A Long Dream in Jingxiang

Although the Dream-Eating Marquis's soul was in turmoil and had been affected by the Grand Void Radiation, causing his power to stagnate for a time, he was still able to hear what Chu Tianshu was saying.

He still managed to finish his sentence!

The Dream-Eating Marquis felt incredibly frustrated.

But what was even more frustrating was that he actually lost.

Although the exchange was brief, he felt as if he was being restrained at every turn.

The original Dream-Savoring Divine Art lies in its ability to win through agility and change. If it cannot utilize its special ability in change, it should be able to defend and delay using its extremely gentle power.

Unfortunately, his opponent's skill penetration was also superior to his.

Completely defeated!!

Chu Tianshu smiled slightly as he looked at the Dream-Eating Marquis's expression, then turned to look at the Yangtze River, feeling a sense of admiration in his heart.

Even among those who progress from the Single Flawlessness to the Returning Light, there are differences in their levels of attainment.

The strength of the Meteor Gods and Devils is clearly inferior to that of the Ghost Mother Clan's Yu Huangfen.

In terms of combat awareness, the two are probably evenly matched.

However, the Meteor Gods and Devils's physique and the cultivation techniques they practiced were not as profound as those of Yu Huangfen.

The Dream-Eating Marquis before me cultivates a self-created technique, and his cultivation realm is subtly more profound than that of the Yu Huangfen.

That's quite remarkable.

"Before you became famous, you must have benefited a lot from the Ancient Heavenly Ranking. At that time, which true name on the Ancient Heavenly Ranking did you draw upon?"

Chu Tianshu asked a question, but seeing that Dream-Eating Marquis did not speak, he snorted coldly.

"Don't put on airs. I know you can still respond. If you don't answer, I'll really make sure you can't speak."

The Dream-Eating Marquis's cheek twitched.

"I, the Marquis, once saw the sword marks left by the Death-Claiming Sword God on a stone tablet in Jingxiang, and comprehended the incomplete moves within them, which is why I worship the Death-Claiming Sword God."

Chu Tianshu was slightly surprised. "The Death-Claiming Sword God and the Dream-Savoring Divine Art are very different in style, how did you connect them?"

Dream-Eating Marquis honestly explained.

As is widely known, the Great Immortal Zongheng once established the Vertical and Horizontal Martial Academy in the southeast, where all kinds of unique skills, from the lowest to the highest level, were taught.

However, several decades after Prince Xuan Taizu, he merged the Vertical and Horizontal Martial Academy into the Imperial Academy.

The Death-Claiming Sword God once entered the palace because of this matter. The Emperor Taizu offered him three cups of wine, and he blocked three swords.

Knowing he could do nothing to Prince Xuan Taizu, the Sword God had no choice but to leave the capital.

However, later, Prince Xuan Taizu led all the civil and military officials to create the Heavenly Ranking, Heavenly Ranking a strange change and broke away from the control of the court.

The Sword God discovered that people could learn more of the techniques of those listed on the Heavenly Ranking Heavenly Ranking communicating with them.

So, in his later years, the Sword God studied all the secret manuals that had once Vertical and Horizontal Martial Academy.

Anyone who learns any one of those secret manuals can sense the true name of the Sword God and then learn other secret manuals from that name.

The Jingxiang Stone Stele is the most famous of the many relics left by the Sword God.

"My purpose in seeking out the stone tablet to study sword techniques wasn't to learn the swordplay inscribed on it, but rather because I heard that among the secret manuals possessed by the Sword God was a technique called ' Sky-Spanning Divine Art,' which subtly aligns with some of the philosophies of the ancient Zhuangzi."

The Dream-Eating Marquis said, "I admire Zhuangzi and wanted to learn this divine skill. After learning it, I gradually developed a set of Dream-Savoring Divine Art."

So that's how it is.

Chu Tianshu's eyebrows twitched, and he stepped towards the edge of the rocky beach, getting closer to the vast river.

He had previously examined the true name of the Death-Claiming Sword God and discovered that Lu Shuangyan had died of old age. Although he felt a little sentimental, he did not pay much attention to it.

As for the long list of martial arts skills following the Sword God's real name, he thought it was just Lu Shuangyan's own interest.

Unexpectedly, there was such a convoluted story behind it.

Many people on the Ancient Heavenly Ranking possessed more than one martial art, but when later generations sensed their true names, they often only obtained one or two of their most famous unique skills.

Only Lu Shuangyan, whose true name is known to the world, can choose from many different types of martial arts.

"The Death-Claiming Sword God, stealing lives from the heavens, bestowing them upon the world."

Dream-Eating Marquis was still speaking, he said, "I admire this senior the most, and I've also heard that he has a very unique temperament."

"After creating the Crystal False Dream, I'll first create some beauties, and then I'll create some dreams related to the Sword God."

"Many of the daughters of noble families in the capital, especially the young ladies, admire this swordsman. If the dream is exquisite, they would surely be happy to open their wallets—"

After being subdued, the fat man became even more relaxed and said whatever came to mind.

He was clearly the kind of person who lived for the moment; if he was going to be killed soon, he might as well say a few more words before he died.

Chu Tianshu listened to his idle chatter but did not interrupt him. He raised his eyes and looked at the Heavenly Ranking again.

Fourth on the Ancient Heavenly Ranking, the Death-Claiming Sword God.

Fifth, Great Immortal Zongheng ----

This time, the name of the Great Immortal Zongheng did not flash noticeably.

Chu Tianshu's defeat of the Dream-Eating Marquis had a significant impact. Even if the news hadn't spread yet, the mere fact that this event had become a reality should have been detected by the Heavenly Ranking and caused changes.

However, Chu Tianshu's research during his time at Mount Laoming was not in vain.

When he defeated the Divine Machine Battalion, he used his Stinking Lungs Dantian to absorb the distracting thoughts of the surrounding environment, temporarily stabilizing his reputation Zongheng. However, the effect of this was very limited.

Because in this world, the number of wandering thoughts is immeasurable, and their depth is profound.

At most, he can only absorb some superficial distractions from the environment. If the impact at the time was greater and stimulated deeper distractions, then he would be unable to resolve them.

After drawing on the methods of the Laoming Temple and the Divine Machine Battalion to attract the power of the Heavenly Ranking.

Chu Tianshu's efficiency in absorbing the power of the Heavenly Ranking increased significantly.

In today's world, even those who have just begun to learn martial arts can worship a certain true name on the Ancient Heavenly Ranking and receive some kind of response, which shows just how profound their research on the Heavenly Ranking has become.

For Chu Tianshu, this was no big deal at all.

With both his physical strength and energy Double Leakless, and the need to open up the Seven Souls Dantian, the speed at which he absorbed the power of the Heavenly Ranking was astonishing.

You can digest as much as you absorb.

Therefore, as soon as the new event's influence was applied to the true name of the Great Immortal Zongheng, Chu Tianshu had already consumed an equivalent share.

There's simply no incentive for this title of "Great Immortal" to be moved.

"For over two hundred years, people have attributed many of my achievements to the title of 'Great Immortal Zongheng,' but in reality, many of these feats were not actually accomplished by me, and I find it difficult to process them."

"However, the newly generated influence was indeed created by me. I can absorb this blessing and seamlessly transform it into my own power."

Chu Tianshu felt a lingering coolness emanating from the top of his head, which was being continuously drawn into his body.

At this rate, he will soon have cultivated a new dantian.

For him, the Heavenly Ranking was like an aid, transforming the intangible and vast influence into tangible power.

Perceiving Qi, Transformation, Returning Light, Tribulation ----

The power possessed by the Heavenly Ranking seems to be an ability that only those at the Tribulation Realm should be able to touch.

"The Heavenly Ranking is so profound; no wonder that in the past two hundred years, this world has developed to the point where even Taboo masters can only be considered first-rate."

"Back in the day, the martial arts skills of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Demonic Sect were at a level that, if they were used now, Zhongdu private fights in some rural villages, and they might not even win."

The Golden Lion King of East Village fought a fierce battle against the Silver Armor King of West Village, but the old village chief of North Village took advantage of the situation and ambushed them with a pitchfork, killing them both on the spot.

In today's Great Xuan, this kind of thing might not be a joke.

"Therefore, I need to play it safe and not reveal my true intentions too early, lest I be attacked by everyone."

On the road to reforming the world, enemies will always emerge one after another. Fortunately, there will be no shortage of people who can be modified and temporarily used.

Chu Tianshu smiled and turned to look at the Dream-Eating Marquis.

Among the top twenty masters on the Heavenly Ranking, only this otaku is truly alone and isolated.

That's right, don't be fooled by his three thousand disciples and impressive reputation.

Dream-Eating Marquis himself lived a secluded life and did not have much involvement with those who ranked at the Heavenly Ranking.

The business he was involved in was already extremely profitable for the people, and the actions of some of his students were even more despicable to the honest common people, deserving of being beaten to death.

But in the current Great Xuan, his disciples could even be included in Chu Tianshu's list of those who could be selected and reformed, instead of being killed outright.

These are already considered a group of people with some principles.

Moreover, because the Dream-Eating Lineage is accustomed to traveling South Sea and doing things in unconventional ways.

Once you recruit them into your ranks, they'll get things done, and others won't find it strange; it won't attract much attention for the time being.

Have you finished talking nonsense?

Chu Tianshu interrupted the Dream-Eating Marquis's incessant chatter.

"I'm not planning to kill you yet, don't be in such a hurry and ruin your future."

The Dream-Eating Marquis fell silent instantly.

A true man can bend and stretch; if you can survive, it's best to be docile for now.

Chu Tianshu said, "Use the post stations you've set up in various places, and with the most urgent orders, summon all your disciples."

The Dream-Eating Marquis was taken aback. "You... you really intend to use all my disciples as compensation?"

Chu Tianshu: "Huh?!"

I mean—

The Dream-Eating Marquis asked, "Where are we going to gather them? Just here in Hankou?"

Chu Tianshu shook his head.

"I've seen Hankou. Although there are many bad things there, it's also very prosperous. The people can tolerate it, but it's unrealistic to expect them to take the lead and be the first to make changes."

"You have three thousand disciples who travel the world, searching not only for beautiful dreams, but also for strange and unusual ones. And many of these so-called strange dreams are, in fact, nightmares for the original owners of those dreams."

Chu Tianshu exhaled slowly and said, "I want you to tell me, where in the world are the most nightmares?"

He felt this problem shouldn't be difficult.

However, the Dream-Eating Marquis pondered deeply.

"Maybe, maybe it's the Western Regions. The Western Regions are scorching hot during the day and bitterly cold at night; everyone must be suffering terribly—"

Chu Tianshu frowned, his gaze turning stern as he stared at the other person.

"Ah, it could also be the South Sea."

Sweat beaded on the face of the Dream-Eating Marquis. "The areas near the South Sea are all deep mountains and forests, rife with miasma. Fishermen who go out to sea face harsh winds and waves, so their lives are naturally very difficult."

"I... I confess, I knew nothing about these things. My energy was focused on improving martial arts, making crystals, checking accounts, and going out for spring outings."

"The work of compiling statistics on dream types and actually selling them was all done by my subordinates."

Chu Tianshu closed his eyes briefly, endured the pain, then realized he didn't need to endure it at all. He took out a handful of silver needles, pierced them with a sharp sound, and stuck them into the Dream-Eating Marquis Eater's cheek.

Suddenly, Dream-Eating Marquis felt his mouth lose control, and his neck and collarbone ached, tingled, and itched, a very subtle sensation, as if ants were crawling inside his bones.

"Remember this: from now on, when I ask you questions, tell me the truth."

Chu Tianshu took a breath and said, "Don't ramble on and try to give some flimsy answers."

A hoarse, weak voice came from the peach grove.

"Senior, Lord Marquis, I understand."

Taohua Scholar sat slumped at the tree root, his face covered in spots, trying his best to suppress a chaotic energy surging within him, and cried out urgently.

"The place with the most nightmares in the world is not in the Western Regions, nor in the South Sea, but in the Jingxiang region."

The Jingxiang region.

Connecting the Central Plains to the north, controlling Huguang to the south, linking Bashu to the west, and reaching Wuyue to the east, it can be described as a vital pass and transportation hub of the Nine Provinces.

During the Southern Song Dynasty, the Jingxiang defense line withstood the Jin Dynasty and the Mongols for 150 years.

During the Yuan Dynasty, this area suffered massacres, the destruction of cities and strongholds, and the devastation of its people. As the transportation hub shifted eastward, and because the Yuan Dynasty relied on maritime transport, its role as a vital inland transportation center was further diminished.

During the reign of Great Ming, due to numerous corruptions in the government, the Jingxiang region, despite a large influx of people, failed to develop.

Until the Zongheng Army rose in the southeast, connected with Jingxiang and Xiangyang, and conquered the world with their swords and horses.

Great Xuan once claimed that he would surpass the Han and Tang dynasties, restore strong control over the western part of the Nine Provinces, vigorously develop the Jingxiang region, relocate people, open roads, measure fields, and encourage commerce.

The ironware and clothing of Jingxiang were unparalleled in the world at that time.

However, with the changing times, the government has become habitually procrastinating and indifferent to the people's livelihood. Gentry and wealthy merchants have seized every opportunity to profit, leading to the bankruptcy and closure of many workshops in Jingxiang, and the few that have been acquired.

Later, the roads were damaged and no one maintained them. The government only knew how to collect taxes, and the gentry could not afford to pay. Even the large workshops that had been acquired were abandoned one after another.

The population that migrated to the area in the early years has multiplied over generations and is now quite large.

The once -Jingxiang warriors of Jingzhou and Xiangyang have become the most notorious troublemakers in the community, engaging in the most vicious private feuds.

The entire Jingxiang seemed like a desolate, long dream.

Over the past twenty years, the Dream-Gathering Sect there have had the most nightmares.