Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 206 The Collapse of Building 205 (More to come tonight)

Tiangu Temple, meditation room.

Zheng Yanchang stood outside the door, glancing into the room every now and then before quickly looking away.

The conversation drifted out intermittently, causing him to unconsciously prick up his ears.

"Both of your disciples are outstanding talents. In comparison, the current generation of the Zheng family of Xingyang is far inferior."

"Although Xiaoya is talented and hardworking, there is no hope for him to reach the Great Perfection of the Yellow Court."

"Patriarch Zheng is too modest. The Great Perfection of the Yellow Court is something that can only be achieved by one person in several generations of true disciples. Even in the entire Magu Mountain, only one person can achieve this."

"Xuan Jing may not succeed, but martial arts isn't limited to just the Yellow Court realm. The True Form and Heavenly Ladder are like climbing a high mountain; the foothold halfway up is only a bit wider, and that's only temporary, not permanent."

The senior figures exchanged polite words, while the younger generation could only stand behind their masters.

Du Guanglei's eyes kept glancing at Li Cunxiao, who was standing to the side. He seemed to want to say something but hesitated because of the occasion.

The latter felt the other person's gaze and was also a little curious.

He was too preoccupied with fighting Deng Xuanjing earlier to pay attention to anything else.

In conversation afterward, it was learned that this person came from Louguan Dao, was a direct disciple of the sect leader Daotong Zhenren, and was a master of the sixth realm of the Heavenly Ladder, just like the abbots of Tiangu Temple.

Yuanguang, the first disciple of Abbot Dezheng, is still in the process of achieving perfect enlightenment and is looking for an opportunity to break through, but he has not yet succeeded. However, Du Guanglei is not yet the first true disciple of Louguan Dao in this generation.

One can imagine just how terrifying the strength of the elders and leader of the Louguan Sect must be.

"However, I do have one more question. Did Fellow Daoist Yang come to Songzhou simply to settle old scores?"

Seeing that the atmosphere had been set up enough, Zheng Lang casually threw out a sentence.

Dezheng and Bai Xiangshan, who were sitting at the end of the table, suddenly had an idea and perked up.

“Not entirely,” the middle-aged Taoist nun said, her tone no longer as direct as before, but with a hint of amusement.

"Moreover, I am certainly not the only one who came to Songzhou; I just didn't bother to hide."

"But Master Zheng, I've heard that Huang Chao and the Ming Cult's rebel army have been quite active lately. Why aren't you setting up defenses in Zhengzhou? What are you doing in Songzhou?"

"Could it be that you intend to anticipate the enemy's moves, seize their head with your entire army, and cause them to collapse without a fight?"

"Fellow Daoist Yang, please don't joke. I've lived for over a hundred years, and I'm old and frail. How could I possibly have the energy to carry out an assassination?"

Zheng Lang gave a wry smile and waved his hands repeatedly. Everyone couldn't help but grimac when they saw his middle-aged appearance with black hair and beard.

"However, Qin Fengquan, one of Huang Chao's subordinates, cultivates demonic arts and is bloodthirsty, and the Five Mingzi of the Ming Cult are also interfering with him."

"The imperial court has been slow to send troops to aid us. I'm afraid it will be difficult to withstand their advance with just my old bones."

"When the Eastern Capital falls, the capital will be under the iron hooves of the chaotic army, and the Great Qin will face annihilation."

"However, if there are benevolent people willing to lend a helping hand to the people, then the Zheng family of Xingyang, as local gentry, will be eternally grateful."

The implication had been made clear to everyone present.

The Zheng clan of Xingyang's territory blocked a crucial passage for the army, and they were unwilling to abandon their homeland. Their mission was entirely to seek reinforcements.

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Cunxiao couldn't help but look at Qici.

The latter is known for his chivalrous deeds and is famous far and wide. It's easy to guess that he is most likely Zheng Lang's first target.

As for Taiyi and Yang Lingjun, they were unexpected delights, a chance to play a couple of rounds regardless of the outcome.

At this moment, Dezheng didn't look at Qici, because he knew the other party's temperament and already knew the answer without him saying it.

However, if the other two could gain another Grandmaster, the balance of power would likely be reversed.

However, the chances are slim.

"Guang Lei, you just came from inside the sect. Did the headmaster ask you to pass on a message to me?"

As soon as Taiyi Zhenren spoke, everyone's eyes immediately turned to the red-nosed Taoist priest, who stiffened and could only grit his teeth and speak:
"Master said that the quota for pills this year is still short, and he wants you to go back as soon as possible."

"Hmph, you old Taoist priest, you only remember your junior brother when it comes to work."

Taiyi pursed his lips and said nothing more, but his attitude was clear.

In matters of sect affairs, he always obeyed the sect leader.

Zheng Lang's gaze then turned to Yang Lingjun.

The middle-aged Taoist nun remained silent for a moment before speaking, but she brought up something completely unrelated.

"In your opinion, which military governorship is the most powerful in the world today?"

This topic was somewhat sensitive, almost like asking openly which military governor was most likely to rebel. Bai Xiangshan and the Zheng family, who were experienced in officialdom, immediately pretended to be deaf and dumb.

Yang Lingjun didn't seem to expect anyone else to give her an answer, and instead began to answer her own questions:

"In the north of the Great Qin, Li Yisheng controlled Hedong, suppressing the three Jin states, and was known as Vaishravana Heavenly King, with twelve capable generals under his command."

"In the heart of the Qin Dynasty, Zhu Quanzhong, though born a bandit, was a man of courage and daring. He was the first to be granted amnesty and controlled the largest territory. The people of Lingyan Temple said he was a reincarnation of Buddha or Bodhisattva."

"Wang Jian, the commander of Jiannan Circuit, stationed himself in the capital city of Yizhou and maintained close ties with Qingcheng Mountain."

"Yang Huayuan of Huainan, hailing from the Shangqing sect of Maoshan, trained Taoist soldiers at a young age."

She paused slightly at this point, her expression meaningful.

"Qian Jumei, the military governor of Jiangnan Circuit, was not skilled in martial arts, but he was good at governing the local area and was well supported by the people."

“Our Magu Mountain is, after all, a Taoist sect, secluded from the world, and it is not appropriate for us to interfere in worldly affairs. Having such a governor here makes things much more convenient.”

In this speech, the directions of east, west, south, and north were all mentioned, but the central government was not mentioned at all.

She didn't say it aloud, but everyone present understood what she meant.

One by one, the people present left. In the end, only Qi Ci and Zheng Lang remained in the room, talking about something.

Li Cunxiao followed Taiyi out. Du Guanglei took a step forward, but was glared at by the old Taoist priest and had to retreat awkwardly, chatting with Zheng Ya beside him.

"Are you still thinking about Yang Lingjun's words?"

Seeing that his disciple was somewhat distracted, Taiyi took the initiative to start a conversation.

"In today's world, the separatist rule of regional warlords has been going on for quite some time."

"Whether it's the regional military governors or the sects of the holy land, they are all waiting for the day when the great edifice collapses."

"It's just that nobody wants to be the first to rebel against the court, especially someone who commits regicide."

"I'm afraid Yang Lingjun came to Songzhou to see for himself how much weight the imperial court still has."

"If Huang Chao really manages to break through the Eastern Capital, I'm afraid some people will be laughing with joy."

"After all, without treacherous officials, how can loyal ministers step forward to set things right and save the people?"

"Even if one is given the imperial robe, it must be done legitimately."

"Master."

Li Cunxiao, who was still lost in thought, was taken aback by these audacious words and couldn't help but look around.

"What's there to hide? It's just that our Louguandao is close to the capital and has a large family business; otherwise, we would have moved away long ago."

The old Taoist priest didn't take it seriously. Just then, the door to the meditation room opened again, and Zheng Lang, with a slightly relaxed expression, led Zheng Ya away.

De was leading the way, seemingly to arrange the rooms.

"Did you promise him?"

The monk Qici walked over slowly, nodded and then shook his head upon hearing this.

“I’m not a real Buddha or Bodhisattva, I don’t see myself as a savior.” “I can help out occasionally, but I can’t stay here forever.”

“Once that thing appears, Songzhou will probably become a whirlpool in an instant. Right now, with Yang Lingjun and Zheng Lang here, it is an opportunity.”

"If handled properly, it might even divert some of the rebel troops' attention."

Taiyi naturally knew what Qici meant by "that thing," and a glint of light flashed in his eyes upon hearing this.

"Are four people enough?"

"That's barely enough, but before that, let's work together and try one more time."

Li Cunxiao listened to the two men's suggestive words and had a vague guess.

But at this moment, he was more concerned about something else:

"Master, are two pieces of gold essence enough to upgrade the Wind and Fire Wheels into a divine weapon?"

"That's enough. I'll add a little more material during the refining process, and upgrading it to a mid-grade spiritual weapon shouldn't be a problem."

Taiyi waved his hand with great flair. With that, the three of them prepared to return to Pingdingshan.

Du Guanglei and the others stood by, watching eagerly, unable to sit still any longer.
"Uncle-Master, what about me?"

"You wait here."

"That matter inside the gate."

"We'll talk about it next time! Why are you so long-winded at such a young age?"

Before he could say anything more, Taiyi and the monk Qici had vanished in a flash, leaving only the young Taoist standing there for a long time before finally sighing and finding Dezheng:
"Abbot, do you have any spare rooms?"

Mountains and earthen-yellow official roads rushed past beneath him. Although he was flying, Li Cunxiao could not feel a single breeze.

Even without seeing the changing scenery around you, the sensation of your body moving is not obvious.

This was the second time he had been led through the void by his two masters, but he still couldn't grasp how it all happened.

He couldn't tell whether Taiyi and Qici were using their true energy, nor could he sense any changes in their aura.

If he were to fly, even using the Wind and Fire Wheels, he would still need to rely on explosive and propulsive forces to stay airborne.

But the reality is quite different.

"Grandmasters break through the barrier of mystery, nurture the primordial embryo, and merge their true essence with heaven and earth. Naturally, they can soar through the air, even lock souls a thousand miles away, and their true essence differentiates."

"So if you ever encounter a master in the future, stay as far away as possible, and never try to fight a rock with an egg."

The scenery stopped changing, and I paused, realizing I was already standing on the summit of Pingdingshan Mountain.

Listening to his master's teachings, Li Cunxiao naturally nodded in agreement.

In his heart, he would never have taken the initiative to fight against opponents of a higher level.

In his previous trials, he had someone backing him up, which allowed him to hone his skills.

In a true life-or-death struggle, one must use strength to defeat weakness in order to win every battle.

Following the thatched hut down to the familiar cave, Li Cunxiao was surprised by what he saw inside.

Besides his two masters, next to the Vajra Staff used to suppress the entrance to the secret realm, there was also a Taiyi and a Qici.

The two people in the cave waved their hands, and the other two human figures transformed into red and blue-green streams of light, which merged into their bodies.

"Was that an avatar at Tiangu Temple just now?"

Li Cunxiao immediately realized what he had just said.

"The Dragon Boat Secret Realm is of paramount importance. How can we be at ease without seeing it with our own eyes?"

Taiyi absorbed the azure light into his body, reached out and caught the two pieces of lapis lazuli. Scenes seemed to flash rapidly through his eyes.

“Jin Jing. Zheng Lang Yang Lingjun. So that’s how it is.”

"Yang Lingjun's disciple is truly extraordinary."

Qi Ci's eyes also flashed with countless lights and shadows, and then he patted his belly triumphantly.

"However, in the end, my disciple is still a cut above the rest."

No wonder, no wonder.
Seeing this, Li Cunxiao immediately understood everything.

But upon closer reflection, a sense of longing and yearning arises in my heart.

The clone's strength is definitely inferior to the original, but if you only look at the appearance, there is no difference at all.

At least Zheng Lang and Yang Lingjun didn't see it, otherwise, given that Taoist nun's temperament, she might have beaten up Qi Ci's clone to vent her anger.

So, does that mean my two masters are stronger than Patriarch Zheng and Nun Yang?
If he becomes a grandmaster in the future, with the Seven Treasures Lotus Seed, will his clone be stronger than other martial artists of the same level?
On the other hand, although he won this match against Deng Xuanjing, there were some things that made him feel urgent.

The "Great Asura Weapon Technique" greatly enhances his power, allowing him to multitask and significantly boost his explosive power.

Having two heads and four arms is already a minor achievement; the next step is to quickly reach the level of having three heads and six arms, or even three heads and eight arms.

Currently, among all the martial arts, only the Immovable Black Dragon Sword is not yet perfected, which was clearly a weakness in previous encounters and must be addressed as soon as possible.

All of this requires the vajra to be filled with malevolent energy.

If Songzhou were at peace, he could certainly take things one step at a time.

Unfortunately, after that conversation in the meditation room, Li Cunxiao clearly understood that the current situation was like a powder keg, and Huang Chao's entry into Luoyang was the fuse.

Whether the latter succeeds or not, I'm afraid the regional military governors will no longer tolerate it.

At that time, not to mention a King of Liang or a King of Jin, Kings of Shu, Chu, Wu, and Yue will surely emerge one after another.

Improving one's strength is now urgent, and the place where one can accumulate malevolent energy the fastest is undoubtedly the Dragon Boat Secret Realm, which is teeming with humans and demons.

The only concern is whether the two masters will allow it.

After all, without the protection of a grandmaster, the three great demons Yang Ying, Yuwen Jian, and Sima Fufeng would probably tear him to pieces in an instant.

"Master, your disciple wishes to explore the dragon boat again."

As soon as Li Cunxiao opened his mouth, Qici frowned.

“It is only natural for a person to be restless when faced with an opportunity to fulfill their filial duty.”

"But regardless of strength, just look at Yang Ying's reaction when you took the Seven Treasures Lotus Seed; that tyrant must have already set his sights on you."

“I didn’t understand the reason before, but after you nurtured the lotus seed, I understand that Yang Ying must also want to take over the lotus seed.”

"I don't think this will work."

Just as Li Cunxiao was about to say something more, Taiyi suddenly spoke up:

"I think it's worth a try."

“Our strength is too great. Once the secret realm is opened, those three demons will immediately notice.”

"On the contrary, if Sanlang had divine weapons to cover him, he might not be unable to sneak in quietly."

"With the experience from last time, I can use the Bone-Illuminating Mirror as a guide to pull people out of the secret realm in an emergency."

"If we don't do this, I'm afraid we won't be able to find the core of the magic treasure before Zheng Lang and Yang Lingjun."

"Unless you're willing to do all the work for free."

After hearing this, Qi Ci glanced at Li Cunxiao, who was eager to try, and finally sighed helplessly.

"After the Wind and Fire Wheels are forged into divine weapons, let's explore the Dragon Boat!"

(End of this chapter)