The Heavens: A Qing, the Yue Girl at the beginning

Chapter 521 Listeners in Three Places (5k)

As night falls, the tranquility of the outskirts of Changling is gently outlined by a thin crescent moon. The stream flows slowly, like a silver ribbon under the night sky, quietly spreading out in the wilderness.

This is a tributary of the Wei River, a small wild river. Not far behind, you can vaguely see the outline of the streets and alleys inside Changling, with gray walls and black tiles, as endless as the sea, and connected to the dark shadows of the distant mountains at the end of the sight, it seems to have an unstoppable expansion momentum.

A small boat was drifting leisurely here. Zhao Yi, a tall man with thick eyebrows and big eyes, put aside the shabby big umbrella with the Mountain-Breaking Sword hidden in the handle. He and Zhao Si, a petite man with a handsome face, sat under the black umbrella, enjoying this rare leisure.

The river water gently slapped against the hull of the boat, making a fine and pleasant sound. The edge of the boat occasionally passed over the reeds on the shore, startling a few resting water birds, and then quickly returned to calm.

On the small boat, a pot of fish soup was bubbling with steam. It had cooked until it was thick and fragrant. Several of Zhao Yi's favorite fish bladders were floating in the soup.

The soup is very delicious. In addition to the taste of fish, it also incorporates the mellow aroma of tofu. The two complement each other and warm the coolness of the night.

With the hot pot of fish soup, the two of them each nibbled on a rough millet cake, which was handmade by a nearby farmer. It was not very fine and had been stored for a long time, so it seemed too dry and hard.

Although these were obviously very ordinary dishes, Jianlu and the other man ate them very seriously and happily, and they seemed even more comfortable with the melodious music coming from the luggage.

"...Tonight, the first thing I want to talk about is some secret techniques about changing one's appearance... It can help practitioners hide their whereabouts better, avoid enemies, or go deep into danger without being detected..."

When the prelude ended, the radio broadcast hosted by Zhao Qing officially began. The voice was clear and soft, which made the two of them involuntarily slow down their chewing movements and listen attentively.

"First, let's talk about the fine-tuning techniques of facial muscles. By precisely controlling the flow of true energy, facial lines can be subtly changed in an instant. Whether it is the softening of the contours or the highlighting of the edges and corners, it is all done as one wishes, making it difficult to distinguish the true face..."

When Zhao Yi heard this, he couldn't help but feel moved. He had thick eyebrows, big eyes and well-developed muscles. This kind of appearance had been recognized several times in Qin territory and almost caused unnecessary trouble.

If they can master this fine-tuning technique of facial muscles, it will undoubtedly greatly increase their freedom of movement.

"...Next, it is the physical technique of lengthening and shortening bones. Through specific breathing methods and guiding the true energy, practitioners can adjust their height, arm length, and even the thickness of their knuckles in a short period of time, simulating different body characteristics, thereby achieving the effect of confusing the audience and the audience, and even..."

Zhao Si stretched out her hand to measure her height several times, and seemed to be thinking about something in her heart. In order not to attract attention, she had been dressing as a man for many years, but her short stature still made her look out of place in the crowd.

If she could really adjust the length of her bones freely as the broadcast said, then she would undoubtedly be able to move more freely, with fewer constraints and no longer be restricted by her petite body.

As far as she knew, this kind of secret technique was mainly studied in some very small sects. Because it was useless for practice itself, few orthodox practitioners knew about it.

"...In addition to the physical skills mentioned above, there is also the method of using the true energy to change one's outward appearance. By adjusting the flow of the true energy in the body, the practitioner can conceal his true cultivation level and even simulate the aura of other practitioners. This is extremely useful for sneaking behind enemy lines or avoiding pursuit..."

The voice from the radio continued to come, and Zhao Yi and Zhao Si listened more carefully.

Although both of them are top-notch in the art of breath-control among the masters, this skill is more of a personal comprehension and application, which is difficult to explain in words. Zhao Qing has summarized the key points and taught them in a clear and logical manner, and his level is obviously far above his own.

"…Finally, I would like to introduce the secret technique of using polarization grating to interfere with vision. This secret technique uses a thin film of true essence to form an invisible grating in the air, which can distort and interfere with light, and naturally reduce the enemy's attention when searching…"

"...Okay, that's all for tonight's explanation. I hope that all listeners can benefit from it. Remember to practice diligently so that you can master it. In the next episode, we will discuss how to use environmental factors to enhance your ability to hide and escape. Stay tuned..."

The explanation on the radio was profound and easy to understand. It not only mentioned the principles of the secret technique but also involved practical methods. Zhao Yi and Zhao Si soon gained a lot of inspiration. The aroma of the fish soup was still lingering, but their minds had drifted far away.

……

Ding Ning walked slowly out of the gate of Baiyang Cave, and as usual, he stepped onto the carriage waiting in front of the gate.

The appearance of this carriage is inconspicuous. The carriage is tightly wrapped in a thick layer of black cotton cloth, which blocks out the prying eyes of the outside world and also protects against the biting cold wind of late autumn.

A middle-aged coachman with an honest face drove the carriage steadily. Although the mountain road was rugged and bumpy, the carriage only shook slightly.

The light in the carriage was dim, but in some inconspicuous corners, there were runes as fine as flowers flickering faintly, stretching into pieces. It can be seen that the entire carriage has been transformed into a special rune device, which played a strict protective role.

Even if we ignore Ding Ning's peerless attainments in swordsmanship and talent in cultivation, he is, after all, a key figure who has memorized at least a thousand secret sword scriptures and the methods of making many talismans, elixirs, and magic arrays of the You Dynasty. He also has the potential to call upon the resources of the Bashan Sword Field in the past.

In Zhao Qing's opinion, this is undoubtedly one of the most valuable treasures in the world. One person is worth half a dynasty, and no loss is allowed. In addition to upgrading the quality of the carriage, he also arranged many protective measures hidden in the dark.

Ding Ning leaned on the soft cushion with his eyes closed, as if he had fallen asleep. In fact, his mind was fully focused on his internal cultivation. His breathing was long and even, and the five energies in his body slowly gathered and flowed towards the sea of ​​​​qi under the guidance of his mental power.

The five energies in his body continued to sink into the Qi Sea at an abnormally slow speed, but considered fast for other practitioners, moving towards a crystal clear space deep below the Qi Sea, like a jade palace under the sea, a place called the Jade Palace.

As long as one can sink the five energies into the Jade Palace, it means that one’s cultivation has reached the middle level of the first realm of Tongxuan.

At the same time, the countless invisible silkworms in his body were also greedily devouring most of the spiritual energy that seeped into his body, constantly causing his body to undergo subtle and wonderful changes, allowing Ding Ning's true cultivation to move towards the upper level of the second realm.

When the Lingxi Jade Talisman in his pocket began to vibrate, Ding Ning quickly opened his eyes, but he did not interrupt his practice. Instead, as if he had planned in advance, he quickly took out a belt and tied the jade talisman next to his ear.

Different from what Zhao Yi and Zhao Si heard, Ding Ning's broadcast belonged to another channel, and the volume was adjusted to a level that only he could hear clearly.

But normally speaking, even with such a small external interference, most practitioners at this stage would not be able to successfully concentrate their minds and energy to carry out such delicate practice because of their insufficient strength and control of their mental power.

But Ding Ning seemed to be completely unaffected. The five energies in his body continued to circulate in an orderly manner according to the established trajectory, and he had enough energy to listen to, analyze, and interpret every bit of content in the Jade Talisman broadcast:
"…Tonight, we will discuss in depth how to strengthen the Qi and blood and consolidate the foundation. As you all know, the path of cultivation is based on the most important foundation. Without a solid foundation, how can you build a tall building? Therefore, I will teach you a technique to assist in cultivation, the "Five Qi Jing Tian Ming Xin Chao Yuan Method"…"

"…Understanding one's mind and seeing one's nature is an extremely important part of spiritual practice. By understanding one's mind, we can gain insight into our inner world and understand our emotional changes; by seeing one's nature, we can recognize our own nature and thus better control our emotions. Emotions are the key to driving the circulation of the five energies…"

"...The Five Qi Jing Tian Ming Xin Chao Yuan Method is precisely to enlighten the mind and see the nature, using the power of emotions to activate the five qi... Joy, anger, worry, thought, fear, the five emotions of human beings can all correspond to the five qi and be in harmony with the Zhou Tian astrological signs..."

Listening to Zhao Qing's other body spirit's explanation about enlightenment, Ding Ning agreed deeply. He recalled his past practice experience. Every breakthrough was accompanied by a deeper understanding of himself, and was always accompanied by an indescribable emotional sublimation.

In the eyes of most practitioners, one must put aside emotions and pursue inner peace when practicing. In order to reach the legendary Eight Realms of Enlightenment, one must cultivate a pure and flawless body and become the key to open the world.

But in his opinion, these are nothing but fallacies, or narrow-minded remarks.

The true path of spiritual practice is boundlessly vast and does not have so many restrictions. Everyone can make their own appropriate choices and constantly expand boundaries that no one has ever reached before.

This "Five Qi Jing Tian Ming Xin Chao Yuan Method" is undoubtedly a unique practice method that breaks the convention. It is not only a practice technique, but also an innovation in the concept of practice. Ding Ning thought to himself that Zhao Qing's method of using emotions to guide the circulation of the five qi coincided with his deep understanding of practice, and also seemed to correspond to his speculation about the highest practice of Minshan Sword Sect "Continuation of Tianshen Jue", and perhaps had similar effects.

"…The Qi of Dantian passes through the Niu-nu Wu-fen. This Qi is hot and corresponds to the heart fire. Practitioners need to guide it with joy. The Qi of Mingtian passes through the Xinwei Ji-fen. This Qi is dry and corresponds to the spleen earth. It needs to be controlled with a peaceful heart…"

"...the air of the blue sky passes through Weishi Liugui. This air is dominated by coldness and corresponds to the lung metal. It needs to be stimulated by sadness. The air of the white sky passes through Kangdi Maobi. This air is dominated by dryness and corresponds to the liver wood. It needs to be stimulated by anger..."

Ding Ning listened quietly to the explanation on the radio. The five energies in his body seemed to respond to his will and began to correspond to the five emotions, forming a wonderful resonance. Moreover, wisps of vital energy projected from distant stars permeated and integrated into it silently.

When he felt joy, it was as if warm sunshine was spreading all over his body, driving the five qi to flow happily; when he was angry, it was like a violent storm, stirring up the five qi and making them impact the barrier of the qi sea more violently.

"…The Qi of the mysterious sky passes through Zhang Yi Lou Wei. This Qi is tranquil and corresponds to the water of the kidney. It needs to be guarded with a tranquil mind. The so-called Wu Ji division is Kui Bi Jiao Zhen, which is the gateway of heaven and earth. The beginning of the weather and the birth of the Tao must be understood…"

As the broadcast went on, Ding Ning's practice also entered a deeper level. He seemed to see the five energies in his body transformed into five colorful dragons, tumbling and interweaving in the sea of ​​​​energy, and finally gathered into a powerful force, rushing into the depths of the Jade Palace.

……

At the same time, in the backyard of the Silver Moon Casino, the sound of a carriage leaving outside gradually faded away.

The two old shopkeepers in black shirts looked at their trusted worshiper Wu Guang with strange eyes. They found it hard to understand why the other party had spent quite a long time talking with Wang Taixu, who was in charge of two floors, and even reached some agreement.

“Wang Taixu’s gambling and brothel businesses certainly make him a leader in Changling, but he is still just a cultivator who has not even entered the sixth realm, and he has no other fifth realm swordsmen under his command…”

One of the skinny black-shirted shopkeepers couldn't help but ask, "Even if there is the support of the White Aries Cave behind it, it is just a brick at the head of the kiln and is not yet solid. Once it rains heavily, it will collapse into mud and return to the starting point."

"This kind of power, which will never last forever, has no right to be on equal footing with our Silver Moon Casino?"

You have to know that Wu Guang's cultivation has reached the middle level of the seventh realm, close to the upper level, and is even slightly better than many kings and princes of the Qin Dynasty. Compared with a local army of more than 10,000 people that can be equipped with dozens of fifth-realm practitioners, the difference is simply heaven and earth.

Wang Taixu came to visit him specially, probably because he had some understanding of Wu Guang's cultivation, which is why this move seemed particularly puzzling, and it felt like he was trying to win a big prize with a small investment.

However, Wu Guang's eyes were deep and determined when he heard this, and he slowly replied: "My two shopkeepers, what you see may only be Wang Taixu's superficial strength and status, but what I see is his unknown tenacity and confidence in his heart."

"The confidence in his eyes is by no means a disguise. That is why he appears so calm and composed. At the negotiation table, this calmness is more valuable than any gold or silver treasure."

"It's like at the gambling table, some people are poor but pretend to be rich, spending a fortune just for a moment of vanity, while Wang Taixu is the kind of person who is truly wealthy and can rival an entire country. No matter how high the stakes are, he is confident that he has it all figured out."

Seeing the doubtful looks of the two shopkeepers, Wu Guang paused and continued, "His trump card may not be obvious now, but I believe it will be the key to overturn the situation."

"Over the past decade or so, I have met countless people in the Silver Moon Casino. I have come into contact with all kinds of practitioners, merchants, and dignitaries. I can be sure that my judgment is not wrong."

"Behind Wang Taixu, there is definitely power and wisdom that we have not yet known. It is enough for him to gain a firm foothold in the underground world of Changling, and even move to a higher level." Wu Guang's explanation made the expressions of the two shopkeepers gradually change from confusion to sudden enlightenment.

"I see. Mr. Wu has a far-sighted vision. We admire him." The skinny black-shirted shopkeeper was the first to express his opinion, with a little more admiration in his tone: "Since you have made up your mind, we will fully support you."

Another slightly fat old shopkeeper also nodded in agreement: "Yes, Wu Gongsheng has always had a unique vision. Since you think Wang Taixu has potential, then we will give him a chance, and it will also give our Silver Moon Casino a chance."

Wu Guang smiled slightly, turned around and walked towards the wing room. Where the shopkeepers couldn't see, he was tightly holding a slightly glowing jade talisman in his sleeve. Inside the talisman was an explanation of how to heal injuries and rescue patients, as well as one vivid case after another.

As a powerful master who ranks among the best in the whole Changling, he was forced to serve as a priest in a gambling house. Although it was partly due to Wu Guang's sensitive identity, it was more because his mother was seriously ill and needed extremely expensive medicine for long-term treatment, and she received full support from the Yinyue Casino.

This kind of funding initially only corresponded to the fifth and sixth realms, and later continued to increase with Wu Guang's breakthrough in cultivation. It was not much higher than the "offering price" of other forces, but after all, it was the people of the Silver Moon Casino who lent a helping hand at the most critical moment and provided timely assistance.

Wu Guang has always kept this favor in mind, considering it more precious than his own life and a favor that must be repaid a hundred or a thousand times over. For this reason, he is willing to put aside his pride as a grandmaster and silently guard the Silver Moon Casino, using his own strength to protect the casino.

At this moment, the jade talisman he was holding tightly in his hand was the gift that Zhao Qing brought through Wang Taixu, and it was playing the content that she had customized for him on a special channel.

It not only contains advanced methods of healing and rescue, but also specific prescriptions and detailed treatment steps for his mother's illness.

For Wu Guang, this gift was like a rain after a long drought. It was the light of hope he had been looking for for a long time, and the real reason why he decisively agreed to the cooperation conditions.

……

On this seemingly ordinary night, some people gained many benefits from Zhao Qing, while others unfortunately became the targets of her schemes.

The moonlight was thin, the stars twinkled, and the back mountain of Qingteng Sword Academy was immersed in a deep tranquility. In this vast back mountain range, the outermost Iron Sword Ridge was slightly low. On the ridge, a dark-faced boy wearing a mulberry-colored coarse cloth robe was walking slowly.

His forehead and cheekbones were slightly protruding, and he was not handsome in the world's eyes. He was not tall, and was even a little hunched, as if the years had left too heavy a mark on his body, which had not yet fully matured.

On the rugged mountain road a little ahead, there was a middle-aged man wearing an extremely ordinary yellow satin robe. His face was obscured by the night, and his expression could not be seen, but there was no need for him to look back, as he always kept a distance of exactly ten feet from the young man.

Whenever this person took light steps, wherever he passed, the vines with sharp barbs that had originally entwined on the mountains seemed to sense some kind of majesty and naturally spread out to make a path for him. This showed that his cultivation level was definitely not low.

"From tonight on, you are a student of Qingteng Sword Academy. Don't forget what I said before. Do your spy work carefully. Once you have achieved results, Jiaodong County will not treat you unfairly, and your family will be properly settled."

The middle-aged man's voice was deep and powerful, with a hint of threat: "Lie Yinghong, I'll send you here... By the way, there are several other students in the Sword Academy who are similarly 'lurkers'. You are not the only one, you just have the advantage in cultivation."

"If your performance is too poor, or even worse than those weaklings in the second and third realms, and the 'careful' training of several teachers is wasted, and you are not worthy of the resources that have been consumed on you, then... you should be aware of the consequences."

After saying this, he tapped the ground with his toes, stirring up a circle of expanding air. He quickly soared to a high place and headed in the direction he came from. He disappeared into the deep mountains and ridges, and was no longer seen.

After explaining the task, the middle-aged man naturally had to return to Jiaodong County. In order to prevent being discovered by outsiders and leaking information, the most appropriate channel was undoubtedly to take his own armored merchant ship that was about to arrive and travel along the way.

……

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