Chapter 4: The Nine Orifices Stone

Ning Feng seemed to recall something, laughed heartily, and let go of his hand

That is a light purple stone

The damp clothes were thrown on the ground, and Ning Feng felt completely at ease. He raised his head to take a look, and his eyes widened in surprise.

Yan Wuwang was taken aback, nodded, and acknowledged that this was indeed the case

He did not spend much effort; as soon as he lowered his head, he saw a beautiful fish swaying its tail, swimming beside him

Well, that's good. I don't owe you anything

Over the years, this Nine-Hole Stone has not only been impossible to part with, but it has also not exhibited any other supernatural phenomena. Ning Feng has simply settled for keeping it hanging like this.

Ning Feng thought this way and planned to act accordingly; for the time being, the task of eliminating demons and upholding justice did not fall upon his shoulders.

Bang

Ning Feng touched his belly, his eyes glancing underwater, his hands spread wide, as if he might leap in with both hands and body at any moment

It is so pleasant

It is just a sword

A turning motion was left unfinished when a thunderous shout came from upstream, its sound like thunder

Then it became strange, with various losses, yet they would all come back in different ways

The disheveled old Taoist shouted, and the sword light soared into the sky, then suddenly fell, landing with a "swish" right in front of Ning Feng

The stone is perfectly round, with a series of holes on its surface. Counting them reveals exactly nine.

Hey!

The bearded sword immortal clasped his hands in greeting, his voice deep and robust: "I am Yan Wuwang, a practitioner on Qingfeng Mountain, wielding my sword across the world, subduing demons and vanquishing monsters. Our meeting today is fated, yet I do not know..."

Are you looking for my assistance with something

As he approached, the disheveled old Taoist burst into the area shrouded in demonic energy that covered the river's surface. No figures were visible, only a flash of sword light erupted, dispersing the winds and clouds, shattering the towering waves, and directly striking the pipa fish demon.

"Monks are like this, female ghosts are like this, Taoist priests are like this, shamans are like this... and sword immortals are also like this..."

A clean scholar's attire, a similarly clean visage, and an even cleaner smile; the scholar is as clear as the water of a lake, and even more so.

I forgot how old I was when I found this thing by the river as a child. It looked beautiful, so I brought it back.

I cannot understand it

Losing control of his hand, the object hanging around his neck began to sway, and strands of water trickled down, glistening like jade under the reflection of the setting sun

Dozens of zhang away on the water's surface, splashes of water continuously rise, supporting a fierce large fish that undulates on the surface. Its copper bell-like big eyes stare intently, and its sharp teeth seem to be grinding out sparks, embodying a fierce and vengeful demeanor.

It was only then that he realized he had not eaten anything for almost an entire day

Yan Wuwang choked for a moment, the prepared explanations and responses all fell into emptiness

Ning Feng unconsciously swallowed a mouthful of saliva, thinking: "This fish demon is so enchanting, first running from the sea to the river, and can transform into a beautiful woman to lure people. Now that the river is about to be submerged, surely something will come to exorcise the demon and uphold justice, right?"

... so, you can't really be a woman, can you

Ning Feng had eaten grilled fish and rested his head on his hand, originally intending to admire the night sky. Perhaps due to exhaustion, before the stars and moon had a chance to appear, he fell into a deep sleep.

It is still best to take advantage of the fact that the fish demon cannot come ashore and choose to leave.

Ning Feng shook his head and sighed, saying: "Such a beautiful lake, such splendid scenery, it would not be surprising if it had a spirit and turned into a monster. It is far more aesthetically pleasing than any old tree or yellow weasel turning into a demon. Hey, lake monster."

Upon reaching the shore, she elegantly dressed herself, kindled a bonfire, and as Ning Feng grilled the fish, he gazed at the beautiful lake, which, accompanied by the setting sun, gradually enveloped itself in a hazy veil, becoming indistinct.

The sound of water splashing echoed as Ning Feng submerged his head into the water, then suddenly stood up forcefully, standing in water that reached his waist.

After a thorough search, a set of clothing wrapped in layer upon layer of waterproof tarpaulin appeared in his hands

After the pipa fish demon revealed its true form, it seemed to have lost its ability to speak. A single remark from Ning Feng provoked it into a series of furious roars, causing it to thrash wildly, its tail raised high and continuously slapping the water, turning the area along the shore into a murky mess

Why can't you speak anymore

The day before, Mingming fell into the lake while swimming, and the next day, it was so uncanny to find it at the head of the bed

In the riverbank several zhang away, that stretch of water remains murky as ever, yet the roaring pipa fish has vanished without a trace at some unknown time.

Yan Wuwang wore a bewildered expression, unable to grasp the situation

Yan Wuwang displayed a look of difficulty and shook his head

Roar roar roar—roar roar roar—

This fish is too fierce; what if it really charges at us if we provoke it further

Dinner is settled

Perhaps ... ...

The setting sun dyed the lake water red, bringing with it a warm temperature. Immersed in the lake, Ning Feng felt completely relaxed, as if embraced by a warm hug that held him deeply.

Ning Feng raised his head, interrupting with a peculiar tone, and said: "There is no problem with sharpening the sword; may I ask if you could teach me the way of the Sword Immortal?"

Ning Feng gazed at the old Taoist priest across from him, lingering for a moment on the thick beard that obscured much of his face and the gaping mouth that could swallow a sword pellet.

It is also acceptable to take on a master.

What else could there be

Unfortunately, this is all the ability you possess, hmm, a homebody, quite good indeed

Achoo

As he suddenly stood up, he instinctively reached for an object hanging around his neck, as if fearing that any larger movement would cause it to be flung away.

What is the reason for this

If the big gray mouse Su Laomou were to see this, he would definitely exclaim "Pah!" and once again criticize whether it is a book repository or a treasure bag, questioning what exactly is missing from the books inside

"Scholar, do not be afraid, for that evil has already been vanquished"

Farewell to Yan Wuwang, after half a day, by the beautiful Mirror Lake, Ning Feng lay on the grass by the lake with arms outstretched, murmuring to himself

The surface of the lake beneath my feet reflects the appearance of Ning Feng

It is truly beautiful

In front of the pipa fish, he nonchalantly began to change his clothes

Where is the pipa fish demon

Bang bang bang

Ning Feng stopped in front of him and said seriously: "I just ran away by myself, the fish demon couldn't come ashore to chase me, it wasn't you who saved me, right?"

How dare you, you vile creature

He straightened up without the slightest delay, swiftly removing his clothes in a manner as clean and neat as if he had just been born, and stepped into the lake.

This thing is indeed impossible to get rid of

On the river surface, a pipa fish demon, measuring several zhang in length, floated with its belly facing up, utterly lifeless.

Ning Feng looked at the clear lake water, feeling somewhat tempted, "... let's take a bath."

Oh belly, you have suffered

Hang up the rope, paint the image of the deity, and spend one thousand days polishing the sword

Just as he was about to react and say something, he saw Ning Feng returning after having left.

After a while, Ning Feng suddenly sat up, spat out the grass stem, and clenched his fist, saying: "There will always be someone willing to teach me skills, rather than crying and shouting, wishing to use the entire world to make me do trivial tasks"

Yan, having slain demons along the way, found his sword tainted by demonic energy and thus required re-polishing and ritual purification. Therefore, he could only use sword pills to eliminate the demons

Throughout an entire day and night, events that an ordinary person would never encounter in a lifetime unfolded one after another, including a female ghost, a rat demon, and a pipa fish. Ning Feng, who always appeared indifferent, revealed a hint of despondency at this moment

Ning Feng rubbed his sore nose while talking to himself, "I beg your pardon."

A glimmer of hope shone anew in Yan Wuwang's eyes as he looked over with great eagerness

Ning Feng shook his head, feeling quite regretful about the inability to communicate

With no one around, the lake is silent, only the sound of rippling water can be heard, as if in response, as if in gratitude

That sharpens the sword

The disheveled old Taoist, with tattered sleeves still stained with grease, waved his arm, stirring up a fierce wind that swept across the river's surface, dispersing the malevolent aura.

It is estimated that taking a bath has consumed some physical strength, and Ning Feng's internal organs began to protest

Yan Wuwang looked at Ning Feng eagerly and then said: "As long as you, the scholar, are willing to assist, I, Yan..."

Ning Feng waved his hand behind him, gradually walking away, disappearing from Yan Wuwang's line of sight

Ning Feng glanced over and immediately turned back to see if there was a way to retreat

However, it certainly will not be a scholar like me, who is utterly powerless and incapable of any action

Sword Immortal!

Wait a moment

Stop

After seeing the sword pill swallowed by the bearded sword immortal, it disappeared from view, and Ning Feng shook his head in regret

Then forget it

Oh, so self-aware?

Ning Feng shrugged his shoulders, turned around, and left, showing no sign of entanglement whatsoever

Uh

Yan Wuwang nodded

Strike the wooden fish, transcribe the Daoist scriptures, one hundred and eighty times at the water and land altar

One day, I will find out the reason

With the sky as the canopy and the earth as the floor, an entire lake serves as a warm bed, pristine and free of worries, immersed within it; how can one not feel content?

Not doing it, not doing it

Gulu-gululu

From far upstream, the lingering shadow of a disheveled old Taoist priest is omnipresent, whether skimming the water, leaping into the air, or changing direction, each movement is executed with such speed that it nearly fills the entire river

First there were rapids and then immersion in water, followed by exerting effort to row; the fluctuations between cold and hot caused the scholar to catch a chill

Where else needs to be provoked? The pipa fish is already extremely angry now

It must be a trivial matter, right

Jumping up from the ground, with grandiose words spoken, Ning Feng still felt a bit annoyed, wandering aimlessly to the lakeside

Having finished speaking, Ning Feng restored his indifferent smile, shrugged once more, and turned to leave

The sword immortal was taken aback, looking over in astonishment

Ha, what am I worried about? It's goods that cannot be lost even if discarded

Seeing the expression on his face, Ning Feng understood, feeling disheartened: "Once again..."

The roar of the waves is incessant, rolling tumultuously in the vast river, which was originally clear but is now murky everywhere, as if the silt from the deepest part of the riverbed has been stirred up.

Ning Feng was straightforward and unceremonious, swiftly catching this fearless fish with both hands

I had a dream

Uh

Ning Feng was greatly impressed; the more enchanting the fish demon was, the more transcendent the sword immortal appeared, truly remarkable.

After four words, the voice became so low that it was inaudible, even he could not hear it clearly

Would the scholar be willing to sharpen the sword for Yan for a thousand days, and then reveal its brilliance

Standing by the lakeside, gazing into the past, the spring breeze carries the slanting sun, casting a layer of orange-red hue upon the lake, soft yet magnificent, exquisite and grand

He laughed at what he said himself

Ning Feng expressed a hint of regret, saying: "If only you could teach me how to cultivate immortality."

The first loud shout sounded distant, yet the last word seemed to resonate right beside his ear, causing Ning Feng's eardrum to ache painfully, compelling him to stop in his tracks, his gaze drawn towards it.

I refuse to believe it

... ...

The earlier moment of despondency had long since vanished without a trace, and Ning Feng had a blade of grass in his mouth, feeling as listless as the wandering breeze, with perhaps just a hint of irritation

Night gradually deepened

No, he is still carrying something on him

Simultaneously, from the body of the pipa fish, a dark, ink-like demonic aura continuously surged forth, enveloping the entire surface of the river like layers of leaden clouds

After sneezing several times in a row, Ning Feng, feeling quite frustrated, opened the bookcase with a loud "bang" and reached inside to rummage around.

That is the legendary technique of flying swords, the Sword Talisman

Roar!

After a day of toiling, I truly feel somewhat fatigued

Ning Feng extended both hands simultaneously, with his fingertips pointing upwards and palms facing outward, directly confronting the old Taoist priest

The previous water lines were indeed derived from those nine orifices.

... ...

"Do we not even need to look at the qualifications?" Ning Feng chuckled, "I knew it."