Chapter 77: Heaven Transforms into Dragon
Zhao Wumian had seen this man's portrait.
In Hu Weiyong’s files…
Zhao Wumian cursed in his heart, Hu Weiyong once held great power in the court, and his disciples and former officials were all over the world, so he could be found everywhere!
But Chang Mao is extraordinary.
Although he was young, he was the eldest son of the Ming Dynasty's war god Chang Yuchun. After Chang Yuchun's death, he inherited the title and became Duke of Zheng, a first-class duke. Even Hu Weiyong could not treat him as a younger brother. The two of them colluded with each other, and at most they each took what they needed.
The key lies in the word "庶".
Chang Mao wanted to ask for an imperial decree for his biological mother and needed the help of the then Prime Minister Hu Weiyong, so the two came together.
This person had a low character. There are case files against him in the Zhenfu Division. To this day, recorded evil deeds include "raping military women" and "indiscriminately killing surrendered soldiers." He would never think of avenging Hu Weiyong.
But putting aside his character, he inherited the true teachings of Chang Yuchun!
Chang Yuchun had a miraculous adventure in his early years. He once bathed in dragon blood and created the peerless miraculous skill "The Art of Transforming Heaven into a Dragon". He cultivated both physical and spiritual cultivation, planted the spirit [Jiaolong], used dragon blood to forge his body, refined his body and forged his bones. His defense and strength became unparalleled in the world. He became a true enemy of ten thousand people, and claimed that he could lead an army of one hundred thousand and dominate the world!
And he did.
However, dragon beasts are already powerful, and pure-blooded dragons are even more powerful!
Even if it is just a hornless dragon, it is still top-level among the exotic beasts in the mountains and seas.
To seed the body of a human with the essence of a dragon, and then to temper the body with dragon blood, is like "adding poison to poison". The animal nature is too strong and the ferocious nature is too fierce. If one is not careful, one will go astray and become bloodthirsty.
Chang Yuchun was like this, and therefore he committed many evil deeds such as massacring cities and killing prisoners of war. In the end, he died suddenly due to being possessed by the devil. Chang Mao's behavior was also getting worse and worse.
For them, "killing" is desire. The more they satisfy their desire, the stronger their supernatural powers, the stronger their martial arts, the more vicious they become, the easier it is for them to go astray, and the more they want to kill. It's a vicious cycle.
Therefore, "The Art of Transforming Heaven into a Dragon" was classified as an "evil skill".
There are only two people still practicing in this world.
One is Chang Yuchun’s son Chang Mao, and the other is Chang Yuchun’s brother-in-law Lan Yu.
In comparison, Lan Yu's realm is obviously higher. He was not very impressive when they met last time. This Chang Mao's aura is a bit too strong. This is not a good thing. It is a sign that his true energy is out of control!
"This must be Captain Zhao."
Chang Mao raised his glass, strode over, and said with a smile: "Your name is well-known. You did a great job in the Yunnan battle. I'll toast to you." After that, he raised his glass and drank it all.
Seeing that he was still restrained, Zhao Wumian didn't act politely. He picked up the wine jug on the table, poured a glass of wine, and drank it.
"happy!"
Chang Mao's eyes were filled with more interest: "I heard that Captain Zhao has the body of a dragon, and is born with the power of a tyrant. Today's opportunity is rare, so why not..."
"All right."
Zhu Biao suddenly interrupted, speaking with a smile but without question, "You two are both rising stars of our Ming Dynasty. You conquered the Western Barbarians and pacified Yunnan, each of you has made great contributions and your reputation is far-reaching. Today is a celebration banquet, so let's not talk about anything else! The generals have returned victoriously, and tomorrow we will reward them according to their merits. Tonight, there will be plenty of wine and food, so eat and drink as much as you want, and don't leave until you are drunk!"
The last sentence is to raise a toast to all the generals.
"You won't come home until you're drunk!"
The generals roared with joy, and their laughter echoed throughout the Wuying Palace.
After Zhu Biao's statement, Chang Mao naturally did not dare to challenge him again. Zhao Wumian also realized that this kid might not be deliberately looking for trouble. He was just arrogant and a little dissatisfied, or he was not happy with the fact that he was favored. In short, this was human nature and did not reach the level of "hate", so Zhao Wumian did not care.
Apart from this little incident, the meal was a very enjoyable one.
Zhao Wumian also tasted the imperial meal, and he had to say it tasted quite good.
The banquet in Wuying Hall ended until the early morning.
Zhao Wumian only drank some wine with Deng Yu. Others didn't come to see him, and he had no intention of making friends with them. So when the generals were helped away one by one in the evening, he was still fine.
Zhu Biao sent a young eunuch to summon him, and Zhao Wumian went to Wenhua Hall to meet Zhu Biao.
He knew that the real reward had come.
Inside the Wenhua Palace, Zhu Biao was a little tipsy and said with a smile, "Today's wine and food are to your liking, right?"
Zhao Wumian bowed and said, "The imperial meal in the inner court is very delicious."
"You have already been conferred a title. During festivals, the court has given you many rewards. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
Zhu Biao spoke gently and waved outside the hall. Yun Qi walked in holding a tray.
"Your contribution is enormous, and ordinary rewards are not enough, so..."
He lifted the red silk and revealed a cloak and two tokens underneath.
The cloak was the original earth-level intermediate magic weapon [Mengji Robe]. As for the token, one side had the Commander of the Pacification Division, and the other side was green in color with the word "mirror" written on it.
Zhu Biao said, "You know this cloak. It was originally the Five Poison Sect's treasure, but was stolen by the Yin Demon Ming Benren. Last time, you and Qi Shizhou captured it and handed it over. Now, I will officially give it to you. It can help you conceal your aura. If you encounter danger, it can also help you enter the Five Elements and escape."
The world is changing so fast...
Zhao Wumian looked at the cloak with a strange expression.
When he handed it over last time, Qi Shizhou joked that he might be given this cloak as a reward.
It has only been two months and it has come true.
Zhu Biao continued, "There is no need to explain the Qianhu Order. The remaining token is the pass to the 'Jinghu Villa' on the Qinhuai River. This villa was originally built by Zhang Shicheng. It has beautiful scenery and many traps. After my father captured Yingtian, this villa became the imperial villa. From now on, it is yours."
"..."
Zhao Wumian opened his mouth wide.
The royal family does have the custom of rewarding dukes and marquises with manors and palaces, but... I am just an earl! Even if I were a marquis, I shouldn't be rewarded with such a large manor!
Zhao Wumian didn’t know much else, but he knew the area of Jinghu Villa, which was more than 60 acres!
He was somewhat flattered.
Zhu Biao smiled and said, "The manor is right by the Qinhuai River. The Mirror Lake inside is connected to the Qinhuai River, which is also convenient for your sister to visit. The most important thing is that there is a treasure tree hidden in the forbidden area of the manor. It is ranked as the upper earth level. It is a [Ambergris Tea Tree] that has survived for 1,500 years. It was once nourished by the blood of a Panlong. It can cure serious injuries and increase power without injuries... I know that you can absorb the spiritual plant's original qi by practicing the "Eating Qi to Replenish the Organs Method", but this, you'd better wait a little longer. It would be a pity to absorb it directly. You can keep it for a few more years and eat some tea leaves first to improve your power."
What a generous gesture.
Zhao Wumian's heart was shaken, and he bowed respectfully: "Such a generous gift! Thank you, Your Majesty, and Your Highness!"
Zhu Biao was very satisfied that Zhao Wumian did not say anything that he was ashamed to accept the offer. He did not want such a talented person to be polite to him.
It's totally worth it to use this little thing to exchange for Zhao Wumian's loyalty!
Zhu Biao helped him up and said sternly, "If you have anything else you want, you can tell me."
Zhao Wumian said: "That's enough. Why don't you reward me next time when I make meritorious service? I am already a little uneasy."
"Hahaha!"
Zhu Biao laughed: "I have already said it, it would be bad if I don't reward you. How about this, there are three thousand-year-old water ganoderma in the palace treasury, take them back together."
Zhao Wumian leaned forward: "Thank you, Your Highness!"
Yun Qi smiled and said, "Master Zhao, there is a third benefit to Jinghu Villa. Why don't you guess it?"
Zhao Wumian helplessly spread his hands: "I rarely visit manors, and I really don't know what the benefits of Jinghu Villa are. Please tell me frankly, eunuch."
Zhu Biao and Yun Qi looked at each other with strange expressions.
Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Just tell him."
Yun Qi coughed lightly and said seriously, "Jinghu Villa is next to Wanjing Villa. The owner of Wanjing Villa is Shen Wansan. I heard that he gave the villa to his adopted daughter Shen Weiyang not long ago."
"..."
Zhao Wumian opened his mouth, speechless: "This... is not what you think..."
Zhu Biao had the expression of an experienced person and said, "It's human nature to admire young girls. Besides, Jinyiwei can be considered as half children of the underworld. What do people in the underworld say? Yes, they are happy to take revenge, dare to love and hate, and there is no need to be shy."
Who is shy?
Is there any need to be ashamed of this?
The corner of Zhao Wumian's mouth twitched. He didn't take matters between men and women seriously and only regarded them as a change of pace. However, he wouldn't be so desperate as to take advantage of anyone, otherwise he would have gone to a brothel long ago.
If he really wanted to find someone to date, Shen Weiyang would accept it. At least he didn't have to give money or things to her unilaterally, but he didn't have the heart to think about it now. He would die in two years, and his realm was too low. He wanted to absorb energy quickly but was afraid that he couldn't suppress the Taotie. If he didn't absorb energy, his progress would be slow... He had a lot of worries, and he didn't have the heart to clean up the mess for anyone other than Zhao Qi and Bai Liuli.
Seeing these two people winking at each other, there seemed to be some misunderstanding.
Zhao Wumian was too lazy to explain, and said with a folded hand: "It is getting late, and I am sorry to bother Your Highness. I will take my leave first."
Zhu Biao waved his hand and said, "Go ahead. I have already informed Jiang Huan that you can report to the Zhenfu Division in three days. I have also prepared an idle job for you. Have a good rest. Is three days enough for moving?"
"enough."
Zhao Wumian said, "My father finally has a brother who can drink with him anytime and anywhere. He probably doesn't want to move. I can't stay there all the time. I will help Liuli prepare more. It will be enough for her to have a place to play."
Zhu Biao nodded secretly, and raised the importance of these two people in his mind.
Zhao Wumian said goodbye and left.
Zhu Biao put his hands behind his back and looked at his back: "No changes, rare."
Yun Qi also said: "Whether it is the title or the treasure, our Jingyuan Earl is very calm. At such a young age, he is neither arrogant nor discouraged. Zhao Qi has taught his son well."
Zhu Biao nodded.
……
Two months later, after being in Miaojiang and fighting in the south and the north, Zhao Wumian returned home and felt as if he was in a different world.
At midnight, there was still light in the courtyard.
When Zhao Wumian pushed the door open, he saw Bai Liuli lying opposite him, asleep on the rockery beside the pond, with [Tianxuan Hailiu] and [Shui Lingzhi] placed beside her, as if waiting to greet him. Next to her, the parrot Xiaokui was leaning against her and sleeping soundly. Behind them, Zhao Qi was drinking tea in the pavilion.
"Well……"
Bai Liuli heard the voice, opened his sleepy eyes, and saw Zhao Wumian, his eyes lit up: "Brother!"
Xiao Kui woke up in shock, flapped her wings and tried to fly over, but almost fell down in mid-air.
Zhao Wumian picked up Xiaokui, walked over, and touched her head: "Why are you waiting here?"
Bai Liuli said obediently: "I heard from Sister Shen that you came back today... Brother, look! The treasures that Eunuch Yun sent are all for you."
"It's for you."
Zhao Wumian corrected him, "Didn't you say you wanted to protect me? Eating more natural treasures will help you advance faster, but you can't eat too much. If you force things to happen, your foundation will be unstable and it will easily lead to bad things. You have to find the right balance."
Bai Liuli was surprised: "How do you know..."
Zhao Wumian smiled, "If the prince wants to give it to me, just give it to me directly. I still have three water ganoderma that he gave me. Just like these two, he didn't even mention them, so these two are naturally for you. And this Sky Whirlpool Sea Willow is the most precious treasure in the sea, a great tonic for the mermaids. The prince is really generous... In the future, you can just use what they give you. They will give it to you, and naturally they will give it to me. The reasoning is not difficult to understand."
Bai Liuli nodded and whispered, "I know, but I want to give it to my brother..."
"Silly girl."
Zhao Wumian's expression was gentle: "The stronger you are, the more relieved I am. This is more satisfying than using any natural treasures. You don't want me to worry about you outside. Besides, when I'm not here, Dad still relies on you to protect him."
"Yes!"
Bai Liuli reacted, patted his slightly raised chest and said, "I'll protect Dad!"
In the pavilion, Zhao Qi smiled and shook his head. This silly girl...
"now it's right."
Zhao Wumian nodded and took her hand to the pavilion.
Zhao Qi looked his son up and down. He was dressed in a gorgeous black suit, with a rhinoceros belt hanging from his waist, a [Mengji robe] draped behind him, and a thousand-householder token hanging from his waist. He sighed and said, "You fought so hard in Yunnan, but it's not in vain... Have you been given a title?"
Zhao Wumian sat down: "The title of Earl of Jingyuan shall be hereditary to his descendants, and the salary shall be one thousand dan."
Zhao Qi murmured, "The emperor's grace is great."
Zhao Wumian said, "In addition to these, there is also a Mirror Lake Villa. I know you don't want to move, so just think of it as a few more acres of land. That place is heavily guarded, and there is also a Mirror Lake, which is connected to the Qinhuai River, which is convenient for Liuli to play. Let's go and see it tomorrow."
"it is good."
Zhao Qi nodded directly.
Bai Liuli's eyes lit up even more. Mirror Lake, Qinhuai River...
Zhao Wumian took out the things he got in Yunnan this time, the Wanshi bow, the ice silkworm, the moon gui, the bird king's inner elixir...
When the inner elixir of the Jade Clawed Saker Falcon was taken out, Xiao Kui, who had been drowsy all the time, instantly became alert. She kept moving towards the inner elixir and repeatedly called out, "Master! Master! This! This!"
It was the first time that Zhao Wumian saw it like this: "You want to eat?"
Xiao Kui nodded repeatedly, her eyes fixed on the inner elixir.
It cannot drool, but everyone can see the drooling from the bottom of its heart.
Zhao Qi took a closer look and found that the white round beads looked very ordinary.
Zhao Wumian nodded, and Xiaokui swallowed it like lightning, fearing that he would regret it. Soon, a surge of vitality burst out from its tiny body, and the power of a thousand-year-old inner elixir spread around its body. Its body, which had not changed in twenty years, began to swell, gradually getting rid of its "petite" appearance and becoming "majestic", with some of the characteristics of a jade-clawed Saker Falcon.
There are more black spots on the white feathers...
A pair of claws as white as jade...
The wings got bigger...
The feathers are longer...
As the vital energy spread, the birds within a two-mile radius of the courtyard suddenly stopped and flocked into the yard, bowing their heads.
Xiaokui was among the flock of birds, holding her head high.
It's a pity that it is still small and doesn't look fierce. Even if it becomes the king of birds, it still looks like a fox taking advantage of the power of another.
Zhao Qi and Bai Liuli were both shocked by this scene.
Zhao Wumian nodded with satisfaction: "Not bad."
……
at the same time.
On the shore of Xuanwu Lake and on the top of Purple Mountain, there is the tomb of nobles.
In the silence, a clear bird cry was suddenly heard.
"what happened?"
Chang Mao looked at the shrunken golden eagle on his shoulder. The eagle looked towards the courtyard and tilted its head slightly, seeming a little puzzled.
Seeing that it didn't have any special reaction, Chang Mao withdrew his gaze and looked at the grave in front of him.
——The tomb of Kaiping Wang Yuchun Changgong.
It was established by Zhu Yuanzhang himself.
"father."
Chang Mao lit three incense sticks, placed them in front of the grave, and said, "I'm back."
"Cuckoo..."
No one responded, only the cry of a night owl was heard in the darkness.
At this moment, Chang Mao suddenly felt something in his heart, and he slapped the darkness with his backhand. The wind from his palm was fierce and overbearing, like the roar of a dragon, and his eyes were as cold as an eagle: "Get out!!"
Also, no need to wait.
(End of this chapter)
