Chapter 211

Guan Tian Tai, inside the library.

Zhang Jian's entire body's magical power was like a great river rolling up layers of the state and cosmic spiritual mechanisms in the void, merging into the depths of his Yin Spirit.

The Yin Spirit imprint returned, removing the resentful and evil qi of the root-knot within his body; his Yin Spirit consciousness became increasingly refined and pure.

The responsiveness of his Yin Spirit consciousness became ever more swift; Zhang Jian, through his Yin Spirit consciousness, seemed able to remotely sense the will of the Heavenly Heart deep in the mysterious void, thus prematurely gaining the ability of sudden inspiration.

This transformation was very wonderful.

Although previously Zhang Jian, due to his strong soul, already possessed a part of such ability.

But now it was even clearer, as if close to heaven and earth, becoming a favored child of heaven and earth.

Zhang Jian knew that sudden inspiration was usually a unique trait possessed only by Yuan Shen True Persons.

Zhang Jian's expression slightly sighed.

Quantitative change still cannot replace qualitative change.

However, quantitative change is the prerequisite for qualitative change.

Once quantitative change is completed, triggering qualitative change becomes much easier.

Zhang Jian's gaze fluctuated; although he had just passed the first tribulation, he actually felt some anticipation for the upcoming several tribulations.

But soon he suppressed this restless mindset, waiting to fully adapt to the changes after his Yin Spirit's first tribulation before launching an assault on the second tribulation.

At this moment he felt his Yin Spirit magical power was still far from its limit.

Just then Zhang Jian felt a fluctuation from the magical ward at the study door, so he rose and opened the door.

Yet he saw He Ying Daoist standing outside, the maiden in a light green Daoist robe, her figure graceful, her jade-like countenance as if blossoming flowers, revealing a youthful aura.

Upon seeing Zhang Jian appear, He Ying Daoist was startled, yet her face was full of joy.

"Master!"

At this time she held a copper tray, still bearing some delicate food and wine.

Zhang Jian's gaze fell upon He Ying Daoist; he noticed she had completed the Fate-Testing Foundation Establishment.

Zhang Jian was in high spirits at this moment, so he smiled and said.

"Congratulations, you have successfully completed Fate-Testing and cultivated magical power!"

Hearing this, He Ying Daoist set down the food and wine, then respectfully performed a salute before Zhang Jian.

"If not for your guidance, Master, He Ying would still be trapped in obsession; your kindness, Master, He Ying truly does not know how to repay in the future!"

She pursed her lips, with a serious expression.

Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment are the most crucial steps in entering the Dao.

How many fellow disciples in the Dong Shen Guan have been stuck at this step; yet once broken through, their identities become completely different.

Compared to those fellow martial brothers, she is still quite fortunate, having received from this Zhang Shi Du a volume of the Ling Yuan Dao Diagram, thereby firming her resolve and in one go charting the palace of fate, condensing magical power.

Hearing this, Zhang Jian smiled and said.

"Your food is quite tasty; if you wish to repay me, why not prepare a few more delicious side dishes each day—that would count as repayment!"

Hearing this, He Ying Daoist's eyes flickered with joy.

"Master, that is He Ying's fortune!"

Zhang Jian nodded, giving a light smile.

Having reached Zhang Jian's level of Dao practice, the desire for food and drink may be optional, yet Zhang Jian retains this habit, as if still living in the mortal world.

……

And shortly after Zhang Jian broke through the pass, a squad of black-clad guards appeared beneath Guan Tian Tai.

Having received the report from He Ying Daoist, Zhang Jian then descended from Guan Tian Tai.

"Zhang Sir!"

At this time, the one coming to see Zhang Jian was still Zhao Hu of the Black-Clad Guard Office.

This deputy commander of the Black-Clad Guard Office came regarding the previous assassination affair, to report on the interrogation progress.

After several days and nights of torture and interrogation by the Black-Clad Guard Office, they had already pried open the mouth of the Tie Bi Daoist.

"They are dark agents of the Black Dragon Sect; there are still their forces in Hao Jing City, including a marquis and dozens of low-ranking officials; currently they have all been captured by my Black-Clad Guard!"

"The Tie Bi Daoist's attack on the two Langjun was a spontaneous act, not because the Black Dragon Sect had set its sights on the two Langjun!"

Hearing this, Zhang Jian nodded slightly.

"Where does the Black Dragon Sect come from?"

Zhang Jian had not heard of this sect before, but daring to target the Great Qian Dragon Vein, it would surely not be a nameless rabble.

"The Black Dragon Sect is a heretical and deviant sect outside Bei Ji City in the Two Realms region, also a great demonic sect; however, this sect is very sinister, possessing secret arts to specially seize the power of heavenly and earthly marvelous apertures, especially adept at seizing the essence and qi of the Dragon Vein, harming the public to enrich oneself—truly a giant rat!"

Zhao Hu's eyes were gloomy; he expressed great dislike toward the Black Dragon Sect's attitude.

The Black Dragon Sect had caused him much trouble.

Hearing this, Zhang Jian felt some astonishment; being able to seize the power of feng shui marvelous apertures to nourish oneself, this sect indeed seemed quite extraordinary.

However, since they dared to move against Zhang Yi and Zhang Zhao, he naturally would not let them off easily.

Zhao Hu at this moment felt some headache; the threat of the Black Dragon Sect to the Dragon Vein could far surpass that of ordinary sects; how to prevent them from causing chaos, for the Black-Clad Guard Office, is a major problem.

He will have much to do next.

Actually, what Zhao Hu finds most troublesome is that the Black Dragon Sect seems to have secret arts to resist and suppress the Tiger and Dragon Qi.

After thinking, he took out an ancient book from his bosom and handed it to Zhang Jian.

"What is this?"

Zhang Jian had already seen this ancient book.

"Gui Yuan Ce"!

Zhang Jian glanced at it, revealing a hint of interest.

Zhao Hu said respectfully, "This is a rare book obtained from the confiscated estate of Marquis Changqing, and it is also part of the collection of the Iron Wall Daoist."

Zhao Hu slightly cupped his hands.

"This is the genuine edition. The President said that Assistant Reader Zhang enjoys reading, especially rare books from all under heaven, so he specially ordered me, the subordinate, to deliver this book for Assistant Reader Zhang to appreciate."

Zhang Jian briefly flipped through it, and a smile immediately appeared at the corner of his eyes.

"It is said that among the profound works on geomancy and numerology, there are several extraordinary books, all composed by masters who have perfected this path. This Gui Yuan Ce is one of them. Today, I am fortunate to have seen it, which is indeed a blessing."

"Please convey my thanks to the Chief Steward of the Court."

Zhao Hu slightly nodded.

Immediately, he clasped his fists, led his men away in haste, as he still had official duties.

……

At this time, Chao Mu was in the Jingtai Hall.

In the Jingtai Hall, Emperor Jingwu stood before a landscape painting in ink and color, his eyes flashing with admiration, and he could not put down this painting.

"A fine painting, a perfect verse—Assistant Minister Zhang truly has the potential to become a sage. Every time I read such verses, I gain something different; my head no longer aches so much, and my spirit is no longer fatigued."

Emperor Jingwu was in high spirits, his expression also showing joy.

Chao Mu stood to one side, hearing this, he silently nodded to himself. Even if it were not Emperor Jingwu, but himself in the midst, he too would have gained something.

He glanced over and saw a painting hanging beside the screen near the camphor tree.

A bodhi tree with swaying shadows seemed to have come alive, each leaf entwined with a vast, luminous artistic conception, rustling softly in the breeze.

Below, another plump-faced monk sat cross-legged beneath the tree.

Beside it, another line of vigorous and powerful small characters.

"The body is the bodhi tree, the mind like a bright mirror stand; constantly strive to wipe it clean, lest dust be stirred."

At this moment, Chao Mu also felt some surprise, evidently not expecting that Assistant Reader Zhang's attainment in Buddhist classics was so high.

He was not without contact with high monks of the Buddhist tradition.

They were either skilled in eloquent debate or possessed profound spiritual power, but none had such talent.