Zongwu: Aspiring to be the mastermind behind the scenes

Chapter 227 The Difference Between Daoist Methods, Capturing Old Man Lü
"What? No?!"

Marco exclaimed in shock: "How is this possible!"

Gongshu Chou laughed and said, "That old man Lü is treacherous and cunning. You were deceived by him, but it's not your fault. We also remember your loyalty to Qin. This will not affect your merits."

Marco gritted his teeth: "I beg you esteemed sirs to allow me to join the Qin army and avenge my humiliation."

Gongshu Chou looked at Wei Zhuang.

Wei Zhuang, however, looked at the two people behind Marco.

"who are they?"

Marco introduced, "This is Ma He, the retainer of my caravan, and this is 'Iron Bone,' a Three Flowers Master I befriended in the Western Regions. Before this operation, in order to prevent that old man Lu from killing me in secret, I specially invited him to guard me. I didn't expect that old man to be so treacherous and cunning. Instead of making a move, he plotted against me."

"Oh? A Grandmaster of the Three Flowers?"

Wei Zhuang was quite interested.

Having such strength isn't particularly special.

The key is that while possessing such strength, he doesn't look very old, perhaps only in his forties or fifties, in the prime of his life, and can perfectly unleash his full potential.

It even has a slight chance of reaching the Grandmaster realm.

It's a talent.

He was merely interested; little did he know, Zhong Wugu was already horrified.

In Zhong Wugu's perception, Wei Zhuang was like a fierce and domineering sword, posing a strong threat to him.

The other party's realm is likely the same as his, that of a Three-Flower Grandmaster.

However, the other person was at least ten years younger than him!
Not only that, the people next to them, although they all looked quite young, were generally at the Grandmaster level in terms of cultivation.

In the Ming Dynasty, this was almost unthinkable.

"Among the nine provinces and four seas, the Central Plains has the most and strongest martial arts heritage, and also the most martial artists. Next is the Qin State, which has a heritage spanning hundreds of years."

In contrast, the Ming and Song dynasties suffered from the destruction of countless martial arts traditions due to the invasion of foreign tribes, resulting in the fewest martial arts lineages and the shallowest foundations…

Zhong Wugu thought to himself, "The martial arts talent of these people is probably only comparable to a handful of people like Ye Gucheng and Ximen Chuixue in the Ming Kingdom... I just wonder how many geniuses like them there are in the Qin Kingdom!"

Thoughts swirled in his mind, but outwardly he remained extremely respectful.

"Iron Bones, a wandering swordsman from the Western Regions, greets all esteemed guests. I have long admired the Qin Kingdom and am willing to dedicate my martial skills to its service!"

Wei Zhuang smiled slightly: "Since you two are so sincere, I will naturally not refuse. Let you join us and act together."

Since you obtained these two items, you can keep them for yourself; there's no need to hand them over.

In the portable space.

Zhou Ming couldn't help but shake his head: "It seems that these guys don't know anything about the Hun Tian Bao Jian, otherwise they would never have treated this golden crystal like this."

Although the golden crystal was a replica, it was extremely realistic.

Regardless of its appearance, there is indeed a considerable amount of natural power that combines metallic and light attributes inside.

Zhou Ming was able to see through it easily simply because he understood the power of the Hun Tian Bao Jian.

The natural power contained within each Hun Tian Bao Jian crystal is inexhaustible, while the natural power within this imitation crystal is limited, which is why it can be determined to be an imitation.

Anyone else would be easily deceived.

Moreover, although it is a replica, it does not mean that it is not precious. If the natural power inside is absorbed, it can increase a person's power out of thin air.

Although Mu Daoren was unaware of the Hun Tian Bao Jian, he sensed the natural power contained within the crystal and thus regarded it as a treasure.

Wei Zhuang and the others returned it so easily, which probably means that they not only didn't know about the Hun Tian Bao Jian, but they also couldn't sense the natural power contained in the crystal.

"Unless one follows the path of cultivation like I do, one must reach the Grandmaster level to sense the existence of natural power. Therefore, it is normal that Wei Zhuang and the others cannot sense natural power."

But why couldn't the Grand Master of Fate and the Junior Master of Fate notice it either?

The methods employed by the Yin-Yang School are so mysterious and strange that they seem too much like those of a sorcerer.

However, Zhou Ming recalled what Zhang Sanfeng had once told him.

Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, created a completely new martial arts system, using the principles of martial arts to control the techniques of cultivation.

In other words, schools of thought such as Taoism and Yin-Yang School, although they employ various mysterious methods that seem like they are performing magic, appear to be able to control the power of heaven and earth.

But in reality, its essence is still the way of martial arts.

Even so, the uncanny nature of its methods makes Taoist martial arts even more powerful than other martial arts.

If this were during the Ming and Song dynasties, this Taoist martial art would certainly be considered the best.

However, in the ancient Qin state, Confucianism, Mohism, and the School of Diplomacy were all strong competitors of Taoism.

"That's good too. They don't know about it and don't care about this piece of golden crystal, which is why they overlooked Old Man Lü. It will also make it easier for Daoist Mu to take action."

A small border town.

Three thousand Qin soldiers were stationed outside the city, while Wei Zhuang and other experts were the first to enter the city, gathering the Qin spies who were lurking in the city, and surrounding Old Man Lü's residence.

The entire area around the mansion was cleared out and deserted.

At that moment, a child appeared, pushed open the gate of the mansion, and went inside.

"This is... the child you were talking about?"

Gongshu Chou's eyes narrowed, and he asked.

Marco nodded.

"Heh, it really was him! The little bastard who betrayed the Empire with Gai Nie, the Empire's most wanted criminal..."

Gongshu Chou didn't know the child's identity, nor did he care about such things.

Wei Zhuang, standing to the side, suddenly focused his gaze.

“Crescent Moon Valley is not far from here. Since this child has appeared here, then my senior brother... might also appear.”

This child, named Jing Tianming, has an extremely complicated background. He is innocent, kind, and has the heart of a child.

Some people harbor ulterior motives, and even if you've known them for months, you still can't open up to them; instead, you're always wary of each other.

Just like Marco and Old Man Lü.

Some people, even if they have only known each other for a short time, can become extremely close in their hearts within that short period of time.

Just like Jing Tianming and Old Man Lü.

Old Man Lü had sensed something was wrong and set up numerous traps in the courtyard. As soon as an enemy entered, these traps would be activated immediately, tearing the enemy to pieces.

However, the person who came in was actually Jing Tianming.

Old Man Lü quickly stopped the mechanism, but even so, one of the mechanism claws still stabbed out.

If he hadn't stopped in time, and if Jing Tianming hadn't been a child whose height differed from the killing position set by Old Man Lü, Jing Tianming would probably have been in serious trouble.

"Tianming, what brings you here!"

Old Man Lü shut down all the mechanisms.

But this ordeal also marked the end of his life.

Gongshu Chou was also a master of mechanisms. When he noticed that all the mechanisms in the mansion had been turned off, his eyes lit up and he immediately sent out one tiny mechanical lizard after another crawling out of his body.

This mechanical lizard may look small, but it is actually the 'Breaking Ground Seven' designed by the Gongshu family specifically to break through other mechanisms.

Countless Shichiro-like creatures merged into the courtyard, using their tiny bodies to squeeze into the gaps of various mechanisms and easily destroy all the stopped mechanisms.

"Hehehe..." Gongshu Chou sneered, "Let's go and get to know this master of Mohist mechanisms!"

He walked towards the courtyard first, with the Grand Master of Fate and the Junior Master of Fate protecting him from behind, and many Qin soldiers lined up behind him.

Wei Zhuang and the others, however, were still standing in the distance, seemingly waiting for something.

Noticing the commotion outside, Old Man Lü immediately stuffed an item into Tianming's arms and said, "Tianming, quick, take this and leave. Go to Loulan and give these things to them!"

As he spoke, he opened the bookshelf and sent it to a secret room behind the bookshelf.

Shao Siming waved her hand, and a burst of true energy shattered the door.

Countless Shichirou poured into the room.

A crimson light flew from the High Priest's hand, trapping Old Man Lü. Wisps of crimson energy climbed onto his head, swirling around his ears and eyes.

"Where's the thing? Heh, you don't need to answer!"

The Grand Master of Fate directly unleashed the Yin-Yang secret technique, 'Mind Reading'.

Sometimes, even the person themselves cannot control their own mind.

If you tell him not to imagine an 'elephant', the moment that word appears, the first thought that comes to mind for the other person will definitely be 'elephant'.

Therefore, when the Grand Master asked the question 'Where is the thing?', even though Old Man Lü hadn't intended to answer, the answer still instinctively surfaced in his mind at that moment.

“So it’s here!”

The High Priestess looked at the bookshelf.

Dozens of Potu Shichiro immediately rushed over, destroyed the bookshelf's mechanism, and opened the bookshelf directly.

Gongshu Chou took three steps in two, and was about to seize Tianming.

But at that very moment, two clicking sounds were heard. Mechanisms around Tianming's location were activated, and an unparalleled, immense force propelled him upwards.

This was precisely the escape trap designed by Old Man Lü.

To prevent it from being destroyed, this mechanism follows a completely different approach from the others, so even if all the other mechanisms are destroyed, this escape mechanism will not be affected.

The escape mechanism was like a launcher; its immense thrust propelled Tianming directly out of the chimney.

The sudden weightlessness caused Tianming to scream in terror.

The cries echoed through the air in all directions.

This is really too conspicuous.

Countless people in the city witnessed this scene and immediately rushed to the location.

Among them was a wandering swordsman wearing a hood and wielding a long sword.

"Senior brother, you really were here!"

Wei Zhuang's lips curled up involuntarily, his gaze fixed on that figure, a look of joy appearing in his eyes.

He immediately moved and charged forward.

Chi Lian and Bai Feng followed closely behind.

Upon seeing this, Marco and his two companions were overjoyed.

Among the top experts in Qin, Wei Zhuang was undoubtedly the most powerful.

Even Zhong Wugu felt threatened in his presence.

But now, he has left.

It just so happens that it was at a time when it was necessary to deal with Old Man Lü.

This is simply great news.

The three exchanged a glance, then immediately jumped off the roof and entered Old Man Lü's courtyard.

Just then, Gongshu Chou and the others rushed out with Old Man Lü.

Marco hurriedly said, "Grand Preceptor, don't worry, Lord Wei Zhuang has already gone to capture that child."

The title "National Preceptor" was held by Gongshu Chou in the Qin state.

Despite their seemingly high status, the Qin state actually had more than one national advisor.

Although he was proficient in mechanical arts, he did not know martial arts and his strength was extremely low.

Even when facing Wei Zhuang, they had to be extremely respectful.

Their status wasn't actually that high.

"Has Lord Wei Zhuang already gone after them? That's good."

Gongshu Chou nodded, then turned to Old Man Lü and said smugly, "What's the use of playing such petty tricks? Do you really think a child can escape Lord Wei Zhuang's pursuit?"

Old Man Lü snorted coldly and remained silent.

But a hint of regret also appeared in his eyes.

The incident occurred suddenly.

He did act somewhat impulsively when he shoved the treasure into Tianming's hands.

Looking back now, it seems that not only would the treasure not be able to return to Loulan, but it would also harm Tianming.

But now, it's no use saying anything.

Marco asked cautiously, "Grand Preceptor, what should we do with this old man Lü?"

Gongshu Chou snorted coldly and said, "Him? He's useless now, just kill him."

Marco's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Would you mind handing this person over to me for disposal?"

"Hehe, if you want, then you can handle it. Afterwards, just identify the body."

"Thank you, Master Imperial Master!"

Gongshu Chou nodded.

He didn't care about Old Man Lü at all; he just wanted him dead.

The reason is simple: Old Man Lü learned the mechanical arts of the Mohist school!

Gongshu Chou harbored immense hatred for the Mohists.

This hatred stems not only from the centuries-long differences and competition between the Gongshu School and the Mohist School in the field of mechanical arts.

It also stems from his own life experiences.

Many schools of thought within the Qin state had different branches.

Taoism is divided into the Heavenly School and the Human School. Even the Yin-Yang School was originally a branch of Taoism, but it completely broke away from Taoism a few hundred years ago.

Confucius, the founder of Confucianism, had three thousand disciples, seventy-two of whom were considered sages. The differences among them were even greater, and as it has developed to this day, it has been divided into eight schools.

The Mohist school was also divided into three factions: Chu Mohism, Qi Mohism, and Qin Mohism.

As Qin unified the six kingdoms, Chu Mo and Qi Mo joined forces, becoming rebels against Qin.

Qin Mo, on the other hand, worked diligently within the Qin state system.

At the same time, they were also the biggest rivals of the Gongshu family within the Qin state.

Although they have been suppressed by the Gongshu family in general, they would occasionally jump out and annoy people.

As the current head of the Mohist school, Gongshu Chou naturally harbored extreme hatred for it.

Old Man Lü had learned the Mo family's mechanical arts, and in his eyes, he was someone who had to be killed.

He then had someone hand Old Man Lü over to Marco, and then left with his men.

Marco watched their figures disappear into the distance and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"I never expected this matter to be so simple."

"Quickly hand this man over to Lord Gin!"

Zhong Wugu, being the most skilled in martial arts, directly used acupressure to control Old Man Lü and quickly led him towards Marco's house.

The Wood Taoist took over from Old Man Lü and immediately notified Jin Jiu.

The next instant, a gate of light appeared before them.

Stepping out, I found myself on an unnamed island.

Gin is waiting for him here.

"Good good!"

Jinjiu took Old Man Lü into his spatial dimension, pretending to cast a spell, but actually creating a projection of Old Man Lü.

“I will take this person with me. This fake body is enough to fool those people.”

(End of this chapter)