Chapter 216: How Did Shen Jizhou Know About Gu Qingwan?!

Shen Shulan was gone longer than the previous two times.

It took about the time it takes to finish a cup of tea before she returned to the meditation room.

But this time, what she held in her hands wasn't a box or a tray, but a half-section of wood.

This piece of wood was about a foot and a half long, as thick as a child's arm, and its entire body was a deathly gray-black.

It looked less like wood and more like a bone buried underground for a thousand years.

The grain of the wood twisted and tangled, like countless struggling snakes forcibly braided together.

There wasn't a trace of luster on its surface. In fact, it was slowly oozing a viscous liquid similar to grease.

It emitted a strange smell, a mix of pine resin, humus, and a faint hint of blood.

Shen Jizhou’s face was grave as he took the bizarre piece of wood from his daughter. He lightly brushed its surface with his fingertip.

"Lu Yuan."

Shen Jizhou’s voice had shed its testing tone, replaced by caution, and even carried a hint of barely perceptible confusion.

"You hit the mark on the first two, more or less. As for this third one... take another look."

He laid the wood flat on the huanghuali rosewood tea table. The heavy impact made the table groan under the strain.

"This thing... I've studied it for a long time, and even now... I still haven't figured out what method it uses."

Shen Jizhou stared at Lu Yuan, his gaze burning:

"Take a look for me. Tell me, what exactly is this thing?"

Lu Yuan frowned slightly, looking at the piece of wood on the tea table that was still trembling faintly. A sense of wariness also rose in his heart.

He stepped forward as instructed. Instead of touching it directly, he first flicked his finger, sending a thread of zhenran energy to probe its surface.

"Whoosh—"

The moment the zhenran touched the wood, it was like throwing mud into the sea—it didn't even create a ripple. Instead, it was greedily devoured by the wood.

Immediately after, the air in the entire meditation room seemed to freeze for an instant, and the temperature dropped a few degrees.

"Oh?"

Lu Yuan exclaimed softly. This time, he retracted all his zhenran and simply extended his index and middle fingers.

Imitating the pulse-taking posture of an old Chinese medicine doctor, he suspended his hand three inches above the wood, carefully sensing.

After a moment, Lu Yuan withdrew his hand, his expression turning somewhat strange. After a brief pause, he spoke slowly:

"Master Uncle, this thing... it's not a ritual tool."

Shen Jizhou's brow twitched.

"Not a ritual tool?"

"Then what is it?"

Lu Yuan shook his head, pointing at the twisted grain on the wood.

"If I'm not mistaken, this should be a piece of 'thunderstruck wood.' But it wasn't created by being struck by lightning."

"Instead, it was 'swallowed and then spat out' by a 'dragon.'"

Shen Shulan was dumbfounded on the side, her eyes full of confusion.

Lu Yuan continued to explain:

"It's not the dragon from mythology. It's the 'Earth Dragon' that shamans from beyond the Great Wall talk about. In other words, the qi of the earth veins in the Taiyin Mountains."

"Daoist records from beyond the Great Wall mention a very rare kind of 'vein-swallowing wood' deep in the Taiyin Mountains. This kind of tree absorbs earth-vein yin energy to grow."

"Once every hundred years, a thunderstorm hits. This tree gets struck by heavenly thunder."

"But ordinary thunderstruck wood just gets a burn mark. This 'vein-swallowing wood,' after being struck by thunder, instantly contracts into a ball."

"It locks the power of the lightning inside its body, turning into a freakish thing that's somewhere between 'dead matter' and 'living being.'"

Lu Yuan paused, his tone becoming more mysterious.

"Master Uncle, look at the grain on the surface of this wood. Doesn't it look exactly like the wrinkles on a human face?"

"That's not a growth ring. It's the 'pith' of the wood trying to imitate the form of the living things it devoured."

"I guess that back then, this piece of wood must have been growing at the junction of dragon veins, absorbing a wisp of genuine 'dragon qi.'"

"Later, it encountered a heavenly tribulation. The dragon qi and the fire of thunder fought within its body. Although it was burned to charcoal like this, it also caused it to mutate."

Having said this, Lu Yuan reached out and pressed his hand directly onto the wood.

"Zzzzz—"

A faint crackling sound of electricity came. A wisp of azure smoke rose from Lu Yuan's fingertip, but his expression didn't change. Instead, he closed his eyes, as if listening to something.

After a long time, Lu Yuan snapped his eyes open, withdrew his hand, let out a long breath, and his face was slightly pale.

"Its current state is like an oil lamp that's been blown out."

"Originally, it might have been an extremely overbearing ritual tool, a 'Mountain-Sealing Stake' specifically used to suppress dragon veins and stabilize mountains and rivers."

"But..." Lu Yuan pointed at a nearly invisible, transparent crack in the middle of the wood. "Its 'pith' is broken."

"In other words," Lu Yuan concluded, his tone carrying a hint of regret:

"This is... a ritual tool that is already completely broken."

"Or rather, it has fulfilled its mission and 'burned itself out.'"

After listening to Lu Yuan, the expression on Shen Jizhou's face became incredibly complex.

Shock, sudden realization, reluctance—all finally turned into a long sigh.

He had thought this kid would always surprise him, but he never expected that this time he would come to the conclusion that it was "broken."

But coincidentally, this "broken" conclusion perfectly explained why this piece of wood was so strange yet completely devoid of spiritual energy.

"Broken, huh..."

Shen Jizhou muttered to himself. He reached out and grabbed the piece of wood, feeling the heavy, dead weight in his palm. He let out a bitter laugh.

"It seems that even in the storeroom of my Wuqing Temple, there are quite a few 'useless things' that even I can't see through."

As Shen Jizhou's sigh fell, the atmosphere in the meditation room momentarily stagnated.

Lu Yuan lowered his eyelids, hiding the glint that flashed through his eyes.

In truth, Lu Yuan hadn't told the whole truth.

The feeling from his fingertip just now, though steeped in death and decay, deep within the broken pith...

Lu Yuan had clearly captured a trace of faint yet overwhelmingly dominant "vitality."

It wasn't spiritual energy, nor was it zhenran. It was truly the "qi" belonging to the dragon veins of mountains and rivers.

For ordinary cultivators, this piece of wood was indeed useless. The pith was broken, the spiritual hub wasn't connected. At best, it was just a slightly heavier piece of rotten wood.

But for Lu Yuan, this thing was a gift from heaven.

Material for making Qingwan's new legs!

Although the "Dragon-Swallowed Wood's" pith was broken, a wisp of "dragon qi" remained inside!

More importantly, the wood itself had been refined by thunder and fire and nourished by earth veins, making it far harder than ordinary iron. Using this as bone, guided by dragon qi...

At the thought, Lu Yuan's heart was already burning, but his face grew even calmer.

He even followed Shen Jizhou's lead and sighed, putting on a regretful expression.

"Master Uncle need not be too concerned."

Lu Yuan comforted him.

"Treasures have spirits; prosperity and decline have their fate."

"Since this thing has fulfilled its mission, it's just the cycle of heaven turning it into an ordinary object now."

"It's fine to keep as a memento... or maybe use it as a paperweight or ballast stone. That would work."

In truth, Lu Yuan wasn't lying.

By all practical measures, this thing was indeed broken.

Because this thing couldn't do anything. It couldn't be used for anything.

It couldn't be made into a ritual tool or anything else.

It just had a trace of "dragon qi" left inside.

And coincidentally, that wisp of "dragon qi" could be used for Gu Qingwan.

Lu Yuan wanted this thing, but...

He couldn't ask for it right now.

He had just told Shen Jizhou it was completely useless, and then turn around and say he wanted it.

No matter what excuse he used, it would be too obvious.

Did he take Shen Jizhou for a fool?

So, he would find an opportunity later.

Shen Jizhou casually tossed the gray-black "Dragon-Swallowed Wood" aside.

The wood made a dull thud as it hit the floor, then rolled onto the carpet, no longer attracting attention.

After that, Lu Yuan chatted a bit more with Shen Jizhou before taking his leave.

Lu Yuan's three days at Wuqing Temple were peaceful but not dull.

Although Shen Jizhou didn't seem to particularly favor Lu Yuan on the surface, he still had someone send him a bowl of "Foundation-Solidifying and Essence-Nourishing Soup" every day, made mainly with century-old fleeceflower root and snow mountain ganoderma.

The soup was so bitter it made Lu Yuan grimace, but after drinking it, the zhenran in his body recovered like crazy.

Other than that, Lu Yuan spent most of his time in the vast, ocean-like library of Wuqing Temple.

Nominally, he was researching the geography of the regions beyond the Great Wall, but in reality, he was using Shen Jizhou's face to access the "forbidden books" and "rare editions" that ordinary disciples had no right to touch.

The records on the earth vein flow of the Taiyin Mountains and ancient shamanic ritual procedures were of great benefit for his later search for materials similar to "Dragon-Swallowed Wood" and perfecting the creation plan for Gu Qingwan's new legs.

During this time, Shen Shulan came twice.

Once was to deliver medicine. Lu Yuan was so absorbed in his reading that he just looked up, gave a wide grin, took the medicine bowl, and downed it in one gulp, gasping from the bitterness.

Shen Shulan watched him, a very faint trace of smile flickering in her cold, clear eyes. She said nothing and turned to leave.

The other time was in the evening. On Shen Jizhou's orders, Shen Shulan took Lu Yuan to the "Thunder Pool" to watch Wuqing Temple's disciples practice thunder techniques.

Watching the disciples shuttle and temper themselves amidst the lightning, Lu Yuan's understanding of martial arts and thunder techniques deepened by another layer.

This morning, just as dawn was breaking, the lone peak where Wuqing Temple was located seemed still immersed in an ancient dream.

Thick, milky-white mist poured down like a celestial river, filling the valleys.

It submerged the low eaves, leaving only the high, cloud-piercing hall corners and pagoda spires faintly visible above the sea of clouds, like Penglai Fairy Island.

The air was cold and fresh, carrying the damp scent of pine needles and earth. Each breath made one's soul feel clear and transparent.

Lu Yuan packed up, still wearing his simple old cotton-padded coat and carrying a simple travel bag. He arrived punctually at the platform in front of the Listening to Waves Pavilion.

In the morning mist, a pure white figure was already standing quietly, waiting.

Shen Shulan was wearing a white form-fitting outfit for easy movement today, with a layer of gauze as thin as a cicada's wings over it. Her long hair was tied high, making her figure appear even more upright and dashing.

In her hand, she carried a small blue cloth bundle, obviously traveling light as well.

"Junior Uncle."

Seeing Lu Yuan arrive, Shen Shulan gave a slight nod, her voice clear and cold, as always.

"Senior Sister, good morning."

Lu Yuan greeted with a smile, his eyes sweeping the surroundings.

"And Master Uncle?"

Shen Shulan said:

"Father went into seclusion to regulate his breathing last night. He said there's no need to wait for him today."

"After we finish our discussions at Zhenlong Temple, he will stay at Wuqing Temple and coordinate."

Lu Yuan understood. Shen Jizhou was still recuperating. Although Shen Jizhou's injuries weren't as severe as Lu Yuan's at the time,

Lu Yuan was young after all. A few days, and he was back on his feet.

But Shen Jizhou naturally still needed to rest. It didn't matter if Shen Jizhou didn't go to Zhenlong Temple.

As long as the disciples of Wuqing Temple went, that was fine.

"In that case, let's set off."

However, just as the two had taken two steps, a series of rapid and orderly footsteps sounded from behind.

Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan both turned their heads. In the morning mist, dozens of figures stood in neat formation below the platform.

They were the disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall, the elites of the Thunder Hall, and a group of attendant Taoist boys and laborers, about a hundred people in total.

They were all dressed in uniform blue-gray form-fitting outfits, carrying longswords or bundles on their backs.

Although not armored, the killing intent they had honed through thousands of temperings was no less formidable than a regular army unit.

Leading them was an old Taoist with white hair and a stern face. He was the head of the Law Enforcement Hall. He clasped his hands in salute and said loudly:

"By the decree of the Temple Master, we are to accompany you to Zhenlong Temple to discuss the grand plan of purging the remaining poison of the Liu Family!"

Lu Yuan didn't stand on ceremony either. He clasped his hands in return.

"I thank you all, fellow cultivators."

"Then let's go together."

A hundred people responded in unison, their voices shaking the mountain forest, startling a flock of winter crows roosting on the ancient pines.

Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan walked side by side at the very front of the procession, followed by the mighty Wuqing Temple team.

In the morning mist, this team was like an awakened swimming dragon.

Following the winding mountain path, silently yet steadfastly, they moved towards the "One Line Sky" pass behind the mountain.

Just as Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan's group was about to leave Wuqing Temple,

A familiar voice suddenly rang out:

"Lu Yuan."

Hmm?

Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan halted their steps and looked up.

They saw Shen Jizhou standing with his hands behind his back at the edge of the cliff. The morning wind billowed his wide Daoist robe, making it rustle loudly.

His face was still somewhat pale, clearly a sign of recovering from severe injuries, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's as he looked down at Lu Yuan.

Lu Yuan was a bit confused. Wasn't he supposed to be in seclusion and not coming? Why was he showing up now?

Despite his confusion, Lu Yuan immediately clasped his hands in salute.

"Master Uncle."

Shen Jizhou didn't acknowledge Lu Yuan. His gaze passed over him, sweeping across the fully prepared Wuqing Temple disciples behind him. His eyes were deep, and no one knew what he was thinking.

Suddenly, he flicked his wrist. A gray-black shadow shot down from the cliff like an arrow from a bowstring.

Tearing through the thick mist, it flew straight towards Lu Yuan's face.

Lu Yuan's pupils contracted slightly. Subconsciously, he began to circulate his zhenran to defend himself,

But sensing the familiar aura emanating from the object, he forcefully stopped his movement.

He simply shifted his body slightly, his right hand reaching out precisely, grabbing at the black shadow.

It was heavy in his hand, carrying a bone-chilling cold and a faint scent of pine resin.

Lu Yuan looked down, and his heart leaped violently.

It was that piece of "Dragon-Swallowed Wood"!

But now, the rough bark had been shaved off the wood, revealing the dark, iron-like core.

The broken end was tightly bound with some extremely fine gold thread, sealing the escaping dragon qi, preventing the ooze from leaking out.

It was neatly wrapped in a piece of dark red brocade.

"Master Uncle, this..."

Lu Yuan looked up, his face full of shock and bewilderment. He couldn't figure it out at all.

For three days, Lu Yuan had been looking for an opportunity to ask for this thing.

But no matter how he thought about it, asking for it, regardless of the excuse, seemed too deliberate.

Lu Yuan figured he could only find an opportunity later. After all, Qingwan wasn't at the point of getting her legs attached yet.

But now...

What did Shen Jizhou mean by this?

Shen Jizhou, looking down from on high, was expressionless. But his voice clearly entered Lu Yuan's ears, carrying no emotion:

"Take it."

Two words, crisp and decisive.

Lu Yuan instinctively hugged the brocade bundle to his chest. Its heavy weight made his heart pound wildly.

Shen Jizhou's gaze finally landed on Lu Yuan's face. His tone was flat.

"The other day, you said it was useless. I figured keeping useless things around just takes up space."

He paused, his gaze shifting slightly, seemingly glancing casually at the bundle in Lu Yuan's arms, then quickly looking away, staring at the distant mountains.

"But... I suppose it still has some minor use."

Shen Jizhou withdrew his gaze, his expression once again ancient and unfathomable.

"Take it back and use it to make her legs."

"Although you didn't ask for it, my Wuqing Temple is not one to be stingy."

"Even though the dragon qi is scattered, this residual earth vein essence, combined with the old ginseng from the mountains, should be barely enough."

Lu Yuan hugged the heavy brocade bundle to his chest, his whole body frozen stiff. The expression on his face was incredibly rich.

Shock, blankness, gratitude, and a hint of embarrassment at having his thoughts seen through, all intertwined.

No way!!

How did Shen Jizhou know about Gu Qingwan?!