Devouring Evil Martial Arts, Eliminating Demons from All Heavens

Chapter 387 Like a Tiger with Wings: The Essence of Gold

The Bronze Longevity Immortal was a precious treasure of the Northern Celestial Masters sect in those days.

The Northern Celestial Masters sect once had many disciples and its influence extended to the imperial court and the countryside. It had many experts and was thriving. However, it was suppressed and plotted against by the Qingsheng Temple.

Twenty years ago, the news that Xiao Liang had killed the enlightened ancestor of the Xiao clan of the East Sea and slaughtered all the clan's experts spread like wildfire throughout the world.

At the same time, Qingsheng Temple launched a swift and unexpected attack on the Northern Celestial Masters sect.

Although the Northern Celestial Master was not killed, the Northern Celestial Master sect suffered heavy losses, its long-established strategy collapsed, and even its most valuable treasures were taken away. They could only swallow this loss.

This matter was covered up by Xiao Liang's news.

It took people a long time to realize that the Northern Celestial Masters sect had closed its gates and its remaining forces had retreated to the deep mountains in an attempt to preserve their strength.

The fact that Tong Shouxian was welcomed back to Qingsheng Temple was finally made public.

Many imperial relatives, princes, and ministers of the Northern Dynasties visited the site.

The existence of the "Copper Longevity Immortal" represents the most pioneering attempt in the treasure refining lineage.

Using the essence of gold and copper as its base, it was designed to resist the pollution of moonlight, but the gold and copper form was forged to be completely similar to the human body.

It is even a more sophisticated structure than the human body.

In this way, can we resist the pollution of moonlight while avoiding the problem of stagnation in the cultivation of the treasure refining lineage, and continue to cultivate?
The Northern Celestial Masters sect, which claims to have broken the false laws of the Three Zhangs and abolished the old Celestial Master bloodline hereditary system, is inherently adept at pioneering and extremely enterprising.

After having a clear idea, all the talented people in the sect spent thirty years continuously researching and perfecting the structure of the "Bronze Longevity Immortal".

Before he closed the mountain, the Northern Celestial Master was over sixty years old, but he looked like a young man. He once cut off a finger to paint.

The severed finger grew back within two days.

This achievement seems to be related to the research on bronze immortals.

Unfortunately, the Northern Celestial Masters sect has always been reluctant to show the "Bronze Longevity Immortal" to outsiders.

After acquiring the "Bronze Longevity Immortal," Qingsheng Temple only exhibited it for half a month before refusing inquiries from outsiders.

Who could have predicted that the group of monks would actually give away this precious treasure?

Anyone on the street who knew their stuff and was well-informed couldn't help but feel a surge of shock at this moment.

Some people who were originally discerning enough to see that Qingsheng Temple had the intention of flattering someone to their detriment were now wavering in their judgment.

Who would be so flattering and feigning weakness as to be willing to give away such a precious treasure?

Is it not a feigned admission of weakness, but rather that something has truly gone wrong at Qingsheng Temple?
The monk Qingsheng is over a hundred years old. In his youth, he had enemies everywhere. Logically speaking, he should have accumulated quite a few minor, hidden injuries.

Could it be that this old man's claws and teeth have truly dulled, rendering him unable to make a move?

Or is he simply dead?

Some people's breathing became several times heavier just thinking about this.

If Qingsheng Temple were to lose the presence of Abbot Qingsheng, leaving only the abbot as a highly skilled monk, its prestige would be reduced by more than half.

How can we protect all the fertile land that Qingsheng Temple originally possessed? Those with grudges and those without will probably all want to take a bite out of it.

The more cautious ones will remain inactive, while the bolder ones will probably already be sending out cannon fodder to test the waters.

"Is it really such a coincidence that my killing technique exposed the weakness of Qingsheng Temple?"

The thought flashed through Chu Tianshu's mind, but he immediately realized that the possibility was extremely small.

If Qingsheng Temple is truly weak, it could even follow the example of the Xiao and Hou families and feign death for the time being.

The fact that someone dares to actively flatter someone to the point of ruin actually shows that they have the confidence to back it up.

"That old man is probably trying to kill two birds with one stone: giving me a gift to elevate my status while simultaneously fishing for trouble and giving a warning to those who are restless..."

Chu Tianshu didn't dwell on it much. The old scholar had already walked up to him and introduced Old Madam Gao.

He bowed respectfully and said, "I've heard so much about you!"

"A person who is admired for a long time can only be said to have been around for a long time, be old, and be getting old."

Old Madam Gao first made a self-deprecating remark, then exclaimed in admiration, "To be able to make a name for oneself so quickly, to become known throughout the world so soon after one's debut, that is the mark of a true hero!"

The old woman reached into her narrow sleeve and pulled out a gift list.

"This is the gift list that Qingsheng Temple asked me to send. They invited me to make this trip and gave me eight hundred taels of gold, which has already been paid in advance."

"I have delivered everything on the gift list without missing a single item."

Chu Tianshu took the gift list and glanced at it.

There isn't much money directly given out here, but there are quite a few things that money can't necessarily buy.

Rare minerals such as black iron and copper essence are used to forge divine weapons.

Unique materials such as silkworm silk and ice spider silk, mixed with metal threads, are sufficient to make various soft armors that are impervious to blades and spears, and can even greatly reduce the impact of the enemy's internal energy and blunt weapons.

There are also various ancient books, paintings, silk scrolls, and bamboo slips left from the Han, Wei, and Jin dynasties.

Some are highly valuable because they are created by famous calligraphers and painters, while others are valuable because the content itself contains the ideas and insights of ancient sages on martial arts theory.

At that time, no one could attain immortality through enlightenment.

However, in any profound and complex field of study, theoretical research always far surpasses actual progress.

Some of those ideas and theories may have been proven to be flawed, but some of their creativity is so profound that it may not have been surpassed to this day. They are goals that are being studied and are hoped to be gradually implemented.

These things can all be considered closely guarded secrets, perhaps even more valuable than the complete manuals of the old era. No family would allow them to be leaked if they fell into the hands of any powerful clan.

Only Qingsheng Temple could afford to use such a generous gift.

Chu Tianshu was also somewhat moved.

Old Madam Gao spoke again: "Qingsheng Temple is truly rolling in wealth..."

She took a sip of her drink and continued.

"But I can guarantee that those gifts are exactly the same as they were when they were sealed in the boxes."

"Only the Bronze Longevity Immortal, since he himself was not packed in a box, I invited him to ride in the same carriage so that I could feast my eyes on him."

"It's all thanks to you, sir."

Chu Tianshu smiled and said, "If Fellow Daoist Gao is interested, you are welcome to come with me to the manor to continue to ponder the mysteries of the bronze figure."

Old Madam Gao hesitated.

She initially suspected that the bronze figure was intended to harm Chu Tianshu, but she only glanced at it and didn't want to investigate further.

However, because the bronze figure was within her sensing range, she could perceive the coupling of a large number of magical artifact components within the bronze figure, causing the entire bronze figure to exhibit the phenomenon of breathing and circulating energy as if it were a living person.

This was truly novel, so she tried to infuse it with a little internal energy. The more she examined it, the more engrossed she became, finding it endlessly mysterious and thought-provoking.

It is likely that this is not only a treasure of the Northern Celestial Masters sect, but also studied by Qingsheng Temple for some time after it acquired it, and it is obvious that some modifications to Buddhist ritual implements were also made.

Unfortunately, before they knew it, the convoy had arrived at Denglaishan Village.

She was so engrossed in the bronze immortal that she forgot to tell the caravan to slow down so she could study it more. When she got off the car to ask for directions, she was very reluctant to leave.

"It's still not necessary."

Old Madam Gao gritted her teeth.

The Gao family descendants have been reduced to few by infighting. Her only hope now is to raise a worthy descendant before she dies.

Denglaishan Village will inevitably become a vortex of trouble.

She should stick to the principle of knowing when to stop and leave as soon as possible.

"I have important matters to attend to at home. The gifts have been delivered, so I must take my leave now."

Old Madam Gao took another sip of wine, her eyes unconsciously glancing at the carriage.

Chu Tianshu frowned slightly.

You won't look when I tell you to, and you won't leave decisively. What are you doing?
How can a person who has attained enlightenment not even have this much decisiveness?

Chu Tianshu's mind raced as he thought of Old Madam Gao, who had a life full of hardships but a strong personality.

I heard that she took the initiative to marry the head of the Gao family when he was still not fully wealthy. Her husband died early, and she gradually gained power, which lasted for generations. This should not be a sign of her indecisive personality.

Unless... the allure of this Bronze Longevity Immortal is truly too great, beyond the ordinary.

Chu Tianshu's eyes deepened.

"hehe."

He chuckled, "Even if you don't want to stay any longer, there's no need to rush. Let's at least have some tea and refreshments at the manor and rest a bit before we talk." Old Madam Gao was intrigued: "The manor must have fine wine too?"

The old scholar picked up a wine jar: "Fine wines are all delivered from here."

Old Madam Gao then stopped refusing.

The group set off and soon arrived at Shen Minglai's manor.

The patrol guards who originally belonged to Shen Minglai had all disappeared, and most of the servants and slaves had also been dismissed.

Only the most basic cleaning, maintenance, and meal preparation staff remained.

Chu Tianshu invited Old Madam Gao into the hall, with the old scholar accompanying her, and served some fine wine and snacks.

After only three cups of wine, Chu Tianshu steered the conversation toward the Bronze Longevity Immortal.

Since neither of them were her own precious children, Old Madam Gao had nothing to hide and casually shared her observations and feelings from her investigation.

Although the internal organs of this bronze immortal have been replaced by magical artifacts, all the necessary meridians are still present.

It has even more meridians than ordinary people know, because its body is made of copper and iron, and the many combinations of qi flow between acupoints are often beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

On the way, Old Lady Gao only managed to grasp a little bit of the clues. Based on the patterns she had already mastered, she deduced that there might be more than 12,800 different meridian diagrams in the body of this bronze figure, representing different starting points and combinations of Qi.

Of course, this was just a calculation; she didn't yet have the time to control the changes in the bronze figure's energy and investigate them one by one.

Those below the level of enlightenment might find the Bronze Longevity Immortal's teachings unfathomable, but wouldn't become overly engrossed, because they themselves haven't even entered the path yet.

However, the body that has already entered the realm of enlightenment is quite different from that of ordinary people, and can accommodate many changes.

Whenever one studies the bronze statue of Longevity Immortal, it's inevitable to make associations, and thoughts will flow freely and endlessly.

"...In these two short days, I have already felt that I have gained a great deal, but I cannot verify it all at the moment. I can only leave it for the future and try it step by step."

As Old Madam Gao spoke of this, her heart filled with longing and deep emotion, she suddenly paused.

"Sigh, I've had my fill of talking. I'm afraid if I continue, I'll only add more reluctance to part."

She stood up and bowed.

"I'll take my leave now."

Before anyone could stop her from leaving, Old Madam Gao had already strode away.

The old scholar watched her departing figure with some surprise.

“Those who have attained enlightenment naturally possess a certain magnanimity. How come this Old Madam Gao, who hasn’t encountered any life-or-death battles, seems to…”

"It seems like you've lost your composure a bit, hasn't it?"

Chu Tianshu laughed, "This shows that the charm of the Bronze Longevity Immortal is truly extraordinary."

The old lady Gao left in such a hurry, as if she was afraid that her obsession with the bronze immortal would lead her into a whirlpool.

She had realized that she lacked composure when faced with the mystery of the bronze figure.

Chu Tianshu got up and went around to the side hall.

The bronze statue is currently housed here.

The unknowing and mindless metal creations maintained their breathing and exhalation due to the automatic operation of the magical artifacts.

The old scholar also came over, curiously examining the bronze immortal.

Chu Tianshu smiled and flicked out a stream of cyan energy containing scattered golden light, which entered the bronze figure's brow.

As his internal energy circulated within the bronze figure, Chu Tianshu gradually came to perceive its internal structure.

It is indeed infinitely mysterious, vast as the ocean, yet all of it truly originates from changes in the human body.

Even Chu Tianshu's heart pounded even louder.

The feeling was that each of the ideas was something that could be achieved with slight changes to one's own conditions, and that one could reap tangible benefits.

While the benefits of each idea may vary, it's difficult to determine how many.

But with so many changes, even if each benefit is negligible, the accumulated progress in strength will be incredibly satisfying.

"It's like when I loved martial arts but couldn't seem to master it, I suddenly came across a style of martial arts that could definitively improve my physique..."

Chu Tianshu thought to himself, "For those who have attained enlightenment, this kind of temptation is just like the temptation that ordinary people face when they encounter the threshold of the extraordinary. Once they step through it, the road ahead is smooth and they become stronger day by day."

"Moreover, the threshold is so clearly defined, right in front of you, you just need to take a step."

The power injected into the bronze body has gradually been exhausted.

Chu Tianshu did not continue to investigate or push for further changes inside the bronze figure.

"Unfortunately, this is a trap."

Even a wondrous object like the Youdu Token, which can transport people through the world, requires the intervention of destiny, evil spirits, and cultivation materials to activate its various functions.

This bronze figure only needs a little bit of true energy to transform itself and indicate the way forward.

If you can control your mind and think carefully, you will find that the difference between the effort and the reward is even more outrageous than the Youdu Order.

Chu Tianshu was certain.

If you were to actually verify the concept presented by this bronze figure, you would find that seven out of ten of its details are wrong.

But while there are seven mistakes, there are also some small, seemingly useful results.

For seasoned professionals who are uncertain about their future in the domestic market, this temptation remains too great to resist.

They can't help but keep exploring, like forking new paths on a forked road, only occasionally returning to the right path a little.

Only when the changes in this bronze figure are thoroughly investigated and verified can it be freed.

More than 10,000 ideas for meridian transfer and blood vessel replacement.

Chu Tianshu figured that even with his physique, it would take him more than two years to complete the entire inspection.

These past few years have been almost completely wasted.

"Among the bronze figures, there is no need to use evil magic or poison. It is purely through ever-changing ideas that one can make the enlightened one lower his guard and achieve the purpose of wasting time."

Chu Tianshu pondered to himself, "Although they don't know that the upper limit of my cultivation technique is already quite high, they at least know that I am not an old man and may still be making rapid progress."

"They've mastered the art of elevating empty fame and stifling progress."

"Even if I can resist the temptation, it will only leave the bronze statues idle, and they won't lose anything."

The old scholar observed from the side and saw Chu Tianshu change from being serious and deep in thought to smiling.

His smile became more and more pronounced.

The old scholar seriously suspected he was about to burst out laughing.

Is this bronze statue really that beneficial, that it could excite Chu Tianshu so much?
"Master Chu."

The old scholar couldn't help but remind him, "This was sent by the enemy."

That's why I wanted to laugh.

Chu Tianshu couldn't help but laugh, "My dear enemy, you've really sent me a perfect ally."

My friend, Pine Tree, whether you can utilize this bronze figure is hard to say. Wood is incompatible with metal and iron, so you probably won't be able to unleash its full potential.

However, Chu Tianshu had a person who loved the aura of metal by his side, which made controlling this bronze figure even more powerful.

"Sanqi, I'm sorry you had to spend a few days in that half-baked demon's body."

Chu Tianshu patted the sword sheath, "There's a good body here, let's give it a try."

A sharp, triangular meteor-like light leaped from the sword hilt and shot into the center of Tong Shouxian's brow.

Chu Tianshu spread his arms wide and muttered incantations.

The blood squeezed from his ten fingers, like drops of shimmering red jade, was injected into various acupoints on Tong Shouxian's body.

This will help Panax notoginseng adapt to its new body better.

"I'm worried about not having enough manpower to allocate."

Chu Tianshu had barely finished speaking.

A white light flashed in Tong Shouxian's eyes, and sword intent flowed out, its sharpness filling the hall.

(End of this chapter)