Water elemental became a god, ultimately becoming the master of heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers

Chapter 257 Shui San'er? He wouldn't even be a dog!

"That's true. I suppose she's a shy and timid young girl. She didn't want to make a big show of inviting me to enjoy the snow, so she simply chose Niulingping as the meeting place."

"Then, under the pretext of going to Xishan ahead of time to participate in the Grandmaster's Record, they asked to meet me."

Wang Zhicheng suddenly realized what was going on, quickly prepared his personal belongings, took some fine wine and food, led a fine horse, and hurriedly headed towards the Western Hills.

Wuqing County is quite a distance from Xishan, and for ordinary people, it is a place they are familiar with but can hardly reach in their lifetime.

But for martial artists, especially those with true martial intent, it's only a half-day's journey.

In particular, the horse ridden by Wang Zhicheng was a rare breed of precious horse. It was said that a trace of dragon blood flowed in its veins, allowing it to travel a thousand miles a day. When it ran, its mane and tail were scattered like starlight, fluttering and undulating, possessing both temperament and speed.

Of course, the so-called 'dragon blood' is actually a general term.

Just as 'fox spirits' represent all the strange and illogical events in Liaozhai tales, 'dragon blood variants' also refers to many spirits and beasts with special bloodlines, but which are mixed and difficult to distinguish, and whose ancestors are indistinguishable.

Within two or three hours, a large mountain range stretching for hundreds of miles came into view.

With its thousands of peaks arrayed like halberds and towering cliffs like a screen, the sight is refreshing even to ordinary people. But in the eyes of immortals, the Western Mountain is even more imbued with spiritual energy, with towering golden rays soaring into the sky.

Moreover, it is not a single, unified entity, but rather like a warlord dividing up territory, with the vast Western Mountains, stretching for hundreds of miles, divided into dozens of hilltops of varying sizes.

On each mountain peak, there is a mysterious and profound celestial aura, sometimes like a flickering candle, dimming and about to go out; sometimes like the rising sun, domineeringly and conspicuously proclaiming its territorial rights.

Although the Holy Dynasty has a vast territory, it boasts countless famous mountains and blessed lands...

But even now, after nine hundred years of national existence, any place with special feng shui that can gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, even if it's just a low-lying, stinking ditch, is basically owned by someone.

There must be someone squatting up there!
Moreover, the Western Hills have always been known as the "head of the Taihang Mountains," resembling a soaring dragon or a leaping python, remotely guarding the capital from the west.

Legend has it that ten immortals who attained enlightenment lived in seclusion in the Western Hills.

Back then, he personally led the emperor on his campaigns and achieved nine great military exploits.

The story of the "Ten Immortals of Xishan" still circulates among the people today.

This further highlights the extraordinary nature of Xishan.

The north wind howled, whipping up heavy snowflakes that turned the western mountain peaks into a bleak silver landscape.

Wang Zhicheng, without any servants or family members, rode alone into the deep mountains.

Niulingping was almost in sight, and faintly, Wang Zhicheng could even hear the unrestrained, heroic laughter that belonged only to Xiangling.

"Miss Xiangling is actually so happy to see me today?!"

Wang Zhicheng couldn't help but recall the days in Tongzhou City when he had pursued Zhang Xiangling relentlessly without success and suffered repeated setbacks. Now, his hard work had finally paid off, proving that his fervent and unwavering devotion had not been in vain!

"Miss Xiangling, I, Wang, have come to keep our appointment!"

He couldn't help but show a hopeful expression, let out a long howl, spurred his horse and galloped up the stone steps.

The next instant, it was like a sudden punch that slammed into the back of his head.

He remained frozen on horseback, letting the dragon-blooded steed wander aimlessly.
On Niulingping, there were many people, no less than ten at a glance.

They are all acquaintances!
Zhu Tao, Jiang Dahua, Tang Xuan...

There were even a few female martial artists from Wuqing County.

On Niulingping, there were tables, torches, tea, and fruit laid out...

Why did Miss Xiangling invite other people besides me?
Am I just an extra?!

Wang Zhicheng blinked, looking somewhat confused.

Perhaps hearing Wang Zhicheng's voice, Zhang Xiangling, who was talking to Chen Shunan, turned around, her smile unchanged, and casually pointed to a small table, saying,
"Brother Wang, you've arrived? Get in line first. After I finish my matches with the nine people ahead of me, it will be your turn."

"The jade pendants shatter, the flying swords dance in the sky; the heavens are desolate, the profound arts swallow the northern air. Let's have a sword duel on West Mountain, as a warm-up for tomorrow's Grandmaster's Record!"

Horse hooves clatter.

Wang Zhicheng's heart was pounding.

Why have people gathered to discuss swordsmanship while admiring the snow in the Western Hills?!
Am I just an extra again?!
When Chen Shunan's gaze fell upon Wang Zhicheng, he couldn't help but turn to the side, cup his hands in greeting, and put on a fawning smile that was somewhat familiar to Wang Zhicheng, yet extremely unfamiliar to him—a smile of cautious obsequiousness.

In that instant, Chen Shunan's figure overlapped with the figure who had connected these young talents on that day.

It was clearly the same person, yet he gave Wang Zhi a bone-chilling, spine-chilling feeling.

So, I was just an extra from the beginning?!
Wang Zhi sat blankly on the horse's back, not recovering for a long time. After a while, his face gradually contorted into a ferocious expression, and he let out a furious roar.

"Do not!!!"

……

……

The martial arts competition organized by Zhang Xiangling is starting to turn into a farce.

Those invited like Wang Zhicheng had no desire to be clowns, competing in front of everyone. They all decided to simply fool the crowd and then head in their own directions to their respective strongholds.

The tomb left by Tie Yu was transformed by his will into an iron vein mine, stretching for more than twenty or thirty miles. Then, the four major academies each set up restrictions, just like the dragon-suppressing nails, fixing the four directions.

Therefore, martial artists from different factions do not stay in one place before entering the Grandmaster's Manual.

This was to prevent these unruly, easily angered, and irritable martial artists from getting together, especially since they were from different factions, from glaring at each other and then starting a fight.

Watching these top-notch sparring partners all fake their matches, collapsing before even putting in any effort, it was as if they were about to give up.

Zhang Xiangling's eyes were blazing with anger; she was both anxious and furious.

Why did it fail again?

Geek, geek...

The sound of footsteps echoed through the snow.

Several more figures rushed out from the snowy plains of Handai, revealing the figures of Shan Tongtian, Zhang Wei, and others.

Hong Wuye, carrying shackles on his shoulders, obediently followed behind. Although he had become a prisoner, his complexion was ruddy and his eyes were bright. It was obvious that he had been eating and taking medicine very well during this period, far better than when he was stationed at Yanwu Ridge a few months ago.

On Niulingping, some young talents who were about to leave saw Shan Tongtian, and especially noticed the burning confidence and determination emanating from him, which made them stop and look at him from a distance with solemn expressions.

Dan Tongtian possessed the confidence of a true powerhouse, absolutely certain that he could overpower all others and be invincible!
This is what is meant by creating a major trend!
During this period, Shan Tongtian, who was at the height of his power, was no stranger to everyone.

I'm so tired of hearing about it! This person is just an ordinary water boy from a humble background, but he is actually a hidden gem of the Zhang family in Tongzhou. I heard that he has also comprehended some superior visualization method and is a potential master. He is now the apple of the eye of the Zhang family in Tongzhou.

Even the unfathomably powerful Senior Zhang Wei was his protector!
Many people also know that Shan Tongtian has received the teachings of the immortals and has been received by the immortals of Aoshan Taoist Temple.

This means you've already taken more than one step into Aoshan Taoist Academy!
Noticing the gazes with unclear intentions, Shan Tongtian remained calm and looked up in the same direction.

He glanced at the faces of the martial artists on Niulingping, especially lingering on the faces of Zhu Tao, Jiang Dahua, and others.

Their gazes clashed, and a fierce battle ensued.

Then, Shan Tongtian withdrew his gaze.

He strode towards Zhao Guangxi, Chen Shunan, and the others.

Seeing this, Zhu Tao, Jiang Dahua and the others no longer hesitated. With a few swift movements, they disappeared from the spot without leaving a trace in the snow.

"I am Shan Tongtian, and I have met you all. I would like to ask you all to unite as one within the Grandmaster's Manual and protect me. I, Shan, will surely repay you handsomely in the future."

Dan Tongtian addressed Chen Shunan, Zhao Guangxi, and others in a loud voice, then turned his gaze to Zhang Xiangling, saying with some helplessness,

“Miss Xiangling, the West Mountain is covered in snow and demons are rampant. Why did you leave without saying goodbye and come here alone? You should have come with us.”

His words were full of profound meaning, carrying an old-fashioned admonition, or rather, a fatherly tone.

"Who are you? It's none of your business!"

Zhang Xiangling waved her hand impatiently, walked to the side, and sat down cross-legged to meditate.

Having been met with a cold shoulder, Shan Tongtian was shocked to find Zhang Xiangling so clueless about social etiquette, embarrassing him in front of everyone. His face twitched, and he was starting to lose his composure.

"Haha, Brother Shan, come and try my 'Tusu Wine,' a specialty of Tongzhou. I brought some with me. It's good for your blood circulation and overall well-being."

Upon seeing this, some people glanced around, quickly bowed, and with a fawning smile on their faces, personally poured warm Tusu wine for Shan Tongtian, their ingratiating tone undisguised.

With the backing of Aoshan Taoist Academy, the martial artists participating in this Grandmaster Records event were naturally not just from Shuiwozi.

In Wuqing County, Aoshan Taoist Temple supported various forces, large and small, including some true masters who had come seeking fame and were willing to serve the Zhang family.

There were more than twenty people in total.

At this moment, many martial artists immediately echoed, some holding the warm jade they had just found, others sweeping snow to invite Shan Tongtian to sit down, addressing him as "Brother Shan" or "Young Master Shan" repeatedly, wishing they could stick close to him.

"Brother Shan, there are some things I don't understand about the secret method for nourishing qi and blood bestowed by the Zhang family of Tongzhou. What is the meaning of the saying, 'Building it is the furnace and cauldron, gathering it is the medicine, and cooking it is the heat control'?"

Some even bowed respectfully, showing the deference of disciples, and asked for instruction.

Upon seeing this, Shan Tongtian's expression relaxed and he looked much better.

"This blood-nourishing secret method is actually quite profound. The question you asked about concerns the three stages of setting up the furnace, gathering herbs, and controlling the heat. The key to its application lies in one's own mind. Come, let me demonstrate it for you."

Dan Tongtian, who loved to teach, was now enthusiastically explaining and demonstrating this secret technique for nourishing qi and blood to everyone.

His body was like a surging ocean, with a loud splashing sound. His blood and qi, following the secret method, sank into his dantian and transformed into essence pills that resembled blood beads.

"I see."

"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Shan!"

"Alas, false teachings fill countless books, but true teachings can be conveyed in a single sentence. With Brother Shan's guidance, I have truly been spared a hundred days of arduous study!"

The crowd was filled with exclamations of gratitude, flattery, and praise.

Shan Tongtian waved his hand and laughed.
"You are all chosen ones of heaven. I wish you all success in achieving your goals in this Grandmaster's Manual, and that you will all have the opportunity to become martial arts grandmasters and transform into dragons and snakes!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd that had gathered around did not change their expressions, but a bitter feeling welled up in their hearts.

They knew they were just there to make up the numbers; perhaps they could gain something from the Grandmaster's Manual and find some small opportunity.

But to actually glimpse the lingering remnants of a grandmaster and cultivate oneself to become a martial arts grandmaster is practically a pipe dream!
However, the chances of this young man, who has risen rapidly in rank, are extremely high.

You have to be very ingratiating and flattering!
Zhao Guangxi, Chen Shunan, Lin Shouzhou, and Zhou Qing did not stand too close, but they were not too distant either. They exchanged a few casual words and then each found a place to sit down and meditate quietly.

Chen Shunan naturally also obtained the secret technique for nourishing qi and blood bestowed by the Zhang family.

With his current aptitude in martial arts, he can learn lower-middle-level martial arts at a glance, and he can learn higher-level martial arts after a few more glances.

That secret technique for nourishing qi and blood, though profound and extensive, is still bound by the conventions of martial arts.

Chen Shunan not only knew it by heart, but also clearly sensed that this secret technique seemed to have a follow-up and was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.

Those precious essences that are painstakingly accumulated in the dantian can not only be reintegrated into the body, but can also be extracted...

It is a secret method that uses the principle that "there is no inherent good or evil in the law, only the use of people."

While Chen Shunan and the others were meditating silently, Shan Tongtian's gaze subtly swept over Chen Shunan and his group of scoundrels, especially lingering on Zhao Guangxi for a moment.

Although he feigned docility, humility, and affability, he couldn't help but look at the people who used to be high and mighty, whom he didn't even have the right to meet and had to address as 'Zhao Lulu Tou', 'Shopkeeper Chen', 'Instructor Lin', and 'Senior Zhou'...

Today, however, they act as attendants, ordered to serve as their protectors in the Grandmaster's Record.

Dan Tongtian couldn't help but raise an eyebrow slightly, and the corners of his mouth couldn't be suppressed as he smiled. His smugness was like a mouthful of chilled honey water, cool from the tip of his tongue to his heart, and even his ears felt a secret comfort.

"From this day forward, I, Shan, am no longer an ordinary person!"

"Water carrier? He wouldn't even be a dog!"

As Shan Tongtian was pondering this, someone suddenly asked curiously,
"Brother Shan, we've heard you have a unique skill in splashing ink and making paper. Why don't you show us how you can help us once we've entered the Grandmaster's Manual?"

After hearing this, Shan Tongtian hesitated for a moment and glanced at Zhao Guangxi, Chen Shunan and the others not far away.

Seeing that Chen Shunan also looked curious, and even turned his head to face them, he couldn't help but have a bit of a show-off mentality, and immediately said,
"Yes, everyone, please take a look!"

He suddenly flicked his wide sleeves, revealing two withered bamboo-like fingers. A thin piece of paper slid between his fingers, and with a few casual folds and pinches, it became a crane about to take flight.

He then used his finger as a brush, took out the ink bag he carried with him, dipped it in thick ink, and wrote a magnificent "flying" character on the spot where the paper crane's eyes were to be dotted!

The ink suddenly brightened the moment the characters were written, then vanished.

The paper crane began to tremble in his palm, spread its wings, let out a clear and melodious crane cry, and then took off into the air!

At first, it was a little stiff, but after circling the arena three times, it stretched out as freely as a real crane, with wind rising from under its wings, turning into a black dot in the snowy mountains, causing the martial artists present to look up and exclaim in amazement.

　I'm going back to my hometown to celebrate the 80th birthday of an elderly relative. I'll be working 4 days a week, but I'll be back to 6 days next week. I hope you can understand!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)