Chapter 351: Body Refining (4K)===GLOSSARY===

Zhang Lu's eyes flickered with a bloodthirsty hue.

These Wei clan disciples from the Dongshen Guan, when they acted, could also take advantage of the opportunity to openly and righteously resolve part of the Wei clan vassal kings.

At this moment, in another corner of the Guan Tian Tai, Daoist Dongjue could not bear to witness this scene, and the cries of misery on the square rose and fell one after another.

Among them were cries for help, which fell into Daoist Dongjue's ears, making her Dao heart unable to calm down.

Beside her was Daoist Huanghe.

Daoist Huanghe glanced indifferently at the slaughter below, and sighed.

"Since ancient times, dynastic changes have piled up corpses like mountains, Dongjue, you need not concern yourself with them anymore; what you should help, what you should not help, you have already done! Their fate is self-inflicted destruction!"

"By taking this step, they have also completely severed the last ties between Dongshen Guan and them!"

Daoist Huanghe's eyes flickered with a hint of coldness.

To some extent, these Wei clan disciples below are all disciples who have betrayed their teachers and destroyed their ancestors.

These people, taking advantage of the elders' weakness, actually wanted to betray their teachers and destroy their ancestors—such conduct deserves death.

The elders within the Guan have actually never ceased to doubt Daoist Dongjue.

If it were not for Daoist Jingming's death-defying protection of Daoist Dongjue, Daoist Dongjue would have long been implicated.

……

Within the imperial palace, Zhang Jian was currently handling state affairs in the palace.

Emperor Qiyuan sat weakly to one side.

After Emperor Zhang Jian presented the memorial, he hurriedly picked up the imperial seal beside him, stamped it, and then distributed it to the nearby little yellow gates for storage, to be handed over the next day to the various department ministers for item-by-item processing.

Zhang Jian gazed at the memorial in his hand, feeling somewhat practiced and effortless.

Although he had no experience as a local official sent out to the provinces, after retrieving the soul imprint from his past life, his accumulated wisdom from countless lifetimes fully returned, filling this deficiency; combined with the accumulated wisdom from countless ancient texts, he handled things with great ease.

If truly unable, he could also directly fantasize and deduce using the Great Art of Wandering Through the Grand Void.

Having cultivated the Great Art of Wandering Through the Grand Void to this extent, he can now, with a single thought, manifest all beings, evolve myriad wondrous phenomena, or separately condense a portion of his divine awareness into a seal to cast into heaven and earth, manifesting it as living beings, allowing them to cultivate on their own, thereby gaining insight into different life experiences.

After Zhang Jian finished processing numerous memorials, Emperor Qiyuan, seated on the throne, suddenly spoke.

"Chancellor…… I……"

He was a little nervous, also somewhat timid.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian turned around, his gaze toward Emperor Qiyuan, and said calmly: "Your Majesty, what do you wish to say? Speak directly!"

Hearing this, Emperor Qiyuan gathered his courage and quickly said: "Chancellor, I wish to appoint you as Imperial Tutor—may I?"

Zhang Jian turned around, gazing at this young Son of Heaven.

"How could Your Majesty suddenly have such an idea?"

Emperor Qiyuan, meeting Zhang Jian's gaze, spoke softly.

"Chancellor, your wisdom is like the sea; they all say you are a sage. The ancients said to take sages as teachers—this is the wonderful method of virtue. I have received the support of sages, invited heavenly fortune, and thus ascended the great treasure. I wish to constantly seek your advice, engrave your teachings!"

Zhang Jian's gaze was deep, as he glanced at Emperor Qiyuan.

Emperor Qiyuan is timid, lacks independent judgment, but is not foolish.

To maintain his presence in the treacherous, ever-changing harem, the Crown Prince possesses his own survival wisdom.

However, such methods are still too immature for Zhang Jian.

The title of Imperial Tutor holds little value for him—it is merely an empty honor—but Emperor Qiyuan can rely on his influence to gradually take control of the palace.

Zhang Jian will not give Emperor Qiyuan any hope.

Nor does he wish for him to think too much.

Zhang Jian said calmly: "What I, your servant, most enjoy seeing is Your Majesty living happily and joyfully; other matters, Your Majesty need not worry about, nor need to fret!"

He stepped forward and directly left the Jingtai Hall.

Amid rows of candlelight, Emperor Qiyuan slightly lost in thought, gazing at Zhang Jian's retreating back, his silhouette swaying in the candlelight, he felt a sudden chill blow past, making him unconsciously pull tight his dragon robe woven of black and red threads.

Beside him, several little yellow gates stood with calm expressions, merely bowing their heads in utmost obedience.

……

As Zhang Jian exited the palace, Zhang Lu followed behind, trotting up.

"My lord, everything has been properly dealt with!"

At this moment, he appeared beside Zhang Jian, some twitching of the brows and eyes, though his eyes still retained a faint trace of killing intent that had not faded.

Behind him, his fate at this moment coalesced into the image of a winged white tiger in the stars, its domineering eyes filled entirely with red light.

Zhang Jian's expression remained unchanged, merely saying calmly:

"Continue investigating, keep a close watch on those clan relatives and nobles; recently, the Emperor has undergone significant changes, grown somewhat older, and inevitably will have many thoughts!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lu furrowed his brow.

Immediately, Zhang Jian glanced at Zhang Lu and asked:

"A Lu, you have now stepped into the Heavenly Human stage; next comes the Earthly Immortal-Demon realm. During this time, you may come to my residence each morning, and I will each morning explain the body-refining methods in my residence!"

What Zhang Jian said was worth your attention, naturally not only Zhang Lu.

But also many martial artists from the families of generals.

Zhang Jian is also using this method to cultivate the wings of the Zhang family.

"Body-refining methods?"

Zhang Lu's pupils moved, his eyes showing some surprise.

Zhang Jian casually said:

"Body-refining methods are martial arts for tempering the body, or internal martial arts cultivation; in ancient times, some regions practiced body-refining methods widely, their physical strength so formidable they could even traverse the heavens, shatter the void, in no way inferior to any ancient gods and demons, and ultimately capable of attaining the form of a divine beast or demonic body!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lu's eyes lit up, and he immediately clasped his fists.

Thank you, my lord!

After a slight pause, Zhang Lu suddenly asked again: "My lord, does the astrological martial arts secret method still have prospects?"

Zhang Jian glanced at Zhang Lu.

The potential of the astrological martial arts jointly created by the Star Mansion Palace and the Grotto Spirit Observatory is immense, but with the fall of the Grotto Spirit Observatory's various state-protecting True Persons and the severe injury of the Star Mansion Palace's state-protecting True Person, research has come to an abrupt halt.

This is extremely regrettable.

Zhang Jian also intends to perfect this path.

Among his Four Heavenly Sons' destinies, one is the Purple Micro Emperor Lord destiny.

The Purple Micro Emperor Lord is born with the stars gathering to protect him!

The more civil and military officials in the court who possess astrological destinies, the greater the assistance to the new dynasty's lord who holds the Purple Micro Emperor Lord position, and it can also aid this destiny in undergoing another transformation.

Setting aside this small benefit, if he can independently open a path, let it penetrate heaven and earth, be honored as an ancestor, he will still have some fate in the future.

Moreover, for him who is not skilled in body-refining methods, astrological martial arts is also a supplement.

Now that he has condensed the immortal body, he should also seek comprehensive development.

The authority of the State and Altar Emperor Lord is originally to embrace all rivers; the more power and knowledge he grasps, the higher his limit becomes.

Naturally, his Dao cultivation is stronger.

Zhang Jian then said: "The potential of astrological martial arts is not small; I will negotiate with the Star Mansion Palace on this matter and strive to restore and perfect the cultivation method of Star Mansion martial arts!"

"My lord is wise!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lu's eyes brightened, and he gave a hehe smile.

Most of the military generals in the Great Qian army practice astrological martial arts; if our lord can perfect this path and form a great path to longevity, the effects it could produce need not be elaborated.

……

After leaving the palace, Zhang Lu returned to the Black-Clothed Guard Office, while Zhang Jian went straight to the Star Mansion Palace's residence.

The residence of the Star Mansion Palace is in the Emperor's Grove Ward in the eastern part of the city; here, temples and observatories are everywhere, bustling extraordinarily throughout the year.

However, most of them are ordinary temples and observatories; these forest observatories are basically centered on the Grotto Spirit Observatory, and there are not many capable Daoists inside.

Cultivators with some Dao cultivation generally avoid places like Haojing with thick dragon qi, and they also cannot tolerate the strict rules of the Grotto Spirit Observatory.

After all, not every disciple of the Grotto Spirit Observatory speaks reason; encountering those who do not, these cultivators will inevitably suffer misfortune.

Unable to fight back or file a complaint, with no way to heaven or earth, which cultivators would willingly endure such injustice?

The Daoist observatory of the Star Mansion Palace is named the Zhou Tian Observatory; at this time, it coincides with the reshuffling of major forces in Haojing City, and the Star Mansion Palace has long since closed its doors and refused guests.

After Zhang Jian arrived, not long after, the observatory gates opened from within, and the Huo Xing Daoist led many disciples out to welcome him.

"Prime Minister Zhang's grand arrival brings glory to our humble observatory!"

From afar, one could see this elder of the Star Mansion Palace wearing a silver-white starlight robe; he is of medium build, with loose, long hair simply bound by a copper hoop, yet his eyes carry a carefree expression; at this moment, his visage is solemn, slightly bearing a solemn color.

Beside him are many white-robed Daoist boys and disciples, each appearing as if facing a great enemy.

Seeing the expressions of the crowd, Zhang Jian's mouth corner slightly revealed a hint of a smile as he said: "Huo Xing Daoist friend, no need for formalities; I am merely moving from extreme stillness, taking a casual stroll!"

Huo Xing Daoist, upon hearing this, could not really believe in his heart that Zhang Jian was just taking a casual walk.

However, he also knows that this day will eventually come.

His information is not blocked.

Although the Great Qian court up and down seems no different from during the reign of the Jingwu Heavenly Son, he has also inquired clearly that now the court up and down is almost entirely under the unilateral control of this Zhang Prime Minister.

Civil and military officials all take the Zhang family as their mainstay.

This means that if this Zhang Prime Minister wishes to change heaven and earth, in the future there will probably be little difficulty.

And the Star Mansion Palace and the Grotto Spirit Observatory are allies, with close relations to Great Qian.

This necessarily requires making a decision here.

Huo Xing Daoist also has mental preparation at this moment; he then led Zhang Jian into the observatory.

Along the way, Zhang Jian saw many distinctive pavilions, towers, and halls; these pavilions, towers, and halls are hollow and ethereal, as if covered with countless silver-white runes, resembling the manifestation of Zhou Tian starlight, captivating and enchanting.

Among these starlights, Zhang Jian saw danger and killing intent.

The Zhou Tian Observatory has been laid with many fierce killing formations.

Zhang Jian, however, does not mind this, merely commenting.

"This place is serene and tranquil; the Daoist friends of the Star Mansion Palace are indeed at ease and carefree!"

Huo Xing Daoist followed beside him, smiling faintly: "Most disciples in our Star Mansion Palace do not like to engage in worldly affairs, but rather prefer to delve into the path of cultivation! The great path to longevity is what we seek!"

Zhang Jian's mouth corner slightly revealed a hint of a smile; Huo Xing Daoist is expressing his stance to him.

Seeing Zhang Jian's expression as noncommittal, Huo Xing Daoist secretly felt embarrassed.

Although the Star Mansion Palace is not weak in strength, when it comes to foundation, it is still inferior to those prominent immortal sects.

This Zhang Prime Minister, in the previous battle at Guangyuan City in North Chu, he could clearly sense.

With one person's power, he trapped the three ancestral elders of the Nie Mo Sect, as well as other North Chu state-protecting True Persons.

Such strength is not something the Star Mansion Palace can provoke.

Moreover, there is also Tong Mountain behind him, an equally hidden Daoist tradition.

Merely seeking neutrality, I fear, is also difficult!

"However, if this Zhang Prime Minister can shield the Star Mansion Palace from calamity, then changing allegiance is not impossible……"

At this moment, Huo Xing Daoist had this thought flash through his mind.

When the Star Mansion Palace initially chose to cooperate and ally with the Grotto Spirit Observatory, besides wanting to use this to strengthen the Star Mansion Palace's lineage's qi flow, opening sources and conserving flow, it also valued the Grotto Spirit Observatory's power, borrowing the prestige of the Grotto Spirit Teaching Ancestor to intimidate the Star Mansion Palace's mortal enemies, thus self-preserving.

However, Huo Xing Daoist still harbors hesitation in his heart at this moment.

Now, the Grotto Spirit Teaching Ancestor is not fallen, merely missing.

Huo Xing Daoist's thoughts turned like lightning, and he still decided to wait and see.

Zhang Jian's expression remained calm; after entering the main hall, host and guest took their seats, briefly discussed a few matters, and Zhang Jian looked toward Huo Xing True Person and said.

"If this official is not mistaken, Daoist Huo Xing, the backlash you are suffering now is also considerable. Have you ever considered that the Star Mansion Palace is also in danger at present?"

Upon hearing this, Daoist Huo Xing's heart sank.

He immediately clasped his hands and asked.

"I do not know if the Chancellor has any good advice?"

Zhang Jian's mouth curled into a faint smile, but he merely shook his head and said: "The tribulation of the Star Mansion Palace must ultimately be borne by the Star Mansion Palace itself; this official is also powerless!"

After a slight pause, Zhang Jian continued.

"After all, this official is an outsider and cannot interfere in others' family affairs—this is what is called 'an honest official finds it hard to judge family matters'!"

Daoist Huo Xing's mouth twitched slightly; he did not know whether Zhang Jian's words meant the tribulation came from this Chancellor himself, or referred to others.

But he felt he still needed to clarify his words, and was about to speak when Zhang Jian shifted the topic.

"Daoist Huo Xing, according to this official's knowledge, the celestial martial arts in the army mainly originate from your palace. This official is also quite curious about this art—may I trouble you to allow me to observe it?"

"This..."

Upon hearing this, Daoist Huo Xing's heart startled, his thoughts flashing like lightning, yet he saw Zhang Jian take a slight sip of the fragrant tea in his hand, then leisurely continue.

"Of course, such secret arts are the sect's untransmittable mysteries and cannot be disclosed—this official understands. Daoist Huo Xing, you need not concern yourself!"

Daoist Huo Xing pondered for a moment, then still clasped his hands and said.

"What the Chancellor says is not true—this celestial martial art is not some profound secret transmission. If the Chancellor is interested, I will have my disciples copy a copy for you!"

Although the celestial martial art is profound, it is ultimately merely a Yin Spirit-level technique.

It has also not yet been perfected.

Daoist Huo Xing currently does not wish to leave Zhang Jian with the impression that the Star Mansion Palace intends to oppose him.

"No trouble is best!"

Zhang Jian nodded slightly.

He glanced at Daoist Huo Xing; although this journey did not succeed in changing the Star Mansion Palace's stance, he had roughly grasped their attitude.

The Star Mansion Palace appears unwilling to intervene on behalf of the Great Qian royal family—this is best of all.

What follows will naturally be 'peaceful times'.

All that is needed is to smoothly complete the transition.

……

After Zhang Jian left the Star Mansion Palace, he continued to contemplate the Nine Dragons True Scripture.

His first protective law, the Red Dragon, was not far from completion.

With an endless supply of dragon qi and imperial qi supporting him, on this day the Red Dragon finally achieved virtual-to-substantial manifestation.

But seen deep within the Yellow Court Blessed Land, the Red Dragon soared into the heavens, its majestic dragon's roar echoing through heaven and earth, shaking the firmament.

With the initial completion of the Nine Dragons True Scripture, this phenomenon's omen is no trivial matter.

At this moment, Zhang Jian's expression also showed some turbulence—this is a truly wonderful method capable of commanding the nation's dragon qi and imperial qi.

The best way is undoubtedly to combine it with the use of one dynasty's dragon qi and imperial qi.

Zhang Jian can imagine the ancient sage kings mobilizing one dynasty's dragon qi and imperial qi to operate such a method—how magnificent its power must be.

No wonder it suppresses countless cultivators, unable to lift their heads.

Such primordial immortal arts may be called national destiny immortal arts.

Upon achieving the first Red Dragon, Zhang Jian noticed deep within the brow's destiny palace, another strange destiny pattern had arisen in response.