Chapter 9, you understand it

I have an injury, so it is unnecessary." Tang Chun waved his hand.

Indeed, if you, being of the metal element, consume something belonging to the wood element, it would be detrimental. This is because metal and wood are in opposition to each other.

"Do you mean that this secret was left by your ancestral spirit of the Qi Tong realm?" Tang Chun inquired, feeling quite intrigued.

This object has been passed down in my family for generations. However, even after several hundred years, no one has been able to understand its significance

She reverently crawled over with a round iron ring, which had some serrated gears attached to it, pulled from her pocket. Shortly thereafter, she approached the cross-legged corpse, gently placing the ring on the head of the corpse.

Oh, why?" Tang Chun was taken aback

In that case, you should rest in this tent for a while before going out. Just say that it has already been completed. Furthermore, this ten taels of silver is a reward for you.

"I don't understand." Hang Qingqing frowned, shook her head, and covered her nose tightly. Women, no matter where they go, cannot change their nature

In any case, I have secretly obtained ten essence stones from General Zhao Qian, so this item is not in short supply for the time being. However, the secrets of the Qi Tong realm experts are even more important.

Therefore, if an ambush is set here, the effectiveness of the strike would be quite high. However, the stone walls on both sides of the Tongqiao Pass are almost at a ninety-degree angle, making it difficult to ascend.

"Hehe, it's just a man." Tian Gang let out a dry laugh, his expression conveying a sense of "you know what I mean." He then walked away with a hearty laugh.

"Please tell me about your transaction," Tang Chun inquired

Is this your ancestor? Tang Chun asked

Certainly, there is also a high-quality stone known as the Origin Stone, which is attribute-free. This means that any type of warrior can consume and absorb it. The three stones that the general just awarded you are indeed attribute-free Origin Stones

"That woman is quite something, the third sister from the Qinghua Tower in Jiangbei City." Outside the tent, the dry laughter of Tian Gang could be heard again.

"Do you want this attribute-less essence stone for someone to practice with?" Tang Chun inquired

Finally, they found an entrance covered with weeds in a dense thicket of trees. The two of them carefully tapped for a while, feeling that there was no more toxic gas before they crawled inside

I see, so it seems that this elemental stone can only be consumed according to its attributes, correct? Tang Chun inquired

On the evening of the second day, Tang Chun quietly set off with Hang Qingqing. Of course, the pretext was to borrow books and gather intelligence on military affairs. This did not raise any suspicions from General Huyan. They arrived at Tongqiao Pass at three o'clock in the early morning of the following day

Tang Chun glanced at her; her appearance was indeed quite good. By modern standards, she could be ranked among the upper echelon of beauty. Moreover, she was adorned with a water made from pure floral-scented powder, which evoked a sense of longing in those who caught a whiff of it

"Could you first explain what this Yuan Stone is used for?" Tang Chun inquired

As for the practice of holding one's breath, it is said that powerful practitioners of Qi can go for over ten hours without breathing, using internal energy as a substitute for oxygen. That level of mastery is one that Tang Chun needs to look up to.

In the center of the circle sat a dried corpse with its legs crossed. Upon seeing this, Hang Qingqing immediately burst into tears. She quickly knelt on both knees and began to worship.

Deal! Tang Chun agreed without a second thought, as it would be unlikely for a strong practitioner of the Qi Tong realm to not leave behind valuable items.

The cave was quite dry, and from time to time, bats and similar creatures would fly out, startling the two individuals. Bat droppings were everywhere, and a foul stench was nauseating. Tang Chun fondly remembered the nasal inhalation gas masks used during his time in the Dragon Team, but unfortunately, there were none here

"That's right, my younger brother uses it. His body is quite strange, not belonging to any of the five elements. Only attribute-less elemental stones can be consumed. I really don't know the reason behind it," said Hang Qingqing

Due to the estimated age of the mummified corpses, each one has shriveled to the point where only a layer of wrinkled, dark skin clings to the skeleton. "How can they not have decayed? Logically, after such a long time, this layer of skin should have cracked and fallen apart by now," Tang Chun remarked as he surveyed the scene.

"Quick retreat!" Tang Chun suddenly shouted, his body retreating several meters back.

I heard that the centurion received three elemental stones as a reward from the general?" asked Hang Qingqing

I have no other intentions; I would like to make a deal with the centurion said Hang Qingqing

This bridge is extremely perilous, flanked by two towering mountains that pierce the clouds, with only a narrow mountain path in the center that can barely accommodate three people side by side

After walking down for nearly over 100 meters, the view suddenly opened up. The entire passage presented a structure resembling a fissure, with no end in sight, and it was unclear how long this underground crack actually was

This is the private military code of the generals, and I dare not disobey. Moreover, the generals have spent their own money on this, and if I go back, my boss will beat me to death. Hang Qingqing's pitiful expression evokes sympathy.

The stench from the crack was even more intense, and the two were astonished to discover that there were numerous dried corpses and *illustrated* books inside the crack, all positioned upside down. Along the way, there were no fewer than a hundred of these dried corpses over a length of more than one hundred meters.

The two individuals arrived and quietly observed for a while, discovering a location that seemed to correspond to the place indicated by the sheepskin map. They then quietly took out a rope and began to climb.

I believe that the secrets passed down by our ancestors may lie within Tongqiao Pass. The ancestors have always emphasized the importance of passing these down through generations until the secrets are fully understood. It is said that my forebears also produced a strong figure in the 'Qi Tong Realm'

Not long after, a tall woman with a willow-leaf face, dressed in a red long robe, gracefully entered the tent. She addressed Tang Chun with a bow, saying: "I am Hang Qingqing, here specifically to serve the centurion."

If the centurion cannot accept the young girl, I will be put to death. Hang Qingqing looked desolate.

However, Tang Chun has encountered many women and does not regard this kind of person at all. Moreover, this woman serves privately in the military, and it is certain that she has slept with a considerable number of officers.

Recently, I had an opportunity to visit a military camp. I noticed that the symbols displayed on the sheepskin were somewhat similar to those at Tongqiao Pass.

"Indeed, I have seen the sketches of our ancestor Hang Xiaoyuan from the first generation, and he bears a striking resemblance to him. It must be him; I never expected that he would have attained enlightenment here," said Hang Qingqing.

Tang Chun discovered that Hang Qingqing seemed to be even more agile than himself However, Hang Qingqing has family, and Tang Chun has looked into this, so he is not worried about her causing trouble

However, the wood and stone are actually called wood origin stone. Attribute-less origin stones are rare because they are highly useful, " said Hang Qingqing

Before long, they arrived at an open area. They discovered that the corpses were eerily arranged in a circle, all with their heads facing inward and their feet pointing outward, forming a circular shape with a diameter of approximately thirty to forty meters

The opening is not large, just enough for two people to crawl in. However, after crawling for about ten meters, one can stand up and walk. This is likely due to considerations of potential drawbacks.

"That's right, why are you asking this?" Tang Chun found the question from the kiln girl somewhat strange

It is possible, but even if it is not a realm of Qi communication, it is definitely a master above the innate level. Moreover, I would like to go with you to search. If there are benefits, I will give you thirty percent. However, you must first provide three essence stones as a condition for the transaction. Of course, there may not be any secrets inside, so this requires a gamble.

Our Dayu Dynasty categorizes this type of natural stone, which is rich in medicinal properties, into five classes based on their attributes: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. This classification is also relevant for martial artists, as their training corresponds to these attributes. For instance, if your body is suited for practicing metal-based techniques, you would be taught techniques of that attribute" said Hang Qingqing