Changqing did not expect Cheng Sanwu to suddenly ask this question. After thinking for a moment, he shook his head and said:
"It's hard to compare. Rejuvenation shows that this Taoist senior has profound internal cultivation skills and has achieved the feat of transmutation. His lifespan is probably over a hundred years. As for this magical attainment... it cannot be simply measured by the word 'powerful'
."
"Why not?" Cheng Sanwu ate happily, his mouth full of oil: "Back then, the two monks from the Great Qing Jing Temple and I entangled An Quti, three against one, and we were almost beaten to death by him."
"When you are in a barrier, you are already at a disadvantage. The skills and abilities of the magician are precisely reflected in this, rather than who kills more and faster." Chang Qing explained: "And there are many ways to avoid disasters in Taoist sects.
It is a way to protect yourself and eliminate disasters, so there is no way to compare them."
"Aren't you just running for your life? Why do you have to say it so grandly?" Cheng Sanwu shook his head repeatedly, looking contemptuous.
"You don't want to think about it. Hundreds of years ago, dynasties changed in the Central Plains. There were endless wars. Mountain and wild spirits were infested. Dragons and snakes were harming rivers and lakes. Even the cities and towns were haunted by ghosts." Chang Qing recalled: "That kind of dangerous situation is always good.
Fighting bravely is just asking for death. Besides, Taoist sects are not without means to deal with demons, but... when it comes to the ability to kill people, I'm afraid they really can't compare to An Quti."
Changqing himself is from a Taoist sect, so he naturally knows the advantages and disadvantages of Taoism. Moreover, An Quti's magical attainments, even if you look at today's Great Xia, are probably among the few masters. Just the Tianchi barrier, even if he puts himself in his shoes, he has
There are probably not many people in the Taoist sect who can do the same kind of external aid.
But in this case, how to explain that An Quti was beaten to death by Cheng Sanwusan?
It is true that high magical power does not mean invincibility. Since ancient times, there have been many cases where skilled practitioners were easily defeated after their weaknesses were discovered.
For example, when Chang Qing blessed Wu Maocai with two spells, he almost fell into an invincible position against ordinary warriors, but was still beaten to death by Cheng Sanwu.
A similar situation happened hundreds of years ago. At that time, there was a rebellion by bandits in Wudi, Jiangdong. Some of the bandits even used martial arts to help them. Whenever they fought, the swords and guns of the officers and soldiers could not kill the enemy, and the arrows fired by the bows and crossbows
On the contrary, this is a brilliant air-forbidden golden blade method.
Later, a general in the army saw through the mystery of the Qi Forbidden Law, so he ordered people to cut down trees and make white sticks of strong wood. He also selected the elite soldiers with strong physical strength in the army, held the sticks first, attacked the bandits' stronghold, and killed thousands of people in one fell swoop.
, and the sorcerer's head was also smashed with a big stick.
Even with the help of some magic weapons and treasures, this magician who can protect thousands of thieves and bandits with the air restraint method is still considered an expert in the world. However, this magician is almost only proficient in the air restraint method, and can even restrain the golden blade iron soldiers.
His ability doesn't seem to be too high.
However, this is the true portrayal of most magicians. Even if they have the talent to practice magic, they may only be able to master one or two magic spells in their lifetime, and they may not be able to learn others if they want to.
As for those people who can easily acquire all kinds of magic, no matter what family or religion they are, they are all masters with the qualifications to establish a sect. And when it comes to specific inheritance, there is often a clear distinction between the trunk and the branches. We cannot expect future generations to have individual disciples.
A man worthy of a master.
After his evergreen master Daguan Zhenren left Zhonghuang Temple, he traveled to famous mountains and rivers, searched for immortals and Taoists, and collected scriptures. His intention was to find a new path and create an original line, so that people who practice Taoism would not be limited by this and could learn about the world.
Laws.
Chang Qing's cultivation was considered to be somewhat successful, but when he saw An Qu Ti's abilities, he discovered that there were already foreign masters who could do it, and their achievements were extremely high. This is why Chang Qing wanted to study An Qu Ti.
Objects left behind.
An Quti's magic methods were endless. Chang Qing later thought about it repeatedly and felt that there were still unresolved doubts about Cheng Sanwu's defeat of An Quti.
But when he saw the reckless man opposite him with an astonishing appetite, only focused on eating and drinking, Changqing felt that he seemed to be thinking too much. Perhaps Anquti was at the end of his strength at that time and was beaten to death by Cheng Sanwu San.
"Store!" Cheng Sanwu raised his head and drank a pot of mutton soup cakes, and shouted: "Another pot of soup cakes!"
Changqing shook his head: "Let me state in advance that I am just an idler in the mountains. I don't have the money to treat you to dinner or drinks."
"I'm inviting you." Cheng Sanwu patted the money bag on his waist, cheerful and heroic.
Cheng Sanwu had worked with Su Wangting in Baochang Society for so many years, and he had also saved a fortune, most of which was gold and silver coins produced in Persia.
Although the Central Plains is prosperous, gold and silver are unexpectedly scarce. They are rarely circulated among the people. They are either gifts from the emperor or used by rich and powerful families for bulk purchases. In the daily life of the market, Tongbao and small coins are mainly used. In some rural communities,
, the common people did not even have a few coins in hand, so they used cloth instead of paying taxes and going to the market.
Cheng Sanwu came to the shop to eat and drink, and it was not convenient to take out Persian silver coins to pay the bill. Fortunately, he found out that there were Hu merchants in Chang'an West Market exchanging money, so he went straight to this place after leaving Xuandu Temple.
"You overeat like this. Not to mention whether the triple burner in your stomach can handle it. I'm afraid your little savings won't be enough for you to spend a year and a half." Chang Qing couldn't help but tease.
Cheng Sanwu was not worried. He held the wine bowl and said, "Hang on, if it doesn't work, just go and seek refuge with the dominatrix."
Changqing laughed: "I'm afraid I'll have to be her dog."
…
"I have kept Mr. Shangzhang waiting for a long time."
In the Gongchen Castle of Yishanfang, Eunuch Feng motioned for Afu to take a seat.
This Eunuch Feng, who was honored as "Da Xun" by the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty, was wearing a purple round-collar robe and a black gauze turban.
Different from the common people's impression of an old eunuch with a wretched face and a sinister appearance, Eunuch Feng has a white face without a beard, slender eyebrows and eyes, a straight nose and thin lips. He actually has a good look, just like a young man, and his feminine aura is more like that of a woman than a woman.
Eunuch. In addition, Eunuch Feng is tall and tall. As long as he is not bowing down to serve in front of His Majesty the Emperor, he can even be mistaken for the immortal in the painting when his clothes and belt catch the wind.
When the current Emperor of Daxia was not enthroned, he was granted a royal title and was briefly appointed to govern. At that time, Eunuch Feng was already with him. Later, there were several rebellions in the palace, and Eunuch Feng contributed a lot, and he had the merit of being a protector of the emperor.
Was able to be ordered to take charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Eunuch Feng was deeply trusted by the emperor, and memorials from all over the country were often presented to Eunuch Feng first, and then presented to the emperor for review. He was even allowed to make his own decisions on small matters. The weight of his authority and the high level of favor allowed all civil and military officials to have great respect for Eunuch Feng.
Add flattery and try your best to be sincere.
There was a rumor circulating in the Chang'an market that Eunuch Feng was as beautiful as a good girl and was highly favored. However, the reason for the lack of protection was because the current emperor had a habit of cutting off his sleeves. Some even said that Eunuch Feng was born as a woman!
These rumors spread more and more widely, and later even reached the ears of the emperor. His Majesty laughed when he heard the words and asked Eunuch Feng, who is in charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and oversees the world, why did he allow such rumors to spread?
Eunuch Feng's answer was also very wonderful: "The sage said, 'The punishment is not worthy of the officials, and the courtesy is not worthy of the common people'. There is no sense in the common people's remarks. There is no need to insist on compliance with the ethics. If it is forbidden by force, it may make the world jealous. It is better to let it go. , half a year later it was just a joke after a meal. Your Majesty is so holy and holy, can't he still tolerate a few common slangs?"
When the emperor heard this reply, he was very happy and gave Eunuch Feng a big reward.
However, Afu knew that, on the surface, the emperor and his ministers were smiling at each other, but secretly Eunuch Feng sent a group of people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to trace the source, and finally found the person who spread the rumor, who was a failed scholar back then.
Anyway, this scholar who showed off his quick talk for a while completely disappeared from the world. As for what he experienced before his death, Afu didn't bother to ask.
However, Afu knew that Eunuch Feng was also extremely skilled in martial arts, and his use of Gang Qi was extraordinary, and he could condense into thousands of twisted threads and attach them to foreign objects.
Legend has it that Eunuch Feng had a training room in the palace. From the courtyard door to the room, it was covered with tangled silk made of Gang Qi, just like a spider web. Once an outsider approaches, even the most sophisticated invisibility method will be entangled in the silk. If you notice it, you will face a dragnet-like attack of wires. Even if you have copper skin and iron bones, you will only be minced into pieces in the end.
However, when Eunuch Feng treated Gongchenwei, especially Shi Taisui, whom Afu belonged to, he would not boss around based on his status and power, but he would be very polite and caring.
"The Star Essence has been sent to your Majesty for review. Your Majesty praises the Ministry of Internal Affairs for its effective work." Eunuch Feng said: "As for the method of immortality in foreign lands, since it is not clear yet, then don't mention it more."
"Eunuch Feng must have heard about Cheng Sanwu?" Afu asked.
"I just learned about it." On the table in front of Eunuch Feng was a figure of a person handed over by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It was Cheng Sanwu, Su Wangting and Chang Qing. It also contained a brief description and recent itinerary, including their There are detailed descriptions of when, where and who I met.
"Cheng Sanwu punched An Quti to death, is it true?" Eunuch Feng looked at Cheng Sanwu's figure and drew it vividly. This is the "painting" compiled and taught by the Ministry of Internal Affairs after recruiting talents from all walks of life. "The technique" does not seek freehand brushwork but realism, just like drawing the appearance of a character on paper. However, all those responsible for surveillance must practice it, and it is best to write quickly.
"There will be no lies, I will be right there." Afu replied.
"This An Quti has met His Majesty before." Eunuch Feng suddenly dropped a shocking news. Even Afu couldn't help but change her face slightly when she heard Eunuch Feng continue: "At that time, His Majesty was still in charge of politics in Luzhou. Now...for seventeen or eight years, His Majesty has been making friends with local celebrities, drinking and singing, and An Quti attended the banquet as a consecrated person at the local Zoroastrian Temple."
"What did he do?" Afu asked.
"At the beginning, it was nothing more than singing praises, praising His Majesty for being courteous, virtuous and caring for the people." Eunuch Feng raised his eyes slightly, and a sharp light flashed through: "But that night, he used magic to break into His Majesty's residence, claiming that he could assist His Majesty in enthroning the throne and proclaiming himself emperor. "
Afu suddenly admired An Quti. This man was bold and reckless, and obviously did not take the emperor's authority seriously. Moreover, he broke into the palace at night, and he must have fought with Eunuch Feng. Even if Eunuch Feng's martial arts were not as good as they are today, But when it comes to martial arts, he is definitely a top-notch master. I guess An Quti left a deep impression on this great master.
"If he dares to say this, he must have conditions." Afu sneered.
Eunuch Feng nodded and said, "He said he needed the Star Essence, and there was one in the palace at that time."
"Besides the recent one, are there other star essences in the palace?" Afu actually guessed it, but she was just pretending to be confused.
"The former dynasty was very rich in plunder and treasures, and some of them have been preserved to this day." Feng Gonggong said: "In the early years of this dynasty, there was a strong sudden force, and the army invaded the south. Three hundred shamans summoned the divine crows and drew the magical fire from the sky.
Like rain, it once approached Chang'an. Taizu took out the treasures from the treasury and invited talented people from all over the world to help.
"On the occasion of the battle, the great Confucian scholar of the East China Sea heard that Master brought the formation diagram of the Huangji Heavenly Light Formation. With Taizu as the center of the formation, holding the Star Marrow on the left and the Dragon Bird on the right, the masters of the three religions joined forces and killed the Divine Crow in one fell swoop. Then Taizu
Zu rode alone on the bridge of Weishui River, his tongue exploded with thunder, his sword drew the light of the sky, and he drove back the Tule army. After that, the star marrow was stored in the forbidden treasury together with the Daxia Dragon Bird."
After listening to this story, Afu imagined the scene of the fierce battle. Even she felt a little weak and powerless. Afu herself had hid in an ancient tomb before the previous dynasty conquered Jiangnan, and only came out to live in the world again decades ago.
, so I did not witness the founding war of Daxia with my own eyes.
"An Quti wants to gain immortality through the star marrow. I heard Chu Zhongcheng tell me about this, and it's indeed a bit surprising." Eunuch Feng's mouth curled up slightly, and he chuckled: "This man has such magical powers, how can he have such a vision?"
As narrow-minded?”
Afu added: "Even his more than ten years of operation in the Western Regions were all about deceiving others. Anquti himself has never believed in Zoroastrianism at all. He fabricated a bunch of apocryphal scriptures and gathered a group of shabby bandits. He deserves this.
In the end, he was defeated and died."
Eunuch Feng said: "Back then, I felt that An Quti was unreliable. His magic skills were very good, but he seemed to know very little about how to run a business and implement strategies. He relied solely on his magic skills to act recklessly."
"He is so focused on magic that he has become ignorant of human affairs." Afu said with his hands. According to Buddhism, An Quti is really a big idiot. Monk Shanzhi's original evaluation was not entirely wrong.
"But Cheng Sanwu was able to kill An Quti with three punches." Eunuch Feng brought the topic back. He had fought with An Qu before, and he couldn't imagine what kind of advanced martial arts it took to defeat An Qu so easily.
carry.
"Cheng Sanwu seemed to have changed his temper at that time, but he was just an ordinary person on weekdays." Afu sat with her legs folded and tapped the handle with her fingers: "This person's background is unusual. There is one thing I didn't tell Chu Zhongcheng.
He said that Cheng Sanwu should be the murderer of the murder in Heyang ten years ago."
"Is it him?!" Eunuch Feng's expression changed. He picked up Cheng Sanwu's drawing and looked at it for a long time. Then he picked up Su Wangting's copy and muttered: "Mr. Lu has found the murderer long ago.
, deliberately sheltering him in the Western Region to avoid pursuit."
At that time, the Ministry of Internal Affairs was not comparable to what it is today in terms of manpower and scale, so it did not participate in the investigation in depth.
But no matter how you put it, the massacre of the Sun family, the founder of Heyang County, shocked the government and the public. During those days, Afu was working in other places, and later I heard people mention it. When the murderer passed through Gyeonggi Province, Jingzhao Prefecture, ten
The Six Guards and the Northern Division of Nan Ya were all facing a formidable enemy. Chang'an was sealed off for seven days, the gates of all counties were tightly closed, and pedestrians were extinct. However, except for a few sporadic interceptions and killings, the murderer of the murder was not caught in the end.