novelapdf Chapter 219 Aunt Shui's Visit
Chapter 219 Aunt Shui's Visit
Chapter 220 Aunt Shui's Visit (Second Update)
Is it over already?
Jiang Mu stopped what she was doing and looked at her: "Are you sure? Don't you need to consolidate it further? I feel—it seems like there's still some energy left?"
Shangguan Luoxue looked at him coldly, her tone devoid of any emotion: "Of course it's certain."
From this day forward, we owe each other nothing.
With her foundation solidified, her star position restored, and her injuries completely healed, her relationship with Jiang Mu came to an end.
She raised her chin slightly: "I hope you can forget everything that happened. And I will forget you completely too."
Can I forget it?
Of course not!
Her Daoist abode is still deeply bound to this guy.
If we don't find a way to completely sever ties with or take back this guy, we'll probably be stuck with him for the rest of our lives.
But these are the polite words we still have to say.
At the very least, we must first draw clear lines and regain the initiative.
Jiang Mu fell silent.
Although he had always regarded this Lady Peach Blossom as some kind of special "NPC", after so many days of in-depth discussions, it would be a lie to say that he felt no sense of closeness.
Especially————
In some ways, the other person was a perfect match for him, as if they were tailor-made for him.
That feeling is indescribable.
However, now that his cultivation was over and the transaction was complete, he wasn't one to cling on shamelessly.
Jiang Mu nodded, her tone returning to its usual casualness: "Okay, then goodbye."
If you need any help in the future, feel free to contact me anytime. Of course, it will cost extra.
Shangguan Luoxue opened her red lips as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she swallowed it back.
She looked at Jiang Mu and suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question: "What are your plans for the future?"
"Intend?"
Jiang Mu was completely confused. "What plans could I possibly have? I'll just go back to being the head of my Eighth Hall, eat and drink as I please, and maybe find a few lesser demons to slay while I'm at it."
Shangguan Luoxue shook her head, a hint of pity flashing in her purple eyes: "I told you before."
The Purple Mansion Covenant is a special cultivation technique. Once you and I have successfully cultivated this technique, as the one who contributed pure Yang energy, your cultivation for the rest of your life will be completely stagnant at your current level.
Forever, unable to take even half a step forward.
So, what are your plans?
Should I stay in the Demon Slayer Division, remain a fifth-realm star officer who can never be promoted, and slowly endure the days?
Or should I simply abandon this hopeless path of cultivation and become a wealthy, idle person?
Upon hearing this, Jiang Mu's expression turned somewhat strange.
Unable to break through?
Laozi has four magic shadow slots on him. As long as he has star points, he can advance as many realms as he wants.
What kind of lousy technique is this? How could it possibly restrain my cheat?
Jiang Mu smiled and said, "I still want to continue exploring the path of cultivation."
Shangguan Luoxue sighed inwardly.
Of course, she also understood that for a genius of extraordinary talent, being suddenly sentenced to death in cultivation would be unacceptable for a while.
However, after struggling in the mire of the Five Realms for several years or even more than a decade, watching as those who were once inferior to him surpass him one by one, he will slowly wake up and accept this cruel reality.
At that time, he might regret agreeing to cultivate with me for the sake of a short-term deal.
But it was all too late.
The struggle for the Great Dao is inherently cruel and ruthless.
All she could do was secretly look after the boy and ensure his lifelong peace and prosperity.
"Take care of yourself."
Shangguan Luoxue did not try to persuade her any further.
She waved her hand gently.
An invisible force enveloped Jiang Mu and sent him away from the area.
The next moment, she was back inside the underground palace.
Shangguan Luoxue sat cross-legged on the chilly jade pool stone platform.
She looked down at her belly, which was swollen as if she were ten months pregnant, and a self-deprecating bitter smile appeared on her lips.
But then, the self-mockery in his eyes turned into coldness.
"The Dao discussion is complete. Within seven days, I will be able to fully recover my peak cultivation."
When that time comes—I'll have to see for myself.
Who in this world dares to challenge my position?
Back in her room, Jiang Mu stared at the empty roof, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
"It's finally over."
He looked down at himself and sighed deeply.
These past few days of intense overtime have really worn my brother out. Finally, he can get a few days of proper rest.
"It's time to put the next steps on the agenda."
Jiang Mu was secretly making plans in his mind.
He originally planned to wait for the headquarters to send someone to pick him up so he could go to some blessed land to cultivate.
Several days have passed, and we haven't seen a single ghost.
Two days ago, he made a special trip to ask Zai Qingshan, and also wanted to find out more about the situation from Chief Inspector Zhou Yuanzhi.
As a result, Lord Zhou has been acting mysteriously these past few days and cannot be found.
Ran Qingshan said that it might be due to the handover of the garrison commander's duties, and asked him to wait patiently for two more days.
"Wait my ass!"
Jiang Mu thought to himself, "This is what I'm thinking."
What he hates most is uncertainty. Rather than pinning his hopes on others, he prefers to take the initiative.
Anyway, he now has the "Crimson Jade Egg" star-locking cheat.
Why not take a good rest these two days, and then head straight to find that old man named Dong Wanhai and inquire about the exact whereabouts of the Heavenly Gang-level orthodox star position he possesses?
Inside the Sword Tomb of the Divine Sword Sect.
The once-dried-up pool of blood has now been filled with dark red blood once more.
The blood seemed to be boiling, bubbling and churning.
In the very center of the blood pool, there is a groove.
He Qingyang, the patriarch of the Divine Sword Sect, was currently shirtless, perched in the blood-red groove.
He kept his eyes tightly closed.
Strands of crimson mist were being drawn from the blood pool, transforming into tiny blood snakes that frantically burrowed into his body through his seven orifices and pores.
Not far from this eerie scene.
He Shan'er, the matriarch of the Divine Sword Sect, watched all of this with a tense and worried expression.
Over time.
He Qingyang's breathing became increasingly heavy, and he even began to let out a low growl like a wild beast.
"Gurgle—gurgle—"
Just then, the blood pool, which had been churning violently, suddenly seemed to be slowly cleaved in two by a pair of invisible hands.
The blood receded to both sides.
The true face of the pool bottom was revealed.
At the very bottom of the blood pool, a coffin lay quietly!
And inside the coffin.
There was someone lying there who looked exactly like He Qingyang!
However, upon closer inspection, one would find that the skin of the "corpse" was a yellowish-brown color, and its surface was covered with rough root-like textures.
This is a human figure carved from a single ginseng root.
Blood swirls around the ginseng corpse.
The surface of its body was covered with various talismans that emitted a faint glow.
After a while.
The ginseng corpse suddenly opened its eyes.
Its eyes had no pupils, only two leaping, blood-red flames.
The ginseng corpse stood up, taking stiff steps through the blood, and walked step by step toward He Qingyang, who was entrenched in the groove.
It walked up to He Qingyang, stretched out its two hands, and forcefully tore open the flesh and blood in He Qingyang's abdomen.
He Qingyang, however, felt no pain.
After being pried open, the ginseng corpse stuffed its head directly into He Qingyang's torn abdominal cavity.
Then came my shoulders, torso, and legs—
It was like a parasitic borer, relentlessly burrowing its massive body bit by bit into He Qingyang's body.
As the ginseng corpse completely disappeared.
He Qingyang's torn abdomen began to heal on its own.
On his abdomen and chest, a bizarre outline resembling a ginseng human was clearly visible.
The outline constantly moved and merged beneath his skin.
When that silhouette completely merged with He Qingyang's body.
A powerful and terrifying aura erupted from He Qingyang's body like a volcanic eruption.
The cave began to shake, and loose rocks fell from the ceiling.
"break!"
This was accompanied by He Qingyang's angry roar.
The aura that had been stagnant at the peak of the ninth realm for many years broke through the barrier in one go and directly climbed to the Great Perfection of the tenth realm.
He Qingyang slowly opened his eyes.
Feeling the surging power within him that was enough to destroy the world, he curled up a sneer of arrogance: "Heh, a bunch of fools!"
Do you really think that I can only rely on my sword-forging skills and external tools to break through?
Even without the Dragon-Slaying Sword, I can still break through and still enter the ranks of the tenth-realm powerhouses!
As he spoke, he coughed violently again.
He coughed up black blood mixed with fragments of internal organs, and his breathing fluctuated violently.
The tenth realm of cultivation, which had just been stabilized, was now at risk of falling back down.
"Father!"
Upon seeing this, He Shan'er's expression changed drastically, and she quickly ran over.
He Qingyang raised his hand and casually wiped away the black blood from the corner of his mouth.
"It's alright, I can still manage."
"As long as I can hold out until the imperial court officially appoints me as the garrison commander and I can seize that Radiant Star rank, everything will be worth it!"
He turned to He Shan'er and instructed, "Shan'er, during this period, I must undergo five days of rigorous seclusion within the Jian family to forcibly refine this [Human Immortal Ginseng]."
The complex medicinal properties.
Five days later.
I must personally go to a place to seize something of utmost importance.
Otherwise, with this forcibly elevated tenth-realm cultivation level alone, it would still be difficult to perfectly forge the Guardian's supreme foundation using that piece of [Sword Edge Gold].
He Qingyang pointed at his daughter, his tone leaving no room for doubt: "During this period of time, you must keep a close eye on the Divine Sword Sect for me!"
No matter how serious the matter, no one is allowed to disturb my seclusion! Anyone who disobeys will be executed without mercy!
He Shan'er quickly lowered her head and agreed, her back already soaked with cold sweat.
"Yes, Father."
In this time of turbulent undercurrents.
The next day, an unexpected woman arrived in Huzhou City.
Inside the office where the official in charge of signing documents resided.
The aroma of incense wafts through the air, and the fragrance of tea fills the air.
Ran Qingshan stared wide-eyed at the woman sitting opposite him, elegantly sipping her tea.
I'm still in a bit of a daze.
She even wondered if she hadn't rested well in the past few days and was hallucinating.
The woman wore a light blue long dress, the hem of which trailed on the ground, outlining her mature, voluptuous, and curvaceous figure.
Wearing a light gauze shawl in the same color adds a touch of elegance and charm.
Like a blue enchantress quietly blooming in a secluded valley.
The visitor turned out to be Shui Miaozheng, the magistrate of Fazhou City.
"Water... Water Master? What brings you to Huzhou all of a sudden?"
It took Ran Qingshan a long time to come to his senses.
Shui Miaozheng put down her teacup, raised her beautiful eyes, and smiled gently at Ran Qingshan: "I received an urgent transfer order from the capital headquarters to handle a matter there. I thought the journey was convenient, so I came to Huzhou City to take a look."
Last time, when the core materials for the defensive formation of Fazhou City were in short supply, it was thanks to the generous assistance of the Re-Master that the urgent need was resolved.
Miaozheng has always kept this favor in her heart, and has come today to express her gratitude in person.
The woman's voice was like a spring breeze, her words were polite and sincere, making Ran Qingshan feel as sweet as if he had been filled with honey, and he felt so light that he almost flew away.
Ran Qingshan waved his hands repeatedly and said, "Oh dear, Chief Water is too kind."
These are all minor matters. We, the colleagues of the Demon Slayer Division, should be of one mind and help each other.
Besides, we're all just trying to protect the people and keep the area safe. It's all my duty, nothing to brag about, hahaha————”
Although he spoke modestly, Ran Qingshan was secretly overjoyed.
He knew, of course, that if he took the official road and rode at full speed from Fazhou City to the capital, he wouldn't need to pass through Huzhou City at all.
But what about Shui Miaozheng?
Instead of going to the nearest city, they deliberately took a long detour and came all the way to Huzhou City.
Why is that?
Is it really just for a verbal thank you?
of course not!
This is clearly a special visit to see Ran Qingshan!
Ran Qingshan looked at the goddess he had secretly loved for many years and couldn't help but sigh.
Even after all these years, you are still so radiant and beautiful.
Time seems to have been exceptionally kind to her.
Just as Ran Qingshan was happily immersed in the pink bubble of his imagination...
Shui Miaozheng picked up her teacup, took a small sip, and asked casually, "Speaking of which, is everything alright here with Hall Master Jiang? Has he caused you any trouble?"
Ran Qingshan was taken aback, then nodded subconsciously: "That kid? What could he possibly be up to? He's incredibly resilient. You've already witnessed his abilities—"
At this point, Zai Qingshan suddenly paused.
Not right.
Shui Miaozheng traveled all this way, going through such a long detour to come to Huzhou City.
Could it be—
Her real purpose for this trip wasn't to visit him, but rather to visit that kid Jiang Mu, right?
After all, the two had shared life and death and fought side by side in Yancheng.
To confirm, Ran Qingshan tentatively asked, "Chief Water, you came to Huzhou City this time—you didn't just stop by to see me, did you?"
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Shui Miaozheng covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
That smile was like a spring breeze caressing the willows, captivating and enchanting.
"I came to Huzhou specifically to see you."
As she spoke, Shui Miaozheng took out a long box from her sleeve and handed it to Zai Qingshan's desk. "This is a small gift that I specially prepared for you. Please accept it, Manager Ran."
Ran Qingshan immediately breathed a sigh of relief, and the smile on his face returned to its bright state.
I knew it! How could Miaozheng possibly care about that kid who hasn't even grown up yet?
Sure enough, she came here specifically to see me!
He was surprised to see that not only had the goddess come all the way to visit him, but she had also personally prepared a gift for him.
Zai Qingshan was overjoyed and so excited that he didn't know where to put his hands.
"I can't accept this. Master Shui is too kind."
He declined verbally, but couldn't wait to open the wooden box.
Inside the box, an ancient book lay quietly.
Upon seeing the name on it, Zai Qingshan was struck dumb, jumping up from his chair with disbelief written all over his face.
"The second volume of 'The True Explanation of Suppressing Demons in the Mysterious Heaven'?!"
This martial arts manual is the core secret technique passed down by his master, and it is extremely powerful, but the second volume has been lost for nearly a hundred years.
He searched for over ten years, but to no avail.
It became almost his biggest regret and obsession on his spiritual path.
Seeing his excited expression, Shui Miaozheng smiled gently: "I know that Master Ran has been searching for the second half of this martial arts manual all these years."
It was by sheer coincidence that my men discovered this item in a secret chamber of a cult of evil cultivators while they were wiping out their lair.
I thought to myself that this item must be priceless to you, so I immediately put it away. I took the opportunity of going to the headquarters to bring it to you.
I hope this will be helpful to your spiritual practice.
"This—this is far too valuable!"
Zai Qingshan was so excited that his eyes welled up with tears.
This moment.
I felt like I was floating on clouds.
She actually gave me such a precious cultivation technique just like that.
This was no longer a simple visit and expression of gratitude; it was clearly—a sign of treating him with special regard.
Old Ran had even started frantically filling in the blanks in his mind.
Even these could be hints.
Did not run away.
Indeed, rescuing a damsel in distress is the best way to pursue someone.
He calmed his agitated emotions and said with great magnanimity, "Chief Shui, I will forever remember your kindness. From now on, if you need any help, just ask. As long as I, Ran Qingshan, can do it, I will do it without hesitation!"
Shui Miaozheng lowered her head slightly and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Director Ran, you flatter me."
Actually, Miaozheng has a small request for you. I wonder if Manager Ran would be willing to grant it?
Having soared to the heavens, and yearning to offer his heart to the goddess, Zai Qingshan, without a second thought, pounded his chest loudly and said in a deep voice, "Water Master, just say the word! Not just one, but ten, I'd agree!"
Shui Miaozheng raised her watery eyes to look at him, her red lips parted slightly: "Since that's the case, then, Manager Ran—could you give me Xiao Jiang?"
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