Chapter One, The Prisoner at the Foot of the Stairs
The fat eunuch acted on his own without consulting the princess, demonstrating that he not only understood her intentions clearly but also held significant authority, not merely serving as a personal attendant. Given his recent ability to investigate the situation of the Dragon Eagle lineage, the terrifying aspect of this fat man's martial arts skills should not be much inferior to that of Feng Guoting.
General Qiu was evidently taken aback, unable to comprehend that even with his status and position, he was to be expelled a hundred zhang away from the premises, unable to hear anything. Yet, there was no alternative but to leave.
"Princess Taiping has arrived!" This exclamation is sung in a somewhat exaggerated and sarcastic tone, creating a striking dissonance with the desolate mountains and barren valleys. The sound of kneeling can be heard everywhere.
Indeed, the voice of Princess Taiping came through: "This is a copy, the original was left in Luoyang, and it was found from the corpse of Du Ao. After reading it, I will speak with you again."
Listening to her tone, one could tell she was frowning in deep thought, perplexed and troubled. Long Ying pondered what could be so strange; Old Du was secretly imparting his Taoist breathing techniques to him, away from the other disciples. Everything concerning him did not need to be questioned, as it was clear that it was not obtained through Old Du's interrogation, and one should assume he was not well-versed in martial matters. This could not help but feel quite inappropriate.
The inappropriate feeling of the dragon eagle is more intense
The plump grandfather moved behind him, loosening the bindings
Although the dragon eagle did not know what was written on the scroll, it was certain that it would not be beneficial to him. Instantly, he was thrown into a state of confusion, his scalp tingling as he glanced at the rolled page. Immediately, his whole body went weak, shifting from kneeling upright to sitting down towards his ankles
The dragon eagle returned to the house, first using the swiftest method to put the clothes, food, and supplies back in their original places. Then, he boiled water on the stove to disguise the true reason for starting a fire. Only then did he enter the bedroom, lie down on the only stone bed, and practice his techniques, dispersing the precious and pure internal energy he had painstakingly acquired.
As Long Ying turned the pages one by one, he found himself increasingly captivated. There was also a strange sensation, as the font was both fiery and unrestrained, yet retained an exquisite and resplendent quality. The key to unifying these two distinct styles lay in the strokes, which were as precise as arrows hitting the bullseye. He instinctively felt that the scribe was a woman, most likely Wu Zhao herself, although it seemed unreasonable for her, with her myriad responsibilities, to personally undertake such a laborious task
The prominent words are "Planting His Sixth" in large characters
Only Princess Taiping, the Fat Eunuch, and what should be General Qiu remained among the others who had left the room completely
The voice of the young swordsman was recognized by Long Ying, who said: "If the princess has no other instructions, I respectfully request permission to return to the north immediately, as there are some urgent matters that require my attention"
The wind passes through the courtyard, expressing gratitude before departing
The sweet and enchanting voice of Long Ying nearly melted my heart, and I couldn't help but wonder if the beautiful ladies included you, Your Highness the Princess. Of course, I dared not speak this aloud, and with a bitter smile, I said: "Only today did I realize that there exists such a book in this world; what should I offer to the Princess?"
The princess compliments.
When the objects before him became clear, he could not help but feel greatly disappointed. Princess Taiping sat in the rosewood armchair he had crafted with his own hands, her face covered by a black veil. A short, plump man, whose face resembled a full moon with all his features squeezed into the center, stood beside her, looking at him with a cheerful smile.
The dragon eagle met her gaze without fear, resembling a female tiger, knowing that although he had made a miscalculation, he had not yet reached a point of total defeat, for he had become the living embodiment of the "Dao Heart Seed Demon Great Method"
Princess Taiping's voice turned cold: "Get back!"
Princess Taiping raised her delicate face, gazing at the beams of the house, and calmly said: "The four great奇书 of the world are divided into 'The Record of the God of War', 'The Longevity Formula', 'The Sword Classic of Compassionate Navigation', and 'The Great Method of Planting Demons'. The Sword Classic is housed in the sacred Buddhist site of Compassionate Navigation Quiet Abode, while the Record has never been seen by anyone, its existence is questionable, and thus can be disregarded. The Longevity Formula was obtained by the founding grandmaster of our dynasty, the young marshal Kou Zhong and Xu Ziling (Author's note: This is mentioned in my work 'The Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty'), and has also faded into obscurity with their distant travels. Only the Great Method of Planting Demons is regarded as the treasure of the demonic sect, carried by the sect leader. Although no one from the demonic sect has ever mastered this method, its evaluation is only above that of the Heavenly Demon Great Method of the Yin Gui faction, further highlighting its inscrutable secrecy. If it were not possible to search through Du Ao's corpse, I might have believed your nonsense and simply severed your head. Fat Eunuch, please release his hands."
Speculation is one thing, while facts are another. Upon hearing of Du Ao's tragic demise at the hands of such a young swordsman, his reputation utterly ruined, Long Ying could not help but feel a sense of sorrow. This was a rare emotion for him.
The hooded bag was finally removed. Long Ying opened his eyes wide, and the sudden transition from darkness to light momentarily blinded him. It is said that Princess Taiping is a renowned beauty in the Central Plains. Although he is now a heavy prisoner, being able to catch a glimpse of her beauty would be a consolation. He is just such a person, naturally carefree, as if he could use the sky falling down as a cover.
A black dot rapidly expanded within his field of vision, gracefully spiraling down towards him. It turned out to be a giant eagle with a wingspan of six feet. As it approached to about one hundred feet above him, it suddenly flapped its wings and flew towards the mouth of the valley
Princess Taiping let out a captivating light laugh and said, "The great hero who enabled us to slay the evil Emperor Du Ao at the estuary of the Yangtze River should not be burdened with trivial matters. I understand that you feel uncomfortable due to being underutilized."
The doors and windows were simultaneously shattered. Long Ying endured the pain that surged from the depths of his marrow after losing his internal energy, closing his eyes as the sword energy suddenly pressed upon him. Although he had just lost his martial arts, the demonic seed, as the ancient scroll described, was no longer bound by the authentic primordial energy of the Daoist cultivation, instead enhancing his sharpness. He sensed the changes in the opponent's sword energy, which concealed further transformations, having reached a state where he could control the sword with his heart. Compared to the Holy Emperor Du Ao, he was not at all inferior. If he were to regain his previous strength, he would certainly not last more than ten moves in a one-on-one fight with him. Such a master is rare in the world.
Princess Taiping said softly: "If you are willing to obediently listen, there is indeed no need to be afraid. As long as you hand over the 'Dao Heart Seed Demon Great Method', not only will you not have to fear for your life, but I will also take you back to the capital of Luoyang, allowing you to enjoy wealth, honor, and the beauty of the world"
Returning to the small hall furnished with only a few simple pieces of furniture, he shouldered the prepared bundle, feeling an unparalleled sense of ease as he leisurely stepped out of the secluded stone house in the desolate valley where he had lived in solitude for exactly five years. The acrid smell still filled his nostrils. This parting would be forever; he would never return. The world is so vast, and he would seek a beautiful place with clear mountains and waters, forgetting all that had happened before. With the knowledge he had gained from perusing the imperial library, he would earn a living and support the beautiful wife and concubines he would bring home, establishing a family and a career. As for the heart techniques and martial arts from the "Heart of the Dao: Cultivating Demonic Methods," he believed he could no longer learn them. Where could one find such a terrifying way to practice martial arts? Moreover, the sixth chapter was missing from the twelve chapters.
Princess Taiping said in a low voice: "General Qiu, please come in!" Without realizing it, she raised her voice and projected it, her words carrying far outside the room
The attacker suddenly exclaimed "Oh!" and withdrew the sword aura, lightly tapping the tip of the sword on him, who was lying on the bed, more than ten times in an instant. Each strike was executed with great precision, only causing a disruption in the flow of his blood energy, without injuring his meridians. He then shouted, "Stop! He is just an ordinary person who does not understand martial arts."
Long Ying let out a sigh, contemplating that Feng Guoting could be considered his savior. If it were not for him eliminating Old Du, it would have been Old Du who took his life.
The Dragon Eagle's heart is formidable, with the two engaging in a harmonious exchange, blending strength with softness and softness with strength, shaking their resolve and stirring their hearts. However, it also adds to the confusion: why does the other party place such great importance on him?
He is also strange, even in such circumstances, he remains as calm as ever, unafraid and undaunted, of course, he must think deeply. Although he has not been idle or complacent in the past twenty years, he has never indulged in life as he wished, how could he be so young and die early? There is no escape, considering whether it counts as his master, the Holy Emperor Du Ao, and his fellow disciples, who, under conditions of escape far superior to his current situation, still met with capture and death one by one; otherwise, he would not have suffered here for five years without seeing even a trace of them. There is no escape, considering whether it counts as his master, the Holy Emperor Du Ao, and his fellow disciples, who, under conditions of escape far superior to his current situation, still met with capture and death one by one; otherwise, he would not have suffered here for five years without seeing even a trace of them. Just now, he still had to follow Old Du's stern order before parting and burn the secret scroll.
Long Ying shook his head with a bitter smile and said: "The object of my loyalty and righteousness is indeed gravely mistaken. Hey! Fortunately, I inadvertently rendered a great service to the court. Wasn't the 'Dao Heart Cultivating Demonic Method' supposed to be burned as an offering to the heavens? I just used it as firewood to boil water and burned it. Can the princess still reward me with a position as a supervisor of craftsmen?"
The plump elder retracted his chubby hand and said: "General Qiu, please step outside to supervise the princess. No one is allowed to come within a hundred zhang of the house."
Someone exclaimed: "The princess has commanded! Everyone, exit the room!"
However, even though her floral beauty is begrudgingly concealed, this woman possesses an alluring and thought-provoking figure that cannot be diminished by a mere veil of black. The form-fitting attire of the night highlights her exquisite and unparalleled curves.
The sound of the wind rushing through the room suddenly ceased, indicating that none of those who entered the house were anything but masters.
The plump elder exclaimed, "In such circumstances, the young man can still speak so eloquently; is he really not afraid?"
Young Master Feng hurriedly said: "How could I dare to pass through the courtyard!"
***
The dragon eagle seemed to awaken from a blissful dream, returning to the cold and ruthless reality, realizing that misfortune was upon him, and there was no escape. How could it be so coincidental? If he had left a day earlier, would it not have been fine? He thought this way, knowing in his heart that leaving early or late would make no difference; once the other party grasped his existence, how far could he really escape? His enemies were not only the entire so-called righteous martial arts world, but also the young emperor who had to consider her feelings, and Wu Zhao, who held the power of life and death over the world. Where could he possibly flee to? He thought this way, knowing in his heart that leaving early or late would make no difference; once the other party grasped his existence, how far could he really escape? His enemies were not only the entire so-called righteous martial arts world, but also the young emperor who had to consider her feelings, and Wu Zhao, who held the power of life and death over the world. Where could he possibly flee to?
At the moment when Long Ying was both bewildered and greatly surprised, the plump eunuch, with a smile on his face, took out a thin scroll from his bosom and walked forward to hand it to him, saying: "The princess has commanded that you must read the entire text from beginning to end without missing a single word"
Princess Taiping suddenly stood up and shouted sternly: "What courage!"
Princess Taiping said: "It is right to be loyal and righteous, but one must consider who the object is. Let him decide for himself!"
Princess Taiping continued to murmur to herself, word by word: "Does he really not understand martial arts?"
Princess Taiping said lightly: "Take this brat and put him in the prison cart, leaving behind one thousand men to search the Stone House Valley thoroughly. Bring back to the capital all items related to this brat." She then turned back to glance at the chair behind her, hesitated slightly, and said softly: "Do not forget the chair."
General Qiu swooped in like a bird
Princess Taiping gazed at him through her veil
Long Ying no longer had the opportunity to take another glance. He was abruptly pulled up from the bed, and before he knew it, someone had covered him with a black cloth bag. Suddenly, everything went dark, and he was taken to the hall, where he was forcibly made to kneel in the center. His hands were bound behind his back with a sturdy knot made of coarse sinew, and his feet faced the same fate. Then, his body felt lighter as the pressure points that had been restrained were released. Long Ying was greatly astonished; the skill with which this young master had applied his pressure point technique and the precision of his timing were truly beyond his expectations. Suddenly, he transformed from a carefree individual into a prisoner in chains
Princess Taiping joyfully said: "You possess the skilled hands of a craftsman; this palace has never had such a comfortable chair before"
No one spoke, and the silence was somewhat unreasonable, leaving only the sound of searching.
The Dragon Eagle cleared his throat and said: "Your Highness, please take note, that was my childhood nickname. I had a restless night last night because I was struggling to think of a new name. Ha! Now I am called Dragon Eagle."
He has always wanted to do it but did not dare to, facing the first major obstacle in cultivating the Dao heart and practicing the demonic method. Under such circumstances with no choice, it finally happened
Princess Taiping gently touched the armrest of the chair she was sitting on and said, "Did you make this chair?"
Princess Taiping did not respond to him, but turned to Longying and said: "You are called Xiao Pu! Is that correct?"
Long Ying resolutely held the two ancient volumes of "The Dao Heart Cultivating Demonic Method" in his hands and placed them into the roaring flames of the stove. As he watched the volumes curl and char, turning to ash in an instant, the heat wave that struck his face and the scent of smoke evoked a strange feeling within him at that moment, as if his past had also vanished with the fire. Everything was beginning anew
The chubby old man, just released from his bindings, returned to the princess's side and chuckled, "Little brother is willing to cooperate; why not reward him with a position as a supervisor of craftsmen, allowing him to indulge in the pleasures of being an official? There is no need to fear entering the palace; I will take care of you meticulously, ensuring that no one dares to bully you"
The plump old man chuckled and said, "What else is there for the young man to say!"
Indeed, Princess Taiping calmed down, while the stout eunuch's pair of eyes, originally slender and long, widened significantly, radiating a fierce light, brimming with murderous intent
Long Ying, unable to resist his curiosity, opened his eyes and made eye contact with the other person. He had expected to encounter a master of similar age to Du Ao, but to his surprise, it was a young swordsman who was only two or three years older than himself. He stood by the bed, his deep and inscrutable eyes looking down at him with an apologetic expression. This gentleman was handsome and tall, possessing an indescribable aura, akin to a solitary and unyielding poet or scholar, who had casually donned a warrior's attire while wielding a sword.
Princess Taiping continued: "Before the late Emperor's passing, the Holy Spirit established a grand aspiration, vowing to eradicate the demonic sects that have plagued our Middle Kingdom since the Han Dynasty. Their foundational manuals of sorcery were to be returned to the court, burned as a tribute to our ancestors and to thank the heavens, initiating a comprehensive demon-hunting campaign. As of today, the key figures of the demonic sect have all been subdued, and we have obtained nine out of ten volumes of their strategies, leaving only the 'Demonic Heart Cultivation Method' to be dealt with. Given the gravity of the situation, the urgency of time, and the fear of allowing this individual to escape to a distant place, we must rely on Young Master Aiying's keen eyesight and Young Master Tianxia Wushuang's unparalleled tracking skills, just as in the battle at Haikou, where Du Ao, despite breaking through the encirclement, could not evade Young Master's interception."
The dragon eagle nodded absentmindedly. It is truly incomprehensible why she, as a princess, would spend so much time on herself, yet still not tear down houses or turn over valleys in search, unable to find a means of severe punishment, opting instead for a straightforward approach.
A somewhat audacious yet alluringly sweet voice playfully reproached, "Fat Grandfather, you are truly something; this is not the inner court of the imperial palace, so why uphold the formalities of sovereign and subjects? Young Master Feng, General Qiu, and all of you, please be at ease."
It is precisely the missing piece from "The Great Method of Cultivating the Heart and Subduing Demons." It is not the original text, but rather a handwritten copy transcribed from the original. Long Ying felt a chill run down his spine as he turned to the next page, recognizing two lines that confirmed it was indeed the missing section from the ancient scroll. He thought to himself that this was a disaster
The plump old man, with a smile that did not reach his eyes, said: "Hey! Princess, Du Ao's judgment is truly commendable. In less than five years, this young man has grown so tall and robust, with a unique appearance and eyes that are as spirited as a deity. Even in the current situation, he shows no signs of fear, though his complexion is somewhat lacking; did he not sleep well last night?"
A plump hand pressed against the crown of his head through the cloth, instantly turning from warm to icy cold. At first, he felt nothing, but suddenly, every meridian in his body was filled with exquisite and resilient energy. The voice of the rotund eunuch sounded beside him, saying: "Strange! Truly strange!"
The outdoor sunlight spreads across the sky, and the beautiful desolate valley is as quiet as every morning of the past five years. At this moment, a strong and inexplicable sense of crisis surged within. For an ordinary person, it might be thought of as paranoia, as if there were nothing amiss. However, Long Ying understood that it was the unformed seed of magic within himself issuing the most severe warning, prompting him to look up sharply.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Princess Taiping said: "Now that the major matters have been settled, this place will be handled by this palace. I wish you a smooth journey, young master"
No longer gazing at the dragon and eagle, she gracefully departs