Heart Survey

Chapter 2292 Ping An Town

"I won't see you off. You have to take charge of your own future." Zuo Xiao said finally.

The study, which was bustling all spring, became very quiet when summer came.

The grandfather and grandson, who used to sit opposite each other at the desk every day to study and research the art of sealing, have both left.

After people leave, no matter how many books there are in the room, they can't fill the emptiness.

There was a beam of light from the window on the desk, and outside the circle of light, a closed book lay flat. It had not been read for a long time, and now it was silent when the strong light could not reach it.

It was the last book Jiang Wang read.

The cover reads: "My View on the Evolution of Ancient Sealing Techniques."

The author is Zuoqiuwu.

……

Before leaving Chu, I met Duke Yu.

He came in his normal clothes, intercepted Yu Changkong, and without saying anything else, handed over a food tray: "Under the threat of an old man who does not want to reveal his name, I made a tray of 'Jingyi Shending Cake' for you. When you feel like you can't resist the Heavenly Dao, eat one, it will help you feel better. There are nine in total, eat them sparingly."

Jiang Wang took the food tray, sniffed it gently, and smiled brightly: "It smells so good!"

Qu Jinkui asked, "Are there any more?"

He added: "More is useless."

So they bowed and said goodbye.

Jiang Wang was alone, with his sword hanging on his head, walking on the wind.

People say that the process of a celestial being moving towards the Way of Heaven is the process of "seeing the Way" and "attaining the Way". In this process, a celestial being with extraordinary talent moves towards eternal and everlasting power.

In Jiang Wang's perception, the process of a celestial being moving towards the way of heaven is a process of drowning.

Lose emotions, lose everything.

The moment you reach the end, you kill yourself.

Now is not the time to comfort himself before death. There is no such thing as "enjoy life while you can" or "the last madness". He does not think that he will die, and does not accept the inevitable outcome of failure.

And even if he is inevitably swallowed up by the laws of nature and will die tomorrow, his freedom is to go upwards, not downwards.

Jiang Wang left the State of Chu alone, carrying with him a half-finished seal diagram designed for him by Zuo Xiao, intending to seal the [Ping'an Town] of the second level of heaven and man.

This name certainly carries the elders’ good hopes.

But it can only be a semi-finished product.

The second level of heavenly human state is stronger than the first level, and more difficult to seal. In addition, Zuo Xiao can only work from the outside to the inside. Without being able to touch the [Eternal Life Town], he has no way of contacting the second level of heavenly human state. He can only make a hypothetical construction based on Jiang Wang's own perception and description - which is of course a thousand miles away.

These days, in addition to continuously learning the sealing technique, Jiang Wang has been constantly studying his second level of heavenly human form, so that he can fully analyze all its details, and strive to make Zuo Xiao have a more accurate understanding, so as to create a more targeted sealing technique.

Now all we can say is that the road ahead is long and difficult.

The deduction of [Ping An Town] becomes more and more difficult as time goes on. That’s why Zuo Xiao even invited Qi Guanzhen to come—of course, he didn’t really want Qi Guanzhen to treat the heavenly state as a disease. But he had some dangerous ideas that he wanted to try. For example, could he remove the heavenly state like removing a sore…

Qi Guan was really invited to save Jiang Wang's life.

In the end it didn't work.

The state of a celestial being is not like a tumor or a sore growing on the body. Rather, it means that at a certain stage, the practitioner enters a wonderful realm and approaches the eternal truth about the way of heaven.

Even if you skin and bones Jiang Wang, you cannot remove the favor of heaven.

It has always been recognized by the world that the Yang Kingdom's royal family is the most proficient in sealing techniques.

The old royal family with the surname Yangji were the descendants of the Green Emperor Ji Yanshu.

This gentleman was one of the eight ancient sages, who once patrolled the human territory day and night, saving countless ordinary people who could not transcend from the invasion of evil spirits. He also created a sealing technique unique to the human race, and on this basis developed the beast taming technique of using the weak to control the strong.

The legends of the Sun-Wandering God and the Night-Wandering God were derived from her deeds. Later, human practitioners regarded her as the ancestor of sealing and beast-taming techniques.

That is to say, these two ways of cultivation have fallen into decline and are no longer as glorious as they once were. The Yang Kingdom was also destroyed, and the royal family of the Ji surname no longer exists in the world. This "Ancestor of the East", who is also the "Ancestor of Seals" and the "First Ancestor of Taming Beasts", has gradually faded from existence.

As the overlord of the Eastern Region after the Yang State, the Qi State did, at a certain time, claim to have inherited the legacy of the Yang State and said that it was the legitimate heir of the ancient Yang State.

However, the ones who really divided up the Yang Kingdom first and "became fat by eating the Yang" were still the "Nine Kingdoms when the Sun Rises".

Of course, of the nine kingdoms that once rose to prominence in the East and competed for supremacy, six had been destroyed by the State of Qi, and the remaining three kingdoms, Xu, Zhao, and Chang, also surrendered.

There is nothing wrong with saying "all the treasures of the old Yang are stored in the treasury".

Even the former Sun Palace has become the current Jixia Academy.

However, after years of war and the destruction of many countries, most of the secret techniques of the old Yang royal family were lost. The sealing technique passed down by the Qing Emperor had long been lost.

In the entire Qi State, there is really no master who is good at sealing techniques, and it can be said that he is stronger than Zuo Xiao in sealing techniques.

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

Now that a spring has passed, if the Chu State still has not been able to resolve the threat of the Tianrentai, it is only natural to try other methods.

Qi State must be visited. If time permits, Jiang Wang will not miss Xu State, Zhao State, and Chang State, which are the "old Yang Zhengshuo".

But he did not go east immediately. As for the affairs of the East Region, he could just write a letter. When it came to arranging these things, Chong Xuansheng was much more flexible than him.

The strongest seal technique inheritance is the Qing Emperor's inheritance, which everyone admits. But in "My Views on the Evolution of Ancient Sealing Techniques" written by the current dean of Qinku Academy, he repeatedly emphasized -

The most powerful town throughout history, which still stands in the world today, was created by the emperor of ancient times.

It is the "Nine Towns of Changhe".

Lieshan clan refined the nine sons of the Dragon Emperor Xihun clan into nine towns. Since then, the Changhe River has been peaceful and tranquil for hundreds of thousands of years.

According to Zuo Qiuwu's commentary, the Nine Towns of Changhe is the greatest wonder of the city. It is just said that Lieshan and Xihun once discussed the Dao and fought side by side, but later they killed their nine sons to build nine bridges... The cruelty of this event has obscured its greatness to a certain extent.

In his works, Zuoqiuwu cited many historical materials to verify the unshakable great status of the Nine Towns of Changhe in the field of sealing techniques, and also demonstrated in detail the influence of the Nine Towns of Changhe on the sealing techniques of later generations.

Although Jiang Wang had just entered the field of sealing techniques and could not quite understand the significance of the Nine Towns of Changhe in the sealing techniques, he still looked up to them.

So his first stop after leaving Chu was Luo State.

To be more precise, it is Qiuniu Bridge, the first town on the Changhe River near Luo State.

Luo State, known as the "Water Country", naturally relied on water for its livelihood, and its domestic economy was mainly based on river harvests, so it had never had much of a presence. Until a certain monarch suddenly "got it", and at a banquet, he raised his glass and shouted: "Are water creatures not aquatic products?"
The ministers were so frightened that they leaned forward and the singing girls even forgot to sing.

But since then, Luo State semi-openly started the aquatic slave business, ushering in a period of abnormal economic prosperity.

Later, it even stood on equal footing with Zhuang and Yong. Although it was a little weak, it was not much inferior in terms of "abundant treasury". Whether Yong bullied Zhuang or Zhuang attacked Yong, the existence of Luo State could not be ignored.

Unfortunately, the good times are not long.

Ever since the indiscriminate blow from Zhuang Gaoxian a few years ago, Luo State has been in a state of decline.

The man surnamed Zhuang did complete part of the deal with the Dragon Lord, but unfortunately he died hastily from longing before he could receive his reward. Their deal naturally ended with him.

But the blow suffered by Luo State did not stop there.

The slave trade of the aquatic tribe was originally forbidden. In the current environment of preparing for the war with Shenxiao, the human race leaders must maintain the stability of the world, especially focusing on appeasing the aquatic tribe.

The ancient covenant was mentioned again and again, and the contribution of the water tribe to the stability of the world was repeatedly confirmed. The Dragon King of Changhe was even invited to Tianjing City, and the King of Dajing, Ji Fengzhou, drank with him and admired the flowers.

The dotted line that Luo Guo was standing on with a warning meaning turned into a solid line with murderous intent. Life became difficult.

Jiang Wang was certainly concerned about these things. The members of Taixu Pavilion did not have the authority to interfere in worldly affairs, but when the young man named Jiang Wang rescued the girl by the Qingjiang River for the first time, he indeed saw the "difference" between the world he had known in the past and the real world.

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

After that, he often asked himself: Is what you see really the truth?

Living beings' understanding of the world begins with doubt.

Jiang Wang silently observed the situation in Luo State and supported the ancient alliance between the human race and the water race. Now he passed Luo State without entering and went straight to Qiuniu Bridge.

As the eldest son of Xihun, the word "Qiuniu" was also a famous name in the Middle Ages.

Even now that the dragon race has been expelled and a large amount of information has been erased, the "Brief History of the Middle Ages" that has been passed down as the "orthodox human race" also mentions this eldest son of the Dragon Emperor. It says that he "was extremely extravagant, had a lewd nature, and liked decadent music. He humiliated other tribes and repeatedly made mistakes in important matters."

But in the book "My Views on the Evolution of Ancient Sealing Techniques" that Jiang Wang had just read, Zuo Qiuwu also mentioned Qiuniu, saying that he "understood music, had a gentle nature, had good conduct, and was respected by all parties."

The comment said, "Among the nine towns on Changhe River, the first town uses its virtue and thus can maintain long-term peace."

Even Ao Kui once said when he was scolding Ao Shuyi that Qiuniu was kind and good at having fun...

Now that hundreds of thousands of years have passed, it may not be so important which one is the real Qiuniu.

At least for now, Jiang Wang has no intention of exploring.

He just wanted to know how the emperor of ancient times sealed Qiuniu and how it lasted so long.

This bridge across the Changhe River was the one he rode across when he first climbed to the summit of the Yellow River. It was the bridge in the fifth town of Changhe, named "Suanni".

At that time, he knew nothing about the seal technique, and his cultivation was far from perfect. All he saw was the vast river and the magnificent stone bridge, and his mind was filled with the Yellow River being the best in the world. How could he feel how great this seal was, and what inspiration could he get from it?
But to say that coming here with the cultivation of the world's top master can fully comprehend the mystery of the Nine Towns Seal is wishful thinking.

After studying hard behind closed doors with Duke Huai for a whole spring, he had indeed gained some knowledge of the art of sealing. One could even say, without being modest, that he had reached a relatively high level, and could be considered to have mastered the art.

But the Nine Towns of Changhe represent the highest peak in the field of sealing techniques.

He could only gaze out with all his heart, searching for that elusive spiritual light.

He just followed the traces of countless historical figures, walking slowly from one end of the ancient stone bridge to the other, memorizing every pattern and touching every mark.

What kind of power can travel through time?
This great stone bridge, spanning the river and the entire modern era, is indestructible in time and space. It is hard for humans not to feel insignificant when standing in it.

As he walked, Jiang Wang slowly squatted down.

But he stood up again soon, smoothed his frown, pressed the hilt of the sword, straightened his spine and turned around.

His expression was one of calmness only.

At this moment, in the middle of the stone bridge, there was indeed a figure wearing armor and holding a sword. He had a dignified look on his face, but he was smiling: "Mr. Jiang, you have a very sharp perception!"

The water surface under the Qiuniu Bridge was calm and as smooth as a mirror, reflecting the flowing clouds in the sky.

The Dragon Palace’s official seal official and the Yellow River’s chief steward… Fu Yunqin.

Jiang Wang just looked at him, questioning with his eyes - "What's the matter?"

"Mr. Jiang's self-control is rare." Fu Yunqin said in a friendly manner, "But you are trying to amplify your pain to keep yourself in control and get rid of the influence of the way of heaven. This is only a temporary solution and not a permanent cure. The pain will have less and less effect on you - even if you are already in so much pain now."

"Manager Fu has a sharp eye! Nothing can be hidden from you." Jiang Wang said calmly, "I guess you took the time to come and see me, not just to see me, Jiang?"

"Oh, I haven't seen Master Jiang for a long time. I was so busy chatting that I almost forgot the business." Fu Yunqin bowed and said, "Since you have come to the long river, why don't you go into the Dragon Palace? It has been a year since we last saw each other when we presented gifts to the Dragon Palace. It happened to be a sunny day with a strong summer breeze, and the new tea in the Dragon Palace has just been picked... My master invites you."

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

He has always been a man who values ​​time, especially now.

No matter what Long Jun was thinking, he didn't want to and didn't have the time to explore it.

Fu Yunqin said: "My master has been in charge of the Dragon Palace for hundreds of thousands of years, and has seen many changes. He also sat and discussed with the Emperor of Lieshan, and actually has some research on the sealing technique..."

Jiang Wang watched the complex changes in the carvings on the stone bridge and smiled nonchalantly: "Why is Lord Long studying the sealing technique? Do you have any ideas about the Nine Towns?"

This question was really dangerous, and it made Fu Yunqin stand still on the spot.

Jiang Wang waved his hand and said, "General Manager Fu, please go and do your work. I am just a little unwell, but it is not necessary to alarm the Dragon Lord!"

After all, if something happened to Master Jiang now, there are many forces willing to help - but Master Jiang will not be willing to help just anyone.

Moreover, since it involves his own state and is related to fundamental practice, he needs to be absolutely assured.

He could reveal his cultivation status to Zuo Xiao, and even open the five palaces and share the four seas so that Zuo Xiao could prescribe the right medicine, but it was impossible for him to let Changhe Dragon King study him.

We are not even familiar with each other, so why are they so attentive?
Fu Yunqin was about to speak when suddenly the waves rolled up behind him and a voice rolled in the air -

"Master Jiang! We haven't seen each other since the Dragon Palace Banquet. I know you are busy, so I never sent anyone to bother you. I am lucky to be passing by Changhe today, and I just want to ask you to sit down and chat. Can't you spare a moment?"

Dragon Lord Ao Shuyi personally invites you!
Jiang Wang couldn't afford to neglect him any longer, so he withdrew his gaze from the stone bridge: "It's been a long time since I went to Dragon Palace, so a cup of tea would be fine!"

The water was immediately divided into a path, and a jade staircase appeared among the vast waves.

Fu Yunqin led the way, and Jiang Wang followed behind. After only one step, the majestic Dragon Palace appeared before them!

Space is really a mud ball. In the palm of the Dragon King, it can be flat or round.

The Dragon Palace waiter pushed open the door and Jiang Wang walked into the hall.

In the extremely spacious hall, there are only two tea tables facing each other.

A figure in a golden robe sat behind the tea table on the left and extended his hand to Jiang Wang, saying, "Please sit down and have some summer tea."

There is a cup of hot tea on the tea table, with mist surrounding it.

Jiang Wang walked forward, took the teacup, raised it and drank it all in one gulp.

After drinking, he wiped his mouth and said with a smile: "I have drunk the tea and met with Lord Long. Jiang really has limited time, so please see Lord Long--"

"I know how Ku Xing died." said the figure in the golden robe.

Ao Shuyi, the Dragon King of Changhe, who had ruled the Changhe Dragon Palace for hundreds of thousands of years and had only appeared as a shadow at this moment, stroked the teacup and added slowly: "I dare to say it."

(End of this chapter)