Fourteen, The Five Great Treasures (Middle, First Watch)

  "Old Master, is it possible that someone in the imperial court is trying to take your place while you're away?"

  "Superior?" Shi Huan raised an eyebrow, savoring the new term that had popped out of Qin Yu's mouth. "It's not entirely impossible. However, the governance of Cangwu County has long been handed over to Wu Ju, the Chief Historian and Commander-in-Chief, who is my trusted disciple. He would never betray his master."

  Tan Yong immediately debated with him, citing examples from past dynasties of how people had committed all sorts of heinous crimes for the sake of power, status, wealth, and beauty, such as sons killing their fathers and grandsons harming their grandfathers.

  Shi Huan's face revealed a sympathetic and gentle smile: "Young man, have you read books? What you said are mostly heartless royal families and cruel aristocratic families. In Cangwu County, or even in the southern part of Jingnan Prefecture, it is not like this. Anyone else can frame and kill me, but Wu Ju cannot. Otherwise, let alone the governor of Cangwu, he would not be able to sit firmly in his current position as a long historian. The reason is simple, because he is my disciple."

  Pout and purse lips, indicating incomprehension.

  "Fortunately! Qian Sanzhuan... that's my uncle. What is he doing here in Shennongjia? Is he also participating in the singing and selling meeting?"

  "The southern border is remote and the customs are still barbaric. The most important thing is the teacher's door and family ties. If someone goes against their teacher for no reason, their reputation will definitely be ruined, and even if they are appointed by the imperial court, they will not be able to stay in the local area for long."

  Tong Yu was stunned, right?

  Shi Yun furrowed her brow, tilted her head in thought, and suddenly gave Qian Yu a sideways glance.

  "Hey kiddo, wanna go to Shen Nong's concert?"

  "Of course I want to."

  Shi Heng smiled: "I knew it. Come on, let me check your progress first."

  After the inspection, Shi Huan was very satisfied and praised Tan Yu's incredible talent. He made Tan Yu so angry that he almost died, but I'm just talented, am I?

  "It seems like this, tomorrow you will definitely be able to pass smoothly. This place, can't stay any longer."

  With Shi Huan's keen eyesight, he could naturally see the footprints and various marks of fighting in the cave, but Qin Yu was only slightly injured, which didn't hinder the progress of the situation, so he didn't bother to pay attention.

  Kill the opponent or drive them away, since this place has been exposed, we need to change to a safe location and let Qin Yu quickly advance.

  Otherwise, at Shen Nong's singing and selling meeting, he really didn't have the qualifications or self-preservation ability to enter.

  Suddenly, Shi Huan's face changed and he stood up straight.

  "What's going on?"

  Shi Huan's face was gloomy, his eyes turned on Tan Yun several times, and he said: "You stay here, I'll be back soon."

  Just after finishing this sentence, someone at the entrance of the cave laughed loudly and said: "Shi Fu Jun, it's been a long time since we parted ways, Tang Mou has missed you so much, specially came to pay respects!"

  Shi Guang waved his hand: "Kid, fall back."

  Tan Yun nodded, knowing that she couldn't disturb his mind at this time. She slowly retreated to the area behind him where rocks were scattered all over the place, sidled up to a giant bluestone and hid behind it, revealing only half of her face.

  "He suddenly paused and said in a low voice: 'How did you get in?'"

  ……

  Standing in the center of an area about five or six zhangs in diameter, Shi Heng stood with his whip at the ready, quietly waiting for the enemy to arrive.

  At the entrance, several white-clad barbarians swam in one after another.

  The man in the lead had handsome eyebrows and starry eyes, with a dignified appearance. He was indeed Tang Nanzhu, the second master of the Manxi tribe, also known as Xiaoqu Shuai. With his hands clasped behind his back, he walked up to them with an air of elegance.

  Behind them were four sturdy men, each carrying a large wooden staff. The most striking thing about these men was that although they were tall and majestic, they all had well-proportioned physiques, with clear-cut muscles, showing that their external hard qigong training was quite impressive.

  "Is it just the five of you?" Shi Huang asked with a hint of surprise.

  "It's not necessary to have so many people when talking with the lord." Tang Nanzhu stopped two zhang in front of Shi Huan, without showing an overly provocative attitude. The big men behind him stood guard on either side, holding horizontal clubs in front of their chests, maintaining a vigilant defensive posture.

  "What do you want to talk about? Are you here for the Panhu Bell? Don't waste your breath, I won't hand it over to you." Shi Huang took the initiative and blocked off any room for negotiation.

  Tang Nan's eyes swept around the cave twice, and she glanced at Qin Yu's hiding place without leaving any marks.

  "Shi Fu Jun, why must you refuse people from thousands of miles away? In Tang's eyes, there is nothing in the world that cannot be discussed, it just depends on the price each person is willing to pay."

  "Little Tang, do you have what I want?" Shi Huang sneered, clearly he didn't believe the other side had the power to negotiate with him on an equal footing.

  "I don't, but my family's elder does." Tang Nanzhu smiled lightly, seemingly unembarrassed by Shi Huang's derogatory nickname. "The young master of the Shi estate should be aware of my family elder's abilities; if there are only five people in the world who can trade with you, my family elder will definitely be among the top three."

  Shi Huan looked at Tang Nanzhu with disdain and did not respond.

  "This time, at the Shen Nong auction, there are about five items that stand out from the rest, with values far surpassing other treasures. I believe one of them is what Master Shi desires to obtain. Firstly, the Ying Bu Divine Gun. This gun was crafted in imitation of Xiang Yu's Hegemon-King Gun, and its workmanship is exquisite. Despite being several hundred years old, it remains as good as new. The craftsmanship of ancient masters is truly worthy of admiration. Secondly, the San Chu Sword Manual. This item is a legacy of the great sword master Ji Bu from past years. Like the Ying Bu Divine Gun, it has just been unearthed and passed down through the ages. What's most difficult to come by is that this is a complete sword manual. Ji Bu's martial arts had already been completely lost during the Wang Mang rebellion, and the San Chu Sword Manual reappeared in the world after two hundred years, truly an extremely rare treasure."

  He stopped and observed Shi Huan for a moment, saying: "However, Master Shi has always been proud of his martial arts skills, which are unmatched. Moreover, Master Shi has always valued literature and culture. Under his careful governance, the Cangwu County has become no less prosperous than the famous cities in the Central Plains. Therefore, I think these two things will not enter your eyes."

  The scornful look on Shi Huang's face faded away, and he slightly furrowed his brow.

  "Third, the water-striding frost beast. It can stride across water and marshes without slowing down; on icy skies and snowy grounds, it runs as if flying. This is indeed the favorite of renowned scholars from Jingchu. Fourth, the Yue King's seal..." Tang Nanzhu suddenly paused at this point and stopped continuing.

  "Go on! You've only just started, there are four more!"

  Tang Nan's face was bitter: "I, Tang, can't see through the intentions of the Lord. The Yue King's seal can gather the five poisonous soul devourers, it is the mother of all devourers in the world. But it seems that it is not the target of the Lord either."

  "Look at this official's eyes, the poison of the strange insect has penetrated deeply, hasn't it? Heh heh, Deng Qian's skills are limited, but for this official to eliminate the poison wouldn't be difficult either."

  Tang Nan raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself: "This husband and wife are in perfect harmony, but what they want is for the husband and wife to be of one mind and work together. You clearly know that my sister and her husband don't get along, yet you come and say this." He was an insider, aware of the many reasons why Deng Qianwan and his cousin were not on good terms, with Shi Huang's relationship being just one of them, and he wasn't annoyed about it.

  "Xiao Tang, among the rising stars of the Wuling tribes, your wisdom and the aura of a three-turns master are what I admire most. Why not reveal the fifth treasure to ease this official's itch?"

  "This fifth one is a pill, called the Heavenly Mechanism Life-Taking Pill. It was personally refined by General Zhang Jiao, a great and virtuous master of the Taiping Dao in years past. Legend has it that ordinary people who take it can immediately extend their lifespan by three years, and even bring back to life those who have died from injuries or illnesses. It is indeed a rare lifesaving treasure." As he spoke, his tone suddenly changed, and he was startled, "Sir Shi's coveted item, could it be this pill?"

  ————————————————

  The author's unforgettable thing is this one heavenly machine life-saving vote, which is a rare lifesaver. The author got it and immediately advanced three places, full blood revived ah!