A Scroll of Infinite Glory

Chapter 61 Looking at the Wind and Waves, All is Far Away

Among the many heretical sorcerers, the only one who did not retreat was Huangtou Taigong.

With things having progressed to this point, Hua Mi's side was in an irreversible decline. Yet, he didn't even show any sign of frustration on his face. He leisurely wiped the small axe in his hand and said, "Speaking of you being similar to Dong Yuan, you really are quite similar. No, that old Taoist priest Dong Yuan, at your age, should be no better than you."

Guan Luoyang bent and straightened his right hand, his palm muscles tensed, and he flicked out a section of the sword tip that was embedded in his palm, forcing out a lot of blood in the process.

After mastering the three trainings, his ability to generate blood and resist poison was extraordinary. He could even control the speed of blood flow on his own. Even if a poison that would kill an ordinary person with blood entered his body, he would be fine after bleeding some blood.

However, this woman's skill in black magic is astonishing; who knows if there's some kind of special poison on the sword? The situation was too dangerous to think about earlier, but now Guan Luoyang doesn't want the sword tip remaining in his body.

He glanced down at the blood, noticing its bright red color, then rotated his hand to check that there was nothing wrong with his arm before saying, "And what about you? You're already this old, what are you getting out of hanging out with them?"

"Just so I can feel good!"

The old man with the unkempt head smiled. "Do you know how long I've disliked you Wudang Taoists?"

"From the beginning, it has been decades. When I was young, I didn't know how many times I wanted to suppress and expel the Zhenwu Temple, but I was worried that I would not be able to win and that it would implicate my own sect members."

"But in the last two years, I've gradually felt myself getting old, like I'm about to die, and then it suddenly dawned on me: what's the point of caring about those things? If I want to kill you all, I should just find a way to do it!"

Master Jiuying slowly walked to the door of the dilapidated house and said upon hearing the voice, "Your lineage has always had a good reputation. When my master visited you back then, he never used excessive force on anyone, leaving them with any injuries or disabilities. Why do you remember this for so long?"

"Ah, my resentment grows day after day, year after year. It may have started as a small seedling, but I don't know when it grew into a towering tree that blocks out the sun."

Suddenly, the old man with the desolate head turned around and swung his axe three times.

The evil sorcerers behind him were all focused on guarding against Guan Luoyang, never expecting that Huangtou Taigong would suddenly turn against them at this moment.

The air vibrated and boomed as three invisible forces suppressed all the dozen or so evil sorcerers scattered nearby, their mouths and noses blocked, and their eyes wide open.

They watched as the layers upon layers of colorful paper clothes on Huangtou Taigong's body burst open with a bang, flying and sticking to their bodies.

At this moment, everyone realized that the colored paper that Huangtou Taigong always wore on his body had one half-foot square portrait of a deity on the inside.

The paper idols all flew out, leaving him with only a thin, yellowish-white undershirt, with a layer of greasy color floating from his feet, wrapping around him and covering his entire body in an instant.

Lu Ban's magic includes both righteous and evil spells. Some were truly passed down from Lu Ban himself, while others were created by later generations under his name. Among all the spells in the complete "Lu Ban Book," the most evil one is called "Human Stake."

Building bridges over water, constructing houses in dangerous places, and building pavilions on mountain peaks—wherever there is unusual feng shui, large-scale construction can easily disturb the earth's energy, attracting water spirits and mountain monsters to cause trouble, and yin spirits to disturb the craftsmen. They may encounter all sorts of strange things, such as corpses floating motionless in turbulent waters and blood and tears in wall cracks at night.

At this time, some ruthless leaders would invite sorcerers to hold rituals, using living people as sacrifices, making them into bridge piles, or nailing them into the foundation of houses to eliminate those strange things. All of this is using great evil to control small evil, using great resentment to suppress small resentment, which is truly the most evil of evil paths.

In the lineage of Huangtou Taigong, this method was originally considered taboo. However, after years of study, he had thoroughly mastered this technique. Today, with the unleashed forbidden technique, he unexpectedly turned more than a dozen sorcerers with the most spiritual energy into living human stakes.

The resentment and malevolent energy coalesced into a layer of greasy, colorful light, which surged endlessly toward the desolate old man, while the colored paper on the dozen or so living human stumps rattled loudly.

The axe in Huangtou Taigong's hand whistled as it cleaved through the air. Streams of seemingly nonexistent, chilling power traced arcs as they drifted away, their endpoints all pointing towards Guan Luoyang, who stood in front of the ancestral hall.

Even if you searched the entire Wudang region, you might not find another genius like him.

Kill him, and let that source of the power regret it to the core!

"I know all things are empty after I die, and nothing will be mentioned after my death. But before I die, I must make you Zhenwu Temple know what pain is!"

Guan Luoyang's expression changed drastically, his eyes flashed, and he said sharply, "You dare to recite Lu You's poems?!"

He shifted his body and swung his arms like whips, moving back and forth within five feet of him, bumping around haphazardly in all directions. His steps, seemingly random, were actually orderly, dispersing all the intangible forces in the air that were hurtling towards him.

The old man with the bald head had changed his move. He chopped the ground with his axe, and the greasy, colorful sheen seemed to sway and flow towards his arm and axe as he bent over and chopped.

The ground exploded one after another with loud bangs.

The roads in this small town were originally formed by compacting gravel onto the soil.

At this moment, soil flew everywhere, and gravel shot upwards, turning the area between Huangtou Taigong and Guanluoyang into a scene resembling a chaotic explosion of landmines.

Huangtou Taigong used this method to hinder and restrict Guan Luoyang's attack, so that he would have time to prepare a more dangerous offensive.

Despite the series of explosive sounds, Guan Luoyang still took a step forward, his body rising into the air and landing on the head of a nine-foot giant.

The flying debris filled the surroundings, making it quite dangerous. However, Guan Luoyang used these nine-foot giants as stepping stones, moving up and down, thus avoiding most of the risks. Even though some debris could still hit him, it couldn't penetrate his skin.

Qiu Shi had been resting next to the ancestral hall after suffering a severe injury to his right arm. Now, looking at the battle, he reached down from his waist, grabbed the end of the scabbard with his left hand, and swung it with all his might.

The ancient sword of Chengzhou was drawn from its sheath, hilt facing forward, and flew through the air.

Guan Luoyang glanced at the blade out of the corner of his eye, reached out with his right hand, caught the hilt of the knife, and swooped down from above to strike.

Colorful lights danced on the ground, and thick, persistent dust billowed up in waves, obscuring everyone's vision.

Only the figures of those nine-foot giants could still be vaguely seen in the smoke and dust.

Hua Mi was skilled in black magic and poisoning, but these techniques were actually countered by Guan Luoyang, who had mastered the three techniques. In addition, Hua Mi was focused on killing the King of Yue first, which caused her to lose the initiative.

In comparison, the methods of the Wild Head Grandfather are so numerous and unpredictable that sometimes some seemingly insignificant spells can actually have a surprising effect when facing a master of martial arts.

Qiu Shi and the others couldn't help but feel a little worried.

But before they could worry for long, they saw a whole row of figures among the nine-foot giants crashing down one after another.

Amidst the smoke and dust, a figure emerged from the path the giant had slammed down.

The knife in Guan Luoyang's hand pierced through Huangtou Taigong's chest, flew past him, and became embedded in a pillar in front of the ancestral hall.

"cough--"

The old man with the desolate head trembled, staring at Guan Luoyang with a strange look in his eyes. His head slowly drooped down, and the small axe fell to the ground.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but after waiting for a while, Guan Luoyang still stood there, holding his knife, motionless.

Qiu Shi sensed something was wrong and asked Daoist Zhiyuan and the others to go and investigate together.

Looking at him from the side, Master Zhiyuan saw that his face was covered with bronze-colored lines. His expression seemed calm, but his eyes were darting around and his ears were twitching slightly, a mixture of alertness and confusion.

"He seems to be under an illusion..."

Master Zhiyuan took out a small bottle, uncorked it, and waved it in front of Guan Luoyang's nose. A faint wisp of smoke drifted out, but there was no sign of it being inhaled.

"He's holding his breath?" Master Zhiyuan asked helplessly, turning to the monks around the ancestral hall. "Take a look and see if you can help him break the illusion."

Master Gaodian, Lady Aze, and others each displayed their skills, sweeping their magical power over him layer by layer, dispelling the illusions he was under.

After several people took turns attacking, they couldn't help but feel astonished. Only then did they realize how dangerous it was that Guan Luoyang had managed to kill Huangtou Taigong in such a short time.

The illusions surrounding him were actually just minor spells that could be cast instantly. However, based on the living human stake, these spells, when combined, could make a person feel as if they were trapped in multiple nightmares, unable to wake up.

It can also cause sensory dysfunction, loss of balance, and even situations where you want to move your fingers but move your toes instead.

No wonder the old man with the desolate head had such a strange look in his eyes when he died. He probably didn't know how to face someone who could still stab him to death in such a situation.

A moment later, the illusions surrounding Guan Luoyang were finally dispelled.

He rolled his eyes, staring intently at the people around him, and after a long while, he closed his eyes.

Qiu Shi said, "You were in an illusion just now, but what you are seeing now is real."

Guan Luoyang stretched out his left hand and placed it on Qiu Shi's body.

Qiu Shi felt as if he had been electrocuted; his hair stood on end, and his hair seemed to have become a little fluffy. However, after being seriously injured, his right arm, which was in excruciating pain, seemed to have eased up a bit, and his bones felt warm.

He suddenly realized that this was the silent dragon roar that came after achieving the Mercury Blood Silver Marrow, which could be used to harm people or to nourish them.

"It really is real bone... cough, it's a real person."

Guan Luoyang opened his eyes, loosened his grip on the hilt of his sword, took two steps back, and breathed a sigh of relief. The bronze patterns on his face gradually faded away.

A few moments later, reinforcements arrived in the town.

After consulting with various eminent monks and masters, King Yue learned that he could not convert those nine-foot giants into his own power. So he gave an order to move the stiff nine-foot giants to an open space outside the town.

The sounds of divine fire flying crows, explosive mine-filled cannons, and cannons rang out continuously for almost half an hour.

Then, Master Jin Deng used his poisonous fire as a catalyst to throw the corpses of Huang Tou Tai Gong and others into the fire, which burned until sunset.

The soldiers cleaned up the battlefield, buried the remains of their comrades, and camped there for a night to treat their wounds.

But as night fell, the King of Yue specifically sought out Guan Luoyang, asking him to take the token and accompany a troop of elite soldiers to the military supervisor's residence to capture Ma Qiang.

Ma Qiang is quick-witted. If you arrive late and he realizes things are going badly, it's hard to predict what he might do.

The journey was uneventful.

The people in Ma Qiang's mansion couldn't stop Guan Luoyang at all. After a commotion with torches flickering wildly in the mansion, Ma Qiang, who was about to escape through the secret passage, was kicked in the knee by Guan Luoyang and broke, causing him to faint from the pain.

Guan Luoyang, who hadn't rested for several days, slept in the main hall of the military supervisor's office for one night.

The next day, amidst the sounds of the approaching army, he slowly opened his eyes, stretched his limbs, and went to fetch water to wash his face with the soldiers.

Surrounded by his soldiers, the King of Yue arrived at the military supervisor's residence and splashed a bucket of cold water on Ma Qiang, who was tied to a pillar, to wake him up.

Whoosh!

Ma Qiang shuddered, quickly regaining his senses. He turned his gaze around, fixed it on the Prince of Yue, and said in a hoarse voice, "Your Highness is truly blessed. So many people, and even a naturally born monster, could not take your life."

As the sages said, those who attain the Way receive much help.

King Yue glanced at Guan Luoyang sitting beside him and said to Ma Qiang indifferently, "But you have quite a few people around you, don't you? Water pirates, rebels, and even Jurchens. Tell me everything you know, and I'll give you a quick death."

Ma Qiang sneered: "Rebels? Who are the rebels? You call me a rebel, but when the late emperor was still alive, who didn't know that we were the ones who worked diligently and wholeheartedly to bring peace to the world and spare the people from the suffering of war?"

"In the first year of Jianwu, Chen Yonghua, Minister of Personnel and Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, and other officials submitted a memorial stating, 'If the Northern Expedition fails, the reign title will not be changed again.' Over the past eighty years, in the numerous major wars waged by successive emperors, which one did not involve large-scale military operations and exhaust the resources of the people?"

"The late emperor was determined to change the era name, which was a testament to his benevolence and kindness, making him a role model for the world. However, not long after, he died suddenly, and the cabinet seized power, publishing newspapers that incited war. Who are the real traitors and rebels?"

These words caused some soldiers around to feel uneasy, as if they had heard something they shouldn't have.

Guan Luoyang laughed, looking at the King of Yue with some curiosity. Listening to court gossip was a rare moment of relaxation.

The King of Yue sighed and said, "The late Emperor was a man of great talent and strategy. His unfortunate passing is a great sorrow in my heart. Over the years, my lords and I have followed the late Emperor's last wishes and ruled as regents. All industries have prospered, which further demonstrates the late Emperor's foresight."

"It is hateful that there are still you corrupt officials in the court who, for your own selfish gain, try to curry favor with the late emperor."

He stood up, walked to the pillar, and said, "Over the years you have deceived your superiors and subordinates, embezzled and perverted the law, and spent extravagantly in every way, thinking that you could enjoy endless pleasure without thinking about the future troubles."

"Do you know what kind of lives those northern people who are unable to migrate or escape have been living all these years, supporting the Jurchens' military and their enjoyment? The common people weep at night, earnestly hoping that the royal army will march north."

"Do you know that the Jurchens have never given up their conquest of Jiangnan and their attempts to annex the Ming Dynasty over the years? Your so-called peace talks are just a way to weaken yourselves, until one day you can be swallowed whole by those greedy wolves and devoured clean, is that it?"

Ma Qiang smiled coldly, about to retort.

The King of Yue grabbed his neck, cutting off his words, and leaned forward: "You think that as long as you can enjoy yourself in this life, that's enough, you don't need to care about your compatriots far away, or even know about your own descendants, is that it?"

Ma Qiang's face flushed red as he glared angrily.

"Don't look at me like that. You've fooled so many people that you actually think you're righteous. Why don't you go out and ask the people of Jiaozhi if they agree? Fine, I've given you a chance, but you're useless. Then let's try a different approach."

The King of Yue tightened his grip, pressed down on Ma Qiang's neck, and knocked him unconscious. He then ordered, "If he doesn't want this dignity, then find a few sorcerers to torture him thoroughly."

A soldier obeyed the order and took Ma Qiang away.

King Yue sat back down, took out a handkerchief to wipe his hands, and said, "Young Hero Guan, I heard that you have been included in the register of Zhenwu Temple and have also obtained the talisman of the Jade Register Grand Master. This time, I can say that my life was completely saved by you."

He paused for a moment after saying this. At this point, most people would have said a few polite words to him to show that they were not taking credit for his work.

Guan Luoyang was drinking water at the time and didn't respond immediately, only glancing in his direction.

The King of Yue smiled and said, "In principle, I should reward you. However, I think that you are so young and have such skills that you should not stay in Jiaozhi for long. So I have come up with two sets of rewards for you."

"First, there are some ordinary gold and silver treasures. Second, once things are settled in Jiaozhi, I can recommend you to go directly to the front lines to serve under Commander Yu and participate in the great battle against the Jurchens. As long as you accumulate merits, it's not impossible for you to be ennobled in the future."

After finishing his tea, Guan Luoyang said, "If I had the time, I would like to go to the front lines, but unfortunately I will soon be traveling alone, and I'm afraid I will have to disappoint Your Highness's kind intentions."

The King of Yue frowned and said, "If you feel that recommending you to the General's side is not a proper official position, I can directly appoint you as a commander of a thousand households."

Guan Luoyang chuckled and waved his hand, saying, "Your Highness misunderstands. I am not trying to sell myself for a higher price. It's just that I will be traveling far away soon and can only stay here for a little over a month at most."

The King of Yue was taken aback: "You don't mean you're going to go to sea, do you?"

Guan Luoyang casually replied, "I suppose so."

"Going to sea, I have a few friends who often go to sea to explore. Once they came back and told me that an unprecedented change has taken place at sea. Among the myriad nations overseas, a hegemon has risen and is dominating the world. The so-called 'red-haired devils' can actually be divided into many types. Their magnificent and turbulent history is intoxicating."

King Yue pondered for a moment and said slowly, "The grandmaster of the Qu generation of Wudang once predicted my lifespan, saying that I would live to be ninety years old. After that, I would live for fifty years. If I could recover the north in twenty years and recuperate in twenty years, I would like to see the people of my Xia people compete in the sea in another ten years."

Guan Luoyang blinked, feeling a pang of regret.

He had spent six years in Lei Gong's world, but only three months in this world. While looking at the many books housed in the Zhenwu Shrine, there were indeed many places he wanted to visit and explore, but unfortunately, he couldn't go.

O Reincarnators...

"At least I can stay for another month or so."

With a smile, Guan Luoyang regained his composure and said, "There should be another force behind Hua Mi and the others. I will at least completely quell this immediate trouble."

The King of Yue quickly composed himself and nodded: "According to my estimation, the Yao family of Qinghua Prefecture originally agreed with these evil people to take action on the fifteenth of July, causing chaos in Chengyin Prefecture and raising troops in Qinghua Prefecture."

"But because of the demonic matter, Cheng Yin Prefecture acted prematurely and was wiped out by us. I have already gathered troops with the Commander and headed to Qinghua Prefecture to take action against them before the fifteenth of July."

With each word spoken by the King of Yue, armies of a thousand men were already marching toward Qinghua Prefecture.

They traveled through the night, catching the Yao family of Qinghua Prefecture completely off guard.

Guan Luoyang accompanied the army on its campaign and, during the siege of the Yao family, assassinated their patriarch.

With the Yao family's forces wiped out in one battle, their presence in various regions immediately ceased, and they dared not make a move. What followed was the suppression by a large army, a gradual process of identifying and eliminating potential threats.

The main army remained there, while Guan Luoyang returned to Chengyin Prefecture.

On the fifteenth of the seventh month, the Ghost Festival Dharma Assembly and the Jade Register Grand Ritual were held as scheduled, with the King of Yue, the Provincial Administration Commissioner, and the Provincial Judicial Commissioner in attendance.

Now that Daoist Jiuying has returned, he will naturally preside over this Dharma assembly.

Guan Luoyang paused among the crowd, looking at the lights covering the mountains and fields, all of whom were praying for the deceased.

He went to the noodle shop and learned that Uncle Hei had passed away peacefully, and his daughter and son-in-law were setting up a mourning hall for him.

Afterwards, Guan Luoyang lived in the Zhenwu Temple. Whenever he heard of strange occurrences, he would actively go out to eliminate them and practice his martial arts in his spare time.

The corpse of the giant python demon was transported to the Zhenwu Temple. King Yue had a sudden inspiration and changed the reward. He opened the treasury and even ordered people to send a batch of rare medicinal materials over 800 li to help Guan Luoyang start refining pills.

In early September, when the sugarcane fields behind the mountain where Zhenwu Temple was located ripened, everyone prepared a farewell feast outside the sugarcane fields.

Guan Luoyang, carrying a bundle and a knife, walked through the sugarcane field and disappeared.

At the end of the 81st year of Jianwu, the Jurchen army crossed the river and launched a fierce attack, thus beginning the great battle.

Soldiers from all over the land, and mages and martial artists from hundreds of sects, were like countless swans soaring into the sky, throwing themselves into the battlefield.

Those who are not yet able to act freely have already gone to a new world.

Welcome to the newbie plaza.

(End of this chapter)