Chapter 37: Ping'an Town
ou still be hanged" the woman asked.“Because we don't talk about reason!” Li Lao Si said with a self-righteous face, not ashamed at all."What's that person's strength like" the woman asked again.“Bett..."I won't send you off. You pave your own path." Zu Xiao said lastly.
A bustling study in spring, became very quiet when summer arrived.
Every day, the two generations who sat across from each other at their desks, studying and researching sealing arts, are gone.
After people leave, even a room full of books can't fill that emptiness.
A shaft of sunlight illuminated the desk, casting a pool of light beyond which lay a book, its pages closed and untouched for a long time. Even now, it remained silent in the shade.
That was the last book Jiang Wang read.
The cover reads: "My Take on the Evolution of Ancient Sealing Techniques".
The author is Zuoqiu Wu.
Before leaving the territory of Chu, I did happen to meet Duke Yu.
He came in plain clothes, intercepting him in mid-air. He didn't say anything else, just handed over a food box: "Under the threat of a certain anonymous elderly person, I specially made a box of 'Pure Intention Godly Cake' for you. When you feel like you can't withstand heaven's will, eat one. It might help to ease things a bit. There are nine in total, so save some."
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Jiang Wang took the food tray and sniffed it lightly, a radiant smile on her face: “It smells so good!”
"There's nothing more."
"Besides, it won't be much use if there are too many."
Then they bowed and took their leave.
Jiang Wang walked alone, sword hanging at his side, striding through the wind.
People say that the process of a celestial being walking the path of heaven is a process of "seeing the Dao" and "attaining the Dao". Celestially gifted beings, in this process, embark on a journey towards timeless and eternal power.
In Jiang Wang's feelings, the process of heaven and man walking towards the Dao is a process of drowning.
Lose your emotions, lose everything.
At the moment of reaching the destination, he killed himself.
It's not a time for last words now, there's no "carpe diem" or "last hurrah," he doesn't believe he'll die and doesn't accept the inevitable outcome of failure.
And even if he is inevitably swallowed by heaven's will, on the morrow when he dies, his freedom is upward, not downward.
Leaving Chu state alone, Jiang Wang carried the half-finished seal diagram designed by Zuo Xiao for him, intending to seal the second human form of Tianren at Ping'an Town.
Of course, this name carries the beautiful hopes of the elders.
But it can only be a half-finished product.
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The second level of the Tianren state was inherently stronger and more difficult to suppress than the first. Furthermore, Zuo Xiao could only act from the outside in, unable to directly affect the Changsheng Town. Without being able to physically touch the second level of Tianren state, he could only rely on Jiang Wang's own sensory descriptions to imagine and construct a framework—which was naturally flawed by thousands of miles.
These days, Jiang Wang has been doing nothing but studying sealing arts incessantly and researching his second Heavenly Human Form continuously. He wants to fully analyze all its details and provide Left Xia with a more accurate understanding so that he can create more targeted sealing arts.
Now, all we can say is that the road is long and arduous.
The simulations of Ping'an Town became increasingly difficult as they progressed. So, Zuo Xiao even called upon Qianguzhen – of course, not to have Qianguzhen treat the Heavenly Human state as an illness. There were some dangerous ideas he wanted to try. For example, could he excise the Heavenly Human state like a tumor...
Qi Guan truly came to protect Jiang Wang's life.
That didn't work either.
The state of heaven and man is not like a tumor growing on the body, or a boil appearing. It's about a practitioner reaching a certain stage in their cultivation, stepping into a wondrous realm, and drawing closer to the eternal truths concerning the Dao.
Even if you strip Jiang Wang of his skin and bones, it won't diminish the favor of heaven.
It has always been widely recognized that the royal family of Yangguo is the most adept at sealing techniques.
The old Yang clan, with the surname Ji, were descendants of Emperor Qing's concubine, Yan Shu.
This individual was one of the Eight Immortals of Antiquity. He roamed human territories day and night, protecting countless ordinary people from demonic influence. He also created a unique sealing technique exclusive to humans, and on this basis developed the art of beast mastery, where the weak overpower the strong.
The mythology of the God of Day and the God of Night originated from her deeds. Later generations of human cultivators revered her as their ancestor in the arts of sealing and beast control.
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That means both of these practices have not fallen, nor are they as glorious as before. The country of Yang also perished, and the imperial clan with the surname Ji is no longer present in the world. This figure who was simultaneously the "Ancestor of Sealing" and the "Ancestor of Beast Mastery," known as the "Ancestor of the East," gradually faded from existence.
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As the overlord of Dongyu after the fall of Taiyang Kingdom, Qi State indeed claimed at some point to have inherited the legacy of Taiyang Kingdom and called itself the rightful successor.
But the "Nine Kingdoms that See the Sun Rise" were the ones who truly reaped the first benefits, dividing and enjoying the bounty of Day Country.
Of course, the once-powerful Nine Kingdoms of the Eastern Region, who had vied for dominance, were now subdued. Six kingdoms had already been conquered by Qi, and the remaining three - Xu, Zhao, and Chang - bowed their heads in submission.
Saying "Old solar terms are treasured, and they are all in the people's granary" doesn't raise too many problems.
Even the former Sun Palace has become today's Jixia Academy.
However, after many years of war and the destruction of the kingdom, most of the secret arts of the old Chang Emperor's lineage were lost. The sealing techniques passed down directly from the Blue Emperor had long since disappeared.
Throughout the entire nation of Qi, there truly wasn't a single master of sealing arts who could be said to surpass Zuo Xiao in prowess.
This is also the reason why Zuoxiao initially wanted to leave Jiang Wang in Chu State to solve the problem.
After experiencing a spring, the threat to humanity from the celestial and earthly realms remained unsolved in Chu. It was therefore natural to try other methods.
Qi State is definitely worth a visit. If time permits, Jiang Wang would not miss the "ancient capitals" of Xu State, Zhao State, and Chang State.
But he didn't immediately head east. Matters in the Eastern Region could be handled with a letter. Arranging these things, Chong Xuan was far more agile than him.
The strongest sealing art lineage is the Qingdi lineage, this much everyone agrees on. But in "My Views on the Evolution of Ancient Sealing Arts" written by the current headmaster of Qinkǔ Academy, he repeatedly emphasizes——
The strongest seal throughout history, created by the ancient emperor, still stands today.
It is "Long River Nine Towns".
The fierce mountains forged the Dragon Emperor Xi Hun, and his nine sons became the Nine Fortresses. Since then, the great river has been calm and peaceful for hundreds of thousands of years.
In Zuoqiu Wu's appraisal, the Nine Towns of the Long River is the greatest wonder of ancient fortifications. Yet, the fact that the Lie Shan clan and the Xi Hun clan once discussed strategy side by side, fought shoulder to shoulder, only to later slaughter their nine sons to forge the Nine Bridges... this brutality overshadows its magnificence to a certain extent.
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In his work, Zuo Qiu Wu cites numerous historical sources to verify the unshakable greatness of the Long River Nine Fortresses in the field of sealing magic. He also elaborately argues for the influence of the Long River Nine Fortresses on later generations of sealing magic.
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Although Jiang Wang's expertise lies in the realm of sealing techniques, he didn't fully grasp the significance of Chang He Jiu Zhen within that field. However, he held them in high regard nonetheless.
Therefore, his first destination after leaving Chu was the State of Luo.
To be more precise, it's the first town on the Long River near Luoguo—Qiuniubiao.
The country of Luo, known as "the Water Nation," naturally relied on water for its livelihood. Its domestic economy was based on fishing in the rivers and had never been particularly prominent. Until one ruler suddenly "came to his senses." At a banquet, after several rounds of drinks, he raised his cup and exclaimed, "Aren't aquatic creatures just fish"
At that time, the officials were so frightened that they all bowed down. The singing girls forgot to sing altogether.
But from that point onwards, the Kingdom of Luo began to operate a slave trade in aquatic creatures semi-publicly, ushering in an era of distorted economic prosperity.
Later, it even reached a point where they stood alongside Zhuang and Yong in a tripartite balance of power. While it was weaker than the other two, it didn't fall behind much when it came to national treasury prosperity. Throughout history, whether Yong bullied Zhuang or Zhuang attacked Yong, one couldn't ignore the existence of Lu Guo.
Unfortunately, the good times didn't last.
Since a few years ago when he was beaten senseless by Zhuang Gaoxian, the national strength of Lu Guo had been somewhat depressed and unable to recover.
Mr. Zhuang had indeed completed part of his transaction with the Dragon Lord, but unfortunately, he didn't live to see the reward and died hastily under the grief of longing. Their deal, of course, also went to sleep with him.
But the blow dealt to the Kingdom of Luo did not stop there.
The slave trade of aquatic creatures is strictly prohibited. In the current environment of preparing for the Heavenly Tribulation, the human high-levels are even more determined to maintain stability in the mortal world, particularly by soothing the aquatic races.
The ancient pact was brought up again and again, and the contributions of the aquatic race to the stability of the present world were repeatedly acknowledged. Even Long Jun of the River was invited into the Heavenly Capital City, where Emperor Ji Fengzhou of the Great Jing Dynasty toasted and enjoyed flowers with him.
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The dashed line beneath Luo Guo's feet, carrying a warning implication, transformed into a chillingly solid line. Life became increasingly difficult.
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Of course, Jiang Wang was also concerned about these matters. The members of Tai Xu Pavilion did not have the authority to interfere in worldly affairs, but that young man named Jiang Wang, when he first saved the shellfish girl by the Qingjiang River, indeed saw at that moment, the "difference" between the world he had known and the real world.
At that time, someone asked him, "What else do you know about history"
After that, he often asked himself—what you see, is it really the truth
The cognition of the living beings towards the world begins with doubt.
Jiang Wang silently observed the situation in Luoguo and supported the ancient alliance between the human and aquatic races. Now, he bypassed Luoguo and walked directly onto Qiuniu Bridge.
As the eldest son of Xi Hun, the name "Privet" was also a well-known title during the ancient times.
Even in the present day, when the Dragon race has been banished and a vast amount of information has been erased, the *Middle History Compendium*, passed down as "orthodox history" among humans, still mentions this eldest son of the Dragon Emperor. It states that he was “extravagant to the extreme, with a perverse nature and a penchant for frivolous music. He humiliated various clans and repeatedly jeopardized important affairs.”
But in the _Evolution of Ancient Sealing Techniques: My Perspective_ that Jiang Wang had just read, Zuochu Wu also casually mentioned the cowherd prisoner, saying he “understood music and rhythm, was gentle by nature, acted virtuously, and was respected by all.”
"The commentary says: 'Nine towns along the Long River, the first town relies on virtue, and thus it can remain peaceful for a long time.'"
Even Ao Kui, when berating Ao Shu Yi, once said that Qiú Niǔ Kuān Rén was skilled at music...
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Now, after tens of thousands of years, perhaps it doesn't really matter which one was the truer ox-prisoner.
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At least right now, Jiang Wang has no desire to explore.
He only wanted to know how the ancient emperor had sealed the bull, and why it remained imprisoned for so long.
This bridge spanning the great river, he had ridden across when he first climbed to the summit of Yellow River's confluence. It was the fifth town along the river, a bridge named "Suanni."
At that time, he knew nothing about sealing techniques and his cultivation was far behind. His eyes were filled with the vastness of the river and the grandeur of the stone bridge, his heart brimming with the ambition to be the leader of the Yellow River and the number one in the world. How could he possibly feel the greatness of this seal or gain any enlightenment from it
To say that one could fully comprehend the secrets of the Nine Seals with the cultivation level of a current peerless expert is simply delusional.
Following the Duke of Huai's closed-door study all spring, he truly mastered the art of sealing. He could even boldly say that he had reached a high level of proficiency, becoming quite adept at it.
The Nine Towns of the Chang River represent the highest peak in the domain of sealing arts.
He could only gaze devoutly, pursuing that faint and elusive glimmer.
He simply followed in the footsteps of countless historical figures, slowly walking from one end of the ancient stone bridge to the other. He recorded every pattern and touched each inscription.
What kind of power could have crossed through time
>
This magnificent stone bridge, spanning the long river, has endured throughout ancient times. It stands firm against the passage of time and space, making one feel incredibly small when standing amidst its grandeur.
Walking along, Jiang Wang slowly squatted down.
But soon he rose again, smoothing the furrowed brows. He gripped his sword hilt, straightened his spine, and turned back.
His expression was now only calm.
At this very moment, standing in the middle of Shiqiao Bridge is indeed a figure clad in armor and wielding a sword. With a broad face that exudes majesty, he smiles warmly: "Councilor Jiang has such a keen sense of perception!"
The water under the Prisoner's Cow Bridge lay still, its surface as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the high-flying clouds.
Imperial Commissioner of the Dragon Palace and Grand Administrator of the Yellow River... May he be blessed with fortune.
Jiang Wang just stared at him, questioning with her eyes - "Is something the matter"
"Elder Jiang's resolve is truly remarkable." Fu Yunqin adopted a friendly posture: "But your method of amplifying pain to maintain emotional stability, to escape the influence of Heaven, ultimately treats the symptoms without addressing the root cause. The effect of pain on you will diminish over time—even if you're already in so much pain now."
“Manager Fu has truly sharp eyes! Nothing can escape your notice,” Jiang Wang said calmly. “I presume you came to see me for something more than just a casual visit”
"Oh, it's been ages since I last saw Master Jiang. I was so caught up in greetings that I almost forgot the main point." Fu Yun bowed respectfully and said: "Since you have graced the Long River, why not visit the Dragon Palace It has been years since the Dragon Palace offered gifts. It just so happens that the weather is clear, summer winds are strong, and new tea has just been picked in the Dragon Palace... My master invites you."
"Next time, just say the last six words." Jiang Wang released his sword hilt and turned away, continuing to study the reliefs on the bridge. "No time."
He has always been a person who values time, and now more than ever.
Regardless of what Dragon Lord was thinking, he didn't have the time or inclination to find out.
Fu Yun said respectfully, "My master has been in charge of the Dragon Palace for hundreds of thousands of years, witnessing countless eras. He even once discussed Dao with Emperor Li Shan, so he has a bit of knowledge about sealing techniques..."
Jiang Wang gazed at the intricate carvings on the stone bridge, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips. "Lord Dragon Monarch, what's your interest in researching sealing arts Any plans for the Nine Towns"
This question is truly dangerous, causing Fu Yun to stand in awe and respect.
"Manager Fu, you may go about your business. I'm just slightly unwell; there's no need to disturb the Dragon King," Jiang Wang waved his hand dismissively.
At the end of the day, if something were to happen to Master Jiang now, many forces would be willing to lend a helping hand—but not everyone who came forward would be someone that Master Jiang would be willing to accept help from.
And it concerns one's own state and fundamental practice, so he needs to be absolutely assured before proceeding.
He could confide his cultivation state to Zuo Xiao, even opening up the Five Palaces and sharing his knowledge of the Four Seas, allowing Zuo Xiao to provide targeted treatment. However, it would be impossible for Chang He Long Jun to study him.
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We're not really familiar with each other, so why are you being so attentive
Fu Yunqin was just about to speak when suddenly waves surged behind him, and a voice rolled through the air—
"Master Jiang! It has been a long time since our last meeting at the Dragon Palace feast. I know you are a busy man, so I haven't sent anyone to bother you. Today, I happened to be passing by the Long River, and I just wanted to ask you to sit down and have a chat. I truly can't spare even a moment"
Lord Ao Shu of the Dragon Clan personally invites you!
Jiang Wang didn't want to delay any longer, withdrawing his gaze from the observation stone bridge: "It has been a long time since I last went to the Dragon Palace. A cup of tea would be nice too!"
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Immediately, the water parted like a road, and in the midst of ten thousand acres of surging waves, a jade stairway appeared.
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Fu Yunqin led the way, Jiang Wang followed behind. After just one step, they arrived at the majestic Dragon Palace!
The space is truly a mud pellet, within the Dragon King's palm, at his will it can be flattened or rounded.
The dragon palace attendant pushed open the door, and Jiang Wang stepped into the hall.
In the vast hall, there were only two tea tables facing each other.
But seeing a figure in a golden robe sitting behind the tea table on the left, he beckoned to Jiang Wang with his hand: "Please sit down and have some summer tea."
On the tea table there was a cup of hot tea, with mist swirling around it.
Jiang Wang stepped forward, took the teacup, and drank it all in one gulp.
After a sip, he smiled and said, "The tea has been drunk, and the Dragon King has been met. Jiang is truly short on time, so please excuse..."
"I know how a bitter heart dies," said the figure cloaked in gold.
Having ruled the Dragon Palace beneath the river for hundreds of thousands of years, Longjun Aoshui, who only appears as a shadow in this era, rubs his teacup and leisurely adds: "I dare to say it."
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