Human emotions are sometimes subtle.
When they fail, they feel sad, lost, and miserable.
But if they are not the only losers, they will feel a little more psychologically balanced.
Just like this moment——
"Zhulong" Chen Yanping sat paralyzed on the ground next to the mountain path, looking at Shangguan Jin in front of him, thinking silently: "It turns out that Lord Shangguan, who is deeply trusted by Chief Luo, failed to obtain the inheritance of the immortal! It seems that it is not me. It’s too useless, but the test set by Kong Xuan Sanren is too difficult..."
Shangguan Jin also looked down at Chen Yanping and thought to himself: "It turns out that this deep-thinking boy from Xiangyang Chen also died halfway! It seems that this mountain climbing road is much more difficult than I imagined. Even the Daqi Dynasty A genius who attracts national attention may not be able to successfully reach the top..."
They looked at each other, and the lonely mood on their faces gradually softened and turned into self-deprecating smiles.
After a brief silence, Shangguan Jin asked curiously: "Mr. Chen, have you completed the wood-cutting task of the white-bearded old Taoist?"
Chen Yanping shook his head and replied: "No. Sir Shangguan should have seen two woodcutters singing folk songs, right? I tried to use money to invite them to help me chop wood, but they refused without saying a word, saying 'Don't insult us with something as dirty as money'."
Hearing this, Shangguan Jin couldn't help laughing even though he was feeling depressed at the moment.
Although this boy from the Chen family looks average, he once opposed her and tried to steal someone from her.
But it's quite interesting to see how deflated he is.
"Then why were you so seriously injured? Were you beaten up by the two woodcutters?" she then asked.
Chen Yanping let out a long sigh and replied: "No, it's not them. I was injured by the murderous moonlight when I was passing by the mountain road next to the sea."
"That moonlight is really scary." Shangguan Jin nodded in agreement.
What Chen Yanping is talking about is undoubtedly the "moonlight in the sky, sea and moon" spoken by the boy on the mountaintop trail.
Shangguan Jin had undoubtedly witnessed the spectacular view of the rising moon on the sea on the mountain road by the sea. However, when she was admiring the scenery, the silver-white moonlight suddenly turned into an invisible sharp blade and stabbed at her fiercely.
With the magical power of "Heavenly Calculation", she clearly sensed that the more she resisted, the more lethal the moonlight would be; only by using softness to overcome strength could she successfully pass through the seaside.
Therefore, she suppressed her true energy and dealt with it purely with magic weapons, and was naturally able to pass through that dangerous path unscathed.
But Chen Yanping is different. He does not have the ability to see through the essence of things at a glance like "Tiansuan".
It may take him a lot of time to be able to see clearly the strangeness - so it's not surprising that he was bruised and bruised by the moonlight.
"Huh? I don't know where that handsome young man is now..."
Unknowingly, Shangguan Jin remembered the scene when she faced Gu Xu in the "Realm of Discussing Tao" more than two months ago.
At that time, although Gu Xu did not have the magical power of "divine calculation", he could rely on some unknown ability to accurately predict her position, use a unique method to crack her "Meteor Walking on the Moon" movement technique, and give her Left a very deep impression.
Because of this, even though Gu Xu was only a second-level monk, two levels lower than her, she had inexplicable confidence in Gu Xu, feeling that today Gu Xu might be able to go further than she imagined.
"Sir Shangguan, since the test set by Kong Xuan Sanren is so difficult, do you think anyone in our group can really reach the top of the mountain?" At this time, Chen Yanping spoke again.
"What do you think, Mr. Chen?" Shangguan Jin asked.
Chen Yanping thought for a moment and replied: "I think only people like 'White Tiger' Su Xiao can get the inheritance of Kongxuan Sanren! He has a rare third-grade qualification, and he is a direct disciple taught by the saint... …and his diligent study is also well known.
"If even Su Xiao can't pass the test, then I'm afraid no one in the entire Da Qi Dynasty can successfully pass these tests."
Shangguan Jin smiled slightly: "Mr. Chen may have underestimated the geniuses of our Daqi."
"What do you mean, Lord Shangguan?" Chen Yanping frowned, feeling a little confused by her words.
Shangguan Jin pondered for a few seconds and replied: "In my opinion, although Su Xiao is indeed very powerful, he is only obsessed with swords, and may not be the most suitable inheritor of the Kongxuan Sanren Cause and Effect Path.
"If I were a Kongxuan Sanren, I would definitely choose someone who could learn from the strengths of others and be able to integrate all the methods in the world."
"Is there really such a person in this world?" Chen Yanping thought she was joking.
Shangguan Jin chuckled and did not answer his question directly, but said lightly: "Let's go down the mountain first!"
After a brief chat with Chen Yanping, her mood was no longer as depressed as before.
Since it is no longer possible to climb to the top of the mountain in person, wouldn’t it be interesting to watch a good show quietly at the foot of the mountain?
…………
Gu Xu was still focused on chopping firewood.
He knew nothing about the situation of his companions in the "Shenji Camp" and didn't care.
"Click"!
"Click"!
The ax head flashed with a cold light, accompanying his breathing and heartbeat, and landed on the wood in front of him again and again.
His movements are very regular, like a precise metronome.
There is the fragrance of earth in the air, and there are crisscrossing tree roots and dark green moss under your feet. The sound of wind and waves can be heard in the distance. The silver moonlight passes through the canopy of the trees and falls on the young man, forming a deep and elegant painting.
Chopping firewood is just like practicing spiritual practice, it is a boring thing.
Repetitive and boring.
Repeat the same process and the same gesture thousands or tens of thousands of times.
But he had long been accustomed to it.
Others may be able to enjoy the scenery, drink a few bottles of wine, and leave a few poems while hiking.
But he could only run up to the top of the mountain with his head down, so that he could have time to overlook the infinite scenery between heaven and earth.
He once complained about his fate deep in his heart.
But when he walked through the "Juxian Terrace" in Laoshan, he suddenly understood.
There is no such thing as happiness or misfortune in this world, there is only the comparison of one situation with another.
He saw Du Jingjing, who died after cutting off her meridians due to the tricks of cause and effect, and also saw the fourth prince Xiao Shangzhen, whose cultivation was abolished after swallowing the "Shengsheng Dan".
He thought of Pan Xiaopeng, a junior official in the exorcism department who died suddenly due to the Yin Qi, and of the group of monks and civilians who died in the "Nine Infants' Disaster" buried in the cemetery on the outskirts of Yishui County.
So he thanked fate for keeping a slim hope for him.
It was as if in the endless darkness, when he raised his head, he could still see the faint starlight, illuminating his way forward.
His arms began to ache.
His palms began to tingle.
But his expression didn't change at all - calm, firm, and consistent.
"Go on," he said to himself in his mind.
"Crack!"
The ax fell heavily again, splitting the firewood in front of him into two even pieces.
Time passed quietly.
Unconsciously, there were two tall piles of firewood beside him, like two small hills.
The young man smiled, put the ax at his feet, and wiped the sweat from his face with the back of his hand.
Then he cut a few vines from nearby, quickly cut off the branches and leaves, and twisted the two ends of the vines together to form a "firewood hug" shaped like an "&" symbol for binding firewood.
Immediately afterwards, he put the newly cut firewood on the "firewood hugger", and while pulling hard with his hands and stepping on it with his feet, he tied the firewood tightly in an instant.
This is also a skill that the woodcutter taught him.
The two woodcutter emphasized that if the firewood is bundled without any rules, it will be loose and not strong enough, and it will be scattered on the ground when picked up.
Gu Xu undoubtedly kept their words in mind.
Then, he carried the firewood on his back and walked towards the location of the white-bearded old Taoist, stepping on the raised tree roots and dead branches.
The old Taoist still sat under the pine tree with his eyes closed.
The moonlight fell on his beard, making it sparkle; behind him, there were long shadows.
Although he was dressed simply, his temperament was graceful and dignified.
When Gu Xu came closer, Lao Dao opened his eyes and nodded slightly to him: "You did a good job."
Gu Xu put the firewood on the ground and saluted him.
The old Taoist was silent for a moment, and then continued: "You are the first monk to pass through the 'Pine Forest'. As long as you walk through the last section of the mountain road, you can reach the top."
First?
Gu Xu was actually a little surprised when he heard the news.
Although Luo Sishou once said that his cultivation talent was unparalleled in the world, he was never proud of it in the "Shenji Camp".
After all, talent isn't everything.
Most of the people in the "Shenji Camp" have a deeper background than him, are older than him, have higher cultivation levels than him, and have more experience than him.
Unexpectedly, he could complete the task of chopping wood first.
"Go." The old man waved to him.
Then, the old Taoist disappeared, the firewood disappeared, the ax disappeared, and the entire pine forest disappeared.
Gu Xu returned to the rugged mountain road.
His true essence seal was also lifted.
He looked forward and saw that the top of the mountain was not far away.
From a distance, you can see the mountain scenery hidden in the pavilions, and from a close look, the floating clouds cover half of the mountain.
The mountain road under his feet was steeper than all the roads he had walked before, and there were dense thorns on both sides.
He took a deep breath and stepped forward.
Now that he has embarked on this path, nothing should prevent him from continuing along this path.
…………
"White Tiger" Su Xiao was still chopping firewood attentively.
At his feet lay a tall, jagged pile of firewood.
His clothes, which had been washed white, were soaked with sweat and stained with dust and mud.
At first glance, he seemed to be no different from an ordinary mountain man.
But if any swordsmanship expert passes by him, he will find that his blunt and rusty ax is actually wrapped with sharp sword intent!
Even though all the true energy in his body had been blocked, he still clearly displayed the meaning of the Shu sword pavilion's "Pingtian Sword Art".
The wood-cutting task assigned to him by the old man with white beard has been regarded by him as a means of practicing swordsmanship.
It can be seen that his talent is outstanding.
It is not unreasonable for the entire Jiange, old and young, to regard him as their ancestor.
Time flies.
The moonlight flows slowly between the branches and leaves of the trees.
When Su Xiao cut down the last piece of firewood, he discovered that he had now grasped the key to the fifth form of the "Pingtian Sword Art" that he had been unable to master before.
That style is called "Mountain Stone".
It's not about exquisite skills, nor is it about majestic momentum.
It lies in returning to one's original nature and being as skillful as foolishness.
Just like this blunt axe.
The corners of Su Xiao's mouth raised slightly, revealing a faint smile. He looked a bit simple and honest, like a child who had been rewarded by his parents.
Then he tied up the firewood and came to the white-bearded old man.
The old Taoist frowned slightly, as if he was a little dissatisfied with his dog-gnawing firewood, but he still nodded and agreed: "It's not bad. You are the second monk to pass through the 'Pine Forest', you can continue up the mountain."
the second?
Hearing this, Su Xiao was stunned for a moment.
He has always been a leader among his peers, a dazzling new star, and is regarded as the future of Jiange and even the future of the Daqi Dynasty.
Even in the "Shenji Camp", he was far ahead on the list and never lost.
He has been feeling deeply lonely because of his invincibility.
The "three-foot sword" in his scabbard has never had a chance to be unsheathed because he could not find a suitable opponent.
He didn't expect that today, someone would walk out of this pine forest before him.
Who is that person?
Is it that unfathomable woman Shangguan Jin?
Or is it the Chen Yanping who likes to make friends?
Su Xiao suddenly became interested in that person - maybe, that person is qualified to be his opponent in the future?
However, Su Xiao bowed slightly to the old man and said something unexpected.
If this sentence fell into the ears of other people in the "Shenji Camp", they would definitely think that he was out of his mind.
His words were: "Thank you so much, Master Immortal. However, I don't plan to continue moving forward."
"Why?" The old Taoist narrowed his eyes slightly and raised his tone slightly. It seemed that he did not expect that a young monk would take the initiative to give up the inheritance of the immortal.
Su Xiao replied seriously: "The way of Kongxuan Sanren is unpredictable, but it is not suitable for me. I still want to follow my own path without any distractions."
The old Taoist was silent for a long time and then said: "Becoming a saint is not as easy as you think. All I can say is, I wish you good luck."
Su Xiao thanked her sincerely.
After the pine forest and the old road disappeared, he turned and walked down the mountain.
He walked briskly and looked straight ahead.
The sound of wind in his ears, the weeds on the roadside, the mud under his feet, and the clouds and mists in the distance could not attract his attention.
Now that he has embarked on this path, nothing should prevent him from continuing along this path.
…………
At the foot of Laoshan Mountain.
Shi Lei from Qianhu in Laizhou Prefecture has been waiting here silently.
At this time, many losers have gathered next to him, including Xiao Shangzhen, Shangguan Jin, Chen Yanping, Chu Wei and so on.
In the recent period of time, Shi Lei had already heard that "Qingluan" Du Jingjing attempted to assassinate the fourth prince on the mountain, and then cut off his meridians and died. He also knew that the fourth prince Xiao Shangzhen had lost his cultivation and became a complete of mortals.
This gave Shi Lei a very headache.
Although Luo Chuan, the head of the exorcism department, had long told him that everything that happened in the ruins had nothing to do with him - even if the monks from the "Shenji Camp" were destroyed inside, he was not responsible.
But if you get even a little bit involved in the muddy waters of the struggle for imperial power, you can't help it.
To be honest, Shi Lei has lost interest in fighting for power and gain since his wife's death.
His only current wish is to silently watch his daughter Shi Xiaohan grow up day by day, marry a good man, and live a plain, warm and beautiful life.
As for forming cliques and taking sides... Whoever wants to go can go, but he won't go anyway.
Perhaps it was the assassination of the fourth prince that made the atmosphere very solemn, and the young monks around Shi Lei remained silent.
Only "Spirit Fox" Shangguan Jin occasionally spoke a few words, casually mentioning things on the mountain, trying to ease the stagnant atmosphere.
It must be said that Shangguan Jin is a person who is "savvy in human relations". He is proficient in the art of speaking and knows how to make people feel happy.
Anyone who is not wary of her will easily develop a liking for her.
Just when Shi Lei was deep in thought, the figure of "White Tiger" Su Xiao suddenly appeared on the way down the mountain.
ps: Please vote for this 4400-word chapter! (Sorry for the late update due to working overtime tonight)
Genius website address:... Mobile version reading address: m..pppp('Eternal life begins with slaying demons');;
