Manuscripts and Heart Demons

"However, before that, I would like to ask the sect leader to show this book to Senior Brother Tong and the others. It might be of some help. They have taken good care of me during this time."

"Hmm?" Upon hearing this, the Void-Driving Dao Lord was surprised. He squinted at his only son, then nodded. With a flick of his finger, the book in his hand flew out and landed in front of Tong Shou and the others. Then, with a flick of his sleeve, he revealed several bottles of pills, which also landed in front of everyone.

"Master, what are you doing...?" Tong Shou and the others' expressions changed slightly. They were actually surprised by Wang Yifu's actions. Because of their caution, they had not studied the <Knowledge and Action> given by Qiu Yan in depth. They did not expect that the contents would bring Wang Yifu so much benefit.

What surprised them even more was that Wang Yifu did not hide the contents and chose to announce them at this time. Although this move was suspected of being a way to win people's hearts, the timing was right and it naturally evoked feelings of emotion. Moreover, Wang Yifu had previously vaguely mentioned that it was Tong Shou and others who did not listen. Now that they thought about it, Wang Yifu was essentially setting an example for them.

In fact, the Void-Driving Dao Lord was also surprised by the changes in his only son. Just as Di Lu said, "It is easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one's nature."

With the eyes of the Void-Driving Dao Lord, one glance, combined with perception and spiritual sense, is enough to see from Wang Yifu's eyes that this is still his son, and his mind has not been forcibly changed. The reason for these changes can only be that his thoughts and ideas have been enlightened, he has learned some principles of life, and he has recognized his own position, which is reflected in his actions.

However, he didn't know that Wang Yifu originally intended to never reveal the principles of Knowledge and Action contained in this book. He even planned to keep the book hidden as much as possible. But for the past few days, people had been coming to the humble house in the Lin Zhong every day to seek his guidance, and Qiu Yan had responded to each one. When he left today, he left behind more than a dozen volumes of manuscripts. Wang Yifu also sensed the contents of these manuscripts. Although they were not as good as the one he had, they each had their own characteristics. If someone were to organize them carefully, they might even surpass them.

Under these circumstances, there's no need to keep it a secret any longer. Even if it can be kept secret for a while, the book was given to him by Qiu Yan. Unless Qiu Yan's life is taken, Wang Yifu won't be able to cover it up if Qiu Yan reveals it. After all, Qiu Yan can even teach his enemy, so who can't he teach?

Having figured this out, Wang Yifu changed his mind. Using his knowledge and experience, he weighed the pros and cons and, in a flash of Spiritual Light, took out the book.

This act not only made the Void-Driving Dao Lord realize Wang Yifu's intelligence, but also made Tong Shou and others truly look at him in a different light, and even owe him a debt of gratitude.

The Void-Driving Dao Lord released the pills was actually to create momentum for Wang Yifu. He had feelings for this son, but he never dared to place him above the sect, nor did he intend to make him his successor. However, if Wang Yifu could change, based on the bond of blood, the situation would naturally be different.

"Regardless of Qiu Yan's intentions or any hidden dangers, it's a good thing that he has helped Fu'er improve. However, it's still not enough to offset his grudges with the Void-Driving Dao."

Based on this incident, the attitude of the Void-Driving Dao Lord towards Qiu Yan has changed slightly, but it is still not very clear.

Suddenly, he remembered something else and asked, "Why did Qiu Yan release you? Do you have any thoughts on this? Did he ask you to deliver any message?"

Tong Shou, a senior disciple, answered the question, "No, it happened very suddenly. Qiu Yan suddenly wanted to leave and set us free, which caused some chaos at the time. Many of the scholars present were unwilling, but they were calmed down by the dozen or so books that Qiu Yan left behind." When he mentioned "a dozen or so books", Tong Shou's words revealed a hint of regret.

Previously, out of caution, he hadn't even read the entire "Knowledge and Action" book carefully, failing to discover the principles and methods within. Furthermore, when Qiu Yan left behind more than a dozen books, Tong Shou and the others were only concerned with escaping their long-standing confinement and didn't bother to seize the books. Now, after hearing Wang Yifu's words, they naturally felt regret.

"A dozen or so books?" The Void-Driving Dao Lord narrowed his eyes.

"Brother Su, is our friendship really less valuable than this manuscript?"

The humble hut in the Lin Zhong should have returned to silence after Qiu Yan's departure, but instead it became even noisier, with scholars arguing endlessly over books.

However, few scholars had ever practiced martial arts, and even fewer had mastered Six Arts of a gentleman. Therefore, the competitions were not characterized by fistfights and kicks, nor by bloodshed. Instead, they were characterized by unique literary contests.

Some people recite poems, some compete in couplets, and some quiz each other on the meaning of classics and calligraphy. Of course, many more choose to sit down and discuss philosophy.

The scene was incredibly lively.

These dozen or so books were notes Qiu Yan took while studying here.

As the saying goes, one cannot truly read without taking notes. Qiu Yan's dozen or so handwritten manuscripts, though unsystematic and lacking the comprehensiveness and clarity of the book "Knowledge and Action and Action" he gave to Wang Yifu, are of considerable value because they reflect his insights from studying the writings of Sage Sun Sage and are closer to the understanding of others.

Qiu Yan's departure was too sudden. Whether they came to learn from him or wanted to challenge him, they were all caught off guard and naturally wouldn't let it go. Some tried to persuade him, while others simply attacked him.

In this situation, Qiu Yan could not rely on force to suppress them. Instead, as if he had been prepared, he took out the dozen or so manuscripts, spread them out one by one, and used the remaining bit of Human Path Order to sketch out a false scene by taking advantage of the emotions and thoughts emanating from the crowd. He then focused the crowd's attention on the manuscripts and made them realize their value.

After leaving the manuscript there and a few words of farewell, Qiu Yan, along with Hu Qi and Dai Guo who had returned, set off on their journey westward.

After the others left, the scholars began to vie for the manuscript.

To be honest, not all the people who came here were there to seek Qiu Yan's guidance. Under normal circumstances, they would never have fought with others over a few of Qiu Yan's manuscripts. However, they quickly realized that this was an opportunity to make a name for themselves. If they could win, regardless of whether the contents of the manuscripts were actually useful, the mere fact that their reputation would spread would bring them many intangible benefits.

Most scholars are fond of fame.

As a result, many people tore off their disguises and revealed their true colors, leading to numerous scenes of betrayal, including the pair of travel companions Chen Cai and Su Yan.

However, amidst the chaos, the crowd failed to notice that as the struggle intensified, a faint black mist appeared around them, gradually spreading and seeping into their hearts.

Subsequently, the situation gradually spiraled out of control.

Even Qiu Yan probably didn't expect things to turn out this way. However, these things were beyond his control. After leaving the hut in the Lin Zhong, he, Hu Qi, and Dai Guo walked through the Lin Zhong, first shaking off the scholars following behind, and then walking faster and faster.

"Those scholars all harbor some negative thoughts, which are perfect for feeding their Heart Demon Body and allowing them to attach themselves to these demons, thus experiencing the Human Path of scholars."

As Qiu Yan walked, he sensed the information from the Heart Demon Body.

He ultimately won the battle against Lü Liang, but at a considerable cost.

In order to counter Lü Liang, several pieces had already been deployed, and a great deal of intelligence had been collected. Finally, before the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals could gather, they took the initiative to attack. However, the final battle was fraught with danger. If it weren't for the few backup plans left in the Mortal Realm and the power of Human Path Order, the outcome would have been uncertain.

"This was done before the Heavenly Soldiers and Generals arrived. If we had acted later and allowed him to join forces with Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, there would have been no way to salvage the situation."

"I planned extensively, prepared for a long time, and even seized the perfect opportunity, yet I still almost suffered a regrettable defeat. This shows that for some things, one still needs to exert effort to improve one's own strength. Fortunately, after Lü Liang was suppressed, I had a chance to catch my breath. Once I fully understand the mysteries of the <New World Observations>, I should be able to focus on improving my strength."

"However, this battle did cause considerable damage to the Heart Demon Clone. Fortunately, it was conceived and reborn from the body of that Fire Sovereign deity, so its foundation is still intact. Although many of its insights were shattered by the endless Dao Arts and Martial Dao Will, traces of them remain. As long as it comprehends them in time, it will soon be able to fully recover its former state..."

With this in mind, Qiu Yan's thoughts became clearer, and he had a rough plan for his next move.

"Taking advantage of this journey west to Prosperity Capital, we will spread the Heart Demon in the human world to repair the damage, and at the same time mobilize the believers in the Divine Spirit Body to replenish the deficiencies of the Heart Demon. Now that we have come to this point, if we want to perfect a doctrine, we cannot do without understanding the human heart. The Divine Spirit Body is the foundation, the Fleshly Body walks in the Mortal Realm, and the Heart Demon Body must also bear a heavy responsibility. However, before that, there are still some things that need to be dealt with."

Thinking of this, he suddenly stopped, turned around, and said to the dense forest behind him, "You two, you've been following me for so long, it's time to come out."

After he finished speaking, there was no sound from the Lin Zhong opposite.

"Oh? You thought I was bluffing you?" Qiu Yan said, narrowing his eyes, then lifted one foot and landed it as if by accident!

With a tremor of flesh and blood, the Seven Souls circulated, and the Heroic Soul took shape, expanding outwards with the Rhinoceros Beetle and the Rhinoceros as its core, like a gentle breeze sweeping through the surrounding forest. The Lin Zhong and life force in the forest immediately merged with Qiu Yan's will.

The foot landed on the ground.

Boom!

The forest began to sway, as if the branches and leaves were being grasped by an invisible hand, turning into a torrent of brown and green that surged forward, roaring and crashing into one spot.

Splash!

The branches and leaves, brimming with strength, shattered the jungle, revealing two people.

They were a tall, burly man and a scholar leaning on a cane. Who else could they be but Tiger Walker and Huang Yan?

"I never expected you to be so unassuming, sir. I..." Tiger Walker's face showed surprise as he clasped his hands in a salute, but before he could finish speaking, a surging wave of energy descended upon him! (To be continued. Please search for the novel for better and faster updates!)