devouring food on the street.

The former grabbed a large lamb chop, took a forceful bite, and washed it down with a bottle of Bingkuoluo. As he tilted his head back and exhaled, he remarked: "I didn't expect the water five hundred years later to be this potent. Refreshing!"

"Mate, bring another jar!"

As he said this, he picked up a bottle of Fanta from the side and chugged it down, gulping it all up.

"No class."

The Silver-Armored Divine General Xiaogui licked the meat sauce off his fingers and let out a burp. However, he began to covet the charcoal-grilled lamb chops in his junior brother's hand. Habitually retorting, he slammed the table and said: "Waiter, bring two more plates of lamb ribs!"

The boss, along with other customers and passersby, all immersed in the Mangekyō genjutsu, completely ignored these bizarre scenes.

Possessing terrifying ocular power, plus the simple Sage Body brought by the Hashirama Cells, Fang Xiu was indeed qualified to be willful—it was merely temporarily manipulating the perceptions of ordinary people; it didn't even count as a burden.

At this very moment, his thoughts had already flown into the distance, hoping that the Wood Clone could receive some guidance from Hermit Caolu.

"Chakra has a special advantage: it can fuse with other energies to form corresponding xx Chakra modes."

"Furthermore, after activating the relevant mode, one gains many characteristics of the external energy on top of the original reinforcement provided by chakra."

That was all.

This was one of the ideas that had emerged, or rather, been further confirmed, during Fang Xiu's special training.

At the current stage, whether it was unleashing the five basic elemental ninjutsu or the Mangekyō ocular techniques, Fang Xiu was essentially still relying on the chakra within his body.

Ocular power--fixed.

Yang Release chakra--nearly fixed.

Yin Release chakra--nearly fixed.

Admittedly, the quantity was vast, and it could be recovered through rest and other means, but it could never be like ordinary chakra, which was obtained by mixing physical and spiritual energy and could achieve breakthrough after breakthrough in capacity.

Under these circumstances, Fang Xiu inevitably set his sights on the Sage Mode of chakra, the principles of which were truly simple—

Absorb natural energy from the external world—or rather, the special energy circulating under the laws of different worlds—on top of one's standard cultivation, and fuse it efficiently with one's own chakra.

However, the problem lay in how to maintain the balance.

If one exceeded the critical point, they would be devoured by the power of nature; if they failed to reach it, they could not activate Sage Mode.

Even the child of prophecy, the master of Talk no Jutsu, Uzumaki Naruto, had to be guided through multiple stages with meticulous care before he could fully master it.

And what about Fang Xiu?

He lacked the resources to exchange for the relevant secret techniques.

His time was extremely tight.

His accumulation was insufficient, and his foundation was shallow! If he had awakened his Mangekyō in the Naruto World instead of wandering through the myriad worlds, he could have found a way to learn three practical dōjutsu:

Transcription Seal.

The Sharingan user makes eye contact with a target and seals a "technique" into their own or the target's eyes. When the "conditions" are met, the seal automatically releases, and the "technique" activates to carry out its programmed task.

During the battle at the Valley of the End, Madara used this very technique to seal Izanagi into his right eye, allowing him to return from the dead after the war.

Izanagi.

One of the ultimate dōjutsu of the Uchiha clan.

The Sharingan user performs hand seals and, combined with a specific chakra circulation path, can completely erase unfavorable events that occurred within a certain timeframe, choosing only the developments beneficial to them to become reality.

While the technique is active, even if the user dies, they can alter reality; it is a terrifying dōjutsu that grants temporary invincibility! Even if the price is the loss of an eye.

Furthermore, there is Izanami, the counterpart to Izanagi, which also results in blindness upon use—

Once cast, it records a sequence of actions between the opponent and the user, forcing them to repeat it endlessly within an infinite loop. To break this genjutsu, the opponent must accept their original fate.

When all is said and done, the more important factor is the lack of a guide to demonstrate it for me.

Within the Main God Space, the intensive training he conducted by consuming a large amount of his remaining reward points had only resulted in improved application of the four basic attributes—Fire, Earth, Water, and Lightning—as well as deeper development of Wood Release and better adaptation to the various abilities of his Mangekyō Sharingan. I hope Hermit Caolu can point me toward a clear path and provide a reference.

As he whispered to himself, he glanced at the Gold and Silver Generals who were busy stuffing their faces, then cast his gaze into the distance. The Mangekyō in his eye sockets seemed to pierce through the boundless void, seeing his Wood Release clone and that true immortal of the mortal realm.

"In the time and space where I reside, those who cultivate the Dao can no longer ascend."

"To prevent one's lifespan from waning, the only way is the method of the Earth Immortal—that is, to remain in the mortal world without ascending, seeking a place with excellent feng shui and using special techniques to harmonize with it."

Lüshui Psychiatric Hospital.

Hermit Caolu, dressed in a striped patient uniform, sat on the ground and had already begun his sermon, with his audience consisting of the Wood Release clone and the psychiatrist, Wang Xiuzhi.

In the past, Dr. Wang would have certainly thought that doing something like this meant she had completely lost her mind, but now...

Within the hospital grounds, a tree that once required several people to encircle had grown even thicker, emitting a green light so rich that it was visible to her mortal eyes.

This was too metaphysical!

"In the initial stages of the Earth Immortal path, one can establish a preliminary connection with a small pocket of the world, cultivating by borrowing the energy of the earth's veins." Hermit Caolu, who had proposed recovering his strength on the spot before departing later, spoke while enjoying the healing infusion of Yang Release.

It was exactly what Fang Xiu wanted!

"Of course, in my era, no path of cultivation was without its weaknesses, even the so-called immortal method of the Earth Immortal."

"To harmonize with a small patch of heaven and earth is to bear the corresponding karma. The Fusang Ghost King is wreaking havoc in the region, and I have sworn to slay him!!"

As he spoke, Hermit Caolu levitated into the air, his entire body erupting with golden light, at times dazzlingly brilliant, at others thick and earthy.

"Since you are interested, fellow Daoist, feel free to observe as I circulate my techniques to heal using the earth's veins. As for what you can comprehend, that depends on your own affinity."

The words fell.

The old Daoist closed his eyes and focused on himself.

In fact, he had already determined that Fang Xiu was a friend, not a foe, though it was partly due to a happy accident: Wood Release clone = a plant spirit.

The small amount of Mangekyō Yin Release chakra was even easier to explain; he likely assumed the original body was a cold, yin-natured plant like a locust tree, walking the path of yin-yang balance. Regardless, as long as it wasn't tainted by blood-evil, it was a good monster.

Moreover, if he were an enemy, he would have taken advantage of his weakened state to finish him off long ago!

Precisely because of this, Hermit Caolu decided to invite him to observe the circulation of his techniques, provided he did not reveal the secret teachings of his sect.

The tomoe spun!

Admittedly, Fang Xiu would not allocate much chakra to a clone, but he could certainly manage to pierce through the meridians and observe the essence.

No matter how much he could comprehend, he would record the entire process in his mind and transmit it to his original body when the time came!

With this thought in mind, the Wood Release clone did not dare to be distracted for even a second, focusing entirely on observing the flow of energy through Hermit Caolu's meridians. The latter was also generous, hiding nothing, stopping just short of speaking the secret, unrecorded teachings of his sect aloud.

Everything was progressing very smoothly.

Except for the fact that the Ghost King had escaped.

And the Fusang Ghost King had similar thoughts.

Only when he had first been released had he encountered the pursuit of an unknown enemy...

Xiangjiang.

Kowloon Peninsula.

A spacious villa stood solitary in the suburbs, surrounded by nothingness and absolute silence.

On the stone pillar beside the main gate, a chrysanthemum pattern was carved, representing the cultivation path of the owner: the Spirit Realm Demon Transformation Path.

In the terminology of Chinese Feng Shui: two snakes coiled before the gate, two pillars stood like heaven-propping columns opposite, and sunlight could barely penetrate.

Mist gathered and refused to disperse, while yin energy pooled into a swamp. With the combination of yin and moisture, it was damp and dark, forming an Extreme Fierce Burial Pavilion.

This was precisely the hideout of the current shrine maiden of the Nine Chrysanthemum Lineage! Having silently read the memories of the evil cultivator driver through a brief encounter, the Fusang Ghost King had successfully tracked his way here.

At this moment, he lay flat in a hot spring pool, his face full of enjoyment, loudly praising his descendants in Japanese for being so sensible.

Looking around, all the essential elements of a Japanese-style garden—gravel, driftwood, green moss, stone lanterns, and red maples—were present. Combined with the illumination of elegant lanterns, there was no sense of the oppression one might expect from someone in hiding; an outsider would think a royal noble was enjoying his leisure.

Furthermore, inside the hot spring, four young maidens served him attentively. They appeared to be wearing clothes, but what could those loose, transparent robes hide? Peaks gathered like mountains, and waves surged like fury.

To be honest, when the Fusang Ghost King arrived, he had indeed guessed that he would be treated like an ancestor by his descendants, but he truly had not expected them to be this...

"My Lord, please enjoy them as you wish."

"It is truly a cause for celebration that the descendants of the Nine Chrysanthemum Lineage can reunite with you after five hundred years."

Nishiwaki Michiko, now dressed in a loose kimono, showed no signs of anything unusual. Through the thick steam, she performed a dogeza kowtow outside the hot spring.

Hong Kong.

The land of the Ming people.

Because he had read the relevant memories through soul-sealing, the Fusang Ghost King naturally had a general understanding of the current situation. It was the year 1983, and this land was temporarily managed by the English red-haired barbarians, with more than a decade left before it would be returned to the Ming.

The little woman outside was of his own clan, practicing the Nine Chrysanthemum Dharma lineage.

This was the Ghost King's understanding.

"Hahaha, for such a rich and vast land to be inhabited by Ming people is truly a sin, let alone the fact that it is now ruled by foreign red-haired barbarians."

"What a waste of heaven's gifts."

As he spoke, the Fusang Ghost King pulled the seductive, bewitching women into his arms. The sake on the tray before him floated into the air, and he tilted his head back to drain it in one gulp.

Only wild, arrogant laughter could be heard, followed by a bold declaration:

"Conquering it starts here."

"The An Eternal Combat sending me here is destined by heaven's will. There is an ancient Chinese saying..."

"He who refuses heaven's gift will suffer the consequences; he who fails to act when the time is right will suffer the disaster!"

Five hundred years ago.

At that time, the Ming Dynasty was beautiful and wealthy, with various technologies far more advanced than those of Fusang. They could create countless exquisite artifacts beyond Japan's imagination, yet their local military defenses were utterly rotten.

Before he was surrounded and killed by the Ming army, he had led a group of ronin, peasants, and pirates to rampage through several cities, traveling thousands of miles to plunder wealth, slaughter villages, and seize their women along the southeastern coast.

After death, his killing intent did not dissipate, transforming him into a Ghost King. He became increasingly powerful, summoning his old subordinates to commit several satisfying acts...

Now that he had escaped and recovered most of his strength, if he could get his descendants to cooperate, he would surely be able to kill Hermit Caolu, the Gold and Silver Generals, and that mysterious person who used fire techniques, occupy a piece of land, and declare himself king!

Thinking of this, amidst the thick steam came the coquettish whimpers and infatuated laughter of the women.

In the midst of the decadent sounds, complex magatama patterns flickered in the lowered eyes of Nishiwaki Michiko. To this day, she had not realized she was under an illusion, and many of her actions were completely beyond her control.

"I shall also serve you, my Lord."

As her kimono fell to the ground, another slippery fish squeezed into the pool, and the Ghost King laughed even more wantonly.

Working overtime, and I have to work overtime again tomorrow.

So the update is a bit late; I've combined two chapters into one big one. Thank you all for your support.