Chapter 323: Human Lights and Heavenly Stars
e all the glory of one's peers."The other gifts and things, they don't really matter that much.And this elegant gentleman in white, with a faint smile still playing on his lips, showed neither arrogan...The sky was getting dark, and Churchill stepped out of his carriage. He clutched a jeweled box in his hand and hurried toward the treasury.
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After the guards outside the first gate had verified his identity, he quickened his pace and entered the inner room. From afar, he began to apologize: "Lord Jiang, I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting! I spent a lot of time in the palace asking for documents, and only just arrived!"
He was one of the eight chief eunuchs in the Imperial Secretariat, holding a position in the palace that was equal to the other eight attendants. Only someone with such status would be entrusted with the key to the national treasury.
Although he was not comparable to the eunuch Han Ling, who held the position of Grand Seal Keeper, he was still a high-ranking official among the palace attendants.
Upon meeting, she immediately apologized and offered her regrets. In a few words, she explained the reason for her lateness clearly, showcasing her polished manner of handling situations.
Logically speaking, the inner officials' system and outer officials' system shouldn't have anything to do with each other. He wasn't obliged to be so polite to a fourth-rank Qingpai official. However, the title "Nation's Heavenly Prodigy" is hard to ignore. In the future, he could potentially rise to any position.
The guardian of the treasury, accustomed to such sights and sounds, kept his thoughts to himself.
Jiang Wang came out of his contemplation on the art of fire manipulation, completely free of the afternoon's restlessness. He smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. I know that some procedures can take a long time."
The eunuch standing before him was somewhat thin, but his features were gentle and his complexion ruddy. His cultivation should be no small matter, and his position in the palace would likely not be low either.
Jiang Wang didn't behave disrespectfully by looking up and down. Instead, after a quick glance, she calmly met the person's eyes.
“That’s wonderful if you understand!” Churchill smiled. “Then let’s go in and not delay your cultivation.”
“After you,” Jiang Wang politely said.
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Speaking of which, he'd seen plenty of officials and noble children. Someone like Jiang Wang who was both unassuming and composed was rather rare.
It was evident that the other party's demeanor wasn't a result of insecurity or a need to appear humble. Instead, there was an unwavering confidence about them, as if they were always ready to face anything head-on, which allowed them to remain so composed.
As a eunuch in charge of the imperial writing, he had many opportunities to go out of the palace on business. Among the people he met, there were some who came from poor backgrounds but became famous overnight. They often wanted to prove themselves, one by one, especially those who couldn't bear to be treated slowly.
Jiang Qingyang is truly extraordinary.
But these thoughts were only in Churchill's mind.
When Churchill arrived, he produced his official seal and verified his identity. Only then could the second gate to the treasury be opened. However, there was no sign of the guard, who seemed to have vanished into thin air.
Following Churchill, we entered and saw an iron wall. The wall was covered with sculptures of strange beasts that were impossible to name. There were alleys on both sides, each with a corner turn.
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They walk on the left.
What Churchill held in the lacquered box was half a seal, while the other half was in the hands of the "Storehouse" guardian, requiring a dispatch from the Bureau of Rituals for requisition — this is also why Churchill said it took “a considerable amount of time to obtain the writ."
Jiang Wang followed behind this chief eunuch, letting him handle all the various checks.
In the end, after a convoluted and tiresome journey, I finally arrived at the door of the corresponding library.
After the warden's seal matched with Chihiro's, the library doors slowly opened.
It's not as grand and imposing as I imagined.
There was only row after row of stone shelves, holding books of all sizes and materials. Of course, there were also some jade slips, jade tablets, and bamboo slips as well.
Categorized and arranged neatly one by one.
There is no dust here, as the artifacts are regularly maintained, replaced, and supplemented by people. Moreover, the various protective formations of different sizes here are enough to ensure their long-term preservation.
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“This is where the Imperial Court's art library is located,” Churchill introduced. “You can choose any you like.”
The guardian of this vault was encased in armor, with only one eye visible. He remained silent, merely following Churchill and Jiang Wang silently. It seemed he was simply there to observe.
While it's great to have options, there are so many choices that it can be overwhelming...
Jiang Wang looked around, but he didn't see the kind of secret technique he wanted.
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Churchill stood aside and suddenly smiled, "Before I came here, I had a little understanding of the magic here. If Master Jiang believes me, you might as well tell me your request."
“This is even better! I certainly believe my father-in-law.” Jiang Wang, of course, had no reason to refuse, and immediately said sincerely: “I want a door of pupil technique.”
Churchill smiled, without a moment's hesitation, strode forward and stopped in front of the twenty-seventh shelf. "These are pupil techniques at the level of the inner court," he said.
Jiang Wang came over and took a look. On this row of stone bookshelves, there were indeed various pupil technique secrets.
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Whether it's books or jade slips, it is naturally not allowed to flip through them directly. For many practitioners, looking at them means having learned them.
However, next to each eye technique was a wooden plaque that roughly described the origin and general effects of the secret art.
This is a simple example.
For example, the bamboo slip before Jiang Wang's eyes had a wooden plaque inscribed with "Acquired from conquering Yang, Yang Clan's Burning Blood and Crimson Eyes Inner Palace Scripture, Art of Conquest."
What a wonderful coincidence...
During the War of Annihilation, Jiang Wang participated and gained honors for his military achievements. Now, in the treasury of Qi, he sees the secret scripture of the Yang Kingdom's pupil technique. As if by fate, there is a kind of entanglement.
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Of course, this kind of eye technique did not suit him.
The secrets of the Yang royal family are certainly not weak. However, what Jiang Wang wants to choose now is a technique similar to Li Longchuan's Candlelight Microcosm Divine Ability, an eye technique to complement his Shengwen Xiantai and fill in the "knowledge" aspect.
But looking at so many secret arts one by one, I don't know when it will be over...
Jiang Wang sighed inwardly and silently searched with his eyes.
The observant Churchill smiled again and said, "Lord Jiang, what type of pupil technique do you need, or are there any more specific requirements Feel free to tell me. I have a little understanding of this place."
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Jiang Wang didn't refuse this kindness. He had already thought about his needs in his heart and said directly, "I need an eye technique that strengthens my perception ability. Under this category, prioritize more potentially powerful techniques."
The requirement of having potential is naturally for the preparation of stage performances. Although Jiang Wang has never learned eye techniques, at his current level of strength, the help that inner palace-level eye techniques could provide might not be significant. Therefore, he considers a longer-term perspective.
The evolution of a technique to a higher level also requires the technique itself to have potential. For example, even if you invest more energy in refining a low-level technique like the Venomous Thorn Strike, it will only reach the level of the Venomous Flower and no further. Its potential is limited.
Churchill paused for a moment this time, then walked three steps forward and tapped the third row on the left bookshelf. “This one,” he said.
Having walked ten more steps forward, he tapped the fourth row on the bookshelf on the right. "This door,"
Two steps forward, he pointed to the top shelf on the right bookshelf. "This one."
"Finally stopping, he smiled and said, 'All three doors meet your requirements. Considering potential, the second door is still the best choice.'"
Jiang Wang followed one by one, only feeling that the person's introduction of these three pupil techniques was indeed very good, all quite in line with his requirements.
How come, with so many eunuchs in the palace, Churchill could be one of the eight chief scriptwriters for the imperial censor
This is far from a superficial understanding! He knows practically every secret technique in the entire inner palace's art library.
Given his status and age, it was impossible for him to learn all the secret arts in the entire inner palace scripture library. So he should have only memorized the brief information on those wooden plaques.
The only value in doing this, I suppose, is perhaps to show a certain someone that I’m capable of it at this juncture.
The Imperial Supervisor of Ceremonies had eight chief eunuchs and eight attendants who were qualified to leave the palace for business. Even if the emperor wanted to bestow a gift on someone, it wasn't necessarily them who would lead the way.
Because this matter was so difficult and time-consuming, it all the more demonstrates Churchill's sincerity. If he could be so meticulous about this, what about other matters
Jiang Wang's heart was filled with admiration, and she thanked him on her face.
These secrets cannot be opened and read right now, at best, we can only make some comparisons based on simple introductions. Judging from this, the second eye technique recommended by Churchill is indeed the most promising one.
Since he had already accepted Churchill's recommendation, looking around for alternatives would seem distrustful. Jiang Wang naturally wouldn't do that.
So, after looking at the second-door jutsu wooden plaque, he turned his head, ready to announce his choice to the library's keeper.
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Just then, Churchill suddenly said again, "Lord Chiang, I have a suggestion. Would you be willing to hear it"
Jiang Wang was also very polite: "It's my honor that you are willing to give advice, sir. Please go ahead."
Churchill tucked his sleeves, smiled faintly and said, "In my personal opinion, the most valuable pupil technique in this arsenal right now should be the one behind me... but it might not meet your requirements."
“As Qūgōng introduced it, I have to take a look.” Jiāng Wàng said, then walked over.
From beginning to end, the keeper of the art storage room remained silent, standing still like a sculpture cast there. He made no interference in Jiang Wang's choices.
Churchill smiled and leaned back slightly.
And Jiang Wang followed his gaze to see a fiery red bead placed on a stone tray.
This red bead is smooth and round, with a bright and even color. It's very beautiful.
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The wooden plaque next to it read: "One of the scattered legacies of the Yang Kingdom, the Eye of Dry Sun. Inner Palace Chapter."
As for the effect, it is also described very simply——
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"Divine Soul Assault."
Just these four words.
But these four characters suddenly made Jiang Wang's eyes light up.
Within the imperial palace, there's a secret technique that allows participation in soul attacks. To date, Jiang Wang has only seen it performed by Wang Changji!
He himself had researched the Soul-Hiding Serpent, but it was mainly effective only in exploring the inner self. In true life-or-death combat, it rarely played any significant role, mostly being used by Jiang Wang to distract opponents.
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In other words, as a killing technique involving souls, the Soul-Concealing Serpent is utterly inadequate.
Jiang Wang took a deep breath. At this moment, of course he had already judged its value, what insights, keen observation... all put aside for now.
Compared to the soul-slaying techniques, the insight-type eye techniques at the level of inner cultivation are simply not comparable.
Moreover, Jiang Wang's soul power was originally far superior to that of cultivators of the same realm, but it had always been difficult to fully exert it. This technique was just right!
“Does it have a complete lineage in the national treasury” Jiang Wang asked directly.
Churchill smiled faintly, "There's still the chapter on External Techniques. As for the chapters after the Divine Arrival, they have been lost... Regardless of potential or effect, in the current arsenal, it is the best dōjutsu."
It doesn't matter if something is lost, since there are higher-level techniques that come after it. This shows that there is potential to reach the level of the Divine Descent and even beyond.
Maybe the stage can be pushed up.
This is undoubtedly the best choice!
But Jiang Wang did not immediately decide.
He glanced once more at the red pearl inscribed with the eye of Qianyang, then forced his gaze away and looked at Qiu Chi. "I wonder why you're going out of your way to help me Jiang Wangcai is weak-willed and lacks virtue. To be honest, I feel a bit uneasy right now."
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Churchill's eyes showed a hint of surprise. Clearly, he hadn't expected that Jiang Wang could still hold back at this moment and not reach out.
"Lord Jiang, as a brilliant talent of our nation, you are to represent our Qi State in the war at the River Terrace." He smiled with more sincerity: "If I can be of help to you, it's like helping Great Qi and His Majesty. How satisfying that would be! This matter is not against the rules, it just takes some effort to memorize. What could be better than that"
This was beautifully said.
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What mattered most was that phrase, "not illegal," which convinced Jiang Wang. This shows that even if Churchill had further requests later, they would be "legal."
Jiang Wang thought for a moment, then bowed and said, "Then I'll take my leave of you, sir."
Churchill smiled but said nothing.
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Jiang Wang then said to the keeper of the art library, "I choose the Eye of Gan Yang."
The armor-clad Keeper spoke for the first time. Before, when he interacted with Churchill, he only verified the seal without uttering a word.
"Go ahead." His voice was dull, with a sense of oppression: "After you've chosen. This technique will be sealed for three years. No one else will learn it within those three years."
That's a good point. The stronger the magic, the more people learn it, the less valuable it becomes.
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Because there are countless geniuses in the world, the more they are disseminated, the faster they are cracked.
Jiang Wang didn't hesitate. He reached out and grasped the fiery red bead. As his spiritual power lightly touched it, the relevant records of the "Internal Scripture of the Dry Yang Pupil" flowed into his mind.
He closed his eyes and savored it for a moment. When he opened them, they were filled with admiration.
Although it was just a fleeting glimpse, and he was far from mastering it, this Dry Yang Eye already amazed him. It truly lived up to its reputation as a secret art passed down from the State of Yang!
The Rising Sun Country, which once dominated the eastern realm, has left behind a legacy that is nothing short of extraordinary, even at its most internal levels. Compared to his own self-taught technique of hiding one's soul like a serpent, it truly stands apart.
Jiang Wang carefully placed the red pearl back onto the stone tray.
The Librarian no longer spoke, only raised a hand and pressed it against the stone bookshelf. The stone tray within had somehow aligned itself into a sphere, encasing the red pearl.
Then the whole stone ball began to "sink," sinking into the bedrock like a surface of water.
The next time it appears, it will be three years from today.
During this period, even if someone was rewarded and entered the Sutra Library, they could not learn the Dry Yang Eye.
Jiang Wang was very rule-abiding and did not investigate the art repository guard too much. After learning the Imperial Dynasty's secret arts, he left the art repository with Churchill.
The two of them walked back along the original path. As they walked, the art repository guard simply disappeared.
Jiang Wang didn't know how he disappeared, nor did he want to know.
The Great Qi Empire was powerful in the eastern region, and naturally prosperous in the East as well.
The value of all kinds of treasures in the national treasury is immeasurable.
I don't know how many strong people are guarding here.
Ask less, look less, hold onto your curiosity, that's the right way.
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As the chief eunuch, Churchill had visited this place countless times, yet he remained impassive.
This is a good example.
Following Churchill, they walked steadily out. They passed through checkpoints again and again, undergoing repeated verification before finally being allowed to leave the treasury.
Having left the city within the city, one is still within the mighty city.
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At this time, Linzi had already entered the night.
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The sky was dotted with stars, and the city of Linzi at night was ablaze with lights like a dragon.
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The little eunuch who waited outside the treasury had long since lifted the curtain of the sedan chair.
Churchill strode towards the sedan chair in the palace, hands clasped.
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Jiang Wang took two steps and said, "Today's matter, I truly don't know how to thank you, Father-in-law!"
The other party was one of the eight chief eunuchs in the Imperial Ritual Department. To be honest, he didn't have any connections that could help the other party now.
Churchill didn't seem to mind much, glanced back at him and just smiled, "Let's just consider it a good deed."
And then, bowing respectfully, he slipped into the carriage.
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The small sedan chair in the palace slowly went far away.
Jiang Wang stood outside the national treasury, silent for a moment.
He glanced at the star-studded night sky and headed towards Xiashan Villa.
Speaking of which, every time I come to Linzi City, either I'm busy with all sorts of things, or I shut myself in to cultivate. The grand sedan chair arrives, and carriages come and go.
He rarely had the experience of walking alone on the streets of Linzi.
Amongst the bustling crowds, he moved with ease, in the midst of prosperity, silently chewing on the secrets of the Dry Sun's Eye.
This technique is passed down from the Great Yang Empire, which once unified the eastern region and sought to dominate the world. Although it is only a fragmented part of an inner palace level, it still demonstrates its powerful and majestic nature.
At the beginning of its cultivation, it needs to draw in the sunlight at midday every day, aided by its divine soul power. Through secret methods, it refines and incorporates this light into its eyes.
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Once perfected, it can mobilize the power of 乾陽, achieving great feats in battles on the soul and spirit level. It is truly domineering.
Compared to the Fire Realm Techniques which are still being explored, the Qianyanyang Eye with a complete set of cultivation manuals is undoubtedly much easier to master.
It's a shame it's not noon right now, so I can't try it immediately.
After carefully studying the secrets of the Dry Yang Eye Technique, Jiang Wang did not relax. Instead, he continued to explore and refine the techniques of the Fire Realm Art.
Thus, he walked at a leisurely pace, completely immersed in the boundless mysteries of the magical world.
At this very moment, as the carriage moved slowly through the bustling crowd, Chao Yu caught sight of the young man strolling leisurely amidst the throng.
He strolled with an air of composure, blending seamlessly with the bustling crowd on Linzi Street yet radiating an aura of independence, like a star amidst the moon.
"Who is this" someone beside her asked.
"Jiang Wang."
"That person who learned your swordsmanship at the last minute"
Chao Yu lowered the car window blind: "He was someone worthy of my blade."
The lights of human dwellings are like stars in the sky, both places can be clearly seen.
The steed pulling the carriage made not a sound.
In silence, the carriage drove towards the outskirts of Linzi City.derstand the First Annihilator Hou's choices.History is a mirror, reflecting the rise and fall of dynasties. Diligent study of good books can bring unexpected rewards.However, the name of that Lady Mu...