Chapter 50 The Obstacle Zhou Fuling: "Senior is very kind, I will remember..."

Zhou Fuling lifted the curtain and stepped out of the oxcart, only to see that Minister Liang and Master Miao had also returned on horseback. She couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"

Minister Liang then said that the problem lay with the underground water veins of Yundu. The cultivators were praying for the grand competition, but the water management of Yundu had gone wrong, accidentally causing the road ahead to collapse.

But is it deliberately making things difficult?

This thought flashed through Zhou Fuling's mind. She exchanged glances with the others, but suddenly heard someone say:

"I've heard that Fellow Daoist Ling Fu is the daughter of the Water Master. I would be honored if you could offer her some guidance!"

Upon hearing this voice, both Zhou Fuling and Xu Qingning's expressions turned serious.

Standing before them was none other than the Rain Master, the First Elder who had captured Xu Qingning in the grotto.

The Rain Master held up a stone pillar with his palm facing the sky. The pillar was connected to the underground magic array and seemed about to collapse at any moment. His fine, grass-like beard trembled with the impact.

His boots stepped onto the edge of a swamp-like mud pit, the mud emanating a demonic aura that seemed to whirlpool away the spiritual energy from all directions.

Upon seeing this, Ling Fu frowned.

Zhou Fuling also said:

"Drain the spirit marsh."

Zhou Fuling knew this because she had lived in Tianjue Gorge since she was a child, and this place was associated with demonic energy.

"Spirit-Draining Swamps" are strange swamps formed after a local calamity caused by demonic energy that cannot dissipate and seeps into the ground.

When the mud is absorbed by demonic energy, it becomes like a living thing, drawing in the surrounding spiritual energy and life essence.

Once a practitioner enters this realm, they will also be crushed by immense force.

As Zhou Fuling carefully examined the ground, the Rain Master also spotted Xu Qingning, who had come out with her, and recognized him as the person who had previously fallen into his hands and then escaped.

The Rain Master couldn't help but sneer: "So, you really are from the fourth part!"

He then sneered at Zhou Fuling, "I've heard that this is Minister Liang's new apprentice, and also the daughter of the Second Water Enforcer. I wonder if she could offer some guidance on how to resolve this sinking pond problem? If not, I'm afraid it will harm the immortals."

Hearing this from the shadows, Ling Fu rolled her eyes countless times in her heart, snorted inwardly, and thought to herself, "'Injured the immortals'? I think this is all you did with that thin beard, to test the other 'Ling Fu'."

Ling Fu wasn't the only one who saw through Yu Shi's intentions.

The Miao chieftain was filled with apprehension.

This is... the first time they've come to test Zhou Fuling's identity!

As Miao Shanzhu knew, Zhou Fuling was a formidable weapon in the past, and a hundred years later she became Xu Qingning's junior sister, in charge of finances. However, she was not as knowledgeable about geography and hydrology as Ling Fu.

Her heart was in her throat, fearing that if Yu Shi asked a few more questions, Zhou Fuling would give herself away. She wanted to stop him, but couldn't find a good excuse, so she was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

But Zhou Fuling calmly got out of the car, slowly walked over, and said with her hands behind her back:

"Lord Rain Master, are you asking how to resolve this ground subsidence?"

"good."

Zhou Fuling said, "That's easy. To cure the Spirit Swamp, we can only use the 'Spirit Carved Stone Tablet'."

She squatted down, took out a measuring ruler, and marked several spiritual veins with practiced ease. She then called for stones to be brought over. Zhou Fuling inscribed spiritual talismans, the runes perfectly accurate.

The Rain Master watched in stunned silence, and the Miao Mountain Master also breathed a sigh of relief, yet he still couldn't believe that Zhou Fuling could have done something without making a single mistake!

Ling Fu whispered, "Hey, Mountain Lord, she asked me about it before."

Miao Shanzhu turned around in shock: "What? She asked that?"

Ling Fu nodded: "That's right."

It turned out that before Zhou Fuling entered the city, Ling Fu had been following Qing Huyue around asking about the scenic spots and historical sites of the fourth part. Although Qing Huyue was going to compete, she was patient and friendly to people and did not care that Ling Fu was only a servant. She answered all her questions.

Ling Fu was in a good mood and didn't want to leave anymore; she wanted to help them.

Halfway there, Zhou Fuling suddenly called her over and asked, "If someone wanted to cause trouble in Yundu and test my hydrology skills, how would they test me? Can you help me think of something?"

Ling Fu said, "I don't have a map of Yundu."

Zhou Fuling's "senior brother" said, "I have it."

They then gave him a detailed geographical map from who-knows-where.

Ling Fu was overjoyed and studied it diligently for a while before telling Zhou Fuling the answer, which included "Spirit Extraction Swamp".

Therefore, Yu Shi's teaching test was useless. Firstly, Zhou Fuling had prepared in advance and had already asked for the answers. Secondly, Ling Fu was an expert in geology.

This is also why Ling Fu wasn't nervous at all when she saw Yu Shi appear, and dared to laugh at him in her heart.

She also admired Zhou Fuling's brilliant strategies.

“Alright, let’s move it.” Zhou Fuling said after finishing carving the runes.

But the Rain Master suddenly stopped him: "Wait."

The Water Master beside the Rain Master was clutching his right hand, which looked as if it were broken.

"At this moment, Shui Zhi, who is currently in the Cloud Candle Tower, is here. I hope Fellow Daoist Ling will help him to the very end."

Zhou Fuling fell silent for a while, seemingly lost in thought, before finally nodding and saying, "Okay."

She used her strength to lift the boulder, intending to place it on the swamp.

When Zhou Fuling was repairing the road earlier, the immortals, cultivators, and other common people were watching from the sidelines, all wondering: Why are they having someone repair the road before the Grand Competition? This fourth part is really letting the first part bully them without saying a word, which is quite weak!

The group, who were watching the play, exploring the surroundings, and learning about geology, suddenly shouted, "Wait! Watch out!"

Suddenly, the giant pillar in the Rain Master's hand tilted and crashed down towards Zhou Fuling's back. This was, of course, intentional on the Rain Master's part.

The Rain Master stared at Zhou Fuling's back, his intentions already malicious.

This location was also deliberately chosen by him: even if it really is Ling Fu, the collapse of the pillars here could form a dangerous swamp with a power level close to that of a second-grade cultivator.

Ling Fu was caught off guard and either had to use her second-grade or higher level of skill to escape danger, or she would lose her life.

Therefore, the Rain Master was indeed testing her. If she found that Ling Fu was of rank two or above, she would be rewarded; if she was of rank less than two, it would not matter if she died.

Seeing this scene, Liang Bucheng, Miao Shanzhu, Qinghu Yue and others all changed color, but then they saw Zhou Fuling suddenly turn around, swift as a rabbit and a falcon, holding ten talismans in her hand.

With dozens of sharp cracking sounds, the powder was scattered into the air, then flew and struck the stone she had carved and the spiritual veins beneath the earth.

This was also a point that Zhou Fuling had consulted Ling Fu about long ago. If one is familiar with the geology and has the appropriate skill, one can exert an effect that exceeds the skill of a cultivator.

She wouldn't have to be exposed.

Upon seeing this, Minister Liang suddenly burst into laughter: "So, so she wanted the talisman because..."

Before entering Yundu, Zhou Fuling not only asked Ling Fu to help her assess the terrain of Yunning, but also obtained a hundred talismans from Minister Liang and Master Miao. These "talismans" are a type of Taoist magic that allows one to infuse and store the spiritual power of others.

Given the conflict between Liang Bucheng and the second part, and fearing that the second part would harm Zhou Fuling, he gave her a lot of things, never expecting that she would use them on the Rain Master from the first part.

Liang Bu Cheng was greatly relieved and laughed heartily.

The laughter was jarring, and the Rain Master glared.

How could he let Zhou Fuling go? He deliberately showed off his skills again, using his ultimate move "Raging Wind and Torrential Rain", condensing spiritual energy into dense rain that could pierce through the human body and shooting it at Zhou Fuling!

However, this played right into Zhou Fuling's hands. The talisman she struck caused the spiritual energy in the "Spirit Extraction Swamp" to surge upwards, instantly transforming it into the spiritual power of the Rain Master, which resembled a noose.

Rain Master was caught off guard. He had underestimated Zhou Fuling because he had only a third-grade spiritual power and could only resist with the help of talismans. Before he could dodge, he was about to fall into the "Spirit Extraction Swamp" with a splash.

Seeing the Rain Master fly away like a wild goose spreading its wings, Zhou Fuling chuckled and dodged away.

The Rain Master, being a true expert, hastily retreated, using the power of the long pillar to regain his balance.

But then he heard two "plop" sounds—although he managed to stand firm, his feet sank into the "Spirit-Drawing Swamp," and he couldn't pull them out. His face instantly turned red.

It turns out that this "Spirit-Drawing Swamp" can cause cultivators to experience immense suction force right beneath their feet. Zhou Fuling, having lived in Tianjue Ravine for a long time, is familiar with the key points of the "Spirit-Drawing Swamp." Her attack just now intensified the suction force, sealing off the "Rain Master's" Qi Sea, causing his spiritual power to stagnate and making it difficult for him to break free.

The "Rain Master's" face turned pale and then red.

His first elder was trapped in the swamp of Yundu, he was utterly humiliated!

He opened his mouth to scold Zhou Fuling, and at the same time tried to pull himself out, but then he heard a "smack"!

A clump of mud was kicked up by his wildly kicking foot, hitting his half-open mouth. The stench almost made Yu Shi vomit, and he couldn't speak: "You, you..."

Seeing this, Qinghu Yue and the people from all directions had subtle expressions. Qinghu Yue lowered her head, and Ling Fu covered her mouth.

It's important to know that the Rain Master has been running rampant for quite some time. Liang Bucheng, Qinghu Yue, and few of the people in the First Division have ever been humiliated by him and his subordinates, and some have even had their lives threatened by him. Now, seeing the Rain Master's predicament, they can only laugh and dare not even think about it.

After holding back for a while, Liang Bucheng lowered his voice and solemnly said, "Alright, Xiao Fu, Yu Shi is the First Elder. He is now trapped in the Spirit Extraction Swamp, and the other Water Guardians are in the Cloud Candle Tower. Quickly rescue him!"

After thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark, after all, the opportunity was rare, "Do you expect a Grandmaster like him to beg you? The Rain Master is of noble character and pride, he would never beg you! Don't make things difficult for the senior!"

Upon hearing this, "Rain Master" was furious. He originally wanted to order Zhou Fuling to let him out, but after what Liang Bucheng said, he realized that it was wrong to speak or not to speak!

“You, you…” Yu Shi pointed at Zhou Fuling, Liang Bucheng, Xu Qingning, and the people in all directions. The timid people were already running around in fear.

Zhou Fuling suddenly reached out her hand: "Of course I will rescue you, senior, but please give me the antidote for the Poison-Stabilizing Pill."

Xu Qingning suddenly raised her head and stared intently at Zhou Fuling.

Rain Master: "What?"

Zhou Fuling: "Previously, the senior mistakenly identified me, my senior brother, and the twelve other fourth-level cultivators as enemies, and forced us all to take the antidote pill. I have already sent a petition to the senior. With the competition approaching, I hope the senior will return the antidote."

The Rain Master squinted angrily: "You're talking nonsense! There weren't twelve fourth-level cultivators. I clearly only poisoned your senior brother—"

The rain master's voice stopped abruptly, and after realizing what had happened, he was so angry that he almost fell over.

It should be understood that in Yun Ning, many superficial formalities still need to be maintained among the four departments. Moreover, with the grand competition approaching and under the watchful eyes of everyone, such a thing should not be admitted.

The rain master broke out in a cold sweat.

He wasn't usually this careless, but now that he was in a quagmire and his mind was in turmoil, and Zhou Fuling provoked him with lies, he fell for her trick again and admitted to poisoning people!

Moreover, the young lady's new master is quite a figure. I wonder what he'll think when he finds out about this...

The Rain Master's entire face was burning.

Zhou Fuling: "So, senior, you admit to misusing poison?"

The Rain Master gritted his teeth: "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding."

He suppressed his anger. If he hadn't admitted it earlier, the matter could have been salvaged; now that he had admitted it, he had no choice but to give it to them, and he had to return to the Cloud Candle Tower.

Yu Shi threw the antidote for the "Poison-Stabilizing Pill" at Zhou Fuling's feet. Zhou Fuling reacted extremely quickly, kicking it twice like a shuttlecock, and then caught it in her hand out of thin air.

The Rain Master was even more exasperated by her clever appearance.

Minister Liang: "Child, quickly help the Rain Master escape this predicament. The Grand Elder of the Rain Master is deeply concerned about this earthquake disaster. He will be unhappy if it harms the people!"

Master Miao glared at Minister Liang, knowing that Minister Liang was once again making a rash and offensive remark. Minister Liang and his wife exchanged a glance, then lowered their heads and remained silent.

Zhou Fuling: "Yes!"

The Rain Master was released, and the "Spirit-Drawing Swamp" was repaired.

A few people around cheered softly, but when the Rain Master glared at them, they disappeared into the crowd.

Yu Shi said fiercely to Zhou Fuling, "You're very good, I'll remember you!"

Zhou Fuling glanced at Yu Shi's disheveled appearance and gently covered her nose: "Senior is very kind, I will remember you!"

The Rain Master was so angry that his chest trembled, but he could not retaliate. He could only dodge his subordinate's sword, which snapped in two and was driven into a wooden stake in the distance, as if it were Zhou Fuling.

Then, the Rain Master led his men away, stirring up a stench-filled wind.

Zhou Fuling turned back and returned the antidote to Xu Qingning.

Xu Qingning gripped the medicine bottle and closed her fingers: "I didn't expect you to still remember."

Zhou Fuling said, "Of course I remember."

Xu Qingning remained silent for a long time, staring intently at Zhou Fuling without saying a word. He held the medicine bottle in his hand, making no further move for a long time, only his gaze following Zhou Fuling.

Ling Fu suddenly asked, "Why did someone faint?"

Just now, someone fled, and people scattered, revealing a shadowy figure lying unconscious in the corner of the wall.

Xu Qingning and Zhou Fuling exchanged a glance, and Xu Qingning was the first to recognize who it was.

He Yin, who was at the foot of Bingjian Peak, had fallen into a coma for some unknown reason.

Xu Qingning sent a telepathic message to the Miao Mountain Lord, who, unwilling to offend Xu Qingning, secretly sent a telepathic message to the Tianji Sect and took He Yin away. But that's another story.

...

On the other side, the Rain Master staggered back to the foot of the Cloud Candle Tower, furious.

Ning Chenghan and Ning Chaoxue, who had intended to respond to him, couldn't help but cover their noses and take a few steps back.

The Rain Master was furious. This demonic energy was really hard to cleanse, but with the competition just around the corner, he had no choice but to return in such a sorry state.

The nobleman behind Ning Chaoxue remained motionless, not bothering to avoid the Rain Master, and whispered, "What happened?"

The Rain Master answered truthfully.

Ning Chenghan frowned: "Is that really how it is? A woman from the Water Ranks has such abilities, intelligence and resourcefulness... Moreover, since she has fallen out with the Second Department, it might be worthwhile to befriend her."

Ning Chaoxue stamped her foot: "No, Mother, you've forgotten what happened between me and the Fourth Book, between me and the Fourth Book..."

She stopped speaking. Ning Chenghan glanced at Ning Chaoxue and sighed as well.

That's true; they were at odds with the fourth installment.

Back then, when Minister Liang was seeking medicine for his deceased daughter, Ning Chaoxue, due to old grudges between her subordinates and Minister Liang, and also because she resented Minister Liang's refusal to participate in the encirclement and suppression of the Second Division, snatched the medicine from the public and drank it openly.

With their husbands in charge, they had no fear, and such incidents were numerous.

Liang Bu Cheng later kept quiet about it, but he must have remembered these things in his heart.

As Ning Chenghan was pondering this, the old man said, "No need to go, let's take another look. My wife and I will go and test Ling Fu's skills again."

...

In the blink of an eye, the fourth installment moves forward, drawing ever closer to the Cloud Candle Tower.

A thousand feet away, Zhou Fuling looked up and saw the magnificent Cloud Candle Tower standing tall and majestic under the vast sky, like a bright lamp burning with flames.

Further on, at the foot of the Cloud Candle Tower, one could hear the whistling wind as the banners of the four tribes fluttered in the breeze.

She arrived.

This is the Pearl of Yunning, the most powerful place in Yunning of the Southern Continent—the Cloud Candle Tower.

Ning Chaoxue, who was wearing mourning clothes, was no longer there. According to a report from Miao Shanzhu's scouts, she had led men to escort the third group into the Cloud Candle Tower. The second group had also entered.

"You don't look well. What happened?" Zhou Fuling suddenly noticed that the Miao Mountain Master's complexion was extremely bad and asked him.

The Miao chieftain shook his head and remained silent, seemingly pondering and waiting for some news.

Zhou Fuling stopped asking questions and walked towards the Cloud Candle Tower, but her gaze stopped on a statue.

Beneath the Cloud Candle Pagoda stood a female deity statue, a hundred feet tall. She possessed a resolute temperament, adorned with golden hairpins and crimson robes, with delicate eyebrows and bright eyes, truly deserving the description of "beautiful and radiant, exquisitely beautiful."

Holding a golden sword in her right hand and raising a Qimen Bagua compass in her left, she gazed at Yun Ning, her expression one of boundless pride, yet below it was solemnly inscribed: "Dragons fight in the wilderness, their blood is black and yellow."

Zhou Fuling was taken aback. She recognized that this was the sixth line of the Kun hexagram, the only missing line in the secret technique she had previously practiced in the underground chamber.

The hexagram describes dragons fighting in the countryside, leaving only black and yellow blood. It points out that after the peak of the Kun hexagram, "Yellow skirt, great good fortune," things will continue to struggle, thus turning from prosperity to decline and from good fortune to defeat.

Writing this here is considered an ominous sign.

Zhou Fuling did not understand its meaning. Xu Qingning said, "This is Master Liang Huo of Yun Ning admonishing the people of Nanzhou on the way of conduct: the moon wanes after it is full, things overflow when they are full, and retreating at the right time is advancing."

Zhou Fuling couldn't help but recall the strange wall in the underground chamber that had given her the sixth level of her cultivation technique, the "Observe My Life, Advance and Retreat" hexagram.

I wanted to ask Xu Qingning, but now was not the time, so I remained silent and just looked at the appearance of Ancestor Yun Ning.

"'Liang Huo'".

This statue depicts Liang Huoning Xiuling. She was the fourth-generation Immortal of the Immortal Alliance three thousand years ago, and the one who propelled the Yunning Sect to the pinnacle of the Immortal Realm, becoming the most powerful of the four sects. She is also the greatest Immortal in the entire history of the Immortal Realm.

His achievements include the victory in the War of Ten Thousand Demons, the restoration of the four continents, the construction of the Ningzhu Tower, and the creation of the Twelve Heavenly Gorges.

On the back of the statue, there are four lines of text, but they appear to have been carved by later generations:

"Neither humble nor virtuous"

Neither gentle nor arrogant.

The only way to break free is to be alone.

"The four states of Zhenping are quiet at night."

Zhou Fuling thought to herself, "Liang Huo's achievements are so great that his name will be passed down for thousands of years, as if he has lived for ten thousand years. But I have no father or mother, no relatives or friends. If I continue to live in seclusion as before, after I die, probably no one will remember me. Which way of life is better?"

A surge of indignation suddenly welled up in Zhou Fuling's heart.

However, the situation was too complicated for her to discern the reason, so she had to suppress it.

"Hey, what are you looking at, child?"

"Let's go, let's go, it's time to go up the Cloud Candle Pagoda," said Minister Liang.