Ripples Beneath the Inkstone, Sorrow Within the Formation

"That guy from Ancient Mysterious Circuit Joyful Sight Mountain was so easily intimidated by Bai Canhong?"

Kuang Liuting read the battle report from Yangming Mountain delivered by the Demon Correction Office. His gaze paused slightly when he saw the list of casualties, but he quickly recovered. When he spoke again, his tone was laced with sarcasm:

"It's rare for someone even more ambivalent than the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion to emerge from this vicinity."

Zhu Tong, who was standing by, could hear the anger in Kuang Liuting's smile. Before he could react, the latter called on him by name again and asked, "Have you written to True Person Tiger Spring to ask why Rouge Temple and Thousand Buddha Grove are hesitating at this crucial moment?!"

Zhu Tong first bowed and glanced at the tablet in his hand before respectfully replying, "Yesterday 'Joyful Sight Mountain was personally written by True Person Tiger Spring. It stated that both families were slightly short of military supplies, and that Huang Mi was unruly and difficult to control, which is why he was transferred from Si Prefecture."

Kuang Liuting's expression grew even colder, but he still smiled and said, "Arrogant and difficult to control, how dare Tiger Spring use such an excuse to fool me? I have cultivated for nearly two hundred years, and when it comes to arrogance, few can surpass him."

Zhu Tong was quick-witted. Hearing Kuang Liuting's anger intensify, she did not speak rashly. Instead, she lowered her head and remained silent, turning slightly to give way so that Kuang Liuting's gaze would fall on Su Chen in the corner of the hall.

The eunuch trembled with fright, but remembering the earnest instructions of his husbands in the palace, he managed not to do anything improper.

Fortunately, Kuang Liuting's slightly reddened eyes didn't linger for long before turning back to Zhu Tong, and then asking, "Is the Marquis of Fengcheng in the prefecture?"

The latter's tone became even more respectful, his back bent even more, before he held his official tablet and said respectfully, "Your Excellency, the Marquis of Fengcheng is currently at the Fei residence, where they have agreed to rush to the aid of Cloud Horn Prefecture in three days."

"Very well, invite him to come see me."

No sooner had Kuang Liuting's edict been issued than Fei Tianqin, that old bird, appeared in the hall. At this moment Fei Household's old ancestor, with his flat hair, no longer held the childish disdain he had shown towards Kuang Liuting outside Learning Forest Mountain.

Although the arrogance in his sharp eyes had not yet dissipated, his demeanor was not much higher than that of Zhu Tong, the Chancellor Gui. His illustrious military achievements, connections with princes, and seniority across three dynasties seemed to amount to nothing at this moment.

According to the Golden Core cultivator who knew Fei Tianqin, this third-tier peak demon, who had a somewhat fearsome reputation in the Immortal Dynasty, was far less respectful to Kuang Liuting than he was to Kuang Zefu, a member of the royal family.

"I apologize for disturbing the Marquis of Fengcheng."

"I was just preparing for the expedition, and I came here to make things convenient for you, sir," Fei Tianqin said, thanking Kuang Liuting for the spirit tea he had recommended. A hint of pleasure flashed in his eyes as he was overwhelmed by the aroma, but the old bird had no interest in tasting it at the moment, and simply asked softly:

"But I wonder why Your Excellency has summoned me here?"

After Kuang Liuting laughed heartily, he said, "I know that it was Marquis of Fengcheng who personally went to the Ancient Mysterious Circuit and met with True Person Tiger Spring. As a result, the Hongfen Rouge Temple and Thousand Buddha Grove were able to see the truth of their mistake. I did not inquire about the details before, but the situation has changed this time, and I would like to ask Marquis of Fengcheng to tell me in detail about our previous conversation."

"Tiger Spring." Fei Tianqin paused for a moment, first responding to Kuang Liuting's question, but after careful consideration, he respectfully replied:

"Reporting to Your Excellency, when I spoke with Tiger Spring the other day, there was no one else present. Upon hearing that the matter was personally entrusted to him by Your Excellency and that he had seen Your Excellency's letter, he was overjoyed. Without even discussing it with his junior brother, True Person Cloud Trust, he immediately settled the arrangements with me."

It is said that once Bai Canhong of the Star-Picking Pavilion raises the banner of rebellion, he will lead his disciples on the mountain to join forces with Five Old Mothers Mountain and Hehuan Sect to fight against the rebels, so as to make some small contribution to the Immortal Dynasty.

I have known Tiger Spring for sixty years. After he was selected to join the Liangxi, he cultivated under my personal guidance for a hundred years. Only after he attained the Golden Core and his master passed away did he return to Guxuan to inherit the sect. Therefore, his expression could not have been hidden from me, but at that time he showed no unusual expression.

"I am unaware of what has happened. After hearing about the events in Si Prefecture, I sent several letters, but a reply has been delayed."

As Fei Tianqin finished speaking, the doubt in his eyes deepened, causing Kuang Liuting to frown as well. The latter pondered Fei Tianqin's words for a moment before asking, "Then, according to Marquis of Fengcheng, could it be that True Person Tiger Spring was coerced by Bai Canhong?!"

"It is possible. In the past five hundred years, Joyful Sight Mountain has produced two True Person, making it almost the only one of its kind in the Ancient Mysterious Circuit. However, neither Tiger Spring nor his junior brother Cloud Trust are as good as Bai Canhong. Even if they joined forces, they could only protect themselves at best, and it would be extremely difficult for them to resist. Therefore, it is understandable that the two of them were so instigated by the latter and lost their minds."

The old bird spoke at length, but towards the end, a strange feeling emerged, though it was unclear what was so strange about it.

Instead, Kuang Liuting lightly tapped the table with his knuckles and then said, "Marquis of Fengcheng, do you think it's possible that True Person Cloud Trust colluded with Bai Canhong to harm True Person Tiger Spring?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, while Tiger Spring is called Senior Brother, it is actually True Person Cloud Trust who was personally taught and nurtured by him to reach the Nascent Soul Realm. This cannot be..."

Fei Tianqin's voice trailed off, a look of surprise crossing his eyes before he suddenly snapped out of it, "What in this world is impossible?"

"Has the Marquis of Fengcheng visited Xinfu with the True Person Cloud Trust to reminisce about their old friendship?"

Kuang Liuting had just asked in a low voice when Fei Tianqin shook his head for a while, "After all, he is close to Tiger Spring. This humble official has very little interaction with this True Person Cloud Trust."

"Understood," Kuang Liuting said, now certain of his own thoughts, and no longer questioned Fei Tianqin, only offering a few more words of advice:

"The reason why Marquis of Fengcheng went to Yun this time was only to lead the Fei Household's disciples to force back the Two Instruments Sect's army."

Marquis of Martial Peace and Xian Prefecture fought alone against a powerful enemy, killing countless enemies across the land. They are truly loyal. How to provide assistance is up to Marquis of Fengcheng to arrange; the Duke's mansion will not interfere.

The Ding Prefecture Kuang Household, having received the favor of the Hehuan Sect True Person Crimson Snow, and with the secret assistance of Baochai and Gada, were able to barely hold their own against the Cloud Water Sect.

Although the Ye Prefecture Yang Household had managed to enlist the assistance of several Golden Core cultivators from Five Old Mothers Mountain, they were still no Xianyu Household. With limited manpower available and the emperor aging, the local authorities of Ye Prefecture might need to show some leniency and consideration towards the Marquis of Fengcheng.

Fei Tianqin knew that it would be difficult to find a good job among these matters, but he did not refuse. With some concerns about True Person Tiger Spring in mind, he left the hall.

Kuang Liuting waved his hand, dismissing the assembled nobles, and then beckoned Su Chen, who was standing in a corner of the hall, to his side, softly instructing, "Prepare paper and grind ink."

The latter bowed deeply before responding, but then walked with a stooped posture to the desk, carefully examining the paper and ink on it for a while before making a move.

Su Chen picked up the pine soot ink, pressed his thumb against the "cloud pattern" on the top of the ink, and lightly tapped the side of the ink with his index and middle fingers, while his wrist spun in a light arc.

The ink stick fell obliquely onto the celadon Duan inkstone, without any resistance in the center of the inkstone, only a "rustling" sound, like a silkworm eating leaves, or like fine snow rubbing against the steps.

Once the "rustling" sound subsided, Su Chen slowly and deliberately rotated his wrist, causing the ink stick to swirl evenly in the inkstone. Initially, the ink was as thin as a mist, clinging to the ice-like patterns on the bottom of the inkstone;

After a few breaths, the ink deepened, as if absorbing all the sunlight filtering through the window, gathering into a deep pool in the inkstone;

A few breaths later, the fragrance of ink wafted out, mingling with the delicate scent of orchids on the Kuang Liuting, who had already approached.

The art of grinding ink was also passed down among the eunuchs, and it remained extremely complicated and meticulous.

However, this path is easy to learn but difficult to master, and it is also useless for spiritual cultivation. In addition, the current emperor is pragmatic and dislikes it. Therefore, even when Kuang Liuting was in the capital region, it is not clear that many eunuchs had the abilities of the eunuch before him.

"Not bad," Kuang Liuting said with a rare genuine praise, then ignored Su Chen and focused his attention on the brush and ink as always.

The red-robed eunuch who often served by his side naturally understood. After a sigh, he pulled Su Chen to his side and spoke to him intimately. Then, with just a few words, the red-robed eunuch determined the latter's bright future.

He wasn't jealous, because fortuitous opportunity obviously don't fall into the hands of lazy people.

Heaven knows how much effort this minor eunuch surnamed Su put in to hone his ink-grinding skills to such an extent, given his lack of connections and single-minded dedication. How could an ordinary person bear to do that?!

Just as the red-robed eunuch finished giving his instructions, he saw that Kuang Liuting had also finished writing the letter in a long and flowing style. The latter dodged the red-robed eunuch's eager offer to take it, but carefully read through the letter again before thinking to himself:

"If that's the case, then let's sweep this land even cleaner."

But then the token in his hand turned into light and disappeared. Halfway there, it split into two. One side headed towards Great Abyss Capital, the heartland of Great Wei; while the other seemed to be heading towards the outer sea?

---- Yangming Mountain

The night was as dark as ink, and the stench of blood mixed with the smell of herbs wafted in the wind on Yangming Mountain.

Kang Dabao stood atop the mountain, the clear light of the Jade Palace Impurity Breaker Halberd reflecting the red veins in his eyes. A fragment of a Law Treasure, shattered during the fierce battle, was still embedded in the groove of the halberd, gleaming with a bloody light like scales.

"How is Wei Gu?" he suddenly asked, his voice hoarse with a metallic scraping quality. Duan Anle methodically put away the medicine in his hand, ignoring the undried bloodstains still on his fingertips.

"I've forced him to take several Second-Tier Supreme-Grade healing pills. Qi Ke told me that Wei Gu's heart meridian is shattered by at least 30%. Alas, it's a tragedy. It's lucky that Foundation Establishment cultivator can even survive such injuries. As for what happens afterward, it's all up to fate. Besides, it's unlikely that many of those array masters can be saved."

"Understood. Don't worry, my disciple is always sensible. Having taken such a precious pill, how could he possibly not wake up?"

Kang Dabao interrupted him, unsure if he had been convinced by his own reasoning, and then glanced at the blood-soaked spiritual soil in front of the battle formation, its original color unrecognizable.

A long spear, now without its master, lay embedded in a pile of corpses. The Sha Qi Law Treasure at its tip clashed with the moonlight, scattering tiny silver fragments that seemed to add a chilling hue to this hellish scene.

The two remained silent for a moment. As Ye Zhengwen's pen made the final mark on the bamboo slip, the sky was already turning a pale white. He rolled up the list of casualties into a tube, and the bloodstains on the bamboo surface congealed into dark red scabs, just like the unburied corpses on the battlefield.

The groans echoing through the clinic pierced the dawn light. Kang Rongquan's wooden demon was piling up broken spears and shattered armor into a small mountain. The emerald green sap mixed with black blood dripped onto the ground, which surprisingly sprouted a few thorny weeds.

"How many Azure Jue Guards are still capable of fighting?" Kang Dabao's voice startled the fire crows with bulging bellies perched on the branches.

Duan Anle held the newly counted roster, his knuckles white from the effort. "Only one False Core cultivator has perished, more than half of the Foundation Establishment cultivators are wounded or killed, almost none of the Qi Refinement disciples are unharmed, and the organizational structure of each camp is incomplete, requiring reorganization. Only seventeen Second Tier spirit crossbows remain usable."

At this point, Duan Anle suddenly lowered his voice. "Master, Brother Xiu from Ingenious Craftsman Fort didn't make it."

Kang Dabao was suddenly startled, seemingly lost in thought.

At this moment, Duan Anle handed over the silk scroll left by Xiu Ming. Kang Dabao did not read much of the advice on how to repair and arrange the spiritual artifacts. He only ran his fingertips over Xiu Ming's blood-stained handwriting, his gaze sharpened, and he remained silent for a long time.

"Summon the newly chosen leader of the Ingenious Craftsman Fort to come out and see me. We will discuss how to reforge magical artifacts according to local conditions and other matters."

Duan Anle acknowledged the reply. He still had many things to attend to, and after reporting Xiu Ming's death to Sect Leader Kang Da, he quickly excused himself.

Along the way, one could see remnants of various families gathered together. Many of the smaller families' cultivators' defensive magical Law Artifact were far inferior to the monks' robes, and they were scrambling to put them on, which made the scene somewhat comical.

"Yang Xun, take them to the back of the mountain to reorganize them."

Yang Xun, who had been promoted to deputy general of the Crimson Zhang Guard, still had fragments of a rosary bead from some unknown monk on the seal in his hand, but as soon as he heard Duan Anle speak, he immediately nodded heavily and dared not be negligent in the slightest.

Dai Fuzhi, who fought alongside Yang Xun, was not so lucky; his body has been collected and preserved by the Dai Household cultivators.

His broken sword was carefully embedded in a cliff face by the disciples of the Merit Points Hall. A small wooden plaque was attached to the tassel, which read, "Master Dai Household, recorded his merits, died in Xian Prefecture."

This was carved by Ye Zhengwen overnight; the characters are neat and upright, and the few words became a solemn eulogy.

As everyone performed their duties, the drumbeats signaling the start of battle suddenly resounded.

The cultivators of the Azure Jue Guard sat in meditation on the remnants of the lotus platform formation. Only three lotus leaf phantoms remained, yet they stubbornly continued to spin, condensing the morning dew into spiritual liquid, which dripped onto the wounds of the injured.

The new recruits of the Crimson Zhang Guard are learning to form battle formations. Most of them are collateral descendants or even servants from various families. In the past, they could only serve as righteous followers, but now they are fortunate enough to be incorporated into the Crimson Zhang Guard. However, they do not know whether to be happy or worried.

Many of them had just been through bloody battles, and their arms were still trembling when they held the crimson light. But at this moment, no one dared to joke with their lives.

Therefore, after Duan Yunzhou led the veteran soldiers through some training, endured some whipping, and rallied their spirits, these loyal followers, whether they regretted it or not, became quite respectable.

At this moment, Wei Gu, whose face was ashen, was fixed to a white jade platform in the center of the clinic, his body covered with roots of purple spirit grass.

The Sect Leader Kang Da was inspecting the area, was personally channeling spiritual energy into his heart meridian. The clear light in his palm intertwined with the purple of the grass tendrils, gradually forming a mysterious seal at his heart.

At this moment, Wei Gu, who had been teetering on the brink of life and death, finally felt a sliver of strength to speak, "Sect Leader..."

"Hold on," Kang Dabao said wearily, "That Huang Mi hasn't retreated yet. If you die, who will rebuild the Mysterious Yellow Encircling Veins Formation?"

Wei Gu's eyelids twitched, black blood spilled from his throat, but he forced a smile, "The most worthwhile thing in Wei Gu's life, the sect leader, was coming to Pingrong County from Jingnan Prefecture and becoming... becoming a disciple of Double Brightness."

"Silence!! There's no need to say such things!!" Sect Leader Kang Da was also filled with emotion. When he accepted Wei Gu as his disciple, he never imagined the latter would make such progress.

Not only was Mo Ku, who entered the sect at the same time, far inferior, but even many of his fellow disciples were not as good as him.

"Before the sect leader's disciple fainted, he managed to retrieve some of the main flag, which could still be somewhat repaired."

When Wei Gu spoke, he could no longer lift his arm, but in the end, he still managed to sweep his little finger across the Storage Bag at his waist and pull out a Jade Slip.

Before Kang Dabao could even take the bait, Wei Gu suddenly fainted.

Qi Ke, covered in blood from his busy work, led a group of Alchemist over and invited Sect Leader Kang Da to the outer room, whereupon the latter began to seriously examine the jade Jade Slip by Wei Gu.

Without needing to read it carefully, Kang Dabao knew that this was Wei Gu's notes on the essence of the Mysterious Yellow Encircling Veins Formation, which he had studied a few days ago. He then handed it over to the False Core and array master, instructing him to try to repair the mountain-protecting array as soon as possible.

Just as he was about to speak with a few more members of the Liang family to boost morale, another letter arrived from Sect Leader Kang Da. Before he could even take it and glance at it, he saw that Chief Secretary Buse, who had been keeping to himself lately, was also holding a letter, his face beaming with joy.

Kang Dabao glanced down at the letter in his hand. Before the approaching Buse could even speak, Kang Dabao guessed that the contents of their letters were roughly the same.

But then a voice, Buse, chuckled and said, "Marquis of Martial Peace and Marquis of Fengcheng have arrived at Cloud Horn Prefecture, beheaded one of the Golden Core Two Instruments Sect the Liangyi Sect, and forced their army to retreat a hundred miles. They also sent a letter saying that Marquis of Gucheng and the Ying Mountain Army are already on their way. We don't need to achieve any more merit; we should just hold onto our wealth and status!"