chsdbacks Chapter 230 The Reincarnation of Zhenwu? The Tomb of the Night Emperor
Chapter 230 The Reincarnation of Zhenwu? The Tomb of the Night Emperor
Chapter 230 The Reincarnation of Zhenwu? The Tomb of the Night Emperor
After a while,
The tense atmosphere in the private room seemed to ease somewhat due to Li Xijun's composure and determination.
Xuanwu Venerable Su Manniang watched him drink the cup of "Amber Light" in one gulp.
The last trace of amusement vanished from his eyes, replaced by scrutiny and a faint admiration.
She didn't speak immediately, but instead extended her slender fingers, poured herself a glass of wine, and slowly took a sip.
It was as if they were savoring Li Xijun's words, "The road is long and arduous, but if you keep going, you will reach your destination."
Setting down her wine glass, she suddenly smiled, a hint of indescribable depth appearing in her alluring expression:
"What a fine 'If you do it, you will arrive'! Little one, with your spirit and courage, I'll do this deal."
Before she finished speaking, her fingertip had already risen, not pointing at Li Xijun's forehead, but gently guiding the wine on the table.
A drop of amber-colored liquor floated up, swirling gracefully between her fingertips.
In an instant,
The liquid seemed no longer to be just wine, but rather to have absorbed the weight of the boundless desert and the darkness of the deep sea, becoming as deep as ink, yet radiating a faint, earth-like light.
"Concentrate, calm your mind!"
Su Manniang's voice no longer carried any languid teasing, but became deep and solemn, like a rhythm coming from the depths of the earth.
The heavy drop of "liquid" was flicked by her fingertip and suddenly disappeared into Li Xijun's brow.
Li Xijun felt a sudden jolt in his mind!
The anticipated impact, like the earth collapsing and the sea surging back, did not erupt immediately.
in contrast,
An extremely heavy, extremely vast will, seemingly bearing all things and concealing everything,
It spread gently yet irresistibly, slowly permeating his soul.
"..."
Li Xijun's entire spiritual world seemed to sink into a silent, dark, and soundless deep sea in an instant, or perhaps merge into the vast and boundless earth.
Vast, magnificent, yet extremely restrained and serene will, it embraced him like a mother's embrace, yet carried an unchanging majesty.
In this profound spiritual realm, he did not feel suffocated or oppressed at all; on the contrary, he felt a sense of peace and tranquility, as if he were returning to his origins.
He clearly "felt" the breath of the earth's veins, steady and powerful, bearing the weight of mountains and rivers through the ages, silent yet containing boundless strength;
He "touched" the rhythm of the deep sea bottom, dark and cold, with immense pressure, devouring everything and nourishing all things, the ultimate tranquility and the ultimate rage.
More importantly, the true meaning of "the male does not live alone, the female does not live in solitude, the Black Tortoise and the Snake, the coiled dragon supporting each other" naturally flowed and manifested in his heart.
He "saw" the giant tortoise lying down, its back like a vast continent, steady and still, representing yin, stillness, and bearing.
The serpent coils around, its shape resembling a deep, dark ravine, agile and nimble, representing Yang, movement, and attacking the enemy.
The intertwining of the tortoise and the snake, the mutual dependence of yin and yang, the balance of movement and stillness, perfectly exemplify the harmonious unity of ultimate stability and ultimate change, ultimate defense and ultimate offense, constituting the most stable and wondrous law of balance in the world.
This scene, this true meaning, perfectly matched his already understood concept of "the unity of tortoise and snake," blending seamlessly without any hindrance.
After an unknown amount of time, the deep and heavy torrent gradually subsided, settling down as a nourishing essence for the soul.
The Enlightenment Chapter and the External Landscape Chapter of the "Xuanwu Zhenhai Fudi Fa" were already clearly imprinted deep in his soul.
Together with the previously obtained "Azure Dragon Wood Longevity Formula" and "Vermilion Bird Fire Burning Heaven Scripture", they form a subtle connection that is both independent and subtly echoes each other.
The profound Daoist essence of Xuanwu and the wonder of Yin-Yang interaction were also deeply imprinted into his soul, transforming into a tortoise-snake intertwined rune that stood alongside the dragon-shaped rune and the Vermilion Bird rune.
I do not know how long it has been,
He understood and mastered the profound meaning of the "Xuanwu Suppressing the Sea and Covering the Earth Technique" as if it were second nature.
The internal energy spontaneously circulates slowly along the newly acquired path, bringing an unprecedented sense of solidity and groundedness.
Li Xijun slowly opened her eyes, and this time the information in her field of vision seemed to be flooding her screen.
[Your mastery of the "Black Tortoise Suppressing the Sea and Covering the Earth Technique" has increased from 0% to 100%.]
Your mastery of the "Black Tortoise Sea-Suppressing and Earth-Covering Technique" has increased from 0% to 100%.
[Your "Black Tortoise Suppressing the Sea and Covering the Earth Technique" level has increased from Master 100% to Grandmaster 1%.]
smoothly!
Everything went incredibly smoothly!
From the moment Li Xijun began cultivating until he comprehended the true meaning of the "Xuanwu Zhenhai Fudi Fa" (Black Tortoise Sea-Suppressing Earth-Covering Method), all his breakthroughs along the way were perfectly natural.
It was as if this cultivation technique was tailor-made for him.
Li Xijun hadn't even practiced the fist and foot techniques of the "Twenty-Seven Forms of Xuanwu."
He came to comprehend the external killing move, Xuanwu Covering the Sea Seal, and directly cultivated it to the Grandmaster level, directly understanding the Xuanwu intent.
He was clear-headed; for him, the greatest hurdle in cultivating the "Xuanwu Zhenhai Fudi Fa"—the true meaning of "Yin-Yang interaction and tortoise-snake unity"—had already been overcome, and there was no difficulty whatsoever.
He could easily master the external killing move, Xuanwu Overturning the Sea Seal, in a single day at most.
"How is it?" Li Qinghan's cool voice rang out at the right time, carrying a hint of barely perceptible concern.
Li Xijun nodded slightly, feeling the Xuanwu spiritual power within his body circulating easily and radiating the true meaning of Xuanwu, and then spoke:
"The Xuanwu Technique is indeed profound and extensive. I am fortunate to have lived up to its reputation."
He hadn't finished speaking his self-deprecating words.
"Clang!"
A crisp cracking sound suddenly rang out.
The alluring and languidly smiling Xuanwu Venerable opposite them suddenly dropped the white jade wine cup he was holding onto the table.
The amber-colored wine splashed onto her sleeves, but she was completely unaware.
Her beautiful eyes widened in disbelief, filled with shock and astonishment.
The previous composed demeanor, as if everything was under control, had completely vanished.
She stared intently at Li Xijun, as if looking at some monstrous being beyond her comprehension.
"You..." Her voice even trembled slightly, "You've already... grasped the true meaning? It's only been a short time, an hour? No, less than that!"
She suddenly stood up, leaned forward, almost reaching across the table to get close to Li Xijun, as if she wanted to see him through inside and out.
The aura of a Grandmaster of the Outer Realm fluctuated uncontrollably around him, making the air in the private room feel heavy.
"The 'Xuanwu Zhenhai Fudi Fa' (Black Tortoise Suppressing the Sea and Covering the Earth Method) emphasizes the mind and the karmic connection, focusing on the concept of 'enlightenment'."
'How many people have sat in meditation for ten years, unable to even grasp the basics of "tortoise-snake communion"!'
"You...you skipped over it like it was food or water, even skipping the corresponding martial arts training?"
She muttered to herself, the horror in her eyes gradually transforming into an extremely complex expression.
There was disbelief, surprise, and curiosity, which ultimately culminated in a feeling that bordered on envy and jealousy:
"A monster...no, a demon!"
She took a deep breath, truly recognizing the boy before her for the first time, and shook her head, her tone carrying a sense of absurdity:
"I consider myself a once-in-a-century genius of the Xuanwu lineage, and it took me a full three years to comprehend this 'Turtle-Snake True Meaning'!"
"You...you're simply...you're practically the reincarnation of the Xuanwu God! This technique seems to have been created just for you!"
Having said that,
A burning light suddenly burst forth in her eyes, as if she had seen an unparalleled treasure.
The languidness and playfulness on the proprietress's face vanished completely, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness and eagerness.
She looked at Li Xijun, her expression and demeanor once again becoming mature and alluring:
"Xiaojia, Xiaoxi-jun, why are you still following that old woman Zhuque who only knows how to play with fire and flirt with people?"
"Her violent approach to the Vermilion Bird's Fire Burning Heaven Scripture is nowhere near as profound and solid as the Xuanwu lineage."
"Come to my Xuanwu lineage. With your extraordinary talent and innate aptitude for Xuanwu techniques, I guarantee you'll be far better than that woman Zhuque in the future."
As she spoke, her body, supple as if made of water, pressed herself against Li Xijun, seductively saying:
"As long as you nod, I'll give you the very best, far more than Suzaku can offer!"
"That woman only knows how to tease people; she has no idea how to cultivate a true pillar of strength."
"How about it? As long as you come here, the position of the next Xuanwu Venerable is yours for the taking. I will personally protect you."
She was truly stunned by Li Xijun's unbelievable cultivation speed, and only one thought remained in her mind:
This child is truly destined to be the successor of my Xuanwu lineage! We must not let him go!
Thinking this, Su Manniang tightly hugged the arm of the young man beside her.
For this,
Li Qinghan, who felt that the Xuanwu Venerable before him was not much different from his teacher, felt his eyelids twitching.
If the person opposite her wasn't a master of outdoor scenery, she would have really wanted to draw her sword and overturn the table.
"Ahem!"
Li Qinghan stood up abruptly, forcefully pulled her younger brother back to her side, and spoke coldly:
"The matter of whether hope Junjia should join the Xuanwu lineage is of great importance and is beyond my ability to comment. I would like to ask Senior Xuanwu to discuss it with my master himself."
She cleverly passed the buck to the Venerable Vermilion Bird in the far east, then abruptly changed the subject, getting to the main point.
"The most important thing right now is the matter of the Night Emperor's Tomb. Although the entrance to the secret realm is hidden, it's hard to guarantee that it won't be discovered by other people with ulterior motives."
"This matter should be handled sooner rather than later. Since you have fulfilled your promise and passed on the 'Xuanwu Suppressing the Sea and Covering the Earth Technique,' in my opinion, we should set off now and head directly to the entrance of that secret realm to avoid any unforeseen complications."
Su Manniang wasn't annoyed by Li Qinghan's interruption. She just pouted sullenly, lazily sat back down, and reverted to being the unfathomable innkeeper.
Her eyes swept over Li Qinghan's tense, pretty face, and she chuckled, exuding charm:
"Oh, so you're protecting her now? Fine, fine, I won't say anything then. As for Suzaku... hmph, I'll have to talk to her about it sooner or later."
She stood up, stretched, and her shapely figure was on full display.
"Let's go, lead the way. Let me see where exactly the entrance to the 'Night Emperor's Tomb' is hidden in this sea of sand."
Without further delay, the three quietly left the bustling Loulan Inn, their figures disappearing into the vast night of the Western Desert.
Under Li Qinghan's leadership, they did not venture deep into the oasis water source area.
Instead, they headed towards the desolate border between the desert and the Gobi.
Under the moonlight, the sand dunes undulate like frozen giant waves, gleaming with a cool, clear light.
After trekking for about half an hour,
The outline of a low but rugged mountain range came into view.
Most of the mountain range has been eroded and buried by shifting sands, leaving only a few dark rocks exposed. Under the moonlight, they resemble the skeletons of a lurking beast, desolate and lifeless.
Li Qinghan continued walking without stopping, heading straight for a shady spot on one side of the mountain.
The wind is slightly weaker here, and there are large amounts of weathered boulders and gravel.
Her sharp gaze swept over several seemingly chaotic, naturally formed piles of strange rocks, finally stopping in front of a pile of seven huge black stones irregularly stacked together.
These black stones, polished by wind and sand over thousands of years, have incredibly smooth surfaces that gleam with a cold, eerie luster under the moonlight.
"This is it." Li Qinghan stopped and looked at Su Manniang with a cold gaze.
Su Manniang's originally languid expression froze instantly after she saw the distribution of the seven black stones.
The flippancy and mockery on her face vanished without a trace, replaced by extreme focus and solemnity.
She stepped forward slowly, extending her slender fingers to gently touch the cold, rough stone surface.
Feel the subtle, almost imperceptible, seemingly naturally formed lines on the stone.
An aura as deep and still as the earth and the sea involuntarily emanated from his body.
A mysterious resonance arose between me and the pile of stones, and between me and the earth beneath my feet.
"So...so this is where it was..."
She murmured to herself, her voice trembling slightly.
"Secretly aligned with the Big Dipper, anchored at the Earth's pivot, concealing its form amidst chaos, gathering its breath in the wilderness... What a magnificent 'Black Tortoise Carrying a Stele' formation!"
"If one did not know the exact location, who would have thought that this seemingly naturally formed pile of rocks was actually an ancient formation that activated the earth's veins and concealed the secrets of heaven?"
She turned around abruptly, looked at Li Qinghan and Li Xijun, and said firmly:
"That's right, this is it. The technique of this formation, the flow of the earth's veins, all originate from the same source as the 'Minor Black Tortoise Escape Formation' recorded in the ancient texts of the Holy Land. This is undoubtedly the entrance to the secret realm!"
She took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her excitement, and continued to ask:
"Where is the entrance mechanism? How can I open it?"
Li Qinghan did not answer directly, but walked to the center of the stone formation and pointed to a seemingly ordinary depression in the sand:
"It is here that the true energy cultivated by the Four Symbols Technique of the Star Palace is used to stimulate the Yin energy of the earth veins, so that the array barrier can be temporarily broken open and the entrance can be revealed."
Ordinary internal energy from other sects is useless; brute force will cause a backlash from the formation, and may even completely seal off the entrance.
Upon hearing this, Su Manniang stepped forward, and her aura suddenly changed, becoming heavy and solemn, exuding an extreme chill that seemed capable of freezing eternity.
She formed a hand seal, and a dark, abyss-like light flowed from her fingertips, shooting towards the seven black stones.
"Buzz..."
A buzzing sound, seemingly originating from the depths of the earth and directly affecting the soul, rang out without warning.
Then,
The seven black stones, which had been silent for countless millennia, suddenly emitted a faint, shimmering light, like ripples on water, from their seemingly natural patterns.
An ancient, desolate, and profound will, like a sleeping giant being slightly disturbed, slowly awakened.
The space around the entire pile of stones began to distort slightly, and the sand and gravel on the ground moved on their own without wind, emitting a fine trembling sound.
The entrance to what appears to be the Night Emperor's Tomb has appeared!
(End of this chapter)