In the dead of night, in the deserted countryside outside the city, Zhao Shui stood in front of a stone wall, holding a green black pen in one hand and a military roster in the other. The tip of the pen condensed gold and carved the names of the fallen soldiers on the surface of the stone wall.
On the side, Zhang Yanshou was holding a candle in his hand, looking at the familiar and unfamiliar names on the stone wall, and could not stop his eyes from getting sore.
After writing down all the names of the fallen soldiers, Zhao Shui gently flicked his sleeves and scattered the gravel on the ground. He turned around and saw a large tomb in front of him, where the remains of those soldiers whose family members could not be found were buried together.
The soul flags raised with bamboo poles are like the banners used to command the three armies on the battlefield, fluttering in the night wind.
In a daze, Zhao Shu seemed to see the group of heroic soldiers who were working hard and risking their lives. Their souls seemed to linger here, and the military formations were lined up with great momentum.
Zhao Shu's vision was hazy. He stood in front of the tomb and performed the water and fire refining ritual. The Dharma water washed away the filth, and the elixir fire broke away the filth. All the soldiers were refined and ascended one by one.
"Farewell to Deacon Zhao."
"Marquis Zhenming, take care!"
"Boss Zhao, you are an upright man!"
"Let's take the first step."
Saying goodbye one after another, cherishing every word, echoed between heaven and earth. The strong wind on the ground suddenly rose, blowing the soul flags flying away, as if they turned into a ladder to the sky, carrying the souls of heroes rising. The soldiers floated up, towards Zhao on the ground.
Mao bowed and bowed.
Zhang Yanshou didn't have the ability to discern yin and yang, but at this moment he noticed something unusual and couldn't help but silently pray.
When the wind subsided, the surrounding tombs were as quiet as before, without any ghosts and ghosts, only an empty and solemn atmosphere.
After the ritual was over, Zhang Yanshou saw Zhao Mian standing there for a long time. He cautiously went to visit him and found that his face was filled with tears.
"Zhao Changshi, you..."
Zhao Shu wiped away his tears. No matter how others comforted him, he always felt that it was his own incompetence that caused the death of all the soldiers.
"It's all my fault." Zhao Shu said, "I couldn't let the soldiers return home safely."
Almost all the local heroes who came out of Qiaozhang Village were killed by the big snake Youzhu. Only because Zhao Shu was accustomed to letting Zhang Yanshou be responsible for delivering letters to General Wei, he was not at Jianjia Pass at the time and luckily escaped the disaster.
But now he has to return to his hometown alone, carrying everyone's remains and pensions. Zhao Shu can't even imagine how Zhang Yanshou will face his family members in his hometown of Paoze after returning to Qiaozhang Village? How will he tell this shocking news?
Even if the refined souls rise and feel the blessings of the deceased, the families of the soldiers only hope that they can return home safely. I am afraid they have no gratitude to Zhao Shu, only vicious curses, and no amount of compensation is enough to save him.
Zhao Shu walked heavily and came to a nearby tomb, where He Dangguan rested. Zhao Shu took out the Jieyou Jue, collected the pure air and turned it into fairy wine, and then poured it in front of He Dangguan's tomb.
"We met by chance at Longzangpu, and that's how we got connected." Zhao Shu said with a serious tone, "I originally planned to recommend you to the post of captain after this war, so that you could have a good background and not have to be with me all the time.
Be a guard."
In fact, after getting along with each other during these days, Zhao Shui also understood that He Dangguan did not have the qualifications and understanding to cultivate immortality and learn Taoism, and the "Supai Danxin Jue" taught to him had no obvious progress.
If you don't have the right qualifications, there is no need to waste your time here. Zhao Shui knew that He Dangguan wanted to stand out and glorify his ancestors, so he originally wanted General Wei to recruit He Dangguan into the Wu Kui Army. Unfortunately, the changes in the situation made it difficult for him to do so.
Caught off guard.
No matter how much you regret at this moment, it will not help. The big snake Youzhu has been killed, and the ten witches of Fengju have been destroyed. After this defeat, the gods of the southern land have stopped moving.
After packing up his things and leaving, Zhao Shu couldn't help but look back. In the desolate countryside, with undulating graves and overgrown weeds, only the lonely figures of himself and Zhang Yanshou were left.
"Are you worried that there will be no one to take care of you in the future?" A voice suddenly came.
Zhao Shu instantly held the Qingxuan pen and saw an old man holding a lantern on the side of the road. The light was dim and his eyes were vaguely visible.
Zhao Shu was unaware of the old man before he appeared. His experiences during these days made him fear that the person coming was evil, so he asked with vigilance: "Who are you? Why do you appear here?"
"My child is buried here. I want to come and take a look." the old man said.
Zhao Shu didn't believe it and said: "It's dark now, so the old man might as well wait until daybreak to come back."
The old man pointed to his hooded eyes: "Little brother, do you think there is any difference to me between day and night?"
"Mysterious." Zhao Shu snorted in a low voice. Now he was in a bad mood and didn't want to argue with others.
But the old man chuckled: "My little brother has excellent eyesight and can see ghosts and gods. I wonder if he can tell whether the world's people are dim or not?"
Zhao Shu heard something in the other person's words, so he frowned and asked: "Who are you?"
The old man began to chant: "Inaction makes the light shine on the inside, and the scenery shines brightly on the outside. This is the way to always be prosperous and bright, so you can become a high immortal."
Zhao Shu, who was well versed in classics, immediately understood what the other party was referring to and asked in surprise: "Are you... Mr. Jing Ming, one of the three elders of Chiyun?"
"Exactly." The old man nodded.
"Why are you here?" Zhao Shu asked, cautiously, while Zhang Yanshou looked shocked and confused.
"Don't worry, no one is prying around." Mr. Jing Ming said, "I'm here to pay homage to the deceased and express my apology."
"Sorry?" Zhao Shu was puzzled.
Mr. Jing Ming sighed: "We were aware of the previous raid on Jianjia Pass and Jiaohui Cave by the ten witches of Fengju. We also noticed it in Cangwu Ridge. At that time, Huai Ming wanted to go down the mountain to help you, but I dissuaded him. If he had taken action, he might have been able to save more lives. The lives of many people. I pride myself on giving up my physical eyes and gaining the third eye, but I am still blind and short-sighted.”
Zhao Shuze said: "Your Excellency, you are serious. Didn't you Chiyun send that Nuo-faced swordsman to rescue him? Even the big snake possessed by the evil god was killed by him."
"I was about to explain this matter to you." Mr. Jing Ming said: "The Nuo-faced swordsman is not a member of Chiyundu. He makes his own decisions and is not something we can order and control."
Zhao Shu was shocked and said quickly: "But Chi Yun forged the magic sword in Xingluo County, how could he let outsiders hold the sword?"
Mr. Jing Ming gently raised his hand and motioned for Zhao Mi and Zhao Shu to sit down. He did not let Zhang Yanshou avoid him. He said, "You should know the identity of Mr. Yang Liujun. He is a clan member of the Huaxu Kingdom. He was killed by me after the Three Dukes Rebellion." He was rescued by Chiyundu. His wisdom and strategies were extraordinary. After joining Chiyundu, he helped us defeat the enemy several times, so he was deeply respected by his colleagues.
However, Mr. Yangliu had an extreme temperament and had a deep hatred for Liang Tao. Ten years ago, Chiyun was robbed and he led his people to escape to Cangwu Ridge. He was unwilling to be trapped in the poor mountains and rivers, and always thought that he would raise troops in various parts of Huaxu Kingdom.
There were also a group of disciples in Chiyun City who were very hateful, so they ran away with Lord Yangliu, and finally chose to raise another army in Xingluo County. As for the Divine Sword, it was more of a plan and arrangement between Lord Yangliu and others, although some people in Cangwu Ridge heard about it. , but did not interfere.”
Zhao Shu thought for a while and said: "I have actually suspected for a long time that Mr. Yangliu has some dealings with a high-ranking person in the court. The Gangfengyi flag they refined in Xingluo County is made of Yun brocade.
Ji, these things must be obtained by the high officials of the court. So, when Yang Liujun forged the divine sword in Xingluo County, he also got the help of this important man?"
"You guessed it yourself." Mr. Jing Ming was noncommittal.
Zhao Shu's gaze was profound. Mr. Jing Ming should know this person's identity, but he obviously did not intend to reveal it.
"Your Excellency came here to inform me of this matter. Do you have any advice?" Zhao Shu asked.
"It's not about giving advice." Mr. Jing Ming said, "I would like to ask you instead, what do you think of Liang Tao?"
Zhao Shu really didn't know how to answer for a moment, so he knocked on his knees and muttered: "When it comes to the realm of cultivation, even though Liang Guoshi is not the best person in Kunlun Continent, there are not many people in the world who can compare with him. It's just that he is not like the outsiders.
The Immortal family is so quiet and inactive, but their plans are huge and their plans are deep."
"With extraordinary cultivation, you will naturally have desires that are far superior to ordinary people." Mr. Jing Ming said: "Even if you are a Taoist immortal, you will inevitably have the idea of expanding your own wonderful magic and promoting it.
Like Liang Tao, what he does is not out of an ordinary person's desire to satisfy his own selfish desires, but because he believes that what he has cultivated and understood points directly to the great road, and that only he can enlighten sentient beings. What's more, only the door he has opened
, is the authentic one, and all the rest are side branches.”
When Zhao Shu heard this, he was not shocked, but felt a great enlightenment. In the past, he had always lacked a deep enough understanding of Liang Tao's intention to create a Taoist kingdom in the world. He felt that with Liang Tao's level of cultivation, his status and status
, there is really no need to get deeply involved in the mortal world in order to satisfy one's own selfish desires, to the point where you are looking for trouble.
But now I heard what Mr. Jing Ming said, Liang Tao had his own selfish desires in creating a Taoist kingdom in the world, but it went beyond ordinary people’s pursuit of power and status, and was almost an “ideal”.
"But..." Zhao Shu's doubts are still lingering: "Master Liang is unscrupulous in order to achieve his goals. In order to prove his own enlightenment, he does not hesitate to kill and even persecute others. Can he achieve enlightenment in this way?"
Mr. Jing Ming shook his head gently: "If he wants to realize his own enlightenment without caring about the blessings and misfortunes he will cause, and he will look down upon all living beings without thinking about others, if he can achieve enlightenment, he will cause great harm to the world and be a thief of the immortal way. Liang Tao's brilliance lies in his
The realm of cultivation is also dangerous.
Just like a person in a high and powerful position, if he cares about the people, he will naturally benefit all people and protect the country; if he only seeks to satisfy his selfish desires, corrupts the law, and steals public weapons, he will cause endless disasters."
Zhao Shu thought for a long time after hearing this, and then asked: "Your Excellency, by explaining this matter, do you want me to do anything?"
Mr. Jing Ming said: "With your level of cultivation, it is extremely difficult to directly disobey Liang Tao. We will not force others to do so. But I hope you will think carefully about where you will stand when Liang Tao achieves enlightenment. Whether or not you will do so."
Can we still record the names of so many unknown people like today?"
Zhao Shu did not answer. Mr. Jing Ming stood up slowly and handed the lantern to Zhao Shu: "The road ahead is dark and dangerous. You must be careful."
"Thank you very much." Zhao Shu took the lantern and bowed to thank him. However, he didn't wait for the other party to go away and said quickly: "The person next to me is Zhang Yanshou, who is also from Qiao Zhang Village. What do you think of Mr. Jing Ming?"
"It's true that he has good bones and a steady mind." Mr. Jing Ming patted Zhang Yanshou on the shoulder: "First go back to Qiaozhang Village and comfort the villagers. This is the test before spreading the Dharma."
Zhang Yanshou bowed his head and said yes, but did not get carried away with the joy. Zhao Shu could tell at a glance that this person was a rare seedling of cultivating immortals. If he was given good guidance, his achievements in the future would be limitless.
…
Zhao Shu gently knocked on the door, and after a moment he heard Lu Wangji in the room say: "Please come in, Marquis Zhenming."
Pushing the door open and entering the house, he saw Lu Wangji sitting on the couch, still wearing a curtain and hat indoors, faceless.
Zhao Shu had vaguely seen Lu Wangji with scars on her face. Seeing her like this, he sighed secretly and stepped forward to ask: "How is your fellow Taoist injured?"
"I can't walk on the ground yet, but I'm safe. Thank you Marquis Zhenming for your concern," Lu Wangji said.
Zhao Miao looked distressed: "I was the one who dragged down fellow Taoist disciples and caused the destruction of the Yaoqin passed down by your master."
"Marquis Zhenming doesn't have to be like this." Lu Wangji shook his head slightly: "Tangible things will eventually decay, so there is no need to care too much."
"The more fellow Taoist said this, the more guilty I felt." Zhao Shu held his forehead and said, "I may have to go back to Dongshengdu later. If I have some free time, I plan to cut a wooden harp for fellow Taoist. Are you willing to go with me?"
"
"This is natural." Lu Wangji saw Zhao Mian's brows were filled with sadness and said, "Marquis Zhenming, it's good to have good intentions, but don't be too worried."
"yes."
Just as he was about to chat for a few words, someone suddenly came outside and said that the frontline soldiers had returned, so Zhao Shu had to say goodbye and get busy.
"Hou Zhenming! Are you okay?"
Ding Muqiu came to the mansion in a hurry and said, "You don't know. We heard at the front that the ten wizards of Fengju were raiding Jiaojia Cave and Jianjia Pass. We were all nervous, lest something happen to you, Marquis Zhenming."
A disciple from the Mingxia Hall next to him covered his mouth and said with a smile: "Obviously it's senior sister you have been obsessed with and clamoring to go back to Jianjia Pass, but the leader still comes forward to stop you from causing trouble."
"If you don't say a few words, you will die!" Ding Muqiu immediately went up and blocked his fellow disciple's mouth.
Zhao Mo couldn't help but smile bitterly when he saw them playing around. Sudden changes occurred in Jiaohui Cave and Jianjia Pass. Although the battle was fierce, it was only half a day's work. When the news reached the front line, everything was over. Zhang Duanjing sent someone to send a message later.
General Wei therefore did not allow the frontline troops to turn back in large numbers.
"If you come back now, does that mean the war is over?" Zhao Shu asked.
Ding Muqiu looked unsatisfied: "Forget it, those Jiuli barbarians can run faster than rabbits. We don't have many serious battles on the front line, so it's better to kill outside Dantu County!"
"It would be better if we didn't." Zhao Shu had experienced mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and really didn't want these comrades to have to face a fierce war.
"I almost forgot, this is a letter from General Wei." Ding Muqiu handed Zhao Shui a letter.
Zhao Shu took a look and saw that it was not Yu Xi's military report, but a personal letter. He opened it and read it. General Wei stated in the letter that he would return to the court later to report on his duties. He guessed that Zhao Shu would not be able to stay in Jianjia Pass for long, so he reminded
If he comes with a decree from the imperial court, do not contradict him or disobey him——
"The Wu Kui Army is the result of the painstaking efforts of you and me. I select soldiers and select generals, and Zhao Hou serves as my teacher and educates people. If I allow myself to be indulged in temporary passion, I fear that the company's lieutenants and officers will suffer the same fate as in the past, such as Tianlu and Chiyun. Now the war is going on.
It has been decided that Marquis Zhao has become famous and powerful in Kunlun. Why not lie drunk in the mountains and forests and enjoy peace and wealth? Marquis Zhao is a very intelligent person, so he should think about the way forward and retreat, and be cautious."