The 'Zhi' Formula in the 'Interpromotion and Interrestraint' of the Taixu Strategy was enough for Shen Lian to gain an insight to most of the spells in this universe and the profound theories of the spell formations. The Chunyang Daoist Palace's Heaven Span Formation was still ingenious but it could not hide from Shen Lian's Dharma eyes.
No matter how those two thought, they would have never ever guessed that Shen Lian came from a very extensive background. The ten sects of the Tianhua Continent still have a profound heritage but the Qing Xuan Daoist Sect did not shy far away from it. Throughout the entire Tianhua Continent, they would not have found the Dao formulas that would be on par with the Taixu Strategy.
Shen Lian, being the sect master of the Qing Xuan, he was one of the most distinguished figures in the world of cultivation in the Yuan Continent. If this formation could have stopped him, people would have laughed their heads off.
These weird rocks, giant timber, wild grass, and Chinese wisteria were actually transformed from Qi of vitality. At the slight disturbance, it would become all kinds of beasts to attack those who entered this formation.
Shen Lian and Zhao Xiaoyu were not afraid of this phase of the attack, but they also would not disturb the formation and go looking for trouble themselves.
The formidability of this formation was not on its attack but that it followed the mountain, spread far and wide while with the help of the spiritual vigor of the mountain terrain, it took advantage of the terrain while it was being cast. It was indeed a marvelous creation excelling nature as it was in line in line with the true essence of Daoism and the natural principle of all things everything that has noumenal or phenomenal existence.
Based on this point, Shen Lian appreciated it. It seemed that this so-called Chunyang Daoist Palace did not unearn their reputation.
Zhao Xiaoyu too had an idea to break into this formation but it was not as easy and indifferent as Shen Lian's idea that seemed like an idle stroll in a courtyard. There was even the possibility of alerting the others if she was not careful.
She originally assumed that the distance between Shen Lian and her was not that big but then she daunted it. Shen Lian, who did not reach the so-called final Powang state of the nine states, gave her the feeling that he was like a vast body of water that was unmeasurable.
This matter did not leave Zhao Xiaoyu dejected but it aroused the hidden ambition in her.
Shen Lian seemed to be bringing Zhao Xiaoyu on an unmindful stroll but in actual fact, both their speed was really quick and they have walked approximately thirty or forty miles. Shen Lian suddenly stopped and stood on top of a giant rock.
Zhao Xiaoyu asked, "We have arrived at the internal part of the formation?"
Shen Lian smiled and said, "We should be. It seems as though it is not only both of us that have ventured in."
"It seems we came at the right moment." Zhao Xiaoyu smiled sweetly.
Shen Lian first studied the surrounding plants. The Chinese wisteria was the most with it twined at the limited bottom area. Occasionally, there would be clear spring water flying out from the gaps and from time to time, there would be two to three walking beasts that brush pass the bottom.
This area could be said that this place was endowed with the fine spirits of the universe.
By sensing the Qi dynamic alone, there were at least six cultivators with different methods of martial exercise that passed by here. They were all highly skilled in Dao techniques, and the marks they left were faint.
If it was not for Shen Lian's brilliant Tongtian Skill, adding to the miraculous Taixu Strategy, it was certainly hard to find out. At the same time, there was a wisp of sword will fifty miles away. It was like the cold smoke above the river, it was melodious and lingering that also brought along a bone-chilling chill, overlooking the creatures of this world.
Based only on this wisp of sword will, it was known that this person's swordcraft had great attainment, it could probably be topless even.
Generally speaking, the cultivator of the sword is the cultivator with the strongest attack amongst other cultivators. They were also the ones that were the less likely to appear as a cultivator. This was because the other schools of cultivators would want to attain immortality, only the cultivator of the sword take life and death lightly. Whatever the obstacles before them, they would just chop it off in one go with their sword.
This was evidently demonstrated by his Senior Apprentice-Brother, Chen Jianmei.
Even though Shen Lian excelled in his swordcraft, he would still not be considered as a cultivator of the sword because he did not have the makings of it.
Zhao Xiaoyu also felt it. Her brows crinkled.
Shen Lian simply said, "Let's go and have a look."
Zhao Xiaoyu nodded slightly. Her dress fluttered as she went there in a flutter with Shen Lian on a clear breeze. Here, there was a shallow stream mingled within the mountain rocks. Occasionally, it would brush the sides of the shrubs, hit onto the giant trees and divide in the middle and passed through. This caused a good splash. Then, it would graciously follow below.
The splash of the water rocks sounded wonderful, like the movement of the sound of nature. It could be found that there is the music of the landscape here.
Once they reached here, the two landed and slowly walked forward.
At this moment, Zhao Xiaoyu saw that there was a silhouette of a human hanging on a giant tree a hundred feet away. His chest was pierced by two swords as it hung from the trunk of the tree. The two swords glowed with raw light. The glow hummed and hawed as the black and white glow alternated between each other.
Zhao Xiaoyu hesitantly explained, "This is Daoist Cixiong's Cixiong Precious Swords. Why would it be here?" Daoist Cixiong was a famous non-formal cultivator. It was said that he encountered a celestial affinity, gotten both the Cixiong Precious Swords that could display the ancient swordcraft that was passed down, known as the two polarities spectral sword.
This swordcraft contained axiomatic truth, once it was put to good use, it underwent a myriad of changes, which made it hard to resist. Rumors had it that this person had gotten a celestial elixir and successfully went through four transformations of Huandan. His reputation was huge but according to the calculation of the years, he was approaching his eight hundred years old doomsday.
Zhao Xiaoyu's divine thoughts went over and she could clearly see that person's face. It was indeed Daoist Cixiong. However, she could not see why Daoist Cixiong could be injured by his own swords.
Shen Lian did not even look and continued forward, but his steps were slower. He went against the stream of water and saw a compass on top of a shrub. Its brilliance was dim and faded, and a piece of the hem of the robe hung on the branches of the shrub.
Shen Lian recognized the compass. It was called the Underworld Flying Needle. This was because, on this compass, there were three hundred and sixty-five orifices that correspond with the circle of Qi. As long as it was stimulated, flying needles condensed from the Gengjin Qi of Essence would be released.Hundreds of flying needles could be activated at once, coupled with the sharpness of the Gengjin Qi of Essence, like a furious storm, it was impossible to defend against. In the end, the person struck by the needles would lose their lives to the underworld.
There was once a Qiaodong cultivator that killed a Huandan cultivator using the Underworld Flying Needles, which was evident just how formidable that instrument was. Even so, it seemed that the owner of this compass had the odds against him rather than in his favor.
The two continued forward and saw a gigantic body propped on a huge rock. From the side of the body, there was a deep blade mark that overturned the flesh, black and yellow in color. The place the body was propped against, however, did not have any blood trickling down. This person's body was ginormous, like a little giant.
Compared to the herculean man who was like the mortal iron tower, this body was taller and stouter. From the characteristics of the flesh wound, it was enough to see that the Dao formula that this person cultivated was the rare Xuanmen art that could rival the Buddhist sect's King Kong Strength—The Art of Gigantes.
According to legend, one could cultivate the divine form of the Gigantes when this art has been cultivated to the end. One could be mighty enough to raise and move mountains, split the rivers apart. Its power and ability were not under the Buddhist sect's King Kong Strength. In ancient times, there was an area that was tyrannized by floods because of the obstructing mountains. The flood waters could not be smoothly discharged into the sea, therefore the waters overflowed to the surrounding areas. The locals went through unbearable suffering and this disturbed a nearby almighty cultivator. This almighty cultivator was born human and he had cultivated the divine form of the Gigantes. So, in one night time, he moved the mountains and saved the living creatures of that area.
Because of this, some places still have the Temple of Gigantes that enjoyed prayers from the mortal realm.
Even though this person's Art of Gigantes was no adept but it also could not be overlooked. After all, to be able to cultivate until the flesh and blood became black and yellow, even if he did not have Yuefei's 1 ability to shake the mountains, but his divine power and firm body would make it hard to the ordinary Buxu cultivator to behead him.
Additionally, the Art of Gigantes had another particularity, which was that the cultivator of this art would naturally condense refined and pure divine Qi. As long as the divine Qi perpetuates, even if he was injured seriously he could still live. Unless the other's attack was too formidable and was able to stifle this divine Qi in a blink of an eye, then only he could not have escaped.
Since the beginning of time, the people who cultivate this art got lesser and lesser, because this was difficult with countless pain and suffering. Before achieving the divine form of the Gigantes, they were still of mortal lifespan, which meant they would not make it pass a hundred and fifty years old.
Once this person perished, this art would be cut off. It was truly a pity.
Zhao Xiaoyu blinked, as though deep in thought she said, "Even with both your power and mine, to be able to strike these three formidable cultivators dead in an instance would be pushing it. This person's swordcraft is really scary."
At that point, it was needless to say that the blade that started all of these was that person with the chilling mist-like sword will. There was also an even higher possibility that it was the Senior Apprentice-Sister that the two disciples of the Chunyang Daoist Palace mentioned.
This swordcraft was indeed horrifying and daunting.
As they walked upwards, there was a gradual thin white mist. The cold air was heavy and even the both of them felt a little cold.
This was not caused by any formation. It was solely because of the aura that was given out by that sword will have caused the frigid mist to be formed here. Due to the natural infusion of the Qi of vitality, a cold sensation appeared, which was why the two felt 'cold'.
The white mist thickened, hiding the stream, giant trees and rocks.
Some of the sunlight from outside penetrated and landed on the frosty white mist, which was why it seemed dreamlike, like a celestial environment.
Without realizing, they reached a tall cliff. This area was empty and big. In front was a pool of water with a small opening. The water slowly trickled down. This was where the river stream of the top of the mountain came from. As for the water that was against the edge of the cliff, it suspended as a streaming of gushing waterfall.
By the side of the pool of water, a lady in a red dress stood quietly. It was not a dark red but a light red, pink dress. Frigid clouds and mist drifted around her and huddled underneath her feet was a green ermine-like small beast. It seemed as though it was unconscious.
Shen Lian's Dharma empowered eyes were like burning torches that could see the fine hair on other people's faces from many miles away, but he could not get a clear view of the lady.
He tried concentrating slightly and his mind naturally drifted.
Zhao Xiaoyu extended a finger and a deep and quiet light broke through the white mist, which caused the sight of the lady in the pink dress to fall clearly in their line of sight. Her Wusheng Finger was more formidable than back then.
However, the finger strength could only disperse the cold smoke, but not dispel the lingering sword will.
Her eyebrows were arched slightly like two new moons. She had an oval face, her skin was white as snow. She was exquisite and fine like cool jade. Her slender frame stood in far away, like the plum flower that was cool and free.
The autumn river water like the peaceful cold smoke, the reflection in the water like silk sateen 2 .
This verse suddenly popped out in Shen Lian's mind, which was very suitable to the woman's qualities.
"Wusheng Finger. Are you the current saintess of the Nine Lotus Secret Order?" The lady in the pink dress had a pure and proud expression, she gazed at Zhao Xiaoyu with indifferent eyes.
Zhao Xiaoyu smiled a little, nodding her head at the same time, which would account as a reply.
"And who are you?" This time the lady pointed her slender and clear jade-like fingers. The direction was natural towards Shen Lian.
"I am Shen Lian, you must be the Senior Apprentice-Sister of the Chunyang Daoist Palace. How do I address you?" Shen Lian asked bak.
"Jiang Hanyan."
"That's a really pleasant name. Also, please put your finger down, I don't really like it when others are pointing at me." Shen Lian added with mirth.
岳飞－ A famous general from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. [2] 一江秋水澹寒烟,水影明如练. － A verse by Nizan (倪瓒). Taken from "小桃红·一江秋水澹寒烟".
The 'Zhi' Formula in the 'Interpromotion and Interrestraint' of the Taixu Strategy was enough for Shen Lian to gain an insight to most of the spells in this universe and the profound theories of the spell formations. The Chunyang Daoist Palace's Heaven Span Formation was still ingenious but it could not hide from Shen Lian's Dharma eyes.
No matter how those two thought, they would have never ever guessed that Shen Lian came from a very extensive background. The ten sects of the Tianhua Continent still have a profound heritage but the Qing Xuan Daoist Sect did not shy far away from it. Throughout the entire Tianhua Continent, they would not have found the Dao formulas that would be on par with the Taixu Strategy.
Shen Lian, being the sect master of the Qing Xuan, he was one of the most distinguished figures in the world of cultivation in the Yuan Continent. If this formation could have stopped him, people would have laughed their heads off.
These weird rocks, giant timber, wild grass, and Chinese wisteria were actually transformed from Qi of vitality. At the slight disturbance, it would become all kinds of beasts to attack those who entered this formation.
Shen Lian and Zhao Xiaoyu were not afraid of this phase of the attack, but they also would not disturb the formation and go looking for trouble themselves.
The formidability of this formation was not on its attack but that it followed the mountain, spread far and wide while with the help of the spiritual vigor of the mountain terrain, it took advantage of the terrain while it was being cast. It was indeed a marvelous creation excelling nature as it was in line in line with the true essence of Daoism and the natural principle of all things everything that has noumenal or phenomenal existence.
Based on this point, Shen Lian appreciated it. It seemed that this so-called Chunyang Daoist Palace did not unearn their reputation.
Zhao Xiaoyu too had an idea to break into this formation but it was not as easy and indifferent as Shen Lian's idea that seemed like an idle stroll in a courtyard. There was even the possibility of alerting the others if she was not careful.
She originally assumed that the distance between Shen Lian and her was not that big but then she daunted it. Shen Lian, who did not reach the so-called final Powang state of the nine states, gave her the feeling that he was like a vast body of water that was unmeasurable.
This matter did not leave Zhao Xiaoyu dejected but it aroused the hidden ambition in her.
Shen Lian seemed to be bringing Zhao Xiaoyu on an unmindful stroll but in actual fact, both their speed was really quick and they have walked approximately thirty or forty miles. Shen Lian suddenly stopped and stood on top of a giant rock.
Zhao Xiaoyu asked, "We have arrived at the internal part of the formation?"
Shen Lian smiled and said, "We should be. It seems as though it is not only both of us that have ventured in."
"It seems we came at the right moment." Zhao Xiaoyu smiled sweetly.
Shen Lian first studied the surrounding plants. The Chinese wisteria was the most with it twined at the limited bottom area. Occasionally, there would be clear spring water flying out from the gaps and from time to time, there would be two to three walking beasts that brush pass the bottom.
This area could be said that this place was endowed with the fine spirits of the universe.
By sensing the Qi dynamic alone, there were at least six cultivators with different methods of martial exercise that passed by here. They were all highly skilled in Dao techniques, and the marks they left were faint.
If it was not for Shen Lian's brilliant Tongtian Skill, adding to the miraculous Taixu Strategy, it was certainly hard to find out. At the same time, there was a wisp of sword will fifty miles away. It was like the cold smoke above the river, it was melodious and lingering that also brought along a bone-chilling chill, overlooking the creatures of this world.
Based only on this wisp of sword will, it was known that this person's swordcraft had great attainment, it could probably be topless even.
Generally speaking, the cultivator of the sword is the cultivator with the strongest attack amongst other cultivators. They were also the ones that were the less likely to appear as a cultivator. This was because the other schools of cultivators would want to attain immortality, only the cultivator of the sword take life and death lightly. Whatever the obstacles before them, they would just chop it off in one go with their sword.
This was evidently demonstrated by his Senior Apprentice-Brother, Chen Jianmei.
Even though Shen Lian excelled in his swordcraft, he would still not be considered as a cultivator of the sword because he did not have the makings of it.
Zhao Xiaoyu also felt it. Her brows crinkled.
Shen Lian simply said, "Let's go and have a look."
Zhao Xiaoyu nodded slightly. Her dress fluttered as she went there in a flutter with Shen Lian on a clear breeze. Here, there was a shallow stream mingled within the mountain rocks. Occasionally, it would brush the sides of the shrubs, hit onto the giant trees and divide in the middle and passed through. This caused a good splash. Then, it would graciously follow below.
The splash of the water rocks sounded wonderful, like the movement of the sound of nature. It could be found that there is the music of the landscape here.
Once they reached here, the two landed and slowly walked forward.
At this moment, Zhao Xiaoyu saw that there was a silhouette of a human hanging on a giant tree a hundred feet away. His chest was pierced by two swords as it hung from the trunk of the tree. The two swords glowed with raw light. The glow hummed and hawed as the black and white glow alternated between each other.
Zhao Xiaoyu hesitantly explained, "This is Daoist Cixiong's Cixiong Precious Swords. Why would it be here?" Daoist Cixiong was a famous non-formal cultivator. It was said that he encountered a celestial affinity, gotten both the Cixiong Precious Swords that could display the ancient swordcraft that was passed down, known as the two polarities spectral sword.
This swordcraft contained axiomatic truth, once it was put to good use, it underwent a myriad of changes, which made it hard to resist. Rumors had it that this person had gotten a celestial elixir and successfully went through four transformations of Huandan. His reputation was huge but according to the calculation of the years, he was approaching his eight hundred years old doomsday.
Zhao Xiaoyu's divine thoughts went over and she could clearly see that person's face. It was indeed Daoist Cixiong. However, she could not see why Daoist Cixiong could be injured by his own swords.
Shen Lian did not even look and continued forward, but his steps were slower. He went against the stream of water and saw a compass on top of a shrub. Its brilliance was dim and faded, and a piece of the hem of the robe hung on the branches of the shrub.
Shen Lian recognized the compass. It was called the Underworld Flying Needle. This was because, on this compass, there were three hundred and sixty-five orifices that correspond with the circle of Qi. As long as it was stimulated, flying needles condensed from the Gengjin Qi of Essence would be released.Hundreds of flying needles could be activated at once, coupled with the sharpness of the Gengjin Qi of Essence, like a furious storm, it was impossible to defend against. In the end, the person struck by the needles would lose their lives to the underworld.
There was once a Qiaodong cultivator that killed a Huandan cultivator using the Underworld Flying Needles, which was evident just how formidable that instrument was. Even so, it seemed that the owner of this compass had the odds against him rather than in his favor.
The two continued forward and saw a gigantic body propped on a huge rock. From the side of the body, there was a deep blade mark that overturned the flesh, black and yellow in color. The place the body was propped against, however, did not have any blood trickling down. This person's body was ginormous, like a little giant.
Compared to the herculean man who was like the mortal iron tower, this body was taller and stouter. From the characteristics of the flesh wound, it was enough to see that the Dao formula that this person cultivated was the rare Xuanmen art that could rival the Buddhist sect's King Kong Strength—The Art of Gigantes.
According to legend, one could cultivate the divine form of the Gigantes when this art has been cultivated to the end. One could be mighty enough to raise and move mountains, split the rivers apart. Its power and ability were not under the Buddhist sect's King Kong Strength. In ancient times, there was an area that was tyrannized by floods because of the obstructing mountains. The flood waters could not be smoothly discharged into the sea, therefore the waters overflowed to the surrounding areas. The locals went through unbearable suffering and this disturbed a nearby almighty cultivator. This almighty cultivator was born human and he had cultivated the divine form of the Gigantes. So, in one night time, he moved the mountains and saved the living creatures of that area.
Because of this, some places still have the Temple of Gigantes that enjoyed prayers from the mortal realm.
Even though this person's Art of Gigantes was no adept but it also could not be overlooked. After all, to be able to cultivate until the flesh and blood became black and yellow, even if he did not have Yuefei's 1 ability to shake the mountains, but his divine power and firm body would make it hard to the ordinary Buxu cultivator to behead him.
Additionally, the Art of Gigantes had another particularity, which was that the cultivator of this art would naturally condense refined and pure divine Qi. As long as the divine Qi perpetuates, even if he was injured seriously he could still live. Unless the other's attack was too formidable and was able to stifle this divine Qi in a blink of an eye, then only he could not have escaped.
Since the beginning of time, the people who cultivate this art got lesser and lesser, because this was difficult with countless pain and suffering. Before achieving the divine form of the Gigantes, they were still of mortal lifespan, which meant they would not make it pass a hundred and fifty years old.
Once this person perished, this art would be cut off. It was truly a pity.
Zhao Xiaoyu blinked, as though deep in thought she said, "Even with both your power and mine, to be able to strike these three formidable cultivators dead in an instance would be pushing it. This person's swordcraft is really scary."
At that point, it was needless to say that the blade that started all of these was that person with the chilling mist-like sword will. There was also an even higher possibility that it was the Senior Apprentice-Sister that the two disciples of the Chunyang Daoist Palace mentioned.
This swordcraft was indeed horrifying and daunting.
As they walked upwards, there was a gradual thin white mist. The cold air was heavy and even the both of them felt a little cold.
This was not caused by any formation. It was solely because of the aura that was given out by that sword will have caused the frigid mist to be formed here. Due to the natural infusion of the Qi of vitality, a cold sensation appeared, which was why the two felt 'cold'.
The white mist thickened, hiding the stream, giant trees and rocks.
Some of the sunlight from outside penetrated and landed on the frosty white mist, which was why it seemed dreamlike, like a celestial environment.
Without realizing, they reached a tall cliff. This area was empty and big. In front was a pool of water with a small opening. The water slowly trickled down. This was where the river stream of the top of the mountain came from. As for the water that was against the edge of the cliff, it suspended as a streaming of gushing waterfall.
By the side of the pool of water, a lady in a red dress stood quietly. It was not a dark red but a light red, pink dress. Frigid clouds and mist drifted around her and huddled underneath her feet was a green ermine-like small beast. It seemed as though it was unconscious.
Shen Lian's Dharma empowered eyes were like burning torches that could see the fine hair on other people's faces from many miles away, but he could not get a clear view of the lady.
He tried concentrating slightly and his mind naturally drifted.
Zhao Xiaoyu extended a finger and a deep and quiet light broke through the white mist, which caused the sight of the lady in the pink dress to fall clearly in their line of sight. Her Wusheng Finger was more formidable than back then.
However, the finger strength could only disperse the cold smoke, but not dispel the lingering sword will.
Her eyebrows were arched slightly like two new moons. She had an oval face, her skin was white as snow. She was exquisite and fine like cool jade. Her slender frame stood in far away, like the plum flower that was cool and free.
The autumn river water like the peaceful cold smoke, the reflection in the water like silk sateen 2 .
This verse suddenly popped out in Shen Lian's mind, which was very suitable to the woman's qualities.
"Wusheng Finger. Are you the current saintess of the Nine Lotus Secret Order?" The lady in the pink dress had a pure and proud expression, she gazed at Zhao Xiaoyu with indifferent eyes.
Zhao Xiaoyu smiled a little, nodding her head at the same time, which would account as a reply.
"And who are you?" This time the lady pointed her slender and clear jade-like fingers. The direction was natural towards Shen Lian.
"I am Shen Lian, you must be the Senior Apprentice-Sister of the Chunyang Daoist Palace. How do I address you?" Shen Lian asked bak.
"Jiang Hanyan."
"That's a really pleasant name. Also, please put your finger down, I don't really like it when others are pointing at me." Shen Lian added with mirth.
岳飞－ A famous general from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. [2] 一江秋水澹寒烟,水影明如练. － A verse by Nizan (倪瓒). Taken from "小桃红·一江秋水澹寒烟".