Chapter 382: Five Spirit Body (Combined Two Chapters, Two Updates, Requesting Monthly Tickets!!)

East wing of the courtyard.

Li Rui's body emitted yellow true qi, growing denser until it fully enveloped him.

Hss.

As if falling into a lake, he suddenly sank and vanished beneath the ground.

The next instant.

Li Rui appeared underground.

At this moment, he moved like a fish, freely passing through rock and soil.

This was the marvel of the Thick Earth Body.

After years of cultivation, Li Rui gradually realized that while the Five Spirits Body Refinement Immortal Art was no more lethal than martial arts, in all other aspects, it far surpassed the martial path.

Take the Thick Earth Body, for instance—once perfected, it granted the ability to tunnel through earth.

It spared him the trouble of digging.

Li Rui had tried it several times and was already proficient.

He drifted along.

Searching for a suitable hidden chamber location.

As he searched—

Suddenly, he felt something.

"Hmm?"

An odd sensation rose within him; something below seemed to be drawing him.

Li Rui paused, thinking.

Then he slowed his pace and cautiously swam toward one direction.

Not long after—

The surrounding rock and soil suddenly vanished; with a thud, he fell into a hidden tunnel.

Though utterly dark, faint green glows dotted the tunnel walls, making it far from gloomy.

"Moon pearls?"

Li Rui was startled.

He saw that every zhang along the tunnel walls was embedded with a moon pearl.

Moon pearls were rare treasures, immensely valuable—embedding so many was truly an extravagant feat.

Li Rui came to a stop.

He gazed at the green-lit tunnel, unsure where it led.

The thing drawing him seemed to lie at the tunnel's end.

Yet Li Rui did not immediately head that way; instead, he walked in the opposite direction.

Moments later, he spotted a pile of stones forming something like an altar, clearly long abandoned.

Seeing this, Li Rui's heart stirred.

"Immortal's mansion?"

He recalled the scrolls from Wenxian Tower.

Secret sects had sought immortals for countless millennia—and they had found something.

Like immortal mansions.

After the ancient Immortal Court vanished, Chixianshenzhou still held many immortal relics, especially immortal mansions.

The great immortal sects had been utterly destroyed long ago, during the collapse of the Dao.

Later generations could mostly find only scattered cultivator caves.

This hidden tunnel matched almost exactly the descriptions in the scrolls.

Li Rui narrowed his eyes.

Such caves were nearly harmless—after millions of years, all protective measures had long dissolved into the river of time.

Not even a cultivator like him was needed; even ordinary mortals could enter.

There were even legends of commoners stumbling into immortal ruins and gaining great fortune.

Li Rui's heart leapt.

He then turned toward the other direction.

A half-hour later.

He arrived at a chamber no more than three zhang across; nearly everything inside had rotted away, barely recognizable as beds and wooden cabinets.

Li Rui searched thoroughly.

As expected.

He found nothing.

Not all ancient cultivators were great masters; treasures that could endure for ten thousand years were, even in the ancient Immortal Court, top-tier divine artifacts.

Such fruitless immortal caves were, in fact, the norm for secret sects seeking immortals.

Otherwise, why would the secret sect's strongest elders spend years as ascetics, vanishing into deep mountains?

Why would immortal traces have nearly become legend?

Li Rui was not discouraged.

Though this place held no treasures, it was perfect as a hidden chamber.

It lay dozens of zhang beneath the surface.

Even a terrestrial immortal might struggle to find him—extremely secure.

And it saved him the labor of excavation.

Li Rui gazed at the ready-made cave and nodded in satisfaction.

Just as he prepared to refurbish the cave—

The three spiritual energies within him suddenly stirred violently.

Li Rui frowned slightly, then closed his eyes and sensed inward.

After about an incense stick's time—

He opened his eyes again, shining with excitement.

'The spiritual energy concentration here is far higher than on the surface!'

This discovery astonished Li Rui.

He recalled the legends of cave heavens and blessed lands.

'In ancient times, cave heavens and blessed lands existed—cultivating within them equaled one day's progress to a year outside; such places were often home to immortal sects, accessible only to those who joined them.'

In short—

Spiritual energy was unevenly distributed: some places had more, others less.

Places with abundant energy were called cave heavens and blessed lands.

This mansion was nowhere near as extraordinary as the legendary cave heavens, but cultivating the Five Spirits Body Refinement Art here yielded more than triple the effect of the surface.

Cultivators often spoke of wealth, companions, methods, and location.

The 'location' referred to places rich in spiritual energy.

This discovery filled Li Rui with delight.

'Perfect place.'

Half an hour later.

Li Rui reappeared in his room at Pojun Fortress.

He stepped out of the courtyard.

There he saw Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong waiting in the city's training ground.

Li Rui quickened his pace: 'Sorry to keep you two waiting.'

Nie Siming waved dismissively with a smile: 'This city is new—it needs proper organization, since we'll be staying here long-term.'

Bigwigs like Zhou Dinghai and Xue Gui naturally only held positions in the rear.

We lower-ranking officers may not fight daily on the frontlines, but we must often garrison at Pojun Fortress to guard against surprises.

'Let's go.'

Li Rui said.

Then the group rode out of Pojun Fortress toward the depths of the Ten Thousand Mountains.

Months passed.

Vast stretches of forest in the Ten Thousand Mountains had been burned; several towering fortresses were visible even from Qinghe Enclosure.

These fortresses nearly encircled Zijin Palace.

Several major battles had erupted during this time.

Yet Annan Town, with its greater numbers and stronger warriors, had repelled every counterattack by Zijin Palace.

Though no full-scale war had broken out, minor skirmishes never ceased.

'Big brother, those bastards at Zijin Palace are cunning—last night they ambushed one of Fu Tao's fortresses; word is many died.'

Ning Zhongtian came to Li Rui's courtyard and said.

Li Rui smiled lightly:

'Fourth brother, you'd better be careful.'

Unlike him.

Ning Zhongtian is a Assistant Regional Commander, and inevitably must go to garrison the Seventy-Two Forts.

Li Rui had no solution.

Provincial Military Commander Zhou could permit flexibility in trivial matters, but on anything concerning warfare, he was always absolute.

Otherwise, once this precedent is set, who would still be willing to fight on the front lines?

Ning Zhongtian: "Big brother, rest assured."

Today happened to be his turn for duty, which is why he came to Pojun Fort to see Li Rui.

Then he told Li Rui about the situation on the front lines.

It was nerve-wracking.

The Purple Gold Sect's elites frequently launched night raids—never taking much, killing a few men and fleeing.

No one could sleep soundly.

Of course.

The soldiers of Annan Town did the same, both sides constantly probing.

This was precisely what Li Rui had anticipated.

It was common to hear of sieges lasting months, even decades; the current situation in Annan Town was remarkably similar.

In truth, most of the time was spent probing.

Even more absurdly, both sides sometimes halted fighting during certain seasons to conduct trade.

If there were constant large-scale battles every day,

Everyone would be dead within days.

Neither the Purple Gold Palace nor the Yu Kingdom's imperial court could afford such a cost.

A nation may appear powerful, yet is incredibly fragile.

One battle could erase an empire that seemed utterly stable.

Thus, both nations remained cautious and restrained regarding large-scale war.

They sought stability, not to lose their thrones in a single clash.

Even so, the soldiers on the front lines lived far from comfortable lives.

Li Rui couldn't help but feel relieved.

Fortunately, his rank was high enough; otherwise, no matter how he concealed himself, he could never have escaped the duty of guarding the fort.

How could he now enjoy such leisure?

Ning Zhongtian stayed in Pojun Fort for half a day, handed over command to Cao Wei, then hurried back to Qinghe—he didn't want to stay a single moment longer.

At nightfall.

Li Rui, who should have been inside his room, had vanished.

Somewhere beneath the Ten Thousand Mountains.

Li Rui sat cross-legged in meditation.

The secret chamber had changed drastically: not only had Li Rui cleaned it thoroughly, but he'd also brought in a bed, cabinets, and all manner of furniture.

Though not one who sought luxury, he couldn't live in squalor either.

With a thought,

Five-colored true qi radiated from Li Rui's body.

Excellent.

After nearly a year of cultivation, he had finally completed the final stage of the Five Spirits Body Art: the Sharp Metal Body.

"Heaven has five thieves; those who perceive them flourish. The five thieves reside in the heart, manifesting in heaven—gathering the Five Elements' qi to refine the body, forming the Five Spirits Body, impervious to all evils."

The next instant,

Under the guidance of his mind, the five-colored true qi around Li Rui began to twist and merge.

"Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood, Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal."

The Five Elements generate and overcome each other.

The Sharp Metal Body, Azure Wood Body, Dark Water Body, Fiery Flame Body, and Thick Earth Body influenced and entangled one another, subtly resisting.

Li Rui frowned slightly.

Then, Immortal Xuan Qi emerged from his dantian, like a general commanding his troops, forcibly aligning the Five Spirits' true qi.

The five types of true qi returned into his body.

Lungs: Metal, Heart: Fire, Liver: Wood, Kidneys: Water, Spleen: Earth

Metal resides in the lungs, Fire in the heart, Wood in the liver, Water in the kidneys, Earth in the spleen—Immortal Xuan Qi harmonized at the center of the dantian.

"Immortal Xuan Qi is balanced and harmonious, best suited for integration."

Li Rui's heart leapt with joy.

Under the influence of Immortal Xuan Qi, the Five Spirits' true qi gradually merged, forming an invisible barrier-like presence around his body.

The Five Elements' power cycled endlessly, without end.

Only then did Li Rui open his eyes.

"Done!"

"This is the Five Spirits Body?" Li Rui gazed curiously at the invisible barrier enveloping him.

"When the Five Spirits Body reaches minor completion, it forms the Five Spirits Shield, capable of withstanding immense force, impervious to water and fire."

With this Five Spirits Shield,

His ability to survive would greatly increase!

Li Rui's heart swelled with delight.

Compared to offensive techniques, he valued defensive methods far more.

He sought immortality—living long mattered greatly, and to live long, one must first be hard to kill.

Li Rui couldn't help but wonder.

Just how strong was this Five Spirits Shield?

Thinking this, he drew the Immortal Blade Zhanjiao, resting beside him.

He unleashed his full strength.

!

Full power!

Zhanjiao slashed violently toward the Five Spirits Shield.

Silent and uneventful.

As if striking mud, Zhanjiao slowed progressively until it halted midair, unable to move an inch further.

Seeing this,

Li Rui's eyes brightened.

This Five Spirits Shield could block his full-power strike!

"Excellent."

Li Rui's lips curled slightly upward.

He knew his combat power was among the very top in the Primordial Realm—few could withstand his full-force slash.

"I wonder if it could withstand a third-rank strike."

Quickly,

Li Rui shook his head.

Not because he couldn't withstand it, but because he would never conduct such an experiment—or rather, before he reached the upper three ranks, he would never let such a thing happen.

He despised the reckless, life-threatening practice of challenging higher ranks.

He preferred overwhelming dominance after strengthening his own power.

Moreover, the upper three ranks were incomparable to the Primordial Realm.

Li Rui had witnessed He Qianian's power—it was truly tyrannical.

Dozens of Primordial experts couldn't withstand a single punch from He Qianian.

One more survival technique.

Li Rui's mood improved greatly.

He immediately activated the Five Spirits Body and returned to his room.

It was already the middle of the night.

He crawled into bed and fell into deep sleep.

The next morning,

When Li Rui stepped out of the courtyard, he saw Nie Siming preparing to lead a squad out of the city—his expression was anxious, with faint traces of murderous intent.

He quickened his pace.

"Brother Nie, heading out of the city?"

Nie Siming nodded, his face dark.

"Yes."

"A fort to our west has been massacred."

Hearing this, Li Rui was startled: "Massacred? Was it a surprise attack by the Purple Gold Palace's army?"

Nie Siming shook his head: "No, according to the intelligence received, a powerful figure must have suddenly broken in."

"One person?"

Li Rui frowned.

A single person slaughtering an entire fortress—his strength is no simple matter.

Even Nie Siming might not be able to accomplish it; he could be a third-rank Tongxuan-level expert.

"Brother Nie, since the situation is unclear, it's safer to wait for reinforcements."

Nie Siming grunted:

"I've already sent word to Master Liu; he'll arrive soon. I'm just going ahead with my eighth brother to scout the situation—we won't engage anyone."

Upon hearing this,

Li Rui stopped his attempts to dissuade him.

Both Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong were peak Xiantian experts; traveling together offered mutual support.

Moreover, both carried the hidden cards left by Marquis Yuan, giving them confidence to defend themselves even against a third-rank expert.

Having finished speaking,

Nie Siming led his men out of the city.

Watching Nie Siming depart, Li Rui fell into thought.

'The outside world is still far too dangerous.'

Zi Jin Palace.

In the great hall, Si Feng's voice rang with irritation: "I told you clearly—do not strike again until you've recovered."

Sheng Daoist stood before Si Feng, scratching his ear.

Unconcerned:

"Brother Si, aren't you overreacting?"

"What threat can these crude martial men pose to us?"

"Aside from those few, why fear so much?"

"They're nothing but ants from the lower realm."

Si Feng narrowed his eyes slightly: "Brother Sheng, this world isn't as simple as we think. You'd better restrain yourself—don't ruin the grand plan."

Having spoken,

he swept his sleeves and turned away.

Watching Si Feng's retreating back, Sheng Daoist sneered.

Then,

a crimson glow flickered in his right palm.

He chuckled.

"If I can't forge the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, the Hundred Souls Banner will do fine."

Wan Fadian accepts all, regardless of alignment; its halls harbor both orthodox and heretical cultivators.

He was a heretical Daoist.

The Ten Thousand Souls Banner is a heretical artifact forged from the living souls of humans, immensely powerful.

Sheng Daoist once possessed a Ten Thousand Souls Banner, but could not bring it to this realm, so he had long sought to forge one here.

The living souls required for this banner aren't ordinary people—they must be at least ranked martial cultivators.

Which makes the fortresses the most convenient source.

The glow in his hand faded.

Sheng Daoist's smile turned sly.

"Master, you have a letter."

A young soldier knocked on Li Rui's door.

Li Rui opened the door and smiled warmly: "Little Ma."

War is a long affair; most of the time, the men in Pojun Fortress must simply live well and maintain morale.

Thus, beyond ensuring sufficient supplies, communication with the outside world must not be neglected.

Half a company is dedicated solely to delivering messages—not just military intelligence, but also family letters.

The young soldier respectfully handed the letter to Li Rui.

"Thank you."

Li Rui took the letter and expressed his gratitude.

Instantly,

the young soldier looked stunned, waving his hands frantically: "My lord, this is my duty!"

Just now, Li Rui had called him by name.

He never imagined a high-ranking official like Li Rui would even know him.

No wonder he was so flustered.

Li Rui chuckled: "Alright, go on with your duties."

The young soldier bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Li Rui carried the letter back into his room.

Though messengers in the army held low rank and virtually no power, in Li Rui's eyes, they were vital posts.

Sometimes, they could even save one's life.

Thus, he had quietly memorized every messenger's details, enabling him to name this one instantly.

He sat beside the wooden table.

Then he opened the envelope.

The letter was written by He Qian Nian, entirely in coded secret-agent script—he had long memorized the decryption method.

Li Rui read it carefully.

It contained two pieces of news.

First, the imperial court had ordered major sects to mobilize forces for reinforcement; those experts would arrive on the front lines within at most a month.

Second, one of the Seven Guest Masters of the Secret Service was already in Yunzhou.

Li Rui was uninterested in the first item.

After all, it was inevitable.

Though the major sects were formidable, they still operated within the territory of the Great Yu Empire; the court tolerated them precisely because it counted on their strength in critical moments.

This was true of the Northwestern Frontier Army—and now of An Nan Town as well.

What truly interested him was the second piece of news.

The Seven Guest Masters of the Secret Service were all mysterious figures.

But since they were capable of confronting Exiled Immortals, their strength could not be weak.

In any world, temporary workers were the most terrifying.

Though these Guest Masters were not officially listed in the Secret Service's roster, they were outsiders, their power was unquestionable.

Li Rui couldn't help wondering: who was this Guest Master who had come to Yunzhou?

Having finished reading,

he tossed the letter into the nearby brazier, watching until it was reduced to ash before looking away.

'The world is chaotic—I must strengthen my power as quickly as possible.'

A Xiantian cultivator could command respect in any province.

But on battlefields where third-rank experts roamed, such strength felt dangerously inadequate.

The Northwestern Frontier Army had already witnessed barbarian elites infiltrating camps and assassinating officers.

Li Rui immediately sat cross-legged.

He resumed practicing the Five Spirit Body Refinement Scripture.

Deep within the Ten Thousand Mountains,

an empty fortress stood with its gates wide open as a cavalry unit entered slowly.

Nie Siming gazed at the corpses littering the city.

He frowned, teeth clenched: "Truly hateful."

Beside him, Yuan Xiong sighed. He had seen such scenes too often with Nie Siming. He turned to his deputy: "Organize men to carry away the bodies of our brothers. We are Yu soldiers—we do not die on foreign soil."

"Yes!"

The Yu Empire revered filial piety and placed great importance on returning home even in death.

Thus, whenever possible, whether general or soldier, they retrieved their fallen comrades' bodies to send them home.

Dying wrapped in horsehide was always the worst fate.

After giving the order,

Yuan Xiong turned to Liu Qing, who crouched nearby, watching with keen interest.

"Master Liu, can you tell who did this?"

Liu Qing was staring at a corpse—Yuan Xiong immediately recognized it as the Garrison Commander of this fortress.

"Interesting."

For some reason,

Yuan Xiong actually saw excitement in Liu Qing's eyes.

Liu Qing murmured: "This method of killing is truly masterful—completely leaves the body unharmed, striking straight at the primordial spirit. Marvelous."

But as he spoke, Liu Qing narrowed his eyes:

"No, this killer's slaughter may not be meant to kill enemies."

At that moment.

Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong were both drawn in by Liu Qing's words.

Liu Qing said: "He's after living souls—yes, specifically living souls."

"And not just any—warriors' living souls, the higher the realm, the better."

"Why does this increasingly resemble the methods of ancient evil cultivators?"

Upon hearing this,

Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong's pupils contracted slightly.

If that mysterious strongman seeks the living souls of high-realm warriors, where in the Ten Thousand Mountains could be more suitable than Pojun Fortress?

Yuan Xiong cried out: "No good—Pojun Fortress!"

(End of Chapter)