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

Chapter 75 Flying Immortal Force, Flesh Spirit Mushroom

As night faded, the east began to lighten with the first hint of dawn.

After the morning bell tolled, the sound of rolling cart tracks echoed through the streets and alleys, which had just quieted down.

"Slaying the thief, generating the power of a flying immortal, is this the first-rate realm...?"

"At fifty, having achieved first-rate success, in a sense I could be considered a 'prodigy in old age'?"

Chen Shunan slowly awoke from his state of observing the true skill diagram.

He looked inward and saw that his limbs, bones, and all the major acupoints in his body seemed to have grown eyes. He saw that there were wisps of light, feather-like energy flowing through his body, with strange red and purple-brown colors.

According to the records in "The Flying Immortal of Meat", this force is called "Flying Immortal Force".

The strength of the muscles and bones at the third level, the blood and qi and techniques at the second level, combined with the willpower at the first level, form this special 'Flying Immortal Force'!
It is the product of the union of spirit and desire.

With a thought, Chen Shunan subtly guided out a wisp of flying immortal energy.

Once the Flying Immortal Force leaves the body, it loses all color and substance.

It can only be 'perceived', not 'seen'.

Whoosh!
The force spread, and a terrifying aura instantly enveloped the entire house.

Invisible flames filled the surroundings.

Inside the house and in the courtyard, the Golden-Headed Tyrant and the Golden-Scaled Catfish immediately stopped moving.

They all felt a burning, agonizing heat.

The Golden-Headed Tyrant curled up in a corner, its tentacles curling and wrapping around its body, making it almost like a ball.

"Oh no! Who started this fire? We're going to end up like fish soup!"

The golden-scaled fish cried out in surprise, flipping over and revealing its white belly, floating on the surface of the water tank, looking as if it had been dead for a long time.

And countless rats, insects, and ants hiding underground and in the crevices of walls have died.

There were no visible injuries on the outside, but the internal organs were strangely charred.

It was as if an invisible fire was burning him alive from the inside out!
A single strike can kill a thief, even without relying on sight, smell, or hearing.

Chen Shunan could use the slight vibrations in the air and the aura emanating from the Flying Immortal Force to affect other people's acupoints and major acupoints, creating a unique tactile sensation.

Let your body be subjected to the overwhelming power of divine will, as if it were being roasted by a raging fire!

Those with weak wills, unlike Chen Shunan, are bound to suffer this hardship.

Chen Shunan decisively dispersed the overflowing Flying Immortal Energy and instead focused on internal cultivation, allowing it to circulate throughout his body.

In less than half an incense stick's time, he noticed that his skin, muscles, bones, and internal organs had been significantly strengthened under the nourishment of the Flying Immortal Force, becoming more resilient and vibrant than those at the second-rate level.

This means that Chen Shunan's strength will experience a small surge in the future, marking a golden period of rapid progress.

In particular, their movement techniques and lightness skills have seen a terrifying increase.

Flying Immortal Force, Flying Immortal Force, it does indeed contain the words 'Flying Immortal'!

"The jade tree in the clouds hangs with a dragon robe, and the six thieves have vanished without a trace, their madness gone." The jade tree and dragon robe are now complete, but the slaying of the six thieves will be a long and arduous task.

Chen Shunan exhaled a long breath, got up from the bed, removed the curtain, and tore open the tung oil paper.

The six thieves were not so easily wiped out in one go.

These chaotic thoughts and arrogant consciousnesses keep coming back after being cut off, and need to be wiped away constantly.

Each time a bandit is killed, it is a huge test and torment for oneself.

It requires a lot of mental effort.

Countless top-tier martial artists have fallen during one of their campaigns against bandits, suffering from qi deviation and backlash from their techniques.

Just like the diseased tiger Yang Lu.

After beheading the thief, one needs to use various methods to 'nourish one's spirit'.

Fortunately, this period after the annihilation of the six thieves was also a period of improvement for martial artists.

To slay the traitor, first confuse his spirit.

Observe the true skill, then choose the thief to execute.

After the battle, one can nourish the spirit, strengthen the body, and master various powers.

Until the six thieves are killed, one will reach the pinnacle of first-class martial arts and be able to aspire to the realm of martial arts grandmaster!

This is the cultivation of the first-class level.

Once upon a time, Lin Shouzhou, who was still unattainable in Chen Shunan's eyes, had been left far behind him.

People like He Qiqiang are still scheming and fighting over the profits from a single well.

Chen Shunan has quietly reached the first-class level, standing at the same level as the owners of various wells, mills, and the four major cooking pots.

In his eyes, the only opponents now are martial artists of the same rank.

Even Yang Lu, that sickly old man from back then, is now nothing more than a chicken or a dog in front of Chen Shunan.

"only……"

Chen Shunan looked down at the texture of his skin.

As the 'Flying Immortal Force' circulated, cloud patterns appeared on the skin, with purplish-red and brown hues flashing by, giving it a lacquer-like sheen.

It is made of wood, mysterious, and has a rustic feel of growing on dew.

Then I recalled the days when I used my lightness skill, that elusive feeling as subtle as a spore or a speck of dust.

Chen Shunan suddenly felt that he was very much like a fleshy Ganoderma lucidum.

Meat Ganoderma lucidum Chen Shunan?

……

Wengshan is located in the foothills of the Yanshan Mountains, northwest of Beijing.

The mountains are rugged and strangely shaped, with towering peaks, hiding countless dangerous places.

In the early years of the Holy Dynasty, this place served as a haystack for the imperial horses.

Many years ago, His Majesty wanted to build a garden on Wengshan Mountain. He discovered a princess's tomb at the foot of the mountain, dating back to an unknown dynasty. The tomb gate was inscribed with the eight characters: "If you don't touch me, I won't touch you."

After being frightened, the emperor changed his plans and built a Buddhist pagoda to ward off evil spirits, but it was ineffective, and fox spirits would appear every now and then.

Over time, the pagoda fell into disrepair, and Wengshan became a deserted place.

Furthermore, wild beasts and insects from the Western Hills often roamed the area, preying on people, which made people even less willing to come.

At this time,
In an underground palace somewhere in Wengshan.

A white-clad swordsman, carrying a sword and a tinderbox, stepped into a side hall of the underground palace.

Inside the side hall, several figures could be seen, their shadows looming over the entrance.

The leader stood at the head of the hall, and could be vaguely seen to be a tall and imposing man wearing a short-sleeved shirt with his cuffs rolled up high.

"Bai Manlou, I have repeatedly ordered that no unnecessary trouble should arise... Why did you kill Yang Lu from the Wanlong Mill?!"

Wei Kui's voice was powerful and majestic, carrying an overwhelming aura that pressed down like a mountain.

Even Bai Manlou's face turned slightly pale, and his blood and qi seemed somewhat stagnant.

Bai Manlou frowned and looked at the thin man not far away.

The thin man had thin lips, and his mustache drooped down, giving him a miserable look. Seeing this, his expression became even more bitter, and he waved his hands repeatedly.

"It's a mistake, a mistake. I didn't file a complaint against you."

"Don't hold a grudge against me; you can't hide this from me!"

The imposing man said in a deep voice, "If I weren't on a mission outside the capital, I would have already made you suffer the punishment of being 'knocked down with a knife'!"

The Guolu Society has several strict reward and punishment systems, one of which is the "Pounce Before the Blade".

Three sharp knives are stuck into the ground with their tips pointing upwards, and the person being punished must rush towards the knives while shirtless.

Three sharp knives entered from the front of the chest and exited from the back.

Therefore, there is a saying within the Guolu Association: "Three cuts and six eyes, find the dots yourself."

Bai Manlou's expression remained unchanged as he said,
"Once this matter is settled, I will accept my punishment. But I will not let any of those who deserve to die go unpunished."

The burly man roared, "You!"

"OK OK……"

"Fifth Master, please don't be angry..."

"Bai Manlou is young and impetuous after all. Besides, if he weren't impetuous, he wouldn't be considered young..."

The people in the side hall offered their advice in a cacophony of voices.

Master Hong snorted coldly and said no more.

Within the Guolu Society, Fifth Master is divided into two factions: Red Fifth Master oversees external affairs and is responsible for江湖 (jianghu, the martial arts world) feuds and killings; Black Fifth Master oversees internal affairs and is responsible for discipline and conduct.

This time, the Guolu delegation came to Beijing, and it was this Fifth Master Hong who was in charge of the overall situation.

Because the capital city is a den of dragons and tigers, right under the emperor's nose, the number of Guolu Hui members who came to the capital this time was not many, less than two hands' worth.

However, they are all elites of the guild, hall masters, and branch leaders, either first-rate experts or second-rate masters with special talents.

A moment later, several more figures arrived at the side hall. Seeing that everyone had arrived, Fifth Master Hong said in a deep voice,

"The evidence of the Guangzhou Twelve Factories' collusion with foreign powers has been sent to the palace through the Grand Eunuch of the Imperial Household Department. All that remains is to wait for the court's response."
The person who was in contact with the Twelve Factories of Guangzhou in the capital region was identified as Zheng Shicheng from Wanlong Duifang in Wuqing County, Tongzhou.

Of course, there might be others behind him, but the "big black hat" indicates that he'll stop there, merely hinting at something from afar.

Master Hong surveyed the crowd, his eyes gleaming, not sharp but revealing a profound depth that encompassed all things. No one dared to meet his gaze.

"So, what should we do with Zheng Shicheng? And tomorrow's Lingguan Dharma Assembly, with the whole county carrying palanquins in a procession, and Wanlong Rice Mill and those water buffalo are supposed to have a fight. This might be an opportunity. What do you all think?"

After Master Hong finished speaking, everyone looked thoughtful.

The firelight flickered, and a voice rang out.
“The benevolent are human beings, and they love their own family. Why don’t I take action and invite Zheng Shicheng here, and listen to him explain why he went astray and became involved with the brothel? It’s not too late to kill him and achieve benevolence.”

This is a hall master of Renzitang.

"What outdated talk! In my opinion, we should storm into Wuqing County tonight, smash Zheng Shicheng's head into his chest, and make an example of him!"

This is a hall master of the Yizitang.

"That's going too far. Why not try a polite approach first, then a more forceful one? Send them a formal invitation to a restaurant for a get-together, where we can discuss friendship over drinks and, incidentally, poison them, leaving no one alive!"

This is a hall master of the Lizitang (礼字堂).

The head of the Xinzi Hall said in a low voice,

“We only agreed to submit a memorial to the capital, but we did not agree to take charge of other trivial matters.”

In my opinion, Zheng Shicheng's many misdeeds will eventually be punished. We shouldn't interfere directly. Instead, we should spread the news and, with overwhelming power and the support of the people, make him deserted by everyone!

There is no head of the Zhizi Hall.

In literature, there is no first place; in martial arts, there is no second.

The members of the Zhizitang gang regard each other as fools, hurl insults, attacks, and slander, and have yet to elect a leader, so the position remains vacant.

Bai Manlou said, "I think that, not to mention Zheng Shicheng, anyone who has been tainted by the 'Hibiscus Oil' should..."

"Who asked you?!"

Fifth Master Hong said coldly.

Bai Manlou held his sword with both hands, his lips tightly pressed together, his face expressionless, and said no more.

Hong Wuye said, "Where is Xiao Qingchou? Tell me."

Xiao Qingchou's lips moved, and he said bitterly,
"No matter what, we must not harm the innocent. They are all citizens of our Holy Dynasty, why fight amongst ourselves?"

"Ha, you treat others as brothers, but they see you as a bandit. If you don't fight them, they'll fight you!"

Someone immediately retorted.

A heated argument broke out in the side hall.

The debate over the path forward stems from differing ideologies.

In the end, there were even signs of bloodshed and violence, with people being stabbed in the back and left with six holes.

"okay!"

The noise faded away.

Master Hong Wu made the final decision.

"Since Zheng Shicheng and that group of scoundrels are going to stage a 'Spirit Official Interception Meeting,' it's the same whether it's two families or three families! So we'll disguise ourselves as a magic troupe, set up a stage and a carriage."

First, punish the ringleader; then, depending on the circumstances, eliminate the remaining accomplices!

Upon hearing this, everyone accepted the order, discussed the details, and offered no further comment.

Someone suddenly spoke up,

"Fifth Master Hong, I have an inside source who says that the night Yang Lu, the 'Sick Tiger,' was defeated and fled from Micang Mountain, he was forced back by a mysterious master of lightness skills. If there are no accidents, the immortal opportunity from Qianning Kingdom should have fallen into his hands."

This item is of utmost importance, as it relates to the smuggling of hibiscus oil; it should not fall into the hands of others.

Upon hearing this, Fifth Master Hong smiled and shook his head, his words carrying a hint of disdain.
"So what if this cowardly, hiding-hidden fellow falls into his hands? He's just a boil on a rat's tail, not much pus! Let's worry about what's in front of us first."

"Yes!" The man didn't say anything more.

A moment later, everyone left.

The vast underground palace has returned to deathly silence.

In the darkness, a strange voice, sometimes childish and sometimes aged, suddenly rang out beside Master Hong Wu.
"You're lying. That immortal destiny is of utmost importance, and Yue Shan Dao Academy has probably already sent people to look for it."

Fifth Master Hong said calmly.

"So we can't let them find us. Whoever that mysterious person is, since they took the Qinggang matches and disappeared without a trace, it at least proves that they are not from the Duifang or Yueshan Taoist Academy."

That's enough. It was worth it for me to step in and shield him, to stop the people from Yue Shan Dao Academy! Even if the hope is slim... it's still a spark.

The strange voice paused for a moment, then said softly.
"Is it worth it? The spread of hibiscus oil is an inevitable trend; the loss of Qinggang matches to others will not be tolerated by the Yueshan Daoist Academy. They haven't interfered, so what right do you, a mere martial artist, have to interfere? Can you even manage it?"

Fifth Master Hong smiled, his previously gentle eyes suddenly gleaming with a burning, fervent light, filled with boundless sincerity, as he spoke slowly.
"It's precisely because nobody else cares that I, a mere warrior, have come to take charge!"

……

June 24th is the birthday of Wang Lingguan.

Breakfast was simple: three bowls of thick porridge, three fried dough rings, and three white eggs.

Wan Niang said that Wang Lingguan has the ability to "see the world with three eyes and drive away evil spirits with a golden whip", so eating this way can bring some of Wang Lingguan's good fortune.

Today, both Wanlong Duifang and Shuiwozi will send out their own divine palanquins, accompanied by music and fanfare, to circle the county.

The two sides first meet at the Kui Xing Tower, where they engage in a contest to determine the winner.

Then the victorious party, accompanied by two divine carriages, would go to the Lingguan Temple to offer incense and monopolize the offering.

It can be said that whoever loses today will not only lose face but also dignity, and will have no face to show in Wuqing County in the future!
Along the way, former customers would donate incense and accompany the carriage.

There were also many onlookers, who went to the roadside the night before to grab a spot and occupy the road. There were even scalpers.

Wan Niang said, "Today is only Ling Guan's birthday. The day after tomorrow, when Ling Guan becomes a god, it will be even more lively. In the evening, thousands of households will light up lanterns, and the Ling Guan Temple will set off all kinds of firecrackers."

Among them was one called the 'Thunderfire Golden Whip,' which was truly bright and dazzling, making the entire night sky adorned with stars and colors—it was a sight to behold!

People of this age have few entertainment options.

Various temple fairs and deity birthday celebrations have become rare forms of entertainment.

Wan Niang couldn't hide her joy all morning, and chatted for a long time while Chen Shunan was eating.

After meal.

Wan Niang quickly tidied herself up and hurriedly left, not even giving Chen Shunan a chance to use his charms.

They said they would go to Lingguan Temple to offer incense first, and then come to Kuixing Pagoda to find Chen Shunan later.

Chen Shunan breathed a sigh of relief as the chirping, warbling sounds of orioles faded from his ears.

The task of carrying the palanquin through the streets and playing music was naturally not for Chen Shunan, this senior.

He went straight to Kui Xing Pagoda.

The area around Kui Xing Pagoda was bustling with activity; as far as the eye could see, there were round, undulating heads of people.

Fortunately, government officials were on hand to maintain order, so the situation did not appear chaotic.

Chen Shunan squeezed into the Kui Xing Pagoda and saw a high platform in front of it with several chairs.

Chen Shunan was naturally not qualified to sit on the high chair.

He stood on the left side of the high platform with San Dezi, Liu Daoba, and other Shui San'er.

Standing on the right are the members of the Wanlong Mill.

The two sides were clearly divided, yet their gazes were fierce and menacing.

Before long, with the shouts of the yamen runners clearing the way, sedan chairs were carried in one after another to witness the ceremony.

Zhao Guangxi, Liu Ruyue, Zheng Shicheng, and the others need no further explanation.

The managers of the three large mills, Changlong, Xinglong, and Jiulong, also came, as did several owners from Shuiwozi.

Jade-faced Duck Zhou Qing and Hunyuan Umbrella Yue Ting were also brought in to keep order.

Zhao Guangxi and Liu Ruyue were flanking an old man in his early sixties, dressed in a blue robe, looking refined, but with a shrewd look in his eyes.

This person must be Liu Ruyue's biological father, Liu Sui, who works as a money and grain clerk in the county government.

Although the clerk was an unemployed 'contract worker' and not a government official, his allowance was paid by the county magistrate himself.

But when the willow catkins arrive, it's as if the county magistrate has arrived.

The rest included some local gentry, elders, and other respected figures.

"Huh? That's..."

Suddenly, Chen Shunan saw Zheng Shicheng looking humble, half a step behind, leading the way for a woman.

This woman has an exquisitely beautiful face, yet she seems ethereal and her eyes are icy cold.

Dressed in a Taoist robe, with his hair tied up in a high bun, a water and fire silk sash around his waist, and a whisk in his hand, he exuded an ethereal, otherworldly aura!

It perfectly matches the image of an immortal in the minds of the people, who travels to the vast sea in the morning and to Cangwu Mountain in the evening!
Chen Shunan's pupils contracted sharply, and a storm raged in his heart.

Immortal cultivators?!
　Two chapters totaling 8,000 words. I wrote until 3 AM last night and only just finished polishing them after getting home. I'm asking for your support with monthly tickets, dear readers!! So far, the results are acceptable, as I expected. Time to keep writing! Time to burn the midnight oil!!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)