As the chest was opened, its contents were revealed to everyone.
It was a torso, lacking legs, arms, and a head, but it was the most complete body of Shenshu that Xu Qi’an had ever seen.
It was worth noting that the groin area of this torso was wrapped in a beast-skin loincloth, which, for some reason, reminded Xu Qi’an of that monkey with the thunder god’s mouth he had seen on television years ago.
“The ten-year term is not yet up, why have you awoken me!”
The torso awoke, slowly “standing” up and hovering in front of everyone, then restrained its aura.
“Master Shenshu, this servant has unsealed you at Mistress’s command. We have a request.”
Yeji felt the pressure on her ease, breathed a sigh of relief, and bowed.
Shenshu’s torso slowly turned half a circle, as if scanning everyone in the cave. It did not stop until it saw Xu Qi’an…
Two black beans on its chest suddenly split open, transforming into a pair of eyes. A terrifying aura erupted again, causing Yeji and White Ape to retreat repeatedly, their faces turning pale.
“You carry my aura on your body. Part of my body is living off you.”
The torso’s “breasts” stared intently at him, a thunderous voice coming from its chest cavity.
“That would be a right arm!”
Xu Qi’an answered calmly. He did not sense any intense hostility or malice from this torso.
This suggested that the other party’s temperament was “gentle”, just like the right arm inhabiting his own body.
“The Demon-Sealing Nails…”
Shenshu’s torso scrutinised him and asked, “Are you an enemy of the Buddhist Sect? Mm, then you’re my friend. Your cultivation is not bad, your foundations are solid, you’re a good martial artist. If you have time, let’s drink together.”
Drink together… Xu Qi’an glanced at the bowl-sized scar on its neck, at a loss for how to respond for a moment.
Still, his temperament was decent and rather bold, unlike the madman in the stupa tower, always shouting about kill, kill, kill.
“Master, he is Mistress’s hired help.”
Yeji informed Shenshu’s torso about the transaction between both sides, saying:
“Al-Asura is guarding Nanfa Temple. His strength is terrifying, and we cannot handle him. Therefore, we want your help in removing the Demon-Sealing Nails early.”
Shenshu’s torso agreed cheerfully, “No problem. However, removing the Demon-Sealing Nails will greatly deplete my strength. Afterwards, I will need a supply of essence blood to replenish my losses.”
Yeji nodded, “This servant understands.”
In the Hundred Thousand Mountains, there was no shortage of beasts. They could even launch a surprise attack on small towns or cities to plunder the essence blood of the Western Region folk.
An idea came to Xu Qi’an, and he asked:
“Master, could you live on my body too? Just like the severed arm did.”
If so, he could use Shenshu’s divine power for free.
“No, you have the Demon-Sealing Nails in your body, I cannot.”
Shenshu’s torso gave a negative answer.
I see, so there’s no way to exploit a loophole… Xu Qi’an shook his head in disappointment. It seemed he would have to personally confront al-Asura.
“Senior, which two Demon-Sealing Nails can you remove?”
The “nipples” stared at him for a moment and then laughed buzzing from the chest cavity: “Both are still in your body.”
Good, I really am the child of fortune. If this repeats again, I’ll have to doubt if the fortune in my body is a fake… Xu Qi’an turned and instructed everyone, “Withdraw from the cave.”
Then he looked at Shenshu’s torso, “Please help me remove the Demon-Sealing Nails.”
When Sun Xuanji, Yeji, and Protector Yuan, along with the female yao, left the cave, a vortex formed in Shenshu’s chest.
The swirling vortex whipped up a gale in the cave, making Xu Qi’an’s long hair fly wildly.
Crackle~
Gold arcs of electricity jumped from the vortex, flickering and lighting the cave intermittently.
Sizzle… A golden arc shot from the centre of the vortex, striking Xu Qi’an’s lower abdomen, where the Demon-Sealing Nail had penetrated the Ren meridian.
From an onlooker’s perspective, the golden arc turned into a long cord, linking Shenshu’s torso and Xu Qi’an together.
The vortex spun faster and faster, its suction force growing stronger and tightening the golden cord, pulling at the Demon-Sealing Nail.
Sanskrit Chants echoed in Xu Qi’an’s ears, it was the spell for unsealing the Demon-Sealing Nails.
The previous two times, Vajra Duqing and Shenshu’s left arm had both used chants to assist in the process.
Xu Qi’an had memorised the chant but discovered afterwards that simply reciting it was not enough to unseal the Demon-Sealing Nails.
As the nail was drawn out bit by bit, his facial muscles twitched violently, and beads of sweat as large as beans rolled down like rain.
He once again tasted the agony of his flesh being torn apart.
Splurt… Accompanied by the sound of the nail pulling free from his flesh and blood, the qi in his dantian surged uncontrollably like a tidal wave, pouring out, unstoppable.
Xu Qi’an violently flung his arms apart. With a “boom”, his qi rampaged through the cave, and the whole mountain trembled violently.
Outside the cave, Yeji, Sun Xuanji, and the others distinctly felt the ground quake under their feet.
Whoosh~
A terrifying gale rushed out through the passage, blowing torches and rubble out into the corridor.
Sun Xuanji extended his right hand and gently pushed forward.
A turtle-shell-shaped formation of clear light stood before the group, shielding them from the gale strong enough to “blow to death” any martial artist below Rank Six.
So powerful… Protector Hongying, Protector Qingmu, and the other yao were secretly alarmed.
Within the cave, after venting in this manner, Xu Qi’an gradually calmed the qi in his dantian, and what followed immediately was a resurgence of power.
Bang!
He clenched his fist with force, as if shattering the air.
The strength of my qi and the power of my body have both improved dramatically. The qi I obtained from dual cultivation with my little aunt finally has a use… Now, with my current strength and perfected Vajra Divine Art, I can easily overpower either Vajra Du’nan or Vajra Dufan. Even two against one, I would remain unbeatable.
After absorbing the blood of the Asura Vajra Dufan, his Vajra Divine Art had reached perfection, he could take on a Vajra single-handed.
Now, he could bully a Vajra with ease.
In terms of physical strength alone, I no longer lose out to al-Asura. Even if I fall slightly short, the gap is negligible. Once another Demon-Sealing Nail is removed, my strength will rise even further. But al-Asura is also an arhat… Well, it’s not as if I don’t have other means as well. Binding him won’t be an issue.
Collecting his thoughts, Xu Qi’an cupped his fist towards Shenshu’s much-weakened torso, and said:
“Please continue, senior.”
Shenshu’s torso used the same method to unlock the second Demon-Sealing Nail for him. Once Xu Qi’an had settled his rampaging qi, he praised him:
“Your foundation is even stronger than I imagined. If all the Demon-Sealing Nails are removed, your strength will be nearly perfect. I suppose you were originally at this level.”
It meant that Xu Qi’an was at the peak of third rank, but had been sealed by the Demon-Sealing Nails.
“It is rare for the Buddhist Sect to use Demon-Sealing Nails. Your identity is not an ordinary one. Young man, have you trained for several hundred years?”
A year and a half of practice… Xu Qi’an cupped his fist.
“At most, a year and a half.”
Shenshu was silent for a moment, then slowly said: “Don’t joke with me about something like that.”
“This junior has no reason to joke with you,” Xu Qi’an said.
Shenshu’s torso became confused. “You are not lying, but it is impossible.”
Xu Qi’an told the truth: “This junior bears half the fortune of the Central Plains.”
Shenshu’s torso retorted, “And then?”
Do I really have to spell it out… Xu Qi’an muttered inwardly and said:
“Those blessed by fortune are favoured by Heaven. Rising from mortal to beyond-mortal in a short time may sound exaggerated, but it’s not unheard of.”
His current achievement, besides innate talent and hard work, owed much to the support of some elders.
Xu Qi’an attributed all of his extraordinary encounters to fortune.
“I only know that those with fortune cannot attain immortality. More accurately, it is because of being entangled with the fortune of the state. That’s why there are no immortal emperors among mortals.”
Shenshu paused and his “nipple eyes” stared at him:
“I have never heard of anyone with fortune rising to beyond-mortal in a year and a half.”
Xu Qi’an frowned and said:
“Perhaps the fortune of the state and individual fortune are different?”
Shenshu questioned again:
“If so, then all emperors through the ages could have become beyond-mortal in a year and a half. Why could no one else do it but you?”
Xu Qi’an was dumbfounded: “Well, this…”
He subconsciously wanted to say, “The Great Feng’s Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Wuzong were the same.”
But then realised that wasn’t right, because although the two emperors did eventually advance to first rank, it was after many, many years.
Moreover, they had started from third rank.
He steadied himself and cupped his fist:
“This junior does not know, but I have something to ask.”
“Speak.”
“The founding emperor of the Feng Dynasty was third rank before ascending the throne. After that, he achieved first rank. A hundred years later, his grandson rebelled and usurped the throne, and it was the same with him,” Xu Qi’an spoke very fast, “Is there anything strange about this?”
“There’s nothing strange. But why do you think they achieved first rank because of fortune?”
Shenshu said, “You have misunderstood what it means to be blessed with fortune, your view is too one-sided. Those with fortune are different from ordinary people in every aspect of their lives.
“In your eyes, it seems that being blessed with fortune means you will definitely step into the beyond-mortal realm, that your cultivation will make remarkable progress each day.
“Indeed, those blessed with fortune will receive a boost in their cultivation and enjoy great luck, but fortune always plays only a supporting role, letting you avoid detours on your cultivation path.
“But if you think that being blessed with fortune alone enables you to reach the beyond-mortal level, or even first rank, then you are overestimating fortune and underestimating the first rank.”
Xu Qi’an’s pupils dilated slightly.
“You still carry secrets within you, yet to be uncovered. Unfortunately, my memories are incomplete, and I cannot offer much advice.
“But there are two things for you to consider: one, where did your national fortune come from? Two, compared to those emperors who are also enshrouded in fortune, how is yours different?”
The fortune in me was injected by Xu Pingfeng. Unlike a regular emperor, mine had been refined?
Yes, Shenshu’s right. All along, Xu Pingfeng had minded the speed at which my cultivation progressed.
Suppose, if he knew that anyone blessed with fortune was destined to achieve the beyond-mortal realm and reach first rank, with Xu Pingfeng’s wit, would he not have directly supported me instead of that line from five hundred years ago?
A first rank Martial Artist could sweep through the Great Feng alone.
What does this show? It shows he knew fortune could enhance cultivation, that there would be constant fortuitous encounters, but not to such an exaggerated extent.
So compared to a martial arts prodigy, the thousands of troops in Qianlong City are a more suitable ally.
Therefore, fortune certainly aided my cultivation, but there must have been another reason for what I had achieved until now.
The reason should still be related to fortune, but not just fortune alone.
Xu Qi’an remained silent for a long time, then slowly exhaled:
“Senior, do you know the inside story behind the Buddhist-Yao war five hundred years ago?”
“I’ve forgotten.”
Shenshu’s torso said in a low voice, “All I remember are the days spent with the sovereign under the moonlight, those were wonderful times.”
That old tree spirit’s guess was right, Shenshu really is the lover of the Queen of the Wanyao Kingdom! Xu Qi’an was startled.
“And apart from those? What else do you remember?”
He was answered by a long silence. After some time, Shenshu’s torso said slowly:
“We had a child, a very lovely little fox. She is now the leader of the southern Yao…”
Fuck… It had been a long time since Xu Qi’an had sworn, but this news was simply too earth-shattering.
The Nine-tailed Fox is Shenshu’s daughter? She really is Shenshu’s daughter?!
But that can’t be right. Protector Qingmu had said the princess is a pure-blood Nine-tailed Celestial Fox, how can she be Shenshu’s daughter?
No, back then Protector Qingmu was just a minor Yao. However high his seniority, he was still a minor Yao, and might not have known the whole truth.
But Shenshu has no reason to lie to me.
Shenshu and the Queen of the Wanyao Kingdom were old lovers and had a daughter. The Buddhist sect destroyed the kingdom, and Shenshu was a Buddhist. Shenshu and the Buddha had made a deal no one knew about… Fuck, the I think about it, the more terrifying it is!
Xu Qi’an’s heart pounded wildly.
“Senior, do you remember your own identity?” he probed.
“I mean, your status in the Buddhist sect.”
“I… don’t remember.”
Shenshu’s torso murmured, “I only remember the days with her. I only remember it was the Buddha who killed her, I can remember nothing else.”
Perhaps this is why his temperament is relatively gentle, without so much negativity… Xu Qi’an asked no more.
…
On the canal, aboard a three-masted warship.
After lunch, Xu Erlang sat at the desk holding a brush, earnestly writing his first letter home.
Auntie, afraid her son would have an accident, had decreed he was to write home every two days.
“Mother, life drifting on the canal has not been to my liking.”
Writing such a vernacular letter made Xu Erlang somewhat uneasy too, but, considering his parents’ level of education, a simple letter like this would be much easier for them to understand.
“On the other hand, Lingyin is very fond of the boat. Aside from not being clever, she seems to have no other weaknesses.
“I heard from my colleagues that the situation in Qingzhou is very promising. The court’s army is routing the rebels. So, you don’t need to worry, your son will soon return triumphant.
“Take good care of yourself in the capital and do not worry about me. Lingyin is being looked after by big brother, she’ll be just fine.
“If there’s trouble at home, be sure to discuss things with Lingyue. Lingyue may not be a tenth as clever as you, but two heads are better than one.
“Lingyin has not been wronged on the boat. The soldiers are very fond of her and praise her for being big brother’s sister, courageous and unmatched, a true heroine who could hold off ten thousand enemies alone!”
Xu Erlang thought for a moment, crossed out this line, and rewrote:
“They praise her as truly big brother’s sister, clever as ice and snow, destined to be a lady of both culture and virtue in the future…”
After finishing the letter, he dried the ink and placed it in an envelope.
At this moment, two beams of clear light rose in the room. Zhang Shen, dressed in a scholar’s robe and wearing a square cap, and Li Mubai suddenly appeared.
“Teacher, Mr Mubai?”
Xu Xinnian was startled, both surprised and delighted. “Why are you here?”
Zhang Shen stroked his beard and said:
“The situation in Qingzhou is dire. Yang Gong wrote to the Dean for help. The Dean sent Mubai and I to act as Yang Gong’s advisers.”
The joy of reunion instantly faded. Xu Xinnian asked in a low voice,
“What did Ziyang Jushi say in his letter?”
Li Mubai replied, “The first line of defence at Qingzhou’s border has fallen. Ziqian has ordered a scorched earth policy, gathering the refugees, adopting a strategy of holding firm and not sallying forth, waiting for reinforcements.”
Xu Xinnian immediately unfolded a map of Qingzhou, studied it for a moment and said:
“This is an excellent plan.”
Qingzhou covered tens of thousands of li, with ample strategic depth. There was little sense in holding the border to the death.
And with the local forces of the Great Feng occupying advantageous terrain, the strategy of scorched earth and holding the city was the right choice.
Zhang Shen shook his head and sighed,
“Cijiu, do not forget, the Western Region’s monk soldiers have not yet entered the fray. If I’m not mistaken, the Buddhist sect will soon send an army to attack Leizhou and other places, forcing the court to fight a war on two fronts.
“At that time, Qingzhou will be isolated and unable to call for help.”
Li Mubai added, “With refugees and bandits everywhere and instability inside, the situation is bleak. Ziqian foresaw all this and, after racking his brains for a solution, wrote to the Dean for help.”
Xu Xinnian’s expression darkened.
…
Dusk, the setting sun sank in the west.
Wanyao Mountain was the heart of the hundred thousand mountains of the Southern Marches. The mountain was not high, but incredibly majestic, like a giant lying on its side, stretching for dozens of miles.
And this was only the main peak.
As one of the blessed lands of the Southern Marches, Wanyao Mountain was gifted and full of spiritual energy, having nurtured generation after generation of the Yao.
To this day, the Yao within the mountain still numbered in large quantities, but over the ages, they had transformed from masters into slaves.
The Buddhist sect now ruled here.
Nanfa Temple stood at the summit of the mountain, the tallest structure in the Southern Country.
After the Buddhist sect occupied Wanyao Mountain, they launched great works, logging and building roads, constructing a grand city here.
Xu Qi’an, clad in a cloak, walked along the streets of “Southern Country” city, accompanied by Yeji, Sun Xuanji, and Miao Youfang.
They were all wearing similar cloaks.
“Squeak, squeak…”
A sharp monkey cry caught Xu Qi’an’s attention.
Someone at the street corner was performing with monkeys. A little yellow-furred monkey bowed and begged for money from passers-by. If they refused, it would somersault, make faces, or kneel and kowtow.
“All untransformed little Yao.”
Xu Qi’an tossed over a piece of broken silver. The yellow-furred monkey picked it up and kowtowed fiercely, its forehead thumping hard on the pavement.
Sadness appeared in Yeji’s eyes:
“Because untransformed little Yao are easiest to control.”
The Yao were divided into two kinds. Some were beasts who gained enlightenment and step by step became great Yao through cultivation.
Their offspring, however, were born as Yao, just like humans, and would open their intelligence naturally as they aged. These were the other kind of Yao.
The Yao of Wanyao Mountain were mostly descendants of the great Yao from back then.
Though beasts in form, they possessed high intelligence.
Baiji was an example.
“There should be transformed Yao here, right?” Miao Youfang asked.
“Naturally, but they are rare. Most are slaves to Buddhist temples or used as mounts. Otherwise, they fall into the hands of wealthy and powerful people.”
Yeji said, “The powerful in the Western Regions raise transformed Yao, mostly as battle slaves, with only a rare few exceptions.”
“Rare exceptions?”
Miao Youfang asked further.
Yeji sneered, “For instance, beautiful Yao women will become their playthings, that’s if they are treated well. Those less fortunate are sent to the army…”
She did not finish, but Miao Youfang could guess.
He fell silent.
…
On the pagoda of Nanfa Temple, the tall, burly al-Asura stood at the tip of the tower, overlooking the grand city under the veil of night.
At a certain moment, he withdrew his gaze and looked down at the shadows beneath the tower.
There, a cloaked, hooded figure had appeared, soundlessly and without warning.
Comments for this chapter. You will need a GitHub account. Please follow all terms and conditions of GitHub issues and maintain etiquette in the comments. Cookies are required for this functionality.
If you want to talk with other readers about Nightwatchers (or other cultivation type books) you can join our cultivation groupreading discord server!
I also have a Kofi, which for legal reasons is definitely for supporting my digital art only (promise!): ko-fi.com/yanxin ... plus I guess server space isn't free, and I don't want to put ads/trackers... ever, so thank you if you do!