"Good name."
The Tianwu Emperor approved. "From this day forth, the soldiers of the Forbidden Army shall uniformly be called Heavenly Soldiers, and the generals of each division shall uniformly be called Heavenly Generals. The detailed titles of each division can be discussed later."
Since they would sooner or later wage war against Heavenly Water Isle, they naturally needed a resounding name.
Whether in the mortal world or among common men, warfare ultimately relied on momentum. The title Heavenly Court was indeed enough to ensure that their own people would not lose heart.
It was just that these individuals with spiritual roots, aside from cultivation techniques and spiritual grain, received almost no other assistance.
Even the "Forbidden Army instructors" could only be Ningxiang and the others.
Speaking of which—
Over the years, Ningxiang had cultivated alongside Chen Sanshi and had already stepped into the late stage of Qi Refining. Zhaozhao was about to reach the late stage as well. On the immortal path, their cultivation speed was not slow.
In addition—
Wang Zhi and Rong Yanqiu had already become True Force martial artists.
If Sima Yao, Wei Xuan, and Song Guizhi had sufficient resources, they would be able to step into the middle stage of the True Force Realm within another 2 years.
As for the younger generation—
Sima's two sons stood out like cranes among chickens.
Among the disciples, martial cultivation had also progressed.
Only after frequent contact with the Bai family did Chen Sanshi truly understand the difference between the "Mortal Shedding realm" of the cultivation world and the "qi-blood martial path" of the Divine Continent.
The former could rely on the spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth to begin cultivation at a younger age and slightly accelerate progress, but in essence the difference was not great.
Before reaching the Martial Saint realm, spiritual grain and medicinal ointments were sufficient for use, and there were even some cheap first-rank pills that could be brought back from the cultivation world.
Thus, over the years, several disciples had advanced rapidly. In the blink of an eye, 7 or 8 years had passed. With the assistance of immortal pills, Su Can was on the verge of Mortal Shedding Perfection. Yu Ji had switched to the immortal path after the founding of Great Han and was at the early stage of Qi Refining. Yu Lie was at the late stage of Mortal Shedding.
Speaking of disciples—
Chen Sanshi had been extremely busy over the years and did not know how his eldest disciple from Small Stone Village, Li Ping'an, had been faring. If the latter was willing, he could also be brought to the Eastern Divine Continent to discuss matters further.
As for Second Senior Brother Cheng Wei and Seventh Senior Brother Ye Fengxiu, they had long since broken through to the Martial Saint realm but lacked the heavenly treasures necessary to open the spirit deities, leaving them unable to advance further despite their efforts.
In this regard, Chen Sanshi could only think of other solutions.
For half a year straight, he remained in the Divine Continent.
In the blink of an eye, it was already April of the sixth year of Tianwu.
In only 6 short years since the founding of Great Han, everything had flourished. The nation was prosperous and the people lived in peace. The common folk had surplus grain every year and cotton clothing for the winter.
Chen Sanshi began issuing edicts to Southern Xu and Eastern Qing, ordering them to submit to Great Han.
At that time, Southern Xu and Eastern Qing were already in chaos internally, with uprisings erupting one after another and wars breaking out everywhere. If not for the suppression by a small number of cultivators from various sects, they would have collapsed entirely long ago.
After receiving the edicts, they were naturally unwilling to submit.
In response, Chen Sanshi ordered Sima Yao and the others to form the "Heavenly Raid Army," frequently descending from the sky with high-ranking martial generals to carry out decapitation strikes.
They also killed quite a number of cultivators.
This was Great Han's current strategy.
If they could avoid launching a full-scale war, they would avoid it. After all, the realm had only just stabilized with great difficulty. Once large armies were mobilized lightly, it would once again drain national strength.
At the very least, they needed a few more years of recuperation.
Once the three neighboring kingdoms were fully absorbed into Great Han's territory, the power of national destiny within the Mysterious Pearl would surely rise to another level.
When the time came to send troops to Heavenly Water Isle, they would then possess military formations of sufficient might.
But there was still one problem before them.
With sufficient troops, how were they to march into Heavenly Water Isle?
One had to know that between the two continents there was a sealing barrier. Chen Sanshi traveled back and forth entirely by relying on the Teleportation Jade Token.
The jade token could bring in a small number of people without issue, but if hundreds or thousands entered, the ancient teleportation array would remain activated continuously. It would be impossible for the cultivators of Heavenly Water Isle not to notice. If a great power were to investigate, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Therefore, they would have to find a way to transport large numbers of troops in quickly, and then withdraw just as swiftly.
All that, however, was for later.
After half a year of cultivation, Chen Sanshi's immortal path advanced further.
Cultivation Method: Swallowing Fire Art · Qi Refining Eighth Layer
Progress: 338/1200
Because the first-rank spiritual vein of Tianyong City was insufficient, his martial cultivation progressed somewhat slowly. Establishing his Foundation on the immortal path first was almost a certainty.
Qinghua Palace.
Rouyi Hall.
This was the residence of the Imperial Noble Consort.
On the bed, Chen Sanshi slowly awoke.
He looked at Sun Li. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Senior Sister, you must work harder in martial practice."
Back then—
Chen Sanshi had once said that if Senior Sister did not like practicing the blade, then she did not need to continue; he would stand in front of everything.
But now, it seemed he would have to go back on his word.
Senior Sister did not possess a spiritual root, and martial True Force did not significantly extend lifespan. If she did not strive to try—
"Mm, I know."
Sun Li replied.
Her younger brother, Sun Buqi, had made outstanding progress in recent years. If he had heavenly treasures, it would not take long for him to become a True Force Realm martial artist as well.
Leaving the sleeping chambers, he went to the Taiji Hall of Daming Palace. After attending court once, Chen Sanshi announced another period of closed-door cultivation, but in truth he was heading to Heavenly Water Isle.
This time, he deliberately made a detour and first went to Small Stone Village.
By age alone, Little Ping'an was no longer young.
Who would have thought that from Old Man Li he would learn that the boy had run off several years ago?
"Where did he go?"
"I don't know."
Old Man Li shook his head. "Less than 2 years after you left, a group of people came to the village. The imperial court sent people too. In short, there were several chaotic fights.
"After that, Ping'an left us some silver, kowtowed several times at the door, and then departed.
"He even told me to pass a message to the Immortal Master, saying that he would never forget your grace of imparting the Dao. One day, when he walks the great path to the heavens, he will return to repay his teacher's kindness."
Chen Sanshi nodded slightly.
Since the boy had left many years ago, there was nothing more to say.
He had arrived by coincidence today.
He happened to encounter Li Ping'an's elder sister quietly coming to deliver silver. Compared to several years ago, she looked many times more haggard.
She claimed she had recently fallen ill. Chen Sanshi did not press further. After leaving some silver behind as well, he took his leave.
The situation within Daze Market seemed to have grown somewhat more serious. The activities of demonic sect cultivators had become increasingly frequent. Quite a few cultivators had suffered misfortune, and the bounty rewards continued to rise.
It had even drawn the attention of the Great Song court.
Under the court's jurisdiction, there was an office known as the Demon-Suppression Division, specifically responsible for maintaining stability across various regions and exterminating demons.
Within the market, cultivators wearing the uniforms of the Demon-Suppression Division could already be seen.
For the time being, Chen Sanshi had no intention of involving himself in these matters. He still needed to cultivate step by step and strive to reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible.
After returning to Small Bamboo Peak and entering closed-door cultivation for several days, it was time for the mountain gathering of cultivators.
Chen Sanshi, Zi Nan, Mountain-Moving Hermit, Qu Lingchuan, and Deng Wuchang arrived one after another at the pavilion atop the mountain.
The other 4 all possessed combat strength at Foundation Establishment or above.
Only Chen Sanshi, outwardly, was still a Qi Refining cultivator. He maintained harmonious relations with everyone entirely by virtue of his status as a second-rank alchemist.
"Come, come! Let fellow Daoists have a taste of this fine stuff I got yesterday from Red Ridge Mountain!"
Mountain-Moving Hermit spoke as he heavily placed a spirit beast—already skinned and deboned—onto the table.
"Oh!"
Qu Lingchuan laughed. "That's a second-rank spirit beast. Fellow Daoist, you're truly generous."
Even after removing the valuable parts, the beast meat alone could sell for quite a few spirit stones.
Among the five, Mountain-Moving Hermit had always been known for his bold generosity.
"I've brought some good wine."
As Chen Sanshi spoke, he took out a wine jar.
The others also produced items for the feast, most of which offered some benefit to cultivation.
Only Deng Wuchang, who made his living as a hired blade, arrived late—and empty-handed.
He appeared to be only in his twenties. His clothes were unkempt, a saber hung at his waist, and he walked with a careless swagger. After plopping down, he slung an arm around Qu Lingchuan and asked,
"Brother Qu, how is it? Any leads on demonic cultivators? Give me a hint. Let's go do a job privately, the two of us. We'll split the bounty fifty-fifty."
Qu Lingchuan worked at the Deacon Hall. He shook his head. "Don't even mention it. I've been patrolling day and night recently. It's seriously affecting my daily cultivation. If this keeps up, I won't want the job anymore.
"Besides, Brother Deng, I advise you to go after robbery cultivators instead. It's best not to touch demonic cultivators. One misstep and you'll fall flat."
"I don't have any special skills. If I don't risk my life, where will I get resources to cultivate?"
Deng Wuchang snorted. "If I could kill that Chen Lei, then I'd really strike it rich. I could focus on cultivation for at least 20 or 30 years afterward!
"That man is only at the middle stage of the True Force Realm. I might not be unable to fight him.
"Seriously, none of you fellow Daoists want to do a job with me?"
"What's the use of wanting to?" Qu Lingchuan said awkwardly. "The sealing of Heaven and Earth in the Eastern Divine Continent suppresses spell cultivators severely. Back then, even the Supreme Elder of Guiyuan Sect suffered a setback. We Foundation Establishment cultivators simply cannot enter."
"Fellow Daoist Xiao?"
Deng Wuchang raised his eyebrows. "What do you say? Interested?"
"Brother Deng truly knows how to joke."
Chen Sanshi teased, "Xiao is merely at the late stage of Qi Refining. How could I be a match for Chen Lei?"
"Wrong!"
Deng Wuchang interrupted. "If one person isn't enough, we can recruit more. If we can't win head-on, we can ambush. As long as we act, there will always be an opportunity!
"Besides, aren't you about to reach Foundation Establishment? You'll need to prepare resources in advance. If we really manage to kill Chen Lei, wouldn't that solve your Foundation Establishment?"
"Mm, Brother Deng makes sense."
Chen Sanshi's mind stirred, and he changed the topic. "But how would we go to the Eastern Divine Continent?"
"That's not difficult."
Qu Lingchuan took over. "As early as 7 or 8 years ago, the upper sect used a fissure in the sealing barrier to set up a teleportation array near Daze Market. If you truly want to go to the Eastern Divine Continent to kill Chen Lei, the spirit stone consumption required to activate the array can be waived for you."
"Is it safe? And how would we return?"
Chen Sanshi raised questions in succession. "Fellow Daoist Qu, could you take the two of us to have a look?"
"What a coincidence. The safety around that array has recently been assigned to me."
Qu Lingchuan said, "If the two of you wish to go, after the banquet ends I can take you there."
"Good!"
Deng Wuchang said, "Let's take a look and prepare in advance!"
"Enough, enough—drink first!"
Mountain-Moving Hermit raised his cup and said, "By the way, Brother Xiao, there's been some recent leads on the bowstring material you wanted. When the time comes, I may need you to enter the mountains with me."
"Alright."
Chen Sanshi agreed.
The five fellow Daoists exchanged information.
After the banquet ended, the three of them traveled together to an unnamed mountain near Daze Market. The teleportation array was established at the mountain's summit.
From its outward appearance, the teleportation array looked somewhat similar to the ancient teleportation array at The Edge of the World.
"That's right."
Qu Lingchuan explained, "This array was constructed by deciphering the formations on the collected jade tokens. After the patterns were cracked, true formation masters built it. It can tear open a small gap in the fissures of the Heaven and Earth sealing barrier, allowing cultivators to pass through."
"I see."
Chen Sanshi nodded thoughtfully. "Previously, when the market confiscated jade tokens, it was for researching formations?"
"Correct."
Qu Lingchuan said, "I've heard it's related to the Heaven and Earth sealing barrier. The upper sect wants to refine the jade tokens and unravel their secrets, then directly destroy the sealing barrier of the Eastern Divine Continent.
"Speaking of which, that sealing barrier is truly formidable. I don't know how many great powers have studied it. After so many years, there's been virtually no progress."
"How is it activated?"
Standing on the array, Deng Wuchang asked, "I've heard it can't send multiple people through consecutively?"
"That's right."
Qu Lingchuan informed them, "The essence of this teleportation array is to cross through a fissure. It cannot actually weaken the sealing barrier. In fact, once disturbed, the sealing barrier will automatically counteract.
"So even after activating the array, you must wait for intervals between the countermeasures to send one cultivator at a time. And the cultivator cannot exceed Foundation Establishment."
Chen Sanshi remembered this clearly.
During the various campaigns in the Eastern Divine Continent, different sects had entered in batches through different teleportation array anchor points rather than arriving all at once.
"There's counteraction against cultivators…"
Chen Sanshi asked, "What about mortals? Or martial cultivators?"
"None."
Qu Lingchuan replied, "According to the formation masters, the sealing barrier was fundamentally designed to deal with cultivators, to separate the mortal and the immortal. Its backlash restriction identifies targets based on mana fluctuations. It cannot detect low-realm martial artists or mortals."
"I see."
Chen Sanshi silently committed this crucial information to memory. Then he stepped onto the array and, standing at a higher point, surveyed the surrounding terrain.
Emerging from this array would place one at Li Family Market, very close to the main peak and relatively near the families of Beiyang Dao.
Heavenly Water Isle was vast. Even flying between Beiyang Dao and other regions would take a considerable amount of time.
"What?"
Qu Lingchuan teased, "Are you two in such a hurry to go die?"
"Of course not now."
Deng Wuchang waved his hand. "I'll wait until I gather 20 people. At least 7 or 8 at the middle stage of the True Force Realm. Chen Lei is only at the middle stage of the True Force Realm. If we all swarm him together, we can surely take his life.
"Only—
"With so many True Force martial artists, without assistance from martial families of other regions, it'll be hard to gather enough!"
"No rush."
Chen Sanshi patted his shoulder. "We can take it slowly."
"Brother Xiao speaks wisely!"
Deng Wuchang let the matter rest for the moment.
"Shall the two of you have another drink together tonight?"
Chen Sanshi suggested, "I've heard the ladies of Miaoyin Pavilion are both talented and skilled, and their spirit wine is exceptional. I'll treat."
"Oh?"
Deng Wuchang threw an arm around his shoulders. "Brother Xiao, you're in closed-door cultivation all day. We thought you were a dull gourd. Who would've guessed!"
"Indeed."
Qu Lingchuan also teased, "Miaoyin Pavilion isn't cheap. We only go occasionally. Brother Xiao truly lives up to being a second-rank alchemist—so generous."
With a free treat, they were naturally willing to go.
Qu Lingchuan was one of the guest elders of the Enforcement Hall and was responsible for guarding the teleportation array. Building a good relationship might prove useful in the future.
That night, they had great fun at Miaoyin Pavilion.
Chen Sanshi merely accompanied them and sat idly for a while.
Putting aside other matters, the methods of the female cultivators here truly could not compare to Ningxiang of Qinghua Palace. Having long been tempered, he was completely unmoved.
Early the next morning, he went to the Bai family as agreed to refine pills.
As before, when Chen Sanshi refined pills, he had to blindfold himself and cooperate with a maiden in her early teens. During the process, he was not allowed to secretly peek at the materials.
The Dao attendant responsible for assisting him was named Bai Chaotong, the youngest daughter of the Bai family head and a rare upper-grade spiritual root.
In the past century, the Bai family had produced only this one.
Arranging for her to serve as a Dao attendant here was also intended to let her learn alchemy in advance, so she could become the Bai family's own alchemist in the future.
Whenever refining pills,
Bai Chaotong would always carefully guard against the alchemy guest elder before her.
"Alright, can I remove it now?"
Chen Sanshi sensed the changes within the pill furnace and slowly withdrew his spell.
Skill: Alchemy (Second Rank)
Progress: 105/1000
He removed the covering cloth and saw Bai Chaotong clutching the box of medicinal ingredients tightly to her chest. She stammered, "Y-you can leave now."
"Very well, Miss Bai. I shall take my leave. If there are any issues, you may come to Little Bamboo Peak to find me."
As Chen Sanshi spoke and prepared to rise, a sudden clamor erupted outside.
Stepping out of the alchemy workshop, he saw that at the entrance of a canyon to the southeast, a crowd had gathered. They were all martial cultivators of the Bai family, surrounding an elderly Daoist of about 60 years of age.
Changsun Miao.
The Bai family had more than two second-rank guest alchemists. He was one of them. It was unclear what had happened, but it looked as though a fight might break out.
"Heh…"
Changsun Miao stroked his beard and looked at the people blocking his departure. With a smile that did not reach his eyes, he said, "Fellow little Daoists, what is the meaning of this?"
"Senior Changsun!"
Bai Ange sternly demanded, "The Bai family's Medicine Valley is a forbidden area for outsiders. Why did you trespass without permission?"
"Trespass?"
Changsun Miao replied nonchalantly, "When someone stopped me, did I not come out at once? Yet you little Daoists block my path and refuse to let me leave. Is that not somewhat disrespectful to this humble Daoist?"
Bai Ange said bluntly, "Whether you may leave or not will be decided after the family head and Second Master arrive!"
As they spoke,
Bai Liangbi, head of the Bai family, and Bai Linxun, the steward of the second branch, arrived riding the breeze.
"Fellow Daoist Changsun!"
Bai Liangbi's deep voice carried unmistakable anger. "Bai has repeatedly stated that entry into the Medicine Valley is forbidden without permission. Why did you knowingly violate this rule?"
"Family Head Bai, there is no need for such anger."
Changsun Miao said calmly, "I was refining pills for my own use just now and happened to lack two medicinal ingredients. They are not worth much in spirit stones, so I intended to gather them along the way—nothing more.
"I have cooperated with the Bai family for years. Surely there is at least this much trust between us? I even intended to have someone watch from the side. Did you truly think I would steal your medicinal herbs?"
"Ange."
Bai Linxun asked, "Did Fellow Daoist Changsun enter the inner section of the Medicine Valley?"
"No."
After verifying the circumstances on both sides,
it was not long before Bai Liangbi ordered the path to be cleared. "Let Fellow Daoist Changsun leave."
"You have truly gone too far today!"
Changsun Miao said as he prepared to depart.
Yet before he had taken more than two steps, Bai Liangbi added from behind, "Fellow Daoist Changsun, someone will soon settle what is owed to you. From tomorrow onward, you need not come to refine pills anymore."
"What?!"
Hearing this, Changsun Miao froze in place, then erupted in anger. "Family Head Bai, is this not excessive?! When your Bai family searched everywhere and could not find a second-rank alchemist, who was it that cooperated with you? And now that another has arrived, you intend to cast me aside like a millstone donkey once the grinding is done?"
"Fellow Daoist Changsun!"
Bai Liangbi emphasized, "Bai warned you long ago—one breach of trust, and there will never again be cooperation!"
"Heh, very well. As you wish!"
Changsun Miao sneered and flicked his sleeve before departing.
Witnessing the entire process, Chen Sanshi could not help but feel curious.
Logically speaking, a place like the Medicine Valley would certainly be guarded. Even if one were to gather some herbs, it would be impossible to steal anything openly.
The Bai family's reaction seemed somewhat excessive.
Changsun Miao's behavior was also strange.
If he merely wished to gather herbs, why not have his accompanying Dao attendant do it? The Bai family was not stingy. It would have been even more convenient.
Was there something unusual within the Medicine Valley?
Chen Sanshi glanced at the young girl beside him.
Bai Chaotong immediately took two cautious steps backward.
"Brother Xiao, I hope you do not find this laughable."
Noticing them, Bai Liangbi took the initiative to greet him. "Within our Bai family's Medicine Valley lies a fragile geomantic formation, barely maintaining second-rank spiritual soil. The daily harvesting of herbs relies on several special spirit beasts.
"Should an outsider intrude, even breaking what appears to be an insignificant branch could cause the formation to collapse—and it cannot be repaired. Therefore, we guard the Medicine Valley with extreme strictness.
"Let me be frank in advance: even Brother Xiao, if you enter the Medicine Valley without permission, will be regarded as seeking to sever the very foundation of our Bai family."
"Rest assured, Brother Bai."
Chen Sanshi replied calmly, "I am an outsider to begin with. The rules that should be respected will naturally be respected."
"That is good, that is good."
Bai Liangbi sighed softly. "Now that Fellow Daoist Changsun has left, all pill refining in Twilight Valley will rely solely on Brother Xiao. It will certainly become more arduous. If you have any requests, feel free to raise them. So long as Brother Xiao does not break the rules, the Bai family will not treat you unfairly."
After exchanging a few more polite words, Chen Sanshi took his leave.
His daily routine on Heavenly Water Isle consisted of nothing more than refining pills and entering closed-door cultivation, back and forth between the two. After returning to his cave dwelling, he entered seclusion until deep into the night.
It was not until the next dawn, when the sky was dim and gray, that Chen Sanshi left his cave. He intended to purchase some spirit wine to replenish his strength before continuing his closed-door cultivation.
As he approached the foot of Little Bamboo Peak, he caught sight—through the dense bamboo forest—of a furtive figure in the distance, sneaking toward the Li family's main peak.
Changsun Miao.