Chapter 2325: Safe Town

"I haven't sent it yet. You'll have to figure out the road ahead yourself," Zuo Xiao said finally.

The study, which had been lively throughout the spring, became very quiet as summer arrived.

The two, grandfather and grandson, who used to sit opposite each other at the study desk every day, researching seal techniques, had already left.

After they left, the room full of books couldn't fill the sense of emptiness.

A beam of window light hit the study desk. Outside the circle of light, a book lay flat and closed. It hadn't been opened for a very long time, and at this moment, it lay silently where the strong light didn't reach.

It was the last book Jiang Wang had read.

The cover read: "My Observations on the Evolution of Ancient Seal Techniques."

The author was Zuo Qiu Wu.

Before leaving the border of Chu, he had seen Duke Yu.

He had arrived in plain clothes, intercepting the road at the desolate long empty stretch. Without saying anything else, he directly handed over a food box: "Threatened by a certain old man who is unwilling to reveal his name due to his position, I specifically made you a box of 'Pure Intent God Settling Cakes.' When you feel like you can't withstand the Dao of Heaven, eat one. It might alleviate things a bit. There are nine in total, so eat sparingly."

Jiang Wang took the food box, sniffed it lightly, and smiled brightly: "So fragrant!"

Qu Jin Kui said: "There aren't any more."

He added: "And more wouldn't be useful."

Then he bowed and bade farewell.

Jiang Wang, with his sword hanging, stepped on the wind and left.

People say the process of a Heaven Human moving towards the Dao of Heaven is a process of "seeing the Dao" and "obtaining the Dao." A Heaven Human with exceptional talent will become eternally strong in this process.

In Jiang Wang's feeling, the process of a Heaven Human moving towards the Dao of Heaven is a drowning process.

Losing emotions, losing everything.

At the moment they reach the end point, they simply kill themselves.

Now, turning back is not a time for comfort before death, and there is no such thing as "carpe diem" or "last madness." He may not feel he will die, nor does he acknowledge the inevitable end of failure.

Moreover, even if being swallowed by the Dao of Heaven is unavoidable and he will die tomorrow, his freedom is still upwards, not downwards.

Jiang Wang, leaving the country of Chu alone, carried the half-finished seal diagram designed for him by Zuo Xiao, intending to suppress the second level Heaven Human state of Ping Zhen.

This name, of course, carried the beautiful hopes of his elders.

However, it was only a half-finished product.

The second level Heaven Human state is inherently stronger and harder to seal and suppress than the first level Heaven Human state. Furthermore, Zuo Xiao could only work from the outside in, unable to make concrete contact with the second level Heaven Human state without being able to touch Shou Kang Zhen. He could only do a hypothetical construction based on Jiang Wang's own perception and description - this was, of course, miles off.

In these past few days, besides continuously learning seal techniques, Jiang Wang had also continuously researched his own second level Heaven Human state, allowing himself to completely analyze all its details, striving to give Zuo Xiao a more accurate understanding, and thus create more targeted seal techniques.

Now, it could only be said that the road ahead was long and difficult.

The deduction for Ping Zhen became more and more difficult as it progressed. So Zuo Xiao even invited Qi Guan Zhen to come - of course, it wasn't really to let Qi Guan Zhen treat the Heaven Human state as a disease. But he had some dangerous ideas and wanted to try. For example, whether he could gouge off the Heaven Human state like gouging off a sore...

Qi Guan Zhen was invited to come to protect Jiang Wang's life.

In the end, it didn't work out.

The Heaven Human state is not a tumor growing on the body or a sore. It is a realm entered by a cultivator at a certain stage, approaching the eternal truth of the Dao of Heaven.

Even if Jiang Wang were peeled and his bones dismantled, this favor from the Dao of Heaven could not be dismantled.

People throughout history have recognized that the Yang royal family is the most skilled in seal techniques.

And the old Yang royal clan with the surname Ji were descendants of the Blue Emperor Ji Yan Shu.

This monarch was one of the Eight Sages of ancient times. She once patrolled the human territory day and night, protecting countless ordinary people who hadn't achieved extraordinary status from the invasion of evil spirits. She also created seal techniques belonging to the human race and developed control beast techniques based on this, controlling the strong with the weak.

The myths and legends of the Day Touring God and Night Touring God evolved from her deeds. Later human cultivators in seal techniques and control beast techniques all worshipped her as their ancestor.

It was also because these two cultivation paths declined and did not regain their glorious scene, and the country of Yang perished, with the Ji royal clan no longer existing in the world. This position, simultaneously the "Seal Ancestor" and "Control Beast Progenitor," the "Eastern Ancestor," gradually faded from existence.

As the overlord of the Eastern Region after the demise of the country of Yang, the country of Qi did, for a certain period, claim to inherit the legacy of Yang and even referred to itself as the true successor of old Yang.

But the true first time dividing the country of Yang, "eating Yang and growing fat," was still the initial "Nine Sunrise Countries."

Of course, the Nine Sunrise Countries, which once shone in the Eastern Region and contended for a while, saw six countries already destroyed by the country of Qi. The remaining three countries, Xu, Zhao, and Chang, all bowed their heads and paid tribute.

It is not too much of a problem to say that "the treasures of old Yang exhausted the treasury of Qi."

Even the former Sun Palace has now become the Ji Xia Academy.

However, after many years of war and chaos, after the accumulation of fallen countries, most of the secret methods of the old Yang royal family were lost. The seal techniques passed down directly from the Blue Emperor were scattered even earlier.

In the entire country of Qi, there really wasn't any master skilled in seal techniques who could say they were stronger than Zuo Xiao in this field.

This was also the reason why Zuo Xiao initially wanted to keep Jiang Wang in the country of Chu to solve the problem.

Now, after a spring, if the threat of the Heaven Human state still couldn't be solved in the country of Chu, it was also reasonable to try other methods.

The country of Qi was definitely a place to visit. If time allowed, Jiang Wang would also not miss the several "old Yang orthodox" countries like Xu, Zhao, and Chang.

However, he did not immediately head east. The matters in the Eastern Region could be handled with a single letter. Chong Xuan Sheng was probably much more flexible than him in arranging these things.

The strongest seal technique heritage, namely the Blue Emperor heritage, was admitted by everyone. But in the "My Observations on the Evolution of Ancient Seal Techniques" written by the current head of the Diligent Book Courtyard, he repeatedly emphasized -

The strongest seal suppression from ancient times to the present, which still stands in the world today, was created by the Middle Ancient Human Emperor.

It is the "Nine Towns of the Long River."

The Lie Shan clan refined the nine sons of the Dragon Emperor Xi Hun into nine towns, and the Long River has been clear and peaceful ever since, divided for tens of thousands of years.

In Zuo Qiu Wu's commentary, the Nine Towns of the Long River are the greatest wonder of seal suppression. It is said that the Lie Shan clan and the Xi Hun clan once sat and discussed the Dao, fought side by side, but later killed its nine sons and refined them into nine bridges... The cruelty of this matter, to a certain extent, overshadowed its greatness.

Zuo Qiu Wu, in his work, cited many historical materials, verifying the unshakable great status of the Nine Towns of the Long River in the field of seal techniques and also elaborately argued the influence of the Nine Towns of the Long River on later seal techniques.

Although Jiang Wang had only just stepped into the realm of seal techniques and couldn't fully understand the meaning of the Nine Towns of the Long River in this field, he still admired its height.

So his first journey after leaving Chu was to the country of Luo.

To be more precise, it was to the first town of the Long River near the country of Luo - Prisoner Cow Bridge.

The country of Luo, known as the "country on water," naturally relied on water for its livelihood. Its economy was mainly based on river resources, and it had always had little sense of existence. Until a certain monarch suddenly "opened his mind" and, at a banquet, drunk and flushed, raised his cup high and shouted: "Why doesn't the water race produce water?"

At that time, the group of ministers bowed their heads in fright, and the singing girls all forgot to sing.

But from then on, the country of Luo began to half-openly engage in the water race slave business, ushering in a period of deformed economic prosperity.

Later, it even formed a "three-legged tripod" with Zhuang and Yong. Although slightly weaker, in terms of "abundant national treasury," it might not have lost too much. No matter whether Yong bullied Zhuang or Zhuang attacked Yong, they could never ignore the existence of the country of Luo.

It was a pity that the good times didn't last.

Just a few years ago, it was struck without rhyme or reason by Zhuang Gao Xian, and the national power of Luo began to decline irreparably -

The Zhuang clan completely traded a part of the Dragon Monarch's power, but unfortunately, before they could receive the reward, they died hastily under lovesickness. Their trade naturally also slept with them.

But the country of Luo's suffering did not stop.

The water race slave business was originally explicitly prohibited. Under the current major environment of preparing for war against Shen Xiao, the human race's high-level leadership wanted to maintain the stability of the current world even more, especially paying attention to appeasing the water race.

The ancient alliance was mentioned again and again, and the contribution of the water race to the stability of the current world was also repeatedly confirmed. The Long River Dragon Monarch was even invited into the Heavenly Capital City, and Emperor Ji Feng Zhou of Da Jing drank and admired flowers with him.

The virtual line under the feet of the country of Luo, which carried a warning, just became a fiercely murderous real line. It was also difficult to rise.

Jiang Wang also paid attention to these things. Tai Xu Pavilion members did not have the authority to interfere in worldly affairs, but that young man named Jiang Wang, who first saved that shell girl by the Qing River, saw at that time the difference between the past known world and the real world.

Someone asked him at that time - "What history do you know?"

Later, he often asked himself - what you see, is it really the truth?

A spirit's understanding of the world begins with doubt.

Jiang Wang silently observed the situation in the country of Luo and also supported the ancient alliance between the human race and the water race. Now he crossed over the country of Luo without entering and went directly onto the Prisoner Cow Bridge.

As the eldest son of the Xi Hun clan, the name "Prisoner Cow" also resounded throughout the Middle Ancient era.

Even now, when the dragon race has been driven away and a large amount of information has been erased, in the "Outline of Middle Ancient History" passed down as "human race proper," this eldest son of the Dragon Emperor is mentioned. It says that he was "extravagant without measure, naturally lewd, and liked decadent sounds. He bullied various departments and repeatedly made big mistakes."

But in the "My Observations on the Evolution of Ancient Seal Techniques" that Jiang Wang had just read, Zuo Qiu Wu also briefly mentioned Prisoner Cow, saying that he was "versed in music, naturally gentle, had good conduct, and was respected by various sides."

He commented that "the Nine Towns of the Long River, the first town used its virtue, thus able to maintain long peace."

Even that fellow Ao Kui once said, while scolding Ao Shu Yi, that Prisoner Cow was benevolent and loved music...

Now that tens of thousands of years have passed, which one is the more real Prisoner Cow is perhaps not so important.

At least the current Jiang Wang has no thought of exploring.

He only wants to know how the Middle Ancient Human Emperor sealed and suppressed Prisoner Cow, and how it has been so eternal.

This great bridge spanning the Long River, he had also ridden a horse across it during the initial meeting at the Head of the Yellow River. That was the fifth town of the Long River, the great bridge named "Suan Ni."

At that time, he had absolutely no knowledge of seal techniques, and his cultivation was also far different. His eyes were full of the grandeur of the Long River and the magnificence of the stone bridge, and his heart was full of the Head of the Yellow River, the first in the world. How could he feel how great this seal was, and what inspiration he could draw from it?

But to say that only with the cultivation of an absolute top Real Person in the current world could one fully experience the mystery of the Nine Towns' seal would be the talk of a fool dreaming.

Hard study in closed-door for a whole spring with Duke Huai did indeed let his seal technique enter the door. He could even not modestly say that he had reached a high level, considered to have entered the hall and the room.

But what the Nine Towns of the Long River represent is the highest peak in the field of seal techniques.

He could only look from afar with piety, pursuing that remote and difficult-to-find spiritual light.

He could only follow the traces left by countless historical figures, slowly walking from one end of the ancient stone bridge to the other. He recorded every pattern and touched every mark.

What kind of power crosses time?

This great stone bridge, spanning the Long River above, has penetrated the entire near ancient era, and in terms of time and space, it is firm and indestructible. When a person is within it, it is very difficult not to feel their own insignificance.

As he walked, Jiang Wang slowly squatted down.

But soon he stood up again, smoothing his wrinkled eyebrows. He pressed the sword hilt and turned his body with a straight spine.

His expression remained only calm.

At this very moment, in the middle of the stone bridge, indeed stood a figure wearing armor and leaning on a sword. His broad face naturally held dignity, yet he smiled faintly: "Cabinet Member Jiang's perception is truly spiritual!"

The water surface under the Prisoner Cow Bridge lay quiet, the flat waves like a mirror, reflecting the flowing clouds in the high sky.

The chief officer of the Dragon Palace and the big manager of the Yellow River... Fu Yun Qin.

Jiang Wang only looked at him, asking with his eyes - "Is there something?"

"Cabinet Member Jiang's determination is truly rare to see," Fu Yun Qin's posture was very close: "But the way you use increased pain to maintain your emotions, and thus escape the influence of the Dao of Heaven, is ultimately treating the symptom and not the root cause. Pain will play a smaller and smaller role for you - even if you are already in such pain now."

"Manager Fu's eyes are truly spiritual! What matter is hidden from you?" Jiang Wang said indifferently: "Presumably you didn't take the time to come and see just to look at someone like me?"

"Oh, it's been a long time since I've seen Real Person Jiang. I was so busy with pleasantries that I almost forgot the proper matter." Fu Yun Qin bowed and said: "The Monarch has already condescended to the Long River, why not enter the Dragon Palace? It's been a year since the last banquet at the Dragon Palace. It just so happens that the sky is bright and the air is clear, the summer wind is vast, and the new tea from the Dragon Palace has just been picked... My master has invited you."

"Next time, just say the last six words," Jiang Wang let go of the sword hilt, turned around, and continued to research the reliefs on the bridge: "No time."

He had always been a person who cherished time, and especially so at the moment.

Regardless of what the Dragon Monarch's intentions were, he did not want to, nor did he have the time to explore.

Fu Yun Qin said: "My master has controlled the Dragon Palace for tens of thousands of years, seeing clouds come and go. He also once sat and discussed the Dao with the Lie Shan Human Emperor, and actually has some research on seal techniques..."

Jiang Wang gazed at the complex changes in the stone bridge carvings, and casually smiled: "What does Lord Dragon Monarch research seal techniques for? Do you have an idea about the Nine Towns?"

This question was really dangerous, making Fu Yun Qin stand solemn on the spot.

Jiang Wang waved his hand: "Manager Fu should go and busy yourself. I have a small discomfort and haven't yet alerted Lord Dragon Monarch to make a big trip!"

To put it bluntly, if Real Person Jiang has some trouble now, there are many forces willing to lend a hand - but not everyone who comes to show goodwill is accepted by Real Person Jiang.

And when it involves his own state and concerns fundamental cultivation, it needs to be where he feels absolutely at ease.

He could open his cultivation state to Zuo Xiao, even open his Five Palaces and share his Four Seas, allowing Zuo Xiao to diagnose and prescribe treatment accordingly, but it was impossible to let the Long River Dragon Monarch come and research him.

They weren't even fundamentally familiar, so where did this enthusiasm come from!

Just as Fu Yun Qin was about to speak, suddenly waves surged behind him, and a voice echoed through the air -

"Real Person Jiang! It's been a while since the banquet at the Dragon Palace, and we haven't met again. I know you are busy with important matters and have been isolated and haven't sent a messenger to disturb you. Today, fortunately, you are passing by the Long River, so I just invite you to sit down and chat alone. Can you really not spare a moment?"

Dragon Monarch Ao Shu Yi invited him personally!

Jiang Wang no longer dared to be slight, and withdrew his gaze from observing the stone bridge: "Indeed, I haven't been to the Dragon Palace for a long time. I can have a cup of tea!"

Immediately, the water divided into a path, and among the ten thousand hectare waves, a path of jade stairs appeared.

Fu Yun Qin led the way, and Jiang Wang followed behind him. With just one step, the majestic Dragon Palace appeared before his eyes!

Space is indeed a mud pill, in the palm of the Dragon Monarch, it can be flat or round at will.

The Dragon Palace attendants pushed open the large doors, and Jiang Wang stepped into the hall.

In the extremely wide hall, there were only two opposing tea tables.

But one figure wearing a gold-colored long robe was seen sitting behind the tea table on the left, extending a hand to Jiang Wang: "Please sit and drink some summer tea."

There was a cup of hot tea on the tea table, with mist lingering.

Jiang Wang walked forward, picked up the teacup, raised it, and drank it down in one gulp.

After drinking, he wiped his mouth and smiled: "The tea is also drunk, and the Dragon Monarch is also seen. I am truly pressed for time, so please excuse me, Dragon Monarch -"

"I know how bitter nature dies," said the figure wearing the gold-colored long robe.

The Long River Dragon Monarch Ao Shu Yi, who had controlled the Long River Dragon Palace for tens of thousands of years and only descended in a virtual shadow at this moment, stroked the teacup and slowly added: "I dare to say it."

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