Mei Qing was quite intrigued by such a magical treasure capable of concealing one’s aura, but unfortunately, despite having masters, both of them were stingier than the next. Just think, when Bi Zhen hadn’t even solidified her Core yet, she already had a wide array of protective artifacts. As for himself, aside from a set of stationery tools, he was practically empty-handed. And even that set of stationery tools, from Mei Qing’s years of experience in the antiques trade, was clearly the sort that wouldn’t even be picked up if dropped on the ground.
“So my Master actually has such wonderful treasures,” Mei Qing said with a grin. “It’s pitiful that your disciple is so poor he doesn’t even have a single protective artifact. Sigh, to be honest, if someone asks me which sect I belong to, I’d be too ashamed to answer…”
Before he could finish, a loud “slap” rang out, and naturally, the back of his head was hit again. Zhang Shisan huffed angrily, “Hmph, you foolish kid, how come you’re even sharper-eyed than that thieving monkey beside you? Once something catches your eye, you can’t look away, can you? This is no treasure at all, just a mundane magical tool. Staying by your Master’s side is safer than any tool could be, so why would you need these things?”
“A magical tool? So are magical tools different from magical treasures then?” Mei Qing quickly changed the subject, adopting a posture of eager learning.
“Of course, it’s like comparing sweet potatoes to Hami melons. Both have ‘melon’ in their names, but their tastes are worlds apart!” Zhang Shisan looked exasperated, as if he were scolding a piece of iron that refused to be forged. “You’re supposed to be my eldest disciple, even if you’re a bit dull, foolish, and useless, you still shouldn’t be this pathetic.”
“Yes, yes, Master’s wise words are always in my heart,” Mei Qing continued, feigning earnestness. “Earlier, Master mentioned the ‘Yan Ling’—what exactly are they?”
Zhang Shisan’s expression darkened. Slowly, he said, “The skeletons here, big and small, resemble the legendary Yan Ling. But I’ve never seen them myself, so I can’t be certain. It’s said that Yan Ling are summoned through ancient forbidden techniques, using the bones of ancient spirits, which are then bound and controlled with secret spells. When unleashed in battle, they’re incredibly powerful, unstoppable, their bodies as hard as tempered steel, enduring countless attacks without a single scratch. These techniques don’t originate from the Central Plains. They were brought by the Mongol invaders during the previous dynasty, when several powerful shamans summoned many Yan Ling to fight alongside their armies. At that time, the Daoist sects of the Central Plains, obsessed with the idea of karmic retribution, each sought only to protect themselves. Only a few smaller sects dared to rise up. Initially, they could barely withstand the Mongol cavalry, but once the Yan Ling appeared, along with the combined efforts of several great shamans, those sects were utterly destroyed, their lineages severed… Alas…”
Mei Qing couldn’t help but shudder. He carefully examined the motionless skeletons before him and indeed sensed a deadly aura emanating from each one. Combined with the sinister, deathly energy radiating from the coffins, the surrounding area was filled with malevolent qi. It was already late afternoon, the sun just beginning to set, yet when he looked up, the sky was nothing but a gray haze. Thinking about how even with the inverted Seven Yang Formation in place, the situation remained so dire, it was easy to imagine just how terrifying these evil forces must be. “These skeletons clearly seem to have been summoned by dark arts. They must be the Yan Ling you spoke of. But how should we deal with them?” Mei Qing asked after a long observation.
Zhang Shisan frowned and shook his head. “Although these things resemble the Yan Ling, there are some discrepancies. According to legend, Yan Ling are summoned through elaborate rituals performed by multiple shamans working in unison. These skeletons, while similar, bear talismans affixed to their skulls—clearly a Central Plains technique, which contradicts the legends. Moreover, once summoned, Yan Ling are uncontrollable, attacking indiscriminately. They are only used in large-scale battles or major conflicts, where careful planning is essential. What purpose could they serve in a remote coastal area like this?”
Zhang Shisan glanced at the seven large banners and scattered coffins around them and sneered, “These Seven Spirit-Subduing Banners and the coffins are clearly for cultivating paper soldiers and undead warriors—these are tools meant for warfare, not for battling cultivators. My dear disciple, it seems we’ve stumbled upon someone’s secret operation.”
Mei Qing was shocked. Zhang Shisan’s words implied that this place was a hidden base for some sinister plot. The Yan Ling were used by the Mongols in their invasion of the Central Plains. Paper soldiers, undead warriors—these were tools of war, meant for large-scale battles. If someone was still manufacturing such things now, it could only mean rebellion.
“But… Master, what should we do? There are just the two of us. We probably can’t handle this alone,” Mei Qing said, his face paling.
Zhang Shisan gave him a strange look and snorted, “Foolish boy, why would we even bother? These things might be powerful, but they don’t seem to be targeting us. Why go looking for trouble?”
“But if they’re making these things, isn’t it for rebellion?” Mei Qing asked, surprised.
“So what if it is rebellion? What does that have to do with me? It’s not like they’re rebelling against us. I’m not the emperor, and you’re not the local magistrate. Oh, right—you are technically a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, aren’t you? But just pretend you don’t know anything. No one will ever find out you kept quiet. Come on, let’s not go any further. Let’s head back.”
“But Master, isn’t that a bit too heartless? Think about it—if there’s a rebellion, chaos will spread, the people will suffer, displaced and in misery. Alas, as the saying goes, ‘Bones lie bare in the fields, and for a thousand miles, no rooster crows…'”
Mei Qing tried to persuade Zhang Shisan with heartfelt arguments, citing classics and appealing to emotion, speaking for quite a while. But Zhang Shisan simply yawned and finally said impatiently, “You’ve been reading too much—has it addled your brain? It’s the Ming dynasty’s rebellion they’re planning, not mine. The people are the emperor’s subjects. What do I care? Since we know rebellion is brewing, we should just stay out of it. If things get bad, I’ll take you back to our mountain retreat and hide there. Who would dare come looking for us? Why should you care about all this?”
Mei Qing replied, “The rise and fall of a nation concerns every commoner. A true hero serves the country and the people. Master, are you afraid of getting involved because of karmic entanglements?”
Before he could finish, he felt another gust of wind behind him. This time, however, Mei Qing was prepared. He grinned and didn’t dodge. There was a soft “puff” as Zhang Shisan’s strike landed on what felt like a cushion of air.
“Hmph, not bad, you foolish kid. That talisman technique was cleverly applied,” Zhang Shisan remarked, though he had struck without much force, and Mei Qing had been ready for it.
After a moment of thought, Zhang Shisan turned serious. “Mei Qing, you’ve read a lot of nonsense from books, and you’ve never truly walked the path of cultivation. It’s natural for you to have these ideas. But everyone has their own role in this world. I, for one, am avoiding karmic entanglements, yes—but even if there were no karmic issues, I still wouldn’t get involved unless it directly affected me.”
He added with a mocking tone, “You speak of heroes serving the nation and the people. But have you considered how the Embroidered Uniform Guard would treat such a hero, one who truly dedicates himself to protecting the country and helping the people? I bet you’d be the first to hunt him down, wouldn’t you? Tell me, isn’t that right?”
Mei Qing was momentarily speechless. If such a hero truly existed, then according to the Ming legal code and the practices of the imperial court and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he would likely be arrested and punished immediately.
Seeing that Mei Qing had no reply, Zhang Shisan laughed and said, “Now you understand, don’t you? The most important thing in this world is to stay within your own role. Serving the nation and the people—that’s the duty of government officials. After all, their salaries come from the people’s taxes. It’s their job to handle such matters. If everyone starts playing hero, interfering in affairs they have no business in, the world would fall into chaos.”
Mei Qing hesitated and asked, “Then what should I do?”
Zhang Shisan shook his head. “Since you’re from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, it’s only natural for you to gather intelligence and report to the authorities. As for how they respond, that’s their responsibility. If you go charging in, trying to play the hero, you won’t accomplish anything but risk getting yourself killed. And as for worrying about the people—look around. Even without rebellion, there are plenty of people suffering under oppression. The Ming dynasty itself is the greatest scourge upon the people. So maybe those rebels are just like you said—heroes fighting for the people. Why should you stop them? Life and death, aging and illness—these are the natural ways of the world. Are you going to storm the underworld just to prevent death? The rise and fall of dynasties is the way of Heaven. From the Qin, Han, Tang, to the Song, how many times has the world changed hands? I don’t see the Ming emperor doing anything particularly good. So why shouldn’t someone rise up and change the world? Who do you think you are? Even the Three Pure Ones and the Four Emperors don’t interfere. What makes you so special?”
Mei Qing was quite intrigued by the magical artifact that could conceal one’s aura. Unfortunately, although he had officially become a disciple, his two masters were both rather stingy. He couldn’t help but recall how Bi Zhen, before even forming her golden core, had been surrounded by a plethora of protective artifacts. In contrast, he had received nothing but a set of calligraphy tools, which, to his discerning eye honed from years in the antique trade, were nothing more than worthless trinkets that no one would bother to pick up if thrown on the ground.
“Master, you actually have such treasures in your possession,” Mei Qing said with a grin. “But your poor disciple here is as broke as a church mouse, without even a single defensive artifact to his name. Honestly, if someone were to ask me which sect I belong to, I’d be too ashamed to even mention it…”
Before he could finish, there was a sharp *smack* as he was struck on the back of his head again. Zhang Shisan, his master, grumbled, “You fool, how come you’re even more sharp-eyed than that thieving monkey beside you? Once you see something, you can’t let it go, can you? This isn’t even a magical artifact—it’s just a tool. Staying by my side is far safer than any tool. What do you need these things for?”
“A tool? So, there’s a difference between a tool and a magical artifact?” Mei Qing quickly shifted the topic, pretending to be eager to learn.
“The difference is as vast as that between a sweet potato and a cantaloupe. Sure, they both have ‘melon’ in their names, but do they taste the same?” Zhang Shisan looked at him with a mix of exasperation and disappointment. “You’re my first disciple, and though you’re a bit slow and useless, you shouldn’t be this hopeless. Remember my teachings, always.”
“Yes, yes, Master. Your wisdom is always in my heart,” Mei Qing replied, continuing his inquiry. “Master, what exactly are these ‘Nightmare Spirits’ you mentioned earlier?”
Zhang Shisan’s expression turned grave as he spoke slowly, “These skeletons, large and small, resemble the legendary Nightmare Spirits. However, I’ve never seen them in person, so I can’t be certain. It’s said that Nightmare Spirits are summoned through dark rituals, calling forth the bones of ancient, otherworldly beings. These bones are then bound with secret spells, making them nearly indestructible and capable of immense destruction in battle. This kind of dark magic isn’t native to our lands, and its origins are unknown. During the Mongol invasion, several sorcerers used this method to summon numerous Nightmare Spirits to fight. At that time, many of the major sects in the Central Plains were paralyzed by their belief in karma, focusing only on self-preservation. Only a few smaller sects stood up to fight. Initially, they managed to hold their ground against the Mongol cavalry, but once the Nightmare Spirits appeared, and with the sorcerers joining forces, those sects were utterly destroyed, their lineages wiped out. It was a tragic time…”
Mei Qing listened intently, his expression turning serious as he examined the motionless skeletons before him. They indeed exuded a chilling aura of death, their presence amplified by the sinister energy emanating from the coffins. Even though it was still afternoon, the sky above had turned a dull gray. Considering the effort someone had put into suppressing this place with the Reverse Seven Suns Array, the level of malevolence here was undoubtedly extreme. “These skeletons must have been summoned through dark magic. They’re likely the Nightmare Spirits you mentioned, Master. But how should we deal with them?” Mei Qing asked after a long pause.
Zhang Shisan frowned and shook his head. “Although these resemble Nightmare Spirits, they differ from the legends. It’s said that Nightmare Spirits are summoned through elaborate rituals performed by multiple sorcerers. These skeletons, however, have talismans inscribed on their skulls, which suggests a Central Plains technique. This doesn’t align with the legends. Moreover, Nightmare Spirits are indiscriminate in their destruction, used in large-scale battles or wars. This place is just a remote corner of the world—what purpose would they serve here? Besides—”
Zhang Shisan glanced at the seven large banners and the scattered coffins, sneering, “These Seven Spirit-Suppressing Banners and coffins are clearly used for crafting paper soldiers and war corpses. This isn’t a method for dealing with cultivation sects. My dear disciple, I’m afraid we’ve stumbled upon someone’s grand scheme.”
Mei Qing was shocked. Zhang Shisan’s words implied that this place was a secret base for someone plotting rebellion. Nightmare Spirits were used during the Mongol invasion, and paper soldiers and war corpses were tools for large-scale warfare. If someone was creating these now, it could only mean they were planning an uprising.
“Master, what should we do? With just the few of us, we can’t possibly handle this, can we?” Mei Qing asked, his face pale.
Zhang Shisan gave him a strange look and snorted, “You fool, we’re not here to pick a fight. These things may be dangerous, but they don’t seem aimed at us. Why should we provoke them?”
“But if they’re creating these things, doesn’t that mean they’re planning a rebellion?” Mei Qing asked, bewildered.
“So what if they rebel? What does it have to do with us? They’re not rebelling against our family. I’m not the emperor, and you’re not the local magistrate, are you? Oh, right, you’re technically a member of the Imperial Guard. But just pretend you don’t know anything. No one will know you’re withholding information. Let’s just leave this place and head back.”
“Master, that doesn’t seem right. If they rebel, it’ll plunge the country into chaos. The people will suffer, displaced and miserable. The fields will be littered with bones, and the land will fall silent…”
Mei Qing tried to appeal to Zhang Shisan’s conscience, speaking passionately and quoting classics to move him. But after a while, Zhang Shisan just yawned, clearly bored. “You fool, have you read too many books and fried your brain? They’re rebelling against the Ming Dynasty. The people are the subjects of the Zhu family. What does it have to do with us? If we know someone’s planning to rebel, we should just stay out of it. If things get bad, I’ll take you back to our mountain sect. Who would dare trouble us there? Why bother with all this?”
Mei Qing argued, “The rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen. A true hero serves the country and its people. Master, are you hesitating because of the entanglement of karma? Are you afraid to act?”
Before he could finish, he felt the familiar rush of air behind his head. But this time, Mei Qing was prepared. With a chuckle, he didn’t dodge. There was a soft *thud* as Zhang Shisan’s strike landed on a cushion of air.
“Not bad, you’ve improved. That was a clever use of the barrier talisman,” Zhang Shisan admitted, though he hadn’t put much force into the strike.
After a moment of thought, Zhang Shisan spoke seriously, “Mei Qing, you’ve read too many books and haven’t truly experienced the cultivation world. It’s natural for you to think this way. But in this world, everyone has their own role. I’m entangled in karma, and I must avoid further entanglements. But even without karma, I wouldn’t meddle in things that don’t concern me.”
He then added mockingly, “You talk about heroes serving the country and its people. But if you, as an Imperial Guard, encountered such a hero, what would you do? Wouldn’t your first instinct be to eliminate them? Isn’t that right?”
Mei Qing was speechless. If such a hero truly existed, their actions would likely violate the laws of the Ming Dynasty, and the Imperial Guard would undoubtedly arrest them.
Zhang Shisan laughed, “Now you understand? In this world, the first rule is to know your place. Serving the country and its people is the duty of government officials. The people pay their salaries, so it’s their job to do that. If everyone tried to be a hero and meddled in affairs beyond their station, the world would descend into chaos.”
Mei Qing hesitated, “But what about me, Master?”
Zhang Shisan shook his head, “As an Imperial Guard, gathering intelligence is your duty. Report it to the authorities, and let them handle it. Don’t try to play the hero. You’ll only make things worse and risk getting yourself killed. The people know how to live their lives. You don’t need to pretend to care about the nation’s troubles. Even without a rebellion, there’s plenty of suffering and oppression under the Ming Dynasty. Maybe the rebels are actually serving the people, as you say. Why fight them? Life and death are part of the natural order. Just because you see the suffering of old age and death, does that mean you’ll banish people to hell to prevent them from dying? The rise and fall of empires is the will of heaven. The Qin, Han, Tang, and Song dynasties have all come and gone. The Ming emperor isn’t particularly virtuous. Why shouldn’t someone rebel and change the course of history? Who do you think you are? Even the highest deities haven’t intervened. What makes you so special?”
“But what if my family suffers, or my friends are hurt? Should I just stand by and do nothing? Is the Dao truly heartless, and is cultivation also heartless?” Mei Qing asked, confused.
“You’re such a fool,” Zhang Shisan shook his head like a rattle drum. “I’ve already said, everyone has their role. Isn’t protecting your family and helping your friends part of your duty? Whether the Dao or cultivation is heartless or not depends entirely on your own heart.”
Mei Qing opened his mouth but found no words to refute Zhang Shisan, even though he felt his master’s perspective was flawed.
“You’re so foolish,” Zhang Shisan shook his head like a drum. “I told you—everyone has their own role. Isn’t protecting your family and helping your loved ones part of your role? Whether the Dao is emotional or not, whether cultivation is compassionate or not—all of that lies in your own heart.”
Mei Qing opened his mouth, feeling that Zhang Shisan was wrong, but for the moment, he couldn’t find the words to argue back.
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