bioinnovel Chapter 122 Searching for Zhongzhou
Chapter 122 Searching for Zhongzhou
"Very well, I can give you a chance."
Qin Xiao looked at the three people in front of him who had no spiritual roots and calmly said, "The three of you will return to your respective countries. If any of you can break through to the fifth level of Qi Refining within ten years, I will bestow upon him a formal cultivation technique and take him under my wing."
The three were overjoyed upon hearing this and repeatedly kowtowed in gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"
"also."
Qin Xiao changed the subject, "All the scriptures and secret practices of the Western Liang Holy Witch Temple, the Northern Rong Shamanism, and the Southern Dian Witch God Temple must be copied and sent to Dayong. I want to see what is unique about your traditions."
"Yes! Your humble servant obeys!"
The three dared not disobey.
"Alright, you may leave."
Qin Xiao waved his hand.
The three men respectfully withdrew.
After they left, Qin Xiao looked at the officials below and asked, "Do any of you have anything to report?"
The Minister of Revenue stepped forward: "Your Majesty, in recent months, the weather has been favorable across the land, resulting in increased grain production and a full national treasury. The officialdom in Jiangnan has been thoroughly purged, and the new policies are being implemented smoothly. However, there are some issues. There are frequent rumors of 'immortal masters' appearing in various places, and even some martial arts sects are using the guise of cultivating immortality to swindle and deceive the people."
Qin Xiao frowned slightly.
Sure enough, these江湖人士 (jianghu figures) began to emerge.
"Issue my decree."
Qin Xiao slowly said, "From this day forward, a 'Cultivation Bureau' will be established within the territory of Dayong, under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet, specifically responsible for registering and managing all cultivators. All cultivators above the Qi Refining stage must register with the Cultivation Bureau and obtain an identity jade token. Anyone who uses magic to disturb the people without registration will be treated as a sorcerer and executed without exception!"
"Furthermore, a recruitment order is issued: Anyone possessing a cultivation lineage who wishes to offer it to the imperial court will be richly rewarded, and will be granted an official position or cultivation resources according to their contribution. Anyone who conceals their lineage or privately transmits heretical techniques will have their entire family executed upon discovery!"
His voice was cold, carrying an unquestionable authority.
"Your Majesty, we obey!"
All the officials responded in unison.
They were already used to Qin Xiao's ruthless methods and knew that this emperor was a man of his word.
"Dismiss the court."
Qin Xiao stood up and disappeared in a flash of light.
The officials left behind looked at each other in bewilderment, their reverence for the matter of "cultivating immortality" growing even stronger.
……
The rear hall of Zichen Palace.
Qin Xiao had just returned when he saw Yu Fengling running over excitedly.
"My husband! My husband! Come and see!"
She led Qin Xiao to the training ground.
The other five women were all present.
In the arena, five Five Elements puppets are practicing battle formations.
The five colors of spiritual light—gold, cyan, blue, red, and yellow—intertwined, creating an astonishingly powerful force comparable to the combined attack of five Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators!
What's even more remarkable is that the spiritual energy flows smoothly between the five puppets, making them a unified force for offense and defense.
"good."
Qin Xiao nodded approvingly, "It seems you've put in a lot of effort these past few months."
"That's right!"
Yu Fengling said proudly, "Qingyi, Qingluan, and I spent a long time figuring out how to perfect this Five Elements Battle Formation!"
Qin Xiao smiled, then suddenly had an idea. "Perfect timing! I've just figured out a new combined attack technique. I'll pass it on to you."
With a light tap of his finger, six beams of spiritual light entered the brows of Luo Qingluan, Yu Qingyi, and the other two women.
"This technique is called the 'Six Harmonies Immortal Slaying Formation.' Once mastered, six people working together can defeat an enemy even if they are separated by a minor realm!"
All six women had bright, beautiful eyes.
"Thank you, my husband, for bestowing this teaching!"
Practice hard.
Qin Xiao said, "Three months from now, I will take you to a place. There, we may have a chance to practice combat."
"Where to?"
Yu Fengling asked curiously.
"Zhongzhou, the ruins of Xuanji Pavilion."
Qin Xiao looked westward.
Fairy Yaoguang recovered faster than he expected, thanks to the continuous supply of spiritual energy from the spiritual spring.
In two months at most, she will be able to move around.
Then, it will be time to explore the ruins of ancient sects.
Before that...
"Come to Ningxiang Garden, we will cultivate for three months!"
……
That night, in the main hall of Ningxiang Garden.
Thirty-five women gathered, each dressed in their finest attire and possessing striking beauty.
They knew that His Majesty would be coming tonight.
Now, these women's initial awe of Qin Xiao has transformed into deep admiration and affection.
Not only because Qin Xiao was the emperor, but also because he was a cultivator, who bestowed upon them extraordinary power and the hope of immortality.
The palace doors opened, and Qin Xiao walked in slowly.
His dark-colored casual clothes accentuated his tall and straight figure, giving him an otherworldly air.
Six women, including Luo Qingluan, followed behind.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!"
The women bowed in unison, their voices like nightingales singing in a valley.
"Get up, everyone."
Qin Xiao walked to the main seat and sat down, his gaze sweeping over the people below.
Thirty-five women, some slender, some plump, each with their own unique charm.
Women from Xiliang possess both heroism and gentleness, women from Beirong are both dashing and wild, women from Nandian are both mysterious and charming, and women from the Western Regions are full of exotic charm.
"You have been cultivating very diligently over the past month."
Qin Xiao said, "I am very satisfied. Next, I will help you improve your cultivation and lay a solid foundation for your Dao."
……
Three months later.
The women all possessed a powerful aura, and their eyes shone brightly.
Her gratitude towards Qin Xiao reached its peak.
"Continue your cultivation."
Qin Xiao, still dressed, looked at the women and said, "Once you have completed your Qi Refining, I will bestow upon you Foundation Establishment Pills and provide protection to help you establish your foundation!"
After saying this, he left with the six women.
The six people dispersed.
Qin Xiao then used his magic to arrive at the quiet room where Fairy Yao Guang was.
Inside the quiet room, the crystal coffin had already been opened.
Fairy Yaoguang sat upright in the coffin, surrounded by spiritual energy.
Its aura was several times stronger than before.
Sensing Qin Xiao's arrival, she slowly opened her eyes.
"Congratulations, fairy, you have recovered to the Foundation Establishment stage."
Qin Xiao smiled.
"Thanks to His Majesty's miraculous spring."
Fairy Yaoguang rose, stepped out of the coffin, and bowed gracefully to Qin Xiao. "Yaoguang can now move freely. Although her strength is only a fraction of what it used to be, she should have no problem leading the way to the ruins."
She was dressed in a moon-white palace gown, her figure graceful, her face exquisitely beautiful, and her temperament ethereal and otherworldly.
She is no less impressive than Luo Qingluan and Yu Qingyi.
"The fairy recovered faster than expected."
Qin Xiao said, "In that case, we will set off for Zhongzhou in three days."
Fairy Yaoguang nodded: "Alright, but Your Majesty, Zhongzhou is tens of thousands of miles away from here. I only know the general location. With the passage of time, it will probably take a while to find it."
"I understand."
Qin Xiao said, "I will also bring a few Daoist companions with me. Fairy, you can lead the way. There's no rush."
"Yaoguang will do her best."
The two discussed some more details, and then Qin Xiao left the quiet room.
Three days later.
A crowd gathered in front of the Zichen Palace.
Qin Xiao stood in the main seat, with Fairy Yao Guang beside him.
All six Core Formation Daoist partners—Luo Qingluan, Yu Qingyi, Mu Ziyan, Yu Fengling, Li Anning, and Li Changle—were present.
Everyone was deep in thought, ready to embark on their journey.
The Five Elements Puppet was also stored in a storage bag and carried with him.
"The timing of this trip to Zhongzhou is unknown."
Qin Xiao instructed Wuya, who remained behind, "You and Yunli will temporarily manage the affairs of the palace. The outer court has the inner cabinet; if there is any emergency, you can send a message to me."
As he spoke, he left a message talisman for Wuya.
"Your Majesty, I obey!"
Wuya solemnly agreed.
"Alright, let's go."
Qin Xiao said no more and waved his sleeve.
Five-colored light emerged, enveloping Qin Xiao, Fairy Yaoguang, and their six Daoist partners, soaring into the sky and disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.
The Nascent Soul cultivator activated his full speed, moving as fast as lightning.
The group moved through the clouds, while the mountains and rivers below rushed past.
Fairy Yaoguang stood beside Qin Xiao, gazing at the familiar scenery, her eyes revealing a complex expression.
Thousands of years have passed, and the world has changed beyond recognition; many places are now unrecognizable.
But she could still make out the general direction.
"Your Majesty, head northwest."
Fairy Yaoguang pointed out.
The beam of light changed direction and sped off towards the Central Plains!