Chapter 430
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Chapter 430: Blood Lotus Immortal Kingdom
Next to the road, a few people were sitting at a table in an inn, casually ordering some drinks to take a break.
"To deal with Martial Saint, you have something that can be used, but you do not know what this thing is…"
Qiao Mu’s eyes glanced down and landed on the Human Emperor Sword at Founding Emperor Yan’s waist.
He had used this sword once before, and it was truly a national treasure.
Martial Saint was also a subject of Jiu Province. The Human Emperor Sword may not be able to diminish the cultivation of cultivators, but it was still an extraordinary weapon in the mortal world.
"…" Founding Emperor Yan stayed silent, subconsciously touching the Human Emperor Sword.
Last time, he lent the sword to a member of the Qiao family, who was three thousand miles away. Could it be that someone was coveting the Human Emperor Sword now?
"A national treasure cannot be lent out casually," said Founding Emperor Yan.
"It’s actually a secret martial arts manual."
Qiao Mu thought for a moment and remembered the shout from the Founding Emperor Yan earlier, which made Wu Qizheng dizzy and caused all the golden core cultivators above to lose control and fall.
Even he himself felt his blood and energy surging, making his whole body slightly numb.
"Was it the ‘Tian Ming Shen Gang’ sound technique you used just now?" Qiao Mu asked.
Wu Qizheng beside him also seemed intrigued.
"This sound technique, just like the Eye Attacking Technique, is an offensive martial art for Spirit Refining martial artists, but rarer," Wu Qizheng explained.
"If it’s really that sound technique, it’s indeed a great gift."
Founding Emperor Yan smiled and said, "You’re thinking too small."
Before long, a figure in a black robe appeared out of thin air, moving gracefully like a goose gliding across the sky, using the familiar Heavenly Dragon Eight Steps technique.
This person turned out to be an old acquaintance of Qiao Mu’s, the Great Yan divine catcher, Wei En.
Qiao Mu had learned the Heavenly Dragon Eight Steps from Wei En.
After Martial Saint’s fake death, Wei En, who had not yet achieved a superb rank, was known as the best in lightness kung fu, and his reputation was well deserved.
Sensing a message from the Founding Emperor Yan, Wei En hurried from the Imperial Capital.
"Have you brought the item?" asked Founding Emperor Yan.
Wei En nodded, fearing to delay Qiao Mu’s journey to the Western Province, he hurried using the Heavenly Dragon Eight Steps.
He took out a small package from his pocket, and then pulled out a thread-bound book from it.
The book was titled "Tian Ming Shen Gang."
As Qiao Mu reached out to take it, Wei En spread out the package, laid out the thread-bound books letter by letter on the Eight Immortals table by the inn’s entrance.
"Lion Roars," "Tiger Roars and Dragon Chants," "Mysterious Darkness Ghosts Cry," "Phoenix Cries in the Nine Heavens," "Breaking Moon Dragon Chant"…
Founding Emperor Yan smiled.
"There are a total of twelve sets of music skills, all of which are top-notch skills in the world, and are treasures of the Great Yan imperial family’s library."
"The most famous one here is the Shaolin skill ‘Lion Roars’."
"From the Shaolin skill ‘Lion Roars’ to the self-harming forbidden skill ‘Tian Ming Shen Gang’, starting from the basics and advancing to the profound, the difficulty and usage are different, totaling twelve sets."
"I heard that Peach Blossom Villa collects martial arts from all over the world, so they gave this to us as a gift."
Qiao Mu was slightly taken aback.
Only now did he realize what Founding Emperor Yan meant when he answered his question about the skill ‘Tian Ming Shen Gang’.
The scale is too small.
One set is too few, if you’re giving it, give a dozen directly!
"There are twelve different music techniques, varying in difficulty and power," said Founding Emperor Yan.
"Among them, the ‘Heavenly Bright Divine Fist’ is the most powerful."
"This technique is like holding thunder in your mouth, with a sound like roaring thunder. With just one shout of True Strength, it can make a martial artist’s blood and energy surge, causing their internal strength to stagnate, and feeling dizzy."
"It also has a remarkable effect against inhuman beings."
Speaking of this, Founding Emperor Yan suddenly coughed lightly twice, covering his mouth with a handkerchief.
When he removed the handkerchief, there was already a fresh bloodstain on it.
"The other several music techniques each have their own strengths. But when it comes to power, the ‘Heavenly Bright Divine Fist’ is the best."
"However, this technique is ultimately a self-damaging forbidden technique. Using it too forcefully can harm one’s internal organs, so ordinary people should not use it lightly."
"Your Majesty…" Wei En looked concerned.
Founding Emperor Yan was like a mighty pillar in the Great Yan Imperial Court, he couldn’t fall down…
"Oh? About that, it’s no big deal," Founding Emperor Yan smiled slightly.
"Ordinary people should not use it lightly, but I am not an ordinary person."
After saying that, he took out a small bottle from his pocket and poured out a pill and took it.
After taking a few breaths, his face quickly returned to a healthy color, and the coughing stopped immediately.
As a Medicine Spirit Body, Founding Emperor Yan had almost no resistance to medicine, and his absorption of various medicinal powers was excellent.
So, taking medicine for him was as easy as eating candy, he even flaunted it as a feast.
"Funny, I’m not an ordinary person either," Qiao Mu smiled at Founding Emperor Yan.
Not only Qiao Mu, but also Wu Qizheng next to him, were experts in Shape Changing Skill and could rapidly heal themselves through controlling their bodies.
Wei En stood alone, feeling a bit out of place.
"This generous gift is truly precious…" Qiao Mu looked at Founding Emperor Yan.
"What’s wrong, are you trying to refuse?" Founding Emperor Yan said seriously.
"We are not close friends, today is just our first meeting."
"It’s not because of your surname Jo, it’s because of your actions."
"By using Martial Arts to defeat Immortals, destroying an Immortal Gate, and sweeping away the ruins of the Qingyi Province, you deserve this reward."
Founding Emperor Yan laughed twice and raised a cup of wine in his hand.
"Going to the Western Province is not a peaceful place either."
"That place has very few people, sometimes for tens of miles Fang Yuan may not see any smoke, just endless desert."
"Since ancient times, Western Province has been a land plagued by frequent disasters. According to legends, it used to be a vast battlefield long ago, which may be why it became a barren land for miles around."
"Can an ancient battlefield really turn into scorched earth for miles?" Qiao Mu casually remarked.
Emperor Yan smiled but remained silent, only speaking after a long pause:
"If a million mortal soldiers fight, with a million bodies lying and blood flowing, it is already the extreme."
"But if it involves cultivators with extraordinary powers…" Emperor Yan’s face darkened slightly:
"Just like in my Zhong Province, where there is a desert of a hundred miles just a few dozen miles away, you must be aware of it."
Qiao Mu was surprised.
"Are you saying that the vast barren lands in Western Province are mostly caused by conflicts among cultivators in ancient times?"
"It might not necessarily be due to conflicts among cultivators." After pondering for a moment, Emperor Yan said:
"According to local legends, maybe it’s the ancient battlefield of immortals and gods."
Immortals are cultivators.
The term "gods" actually refers to the Ancient Gods and Demons from ancient times, who were the earliest enemies of cultivators.
As for the later demon tribes, although they could compete with cultivators during their peak, they were ultimately not as strong.
Founding Emperor Yan lived for 300 years in the mortal realm and was the first emperor of Great Yan, so he knew a lot more.
"Since the chaos in Jiu Province and the uprising of various kings, Western Province has lost contact with the court," said Founding Emperor Yan.
"Even though I sent experts in spiritual refining from the Flying Fish Guard who mastered the Spiritual Sound Conducting Technique into Western Province, they returned with very little knowledge of the current situation there."
"According to the information they brought back, many of the cities in Western Province are abandoned, with a large number of common people missing, and many places have become deserted ghost towns."
"Is it because of the Human Demon?" Qiao Mu asked.
"It seems that this happened before the rumors of the Human Demon appeared," said Founding Emperor Yan.
"And in the Western Province, there is a mountain called Kuafu Mountain," said Founding Emperor Yan.
"Kuafu Mountain has a strange shape, just like the fallen Giant Kuafu in myths, hence the name."
"And that Kuafu Mountain is likely where the Blood Lotus Sect’s headquarters are located."
"Since you are looking for Martial Saint, you might find him around Kuafu Mountain."
With that, Founding Emperor Yan raised his cup once again.
"Since you are heading west to find Martial Saint, this drink can be considered a toast to your journey."
Qiao Mu was taken aback for a moment, but then raised his cup, clinked it with the Emperor’s, and drank it all in one go.
The two of them had no personal relationship to speak of, and strictly speaking, they were not necessarily on the same side, as they had once been mortal enemies in battle.
It was just a coincidence that they met outside the Zhong Province and shared a glass of wine as an excuse to chat.
"Take care."
Founding Emperor Yan watched Qiao Mu’s figure disappear on the horizon, with a slightly heavy gaze.
From Qiao Mu’s point of view, Founding Emperor Yan was an old friend, a former great enemy.
From Founding Emperor Yan’s point of view, Qiao Mu was a stranger, a senior of the Qiao family.
He had seen Qiao Jin before, now he saw Qiao Qijin.
Is it possible that after going to Western Province to fight against Martial Saint, following the Qiao family’s style, he might never come back?
After all, no matter how skilled or strong in martial arts.
People like Qiao family members, who are filled with hatred for evil and prioritize righteousness over life and death, often meet an early end.
For many years, before he became Founding Emperor Yan, he also had such moments.
"If I were three hundred years younger, I would love to go with this person and fight side by side. It would be a great joy in my life."
Founding Emperor Yan looked away.
Founding Emperor Yan, who was over three hundred years old, though he regained his original intention after being defeated in the imperial palace, his state of mind had changed, but he was no longer a young man.
"Ancestor…" At this moment, Wei En suddenly interrupted, pointing to the Eight Immortals table next to him.
On the table, a small booklet titled "Heavenly Dragon Eight Steps·Dragon Transforming Step" had appeared at some point.
"Dragon Transforming Step?" Founding Emperor Yan quickly flipped through the booklet and his spirits lifted.
Being knowledgeable, he immediately recognized the extraordinary nature of this Dragon Transforming Step…
"This Qiao family member really doesn’t receive any undeserved favors."
Founding Emperor Yan sighed:
"He borrowed the Human Emperor Sword for a journey of three thousand miles, and the Qiao family sent the Flying Sword to deliver a message over three thousand miles."
"He just received a set of martial arts secrets, and the Qiao family turned around and gave him the Illusory Dragon Step technique for defying gravity."
"He doesn’t hold grudges from the past, nor does he seek revenge… truly free-spirited and open-minded."
A Qiao family member avenges without hesitation.
Often, before their own fallen family member is cold, the bones of the enemy have turned to ashes, swept away by the elder from the Qiao family.
To outsiders, the Qiao family appears as a mysterious clan with an upright and enigmatic lineage…
…………………………………..
Several days later.
"In Western Province, the land is vast and people are scarce."
"But along the Sky Piercing River in Western Province, there are many towns and cities. So, if you need to find someone, naturally you would start searching here…"
"Wu Qizheng, did you say this before?"
Qiao Mu looked at the dilapidated and empty city in front of him and asked.
At this moment, the two of them were in a city by the Sky Piercing River in Western Province called Lone Goose City.
This city was not small at all. Judging by its size, it might have had over ten thousand people at its peak.
However, as Qiao Mu and his companion walked the streets of Lone Goose City, they found it desolate and run-down. The sides of the streets were lined with houses, but there were very few people walking around.
The scene was reminiscent of the empty Nan Province Yan City after a famine.
The two of them stood at the street intersection, feeling the wind carrying traces of yellow sand, howling through the streets, with very few sounds of people around.
"The reasoning is correct," Wu Qizheng did not admit that he was wrong.
"Before the chaos in Jiu Province, Lone Goose City actually had a population of nearly two hundred thousand."
"There is clearly a problem in Lone Goose City. Tens of thousands of people wouldn’t just disappear in one or two years."
"In my opinion, there must be something fishy going on, maybe it’s related to that ‘Human Demon.’"
"What is the young man talking about? Bad luck." At this moment, the middle-aged innkeeper at the street side walked out, frowning.
"In our Lone Goose City, we haven’t suffered from the disaster of the Human Demon."
"The ordinary people living here just left, they didn’t die."
"Tens of thousands of people migrating within one or two years?" Wu Qizheng asked again.
Lone Goose City is located by the Sky Piercing River, and it is one of the few places in Western Province with abundant water supply. Compared to other areas in Western Province, it is already a peaceful land. Who would leave?
"They went on a pilgrimage to the Immortal Kingdom."
The middle-aged man’s face showed clear excitement.
"Once we find the Kuafu Divine Mountain, enter the Blood Lotus Immortal Kingdom, we won’t have to suffer in the mortal world anymore. Who wouldn’t want that?"
"Blood Lotus Immortal Kingdom…" Qiao Mu and Wu Qizheng exchanged a glance.
The Western Province Blood Lotus Sect is seen as almost a sect of dark magic by other Immortal Gates.
While other Immortal Gates still need to maintain a facade of noble immortals, the Blood Lotus Sect doesn’t bother with that.
In the Western Province, there doesn’t seem to be a "Great Western King" waving the flag of "Using Martial Arts to Defeat Immortals."
But the so-called Earthly Immortal Kingdom has already been established.
"Isn’t the Blood Lotus Sect afraid of being affected by earthly luck?" Wu Qizheng thought to himself.
The Nine Heavenly Immortal Gates supported the false king, each using their own methods to create powerful kings who could defeat immortals, thus gaining great fame.
Former kings such as Zhong Province King Qin, Southeast Feather King, and South King of Nan Province were no exception.
Even though it was just a front-facing job, it still needed to be done well.
One of the reasons for the actions of the Nine Heavenly Immortal Gates was actually fear of the Human Emperor Sword, wanting to secretly weaken the Great Yan Imperial Court.
When the people’s loyalty to the Great Yan dwindled, the Human Emperor Sword, once a symbol of the country, became just an old ordinary sword.
The Blood Lotus Sect appeared to be different.
"Big brother, where should we go in this Blood Lotus Immortal Kingdom?"
Wu Qizheng approached quietly and handed over some pieces of silver.
"Why give me these worldly goods?" The middle-aged innkeeper frowned.
"Plus, how would I know–"
"Big brother, who wouldn’t want to go to that magical-sounding place called the Blood Lotus Immortal Kingdom? I traveled all the way from the Nan Province, where things are chaotic and not suitable for living."
Wu Qizheng took a step forward and handed over a heavy bag of money directly.
"It seems like you are a devout believer too, so I don’t need to hide this from you," pondered the innkeeper.
"Although I don’t know where the Blood Lotus Immortal Kingdom is, a group of seekers looking for the land of immortals left the city a few days ago and headed north."
"If you hurry with all your might, you might just catch up…"
