Chapter 39: The Long Journey
fter all, it's a transgression. So many disciples are watching!In the deafening silence, Bitter Taste relentlessly pressed his attack: "You thieving scoundrel, you cornered cuckold! You've tarnished t...Random recommendations:
In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor, Huangdi, gave birth to nine sons.
The eldest son was named Qiu Niu. He was kind and benevolent, virtuous and liked to make rules and ceremonies. He assisted the dragon court in governing.
Erzi has a fierce and cruel nature, delighting in bloodshed. He always carries a sword with him and is eager for battle.
Sanzǐ's wind-chasing skills were extraordinary, his movements swift and agile, and his eyesight unmatched.
The Four Sonorous Bells of Pu Lao sounded beautifully, skillfully commanding the sounds of the world. It also understood the laws of fame and power.
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Wuzǐ Suānnī enjoys quietude and fireworks. He is skilled in compiling scriptures and annotating history, making significant contributions in the path of faith.
Liùzǐ Bāxià loved to carry heavy burdens and was incredibly strong.
Chi Zi Bi An was a litigious person, eager for justice. He once debated with Han Gui.
Eight-child bore the burden of elegance and erudition, and also debated scriptures with Kong Ke.
The nine-child dragon with a gaping maw, swallowing all things within its enormous mouth.
Jiang Wang, while reading *Jiuzhen Xiantan* and exploring the nine stone bridges of Jiuzhen, was also collecting information about the nine children of the Dragon Emperor. This was to better understand the Nine Rivers and Nine Towns, broaden his horizons, and elevate the level of his sealing techniques.
Grand Chǔ Huái Kingdom Duke, Grand Qí Bó Wàng Marquis, and Tai Xū Pavilion member Zhōng Xuán have all contributed to understanding historical truths.
In summary, after gathering historical materials from various sources and repeatedly verifying and analyzing them, the outline of the dragon child was drawn.
But in understanding the process of Long Huang Jiuzi, Jiang Wang increasingly felt that the war when the Human Emperor chased the Dragon Emperor was a truly arduous one!
The Nine Children of the Dragon Emperor, each one extraordinary.
Like those good fireworks, the Suzaku who swallowed faith did not die. The one who later opened up the mythical era was not necessarily a Feng Hou who had transcended the two proofs.
Once upon a time, Bazha wanted to "lift the heavens," and Pu Lao once plucked the widely acclaimed gong.
The *bi* and *an* disputed the rightful place of legalism over Confucianism, causing the burden to also shake the foundation of Confucianism.
From the path of the Nine Sons of the Dragon Emperor, one can easily see that compared to the human race's passing down of the torch and their planning for the future, the dragon race is lagging far behind.
The war between the humans of Li Shan and the dragon clan of Xi Hun was not simply a case of "crossing the river and destroying the bridge" or "the human emperor breaking his promise." It was a fundamental struggle for dominance over the world between the human and dragon races. It was an inevitable war that erupted when contradictions accumulated to a point where their core interests became irreconcilable!
In the past, if it was the human race that suffered defeat in battle, then those glorious eras that followed would still have stood firm on the dragon side.
Myths, Confucianism, Legalism, Daoism... all of the Dragon Clans had a foothold. The story of "overthrowing heaven," as told by Jiang Wang, was more than just a tale. It was likely the "Dragon's Way" of hegemony, just as his current "Heaven and Human" path is now.
After overturning the ancient celestial court, exterminating hundreds of races, and ending the demonic tide, the present era, in the medieval period, ushered in the final war to establish dominance over all realms. Both the human and dragon races were laying out their plans, each vying to control the myriad heavens and worlds, but only one side could have the last laugh.
Li Shan killed the nine sons of the Dragon Emperor, perhaps he killed the nine possible futures of the dragon clan!
After understanding this, when looking at the Nine Towns of the Long River, one suddenly feels enlightened.
As well, simply sealing away nine Taoist bodies within the town, even if they were incredibly powerful and perfect, how could they possibly bear the weight of such a grand meaning
The more you understand the Nine Sons of the Dragon Emperor, the more you can perceive the mysteries of the Nine Towns. The better you grasp the profoundness of the Nine Towns, the more you will know the extraordinary nature of the Nine Sons of the Dragon Emperor.
Although Heaven held him by the throat and time was pressing, Jiang Wang still gave Chang He Jiuzhen a full month's time.
He was exploring the decryption of the Nine Town Seals of the Reliant Mountain Human Emperor, and also searching for the path of the Dragon Emperor's Nine Sons. This month, he has been engaged in a war between humans and dragons deep within his sea of consciousness.—
This is not just a stylistic description, but a true visualization that has been done in the subconscious sea.
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Once, his subconscious sea was boundless and limitless, infinitely free. As far as the eye could see, it seemed to touch the sky.
Now his subconscious ocean is truly "reaching the heavens."
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Heaven's Will had long since stopped being just a "knock on the door"; it had already burst through, pulling Jiang Wang, who lay in bed dreaming of spring and autumn, wanting to become a free spirit, by the neck and dragging him out.
Not only must we consume the stubborn will of these mortals, erase all emotions, but also assimilate their way, swallow the depths of their hidden meaning.
This vast and boundless ocean of the subconscious has long been calm. The raging waves have all been subdued.
The once deep and unfathomable sea now appears crystal clear, like a piece of transparent blue glass, with little to no impurities. Heaven's grace shines upon the sea with such purity that even the master's thoughts are revealed as "turmoil"...
Occasionally, emotions arise but are broken down and swallowed.
But from a certain moment, this ocean underwent a transformation. Within the "pure," nine stubborn and unyielding "impurities" were born. At first, they were minute, but gradually they grew immense, ultimately becoming nine magnificent dao bodies, each distinct in form.
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...like a lion, or like a tiger, or like a tortoise with a stele on its back, or like a coiled dragon... all contain the Way within their form, majestic and divine. In the boundless and infinite sea of the unconscious, they float and swim.
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The manifested body of the Nine Children of the Dragon Emperor appeared here, breaking through some kind of "rule" in the unseen realm. Sometimes it transformed into a stone bridge.
Nine ancient stone bridges span the sea, connecting to each other. The sea is boundless, and the bridges have no end. The sea seems to meet the sky, and the bridges seem to cut off where the sea and sky meet!
In this sea of the subconscious, stone bridges and dragon bodies constantly shift and change. They struggle against each other, clashing and conflicting, but both equally reject "purity" and are not bound by the laws of heaven.
So this vast expanse of still water, sometimes ripples too.
The ripples of the sea, are the traces of life.
The Long River Nine Towns have spanned for tens of thousands of years, the Great Light of the Reliant Mountain Emperors never sparing its brilliance. But throughout millennia, those who have truly gained something on these nine stone bridges are few and far between.
On one hand, Jiang Wang interacts with the top figures of the present world and has the qualifications to know the truth about history. He can explore the true path of the nine sons of the Dragon Emperor. On the other hand, he receives the help of Ao Shuyi, the River Dragon Monarch, and obtains the insights of the first emperor of Li Shan in establishing the nine fortresses.
This kind of celestial and earthly forces coming together truly represents a convergence of humans and dragons. Standing firm in the present moment, we gaze back at the past and forward to the future.
Every day that passed, he gained new insights into the world and a different understanding of the way of heaven.
At the Cowherd Bridge, he held his palm to the hall of righteous sounds, listening to the rustling wind and crashing waves, experiencing the music of nature, and feeling the dragon clan's rituals, the Cowherd's melody.
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At the Bridge of Jealousy, he drew his sword and fought, evolving a set of killing techniques. He battled from the bridgehead to its end.
At the Chao Feng Bridge, he leaped into the void, his mind racing, etching every detail of this ancient stone bridge with his gaze.
At Pulai Bridge, he let out a long, resounding cry, releasing the sound of the Three Treasures Thunderclap Dharma. His voice surged like waves, washing over the bridge above and below. People went in search of that legendary Pulai True Sound.
At the Suanni Bridge, he unleashed myriad divine seals, just as he had done in the demon realm before. He externally molded "Ancient Gods" and refined "Various Lords".
At Baxia Bridge, the demonic ape's dharma form pounded its chest and roared, amassing immense power, almost tearing the bridge apart.
At the Bi'an Bridge, he also summoned the legalist chains he had once learned, weathered by wind and rain... reading "There Is Evil."
At the Fuzi Bridge, he read history and sang as he walked. "Records of Historical Events," "Bodhi Sutra," "Collection of Silent Contemplations"... The splendors of the world, each sound entering his ears. The truths of the world, every character testifying to his heart.
At the Chiwen Bridge, there are also immortal dragons stepping on mist, swallowing the brilliance of the sun and moon.
Time just passes day by day.
As summer entered its second month, the sun was no longer gentle. Jiang Wang retracted his Xianlong form and descended from Chiwen Bridge.
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At this time, he was still in his blue scholar's robes with a sword hanging at his side, smiling as he did when he first arrived at the Prisoner Bull Bridge last month. But there was a subtle difference in his demeanor compared to before. Within his calmness and serenity, there was now an ancient sense of tranquility.
Like a piece of silent greenstone standing at the bridge's head.
"As the saying goes, 'Through wind and rain, time does not diminish.'"
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He grew ever more powerful, but inevitably...ever more distant.
"Hey! Isn't this Master Jiang!"
No sooner had he entered the territory of Qi than a carriage procession came to greet him. The most luxurious carriage at the front, driven by Duke Bo Wang of Qi, had all four sides open, allowing his imposing figure to be fully displayed, taking in the fresh air and the scenery.
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A smile spread across his face, crinkling at the corners of his eyes: "After so long, Master Jiang is still just Master Jiang, huh"
It had been several years since Jiang Wang last visited Qi. Back then, he was already a true person, seeking "freedom". Now that he returned to Qi again, he remained a true person, seeking "self".
But the Chongxuan Fat in front of him was already a real person on the official road!
In all the previous messages, I didn't mention anything because I wanted to save the best for this moment, to see you face-to-face and let my excitement show. I want to give you a little shock of surprise, my dear friend.
If we don't consider the step of "great power returning to its origins," the official path is indeed the fastest way to cultivate.
The hereditary title of Duke, passed down through generations unbroken, is indeed a blessing.
To let this fellow take the official path is like letting a fish learn to swim and a bird learn to fly; it's something they are born knowing.
Jiang Wang felt admiration in his heart and joy for him, but he said: "Oh, isn't this Bo望hou I haven't seen you in so long, but you've lost a lot of weight!"
"Alas, I'm still worried about you! My heart aches for you—" Zhong Xuan Sheng, with his imposing stature, stood up. His bulky frame, sprawled like a mountain of flesh on the ground, now rose to its full height. One hand propped against his hefty jade belt, the other beckoning Jiang Wang into the carriage, he shamelessly declared, "Even though my garments become increasingly loose, I have no regrets for wearing them down for you!"
This jade belt is indeed large, weighing a considerable amount, it's priceless. But on him, it doesn't look "wide" at all, it even looks tight!
Jiang Wang stepped into the car, grabbed Chong Xuan Sheng's plump hand, weighed it lightly, and smiled: "You've put on over thirty pounds!"
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“I used to weigh over sixty pounds, but for the sake of gathering these for you, I’ve lost thirty!” Chong Xuansheng turned back and waved his hand: “These are all confidential records related to the ancient seal technique. They include many unique insights from masters and some classic discussions from past generations… I searched all over the East Domain, carrying these in ten carts. If you still have a discerning heart, you’ll understand my worry!”
"Without feelings, what's left of conscience" Jiang Wang pointed a finger at the sky. "If you want to blame someone, blame this treacherous old heaven!"
"Hmph! A child speaks without thinking!" Chong Xuan slapped his finger with a hand, rebuking him, "He's not in charge of you! Behave yourself. If you weren't so troublesome, he might let you go."
Jiang Wang shrugged and casually picked up a sealed book from the pile in the back of the carriage. She sat beside Chong Xuan Sheng, leisurely flipping through it while saying, "You really eat a lot and swallow a lot! Not only have you gained weight during winter and summer, but even your carriage is more luxurious than before!"
The four walls of the carriage slowly closed in, yet the interior was not made dark by this.
This is indeed the most luxurious carriage in Qi right now, with every detail meticulously crafted. There's a special formation that blocks wind and rain, as well as prying eyes, but it doesn't obstruct sunlight from falling or hinder the view inwards and outwards. The interior is pleasantly cool in warm weather and comfortably warm in cold weather, with no bumps or jostles. The seats are incredibly soft, like the embrace of a beautiful woman.
"Zhong Xuan leaned back comfortably, saying: 'As a married man, I have to work hard and earn more money for my family. My wife deserves the best life—how's your seal coming along'"
"Still researching." Jiang Wang quickly flipped through a book, memorizing its contents. He closed his eyes, chewed on it for a moment, and called for the second book to continue reading. He muttered, "Not many people know about my business, right"
"I do things, I'm not going to cause an uproar in the city." Chongxuan Sheng waved his hand: "But what needs to be known, everyone has already known. There is no reason for me to suddenly look for the descendants of the old Yang sealing technique all over the world. It can't hide from those who are interested. Just these ten carts of secret records, many of them were directly taken from the national treasury - you know in your heart, there's no need to waste time visiting. Those who are inhumane, that's a matter for later. The premise of human relations... You still have to be a person, right"
"How could Heaven's people not be considered humans" Jiang Wang smiled.
In the meantime, the celestial dragon, demon ape, and old monk, who had returned to their normal human forms, also appeared in the carriage. Each of them held a book and was engrossed in reading.
Similarly, in the study of sealing arts, the three Dharma images each have different postures.
The immortal dragon remained calm, the demon ape scratched its ears and cheeks, and the old monk furrowed his brows in worry.
They originate from the same source, yet manifest in diverse forms and states, each with a unique intention. This demonstrates their dynamic nature.
Zhonghuan Sheng observed these three figures, saying in his mouth, “If you still remember me, then you are still an individual. If even I am forgotten, it cannot be counted.”
Jiang Wang looked at the contents of the book, her eyes still downcast, but finally she stopped smiling: "Celestials are just without emotions, they don't forget."
Zhong Xuan Sheng casually flipped through the book that he had finished reading with Jiang Wang.
It feels so familiar.
The difficult time has arrived again.
His wisdom allowed him to navigate many situations with ease, and it also prevented him from self-deception. He understood that some things are beyond the reach of wisdom.
For example, heaven's way, for example, the current situation where every step is pressing down on a close friend, pressing down on them.
If given some time, just three to five years, he is confident that he can start from scratch and become a master-level figure in the field of sealing techniques.
But Jiang Wang's situation was no longer something a master-level sealing art expert could resolve.
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The Marquis of Huai, Duke of Chu, is not this kind of person He was also ineffective. Though he had a lofty vision and brilliant methods, both at the pinnacle of the world, he could still not transcend his own Longsheng Town, which he established in the deep sea.
This is a solitary journey that one must undertake alone, a self-struggle that occurs deep within the ocean of consciousness—even before Jiang Wang reached Qi, he had already asked many people countless times. He already had the answer.
After reading these books... what else do you have planned" Chong Xuan Sheng asked.
"Xuguó, Zhāoguó, Chāngguó, these three countries, I still need to take a look." Regarding this confrontation that was destined to be difficult, Jiāng Wàng's heart already had a plan. Before being completely swallowed by the Heavenly Dao, he would always be on the road. While flipping through the book in his hand, he casually replied: "I might also take a trip to sea.”
Chong Xuan Sheng raised his eyelids and stopped the restless hand, seemingly nonchalantly saying: "What are you going out to sea for"
"Oh, I think I'd like to visit Chen Zhitao at the Fishing Sea Building," Jiang Wang said. "He is from Fengzhen and unmatched among his peers. Perhaps he could give me some ideas."
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It's not that Chen Zhidao's attainments in sealing techniques surpass those of Zuo Xiaoyao, or even the people Zuo Xiaoyao brought.
But some things are not problems that they were before Zuo Xiao.
Here, at Jiang Wang's place, it's a big issue.
This is even more so in Chen Zhi Tao's case.
Therefore, perhaps Chen Zhitou can better think from his position.
"Well, Chen Zhitao," Chong Xuan Sheng waved his hand. "Who are you to see him I'll call him over for you."
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"Who am I" Jiang Wang looked at him curiously: "I have a request to make of him, and he would come when called... Am I so shameless"
“Aren't you in a hurry! He will understand!” Chong Xuansheng waved his hand: “Leave it to me, I’ll make the arrangements. You focus on your studies and don't waste time talking!” a pretentious and disdainful air, glancing at it arrogantly: "Just some unknown nobody. Who has the face to compare to mine, the next Abbot of Xuankong Temple""Master..." Jing Li cautiously reminded,...