On the Path to the Great Dao

This boat was hired by Fang Tan for transportation. While searching for Chen Shi's trail, he didn't want to walk on the lake surface like Chen Shi, nor did he wish to fly through the air, so he hired a boat to get around.

Flying consumes magical power, while traveling by boat preserves it intact, so it was naturally a more relaxing choice.

Consuming magical power requires refining it back, which inevitably involves absorbing the righteous energy of heaven and earth. This righteous energy is mixed with evil energy, and absorbing too much increases the risk of one's own corruption.

In the view of accomplished cultivators like Fang Tan, there aren't many truly urgent matters in this world, so why rush?

Yet at this moment, he was circulating his magical power, making the small boat soar into the air and fly directly toward Chen Shi's location.

Fang Tan stood at the bow of the boat, the wind blowing his robes, causing them to flutter backward as if he were riding the wind.

Saintess Xuan couldn't help but admire the depth of his cultivation. In truth, one could cultivate many flight spells at the Nascent Soul realm. Although one couldn't fly far or fast, they still had their uses. But for flight by object manipulation like Fang Tan was doing, a Nascent Soul realm cultivator's magical power would likely be exhausted in mere moments.

Saintess Xuan, feeling a sense of admiration, said, "To gaze upon the azure sea at dawn and the verdant Wu-tong trees at dusk—this is the lifelong dream of cultivators. But who can truly achieve it? Merit Officer Fang, I never imagined your cultivation had reached such profound depths."

Fang Tan modestly replied, "My cultivation is still far inferior to others within the Fu Zheng Pavilion. Wei Xize, who holds the same Merit Officer rank as me, has deeper cultivation than I do. The twelve Military Consultants of the various Bureaus, each one's cultivation and strength are no weaker than mine. And the abilities of the two Record-Keeper Military Consultants are also above mine. As for the Chief Clerk, the Sacrificial Officer, the Palace Attendant, the Marshal, and the Chief Administrator—their realms are even higher than mine. Within the Fu Zheng Pavilion, I am merely in the middle to lower ranks."

Saintess Xuan smiled and said, "Once the Xu Family meets the Young Master, they will be won over by his bearing and charisma."

Even as she said this, she thought of how Chen Shi was also proficient in the Xu Family's Ten Thousand Li Flying Sword Technique, having used it to kill many of the Young Master's top experts. The Young Master's trip to Lingzhou this time was probably precisely for this Ten Thousand Li Flying Sword Technique.

Could it be that the Young Master was also somewhat wary of Chen Shi?

Fang Tan said, "I heard about your search for the Dark Spring Swimming Dragon Sword. That treasure, nourished by a dragon vein, is indeed a rare treasure. If one could obtain it and present it to the Young Master, one would surely gain his great favor and be entrusted with important responsibilities."

Saintess Xuan said gloomily, "Unfortunately, it was taken by Chen Shi."

Fang Tan laughed, "The treasures he snatches, he will vomit back out. The reason Western Capital fears Chen Shi is because of the many demons sealed within his body. But our Fu Zheng Pavilion has plenty of methods to extract the demons from his body, and can even kill him without touching these demons. Such things are mere minor techniques."

As they spoke, they arrived at the shore of Great South Lake.

Seeing land, Saintess Xuan finally let out a sigh of relief.

She had been drifting on the lake for the past two days, very worried she might starve or exhaust herself to death on the water.

The small boat slowly descended and landed at the shore dock. Fang Tan took money from his pocket and paid the boatman.

The boatman was extremely grateful. This guest not only paid but also took him for a ride in the sky—truly a rare and good man.

Saintess Xuan looked up, examining the bridge in front of the village. On the side of the bridge were written the two characters: "Shui Kou."

Shuikou Village.

"I used the Step Shadow Tracking Method to trace Chen Shi's trail. It leads right into this village."

Fang Tan walked up the stone steps, slowly ascending the bridge, and said with a smile, "As the saying goes, 'Geese leave traces, wind leaves sounds; if even objects are thus, how can humans be exempt?' The Step Shadow Tracking Method recreates a person's footsteps to find their movements."

Saintess Xuan praised, "Merit Officer Fang's spells are truly profound and unfathomable."

Saintess Xuan looked up and saw a man with a slight beard standing on the bridge. He wore a black Tang-style scarf hat and brown clothing. In his left hand was a folded fan that hadn't been opened. This was the other Merit Officer of the Fu Zheng Pavilion, Wei Xize.

Fang Tan had originally thought he would be the first to find Chen Shi. He never expected Wei Xize to be ahead of him. He couldn't help feeling somewhat discouraged and said with a bitter smile, "No matter what I do, I always lag one step behind Brother Wei. No wonder within the Fu Zheng Pavilion, Brother Wei's seat is ahead of mine."

Wei Xize smiled and said, "Brother Fang, I'm just a few years older, so I'm ahead of you, not because my abilities truly surpass yours. Saintess Xuan."

He gave a slight nod to Saintess Xuan.

Saintess Xuan returned the courtesy and said with a smile, "I have long heard of the great names of Fang and Wei of the Fu Zheng Pavilion, formidable generals commanding battles and formations. Xuanxuan is fortunate to witness the true appearances of both gentlemen today."

"Saintess flatters me too much."

Wei Xize modestly replied, "Brother Fang, where did you come from?"

Fang Tan had a good relationship with Wei Xize and said, "I was originally at Great West Lake, searching for traces of mermaids, planning to find the legendary mermaid pearl to present to the Young Master, but had no success for a long time. After receiving news from the Mountain-Moving Clan, I traveled fourteen hundred li overnight to rush here. Where did Brother Wei come from?"

Wei Xize said, "I came from Great East Lake, seeking a legendary treasure ship to present to the Young Master as a gift for his twenty-fourth birthday. After receiving the news, I also traveled over a thousand li overnight to come to Carriage Capital. Then I went to see the few survivors of the Mountain-Moving Clan and used a tracking method to find this place. I never expected that just as I set foot here, you also arrived."

The two looked at each other and smiled. Fang Tan said, "Since that's the case, why don't we go together, capture the Chen dog, and restore clear skies to the world!"

Wei Xize laughed heartily, "Good!"

The two immediately joined hands and walked forward, heading toward A Zhuo's house.

Chen Shi was currently at the door of A Zhuo's house, taking Qiao Hu and Qiao Wei out. After parting with Saintess Xuan, he had hurried to A Zhuo's house in Shuikou Village. Auntie A Ying, though somewhat afraid of him, was relieved to see he was unharmed and let him take the two children out to play for the afternoon before returning.

Chen Shi said to the two children, "Every time I come to your house, Auntie asks me to take you two out to play. I wonder what they're doing."

Qiao Hu said, "I know! They're doing human pyramids! I've seen it!"

Qiao Wei said, "What's so fun about human pyramids? I can do a handstand!"

Not to be outdone, Qiao Hu said, "I can do somersaults!"

Chen Shi praised, "You brothers are both full of unique skills."

At that moment, he felt a slight stir in his heart and looked toward the bridgehead, his gaze falling on Saintess Xuan.

Saintess Xuan revealed a helpless expression.

Chen Shi felt another stir, his eyes sweeping over the two men beside Saintess Xuan. He whispered, "Little Hu, Little Wei, go home."

In the courtyard, Auntie A Ying said to A Zhuo, "Husband, yesterday when I went out to the market, I saw a set of spring palace paintings at the art studio, so I made a set of clothes according to the styles in the pictures. Today, you get the benefit. The children are out, I'll go put them on, you close up the house."

A Zhuo said, "Every time Little Ten comes, you make him take care of the kids. It's too much trouble for him."

Auntie A Ying went inside to change clothes, her voice coming from the room, "What else can we do? These two half-grown boys are noisy and restless every day, causing a ruckus until midnight before they sleep. When do we have time for our life as a young couple?"

A Zhuo was about to bolt the door when his ears suddenly twitched. He said, "A Ying, don't change clothes. I need to go out. Enemies have come outside."

Auntie A Ying hurriedly ran out from the inner room, panicking, "Enemies? Whose enemies? They're Chen Shi's enemies, right? I told you long ago he would bring trouble on us!"

A Zhuo said, "You bring the children back inside. I'll go out and deal with it."

Auntie A Ying blocked his way, not allowing him to go out. "How many times has Chen Yindu brought trouble on you? Every time you go out, you come back half-dead from beatings! I'm at home alone every day, constantly worried, afraid you might not come back one day! This time you are not allowed to go!"

"Old Man Chen only has this one grandson." A Zhuo said.

Auntie A Ying looked at the expression in his eyes and knew she couldn't dissuade him. Gritting her teeth, she rushed into the kitchen, grabbed two kitchen knives, shoved one into A Zhuo's hand, kept one for herself, and said through clenched teeth, "If you're going, then we husband and wife will go together!"

She positioned herself protectively in front of A Zhuo, opened the main gate, and called out, "Little Hu, Little Wei, come home quickly!"

She pulled the two children into the house, locked the door behind her, then rushed to stand in front of Chen Shi, saying fiercely, "You, get behind me!"

She gripped the kitchen knife, looking nervously at the two top experts from the Fu Zheng Pavilion who were striding forward.

Chen Shi was astonished and looked at A Zhuo with confusion, whispering, "Uncle A Zhuo, what cultivation level does Auntie have?"

A Zhuo looked rather helpless and whispered back, "She never went to school. She doesn't even know how to read."

Not having gone to school meant having no cultivation.

Chen Shi felt both amused and deeply moved. He said, "Auntie..."

"Get back! Who told you to come forward!"

Auntie A Ying glared at him. When A Zhuo tried to step forward, she glared at him too, forcing him to stay behind her.

Wei Xize and Fang Tan walked side by side, smiling, their auras growing stronger and stronger. Fang Tan looked relaxed and at ease, smiling as he said, "Chen Shi, you have committed countless evils. Today, your doom is sealed. Why involve women, children, and friends?"

Wei Xize said, "We two come from the Fu Zheng Pavilion under the Young Master. The Fu Zheng Pavilion assists the true way of heaven and earth. We do not kill innocents indiscriminately. As long as you are willing to step forward voluntarily, I will not harm this woman or this man."

Before Chen Shi could even speak, suddenly a voice came from afar, chanting loudly, "Four years the dragon steed guarded Emei, iron horses from the west step by step slow. The five fortunes have yet to shift the Han tripod, why must the six stratagems await Qin's forces? Brothers Wei and Fang, why didn't you call me for such a lively event today?"

The voice was extremely powerful, like thunder bursting forth from dozens of li away. In the short time it took to say this one sentence, the sound of thunder grew closer and closer.

A distance of dozens of li was covered in an instant!

By the time the words "call me" fell, a sudden gust of wind blew, rustling the willow branches on both banks of the small river, the trees swaying wildly.

As the great wind settled, a person had already appeared in front of Fang Tan and Wei Xize. He had a burly build, a leopard-like head with round eyes, and a voice like a great bell. He laughed heartily, "Brothers two, Tang Baling pays his respects!"

Fang Tan smiled and said, "So it's Chief Clerk Tang! Chief Clerk Tang's cultivation grows ever more profound. Have you already cultivated to the Unity realm?"

Tang Baling shook his head and sighed, "Not yet. Although the Young Master bestowed cultivation techniques upon me, clearing the obstacles on the path ahead, I am dull by nature and still haven't comprehended the mysteries of the Unity realm."

His gaze swept over Auntie A Ying, then over A Zhuo, finally settling on Chen Shi. He smiled slightly and said, "So this is Chen Shi? I thought he'd have three heads and six arms, but he's nothing special. A mere yellow-haired brat like this, what does he have to compete with the Young Master?"

Right at that moment, a voice was heard coming from far away, "Brothers three, do not underestimate Chen Shi."

The three men's faces lit up with joy, and they said in unison, "Sacrificial Officer Dou has arrived!"

Before their words had even finished, the newcomer had already landed, without stirring any wind or waves, calm and composed as if he had no cultivation at all.

But the three, including Tang Baling, treated the newcomer with utmost respect, all bowing and saying, "We pay our respects to Sacrificial Officer Dou!"

Saintess Xuan sighed inwardly, "Even Sacrificial Officer Dou has come. Chen Shi... has no path to survival left."

Sacrificial Officer Dou possessed peerless talent and was a great expert at the Unity realm, fully capable of serving as a frontier governor. Even if he pledged allegiance to a great clan, he would be entrusted with important responsibilities!

Cultivating to this level, if one could maintain the lineage for three generations without extinction, it would be equivalent to a small great clan!

Sacrificial Officer Dou's arrival could be said to cut off any path to survival for Chen Shi!

This time, the Fu Zheng Pavilion had dispatched four top experts, clearly leaving Chen Shi no chance to survive!

Sacrificial Officer Dou raised his hand and said, "We are all brothers here, why stand on ceremony?"

He glanced at Chen Shi and said with a smile, "This Chen Shi should not be underestimated. In terms of cultivation, family background, skills, appearance, learning, and connections, he is inferior to the Young Master. But he harbors demons within his body. If he dies by our hands, he will go berserk with demonic nature, his body taken over by demons. For the demonic transformation in Gongzhou, he takes the foremost credit!"

Hearing this, Chen Shi was astonished, "I harbor demons within my body? How come I didn't know?"

He was extremely surprised.

He had once suspected there was something hidden within his body and had even used that thing to secretly plot against Bitter Bamboo, but he never thought the hidden thing would be demons!

Sacrificial Officer Dou sighed, shaking his head, "He should have reflected on himself, but instead, relying on the demons' power, he ran rampant and committed evils everywhere. He thinks he can fight the Young Master to the death, yet he doesn't know that in the Young Master's eyes, he is ultimately an ant."

Chen Shi didn't care.

At that moment, an aged voice was heard, "Sacrificial Officer Dou, do you have a way to deal with the demons within him? Killing him will cause a demonic transformation, harming millions of common people. That is not the action of a righteous force."

Sacrificial Officer Dou was visibly moved. He bowed and stood respectfully, lowering his head as he said, "Dou Qi pays his respects to Marshal Xi."

Fang Tan, Wei Xize, and Tang Baling also had their expressions change instantly, becoming reverent. They stood respectfully and said, "We juniors pay our respects to Marshal Xi!"

Saintess Xuan's heart sank to the bottom of the sea. A small skiff floated along the small river. Sitting in the skiff was an old man wearing a bamboo rain hat, holding a fishing rod, currently fishing.

The newcomer was Marshal Xi of the Fu Zheng Pavilion.

The elusive Marshal Xi who was like a divine dragon, seen only in glimpses.

Within the Fu Zheng Pavilion, his status was second only to the Chief Administrator. He was a grandmaster who rarely appeared in the world!

His cultivation was unfathomably deep. Legend said he had already reached the Return to Emptiness realm. There were even rumors that he had long since entered the Great Ascension Realm!

Marshal Xi sat steadily in the small boat, gazing at the river surface. He smiled and said, "That's a good idea. If he dies in the underworld, even if there's a demonic transformation, it will be in the underworld. Since you already have a solution, what are you waiting for?"

He gave a slight smile and said, "Don't let a small, insignificant fish affect the Young Master's state of mind."

Sacrificial Officer Dou straightened his back and looked at Chen Shi, smiling as he said, "Indeed, a small, insignificant fish, jumping about in the muddy waters of the countryside, unaware it has already offended the true Son of Heaven. For the Young Master to deal with you, why would he need to act personally?"

"He really thinks he's somebody." Wei Xize waved his folding fan and laughed.

Saintess Xuan's expression turned gloomy, and she turned to leave.

"I warned you, Chen Shi. Unfortunately, I warned you too late. In every aspect, you are inferior to the Young Master. How can you fight him?" she thought silently to herself.

At that moment, Chen Shi's voice came through.

"You think I'm just a loner? You think only the Young Master has his own forces, and I don't have a few relatives and friends?"

"Uncle A Zhuo!"

Hearing this, Saintess Xuan gently shook her head, unable to bear watching.

What could that country beekeeper do?

The beekeeper A Zhuo placed his rough, large hand on Auntie A Ying's shoulder. Auntie A Ying gripped the kitchen knife tightly, shouting, "A Zhuo, you stay back! Today, unless they knock me down, no one will touch you two, father and sons!"

A Zhuo stepped past her, moving in front of her, and said softly, "I started learning from Chen Yindu when I was ten. I never went to school. All my skills were taught by him."

Above his head, the blue sky began to rotate, clusters of stars swirling and moving within the azure heavens.

The Realm of Emptiness.

Within the great realm, a pair of enormous eyes slowly opened, transforming into the dazzling sun and moon within the emptiness.

An overwhelming, majestic aura pressed down, making it difficult for Fang Tan, Wei Xize, and the others to breathe.

"For thirty years, I followed him through countless dangers, none less severe than today."

Within the Realm of Emptiness, a majestic Primordial Spirit sat in meditation, like an ancient deity, solemn and dignified.

On the small river, Marshal Xi's hand holding the fishing rod trembled violently, nearly losing his grip.

They had kicked an iron plate. He thought to himself.

And this iron plate was terrifyingly solid!

Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!