novellaaa Chapter 217 How did Shen Jizhou know about Gu Qingwan?!
Chapter 217 How did Shen Jizhou know about Gu Qingwan?!
Chapter 217 How did Shen Jizhou know about Gu Qingwan?! (4400)
Shen Shulan's absence lasted longer than the previous two times.
It took her about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to return to the quiet room.
This time, however, what she was holding was not a box or a tray, but a piece of wood.
This piece of wood is about 1.5 feet long and as thick as a child's arm, with a deathly gray-black color throughout.
It looked not like wood, but like a piece of decayed bone that had been buried underground for thousands of years.
The wood grain is twisted and intertwined, like countless struggling snakes forcibly twisted together.
The surface had no luster whatsoever, and was even slowly oozing a viscous liquid similar to oil.
It emitted a strange smell that was a mixture of pine resin, humus, and a faint bloody odor.
With a solemn expression, Shen Jizhou took the strange piece of wood from his daughter's hand and lightly ran his fingertip across it.
The oozing viscous fluid seemed to be alive, meandering up his fingers.
"Lu Yuan."
Shen Jizhou's voice sounded less like he was testing someone and more like he was being cautious, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible confusion.
"You're pretty accurate about the first two, but take a look at the third one."
He laid the wood flat on the rosewood coffee table, and the heavy texture made the table creak under its weight.
"I've been pondering this thing for a long time, and to this day—I still don't understand what it is."
Shen Jizhou stared intently at Lu Yuan: "You take a look and tell me, what exactly is this thing?"
Lu Yuan frowned slightly, looking at the piece of wood on the coffee table that was still wriggling slightly, and a sense of vigilance rose in his heart.
He stepped forward as instructed, but instead of touching it directly with his hand, he flicked his finger and tentatively swept it across the surface of the wood.
"Buzz" 6
The moment the true qi touched the wood, it was like a mud ox entering the sea, not even causing a ripple. Instead, it was greedily swallowed up by the wood.
Immediately afterwards, the air in the entire quiet room seemed to freeze for a moment, and the temperature dropped several degrees.
"what?"
Lu Yuan let out a soft "hmm," this time concealing all his true feelings, only extending his index and middle fingers.
I mimicked the posture of an old Chinese medicine doctor taking a pulse, hovering three inches above the wood to carefully sense its texture.
After a moment, Lu Yuan withdrew his hand, his expression turning somewhat strange. He pondered for a moment before slowly speaking: "Uncle-Master, this thing—it's not a magic artifact."
Shen Jizhou's brow twitched: "Not a magic artifact?"
"What is that?"
Lu Yuan shook his head, pointing to the twisted grain on the wood, and said, "If I'm not mistaken, this should be a piece of 'lightning-struck wood,' but it wasn't formed by being struck by lightning."
"Instead, it was swallowed by the 'dragon' and then spat out."
Shen Shulan stood there, somewhat stunned, her eyes filled with confusion.
Lu Yuan continued, "It's not a dragon from mythology, but a 'ground dragon' as described by the shamans outside the Great Wall, which is the earth's energy from the Taiyin Mountains."
"The Daoist sects outside the pass have records of an extremely rare tree deep within the Taiyin Mountains called the 'Vein-Swallowing Tree,' a tree that specifically absorbs the yin energy of the earth's veins to grow."
"A once-in-a-century thunderstorm; this kind of tree will be struck by lightning."
"Ordinary lightning-struck wood will only leave a scorch mark, but this 'Vein-Swallowing Wood' will instantly shrink into a ball after being struck by lightning."
"By locking the power of lightning within its body, it becomes a monstrous entity somewhere between 'inanimate' and 'living'."
Lu Yuan paused, his tone becoming even more enigmatic: "Uncle-Master, look at the grain on the surface of this wood, doesn't it look exactly like the wrinkles on a human face?"
"These aren't tree rings, they're pith," mimicking the form of the creature it devoured.
"I guess this piece of wood must have grown at a point where dragon veins converged, absorbing a trace of real dragon energy."
"Later, it encountered a heavenly tribulation. Dragon energy and thunder and fire fought within its body. Although it was burned to this charred state, it also caused it to undergo a transformation."
At this point, Lu Yuan reached out and this time placed his hand directly on the piece of wood.
"Sizzle"
A faint crackling sound of electricity came through, and a wisp of smoke rose from Lu Yuan's fingertips, but his expression remained unchanged. Instead, he closed his eyes, as if listening to something.
After a long while, Lu Yuan suddenly opened his eyes, withdrew his hand, let out a long sigh, and said with a pale face: "Its current state is like an oil lamp that has been extinguished."
"It may have originally been an extremely powerful magical artifact, specifically used to suppress dragon veins and stabilize mountains and rivers."
""
"But—" Lu Yuan pointed to a nearly invisible, transparent crack in the middle of the wood, "its pith" had broken off.
"In other words," Lu Yuan concluded, his tone tinged with regret, "this is a magical artifact that is—completely broken."
"Or rather, it completed its mission and burned itself out."
After hearing Lu Yuan's words, Shen Jizhou's expression became extremely interesting.
Shock, realization, and resentment all culminated in a long sigh.
He had always thought this kid could surprise him, but this time he came up with a "bad" conclusion.
But ironically, this conclusion that it was "broken" perfectly explains why this piece of wood is so strange yet devoid of any spirit.
"Is it broken?
Shen Jizhou muttered to himself, reaching out to grab the piece of wood. Feeling the lifeless weight in his palm, he gave a bitter laugh: "It seems that my Wuqing Temple's storeroom also hides quite a few pieces of trash that even I can't see through."
As Shen Jizhou sighed, the atmosphere in the quiet room momentarily froze.
Lu Yuan lowered his eyelids, concealing the glint of shrewdness that flashed in his eyes.
In fact, Lu Yuan was not telling the truth.
The sensation he felt just now, though deathly still and decaying, was deep within the broken pith of the wood—
Lu Yuan clearly sensed a faint yet overwhelming "vitality".
That is not spiritual energy, nor is it true qi; rather, it is the "qi" that truly belongs to the mountains and the dragon veins.
For an ordinary cultivator, this piece of wood would indeed be useless, because the marrow is broken and the spiritual core is blocked; at best, it would just be a heavy piece of rotten wood.
But for Lu Yuan, this thing was simply a gift from heaven.
The materials used to set Qingwan's leg!
Although the marrow of this "Dragon-Swallowing Wood" is broken, a trace of "dragon energy" still remains inside!
More importantly, the wood itself has been tempered by lightning and nourished by the earth's veins, making it far harder than ordinary iron. Using this as its core, and then drawing upon the dragon's energy—
Thinking of this, Lu Yuan's heart was already burning with passion, but his face remained increasingly calm.
She even sighed along with Shen Jizhou, revealing a regretful expression.
"Uncle-Master, there's no need to take it too seriously."
Lu Yuan comforted them, saying, "Treasures have spirits, and their rise and fall are predetermined."
"Now that this thing has fulfilled its mission, its transformation into an ordinary object is simply the cycle of nature."
"Keeping it is just a keepsake, or—to use it as a paperweight, a ballast or something, it's quite stable."
In fact, Lu Yuan wasn't exactly lying.
To be honest, this thing is completely useless.
Because this thing can't do anything, and it's useless.
It cannot be used to make magical implements, nor can it be used to make anything else.
There is still a trace of "dragon energy" inside.
And it just so happens that this wisp of "dragon energy" can be used by Gu Qingwan.
Lu Yuan wanted this, but—
It's not possible to get it now.
She had just told Shen Jizhou that it was pointless, but then she turned around and said she wanted it herself.
Whatever the excuse, it's just too obvious.
Do you think Shen Jizhou is a fool?
So we'll talk about it another time.
Shen Jizhou casually tossed the dark gray "dragon-swallowing wood" aside.
The piece of wood made a dull thud as it struck the ground, then rolled onto the carpet, disappearing from sight.
Afterwards, Lu Yuan chatted with Shen Jizhou for a while before leaving.
Lu Yuan's three days at Wuqing Temple were peaceful but not boring.
Although Shen Jizhou didn't seem to like Lu Yuan much, he would have someone deliver a bowl of "Strengthening the Foundation and Nourishing the Vitality Soup" every day, made primarily with century-old He Shou Wu and snow mountain Ganoderma lucidum.
The medicine was so bitter that Lu Yuan grimaced, but after drinking it, his internal energy began to recover rapidly.
Apart from that, Lu Yuan spent most of his time in the vast library of Wuqing Temple.
He ostensibly came to consult the geographical records of the area beyond the Great Wall, but in reality, he used Shen Jizhou's influence to peruse "forbidden books" and "rare copies" that ordinary disciples had no right to access.
The records concerning the geological features of the Taiyin Mountains and the ancient shamanic rituals were of great benefit to him in his later search for similar materials to "Dragon Devouring Wood" and in perfecting the refining plan for Gu Qingwan's new leg.
Shen Shulan also visited twice during this period.
Once, when the medicine was being delivered, Lu Yuan was so engrossed in watching that he only looked up, grinned, took the bowl of medicine, and drank it all in one gulp, panting heavily from the bitter taste.
Shen Shulan looked at him, a faint smile flashing in her cold eyes, and turned to leave without saying a word.
On another occasion, in the evening, at Shen Jizhou's instruction, Shen Shulan took Lu Yuan to "Thunder Pool" to observe the disciples of Wuqing Temple practicing thunder magic.
Watching his disciples weave and refine their skills amidst the lightning, Lu Yuan's understanding of martial arts and lightning magic deepened once more.
On this early morning, just as dawn was breaking, the solitary peak where Wuqing Temple is located seemed to still be immersed in an ancient dream.
Thick, milky-white fog, like a celestial river pouring down, filled the valley.
The low eaves were submerged, leaving only the towering palace corners and spires that peeked into the clouds, appearing and disappearing above the sea of clouds, like a fairy island.
The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the moist scent of pine needles and earth; every breath was invigorating.
After packing up, Lu Yuan, still wearing his simple old cotton coat and carrying a simple bag, arrived at the platform in front of Tingtao Pavilion on time.
In the morning mist, a figure in pure white was already standing quietly, waiting.
Today, Shen Shulan changed into a white outfit that allowed for easy movement, with a thin, gossamer-like gauze over it. Her long hair was tied up high, which made her look even more upright and heroic.
She was carrying a small blue cloth bundle, clearly traveling light.
"Uncle-Master."
Upon seeing Lu Yuan arrive, Shen Shulan nodded slightly, her voice as cold as ever.
Good morning, senior sister.
Lu Yuan greeted them with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings.
"Where is my senior brother?"
Shen Shulan said, "Father went into seclusion to adjust his breathing last night and said there's no need to wait for him today."
"After we reach an agreement at Zhenlong Temple, he will stay at Wuqing Temple and cooperate."
Lu Yuan understood; Shen Jizhou was still recovering, although his injuries were not as severe as Lu Yuan's at the time.
But Lu Yuan was young after all, and he was lively and energetic again in just a few days.
However, Shen Jizhou still needed to recuperate, so it didn't matter if he didn't go to Zhenlong Temple.
All that's needed is for the disciples of Wuqing Temple to go.
"In that case, let's set off."
However, just as the two took two steps, they heard a series of rapid and orderly footsteps behind them.
Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan turned around at the same time and saw dozens of figures neatly arranged below the platform in the morning mist.
Those were disciples from the Enforcement Hall of Wuqing Temple, elites from the Thunder Hall, and a group of accompanying Taoist boys and servants, totaling about a hundred people.
They were all dressed in uniform bluish-gray outfits and carried long swords or bundles on their backs.
Although they were not wearing armor, the aura of killing intent that they exuded, forged through countless trials, was in no way inferior to that of regular troops.
Leading the group was an old Taoist priest with white hair and beard and a stern face. He was the head of the Enforcement Hall. He clasped his hands in a fist and said loudly, "By order of the Abbot, we will accompany you to the True Dragon Temple to discuss the grand plan to eliminate the remaining evils of the Liu family!"
Lu Yuan didn't stand on ceremony and returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Thank you for your trouble, fellow Daoists."
"Then let's go together."
Hundreds of people responded in unison, their voices echoing through the mountains and forests, startling a flock of crows perched on ancient pines.
Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan walked side by side at the front of the group, followed by the large and imposing Wuqing Temple procession.
In the morning mist, the team resembled a dragon awakening from its slumber.
Following the winding mountain path, we made our way silently yet resolutely toward the "One Line Sky" at the back of the mountain.
Just as Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan were about to leave Wuqing Temple.
A familiar voice suddenly rang out: "Lu Yuan."
Ok?
Lu Yuan and Shen Shulan paused and looked up.
Shen Jizhou stood with his hands behind his back on the edge of the cliff, the morning breeze blowing his wide Taoist robe, making it flutter.
His face was still somewhat pale, clearly a sign of recovering from serious injuries, but his eyes were sharp as an eagle's, looking down at Lu Yuan below.
Lu Yuan was a little confused. Wasn't he supposed to be in seclusion and not come back? How come he's appeared again?
Despite his doubts, Lu Yuan immediately clasped his hands in a salute.
"Master Uncle".
Shen Jizhou ignored Lu Yuan, his gaze sweeping past him and over the group of Wuqing Temple disciples behind him, who were all ready to go. His eyes were deep, and it was unclear what he was thinking.
Suddenly, he flicked his wrist, and a gray-black shadow shot down from the cliff like an arrow.
It tore through the thick fog and headed straight for Lu Yuan's face.
Lu Yuan's pupils contracted slightly, and he subconsciously tried to activate his true defense.
But sensing the familiar aura emanating from that thing, he abruptly stopped moving.
He simply turned slightly to the side, and his right hand reached out precisely, grabbing at the dark figure.
It felt heavy in my hand, carrying a chilling coldness and a faint, almost imperceptible, fishy smell of pine resin.
Lu Yuan looked down and his heart skipped a beat.
It was that piece of "Dragon Swallowing Wood"!
However, at this moment, the rough outer skin of this piece of wood has been removed, revealing the dark, iron-like core inside.
The broken part was also tightly wrapped with some kind of extremely fine gold thread, sealing off the escaping dragon energy and preventing it from oozing out viscous fluid.
It was neatly wrapped in a piece of dark red brocade.
"Master Uncle, this—"
Lu Yuan looked up, his face filled with shock and bewilderment, completely baffled.
For the past three days, Lu Yuan has been trying to find an opportunity to get this item.
But no matter how I think about it, it feels like this thing is too deliberate, no matter how it's phrased.
Lu Yuan figured he could only find another opportunity later, since Qingwan wasn't at the point of needing leg transplants yet.
But now—
This Shen Jizhou—
What do you mean?
Shen Jizhou looked down at Lu Yuan with an expressionless face, but his voice clearly reached Lu Yuan's ears, devoid of any emotion: "Take it."
Two words: crisp and clean.
Lu Yuan subconsciously hugged the brocade bundle to his chest, its heavy weight making his heart pound.
Shen Jizhou's gaze finally fell on Lu Yuan's face, and he said in a flat tone, "You said it was useless that day. I figured that useless things would just take up space if we kept them."
He paused, his gaze shifting slightly, seemingly casually sweeping over the package in Lu Yuan's arms, before quickly looking away at the distant mountains: "But—I suppose it still has some small use."
Shen Jizhou withdrew his gaze, his expression returning to its usual calm: "Take it back and use it to set her leg."
"Even though you don't ask for it, Wuqing Temple doesn't do anything stingy."
"Although the dragon energy has dissipated, the remaining essence of the earth veins, combined with the old ginseng from the mountains, is barely enough."
Lu Yuan, clutching the heavy brocade bundle in his arms, froze on the spot, his expression a complex mix of emotions.
Shock, astonishment, gratitude, and a hint of embarrassment at having one's thoughts read were intertwined.
no! !
How did Shen Jizhou know about Gu Qingwan?!
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