Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

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Time seemed to lose its meaning at this moment, as Shen Qing was completely immersed in cultivation.

He was within the Spirit Eye, and with every breath, every flow of Spiritual Energy, his cultivation advanced to a higher realm.

His acupoints sparkled like stars, connecting into a constellation, giving him the appearance of being bathed in a galaxy from afar.

No one knew how long had passed, but the radiant light from all of Shen Qing's acupoints gradually dissipated, returning to normal.

He opened his eyes, and a gleam flashed in his pupils.

Shen Qing slightly circulated the Six Paths Reincarnation Technique, feeling his entire cultivation advance, the Spiritual Power within him surging like the ocean, with every inch of his flesh brimming with vigorous Essence Qi.

Even his long stagnant Divine Sense showed minute growth, bringing him joy.

"This Spirit Eye is truly extraordinary! Cultivating here for such a short while is equivalent to over a month of work outside!"

Shen Qing stood up, carefully experiencing the sensation.

Under the blessing of the Spirit Eye, the concentration of Spiritual Energy around him skyrocketed, almost dozens of times that of the external world.

These pure streams of Spiritual Energy continuously flooded into his body like tides through the Six Paths Reincarnation Technique, each wave containing endless vitality and power.

Using his Divine Sense to look inward, Shen Qing discovered that among the essence blood throughout his body, that thread of golden blood had grown even stronger.

This thread of golden blood fused with his flesh, making his physical accomplishment increasingly distinct.

Shen Qing ceased his introspection, and his gaze inadvertently fell on the Jade Box before him, a hint of doubt suddenly arising in his heart.

He took out the sheepskin scroll inscribed with the Saint Body Great Achievement Technique, placed it before him, and examined it closely once more.

Shen Qing clearly remembered that the scroll also spoke of golden blood.

The Skill of "Academic Pursuit" activated once again.

He began to delve continuously into its knowledge.

After a moment, Shen Qing suddenly realized: "So that's how it is."

According to the Ancient Times' description in this Saint Body Great Achievement Technique, every cultivator's physique is different, but there is one physique that is innately superior at birth; its skin and flesh are impervious to blades and spears, innately able to suppress and resist all evil, known as the Saint King Body.

Such physiques are born with pale gold blood, and the more they cultivate, the more it changes, the blood eventually transforming into dark gold.

By then, every drop contains essence spiritual substances comparable to precious medicine.

Invincible at the same level in combat strength, unstoppable and unmatched.

This so-called Saint Body Great Achievement Technique was developed based on this type of physique.

The golden blood appearing within Shen Qing's body was exactly as described herein.

In his mind, under the deduction of "Academic Pursuit," words suddenly emerged: "From a mortal body to sacred."

Aided by the Six Paths Reincarnation Technique, Shen Qing did not expect to refine a trace of the Saint King Body's characteristics.

Shen Qing felt a surge of excitement.

The Cultivation Technique deduced from the Water Ink Panel surpassed his imagination, perhaps even exceeding those Immortal Martial Techniques.

The fifth floor was dimly lit, indistinguishable between day and night.

Shen Qing, already full of energy, had no trace of fatigue.

Taking advantage of this rare opportunity, he decided to continue concentrating on cultivating the Eight Desolate Annihilation Seal, intending to improve the progress of this technique as well.

...

At the same time, in Ningshou Palace.

A Mystic Ice Jade Bed emitted a faint cold light.

The Emperor of Great Zhou, Ji Zikong, was dressed in a Cloud Brocade Robe embroidered with Dragon Patterns, sitting upright on it, surrounded by faint wisps of ripples, silver frost-colored short swords constantly moving across these ripples, absorbing the surrounding Spiritual Energy.

If listening carefully, one could hear the indistinct sound of sword auras.

Beside him, the Chief Eunuch, He Yong, with a respectful demeanor and a posture erect as a pine, stood silently by his side.

His gaze never left Ji Zikong, his mind a clear mirror observing Ji Zikong's every move, always prepared to deal with any possible sudden situations.

In an instant, Ji Zikong's breath became steady and long, swords flashing in his eyes.

He gently exhaled a turbid breath, a white strip of light flying out from his mouth, like a beam of light that illuminated the palace in an instant.

The white strip hit the wall and naturally dispersed to the sides, causing the doors and windows to tremble.

Upon seeing this, He Yong knew the Emperor had finished this session of cultivation, and quickly stepped forward, his voice low and respectful: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on your cultivation progress."

The Emperor of Great Zhou, Ji Zikong, was immune to such daily flattery, his face calm and unruffled.

He asked: "Has anything been reported recently?"

The Chief Eunuch, He Yong, stepped forward and said: "Your servant indeed has something to report."

"Speak."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The Chief Eunuch, He Yong, respectfully bowed and continued: "Lord Ji from the Imperial Armory responded that the General of the Army who was bestowed the Cui Ying Order by Your Majesty, went to the Imperial Armory today."

"Oh, it's Shen Qing, right? How was it?" Ji Zikong replied as if he had anticipated it: "Did he go to the fifth floor to choose Immortal Martial Arts?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, he did."

"Which one did he choose?"

"The Saint Body Great Achievement Technique."

Hearing this, Ji Zikong's eyebrows twitched slightly and he said: "The Saint Body Great Achievement Technique? I remember this technique; over time, many have chosen it. To what extent has it been perfected now?"

"According to Lord Ji, seven or eight tenths have been perfected, only the last two or three tenths need continuous deduction and trials."

"I see. Let things proceed as usual. Keep Uncle Ji in observation. If all goes well, after some more years, the Imperial family might have a third complete Immortal Path method."

"Your Majesty, from this old servant's perspective, it seems a pity for someone like Shen Qing, who climbed all the way from the bottom and possesses some aptitude, to serve as a trial worker for the Imperial family." He Yong hinted with a bowed head.

"There are so many talented people in the world, what difference does it make with or without him? The main issue is that time left for us is limited. If that day truly arrives, what use is it even if all the world's talents thrive? Better to utilize them fully now, seizing that shred of hope for us humans."

With that, Ji Zikong stood up, hands behind his back, his gaze passing through the heavy curtains of the palace, seemingly penetrating time and space to see a much further future.

The Chief Eunuch, He Yong, quickly apologized: "My ignorance."

Ji Zikong, smiling, said: "This Shen Qing, to stand out from so many and attain a breakthrough into the Spiritual Void realm at such a young age without relying on our martial resources, his talent is truly impressive. With his understanding and ability, it won't be long before he can grasp the Saint Body Great Achievement Technique."

"When the time comes, watch over Uncle Ji and observe the changes in him. It's good that he lacks those family backgrounds, making him perfect as a trial person for refining the technique. Let's hope he can hold out longer and avoid going astray too soon, for even this contributes to the world's human race."

Ji Zikong's voice resonated once again, carrying an indisputable authority.

He secretly contemplated, should Shen Qing's growth rate be as astonishing as predicted, this could be a significant turning point for them.

Now that demons are increasing and the situation gets more uncontrollable, that anticipated day comes closer.

The Chief Eunuch, He Yong, responded quickly: "Your servant obeys."

"By the way, how are things with General Xue now? Has my decree reached him?" Ji Zikong asked as if remembering something.

The Chief Eunuch, He Yong, bowed lowly and said: "Your Majesty, your decree has been sent to General Xue. It is expected he will return to the capital in a month. General Xue mentioned something unusual in his reply."

Ji Zikong, curious, asked: "What's that?"

"General Xue noted that it's not just the Yellow Heaven Cult rebels in Dan Prefecture; even rebels from other places in Jin Prefecture are returning to the Holy Mountain of Yellow Heaven. It seems something major is happening there."

Ji Zikong's eyes showed a touch of worry: "Have the people below keep a closer watch and report back to me at any sign of disturbance."

...

After cultivating for two days and nights in a row, Shen Qing reluctantly stopped.

To avoid raising suspicion, he also spent some time practicing the Saint Body Great Achievement Technique, randomly jotting down some of his insights on the paper and inkstone.

For someone with the "Academic Pursuit" skill, this was a simple task.

Shen Qing exited from the fifth floor of the Imperial Armory, spotting Ji Bochue basking in the sun, playing with a turtle by the entrance on the first floor.

Approaching, he bowed and greeted: "Lord Ji."

Ji Bochue, half-squinting his eyes, curved his lips into a calm smile and said: "Oh, it's Lord Shen. How did your cultivation turn out this time, Lord Shen?"

A gleam flashed in Shen Qing's eyes, and after brewing his emotions, he displayed a hint of joy after breaking through his limitations, cheerfully saying: "Thanks to the support from Your Majesty and you, my lord, I have gained some insights into the mysteries of the Saint Body Great Achievement Technique, my cultivation has slightly succeeded."

A nearly imperceptible hint of joy appeared in Ji Bochue's eyes, and he praised: "The Saint Body Great Achievement Technique is one of the top martial arts in the Imperial Armory and renowned in the world. Countless people seek to uncover its secrets. Your achievement is indeed a rare opportunity. On the path of martial arts, one must advance or risk regression—since you have the Cui Ying Order, feel free to come to the Imperial Armory whenever you wish to progress further."

Ji Bochue's words were like a spring breeze turning rain; Shen Qing respectfully replied: "I will remember, and I am sure to trouble you more often, my lord."

With that, Shen Qing bowed deeply again and turned to leave.

Ji Bochue remained there, playing with the small turtle in his hands, undisturbed. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire

However, after Shen Qing completely departed, he casually tossed the turtle aside, and went directly behind the fifth floor's screen.

He saw the manuscripts Shen Qing left, nodded approvingly, and said with a smile: "It seems he does have some talent. To grasp the essence of this technique in just two days is remarkable, truly remarkable."

Ji Bochue could not help but grow more satisfied with Shen Qing's performance.

Yet, he was unaware that Shen Qing's keen senses captured every detail of his expression.

Leaving the palace, Shen Qing wore a somber expression, realizing something was definitely wrong with those Immortal Martial Techniques.

Thinking of this, once he left the palace, Shen Qing went straight to the Yam and Hai Department's office to find Huangfu Rou.

"Lord Huangfu, do you have some time today? I have something I wish to ask for your help with."

Huangfu Rou put down her pen, crossed her hands under her chin, and looked at Shen Qing with interest, saying: "Alright, let's hear it, see if I can help."

Shen Qing looked around, hesitation marking his face: "It's not a suitable place to talk here."

Sensing Shen Qing's seriousness, Huangfu Rou got up and said, "Follow me."

She led Shen Qing to an elegant room inside, furnished with a table and two chairs, a pot of tea still steaming atop.

They sat across from each other.

Huangfu Rou asked, "So, what's happened?"

Shen Qing casually set up a barrier formation, learned from the Yellow Heaven Cult, now perfected under the Water Ink Panel.

An invisible ripple expanded from him, enveloping both in isolation from the outside.

Shen Qing poured himself a cup of hot tea, unceremoniously saying: "Lord Huangfu, are you aware of any non-royal individuals who have entered the Imperial Armory and learned the Imperial family's Immortal Martial Techniques?"

Shen Qing continued: "I was allowed into the Imperial Armory these past two days and was curious, hence the inquiry. I suppose with your Yam and Hai Department's capabilities, it shouldn't be difficult, right?"

"Give me a moment." Huangfu Rou pondered briefly, then hurried out, returning after a while, evidently having gone to gather intelligence.

"Did you find anything?" Shen Qing looked up and asked.

Huangfu Rou shook her head: "No, in recent years there are virtually no records."

The Yam and Hai Department is specifically tasked with intelligence, and there is no agency under heaven who knows more.

Especially in the capital, missing intelligence is impossible.

However, they knew nothing about the people who cultivated the Imperial family's Immortal Martial Techniques in the Imperial Armory.

This could only mean someone deliberately erased this part of the information.

Hearing this, Shen Qing nearly confirmed that something was indeed wrong with those Immortal Martial Techniques.

"I see, thank you." Shen Qing stood to leave.

Huangfu Rou regarded Shen Qing's hurried and matter-of-fact departure with no spare consideration on her face but secretly cursed him a fool in her heart.

Watching Shen Qing about to exit, she nonchalantly said: "Shen Qing, next month the chrysanthemums in Beihai will bloom, the Princess Yuzhen plans a Chrysanthemum Appreciation Gathering, do you want to attend?"

"Most of the attendees will be from royal families and other high officials and noble families. There might be some gains concerning the Immortal Martial Techniques at the gathering."

Shen Qing, not picking up on the subtle nuance in Huangfu Rou's tone, was still lost in thoughts about the Immortal Martial Techniques.

After a moment of contemplation, Shen Qing agreed: "Sure."

A full smile conquered Huangfu Rou's eyes, curving them like crescents, yet she quickly composed herself to appear serious.

Time flew like water, quickly slipping away.

Fifteen days passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Shen Qing primarily lived a two-point line life, shuttling between the Imperial Armory and the office.

Most days were spent in the Imperial Armory.

Throughout this period of cultivation, the Six Paths Reincarnation Technique and Eight Desolate Annihilation Seal advanced at an astonishing speed.

Shen Qing focused his mind and summoned the Water Ink Panel.

The familiar interface reappeared in his vision, lines of water-ink text presented themselves.

[Skill: Six Paths Reincarnation Technique (Entry level)]

[Progress: 5004/5000 points]

[Status: Breakthrough possible]

[Skill: Eight Desolate Annihilation Seal (Entry level)]

[Progress: 5001/5000 points]

[Status: Breakthrough possible]

Seeing the prominent reminders prominently reappear in his vision, a hint of relaxed satisfaction appeared on Shen Qing's face.

"Break through."

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