Li Zhi turned his head and looked back above the Jinghe River, but found no trace of the old boatman.
However, there was clearly a voice echoing in my ears just now?
"No, Ninth Young Master, what happened?"
Qin Huaiyu asked in confusion, while looking at Changsun Pingting, she also received a negative shake of her head.
Looking at the calm water surface of Jinghe River, Li Zhi was thoughtful.
Golden carp?
An old man who appeared out of thin air?
Did I rescue his daughter?
Could it be?...
Li Zhi didn't dare to think about it anymore. If it was really what he thought, wouldn't it be too exaggerated?
Li Zhi shook his head and tried not to think about this. The three of them urged their horses to leave the bank of the Jing River and continue heading east.
Two days later, after entering Weinan, you will reach Huayin further east, where there is the world-famous Huashan Mountain in Xiyue.
Weinan, as the name suggests, is south of the Wei River, bordered by the Qinling Mountains to the south and the Wei River to the north.
Although there is no Huashan Mountain here, there is Shaohua Mountain.
The young flowers are green, the Wei River is turbulent, and the gentleman's style will last forever.
According to legend, Shaohua Mountain and Taihua Mountain, namely Huashan Mountain in Xiyue, were formed when a pair of maids, Fairy Huarong and Fairy Huafu, descended to earth from the Jade Emperor's imperial garden in the Heavenly Palace.
Because Mount Hua is 5,000 ren high, it was named the Lord of Taihua by the Jade Emperor, ranking among the Five Mountains. Mount Shaohua is 4,000 ft high, so it was named the auxiliary of Taihua and given the title Shaohua.
The main peak of Shaohua Mountain is composed of three closely connected mountain tops, which the locals call East Peak, Middle Peak and West Peak.
The west peak is Wulong Mountain, also known as Maling Mountain.
The west peak is slightly lower than the middle peak. There is a stone cave on the peak, which looks like a man-made cave. It is more than two feet long. It is dark inside and blows like the wind.
According to legend, a tiger once hid in the cave, so it is also called Crouching Tiger Cave.
There are thick bushes on the peak, sky-high pines and cypresses, white clouds, and strange rocks.
Standing on the top of the mountain and looking around, you can see the Wei River in the north, winding like a belt to the east, and the undulating mountains in the south, reaching straight to heaven and earth.
Looking to the east, Taihua Mountain stands high in the clouds and Wei'e towers tall and straight; looking to the west, the wind and smoke are thousands of miles away, and there is no end to the confusion.
"Ninth Young Master, let's repair here for a few days."
Changsun Pingting led the way to this place. She had been there once with her master a few years ago, especially this Crouching Tiger Cave, which is considered an inaccessible place.
Li Zhi naturally let it go, and he also understood Changsun Pingting's thoughts. Ever since she got the box of strange fragrance two days ago, the little girl has been thinking about finding a suitable place.
Look at the west peak of Shaohua Mountain. Although the spiritual energy is not as rich as that at the intersection of Jingwei and Jingwei, it is still a rare place for cultivation.
Crouching Tiger Cave was naturally reserved for Li Zhi. Qin Huaiyu and Changsun Pingting skillfully set up two tents in front of the cave.
Unfortunately, although the west peak is not too high, the section near the top is very steep. It is impossible to lead horses up, so the three of us can only carry the necessary tents and luggage on foot.
Changsun Pingting found a mountain spring halfway up the north side of Xifeng like an old horse, and stored enough water for three people.
"Ninth Young Master, please stay outside for a moment. I need to set up two formations here. One can gather the spiritual energy, and the other can block the strange fragrance of the object."
The eldest grandson Pingting followed her master at the age of six. In addition to practicing her own martial arts, she also learned a lot of miscellaneous things.
However, this was her first time setting up something like the "Spirit Gathering Array". After all, she had not yet reached the innate Qi training stage.
Qin Huaiyu took care of the food and drink for the three of them, while Li Zhi stood there and watched the eldest grandson Pingting set up the formation.
Unfortunately, Li Zhi didn't see any clues after Sun Pingting had completely set up the formation.
I saw her constantly playing with some rocks, muttering words in her mouth, and constantly changing complex techniques in her hands, which made Li Zhi become more curious about her master.
"Ninth Young Master, there are no suitable materials here, so we can only make do with this. As long as you have not reached the realm of 'tongshen', these two formations should be enough."
As Changsun Pingting spoke, she did not forget to secretly check Li Zhi's face.
She already knew that Li Zhi could cultivate, and it seemed that he was not affected by the "Heavenly Leakage Body" at all, but she still didn't know what level Li Zhi had reached.
With her skills comparable to the innate realm, she still could not gain the slightest advantage in every sparring session between the two. This result made the little girl feel very depressed.
She is two years older than Li Zhi, and she has followed a famous teacher since she was a child. Even in her own sect, she is considered the most beautiful girl in the world, but she is outshined by His Highness the King of Jin in front of her.
"Okay, you two must be curious about what state I am in, right? Now that I have brought you out with me, I will be my real friend from now on, and I will no longer hide it from you."
"Although I have a body with leakage from the sky, I was first treated by the miracle doctor Sun Simiao, who taught me the master's secret of 'Five Animals'. Then I had the support of Uncle Qin, and the generous help of Kong Jijiu."
"Now, I can still be considered as a man of both civil and martial arts. No matter whether he is a civilist or a martial artist, I have just broken through the innate realm."
Although they say that the two of them are the same person, Li Zhi's real secret must not be leaked.
When he announced the names of Sun Simiao, Qin Qiong, and Kong Yingda, he was nothing more than raising a flag and pulling the tiger's skin. It could not only explain his dual innate realm, but also cover up the true situation inside his body.
By now, Li Zhi naturally knew that apart from soul penetration, the weird pocket gun in his dantian was his biggest secret and support.
It's a pity that after thinking about it for so many years, he still hasn't figured out what kind of gun it is?
Looking through the entire history, and even adding the world of mythology, it seems that there is no such mini version of the weird little gun, right?
"Ninth Young Master, are you... are you telling the truth? You are good at both civil and military skills, and you have both broken through the 'innate realm'?"
Li Zhi's words immediately shocked Qin Huaiyu and Changsun Pingting.
Qin Huaiyu is also considered to have extraordinary qualifications. He comes from a family of generals, and his father is a "martial arts master". Now he can reach the intermediate level of "Hua Jin" at the age of fourteen, which has made many young people envious.
The eldest grandson, Pingting, also has an impressive talent. She was kept under the auspices of a hidden master since she was a child. She even used rare materials and treasures to reach the perfection of "transforming energy" at the age of fourteen.
And now, Li Zhi actually said that he was good at both civil and military skills and that he was already gifted in both?
How old is he?
The problem is, even if he was able to practice, it only took him a few years?
Li Zhi felt a little embarrassed when they looked at him and rubbed his nose habitually, not knowing how to explain it to them.
"Forgive me, Ninth Young Master, but we have no intention of inquiring into your privacy..."
After all, it was Qin Huaiyu who understood the ways of the world better than his eldest grandson Pingting. When he saw Li Zhi looking a little embarrassed, he realized that although the person in front of him called him "Brother Huaiyu" all day long, he was actually His Highness the King of Jin of the Tang Dynasty.
"Brother Huaiyu, you don't have to be like this. Pheasant Nu's achievements are largely due to the "Five Animal Plays". You two must practice diligently with the few tricks I passed on to you two."
"Now that the formation is set up, let's see what good things are in this box."
In order to avoid the embarrassment between the two of them, Li Zhi hurriedly changed the topic and walked into Crouching Tiger Cave, while Qin Huaiyu and Changsun Pingting stayed outside the cave consciously.
"Brother Huaiyu, Miss Pingting, why don't you two come in?"
This formation is really magical. As soon as Li Zhi entered Crouching Tiger Cave, he could clearly feel that the spiritual energy here was at least twice that outside the cave.
Although it was still not as good as the intersection of Jingwei and Jingwei, it was still very rare and made him even more envious of Changsun Pingting's "Spirit Gathering Array".
Moreover, just now outside the Crouching Tiger Cave, the scene inside the cave could not be seen at all, and even the entrance of the cave could not be found. However, looking out from the cave, it was clear at a glance.
When he looked back, he found that Qin Huaiyu and Changsun Pingting did not come in with him, which made Li Zhi a little surprised.
"Ninth Young Master, what is contained in that box is a rare thing in heaven and earth. It is the creation of the Nine Young Masters."
"Open the box, and the aroma will overflow. Just let the Nine Young Masters practice normally. This product not only helps to temper the muscles and bones, but also multiplies the formation of the internal energy in the body. It can be said to be a real way to get twice the result with half the effort."
"It also has the greatest effect, which is helpful for breakthroughs in great realms, but it leaves no hidden dangers and no risks at all."
"The Ninth Young Master is extremely talented and a man of profound blessings. I will be outside to protect you. I hope that the Ninth Young Master will improve his magical skills as soon as possible -"
Qin Huaiyu stayed outside the cave out of his own cultivation and respect for Li Zhi's identity, while Changsun Pingting truly knew the value of the object.
"Haha, you guys are just a dead thing. No matter how precious it is, can it be compared to the friendship we have with each other?"
"Brother Huaiyu, Miss Pingting, come in for me -"
Hearing Changsun Pingting's words, Li Zhi felt warm in his heart.
In this way, he would not take this opportunity to himself, and even ordered the two of them in the tone of His Royal Highness, Prince Jin.
"Your Highness, this -"
The two of them were in a bit of a dilemma.
"Brother Huaiyu, Miss Pingting, if you are a pheasant slave and you are a friend, and your friends have the friendship to make money, how can the pheasant slave enjoy this wonderful thing to yourself?"
"If being a pheasant slave is the king of Jin, then take it as my order. You two are of low skill now, how can you protect me in the future?"
Well, in order to let these two people in, Li Zhi even used the provoking method.
"In that case, I would like to thank His Highness King Jin for his kindness——"
Now that the words have reached this point, Qin Huaiyu and Changsun Pingting can no longer insist on it.
Deep down in their hearts, don’t they have the desire to become stronger?
There is nothing in Crouching Tiger Cave. Fortunately, it is still dry. The light from the entrance of the cave is enough to ensure normal vision.
There was no need to pay so much attention when going out. The three of them sat on the floor in a perfect shape, and Li Zhi took out the box and placed it in the middle.
"Miss Pingting, you are the only one here who is well-informed. Can you tell me what this thing is?"
In the past two days, this box had been in Li Zhi's arms, but he resisted opening it.
When he vaguely guessed the identity of the old man, he had already made a rough judgment about the strange fragrance in the box.
Now, when he arrived at Crouching Tiger Cave, he needed Changsun Pingting to reveal the answer, or to prove the identity of the old man.
"Ninth Young Master, have you ever heard of 'ambergris'?"
Changsun Pingting asked lightly, but anyone could see that her heart was as excited as her eyes.
Of course Li Zhi knew about ambergris, but also about its completely different origins and effects.
However, he knew very well that this was a world where one could practice cultivation, so the ambergris here might not be trivial.
"What? Sister Pingting, you said this is actually 'ambergris'?"
Li Zhi did not give an answer, and Qin Huaiyu on the side almost jumped up in shock.
"Ambergris" is also known as dragon belly incense. Its color is dark brown like amber, sometimes with colorful markings, and it is an opaque solid waxy glue block. It has a long-lasting aroma when burned, and has a unique sweet earthy fragrance.
According to legend, ambergris is a dried secretion formed in the body of a dragon, carrying a trace of dragon essence.
The Dragon Clan is not only born with strong muscles and bones, but was also the master of all beasts in the past. It has an innate suppression of all creatures in the world due to its bloodline.
This ambergris is formed in the dragon's body, and it is said that only about one or two are produced every hundred years. Moreover, the effects of ambergris vary depending on the type and level of the dragon.
However, even the ambergris formed in the body of the lowest level dragon is enough to trigger frantic grabs from major sects and practitioners.
This is why, as soon as Changsun Pingting judged this object, she hurriedly and roughly stopped Li Zhi from opening the box.
Qin Huaiyu had a family background in martial arts, so he naturally heard about this object from his father Qin Qiong, but he didn't expect that the legendary spiritual object would appear in front of him today.
"Ninth Young Master, please open the box -"
When Li Zhi completely opened the box, the entire Crouching Tiger Cave was immediately filled with this rich and strange fragrance, which even made people feel drowsy.
"I didn't expect it to be the saliva of a karmic dragon. Isn't this thing weighing half a catty?"
Yelong, according to legend, is the descendant of the Jade Emperor's sister who made peace with a monster in the mortal world.
The ambergris in the box is extremely smooth, and there seems to be a hint of red lingering on the dark brown substance, looming.
"Brother Huaiyu, Miss Pingting, since this thing is very rare, let's start practicing -"
When Li Zhi opened the box, he felt the strange pocket gun in his Dantian "awakening" excitedly.
The impatient look was like a hungry child seeing a sweet and delicious pastry.
That weird pocket gun, when it was eager to break out of the body, was pulled tightly by two masses of gas, one black and one white below.
Li Zhi did not dare to neglect. He was really afraid that this ignorant guy would come out and scare Qin Huaiyu and Changsun Pingting. He was also worried that his Dantian would be destroyed.
Strangely enough, this strange pocket gun has been in his dantian for five years. Now, Li Zhi even feels that it has become one with him.
Li Zhi sat cross-legged and began to continuously absorb the spiritual energy around him. The rich and strange fragrance of ambergris was naturally inhaled by Li Zhi.
Once it enters the body, it circulates along the meridians of the whole body in a large circle, and then converges in the Dantian, where it is "forced" by that abominable pocket gun.
After absorbing it himself, he released a little bit of it from the tail of the gun, which caused a frantic rush of gas from the two groups of gas below, one black and one white.
Then, the black and white gases are absorbed and digested separately, discharged again, and dispersed to the acupoints all over the body, and the black and white gases themselves seem to be more solidified.
What the hell kind of operation is this?
Li Zhi was speechless after witnessing everything inside his body.
Others take the lead in cultivation, but when it comes to Li Zhi, he has become a poor porter.
It was obviously the black and white air ball formed by his own martial arts training and reaching the innate realm. At this time, he also groveled and became the little brother of that weird little gun just for the sake of a bite to eat?
Li Zhi started his "suffering" practice, and Qin Huaiyu and Changsun Pingting were not idle either, running their own techniques and greedily absorbing the aroma of ambergris.
It's just that the two of them are limited by their realm and cannot actively absorb the spiritual energy around them. At most, they can only passively be nourished by the spiritual energy.
The three of them were practicing with their eyes closed, but they did not see three obvious cyclones forming in Crouching Tiger Cave, and the one surrounding Li Zhi was much larger than the other two.
Li Zhi absorbed the aroma of ambergris even ten times faster than Qin Huaiyu and Qin Huaiyu. Time passed bit by bit and the sky gradually darkened.
The Golden Crow falls in the west and the Jade Rabbit rises in the east.
The pure white moonlight filled the earth, and there seemed to be a cool, light breath that was pulled from the moon, passed through the protective array outside Crouching Tiger Cave, and floated into the cave.
He actually came to Li Zhi without any courtesy, and along with the spiritual energy and fragrance around him, he entered Li Zhi's body.
Unfortunately, at this time, Li Zhi had already entered a state where he forgot both things and himself, and he was not aware of the strange phenomena happening in his body.
...
"Sister Pingting, I made a breakthrough - I didn't expect that I entered the 'innate realm' before my eldest brother!"
Three days later, Qin Huaiyu and Changsun Pingting woke up from practice and found that each other had entered the innate realm.
Especially the eldest grandson Pingting, who has reached the late stage of Xiantian in one fell swoop, is one step away from reaching the Great Perfection of Xiantian.
And her own martial art has unexpectedly broken through to the state of "Sword Heart Transparency". The next step is the "Death Barrier". Even the Master has not broken through the "Death Barrier" yet. Could it be that she will surpass the Master in the future?
?
Such rapid progress made Changsun Pingting a little uncomfortable for a while, so she hurriedly used Xuan Gong secretly to calm down her mind.
Even if she reaches the innate realm, she does not dare to absorb the spiritual energy around her for the time being, for fear that the realm will be unstable and she will become possessed.
Another three days have passed.
"Sister Pingting, why doesn't Mr. Ninth wake up?"
Both of them have entered the innate state and can still survive without eating for several days, but they feel a little uncomfortable without water.
At this time, Li Zhi was still immersed in his own world, seeing that the ambergris in the box was only the size of a thumb cap.
Qin Huaiyu and Changsun Pingting, of course, wanted to go outside the cave to find food or bring back some water.
It's a pity that they didn't dare to go out. Outside Crouching Tiger Cave, I don't know when there were all kinds of wolves, insects, tigers and leopards lined up.
Over and over again, I passed by the entrance of Crouching Tiger Cave, seemingly searching for something...