[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers":3,"chapter-the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-152":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Mountains and Rivers of the Imperial Granary",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},2231568,4184,"Chapter 152","the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-152",152,"\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou and his apprentice entered the desert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the great desert outside, the desert within the Demon-Suppressing Domain was not large. But for two humans trekking through it, it could still be called endless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou unfolded the map, intending to check the oases and water sources marked on it, but the original owner of the map came chasing after him from behind, so the map was no longer needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou smiled as he put away the map: \"Hey, didn't you protectors say you wouldn't follow?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao giggled: \"You actually believed that? Of course, we have to follow in secret.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So this is what you call 'in secret'?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's secret to others; why hide and seek with you? Can you count on others to protect you?\" Sheng Yuanyao nudged A Nuo aside and pushed the wheelchair herself: \"The map is a public version; many places aren't marked. Let's go, I'll take you to an oasis I saw before. The plants growing there are different from those outside; they must be useful for your alchemy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Nuo looked at her empty hands, then looked up at the couple who had already pushed the wheelchair far away, feeling as if she were in a dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before, she would still aim for A Nuo's face; now, she wasn't even pretending anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou was also laughing: \"Aren't you going to act a little? That third-grade teacher over there likely has so-called spiritual sense and can spy on this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Can he? I heard the spiritual sense range for those who just entered the third grade is very small. Oh, whatever, why does my Demon-Suppressing Division need to answer to the Alchemy Academy for how we do things? If he has the ability, let him go find my superiors and report me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's great to be a high-ranking official's kid.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right. Let's go see the flowers at Qingyao Garden after we get out; it's very lively there recently.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Nuo walked through the desert with her hands tucked in her sleeves, feeling like a child abandoned by her parents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come to think of it, your wheelchair can actually roll in the desert; what kind of wheelchair is this...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Otherwise, why do you think I'm so reluctant to give it up... I spent many years crafting it. Wait, where is Qingli?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao lowered her voice: \"I suspect that Mr. Wang is a bit fishy. He intentionally argued with Qingli on the surface to send her to the volcano, but in reality, he wanted to keep Qingli there to monitor him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou blinked, feeling quite surprised: \"Eh... you grew a brain?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao said angrily: \"I'm not stupid, except when I'm too lazy to use my brain in front of you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Nuo touched her round chin, suddenly remembering that she had once evaluated Sister Yao as quite smart. At that time, Master was being watched so closely as a suspect that he felt numb. In fact, in the end, Sister Yao never gave up on suspecting Master; she just didn't pursue it. But when did she start feeling like Sister Yao was a running puppy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, fine, smart Commander Sheng.\" Lu Xingzhou pointed into the distance: \"The sand over there has a different color, it looks a bit black-red; what's going on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao glanced at it: \"That's because a demon once died there and stained it. Hmm... it might not be special to others, but you alchemists might have some theories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demons, some like the Flame Demon have no flesh and blood, while others do, leaving behind bones and blood after death. Lu Xingzhou nodded: \"Let's go take a look; it might be useful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting aside the potential targeting, the main task of this trial was ultimately to collect materials for alchemy. Although the ranking didn't really matter, the trial itself was a growth assignment the Alchemy Academy considered for its students. For the sake of his own progress, it was worth taking seriously, and Lu Xingzhou did not intend to slack off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon arriving, they saw that the sand for several dozen yards had been stained by demon blood. The demon's corpse must have been very large, and one could vaguely see a bit of bone exposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Demon blood itself could be used for alchemy, but the flesh and blood had already been mixed into the sand, and after being worn down by this environment with its unique spiritual energy for a long time, it might have undergone physical changes. Lu Xingzhou picked up a handful of sand and pondered for a moment, feeling it wasn't suitable for alchemy, but rather more suitable for artifact refining...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after the demonic energy was worn away, the grade was very average, so it hadn't been dug up by anyone despite being exposed for so long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou collected a small bag of sand to keep and continued to dig through the sand to look at the bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon and tiger bones from the Dragon-Tiger Secret Realm had their power likely absorbed during alchemy, leaving only meaningless calcified bones that couldn't be used. Although this skeleton had its demonic energy worn away significantly, it still carried quite a bit of unique dark demonic energy. Lu Xingzhou pondered for a moment and pulled out the spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao asked curiously: \"What for? Making a spear? Many people have studied these bones; they look tough, but they aren't enough for weapons, the grade isn't high enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou shook his head, probed his spiritual energy into the spine, and pulled out a clump of dark green moss-like substance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the moss appeared, a wave of dark power rushed toward them. Lu Xingzhou, as if prepared, waved his soul banner, and the power vanished without a trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao’s expression changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This skeleton was not far from the edge of the desert, and there were countless trial-takers, yet no one had ever discovered anything inside it. As soon as Lu Xingzhou arrived, he made a discovery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou smiled: \"This isn't your fault. This place was basically a trial ground for the Demon-Suppressing Division in the past, and the Alchemy Academy rarely comes here. The perspective of the Demon-Suppressing Division people is different from that of alchemists; the possibility of such bone marrow evolving into small items is likely not in your considerations... The facts prove that the grade is indeed average, retaining the fourth-grade upper-tier level from before the demon died. It's better than the bones and blood exposed outside, but it's not exactly a 'lucky find,' though it's just right for our alchemy task this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao watched eagerly as Lu Xingzhou put away the moss: \"What is its function?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's quite poisonous, belonging to the dark soul-type materials. I can't think of what to refine with it for the moment; it depends on other combinations. Hmm... maybe it could be useful for refining detoxifying elixirs by fighting poison with poison; it depends on the symptoms.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao was a little disappointed; she thought she would have some good fortune following him, but it turned out not to be the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou weighed the spine: \"This is a bit too brittle for a spear, but it's quite suitable for refining the pole of my Human Emperor Banner. It won't crack as easily as it does now, and it will likely improve the effects of the Human Emperor Banner slightly. I'll take it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao was very disgusted: \"Can't you give up this evil method of the soul banner?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Currently, my martial cultivation technique has been replaced, but I haven't found a Daoist cultivation technique yet, so there's no way around it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shall I find you a Daoist cultivation technique from the Demon-Suppressing Division?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If possible, I still want the Daoist part that complements the Yin-Yang Ultimate Technique. Anyway, my martial cultivation technique is enough for now, so I'm not in a hurry for the Daoist part.\" Lu Xingzhou turned the wheelchair: \"Let's go, let's keep looking for things.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the group continued to head deeper into the desert, two figures appeared at the edge, both frowning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was the Daoist Xuan Qing, and the other was Chen Yu, who had just tried to team up with Lu Xingzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither of them went to the volcano where the masses went; they each went to different places, then circled around and followed Lu Xingzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In terms of the 'eye for detail' required for the trial, Lu Xingzhou is still the best,\" Chen Yu sighed: \"I wouldn't have considered the growth inside this bone marrow; it's like being blind to what's right in front of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Xuan Qing’s expression was also not very good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s easy to watch others carry the load, and Lu Xingzhou found things so easily that it seemed like any alchemist could do it. But as alchemists, they knew very well that they might not have thought of that. Otherwise, although not many from the Alchemy Academy came here for trials, it wasn't zero; why did those from previous years miss it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that Sheng Yuanyao is openly following him, wanting to sabotage what Lu Xingzhou gains is very troublesome... Do you have any ideas?\" Xuan Qing finally asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yu shook his head: \"No, Sheng Yuanyao is following him openly; unless you dare to kill her as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Qing’s face was as black as the bottom of a pot: \"Are we just going to watch?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Yu pondered: \"Entering the desert might be the most wrong decision Lu Xingzhou has made... because if any changes occur in the desert, it's very easy for sandstorms to fly up and obscure vision. If the situation becomes chaotic, Sheng Yuanyao might not necessarily know what happened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Qing nodded: \"There must be crises deep in the desert; I don't believe he can remain so calm all the way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In terms of alchemy strength, Xuan Qing was better than Chen Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in terms of combat power, Chen Yu was hiding much more than Xuan Qing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a scholar under the Prince of Jin, he was a fourth-grade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides...\" Chen Yu whispered: \"The entrance to the second level of the Demon-Suppressing Domain is heavily concealed by the Demon-Suppressing Division; they won't let people know about it casually, to prevent people from sneaking in.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xuan Qing’s expression shifted: \"You mean... the entrance to the second level is in the desert?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, although it is sealed tightly and it's impossible to enter by mistake. But if the timing is right, if you and I open it suddenly, we might be able to trap Lu Xingzhou inside... Even if Sheng Yuanyao knows there is an entrance to the second level here, she likely wouldn't expect anyone to play this trick.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An excited glow appeared on Xuan Qing’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Demon-Suppressing Domain had five levels in total; the first level was all demons below the third grade, and the second level was all third-grade! It was said that the deepest fifth level held a super-grade demon, though it was unknown if it was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the demons in the second level were worn down by the Demon-Suppressing Domain and no longer had third-grade power, there were many demons that hadn't died yet, right? How much cultivation did Lu Xingzhou’s group have? Entering would basically mean they couldn't get out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, Lu Xingzhou’s group had already arrived at a small oasis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I discovered this oasis myself,\" Sheng Yuanyao introduced enthusiastically: \"It's not marked on the public map. I fought back and killed a Wind Demon nearby back in the day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that tone waiting for praise, A Nuo felt she had stopped playing like that three years ago...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Lu Xingzhou was very experienced in coaxing children: \"Commander Sheng is indeed the best. In that year’s lecture hall trial, Commander Sheng must have been at the top of the list, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao smiled so hard her eyes disappeared: \"I was first! So don't think you're the only top graduate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou looked around; the plants in the oasis were indeed ones he hadn't seen outside, basically all mutations created by the contamination of demonic energy and the special aura of the Demon-Suppressing Domain. As for whether they were suitable for alchemy, it was uncertain; at least the plants in this oasis were not very suitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt full of yin energy; despite being plants representing vitality, they had a deathly aura.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou surveyed for a while and asked in a low voice: \"A Nuo, any discoveries?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Nuo had been communicating with the plants all along, and only then said: \"This oasis has a problem... It wasn't formed by groundwater. The information obtained from deep underground is blocked.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The plant roots were deep in the ground, knowing it more clearly than anyone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao’s expression changed: \"If it wasn't formed by groundwater, then what is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Nuo hesitated for a moment: \"There seems to be a huge skeleton underneath, and a thick layer of soil is piled on top of the bones. As for why it keeps bubbling with water, we might have to dig down to know; it might be... corpse water that has been purified by the spiritual energy of this place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheng Yuanyao recalled her experience of drinking water at the oasis with great joy back in the day with a pale face, covered her stomach, ran to the side, and vomited messily.\u003C\u002Fp>",2253,"2026-06-18T01:46:09.112Z","2026-06-18T03:18:02.290Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","e5aa003a4c80ddbfb792afa2cb7a4fc4910113d775cdcabc102c46994da34e9d","the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-153","the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-151",325,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmountains-and-rivers-of-the-imperial-granary-cover.jpg"]