Chapter 1367
Playing Chess
Chapter 1367 Playing Chess
"【Tiger Barbarian Witchcraft Manual】..."
Li Suining was speechless for a moment, and Li Quewan was also shocked—judging from Lin Chensheng's words, this master had brought all his wealth from the mountains!
Lin Chengsheng looked at the two of them thoughtfully and said softly:
"The Western Shu possesses many extraordinary abilities. Since Su Yun has asked me for help... I will naturally not be stingy. However, there is one thing... you and I can choose. I cannot take this profound manual to the desert..."
He sighed and murmured:
"After all... this thing is destined to remain in the mountains. At the very least, it will serve as a memento, so that future generations will know which items originally belonged to them... Furthermore, this manual was always in the hands of the old abbot, and even the Daoist Master never opened it... The Later True Man didn't even take more of the treasures from it, so it's certainly not acceptable for it to be lost..."
Li Suining sighed inwardly, but Lin Chensheng didn't say much. He raised his hand, put two fingers together, and gently stroked the score. The golden characters shone brightly. With a swift movement, he revealed a white object in his hand.
He said seriously:
"This treasure... let Su Yun take a look first! It would be best if it could be used..."
The object was entirely white with sharp edges, resembling a stone weight. It was only about the size of a palm and quite ordinary. However, upon closer inspection, one could vaguely see golden light flowing within it, filled with the vigorous energy of a "complete elixir".
Li Quewan's gaze was immediately drawn away, and she murmured:
"【Undamaged Stone】?"
"Exactly!"
Lin Chensheng said softly:
"This treasure... is from the Dragon Tiger Platform back then. It is said that... before Su De Zhenjun attained enlightenment, he had many friends. One of his friends was incredibly skilled and possessed a celestial medicine. Su De Zhenjun lent it to Su De Zhenjun to examine, and from it, Su De Zhenjun gleaned its secrets and refined it into three mysterious stones..."
He said:
"These three are all treasures, each with its own miraculous effects..."
The black-clad man sighed, somewhat lost in thought, and said:
"I'm not afraid of being laughed at by you, fellow Daoist. Actually, before my Lin family ancestor became a disciple of that person in the north and came to Huyi to establish his sect, he cultivated at Longhutai. This is the earliest ancestor of my Lin family, and it is said that he had two fellow disciples, one surnamed Wang and the other surnamed Qu, each holding one..."
"Later, one ended up in Jin Yi's hands, another is said to be in the hands of the Lingbao Daoist lineage, and I have one here, which is one of the few treasures with a clear provenance."
Lin Chengsheng paused for a moment, then said:
"This item is precious... its preciousness lies in its potential to affect lives... the trouble is that the secret method to activate it has been lost. Several generations of cultivators in my sect have possessed it... but it remained an ordinary object in their hands, and none of them were able to use it..."
The [Tiger Yi Witchcraft Manual] is a wonderful treasure. These spiritual treasures have been nurtured as if they had been held in the hands of cultivators for a long time. It is now easy to transfer them to other owners. Li Quewan took them into her hands and quickly began to communicate with their mysteries.
She gave it a slight squeeze, and felt a sudden clarity in her mind. Her slender hand tightened, but she didn't feel any rejection or resistance. She simply nodded gently and said:
"It is indeed a good treasure."
Lin Chengsheng wasn't actually surprised. Li Quewan's technique was the Golden Book of Longhutai; it would be problematic if she couldn't activate it. A hint of envy flashed through his mind, and he sighed inwardly:
'If there's an opportunity... I'll see if I can exchange a golden book with her, so that my Lin family can continue its lineage...'
But the golden book was far too precious, and his hope flashed through his mind only briefly. He remained outwardly calm and continued:
"Let's not go into those minor mysteries. These three mystic stones can greatly evade calculations, nourish life, and evade various spells that affect spiritual consciousness and mind."
"If you refine it, you can use it to reflect the lives of others. If that person suffers any injury, as long as you are close enough, this magical treasure can bear it for them..."
He paused, then said seriously:
"Similarly, if one were to use this stone to perform any magical or supernatural feats, it would also benefit those whose lives have been illuminated by it, bringing immeasurable wonders..."
Li Quewan seemed not to hear his words, and stood there in a daze.
Holding this object, a series of cool sensations rushed into my mind, somewhat similar to the feeling of the talisman seed, only... it wasn't nearly as domineering as the talisman seed, quite peculiar...
Seeing that she was focused on experiencing it and didn't have time to answer, Lin Chengsheng said:
"These stones are usually kept in Shengyang. It is said that if three are gathered together, they will have miraculous effects!"
Li Quewan seemed to be startled by these words and turned to look at him. Lin Chensheng shook his head and said:
"After all, Que Wan also has the [Five Edicts of the Mysterious Essence]. The influence of the theory of pure virtue back then was too profound. Most of the treasures that have been passed down and are of the whole essence are like to be broken into three or five parts... It must be quite common."
Time was of the essence, so Li Quewan didn't think too much about it. While using her supernatural powers to nurture the spiritual treasure in her hand and familiarize herself with it, she whispered:
"Among the immortals currently residing in Jiangnan... are there any others who could come and offer their assistance..."
Lin Chengsheng pondered for a moment and said:
"But this is difficult to mobilize. There have already been rumors of unrest in the Southern Frontier, and those mountain lords who are close to us have already requested reinforcements, but we can't send too many people. There's only Master Jiuwen, and Master Chen is currently overwhelmed with problems and can't possibly come..."
"Of course, in Jianghuai now... besides Master Yang who returned to recuperate, there's also Master Jia Zan. He originally went north, but was caught in the crossfire during the magical duel at Rao Mountain. The General was somewhat disappointed and brought him back..."
'Yang Xuancai is still usable, but Jia Zan… it's better not to mention him at all.'
When Jia Zan was mentioned, Li Quewan felt both amused and exasperated. Although this old man, who had risen to the Purple Mansion realm through his family's wealth and seniority, was very close to his family, his strength was undeniable. Now that he was injured, even if all the True Immortals in Jiangnan were put together and straightened out, he would probably be ranked at the very end.
'Now that Wushao has two Imperial Elixir Pills, he can probably still hold his own against them. If we really invite this old man here, we'll be even more constrained. If he's not careful, he might just die there, and my family will owe him a huge favor…'
Fortunately, it was still a Purple Mansion, and Lin Chengsheng had no shortage of good treasures. She said:
"It's not that we can't invite him. Let him hide in the formation and pick a suitable treasure to suppress the formation. It's better than nothing."
Li Suining lowered his head somewhat strangely, but suddenly remembered this name.
'Jia Zan…'
This old man is indeed not very capable, but he is a very fortunate and discerning person.
'While everyone else went to fight in the north, he remained unharmed, marrying a woman to Qiao Yue and forging good relations with my lakeside friends, living a carefree and painless life until the very end…'
Seeing Li Quewan's furrowed brows, Lin Chensheng hesitated for a moment before finally speaking:
"There is someone suitable... He's very capable, a renowned mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator, but the situation is a bit awkward; I'm afraid we can't mobilize him directly..."
"Who?!"
Li Quewan wished he had more people and more strength, so he immediately perked up and looked at the man in black before him, carefully considering his words:
"Guanghou!"
Pure One Way.
Master Guanghou!
Li Quewan indeed hesitated, somewhat undecided.
Chunyi Dao's position is rather awkward. Legally speaking, the Song Dynasty and Chunyi are natural allies and subjects, and the Yang family does indeed have the intention to control the Xi family... However, due to the unpleasantness of the past, the Xi family has always turned a blind eye...
Later, as the pressure on the Yang family increased, Chunyi had no choice but to send this Guanghou Zhenren to Dalingchuan to make an appearance. However, this Zhenren really didn't give him much face, and he was almost never seen.
'However… the relationship between the Xi family and my family has always been good…'
After careful consideration, Li Quewan, with a try-it-out mentality, said:
"In that case, I will write a letter, on behalf of the Li family, to invite Master Jia to come and see if Chunyi Dao can spare some time to lend a hand..."
In fact, there is another sword immortal in the Song Dynasty, but he has been in seclusion on the mountain. All the supernatural beings know that since the Song emperor moved the capital, Jianmen has been the last barrier of the Song capital. It must be guarded by the sharpest sword. This is the bottom line of the Yang family. Otherwise, given the current state of the Jianghuai region, Da Yang Mountain could easily drive straight in and ask the imperial palace!
Lin Chengsheng discussed it carefully with her, then took out the purple talisman sealed on the chart and gave it to her, saying solemnly:
"Master Su Yun... This talisman is the [Mysterious Book Purple Talisman], which shares the same origin as the [Yellow Path Mysterious Talisman] of Master Yuan Xiu back then. It has been secretly kept in the manual for many years and is an excellent treasure. However, it is demanding to use and can only be obtained with a complete elixir. Master Sima borrowed it to study for many years and eventually returned it... Master, you may take a look!"
So he put away the Xuanpu and headed straight north, leaving a stack of purple Xuan talismans, two fingers long and three fingers wide, on the table. Li Que took them thoughtfully, warmed them with his supernatural powers, and they immediately changed color.
This item is actually a spiritual treasure, possessing a full five wondrous properties!
As she sensed it, the layers of purple runes began to turn like pages in a book, leaping from her palm and flitting about like butterflies, repeatedly circling her five fingers.
She couldn't help but murmur:
"This is the true essence of the Sun..."
Back when the Li family was just rising to prominence, just as the sun was losing its luster, the Venerable Kui Qi of the Great Owl Temple stepped forward. To maintain appearances, he continuously supplied them with spiritual essences and treasures… Li Ximing remarked on this back then…
But now that I see it, it's no wonder that Kui Qi was so generous. Those spiritual essences and pills were just a drop in the ocean for him. Even with the huge gains that the Li family plundered from Luoxia, they were probably only on par with him in terms of spiritual resources and spiritual objects. These extremely valuable spiritual treasures were still inferior to them!
'Kui Qi and the others... only used the spiritual treasures that their own lineage could control, and they even had that Sun Treasure Bag that was feared even by the North and South... It's a pity... there's no one to carry it on...'
She pressed the magic weapon down, making sure the immortal had left, before looking at Li Suining and whispering:
"In your opinion, how many supernatural powers exist in the desert?"
Li Suining immediately said:
"At least five Purple Mansion cultivators, three of whom are in the mid-stage of Purple Mansion."
His expression slowly darkened, and he said:
"This is at least... Western Shu also possesses Tian Su, although they are not particularly powerful figures, they might still make some underhanded moves, and things could change... It's not impossible that they invited a Grand Master in advance..."
Li Quewan was speechless for a moment, feeling a bit of a headache:
'Even if the Grand Master doesn't come, relying on the great formation, Lin Chengsheng and I joining forces might not be able to stop this group of supernatural powers…'
Li Suining hesitated and said:
“Master Chengqian…I’m afraid we can’t touch him.”
Li Quewan nodded silently. The pressure of the secret realm was currently almost entirely on Cheng Qian, so she couldn't act rashly. She paused for a moment, then suddenly said:
“There’s a demonic cultivator in the south named Master Luo. My family has some connection with him. I heard he’s taking refuge in the south. Since Master Cheng can’t be touched, why don’t we go and ask him… I’ve heard he’s quite powerful, at least a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator!”
Li Suining's eyes lit up:
"great!"
This person was unknown in his previous life and could not be considered a figure in the Song Kingdom at all. He had only heard a few words about him and had not thought of it at first. On the contrary, Li Quewan, who held a position of supernatural power, knew that his elders had contact with him and immediately pointed it out. The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed, and he said:
"This Master Luo is a demonic cultivator who has been forced into exile. The Song Kingdom disdains his violent nature and is unwilling to employ him. He already has the intention of making a fortune and then fleeing overseas. If you offer him a large sum of money, he will certainly come without hesitation..."
Li Quewan listened to his detailed explanation and stirred slightly, unable to resist taking a second look at him, feeling surprised:
'Tian Su... actually possesses such abilities? To be able to see clearly the thoughts of a rogue cultivator in the Purple Mansion, so far away, is truly astonishing...'
He, however, remained oblivious, his eyes gleaming, and said:
"Although he may not have given his all, what the Master said is right. He is at least a mid-stage Purple Mansion cultivator. As long as he is willing to stand with us, even if Chunyi Dao doesn't come, we will still have some breathing room!"
Although neither of them mentioned Li Zhouwei in the north, the King of Wei would certainly not remain indifferent. All they needed to do was drag it out as long as possible, thus giving the north time to extricate itself.
Li Quewan immediately stood up and said:
"I'll make arrangements right away!"
She clearly intended to invite those Jianghuai immortals to come over, and left in a hurry. Li Suining then stood up and paced back and forth in the cave, his heart pounding:
'There should still be time... enough for Naluo Zhenren to arrive. If Xishu is also affected by Tian Su, then they definitely won't attack prematurely. After all, in their eyes... this would only allow King Wei to escape without getting bogged down in the great battle in the north...'
A thoughtful look crossed his eyes:
'Saving Master Lin is the worst-case scenario; we also need to protect the great formation, and ideally, prevent Master Su Yun from getting injured…'
He had compared them repeatedly in his mind. Li Quewan was different from Li Jiangqian. That prince could live a prosperous life even if he didn't care about him, while this Su Yun Zhenren was too selfless. Whether she was injured or spent time building the secret realm, these things always ended up on her.
"King Wei said... 'Changli is unconcerned with trivial matters, while Suyun is frugal and thrifty.' In every life, she was never selfish enough, so much so that she was implicated... Even now, while True Person Changli is already progressing from the second to the third level of supernatural powers, she has not yet completed her second immortal foundation..."
Li Suining's face remained calm, but his resolve was gradually hardening.
"We absolutely cannot afford to be seriously injured. With our resources, even if the great formation is lost, it won't be a crippling blow. At worst, we can rebuild it using the abundant harvest from the north! As long as we don't get bogged down in the great war in the north and the King of Wei is able to return, who will dare to utter a sound now that we're building this spirit formation in the desert?"
"And with such a profound 'Complete Elixir,' each additional supernatural power represents a qualitative leap, so we can no longer stand still..."
After staying up two all-nighters, I'm going to get a good night's sleep today.
(End of this chapter)