Chapter 753: The Nine-leaf Yu Zhenghai
What good would come from learning from books or training with the sword? One could never compare with the brave warriors at the borders. If smokes of war suddenly rose at the borders, who among the scholars would dare to go and quell the disturbance?
When the beasts of the sky drew close, they saw wind morphing into swords next to the Holy Palace. In just a moment, the icy blades tore their flesh and pierced their bones.
The others were shocked when they saw this.
“What happened?” Yao Qingyuan, who had yet to leave, exclaimed in shock when he saw the beasts being killed by the wind swords.
The beasts fell from the sky one after another.
The strong wind continued to blow as the wind swords raged on. They were like a tidal wave that pushed the beasts back.
The others might not understand what was going on, but how could Sikong Beichen not know what was going on? His eyebrows were knitted together as he stared at Lu Zhou. He could see a faint energy around Lu Zhou that stirred up the strong wind and controlled the Primal Qi. Only an expert would know what a difficult feat this was. He immediately cupped his fists at Lu Zhou and said, “All creations can be used as a sword. The swordless path... I’m enlightened...”
With these words, realization finally dawned on the five First Seats. “I see, it’s the old senior making a move.”
Yu Shangrong knew that his master was highly skilled with the sword. However, this feat had shocked him as well.
Even Yu Zhenghai, who did not know much about the sword, knew this was an amazing feat. “Wonderful! Truly wonderful!”
The beasts in the sky finally seemed frightened as they fled swiftly from the Ninth Temple.
As the sky regained its silence, everyone was still in shock.
At this moment, Lu Zhou finally regained his senses. ‘Is this the new sword path, Calm Disturbance?’
Lu Zhou did not know he suddenly fell into a trance. When he was in a trance, he had swiftly comprehended the wonders of the sword path. When his mind was in haze, he felt as though all creations had become one. The wind itself was Primal Qi and a weapon.
Sikong Beichen said, “Brother Lu, you’ve mastered the swordless path... Looks like there won’t be a second person under the heavens who will be able to comprehend to such a wonderful stage like you.”
Lu Zhou made a note to himself. ‘Before I fall into a trance again in the future, I’ll have to ensure my own safety first.’ After that, he replied to Sikong Beichen, “It’s nothing.”
Sikong Beichen said, “Brother Lu, since we appreciate each other’s talents, why don’t you stay in the Holy Palace? Won’t it be wonderful to spend our days drinking wine and discussing the sword?”
“I have other matters to attend to. Let’s leave discussions of the sword for another time.”
Sikong Beichen seemed disappointed as he said, “In that case, I won’t force you to stay... However, it’s getting late now. There are many beasts in the wild. It’s best if you leave tomorrow. What do you say about talking through the night with me?”
“...”
‘Is this old geezer a pervert?’ Lu Zhou shook his head again. “The Ninth Temple is fine, but I like the Thousand Willow Monastery better. The beasts can’t threaten me.”
Sikong Beichen was further disappointed when he heard these words. Even if a huge beast were to show up, a cultivator who had activated his Birth Chart would be able to deal with it, let alone these ordinary beasts. “What a shame...”
Lu Zhou waved his arm and said, “I’ll be staying in the Thousand Willow Monastery. Farewell.”
Sikong Beichen cupped his fists. “If there’s anything you need, Brother Lu, just send me a letter. I’ll personally receive any correspondence from you.”
Lu Zhou did not dally and left the Holy Palace.
The others cupped their fists as well before they followed Lu Zhou and flew toward where they had parked the flying chariot.
The five First Seats flew out as well to see them off.
After they left, Zhu Xuan staggered before he sat limply on the ground. His back was drenched in cold sweat.
Sikong Beichen knew Zhu Xuan was extremely terrified, and that was why Zhu Xuan did not follow the others. He waved his hand and looked at Zhu Xuan resentfully as he said, “Your life was saved by the Square Box. I won’t blame you for today’s matter. If this happened to someone else, the outcome would’ve been different.”
Upon hearing this, Zhu Xuan hastily kowtowed as he said, “Thank you, Temple Master. Thank you for your mercy!”
“Go and pick another weapon for yourself.”
“Understood.” Zhu Xuan respectfully left the Holy Palace.
Sikong Beichen looked at the leaving Zhu Xuan as he sighed inwardly. The Ninth Temple was having trouble with finding successors. He felt helpless. He returned to the hall and sat with a straight back, seemingly lost in his thoughts. For what seemed like hours, he kept muttering to himself, “Can I activate my Birth Chart?”
...
In the Blood Sun Temple on Blood Sun Mountain.
At this moment, the Blood Sun Temple’s abbot, Fa Hua, was knocking on the wooden fish. All of sudden, he stopped moving when he saw a pebble-sized gem on the table shatter.
“Amitabha...” Fa Hua sighed before he continued knocking on the wooden fish.
...
Meanwhile, in the Political Announcement Hall in Great Tang Palace.
“Your Majesty, the Great General of the North, Chen Beizheng, has passed away during his mission,” a eunuch said respectfully from the other side of the screen.
After a long pause, a voice rang from the other side. “Leave this matter to the Sky Martial Court. I’m tired.”
“Understood.”
...
The flying chariot left Ninth Temple.
The five First Seats bowed at the same time. “Safe journey, old senior.”
Lu Zhou stood before the helm and looked ahead.
Xia Changqiu manned the helm and said, “I didn’t expect that you’re able to kill Chen Beizheng with a single palm strike, old senior!”
Lu Zhou was already immune to such brainless flattery so he remained unaffected.
“Allow me.” Yu Zhenghai said as he walked to the helm.
“Uh...” Xia Changqiu was slightly hesitant.
“When will we reach Thousand Willow Monastery if you pilot the flying chariot? My master fought a Ten-leaf cultivator and had to deal with Sikong Beichen for such a long time; he’s tired. We don’t have time for you to waste here.” Yu Zhenghai did not mince his words.
“...” Xia Changqiu stepped aside.
After Yu Zhenghai took over, the speed increased several times immediately.
Little Yuan’er covered her mouth and giggled. “See? I told you! Didn’t I say if my Eldest Senior Brother is around, you won’t have a chance to man the helm? Moreover, my Eldest Senior Brother is a professional at manning the helm.”
Yu Zhenghai turned to look at Little Yuan’er. If anyone else had said that about him, he would have been angry. However, he only smiled as he said, “Little Junior Sister, I know many more things. Manning the helm is only one of them. Keep your eyes peeled, I can make this thing go faster...”
Whizz!
He unleashed his Primal Qi unreservedly. It wrapped around the entire flying chariot as it turned into energy. In just a moment, it looked as though a shiny oval glass was containing the flying chariot. After that, the flying chariot sped forward like a bullet.
Xua Changqiu and Tian Buji. “...”
Lu Zhou glanced at Yu Zhenghai and said, “Your cultivation base has improved a lot while you were in the Ninth Temple.”
Yu Zhenghai nodded and said, “It was boring in the Ninth Temple; I had nothing to do but cultivate. I could’ve reached the Nine-leaf stage a long time ago, but I was afraid it would be interrupted by those people. Therefore, I stopped after sprouting half a leaf.”
Xia Changqiu was speechless.
“Eight-and-a-half-leaf?” Lu Zhou asked.
“I’m sorry for this embarrassing progress, master.”
“You did well,” Lu Zhou said, “Although the Ninth Temple wants to work with me, it’s merely a relationship built on benefits. Before I appeared, Sikong Beichen and the people from the Ninth Temple were unaware of my strength. Indeed, if you’ve attempted the Nine-leaf stage there, they might sabotage or even kill you.”
The others nodded.
“You’re right, master.”
“Attempt the Nine-leaf stage when we return. It’s difficult to reach the Nine-leaf stage with a golden lotus. You should prepare yourself,” Lu Zhou said.
“As you wish, master.”