prynovel 0013 A tremendous harvest, with all the secret manuals and elixirs readily available.
0013 A tremendous harvest, with all the secret manuals and elixirs readily available.
Sword control technique.
Sure enough.
Zhao Jing took out the jade slip, his expression hardening.
He knew the origin of this sword technique.
In the Shu Prefecture of Dayong, there once stood the Shu Mountain Sword Sect.
The last legacy of Mount Shu is the "Sword Control Technique" and the "Free and Unfettered Sword".
In the original game, Shen Changsheng's assassination of Yuwen Yi shocked the world.
To escape the Grand Tutor's mansion's pursuit, he joined the Kowloon faction, thus beginning the game.
The Kowloon camp was willing to protect Shen Changsheng, but could not keep him in Yujing, so they transferred him to another place.
If Shen Changsheng joins Zhao You, the weakest and youngest of the Nine Dragons, the [King of Shu].
He will then be transferred to Shu Prefecture.
Meanwhile, Wei Zheng of the Grand Tutor's Mansion, in order to investigate Yuwen Yi's death, pursued him all the way to Jianmen Pass in Shu Prefecture, forcing Shen Changsheng into a desperate situation.
Shen Changsheng, severely wounded, refused to surrender and fell off a cliff into the river.
Unexpectedly, the Bone of Fate protected him, allowing him to accidentally open an underwater cave.
Inside the cave dwelling are treasures left behind by Mount Shu.
Wei Zheng wants to see him alive or dead.
Their search of the mountain yielded no results, and they were instead killed by Shen Changsheng, who had mastered the art of sword control.
Sword control technique, Free and Unfettered Sword.
This is the most popular configuration among players in the early stages.
The weakest Shu King faction possesses the strongest initial martial arts, which is considered a result of the developers' perverse sense of humor.
For Zhao Jing, this further confirmed his suspicions.
Yuwen Yi must know the game's plot, whether it's time travel, rebirth, or prophecy.
The underwater cave is rarely visited by humans.
The conditions for opening the cave dwelling are extremely demanding, requiring at least a fourth-grade martial bone and the bloodline of the ancient Shu.
Shen Changsheng was able to get in purely because of the characteristics of the [Heavenly Fate Bone].
Shen Changsheng possesses one-third of the Destiny Bone, which has the effect of "defying fate".
Anyone who obtains a mortal bone can develop an evolved martial bone, adapting to various martial arts.
The cave was able to open because it mistook it for the bloodline of the ancient Shu people.
This is clearly a radish pit prepared for the protagonist.
You have no chance of finding it without cheating.
As expected, Zhao Jing found the Free and Unfettered Sword.
The sword is three and seven-tenths inches long, shaped like a willow leaf, and forged from sun gold crystal, with naturally occurring feather patterns.
This sword was originally a precious artifact, but due to being sealed away for too long, it has degenerated into a top-grade spiritual weapon.
If they unleash their full power, they can injure a half-step Grandmaster.
Zhao Jing couldn't help but feel somewhat fortunate.
Yuwen Zhe was already at the Innate Realm and possessed such a precious treasure.
Even ten innate masters wouldn't be enough to kill him.
Now that all these treasures have fallen into Zhao Jing's hands, he is overjoyed.
More importantly, sword control is extremely easy to learn.
It contains both the martial arts techniques of Mount Shu and the secrets of sword control. The martial arts techniques require arduous practice, but the secrets can be learned in no time.
Otherwise, Shen Changsheng would not have been able to use the Free and Easy Sword to turn the tables so quickly.
As Zhao Jing pondered, Bao'er's voice rang out:
"Your Highness, the battlefield has been cleaned up!"
"Li Shuo faked his serious injury and pretended to be dead to avoid danger, and took a life-saving pill."
"Without rescue, he will die in about three days."
"The remaining gains include a Blood Raven Flying Carriage, ten Spirit Pills, twenty-one low-grade spirit stones, eleven Divine Crossbows, five thousand taels of silver notes, and some loose silver."
"Please give your instructions, Your Highness!"
Bao'er jumped in through the window.
At this time, Zhao Jing had already returned to his original appearance to avoid expending too much energy.
As a result, Bao'er's unexpected movement prompted Zhao Jing to correct her as usual:
"Bao'er, let's go through the front gate."
"Your Highness, time is of the essence!"
"Keep all the spoils safe; they're all in the Sumeru Ring."
Bao'er was immediately embarrassed.
She has never liked to use the main entrance.
Zhao Jing often gave her advice, but she would always remember it and then forget it, reverting to her old ways.
Now, as they looked at each other, they both felt a sense of déjà vu.
In a daze, they seemed to have returned to the Crown Prince's residence, living a carefree life.
The two looked at each other and smiled.
This time, Bao'er was right.
After all, in urgent situations, one should act expediently.
After laughing, Zhao Jing handed the jade slip and flying sword to Bao'er:
"You did a great job."
Here, these two are for you.
Bao'er immediately raised its tail:
"Your Highness, this cannot be allowed!"
"It's so, so precious."
Zhao Jing tapped Bao'er on the head in an annoyed tone:
"I can't learn it right now. If I don't give it to you, who will?"
"It's just a magical artifact; we can always use both together."
Bao'er quickly shook her head:
"No, Your Highness."
"It's not a magical artifact, but a cultivation technique."
"What is recorded on the jade slip must be the orthodox teachings of the Xuanmen!"
"According to the rules, I... I can't learn it."
Zhao Jing was taken aback upon hearing this.
Human martial arts are also divided into levels.
The game used colors to differentiate the characters, and Zhao Jing remembered it very clearly.
They are—
Jianghu performers (gray): Street performers who make a living and improve their health, but are unlikely to enter the path of martial arts.
External martial arts (white): Focuses on cultivating the physical body, working from the outside in, and can open the mysterious gate, but if the dantian is not opened, it is difficult to cultivate true essence.
Internal Martial Arts Technique (Green): The true path of martial arts, breathing exercises to cultivate Qi, open the Dantian, condense true essence, and aspire to the innate realm.
Superior Martial Arts (Blue): Touches upon the five great secrets, elucidates their development and application, condenses innate true energy, and dominates a region.
Xuanmen Orthodox Sect (Purple): Above the innate level, one condenses Qi to become a Grandmaster. If there is no Grandmaster, how dare one call oneself orthodox?
The sect's ultimate skill (orange): Directly leads to the Grandmaster level. Even in Longhua Temple, Yuelu Academy, and Beichen Palace, only the core members can learn it.
Unparalleled Skill (Silver): It is said that those who cultivate this skill may break through the mortal body and become immortals on land.
Divine Skill (Gold): Only exists in legends; it has never appeared in games.
Most powerful figures in the world, even those ranked on the Heavenly Ranking, only cultivate the [Secret Techniques of Their Sects].
Zhao Wei, as the Crown Prince, studied under the fourth-ranked disciple on the Heavenly Ranking and thus obtained the unparalleled skill, "The Sun's Treasure Manual".
This work is not yet complete; only half a scroll remains, and it still needs to be completed by oneself.
The martial arts system is strictly hierarchical. Ordinary martial artists can only seek one superior martial art in their entire lives in order to glimpse the innate potential.
Even the most basic martial artists dare not aspire to master superior martial arts; they only seek internal martial arts techniques to embark on the right path of martial arts.
Only true disciples of a sect or powerful figures can study the "Orthodox Xuanmen" and aspire to become grandmasters.
Even though the seventh young master of the Yuwen family was born with a sword-wielding spirit and had exceptional talent in swordsmanship, he regarded this sword control technique as his main cultivation method.
There's nothing shameful about it.
This is because after the sword control technique, there is an even higher-level sect-protecting ultimate skill.
Yuwen Yi can afford it.
Bao'er said that she could not learn, not because of her status, but because of her background.
She is an orc.
Bao'er added:
"Has Your Highness forgotten?"
"Humanity stipulates that the orthodox teachings of the Xuanmen sect must not be passed on to other races."
This world is vast and boundless, a wilderness where countless races coexist.
Humanity stands tall among all races thanks to its martial arts and mystical arts, but it is still a long way from conquering all races.
Therefore, all sects of the human race have regulations stipulating that the orthodox teachings of the Xuanmen (Taoist school) must not be passed on to outsiders.
Once foreign races master advanced martial arts, it will be extremely disadvantageous to the human race.
Of course, there was constant interaction between the various races. Humans also captured beast slaves, and beast tribes came to join them.
The leakage of martial arts techniques has long been a common occurrence.
In particular, the powerful and wealthy were fond of taming beasts to become assassins, and the imperial court also had a legion of beastmen.
Nature forbids it.
Left with no other choice, the human race strictly controls only the [orthodox sects of the Xuanmen].
For example, orthodox martial arts techniques of the Xuanmen sect must be engraved on specially made jade slips, which can only be unlocked by those with human bloodlines.
This involves both private interests and public justice.
Therefore, as soon as Bao'er saw the jade slip, she recognized it as the orthodox sect of Xuanmen.
Zhao Jing smiled calmly:
"It's okay."
"Bao'er is human, not a beastman."
Bao'er was still hesitant:
"But Your Highness, the court will accuse you of betraying humanity..."
Zhao Jing couldn't help but chuckle:
"Bao'er only knows one side of the story."
"Rules are rules, but people are flexible."
"The Yuwen family also has a Grandmaster-level orc; who dares to say that the Yuwen family has betrayed the human race?"
what?
Bao'er opened her mouth, not understanding the complexities of human beings.
Zhao Jing explained:
"These charges are only meant to bind the common people; they have no effect on us."
"If I am still the grandson of the emperor, you only need to go to the Temple of Martial Arts and swear an oath never to reveal this to anyone."
This charge could be serious or minor.
But behind the scenes, who hasn't done it?
The princess still has orc troops under her command, so how could she accuse others of betraying the human race?
This is clearly the beastmen serving the humans.
So Zhao Jing smiled faintly:
"Bao'er, would you betray me for the sake of the beastmen?"
Bao'er quickly shook her head:
"no way!"
"Whatever Your Highness commands me to do, I will do!"
"Even if I have mastered the orthodox teachings of the esoteric arts, I will never reveal a single word of it, not even to my fellow tribesmen!"
Zhao Jing chuckled:
"That's fine."
"There are no magical artifacts or martial temples now, so you can just swear an oath to the Floating Buddha Pagoda."
"If the cheetah clan remains loyal, we can cultivate together in the future."
The orthodox lineage of Xuanmen can only be passed down by top sects and powerful families.
When passing on the tradition, one must make a solemn vow before the Taoist artifact or the Martial Temple.
Fearing that Bao'er would feel guilty, Zhao Jing summoned the Buddhist pagoda.
It is a top-grade treasure, with the potential to be upgraded to a Dao artifact, thus possessing some characteristics of a Dao artifact.
Seeing this pagoda, Bao'er felt much more at ease.
When she first entered the Crown Prince's residence, she also swore an oath before similar treasures, vowing to serve Zhao Jing to the death.
Although vows are not a panacea.
For Bao'er, the vow is an ironclad rule.
Now that the pagoda serves as witness, she can make her vow with peace of mind.
After Bao'er finished making her vow, Zhao Jing opened the jade slip for her.
After more than ten years of cultivation, Bao'er was no stranger to human martial arts and soon began to grasp the basics of the "Sword Control Technique".
She let out a soft exclamation:
"Your Highness, this technique is truly extraordinary."
"It can actually cultivate the Divine Court's secret treasures ahead of schedule!"
Innate masters cultivate five secret treasures: true qi, physical body, mind, spiritual perception, and divine court.
The final divine treasure, which governs spiritual power, is the key to sword control.
The extraordinary aspect of the "Sword Control Technique" lies in its ability to stimulate the Divine Court and cultivate spiritual power ahead of time, even at the early stages of the Innate Realm.
Martial artists often wield flying swords, which greatly benefits their mental strength.
Breaking through the Divine Court Secret Treasury in the future will be much easier than for ordinary innate beings.
This alone is enough to place it among the top of the orthodox schools of Taoism.
Zhao Jing smiled:
"What Bao'er said is very true. You should first refine the flying sword, and then cultivate your spirit according to this method."
The Art of Sword Control places great emphasis on mental fortitude and willpower.
Shen Changsheng attained enlightenment overnight, entirely due to his deep-seated blood feud and his destiny.
In order to find her clansmen, Bao'er was able to travel thousands of miles from the southern border, traversing mountains and rivers.
Zhao Jing had unwavering faith in her will; even if it was a little slow, she would definitely master the basics in ten days or half a month.
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Bao'er did as she was told and forged the sword with her own blood.
Ordinary weapons, without the blessing of true energy, cannot withstand the sharpness of a weapon.
A sharp weapon can hold true energy, but it has no spirituality.
The spirit artifact has developed a spiritual nature and can cultivate a tacit understanding, eventually enabling it to be upgraded to a treasure artifact.
The Free and Unfettered Sword was originally a precious artifact, but after being sealed underwater for hundreds of years, it degenerated into a spiritual weapon.
Yuwen Yi then gifted it to Yuwen Zhe, who spent a year gradually imprinting his own mark on it.
Once a mark is made, it is extremely difficult to change hands.
Unfortunately, Yuwen Zhe was already Zhao Jing's puppet.
Zhao Jing ordered him to relinquish the brand, and the spirit sword let out a mournful cry.
Clang!
The Free and Unfettered Sword trembled.
But the owner agreed.
The Free and Unfettered Sword could not refuse.
Zhao Jing was secretly pleased, waiting for the magical artifact to change hands.
Just then, the pagoda suddenly lit up.
The Great Dream Floating Buddha True Scripture has the ability to foresee danger.
Danger! Danger!
At that moment, a bloodstain suddenly appeared on the sword.
Bao'er was focused on refining the Free and Unfettered Sword and had no time to spare.
"Be careful, Bao'er!"
Before Zhao Jing's shout had even finished, blood had already left his sword.
The bloodstain transformed into a phantom that closely resembled Yuwen Yi.
The phantom didn't linger; it instantly solidified into sword energy.
The sword energy aimed straight for Bao'er's brow!
Whoever forges the Free and Unfettered Sword will die!
No sooner said than done.
Zhao Jing's pupils contracted sharply as he manipulated Yuwen Zhe's body to move sideways.
At the critical moment, it stood in front of Bao'er.
puff!
The sword energy pierced through Yuwen Zhe's chest.
Bao'er's hair stood on end, and she instantly leaped onto the roof, avoiding the disaster.
This was a backup plan left by Yuwen Yi.
Whoever tries to seize the Free and Unfettered Sword will be killed!
The sword energy pierced through his chest and then transformed back into a phantom.
The illusory figure frowned, as if investigating:
"Who are you?"
"Fourth Brother, it's me."
"Cough cough..."
Zhao Jing manipulated Yuwen Zhe to vomit blood, resulting in a weak response.
"You're not the seventh brother!"
The phantom shouted fiercely:
"Tell me! Who exactly are you?"
"Where is the seventh brother?"
Before the words were finished, the phantom transformed into sword energy once more.
kill!
It actually wanted to kill Yuwen Zhe.
To prevent the enemy from controlling his younger brother.
What a shrewd man, Yuwen Yi!
What ruthless methods!
Bao'er!
clear!
With just a glance from Zhao Jing, Bao'er launched a counterattack.
Soul-Devouring Iron Claw!
Bao'er wore claw gloves, which were mid-grade spiritual artifacts called [Soul Devourer], capable of easily piercing steel plates and tearing apart souls.
She descended from the ceiling to meet the fierce sword energy, attempting to save Yuwen Zhe.
Clang!
The sharp claws seized the sword energy, producing a metallic clang.
The sword energy was actually cleaved in two by the sharp claws.
Oh no, the claws are hard.
The attack failed, and Bloodstain's power was greatly depleted.
The sword energy dissipated, attempting to transform into a phantom image to send a message.
You think you can leave? No way!
hum!
A pagoda loomed overhead, blocking the illusory image.
The metal clanged, and the illusory image dissipated.
"A Buddhist treasure..."
The phantom uttered a vicious curse:
"Very well, I will find you!"
"Find your mother!"
Zhao Jing spat and used the power of the pagoda to completely crush it.
Even the phantom didn't escape; at most, it leaked information about Buddhist treasures.
Zhao Jing felt extremely pleased at the thought of Yuwen Yi causing trouble for Abbot Chen.
Dogs fighting, that's awesome!
Bao'er put away the iron claws, filled with remorse:
"Your Highness!"
"It's okay, I'm not here."
Zhao Jing smiled, and Bao'er then remembered.
The real prince is safe and sound.
Even if enemies attack, the only danger is the Thousand Illusion Pearl.
No, we must hurry and fetch His Highness!
With that in mind, she said no more and focused on refining the flying sword.
The Free and Unfettered Sword lost its resistance and was quickly taken over by Bao'er.
Seeing her anxiety, Zhao Jing reminded her:
"Don't worry, Bao'er."
"Hold fast to your original intentions, and then unleash the flying sword."
Shen Changsheng had a blood feud, which enabled him to rise to the top in one step.
If Bao'er stays true to herself, she will likely achieve twice the results with half the effort.
Upon hearing this, Bao'er urged her essence and blood to flow into the Free and Unfettered Sword.
She closed her eyes and focused her mind, completely absorbed in the moment.
She disregarded the profound teachings, her mind focused solely on one thought.
I must protect Your Highness.
You must listen to me.
Otherwise, you will be buried deep in the mountains, forgotten by all.
Obey me immediately.
hum!
The spirit sword in his hand trembled and resonated with joy.
Bao'er let go of the handle.
"Clang!"
The Free and Unfettered Sword let out a clear cry and floated into the air on its own, circling and dancing around her like a nimble bird.
"This is so much fun!"
Bao'er opened her eyes, stretched out her finger, and was full of joy.
The flying sword obediently rested on her fingertip, nuzzling affectionately.
Zhao Jing was dumbfounded for the first time.
This isn't refining; it's clearly recognizing a master.
Wait, calm down.
Shen Changsheng spent half a day mastering the sword control technique, simply because his cultivation level was only at the early stage of True Essence.
He was trying to surpass his limits and master sword control at the early stage of True Essence, which was much more difficult.
Bao'er is now in the middle stage of the Innate Realm, and she is simple-minded and has a strong sense of protection, which is why she has progressed so quickly.
Zhao Jing coughed to cover his embarrassment and quickly changed the subject:
"Baby, you did a great job."
"Your Highness, let's go together."
Bao'er controlled the Free and Easy Sword, but did not keep it for herself; she gave it up.
I hope Zhao Jing will leave his mark.
This way, both of them can control it, except that Bao'er is responsible for supplying the true energy.
"good!"
Zhao Jing didn't stand on ceremony; he glanced at the incantation for the sword control technique.
It's not difficult at all.
Zhao Jing's martial arts knowledge is solid enough; he just lacks the spirit of a true martial artist.
He immediately activated the stupa, leaving his own spiritual imprint.
It became.
A carefree sword, yet it bears the marks of two people.
Bao'er seemed very happy; the tuft of hair on her head bounced up, and her tail wagged.
After doing all this, Zhao Jing added:
"We took out the remaining items and transferred them into another Sumeru ring."
Bao'er couldn't help but ask:
"Your Highness, can't this ring be refined?"
The treasure is very valuable.
The Sumeru Ring is even more priceless and unavailable.
Zhao Jing shook his head:
"It's impossible; only a grandmaster-level expert can remove this seal."
"Get the things first."
Soon, Zhao Jing took out a lot of cultivation resources from Yuwen Zhe's Sumeru Ring.
The Yuan Essence of the True Yuan Realm and the Spirit Stones of the Innate Realm are both contained within.
In addition, there are precious elixirs.
Two Heavenly Life-Saving Pills.
One pill of life-creating transformation.
Including the one used by Wei Zheng, Yuwen Zhe actually had four precious pills on him.
They're rolling in money.
Even a martial artist with innate talent cannot afford a single low-grade precious pill with their entire life savings.
Zhao Jing's savings of over ten years amounted to only two.
One was given to Bao'er, and one was given to Chen Zhong.
The flowers are clean and tidy.
I never expected to find completion here, and even more surplus.
The surprises continued as Zhao Jing pulled out another jade slip.
The jade slip was inscribed with the name "Twelve Barriers Golden Bell Cover".
Another book on the orthodox teachings of the Xuanmen sect.
This is truly a joyous occasion.
Normally, martial artists are not allowed to carry secret manuals when they go out, to prevent the leakage of their techniques.
In order to win over the hearts of his brother, Yuwen Yi gave him two jade slips.
As a result, Zhao Jing benefited from it all.
Before Zhao Jing could look closely, there was a knock on the door:
Boom!Boom!Boom!
"Your Highness, the entire Tu family requests an audience!"
Bao'er immediately looked embarrassed.
It was only because Chen Zhongjing was knocking on the door.
Zhao Jing couldn't help but laugh:
"Chen Zhong, come in quickly."
"There's something good here."
His Highness seems very happy?
Chen Zhong was slightly surprised and quickly went inside, still showing signs of digging on his body.
It turned out that he arrived too late; all the bodies had already been buried by the Tu family members who had perished.
He was about to ask a question when Zhao Jing tossed him a jade slip.
This!
Zhao Jing grinned:
"This item is yours."
"No wonder Wei Zheng is so powerful; he has actually cultivated the Twelve Gates Golden Bell Cover of the Hanging Temple."
Chen Zhong was immediately at a loss and subconsciously took a step back:
"Your Highness, this, this is not acceptable."
"How can I accept this before I have sworn an oath at the Martial Temple..."
The aristocratic families train guards, and strictly forbid them from privately passing on the "orthodox Xuanmen" martial arts to their descendants.
They must also take an oath before the Martial Temple or the Taoist artifact.
Zhao Jing answered seriously:
"If Wei Zheng can practice it, so can you."
"Tiger will be able to cultivate in the future too."
It is difficult to monopolize low-level martial arts knowledge.
With the advancement of printing technology, ordinary people could purchase it with money.
External martial arts, 100 coins a book.
Internal martial arts manual, 2 taels of silver per book.
Neither of them are expensive.
However, the secret manuals circulating in the market are a mixed bag, and it is difficult to distinguish between the real and the fake. If one practices them haphazardly, it is very easy to cause internal injuries.
Normal people still need to go to a martial arts school to learn martial arts.
This is also the reason why the orcs can learn human martial arts.
There are always people who resell these secret manuals for profit, and the price keeps dropping as they are sold. Once printed, they can be copied countless times.
However, starting with [Superior Martial Arts], the situation changes drastically.
It involves the secrets of the human body; one wrong step and you're doomed.
At the same time, each family has sufficient motivation and ability to maintain the inheritance of its own cultivation methods.
Therefore, superior martial arts techniques are rare on the market, lack detailed explanations, and are extremely difficult to master.
Young people with talent but no capital often choose to join a sect or serve as bodyguards for powerful families or retainers of influential people.
However, aristocratic families and sects do not want their disciples to take over their cultivation techniques, so they set up various oaths and tests to restrict them.
Only those who have made great contributions or possess exceptional martial arts skills can graduate.
Once a student completes their apprenticeship, they will be qualified to inherit the martial arts.
According to the rules, Chen Zhong's superior martial arts skills must be taught to his son, who must also serve as his bodyguard, before he can learn them; they cannot be passed on privately.
Now Zhao Jing tells him that he can use this technique to create his own family's legacy.
Moreover, it is a genuine Xuanmen sect technique, the "Twelve Gates Golden Bell Cover".
Even if the Hanging Temple of Da Xuan comes knocking, Zhao Jing will be there to protect them.
Let's assume they set things right.
This was extremely valuable to Chen Zhong.
Superior martial arts skills forge a powerful family.
The orthodox lineage of Taoism, creating a distinguished family.
His hands were trembling slightly.
"Your Highness, what merit or ability do I possess?"
Zhao Jing smiled faintly:
"You've fought alongside me until now, this is just a small reward."
"When the chaos is rectified in the future, there is no need to worry about not becoming rich and powerful."
No loyalty is innate.
Subordinates are human too.
Zhao Jing must do everything in his power to protect his trusted confidants in order to challenge the entire empire.
Chen Zhong stared blankly at the jade slip. Had he just achieved his greatest pursuit in life?
He was somewhat at a loss.
Zhao Jing then added:
"You have already mastered the 'Tiger Roar Golden Bell Cover,' so switching to the 'Twelve Barriers Golden Bell Cover' will be no problem."
"If I have the chance in the future, I will definitely find the 'Thirteen Gates Golden Bell Cover' of the Hanging Temple for you."
Zhao Jing revealed a warm smile, which Chen Zhong found unbearable.
thump!
Chen Zhong suddenly knelt down on both knees.
He held the jade slip high above his head, then slammed his forehead heavily against the ground, his voice hoarse:
"Your Highness! I am guilty!"