[{"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-65":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Mountains and Rivers of the Imperial Granary",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2231481,4184,"Chapter 65","the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-65",65,"\u003Cp>The hillside was in chaos. The experts of the Incense Burning Tower who were fleeing in all directions were captured one by one by the disciples of the Heaven-Walking Sword Sect, all of them looking dejected as they watched their own Great Elder getting beaten up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shaoyou caught a glimpse of many others who hadn't been caught and had run away... He knew it wasn't that the Heaven-Walking Sword Sect couldn't catch them, but that they had let them go on purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once these people returned to the sect and spoke of this battle, they would truly never be able to go back... At least he, Zhang Shaoyou, could not go back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An hour ago, no one would have thought that a battle which looked like a crushing victory based on the list of names on paper would end up in this situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heaven-Walking Sword Sect had zero casualties... Even the Incense Burning Tower didn't have many casualties. The only dead were the Incense Burning Tower’s core members: Chang Qing, Zhu Lianfeng, and Cao Qiang. Other disciples were injured in the chaos, but not a single one died; most were captured, and a small portion ran away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The \"don't be too ruthless\" that Sheng Yuanyao wanted was also completed perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, winning a complete victory against the Incense Burning Tower while being the weaker side was already a terrifying display of power. There was no need for extra slaughter to prove it; on the contrary, spreading a reputation of being upright and peaceful was beneficial to Shen Tang, beneficial to subduing these experts—and even more beneficial to what Shen Tang wanted to do in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So there was no need for Sheng Yuanyao to give instructions; this time, even Lu Xingzhou wouldn't act too ruthlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shaoyou naturally didn't understand these things. Looking at the core of this Heaven-Walking Sword Sect... three young people and one child, so full of vitality... Zhang Shaoyou felt that his entire life of cultivation had been in vain. The alchemists of the Incense Burning Tower were even more lifeless; the styles of the two sects were almost polar opposites.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the courtyard, Qin Buwang, Zhao Guishan, and others walked out slowly with dozens of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the sudden outburst of these people alone could have caused Shen Tang to suffer a great loss, but Shen Tang seemed completely unaware, smiling very gently instead: \"If any of you do not wish to join the sect, I will not force you; you may leave on your own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, Zhang Shaoyou spoke on behalf of everyone: \"How does Sect Master Shen intend to deal with us?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Deal with?\" Shen Tang asked curiously: \"Why say it like that? It should be 'settle'.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She paused and smiled again: \"The time left for us to talk to you all this time was truly too tight. We only had time to find Protector Zhang and Protector Qin separately. We originally wanted to find Protector Zhao as well, but there really wasn't enough time. Do you know why we specifically chose you to find?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shaoyou said: \"Because among the external protectors of the Incense Burning Tower, we are the strongest?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, it’s because your characters are all quite good.\" Shen Tang said earnestly: \"Perhaps you still cannot believe it, but we are sincerely inviting you to develop the sect together, not just to shake your inclinations for the sake of the outcome of the battle with the Incense Burning Tower.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou suddenly turned to the body-refining martial cultivator Zhao Guishan: \"Brother Zhao, right? I wanted to find you, but I didn't have time. It’s not too late to tell you now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was even more stunned. The Sect Master was talking to someone, and you, a guest advisor, are interrupting? What’s even more outrageous is that the Sect Master actually closed her mouth obediently, looking at him with beautiful, sparkling eyes as he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Guishan, filled with a belly full of ellipses, cupped his hands: \"Mr. Lu, please speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou confiscated Chang Qing’s ring and fished out an elixir, shaking it: \"This is the third-grade Breakthrough Pill you want very much. Chang Qing had it on him, but he wouldn't give it to you because he needed to use it to keep you doing things. Do you think it’s quite normal for the Incense Burning Tower to do this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Guishan was silent. Setting aside his feelings, he also felt this operation was quite normal. If they gave you what you wanted most directly, what would you do if you turned around and didn't recognize them? If he were the one in charge at the Incense Burning Tower, he wouldn't give it directly either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou smiled: \"This approach, at first glance, seems reasonable, but it is actually very malicious. Because the Incense Burning Tower didn't set a standard for you, it’s like a carrot tied in front of a donkey... The real way should be to make it clear in advance what kind of tasks you need to complete to get it. If there are no tasks of that level for a long time, then the accumulation of many low-level tasks should also lead to it. When the standard is set, Brother Zhao, you have a goal and something to look forward to, and you won't suffer like this every day, not knowing when it will end.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A light suddenly ignited in Zhao Guishan’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou said: \"When I found Brother Qin Buwang, I told him these things clearly. If there had been time to find Brother Zhao then, I would have said the same thing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Guishan looked at Qin Buwang, and Qin Buwang nodded, indicating that it had indeed been said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou said: \"So, our gentleman’s agreement... We will definitely counterattack the Incense Burning Tower next. If Brother Qin and Brother Zhao can have an outstanding performance in this battle... hmm, that’s not a good way to put it, there’s no standard for what is outstanding... Then let’s do this: if the two of you can kill an expert of equal cultivation in this battle, then after this battle, the third-grade Breakthrough Pill will be yours. What the others need will be determined by analogy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Guishan’s heart skipped a beat: \"What if we take it and leave?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then the transaction is settled, and I haven't lost anything.\" Lu Xingzhou smiled: \"Of course, it’s still the Sect Master’s words from just now: we sincerely invite you to join the Heaven-Walking Sword Sect. Such things must ultimately be voluntary; there is no meaning in forcing it... We also believe that the Heaven-Walking Sword Sect will be a very good home for you all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone looked at each other, their expressions a bit strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they really fought the Incense Burning Tower with you, then besides you, who else would dare to take in such turncoats who betrayed their masters? They would either have to hide their names and flee to distant lands, or they would be tied to your Heaven-Walking Sword Sect forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Lu Xingzhou being able to say this still made everyone feel very comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they felt respected, rather than being the \"external guests\" that were so obvious at the Incense Burning Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they knew he was just being generous with the spoils of war from the Incense Burning Tower...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shaoyou finally spoke: \"In any case, if I can study your sect’s first-grade sword art, this old man is willing to be a guest advisor for your sect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not a guest advisor.\" Shen Tang smiled slightly: \"Once you have learned our sect’s sword art, you are a person of our sect. Hmm... I wonder if you are interested in the position of Head of the Sword Peak Hall?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shaoyou’s heart jumped violently; he couldn't believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly this magnanimous?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking around at the others, their faces also couldn't hide their being moved. Although Zhang Shaoyou was not the leader of these \"external hires,\" and many of them were only nodding acquaintances, his banner effect was very obvious. If Zhang Shaoyou could enter the core of the Heaven-Walking Sword Sect directly, then how could the others fear being excluded or discriminated against?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this also meant that Zhang Shaoyou would bring a batch of very strong forces into the sect... Is this Shen Tang truly not afraid that at a certain point, Zhang Shaoyou will turn the tables and rebel against you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang said very calmly: \"Use people without suspicion, suspect no one you use. You don't need to doubt. If you are all willing to join the sect, there will be official appointments.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Shaoyou took a deep breath and knelt on one knee: \"Only after meeting the Sect Master did I realize how much time I wasted at the Incense Burning Tower in the past. Zhang is willing to be driven by you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang pretended to be a leader who respects the virtuous and helped him up, but in reality, she was more excited than him inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a third-grade sword cultivator! And a fourth-grade high-level Daoist and body cultivator! The others are all fifth or sixth grade. If this force truly joins, the Heaven-Walking Sword Sect will completely become a dragon coiled in Xiazhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before getting Lu Xingzhou, Shen Tang thought it would take at least ten years of hard work for the Heaven-Walking Sword Sect to reach this strength. She didn't expect the world to turn upside down in a mere two months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Getting one Lu Xingzhou is worth ten years of less struggle...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dugu Qingli’s eyes were also very complex. She had watched Shen Tang go from a desperate situation of being destitute and having even the alchemists she hired being poached, all the way to where she was now. It could almost be called a rebirth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s settle everyone’s accommodation first.\" Lu Xingzhou gave Shen Tang a wink: \"Sect Master, I... hmm, your subordinate has something to say to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Yunzhong and others of the Heaven-Walking Sword Sect were responsible for settling the newcomers, and Shen Tang took Lu Xingzhou back to her bedroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither of them felt there was anything wrong with entering the bedroom; they had been there many times anyway. Dugu Qingli stood guard outside, her eyes dazed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, when I pushed you into the door, you even scolded me. Now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No, why am I standing outside?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Nuo’s little head poked out from the side, sticking to the door to listen. Dugu Qingli twitched the corners of her mouth, expressionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forget it, this scene is more familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, Lu Xingzhou was saying to Shen Tang: \"Although Elder Tang and the others didn't say anything, their faces were a bit worried. Your next step should be to improve your original core layer of the Heaven-Walking Sword Sect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang rubbed her brow: \"I realized this too, but improvement is not a matter of a day or two.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Improvement is not a matter of a day or two, but confidence is.\" Lu Xingzhou smiled: \"The secret realm can be opened to them, only to them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A light flashed in Shen Tang’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that’s it, it’s that simple. Giving Uncle Tang and the others the greatest degree of trust will naturally stop them from worrying, and the majestic spiritual energy of the secret realm is also beneficial for their breakthroughs. It won't take long to bring their cultivation up and balance the forces under her command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we can really successfully counterattack the Incense Burning Tower, the elixirs stored by the Incense Burning Tower can also be distributed to them. Don't say the Sword Sect doesn't like taking elixirs; it’s still worth taking them to assist during times of breakthrough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm, I know.\" Shen Tang bit her lower lip, her beautiful eyes seeming to hold autumn water: \"Do you have nothing to ask me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou laughed: \"Your hidden power?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\" Shen Tang lowered her eyes slightly. This could be considered the only thing she had kept from Lu Xingzhou. If she opened up all her trump cards, she would have no more secrets from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, it wasn't that she didn't trust him, but she inexplicably felt a sense of shame, as if she had been stripped naked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it turned out, Lu Xingzhou acted as if nothing had happened: \"You had already told me you had death soldiers. As for the specific strength and how many people... everyone should have a little privacy of their own. I won't ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang’s heart stirred, and she raised her head to look into his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xingzhou blinked: \"But Sister... such a great contribution, how should you reward me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang’s heart was pounding, and she stuttered a bit when she spoke: \"A guest advisor elder makes a small contribution and wants a reward? Do you want a big slap instead?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she said this, she raised her palm, pretending to strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In reality, it was soft and powerless, and Lu Xingzhou grabbed her wrist casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met, and the atmosphere was quiet for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Tang’s heartbeat grew faster and faster, and she suddenly felt a bit grateful for their wheelchairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it weren't for this terrible obstacle, and they were standing face-to-face like normal people, Shen Tang could hardly imagine how deadly the atmosphere would be.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as she was thinking this, Lu Xingzhou stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of this chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2265,"2026-06-18T01:46:09.112Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","fed23a94323cd6f61fb4a417a75fbd8dd04892415222d79b92e968395ca13b9f","the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-66","the-grain-of-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-64",325,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fmountains-and-rivers-of-the-imperial-granary-cover.jpg"]