214: Mountain Protection Array

Chapter 212 Guardian Mountain Array

Chen Zhong was an Innate Martial Artist, and his internal True Qi flowed endlessly.

With him acting as the messenger, in a span of just three days, Zheng Yi received a reply from Zhao Xi Zheng.

Unfolding and looking at it, the content was very simple, consisting of only a mere few sentences.

"Your Majesty, the Tianji Sect is a secluded Sect, with many Disciples entering the world to undergo trials, assisting a certain Sect, faction, or cultivation imperial court to cultivate through the so-called 'power of Luck'. The stronger the assisted faction, the stronger the cultivation feedback they receive themselves, and they are entirely trustworthy."

"The power of Luck…"

Zheng Yi murmured. No wonder Daoist Tianxingzi was so attentive in coming to assist—it turned out to be for Great Yu's Luck!

The so-called Luck, speaking colloquially, was fortune.

For a person, a Sect, or even a country, the stronger the fortune, the stronger their influence and strength would be.

However, this secret method of the Dao was extremely bizarre; Zheng Yi had only heard of it and had never seen it.

He did not expect that Tian Xingzi would actually be proficient in this method.

But none of this was important to him; what mattered was loyalty!

Tian Xingzi's loyalty, otherwise, he would rather banish Tian Xingzi.

However, judging by the current situation, Tian Xingzi was still trustworthy.

After considering for a few breaths, Zheng Yi immediately made a decision.

Arriving at Tianshou Mountain once more, he saw Tian Xingzi, Xuanjizi, and Chen Liancang rushing down the mountain in a flash.

"Your Majesty, we were just about to look for you, but we didn't expect you to arrive first."

After standing still, Tian Xingzi said respectfully.

"Oh? Could Daoist Tianxingzi have discovered something?"

"That's right, this poor Daoist has already found the convergence point of the Spiritual Vein here."

"Really?"

"Really!"

Tian Xingzi said, "Your Majesty, please come with this poor Daoist to take a look!"

Led by Tian Xingzi, the group arrived at the summit of Tianshou Mountain once again.

Because of the altitude, the peaks here were covered in snow all year round, making the roads difficult to traverse.

But for several people who were all Cultivators, no matter how difficult the travel was, they had no fear.

Soon, the few of them arrived at the mountain peak, standing atop the accumulated snow.

"Your Majesty, please look!"

Tian Xingzi pointed to the southern part of Tianshou Mountain and said, "This Spiritual Vein is a first-grade Spiritual Vein, taking the mountain peak as its root and gradually spreading toward the southern foothills."

"Passing through places like Feihe Peak, Azure Dragon Peak, Sanfeng Mountain, and Fairy Maiden Peak, it meanders and extends toward the east."

"Places like the northern and western peaks also have Spiritual Qi dissipating, but they cannot compare to the south and east."

"In other words, across the entire Tianshou Mountain, the southern and eastern foothills have the densest Spiritual Qi."

Zheng Yi carefully inspected it and found that Emperor Taizus Mausoleum and Emperor Wen's mausoleum were both located in the eastern foothills region, beneath Azure Dragon Peak.

It seemed that the Old Ancestor was also very adept at observing Feng Shui.

Zheng Yi asked, "I wonder if Daoist Tianxingzi has found a Spirit Stone mine?"

Tian Xingzi shook his head and said, "Wanting to find a Spirit Stone mine, how could it be so easy?"

"This mountain meanders for a thousand miles; wanting to search and probe it inch by inch would take at least several years."

"However, if Your Majesty is willing to dispatch a detachment of soldiers for this poor Daoist, I can personally teach them to assist this humble subject in searching, and the time will be greatly reduced."

"Good!"

Zheng Yi immediately said, "I will dispatch three thousand New Army soldiers to serve Daoist Tianxingzi."

"Three thousand is too many; five hundred will suffice."

"Everything shall be as Daoist Tianxingzi says."

"Your Majesty."

Tian Xingzi added, "Since the Spiritual Vein has already been found, this poor Daoist can deploy a grand Formation according to the Spiritual Vein's direction to guard the imperial city, while doing our best to conceal the fluctuations of Spiritual Qi here. What do you think?"

"This matter is not urgent. Daoist, come with me."

After speaking, Zheng Yi led the group toward Azure Dragon Peak. Although Tian Xingzi was puzzled, he did not pry.

The matter of deploying the Guardian Mountain Array was inherently confidential, and it was good for His Majesty to be cautious.

Before long, the group arrived at Emperor Taizus Mausoleum.

Tian Xingzi's expression changed slightly. Carefully examining the surrounding environment, the architectural style, and secretly calculating, he quickly guessed what place this was.

All the way down, a massive underground palace appeared before his eyes.

Zheng Yi said directly, "To not hide it from you, Daoist Tianxingzi, the reason I was able to embark on the path of cultivation is entirely due to the merit of the Old Ancestor."

"Not only did he leave behind a massive underground palace and cultivation methods for me, but he also left behind three Formations."

"Three Formations?"

Tian Xingzi's eyes lit up slightly. No wonder His Majesty wasn't very enthusiastic about the matter of Formations; it turned out that Formations already existed here!

Led by Zheng Yi, Tian Xingzi quickly arrived at the core Formation eyes of the three Formations.

Upon seeing these three Formations, Tian Xingzi's eyes brightened even more, and he quickly ran over to inspect them.

Zheng Yi explained from the side, "These three Formations are respectively the Myriad Spirits Corpse-Feeding Formation, the Spirit Gathering Formation, and the Xuan-Origin Returning to Earth Formation. I wonder if Daoist Tianxingzi can make use of them?"

Tian Xingzi said, "This poor Daoist will take a look first."

Following that, he carefully observed these three Formations, picked up the three Formation Plates to carefully deduce, formed incantations with both hands, his eyes flashing with divine light as he inspected them inch by inch.

After a long while, he straightened his body and said, "Your Majesty, this poor Daoist implores you to dismantle this Myriad Spirits Corpse-Feeding Formation. How about it?"

"Dismantle the Formation? Why?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, Formations emphasize rules; after all, they are restricted areas formed by imitating the rules of heaven and earth."

Tian Xingzi explained, "In addition, Formations will also produce different effects according to different rules."

"The core of the Spirit Gathering Formation is 'gathering'."

"The core of the Xuan-Origin Returning to Earth Formation is 'defense'."

"As for the Myriad Spirits Corpse-Feeding Formation, its core is 'plundering'—plundering others for one's own use."

"The Spirit Gathering Formation and the Xuan-Origin Returning to Earth Formation can undergo Fusion with each other, doubling their power."

"However, the Myriad Spirits Corpse-Feeding Formation cannot merge into one with these two Formations; it will even consume each other, causing the Formation's power to plummet. The losses truly outweigh the gains."

"If this poor Daoist guesses correctly, this Formation was meant for a certain former emperor who wanted to be resurrected from the dead or refined into a corpse body."

Zheng Yi also did not hide it and said, "That's right, but that corpse has already been eliminated by me."

"Sigh…"

Tian Xingzi shook his head with a bitter smile and said, "Although there is a trace of Yin Qi here, after all, it is within a spirit-deprived land. That trace of Yin Qi will dissipate sooner or later, and it is completely impossible to refine a spiritual corpse body."

"That former emperor was merely indulging in wishful thinking."

Zheng Yi said, "Then according to the Daoist's meaning…"

"Dismantle the Myriad Spirits Corpse-Feeding Formation, and this poor Daoist can combine the Spirit Gathering Formation and the Xuan-Origin Returning to Earth Formation into one, forming a new Formation!"

Tian Xingzi said, "However, this Formation is a third-tier Formation. Both the Materials consumed and the time required will be extremely extensive. I wonder, Your Majesty…"

"I can afford to wait for the time, but as for Materials…"

Zheng Yi's heart stirred: "Daoist Tianxingzi, please come to this place."

Bringing Tian Xingzi to the Zheng Clan Treasure Trove, Tian Xingzi's expression immediately changed.

He took quick strides to a huge iron ingot and said in surprise, "This is refined iron? So much?"

"There is also red copper! Stardust? Refined gold? Pity it's only the size of a walnut… So many Materials…"

"Refined gold?!"

As they were speaking, Xuanjizi's figure in the back suddenly shot in fiercely, rushing right in front of Tian Xingzi and grabbing a bright golden material the size of a walnut from his hand.

"This is refined gold? You aren't mistaken, are you?"

"How could this poor Daoist be mistaken?"

Tian Xingzi smiled and let go, saying, "It is rumored that refined gold is the most pliable existence among the five metals under heaven. After merging into a Cultivator's Flying Sword, it can elevate the Flying Sword's quality severalfold, balancing toughness while also being extremely sturdy, making it very precious."

"It is a treasure dreamed of by all Sword Cultivator under heaven. I didn't expect Your Majesty's treasure trove to actually contain a piece."

"Hey, little emperor, since I've agreed to serve you for ten years, I don't want any other salary; I just want this piece of refined gold. How about it?"

Zheng Yi's heart stirred as he said, "Since the Immortal Master wants it, then take it."

"You're being this generous?"

"You are my Beloved Consort's master, and also my master. How could I possibly be petty?"

That's right, of course he wouldn't be petty.

More than half of the treasure trove had already been moved out. He had put some precious items that had been recognized by Consort Cui and the others into his Storage Pouch.

For example, this piece of refined gold—there were a full five pieces placed together at the time.

This piece was the smallest of them, only the size of a walnut.

As for the largest piece, it was the size of a watermelon, and he had packed it away.

Other things had also left a small portion here.

A small piece of refined gold—if it could win the submission of a Cultivator, it was undoubtedly very cost-effective.

Hearing this, Xuanjizi's expression finally changed, and she gave Zheng Yi a serious look, saying, "I originally thought you deceived Bing'er with sweet words; I didn't expect you to be so generous."

"As expected of the Great Yu Emperor…"

Zheng Yi smiled and said, "As long as the Immortal Master wholeheartedly works for me, I naturally won't treat you unfairly."

"Daoist Tianxingzi, are the Materials here enough to set up the Formation?"

"Enough."

Tian Xingzi made a calculation and said, "Not only are they enough, but there is also a great deal left over."

Zheng Yi's eyes brightened as he said, "That's right, Daoist, there are many Materials and treasures here that I don't recognize. I wonder if the Daoist can list an inventory?"

"This matter is simple. Once this old man counts the Materials here, I will naturally report to Your Majesty."

"In that case… sorry to trouble the Daoist."

"That's right, Your Majesty."

Tian Xingzi suddenly said, "During this period, this poor Daoist needs to search for Spirit Stone mines and simultaneously repair the Guardian Mountain Array. I will be extremely busy and unable to attend to myself, making it impossible to look after Xi'er."

"I request that Your Majesty bring Xi'er into the palace and look after her for this poor Daoist for a period of time. How about it?"

Zheng Yi was stunned, secretly guessing Tian Xingzi's intent, but still said in his mouth: "What does the Daoist mean by this?"

"I trust the Daoist; the Daoist does not need to let your granddaughter act as a hostage…"

"Your Majesty is overthinking!"

Tian Xingzi said naturally, "This poor Daoist truly has no time to look after Xi'er, and Xi'er living alone in the temporary palace is also boring. It would be better for her to enter the palace with Your Majesty and stay temporarily for a period of time."

"I wonder what Your Majesty's intention is?"

Zheng Yi thought for a moment and said, "Since the Daoist is so kind, I naturally have no objection."

"This afternoon, I will bring Miss Xi'er into the palace."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Tian Xingzi said, "Your Majesty, there is one more matter that I ask Your Majesty to consider."

"What matter?"

"Tianshou Mountain is the main location of the Spiritual Vein. Your Majesty can send people to rebuild and expand the palace on Tianshou Mountain and cultivate here, yielding twice the result with half the effort."

"This matter, I will consider it."

After discussing some more details, Zheng Yi came to the foot of Tianshou Mountain and met Tian Xingzi's granddaughter, Su Xi.

"Miss Su, Daoist Tianxingzi has urgent matters during this period and is unable to look after you."

"He asked me to bring you into the palace to stay temporarily for a few days. I wonder what Miss Su Xi thinks?"

Looking at this pink-carved and jade-polished extremely cute girl, especially her pair of eyes bright like stars, Zheng Yi spoke.

Su Xi's voice was somewhat cold and even more ethereal, like a breeze in the night sky.

"Grandfather has already mentioned it to me before. I will enter the palace with you."

Then she whispered, "After all, this is my destiny."

"What did you say?"

"I am saying… Your Majesty, do you believe in destiny?"

"Destiny?"

Zheng Yi raised his palm and smiled, "Of course not!"