Chapter 228: Shu Kingdom Dragon Soul (4K)

At this moment, footsteps came from outside, and the two Daoists looked over, only to see Jingming Daoist stepping forward from outside the hall.

The sound came from far to near.

"Fifth Martial Uncle, let me handle this this time!"

Jingming Daoist wore a moon-white plain silk Daoist robe, the robe's sleeves extremely wide, his head bound with a hairpin, his countenance handsome and graceful.

"Sect Master's junior disciple!"

Dongxiao Daoist turned around, and Dongjue Daoist also rose from the master's chair, her face showing worry.

"Junior disciple, you...?"

Jingming Daoist waved his hand, his expression calm, and his gaze fell upon the diagram of imparting the Dao against the earth's hell, he merely glanced at it and understood Zhang Jian's intention.

This diagram can only be used by a cultivator possessing great wisdom, great perseverance, and a spirit of great fearless sacrifice; in the hands of ordinary people, it is merely waste paper.

Obviously, that Zhang Shidu also looks down upon those who shrink back and yet wish to reap benefits.

Dongxiao Daoist is not the person Zhang Jian has in mind as ideal.

Dongxiao Daoist's face changed slightly upon hearing this, his cheeks somewhat flushed, and he spoke in a deep voice.

"Junior disciple, since this matter has been entrusted to your uncle, your uncle naturally has the duty to help you accomplish it well!"

"The mission?"

Jingming Daoist inwardly shook his head upon hearing this, yet smiled on his face, and said.

"Fifth Martial Uncle, I know your wholehearted sincerity, but I personally went to inspect the Shu Kingdom's dragon veins just now; although the essence and qi of the previous dynasty's dragon veins have diminished by eight-tenths, the core dragon soul within is likely still present, and this is not something your uncle can handle!"

"Resentful dragon soul?"

Upon hearing this, Dongxiao Daoist's face changed, he moved his mouth, and immediately fell silent.

Dongjue Daoist's jade-like countenance also paled somewhat.

"Junior disciple, was not the Shu Kingdom's dragon soul exterminated by your eldest martial brother? How could any dragon soul remnants remain?"

Earth dragon veins are usually capable of nurturing such marvels as dragon souls; this object, when combined with a dynasty's cauldron vessel, can be transformed into a national guardian artifact, its might unmatched.

But with the fall of the dynasty, the earth dragon veins changed course, or suffered dispersion from backlash of fortune's qi, or were extracted by cultivators to refine treasures, or were slain.

Although the Shu Kingdom's dragon veins were preserved, the Shu Kingdom's dragon soul had long been suppressed and obliterated by the founder of the Dongshen Sect through spellcraft.

The Shu Kingdom's dragon veins' depths should not possibly contain a dragon soul!

"Indeed, there is a remnant dragon soul!" Jingming Daoist's countenance remained calm, he was very certain of his judgment.

This is not the dragon soul of the Shu Kingdom's previous dragon veins, but rather a dragon soul newly nurtured over these hundreds of years from the Shu Kingdom's dragon veins.

This dragon soul lies hidden among countless dragon resentments, possibly already demonized, but regardless, its might is beyond doubt.

Moreover, its preciousness is also beyond doubt.

This is the reason that prompted Jingming Daoist to emerge from seclusion without hesitation.

……

At this time, Zhang Jian was in the Zhuangyuan mansion, waiting for the arrival of distinguished guests while likewise polishing his yinshen magical power.

The growth speed of his yinshen magical power is extremely rapid, partly from the fusion of diamond-transformed souls, and partly from the numerous precious medicines within his body.

These precious medicines are like treasure vaults; once opened, they transform into essence and qi, continuously aiding the growth of yinshen magical power.

This saves him much tedious effort.

And without needing decades of painstaking refinement day after day, he also seeks ways to reach certain special secret realms, searching for elixirs in ruins, or striving to obtain some special innate spiritual mechanisms to replenish his own magical power.

Although cultivators have long lifespans, time is also precious.

Although the lifespan of a yinshen venerable reaches up to three thousand years, it can be called extremely long-lived.

Some special yinshen venerables possess special longevity secret methods; living another one or two thousand years is no problem for them, they can go to certain special secret realms, or through the void dharma realm, wander the star rivers.

However, for a yinshen venerable, each practice of a yinshen technique, or even passing through a great tribulation, requires time to recover, and even after exploring certain special ruins, they may also be injured and need time.

If time cannot be properly allocated, it is still insufficient.

Ultimately, the physical body will still rot away, and the yinshen can only flee into the Nine Netherworlds, becoming a ghost or deity, or step into reincarnation.

Although Zhang Jian stepped into the yinshen realm at a young age, for him, the political situation of the Great Qian court changes extremely rapidly, and he must possess sufficient power to ensure no accidents occur.

When the Zhang family rises to prominence, he necessarily needs a deterrent power capable of suppressing all enemies.

Of course, Zhang Jian is also accumulating power, awaiting his ascension to the Nine Five, thereby cultivating the state and altars' primal spirit.

Taking the Mountains and Rivers State and Altars Diagram as the primal spirit's foundation, once he embraces the power of mountains and rivers to achieve accomplishment, Zhang Jian shall call it the Emperor's Primal Spirit.

State and Altars Emperor's Primal Spirit.

At that time, he shall match the achievements of the ancient sage kings, likewise traverse heaven and earth, and awe the age.

Zhang Jian finished his cultivation, at this moment he gazed upward, as his surrounding spiritual mechanisms retracted, his gaze fell, and that jujube tree seemed to possess spirituality, with a dozen or so round, yellow jujubes falling down, large and plump.

"This old jujube tree is quite clever!"

Seeing this scene, Zhang Jian smiled faintly.

This jujube tree has been nourished by his magical power for years, gradually nurturing spirituality, magical power nourishment, spring passing and autumn coming, it also received fortune's favor, becoming a spiritual tree.

"But a dozen or so is not enough; later, distinguished guests will come to the mansion, so bring out some of your stores!"

Upon hearing this, the jujube tree trembled slightly, and dozens of jujubes flashing with spiritual light fell from the treetop, each round and plump, containing radiant spiritual luster.

Seeing this scene, Zhang Jian again sent the maidservant to the small kitchen to prepare several plates of snacks and dishes.

Not long after, the gatekeeper came in to report, the Inner Court Superintendent, the Black-Clothed Guards Commander Chaomu came to pay a visit.

Zhang Jian smiled faintly, did not go to greet him personally, but merely had someone guide Chaomu inside.

Hearing the footsteps behind him, Zhang Jian laughed and said.

"Commander Chaomu personally visits my humble abode, yet I did not go to the gate to welcome him personally; I still ask for your understanding!"

Chaomu's pair of eyes fell upon the few dishes of small vegetables beneath the jujube tree, and the two plates of spiritual jujubes, and instead his face bore a smile.

He did not take it to heart, for this very trip of his was to seek Zhang Jian's help, so of course he could not possibly mind Zhang Jian's "neglect"; at present, he worries whether Zhang Jian is willing to help.

"Master Zhang, you flatter me—such fine wine and dishes, I'm so delighted I can barely contain myself!"

Zhang Jian made a gesture!

He immediately sat down with delight, his face full of smiles.

Seeing this, Zhang Jian understood at once—he had not guessed wrong; Mu Chao had clearly come to ask for his help. He then picked up the jade piece in his hand, and simply chatted with Mu Chao about some amusing banquet anecdotes and court news while they sat facing each other.

Upon seeing Zhang Jian's expression, Mu Chao's eyes flickered, and he smiled.

"Master Zhang, to be frank, I have entered your residence this time with a request—I sincerely hope you will grant me this great favor!"

At this moment, Mu Chao did not intend to beat around the bush; he did not speak of aiding the court, but spoke of himself, full of sincerity.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian replied.

"Chief Mu, please speak plainly!"

Mu Chao then said: "Master Zhang is no ordinary mortal, so I shall speak directly—you attended the recent court audiences, and surely you are aware of the nightmare His Majesty mentioned in court. This dream is no illusion; a few days ago, vandals attacked a forbidden site near the Chengguang Gate, releasing the dragon vein resentful spirits sealed within. These spirits ran rampant, countless resentful spirits scattered, and already some commoners have undergone strange transformations!"

Although the situation was initially brought under control by my Black-Clothed Guards, and the dragon vein resentful spirits were largely subdued, they cannot be refined—this is also why His Majesty has summoned numerous high adepts from the Daoist sects into Haojing City!

But I have heard that Master Zhang possesses another marvelous method in your hand, capable of casting spells to purify and absorb the resentful spirits within the dragon vein. May I ask Master Zhang to lend your strength to help us quell this calamity? Once successful, the court will surely not neglect one such as you, a meritorious servant!

Mu Chao slightly bowed his hands.

At this moment, he could no longer regard Zhang Jian as merely a simple scholar-official.

The Zhang Jian before him is moreover a powerful one whose depth is unknown.

To speak frankly, if not for Zhang Jian repeatedly aiding the court in resolving disasters, I would have reason to suspect that the one who opened the Three-Eye Demon-Suppressing Well is none other than the Zhang Jian before me……

At this moment, Zhang Jian's expression became solemn and upright.

"As for the rampage of the dragon vein resentful spirits, I too have heard of it—this is indeed a tremendous calamity. Should the dragon vein resentful spirits scatter and infiltrate the major earth veins of Haojing City, the harm would be deep and far-reaching. This official also bears an inescapable responsibility and will naturally assist the court, lending His Majesty a helping hand!"

Mu Chao's eyes lit up, and he could not help but praise.

"Master Zhang truly possesses loyal heart and righteous courage—having such virtuous talent as you assist the court is the court's fortune, and also the people's fortune!"

Zhang Jian's face remained calm, and he simply said lightly: "However, I would still ask Chief Mu to elaborate on the details of the dragon vein's condition, so that I may make preparations!"

"And nothing must be omitted!"

"This is only proper!"

Mu Chao nodded repeatedly, and some doubts in his eyes also began to dissipate at this moment.

In the court, Zhang Jian among the many officials—indeed, in their eyes, they are all upright and loyal, owing to the halo bestowed by the righteous aura.

Previously, the sages and worthies who bore the righteous aura gave people the first impression of loyalty, so no one would harbor suspicion.

Given that Zhang Jian before us possesses the righteous aura, it stands to reason he would be no different from the sages of old.

Yet Mu Chao harbored some doubts in his heart—he felt Zhang Jian always carried some clouds of suspicion. Now, seeing Zhang Jian readily agree without mentioning conditions, Mu Chao dispelled these doubts.

To assist the court unconditionally in eliminating the dragon vein resentful spirits—this compassion for heaven and pity for mankind is genuine; his earlier doubts must have been baseless.

Mu Chao indeed could not have imagined that in heaven and earth there could still exist a situation like Zhang Jian's—first possessing the heart of a sage, then endowed with the righteous aura.

This righteous aura is not something Zhang Jian cultivated himself, but rather an external object that inherently possesses it.

However, Zhang Jian does indeed have a compassionate heart, but his loyalty is to himself; his pity for heaven and mankind is not because of the Great Qian court, but because of the common people.

His righteous aura grows because of the mountains and rivers, the common people—not because of anything else.

……

A month's time passed in the blink of an eye.

With the passage of time, the interior and exterior of Haojing City became increasingly bustling.

Daoist high adepts from various commanderies entering the city grew ever more numerous, including many renowned cultivators of high attainment; these Daoists, upon entering the capital, immediately became honored guests of the various princes, nobles, and even the mansions of imperial princes.

Compared to this, the Hall of Selecting Talents at the Ministry of Rites' examination in early February seemed rather lackluster in scale.

During this month, Zhang Jian mostly attended his duties at the Literary and Martial Institute as usual; in his leisure time, he would occasionally enter the Eastern Study to borrow and read classics, without urgency.

Of course, during this time he also did not forget to temper his magical power.

The third tribulation of the Yin Spirit is called the Heart-Monkey Willfulness Tribulation, also known as the Groundless Tribulation.

This tribulation's danger far surpasses the previous two; even one possessing the righteous aura, Zhang Jian must make preparations, lest he be caught off guard.

In fact, during this time Zhang Jian more wished to use this opportunity to investigate one or two core areas of the Shu Kingdom's dragon vein, but for unknown reasons, Mu Chao repeatedly refused him on the grounds that the Great Qian court was currently establishing altars and surveying the reality of the Shu Kingdom's dragon vein.

Zhang Jian faintly sensed there was another hidden matter within; he too was curious and sought ways to investigate.

The investigative marvel he comprehended from the《Mirror Moon Scripture》was profoundly wondrous, and he did indeed find a trace of clues.

However, due to the lack of concrete examples and experience, he could not yet reach a definite conclusion.

……

Deep in the Eastern Mausoleum, Yuan Geng sat in charge within the Prayer to Heaven Bureau, frowning, his face at this moment gloomy.

Only hearing him angrily curse: "Those fellows in the Observatory are truly useless—after such a long time, they still cannot find where that dragon soul is! Have I raised a pack of wine sacks and rice bags for the Great Qian?!"

Mu Chao stood beside him, frowning, and said lightly.

"The time left for us is little; if we still cannot find that dragon vein, we can only proceed with the original plan to hold the Grand Peace Purification Rite!"

Mu Chao's expression also carried some helplessness.

The dragon soul, like the true dragon, possesses part of the true dragon's nature—it can expand or contract, and is extremely adept at hiding.

If the imperial corpse were still present, it would be perfectly fine to use the connection between the imperial corpse and the Shu Kingdom's dragon vein to lure it out.

But the imperial corpse is gone.

They also have no way.

Those capable of finding the dragon soul are likely only the professionals, the "Ancestor of the Cavern Spirit Sect"!

Yet the Ancestor of the Cavern Spirit Sect is currently active in the deep wilderness at this critical juncture.

Mu Chao and Yuan Geng stared at each other, wide-eyed, able to see each other's helplessness in their eyes.

The dragon soul is indeed a fine thing—especially a masterless dragon vein dragon soul.

Once captured, using it to refine dharma can cultivate a true dragon of dharma protection, equivalent to gaining an additional primordial spirit of yuanshen level for dharma protection; the benefits in dharma combat need not be elaborated.

What is most remarkable is its considerable growth potential, capable of growing alongside one's own cultivation progress.

Used for refining artifacts, it is sufficient to forge a spiritual treasure of yuanshen level.

There may even be hope to cultivate a true lord's spiritual treasure.

"Fellow Daoist Dongshen, have you received any news in return?"

Yuan Geng looked toward Zhaomu.

Zhaomu shook his head and said: "No!"

Yuan Geng's gaze flickered.

Zhaomu suddenly had a thought and asked: "If we completely cleanse the resentment and evil spirits within the dragon vein, Fellow Daoist, do you have a method to obtain that dragon soul?"

"Do you have a way?"

Yuan Geng's expression froze.

"You only need to tell me—possible or not?"

Zhaomu glanced at Yuan Geng.

Yuan Geng let out a light snort: "Of course it's possible. Currently, most of that dragon vein is surging with resentment and evil spirits. After purification, how much dragon vein essence could remain? At worst, we simply absorb it all—how could the dragon soul escape?"

"The problem is the resentment and evil spirits in that dragon vein—can you cleanse them completely?! Without the Tai Ping Zhai Jiao Dharma Assembly, how could we possibly fully liberate them?"

Zhaomu's gaze flickered, and he said.

"Trying it won't hurt!"

……

Before Chengguang Gate

Several kilometers around this area have already been completely controlled by the black-clad guards of the imperial court, with numerous altars densely scattered throughout the surroundings.

Many Daoists from Dongshen Guan are busy within.

Zhang Jian and Zhaomu appeared before the gate; at this moment, Zhang Jian's eyes flashed with a strange glint that vanished instantly.

He too could be considered returning to familiar ground.

But this time, he entered this place openly and righteously.

At this moment, in Zhang Jian's spiritual eyes, one could see numerous dragon vein resentments resembling a subterranean fire volcano on the verge of eruption, with the accumulated resentment and evil spirits beneath the dragon vein being astonishingly vast.

To other Daoists, these dragon resentments might be a great disaster, but in his eyes, they are a treasure capable of reducing his cultivation time by several years!

Differences in comprehension of heavenly and earthly powers lead to vastly different perspectives on the problem!

But in his eyes, these dragon vein resentments are purely a heaven-sent resource for the advancement of the Qinglian Purifying Soul Mantra.