Chapter 1, The city is not at peace
Episode Synopsis
In order to refine the detoxification pill, Xie Xiaoyu, under the guidance of Li Guangzong, arrived at the Zhongyi Hall Taobao.
Among a pile of alchemical cauldrons, he unexpectedly chose an inconspicuous and worn-out item. What kind of secret does this cauldron conceal
Unexpectedly pursued by an assassin organization and facing an invasion of the original mining area, Xie Xiaoyu decided to lead everyone to mine independently while systematically dedicating themselves to cultivation.
The detoxification elixir has been successfully refined, and the accumulated toxins within individuals are being expelled one after another, allowing their cultivation to reach a higher level
Just as everything was about to begin, the Loyalty Hall sent someone with an unexpected message
Why does the Heavenly Kings Gang dominate the various factions? Is it not because they have a few alchemists under their command
"Observing the heavens and penetrating the depths of the earth" is not merely about cultivating the eyes, but rather about refining all six senses. It is said that upon reaching the highest realm, one can rival the abilities of the clairvoyant and the clairaudient.
That being said, the value of the antidote pill lies therein; the elixir is particularly precious in Tianbao Prefecture, and exchanging it for a few items would be more than sufficient
The adjacent brush is made of Xiangfei bamboo for the handle, with fine hair and stiff bristles at the bottom. Although it is only of medium quality, it is still a commendable item
Xie Xiaoyu was not caught off guard; his index and middle fingers pinched a sword talisman, and the sword energy, over three feet long, deflected the incoming blade energy.
"Alright, then I shall show my shortcomings." Li Guangzong rolled up his sleeves. He came here with the intention of returning in glory, wanting everyone to see his current success. Nothing could demonstrate his strength better than a match with his master. His earlier politeness was merely a facade.
In a contest of experts, even the slightest difference can be fatal, let alone a few inches
In the hall, we are all brothers; brothers should help each other. If there is anything urgent, feel free to speak up. Although the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall is just a small establishment, it still holds some status in Tianbao Prefecture. Although Master Luo appears rough on the outside, he is quite meticulous on the inside. By silencing Xie Xiaoyu with his words, he intends to make him acknowledge this favor.
Soon, two bulging bags were taken down. In addition, there was a small cloth bag tied with a red string. Li Guangzong opened the bag and took a glance; inside was a shiny golden bead
A space suddenly opened up in the center of the inner hall, not only surrounded by the incense masters and the leaders, but also ordinary members who were working and practicing in the inner hall gathered around, with two to three hundred people watching the spectacle.
He cannot be certain that there are only three killers
As soon as he burst into that building, he felt a powerful aura behind him
Murder is not merely an act of venting anger, but rather a means to an end, aimed at provoking the other party to reveal themselves; this tactic has proven effective time and again
The power of the high-grade talismans is certainly not inferior to that of magical artifacts, but unfortunately, he has not yet reached that level
What flew over was a blade wheel
"Doing good and accumulating virtue, predicting medicine for the world, I did not expect that the two of you are actually disciples of Tianmen" said Xie Xiaoyu, revealing the origins of the other party.
I just want it to be ready. "Xiao Yu took the alchemical furnace and brought it over.
Li Guangzong ran over without saying a word, first picking up two weapons, and then began to search the bodies.
As they spoke, an elderly man with a vigorous demeanor, white hair yet youthful appearance, and dressed in a long blue robe entered. Following him were a young man and a young woman, both seemingly under twenty years of age. The man was handsome, carrying a precious sword; the woman was beautiful, holding a feather duster, resembling both a servant and a disciple.
"Antidote." Doctor Zhou is a discerning individual
There were already people waiting inside the main gate. All of these individuals were cultivators, with the weakest among them having reached the sixth level of Qi Refinement
This Coach Cao possesses the strength of the third level of Qi training, making him the foremost individual under the incense master in the hall
The bubble-like shield is not difficult to break. If he were wielding a flying sword instead of a sword talisman, he could definitely slice through it with a single strike. Even using his previous life-bound magical artifact, he could forcibly breach it.
This punch was as swift as a thunderbolt; due to excessive force, several slabs of stone on the ground were instantly cracked.
Everyone was somewhat taken aback, and a few individuals even showed expressions of displeasure. Everyone thought that even if he did not choose the best, he would at least select a medium to low-quality furnace, but unexpectedly, he ended up taking something that was nearly worthless.
The power of just a single strike made those followers understand the gap between cultivators and mortals
It was still that dark gleam, silently gliding past their feet.
In ancient times, the people had no formal education and could only take nature as their teacher. They observed the movements of the stars, understood the acupoints of the human body, watched the rivers flow, and comprehended the circulation of blood. At that time, the creation of tools was similar; they imitated the human body's meridians and acupoints, then infused them with the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, as well as the essence of the sun and moon, allowing them to evolve on their own
Both boxes are made of agarwood. One measures half a foot in length and one inch in width. Upon opening the lid, one finds many sheets of talisman paper neatly stacked inside. Each sheet is a bright yellow color, with a subtle waxy sheen on the front. When held, it feels soft and resilient, undoubtedly a premium quality. The other box is smaller and contains a paste made from a mixture of vermilion, animal blood, and other materials, which is also of premium quality
My daughter returned to Middle-earth at the age of six, and it has been ten years since then. She has devoted herself entirely to alchemy in the Jade Book Sect, neglecting even her cultivation, and can only produce some low-level elixirs... The hall master's old face was filled with regret
Therefore, his omission of mentioning his mentor signifies that he does not wish to discuss past matters, as there is nothing to talk about; any conversation would only bring up sorrowful memories. If the other party insists on dragging him into a conversation, it would be utterly unreasonable, akin to rubbing salt into a wound.
Xie Xiaoyu quickly pulled Li Guangzong and rolled on the ground.
Xie Xiaoyu quickly struck a sword talisman.
Xie Xiaoyu's heart trembled, and a passage of text immediately flashed through her mind
At that moment, a bold voice rang out from outside: "I asked why the main door is wide open? It turns out a distinguished guest has arrived"
If that hall master had stepped forward directly and offered a few words of apology, he might not have maintained the same respectful distance as before; instead, the other party's demeanor made him reluctant to approach.
Be careful! Master Luo spread his arms, and an energy shield with a radius of ten zhang immediately enveloped the entire arena beneath it
However, even with resources so abundant that it is hard to imagine, the success rate of manufacturing at that time was still very low. Out of one thousand items, nine hundred and ninety-nine would fail, leaving only one to succeed
On the arena, two individuals were no more than five feet apart, having already entered a rapid assault phase. Their four arms transformed into countless phantoms, thrusting, slashing, chopping, blocking, and intercepting.
Li Guangzong and Teacher Cao stood facing each other, ten paces apart, both empty-handed
The same Pili Jue, when executed by this instructor, feels entirely different, truly embodying the essence of thunder and lightning, with a hint of the rolling thunder.
With a soft sound, golden light flickered around the person's body, transforming into a large bubble that enveloped them.
Xie Xiaoyu did not refuse to engage with the picture book this time
The flying sword does not rely on its own sharpness, but rather on the instantaneous explosion of sword energy. The length of the sword energy is only three to five feet, and it is precisely because of the concentration of power that it can cut through gold and sever jade, striking with unparalleled sharpness
The old man could no longer hold on and had no choice but to agree
A streak of bright sword light silently pierced through the collapsing bubble, emerging before the bubble could restore itself
Xie Xiaoyu's eyes lit up, but he quickly shook his head and said: "This alchemical furnace is too good. My friend cannot use it, nor does he dare to use it, for possessing a treasure can lead to trouble! Unlike me, he is not a sword cultivator. Although his realm is higher than mine, in a real confrontation, he would not be my match."
It felt as though a punch had landed on cotton; the old man sensed his strength was rendered useless. Although the opponent appeared quite young, he was a seasoned veteran. In desperation, he could only give the order: "Take out all the alchemical cauldrons and let the young master choose for himself"
"Good, impressive skills, to have such ability right after just starting out." Iron-Mouthed Zhang praised from the side
Certainly, this is also related to the quality of the talismans. Talismans drawn with cinnabar ink on talisman paper are of the lowest grade. If gold talismans are refined using metal, jade talismans using beautiful jade, wood talismans using spiritual wood, or even skin talismans using the hides of demonic beasts, and bone talismans using the bones of adult corpses, the situation would be entirely different
The Dan Ding is not related to the safety of a gang; it does not matter if outsiders are aware of it, as no one can exploit this matter.
The air was also torn apart by two individuals, with turbulent currents raging all around. These turbulent currents were as sharp as knives; although they were not lethal, any contact would immediately result in a gash that bled profusely
With a burst of blood, the person wielding the法刀 was cleaved in two, sliced diagonally into two halves
The two individuals are strolling on the street, while in the assembly hall of the Loyal and Righteous Hall, a group of people is seated there discussing matters. In the center of the assembly hall, there is a long couch, upon which an elderly man sits cross-legged, with two rows of chairs in front of him, where the helmsman and the incense masters are seated in order.
The fists collided with each other, producing a muffled sound of "pa".
The onlookers were beaten to a pulp, desperately searching for a place to hide
There are still two over there. Their weapons are also good items; bring them all over. "Xie Xiaoyu did not take action herself, instead twisting two sword talismans to remain vigilant of her surroundings
The moment he threw the knife wheel, his fate was already sealed. At this moment, his hands were empty, and there was nothing to block even if he wanted to.
He was certain that someone had reported the incident long ago, and the patrol officers had already arrived, but they were standing at the street corner, unwilling to come over. Now that the commotion had subsided, they were finally willing to come and clean up the scene. The chaotic sound of whistles served as a signal, indicating that those involved should prepare in advance, retreat if necessary, and dispose of any evidence.
Blood splattered as a head flew over ten zhang away, rolling chaotically on the ground.
Each person has their own aspirations. The old man sighed.
The person holding the magic sword was on high alert, unsure of what new tricks Xie Xiaoyu might have up her sleeve, and could only desperately urge the protective talisman into action
Li Guangzong nodded
"Indeed, the people of the sect are well-informed and knowledgeable," praised Tie Zui Zhang, stroking his beard.
Xie Xiaoyu was slightly taken aback; he did not expect it to be so effortless
The sword energy exploded, illuminating the world with its dazzling brilliance. However, amidst the blinding light, a similarly piercing sword light had already reached before him
Open the inner storehouse," the old man instructed
"Go ahead and give it a try," said Xie Xiaoyu from the side.
In the distance, Xie Xiaoyu's pupils slightly constricted; this was the first time he had missed with his sword. The assassin was equipped not with a protective talisman, but with a protective magical artifact.
This was only possible in ancient times. Back then, there were very few practitioners, yet resources were abundant everywhere. Even a small blade of grass by the roadside would be considered a precious treasure in the present day
Suddenly, with a loud bang, small stones erupted from the ground, flying in all directions like hail, each stone as forceful as a crossbow bolt
Upon seeing this bead, Xie Xiaoyu immediately understood how the bubbles had formed earlier
"So it's you." Master Luo said with great joy: "I didn't expect you to become a cultivator as well. You look as tough as a drum and your energy is like a bull's roar; your training must be focused on strength. Come, come, come, have a match with Old Cao and let's see how well you've trained."
The bubbles also burst, though it is merely a fleeting moment of rupture, quickly reassembling thereafter. However, this fleeting moment is already sufficient for Xie Xiaoyu.
Put away the talismans and close the box lid. He quickly picked up a stack of talisman papers and folded them all into the shape of copper coins
That hall master is certainly not an individual of the Qi Refining level; he has undoubtedly stepped into the realm of the Profound.
With a thunderous shout, the cloaked figure in black swung the long sword in his hand, unleashing a sword aura that extended over forty feet in an instant. He had been holding back until now, not fully revealing his true strength.
The blade's light extended over ten zhang, slightly inclined. Wherever the blade passed, the walls and columns were effortlessly sliced open. After a strange grinding sound akin to teeth being ground, the building that was cut through collapsed straight down.
The onlookers retreated even further, having to hide beneath the eaves. The turbulence had diminished by the time it reached this point, striking the body like a whip, but not enough to draw blood
Upon exiting the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall, Xie Xiaoyu let out a sigh of relief, his palms still damp with sweat
Li Guangzong did not need to thank Xiaoyu for the instructions and charged headlong into the wall ahead.
Li Guangzong suddenly became alert. He secretly resolved that he would absolutely not allow the same thing to happen to him and his loved ones
"Uncle, come out," Xie Xiaoyu called out as she turned her head towards the back.
Perhaps we will know soon. The old man on the couch suddenly uttered a cryptic remark.
Men are inherently proud, and he has just become a cultivator, which amplifies this pride. The leader's previous arrogance followed by servility will only make him look down on them. Even if he were offered the position of a captain now, he would not stay in the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall
"Why do you say that?" the old man pressed for an answer.
Li Guangzong, without a moment's hesitation, clasped his hands behind his head and charged straight ahead
Unlike the previous direct confrontation, this time it is a clash between sword energy and blade energy. As a result, the sword energy condensed on the sword talisman at https://mhetushucomcom rapidly diminishes, yet the sword talisman itself remains unaffected.
The man in black did not dodge; he could not dodge, nor was there any need to, for that flash of sword light was merely an afterimage. The true strike had already penetrated his body long before the sword light appeared.
"What great skills and techniques! If I were to use equipment, I might just lose." Coach Cao is a straightforward person, speaking his mind. However, this is the nature of the world of cultivators, where the strong are revered and the capable are esteemed
When Xie was in Middle-earth, knowing that he would come to Tianbao Prefecture, he prepared some antidotes, and even had a prescription for detoxification. However, after arriving, he realized that the antidotes were of little use, only proving beneficial on a few occasions when he descended into the mines
Place the two camphor wood boxes on the counter of the shop, open the lids, and quickly draw out six talisman papers arranged in a line. Xie Xiaoyu picks up the talisman brush, dips it in cinnabar ink, and begins to write swiftly
The items were quickly brought over, a crumpled piece of paper covered in writing, beside it was a shimmering silver alchemical cauldron, about the size of a dou, its surface adorned with tadpole-like runes
The first sword talisman has already shattered into countless fragments. This object is inherently fragile; after withstanding a blow from the knife wheel, it has reached its end.
"Monks like us appearing coarse by taking out silver coins, I will use this to offset the price." As she spoke, Xie Xiaoyu took out a small cloth bag from her inner pocket and poured its contents onto the table.
He did not dare to fully unleash this sword technique; the "Like Lightning" style is indeed formidable, but the consumption is astonishingly high. If he were to exert himself to the fullest, he would lose his ability to protect himself. The assassin who had just let go of his knife wheel and was killed met his end in this manner, and he did not wish to follow in his footsteps
At the street corner, three individuals dressed entirely in black clothing and black boots, wearing black conical hats, stood quietly. Each of them held a weapon in their hands, including long swords, long knives, and a circular blade the size of a pot lid.
The sword talisman in Xie Xiaoyu's hand was not just one, but six. In a moment of haste, he activated one, while another was already in his grasp. With a swift gesture of his sword technique, the sword talisman shot out rapidly.
The displayed cauldrons vary in quality, among which there are three cauldrons that are of the same grade as the previously mentioned silver cauldron, while those that are slightly inferior number five or six. The next tier has even more, with the majority belonging to this grade.
In the past, battles were always a back-and-forth struggle, seeking flaws for a decisive strike. How unlike now, where one can instantly exploit the opponent's openings to deliver a lethal blow
A streak of dark light almost grazed his back, and wherever the dark light passed, both the pillars and the walls were sliced open as if they were made of tofu
This is not a problem. The old man could not be certain whether Xie Xiaoyu's words were true or false, but he was not in a hurry, as the truth could be easily clarified.
Suddenly, the countless beams of sword light crisscrossed and flashed simultaneously, resembling a lotus of light that had suddenly bloomed
The continuous sound of collapses came from behind, and Xie Xiaoyu's expression was unusually grave. He had originally thought that escaping would suffice, but now he understood that returning in this manner would mean bringing the unpredictable fate along with him. Li Guangzong's wife and daughter, his second son and family, as well as the actors, would likely not survive.
The recalled sword talisman contains significantly less sword energy than before, and there is a bloodstain on it; aside from that, it is completely intact.
Xie Xiaoyu did not explain this time, and he was quite pleased with the bargain
If it were someone else, they would definitely have fallen for it
Master Luo, I pay my respects to you. I am Li Guangzong, who once served under your command. Fifteen years ago, I returned to the Central Plains.
Within a radius of ten zhang around that killer, any hard object, whether it be broken stones, rubble, or clods of earth and wooden fragments, was all reduced to powder.
Unfortunately, although the sword talisman is exquisite, it lacks much in terms of power
Li Guangzong responded with a sound and chased after the direction where the blade wheel had disappeared
This is undoubtedly a very high threshold, blocking the path of countless cultivators. Crossing it opens up a whole new world; failing to cross it means that a hundred years later, one will merely be a cup of yellow earth
Indeed, once these words were spoken, Master Luo could no longer press the matter. Issues related to cultivation pertain to the secret techniques of each family, and it is inappropriate to inquire indiscriminately
This sword talisman flits about like a headless fly, with the sword light trailing behind it quickly weaving into a dense web of light
As the voice fell, that dark light flew towards Xie Xiaoyu
Li Guangzong leaped like a fish, springing up five or six feet high; Xie Xiaoyu also jumped up herself
"The constables have arrived, but these fellows are always late to the scene." Li Guangzong spat on the ground, harboring no goodwill towards the police. They were a group of bullies who feared the strong and bullied the weak, bowing and scraping to the wealthy and powerful while making life difficult for ordinary citizens
Boom
Ancient alchemical arts, the law derived from heaven and earth, the furnace shared with humanity, possessing classics, channels, apertures, and cavities
"Young man, why did you refuse so completely? Isn't that a bit disrespectful to the hall master and the others?" Li Guangzong couldn't help but ask. He had wanted to ask this for a long time, but had not found the opportunity.
This achievement is truly remarkable
Behind me, a faint voice of anger could be heard: "Damn it, I've been fooled"
Soon, a number of small cauldrons were brought out, all of which could be carried with ease. There was no need to bring out the large cauldron, which weighed thousands of pounds and required a dozen people to lift.
A thumb-sized, lustrous black pearl rolled and spun chaotically on the table
Even if the leaders and incense masters had their own thoughts, they had no choice but to nod in agreement, as Li Guangzong's performance was far stronger than they had imagined
Suddenly, Master Cao stepped forward, his body flickering for an instant, directly covering a distance of ten zhang, and threw a punch towards Li Guangzong's chest.
"Since it is a treasure, wouldn't that be a bargain for that kid?" a helmsman said, striking the armrest of his chair, expressing his dissatisfaction.
Xie Xiaoyu was planning to select a suitable one when she suddenly caught sight of a fist-sized alchemical furnace.
Li Guangzong was just about to step aside when a sudden cacophony erupted at the street corner, the most jarring of which was a series of sharp whistles.
"Cao Jiao and the head of the library are my transmission masters; how could I dare to act against them?" Li Guangzong quickly replied
"It is of little significance; everyone surely has it, and those who stay in the city do not need it. Those who need to venture inland to make a living cannot afford such things. To put it bluntly, it is merely a useless item." Xie Xiaoyu did not raise the price; instead, he intentionally downplayed it a bit, but he was speaking the truth.
As he walked, Li Guangzong could only accompany him by his side. The two of them strolled leisurely along the streets of Linhai City
Members of the sect have always regarded power and status with indifference. Dr. Zhou similarly did not wish to create conflict, so he interjected this remark
The stone that was struck away was immediately slowed down by the air shield, yet even so, it still left the inner hall riddled with holes. The roof tiles were shattered beyond measure, and there were dents all over the columns and walls, while the doors and windows were cracked countless times.
The sword talisman collided head-on with the blade wheel, instantly unleashing a circle of sharp sword energy
I am Zhu Yuheng from Yushu Gate. The old man bowed respectfully to Xie Xiaoyu
"You lead the way and break down that wall." Xie Xiaoyu pointed forward
The antidote cannot shield against the toxins in the soil and water, but it can filter out the toxins in the air. In Tianbao Prefecture, it is undoubtedly a valuable item
"This person seems to be from our Loyal and Righteous Hall," said the helmsman with a dark purple face to Li Guangzong, as he attempted to change the subject
Because even if Xie Xiaoyu joins the hall, it will not threaten his position; he will still be the foremost talisman master of the Loyal and Righteous Hall
This talisman can still be used three more times
Most weapons are rarely let go, but this type of weapon is an exception. The knife wheel, held in hand, can be used for both offense and defense, and can also be thrown away, making it a weapon with a wide range of applications
In that case, Your Excellency has some knowledge of alchemy? the old man asked with a smile
The old man does not assume the airs of a hall master, but rather speaks reasonably as a fellow member of the sect. It is certain that he will be invited for a discussion, yet he cannot decline.
The device is inadequate; use technology to compensate. Xie Xiaoyu flicked her hand and cast another sword talisman.
Xie Xiaoyu's remark "Perhaps they do not regard us highly" also had an effect
"That's great, the hall master has returned," Luo the helmsman said with evident joy.
Before the figure in black could fall, a flickering blade of light shot out from the smoke and dust; the last assassin finally made his move. This individual was even more cunning, always hiding behind his companions. The timing of his attack was particularly malicious, striking at the very moment his comrade met his demise
"Go." Xie Xiaoyu grabbed Li Guangzong's elbow with one hand and crashed into a nearby building. Li Guangzong did not notice, but he did; the three individuals all possessed a cultivation level of six or seven in Qi training, and the weapons they held were not ordinary arms, but rather magical weapons.
Time, with a single sword, shatters all things
He does not wish to create unnecessary trouble, as this is, after all, someone else's territory
The use of talismans does not involve any other tricks; it mainly depends on the number of spells one can master. He is a sword cultivator and has converted all his true energy into sword energy, completely severing his connection to spells. Therefore, the talismans he crafts are certainly quite unconventional. " Tie Zui Zhang said with some pride.
A person with nine orifices must possess extraordinary talent; a furnace with nine orifices is likely not simple either
One of my friends has a rudimentary understanding of alchemy. This is akin to treating a dead horse as if it were alive; it is indeed exceedingly difficult to obtain ready-made elixirs in Tianbao Prefecture. Xie Xiaoyu continues to use the same old rhetoric.
Another person is the same. At this moment, what they are doing is less about pursuing the target than about venting their anger
"So you are here." A loud shout interrupted Xie Xiaoyu's actions
Immediately, another person angrily exclaimed: "Forget it, demolish all these houses, we must find those two rats."
This door separates the outer hall from the inner hall and is rarely opened; even the incense masters and stewards only use the small door beside it. At this moment, the main door is wide open, and Dr. Zhou and the eloquent Zhang accompany Xie Xiaoyu as they walk inside
"Shige is right. The Tianbao Prefecture is rich in medicinal herbs, but many of them are toxic. Aside from a few rare varieties, other herbs are not sought after by other prefectures, making this place a treasure land for alchemists. Unfortunately, very few alchemists are willing to come here," the hall master said with a look of regret. He had considered bringing a few alchemists from the Central Plains, but unfortunately, none were successful.
He still has a Chi Huo coin in his hand, but that item is not a magical tool. Against a cultivator wielding a magical tool, he has no confidence even to take a chance.
We do not intend to conceal anything. I practice medicine, he practices divination; our paths of cultivation differ from those of others
The surface of this cauldron is mottled, covered with a greenish-blue patina. There is no halo around the walls of the furnace, nor is there any spiritual energy swirling and rising within the chamber; it is entirely an ordinary piece of bronze. However, on the base of this object, there are nine openings, through which, amidst the mottled rust, one can faintly see many small dots on the walls of the furnace, scattered like stars across the body of the cauldron, with extremely fine lines connecting them.
His excuses not only disregard the face of the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall, but also the face of the Jade Book Sect. The old man can definitely take action against him on the grounds of being insulted as a member of his sect
"The master of your household has a good facade, but when I entered the inner hall, I could already sense his presence. Perhaps he thought we were unworthy of his attention, or maybe he had other pressing matters, which is why he did not come out; after you reached a stalemate with the transmission master, he became interested, so he exited from the back and then re-entered from the front, pretending to have just returned from outside." Xie Xiaoyu let out a cold laugh.
Not only him, but everyone in the lineage of the medical path within the Heavenly Gate has studied alchemy, yet the success rate is less than one in a hundred.
"Zheng"
It is a matter of cultivation. Xie Xiaoyu would definitely not be fooled; if it comes to playing tricks, he is not lacking either.
He had been at the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall for nearly eight years, and had always heard that there were two military advisors in the hall, whose status was second only to that of the hall master and above all the branch leaders. However, these two military advisors were elusive, and he had never had the chance to meet them, which was quite regrettable. He never expected that they were actually Dr. Zhou and Master Zhang, who sat at the entrance all day long
"Being part of a major sect is advantageous; whatever you wish to learn, there are always people to guide you, allowing you to avoid many detours." Iron-Mouthed Zhang remarked enviously from the side
Once again, a building has collapsed. Amidst the billowing smoke and dust, a figure holding a long sword stands there with an unusual coldness, having already sensed that Xie Xiaoyu is approaching him
Li Guangzong gritted his teeth and swallowed his anger, charging headlong into the right wall.
Heaven nurtures the earth, embodying the principles of nature; this is no longer merely a magical tool, but a true treasure, distinct from the kind of treasures later practitioners would develop.
The grand entrance, standing three zhang high, is wrapped in iron sheeting and painted in a bright vermilion hue, adorned uniformly with copper nails the size of wine glasses, exuding a majestic and imposing presence
On the way back, Xie Xiaoyu did not intend to take the bus again, as he could not tolerate the smell of sweat.
The knife wheel has been retrieved, and there is also this. Li Guangzong came running over with a bag in hand, smiling broadly.
"Let us go. Although we are not afraid, your wife and daughter may encounter trouble," Xie Xiaoyu advised.
The sword light flashed like lightning, reaching the face of the person opposite in an instant
This seems too precious. Captain Luo appeared hesitant, as if he wanted to reach out but was unsure.
The room is cramped with a family of six, four of whom have already met their untimely demise after being struck by that dark flash.
"It's just that I don't know how capable he is?" The youngest incense master in the crowd expressed some dissatisfaction. He is the one at the sixth level of Qi training, hence he feels threatened
"Stop hitting, stop hitting!" Dr. Zhou shouted loudly. So many people have been injured, and in the end, it all falls to him to take care of it, after all, he is a doctor. Fortunately, Captain Luo intervened; otherwise, those who were hit would either die or be left disabled.
Upon bursting into the opposite room, Li Guangzong's eyes immediately widened, with flames of anger burning in his pupils
Moreover, it is said that one who receives favors is often reluctant to refuse; once a banquet is laid out and the other party treats him with courtesy, if Li Guangzong invites him to join, he will find himself in a very difficult position. Agreeing would go against his true intentions; refusing would be too disrespectful.
"Wait a moment. When I tell you to jump, there must be no hesitation whatsoever," Xie Xiaoyu said in a low voice to Li Guangzong.
This sword is very slow, requiring a long period of brewing; however, little by little, it accumulates, and grains of sand can form a mountain. Once it erupts, its power is astonishing
What do both of you think? The old man first asked the two military advisors
"Hurry, to the left! They are actually demolishing the house!" Xie Xiaoyu shouted, but he grabbed Li Guangzong's right arm and gestured to the right.
"He seems to be able to create talismans," a helmsman inquired. "Isn't that your area of expertise? How are his achievements in talisman creation?"
Therefore, he can only create the talisman on the spot
The old man did not expect that his brilliant move would be so easily countered, and he felt a slight heaviness in his heart. However, he did not show it on his face; instead, he spoke even more gently, saying: "Since we are both members of the same sect, it is indeed a stroke of fate that we meet here in Tianbao Prefecture. May I ask what you wish to purchase?"
Upon thinking of this, he gave Li Guangzong a pat and then swiftly darted into a shop illuminated by a lamp.
Regardless of whether this statement can deceive others, it at least has no apparent flaws
You are mistaken. How can a lifeless object, whose secrets no one can fathom, compare to a skilled alchemist
Although Xie Xiaoyu told him to find a place to hide, he continued to follow closely behind her, in order to be able to help in case of an emergency
Xie Xiaoyu had already secretly employed the "Heavenly Observation and Earthly Insight Technique," with a pair of eyes harboring divine light, as his gaze swept back and forth among the cauldrons.
With a dull thud, a human-shaped hole appeared in the wall, and Li Guangzong charged forward with his head down like a wild bull
He possesses two sword talismans; however, one of them is his life talisman, which he absolutely cannot part with. The other is hastily crafted with a brush and ink, of inferior quality. While it can fly, it is ineffective for killing and can only be used for practicing control.
"That copper lump is a good thing?" Captain Luo was quite surprised. The other captains and incense masters were equally astonished, as they had just felt indignant about it.
Dr. Zhou, please explain.
I am Xie Xiaoyu, as for my background... it is better left unsaid said Xie Xiaoyu with a sigh
Master Luo wore an expression of indignation
Xie Xiaoyu felt a sense of relief in his heart. He turned to Li Guangzong and said, "Go retrieve that blade wheel, and then find a place to hide. Do not come out unless I call for you."
This time, Xie Xiaoyu did not decline
He had long heard that in the eyes of cultivators, ordinary people are merely ants. Previously, he did not feel this deeply, but this time he truly experienced the meaning of this statement
"Go." Xie Xiaoyu pushed Li Guangzong's back forcefully. This was not the time to be dazed; their own situation was precarious.
The alchemical furnace is now in hand, and the remaining items are quite simple. Soon, the young girl beside the old man brought over two boxes, one large and one small, along with a pen
His sigh was not only due to the slight grievance in his heart, but also because this old man made him feel difficult to deal with
Suddenly, a soft whistling sound came from ahead, and in the blink of an eye, it was within ten feet.
The phrase "to be guilty of colluding with the enemy" has been uttered, and the old man understands that if he insists on offering this favor, he will be suspected of having ulterior motives. His faction, under the banner of loyalty and righteousness, is still quite concerned about its reputation
"The two strategists wouldn't be asking us to welcome this brat, would they?" a burly man with a dark purple face and a mouth full of stubble asked in astonishment
Suddenly, a tremor came from the ceiling
The two individuals swiftly vanished into the night.
Xie Xiaoyu did not care about letting Li Guangzong know the reason. Although Li Guangzong was also a member of the Loyal and Righteous Hall, he could not be considered a staunch supporter; otherwise, he would not have left Tianbao Prefecture to return to the Central Plains.
Master Luo is a person of reason and understanding
The ever-changing aura of blades was all blocked by the sword light
In the three major arts, the creation of talismans relies on insight, the crafting of tools depends on patience, but alchemy solely requires spiritual talent. Without this innate ability, one will achieve little despite great effort!" Dr. Zhou sighed deeply. He had studied alchemy in his early years and understood its difficulties.
The法兵 is also a法器, primarily used for close combat. It is heavy and powerful, and is generally not released from the hand
Do you not remember the incident from twenty-five years ago when the Poison Hand Alchemist Hong Lunhai was pursued? Hong Lunhai had offended both the righteous and the evil factions in the Central Plains, making enemies all over the world. With no other options, he could only hide his name and live in Tianbao Prefecture, where he remained in hiding for a hundred years. Surprisingly, no one knew he was an alchemist. If it weren't for an accidental exposure of his identity, it is likely that even now, no one would know that such a master of alchemy once concealed himself in Tianbao Prefecture, and this alchemical furnace is one of his relics.
As the voice fell, a dim blade of light whirled out.
The Heavenly Gate follows the path of merit and achievement, with no specific requirements for aptitude. Therefore, it widely opens its doors, teaching without discrimination. It is the largest and most populous sect within the Daoist tradition, yet it holds a relatively low status. As a result, those who come from the Heavenly Gate may inevitably feel a sense of unspoken inferiority towards disciples of the major sects
Although the weapons differ in form, they share one commonality: all of these weapons are pitch black and lack luster, resembling those made of charcoal
Isn't this a bit inappropriate? This is a crucial area, and it wouldn't be good for an outsider like me to know the details. Anyway, what I want is quite simple; if there is such a formula, just hand it over to me directly. I also want to buy a dan ding, some talisman paper, and a talisman brush; they don't need to be of high quality, just usable. Xie Xiaoyu is not foolish; he has no intention of accepting unnecessary favors. He came here solely to conduct business, with a clear exchange of money and goods, ensuring that neither party is at a loss.
Watching Li Guangzong walk away, Xie Xiaoyu no longer held back and dashed in a certain direction
The sword light pierced through the night, simultaneously dazzling the eyes of the man in black
"Jump!" shouted Xie Xiaoyu
Unfortunately, he had no opportunity to take action from beginning to end
With a loud bang, he broke through the wall, and outside was a rather bustling street
"He is a member of the Black Thorn Society." Li Guangzong's expression changed dramatically; he looked around anxiously, searching for a weapon.
With a wave of his hand, the sword symbol emitted a sharp, clear light, swirling and revolving within a radius of five feet in front of his body
Xie Xiaoyu followed closely behind, his ears constantly vibrating, listening to every sound around him
Perhaps due to the urgency of the situation, he unleashed all his potential. This time, the drawing of the talismans was not as clumsy as before; the brush in his hand flowed like clouds and water, completing six talismans in one go
That person had no guard at all; just now, Xie Xiaoyu had been running away and had not fought back at all, so he completely did not expect the opponent to counterattack
Everyone suddenly understood. It makes sense; if it were truly an ordinary object, how could it possibly be stored in the inner vault
It turned out that the two were the left and right strategists. The first to be startled was Li Guangzong
"You took out that inscrutable alchemical furnace; isn't that also a similar conjecture?" Doctor Zhou laughed.
The addition or subtraction of a incense master in the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall is not a significant issue, but for him, the difference is substantial, as his authority would be significantly diminished.
Li Guangzong had not cultivated to such a level, but he had practiced the Thunderbolt Technique for over twenty years, so with a swift movement, he embraced the moon in his arms and intercepted it.
This young man wants to buy a prescription for nurturing the meridians. "Iron-Mouth Zhang" interjected from the side.
The sword light and the bubbles collided, instantly creating a shower of sparks and a flurry of golden flowers, within which a sword talisman could be faintly seen tightly enveloped.
One hand manipulated the sword talisman, while Xie Xiaoyu's other hand shot out, and the other sword talisman held between her index and middle fingers instantly transformed into a dazzling white light
Li Guangzong fell silent upon hearing these words
"Come, everyone, let us hold a banquet to celebrate that our Loyal and Righteous Hall has gained another master!" Master Luo shouted loudly
Upon returning to the Zhongyi Hall, he saw those who were once high-ranking incense masters and leaders. He suddenly realized that these individuals were not much different, comparable in status to Su Mingcheng from the Xinyue Hall. The sense of reverence he once held for them vanished in an instant
This is the harvest he gained after fighting over a thousand battles in prison He knows that when he defeats an opponent, it is often also when he is at his most relaxed, making it easy to be schemed against by others
That person had been hiding behind his companion, naturally witnessing how his companion died; he had been prepared for this move.
The furnace before me perfectly matches those descriptions; the surface is dotted with acupoints, the center is interconnected with meridians, and the nine openings at the bottom represent the nine orifices
"That is a defensive artifact, not of high grade, but very practical. You should take it with you," said Xie Xiaoyu
I am just here to buy something. Xi Xiaoyu did not want to show weakness, nor did she want to engage in a conflict with someone for no reason
The person wielded the knife at an angle, and with a surge of the blade's energy, the sword symbol instantly transformed into countless scattered fragments
If I am not mistaken, he did not tell the truth. That friend who supposedly practices alchemy does not exist; it is he himself who is capable of alchemy," Dr. Zhou said
There is no need to thank Xiaoyu for the guidance; he knows that at this moment, he must break into another building, otherwise he will undoubtedly face death
A clear and melodious sound of a golden bell burst forth in mid-air, causing the blade wheel to be deflected by several inches
Li Guangzong had long heard of the formidable reputation of the Black Thorn Society, nodding repeatedly.
"No need, we came here to buy some things, and there are some urgent matters at home," Xie Xiaoyu quickly interjected.
Most of the spectators were so shaken that their internal organs felt displaced, each one retreating repeatedly, while only those above the rank of incense master remained unfazed, watching the commotion with indifference
This proposal was met with widespread acclaim from the crowd
Perhaps this time it cannot be counted, as the opponent was too complacent, letting the knife wheel slip from their hand, leaving the goal wide open
A short and stocky middle-aged man stepped out of the crowd and waved his hand at Li Guangzong, saying: "You have now achieved mastery in your training, and the techniques you practice are not those I taught you. From now on, we shall address each other as equals. Do not be polite; I also wish to see your skills."
Once again, it is a one-strike kill, once again determining life and death in an instant; this time, the power of the sword symbol is fully revealed
A tremendous force radiated outward in all directions, creating a ripple of transparency in the air. The solid ground transformed into something akin to a pond, with ripples spreading outward. Wherever it passed, the cobblestones on the ground shattered, and fragments of stone floated into the air, as if suspended in place.
The inner hall was filled with the sound of clapping, dense as the sound of hooves when ten thousand horses gallop.
Xie Xiaoyu casually summoned the second sword talisman back.
Not everything from ancient times is necessarily good. Back then, everything was merely in its infancy, simple and crude, far from the refinement and variety we have today. However, one thing is certain: the things that have survived to this day are undoubtedly of high quality