If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1030 A Miraculous Encounter with the Immortal Pillow
In fact, even before meeting Xiaoyu, Liu Ji and Lu Wan were not ordinary "street thugs" or "hooligans".

They were neighbors and classmates, meaning they were both educated.

They went to school properly and were able to read and write.

This one point alone sets him far ahead of his peers in this era.

Their family were farmers, but they were considered wealthy farmers with brick houses and hundreds of acres of fertile land.

Lu Wan also followed Liu Ji on his travels throughout the country, serving as a wandering knight-errant for many years.

At least in this era, "wandering knight" has not yet become a completely derogatory term.

After meeting Xiaoyu and following her in setting up the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Grand Array, all 108 heroes of Pei County displayed the destiny of "Star Lords descending to earth".

Regardless of whether they are auxiliary stars or not, it is a fact that their atmosphere has become extraordinary.

Among the 108 heroes of the Heavenly and Earthly Stars, Lu Wan's ranking is quite high.

When Xiaoyu set out the prayer mats to determine the seating arrangement, Liu Laosan, with a stroke of genius, pulled Lu Wan to sit in the front row.

Liu Laosan had the best position, followed by Lu Wan.

Afterwards, Wu Yazi lectured on the "Great Dao of Stars," and Lu Wan did not leave halfway through; he persisted until the very end.

At that moment, his demeanor, presence, ability, and potential far surpassed those of ordinary princes and noblemen.

In the very end, he also obtained two celestial treasures from the Treasure Sharing Cliff: the Immortal's Pillow and a True Immortal Technique.

And most importantly, Lu Wan actually has a dragon vein.

Xiaoyu had just discovered that the Lu family lived next door to the Liu family, and that both the Liu family and the Lu family had a garden behind their house.

The two families' gardens are right next to each other.

The grave of Liu Laosan's mother was "emitting green smoke," and the Lu family also benefited, raising a "dragon seed."

A dragon vein in the form of fish roe.

It was very small and very faint. If Xiaoyu hadn't touched the "Soul of the Earth" of Sishui County, she wouldn't have been able to detect it at all.

But no matter how small it is, it represents one fact: Lu Wan probably has the destiny to become a king and establish an regime.

Xiaoyu wasn't particularly surprised by this.

Lu Wan and Liu Laosan had a very good relationship.

They were born on the same day, month, and year; their fathers were close friends and neighbors, grew up together, and went to school together. Lu Wan always called Liu Ji "Big Brother," and when Liu Ji got into trouble and fled his hometown, Lu Wan often accompanied him.
If Liu Laosan were to become emperor in the future, he might very well grant Lu Wan a princely title.

Now, there is a middle-aged man who cultivates the true immortal method, possesses a celestial treasure (the Immortal Wandering Pillow), has achieved minor success in internal energy cultivation, corresponds to the celestial stars, possesses the aura of a star lord, and is also destined to be king. He is unmarried.

Is it strange that a spirit born from the Xiang River took a liking to him?

Meng Qi once said that stories of fairies marrying poor scholars are mostly fictional. However, it is quite common for female immortals or goddesses to marry mortal emperors.

Qiu Shui, the spirit of the Xiang River, is not even a true deity.

"Xiangshui Niangniang" is a licentious cult!

Of course, illicit worship is not the same as evil gods.

Autumn Water belongs to a relatively low-level innate spirit.

If she is the innate spirit of the Xiang River, then she is a very high-ranking "innate water deity".

Unfortunately, she was merely water in the river, imbued with the essence of the sun and moon, and inspired by the spirit of heaven and earth, thus giving birth to a spiritual being.

It is not a "river spirit," but merely a "water spirit."

This innate spirit was spontaneously worshipped by the people and nurtured the region, never committing evil.

Like an "unlicensed good doctor".

All she lacked was a certificate issued by the Heavenly Court (or a divine abode on earth, such as the Western Mountain Divine Palace).

However, working without a license is ultimately considered illicit worship.

Such "spirits" desperately need human compassion and good fortune.

With the blessing of humanity and good fortune, one can at least transform from an "unlicensed practitioner" into a "righteous god of heaven".

This alone is a benefit of immense and immeasurable magnitude. In an instant, one goes from being "second-rate" to "the pinnacle of immortals."

He was like a folk doctor from the countryside who entered a top-tier hospital in the provincial capital and even became an attending physician.

Not only did they obtain a permanent position, but their "prospects" also embarked on a bright future, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they have a "promising future."

But where can a tiny water spirit find human fortune?

The simplest and most efficient way is to associate yourself with a humane emperor.

Of course, this is just the most basic idea. Xiaoyu feels that this "spirit god" has some connection with Lu Wan.

There should be an emotional element involved, rather than it being a purely investment or transaction.

The Dream of Immortals Pillow is a fantastical journey through a fairyland, but it is also highly random.

It will carry its master's "divine thoughts" to places where the spiritual energy is abundant.

They might arrive at the Queen Mother of the West's Jade Pool Banquet, or they might approach the South Heavenly Gate, only to be driven away by Erlang Shen or Nezha.

It's also possible to enter various grotto-heavens in the Middle Realm, attend immortal banquets, tour immortal abodes, and even witness the legendary chess game of Rotten Axe Handle.
In short, wherever the spiritual energy of immortals gathers, the Immortal Pillow can carry the owner's thoughts there.

It is not a complete soul, but only a wisp of thought, so there will be no aftereffects of separation of the soul.

If her entire soul were to be thousands of miles away from her body, Lu Wan would definitely not be able to withstand it, and would become extremely exhausted, or even have her soul power depleted.

This is not a fairy pillow, but a demonic artifact.

The Immortal Pillow only takes away a wisp of divine thought and will protect it from harm with immortal energy, allowing it to quickly return to its original form.

Upon waking, I felt refreshed and more energetic than during a deep sleep, because my mind had been nourished by the spiritual energy of the immortals.

The only difference is that the entire process is not under the master's control; where the spirit wanders is entirely up to chance.

As a result, Lu Wan entered the water palace of "Xiangshui Niangniang" multiple times.

What else could this be but a miraculous coincidence?
Perhaps there really is a red thread of fate binding Lu Wan and Qiu Shui together.

The Immortal's Pillow was given to me by Xiaoyu.

Lu Wan and Qiu Shui became acquainted through the "Immortal's Pillow," so she could be considered a matchmaker.

“Although you have been targeted by the evil god, Liu Laosan is no ordinary person either. He and his brothers are on guard. If the evil god really comes, you will probably not have a good ending,” the old woman said.

Qiu Shui remained kneeling on the ground and said, "Brother Liu is indeed brave, but he can only be a thief for a thousand days, how can he guard against thieves for a thousand days?"
Regardless of how much money Liu Sange's family has left, or how long the current situation can last.

Even if he hosts banquets at home every day, I cannot hide in the house day and night.

If you go out alone, you might be abducted by evil spirits.

I can let it go on myself.

The evil spirit, unable to succeed for a long time, will surely grow increasingly resentful, and the husband, wife, and neighbors may all be harmed.

The old woman, Xiaoyu, asked again, "I am old and frail, and I can't even beat Liu Laosan's wife. What can you expect from me?"

Qiu Shui's eyes were full of expectation and trust as she said, "This servant doesn't know what Mother-in-law can do."

Just two days ago, when I was drawing water, I overheard the spirit of the well water whispering—a powerful being has taken control of the earth, and is so formidable that even the Si River has been forced to submit.

The great power is now dredging the earth's veins in Sishui County, making all the lakes and rivers feel comfortable and joyful.

The spirit of the well water also became more and more lively.

Last night, I heard it say that the great being who can control mountains and rivers is near Pei County.

Upon hearing this, I was immediately seized by a premonition—this afternoon, a great being will arrive at the Liu family's gate.

Qiu Shui stared intently at her, his eyes filled with unwavering determination, devoid of any doubt or unease.

Xiaoyu was quite surprised, and her hands, hidden in her sleeves, quickly began to calculate again.

After a moment, she exclaimed, "All things in heaven and earth have a spirit! Humans are just one of all things, and do not possess the spirit of the universe alone." Qiu Shui was not only very "spiritual," able to communicate with lake water, well water, and spring water, but also had a special connection with her.

The marriage arranged by the Immortal Pillow was indirectly bestowed upon her.

Now the marriage she had arranged has been ruined.

Therefore, when Qiu Shui encounters the right opportunity, he can suddenly feel inspired.

"What is the name of that evil god? Is he a righteous god or an evil god?"

Qiu Shui's face lit up with joy, and he immediately said, "That evil god was originally a human warrior named 'Wang' and 'E'."

While alive, he was a notorious tyrant known for miles around; after death, he became a god and became even more vicious.

Every year on the third day of the fourth lunar month, his death anniversary is also the day he became a god, and he still eats people!

He doesn't eat adults, he only eats young boys and girls.

However, he is not an evil god, but a righteous deity personally appointed by the Jade Emperor, with the divine title of 'King Guangfu'.

“King Guangfu is of high status, how could he have fallen so low as to devour young boys and girls?”
Don't the Heavenly Court's envoys and officials care about this?

"Even if the Heavenly Court doesn't care, why don't the local people report it to the authorities?" Xiao Yu asked.

Well, even the Heavenly Court doesn't care, but you can report it to the authorities. It sounds a bit ridiculous.

But at least in China under Qin Shi Huang's rule, the divine way was indeed severely suppressed by the human way.

The gods of the Four Rivers and Five Sacred Mountains are truly great deities, holding a position in the divine realm akin to the "Nine Ministers" in the human court—truly high-ranking leaders—yet they were still forced to relinquish their true forms.

Even someone as proud as Huang Feihu compromised.

The power of the Qin Dynasty even extended beyond the nine provinces.

For example, the Xuan Turtle River God in the Liusha River.

It was the Qin Dynasty that helped to eliminate the evil spirits in the river, open up a divine realm, and appoint a river god to guard it.

Even after the death of Emperor Ying Zheng, the Xuan Turtle River God dared not disobey the laws of the Qin Dynasty or the orders of the court.

If a deity dares to openly harm the people, and is reported to the Imperial Observatory, the Celestial Master of the Human Emperor's Palace will punish them, even stripping them of their divine talismans or killing them outright.

They weren't afraid of being outmatched, as the Celestial Masters of the Human Emperor's Palace were extremely skilled at slaying demons and monsters.

Moreover, local governments would also send out county and prefectural soldiers, gather dozens of immortals, and form several military formations with ease.

Qiu Shui said bitterly, "King Guangfu is incredibly powerful. The judge of the underworld drinks and makes merry with him, the mountain god of Xiangshan worships him as his elder brother, and the Dragon King of Dongting Lake even wanted to marry his daughter to him, but he disliked the mother dragon for being too flirtatious. The Dragon King of Dongting Lake didn't even dare to talk back."

He was practically the local tyrant of Xiangyin.

More than a dozen indigenous tribes worship him.

Every year, the county and the chieftain who worshipped him enjoyed favorable weather, abundant harvests, and overflowing households.

The Dragon King and the heavenly gods must listen to him and ensure that the areas that worship him have a good harvest; they must not arbitrarily bring disaster.

Changsha Prefecture was located far from the Central Plains and close to the Baiyue region.

The local people are uncivilized; no one would report this to the imperial court in Xianyang.

Xiaoyu suddenly realized.

Changsha Prefecture at that time was not the same as Huguang in later times.

Hundreds of years ago, the people of Chu proudly declared, "We are barbarians."

The State of Chu was divided into three major regions: Eastern Chu, Western Chu, and Southern Chu. Wasn't Xiang Yu the "Overlord of Western Chu"?
Changsha Prefecture was located in the south of Southern Chu, bordering Baiyue.

If Qin Shi Huang hadn't extended the prefecture-county system to "the entire land of China," Changsha Prefecture would never have had the opportunity to become part of the "superior nation of China."

Even after the establishment of prefectures and counties, Changsha Prefecture was mostly inhabited by "native people".

“I will go to Changsha County in a few days. If Prince Guangfu is indeed as you say, committing numerous evils and violating the laws of Heaven, I will certainly bring him to justice,” Xiaoyu said.

Qiu Shui's face lit up with joy, and she kowtowed repeatedly, saying, "Thank you, Mother-in-law, for upholding justice for me."

Xiaoyu thought for a moment and said, "Stretch out your hand, palm open."

Qiu Shui didn't understand what he meant, but he obediently stretched out both hands.

Xiaoyu used her right index finger as a pen to draw dozens of strokes on her left hand.

Each stroke leaves a golden mark, which together form a "Five Sacred Mountains Divine Talisman".

It is clear that the entire symbol is composed of five slightly smaller "mountain" characters.

As soon as the runes were formed, the golden light subsided, and Qiu Shui felt a supreme and majestic power, as heavy as a mountain, permeating into the core of her soul.

Xiaoyu drew four more strokes on her left hand, all crooked and abstract at first glance, but upon closer inspection, one could sense the endless mysteries hidden within.

Everything is related to water and rivers.

Qiu Shui felt as if he were about to transform from a human being back into a stream of clear water.

Like the "Five Sacred Mountains Talisman", the "Four Strokes Water Talisman" is also a combination of elements.

It is composed of several smaller "water" characters.

The rune was completed, and with a flash of light it disappeared immediately, deeply imprinted on the core of her soul.

Xiao Yu smiled and said, "These are two 'True Talismans.' The one in the right hand is the 'True Form Talisman of the Five Sacred Mountains,' which can ward off evil spirits and demons in the mountains. The one in the left hand is the 'True Form Talisman of the Four Rivers,' which can ward off gods, demons, and monsters in the water."

With these two talismans in hand, the henchmen of King Guangfu will certainly not be able to capture you.

Even if Prince Guangfu takes action himself, you can easily escape.

Of course, they are not just amulets.

If you are intelligent and study diligently, you may have unexpected gains.

"Thank you for the teachings, Mother. I will practice diligently day and night without ceasing."

Qiu Shui, her face filled with gratitude and joy, kowtowed nine more times.

Xiaoyu really liked her well-behaved and intelligent nature.

After thinking for a moment, she took out a piece of spirit jade from her sleeve and said, "I didn't go to the Liu family today to see you."

You shall pass on this spiritual jade and the "Great Method of Dual Cultivation of Immortal Mother and Holy Embryo" inside to Lü Zhi.

She didn't know how to take care of herself and was overworked, which caused the child in her womb to be deficient in essence. Even if she gave birth smoothly, the child would be weak and sickly.

You can just say that this practice is yours, without mentioning me, and you can even change the name of the practice.

In a few years, you too can cultivate, but do not pass it on to a third person.

She went to the Liu family today mainly to check on Liu Ji's appearance and condition.

Seeing him feasting at home instead of doing farm work during the busy farming season, she was a little angry but didn't intend to interfere. After all, she knew what kind of person he was and what he would do after becoming rich, more than she had known that day.

Although I can't stand it now, I'm not surprised.

She is not his mother and has no obligation to calibrate all his thoughts and actions.

Upon seeing Liu Jiqi, whose appearance was almost always that of "Tiankui Fuxing," she was certain that he was indeed very obedient and had been practicing the "Tiankui Dafa" during this period, which made her very satisfied.

Then he was about to leave when he saw that Lü Zhi was so exhausted that she was weak and the fetus was not very stable.

That's why she decided to transform into an old woman and go to the Liu family to beg for a bowl of water.

Even if she were to give Lü Zhi the 2.0 version of the "Dual Cultivation Technique of the Immortal Mother and Holy Embryo," she would not intend to reveal her identity as "Old Taoist Wuyazi."

By now, almost all the Qi cultivators in Shenzhou knew that "Wu Yazi" was her.

She plans to change her online persona again, such as "XX's Mother".

Anyway, there have been a lot of strange and shady characters coming to Liu Ji's house lately, so one more won't make a difference.

(End of this chapter)