Chapter 173: The Perfection of the Mountain and River Sword Technique, and an Old Acquaintance

Chapter 173: The Perfection of the Mountain and River Sword Technique, and an Old Acquaintance

Meng Shushu swallowed his saliva, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. There was not just one Grand Master level expert on Canglan Island, but several?

And Xu Yan was going to face them alone? No, make that two, including Meng Chong.

Even so, it was extremely dangerous.

"Brother Xu, what if there's more than one Peak Grand Master on the island?" Meng Shushu asked with concern.

Xu Yan gave him a strange look. "I've already killed two Grand Masters at the Great Perfection stage. The news is out, and since they want to gang up on me, of course, they'll all be Peak Grand Masters.

"It's only natural that there would be more than one."

Meng Shushu opened his mouth but couldn't think of a response.

So Xu Yan had already assumed that there would be multiple Peak Grand Masters waiting for him on Canglan Island.

No wonder he had asked for a million spirit crystals as a fee upfront.

"Let's head back first to deliver the spirit medicine to your sister disciple, and then we'll go to Canglan Island," Xu Yan said with a brilliant smile.

The three of them made their way straight to Lanping County.

...

In Tieshan County, under the scheming of Xu Junhe and Kou Ruozhi, the reputation of Changqing Pavilion had gradually grown. However, they did not immediately reveal the fame of their medicinal pills.

Instead, they began selling them under the guise of auxiliary cultivation medicines. Nonetheless, Tieshan County was ultimately a barren place, and those who could afford to buy the pills with spirit crystals were few and far between.

Furthermore, most warriors were accustomed to purchasing their cultivation resources from the Tianbao Pavilion.

Xu Junhe was in no rush. He stockpiled the small Qi-Blood Pills and Tempering Bone Pills, among others, that had been refined using precious medicines—pills that were foundational for martial arts cultivation.

At the same time, he sent people into the Endless Mountains, to the villages on the Tieshan County side, to spread the ideals of the Great Wilderness and teach the basics of martial arts.

In Tieshan County, cultivating martial arts was a luxury. Countless aspiring warriors had their dreams dashed due to a lack of cultivation techniques and resources.

Xu Junhe began to spread the teachings of martial arts to these people, even bestowing cultivation pills upon them and instilling in them the concepts of the Great Wilderness—that the Inner Realm was but a corner of the Great Wilderness, and so on.

He aimed to shift their perspective from the Inner Realm to the Great Wilderness.

As this promotion spread quietly, many young people in the villages of Tieshan County began to cultivate the martial arts of the Great Wilderness, each of them revering the supreme Great Wilderness Martial Ancestor.

Xu Junhe even commissioned someone to write a biography of the Great Wilderness, spinning tales of the beginning of the world, the orthodoxy of the Great Wilderness, and creating a set of ancient legends.

Li Xuan flipped through the biography, nodding in approval. Xu Junhe was indeed a crafty fellow, slowly infiltrating the Inner Realm with his influence.

This biography was like an ancient legend, and at its core was the supreme and compassionate figure of the Great Wilderness Martial Ancestor himself.

Li Xuan suspected that Xu Junhe's inspiration for writing this biography might have come from Xu Yan's obsession with storybooks and his subsequent search for masters to accept him as their disciple.

If people believed in the biography of the Great Wilderness and devoted themselves to cultivating its martial arts, becoming more enthusiastic, diligent, and yearning for the legendary figures within its pages, then it would be a success.

Li Xuan had also provided some guidance for this biography.

Tales of a dark and turbulent era, of the world crumbling, of the Martial Ancestor single-handedly turning the tide and dominating the ages—all of these were woven into the biography.

"Excellent," Li Xuan mused as he perused the biography. "My position as the Great Wilderness Martial Ancestor inspires reverence, and for the sake of my name, I must ensure that the path of martial arts becomes ever more powerful."

Li Xuan's motivation was rekindled as he contemplated the impact of the biography.

At that moment, Xu Junhe was busy persuading the manager of the Tianbao Pavilion to use their channels to spread the biography throughout every corner of the Inner Realm.

Of course, it was being sold under the guise of a storybook legend.

However, who in the Inner Realm would bother with such storybook biographies?

Xu Junhe, that old fox, had a plan. He added a twist to the tale, hinting at hidden treasures and unparalleled martial arts secrets within the biography. If one could decipher the hidden messages, they would surely rise to the pinnacle of the Inner Realm.

With just a single Qi-Containing Pill, Xu Junhe managed to convince the manager of the Tianbao Pavilion.

He even reached an agreement with the Tianbao Pavilion in Tieshan County for the supply of spirit medicines, and the sales rights for the Qi-Containing Pills produced by Changqing Pavilion would be handed over to the Tianbao Pavilion for distribution throughout the Inner Realm.

This was a pill that aided the cultivation of Grand Masters, and its effects were extraordinary.

Li Xuan couldn't help but admire Xu Junhe's capabilities.

The manager of the Tianbao Pavilion, after consuming the Qi-Containing Pill, was astounded by its effects. The very next day, he came knocking on Xu Junhe's door.

He wanted to purchase the pill formula, and Xu Junhe readily gave him half of it, explaining that the research and development of the pill had been costly and that he had yet to recoup his investment. He expressed his desire to leverage the Tianbao Pavilion's reach to sell the pills throughout the Inner Realm.

It was a way to fulfill a long-held ambition and justify the establishment of Changqing Pavilion.

The manager of the Tianbao Pavilion, seeing Xu Junhe's generosity, readily agreed to the arrangement, offering to help sell the Qi-Containing Pills.

The profit-sharing ratio was seven to three—seven for Changqing Pavilion and three for the Tianbao Pavilion.

After all, Changqing Pavilion had its challenges, and they had provided half of the formula upfront. The remaining half of the formula would be used as leverage for future transactions.

The Tianbao Pavilion was known for its integrity and confidence in its dealings with other merchant powers. It did not behave arrogantly, which was why it enjoyed an excellent reputation in the Inner Realm, never attracting negative attention.

Li Xuan could easily foresee that the Qi-Containing Pills would soon gain fame throughout the Inner Realm with the help of the Tianbao Pavilion's channels, attracting countless Grand Master warriors.

Changqing Pavilion would undoubtedly become a household name.

Moreover, vast amounts of spirit medicines and spirit crystals would quickly accumulate.

As for the pill formula, what did it matter if the Tianbao Pavilion had it?

Without the refinement technique, how could they possibly recreate the Qi-Containing Pills?

It should be noted that Xu Junhe's decision to entice the Tianbao Pavilion to act as their sales agent, using the pill formula as bait, was done with Su Lingxiu's approval.

After all, the pill formula was of paramount importance, and Xu Junhe would not have risked it without absolute confidence in the secrecy of their arrangement.

"Using the Tianbao Pavilion as a channel, we can rapidly accumulate resources," Li Xuan mused. "Once they realize what's happening, we can negotiate from a position of strength. As for relying on brute force to coerce Changqing Pavilion... well, that won't be necessary."

Li Xuan shook his head. With Xu Yan on the verge of breaking through to the Through the Void realm, what could the Tianbao Pavilion do even if they were more powerful? Strength was the true foundation.

"Your disciple, Xu Yan, has achieved perfection in the Mountain and River Sword Technique with his three-sword strike that slew a Peak Grand Master."

Suddenly, a golden light appeared, and the golden finger provided feedback.

A smile appeared on Li Xuan's face. Xu Yan was as fierce as ever, now taking on Peak Grand Masters.

"Your disciple, Meng Chong, has improved his blade intent and gained experience in the 'God-Slaying Blade' technique by consecutively slaying three Grand Masters."

Meng Chong had also taken on Grand Masters.

This was all within Li Xuan's expectations.

"Indeed, the true path to rapid improvement lies in having disciples forging their own paths in the martial arts world," Li Xuan thought to himself.

A few days later, Xu Yan and Meng Chong returned, accompanied by the spirit medicine scout, Meng Shushu.

When Meng Shushu saw Zhou Ying, he was taken aback.

"You're... that little girl?" Meng Shushu asked, his face serious. "I recognize you. You're the servant girl adopted by Physician King Su Zhen. When I saw you years ago, you were still young, but even after all these years, I can recognize you instantly."

Zhou Ying was actually only around thirty years old.

Meng Shushu, as a Grand Master warrior, looked young for his age; in reality, he was already in his fifties. A Grand Master warrior of this age was undoubtedly a genius in his younger years.

"You knew my grandfather?"

Su Lingxiu's expression changed, and she walked over with a furrowed brow and asked.

As soon as Meng Shushu saw Su Lingxiu, his eyes widened, and his face showed disbelief. His eyes reflected joy, relief, and complexity.

"You're still alive?!"

This statement was problematic. Su Lingxiu's eyes narrowed, and she coldly asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Meng Chong grabbed Meng Shushu's shoulder and asked, "Cousin, what do you mean? Do you know my junior sister?"

Meng Shushu sighed and said, "So she's your junior sister."

Zhou Ying suddenly spoke up, "I remember now; are you that Meng old man's grandson?"

"Yes, it's me!"

Meng Shushu's expression was complex.

Meng Chong suddenly remembered that Meng Shushu had once mentioned that his grandfather had gone to rescue an old friend and eventually perished. Could it be that he went to save Su Lingxiu's grandfather? Zhou Ying fell silent, indicating that she knew something about the matter.

"Aunt Zhou, who is he?"

Su Lingxiu asked with a frown.

"He is the heir of the Meng family, a lineage of spirit medicine scouts. Meng's grandfather and my grandfather were the best of friends. Most of the spirit medicine that Miss Su needed back then was found by Meng's grandfather."

Zhou Ying sighed.

Su Lingxiu fell silent, then spoke after a while, "So he is my grand-uncle. Su Lingxiu greets Grand-uncle Meng."

Meng Shushu hurriedly dodged and waved his hands, "No, no, don't call me grand-uncle. I don't deserve it!"

Although his grandfather and Su Lingxiu's grandfather were the best of friends, if they were to speak of generations, he and Su Lingxiu were actually of the same generation.

"You and I are actually of the same generation, although I am a little older."

Meng Shushu smiled awkwardly, "Besides, I am of the same generation as Xu Yan and Meng Chong."

"Cousin is right."

Meng Chong patted Meng Shushu's shoulder; he never would have imagined that Meng Shushu had such a connection with Su Lingxiu.

Now that he knew this, he couldn't exploit him too harshly.

After all, they were family now.

"Meng, do you know something?"

Su Lingxiu asked in a deep voice.

Meng Shushu hesitated, then finally sighed and said, "I don't know much. When my grandfather learned that Su's grandfather was in danger, he went to rescue him, but..."

"I'm sorry!"

Su Lingxiu apologized guiltily.

"It's not your fault."

Meng Shushu shook his head and said, "Actually, I've also looked for you, but all I found out was that the entire Physician King's family had perished!"

Looking at Su Lingxiu, Meng Shushu's mind involuntarily recalled that gentle and graceful figure, and some things were destined to be kept secret, never to be told to anyone.

Just like his parents, they had encountered an accident and perished while searching for the spirit medicine needed to save Su Lingxiu's mother.

Li Xuan glanced at Meng Shushu; this guy was hiding something, probably about Su Lingxiu's background.

However, since he chose to conceal it, it must involve a lot of people.

"Meng, do you know which force killed my grandfather?"

Su Lingxiu asked.

"I don't know. I've been looking for clues, but I haven't found anything."

Meng Shushu shook his head.

"The black-robed man is the enemy of your junior sister."

Meng Chong spoke up in a deep voice.

Meng Shushu was startled, as if he had realized something, and said, "So that's why you're looking for the spirit medicine treasure land."

After the greetings and catching up, they took out their harvest—a fifth-grade spirit herb.

"Junior sister, what do you think this spirit herb is? For some reason, when I get close to it, I feel full of energy."

Xu Yan took out the gray grass and asked.

Upon hearing this, Li Xuan looked over, and his heart stirred. Was this a spirit herb that could nurture one's spirit?

"This is... a fifth-grade Stone Solace Herb."

Su Lingxiu was surprised and said, "The Stone Solace Herb grows in dark crevices and is not easily noticed. It is extremely rare, and a fifth-grade Stone Solace Herb is even more unheard of!"

Then, Su Lingxiu introduced, "The Stone Solace Herb has the miraculous effect of nourishing and stabilizing one's spirit, making one's will as steadfast as a rock. It can prevent external interference and protect against illusions..."

Xu Yan understood; the Stone Solace Herb's effect seemed to have no impact on him.

What external interference? What illusions? They couldn't affect him.

He had already reached the profound state of "no women in his heart," and no illusion could shake his heart.

"I want to research and see what kind of pills can be refined from the Stone Solace Herb."

Su Lingxiu said excitedly.

"Did you refine the pills?"

Meng Shushu asked with wide eyes.

"Yes, I did."

Su Lingxiu glanced at Meng Shushu; she couldn't forget the favor that Meng's grandfather had done for her.

So she handed over a bottle of Spirit Accumulation Pills and Strengthening Pills and said, "These are the Spirit Accumulation Pills and Strengthening Pills; they can aid your cultivation and improve your strength."

"Thank you, thank you! Rest assured, I will help you find the spirit medicine. Whatever spirit medicine you need, just tell me. You also know that I am a spirit medicine scout, and finding spirit medicine, especially rare spirit medicine, is my specialty."

Meng Shushu excitedly accepted the pills and made a promise.

"Good!"

Su Lingxiu nodded.

The spirit medicine had been returned, and Xu Yan and Meng Chong did not stay long. There was still the matter of the Fire Demon Lord on Canglan Island, and it was time to deal with him.

Just as the two were about to set off, Xie Lingfeng and Hu Shan hurried over.

"Miss Su, here is the spirit medicine!"

Hu Shan handed Su Lingxiu a bag containing several dozen sixth-grade spirit herbs.

Su Lingxiu was astonished; as expected of the Sword Sovereign Cliff, their foundation was indeed deep.

"There seems to be a lot of spirit medicine."

The amount of spirit medicine here had already exceeded the quantity needed to purchase the Heavenly Marrow Pill.

"The excess can be considered as our prepayment for the pills."

After Hu Shan finished speaking, he and Xie Lingfeng quickly found Xu Yan and Meng Chong.

"Brother Xu, there is danger on Canglan Island, so you must not go rashly."

Xie Lingfeng said solemnly.

"Are there several Peak Grand Masters?"

Xu Yan asked with a raised eyebrow.

Xie Lingfeng was stunned. "Brother Xu, you know?"

Several Peak Grand Masters? He spoke as if they were nothing, as if he didn't put Peak Grand Masters in his eyes at all.

How long had it been? Had Peak Grand Masters become so insignificant in Brother Xu's eyes?

"I guessed."

Xu Yan smiled and said.

"According to the information I obtained, in addition to the Fire Demon Lord, there are at least two Peak Grand Masters hiding on Canglan Island."

Xie Lingfeng said in a deep voice.

"Three?"

Xu Yan pondered for a moment and said, "That's not too many. It shouldn't be too difficult to take them out."

"Brother Xu, leave one for me to practice my hand."

Meng Chong rubbed his hands excitedly.

..

Double monthly tickets at the end of the month! Families with monthly tickets, please vote! ^_^

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end