Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 18 Blood Pool

"Ow!"

The golden lion suddenly opened its eyes, let out a low roar, and leaped down from the top of Changyin Pavilion.

Lu Chenyuan and Wang Yizhi said no more, and after giving Zhang Shuo a hand gesture, they immediately followed.

The two people and the beast jumped to a dilapidated courtyard right behind two tall buildings.

The white walls are mottled, the red eaves are broken, and the parapet wall has gaps from time to time. The walls are covered with withered stems of wisteria, ivy and wild roses that grow wildly and haphazardly.

All around, there was only withered grass, half-dried lotus pond, crumbling rockeries and cobweb-covered corridors. Only the winding wall along the mountainside stubbornly embraced this long-abandoned and secluded courtyard.

Near the bustling Beili Flower Street, right next to two thriving brothels, there is this abandoned courtyard.

Lu Chenyuan knew there must be a reason behind this.

But now was not the time to delve into it. His gaze followed the golden lion to a diamond-shaped flower garden in the center of the courtyard. The garden was no longer filled with vibrant colors; only clumps of yarrow, withered and scattered in the wind, remained.

The golden lion landed steadily in the center of the barren flowerbed, raised its head to the sky, and took a deep breath—

In an instant, the vital energy of heaven and earth surged in from all directions like a tidal wave, and a fierce wind suddenly rose throughout the entire courtyard!
A pale golden vortex rapidly condensed above its head, transforming into a tornado that poured into its brow. The golden lion's entire body blazed with golden light, and it roared to the sky, its giant claw slamming into the ground with immense force—

"boom!!"

The earth trembled violently, and spiderweb-like cracks spread wildly from beneath the claws. Amidst the collapsing earth and rocks, a deep fissure tore through the ruins buried by weeds, revealing the dark entrance to the underground palace below.

"here you go!"

Overjoyed, Lu Chenyuan grabbed the golden lion's fluffy head and planted a kiss on the golden marking between its brows. Before the golden lion could react, he had already transformed into a black shadow and eagerly darted into the underground palace.

Seeing this, Wang Yizhi couldn't help but laugh. He deftly took off his Green Ripple Qin and quickly followed.

“……?”

The golden lion stood frozen in place, its golden eyes wide open, and the tips of its ears twitched involuntarily.

It raised its front paws and rubbed them against the wet fur, causing its mane to bristle. After a while, it shook its head, let out a snort with golden flecks from its nose, and followed with elegant steps—only the tuft of golden fur at the tip of its tail was unconsciously sticking up high.

……

"not good!"

Murong Ning, who had been secretly watching them, and the head of another Yixiang Garden, were so shocked by what they saw that their hands and feet went weak and their faces turned pale.

Jin Ni really did discover an underground palace right under their noses, and it was most likely related to the assassination attempt in early October!

Things are getting serious!
"Quickly! Inform His Highness Prince Wei!"

"Send more men to contact Princess Qianjin!"

……

The underground palace was deep and dark, with only Lu Chenyuan's wise eyes shining brightly in the shadows.

Buddhist scriptures say: "With the eye of wisdom, one sees that the five aggregates are empty, and can see through the illusions of the world."

At this moment, what he saw was beyond the comprehension of ordinary people—the intricate network of mechanisms and secret passages, the flow of poisonous mist and miasma, and the lurking crossbow bolts and needles under the floor tiles were all clearly discernible, as if looking at the lines on his palm. However, at the same time, his mental energy was being rapidly depleted, and after keeping his eyes open for a long time, his head began to ache slightly.

"There are a lot of traps here!"

Despite his discomfort, Lu Chenyuan reminded Wang Yizhi, "Watch my footwork closely and don't make any mistakes. If you hesitate, stop immediately. Safety first."

"it is good!"

Wang Yizhi had already witnessed his abnormality at the bottom of the well—his eyesight at the second realm was even stronger than his own at the third realm!

But Lu Chenyuan didn't say it, and he didn't intend to ask.

Humans are born from heaven and earth, but their inherent nature and destiny differ.

Some are born into poverty and hardship, toiling all day just to barely make ends meet; others are born with jade in their mouths, living in luxury and never knowing hunger or cold. Some are naturally gifted, able to compose poems in seven steps and possessing a photographic memory; others are dull and slow-witted, struggling to grasp concepts despite diligent study.

Among the masses, a very small number of people are exceptionally gifted, born with extraordinary abilities that transcend the ordinary and are truly astonishing.

During the Spring and Autumn Period, Shi Kuang was born blind, but his hearing was divine. He could distinguish the winds from all directions, know good or bad fortune from the sound of stringed instruments, and even predict the rise and fall of a country by listening to music. Another example is Gan Ying during the Warring States Period, who was an archer of divine skill. He could draw his bow and fire without aiming, and birds would fall to the ground. His archery without aiming had reached the highest level.

For example, King Wu of Qin, Ying Dang, was born with superhuman strength and could lift a cauldron. Unfortunately, he became arrogant because of his strength, and ultimately died after breaking his leg while lifting the nine sacred cauldrons. Even earlier, Han Zhuo of the Xia Dynasty was said to be able to control all beasts, making tigers, leopards, wolves and jackals move as easily as his own arms, and he roamed the world unchallenged.

As for Zaofu during the reign of King Mu of Zhou, his horsemanship was unparalleled throughout history. He could travel three thousand li a day, galloping like the wind. When King Mu went on his western tour to Kunlun, it was entirely thanks to Zaofu's eight steeds that he was able to travel back and forth without hindrance. Jiang Ziya met King Wen at the age of seventy, and he was able to foresee the mandate of heaven and understand yin and yang. He helped the Zhou replace the Shang and establish an eight-hundred-year dynasty.

Throughout history, those with extraordinary talents have not been uncommon. In the Tang Dynasty alone, there was Xue Rengui, who possessed the strength of nine oxen and two tigers and settled the Tianshan Mountains with three arrows; Yuan Tiangang, whose physiognomy was divine, predicted that Wu Zetian would become the ruler of the world; and the divine monk Yi Xing, who was skilled in astronomy and divination, and could measure the earth and observe the stars, etc.

Whether it brings fortune or misfortune depends entirely on one's heart.

Some people use their special abilities to help the world, like Shennong who tasted hundreds of herbs to relieve people's suffering; others rely on their abilities to commit evil, like Chiyou with his bronze head and iron forehead, who wreaked havoc on the world.

Although fates may differ, people's hearts can choose. Those with talent may not all become saints, and ordinary people may still reach the pinnacle. Such is the nature of all things in the world.

Lu Chenyuan possesses supernatural powers and is now wholeheartedly dedicated to eliminating traitors. He has personally faced dangerous situations and does not rely too much on the Golden Lion by his side, which shows how steadfast his will is. Such a person can achieve great things even without supernatural powers. Wang Yizhi only feels admiration, not jealousy.

"Watch it."

Lu Chenyuan took a step forward, his steps steady, yet his movements were as swift as a ghost, nimbly dodging each trap just before it was triggered.

"There is a pit five steps ahead, about three feet square, with a cluster of swords and knives at the bottom."

"Seven steps to the left, a repeating crossbow is hidden under the floor tiles."

"Turn three inches to the right, and poisonous sand will be sprayed from the wall."

"Take nine more steps, and there's a hidden mechanism under the brick."

A thought flashed through his mind, and his feet moved nimbly and accurately. This underground palace was clearly meticulously constructed, full of traps and mechanisms, but in his discerning eyes, it was nothing but child's play.

A golden light flashed in Lu Chenyuan's eyes as he continued walking straight into the heart of the underground palace.

at the same time.

The golden lion gathered its energy and used its strength to overcome any trickery. The moment it broke through the entrance, the earth shook and mountains trembled, alerting those hidden in the underground palace.

Deep within the underground palace, in the center of a spacious hall.

A pool of scarlet blood was boiling and churning, with bubbles constantly rising and bursting on the surface, making a "glug-glug" sound. Human hair and bones could be vaguely seen in the pool, surging with the waves, creating an extremely bloody scene.

On the open ground surrounding the blood pool, rows of ice-blue spiritual flowers were planted. The petals were like ice crystals, and the center of the flower shimmered with a faint silver-white halo. In the dark, they emitted a soft, ghostly blue fluorescence, as if they were formed from condensed moonlight.

It is the main ingredient of the tribute incense "Crane Shadow in the Cold Pool", the Ice Soul Orchid!
This flower grows in shady, cold places, absorbing the earth's chill to survive. Its fragrance is cool and ethereal, carrying the pure scent of snow mountain springs, and its aroma clears the mind. It is an extremely rare spiritual plant. Planting it here has multiple benefits: it can mask the bloodstains of the blood pool, and it allows the Gu worms to become familiar with the fragrance, thus incorporating it into the incense in the Mingtang.

Beside the blood pool, in the center of the flower bushes, the dancer who escaped the palace—Hongxiao—stood with her back turned. Her red dress seemed to drip blood, her long black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, and the white bone flute in her hand gleamed coldly in the dim underground palace.

She looked at the pool of blood with a face full of reluctance.

Unexpectedly, the government troops still found them...

The blood pool could no longer be kept, and the remaining Yinshan Blood Gu in the pool had to be killed. After raising them for so long and refining them so difficult, how could she bear to destroy them with her own hands... Unexpectedly, she only hesitated for a moment, and just as she made up her mind, she suddenly realized something was wrong and turned around in astonishment!

Click, click, click!
Behind them, atop a massive gate made of broken dragon stone, the Thousand Machine Lock began to spin rapidly!
Someone is opening the door!
And the speed of his technique was unbelievable!

How can this be? !
Hongxiao was utterly astonished and incredulous. There were a full thirty-six layers of mechanisms! How long had it been since the earthquake broke down the door? Less than thirty breaths at most. Had none of the mechanisms in the corridor worked? Besides, this [Nine Palaces Thousand Mechanism Lock] contained over thirty thousand variations. How could an outsider possibly know the solution and crack it so quickly!
Her mind was filled with questions and a sense of panic that the situation had taken an unexpected turn.

The enemy came too fast!

Hongxiao dared not hesitate any longer. With a determined bite, she immediately followed the original plan and placed the bone flute to her lips.

A mournful flute melody suddenly exploded, like the howling of a vengeful ghost.

The blood pool boiled even more violently, and countless translucent blood-red Gu worms, drawn by the music, swayed and flew out of the pool one after another. At the same time, she exerted force with her feet, her true energy surged, and pebbles flew up. She spun around and kicked out, and the flying stone hit the hidden fire mine buried in the corner of the wall, sparks flew everywhere, and the fuse was ignited.

Boom boom boom——

The fire-breathing thunderbolts exploded one after another, and in the dazzling flames, the entire underground palace began to tremble violently, with rubble falling from the ceiling like rain!

boom!
Just then, the massive gate burst open with a roar, the smoke and dust dissipated, and Lu Chenyuan appeared behind the gate.

"Trying to destroy the evidence?"

He sneered, his figure moved suddenly, as fast as a startled bird, his eyes flashed with golden light, and he went straight for Hongxiao. Brilliant golden light burst from his fingertips, which was the incomparably swift "Instant Spear"!
too fast!
Whether it was navigating the corridor, deciphering the mechanisms, or this swift and decisive move, everything was far beyond Hongxiao's expectations.

Hongxiao was about to detonate the Blood Gu, causing it to disperse into poisonous miasma, just like during the grand banquet at Mingtang that day. This would both hinder the enemy and completely destroy the evidence. However, Lu Chenyuan arrived too quickly and couldn't reach the note that signaled the self-destruction. In her anxiety, she could only hastily change the tone and blow out the simplest command: Attack!
"Buzzing—"

At first, only a few scattered black shadows emerged from the blood, but in the blink of an eye, they transformed into a surging swarm of insects, densely packed, their flapping wings converging into a chilling roar. They were like a distorted red smoke, or an ever-expanding giant net, blotting out the sky and rushing towards Lu Chenyuan!

Each Gu worm is half real and half ethereal, about the size of a mosquito. They intertwine and pile up, forming a undulating wave of worms in the air. The sound of their wings vibrating at high speed is like thousands of steel needles scraping against the eardrums, making people tremble just by listening to it.

Wherever the swarm of insects passed, the stone walls were gnawed open with honeycomb-like holes, and even the ground was corroded with sizzling scorch marks. They even devoured each other, and the dead of their kind were instantly devoured, leaving only a few wisps of red smoke to dissipate. The Yinshan Blood Gu was originally a ferocious creature fed on human sacrifices. Hungry and violent, it was just waiting to tear all living people to pieces!
Lu Chenyuan's vision was completely submerged by this sea of ​​dead insects.

"Golden Robe on the Flesh!"

Lu Chenyuan's internal energy erupted, revealing the true nature of the "Golden Palace Scripture" body-refining technique. His body surface regained a metallic luster, as if it had been coated with a layer of silver paint, making him indestructible!

With his extreme speed and powerful physique, the Gu worms that had just flown out of the pool had no chance to bite before they were pulverized by the golden light bursting from his fingertips, and putrid black blood spread out like mist.

Lu Chenyuan held his breath, blinked, and passed through the sea of ​​insects. To catch the thief, first catch the king!

In the critical moment, Hongxiao did not have time to summon the Gu worms to defend herself. She flipped her palms over, and a damp mist inexplicably arose around her. A dark blue halo appeared in her palms, as if she were holding a deep sea current.

She thrust out both palms with a sudden burst of force, and instantly, the sound of surging waves echoed through the underground palace!

Before the palm strike even arrived, Lu Chenyuan felt his cheeks slightly damp, as if a cold sea breeze was blowing against him, like raging waves crashing against the shore, one wave higher than the next.

The palm strike appeared gentle, but in reality it concealed immense power. The first palm strike was like a surging tide, blocking all of Lu Chenyuan's escape routes; the second palm strike was like a raging wave crashing against the shore, causing the stone walls of the underground palace to crumble and peel away; the third palm strike transformed into a solidified water dragon, baring its fangs and claws as it lunged forward.

Lu Chenyuan's robes fluttered in the wind from the palm strike, and fine water droplets condensed in his hair.

This palm technique can actually draw upon the water and energy of heaven and earth, making it no less powerful than Wang Yi's family's secret martial art, "Flowing Cloud Scattered Hand"!
If it were a fourth realm, he definitely wouldn't dare to block it.

But the third realm...

This realm is rather special; it's a transitional stage. It only adds divine sense and heightened senses compared to the second realm. In terms of pure power, it's not much stronger. This is why Lu Chenyuan defeated Xu He this morning. Xu He's most troublesome aspect is his illusionary footwork. Once you see through it, there won't be a situation of overwhelming dominance; victory or defeat will depend solely on the techniques used.

Lu Chenyuan neither dodged nor evaded, his right hand forming a sword shape with his fingers together, a highly refined golden light flickering at his fingertips:

"Momentary Finger!"

The golden light, like lightning, collided with the water dragon, instantly creating a resounding clang. The sharp energy scattered in all directions, shattering all the spiritual flowers in the room!
Lu Chenyuan's finger techniques were fierce and powerful, while Hongxiao's palm strikes were vast and powerful.

As the two were locked in a stalemate, a string suddenly rang out, and an invisible sonic blade shot out. Wang Yizhi appeared at the doorway, casually plucked the string, and the sonic blade pierced through the fluttering orchid petals, adding a touch of murderous intent to this poignant scene.

Hongxiao's pupils contracted sharply, and she hastily turned her head. The sonic blade grazed her snow-white neck, spraying blood and causing a few strands of her hair to fall. Lu Chenyuan seized the opportunity, intensifying his finger strikes, and a burst of golden light shone brightly. Hongxiao let out a muffled groan and could no longer resist. Her back slammed heavily against the stone wall, and her left shoulder was pierced by the finger strike, with blood gushing out.

"Cough cough cough..."

Hongxiao collapsed to the ground, coughing up blood in agony.

Wang Yizhi held the zither in his left hand and swung his right hand swiftly, sending several sonic blades piercing the air and precisely severing the fuse of the hidden fire thunder.

The explosion stopped abruptly, and the underground palace ceased shaking...

Lu Chenyuan withdrew his fingers, coldly looking at her: "Assassination in front of the emperor is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of your family. If you confess your accomplices, I may let you die a quicker death."

(End of this chapter)