423 The King of Qingzhou
“King of Qingzhou…” Qin Huai echoed.
The emperor explained, “The ancient azure illusion scripture is a cultivation method devised by an esteemed predecessor who journeyed throughout Qingzhou. Its power embodies the essence of Qingzhou, its grandeur and mysticism.
“This bronze mountain and river diagram was meticulously etched by that same predecessor using a unique force stone, now extinct in Qingzhou. It features the mountains, seas, flora, and a myriad of rare creatures.
“When the ancient azure illusion scripture is cultivated to the pinnacle of the bone pattern realm, you can use this bronze mountain and river diagram as a spirit treasure, refine it and break through the barrier.”
As the emperor’s gaze swept over the surroundings, life sprouted and vanished in an endless cycle. “With this, you can harness the power of Qingzhou to triumph over world adversaries. Back then, I wielded Qingzhou’s power to outmatch the world’s heroes, hence my title ‘Emperor of Qingzhou’.”
Qin Huai suddenly said, “I’m invincible in Qingzhou.” He had learned all this from Xiang Mingfeng and the others who held the emperor in high reverence, his tales and words treasured like heirlooms.
“Haha… Indeed.” The emperor laughed heartily before his demeanor turned serious again. “Yet, lad, while you show some promise in cultivating the ancient azure illusion scripture, refining this bronze mountain and river diagram won’t be simple.
“At your stage, you should understand that greater power brings greater challenges. To command the power of Qingzhou, you must first endure it. But there’s no rush… Your ancient azure illusion scripture hasn’t reached perfection yet.”
The serious expression on the emperor’s face faded, and he patted Qin Huai’s shoulder. “Cultivating in the presence of the bronze mountain and river diagram will expedite your progress.”
“Thank you for your guidance, Senior!” Qin Huai cupped his fists solemnly.
“It’s nothing,” the emperor waved off, his form slowly fading.
“Senior, what is…” Qin Huai started, taken aback.
“The time is up, I’ve been long deceased. This is a force I’ve sealed in the diagram,” the emperor replied. “Had you come a few thousand years earlier, we might have had a few days to chat… But now, it’s absolutely impossible.” The emperor shrugged, seeming helpless, before his figure disappeared entirely.
Qin Huai stared at the spot where the emperor vanished, feeling a sense of loss.
“I was actually conversing with an extraordinary figure who lived ten thousand years ago…” Qin Huai mumbled to himself, finding the whole thing quite absurd.
Furthermore, the emperor was far from what he’d imagined. He lacked the typical composure of a master. Instead, he was more like an eccentric uncle with a quirky temper, prone to ranting and showing a wealth of emotions. He also seemed to favor his own descendants.
“What a strange uncle,” Qin Huai muttered, shaking his head.
He turned his gaze to the bronze mountain and river diagram before him and positioned himself cross-legged in front of the hovering bronze painting. Slowly, he began activating the ancient azure illusion scripture.
Buzz…
In a flash, Qin Huai felt as if he had been transported into the ancient world of Qingzhou.
Massive trees rose high over the mountains and rivers. A ten-meter-tall beast with three horns and dragon-like scales on its back stampeded across the terrain, its four pillar-like legs causing the earth to quake. A six-winged bird, its body aglow with flames, soared through the sky, an enchanting sight.
Qin Huai moved towards the grand mountains and rivers, his body seemingly merging with this world. The ancient azure illusion scripture within him was progressing rapidly, going from 43% to 47% to 51%…
Meanwhile, outside the illusion realm, Xiang Mingfeng, She Wanshan, Fang Huo, and the others were all engaged in the level-one array. All of them were in a level-one array but were also part of a merged level-five array within the bronze realm.
“Given the current situation, it seems that Brother Zhou has really received the emperor’s legacy,” She Wanshan commented, gazing at this world with a complex expression.
Seated near a forest of stone tablets, they were within sight of the towering bronze wall where a group of martial artists was practicing.
“This is also a good thing. We can finally get out,” Xiang Mingfeng remarked, his expression unchanging.
Le Ji’an laughed mockingly. “We’ll acknowledge it, but will the sects in Qingzhou do the same? Will the five great sects behind us acknowledge it? This is the legacy of the emperor of Qingzhou, a legendary figure from ten thousand years ago that has now resurfaced.” His words were harsh, but everyone knew they were truthful.
Fang Huo also appeared conflicted. “Brother Zhou obtaining the emperor’s legacy is not the conclusion, but the beginning.”
They all knew that the real test was likely still on the horizon.
“But… The sun right now is a little dim…” She Wanshan looked up at the sky, feeling a little puzzled.
…
Meanwhile, in Qingzhou City, within the Blood Poison Gang’s flower boat, Wen Zonghao was feasting amidst a room filled with blood.
Suddenly, the door to the room was flung open.
“Leader! There’s trouble!” The man who entered was horrified by the sight of Wen Zonghao feasting on a corpse.
“What happened?” Wen Zonghao raised his head slowly to ask.
The man, trembling but trying to suppress his fear, reported, “Numerous sinkholes have appeared outside Qingzhou City!”