Cursed Mountains and Seas

Chapter 75 My mentor helped me achieve my lofty ambitions, and my father carried me to the mountain peak (Seeking votes and further reading)
"It's a pity that I haven't taken up the post of Chaofeng Lang yet, and I don't have the ability to hear thunder. I can only watch the strange skills and unique abilities of this profession and can't learn any of them for the time being."

I'll leave it with my master for now. I'll ask for this secret teaching after Lei Naifa takes office as a court official on February 26th.

If one can choose one official position, then holding two official positions means one can choose two times.

Perfect!"

After considering several suitable methods for "White Water Boy" for a while, Wang Cheng made up his mind and said to Shen Yuting:

“Master, I still choose the [Overseas Star Gazing Technique].

He could indeed ask his father for a copy when submitting the petition.

However, as the fundamental techniques we cultivate, they will eventually have to be used openly. If we don't go through the proper channels with our master, we won't be able to explain them clearly when we suddenly need to use them later.

As for the other Shuiban Zhengfa (orthodox teachings) held by the Shanhai Society, they were completely outside his consideration.

Wang Cheng was unfamiliar with these methods and did not know what level or effect he could achieve after mastering them.

It was incomparable to the "Overseas Star-Tracing Technique," which had been passed down for generations in the Cai Shui Wang family and was so well-versed in it that it was beyond compare. The simple introduction in the Taoist books was not enough to make him switch sides.

Shen Yuting did not interfere with his disciple's choice.

He extended his index finger and gently touched Wang Cheng's brow, and the essentials of the "Overseas Star-Tracing Technique" were instilled in his heart.

The cultivation of the Eight Outer Gates has no smooth road, success cannot be replicated, and there are too many unexpected events and coincidences. Even the most powerful and unskilled people do not know if their path is correct.

Therefore, it is especially important that the master leads you through the door, but the practice is up to you. From the very beginning, you must take responsibility for yourself.

He simply gave a earnest and heartfelt instruction:

"Fourth brother, you've just advanced to the seventh rank. You don't need to get involved in the affairs of Moon Harbor. Your primary task is to focus on your cultivation."

Although we elders are in the city holding the line and we have prepared various contingency plans for Pu Shouying, it doesn't mean that we can defend the city flawlessly.

Even if we react quickly when something is haunted, there will still be first-round victims. If we accidentally encounter a powerful evil spirit, no one can say for sure that they can protect themselves.

"It's better to have your own strength than to have it from your parents; personal ability is the foundation for standing tall."

Wang Cheng quickly absorbed the righteous teachings imparted by his master.

Comparing the known portions of the Wang family's heritage, the main texts are the same, only the notes on cultivation from predecessors differ between the lines; these are normal phenomena in the process of inheritance.

The other two, [Ghostly Scribbles] and [Divine Incense Manual], are similar, with very detailed annotations.

Moved, Wang Cheng bowed deeply to Shen Yuting, making a seemingly meaningful promise:

"Thank you for passing on the teachings, Master. I will strive to master them as soon as possible so that I can be of assistance to you!"

Only he himself knew what he meant; he wasn't just talking about Yuegang, but also about the troubles facing the Shen family, the God of Wealth.

After being helped up by a very gratified Shen Yuting, he asked another question:
“Master, today Lady Yan’s temple keeper Yunxiao came back to Yuegang with me and is staying at our Fenglinzhai.”

You mentioned last time that you had reported the situation at Yuegang to the headquarters of the Mountain and Sea Association. Have you received a response from them?

Shen Yuting sighed softly:

There are only two lineages of the Water God belief.

The Prince's lineage suffered a terrible fate, but our Mountain and Sea Society was slow to realize it. If it weren't for your information about the Dragon Qi and the Dragon's Blood, we would still be kept in the dark.

This time, that nobleman from the imperial family is going to instigate the gentry to target Lady Yan again. If something happens again, I won't have the face to meet the Empress when I die.

Upon receiving the news, the supporting fleet set off, with three of the eight ship-head-level combatants arriving.

However, the headquarters of the Mountain and Sea Society is located in Borneo, a spice archipelago, which is 6300 miles away from Yuegang by sea and surrounded by pirates and Western forces of all sizes.

The fleet's average speed is only about two knots (3.7 kilometers per hour), and the road conditions are complex; it's unclear whether they can arrive in time. However…

At this point, the old man gave a sinister smile:
"There is also good news. While sending messages to the Mountain and Sea Gathering, I also used official channels to send the news that the imperial clan [Dragon Yin] was trying to rebel by coercing local officials to the central government."

If that nobleman from the Han family dares to scheme against us, he shouldn't blame us for retaliating by scheming against him.

The most sensitive aspect of the ruler is the power in his own hands. He will be even more anxious than we are. If nothing unexpected happens, an imperial envoy will soon arrive in Minzhou.

"At that time, the state officials will have to face pressure from the central government directly, and we won't have to worry about being attacked by the government anymore. We can just focus on dealing with the henchmen of the gentry faction."

Wang Cheng was impressed:

"Old ginger is spicier, master! You're truly brilliant!"

While others were still figuring out how to counter each move, this old fox had already jumped out of Moon Harbor's chessboard, making a big move that drew a "surprise attack" from the central government.

The Lord of the State was the greatest enemy of the Dragon's Heir before he grew up!

As for where Madam Yan's true form as a dragon was hidden in Yuegang, whether it should be moved in advance, and whether people should be sent to protect it, Shen Yuting didn't mention it, and Wang Cheng also tacitly didn't ask.

They didn't even bother to probe the intentions of A Xiao, the temple keeper of Lady Yan.

It's better to stay still than to act rashly. Who would have thought that the person who wrote the poem "To draw the knife and die quickly, to live up to my youthful ideals" would become a traitor?

Therefore, it's best not to casually look directly into people's hearts or test human nature.

Wang Cheng wasn't too bothered when he learned that the solution to the "Nine Dragons Spitting Pearls" problem could only be found by himself; being able to eliminate the influence of official channels was already a pleasant surprise.

Our main task now is to defend Yuegang until we successfully pass the Dragon Head Raising Festival on the second day of the second lunar month. As long as we can hold out until then, the counterattack from the Tianfei lineage and the Shanhai Society will be able to follow, and Yuegang will return to the hands of the common people. "Wang Fugui" will also be able to firmly establish himself in Yuegang.

This gamble was high, and the reward was high in the end.

We'll see who comes out on top in the next ten days.

After thinking it over, Wang Cheng bid farewell to his master and left.

He unexpectedly obtained the long-coveted "Overseas Star-Traveling Technique" from his master, but he did not forget to petition his elderly father, requesting the complete "Guide to Favorable Journey" manual.

Along the southeastern coast, there are temples, boat temples, and shrines dedicated to Prince Jing. After leaving Baoshan Beacon Tower, Wang Cheng was surprised to find that his father's spirit was not at home in any of the shrines along the way.

They continued all the way back to Fenglinzhai.

After learning that Yunxiao had left behind her personal belongings but had disappeared without a trace, he ignored her and went straight into the Shanhaihui private temple in the backyard.

That's when they finally found a statue full of spiritual power.

Arrange the incense, candles, and offerings.

Then, he activated the "Four Seas Extermination of Evil Register" within his body, and the names of a series of officials and soldiers within the register lit up one after another.

These officials, generals, and soldiers are essentially manifestations of the Daoist energy in response to events. They are part of the rules of heaven and earth and are extensions of official authority, not true heavenly soldiers and generals.

In fact, if anyone could truly cultivate to the point of ascending to heaven, wouldn't they all be renowned and holy beings? How could they possibly be reduced to serving as cannon fodder soldiers?

This is treating cultivators like dirt.

The truth is that "this sincerity manifests itself in the cave, which is formed by the presence of things, and thus transforms into the qi that creates these officials and soldiers."

After receiving their official titles and lining up in rank, officials could summon their inner energy and send it to the heavens by visualizing the "form" of the officers and soldiers and reciting their "names".

At that moment, Wang Cheng concentrated and entered a state of tranquility. He first lit three sticks of incense, knocked his teeth three times, and recited:

"I respectfully submit two officials from my body: the Five Body True Officials, the Healing Officials, the Left and Right Officials, the Yin-Yang Divine Decision Officials, the Red Talisman Officials of the Imperial Carriage, the Strong Wind Cavalry Officials, and the Postal Horse Officials."

"Submit the memorial immediately! So be it!"

This is the process of officials and soldiers leaving their posts.

At the same time, a blue petition is burned in front of the shrine.

When submitting a memorial, the text must be written in red ink on green paper, hence the memorial is also called a "green document".

The current Emperor Shaozhi keeps a bunch of literary officials, and even the chief minister is called the "literary prime minister." Good literary works can be copied and found everywhere.

Unlike others who wrote eulogies, he wrote family letters.

As is customary, I reported only good news and not bad news. I briefly explained the current situation and then asked my father to quickly send some rice to save my life.

It wasn't mentioned that the father and son might only have ten days left to live. In any case, the old father can't manifest his power now and can't help at all, so saying anything would only add to their troubles.

call--!
A group of illusory officials and soldiers vanished along with the smoke that the Qingci had turned into.

Wang Cheng stared at the statue, and after only a moment, a stream of light pierced through the air from three feet above the statue's head and suddenly landed between Wang Cheng's eyebrows.

It was the very book he had been longing for, "The Guide to Sending You on a Smooth Journey"!
Moreover, it is a complete collection of 108 unique skills, 24 extraordinary techniques, and the three orthodox methods from the 36 halls of the Water Class.

In particular, the three orthodox methods—【Spreading Clouds and Cutting Rainbows】, 【Startling the Dragons Together】, and 【Crossing the Ocean and Connecting Stars】—are all present.

Even Mao Haifeng, the most favored general in the Five Peaks Banner, the adopted son of his father and his sworn brother, known as "Black Kirin," only controlled a small portion of the forces, which were not part of the established system.

"Others worry that knowing too much will bring misfortune, but I have the favor of the Water Class and the protection of the Azure Sea. The more magic I have, the better. This is my greatest asset."

In this world where the Daoist arts manifest their power, it is extremely difficult for those truly from the lowest rungs to soar to great heights. Even the one with an extraordinary destiny who started with just a bowl had his path abruptly cut short.

Those who succeed all have accumulated wealth over several generations.

The monopolistic magical resources held by the Wang family, along with the upward ladder of water-ranking officials, are the foundation upon which I can secure my livelihood and break the sea ban.

Simply having control over this resource allocation right is enough to gain me countless followers.

With the face given by his master, a high-ranking official, and the substance provided by his father, the foundation for the early development of his power was laid.

It is truly said: My mentor helped me achieve my lofty ambitions, and my father carried me to the mountain peak!

With the "Guide to Sending You Off on a Smooth Sailing" in hand, Wang Cheng also had a plan for what kind of business he would go into next.

Among the thirty-six professions of the water transport crew, there is one called "escort boat master," most of whom make a living on inland waterway shipping.

The canal caravans along the Grand Canal have the most complete lineage of "escort ship masters".

They were essentially doing the work of a security escort agency, one on land and the other on water, and were legally allowed to possess a certain amount of weaponry.

For ordinary people, obtaining a warrant for a shipping agency from the government is an extremely difficult task, but in the Mountain and Sea Society, it only requires money.

As the sea becomes increasingly chaotic, this profession is bound to flourish even more.

Wang Cheng mentally browsed through the secret scrolls and discovered that there was a message transmitted through mental light at the end.

"Hmm? Besides the 'Guide to Sending Goodbye by the Wind,' is there any other news?"

(End of this chapter)