Xiaohei, having been swayed by Zhuge Suopan’s smooth talk, quickly spilled the details of what had just occurred and even offered his Sansheng Pill to Zhuge Suopan.
Zhuge Suopan naturally declined the offer, comforted Xiaohei, eased his worries, and promised to keep everything confidential.
Clearly, Xiaohei once again put his trust in Zhuge Suopan.
Thus, through careful and thorough questioning, Zhuge Suopan uncovered a shocking conspiracy.
Drawing on years of experience observing people and analyzing events, Zhuge Suopan judged that both the Yin Spirit and the middle-aged Confucian scholar who had transcended the Three Realms were definitely suspicious. However, due to insufficient evidence, Zhuge Suopan refrained from making rash judgments. After much deliberation, he decided to keep the matter to himself for now, feign ignorance, and investigate further.
One thing was certain, though—Bailan was currently the greatest potential threat to Shuimiao.
After a thorough examination, Zhuge Suopan confirmed that the Sansheng Pill was safe and unproblematic.
Only then did Xiaohei feel reassured, following Zhuge Suopan’s advice to proceed as usual, pretending nothing had happened.
Xiaohei then swallowed the Sansheng Pill and resumed his cultivation.
Zhuge Suopan sat cross-legged nearby, silently communicating with Shuimiao through spiritual consciousness, informing him of everything and urging him to remain calm and report every detail that occurred.
Shuimiao readily agreed to Zhuge Suopan’s request, promising to follow his instructions precisely.
Zhuge Suopan was a genius of extraordinary intelligence, and Shuimiao placed absolute trust in him.
Thus, seated inside the vehicle, Shuimiao silently conveyed to Zhuge Suopan, through spiritual thought, everything that had happened since he first obtained the Yin-Yang Five Elements cultivation energy, withholding nothing. Deeply moved by Shuimiao’s trust, Zhuge Suopan listened carefully, then focused his mind, determined to untangle the entire matter and fully assist Shuimiao in achieving his great ambitions.
The convoy moved grandly westward.
More than an hour later, Zhuge Suopan finally sorted everything out and communicated with Shuimiao through spiritual thought: “Shuimiao, the problem is complex, and the situation is not simple. Clearly, you are caught in a tangled web, and someone is trying to use your hands to accomplish something. Based on the information we’ve gathered, this matter is definitely significant. I suspect even greater events are about to unfold. Therefore, we must prepare multiple contingencies. It would be best if I could leave and discuss this with Sima Zongheng. I excel at defense and am cautious in action, while he specializes in offense, employing bold and cunning tactics. If we work together to support you, we can surely help you turn the tide and achieve victory.”
He paused briefly, not waiting for Shuimiao to respond before continuing: “Right now, you’re likely under constant surveillance—take those five stone tablets, for instance. Therefore, I can’t say too much. Sima Zongheng and I will naturally assist you from the shadows. At this stage, the only thing that can truly help you is our family’s ancestral ‘Lingtong Jue.'”
“What is Lingtong Jue?” Shuimiao asked curiously.
Zhuge Suopan immediately summoned a book and said, “This is a cultivation method that enhances intelligence. If you cultivate it, you will gain tremendous benefits. This is a treasured family heirloom of the Zhuge clan, traditionally passed only within the family. But now, you and I are like brothers, so I have no qualms about passing it on to you.”
Shuimiao’s mind reached out and instantly perceived the cultivation method of Lingtong Jue.
“Brother Five, thank you for trusting me so much,” Shuimiao said, deeply moved and delighted.
Previously, Shuimiao had believed that human intelligence was limited, and one could only become smarter through learning. Now he realized that there actually existed cultivation techniques in the world that enhanced intelligence. With the method now in hand, he believed that with his current cultivation, his intellect would rise rapidly. Before long, he would become exceptionally wise, capable of solving any problem effortlessly.
“Since you trust me, I naturally should trust you too. Between brothers, there’s no need for formalities,” Zhuge Suopan had already regarded Shuimiao as a true brother in his heart. “By the way, Sima Zongheng also has a cultivation method for enhancing intelligence. I’ll ask him to bring it and give it to you together.”
“Brother Five…”
Shuimiao was delighted again but at a loss for words to express his gratitude.
Zhuge Suopan waved his hand. “Time is pressing. Find a secluded wilderness with few people and have the convoy stop there casually, without drawing attention. Let’s first deal with Bailan, and then I’ll leave. Some things can’t be said too clearly. You’ll understand my intentions and actions in time.”
Considering the entire situation thoroughly, Zhuge Suopan could only make this arrangement for now.
Shuimiao understood and readily agreed. He decided to hand over the Jiuding Danlu (Nine Tripod Alchemy Cauldron) to Zhuge Suopan. Since he himself had no skill in alchemy, it was useless to him and better given to Zhuge Suopan, who could use it to refine pills and rapidly enhance his cultivation to assist him.
Zhuge Suopan had no objections.
Immediately, Shuimiao opened his eyes, checked the map, and instructed Jiang Zhihao to find a quiet place to camp for the night at Niu Tou Mountain (Ox Head Mountain). Then he resumed his meditation, following the special method of Lingtong Jue to guide his water-element immortal energy to the crown of his head, gently nourishing his meridians and opening his spiritual orifices.
The brain is the most complex and mysterious organ in the human body.
After cultivating for a while, Shuimiao quickly discovered the secret of Lingtong Jue.
Lingtong Jue was, in fact, a unique cultivation method that refined and enhanced spiritual power. Spiritual power was different from the soul and spirit, much like the relationship between the human body and blood. The soul was like the body, while spiritual power was like blood—an essential force that sustained life. Both were indispensable.
Spiritual power was closely related to various types of spiritual energy.
Ordinary people used food to replenish spiritual power and control their bodies.
Cultivators, on the other hand, used spiritual energy to enhance their spiritual power.
Shuimiao, with his higher cultivation level, had already developed immortal energy. As he circulated this energy, it wasn’t long before he sensed an invisible force within his body. This intangible force felt like an extremely fine spiderweb, connecting everything within him—even linking to the five stone tablets within his spiritual realm!
Another hour passed, and Shuimiao had already used his immortal energy to amplify his spiritual power several times over, clearly sensing its presence.
The convoy gradually came to a halt.
Shuimiao opened his eyes.
Jiang Zhihao got out to check the surroundings and returned to the vehicle, smiling as he whispered, “Master, this is a small town with gas stations, restaurants, and inns. Beyond here lies a vast mountain range. Shall we continue forward? If so, I’ll have everyone refuel and drive a bit further. After all, it’s not dark yet.”
“Refuel and drive another half hour,” Shuimiao said, glancing around. The town was quite lively, clearly not meeting Zhuge Suopan’s requirements.
“Alright, I’ll go make the arrangements right away.”
Jiang Zhihao nodded and hurriedly directed the convoy into the gas station.
Half an hour later, Jiang Zhihao had Lin Xue stop the car on cue.
Shuimiao stepped out and found himself halfway up the mountain. On both sides of the road were gray boulders and sparse weeds, presenting a bleak and desolate scene.
“Master, shall we set up camp here for the night?” Jiang Zhihao asked uncertainly. This place offered no shelter—if it rained or the wind blew, they would be in serious trouble.
“This place is fine,” Shuimiao nodded, waving his hand at Jiang Zhihao and the others. “You all return to the town for the night. I’ll stay here alone tonight, and you can come pick me up tomorrow morning.”
“What?!”
Jiang Zhihao never expected his master to want to stay alone in such a desolate place.
“Go on, I need some peace. Don’t tell me you’re disobeying me now?” Shuimiao frowned slightly, feigning impatience.
“I’m going, I’m going. Master, be careful. It gets windy on the mountain at night…” Seeing his master’s displeasure, Jiang Zhihao quickly turned and left in the car.
Shuimiao sighed inwardly. It wasn’t easy for Jiang Zhihao—he was already middle-aged, yet he humbled himself before such a young master for the sake of cultivation. With little to offer in return, Shuimiao resolved to teach them as much as he could.
As the convoy departed, Shuimiao noticed that Wang Yong had driven his taxi back and cheerfully stepped out.
Shuimiao had intended to send him away, but Zhuge Suopan advised him to let Wang Yong stay.
Thus, Shuimiao had Wang Yong move the car to a quiet spot and walked together with him toward the hillside.
As they walked, Shuimiao said, “Father, this mountain is remote and desolate. If some mountain spirits or ghosts appeared, you might not be able to handle it. I think it’s better for you to go with them and stay at the inn.”
“Haha, Shuimiao, you’re underestimating your old man. I grew up near the gates of hell—I’ve seen all sorts of ghosts and creepy things. A few mountain spirits won’t scare me,” Wang Yong said dismissively. He was nimble and quick, walking effortlessly over the rocky terrain, much faster than Shuimiao.
“Use your immortal energy to escape quickly and shake off Wang Yong,” Zhuge Suopan suddenly transmitted through spiritual thought.
Upon hearing this, Shuimiao’s heart stirred. He smiled slightly and said, “Father, you’re so nimble and fast. How about we play a game of hide-and-seek? You can come find me.”
“Haha, great idea! You go first!” Wang Yong, still childlike in spirit, readily agreed.
“Great!”
Shuimiao said, then channeled his immortal energy to the fullest, activating the Wind Riding Technique. With one leap, he soared more than ten meters away, disappearing from Wang Yong’s sight after just a few jumps.
Stunned for a moment after watching Shuimiao leap away like a grasshopper, Wang Yong finally snapped back to reality. He slapped his own face hard to confirm he wasn’t dreaming, then excitedly exclaimed, “Goodness! This kid really has become an immortal! No wonder those old men obey him like grandsons… Shuimiao, wait for me! Teach me cultivation too. I won’t be your godfather anymore—you can be mine!”
Eagerly, Wang Yong quickened his pace, chasing after the direction Shuimiao had vanished.
“Interesting. At his age, he’s still playing hide-and-seek?” Bailan suddenly appeared from beside the taxi. She smiled slightly and said, “Two people playing isn’t fun. Let me join in and play with you both…”
With that, Bailan transformed her appearance, becoming a young girl carrying a bamboo basket, heading up the mountain to gather herbs…
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