Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 158 The Heavenly Master Seeking the Dao
Having barely slept a wink last night, Shi Qingxuan greeted everyone and went back to her room to rest.

Hou Xibai was deeply depressed and filled with endless worries.

Zhou Yi, on the other hand, leisurely enjoyed the scenery around him.

"Isn't it a good thing that Miss Shi can remember the contents of the Immortal Seal Scroll? Why are you bothered?"

Hou Xibai came to his side and stood in front of a well, gazing at his reflection:

"To be honest, Brother Zhou, I always feel uneasy when I think about disobeying my master's orders. It's not just because of my respect, but also because I feel ashamed of Master Shi's teachings. My ancestral home is in Chengdu. I was once an orphan with no one to rely on. If it weren't for Master Shi's upbringing and teaching, I would never have achieved what I have today."

His words were simple, yet they carried genuine emotion.

Hou Xibai may appear flamboyant and frivolous, but he is actually a kind and gentle person. In his later years, he devoted himself to art and lived a life of peace and tranquility. However, he was harmed by others while trying to save his apprentice.

"Brother Hou, you have a deep misunderstanding of your teacher."

“How come you see?”

“Look at your senior brother Yang. He doesn’t listen to your master like you do. If you follow the rules, even if you master the martial arts of the Flower Sect to the highest level, you still won’t be able to stop your master from attacking with all his might.”

He is your master, so you should naturally be grateful and respect him. However, even if you disobey him in some ways when it comes to martial arts, he won't be angry.

If he had the same temperament as you, he wouldn't have been able to study Buddhism under Masters Jiaxiang and Daoxin. I heard from Master Daoxin that Master Jiaxiang was quite exasperated by your teacher.

Zhou Yi revealed a mocking expression: "This is an old tradition of your sect; being a dutiful disciple won't work."

Is this meant to comfort someone? It doesn't sound like kind words.

Hou Xibai looked at Zhou Yi and suddenly smiled, "If Master Shi had met Brother Zhou in his younger days, he would definitely have taken you as his disciple."

"Don't, don't, don't"

Zhou Yi waved his hands repeatedly, "Good heavens, aren't you going against the natural order?"

Who is Jin Chanzi?
"You might not believe it, but your teacher met me in his early years and even asked me for Buddhist teachings."

"What??"

Hou Xibai was taken aback: "Brother Zhou, are you joking?"

Shi Qingxuan, who had originally planned to rest, opened half of the window.

Zhou Yi then adopted a Buddhist posture, his expression solemn: "I once taught him the Way of Wukong, which is also a kind of Mahayana Buddhism."

When Hou Xibai saw his expression, he knew it was true.

"I underestimated Brother Zhou."

Zhou Yi chuckled, his solemn expression immediately crumbling: "I accidentally became Brother Hou's grandmaster, but it doesn't matter. From now on, we'll each follow our own seniority."

His quirky thinking made Hou Xibai laugh out loud.

At this moment, he couldn't help but forget the matter that had been troubling him just now.
A storm is brewing, and undercurrents are stirring in the martial arts world of Sichuan.

After receiving the corpse from Fan Zhuo, the Duzun Fortress, which was deeply embroiled in the rumors of the "Evil Emperor's Relic," received the corpse. Jie Hui, who had previously served as a judge in the martial arts world, became the fortress's judge and began to thoroughly investigate the traitor.

This matter can be big or small.

Since Fan Caiqi is safe, Fan Zhuo will not disrupt the three-way alliance.

Even Xie Hui felt a sense of lingering fear. At this critical juncture, if the three families were to fall out, Bashu would surely descend into chaos.

On the day Duzunbao received the body, it sent a team to find Fan Zhuo and sent someone to deliver its message.

The next day, several more important figures arrived at Duzun Fort.

Xie Hui's son, Xie Wenlong, who is also Tian Dao's son-in-law, came with his wife, Song Yuhua, who came specifically to visit Fan Caiqi.

Fan Zhuo was quite satisfied with Duzunbao's attitude.

"Grand Commander, would you like to see these two?"

Deputy Gang Leader Yan Chongxian personally delivered the message: "No secrets stay hidden forever. Duzun Fort's information network covers Sichuan and Chongqing. This trip seems to be aimed at you."

Zhou Yi nodded slightly:

"I'm easy to please. If they ask and want to see me, please ask Chief Yan to bring them here."

Having confidence makes all the difference, Yan Chongxian sighed inwardly.

All the major powers that come to Bashu are looking for Duzun Fortress, and the attitude of the fortress lord will largely determine the attitude of Bashu.

I have never seen such a tough foreign guest.

Yan Chongxian gained some knowledge and left with a smile; naturally, he didn't see things as clearly as Zhou Yi.

The sycophantic judge of the martial arts world, no matter how eloquently he speaks, is of no use.

If Jie Hui could break his promise to Song Que, who was both his in-law and a close friend, then what chance would he have against him?

After gradually learning about the current situation in Bashu, Zhou Yi had his own plans and didn't want to give face to Duzunbao for nothing.

but
About an hour later, after the two major powers in Sichuan and Chongqing exchanged pleasantries at the Sichuan Gang headquarters, Yan Chongxian returned.

Besides Fan Caiqi, there were two other people traveling with her.

A rugged-looking man wearing a wide cloak with a long sword hanging from his waist, and a young noblewoman dressed in gorgeous Shu brocade.

Since the other party took the initiative to come to him, Zhou Yi couldn't help but exchange pleasantries.

However, the smile on his face seemed somewhat distant, leaving the two distinguished guests from Duzun Fort somewhat unsure of what he was thinking.

Both Xie Wenlong and Song Yuhua were sizing up the young man in white in front of them.

Putting aside his handsome appearance, what is even more striking is his demeanor. Although he is clearly younger than them, at first glance, one always feels a sense of facing Lord Jie, making one wonder what he is thinking in order to avoid his evil deeds.

"Jie Wenlong has met with Grand Commander Zhou. My father very much wanted to come to the Sichuan Gang to meet with the Grand Commander, but he was preoccupied with matters within the fortress, so he specially sent me to give his regards."

He clasped his hands in a fist salute, and Zhou Yi returned the salute by raising his hand in return.
"Your Excellency is too kind. Lord Jie is renowned throughout Sichuan and Chongqing. How could I dare to trouble you to come in person? I will definitely visit Duzun Fortress after I have finished catching up with Chief Fan."

He made this statement without specifying a timeframe; who knows how long he intends to stay with the Sichuan gang?

However, he couldn't bring himself to speak when Xie Wenlong invited him into the fort.

For an ordinary person, Xie Wenlong would have simply turned and walked away.

But this man was not only the overlord of Jianghuai, but also extended his reach to the Central Plains, and had the support of the Taoist sect, so he was clearly not an "ordinary person".

Song Yuhua, standing to the side, smiled gently and continued the conversation:

"Grand Commander, please don't stand on ceremony. My father wrote to me last time, saying that my second brother received your care in Nanyang. As his elder sister, I cannot ignore this kindness. I only hope that you will come to my humble fortress soon so that I can hold a banquet to express my gratitude."

Her words sounded even more sincere, which made Zhou Yi's smile even more friendly.

Of course, this friendliness was not directed at Duzunbao at this moment.

"One thing at a time. I have a long-standing relationship with the ancestor of the Song family in Lingnan. Once I have met with the head of the Song family, it will not be surprising to discuss the matter of Nanyang."

Although Song Yuhua is a married daughter, she still holds her father in the highest esteem.

Hearing this, I became very curious.

However, Zhou Yi's silence on the matter clearly indicates that she lacks sophistication.

Suppressing his thoughts, Xie Wenlong stepped forward and exchanged a few more pleasantries.

Zhou Yi was polite from beginning to end, yet he always gave off an unapproachable vibe, perfectly embodying the essence of the martial arts judge's unattainable desires.
When Xie Wenlong left the headquarters of the Sichuan Gang, he was full of confusion.

"Yu Hua, it seems that Grand Commander Zhou is somewhat hostile towards my family. Is it just my imagination?"

"Of course not."

Song Yuhua sat in the carriage and whispered:

"Since the world has been in chaos, my father-in-law had only been observing the situation. But after receiving a letter, the winds of change have shifted dramatically. Our visit this time is not of any real sincerity. Even if we invite him to the fort, it will only be for a meal and drinks, to fulfill our duty as hosts."

"He came here seeking support from the Sichuan and Chongqing forces. If he had seen through the situation earlier, given his status, why would he have hesitated to host a banquet?"

Xie Wenlong nodded: "That makes sense, but how can he take over Bashu without going through my Duzun Fort?"

"Wenlong, times have changed."

Song Yuhua's expression grew increasingly melancholy: "We shouldn't get involved in the affairs of the Evil Emperor's Temple. Now, demons are eyeing us, and we can't produce the Evil Emperor's Relic. If there were no Buddhist monks to oversee things in the fortress, who knows what kind of trouble we would have caused."

Xie Wenlong patted her hand reassuringly:
"Don't panic. Father has reached an agreement with the martial arts holy land. Experts from Dongdu and Guanzhong will soon arrive in Bashu. We will take this opportunity to clarify things, and once the demonic forces dissipate, this matter will be resolved. If they remain obstinate, my Duzun Fortress will not be afraid of a battle."

Realizing the topic was heavy, he asked again:
"I wonder what the relationship is between this Grand Commander and your ancestors?"

“I’m afraid only Father knows,” Song Yuhua said, frowning. “Judging from the letter Father sent, he has a good impression of this Grand Commander whom he has never met. Given this connection, once these two meet, my Song family will probably be on a completely different path from Duzun Fort.”

Xie Wenlong naturally understood what she meant.

But Duzunbao's decision wasn't made by him:
"There are many masters in the martial arts holy land, so don't worry about the Evil Emperor Temple. As for the decision of Duzun Fortress, let's talk about it after this person meets with Father. Besides, among the three major forces in Sichuan and Chongqing, only the Sichuan Gang is aligned with Jianghuai."

On the way back to Duzun Fort, the two talked non-stop.

Having enjoyed a peaceful life in Sichuan for so long, the current turmoil is truly unsettling for them.

Zhou Yi rested for three days at the Sichuan Gang. In the evening, after meditating, he was about to ask Shi Qingxuan about the Undying Seal Technique.

The peaceful headquarters of the Sichuan gang was suddenly thrown into turmoil.
Inside the martial arts hall, eight elders of the Sichuan gang stood in formation on all four sides.

Fan Zhuo sat in the main seat, his eyes fixed on the guests in the hall.

The middle-aged man was dressed in a simple black robe. His appearance was only average, and at first glance he looked like a weary traveler from the martial arts world. However, his eyes were extremely deep, and occasionally a sharp glint would flash in the center of his pupils.

Surrounded by Sichuan gang masters, he showed no sign of panic.

Such composure is something only a master of martial arts could possess.

On his own turf, Fan Zhuo was naturally not afraid, but he did not call on his gang members to come and help him, simply because he did not want to make a big fuss and attract the attention of the Demonic Sect.

The middle-aged man, with his hands behind his back, asked impatiently, "Chief Fan, didn't your son give you a message?"

Fan Zhuo stood up: "I am grateful for your leniency. My son was the one who offended me first, and he should apologize. I wish to resolve this grievance with you."

"Hahaha."

The middle-aged man laughed loudly: "Resolving our grudges is quite simple. Fight me. If you win, I will kill you without regret. If you lose, lend me your ancestral martial arts."

The eight elders of the Sichuan gang were intimidated by his demeanor, and each of them showed surprise.

Fan Zhuo also felt a fighting spirit. His previous thinking was wrong; this person's purpose seemed to be just to fight.

but
Fan Zhuo had been living a comfortable life in Sichuan for a long time, but he also thought that if the ancestral martial arts were lost from his hands, he would be letting down his ancestors.

While he was filled with concerns, the middle-aged man displayed a carefree and domineering attitude, as if he had taken life and death lightly.

Seeing this, the elders of the Sichuan gang knew that their leader's chances of winning had greatly diminished.

The middle-aged man's face turned cold: "What, Chief Fan, are you afraid to fight?"

"Master! Beware of a trap!" an elder shouted, offering a way out.

Fan Zhuo reached out to stop him: "Give me my gun."

Standing to the side, Fan Caiqi saw the middle-aged man in the hall laugh again, his body surging with a terrifying demonic aura, and she secretly worried.

At this moment, Hou Xibai gently waved his folding fan and slowly walked over before Fan Zhuo could.

His injuries had fully healed, and his skills had even improved; his words were filled with confidence.

"May I ask which school of martial arts you belong to?"

Looking at Hou Xibai's flirtatious fan, Fan Zhuo suddenly found the kid much more pleasing to the eye.

The middle-aged man sized up Hou Xibai, his fighting spirit surging.
"I have fought many martial artists, but you are somewhat special. If you defeat me, I will tell you the truth."

Hou Xibai didn't speak, but continued to fan himself.

The rhythm of his fan was actually similar to the Heavenly Demon Sound Power of the Yin Gui Sect, emitting a slight "hoho" sound. If one was not careful, one's mind would be disturbed, and he would make his move at that moment.

The middle-aged man remained unmoved, completely unaffected by the technique.

Having failed to get anywhere with his probing, Hou Xibai made the first move.

His fan technique inherently possesses a graceful, natural, and aesthetically pleasing style. Combined with his flower-walking footwork, not only are his moves dangerous, but they also exude a sense of leisurely ease amidst the flowers.

The middle-aged man spread his hands, and a powerful surge of demonic energy erupted from him.

Hou Xibai pointed his fan into the demonic energy and sensed the opponent's fierce strength. He immediately activated the Hundred Flower Folding Techniques, using the method of using four ounces to deflect a thousand pounds to stir up the demonic energy.

Taking advantage of this opening, he kicked his opponent in the abdomen.

The middle-aged man spun out, his demonic powers unleashed once more. With a clap of his hands, hundreds of afterimages appeared, his palms swirling and weaving in front of his chest.

Each of his palm strikes had a different flavor, whether it was fierce, swift, or carried the shadow of swords, spears, or halberds.

Hou Xibai's hundred flower-folding techniques became increasingly frantic as he unraveled them.

I felt like I wasn't fighting against one person, but against a group of people.

The opponent no longer had two hands, but six or eight arms, and the martial arts used by each hand had the characteristics of various places in China and the world, as if various martial arts were integrated into it.

This was the first time Hou Xibai had ever encountered such a bizarre and magical technique.

Gun Master Fan Zhuo didn't even blink, while the Sichuan gang elders around him all raised their palms to disperse the incoming gusts of wind.

The tea table and chairs around the two had long been broken, and the spears and halberds on the weapon racks around the martial arts hall were all shaking.

Hou Xibai used all of the hundred flower-folding techniques, but the middle-aged man's moves seemed endless.

If it weren't for his improved skills this time, he probably would have been defeated.

At this point, relying on his ingenious footwork and methods of deflecting force, he continued to entangle with him.

Before taking action, he hadn't expected his opponent to be so formidable.

Hou Xibai flicked his folding fan, sweeping away a large gust of sharp wind, creating a gap under the palm shadow, and leaped out of the palm shadow's range.

They are regrouping and preparing to change their tactics for battle.

The middle-aged man did not pursue, but laughed and said, "Good fan technique, then I'll get serious."

Everyone was astonished to see him interlock his eight fingers, extend his thumbs outward, and form a Taoist golden wheel ruyi seal.

His true energy suddenly surged several levels, and powerful demonic energy churned in his palm.

Using Taoist methods to activate demonic energy, in an instant, that demonic energy became a malevolent aura completely different from that of the true demon in the coffin palace.

He wasn't exaggerating; that was just a small test of his abilities!

A young man standing not far from Fan Zhuo shrank back; he was none other than Fan Yan, the one who had attracted this terrifying old demon.

His body trembled slightly at that moment, knowing he had gotten himself into serious trouble.

Just then, the footsteps of Vice Leader Yan Chongxian sounded from behind the martial arts hall.

As soon as he entered, he saw a horrifying scene inside the hall.

The gang leader is indeed insightful. If we provoke this old devil, wouldn't there be endless trouble in the future?

The old demon glanced at Yan Chongxian, and was about to test Hou Xibai's moves again when a clear voice suddenly echoed around.

"Chief Qiu, stop."

The moment the sound rang out, the murderous aura surrounding the middle-aged man seemed to tremble as if it were being pulled.

For the first time, he showed a look of surprise.

Then, a familiar figure in white slowly strolled over from where Yan Chongxian had just come from.

The Sichuan gang's experts exchanged glances. The old demon, who was about to unleash his demonic power, suddenly stopped, ceasing all his demonic energy and transforming into an ordinary middle-aged man. His eyes even seemed to have cleared up considerably.

Like the other elders, Fan Zhuo also looked towards the source of the sound.

He was surprised, not expecting the Grand Commander to settle things in this way.

Qiu Qianbo had already gone to greet him, bowing with his hands clasped in greeting. His transformation from a fierce and ruthless demon to a gentle and refined man was quite unusual for everyone.

"Heavenly Master."

Qiu Qianbo's voice was apologetic: "I was unaware that the Celestial Master was here, and I have offended you greatly."

Zhou Yi didn't mind, and besides, it was Fan Zhuo's son who was rude first.

"Why have you come to Sichuan?"

Qiu Qianbo said, "I wanted to see the martial arts of various schools, so I wandered around the four seas of the Nine Provinces. Some time ago, I traveled to the northern desert and encountered the Jieli Golden Wolf guards heading south. Among them was an opponent I took a liking to, so I followed him all the way to Bashu."

"That day, Chief Fan's son had his horse stolen by bandits. He mistook me for the thief, so he came to borrow Chief Fan's martial arts techniques to take a look."

Zhou Yi couldn't help but glance at him again, then suddenly remembered Hou Xibai's injuries: "Who is the opponent you've chosen?"

"His name is Dunyugu, and he is the younger brother of Martial Venerable Bi Xuan."

Hou Xibai realized: "So it was him."

Do you know where he is?

Zhou Yi pressed for more information, but Qiu Qianbo shook his head:
"I don't know. I haven't run into Jieli's people since they entered Bashu. I've only encountered the subordinates of the Western Turkic leader, Tong Yabghu, and many experts from Tuyuhun. They seem to have contacted the people of Bameng."

Although Tuyuhun lacked top-tier grandmasters, it was renowned for having many first-rate experts.

The bodyguards of Fu Qian, son of Fu Yun, the king of Tuyuhun, numbered fifty top-tier figures.

If Qiu Qianbo knew where Dunyu Valley was, he wouldn't need to come looking for Fan Zhuo.

Zhou Yi didn't ask any more questions, but instead spoke up to help Qiu Qianbo and the Sichuan gang resolve their misunderstanding.

Chief Qiu would never pursue such a trivial matter, but Fan Zhuo knew how to behave, so he called his son Fan Yan over to serve tea and apologize.

A troublesome matter was resolved with just a few words.

Fan Zhuo had a general idea of ​​Qiu Qianbo's character.

It turns out that his terrifying demonic skills were just a disguise; he was actually a sincere person who was obsessed with martial arts and wholeheartedly pursued the way of martial arts.

Fan Zhuo admired him and wanted to invite him to dinner to further their friendship.

But Qiu Qianbo resolutely declined.

The social niceties and worldly wisdom of the mortal world were no longer of interest to him.

Chief Qiu merely glanced at Zhou Yi, eager to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and earnestly asked before leaving:
"I have a question I would like to ask, and I wonder if the Celestial Master would be willing to answer it."

"go ahead."

Qiu Qianbo let out a long breath and said:
"In my early years, I was obsessed with martial arts and always practiced behind closed doors, but unfortunately I had no magic method until I obtained the Dao Heart Seed Demon from the Coffin Palace."

However, this skill was incomplete. Later, he saw the Longevity Manual in Jiangdu but was unable to cultivate it. So he traveled all over the land, learned about various martial arts, and then used his insights from those martial arts to re-examine the Longevity Manual and the Demon Seed of the Dao Heart.

Year after year, day and night, I painstakingly forged a difficult path. It was to integrate all kinds of martial arts, both Taoist and demonic, into my palm.

Initially, progress was rapid, but as more and more skills were integrated, a sense of disorientation arose, and even inner demons emerged, as if one's mind was about to be lost.

Lately, I've felt lost, unsure how to proceed on my training path. Is this the path to the pinnacle of martial arts? Can the Celestial Master offer me some guidance?

Zhou Yi was quite surprised; Qiu Qianbo's ideas stirred up ripples in his calm mind.

This question is very complex, and if he were to ask specifically about this wondrous palm technique, Zhou Yi would not be able to answer it.

However, when it comes to the ultimate level of martial arts, one can trace it back to the bottom.

"You have integrated into the Myriad Laws Refining Palm, which naturally depletes your spirit and causes inner demons to arise. This is an extremely difficult path. However, since you have been able to walk out of the coffin palace, you must believe in your martial will and use it as a sword to cut through thorns and overcome all mental obstacles."

"The Daoist and Demonic arts must seek a balance of Yin and Yang. When the Daoist and Demonic arts merge, it will be the ultimate Yin and Yang returning to oneness, thus shattering the void."

After Zhou Yi finished speaking, he looked at the dark, deep sky outside the hall, and Qiu Qianbo suddenly had a sense of enlightenment.

"Thank you for your guidance, Celestial Master!"

This master of the demonic path knelt down, bowed, and then slipped out of the Sichuan Gang's martial arts hall, once again disappearing into the martial world, weary from his journey.

While the Sichuan elders were still in shock, Fan Zhuo, the gun lord of Bashu, chased after Qiu Qianbo's retreating figure all the way to the door.

Looking in the direction he had gone, a huge sense of loss welled up inside me.

"Dad, what's wrong with you?"

Fan Caiqi snapped out of her reverie and chased after Fan Zhuo.

She saw a look of deep contemplation and reminiscence on her father's face as he pointed to the spot where the old demon had left:
"Back then, I also had such a dream, but I didn't dare to pursue it. Later, I earned the title of 'Gun King' in Sichuan and Chongqing, but I lost my so-called domineering spirit in the comfortable days. After learning about his experience, I really felt a sense of loss."

With a whoosh, Hou Xibai unfolded his folding fan.

"Who knows the meaning behind this madness? It is a loyal heart turned towards Wuming."

The wealthy young master laughed freely: "Chief Qiu is indeed admirable, but in life, one cannot always dwell on a withered flower. Chief Fan is just as brilliant in Sichuan."

"Yes, Father, why have you become so fussy? You should be as carefree as Young Master Hou."

Fan Caiqi looked at Hou Xibai, her beautiful face full of admiration.

Gun Master frowned, his melancholy almost completely gone.

When he looked at Hou Xibai, his eyes seemed to have rediscovered their former domineering aura.

He admonished his daughter, "Young Master Hou is a sentimental young man. If he weren't carefree, how could he be sentimental?"

"Oh, I'm so ashamed!"

Hou Xibai waved his hands and pointed his folding fan at Zhou Yi's location: "With the Grand Commander here, what am I, Hou, for being sentimental?"

Fan Zhuo and Fan Caiqi couldn't help but glance at the girl in blue not far from Zhou Yi, who was staring at someone with a fascination.

The girl noticed the uninteresting stares, smiled calmly, turned around and left the martial arts hall to walk back.

Although Qiu Qianbo has left, the impact of this incident lingers in the hearts of the core elders of the Sichuan Gang.

They dominated Sichuan and Chongqing, but never came into contact with any top martial arts figures.

He didn't have a deep understanding of martial arts.

Therefore, the conversation between Zhou Yi and Qiu Qianbo was truly shocking to them.

The most influential figures in the martial arts world were discussing "breaking through the void."

Although they didn't fully understand these martial arts philosophies, it didn't affect their approval of Fan Zhuo's decision.

They could clearly see how such a powerful expert from the Demonic Sect treated the Grand Commander.

As night falls, the lights of Sichuan restaurants illuminate the streets.

After dinner, Shi Qingxuan went back to her room and stayed there for a while. When it got darker, she opened half of the window and saw Zhou Yi still meditating by the ginkgo tree.

So he pushed open the door and came out.

"Miss Shi, has the Undying Seal been unleashed?"

"Fortunately, I did not disgrace my life."

She sat by the well, handed a roll of silk to Zhou Yi, and then remained silent.

Even after Zhou Yi showed a strange expression, she still didn't say anything.

"Since it arises from a single thought and ceases from a single thought, where birth and death cease, the source of life arises from the cessation of death."

"This"

Zhou Yi then saw the five elements: "life root, upward movement, level, pervasive movement, and downward movement".

Next are the "three channels: central, left, and right" and the "seven chakras: crown chakra, third eye chakra, throat chakra, heart chakra, sacral chakra, sacral chakra, and root chakra".

Clearly, this is the Indian method of cultivating the five elements, three channels, and seven chakras.

It was mentioned in the Kama Sutra given by Vonganda, but there was no method for its practice.

The volume that Shi Qingxuan provided, however, contained a detailed introduction.

"Could this be the 'Sun Changing Technique'?"

Shi Qingxuan said, "Why does the Grand Commander think so highly of the Sun-Changing Technique? This is an Indian martial art left behind by the Overlord Blade Yue Shan. He traded for it with an Indian ascetic monk using the Forty-Nine Forms of the Overlord Blade. It has nothing to do with the Undying Seal Scroll."

"Didn't you show it to me?"

"No, you were peeking."

Zhou Yi reacted quickly, immediately turning the silk over. Sure enough, the "Immortal Seal Technique" was on the back.

Only then did it dawn on her why the Silent Immortal Seal Technique took so long.

It turns out that the "Sun Change Technique" was also silently revealed.

Zhou Yi stroked his chin and suggested, "How about this? I'll give you a set of the Dao Ancestor's true teachings on sword energy flow and teach you the Buddhist Zen of immortality, in exchange for the Sun-Changing Great Technique that I mistakenly read. How about that?"

"No."

"Does Miss Shi want my Taiping Hongbao?"

The girl smiled sweetly: "No need, it's just a manual, it's nothing, Grand Commander, you can owe it to me for now."

Zhou Yi glared at her, but when she met those innocent and harmless eyes, she couldn't get angry, especially since the other party meant well.

Forget it, once the rebellion in Sichuan and Chongqing is quelled, there will be a way to pay off the debt.

Although this Sun-Changing Technique is an Indian method, it still has some research value and conforms to the essence of "destruction before construction, defeat before success," so I began to study it carefully.

Shi Qingxuan was curious about Qiu Qianbo and things like breaking through the void.

Seeing that Zhou Yi was engrossed in martial arts, he didn't disturb him and turned back to his house.

Her room contained some sheet music, medical books, and ancient texts on Mohist mechanisms.

Compared to martial arts, these are the things that truly captivate her, so even when she lives alone in a secluded forest, detached from worldly affairs, she can still find joy in them and never lack interest.

Shi Qingxuan was reading ancient books by the light of a lamp by the window.

I only looked up when I heard voices outside.

Hou Xibai was taken out for a walk by Fan Caiqi and only returned now.

Zhou Yi then talked to him about the Immortal Seal Technique.

Having suffered another defeat at Qiu Qianbo's hands today, the wealthy young master stopped dwelling on it and focused on learning this extremely useful technique.

The two chatted about cultivation techniques for only one day.

On a rare, fine day with a bright, clear sky, the Sichuanese restaurant welcomed two very special guests.

The two men were about forty years old, one tall and one short, one fat and one thin, each dressed in black martial arts attire with coffin cloud patterns embroidered on the sleeves.

The tall man carried a large, bright red coffin, which was very conspicuous in the sunlight, and walked towards the Sichuan gang as if no one else was around.

There were a large number of people in the headquarters, and when they saw these two strange and sinister figures, no one stopped them.

Firstly, the gang leader Fan Zhuo gave instructions, and secondly, they had already figured out the origins of these two people.

The Coffin Palace is truly demonic!

Even in the peaceful Sichuan region, people have heard of the fierce and eerie reputation of the Coffin Palace. It is said that the true demons in the coffin are all masters, and they all possess a true demonic aura that is difficult to guard against.

Such an unwelcome guest is sure to chill one's heart.

Deputy leader Yan Chongxian ordered the large group of people in front of the main headquarters to disperse and took the initiative to greet them.

He asked, knowing the answer already, "Who are you two?"

One person answered, "I am Yuwen Wudi."

The other person replied, "My name is Dugu Kun."

Yuwen Wudi said coldly, "The sect leader ordered us to come here to retrieve the coffin palace token."

Dugu Kun patted the vermilion coffin: "Where is Chief Fan? Please enter the coffin for a chat."

Yan Chongxian frowned, knowing there were experts present in the gang, so he wasn't too flustered: "There's a big misunderstanding about the Evil Emperor Temple, you two."

"No need for further words. The sect leader would not wrong anyone. If there is any misunderstanding, we will send Chief Fan back."

"If this is not a misunderstanding, do you know what the consequences will be for offending the ancestral land of my Holy Extreme Sect? We should ask Chief Fan to come over."

Yan Chongxian tried again, saying, "The three families of Bashu are of the same blood and can gather 100,000 people in an instant if we join forces. When the Coffin Palace was working in Bashu, we kept to ourselves. Why doesn't Elder Zhou give us some face?"

Dugu Kun smiled and said, "There are very few people in the world who can talk about face in front of the sect leader."

"good."

Yuwen Wudi also laughed: "But looking all over Sichuan, we can't find a single one."

In an instant, thousands of pairs of eyes glared at them.

Yuwen Wudi and Dugu Kun were both second-generation masters from two powerful clans, and both were notorious for their lewdness and villainous nature.

After being transformed into a coffin palace, it has long since transcended vulgar tastes.

At this moment, he revealed the domineering demeanor that only a martial arts master could possess.

Under the angry stares of the crowd, the two carried the coffin slowly, and with each step they took closer to the headquarters of the Sichuan Gang, the demonic aura on their bodies grew stronger.

If the people around them attacked together, killing the two of them would not be difficult.

But this means offending the most powerful force in the Demonic Sect.

Therefore, Yuwen Wudi and Dugu Kun, in their coffins, carried the fierce power of the Holy Extreme Sect, forcing hundreds and thousands of members to give way.

"Chief Fan, if you can explain it clearly, the sect leader will not make things difficult for you. If you cannot explain it clearly, the sect leader will discuss the Dao with you. That True Demon's Thoughts elucidates endless mysteries, which is an opportunity for you, not a bad thing."

"Bashu Gun King, why aren't you in your coffin yet?!"

Dugu Kun shouted loudly, about to lift the coffin lid to intimidate the Sichuan gang.

Suddenly a voice rang out from a high place, echoing throughout the stockade:

"If you want to invite Chief Fan, then let Old Zhou come himself."

Yuwen Wudi and Dugu Kun shouted in unison, "Such arrogance! Who are you?"

No one answered.
The two turned to look at the five-story building that was the headquarters of the Sichuan Gang. Suddenly, a figure in white appeared at the railing that had been empty.

He stood by the railing, looking down.

Those seemingly ordinary eyes appeared to see right through them.

The two true demons shuddered as they recognized the face.

The members of the Sichuan Gang's headquarters were dumbfounded.

The two true demons who had just displayed their invincible power didn't waste any words, and without even looking back, they picked up their coffins and ran away!

Clearly, this is what they mean by "a rare gem".
……

(End of this chapter)