Chapter 123 Yin and Yang in Harmony
Even the immortals of that era had a leisurely way of fighting, often singing a song to themselves before going into battle. Sometimes, they wouldn't even start fighting after the other side finished singing, showing great martial virtue by waiting for Pingyu to sing. Because of this, Pingyu guessed that the practice of later artists liking to add battle songs to their characters' personal episodes was also a tradition passed down from their ancestors.
Bai Tianjun, a man of imposing stature resembling a Ferrari, saw the arrival of a pretty young girl and a short, unremarkable old man riding a donkey. He immediately felt that Xiqi was dishonest. If they were going to send someone to their death, they should at least send a strong young man. What kind of nonsense was it to send women, children, and the elderly? In comparison, even the rotten Shang Dynasty seemed somewhat humane.
Bai Tianjun clicked his tongue twice, then asked curiously, "Who are you two? Tell me about your immortal mountains and cave dwellings!"
Lu Ya chuckled, stroking his long beard and grinning, "I am Lu Ya, and my disciple Pingyu and I have come here to break your broken formation."
Bai Tianjun was instantly enraged, "What arrogance!" He drew his sword and charged at Lu Ya. Lu Ya remained unmoved, letting the blade flash before him! Seeing his attack fail, Bai Tianjun looked closely. It turned out that his silent little disciple had made the move. Ping Yu fiercely drew her blade, steadily deflecting Bai Tianjun's precious sword. The girl's aura was restrained yet sharp. Having survived Lu Ya's rigorous training, Ping Yu's moves were devoid of any fancy flourishes, all were genuine killing blows.
Bai Tianjun frowned and struck again.
The two fought faster and faster, their afterimages entangled in mid-air for hundreds of rounds, producing the clang of swords and sparks flying everywhere.
No one bothered with the matter of "Gui" yesterday because those who could predict the future all understood that it meant Nezha's destined marriage had arrived. Huang Tianhua and the others, knowing that Nezha had a formal status, looked up at Ping Yu's cold and fierce appearance, and couldn't help but look at their good brother.
Wow……
Nezha, who was suddenly being stared at from all directions, asked, "What are you doing?"
What are you looking at? There are plenty of female Taoists, and the Three Immortal Maidens are ridiculously strong. So what if Pingyu can handle things?
Huang Tianhua, who played Nezha, put his arm around the young general's shoulder and asked curiously, "You two have known each other since childhood. Who won when you fought as kids?"
Nezha was caught off guard by the question, and numerous scenes from the past few days flashed before his eyes. For example, binding Pingyu with the Universe Ring, knocking her unconscious, pinching her face hard, and...
Seeing that Nezha didn't answer, Huang Tianhua leaned closer to check his expression. His face was grave and solemn, as if the battle in the air had suddenly taken a turn for the worse. Huang Tianhua hurriedly looked up at the sky; weren't they still holding on? Distracted, he noticed Nezha removing the arm that had been on his shoulder.
Tianhua Nezha said seriously, "Don't mention this matter, don't ask about it."
Huang Tianhua was completely bewildered: "Why?"
"I was ignorant when I was young, and if she remembers me, I'll be in trouble." Nezha acknowledged his brothers' ability to cause trouble. He didn't want his hard-earned status to be ruined again.
Ping Yu sneezed during the brawl, amidst the gossip of others.
Seeing that he couldn't get away with it, Bai Tianjun leaped into the formation.
"Since you've come to this battle formation, let's see if you can break my Blazing Flame Formation!"
He uttered harsh words, then his figure vanished in the raging flames.
Pingyu landed and sneezed three more times: Who on earth is thinking of me?!
Lu Ya was suspicious. Could it be that the cold wind he had summoned yesterday had caused Ping Yu to catch a cold? He asked in a low voice with some concern, "You were able to fight Bai Tianjun to a standstill just now, which shows that you are exceptionally capable. If you are not feeling well, would you like to step back and go back to your tent to rest?"
"Master, I'm fine."
Pingyu shook his head, and Lu Ya didn't try to persuade him any further. The master and disciple ignored the bell and decisively entered the formation.
They ran headlong into Bai Tianjun casting his spell, three red banners fluttering in the wind. Outside the blazing array was mortal fire, while inside were fire from the sky, fire from the ground, and Samadhi fire—all three enveloping Lu Ya. The Taoist, unhurried, clapped his hands twice and instructed his disciple, "Pingyu, set up the array!"
Set up an array?
What kind of formation should be set up?
The two exchanged a glance and grinned mischievously.
Isn't this just a gas stove? :)
Ping Yu and Lu Ya's voices were quite loud; even the immortals, with their exceptional hearing, could hear them. Could it be that Lu Ya's method of breaking the formation was to rearrange it within Bai Tianjun's array? If one wanted to turn the opponent's array core to their own use, that wasn't impossible. Both opposing camps craned their necks, eager to see how Lu Ya would set up his formation to break it. But his disciple turned the bracelet on his wrist, instantly displaying a set of bronze artifacts:
It was a rectangular object covered with a grid of finely wrapped iron sheets. The bronze shimmered with iridescent light, clearly indicating that it was a ritual implement that had been tempered by divine fire.
Could this be the key to breaking the formation?
This creature is strange; even Bai Tianjun has never seen it before.
Not to mention the enemy camp, even the immortals who sided with Xiqi had never seen this before. The immortal masters looked at Taiyi Zhenren, while the third-generation disciples looked at Nezha. Jin Guang Cave was famous for its many treasures, and they all wanted to know if the master and disciple had any insights.
The two from Jinguang Cave were also baffled. Now, outside the camp, they exchanged glances with their companions and said, "Everyone has their own methods. This must be a divine artifact that has never been seen before!"
In short, since it's a magical artifact brought out by one of our own people, let's hype up this strange-looking thing to the skies first.
The Xiqi faction had many unorthodox ideas, which they described in a very convincing way, making Bai Tianjun and Grand Tutor Wen feel uneasy.
Could it really be some kind of rare and miraculous artifact?
Ping Yu and Lu Ya listened to the discussions outside, their tense faces twitching involuntarily. They dared not utter a sound, for fear that they would burst into laughter at any moment.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Ping Yu proceeded with his next move.
With her left hand, she took out a pair of iron skewers covered with red soft material, and with her right hand, she flipped out a row of bottles and jars floating in the air.
Ping Yu took the fruitwood stored in the bracelet and used his spiritual power to condense water to wash a handful of pine needles. The firewood was ignited by the flame array and thrown into the bronze furnace. The washed pine needles were wrapped in spiritual power on the iron mesh covering the furnace opening, and bamboo skewers were also placed on it.
Everyone guessed: Could it be... that they're going to refine pills?
Bai Tianjun suddenly realized: So he's going to use drugs to fight me for the long haul!
The flames within the Blazing Array were pure fire, and the red skewer on it contained the meat of a spirit beast hunted by Ping Yu. The flames melted the fat on the meat, causing it to sizzle on the pine needles. While it was still hot, Ping Yu sprinkled it with salt, minced plum meat, and Sichuan peppercorn powder, then brushed on a layer of honey. The spices mixed with the meat fat, instantly releasing an irresistible, domineering aroma from the Blazing Array. Bai Tianjun had arrived too early today, ordering the people of Xiqi to go into battle without breakfast. Upon smelling this aroma, the sounds of swallowing momentarily drowned out any discussion.
So they weren't refining elixirs, they were grilling meat...
This smells amazing!
"Nezha!"
Pingyu shouted, tossing the last skewer upwards. A fierce streak of fire shot high into the sky. The Wind-Fire Wheels carried the boy, soaring above the fiery array, becoming a red sun in the sky. He caught the iron skewer and quickly retreated back into the camp. The aroma of the meat skewers flying out of the array was even more intense, and the immortals, who had lost their appetite, all stared at him. Amidst the drooling gazes, Nezha held the iron skewer like a torch.
He was like the only wolf among many large canines to have caught meat; he held it in his hand but didn't eat it, casually showing it to everyone.
See? Pingyu gave it to me.
There are three strings, and I have one.
What about yours?
His face was full of mockery and ostentation, making everyone's teeth itch. The third-generation disciples couldn't beat him, but the immortal masters at the top were not afraid: Jiang Ziya and Ran Deng stared at the skewer of meat, pondering their words; Chi Jingzi was more direct, peeking out from outside the blazing array, trying to ask for a skewer as well... The immortals were more cunning than lotus roots, while Taiyi Zhenren cleared his throat and shouted: "Nezha."
The young general pursed his lips, his joy turning to sorrow.
I should have eaten it as soon as I got it!
He handed over the string of skewers, pleading, "Master, I can only give you half."
He used pitiful eyes and respectful terms to try and win back his master's favor. Taiyi Zhenren laughed and scolded him, calling him "heartless," and the two of them divided the meat in half.
Ran Deng teased, "Taiyi, didn't you already abstain from grains a long time ago?"
Taiyi pretended to be nonchalant and said, "There's nothing I can do about my disciple's wife's filial piety."
The remaining immortals scoffed at him and booed.
Ping Yu roasted meat over the fire, using several parts of her spiritual energy and physical strength. The pure fire essence from the Blazing Flame Array seeped into her body, clashing with the Yin Water in her destiny. Lu Ya ate with grease on his face, occasionally offering reminders: "Calm your mind, breathe deeply, and make it your own."
"Your body is too weak, this fire is a good opportunity to temper your heart and meridians."
"mean!"
"insidious!"
Bai Tianjun broke through his defenses and cursed loudly outside.
He was the one who reacted the most.
When Lu Ya mentioned setting up the formation, Bai Tianjun was filled with apprehension. Furthermore, the description of that strange magical artifact from Xiqi, comparing it to the Golden Dragon Scissors, led Bai Tianjun to believe that a fierce battle was inevitable. But his apprehension ultimately turned into a slap in the face. His signature Flame Array being used like a stove fire was a humiliating disgrace for Bai Tianjun, even more painful than a crushing defeat.
Now, seeing that this master and apprentice were not only using the fire to roast meat, but also to temper their bodies, making the most of everything, they completely disregarded him. Lu Yashan smelled the aroma of the meat on the stove and reached into his leopard-skin bag with his other hand, pulling out a gourd. He glanced casually to the side: Here it comes.
As expected, a flash of sword light cleaved the fire in two. Bai Tianjun rushed over, roaring angrily, "You two, do you think I'm dead?!"
The moment his shoes entered the formation, he saw that Lu Ya was already prepared. The greasy-faced Taoist priest held up a gourd, pointing its mouth at him. A brilliant light emanated from the gourd's mouth, and it stood over three zhang tall. On top appeared a seven-inch-long creature with eyebrows and eyes. This was precisely the treasure Ping Yu had used to slay the Undying Bone. The creature's eyes emitted white light, pinning Bai Tianjun's Niwan Palace (a point on the back of his head). He was unable to move and could only watch helplessly as Lu Ya bowed to him.
The short Taoist priest yawned and said lazily, "Please turn around, my dear!"
A short knife floated out of the leopard-skin pouch and spun around on Bai Tianjun's head, easily burying his angry head to dust. Lu Ya kicked his head and sighed, "You're practically a dead man now."
Bai Tianjun's soul entered the Conferred God Platform, adding another person to the register. Wiping the blood off his short sword, Lu Ya turned and said, "Disciple, you can put these things away now."
Ping Yu covered his head and waved his hand to collect all the objects.
The master of the raging fire array was dead, and the red banner fell to the ground. The fire array collapsed without a fight, extinguished completely. The remaining seed leaped onto Pingyu's body and merged into her flesh and blood.
Seeing the fire extinguished, Nezha immediately went to meet her. He pulled Pingyu into his arms, intending to tell her about the meat skewers being divided up by their master. But the first thing the girl felt upon entering his embrace was the heat.
It was as if the flames hadn't been extinguished, still burning on her healed skin. Nezha changed his words as he spoke, urgently questioning Lu Ya, "What happened to her?"
Lu Ya opened his lips, about to answer, when he suddenly heard a shout from behind: "Don't go!"
He turned around and saw a man with a golden face and red hair, like a golden statue stained with red wax. Lu Ya asked in surprise, "Who are you, little golden statue?"
Jiang Ziya had previously fallen for this man's trick, and upon hearing Lu Ya's words, he almost burst out laughing. The Jin man held his mace in both hands, his voice booming like a bell: "I am Yao Bin, the master of the Soul-Shattering Array. You old thief Lu Ya, you killed my fellow Daoist, I will take your heart and flesh to appease his soul!"
Just as one wave subsides, another rises.
Lu Ya felt that Xiqi had made a mistake in coming here, and pointed at Nezha in annoyance: "Take my disciple away and have your master take a look at her."
A gust of wind arose at his fingertips, blowing the healed Nezha back to the camp. He staggered a couple of steps and turned to walk towards his master.
Taiyi Zhenren brought Pingyu back to his camp.
She managed to hold on amidst the raging flames, but upon returning to camp, Pingyu completely lost consciousness. Her eyes were tightly closed, and her face and neck were flushed red. A youthful, peach-pink hue, quite alluring. But Nezha had no time to appreciate it, only hoping for his master's diagnosis. Taiyi Zhenren took her pulse, his expression showing surprise.
"Master," Nezha asked, "What happened to her?"
"It's nothing serious," Taiyi Zhenren comforted him. "It's just that Lu Ya was too hasty and intense in his teaching of her, making her temper her body with fire in the Blazing Flame Array. Pure Yang essence can indeed make a person transcend the mortal body in a short time, but everything in excess has its drawbacks."
"What are the drawbacks?"
"It's fire poison."
Taiyi Zhenren put down Pingyu's hand.
Nezha is a lotus root, with no body temperature. Pingyu, following the chill, pressed herself against his chest like a sleepy and clingy cat. Taiyi Zhenren kept his eyes fixed on Nezha: "The fire remained in her body, becoming a heat poison. Her meridians will be difficult to neutralize until they are fully rebuilt. Although leaving her there won't cause any problems, it is still the poison of the three fires of the Blazing Flame Array. When it flares up, it will make people feel as if they are being roasted on a fire or fried in a pot of oil."
Nezha looked worried and hugged Pingyu even tighter. Taiyi continued, "If you want her to feel better, there are two ways."
"Master..."
Nezha lowered his eyes: "Disciple seeks an answer."
Taiyi Zhenren did not reply to him directly.
The venerable deity clenched his fist to his mouth and coughed several times tactically. His eyes flickered, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. Nezha leaned forward, eager to hear. Taiyi organized his thoughts several times: "Ahem, let me begin with one thing. You are of plant and tree form, which is Yin. Only when Yin and Yang are in harmony can..."
Seeing his disciple's strange expression, Master Taiyi tried his best to appear serious:
"Only then can the fire poison be cured."
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