Chapter 195 Gathering of Winds and Clouds

Wu Chengwang and Qin Ming were both smiling, satisfied with each other and finding each other pleasing to the eye. The atmosphere was harmonious; perhaps this was a win-win situation.

Qin Ming quickly realized he shouldn’t get carried away. This was a one-off deal, and he didn’t plan to come back next time. What was he laughing about?

He adjusted his expression efficiently and naturally, his smile slowly fading as he immersed himself in the scripture, feigning ignorance and humbly asking, “Master Wu, why does the third page of this scripture suddenly become more difficult?”

Wu Chengwang smiled and said, “The extraordinary skills are all extremely profound, and nine out of ten people are destined to be unable to comprehend them. Fortunately, after my guidance, the Golden Cicada Scripture is not so obscure, and my disciples can master it.”

“Master Wu, you truly deserve to be called a master of the art of excavation,” Qin Ming praised.

After reading this scripture, he sighed inwardly, “Old Wu is no ordinary man. This manuscript is the culmination of his hard work and contains extremely profound insights.”

His expression transitioned naturally, from a big laugh to a slight smile, then to a serious expression, and finally to a frown, because he was preparing to slip away; there was no need to linger here.

To everyone’s surprise, Wu Chengwang took a liking to him and not only gave him pointers but also sent him to study in the courtyard, saying that the flowers and plants there could refresh his mind.

“Don’t be impatient. Back in the day, I was also stumped for a long time when I was practicing this scripture,” he said kindly.

Over the years, everyone who came to him to learn extraordinary skills was full of bitterness and resentment, and never smiled. It was rare to find such a smiling young man who made him feel at ease.

Qin Ming remained silent.

The manuscript he studied retained Wu Chengwang’s strong emotions, and he had already resonated with the two complete versions of the “Golden Cicada Sutra”.

“Sigh, this is too difficult. I feel like I laughed too soon. This scripture doesn’t resonate with me.” He started making excuses.

The courtyard, filled with herbs and exotic flowers, was a riot of colors and filled with a delightful fragrance. The environment was elegant, but Qin Ming really didn’t want to stay any longer.

“This is how you should train him. The cicada is an insect, yet not an insect, and it is also part of the Zen scriptures…” Wu Chengwang was prepared to play the long game, but he didn’t expect him to get stuck at the first hurdle, so he started to give him extra help.

In the end, Qin Ming spent a full hour pondering before leaving with a natural frown.

“What a fine child.” Wu Chengwang watched his retreating figure with a smile on his face. It was a pity that he was a little slow to understand. He called out from behind, “Come earlier next time.”

Xiao Wu said, “Brother, you really spent six hundred gold coins? Our family’s savings are going to be depleted again.” “Yes, let’s go back.” Qin Ming nodded.

Only after returning to his residence and facing the sapphire-blue lake did Qin Ming no longer hide his smile, happily catching several colorful dragon carp. Soon after, he returned to his courtyard and began practicing his martial arts!

Wu Yaozu exclaimed in amazement, “Wow, brother, you’re a true genius! You’ve grasped the essence and made a name for yourself in such a short time!”

Because he felt that Qin Ming’s temperament had completely changed, and he had a Zen-like quality to it. In fact, at the most critical moment, he heard a cicada’s chirping that made people feel clear-headed and about to have an epiphany.

That wasn’t a real sound, but rather the celestial sounds emanating from Qin Ming’s flesh, organs, and bones resonating together.

Qin Ming cautioned, “You’ve only just started, so just pretend you didn’t see anything. If that old guy finds out, he’ll probably be furious and might even attack us.”

“I understand!” Wu Yaozu nodded, then went to study his “Blood and Flesh Soul Locking Technique.” Qin Ming spent the entire day practicing the “Golden Cicada Scripture.”

It involves not only revival, regeneration, and Zen, but also the Golden Cicada Force it generates is extremely powerful. Without protective measures, how can it become a miraculous skill?

Qin Ming pondered it carefully and felt more and more that this extraordinary skill was profound and extensive.

“If we break it down further, it can manifest as dead force and living force, involving some changes in yin and yang, and ultimately forming the complete Golden Cicada Force. If this part can be mastered, one can be reborn from the brink of death.”

Qin Ming’s expression turned serious, because this was not the end. He combined Wu Chengwang’s insights with his own understanding, continuing to delve deeper. He believed this was a treasure trove of extraordinary skills.

To this end, he used the light wheel composed of the Five Elements Extraordinary Skill he had practiced to simulate the Golden Cicada Force.

“The cicada’s chirping is like silk threads, subtle yet continuous, its Zen spirit undying, and its golden cicada energy can be everlasting.”

Qin Ming studied Zen philosophy, but he also focused on practical combat. For a time, fine rain fell like silk, cicada wings were like swords, and the Golden Cicada Force flowed continuously around his body.

“The cicada transforms again, its song like thunder. At this point, the cicada’s power is no longer feminine, but masculine and domineering. Moreover, its light can be sublimated and shine in all directions.”

He studied it carefully, trying to simulate it with other forms of Heavenly Light Force, but failed. It’s simply impossible to do so at present; it only caused a great commotion in the small courtyard.

Overall, the two versions of the Golden Cicada Sutra differ in their focus. One emphasizes the physical transformation, tearing away the old shell to create a new life. The other version focuses on transformations and other aspects, demonstrating various wondrous Heavenly Light Forces, and is more geared towards practical combat.

“Above the extraordinary skill of the Golden Cicada Scripture, there is the Divine Cicada Scripture, which belongs to the category of secret texts and is on the same level as the Scripture of World Preservation.”

Even the legendary “people from another world” may have some connection with the “Shencing Jing”.

Qin Ming sighed inwardly. Every extraordinary skill had a higher-level successor, which was truly “orderly inheritance,” making him quite yearn for and look forward to it.

Next, he diligently practiced the Golden Cicada Sutra, actively preparing for his ninth rebirth.

This is about accumulating experience and solidifying the foundation. With each additional extraordinary skill, his strength will increase significantly, because it can trigger a qualitative change in the light of heaven!

Moreover, for this final rebirth, he wanted to make some changes and not follow the original path. However, he first needed to master the Golden Cicada Force!

While Qin Ming and Xiao Wu were quietly cultivating and accumulating their cultivation, the outside world was bustling with activity, with countless people discussing it.

As expected, Ling Yu’s duel with Xin Youdao last night made the front page and was reported in various ways. The light of his extraordinary talent pierced through the night fog, illuminating everywhere. Although Xin Youdao was defeated, the night newspapers did not belittle him, but instead gave him high praise. As for Ling Yu, needless to say, he was finally directly called the Young Ancestor, no longer concealing it.

“Ling Yu will test his skills across the world. When his cultivation level rises, he will probably compete with those immortal and divine beings.” “Indeed! He’s advancing on two paths simultaneously, and he’ll rise rapidly. I look forward to that day!”

The whole city of Kunling was talking about it.

However, the two parties involved had mixed feelings and weren’t as happy as expected; they both went off to practice their skills frantically! Qian Chuan looked at the newspaper in his hand, his expression complex, wanting to say: No one knows the truth better than me!

He looked toward the lakeside, where, nestled among the green bamboo and golden vines, lived two mysterious boys who had once defeated two prodigies who were the talk of the newspapers.

If this gets out, it will definitely cause a huge sensation!

Qin Ming and Wu Yaozu had a fulfilling time, practicing their skills and diligently learning about the Third Forbidden Land, eager to know when they would go hunting that auspicious beast.

“That plateau is rich in various medicinal herbs and contains some special secret realms, as well as a large number of demons and monsters. At that time, people from all walks of life and people of different levels will have the opportunity to participate.”

This was a real-world exercise, a training exercise, and a small-scale rehearsal for the large-scale exploration of the depths of the foggy world.

Qin Ming and Wu Yaozu learned that various Taoist temples and academies were surveying the plateau and would delineate its boundaries in a more detailed manner.

“Each participant will carry a few memory crystals. They are not required to record their whereabouts throughout the entire process, but the scenes of killing demons and monsters at the last moment must be included to ensure the authenticity of the battle record.”

The instructions include a serious warning against internal strife; if anyone violates the rules, the others can unite to attack them, ensuring legitimate self-defense.

“First Realm, Second Realm…” Qin Ming looked at the rough sketch that had just appeared. The terrain was complex, and the areas where people of each realm were active were marked.

Clearly, the further into the plateau one goes, the higher the level of the demons and monsters one encounters.

“In the first realm, who are we afraid of? We can also venture into the second realm!” Little Wu rubbed his hands together, eager to get started.

Qin Ming reminded him, “Don’t be arrogant. In the second realm, there must be near-immortal seeds, divine seeds, and other extraordinary seeds.”

These days, Kunjun City has become increasingly lively. Why did Sun Taichu bring Cui Chonghe here? Their purpose is clear!

Recently, people from the Pure Land, the Immortal Land, the Yang Land, and even those from the Esoteric School, as well as those unknown immortals and gods, have been arriving one after another.

The main reason is that this auspicious beast is truly extraordinary. Its blood essence can prolong the lives of ancestral masters, and its benefits to the younger generation are naturally even greater!

Wu Yaozu nodded and said, “Brother, let’s try to achieve nine rebirths during this highland reclamation, and even enter the Outer Saint realm. Then we can take a trip to the Second Realm and get more benefits!”

In Kunling City, people were talking about Ling Yu and Xin Youdao, as well as discussing which near-immortal beings had arrived and which divine being had quietly appeared.

Ordinary people listened with great interest, while experts sensed that a storm was brewing in this area, and that a major event was about to occur.

“Little Sparrow, after traversing mountains and rivers and traveling thousands of miles, I have finally arrived in Kunjun City with Princess Purple Lightning Beast and the others.” A little sparrow carrying a small bag, along with Purple Lightning Beast, Four-Tusked White Elephant and other strange creatures, disembarked from a huge spaceship.

“Mountain Lord, I wonder how you are doing? I, Little Sparrow, have made significant progress recently!” Yu Que flapped her wings and flew forward. She is now a trusted confidante of the Purple Lightning Beast.

“Xiao Qin has been missing for a long time. Did something really happen to him on the spaceship?” Li Qingyun also arrived, frowning. Meng Xinghai asked him to find Qin Ming, and he also wanted to see Li Qingyue.

Ling Yu was upset. After calming down for several days, he still couldn’t stand it and went to Tang Jin again, strongly requesting that she arrange a duel between him and the boy from Black and White Mountain.

Last time, he was lectured and reprimanded, and Tang Jin did not agree.

“Have the Five-Colored Thunder Force and the Four Symbols been condensed? Using a wisp of pure Yang consciousness as a seed, have you fished for the light of heaven and mastered it? Have you thoroughly mastered the superposition and fusion of these extraordinary skills?” Tang Jin asked him.

Ling Yu was filled with fighting spirit and said, “Senior sister, I have mastered all of these skills and perfected them. If I cannot fight him, I will not be able to sleep, and my cultivation will hardly make any progress.”

Qin Ming had already mastered the Golden Cicada Force. For ordinary people, a unique skill could take half a lifetime to learn and a lifetime to study, but for him, it was clearly not that difficult.

“I need to learn another extraordinary skill!” he muttered to himself.

In the past, each time he was reborn, he used a unique skill combined with several kinds of Heavenly Light Force.

This time, however, he didn’t want to practice the regular Heavenly Light Force anymore. Instead, he planned to try and see if he could simultaneously learn and integrate the two extraordinary skills.

“Next, which extraordinary skill should I choose, and how do I acquire it?” Qin Ming frowned.

After careful study, he became very fond of the “Dragon and Snake Scripture,” a miraculous skill used by the Heavenly Ancestor during his ninth rebirth. It not only allowed him to be reborn from the brink of death, but also enabled him to cultivate the incomparably powerful Heavenly Light Force.

The Ancestor of the Sky-Supporting Sect is said to be able to hold up the sky with his hands, possessing unparalleled divine power!

Qin Ming felt that this patriarch’s path to rebirth was quite extraordinary, and the scriptures he practiced at certain key junctures were worth studying carefully.

“The Dragon and Snake Scripture is not easy to obtain. The Mountain and River Academy has it in its collection, but it is not publicly available.” He pondered whether he should try to obtain it from other training grounds.

(There’s more to come!)