Who is spreading rumors that my filial piety towards them has changed?

Zuo Donglu still retained the habits of a good student; she remembered what Chu Mingkong had told her, and now she relayed it to Balan:

"Stay close to Mingkong, within a few steps of him, and don't wander off."

Balan nodded with mixed feelings: "Okay."

It's not that there's anything wrong with it, but it sounds like we're relying entirely on Chu Mingkong as our guide to get in and out of the Abyss, making it difficult to learn any skills...

After entering the Abyss, Balan still did not notice any action from Chu Mingkong, but the Yin energy around him was indeed being dispersed.

No, it was the extremely yin energy surrounding him that was drained, which is why she and Zuo Donglu, who were following him, were unaffected.

Even on the outskirts of the Abyss, Balan had to put in a lot of effort to deploy his shield.

"Could it be that he has truly mastered a technique that allows him to absorb and refine extreme Yin energy?" Balan was shocked.

As they approached the depths of the abyss, Balan's vigilance subconsciously increased, his brows furrowing. This was an instinctive reaction; a cultivator's perception was greatly suppressed here, much like someone walking on a rugged mountain path being blindfolded.

Balan keenly noticed the movement, his sharp gaze fixed on one spot:

"Mingkong, it seems like there's an Abyss Beast approaching over there. There was a slight commotion just now!"

Chu Mingkong glanced in that direction but didn't take it to heart. He reassured him:

"Don't be nervous. The ferocious beasts on the outer edge of the abyss cannot enter the depths of the abyss; they will explode and die. As long as we go into the depths, we won't be afraid of being chased by those mindless creatures."

This was the first time Balan had heard of such a thing, and he said:

"The ferocious beasts of the Abyss cannot enter the depths, is there such a strange thing?"

Chu Mingkong chose to show her in a straightforward way, since it didn't take much effort anyway.

A black python flew out from his sleeve, flashing like a black light, and instantly seized the ferocious beast of the abyss hidden in the shadows. The beast had little ability to resist and its bones were crushed, leaving only a wild and lifeless consciousness running rampant.

The black python caught a chicken of the opposite sex? It also looks somewhat like a peacock.

"Wow, this chicken guy even has a middle parting hairstyle. It's quite rare to see such a small Abyss beast." Chu Mingkong was surprised as he controlled the black python to bring the chicken roll into the depths of the Abyss.

Sure enough, the chicken that had been sneaking around for a while immediately swelled up and then split open, leaving only an extremely yin core on the ground.

Balan was considered one of the elite in the world, with broad knowledge, steady actions, and rarely showing his emotions on his face. But at this moment, his red lips parted slightly, full of surprise.

She was both shocked that the ferocious beasts of the Abyss could die so casually, and astonished that Chu Mingkong's understanding of the Abyss was so profound!

Balan couldn't help but murmur:

"If we're active in the Abyss and are being chased by a large number of Abyss beasts, wouldn't it be better to just hide in the depths? No, it's not easy to stay in the depths of the Abyss for long. If the Abyss beasts keep guarding the outside, it's like putting yourself in danger."

Zuo Donglu picked up the "trophy" from the ground, but realized she didn't know how to use it. She looked at Chu Mingkong for advice, and Chu Mingkong raised his chin, indicating that she could show it to Balan.

Incidentally, Chu Mingkong answered:

"Don't worry, the abyssal beasts you see on the outskirts are all mindless. Even if they will die if they rush into the depths, they will still stupidly follow you in."

Balan was speechless. She didn't know when, but as her cultivation level gradually increased, the number of people around her who could guide her gradually decreased, and she could only explore and move forward on the path of cultivation alone.

She hadn't felt admiration or respect for others in terms of experience or knowledge for a long time.

Even after entering the depths of the abyss, she walked cautiously for a while, only to find that nothing had happened. Suddenly, she chuckled to herself.

"Senior Ba, what are you laughing at?" Zuo Donglu asked.

Balan gently shook his head, continuing to follow beside Chu Mingkong, and explained with a smile:

"There's no need to address you as a senior anymore. Your swordsmanship, which you've suppressed for so many years, has improved a lot. Donglu, you've already become one of those people who are considered 'seniors' by others."

I chuckled a moment ago because I was reminded of a long time ago, when I first embarked on the path of cultivation. Under the guidance of my master, I entered the territory of magical beasts, listening to his explanations while curiously observing the new world around me, just as I was curious about this Abyss just now.

Over a century has passed; teachers, classmates... many have turned to dust in the dust of time. Only now, unexpectedly, has that curiosity about the unknown been rekindled, stirring a deep sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a feeling of deep emotion or reflection).

Chu Mingkong glanced sideways, observing the female swordswoman for a moment longer. Her face was bright and elegant, with clear eyes, white teeth, and rosy lips, exuding an intellectual aura, while her naturally wavy hair added a touch of subtle charm. Beneath her long dress, styled in the ink-wash orchid and bamboo style, her waistline extended to reveal a wide, shapely bottom, and her beautiful legs were clad in black stockings.

She gave Chu Mingkong a very rare feeling, at least in this world, like the kind of urban beauty he had seen in his previous life. If she wore glasses, this feeling would be even stronger, revealing a subtle and alluring charm amidst her intellectual and capable demeanor.

Chu Mingkong confirmed to himself that the woman was indeed beautiful, but she didn't look like the woman he had seen in the bathhouse, and besides, her hair wasn't the same color.

After walking for a short while, the three of them traversed the depths of the Abyss and arrived at its outer edge, before successfully exiting the Abyss.

The gloomy and oppressive world regained its brilliance in sight; the sun shone brightly, and the sky was captivatingly clear.

Balan looked at the town in the distance and took out a map to check its location.

"It really is just a few steps away from Jiuxiang Town?!"

Chu Mingkong said:

"Unfortunately, I have no skills to teach you. If your strength were enough to deploy a shield to support you through this journey in the depths of the abyss, you, Balan, could move around so easily."

"Just traversing the entire length of the Abyss with full shield protection wasn't easy!" Balan said with a wry smile.

"Let's continue our conversation as we walk. By the way, I'd like to know... did the late emperor leave behind any martial arts techniques or sword manuals?"

Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Sword Emperor Scripture

Why ask about the late emperor's sword manual? Because Chu Mingkong wanted Yun Nongyu to study the late emperor's sword manual directly, to read out the meaning of the text, and to ask the late emperor directly about some things. That would make many things much easier.

However, when it comes to the ancestral techniques, they certainly won't be shown to others easily. Expensive transactions are always good outcomes, the only concern is that they can't be passed on to outsiders.

Chu Mingkong's trip to the Abyss with Balan was a way of indirectly revealing his secrets, gaining trust, and demonstrating his sincerity.

Look, I'm taking you, an outsider, through the Abyss. No one else gets this kind of treatment.

Of course, this method of showing sincerity is somewhat despicable, because walking through the Abyss is a very simple matter for Chu Mingkong; it's just going to a special place for a stroll.

Balan was no fool; she understood the meaning of some of her words immediately. Chu Mingkong most likely wanted to see the Sword Manual, she said:

"The late emperor did indeed leave behind a self-created martial arts manual, which is kept in the Ba family. The manual is divided into two volumes: the upper volume is the sword manual 'Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies', and the lower volume is the zither manual 'The Plain Maiden's Broken String'."

The Maiden's Broken String?

Chu Mingkong hadn't expected to hear anything about Su Nu. By the way, why did the late emperor even create a Qin Jing (a classic text on music)?

"Was this Qin Jing (a type of zither) also created by the late emperor? Why is it named after the Su Nu (a legendary female immortal)? Is there any story behind it?"

Balan shook his head: "No, the Qin Jing was not created by the late emperor. It should have been found by the late emperor from elsewhere. He liked this Qin Jing very much during his lifetime. It also seems to be an ancient scripture, so he included it in the Jianhuang Jing."

Chu Mingkong became increasingly interested in the "Sword Emperor Scripture." Putting aside the news of the other wisp of the maiden's will, just getting the will left in the scripture by the late emperor was a major goal.

Perhaps I can ask her about entering the Heavenly Realm, and at the end, I can also ask her if the late emperor is really dead, and whether the person who appeared in the bath is her true self.

He stated his desire directly:

"I would like to borrow the Sword Emperor Scripture for a look. Are there any requirements?"

"The Sword Emperor Scripture was left to the family by the late emperor and is not to be studied by outsiders. However, the Ba family was once a royal family that came from the Tianji Empire... If we count the relationships, Mingkong, you can be considered a relative. But I can't make up my mind on my own. I can discuss it with the Empress when I get back."

If we talk about ancestral relationships, Chu Mingkong is indeed a distant relative of the Ba royal family. Although the Chu family were only subjects of the late emperor, Chu Mingkong managed to win over Jin Yu and Yong Zhen.

These princesses are related to the late emperor by blood or marriage, so Chu Mingkong can be considered a son-in-law, right?

"Okay, let's discuss it again when we get back."

“However, I must first pour some cold water on your enthusiasm, Mingkong. In the worst-case scenario, you might only be able to read ‘The Unfettered Strings of the Plain Maiden’,” Balan reminded him.

“This will work too. Don’t let my martial arts skills fool you; I’ve always loved to delve into the study of women’s vocal cords.”

Chu Mingkong nodded deeply. Even if this was the worst-case scenario, it was still a guarantee that he would get to meet Su Nu from another strategy text, which was well worth it!

After discussing the important matter in general terms, Chu Mingkong entered the Immortal Treasure Pavilion and began leading people out, as if preparing for an outing.

Looking at the sheer number of women in the family, Balan was quite amazed. He felt that Chu Mingkong was quite unusual. How could he concentrate on his cultivation if he had so many women in his family?

Although it was the first time Balan had seen these women, he could recognize a few of them as members of the Tianji royal family.

Chu Mingkong shines so brightly in the Sword Dynasty, so Balan will definitely investigate him behind the scenes. The easiest thing to investigate is his experience in the capital.

Therefore, Balan already knew about his emptying of the noble ladies' possessions in the Tianji royal family.

From the perspective of cultivators, many cultivators who form companions in the mortal world will eventually part ways with their companions, at most leaving behind some money and pills as compensation, while they leave alone to pursue the endless path of cultivation.

It's somewhat like shedding burdens for the sake of one's future, but this is indeed a normal mindset for a cultivator.

Balan was surprised that Chu Mingkong had brought all these women with him, which might become a burden for him.

However, from the perspective of a woman, or rather from the perspective of the Sword Dynasty's higher-ups, she quite admired Chu Mingkong's attachment to the women around him. In the future, when he becomes too attached to women to move around, it would be perfect if he stayed in the Sword Dynasty!

Considering his glorious past of emptying the Heavenly Pole Royal Family, Balan was somewhat worried about the beautiful women on the Sword Dynasty's side...

Upon hearing that Chu Mingkong had returned, Jin Yu rushed out as fast as a rabbit. Just as Chu Mingkong caught a whiff of her fragrance and threw himself into her arms, he heard her ask:

"Chu Lang, how come you always bring a woman out of the Abyss every time you go in? First you brought Bai Niang, then Aunt Dong Lu, and now who is this beautiful woman?"

She was referring to Balan, of course.

Balan smiled awkwardly at Jinyu.

"This is a sword immortal from the Sword Emperor Dynasty's royal family. According to bloodline, Balan is your elder!"

Jin Yu was a little confused. The royal family was indeed quite large and numerous, but how could they still be related in such a faraway place?

"Huh? Really? What generation is this elder? How should we address them?"

Balan asked about the development of the Tianji royal family through each generation, did a quick calculation of the seniority, and realized that being called "grandmother" by Jinyu was considered young!

It can only be said that the difference between sect dynasties and secular dynasties is indeed great. It is difficult for royal children like Jin Yu to cultivate to a very high level, and their lifespan cannot keep up. The generations of them are replaced much faster than in the Sword Dynasty.

“Just call her Auntie, calling her Grandma sounds a bit too formal…” Balan said, embarrassed.

"Then call me Grandma~?" Jin Yu said jokingly, of course, it was just a joke, she winked playfully.

After briefly explaining how they met, Chu Mingkong went upstairs and hugged the three little girls, making them laugh.

Aunt Gu and Xiao Zhi were naturally going to go to the Sword Dynasty as well; they couldn't stay in the Immortal Treasure Pavilion forever.

As for the maids in the Immortal Treasure Pavilion, Chu Mingkong had also considered them, but no matter how much he considered it, he still had to wait for Qingse to make arrangements, as she was more aware of the personnel arrangements for her "flying house".

It's impossible to take all the maids away at once. The Immortal Treasure Pavilion still needs someone to manage it. Perhaps the only option is to let them take turns going to the Sword Emperor Dynasty.

It's just that Chu Mingkong doesn't have the ability to make such a large house fly over the Abyss right now.

We couldn't protect them!

Trying is worthwhile, but the Immortal Treasure Pavilion is considered a "precision instrument" in terms of array patterns. The more precise something is, the less resistant it is to damage. If any corner is accidentally touched by the power of extreme yin, the entire house might be ruined, and then it would truly become a ruined house.