A Long Grind to Daoist Monarch-Chapter 166 - 137: Bringing Down the Instance Dungeon, Black River Double Assassins

Slaughtered on the spot?

You treat these spirits like chickens and ducks, raising them at home, ready to pick a lucky one for a feast whenever guests arrive?

Bai Qi once again marveled at Ninghai Zen's unique way of handling things. When Tongwen Hall moved from Yihai Prefecture to Black River County, it wasn't just drawn by the rivers and mountains here, supporting over ten thousand households, but also by a plethora of mountain spirits and wild monsters?

"Speaking of which, you should prepare well when you return. After the New Year, I'll take you into the mountains."

Ninghai Zen savored the wonderful phrase gifted by his disciple with great satisfaction and then said:

"The Second Bone Training Barrier is a long staircase. You've been nesting in Black River County, nurturing your Qi blood sufficiently, but your courage and fighting spirit will dwindle, and that's not good. Martial artists need to see some blood from time to time, just like forging iron; it takes hundreds of hits to become skilled."

Bai Qi felt a stir in his heart. Is Master planning to involve him in a high-level quest?

Great news!

With Ninghai Zen leading the charge, Bai Qi might enjoy top-tier treatment as mountain spirits and wild monsters flee just upon sensing his master's presence.

When the time comes, borrowing his master's fame and earning a nickname like "Black River Double Assassins" shouldn't be difficult.

"I've heard that on the Five Hundred Mile Mountain Path, there's a Mountain Deity..."

Thinking of Ah Di's night adventures, Bai Qi asked an additional question.

"Hmm, although Dragon Court absorbs spiritual essence from all areas, under the movement of the sun and moon, the shine of stars, mountains and large marshes always manage to gather a bit of earth and sky essence, and over time, they give birth to spirits, which is not surprising."

Ninghai Zen nodded slightly, a serious expression crossing his brows:

"Lady Willow God of Longkang Mountain is rather capable. She's willing to protect her region, a rare kind-hearted spirit.

Far stronger than those few old beings of Fulong Mountain."

Bai Qi raised an eyebrow. Lady Willow God, worshipped by many villages on the Five Hundred Mile Mountain Path, is actually that formidable?

Could she earn such high praise from Master?

"Read more about miscellaneous collections from ancient texts before the fall of Daoists to broaden your knowledge. Mountain and water deities have existed long before the Human Race; they were called 'gods.'

Gods are spirits: formless yet tangible, manifesting as winds or clouds, lightning or thunder, mountains or rivers."

Ninghai Zen finally displayed the demeanor of a mentor, leisurely explaining:

"Within the twelve Daoist scriptures of the Great Yan Dynasty, 'god,' 'spirit,' 'ghost,' and 'monster' are specially categorized, recording the various exotic creatures of the Red County Divine Land.

Qiu Changtian possesses the books on 'god' and 'spirit'; though not originals, they are considered precious.

He's too stingy, constantly wary of me, so I've never had the chance to glimpse them, which is quite a pity."

Bai Qi scratched his head, struggling to evaluate the quirky relationship between his master and Qiu Changtian.

It didn't sound like a deep friendship between old pals, more like a pair of adversaries tossing mud on each other.

"Gods were initially formless, gaining shape gradually through ritual offerings and tributes due to their effectiveness.

Since ancient times, there have been three types of gods: the first is represented by the Central Court, with the ancestral temples on the altar of heaven and communal shrines as the core, worshipping tablets inscribed with names;

the so-called five emperors and four saints who descended to the mortal world to assist the Supreme Emperor in pacifying the earth belong to this category.

The second type includes temple monasteries of Buddhism and Daoism, where tangible golden statues and elaborate rituals are used to record worship;

The third encompasses heroes from ancient times and folk legends. If recognized by the Court, the former counts as legitimate gods; the latter fall under unrighteous shrines and wild gods, subject to demolition."

At this moment, Ninghai Zen cited classical texts, exuding the air of a Grandmaster:

"Lady Willow God, although nominally a wild god, carries out the path of a legitimate god. If placed in the Great Yan Dynasty before the fall of Daoists and garnering the support of the people, perhaps she might have received an official title."

Bai Qi couldn't help but be curious:

"Doesn't Dragon Court confer titles now?"

In his understanding, unified central courts loved bestowing titles on various gods, such as City Gods, Mountain Deities, and River Gods.

"Haha, it's said Dragon Court only respects the five emperors and four saints now, no need to confer more titles.

Besides, ever since the Supreme Emperor founded the realm, only fourteen prefectures were delineated; places beyond them are considered barren wastelands where spiritual essence isn't allowed."

Ninghai Zen, with a mocking tone, sneered:

"Take Black River County, for instance: not a single proper government office was established, leaving tax collection and other duties to be meddled with by the Pai Bang, showing Dragon Court simply doesn't care.

You think the Daoist official in the County City is esteemed and noble?

All they think about is finishing their tenure, eager to be promoted to the Prefecture City, to use the Spirit Land for training and enhancement, with little concern for governance, just maintaining 'stability' will suffice."

Bai Qi clicked his tongue, the layers of hierarchy were clear, the ascent arduous.

If per Ninghai Zen, any born in the remote county villages, what hope is there for them in this life?

Despite years of hard efforts, one might not even step into the County City, let alone the Prefecture City!

"I've gone off topic. If you plan to venture through Yihai Prefecture, make sure you've fully completed the Second Training Great Success; otherwise, you'll end up battered and bruised like your Senior Brother, leaving empty-handed."

Ninghai Zen waved his hand, stopping the train of thought:

"The four major trainings—muscles, bones, skin, and qi—correspond to nurturing, training, competing, and killing. You've nurtured well enough, now you should practice more."

Bai Qi nodded:

"Disciple hasn't slacked for even a moment, practicing every day."

Ninghai Zen, sitting on the Arhat bed, said lightly:

"Only training and not sparring is the way of the Daoist arts practice. They focus their minds and visualize the ten directions, penetrating the void and roaming beyond. They often close off for five or six years at the least, or even decades.

We martial artists cannot do this. You have some dealings with the He family boy from Yihai Prefecture, so spar with him once a day from now on.

Don't let the personal disciples from the three martial arts halls in the Black River County Inner City pass you by either; test their skills. Winning or losing doesn't matter."

Bai Qi suddenly recalled the past when his master fought throughout Yihai Prefecture, winning ninety-nine consecutive matches. Could this be the path of progress for the successors of Tongwen Hall?

"Alright. Tomorrow morning, I'll find He Qilang to see the family martial arts of the high-ranking families of Yihai Prefecture."

...

...

Achoo!

He Jingfeng rubbed his reddened nose, wrapped in the fox fur coat sent by his mother, nestled inside the newly renovated mansion, warming himself by the fire.

"Dad must be thinking of me, missing me. Though he often complains about me, without me to honor him, I fear he'd feel a void in his heart, thinking of me often!"

Uncle Yang said "yes yes" but didn't really take it seriously.

The Seventh Young Master surely knew how to please his grandmother and mother, but the master, with his calm demeanor, clearly favored the eldest young master He Jinghong and the third young master He Jingyun more.

These were the true pride of the family, the ones who could bring glory to the family name.

"Seventh Young Master, I just heard that Li Yuan from the fire kiln personally paid a visit to Tongwen Hall, begging to take your Brother Bai as a disciple to learn craftsmanship."

Uncle Yang reported.

Li Yuan's shout shook half of Black River County, and the news spread like it had wings, quickly reaching the streets and alleys.

He Jingfeng asked in surprise:

"Would Ninghai Zen agree?"

In the world of martial arts, there are many instances where fighting over disciples leads to bloodshed.

For example, in Celestial Water Prefecture, Grand General Zhao had under his command the Silver Hammer Grand Protector Pei Yuanqing, reputed to have "three heads and six arms." He was a natural-born talent and was coveted by two powerful groups, leading to a fierce confrontation with hundreds of experts killed or injured.

Eventually, it took Grand General Zhao Pijiang to step in, adopting him as a son and pacifying the various strongmen to resolve the matter.

With Ninghai Zen's domineering nature, anyone who dared touch a hair on his disciple's head would see their entire family turned to dust that night.

How could Li Yuan dare to provoke such a tiger?

"It's said that Master Li arrived in Black River County a few days ago. The prevailing rumor is that he braved the wind and snow to kneel at Tongwen Hall, fasting for days until he was nearly frozen to death, which moved Ninghai Zen."

Uncle Yang answered truthfully.

"So ruthless?"

He Jingfeng was extremely shocked. For a Master Craftsman to kneel just to take a disciple was indeed unbelievable.

"It seems Brother Bai really is a once-in-a-century genius at blacksmithing! It works out, he fishes and blacksmiths, wanting to pursue Daoism too; with such divided attention, how can he become the next Ninghai Zen?

The Thirteen Trades of Yihai Prefecture should sleep well now."

Human energy is limited; no matter how talented, it's impossible to master everything. At best, one can be jack of all trades but not truly skilled.

"Seventh Young Master, with your Brother Bai learning craftsmanship from Master Li, refining the magical artifact prototypes will be much easier."

Uncle Yang reminded.

Fulfilling the instructions of the eldest young master would elevate the seventh young master's status within the He Mansion.

The fortunes of a master and servant are linked; having been invited to Yihai Prefecture by the madam to serve He Jingfeng, it was natural for him to act in his interests.

"Indeed. Let me carefully consider how to persuade Brother Bai. He's not drawn to women; despite Zhu Ling'Er's daily presence, he remains unmoved. Ordinary wealth may not sway him..."

He Jingfeng was in a bit of a bind. His previous attempts to win favor included gifting Jade Water Rice and a secret text book.

Now, in terms of gifts, many things seemed inadequate.

"According to my findings, young Brother Bai is known for being righteous and benevolent. Before he made his fortune, he once stood up for someone over a bowl of rice and drove away a thug.

Seventh Young Master, why focus solely on young Brother Bai? He has a younger brother, and they are very close."

Uncle Yang stroked his beard, his eyes sparkling with insight:

"Brother Bai comes from a poor fishing family; his brother most likely hasn't been educated and is physically weak. If Seventh Young Master could secure a future for him, Brother Bai would surely not forget this kindness?"

He Jingfeng pondered carefully. It seemed somewhat reasonable, but he hesitated:

"The path through County City that would satisfy Brother Bai would be nothing but the Government Office or the Pai Bang... His brother's martial skills are average; maybe in a few years, he could enter the Government Office? Work as a clerk, tax collector, or one of the four classes of constables?"