chsdbacks Chapter 113 Animation of Inanimate Objects
Chapter 113 Animation of Inanimate Objects
"Does my husband intend to investigate further?"
Yu Qingyi asked, her phoenix eyes showing no fear, but rather a sharp glint.
The newly acquired Cold Water Sword needs to be tested!
"Of course I'll go."
Qin Xiao nodded. "The anomaly began after we took the Heavenly Craftsmanship Inheritance. Whether it's related or not, we need to find out the truth. If it's true that our taking the treasure triggered this unknown calamity, we need to handle it properly. Furthermore..."
He paused, a hint of consideration flashing in his eyes: "Now that the 'Star Core' and 'Spirit Rhinoceros Carving Knife' have appeared in the world, it's hard to guarantee that they won't attract the attention of some hidden entities. The unusual activity in the Myriad Valleys Mountains might be a signal."
Luo Qingluan immediately realized the key point: "Husband, if we are to go, we must make thorough preparations. The strange phenomenon that Chairman Mu mentioned has lasted for more than a month, and rumors have probably already spread. Many people in the martial arts world have heard of the ancient legend of 'Treasures Hidden in Ten Thousand Valleys,' and now that 'treasures are shining brightly,' I'm afraid that some bold and greedy people have already heard the news and sneaked in first."
"Qingluan is absolutely right."
Qin Xiao gave Luo Qingluan an approving look. "Therefore, there is no need to rush to set off immediately. Since the anomaly has already occurred and cannot be quelled in a short time, we should use this time to make full preparations."
He looked at Mu Yunshan and said, "President Mu, immediately send a message to Blackstone Town and all nearby merchant guild outposts, increase manpower, closely monitor the movements around the mountain range, and collect detailed information on any unusual phenomena, disappearances, or unfamiliar faces. But remember, only observe and investigate from a distance, and absolutely do not allow anyone to venture into dangerous areas. If any powerful martial artists or suspected cultivators appear, record their characteristics immediately, and do not alert them."
"I understand! I'll get on it right away!"
Mu Yunshan solemnly accepted the order and hurriedly withdrew.
"Azure Phoenix, Clear Ripples."
Qin Xiao then instructed, "For the next half month, cultivation in the palace will continue as usual, but vigilance must be strengthened. The two of you will take the lead in improving the combined attack formation using the new magical artifacts."
"yes!"
The two women responded in unison.
……
Inside the weapon-refining hall, the cauldron fire reignited.
With the successful experience of crafting the "Wooden Spirit Puppet", Qin Xiao became even more adept at using the "Spirit Rhinoceros Carving Knife" and the "Myriad Evolutions Golden Plate".
Seven days later, seven fist-sized, eye-shaped, silver-white magical artifacts floated in front of Qin Xiao.
At their center is a crystal mirror, with a precise structure around the edges, and behind them are two pairs of folded, slender wings.
Qin Xiao sent a wisp of his divine sense into its core.
The seven "Sky-Patrolling Eyes" mirrors simultaneously lit up with a faint light, their wings gently unfolded, emitting a buzzing sound, and they nimbly hovered and circled within the hall.
The clear and synchronized visual feedback was sent to Qin Xiao's mind.
Then, with another thought, a Sky-Patrolling Eye quietly flew out of the Refining Hall, quickly ascended into the air, and continuously zoomed out in terms of perspective.
He quickly incorporated a large portion of the palace and even parts of the outer city into his 'sea of consciousness,' displaying every detail vividly.
"The effective detection radius is about twenty miles, the image is clear, and the spiritual energy fluctuations are sensitive. If multiple are arranged in a net, with overlapping perspectives, the warning effect will be even better."
Qin Xiao nodded in satisfaction and put the seven Sky-Patrol Eyes into his system space.
With this item, the perception range of several Daoist partners will be greatly increased.
If one encounters an environment where one's spiritual sense is obstructed, this can also be used to investigate.
Meanwhile, the joint attack drill led by Luo Qingluan and Yu Qingyi was also proceeding in an orderly manner.
Another month has passed.
That morning, a crowd gathered in front of the Zichen Palace.
Qin Xiao was dressed in black robes, his aura deep and composed.
Behind him were six women, all dressed in practical outfits that allowed for easy movement, carrying newly crafted flying swords on their backs, their spiritual energy contained yet not unleashed.
Compared to my last visit to Tiangong Valley, I felt less novelty and trepidation, and more composure and confidence.
"Qingluan, are everything arranged in the palace?"
Qin Xiao asked.
"All arrangements have been made. The Cabinet is aware that His Majesty will be leaving the capital for an 'inspection,' and all government affairs will proceed as usual. The palace's protective array has been fully activated, and it is being guarded by reliable female officials and guards on rotation. The Spirit Plant Garden is being cared for by the wooden spirit puppets, so there is no need to worry."
Reported by Luo Qingluan.
"Any new information from Chairman Mu?"
"have."
Mu Ziyan took out a briefing. "Over the past half month, several groups of unfamiliar faces have appeared in and around Blackstone Town. Some are chivalrous figures from the martial arts world, while others are mysterious individuals who appear to be cultivators. Three days ago, several groups clashed outside the town, seemingly over the so-called 'secret map to the mountains.' Strange phenomena still occur frequently at night around the mountain range, and the frequency of earthquakes seems to have increased. There is also an unconfirmed rumor that someone saw a huge, moving shadow at the edge of the mist."
Qin Xiao listened without changing his expression: "Cultivator? Let's go, let's go and see what secrets this Myriad Valleys Mountain Range is hiding."
The five-colored light rose again.
In less than half a day, a vast, continuous mountain range shrouded in clouds and mist came into view.
But unlike last time, the fog had dissipated considerably, and visibility had greatly improved.
Qin Xiao did not rush in directly, but instead used his escape technique on a secluded cliff a hundred miles away from Blackstone Town.
"This place is near the outer edge of the mountains, perfect for training troops. You are here to scout."
As Qin Xiao spoke, he gave six "Sky-Patrolling Eyes" to his six Daoist partners, one for each of them, and taught them how to use them.
Six Sky-Patrolling Eyes ascended into the sky, simultaneously transmitting the scenery of Blackstone Town and the surrounding mountains and forests into the consciousness of Luo Qingluan, Yu Qingyi, and others.
This novel experience of using ritual implements to extend the senses excited the women.
"Fifteen miles southeast of the town, there is a valley shrouded in thick, grayish-white mist, with scorched cracks on the ground at the valley entrance."
Yu Qingyi's cool voice rang out first.
She controlled the Sky Survey Eye with the most stable perspective and the most detailed observation.
"On the left slope of the valley, there are three unusual rocks that are out of place with the surrounding rocks."
Luo Qingluan then added.
She discovered something amiss in the area she was in charge of.
"In the woods five miles north of the town, there are signs of a fight, and traces of spiritual energy are visible on the remaining weapon fragments!"
Mu Ziyan's tone carried a hint of surprise.
"Spiritual power?"
Qin Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly. "It seems that besides the martial artists attracted by the 'treasure light,' there are indeed other things that have infiltrated."
"Focus on monitoring the unusual valley and the woodland to the north, and pay attention to those whose behavior is significantly different from that of ordinary martial arts masters."
"My lord, over across the valley, some rocks seem to have moved! They've opened up their eyes!"
Yu Fengling suddenly gasped in surprise.
She was bold enough to use the Sky-Survey Eye to get closer and observe the "abnormal rocks".
Almost simultaneously, the other women's Sky-Scanning Eyes also captured similar images.
Not only near the valley, but also along several paths leading from Blackrock Town into the depths of the mountains, there are some seemingly ordinary rocks and dead trees.
Even animal bones half-buried in the soil showed varying degrees of signs of "revitalization".
They may have cracks or fissures, like eyes or mouths.
These "activated" inanimate objects did not actively attack the distant Sky Survey Eye.
But that silent gaze and lurking sense of threat sent chills down one's spine...