Chapter 146 Qingluan Snow Girl and the Prince
“Qingluan...”
Gu Xu was still impressed by this code name.
He remembered that "Qingluan" was also a Talisman Master who was once defeated by him in the "Realm of Discussing the Tao" and was now ranked fourth on the ranking list of monks in the second realm.
To be honest, looking at the young talents in the entire Da Qi Dynasty, "Qingluan" can be regarded as one of the best - she has accurately mastered the painting methods of dozens of different types of talisman seals, and can The complex runes in the book were reproduced accurately, which was enough to help her deal with most situations she encountered in battle.
It's a pity that she happened to bump into Gu Xu in the "Realm of Taoism", and was defeated by Gu Xu using almost the same method.
This undoubtedly deeply affected her self-confidence and filled her heart with frustration.
Seemingly seeing that Gu Xu did not respond immediately, "Qingluan" continued to send messages using the "divine machine token"——
[Qingluan: Of course, I will not be in vain either. Asking fellow Taoists for help for no reason. I know some latest information about the Laoshan ruins and the Yishan Snow Girl, which I can share with fellow Taoists. 】
[Suzaku: No problem. I stayed in the first room on the left side of the stairs on the second floor of Tongfu Inn. If it is convenient for you now, you can come to me directly. 】
Because of the upcoming crisis in Yishui County, and in order to be more prepared for the next trip to Laoshan.
Gu Xu really wants to know the information in the hands of "Qingluan".
At the same time, Gu Xu also began to be a little curious about the identity of "Qingluan".
…………
Dong dong dong!
A few minutes later, Gu Xu heard a knock on the door.
"Fellow Taoist Suzaku, I am Qingluan!" A girl's voice came from outside the door, sounding a little reserved.
“Please come in, fellow Taoist ‘Qingluan’!” Gu Xu said lightly.
At the same time, he waved his hand, and the door lock of the room opened automatically.
Subsequently, a young girl walked cautiously from the door.
She is slightly chubby, has a round face, small eyes and faint freckles. She wears the black robe of the Exorcist Department.
Perhaps to make things easier, she tied the wide sleeves of her robe with a rope.
She did not wear a hairpin on her head, but simply wrapped her hair with a scarf like a man.
It can be seen that this "Qingluan" is a girl who is obsessed with spiritual practice and doesn't like to dress up.
Gu Xu is observing "Qingluan", and "Qingluan" is also sizing up Gu Xu.
Although in "Qingluan's" concept, she has always believed that "men in the world are superficial and boring creatures" and "pursuing the inscrutable knowledge of talismans is the true meaning of life."
But when she saw clearly the appearance of the young man in the room, she was inevitably stunned for a moment, and her steps couldn't help but stop in place.
"Qingluan" once thought that poems like "A gentleman is unique in the world" and "Bright as a jade tree in front of the wind" were all exaggerations.
All living beings in the world have grown up eating whole grains in the fireworks of the world.
How could there be such a handsome man?
However, at this moment, she had to admit that there was nothing exaggerated in these verses, it was just that she had not seen enough before.
"I...I am Du Jingjing, the director of the Exorcism Department of Qingzhou Prefecture," she nodded slightly and introduced herself to Gu Xu, "My teacher is Tao Qian, the guest minister of Qingzhou Prefecture. Dare I ask my friend What's your surname? "
"Dianbo" is an eighth-grade official title and is a civilian official responsible for managing official documents and files in the exorcism department.
"Experienced by Gu Xu in the Exorcism Department of Xia Yishui County." Gu Xu also introduced with a smile.
"Yishui County Gu Xu..."
"Qingluan" Du Jingjing remembered that she had heard this name from her teacher Tao Qian.
The teacher's expression at that time was one of admiration and envy, and he repeatedly sighed, "The younger generation is to be feared, the younger generation is to be feared." Du Jingjing was deeply impressed.
“It turns out that Fellow Taoist is Gu Xingcheng, the heir of ‘Jinghong Bi’!” She opened her eyes wide and exclaimed, “I really admire this famous name for a long time!”
“I don’t dare to take it, I don’t dare to take it. "Gu Xu smiled and shook his head, "Fellow Daoist Du praises me too much."
"Fellow Daoist Gu, I was extremely impressed by your attainments in Talisman Dao during my previous battle in the 'Realm of Taoism'." I heard Du Jingjing continue to say, "Even my teacher can't draw such a powerful talisman.
"So, I'm curious, do you have any unknown skills in the process of drawing talismans?"
"Qingluan" Du Jingjing is, after all, a person who loves talismans and is obsessed with learning.
Gu Xu's handsome and refined appearance only made her dazed for a few seconds.
After a brief greeting, she couldn’t wait to ask her question directly.
And with her outspoken personality, she usually asks whatever comes to her mind, never thinking about whether her wording is tactful or whether it will offend the other party.
"Fellow Daoist Du, if I guess correctly, all your talismans are drawn exactly as they are in the book, right?" Gu Xu asked with a slight smile.
Hearing his words, Du Jingjing nodded and replied: "That's right. The teacher has always taught me that drawing amulets is a very rigorous matter, and there can be no mistakes at all - as long as you draw a wrong stroke, It is possible that all previous efforts will be wasted and become a useless piece of paper.
"As for improving the seal script, that is something that only a master of Fu Dao can do. The teacher said that beginners like me should not think about this aspect first. "
At this point, she paused for a moment, and then continued: "Of course, Daoyou Gu is not an ordinary person. Just pretend I didn't say this. ”
Gu Xu did not answer immediately.
Because he knew that the reason why he was able to improve the talisman and seal script was mostly due to his extraordinary talent and understanding.
This allows him to often see the essence through phenomena and find better solutions based on intuition.
But for others, especially novices like "Qingluan" Du Jingjing, copying the gourd may be the most correct choice.
Just like learning calligraphy or painting, you have to start by copying - blindly innovating and looking for the so-called "own style", but the gain outweighs the loss.
Currently, most of the rune masters in the Daqi Dynasty can basically only be regarded as "rune carriers."
He thought for a moment and said, "Your teacher is right."
Du Jingjing was stunned for two seconds.
Aren’t today’s geniuses at all humble?
I heard Gu Xu continue to say: "For beginners, meticulous imitation is indeed the best way to learn.
"But fellow Daoist Du should also understand that whether it is a talisman or a seal script, , be it spells, after all, they are just a means to achieve an end.
"When drawing a talisman, you might as well think more about 'Why is this talisman drawn like this' and 'Is there a better way to achieve it'... This may be of great help in exploring your own 'Tao' in the future.
“As for the talisman seals I drew, they are all slightly improved on the original basis... It can be regarded as my own little exploration of the essence of talismans! ”
Shouldn’t things like “Tao” be something that should be considered when becoming a saint?
Although the young man in front of me is far more talented than ordinary people, in the final analysis he is only a second-rate person. How come a monk in this realm starts to think about "his own way"?
Is he thinking too far-sighted, or am I too short-sighted?
"Qingluan" Du Jingjing was stunned again.
After Gu Xu finished speaking, he took out a "Ghost Killing Talisman" from his pocket and handed it to Du Jingjing's hand.
“This is my improved 'Tai Shang Arctic Demon Suppressing and Ghost Killing Talisman', which can be used to deal with ghosts of the 'Wandering Soul' and 'Wild Ghost' level. It is slightly more powerful than the original version. He continued, "Maybe it has some reference value for you."
What Gu Xu gave to Du Jingjing was only the second generation "Ghost Killing Talisman".
Although he has already developed the fifth generation "Ghost Killing Talisman".
But he was afraid that the talisman would be too complicated for the other party to understand.
"Gu Daoyou, thank you so much!" "Qingluan" Du Jingjing took the "Ghost Killing Talisman" and thanked her sincerely.
After all, Du Jingjing is also a genius who can be selected into the reserve force of the "Shenji Camp".
She only glanced at the "ghost-killing talisman" drawn by Gu Xu, and felt that it was different from the one in the book - there were endless mysteries hidden in those subtle changes, which were worthy of her After that, I spent a lot of time studying and exploring.
"You're welcome," Gu Xu smiled lightly and continued, "Now, you can tell me the information you know about the 'Yishan Snow Girl' and the Laoshan ruins. Already? ”
Du Jingjing cleared her throat and replied: "My teacher once told me two important pieces of information.
"First, since the villages near Laoshan were mysteriously massacred in the first year of Tianxing, there have been There is a kind of ghost named 'tapir (mu) (hui)'. They wear tattered clothes and have sharp claws shaped like tiger claws——"
"—and they can also suck human brains? Do you also like to attack lone passers-by? "Gu Xu chuckled and interrupted her.
"Fellow Taoist, you also know? "Qingluan" Du Jingjing was confused for a moment.
"Although this kind of ghosts are somewhat rare, they are still recorded in some books," Gu Xu replied, "But to deal with them, it's not Extremely difficult. You only need to prepare hot rocks in advance to kill them. ”
Du Jingjing stood there, looking at the handsome young man in front of her, and was silent for a long time.
Originally, she came to share some information with the other party.
Why did the other party give me common knowledge about ghosts and ghosts? Also, how could such a person exist in this world?
Not only handsome and talented, but also knowledgeable?
Du Jingjing's self-confidence was once again hit hard.
You know, in the Exorcism Department of Qingzhou Prefecture, she is also a highly anticipated genius, standing out among her peers - otherwise, Tao Qian, a guest of the Yamen, would not have named her as his apprentice.
Unfortunately, after entering the reserve force of the "Shenji Camp", she deeply realized that there may be a huge gap between geniuses.
"What about the second news?" At this time, Gu Xu smiled and broke the brief silence, "The one about the 'Yishan Snow Girl'?"
In fact, it seems that Gu Xu was more concerned about this news than the "tapir" next to the Laoshan ruins.
Because Chen Jisheng once told him that the evil spirit in the Yishan area is spreading outwards, and it is likely to affect Yishui County in a month.
Chen Jisheng and Shi Xiaohan, as well as some officials and handymen who stayed on duty during the New Year, are still within the scope of Yishui County.
The recent movements of the "Snow Girl" are undoubtedly related to their life safety.
"Oh, the second news," after hearing his words, "Qingluan" Du Jingjing finally came back to her senses and said with an awkward smile, "'Yishan Snow Girl' has probably reached the level of a saint now. The strength.
"Moreover, a mysterious black altar appeared within the scope of Yishan, which is likely to be the source of the recent evil spirit. ”
"Why do you know this?" Gu Xu narrowed his eyes slightly and grasped the key to the problem.
Logically speaking, with Du Jingjing's identity and cultivation, it should be difficult to access such information directly related to the "Yishan Snow Girl".
"Sorry, Fellow Daoist Gu, I can't tell you the source of the news for the time being." "Qingluan" Du Jingjing shook her head and refused to answer his question.
Saint-level cultivation...
Mysterious black altar...
Gu Xu fell into deep thought.
He knew that since Lu Shiyao's remnant soul returned to his body, the strength of "Snow Girl" has been greatly improved-it is not beyond his expectation that she now has the strength of a saint.
But he didn’t understand what the function of the black altar was.
Is it possible that the ghosts need to use the altar to perform some kind of special ritual in order to advance?
But why is there no relevant information mentioned in all the books he has read?
As for the source of Du Jingjing's news...
Gu Xu suddenly remembered that when He Yiqun, the junior fellow of Da Qi Imperial Master, came to his home not long ago and gave him the "Seven Styles of Burning Heaven", he once said something to him Words——
“A junior tried to deal with Snow Girl, but due to the sudden increase in Snow Girl’s strength, he was seriously injured and trapped on Mount Yi.”
Is the source of this information possible? Could it be the daring "junior" in He Yiqun's words?
Gu Xu is currently unknown.
.........
After a simple conversation, "Qingluan" Du Jingjing took Gu Xu's "Ghost Killing Talisman" and left the room.
Actually, Gu Xu’s guess was not wrong.
The news about the "Snow Girl" was indeed told to her teacher Tao Qian by the "junior" trapped in Yishan Mountain - Xiao Shangyuan, the eldest son of the Daqi Dynasty.
The emperor's eldest son Xiao Shangyuan once hid his identity and secretly climbed to Yishan Mountain to deal with the "Snow Girl" with the royal minister Fan Cheng.
However, they did not expect that the snow girl's strength suddenly increased, causing them to stumble.
If He Yiqun had not arrived at Yishan Mountain in time with the magical power of "shrinking the ground into an inch" and rescued the two of them, I am afraid they would have died on Yishan Mountain.
For a period of time after being rescued, Xiao Shangyuan, the eldest son of the emperor, was recuperating in the Exorcist Department of Qingzhou Prefecture.
During this period, Xiao Shangyuan once proposed extremely favorable conditions in an attempt to recruit Du Jingjing's teacher Tao Qian.
Tao Qian has always been self-aware - he knows that his attainments in Talisman Dao can only be considered mediocre within the scope of the entire Da Qi Dynasty. There are too many Talisman Masters who are younger and better than him. I don’t know why the majestic Prince Qi wants to recruit him by name.
In addition, as Tao Qian got older, his character gradually became content with the status quo, and he no longer had the hard work of his youth - as long as he could spend the rest of his life peacefully in Qingzhou Mansion and teach his apprentices well, he would be satisfied I don't want to participate in such a high-risk matter as the prince seizing the throne.
He wanted to reject the emperor's eldest son's solicitation without hesitation.
Unfortunately, the other party gave me too much.
So, although Tao Qian still had many doubts and worries, he still agreed to cooperate with the emperor's eldest son and help him fight for the "Tai'a Sword".
It was at that time that Xiao Shangyuan told Tao Qian about the recent changes on Yishan Mountain.
Tao Qian told his apprentice Du Jingjing the news.
…………
In the next time, Gu Xu stayed quietly in his room, closing his eyes and practicing.
He had three meals a day delivered directly to his door by the boys at Tongfu Inn.
Whether it is the Snow Maiden’s sanctification or the mysterious black altar, it is still difficult for him to deal with it at his level.
The only thing he can do now is to practice hard and become stronger.
Other than that, we can only pray that the saints of the Daqi Dynasty will be prepared for this.
Two days later.
Three bottles of "Eternal Brightness Pill" have been consumed.
Gu Xu successfully broke through to the realm of "The Seventh Song of Huangquan".
…………
On the twenty-seventh day of the twelfth lunar month, everyone was preparing to officially set off for Laoshan.
According to Qianhu Shilei's request, they gathered at the Exorcism Department of Laizhou Prefecture early in the morning.
This is the first collective meeting of reserve members of the "Shenji Battalion" in reality.
Before dawn, "Bi Fang" Chu Wei was the first to arrive at the Yamen lobby.
Afterwards, he stood at the door of the lobby, staring intently at the young monks from the "Shenji Camp" who arrived one after another.
As long as a female monk passes by him, he will step forward and ask for her code name.
In recent days, he has used the "Magic Token" to send countless messages to "Qilin Girl", but "Qilin" ignored him.
This made Chu Wei unconsciously wonder if he had said something wrong and made the other party tired.
So he wanted to take advantage of today to apologize to "Qilin Girl" in person.
However, until Shi Lei announced that "everyone has arrived", Chu Wei still could not find the "Qilin Girl".
At this time, he couldn't help but ask the people around him: "Did 'Qilin Girl' temporarily withdraw? Why didn't she come here today according to the instructions of Mr. Qianhu?"
Hearing what he said, "Zhulong" Chen Yanping coughed dryly and his expression became a little weird.
He was obviously trying not to laugh.
The fourth prince Xiao Shangzhen next to him walked up to him with a serious face and said, "Why do you care so much about 'Miss Qilin'? Do you have any undue thoughts about her?"
"I...I don't have any bad thoughts about her...I just want..." After hearing his words, Chu Wei suddenly hesitated and couldn't answer.
"If I guess correctly, you and she bumped into each other in the 'Realm of Taoism'?" Xiao Shangzhen took a step forward, her tone becoming more and more aggressive.
"Well...that's right..." Chu Wei lowered his head.
He himself is a person with low self-esteem and restraint.
When he was questioned in such an arrogant manner by the fourth prince Xiao Shangzhen, he was even more humble and could not hold his head up.
"Then you should have guessed that her status is very noble, and people like you can't reach it." Xiao Shangzhen raised her chin and continued with a arrogant attitude.
At this moment, Xiao Shangzhen has already figured out - in order to prevent his identity from being exposed, in order to prevent himself from becoming a laughing stock in the eyes of everyone, he must take action first and eliminate all hidden dangers in advance.
PS: I will give you a 5,200-word chapter for Chinese Valentine’s Day. Please vote for me! (Sorry for the late update since I went to the hospital during the day)
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Note:
(1) "Bright as a jade tree before the wind." - "Song of the Eight Immortals in Drinking" by Du Fu of the Tang Dynasty The claws are called tapirs. They will eat people's brains when they are alone. If someone hears the sound, they will burn a big stone and throw their tongue into it. Otherwise, they will die. "—— Han Dynasty Dongfang Shuo's "Shenyi Jing Xihuang Jing"
(End of this chapter)