Chapter 226: Chapter 226: Heavenly Jade Technique

Translator: Transn Editor: Transn

“Moon Bird of Net, Wood Insect of Dipper, Fire Monkey of Turtle Beak, Water Ape of Alnilam, Sun Rat of Emptiness, Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket, Golden Dragon of Neck, Golden Sheep of Ghost…!” Junior Leopard looked at the information in his hand, frowning his brows slightly. “Didn’t you say yesterday that there were 14 vacancies in the 28 constellations? Why are there 15 vacancies now?”

“Wood Insect of Dipper!” Jin Yuquan pointed to one and said, “There are indeed 14 vacancies. But we recently confirmed that Wood Insect of Dipper has died, so there is one more vacancy!”

“Wood Insect of Dipper has died?” Junior Leopard cast a slight gaze at the words “Wood Insect of Dipper”, “Heavenly Jade Technique” and the note below, which read “one of the Seven Wonderful Techniques”.

“How could he die? Isn’t everyone in the 28 constellations an expert over Level Seven? If one of them really died, it would stir the world!”

“Wood Insect of Dipper is Xue Wuya of the Blood River Sect of Dark Sect. Maybe you haven’t heard about him. A decade ago, he was quite famous. He was one of the rare few Level Eight experts in the entire world, but he was chased by the White Blademaster, Lu Shaoyou for he had killed the He family of Yangzhou. He was missing till he fled to the Misty Mountain. Since then, he has not been found and no one knew his whereabouts. Though the Immortal Palace tried their best to seek him, it was to no avail. As of ten days ago, it has been ten years since his disappearance. According to the Immortal Palace’s rule, though alive he may be, he had to automatically quit, so his position is vacant!”

Junior Leopard’s expression under the mask became fantastic. Nobody would be looking for Xue Wuya anymore. It was ten years ago that he had killed Xue Wuya.

Ten years ago!

Ten years!

Junior Leopard suddenly came to realize that, from the moment he’d been dragged away by Xue Wuya to now, a whole decade had elapsed unwittingly.

“What do you think? Have you thought it over?”

“Oh, not yet! Let me see!” Junior Leopard suddenly recovered from his reverie. Pointing to “Heavenly Jade Technique” beside “Wood Insect of Dipper” he asked, “Is this the cultivation method that Xue Wuya has chosen?”

“Yeah, the Heavenly Jade Technique and Wang She’s Snake-like Breath Holding Skill are examples of the Seven Wonderful Techniques. It is said that the Seven Wonderful Techniques have a magical effect. It’s a pity that our Immortal Palace only has these two methods!”

“The Seven Wonderful Techniques?” Junior Leopard smiled. He had conjectured the mental cultivation methods of Extraordinary Strength Fist before, but now he knew for certain. This way was actually called Heavenly Jade Technique, and Xue Wuya had taught it to him. It was one of the Seven Wonderful Techniques.

“How fortunate!” He thought to himself. “At the time, Xue Wuya didn’t think I would survive. He was so generous. Unfortunately for him, it is he who didn’t make it out alive!”

…

…

It was an ordinary inn in Yuyang City, one of the gateways in Jin. It had been almost twenty or thirty thousand years since the founding of the city, and it had been in a tense atmosphere recently. It was because nobody could be sure when the Metal Horse Carriages of the northern prairie would go down south, attack the city and pillage the grains. If the dynasty of the Central Plains didn’t migrate inhabitants from the border area here year after year, it would be desolate now.

But now, this tense atmosphere had disappeared. Now, it was not only full of peace and happiness, of course, but also of boisterousness and excitement.

Northern Yuan had been exterminated, without negotiation or surrender; through slaughter and pillage. In some pedants’ eyes, Jin’s behavior had violated the practice of benevolence and kindness. Some who lived in the Central Plains saw these behaviors as cruel acts. In the eyes of the inhabitants who had settled in the border area of Yuyang, it was a welcome deed.

At any given time, one could see intoxicated men lying at the roadside or roaming the streets of Yuyang; one could hear the sounds of drums, gongs, and scream. The atmosphere was even more lively and enthusiastic than Spring Festival.

After Junior Leopard and Jin Yuquan were defeated in Ma Tianchang’s central camp, they fled and flew all the way to Yuyang. They arrived at dawn.

Yuyang was really bustling. There were various people of the martial arts world, people who were heading towards the north or returning to the south. Even though the two of them were dressed oddly, nobody paid heed to them. More oddly dressed men could be found everywhere,

After confirming Junior Leopard’s participation in the Immortal Palace, Golden Rooster’s attitude towards him became more enthusiastic. He contacted the Immortal Palace at once. Within four hours, Golden Rooster had arrived, carrying a pamphlet that showed all of the 28 constellations vacancies with details.

Junior Leopard could choose anyone from the pamphlet at will.

That was why the scene happened before.

“I have to remind you, Junior Leopard, the earlier you join the Immortal Palace, the more benefits you will gain. Just look, there are 15 vacancies in stock that you can choose. If you wait a few years to join us, there may only be a few positions remaining. If all the positions are occupied, even though you want to join the Immortal Palace, you won’t have the chance!”

“Well, Golden Rooster, can you stop talking. I have decided to join you; you don’t need to boast!” Junior Leopard swung his hands, “There are 15 vacancies left. I need to think it over. I will tell you tomorrow!”

“That’s OK. Choose carefully! Not tomorrow. I remember that I took three days to decide. Hehe, when you’re done, I will take you to the Immortal Palace. Once you receive your token, you will be one of us!” After speaking, he left.

“The Immortal Palace has such a solid foundation. It’s so difficult to choose!” Seeing all 15 constellations in the pamphlet, Junior Leopard was caught in a dilemma. “By no means will I choose Wood Insect of Dipper. I have already learned the Heavenly Jade Technique!”

An eccentric and nonsensical idea occurred to him, “Damn it, the Yin and Yang Heavenly Sword, the Heavenly Jade Technique and Xiao. Perhaps I can be called Ultra Magnus afterward? Er, if there is a chance, it’s perfect. I can play Mahjong with Optimus Prime, Deception, and Starscream!”

Junior Leopard shook his head and threw his absurd thought away. He fixed his attention on the pamphlet.

Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket!

When Junior Leopard looked at the pamphlet, he quickly noticed this name, simply because it contained “Leopard”. His real name was Zhou Bao, while intimate people called him Junior Leopard. This Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket included “Leopard” as well. It seemed like a coincidence to him.

Hence, from the very beginning, he was inclined to the name Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket. On account of this inclination, when he looked at other constellations, he wasn’t interested.

Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket, the last of the oriental stars, a whirlwind triggered by dragon’s tail, belonged to the Water Sign.

Junior Leopard racked his brain for information about Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket’s, but couldn’t think of anything Anyhow, in the Immortal Palace, the name was only a code. As for whether the code had a profound meaning, Junior Leopard didn’t know.

Certainly, now he wanted to join the Immortal Palace, but it didn’t mean that he wanted to stay in the Immortal Palace for his whole life. He didn’t belong to this world. He hadn’t even had much sense of belonging to the Zhou Family where he was born and had grown up. Never mind the Immortal Palace, an organization.

What he wanted was to reap the benefits of the Immortal Palace. When the time was ripe, he would quit. He had never lacked for cultivation methods.

He also understood that this organization gathered a crowd of above Level Seven experts who were obstinate and unruly. It was impossible to control these experts, including himself.

As a matter of fact, the reason why he chose the Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket, was so that he could obtain the relevant method to refine the celestial device.

It was not a special technique, secret skill, mental cultivation method, martial arts skill or unique skill. It was a way to refine a celestial device: Air-frozen Bead!

Air-frozen Bead!

Looking at the name, Junior Leopard laughed.

Unfortunately, of the 28 constellations of the Immortal Palace, Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket could only gain a way to refine Air-frozen Bead, so none chose this constellation as the code name.

Junior Leopard didn’t care. The Air-frozen Bead appeared to be useless, but Junior Leopard didn’t think it was so simple.

The 28 constellations of the Immortal Palace were composed of experts with cultivation above Level Seven. How could it be possible to distribute evenly?

Other masters didn’t know, but Junior Leopard had a thorough understanding of the two secret skills, the Snake-like Breath Holding Skill and the Heavenly Jade Technique; their power was breathtaking. There was no reason that what Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket of the 28 constellations equipped should be a seemingly mediocre Air-frozen Bead!

Besides, even if the Air-frozen Bead had a monotonous effect, so what?

He had mastered cultivation methods, secret skills and special techniques of all sorts, including defensive and offensive movements. What these 28 constellations could provide wasn’t much, but he wasn’t in dire need of other cultivation methods or secret skills. He wasn’t completely proficient in what he already possessed, and he also knew he shouldn’t bite off more than he could chew.

So, after much deliberation, he still chose Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket.

However, his decision surprised Golden Rooster somewhat.

“Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket? Are you sure? You should know that, in the Immortal Palace’s history, this Water Leopard of Winnowing Basket has always remained empty. You’d better think again! The Air-frozen Bead is really useless!”

“Of course! Otherwise, I wouldn’t choose it!” Junior Leopard waved his hands. “Moreover, I think the Air-frozen Bead isn’t simple as it seems!”

“I have heard people who hopelessly chose this constellation before say the same words. It’s merely self-consolation!” Golden Rooster laughed. “I think that you should think it over in case you regret it later!”

“Nope, I don’t need to think about it. It’s Leopard. And, I’m Junior Leopard, it is just right!”

Junior Leopard’s attitude was so firm that Golden Rooster did not try to persuade him further. “Well, since you insist, I don’t care. Were two days of rest enough? If you feel good, we will set out to the Immortal Palace tomorrow!”

“Tomorrow?” Junior Leopard was a bit stunned. “Isn’t that a bit rushed?”

“What’s up?”

“Nothing, but I am preparing to seek a good place to practice. You know that I will soon have a battle with the little girl of the Meng Family!”

“There’s no need to worry about that little girl. You must know, not all people in this world are like you. Her strength will never surpass yours even in three years!” Golden Rooster said.

“What I worry about is, what if a millennium family like the Mengs in Ningzhou, bring out an Ancient Treasure like the Clear Glass Jade Bottle?”

“It’s impossible! The Meng Family doesn’t have any Ancient Treasures!” The Golden Rooster shook his head. “You think Ancient Treasure is like a cabbage that can be found anywhere?”

“Just in case!”

“No case! I am telling you, most Ancient Treasures, such as Clear Glass Jade Bottle, have their own master. Though there are a few Ancient Treasures that don’t have owners, they are unlikely to be in Meng Family. If the Meng Family were fortunate enough to have one, they wouldn’t dare take it out!”

“Why? I don’t think the Meng Family is afraid of anything!”

“Not everyone is as fearless as Ma Tianchang!” Jin Yuquan sighed slightly and patted Junior Leopard on the shoulder. “If the Meng Family really have a high-level Ancient Treasure, they can’t take it out for such a little girl. Your current cultivation is high, so the Meng Family will deal with you by any means necessary. But little do you know, that because of your fast advancement and well-known combat gains that, even if you defeat the girl, the Meng Family won’t lose too much face. Don’t you understand? Plus, from what I’ve heard of the bets in Jianghu, your odds of winning are much higher than hers!”

“Damn! There are people gambling!” Junior Leopard scolded in a low voice.

“Such a sensational thing naturally attracts a lot of attention!” Golden Rooster laughed.

…

…

In the central camp in the prairie.

The camp Junior Leopard and Golden Rooster had broken had been fully renovated. At the moment, it was silent and quiet, so silent that a pin could be heard clearly if it was dropped on the floor.

Ma Tianchang sat in front of a table. His face was as calm as water, yet his eyes were sharp as a knife. He gazed over the officers and soldiers who stood in the camp.

Among them, was a newly-appointed supervisor in the army, as well as a eunuch who delivered an imperial decree.

The new supervisor was Wang Han. He was born of a civil official and had a reputation for talent. As for the eunuch, he was a close servant of the inner court. He had suffered great fatigue in order to deliver the imperial decree, but he benefited a lot from it.

The whole atmosphere had originally been harmonious but had now turned rather outlandish after last night’s stir.

“I’m incompetent. The bandits had the chance to harass the central camp. I’m really ashamed!” After a silence, Ma Tianchang promptly said in a gentle voice, without any emotional fluctuations.

“The Subordinate was incompetent!”

Ma Tianchang’s voice had barely faded away when the personal guards from the camp kneeled down and exclaimed in unison.

“It’s none of your business! Two of them were experts above Level Seven. Of course, you couldn’t resist!” Ma Tianchang waved his hand, “Leave!”

“Yes!”

Ma Tianchang’s personal guards were trained as a whole. They were loyal to him and went out without any suspicion.

The central camp which had originally been crammed with people now contained five people; Ma Tianchang, Wang Han; the eunuch; and the two personal guards who stood at the door on duty.

“General, I’m a supervisor in the army. Amid this central camp, there should be a seat available?”

Wang Han said this after the departure of a swarm of personal guards. In the imperial court, though he was only a civil official without real power, he was at Level Three. Though he was inferior to Ma Tianchang, a government officer, and local emperor, wherever he went, he would be offered a seat.

But now, he had stood in the central camp for a while and there was no seat for him. He had some complaints in his mind. There had been many people around before, so he had been embarrassed to say anything. But now the people had left, he couldn’t resist speaking up.

Ma Tianchang glanced at him slightly and laughed. “Well, sorry, Your Excellency Wang, I have been negligent! Here is a chair for you!”

Finishing the words, Ma Tianchang turned to the eunuch and asked, “Eunuch Fei, may I offer you another chair?”

“The General is just joking. How dare I get a seat before you!” Eunuch Fei laughed. Wrinkled skin climbed over his face like blooming chrysanthemum and his eyes were narrowed into slits with pleasure.

A personal guard carried a wooden armchair. He placed it before the desk, and then went out.

“Your Excellency Wang, please!”

“General, thank you very much!” After holding his fist in the other hand as a salute, Wang Han went bluntly towards the wooden armchair and sat down.

Ma Tianchang didn’t say anything. But Eunuch Fei’s eyes twitched. “Wang Han is so foolish. He dares to put on airs before Ma Tianchang!”

However, thinking again, he felt relieved. He was secluded in the inner court, so naturally, he knew the relationship between Ma Tianchang and the current emperor. But Wang Han was a civil official without real power. Though his literary fame resounded through the world, considering his roots, it was rather shallow. How could he know the stakes?

“General, the imperial court of Northern Yuan has collapsed, and all the tribes have been sapped of their vitality. Nobody in the whole prairie can resist our Jin’s Metal Horse Carriages. I don’t know what you will plan next!”

Wang Han asked the moment Wang Han sat down, holding his hands in a fist.

“Your Excellency Wang, you are wrong! It isn’t my plan; it’s what will our emperor plan. My mission is done!” Ma Tianchang’s mood seemed to improve somewhat. He stroked his beard, “Northern Yuan has been eliminated, the remaining aftermath is for our emperor and the imperial court to deal with. The only thing I can do now is to stabilize the 500,000 armed forces, to shake the remnants of North Yuan, and ensure the smooth implementation of the imperial court’s orders. As for what to do next, it’s not me who is leading the troops!”

Wang Han nodded, in deep thought. “Well, what you say is reasonable. By the way, do you have any information about the creeps who snuck into the camp yesterday?”

“Nope!” Ma Tianchang revealed a remorseful look. “Their strength was too strong to stop them, though my men tried their best. However, their cultivation was so high, I assume they are remnants of Northern Yuan and intended to kill me secretly. But they didn’t expect that I would be out accompanying the supervisor to tour the barrack!”

A gleam of light flashed in Ma Tianchang’s eyes, “Your Excellency Wang, Eunuch Fei, thanks to both of you! If it weren’t for the two of you, the two creeps would have gotten away with it, thank you very, very much!”

He stood up and saluted them.

They promptly replied that they couldn’t dare to. After chatting for a while, they bade farewell to Ma Tianchang.

Ma Tianchang sent them out of the central camp. He turned around, a hint of the bleak smile flashing on his face. A layer of light mist flashed across and he vanished instantly.

“It seems that they don’t know details!”

Moon Vixen of Heart’s voice rang out amid the mist, “Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so stupid as to ask about this matter!”

“Maybe they really are that stupid!” Ma Tianchang laughed. “Wang Han is an idiot. He reads so much that he is brainless. How dare he test me!”

“You mean Wang Han doesn’t know?!” Moon Vixen of Heart said in astonishment.

“Of course not! Why do you think the first holy emperor of all ages sent such an idiot here?”

“Who knows? Maybe your first holy emperor of all ages has actually gone crazy!”

“He’s gone mad indeed!” Ma Tianchang laughed coldly. “To this degree, it’s time for him to consider how to end now. I don’t think that he should desire for my treasure. How silly he is!”

“That’s true! We beat Northern Yuan, but how to finish this is a big thing!” A ray of inspiration flashed in Moon Vixen’s eyes. She quietly walked to Ma Tianchang. She leaned against his body, and said faintly, “Tianchang, you have said that as long as Northern Yuan is eliminated, you would lead a hermetic life with me, no longer bothering about the right and wrong of the world. Now Northern Yuan has no way to survive. Are you going to fulfill your previous promise?”

“Of course!” Ma Tianchang nodded with a smile, “When this matter is over, I will hide away with you! Of course, before this happens, I must marry off our daughter Linglong!”

“Hum, Lei Xu is a bargain without pains!”

“Forget it! Lei Xu is not bad!” Moon Vixen of Heart snuggled into Ma Tianchang’s arms, “I am worried about it. I worry that if she fails to get married, there will be lots of trouble afterward!”

“Trouble? What do mean?”

“Wasn’t I just talking about it? The first holy emperor of all ages has many sons!”

“You think he will target my daughter?” Moon Vixen of Heart screamed, “I’ll kill him!”

“You can’t kill him!” Ma Tianchang patted her on the back. “That bloke is at his peak. Even if you wielded a Clear Glass Jade Bottle against him, you still couldn’t deal with him, at least for now you couldn’t. Therefore, we’d better have our daughter married off early!”

“It’s up to you! She is also your daughter. Lei Xu is not bad. Most importantly, our daughter loves him!” Moon Vixen of Heart sighed slightly. “In fact, I still think that Wang She would be more suitable for her!”

“Him?” Ma Tianchang laughed, “He has too much to bear. He is hardly free and easy. If our daughter marries him it will be just as when you married me. It will take them many years to lead a hermetic life and they will have a lot of trouble. Don’t you have any misgivings?”

Moon Vixen of Heart raised her head and fixed her eyes on Ma Tianchang. A word for word she said, “No, I don’t!”

They embraced each other with a smile!