Great Zhou Martial Immortal

Chapter 3 The Golden Palace Sutra

You're done!

Lu Chenyuan slowly finished his practice, feeling refreshed. He opened his eyes and saw three people surrounding him.

The little girl looked worried, Lu Yashan had a complicated expression, and Zhai Jun was full of curiosity.

"Dad, Uncle Zhai, why are you looking at me like that?"

Lu Chenyuan looked down at his hands. He had mastered the technique, and the last few bruises on his body had disappeared. This technique was indeed powerful. Not only did he feel light and healthy after practicing it, but his cultivation level had also subtly improved.

He's been stuck in the second realm for three years.

In contemporary martial arts, the practice of building a foundation and cultivating internal energy is divided into two levels and six realms.

The lower three realms are refining essence, refining qi, and refining spirit. Refining essence involves strengthening muscles and bones, nourishing qi and blood. Qi is the foundation of primordial blood. Only when qi and blood are abundant can one cultivate true qi. The second realm involves opening the meridians and opening the acupoints throughout the body to achieve an innate body. The third realm is quite special, aiming to use the two treasures of essence and qi to overcome the three barriers and cultivate spiritual consciousness.

Without spiritual consciousness, martial artists can only obtain qi and blood by refining grains with their five internal organs, and then cultivate true qi from that qi and blood.

Only by freeing up one's spiritual consciousness can one connect with nature, absorb the vital energy of heaven and earth, and make it one's own.

After that, they entered the three higher realms, underwent a complete transformation, and leaped over the dragon gate like a carp.

From the fourth realm onwards, they are already minor grandmasters, and are honored guests invited by powerful families.

Lu Chenyuan recalled that the third-realm thug who helped Wu Youji vent his anger and captured him three days ago was a disciple of Lu Zhechen, the head of the Green Wood Palace, a retainer of the Wu family.

When he enters the manor tomorrow, they will definitely make things difficult for him again. If he wants to avoid this beating, he needs to find a way to become stronger as soon as possible so that Wu Youji's gang of scum cannot make a move.

At an even higher level, one can even split a great river with their palm and shatter mountains and rivers with their fist.

For example, when Li Lingyue, who was at the peak of the fifth realm of Returning to Truth, emerged from seclusion, her sword energy pierced through the clouds and tore through the sky, like a precious sword being drawn from its sheath, where iron and stone clashed, and the sound resounded throughout the capital!
Compared to others, I am really too weak...

Lu Chenyuan clenched his fist secretly, determined to work hard in his cultivation. Even if he was a kept man, he would always make the best of it. Only with strength could he have a voice.

"How does it feel?"

Lu Yashan looked him up and down, then asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"

Lu Chenyuan snapped out of his daze, swung his arm, and felt an inexhaustible strength within him: "No, very good!"

Zhai Jun stepped forward and patted his shoulder: "Hmm, you've gotten much stronger. The Golden Palace Scripture lives up to its name."

Lu Yashan sighed, "It's all fate. Why did it have to happen now of all times? Even if we could transfer to another position, it wouldn't be easy to change it..."

Eh?
Lu Chenyuan looked at the two of them in surprise. This attitude was not right!
Lu Chenyuan said, "Uncle Zhai also knows about the Golden Palace Scripture? Isn't this a secret passed down in our Lu family?"

He picked up the manual and examined it closely. The techniques were correct, weren't they? It was indeed a superior martial art.

"Hahaha!"

Zhai Jun burst into laughter.

Lu Yashan coughed and said somewhat awkwardly in a low voice, "Your great-grandfather was right. This technique was indeed passed down by the Celestial Master and is a superior skill, but it wasn't only passed down to him... In the ninth year of Emperor Gaozu's reign (620 AD), Emperor Taizong led eight hundred soldiers from the Prince of Qin's mansion to launch the Xuanwu Gate Incident. After the success, all those who participated were rewarded, and this technique was given to each of them..."

what?
Lu Chenyuan was dumbfounded.

This kind of unique skill? Wholesale?!

Lu Yashan said, "This matter was initially kept secret, so no one questioned your great-grandfather. Everyone thought it was a secret passed down only by the Celestial Master. But after several generations, those who needed to know, knew... But as the saying goes, 'A son should not speak ill of his father.' Your grandfather knew, so he could only go along with the mistake, and... cough cough..."

It's really wholesale!

Lu Chenyuan was stunned...

For a moment, it was hard to say whether Emperor Taizong was magnanimous or the Celestial Master was generous.

Zhai Jun laughed and said, "My family is the same. It's normal to boast after drinking. Whether it's passed down to one person or spread widely, the technique is genuine, and that's more important than anything else."

"If that's the case, this technique must be widespread by now, so why hasn't anyone used it?"

Lu Chenyuan frowned and said, "I've never heard of this in the Princess's residence either..."

Three reasons.

Zhai Jun held up three fingers: "First, this skill is extremely difficult; only those with extraordinary comprehension can grasp its mysteries, which already blocks 99% of people. Second, this skill is incomplete. The *Golden Palace Scripture* is the first of the three chapters of the top-tier martial art *Golden Treasure Scroll*, a foundational technique, containing only the body-refining part; the more profound methods are in the other two chapters. Third, conventional cultivation of this skill is slow, requiring the consumption of Geng metal energy for assistance. The higher the level of divine weapon one absorbs, the faster the progress! However, divine weapons are always priceless and unavailable. Even if they exist, how many people are willing to use them for cultivation? Even if one practices, one may not necessarily master it; even if one masters it, one may not be able to complete the skill; even if one can complete the skill, progress may not be fast. There are too many flaws. Gradually, no one will be interested in it anymore."

In summary, it's difficult, brutal, and requires spending money...

Even spending real money doesn't guarantee you'll get cultivation materials...

No wonder.

Lu Chenyuan remained silent.

Seeing his expression, Zhai Jun assumed he was discouraged and comforted him with a smile, saying, "The 'Gold-Swallowing Treasure Scroll' is indeed difficult to master, but once mastered, it will be a force to be reckoned with in the world! Do you know who was the first person to master this skill?"

Lu Chenyuan became interested: "Who?"

"The most valiant general in the Qin Prince's mansion is Yuchi Jingde!"

Zhai Jun spoke in a firm tone: "In the third month of the fourth year of Wude, on the day of Jia Shen, Dou Jiande personally led 100,000 'Yan Yun Iron Cavalry' to besiege Hulao Pass. The black armor stretched to the sky, and the sound of horses' hooves was like thunder splitting the earth. This army consisted of the bravest men in the world, carrying heavy armor weighing hundreds of pounds and wielding twelve-foot-long sabers. They formed a battle formation like a copper wall and an iron wall."

At that time, Emperor Taizong only had three thousand Xuanjia cavalry under his command, and their situation was extremely precarious. This battle was the one that would determine the fate of the empire, and it was also the most dangerous battle Emperor Taizong had ever faced.

At the critical moment, it was Yuchi Jingde who, alone on horseback, went against the current, single-handedly breaking through the enemy lines, his whip shattering mountains and rivers, breaking the Yan Yun Iron Cavalry's great formation, leaving behind the legend of "his steel whip shattering a thousand armors, his anger shaking three armies," turning the tide of the battle in one fell swoop, helping Emperor Taizong to win with fewer troops and establish his rule over the world.

Emperor Taizong exclaimed, "I wield my bow and arrows, and you wield your whip, following me. Even a million soldiers cannot do anything to me!" What heroic spirit this is!

"You've managed to master this skill, which shows that Heaven has eyes. As the saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way. How can a real man be afraid of difficulties and underestimate himself?!"

Zhai Jun spoke with great passion and righteous indignation.

Lu Yashan and Lu Chenyuan: "???"

These words not only surprised Lu Chenyuan, but even stunned Lu Yashan, who wondered if the guy had been replaced. Was this the same Zhai Jun who had just been filled with envy and jealousy, only resenting that the princess didn't fancy him?
You still have this ambition?
Zhai Jun patted Lu Chenyuan's shoulder forcefully and said earnestly, "Chenyuan, take General Yuchi as your role model, cultivate diligently, and protect your country... When you rise to prominence in the future, your Uncle Zhai will be waiting for your guidance!"

"..."

Lu Yashan sighed and shook his head helplessly.

Okay, it's him.

Lu Chenyuan almost burst out laughing, but he straightened his face and said seriously, "I will definitely work hard and live up to Uncle Zhai's expectations!"

"Good boy!"

Zhai Jun nodded in satisfaction, stroked his beard, and smiled, "Actually, thinking about it carefully, these three points aren't too difficult for you. First, you've already grasped the basics, so you've passed the most difficult hurdle of comprehension. Second, it's even simpler. The complete 'Gold-Swallowing Treasure Book' is kept in two places: the Martial Emperor's Welcoming Immortal Palace and the Princess's Xuanji Pavilion. You're currently on duty as an inner guard at the Princess's residence and have a close relationship with her, so you might have a chance. Third... if you can get the complete book from the Princess, then this isn't a big deal either."

No wonder Dad said that even if a job transfer was possible, it wouldn't be easy...

It turned out to be the case.

The second and third difficulties can both be resolved at the Princess's residence.

Divine weapons and magical artifacts are indeed rare in the world, but in the princess's mansion, they have already piled up like mountains!
Lu Chenyuan understood.

He actually had no choice.

It's just that his Qi cultivation foundation is too ordinary. This pay-to-win cultivation method is already quite suitable, at least it doesn't care about foundation, it only cares about spending money.

So even if it's just for cultivation, I have to keep eating this free meal, and for a long time...

Fortunately, Princess Taiping in this world is not like the one described in historical records: "plump, with a square forehead and broad cheeks."

—A big, fat body, a large forehead, and a big face.

Since childhood, Shi Taiping has practiced martial arts and skills. Not only does she possess an otherworldly temperament, but her appearance is also unparalleled in the world. Otherwise, the strong and handsome men in Luoyang would not be vying to flatter her.

If she were to be 160 in both directions, there wouldn't be so many people outside the mansion gate, and they would probably have to arrest people.

Lu Yashan said, "Shenyuan, your Uncle Zhai and I have discussed it. Even if it's just for your own safety, you still have to go to the princess's residence and play along with her... Cultivating the Golden Palace Scripture is a good thing... Alas, it's my fault for not being able to help you..."

At least the Golden Palace Sutra is more durable...

Lu Yashan's back hunched over deeply. In just three days, his face became haggard, and his eyes were bloodshot.

He doesn't care about saving face anymore. Being a gigolo is fine. As long as his son is alive and well, that's more important than anything else.

"..."

Lu Chenyuan looked at him, and the faces of his two fathers changed constantly, eventually folding into the same light and shadow.

"Don't worry, Dad."

Lu Chenyuan chuckled lightly: "In the entire Princess's residence, only Wu Youji dares to hit me. He's just a good-for-nothing, a cowardly rat. If he had crippled me, I would have respected him more. Now, I only have these superficial injuries, what's there to be afraid of? If he beats me up, I'll steal his girlfriend. The more he beats me, the more I'll steal her! If Xue Huaiyi can do it, what am I lacking? This is all thanks to you, Father, and Mother. Look at this face of mine, I was born to do this!"

"you……"

Lu Yashan was left speechless, both amused and exasperated by his words.

Zhai Jun gave a thumbs up and praised, "You have ambition!" Then he changed the subject, "However, there's no need to let others bully you. Wu Youji is of noble status, so it's true that you can't fight back. But now that you've mastered the Golden Palace Scripture and forged your body with Geng metal energy, you have a copper head, iron arms, and steel bones. It won't be so easy for him to beat you up!"

Zhai Jun reached his hand behind him, towards the shop, his five fingers curled into a claw, and his true energy erupted, sending a streak of light flying towards him.

Upon closer inspection, everyone realized it was a spearhead made of cold iron, its blade concealing its luster, its surface as smooth as a mirror, exuding a chilling aura.

Zhai Jun said, "It's quite a coincidence. Your father asked me to help you find a suitable weapon before the New Year. A while ago, the evil spirits of the Witch God Sect assassinated the emperor and confiscated the stolen goods from several houses. The General of the Central Army gave me this spearhead. Its origin is quite remarkable. It comes from the Unskilled Weapon Sect in Shu and is ranked sixth. I'm giving it to you now. You don't need to attach a shaft anymore. You can just 'eat' it directly."

Lu Yashan was taken aback: "Didn't you say you hadn't found it yet? A sixth-grade spiritual item is far too valuable! You..."

Just kidding~

Zhai Jun winked and laughed heartily, "Let's not stand on ceremony, we're brothers. Out of friendship, I can't bear to see Shen Yuan suffer such a great injustice, this gift is just to make him happy. As for personal reasons, he's now the princess's man, and he's mastered General Yuchi's ultimate technique, his future is limitless. I'm just betting on him in advance, so don't get in my way. Shen Yuan, accept it!"

Zhai Jun grabbed the gun barrel and slammed it into Lu Chenyuan's chest.

"..."

Lu Chenyuan looked at Zhai Jun earnestly, and seeing his sincerity, he solemnly accepted the gift: "Thank you, Uncle Zhai!"

"now it's right."

Zhai Jun nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand: "Alright, I can't stay here any longer. These are turbulent times, so I have to go out and show my face to patrol the city, lest I incur the wrath of the higher-ups. Finally, I have a disrespectful remark for Shen Yuan. These words came from my mouth, but you can hear them. I will not take responsibility for them afterward."

Lu Chenyuan clasped his hands in a respectful greeting: "Please enlighten me, Uncle Zhai."

Zhai Jun leaned close to his ear and whispered, "A person's identity is given by themselves. So what if you have a male concubine? Empress Wu was just a concubine of Emperor Taizong, but she still managed to use her charm step by step, eventually usurping the throne and seizing the Li Tang dynasty's foundation. Why are you so bothered by it?"

"Old Zhai!!"

Lu Yashan was so frightened his heart almost jumped out of his chest!
I told you to put his mind at ease, and this is how easy you are to put it!
Lu Chenyuan didn't react much. He hadn't cared much about his reputation anyway. Wu Zetian's methods were too common in later generations. Wasn't this just like outliving her husband and then transferring the property deed to the family business? Zhai Jun's words, however, were rather sarcastic. He whispered, "Uncle Zhai, are you on the side of the Prince of Langya?"

"of course not."

Zhai Jun laughed, "I'm a loyal and patriotic man. Whoever pays my military salary, I'll side with them. Let's go!"

He turned and left, striding out of the room and disappearing after a few leaps.

Lu Yashan said, "Don't listen to his nonsense, he just talks without thinking!"

Lu Chenyuan said, "Of course, I'll practice my skills first and get through this difficult time first."

Lu Yashan breathed a sigh of relief, but for some reason, watching his son with the gun blade in his mouth, breathing in and out with his eyes closed, absorbing the Geng metal energy, he felt that the sharpness on his body was getting stronger and stronger, and the golden light was dazzling and impossible to look at directly.

(End of this chapter)