Wan Jian returns to his clan!

Chapter 228 The Person in the Cold Palace, the Mysterious Disease That Reaches the Heavens
"It's easier for him."

Shen Xinzhu was still somewhat indignant.

Watching Huang Chengzong personally wield the knife and kill the monk Wuxiang as a sacrifice to the poor patient buried in the mountain.

The matter has finally come to an end.

As for the results of the interrogation.

Having reached the point of utter desperation, Monk Wuxiang naturally had nothing left to hide.

In fact, under the influence of the Seven Emotions Sound, and with his true energy destroyed and his spirit extinguished, he was completely unable to resist the invasion of various illusions.

He confessed everything he had done, in detail.

Shen Xinzhu, who was the first interrogator, felt nauseous and was stunned for a long time.

"You mean he's been secretly kidnapping people for the past five years, targeting patients suffering from various strange and incurable diseases?"

Lu Wubing paused for a moment. He had to admit that although the monk Wuxiang acted erratically, he was by no means stupid. Choosing this type of person was indeed the hardest to spot, but also the easiest way to grasp the essence of medicine.

Of course, his improved medical skills were a side benefit.

The real purpose is to understand the function of the body's various minute tissues.

In such an ancient social environment, to actually come up with the wild idea of ​​creating a discipline of anatomy, this guy was a genius, a genius who went mad.

During their fight, Lu Wubing discovered that, apart from not yet understanding the extremely complex mechanism of the resonance between the vitality of heaven and earth and the vitality of the human body, the monk Wuxiang had basically stimulated his own vitality to the extreme.

He was even more skilled than his grandfather, Lu Chengyun, who created the Six Yang Divine Needles.

Lu Wubing had conducted some experiments on this.

When they captured the monk Wuxiang, they casually shook his joints and bones, and the aftershocks of the force shattered his limbs.

As it turned out, when Shen Xinzhu took over, she discovered that the monk Wuxiang's limbs were intact.

Apart from the fact that his internal energy was dispersed and he couldn't use much power, his body quickly recovered to normal.

Lu Wubing suspected that even if the other party's heart were shattered, it could probably be automatically repaired in a very short time.

This is almost comparable to my own recovery ability.

Of course, the use of the character "形" (form) in the seal by the monk Wuxiang is not without its flaws.

With so many organs needing repair, his body's vitality was starting to falter.

After recovering from the injuries, his vital energy was slightly depleted, and his physique became somewhat weak, requiring nourishment and recuperation.

But in any case, this guy took a different approach and studied the character "形" (shape) seal to its fullest extent.

This is probably why the mastermind behind it all has never taken action against him. They've just watched him continue his research for years.

How exactly did the mastermind behind these achievements obtain them? Lu Wubing had some guesses, but he wasn't sure.

All he knew was that the other party couldn't possibly have a shallower understanding than the monk Wuxiang... With the true seal in hand, it wasn't impossible for them to have a deeper understanding than him.

Therefore, this is an unprecedented enemy.

My grandfather was attacked and had to flee Weijing in disgrace, never to return for the rest of his life.

This can be seen.

That person not only possessed an extremely profound understanding of the character "形" (shape), but was also exceptionally strong in martial arts.

He also brought in the Venerable Master Fayuan of Dayuanguang Temple as an assistant.

just in case.

What if I fail to succeed and the other party escapes using some strange method?

In this vast sea of ​​people, the true seal of the character "形" will never be obtained again.

Now, with the enemy caught off guard and not yet reacting, this is the best opportunity.

"Old Huang, do you remember the old eunuch who was interrogated?"

Lu Wubing turned his head to look in the direction of the various palaces, his expression thoughtful.

He initially suspected that it might be a trick orchestrated by the old emperor Ji Jiuhuang himself.

Because this emperor, who neglected his duties, seemed to be in seclusion for many years, showing no concern for state affairs, as if he were engrossed in something else.

It looks a lot like they're studying the Ten Directions Seal.

Standing at the pinnacle of power.

What people like them desire most is, of course, immortality.

Is there anything closer to immortality than the Ten Directions Seal?

Thinking about it this way, it makes sense.

But there's one thing that, when I think about it, doesn't quite make sense.

If it were Ji Jiufeng, as the emperor, he could study the [Form] character seal more secretly and smoothly, without needing to hide his search for a medical genius.

With just a decree, one can be summoned to the palace and study it however one pleases, without worrying about causing a commotion.

This involves spending several years searching for someone, then observing them quietly from the sidelines to reap the rewards.

It's the kind of thing only an idle person with nothing to do would do.

Furthermore, this person likely has few people at his beck and call.

After creating an internal character profile, Lu Wubing roughly guessed the other party's identity.

Huang Chengzong clearly understood this as well.

"There are almost no palace eunuchs who fit this image and possess profound martial arts skills, possibly reaching the realm of returning to the true self."

However, it cannot be ruled out that someone is hiding their strength... Based on the known information, it is basically impossible to find that person.

If we judge by age, there are very few people over 100 years old.

For many years, we servants who served others have thought about finding a courtyard in the capital as we grew older.

Or perhaps adopting a descendant to raise, or even forming a fake family, can offer some solace to the soul.

"Those who truly remain in the palace forever, refusing to leave even in death, are far too conspicuous and cannot be delayed any longer."

Lu Wubing knew exactly what it meant to be unable to delay any longer.

The profession of eunuch was not much different from other professions.

When veterans occupy positions, it becomes difficult for newcomers to rise to the top.

As he got older, he became less agile, less able to serve others properly, and walked with a frail and slender gait.

Let alone serving important people, you need others to serve you.

How can someone like that still hold a high position?

But once you lose your job, you're forgotten.

Even the lowest-ranking eunuch could spit on him, stomp on him, and he wouldn't even get food.

Such elderly people would basically not be able to survive if they stayed in the palace.

"But there is one exception."

"where?"

"The Cold Palace!"

Huang Chengzong looked resolute, and immediately confirmed this point as soon as he spoke.

"Only in the cold palace is no one paid any attention to it."

Some of the fathers-in-law even died inside, and no one buried them.

And we happen to know of a eunuch surnamed Li who was already very old when I entered the palace.

He's still alive to this day... No one knows his exact age, nor whether he possesses martial arts skills.

"Whether it's really this person or not, we'll find out by going to see for ourselves."

Lu Wubing thought about it and agreed that it made a lot of sense.

He did not doubt the monk Wuxiang's judgment. The other party said that the person who gave him the image of the character "形" was a eunuch, so it must be a eunuch.

Before practicing the [Form] Seal, the monk Wuxiang was already highly skilled in medicine.

Because of his childhood experiences, the monk Wuxiang witnessed his parents die of illness right before his eyes.

Over the years, in addition to practicing martial arts, he has been studying medicine and treating the sick. His compassion may be fake, but his medical skills are real.

It would be ridiculous to say that someone like this can't tell whether the person in front of them is male or female, or whether they are a eunuch.

Perhaps the other party can conceal their identity during the first meeting.

However, to obtain the final results, one cannot obtain the research findings of the monk Wuxiang without consulting and discussing them face-to-face.

It is certain that they have had multiple face-to-face exchanges.

It makes perfect sense that the person behind the scenes was exposed and identified as a eunuch...

"There's no time to lose. The matter of Monk Wuxiang can't be kept secret any longer. To prevent any unforeseen complications, we must act immediately."

Huang Chengzong took a deep breath, eager to try.

As for the character "形" (shape), although he only grasped a superficial understanding of it, if anyone wanted to achieve something significant through research, he, as a eunuch, would definitely be at the forefront.

Moreover, he had personally witnessed the scene where the monk Wuxiang's limbs were immediately restored to their original state after they were shattered.

He had already been planning something in his mind.

At this moment, what I want to do most is to make more contributions.

Hopefully, this newly recognized master will consider his hard work and dedication, and give him a proper treatment.

Of course, one can only think about it in their heart, but it's not appropriate to bring it up.

He still has this sense of propriety.

“Indeed, this matter should be addressed sooner rather than later. This old monk is willing to be the vanguard.”

The scene before the monk Fayuan was desolate.

He softly chanted Buddhist mantras.

As a 168-year-old veteran, he didn't have many more decades to live. His understanding of the ways of the world was second only to Huang Chengzong.

As long as it didn't involve his beloved disciple, the monk Wuxiang, he wasn't so muddle-headed. Sometimes, when facing someone close to him, no matter how outrageous the other person's behavior, he would unconsciously find various reasons to quell his suspicions.

This is determined by human selfishness; even eminent monks cannot escape the trap of prejudice.

Therefore, Lu Wubing only said that he had failed to supervise properly, not that the old monk had ill intentions.

He genuinely had no idea that there was a passage leading directly into the mountainside, just ten miles behind Dayuanguang Temple, at the foot of the mountain ridge.

The monk Wuxiang acted very discreetly, not because he was particularly cautious, but because of the bond between master and disciple.

The Venerable Master Fayuan had blinded his heart and eyes to an emotion called kinship.

This is why all sorts of things happened.

“Dayuanguang Temple can continue to exist, but old monk, your life will never be idle.”

Lu Wubing knew that the [divine monk] in front of him, who had reached the Returning to Truth Realm, had understood his meaning, and he felt very relieved.

all the time.

He doesn't have any particularly skilled fighters under his command.

When encountering formidable enemies, he would always charge ahead alone with his sword.

It's not a question of whether it's good or bad, but rather that it's inappropriate.

If one chooses to live a solitary life, detached from worldly affairs, then simply protecting those around them is enough.

However, if you want more, you can't do that.

He wanted peace in the world, for the people to live better lives, and for the barbarians to be wiped out, so that at least he could feel better.

They also wanted to achieve physical well-being and prolong their lives.

What I want even more is to completely eliminate the aftereffects of the Yuanling Sword Manual and grow to the point where I can contend with this evil and demonic intent.

Therefore, one has no choice but to pursue more Ten Directions Seals.

All sorts of things.

Even if a person has three heads and six arms, how many things can they handle?
……

"Young Master, something has happened."

Having just returned to the Lu residence, he was about to order the imperial guards to surround the Cold Palace and lay a trap.

Then a group of people rushed over.

Seven or eight people were being carried, and at the front were Dong Ning and a burly man with a bushy beard.

The burly man with a bushy beard was exceptionally robust, and the calluses on his hands were black and half an inch thick, as if he were wearing gloves.

Lu Wubing recognized this person as well.

He is Yuan Shen, one of the four great constables of Chaotian Prefecture, also known as "Mountain-Splitting Axe".

After Chen Tongguang, the second uncle, took office as the prefect of Chaotian Prefecture, this Yuan the Divine Constable was the first to pledge allegiance to him.

Whether you say this person is adept at changing his stance according to the wind or has unique insight, Chen Tongguang immediately placed his trust in him and relied on him as a pillar of support.

At the same time, his status was elevated above that of the two other constables who later joined him.

And that is precisely the reason.

【Mountain-Opening Axe】Yuan Shen is fearless and works extremely hard when he gets things done.

He completely disregarded the dignity of being a master of innate talent, following Dong Ning around diligently every day, and keeping himself in a rather humble position.

This is a smart man.

Logically speaking, after the capital was swept away once and tens of thousands of people were beheaded, there shouldn't have been any major cases.

However, what happened before his eyes overturned Lu Wubing's idea.

One master constable, three head constables, and three disciples of the Heavenly Star Sword Sect, including Dong Ning, were all caught in the trap.

Judging from their flushed faces and limp bodies, they didn't seem injured; rather, they looked sick.

"Hmm, this is due to excessive internal heat and an imbalance of the five elements."

Lu Wubing reached out to take his pulse, infused a bit of life force into it, and discovered something very strange.

As life force entered Dong Ning's body, the fire within him became even more vigorous, and his illness not only did not improve, but actually worsened.

His lips became chapped and cracked, and his face started to peel.

"It's like being under the sun for a long time, losing moisture in the body, and experiencing a surge of internal heat..." Shen Xinzhu also took the pulse and checked several people in succession, finding that they all had the same symptoms.

Lu Wubing's expression was serious.

"At this point, the Six Yang Divine Needles cannot be used. We need to protect the five internal organs with vital energy, strengthen their original functions, and open up the bridges between the five energies. We can..."

He paused for a moment, then uttered two words.

"ease."

Yes, this was the first time he had encountered a disease that even the "Form" character seal could not cure immediately.

This disease seems to have a life of its own.

As vitality is infused, the cause of the disease also grows stronger, and the imbalance inside Dong Ning's body seems to be something he was born with.

All I could do was make his body stronger and more vigorous, but the root of the illness remained unresolved.

“…Good scoundrel.”

Dong Ning was jolted awake by the life force, her spirits lifted. Her face was flushed, though she still looked somewhat abnormal, but thankfully it no longer affected her movements.

He looked up and saw Lu Wubing. He scrambled to his feet and said with shame, "Young Master, we've been tricked this time."

"Tell me why you have been attacked in this way?"

While pondering the nature of the illness and how to cure the imbalance of Qi, Lu Wubing also revived the others one by one.

"It's like this, at noon, we received intelligence that the Imperial Treasury was dispatching a large amount of gold and silver to Tongtian Temple..."

Therefore, they immediately reported to the Prefect, and then to the Princess's residence.

Originally, this matter should have been reported directly to Lu Wubing.

However, Dong Ning and the others knew that Lu Wubing was busy with something and had given instructions that he should not be disturbed unless there was danger at home.

Therefore, under the orders of the Princess's residence, a thorough investigation was launched to determine who was responsible for this incident, and the massive shipment of goods was intercepted.

"Have you found out?"

Lu Wubing's eyes showed a slightly gloomy expression.

The imperial treasury's wealth and provisions belong to the emperor's private property and cannot be moved arbitrarily without Ji Jiufeng's permission.

Even if the princess's palace ordered the confiscation of military power and control of the national treasury.

Because they didn't want to give others a reason to criticize them, they wanted to withdraw the Northern Zhou troops first, so the Imperial Treasury ignored the matter.

Once they directly control the inner treasury and the entire palace, it would be a true, open rebellion.

There's really no need for that.

In Lu Wubing and Ji Wenxiu's view, if the old emperor wanted to go into seclusion, let him go into seclusion; they would deal with the situation after everything was settled.

The results of it?
Despite the fact that the old emperor, who was still in seclusion and had never appeared in public, had issued an imperial edict.

"It was Eunuch Cao Yuzhong, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who said that this batch of valuables was for alchemy, and that it also contained many medicinal herbs."

"So it was the Grand Chancellor. How did you handle it?"

Lu Wubing understood.

He mainly controlled the military, and at the time he thought that he didn't need to pay much attention to these eunuchs in the inner court for the time being, and that they could just continue to operate as usual.

With the emperor still at the border, it's unlikely these eunuchs can cause any trouble.

As a result, this Minister Cao did just that.

Dong Ning gritted his teeth and said, "Of course, I want to invite that Eunuch Cao into the princess's residence and question him about what exactly happened by acting on his own."

Then, at that moment, I felt dizzy, my body became hot, and I was somewhat unable to move. A little while later, I knew nothing more.

"Yes, I felt the same way. I felt a sudden heat rising to the top of my head, and I felt unsteady on my feet, as if I had caught a cold. But it's clearly not cold that's entered my body. And..."

Yuan Shen, the divine constable, shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Since I entered the Innate Void Realm, my whole body is transparent and my true energy is abundant."

Let alone a cold, even a potent poison can be expelled from the body in a short time.

There must be something fishy about this. I urge the General to investigate thoroughly.

Yes, Lu Wubing was appointed as the Grand General of the court, in charge of all affairs in the capital and commanding all the troops in the country.

Regardless of whether others acknowledge it or not, the Princess's residence does, as do all the officials and commoners in the capital, and that is enough.

"Tongtian Temple, indeed, has extraordinary abilities."

A glint flashed in Lu Wubing's eyes.

"Rest for now, don't worry about this matter. I'll investigate properly. The news that you all have recovered and can move freely must be kept strictly confidential. Don't appear in public for the next couple of days."

"Yes."

Gathering intelligence is, of course, just an excuse.

Yun Duo and Yu Shui were still somewhat lacking in strength, and the power of their subordinates was limited to the lower levels of the martial arts world.

As for the Golden Scale Guards, we know more about them, but we probably won't be able to find out much about this strange disease.

Lu Wubing only knew a little bit.

There is only one possibility that can withstand the unreasonable vitality power of the [Ten Directions Seal].

The opponent also used the power of the [Ten Directions Seal].

At this time, with so many things intertwined, it is best to avoid trying to do everything at once.

You have to eat one bite at a time, and do things one step at a time.

First, I need to go to the Cold Palace and get my hands on the genuine seal of the character "形".

Once your strength increases significantly and you possess an immortal body, everything will be much easier...

Then we'll see what tricks Tongtian Temple is up to.
........................

(End of this chapter)