One Pound Meat, One More Attribute Point

"The first step in cultivating Heavenly Deceit lies in unlocking super-senses. Normally, the human body possesses five senses: sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste," Qin Shunying began, looking up at Su Heng in the dim hall.

"That’s right," Su Heng nodded, signaling her to continue.

"But in some high-level Cultivation Techniques, one can further unearth the sixth sense of the human body, which is what we call ’intention.’" Qin Shunying said with a smile, gently tapping her temple, "Intention here refers to thought."

"Once the sixth sense is developed, thought processes speed up. Within the same span of time, one can handle more information and naturally gain an advantage in battle."

Human senses are like signal collectors, while the sixth sense acts as a central processor. Drawing from previous life’s foundational knowledge, Su Heng immediately comprehended the rationale behind Qin Shunying’s words, "So, the technique you mentioned specializes in cultivating this sixth sense."

"While techniques that develop the sixth sense are rare, they can still be found within immortal sects and major families," Qin Shunying slightly shook her head and said firmly, "The technique I am talking about can further refine the seventh sense based on the sixth sense."

"The seventh sense..." Su Heng was taken aback, showing a surprised expression, "What is that?"

"The seventh sense, also known as ’final consciousness’ in legend," Qin Shunying spoke softly, "In Buddhist scriptures, final consciousness is regarded as the root of consciousness. Refining one’s perception to this realm allows one to see through the illusion of self, thereby eliminating errors."

"To put it simply, it’s foresight."

Qin Shunying laughed, "Of course, these are just descriptions recorded in books. How true they are, I’m not entirely sure, as I have never seen a martial artist who has developed final consciousness."

"This sounds like a secret technique from the Buddhist sects."

"Yes," Qin Shunying nodded, "This technique is called ’Tathagata’s Hidden Scriptures,’ a unique and supreme skill of the Dharma King Temple."

"Dharma King Temple..." Su Heng had been engaged in combat at Skull Plain for a while, but he had never heard of this power before.

"Is it some hidden temple not known to the world?" Su Heng asked, puzzled.

"Not exactly," Qin Shunying shook her head and replied, "Dharma King Temple was once a top-tier force comparable with unmarked venerable temples and the Hundred Buddha Temple, but it completely vanished in an upheaval thousands of years ago."

"Through the ages, the once sacred Buddhist site reappeared on the battlefield of Skull Plain, but it had turned into an extremely dangerous haunted wasteland."

"I heard that the people from the immortal sects and the four major families encountered setbacks at Skull Plain due to this affair?" Su Heng stroked his chin, his face showing an intrigued expression. His gaze fell on Qin Shunying’s delicate cheeks, and he suddenly let out a soft chuckle.

Qin Shunying somewhat embarrassedly nodded, "Indeed, it has to do with Dharma King Temple."

"It sounds very dangerous, but if indeed there’s something I need, the place is worth visiting." Risk is only a concern to the weak. With the integration of the Golden Crow’s heart and the fusion furnace, Su Heng now truly felt like he had the world at his disposal.

Besides the heavenly emperors, demon gods, and mythical beasts rumored to suppress entire realms... there were not many things that could threaten him.

And even if he did encounter one,

It’s uncertain who would win, but Su Heng would certainly not shy away from a fight.

"I’m not worried about the risks, I want to get what I’m looking for from there," Su Heng pondered, then stood up from his throne. His broad shoulders cast shadows that flickered unceasingly in the firelight, reflecting on Qin Shunying’s cheeks.

"Thank you," Su Heng said to Qin Shunying, "The information you’ve brought is very valuable. I will personally make a trip to Skull Plain."

This ambitious senior sister reminded him, "At its peak, Dharma King Temple was no weaker than any immortal sect. And it was wiped out overnight by a force stronger than Heavenly Deceit. Although times have changed, the shadowy figure behind the destruction of Dharma King Temple might not have left."

"That’s even better," Su Heng’s smile intensified, "One trip, two gains."

"…" Qin Shunying was silent for a moment before smiling and saying, "Then I wish you immediate success and a triumphant return."

"Hmm?" Su Heng responded.

His face showed a slightly surprised expression, "Aren’t you coming with me?"

"Not this time," Qin Shunying shook her head, a somewhat helpless bitter smile on her face, "My strength is too far behind yours now; even if I went with you, I wouldn’t be much help. Instead, I’d probably distract you and be a burden."

"However..." Qin Shunying changed the tone, speaking confidently, "These two spies aren’t from any lesser origins, and there might be some plotting while you’re away. While I might not be of much help regarding Dharma King Temple, I can still be of use here, taking care of some lesser nuisances for you."

"It’s rare that you’re so thoughtful," Su Heng looked steadily at her, his face showing a trace of a smile.

Truth be told,Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Su Heng wasn’t too worried about the safety of Baihua County.

On one hand, by this time, the Dragon Guards already had considerable combat abilities to handle common troubles. On the other hand, the Golden Crow was about to hatch. If anything truly happened during the time Su Heng was away…

Then, those nuisances,

Would have to face a real divine beast and a group of enraged muscle men.

But what Qin Shunying said was also valid; another person staying behind does add an extra layer of security. In the region around the Yangtze, Qin Shunying’s power was already not weak. She outranked some family patriarchs and sect elders, and her prowess in Heavenly Deceit Realm made her a true top-notch prodigy.

"Then may I entrust you with one more thing?" Qin Shunying asked with a smile.

"Speak and let me see."

"My teacher, Ling Weizi, is stationed at the front line, waiting for you to go to Skull Plain. Should anything happen, please take care of her," Qin Shunying requested.

"No problem," Su Heng nodded, extending a hand.

"Then, it’s a promise." Qin Shunying’s smile brightened as she firmly grasped two of Su Heng’s thick fingers with her slender, pale fingers, feeling the hard touch and warm temperature coming from them.

The two parted immediately after the touch.

Su Heng waved his hand and took a step forward.

The bronze iron gate slowly opened, his cloak fluttered, and his burly figure vanished in a blink into the light.

...

...

...

At the same time Su Heng was heading towards Skull Plain,

In Qimu State, which belongs to the same region as Jiang E but is thousands of miles away, in a secluded courtyard with beautiful scenery, Great General Yuan Hong was not feeling very beautiful.

He was frowning at that moment, looking down at several confidential letters that his subordinates had recently delivered.

After going through the contents of the letters, Yuan Hong sighed deeply.

"Sir, this is all that has happened recently in Jiang E, I’m afraid it doesn’t look optimistic," Yuan Hong said respectfully, slightly bowing and speaking calmly. Upon hearing his voice, a tall figure standing in front of the window turned around.

This man looked to be about forty, with a clean face and no beard.

He was dressed in a white robe with a blue headband, his left hand held behind him, and in his right hand, he held a cup of tea, from which ethereal smoke wafted.

This man was Jian Chuan, the Capital Commandant of the Yiluan Bureau.

The Yiluan Bureau, reporting directly to the imperial authority, has seven ranks, except for the Great General and the Commander-in-Chief; the next in rank is the Capital Commandant.

Discover stories with empire

In name, Great General Yuan Hong and Capital Commandant Jian Chuan were of equal status.

But in reality,

Whether it was personal cultivation abilities, or the resources and intelligence he could mobilize, Jian Chuan, as the Capital Commandant of the Yiluan Bureau, was much stronger than Yuan Hong.

Yuan Hong, capable of both submitting and asserting, didn’t care for these empty titles. Thus, when facing Jian Chuan, he often voluntarily put himself in a subordinate position. The cooperation between the two had been pleasant so far, resulting in many accomplishments. But now, a significant problem had arisen, indicated by the contents of these confidential letters.

"The ancients used to say, ’even when the mountain collapses before their eyes, they show no joy or anger on their face.’ Although we can’t achieve such cultivation to restrain our emotions, we must not panic when faced with problems," Jian Chuan said, taking the letters from Yuan Hong’s hand with a smile, "Only by doing so can we avoid errors in chaos and make the best response."

"You are correct, sir!" Yuan Hong lowered his head, in an attitude ready to learn.

Jian Chuan finished his tea in one gulp, then slightly furrowed his brows as he quickly went through the content of the letters.

"Interesting..." he relaxed his brows and chuckled softly, "Truly interesting."

"A small district commander in Baihua County has actually managed to achieve this step. The greatness of the world and the marvels of creation really do bring out extraordinary talents in troubled times," Jian Chuan pinched the letters gently between two fingers, yet without igniting, they were shattered by his force, turning to ash that dispersed in the bright sunlight.

Even this subtle application of force was something Yuan Hong could not match.

"He now shows such ambition, and more importantly, he also has the ability," Yuan Hong furrowed his brows, his expression full of worry, he muttered somberly, "I am somewhat worried..."

"You’re worried he might become the next King Qingyang," Jian Chuan said gently.

His eyes were clear, devoid of any emotion, calm enough to instill fear. Yuan Hong lowered his head even more and said, "Exactly."

King Qingyang, once an imperial king.

But now, he had stirred up a rebellion that resulted in many provinces falling into chaos and misery for countless people.

If the same thing happened in the Jiang-E region, half of the empire’s land could be plunged into turmoil. Especially now, during a sensitive period, with Emperor Zhou Wu severely injured, it was essential to nip potential problems in the bud to prevent similar scenarios from occurring.

Although Yuan Hong may not possess great strength, he was deeply loyal to the empire and had been very worried about this issue recently.

However...

Jian Chuan simply shook his head and smiled, "Rest assured, such a situation won’t happen."

Yuan Hong was taken aback but knew that Jian Chuan never spoke without reason.

"Do you already have a strategy in mind, sir?" Yuan Hong was startled and quickly asked.