Immortals of the End Times

Chapters 132-134: Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang, cultivating both immortality and martial arts, a compromise (two chapters combined into one, please subscribe)

An hour later, the setting sun slanted through the window lattice, turning it a blood-red hue.

Xiaoyue clutched the blood-stained handkerchief, her ear tips burning like the sunset.

"Sir, are you sure you weren't hurt there?" She twisted the hem of her clothes with her slender fingers, her gaze darting away towards the area below the jade belt at Zhao Wuji's waist.

Zhao Wuji, both amused and exasperated, raised three fingers to swear that there was absolutely no damage.

Xiaoyue was gradually calmed down and left, looking back every few steps. Her worried little face touched him and made him laugh at the same time.

The incident of the small head bleeding was thus put on hold and should not be publicized.

His name is Wuji, meaning "unfettered".

It doesn't mean the absurd homophonic pun of "no chicken" found in those filthy folk tales.

In this world of strict social norms, if a healer, dedicated to saving lives, were to suddenly wield his sword against a man's vital genitals, anyone would be terrified.

But as a time traveler, he had no psychological burden.

After drawing the sword in this way, it becomes more hygienic and easier.

The technique of reattaching the head is indeed very useful.

The only unfortunate thing is that this method can only be used to prolong one's own body, and cannot be used on other people.

Even if you were to transplant someone else's flower later, it would still be your own flower, not someone else's.

After practicing for a while, Zhao Wuji took out "The True Explanation of Talismans" to continue studying it, hoping to decipher the secrets and unlock the magic of talismanic water.

However, as he looked at the true explanation of the talisman, he gradually felt strange, even horrified.

It was because one of the yin-yang talismans, composed of eighteen points of light, was arranged exactly the same as the Nine Yin and Nine Yang Pearls in his sea of ​​consciousness!
He was quite familiar with this spot of light.

Before he traveled through time, he was visiting an ancient medicine furnace when eighteen points of light suddenly appeared inside.

He then transmigrated to this world of immortal cultivation in the Dharma-ending Age, and later realized that the eighteen points of light were the Nine Yin Nine Yang Pearls floating in his sea of ​​consciousness.

At this moment, the second Yin Pearl was constantly radiating a silvery glow in his sea of ​​consciousness, but he was completely unaware of it.

Immediately and carefully read the annotations added next to the Yin-Yang talisman.

"The Yin-Yang talismanic symbols originate from the 'Yin-Yang Strategy' preserved by Master Zhang of Zixiao Palace on Wudang Mountain. It was written during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty."

"how is this possible?"

Zhao Wuji's pupils contracted.

The Yin-Yang Strategy was written during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty and was created by Zhang Sanfeng. The medicine furnace that I saw before I traveled through time was clearly an artifact from the Northern Song Dynasty!
The talisman before me, crafted by Zhang Sanfeng, has eighteen points of light, each corresponding to the arrangement within the medicine furnace before my journey, forming a yin-yang symbol of two fish chasing each other.
"How could this be? Could it be that Zhang Sanfeng also obtained the Nine Yin Nine Yang Pearls in the past?"

Zhao Wuji was very surprised. "Or is it just a coincidence? Where did Master Zhang see a similar pattern of light spots?"

According to previous legends, Master Zhang of Wudang lived a very long time, possibly reaching the age of 218.

Traces of Zhang Sanfeng's activities can be found in the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

However, the world he now lives in has undergone a historical shift, a historical break, and has gone directly into a desolate wasteland instead of the Qing Dynasty.

Based on the rumors from the previous life, and considering the golden age of cultivation in this world before the Great Wilderness, Zhang Sanfeng might still be alive.

Thinking about this, Zhao Wuji felt a chill.

It wasn't that he was horrified that Zhang Sanfeng might still be alive, but rather that he was alarmed that the Nine Yin Nine Yang Pearls in his sea of ​​consciousness might have already been targeted by some powerful being.

"Perhaps some cultivators in past dynasties obtained information similar to the Nine Yin Nine Yang Pearl by observing celestial phenomena or the natural world."

"Perhaps, the Nine Yin Nine Yang Pearl is a supreme treasure of heaven and earth. Throughout history, those with the destiny to become immortals have seen its form, but few have actually been able to hold it in their hands."

Zhao Wuji thought of the medicine furnace he had visited before his time travel.

That medicine furnace might be some kind of treasure, and by chance, he obtained the Nine Yin Nine Yang Pearl and became the lucky one.

"Master Zhang"

Thinking of this legendary figure who vanquished demons in his youth and later founded his own sect, Zhao Wuji's tense nerves relaxed slightly.

At least they weren't targeted by some evil cultivation master, which is a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.

There's no point in overthinking these incomprehensible things now.

Zhao Wuji decided to put that aside for the time being and simply hide the Yin-Yang Pearl.

"If I have the chance to leave Tiannan in the future, I'll go and look for Wudang Mountain again. I'll also keep an eye out for other talismans; if I see similar points of light again, perhaps..."

Zhao Wuji composed himself, and his gaze cleared again.

What we need to focus on right now is to learn the art of talismanic water from this "True Explanation of Talismans" or find some inspiration.

As for other mysteries, there's plenty of time to find out.

Time flies, and three days later.

Three rays of moonlight seeped in through the cracks in the window frame.

The tadpole-like patterns on the second Yang Pearl outlined half a complete set of bright light, with the progress stopping at 50%.

Undeciphered tadpole-like characters move like living creatures on the surface of the bead.

Zhao Wuji sighed softly and closed "The True Explanation of Talismans and Incantations".

Having only deciphered half of the tadpole script, he was still unable to determine whether the spell within the second Yang Pearl was indeed the Talisman Water Spell, and even though he had deciphered it, he was temporarily unable to comprehend it.

Fortunately, his study of talismans over the past few days has also improved his proficiency in pill manipulation, and his ability to cast spells using pills has also improved, which can be considered as achieving another goal.

Now, he is able to use the pills in conjunction with the array formation technique to set up an array.

But what bothered him even more was...
Zhao Wuji flipped his sleeve, and a golden needle full of spiritual energy appeared in his hand.

He obtained the golden needle from his ancestral home.

It had only shown a little bit of spirituality before.

Now, after being nurtured in this spiritually rich place for a period of time, it has become incredibly spiritual, like a small golden snake, seemingly a magical artifact no less powerful than the Cold Soul Flying Sword.

"Our ancestors entered the Dao through medicine and martial arts, forming a lineage of martial arts immortals—their foundation is quite profound."

Zhao Wuji took out his family heirloom, "The Golden Chamber Acupuncture Record," from his storage bag and unfolded it on the table.

The "Hundred Meridians Refining Truth Diagram" was revealed.

The martial artist in the picture has 365 major acupoints on his body. This is a medical martial art that is a more advanced version of the "Suspended Pot Golden Needle Skill". It is a martial art that truly pushes the path of martial arts to the same level as immortal cultivation.

It records a large number of more powerful acupuncture techniques, and is accompanied by medicines, demon beast blood essence and other cultivation methods to cultivate martial arts blood demon spiritual energy.

If it is said that demonic beasts cultivate their demonic power by absorbing the essence of the sun and moon and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Cultivators gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to cultivate their own spiritual power.

The Martial Dao Immortal Path is essentially treating the physical body as a furnace of heaven and earth, cultivating the path of the human body's microcosm, using demon blood as fuel and spiritual medicine as a catalyst, combining one's own spirituality to cultivate martial blood demon spiritual power and develop the body's hidden treasures.

The human body holds countless secrets and mysteries, an inexhaustible treasure.

However, human strength has its limits. By combining external resources such as medicine, demon blood, and spiritual energy of heaven and earth, one can use anything and have no limits.

"What a wonderful concept of 'infinite limit'! This combines the microcosm of the human body with the macrocosm of the external world for cultivation."

It emphasizes the principles of human conduct: taking from those who lack to give to those who have more.

Zhao Wuji sighed inwardly.

No wonder martial arts flourished when spiritual energy was depleted.

Ordinary cultivators are like fish out of water without spiritual energy, while martial artists can slowly refine their bodies even with just ordinary iron and medicinal herbs.

However, to cultivate to the level of Qi-inducing martial arts, one needs both techniques and resources.

This lineage demands extremely high levels of martial arts talent, immortality aptitude, and comprehension.

Few can achieve this.

Furthermore, the resources consumed increase as the game progresses.

Therefore, the lineage of martial arts immortals has almost been extinct in Tiannan.

"The human body holds a secret; the human body is a furnace, melting and absorbing resources, gathering one's own spirituality to cultivate oneself—this is martial arts cultivation."

"If this method is combined with my ingestion technique, which involves refining anything, it seems that it can achieve its maximum effect."

If I learn the art of boiling stones in the future...

Zhao Wuji understood immediately and was pleasantly surprised.

He suddenly realized that the Dantian alchemy furnace cultivation method he had once comprehended, including the way the absorbed Yin energy circulated in his body to conceal his actions when he was applying acupuncture to the peak master, was somewhat similar to the "Hundred Meridians Furnace Diagram" recorded in the "Golden Chamber Acupuncture Record".

Unfortunately, there was no hope of gaining any further insight.

Now that I have obtained the martial arts manual left by my ancestors, those martial arts bottlenecks that have troubled me for many years can be broken through as easily as a piece of paper!
This will greatly improve his acupuncture skills and martial arts.

"The wisdom of our ancestors is truly profound."

Zhao Wuji immediately made a hand seal and used the Bird Taming Technique to summon Xiong Ba.

"Ka!"

Xiong Ba flapped its wings and rushed into the cave. Its purple and gold tail feathers shone brightly in the sunlight. It was overjoyed, thinking that it was time to eat again.

Just as the hairy beast pecked at a fasting pill, it was firmly clamped down by a hand that suddenly reached out!

"Domination?"

Xiong Ba's golden eyes darted around in astonishment as he stared at Zhao Wuji, who had already picked up a golden needle. With a flick of his wings, his purple-gold tail feathers bristled, making him look like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

"Don't be afraid, I'll give you a treat later. Let me give you an acupuncture first, to draw some blood."

"Gah! Ba!" Xiong Ba was terrified and tried to escape, but Zhao Wuji pressed him down with a finger.

"Don't move, I'm just giving you an acupuncture! You've been eating too well lately, which makes you prone to bloating and getting inflamed. Acupuncture to draw some blood will do you good."

Zhao Wuji held down Xiong Ba and began to prick his leg with needles to draw blood. Dark red blood droplets rolled into the jade bottle along the needle tip.

"Don't worry, I'm a doctor, you can't go wrong by listening to me."

"Bah! Ga!" Xiong Ba felt a stinging pain and couldn't help but swear.

"Swear again?" Zhao Wuji inserted two more needles.

He'd even harm his own penis, and circumcise himself.

Besides, if this Xiong Ba doesn't listen, just give him a few more needles and he'll definitely obey.

Not long after, Zhao Wuji casually took out two Bigu Pills and released the extremely resentful Xiong Ba.

"Go ahead, you shouldn't get sick now, I gave you a preventative shot!"

He looked with satisfaction at the myna bird blood in the small medicine bottle.

This myna bird was already very intelligent, and it cultivated itself in an environment with spiritual energy for many days.

Zhao Wuji fed him Bigu Pills at every meal and occasionally observed his breathing techniques, using guiding techniques to help him cultivate. He was almost at the Qi Refining stage and would become a demon beast.

The blood in its body can now be considered, at best, that of a demon beast.

He took out the 'magical rations' and a few highly nourishing medicines collected by Xiaoyue from his storage bag and began to eat them with gusto.

He held the golden needle between his two fingers, and as soon as the needle tip dipped into the medicinal blood, it immediately emitted an eerie crimson glow.

Begin by pinching the needle according to the "Needle Control Technique" recorded in the "Golden Chamber Pulse Record".

"disease!"

As the Needle Control Technique was activated, the golden needles split into countless illusory images. When the golden needles trembled, they emitted a clear and melodious sound like a dragon's roar, enveloping the entire body as if a galaxy were hanging upside down.

Three hundred and sixty-five acupoints lit up simultaneously, outlining the phantom of a blazing furnace on the skin's surface! Then, the golden needle landed on his crown chakra, as if a single needle could determine the fate of the world, taking root in the microcosm of the human body and drawing in the macrocosm of the external world, constantly attracting wisps of spiritual energy to flow into his body.

A crimson glow burst forth from every pore of Zhao Wuji's body.

"It's a pity that there's only one of these magical golden needles; my own golden needles are all ordinary."

It seems I'll have to expend some more effort another day to refine some more golden needles; the effect will be much better then.

Zhao Wuji thought to himself, and as he made a hand seal, his left hand suddenly ignited with blood-red evil energy, while his right hand emitted a faint glow of the ingestion technique.

The roar of a furnace came from inside his abdomen.

The medicinal power refined by the ingestion technique intertwines with the blood-fiend spiritual power, enhancing the furnace's effect.

As he circulated his energy, all the major acupoints on his body trembled simultaneously, like beacon towers being lit.

The demonic nature and medicinal essence in Xiong Ba's blood, under the stimulation of the ingestion technique, transformed into a scalding torrent, which made a hissing sound as it surged along his meridians, like lava eroding rock layers.

Blood Fiend Spiritual Power is different from the ethereal and elusive spiritual power of cultivators. It surges through the meridians like magma, as if trying to break through some shackles. Each cycle makes the skin glow with a coppery luster.

A muffled, drum-like sound came from deep within his internal organs.

The bone marrow is like black iron that has been forged through countless hammerings.

The newborn blood carried tiny golden glimmers.

The true energy accumulated during the practice of the "Suspended Pot Golden Needle Skill" was devoured and assimilated by the Blood Fiend Spiritual Power, transforming into a thicker, dark red energy.

A vortex-shaped "blood-fiend furnace" gradually formed in the dantian, and above the furnace was the spiritual power locked by the illusory elixir.

At this moment, the breath he exhaled from his nostrils carried a faint smell of blood, but without any foul odor; instead, it was as intense as an old ginseng root from the deep mountains.

This blood-fiend spiritual power, as molten as magma, was suddenly blocked when it reached the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin, as if it had hit an invisible gate and could not break through.

bottleneck?

For the first time, Zhao Wuji experienced what a bottleneck truly meant!

"Let's go!"

Zhao Wuji gritted his teeth and activated the golden needle on his head. The needle's tail vibrated like a buzzing bee, drawing in spiritual energy and simultaneously unleashing the remaining ferocity of the raptors within the demon blood.

Almost simultaneously, he made hand seals and used a guiding technique to concentrate and guide the energy to break through the barrier.

Instantly, a sound like metal striking metal came from his meridians, as if a giant axe was splitting and sealing the seal.

A thin, hair-like bloodstain suddenly appeared on the skin of his right arm, but it was instantly repaired by the blood demon spiritual power.

A previously unnoticed hidden meridian was thus opened.

When the fingertips flicked, the nails gleamed like swords, covered in a bloodthirsty aura, producing a sharp, piercing sound, like the claws of a raptor.

Zhao Wuji's pupils contracted to needle size, and the afterimages of birds remaining in Xiong Ba's blood appeared in his field of vision.

The auricle caught the rustling sound of ants crawling three zhang outside the cave.

The strangest thing is that his tongue can taste the "flavor" of the spiritual energy in the air.

Yin-attribute spiritual energy is as refreshing and tingling as mint, while Yang-attribute spiritual energy is like the burning sensation of swallowing salt and pepper.

My spiritual awareness has improved dramatically.

His spiritual senses could even extend thousands of feet away, allowing him to detect some movements within the Frost Palace and sense the Peak Master's aura.

"Bah! Ga!"

Outside the cave, Xiong Ba was still jumping up and down cursing, the sound of his purple-gold tail feathers slapping the ground mixed with Xiao Yue's gentle words of persuasion echoing in the courtyard.

"Alright, little myna, don't be angry. Your master is definitely doing this for your own good. Look, he's been in seclusion for three days, and he's so busy, yet he still gave you acupuncture. You were clearly really sick before."

"It turns out three days have already passed."

Zhao Wuji gradually came to his senses after a moment of confusion.

Tiny blood crystals were found condensed at the ends of the hair, which were impurities from the unrefined demon blood that had been expelled.

Several pale gold lines have appeared between the lines of the right palm, vaguely forming a totem of bird claw marks.

It was the “Blood Fiend Manifestation” recorded in the Golden Chamber Acupuncture Record that indicated that he had already taken the first step into the threshold of martial arts cultivation.

If it continues to be tempered with higher-level demon blood in the future, these golden threads will become increasingly dense. When the blood demon spiritual energy is combined, it can transform into a blood demon spiritual body with astonishing combat power.

He focused his mind and observed the condition in his dantian.

He discovered that his true energy had transformed into a blood-red vortex.

The crimson vortex occasionally erupted with illusory flames, and the illusory core full of spiritual power floated in the baleful aura, just like a great sun falling into a sea of ​​blood.

The two pieces, one red and one gold, complement each other, with the faint outlines of twelve meridians appearing.

His current realm and status appeared within the Yin-Yang Pearl.

Immortal cultivation level: Qi Induction Level 6 (52/300)

Martial Immortal Cultivation: Blood Fiend Level 1 (1/100)

Zhao Wuji looked at the golden thread in his palm, and with a slight squeeze, the golden thread disappeared.

The Martial Immortal lineage has twelve levels of the Blood Fiend Realm, corresponding to the twelve meridians.

The higher the realm, the stronger the physical body, the more rapidly the perception in all aspects is enhanced, and the speed of wound healing far exceeds that of ordinary people.

However, the further one progresses, the more difficult the cultivation becomes, requiring a large amount of resources.

After the Blood Fiend Realm comes the Aperture Opening Realm, which corresponds to the Concentration Realm, and then the Profound Gate Realm, which corresponds to the Golden Core Realm.

Unfortunately, the "Golden Chamber Pulse Record" he currently possesses is only the first part, which only records the complete cultivation method of the Blood Fiend Realm.

Perhaps there will be a sequel set in the ancestral home.

"My cheap old man was once able to cultivate to the third level of the Blood Fiend Realm in the mortal world. He was no ordinary person. Unfortunately, he failed to break through by drawing lightning and was shattered to pieces."

Zhao Wuji shook his head with a sigh.

It's too risky to take advantage of someone like me.

Perhaps it was because of the scarcity of breakthrough resources that they had no choice but to take a risky approach and try to find a shortcut by drawing on the natural power of the outside world to achieve their breakthrough.

However, this method is prohibited.

Throughout history, only one in a hundred people have succeeded, and they are all people with special physical constitutions.

"Crack!"

The moment Zhao Wuji closed his five fingers, the air emitted a metallic clanging sound.

He looked with satisfaction at the dark golden sheen flowing across his arm.

This seemingly well-proportioned body now conceals a terrifying power capable of crushing low-level magical artifacts with bare hands.

However, without mobilizing his blood-fiend spiritual power, he still appears to be a well-proportioned, fair-skinned man, at most his skin tone has turned a healthy bronze, but he wouldn't directly transform into a muscular burly man.

At this moment, his powerful spiritual sense detected that Dai Zhiyun was using her flying technique to rush towards his cave more than 700 feet away.

He immediately performed a hand seal to cleanse his body of blood and impurities, and then changed into a clean robe.

The blood-fiend spiritual power circulated through his meridians, and all traces of his cultivation were absorbed into his dantian.

Not long after, Dai Zhiyun arrived outside the cave and informed the peak master that he had been summoned.

Zhao Wuji was already prepared, his clothes were neat and clean, and his hair smelled sweet. He then went to see Peak Master Hua.

As the two pierced through the clouds and mist, Dai Zhiyun suddenly glanced at Zhao Wuji, covered her mouth, and chuckled, "Senior Brother Zhao has been staying indoors lately, spending his days reading, raising birds, and refining elixirs. He's certainly having a leisurely time."

She changed the subject, "But why does your aura seem even more sharp? Being near you makes me feel like I have thorns in my back. Could it be that you've broken through again?"

Zhao Wuji shook his head and chuckled: "Breakthroughs aren't that easy; it's just a minor achievement in martial arts. Even mundane martial arts have their unique aspects."

He coughed slightly awkwardly as he spoke, "I'm used to you calling me junior brother, so this sudden change to calling me senior brother makes me feel a little uncomfortable."

"You may think I'm very relaxed, but I actually cultivate very diligently. The birds and insects I keep are no ordinary creatures either; they're all human beings, and every single one of them eats source crystals."

Zhao Wuji patted the empty storage bag, "I've never been short of money."

"You're telling me all this because you want to borrow Source Crystals from me, right?" Dai Zhiyun teased, revealing a greedy and wary expression.

"With your alchemy skills, Junior Brother, as long as you are willing to open the furnace and refine a few batches of Dragon Tiger Pills, why worry about not having source crystals?"

Some time ago, your fellow disciples at Ziyun Palace prepared alchemy materials for you, but you refused to refine the pills.”

"They wanted to watch me refine pills and learn from me, but I don't like having people around me when I'm refining pills."

Zhao Wuji shook his head and smiled.

"He relies on pill-making techniques to refine pills. Is that something you can show to others?" He glanced at Dai Zhiyun and said.

"Senior Sister Dai has also broken through to the fourth level of Qi Refining, congratulations!"

"Junior sister, junior sister, you broke through first, I'm still the junior sister."

Dai Zhiyun waved her hand humbly, then said solemnly, "The cave is making preparations in full swing. I feel that there may be a big move in the next few days, and we will start a war against Yunfeng Cave."

The peak master summoned you, probably to discuss this matter; after all, you're still on the Cloud Phoenix Cave Heaven's kill list!

"Oh?" Zhao Wuji nodded solemnly.

Although he hasn't gone out these past few days, he has occasionally used his bird-taming technique to control Xiong Ba to fly out and gather information, and he can see that the situation is turbulent.

The gray-robed disciples came out in droves, the green-robed stewards were frequently mobilized, and even the blue-robed members of the True Inheritance Hall began to take action.

This is no small matter; it's clearly a sign of an impending storm.

He hasn't been drafted yet.

As the former commander of Mingxia who made the greatest contribution, he was listed on the kill list of Yunfeng Cave Heaven. Why would the cave heaven easily summon him for some minor tasks?

Either do nothing, or when you do, it's with overwhelming force!
Soon, Zhao Wuji entered the Frost Palace and saw Hua Qingshuang, dressed in a flowing purple robe, sitting in the main seat.

Having not seen this aloof peak master for many days, it seemed that her aura had become even colder, like an iceberg, unapproachable and imposing.

"Peak Master!" Zhao Wuji bowed in greeting.

“Hmm,” Hua Qingshuang said, flicking her sleeve, “Wuji, Dongtian may launch an attack on Yunfeng Dongtian at any time in the next ten days.”

In a couple of days, you'll probably be drafted as well. This battle is extremely dangerous and could have far-reaching consequences.

Her expression was solemn and serious. "In two days, I will also be leaving the mountain."

If the right opportunity arises, the cave master may also make a move.

The battlefield will be chaotic then, so you must act cautiously and not be reckless for the sake of merit. Survival is your top priority; only by staying alive can you have everything else.

Zhao Wuji felt a warmth in his heart. He hadn't expected that the Ice Mountain Peak Master had summoned him specifically to tell him to be careful. He immediately bowed and said so.

"Rest assured, Peak Master, I always prioritize safety. I would never do anything reckless without being certain of success."

“Hmm,” Hua Qingshuang said, knowing Zhao Wuji’s personality well, “There is another matter I have summoned you for this time.”

Zhao Wuji's heart skipped a beat, recalling his previous suggestion. Could it be...?
"The matter you mentioned last time is too risky, and I will not agree to it."

Hua Qingshuang shook her head, the ice crystal hair ornament in her hair reflecting a cold light.

Just as Zhao Wuji was sighing inwardly, he heard the tone of the conversation suddenly change: "But now there is a compromise opportunity, but I don't know if you can seize it. It all depends on your personal ability."

"Based on my personal abilities?" Zhao Wuji asked, puzzled.

Hua Qingshuang's eyes held a deep meaning, "Your Senior Uncle Yan is like me, both troubled by the flaws in her cultivation technique and suffering from fire poison. I wonder if your medical skills can cure her fire poison affliction?"

(End of this chapter)