The secret of the eye

On February 27th, Zhou Wuji received a letter from the Upper Court, instructing him to go Upper Court to receive the Sixth Rank ordination and regalia.

The Zhiyun, was none other than the abbot of the Upper Court.

Zhou Wuji had already made preparations for his trip and immediately went to bid farewell to the abbot and the hall master.

Zhi'en and Yiming had known about this for a long time, and they had also seen that Zhou Wuji was no ordinary person and would surely achieve great things in the future. They both sincerely encouraged him.

Zhi'en also had the steward send Zhou Wuji a thousand taels of silver as a fee.

Such a generous gesture was naturally a favor to Zhou Wuji, and Zhou Wuji sincerely thanked the abbot.

Everyone from Cloud Marsh Lower Court came to see him off, and many of them were quite emotional.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Zhou Wuji led Yang Tie Ying away on horseback.

Standing behind Daoist Yizhen Wuming, Wuming couldn't help but cry.

I finally got to reunite with my senior brother, but we had to part again in the blink of an eye.

She suddenly understood the sorrow of parting...

Li Ruyi was also in the crowd. She didn't feel sad about parting; instead, she was filled with fighting spirit.

One day, she too will go to the Upper Court, or even the main academy, and stand shoulder to shoulder with her senior brothers...

Zhou Wuji and Yang Tie Ying had not encountered any trouble along the way.

The two men were less particular, and had no luggage or extra belongings. Wind Chaser and Crimson Cloud were exceptionally swift horses, capable of traveling a thousand miles a day at a gallop.

Zhou Wuji wasn't in a hurry and slowed down.

In seven days, the two arrived at Cloud Dragon Lower Court.

During their journey, Zhou Wuji gave his disciple the Jade Liquid.

Yang Tie Ying was originally of above-average talent. After consuming the Jade Liquid, he immediately mastered the Transforming Force and simultaneously opened his seven Seventh Rank rank.

Judging by his age, Yang Tie Ying was only twenty years old, yet he already held the rank of a Seventh Rank, which meant he could practically dominate a region in Siming County.

Yang Tie Ying was completely unprepared for this, and the sudden surge in his cultivation level made him feel somewhat arrogant.

It wasn't until Zhou Wuji taught him a lesson twice that Yang Tie Ying realized he was far inferior to his master and had no right to be proud.

After several days of travel, Yang Tie Ying's initial excitement about his breakthrough had worn off, and he was able to adjust his breathing.

By the time they arrived at Cloud Dragon Lower Court, Yang Tie Ying had already recovered.

Even Wuleng, who was quite familiar with Yang Tie Ying, didn't notice anything amiss.

Zhou Wuji was very familiar with Yunlong Lower Academy, and he felt very comfortable and at ease returning here.

The first thing I did, of course, was to pay my respects to Abbot Zhihe.

Zhihe's expression was also complicated Zhihe saw Zhou Wuji. In just a few months, Zhou Wuji had made great contributions again and had even been given the title of "Master Hongde".

To be honest, he was quite envious, even a little jealous, when he heard the news.

He was a dignified Fifth Rank cultivator who had worked diligently and conscientiously for decades, yet he was only the abbot of a Lower Court. He received no rewards from the Heavenly Master's Manor's Mansion, nor any title bestowed by the imperial court.

The title was bestowed by the Heavenly Master's Manor, but it was approved by the imperial court, making it very prestigious.

According to etiquette, he should actually address Zhou Wuji as Master Hongde.

However, since the two were old acquaintances and had a personal relationship, such an address not only felt distant but also carried a hint of sarcasm.

Zhou Wuji remained as respectful as ever towards Zhihe. This man was actually of good character, handling official business impartially without being pedantic or arrogant.

After chatting for a few moments, Zhihe said, "I've arranged for Yiping to return to the Flying Profound Hall; it suits him well there."

The Ten Thousand Ghosts Grotto rotates every six months, and Zhihe is keeping his promise, replacing Daoist Yiping with the head of the Flying Profound Hall when the time comes.

Although Flying Profound Hall lacks power, it offers a peaceful and leisurely atmosphere, making it a decent place to visit.

Zhihe arranged for Daoist Yiping to work at the Flying Profound Hall only because of Zhou Wuji's influence.

Zhou Wuji was very grateful and thanked him formally, and also gave Zhihe some Yunze.

The Yunze he brought were mainly dried fruits made from spiritual fruits.

The Yunze area is rich in Spiritual Qi, and its large wetlands are ideal for the growth of certain spiritual fruits.

These sacred fruits, when made into dried fruit, are extremely famous.

According to rank, the two boxes of dried fruit that Zhou Wuji sent were worth more than five hundred taels of silver.

It's not too expensive, but it's not cheap either. It would be a suitable gift for Zhihe.

Zhihe was quite pleased with this. The gift itself was nothing; what mattered was Zhou Wuji's sincerity, which made him feel respected.

After leaving the Heart-Questioning Hall, Zhou Wuji went to the Flying Profound Hall.

Daoist Yiping Zhou Wuji and even took him to offer incense at Daoist Yiyuan's memorial tablet.

The old man muttered Wuji about Wuji receiving an imperial decree, achieving great success and fame, and being very powerful, telling his senior brother in heaven to rest assured, and so on...

Back at the Flying Profound Hall, Zhou Wuji didn't say much, only that he had obtained a spiritual item and wanted Daoist Yiping to try it.

When Daoist Yiping woke up, his complexion had improved considerably, but there was no significant change in his cultivation level.

Daoist Yiping was both surprised and delighted. He could feel the pure and profound life force surging within his body, and even his True Qi level had risen...

Such a precious spiritual item, Wuji actually gave it to him; he was overjoyed but also felt it was a bit of a waste.

Zhou Wuji comforted the old man, telling him to just lie down and relax. He added that the situation in the Upper Court was complicated, so the old man should stay in the Lower Court until he was able to stand up properly before they would take him there...

The next day, Zhou Wu found Wuleng to catch up and asked about his recent situation.

Wuleng simply said that everything had been peaceful and uneventful recently.

Zhou Wuji was still somewhat surprised. The Fu Tianji cave abode was located on Lingming Peak, so why True Person Zhihua ignoring it?

Last time at the Cangwu Tree Palace, True Person Zhihua spoke vaguely about the Fu Tianji cave abode, and it's unclear what went wrong.

He felt a little itchy inside, but he also understood that True Person Zhihua couldn't solve it, then having the Heavenly Puppet would be useless.

After discussing the trip to the Upper Court with Wuleng, which was something the two had agreed upon beforehand, they agreed to depart in ten days, as Zhou Wuji had other matters to attend to.

Zhou Wuji took Yang Tie Ying to Siming County that day.

With two fine horses, Wind Chaser and Crimson Cloud, they arrived in Siming County the following afternoon.

Yang Tie Ying was very excited. After telling her master, she went straight home.

Since the Five Dragons Gang was completely wiped out, Yang Shuling moved back. After all, he had spent half his life running his business in Siming County, and it was more comfortable for him to return to Siming County.

However, Yang Shuling didn't dare to open a martial arts school and instead retired to his old house.

In mid-March, on a sunny and breezy day, Yang Shuling was sunbathing under the eaves when he heard someone come in. He looked up and saw Yang Tie Ying.

A year later, Yang Shuling didn't recognize his grandson at first glance.

The main reason is that he is too familiar with his grandson; however, Yang Tie Ying has changed a lot in the past year.

First of all, he has obviously grown taller; even the wide blue Daoist robe cannot hide his upright figure.

His facial features have changed, not in appearance, but in the loss of his youthful naiveté, replaced by the confidence and vigor of a young man.

Yang Shuling felt a tightness in his heart when his grandson swept over him, because he could feel the strong power in his grandson's gaze.

"Grandpa!" Yang Tie Ying was overjoyed to see the old man and kowtowed repeatedly as she approached.

Yang Shuling finally realized that the spirited young man in front of him was his grandson.

He was also a little excited as he got up to help his grandson up, then looked him over carefully, repeatedly exclaiming, "He's grown up! He's really grown up!"

"Grandpa, I've already reached the Transforming Force, and my Daoist techniques have reached the Seventh Rank!"

Yang Tie Ying had been holding it in all the way, and finally found someone to brag to, and it was his own grandfather, so he was extremely proud and happy.

"Huh?!" Yang Shuling was already a little confused, and now he was even more confused.

He found it hard to believe that he had reached the Transforming Force in just one year.

He didn't understand Daoist cultivation, but he knew all too well how difficult it was to reach the Transforming Force. He spent half his life honing his skills, only achieving the Transforming Force at the age of forty, which gave him the means to establish himself in Siming County.

Facing Yang Shuling's suspicious gaze, Yang Tie Ying suddenly threw a punch, the force of which grazed past Yang Shuling and made his clothes flutter high.

Yang Shuling finally understood: Sun Zi's internal and external strength was purified into one, which was undoubtedly the Transforming Force.

He was both surprised and delighted, exclaiming, "Master Zhou, you are truly a divine being!"

Zhou Wuji is currently at Hidden Dragon Temple. Returning here makes him feel even more at home; it feels just like home.

Sadly, my master is gone, and all the familiar faces are gone; all that remains is the Hidden Dragon Temple...

Seeing Zhou Wuji Wuzheng in thought, Wuzheng said, "Junior Brother has accomplished something great in Yunze; it's already widely known in Yunyang."

"Everyone in Siming County speaks highly of you."

Wuzheng said with some envy, "Junior Brother, you're sure to soar to great heights once you go to the Upper Court!"

He also knew that Zhou Wuji's reputation was rising, and even the Zhihe dared not underestimate him. He should have addressed him as Master Hongde to show respect, but that was just his nature, and he simply couldn't change his way of addressing him.

"Thank you for your kind words, Senior Brother."

Zhou Wuji actually liked Wuzheng. It was true that he had become successful, but Wuzheng was still his senior brother. If he changed his address because of this, it would mean nothing.

When he was at Hidden Dragon Temple, Wuzheng very supportive of him and trusted him greatly.

This senior brother was brave and daring, and he fought to the death against a large number of chaotic soldiers. His courage alone was enough to earn my deep respect.

He even generously taught him alchemy techniques, without holding anything back, which shows his honesty and generosity.

"Senior brother, I have a rare spiritual item here that can aid in cultivation."

Zhou Wuji handed the Jade Liquid to Wuzheng, but said nothing else, only instructing him to take it immediately to prevent the spiritual substance from losing its effectiveness.

He also said that this matter should be kept secret and not spread.

Wuzheng declined a couple of times, but seeing Zhou Wuji's sincerity, he stopped being coy.

When Wuzheng opened his eyes again, the True Qi Divine Aperture his brow was flowing like a river, and he felt that he was only one step away from opening the Heavenly Gate acupoint...

Seeing that Wuzheng woken up, Zhou Wuji asked, "Senior brother, how are you?"

"This is truly a divine object; I am unworthy of it." Wu Zheng Wuzheng somewhat excited. Zhou Wuji had actually given him such a divine object; he was at a loss for words.

"We fought together against the enemy, and my senior brother fought to the death without retreating. I will always remember this kindness."

Zhou Wuji smiled and said, "Senior Brother, you are upright and resolute; you will surely achieve great things in the future."

He Wuzheng nor eloquent, but he was moved and could only nod vigorously.

Zhou Wuji chatted with Wuzheng for a few minutes, and then he suggested going to see the secret room. Wuzheng didn't think much of it and opened the tunnel to send Zhou Wuji down.

"I'll stay here for the night, senior brother, don't worry about me." Zhou Wuji looked at the familiar underground chamber, still feeling quite emotional.

Wuzheng assumed that Zhou Wuji was reminiscing about his master here, so he quickly left the secret room and closed the iron door of the tunnel.

After Wuzheng left, Zhou Wuji opened the Five Yin Pouch, changed into a neat set of tight-fitting black clothes, and tied up the collar, cuffs, and trouser legs.

Zhou Wuji didn't go to Lingming Peak because True Person Zhihua couldn't enter the cave abode, and he didn't want to try it; the risk was too great.

The Qi Eye below the Hidden Dragon Temple is worth trying.

He suspected that his master had obtained the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment from here, so he kept this a secret and didn't tell anyone.

The Qi Eye is hidden deep underground. Zhou Wuji only saw it last time because he opened the Divine Aperture between his eyebrows and resonated with the spiritual Qi of heaven and earth.

He had been focusing on Wuzheng. Wuzheng 'True Qi was extremely strong, but it did not establish that mysterious resonance with the surrounding spiritual qi of heaven and earth, nor did it resonate with the Big Dipper Star Domain.

Zhou Wuji was very familiar with the Big Dipper Star Domain and Mind Mirror to reflect on Wuzheng. If there was a genuine resonance, he would surely be able to discover it.

This includes Wuming, Yizhen, Li Ruyi, Yang Tie Ying, and Yiping -Master Yiping.

Therefore, his ability to resonate with the Qi Eye, Zhihe the Big Dipper Star Domain, is either because he is Extraterrestrial Otherworldly Spirit, or because he possesses the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment.

That raises a question: how did Master discover the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment?

Zhou Wuji was still very curious about the Qi Eye. He was about to leave Yunyang and didn't know when he would be able to return.

Before that, he needed to enter his Qi Eye to take a look.

Before entering, Zhou Wuji activated the Big Dipper Star Eye and carefully observed the Qi Eye's condition.

To enter the underground Qi Eye, one must enter the underground river, passing through an underground river channel hundreds of feet long, and enter a spacious cavern.

He used his Big Dipper Star Eye twice, but saw no signs of life and sensed no danger.

Zhou Wuji was not in a hurry. He circulated his True Qi through breathing exercises, adjusting his body and mind to their optimal state.

Before setting off, he reviewed the underground river tunnel he had observed through the Big Dipper Star Eye one last time, making sure he had memorized all the routes.

Upon reaching the riverbank, Zhou Wuji cast a spell on himself using the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation.

Everything was ready. Zhou Wuji leaped lightly into the slowly flowing river, his figure immediately swallowed by the deep, dark water...