Before Returning to the Sect
---- Palace Attendant Directorate
The pale-faced, beardless Grand Eunuch Wei's gaze fell on the hydrological charts on the table, a look of doubt on his face.
"I remember when the Prince of the South's disciple went in alone last time, the damage to the Moon Marrow Golden Paste Pool didn't seem to be this severe?"
Upon hearing Grand Eunuch Wei's question, the eunuch in crimson robes beside him pondered for a moment before respectfully replying, "It is said that the Prince of the South bestowed upon the Marquis of Yong another Yu Grade Cultivation Method, which may explain why it is somewhat different from before."
"Another one?" Grand Eunuch Wei sighed inwardly and shook his head almost imperceptibly. If he remembered correctly, this should be the third Yu Grade Cultivation Method that Marquis Yong had switched to.
In this light, the Marquis who was picked up by the Prince of the South is far less impressive than Shen Lingfeng back then. Even with his Primordial Chaos Mysterious Pivot Physique and ability to enter the Return to the Ruins Spring in the Outer Sea, his chances of achieving Nascent Soul status are not very optimistic.
"Could it be the son-in-law of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household?" Grand Eunuch Wei thought for a moment and realized it wasn't impossible. To be able to advance to the level of a superior cultivator and achieve the middle grade of alchemy despite being born in a remote area, having Lower Vehicle talent, and lacking connections, one couldn't possibly be hiding some secrets.
However, both of them were poor but accomplished cultivators favored by Emperor of Wei. The Palace Attendant Directorate was content to keep this in mind, but it would be better not to pry and invite the emperor's questioning.
After all, the two of them weren't entirely without support. If Grand Eunuch Wei made things too messy, there would be quite a few loose ends to cover up. It was better to play dumb.
Unfortunately, the powerful families in the capital region coerced the late emperor to remove the Law Treasure Supreme Yin Wangshu Wheel, which had been placed around the Moon Marrow Golden Paste Pool.
Otherwise, no matter what happened inside this time, those minor Golden Core Grand Eunuch Wei would have been able to see through it all.
After some further thought, Grand Eunuch Wei put down the silk scroll in his hand, abandoning the idea of recording the matter, and instead whispered to the eunuch in red robes:
"Go to the Inner Treasury Bureau and have someone increase the amount of Spirit-Nourishing Powder allocated to the Moon Marrow Golden Paste Pool by 30% within this sixty-year period. That should be fine."
The latter respectfully acknowledged the gesture, and after observing Grand Eunuch Wei gesture, he withdrew and left.
In the vast public room, only Grand Eunuch Wei remained. This head eunuch had no time to sit idly by. This year was his year of governance, and there were still many documents piled up, which would soon exhaust him.
"The profits from the sixteen mines King Yu Circuit have decreased by another 30% in the past sixty years,"
"Shu Zhengde, the Imperial Guard General of Mountain North Circuit, said that Star-Picking Pavilion is stirring up trouble and wants to request troops?"
"The Imperial Horse Directorate of Liangxi Circuit are short of the Purification Army, and the various members of the imperial clan are not responding quickly enough. The Master of the Green Jade Pavilion is already pressing for an answer."
After flipping through the document, Grand Eunuch Wei frowned even more, unable to find a single good thing in it.
Shu Zhengde's request for troops is not his concern for the time being. Since Grand Commandant Han Hegui achieved the Golden Core stage at Kuang Liuting, he has been able to spare some time to attend to his business. Although the Great Wei family of Core Formation is somewhat desolate, the military preparedness around Great Abyss Capital is still relatively well-organized, so Han Hegui should not be bothered by such a small matter.
Because of their historically weak strength, the two Nascent Soul sects of King Yu Circuit have always been quite respectful to the central government, which is why the Palace Attendant Directorate were able to send eunuchs and establish mines.
However, since the frequent actions of that person from the Billowing Dream Palace, the once stable revenue of this inner court has begun to fluctuate. But the spirit ore saved is not really related to those two Nascent Soul sects. If it is not sent to the Mystic Firmament Palace, then it will naturally be sent to the Billowing Dream Palace.
The lands of the outer seas are vast, even surpassing the twenty-seven continents of the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty. However, the places rich in spiritual resources are scattered throughout the lands, while the barren and frigid lands are difficult to fathom.
Even so, the one in the Billowing Dream Palace had already accumulated the strength of a dragon and the might of a tiger. Over a thousand years, his resources had become as abundant as mountains of grain and clouds of fodder, which was incomparable to the current Great Wei Zhengshuo.
Speaking of which, in order to resist the covetousness of the four Spirit Transformation powerhouses— Wooden Gate Temple, Reclining Buddha Sect, One Sword Tower, and Heartless Sect —the Fifth Tier seal symbolizing the legitimacy of Great Wei also fell into the hands of the master of Palace Master of Billowing Dream.
Therefore, in the eyes of some people, whether Mystic Firmament Palace or Billowing Dream Palace is the legitimate successor is a matter of opinion and is truly laughable.
Faced with this situation, Grand Eunuch Wei could only sigh, expressing little optimism about the future.
If the first two matters require further consideration and cannot be rushed, then the fact that the number of the Purification Army the Imperial Horse Directorate has not been fully increased is his fault as the head of the eunuchs, and he cannot easily shirk responsibility.
However, there are also thresholds for this Purification Army. Cultivators must first practice the Three Yangs Transforming Yin Technique to remove their dust handle, and then switch to the Kan Toad Swallowing the Moon Instruction, a Cultivation Method that does not discriminate against missing dust handles or incomplete Dharma bodies, allowing for normal Foundation Establishment and the attainment of Nascent Soul. Only then can they be considered to have reached the threshold for the Purification Army.
If it cannot be repaired, then the dust handle will have faded in vain, and even ordinary cultivators will have no way to help it grow back.
Generally speaking, the number of cultivators who can complete this set of practices is less than one-third, so it cannot be considered an easy method to learn. Talented individuals are also hard to find; it is not fortuitous opportunity that can be easily obtained by just anyone.
Because of this system, few sons of high-ranking families came to the Palace Attendant Directorate to seek a future, and most of the eunuchs who were promoted to high positions in the palace came from humble backgrounds.
Therefore, to be honest, although the Purification Army and the Imperial Guard differ by only one character, it goes without saying which one the Emperor trusts more. If a plan for addressing the shortage of personnel is not quickly formulated, the Emperor will question it sooner or later.
"Hmm," Grand Eunuch Wei, had an idea, "Perhaps we should try to find a way from somewhere else."
Compared to his predecessors in the inner court, Grand Eunuch Wei was genuinely kind-hearted. Moreover, the current emperor was somewhat considerate of appearances when he acted. Therefore, at least when Grand Eunuch Wei was the head of the eunuchs, he never did anything like forcibly detaining cultivators or filling up the quota of the Purification Army.
As he tapped his knuckles on the table, producing a crisp sound, his gaze gradually shifted to the location of Shannan Circuit on the map:
"The battlefield around us is destined to fall apart; let's add fuel to the fire and make it burn even brighter. Hmm, once the Duke of Qin takes action, the Imperial Horse Directorate will have no shortage of volunteers."
---- Elegant Book Garden
"Young Master Kang is truly remarkable,"
Fei Ye Shui, who had finally figured out the course of the game, was pleased with himself. The fact that he had a familiar place to stay in the prestigious Mystic Firmament Palace showed how important this old cultivator was in the eyes of Emperor of Wei.
Fei Ye Shui had exceptional eyesight; without much scrutiny, he could tell that Kang Dabao had gained a great deal, and a genuine sense of joy welled up within him.
Then, the old ancestor carefully observed the latter's expression and asked with suspicion, "Have you been out for too long? Are you going back?!"
Sect Leader Kang Da had grown to trust Fei Ye Shui considerably over this period, so he didn't mince words and replied directly, "Reporting to the Ancestor, this humble disciple knows that the sect does indeed have some important matters that need to be resolved."
However, to Kang Dabao's slight surprise, Fei Ye Shui not only did not dissuade him, but also seriously agreed, saying, "Hmm, that's suitable. Although the Shannan Circuit is indeed more dangerous now, it also holds many fortuitous opportunity, so we must return."
"Thank you, Ancestor. That boy will return to Ying Prefecture now and go back with my wife." Sect Leader Kang Da had just finished bowing when Fei Ye Shui waved his hand to stop him, saying calmly:
"There's no rush. Once I've settled this matter outside, I'll take your family back to the Mountain South. My speed is comparable to that of a True Person, and it will be faster than you arriving by Myriad Treasures Trading Company's flying boat."
"Is Ancestor Tianqin also going back?" Kang Dabao showed a hint of surprise on his face. Fei Ye Shui nodded and replied, "Not only that, the Hundred-Fruit Secret Realm trial has also been completed recently. This time, Donggu will travel with you all to Mountain South to help Nanying all the complicated matters."
"The Hundred-Fruit Secret Realm," Sect Leader Kang Da murmured to himself before remembering it, having almost forgotten about the trials his two sons had undergone there.
"One person ranked seventh and the other ninth in this trial, which is quite good," Fei Ye Shui said with an appreciative tone.
This is because Kang Dabao's two sons are still young. Originally, according to the wishes of many Fei Household elders, promoting them to enter the secret realm could be considered forcing their growth. Even if it is to reward Sect Leader Kang Da for his merits this time, it would be more appropriate to give them some spiritual items and supplies.
Unexpectedly, some of the elite members selected from the other branches actually failed under Kang Changyi Kang Changxi. They will likely face a severe scolding from their elders when they return.
Hearing what the old cultivator said, Sect Leader Kang Da abandoned his idea of immediately returning to the sect. Whether it was his long-lost Martial Uncle Lian coming to find him or that troublesome thing being defeated in a day or two, it was all good news. The only concern was that the aftermath of this fierce battle needed to be properly cleaned up, so as not to leave any future troubles.
At this point, Fei Ye Shui set up a chessboard again. He was in high spirits today, and seeing that Sect Leader Kang Da was staring intently at the chessboard, he invited the latter to join him in the discussion.
However, after Kang Dabao spoke with conviction and eloquence, offering a few words of advice about the chessboard, Ye Shui's initially pleasant expression dimmed, and his brows furrowed slightly.
A few breaths later, the latter heard the noise and suddenly lost interest.
Suddenly, the old cultivator waved his hand, simultaneously drawing a Higher Vehicle quiet room within the Elegant Book Garden, and silencing the eloquent Sect Leader Kang Da, speaking gently:
"Young Master Kang, the game of chess is but a minor skill; do not devote too much energy to it. Mystic Firmament Palace is a superior place of cultivation; it should not be neglected, nor should you become lax in your studies."
"This lad will heed the teachings of the Ancestor!" Sect Leader Kang Da stiffened, and after lingeringly looking at the chessboard for a while, he finally entered the quiet room.
At this time, he had undergone a period of cultivation in the Moon Marrow Golden Paste Pool, and his elixir body was solidified. Thinking that it would be difficult to see results in a short period of time by only cultivating, he took out the "Sharpened Spirit Thorn" that he had just acquired and studied it carefully.
As an item presented as a reward by Emperor Wei, who was openly seeking to win people's hearts, the "Shan Shen Ci" (Sword God Thorn) was certainly no ordinary artifact. Legend has it that the Northern King Kuang Yufeng cultivated this art of spiritual attack to perfection before reaching the Golden Core stage.
At that time, he could dominate the Nascent Soul even below the Nascent Soul stage, which also earned him the opportunity to advance to the True Person and be granted the title of Sect King.
To be honest, the current emperor is quite meticulous.
Not long after Sect Leader Kang Da obtained the "Sharpened Spirit Thorn" manual, he only skimmed through it before realizing that this Cultivation Method required little material but emphasized comprehension, which was perfectly suited to his current situation.
Thinking of this, he stopped sitting there and skillfully placed the three jade pendants in their respective positions. Kang Dabao also lightly made a hand seal, and the Jade Slip on his lap slowly unfolded, revealing its spiritual light.
Upon closer inspection, Sect Leader Kang Da discovered that this high- Zhou Grade Upper-Grade Divine Sense attack technique was also densely covered with annotations recorded by previous generations of cultivators.
He had also witnessed this kind of experience of discerning truths across the ages when he was in the Fei Household. Every word and sentence in this classic text has been meticulously analyzed by many accomplished scholars, making the principles much clearer for those who come after.
However, while the result was important, the inspirational exchanges during the process were equally exhilarating for the relatively inexperienced Sect Leader Kang Da. The high-ranking cultivators above, citing scriptures and drawing on a wide range of sources, were, for Kang Dabao, no less than participating in a high-level sermon.
For any points that remain unclear, there are three jade pendants for further examination. Even the numerous commentaries that were later proven to be incorrect are not entirely without merit. If Sect Leader Kang Da simply follows that line of thought and studies them carefully for a while, he can also make some progress in various aspects.
After studying for several more days, Kang Dabao still had little grasp of the "Sharpened Spirit Thorn" Divine Sense attack technique, but after studying most of its commentaries, he had already benefited greatly.
However, when he saw a name at the end of the Jade Slip, a sharp glint appeared in Kang Dabao's small eyes, and he murmured, "Kuang Cheyun?"
Thunder Splendor Mountain and Three Immortals Cave
The moment the sword blade sliced through the rain, it reflected the lingering light of layers upon layers of talismans.
Amidst the torrential rain, a horrific wound was suddenly torn open in the chest of Pill Master of the Three Immortals Cave Yuan Chang by a fierce Sword Qi. His natal talisman was completely reduced to rotten paper, and his peach wood spirit sword had rotted away. He was in a truly wretched state.
Behind him was the sect's banner, which was mostly broken. The spirit-patterned Pill Cauldron, which the sect had acquired at a high price years ago with the full strength of the sect, had long since collapsed and was occasionally spewing out tongues of blue flame.
If disciples engaged in fierce combat are in an unfortunate position, it would be perfectly natural for them to be burned to a crisp and turned into a dried-up corpse.
The Chongming Sect's attack was indeed proceeding very smoothly. The Pill Master of the Three Immortals Cave had just received a message from Chu Han of the Hehuan Sect that the Azure Jue and Crimson Zhang Guards had already led the Double Brightness Alliance's allied forces, the local militia of the two counties, and the Pine Wind Volunteers Army, totaling 3,600 men, to the foot of Thunder Splendor Mountain.
While Yuan Jin's skillful command of troops was undoubtedly a major contribution, the strategic deployment of Ye Zhengwen and Zhou Yixiu also deserves recognition.
The previous preparations were indeed complicated and arduous, but they were not in vain. The other families in the surrounding area were either similar in strength to or even stronger Chongming Sect, but very few could accomplish such a great thing in such a short time.
As the strategist once said, "Those who are united in purpose will prevail." This holds true today.
Within a month of landing at the foot of Thunder Splendor Mountain, Chongming Sect had already broken the mountain-guarding formation of the Three Immortals Cave. Of the three Pill Masters, two escaped and one was injured, leaving only Jiang Qing, the Yuan Chang holding on.
However, at this moment, even this extremely rare Second-Tier Supreme-Grade talisman master had reached a point where he could no longer continue.
With three Pill Master- level combatants— Jiang Qing, Xu Liuxian, and Bian Hu— taking turns serving them, it's quite remarkable that they've managed to hold out this long, given such good fortune.
As for turning the tide or saving a collapsing empire, it would be extremely difficult for Yuan Chang, an ordinary Pill Master of average appearance, to accomplish such a feat.
Moreover, the Three Immortals Cave was originally a gathering of powerful figures, with conflicts of interest among its members; where could one find even a trace of camaraderie?
Seeing that the situation was hopeless, and with Chu Han, who had made a promise to the Three Immortals Cave, not showing up, Yuan Chang gave up all hope and it was only natural that he would have the idea of escaping.
However, this path to survival was not smooth. He had just found an opening in Xu Liuxian's fire technique when he was caught by Bian Hu's Law Treasure. The magic robe covering him was Yuan Chang ignored the pain and continued to flee forward, but was squinted by a dazzling Sword-Ray.
"It should be possible to avoid it."
Before the thought had even fully formed, Yuan Chang felt a chill on his neck. A flying sword, untouched by blood, hurled his enormous head onto Yuan Jin's banner, and the surrounding drummers immediately began to beat their drums.
The thunderous drumbeats, accompanied by the shattering of the False Core's head, sent shivers down the spines of the cultivators from the Three Immortals Cave standing before the Chongming Sect's ranks. Yuan Jin's rough roar echoed throughout the arena, "Gentlemen, fight with your lives! Destroy this filthy sect as soon as possible, and celebrate our sect leader's Core Formation Core Formation!"