12dz Chapter 192 Preparing for the Aftermath
Chapter 192 Preparing for the Aftermath
Chapter 193 Preparing for the Aftermath
The young man at the head of the group was the eldest grandson of the Sixth Elder, named Gao Huan.
He has a great fondness for beautiful women, but his taste is very discerning.
Even the famous Wonderful Sound Sect in the Chaotic Star Sea, he would often find it boring and look down on it after playing with it once or twice.
Moreover, he was obsessed with novels, biographies, and tales of chivalrous heroes from a young age, especially those depicting adventures in nature and stories of seeking immortals and treasures.
To cater to his preferences, his so-called "friends"...
In reality, they are mostly sycophants and hangers-on, so they often carefully arrange some scenes.
Sometimes, they would arrange for "respectable women" to be harassed, so that Gao Huan could play the hero and save the beauty.
Sometimes, he would set up some simple "cave ruins" and take out some precious but not top-tier magical artifacts and herbs from the family storehouse as "treasures" so that he could experience the fun of adventure and treasure hunting.
Over time, these people naturally became Gao Huan's "friends".
Unexpectedly, Tianxing City, which had been in the hands of the Sixth Elder's faction for decades, was reduced to a much weaker position due to the Kui Xing Island incident and a series of other events. The First Elder, Jin Kui, had to leave seclusion and suppress their faction.
These sycophants are now in a difficult position to back down.
If we were to give up now, all our previous investments would have been for nothing.
But even a weakened camel is bigger than a horse. Among the six elders of Tianxing City, apart from the supreme two saints, the Sixth Elder is still one of the most prominent forces.
The lineage of the Sixth Elder can be said to hold a significant position within Tianxing City.
Even in decline, it is still profitable for them to squeeze out some benefits through their fingers, such as attaching themselves to a trade route.
Today, Gao Huan, a cultivator who has not yet formed his core, had nothing to do, so he strolled around Tianxing City with his friends.
The path to immortality is not about living in seclusion or simply shutting yourself in.
To truly appreciate nature, one must first understand the ways of the world and experience life; it is not about simply shutting oneself away in seclusion.
Gao Huan hesitated, wanting to use his family background to pressure the other party into showing more respect.
But then he remembered that this was not the time for his great-grandfather to be in power, and that countless forces were watching their lineage from the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to trip them up. In the end, he suppressed his anger and just wanted to turn around and leave.
The man who had just threatened him wouldn't give up, his voice laced with sneer: "Hmph! Who are you calling a bunch of cronies? State your lineage and sect, and have your elders speak up! Don't come kneeling here begging for mercy!"
Before the words were finished, a calm voice came from behind them: "I, Lu, am their elder, an independent cultivator without any sect or faction. Tell me, how do you intend for me to kowtow and kneel before you?"
The voice carried no hint of frivolity, but rather a serious tone.
Upon hearing the voice, Xin Ruyin and Yan Ruyan frowned slightly, wondering who would dare to impersonate them.
Once their gaze passed over the group of people in front of them and they saw the faces of the newcomers, their eyes lit up instantly, as if they had found their pillar of support, and bright smiles spread across their faces.
They quickly stepped aside to bypass the people blocking their way, bringing with them a refreshing fragrance, and hurried to his side, bowing respectfully in unison.
"senior!"
Xin Ruyin has a gentle voice.
"You're back!"
Yan Ruyan's tone was filled with surprise and relief.
Lu Jianghe nodded slightly, his eyes questioning.
The latter felt a warmth in his heart and nodded gently to indicate that he was alright.
Seeing how young the other person was, the others were about to start cursing when Gao Huan spoke up and reprimanded them.
"That's enough!"
The two men exchanged bewildered glances, their faces filled with disbelief. "Brother Gao, what's wrong?"
Gao Huan's voice was icy. "From now on, let's go our separate ways."
After saying this, he turned around, bowed respectfully to Lu Jianghe, and then left without looking back.
The others looked at each other, puzzled, but dared not delay and quickly gave chase.
Yan Ruyan asked, somewhat puzzled, "These juniors in the late Foundation Establishment stage, who were originally going to make a racket, just slunk away like that?"
Lu Jianghe revealed the truth and laughed, "It was that young man; he seems to recognize me."
Yan Ruyan suddenly realized, "So that's how it is. No wonder that kid ran faster than a rabbit. He does have some sense."
Xin Ruyin was more concerned about Lu Jianghe's return, and said with a gentle smile, "It's good that you're back safely, sir. Your trip to the Void Heaven Palace must have been very fruitful."
Lu Jianghe nodded, his gaze falling on Yan Ruyan, and asked, "I heard from Zhuang Huayi that your natal flying sword was damaged. What exactly happened?"
Yan Ruyan's expression was relaxed, and she said nonchalantly, "During the battle, I was ambushed by an opponent's vicious magic weapon. Although I barely managed to repel the powerful enemy, the spiritual essence of my flying sword was damaged, and a tiny crack appeared on its blade. My soul suffered some shock, but I'll be fine after some recuperation. It's just that this flying sword—"
As she spoke, she opened her mouth and spat out a "feather" with a fine crack clearly visible on it.
"The repair might be quite troublesome, requiring several rare yang-type spiritual materials, and then nourished with essence blood. Sister Xin and I are currently searching for Fiery Sun Crystal and Heavenly Marrow Sand in the market."
Lu Jianghe asked, "Have you got any leads or managed to buy it?"
Xin Ruyin and Yan Ruyan exchanged a glance and shook their heads in unison.
Lu Jianghe didn't say much, only saying, "Let's go back first, I have some things to explain."
As soon as he finished speaking, three beams of light shot into the sky, soaring upwards and heading straight back to the cave.
Not long after returning to his cave, Lu Jianghe's expression turned cold.
Seeing his expression, the women exchanged glances, all feeling somewhat puzzled.
Especially Yan Ruyan and Xin Ruyin, they were fine in the market just now, why did their expressions suddenly change?
Lu Jianghe didn't put on any airs and gestured for everyone to sit down.
In fact, Lu Jianghe's true nature is just as the old swordsman Dong Sangeng, whose strength is second only to Chen Qingdu, once said with a smile: "In my opinion, the way you cultivate your mind through reading seems to suit your temperament better than your sword practice."
At the time, Lu Jianghe simply laughed it off.
He held this highly respected and esteemed elder in the Sword Qi Great Wall in high esteem and naturally wouldn't argue, "How could your eyes, as sharp as an asshole, be wrong and think I'm more suited to studying?"
Otherwise, how could he possess such a strange, top-grade natal flying sword?
In fact, the records of the summer palace of the Sword Qi Great Wall contain the personality and actions of almost every Ascended Realm Sword Immortal.
Lu Jianghe, on the other hand, possessed both a ruthless and decisive side, and also a gentle and kind heart like that of a scholar.
This is reflected in his way of dealing with people, as if he has his own unique set of principles for dealing with people, which can be categorized into three levels: superior, middle, and inferior.
A fellow soldier once commented on the Sword Qi Great Wall.
A person like Lu Jianghe, if placed among the powerful and wealthy, or among a group of sword immortals, would inevitably exude an imposing aura and have an undeniable sharp edge.
However, when he is with friends or out and about, whether it is eating or drinking, he is always relaxed and casual, without being bothered by trivial matters.
What's even more remarkable is that he showed great patience towards orphaned children who had lost their parents and were raised by the Sword Qi Great Wall.
If a child asks him for advice, he often talks for half an hour or so, from beginning to end, without ever showing the slightest impatience.
As for Lu Jianghe's somber expression at this moment, it was not his true nature, but rather a deliberate act.
Since the decision to leave has been made, all worries and attachments should be cut off.
The desires and attachments of enlightened beings are like knots quietly tightening in their hearts.
What may seem insignificant can be enough to hinder someone from traveling far away.
In his view, a swift and decisive approach is the best choice for both himself and the other party.
After all, on his long journey, he had heard and witnessed too many stories of love and heartbreak. The more he heard, the more vigilant he became, and the more he avoided such situations.
I still remember that deaf old man from the Great Wall of Sword Qi, who was one of the top ten sword immortals.
One time, I didn't know what I was thinking, so I talked to him about it.
The old deaf man was originally from a barbaric demon clan, and had a deeply unforgettable love affair in his youth.
He once encountered a lady wearing flowers in her hair, and was amazed by her beauty.
At that time, the old deaf man described the woman as having an exceptionally beautiful face and a gentle demeanor that penetrated to the bone.
Her laughter was gentle and soft, like a spring breeze caressing willows; even when she shed tears, she never cried out loudly, but rather her tears fell like pear blossoms in the rain, her silence only adding to her desolation.
When observing people, events, or scenery, she is always calm and focused, as if the noise of the world does not enter her heart.
At that time, the old deaf man made great progress in his cultivation, and his progress was unstoppable. He was focused on climbing the Great Dao and had no interest in his children. He often traveled far and wide with his sword, making the world his home.
When he finally achieved great success in his cultivation and returned to his hometown in high spirits, seeking that tenderness etched in his heart, he found only the green hills still standing, overgrown with weeds, and a solitary grave, silent and still under the setting sun.
The green grass on the grave seemed to be her silent question, becoming a knot in his heart.
When the old deaf man talked about these things, there was little emotion in his eyes.
He did not specify the cause of the woman's death, whether it was due to the exhaustion of her lifespan or a violent clash, but simply concluded with "a grave."
Lu Jianghe looked at the several women around him who were holding their breath and waiting, their eyes filled with inquiry and a hint of unease.
They all keenly sensed that something was wrong.
This coldness was not Lu Jianghe's usual indifference, but rather a deliberate isolation.
Zhuang Huayi, being the most skilled, felt the impact most deeply, and her eyes grew uneasy.
Lu Jianghe suddenly stood up. "I just remembered something. Let's talk about it next time."
Before he finished speaking, he had vanished.
The women looked at each other, their eyes filled with doubt and confusion, and remained silent for a moment.
At this moment, inside the thirty-ninth level of the cave.
Han Li was sitting cross-legged, carefully examining the treasures he had obtained from the Void Heaven Palace, taking stock of his rich harvest.
The wolf-headed jade ruyi, the blood-red cloak, the Five Elements Rings, and the Azure Ice Flame that even Nascent Soul stage monsters feared, plus the white rhinoceros pendant given by Brother Lu—
Each and every one of them is a top-tier magical artifact, and among them are two or three ancient treasures of unfathomable power!
"Our family fortune has really skyrocketed now!"
Han Li could no longer suppress the smile on his face.
At this moment, Lu Jianghe stepped in from outside the door, but this time he did not deliberately scare the boy.
"Magic treasures and external objects are ultimately just external possessions, temporary reliance. The essence of cultivation ultimately lies in one's own inherent spiritual power."
"Magic treasures are good, but don't be greedy for more, lest you lose sight of your true nature. Memorize the Great Refining Method I passed on to you, and carefully nurture your natal flying sword. As long as your cultivation level keeps up and your Dao power is pure enough, the saying 'one sword can break through all laws' will not be an empty boast."
Lu Jianghe's voice carried a kind of unwavering conviction, a testament to his pure path of sword cultivation.
The techniques may be old, but they are effective. What sword cultivators seek is only refinement and purity; once a sword is drawn, the world loses its color.
Then, Lu Jianghe continued, "Of course, this doesn't refer to now. It's only after you reach a higher realm and enter the Nascent Soul stage that you can gradually shift towards this path. Right now, your realm is still low, so finding more magical treasures and techniques to protect yourself for combat and defense is still more beneficial than harmful."
Upon hearing this, Han Li almost rolled his eyes.
Lu Ge has said all the good and bad things, what else can he say?
However, he suppressed his inner grumbling and replied, "Brother Lu, you came here this time because of Zhang Tie's soul, right?"
Lu Jianghe hummed in agreement and held out his hand: "Give me Zhang Tie's soul."
Han Li looked solemn and took out a jade box from his storage bag.
Open the box, and inside lies a black and white chess piece, carrying the remnants of a soul.
As Lu Jianghe's thoughts stirred slightly, the chess piece was lifted up by an invisible force and floated steadily in the air.
Han Li had thought that Lu Jianghe would go into seclusion to cast spells for this matter, but he saw that the other party simply waved his sleeve lightly.
The gentle breeze stirred by the sleeves seemed to contain supreme principles, precisely sweeping across the chess pieces.
In an instant, the eerie black lines that clung to the soul like maggots, representing restrictions and evil magic, vanished like thin snow exposed to sunlight.
The chess pieces themselves began to undergo a wondrous change. They were no longer static, but rather, like ink smears thrown into water, they slowly coalesced and dispersed.
Gradually, an extremely faint human figure, as if formed from the thinnest mist, appeared.
The form trembled slightly, appearing ethereal and fragile, as if a gentle breeze could easily disperse it.
Han Li looked at Zhang Tie's face, which was gradually becoming clearer, his eyes filled with complex and unfathomable emotions.
Lu Jianghe waved his sleeve, taking the weakened soul into its original form, and then asked, "Have you planted the piece of soul-nourishing wood I gave you earlier?"
Han Li quickly replied, "I planted it as soon as I returned to my cave. However, this kind of divine tree seems to grow extremely slowly, just like the Thunder Bamboo. Since it was planted, only a tiny new bud has sprouted, and then there has been no further movement."
Lu Jianghe said knowingly, "It's alright. Once the Soul-Nourishing Tree grows its third new leaf, we can let Zhang Tie's soul reside in it for nourishment. After his soul has been consolidated for a while, we can find him a suitable puppet body."
Han Li nodded in agreement: "I understand."
Lu Jianghe asked again, "Now that everything is settled, what are your plans for the near future?"
Han Li stated frankly, "The most important thing right now is to go into seclusion and try to break through to the mid-stage of Core Formation. At the same time, we also need to start collecting the other medicinal materials needed to refine the Nine-Bend Spirit Ginseng Pill."
Lu Jianghe nodded and said, "Yes, with your current accumulation, you can take that Heaven-Mending Pill and refine it. Once you've refined it, breaking through to the mid-stage of Core Formation shouldn't be difficult. If you encounter any problems during this time, you can seek help from Zhuang Huayi. Out of respect for me, as long as it's not too troublesome, she will most likely lend a hand."