Zhao Shu held an iron talisman as thick as a piece of armor and as big as the palm of his hand. The crimson talisman seals on the curved surface were not chiseled or written, but seemed to be the lines of the iron talisman itself, completely natural.
Concentrating on it, the surrounding earth veins appear before your eyes like roads, as if you can travel through them just by raising your feet and taking steps.
However, when Zhao Shu activated his true energy, he felt that there was an invisible wall blocking his way, so he had to withdraw the spell.
"The earth veins in the capital have been restricted and tightly locked. They cannot come in or out by shrinking the earth." Zhao Shu immediately understood that Dongsheng was not an ordinary place, and there must be various restrictions and precautions set up by experts.
"Shi Huoguang's skill in refining weapons is much better than yours," Lingxiao said.
"That's natural." Zhao Shu said with a rare genuine smile these days: "Many people in the outside world know that I created the talisman weapon, and they always think that I am very good at refining the magic weapon. In fact, this is not the case. The perfection of the talisman weapon is mainly attributed to
Shi Lao.
When it comes to the ability to refine magical instruments, apart from the teacher in the Huaiying Hall, Mr. Shi is the most talented. In addition, his cultivation level is higher than mine, but he just doesn’t like to show off. It takes many years to refine magical instruments.
My expertise is profound and difficult, and what I have learned is numerous, but it seems mixed but not refined."
Lingxiao said: "Having this self-knowledge is far from enough."
"I know." Zhao Shu nodded silently.
While Zhao Shu was still studying the newly acquired Shuchi talisman, someone from the palace came to the door and summoned Zhao Shu to go and see the king.
"My dear, you are getting more and more haggard."
When he came to the palace, when the king saw Zhao Miao's description, he quickly ordered someone to give him a seat. He couldn't help but said: "Last time Zhao Aiqing returned to the court in triumph, he was healthy and tall. Why is it that he is not more than a month old and has hair on his temples?"
Zhao Shu deliberately pretended to be tired: "To be honest with you, your majesty, at that time I opened an altar at Jianjiaguan to ward off the plague. It seemed like a temporary success, but in fact, my cultivation was greatly damaged. Later, I was attacked by the evil god and was seriously injured. After several devastations,
Under it, it is inevitable to describe it as withered."
The king of the country sighed: "Zhao Aiqing is a pillar of the country because she has devoted her whole heart and soul."
"I am ashamed to be a humble minister." Zhao Shu sneered in his heart when he heard this.
"Originally, I was still thinking that Zhao Aiqing should be entrusted with a high-level and important position because she is such a talented person." The king's face showed regret: "But seeing Aiqing in such a condition, I can't bear to make you tired."
Zhao Miao didn't seek any high-ranking position, but when he saw the king performing so hard, he didn't feel angry. Instead, he waited patiently for the other party to show off. He probably understood that when people like Liang Tao saw the king,
What kind of mentality is it?
"The body of a humble minister is like rotten wood. If he occupies a high position, he may be ridiculed." Zhao Shu quickly pretended to be a loyal minister: "Moreover, there have been many rumors in the market recently about the various crimes of the humble minister. If your majesty entrusts the humble minister with this right now,
How can we reassure people when we have such a heavy responsibility?"
The king showed a bitter expression: "This will make you suffer."
Zhao Shu suppressed his ridicule and said: "Your Majesty's words make me feel flattered."
"Ai Qing, you don't have to be like this." The king's tone was gentle, somewhat dignified: "In the final analysis, I am just an ordinary person. Zhao Aiqing has the ability to overwhelm the demons and gods of the south, so there is really no need to be so humble."
Zhao Miao bowed with a smile, but he couldn't help but be suspicious in his heart. The king's claim that he was an ordinary person may not be credible.
At the meeting in Yingzhou, the king of the country offered wine to reward the immortals, and the immortals from the blessed land immediately formed a magic vessel to protect the officials. Although there was no trace of the magic being performed, it might just be a temporary sympathetic effect, but this also shows that
The ruler's fortune and destiny are by no means comparable to those of ordinary people.
It would be better to say that the current leader of the Huaxu Kingdom ascended the throne, which was full of doubts. During the Three-Gong Rebellion, Liang Tao took action boldly. He could have helped Gao Pinggong ascend the throne and then controlled him as a puppet. How could the current leader of the country be replaced by him afterwards?
Lord Yang Jingxi succeeded in taking the throne? Can only one noble lady be able to compete with the entire Chongxuan Hall?
And even though killing the king might involve an unforeseen burden, with Liang Tao's scheming mind, he had no problem keeping his hands dirty and letting others do the work for him.
Based on Zhao Shu's understanding of Liang Tao, he could not easily give up on important matters related to his ambitions. There must be obstacles that cannot be ignored, which prevented Liang Tao from taking the initiative to murder the king.
Thinking about it this way, either the current king's cultivation level is extremely advanced and his magic power is so high that even Liang Tao does not dare to take risks. Or there is an expert from the Xian family behind the king, which is enough for Liang Tao to be wary of.
At first, Zhao Shu thought that the master of the Xian family would be Hongxueke, but then he thought about it. With Hongxueke's eccentric character, if Liang Tao really killed the king, he probably wouldn't mind his own business.
As for the lord's personal cultivation, Zhao Shu couldn't tell. Considering that Liang Tao always walked in a clone in the court, he was probably on guard against the lord.
Zhao Shu didn't like the king, but he couldn't deny that he was also very scheming and hard to fathom. If he was really an ordinary person, Liang Tao would have killed him long ago.
"I almost forgot." The king pushed a jade box on the table: "At the Yingzhou meeting, I promised to reward those who have made meritorious deeds with the Shen Ke fairy fruit. Since Zhao Aiqing is injured, this fairy fruit can come in handy.
"
Zhao Shu hurriedly thanked the gift, and the king had forgotten about it even if he did not mention it. In this way, there were nine fairy fruits in the Yingzhou meeting this time, and Zhao Shu had three of them alone. This honor of immortality is indeed difficult for others to compare with.
.
The ruler of the country issued an edict to transfer Zhao Shu back, but he did not suppress him blindly. He was promoted to a higher rank and had more towns, as well as the divine fruit of magic. The compensation itself was quite generous.
Unfortunately, these are not what Zhao Shu really wants.
"I heard before that the evil god Youzhu came to Jianjia Pass. What happened?" The king looked curious.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. In fact, I have not found out the origin of this evil god Youzhu." Zhao Shui replied: "The so-called evil god, but in general terms, it can be either a prostitute ghost or god who causes trouble, or it can be someone from outside."
The coming alien."
"Is there a heaven outside the sky?"
Zhao Shu shook his head: "We are short-sighted and cannot say for sure. As far as the evil god Youzhu is concerned, his temperament is extremely violent, but he is also like a naughty child with no restraints, and not like the lustful worship of ghosts and gods who have experienced people and events for a long time."
The king was puzzled: "It's really strange, how can tyranny coexist with childishness?"
"Your Majesty, think so." Zhao Shu explained: "A child has lacked discipline and restraint since he was a child, but he is born with supernatural power, capable of tearing apart tigers and leopards, and he is also armed with a sharp knife. If he is placed in a noisy market, will he abide by the law?
"
The king laughed: "Such a person is a hidden danger just by standing in public."
Zhao Shu continued: "Although I don't know what means the ten witches of Fengju used to summon the evil gods, they used to perform many blood sacrifices of human beings. In this way, the rituals and rituals enriched the evil thoughts of blood and evil, and there were no independent spirits.
If Ming's innate holiness is contaminated, he will also fall into evil ways."
The king nodded as if he understood, and suddenly asked: "I heard that the person who killed the evil god snake at that time was a remnant of the rebellious gang that once haunted Xingluo County?"
"I heard that it is." Zhao Shu frowned and said: "The humble minister was defeated by the evil god and fell unconscious. In the end, I don't know how the Nuo-faced swordsman killed the big snake. I only heard it from others afterward. Fortunately, Liang first and
The teacher forced him to retreat together, which is the blessing of the country and the blessing of all people."
Zhao Shu was so flattering that he didn't want to get too involved with the Nuo-mian swordsman or Chiyundu. The reason he couldn't stand the king the most was the massacre of millions of soldiers and civilians in Chiyundu. This man was so cold and ruthless in his bones.
He is ruthless, even worse than Liang Tao.
"Speaking of Jianjia Pass, there is a big event at present." The king's expression was solemn: "Unfortunately, Duke Gao Ping passed away. Does Zhao Aiqing know about it?"
"Is this happening?" Zhao Mian was shocked: "Didn't Duke Gao Ping just take over Jianjia Pass again?"
The king said: "I learned a few days ago that, for some unknown reason, Gao Pinggong and his son were suddenly transformed by demons. They both turned into wolf heads and ate each other to death."
"Demon transformation?"
"Does Zhao Aiqing know the reason?"
Zhao Shu thought: "The Jiuli barbarians suddenly attacked Dantu County, and some of the demon warriors participated. By the way, when the minister was assassinated by Jiuli spies in Longzangpu, there were also demon warriors among them, who were also wolf heads.
From their appearance, they probably come from the same origin.
The arresting department once said that they looked like this because they had taken a pill called Danglu Zhuanggu Pill. Is it possible that... Jiuli Xiazuo sneaked into Jianjia Pass and poisoned Gao Pinggong? "
The Lord of the Kingdom nodded: "Gong Gao Ping has no cultivation skills. Even if there are monks to protect you, it is inevitable that you will be guarded. They did not dare to deal with Zhao Aiqing, but they took advantage of you to leave and immediately took revenge on Duke Gao Ping."
"It seems that Jiuli Country is determined to be evil."
The medicine Zhao Shu used to murder Gao Pinggong and his son was actually just hastily prepared. He was not entirely sure of the specific potency of the medicine.
Therefore, in order to ensure its effectiveness, Zhao Shu held a banquet for several days, mixed the poison into wine, and asked Gao Pinggong and his son to take it many times.
This poison is not Danglu Zhuanggu Pill. Once it takes effect, even if it causes Gao Pinggong and his son to suddenly transform into demons, it may not be able to keep them sane.
But this was what Zhao Shu wanted to see, so he let Gao Pinggong and his son turn into beasts and fight each other. This was their best ending.
"No matter what, we still need to select a suitable person to guard Jianjia Pass." The king said by the way: "Originally, I planned to let Zhao Aiqing return to Jianjia Pass, but seeing you like this today, I really don't dare to let Aiqing take the risk."
"The minister has disappointed your majesty." Zhao Shu lowered his head and replied, thinking that the king could block the possibility of Zhao Shu returning to Jianjia Pass with just two words. It was really watertight.
The king then asked: "Zhao Aiqing is familiar with the military affairs of Jiangjia Pass, so I wonder if he can recommend someone for me to take on a big job?"
Zhao Shu showed a panicked expression: "How can a minor minister interrupt and say too much about the important matter of the country's survival?"
"Zhao Aiqing is here again." The king waved his hand: "Since I asked a question, you can just say it freely. I was the one who promoted you in the first place, and I believe in your vision."
This seemed like a compliment, but it was actually a test. Zhao Shu thought about it and said: "Jiuli Kingdom is still in trouble. Those who guard Jianjia Pass in the future must be proficient in military affairs to prepare for confrontation with the enemy at any time."
"Of course."
"In addition, to prevent the guarding general from engaging in border provocations, he must be a steady and reliable person," Zhao Shu said.
"A steady person?" the king asked: "Is Zhao Aiqing talking about Pingnan General Wei Xiuwen?"
"General Wei is indeed appropriate, but..." Zhao Shu thought for a moment and said: "But now a large area has been expanded south of Jianjia Pass. Guarding Jianjia Pass is not only about managing the army, but also about managing the local area. General Wei seems to be neglecting this.
There is something lacking.”
The king asked: "General Wei will work with Aiqing. Don't you plan to recommend him?"
Zhao Miao's expression was serious: "The position of Jianjia Pass is very important. Since your Majesty has asked, you will not tolerate the slightest negligence or favoritism among the ministers. General Wei was a general who used troops during the war, but there is turmoil at the border. Managing one side is another skill."
Moreover, since Jiuli Kingdom dares to send spies to assassinate Duke Gao Ping, those who will guard it in the future will also face various dangers. Only those who have experienced the battlefield for a long time will not retreat in the face of danger."
"Then Zhao Aiqing thinks, who in the court is suitable now?" the king asked reluctantly.
Zhao Shu thought about it again and again and said, "Da Sima Luo Yi, maybe you can give it a try."
The king smiled and said: "I remember that General Wei used to be a subordinate of Da Sima. General Wei can't do it, but Da Sima can?"
"Wei Chen once discussed the art of war with General Wei and learned that Da Sima had the experience of taking charge of one side in the past. Moreover, Da Sima also personally risked the target and achieved brilliant results. He would never retreat in fear of difficulties." Zhao Shu replied: "Maybe.
There are still wise people in the court, but I forgive my humble ministers for their shallow knowledge and inability to fully understand them."
The king was silent and thinking, his face noncommittal.
"Okay, I understand." The king nodded and said to Zhao Shu: "I love you, please enjoy your life and rest. If I have any questions in the future, I will call you into the palace again."
…
"You want to go back to Huaiying Hall?"
Zhang Duanjing came to Jindingsi and saw Shi Huoguang packing his things.
"It was Zhao Shu who persuaded me to go back." Shi Huoguang sighed softly: "He was worried that there would be trouble in the capital, and recently many monks from the Chongxuan Hall were stationed. They gradually controlled the Jinding Division and squeezed out others, so I had to leave.
.”
"Okay." Zhang Duanying nodded and said, "Zhao Shu's arrangement is very good."
"Chief, you have to take good care of Zhao Shu." Shi Huoguang plucked up the courage and said, "Zi Liang is dead. I don't want Zhao Shu to be in danger."
Zhang Duanjing didn't know how to answer for a while, so he took out a picture scroll from his arms: "After I returned to Huaiying Hall, I helped to refine this object. I used Zhao Shu's batch of spiritual iron."
Shi Huoguang didn't know what it meant. After unfolding the scroll, he stared at it for a long time, confused: "This is... a coffin? Hiding the soul, hiding the soul, seeing and hearing with all the heavens and the earth. Who is this coffin prepared for?"
"Prepare it for those who want to use it." Zhang Duanjing said: "I can't say exactly who it is. Maybe it's me, maybe it's someone else."
"It could be Zhao Shu, right?" Shi Huoguang's expression turned ugly.
Zhang Duanjing closed his eyes and did not respond.
"I'll try my best." Shi Huoguang put away the scroll and said, "Zhao Shu told me before that he wanted to get a piece of wood suitable for making pianos. There seems to be a piece of Lushui Yinchen Cedar in the museum. What are the plans for the first one?
"
"I'll get it to him." Zhang Duanjing said.
Shi Huoguang turned around to pack his things, and Zhang Duanjing suddenly said: "Zi Liang was not forced, nor was he bewitched by anyone. He took the initiative to ask Ying to go to Fumirage Valley."
"I know." Shi Huoguang lowered his head and quietly wiped away his tears: "It's just that I don't understand why Zhao Shui still has to face the difficulties alone now?"
"Since you understand, don't let him down." Zhang Duanjing looked up to the sky and sighed: "Besides, he is not alone."