Chapter Eighty-Five River Chart

  Second update! Collected 999, who is the good fellow of the 1000th collection?

  ——

  He tu!

  In an instant, Chen Xiao's heart surged with a thousand waves.

  "Have you heard of the He Tu? A mysterious painting from ancient times, through which many ancient gods and demons gained insight into their own paths, grasped the secrets of heaven, controlled the mysteries of the great way, and reached the pinnacle of the Tao. And it is precisely because of this that every time the He Tu appears, it is always accompanied by storms and bloodshed, causing turmoil in the three realms, unrest in the six paths, and a struggle for possession among the great gods, a scene like the end of the world, just thinking about it makes one shudder."

  "Fortunately, the River Chart disappeared after the end of the ancient era, and the terrifying scene of demons dancing wildly and gods fighting in chaos has not been staged again until today. It's probably been over a million years already. If it weren't for my mother reading through our clan's classics when I was young, I wouldn't even know the name 'River Chart'."

  In his mind, his mother Zuo Qiu Xue's words echoed again, like the sound of a guqin and flowing water, crisp and light, leaving Chen Tai dazed and shocked.

  It's actually the River Chart!

  It's true that only such a mysterious existence, the faint breath it emits, would be so terrifying, and would have been sealed away in these southern barbarian mountains for millions of years!

  Chen Xiao couldn't help but think of the ancient and mysterious image of Fuxi in the sea of knowledge, who also observed the River Map to derive the great way of heaven's changes. He reached the pinnacle of the Great Way and achieved unparalleled brilliance. From this, it can be seen that the River Map is a terrifying existence, simply the greatest treasure under heaven!

  Moreover, Chen Yu had heard Ji Yu mention that the Fuxi divine image in his own sea of recognition contained a thread of Hetu's true meaning, but he still didn't understand the subtlety of it. At this moment, hearing Xuanjing Old Turtle King talk about Hetu, he couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart. Could it be that this guy had discovered something, which was why he came to look for him? And what he sought, wasn't it also related to Hetu?

  "Heavenly Map? Impossible, such a mysterious existence wouldn't fall into this ordinary and broken mountain range." Suddenly, Ji Yu's voice echoed in his mind.

  He seemed to be somewhat uncertain, and hesitated, saying, "However, you should confirm it again. After all, the River Chart is extremely mysterious. If it really fell here, that would be a great opportunity, and we can't afford to miss it. In those years, my master also obtained it by chance when he was contemplating the Tao on the banks of the Luo River. Unfortunately, just as the master had just realized the Tao, it suddenly disappeared into thin air. No matter how hard the master searched for it, it could never be found again, and it was extremely mysterious."

  "What I'm wondering now is, how did they find me? Did they know that I have the true mark of Fuxi's senior in my sea of recognition?" Chen Tai wondered.

  "Huh?" Ji Yu was taken aback, silent for a long time, as if he had discovered something. Suddenly, he said: "I understand now. It turns out that it's an old turtle, in ancient times, the old turtle clan was well-versed in divination and astrology, especially skilled in the art of observing energy. Presumably, this old turtle must have used divination to sense something, which is why it came looking for you."

  "So that's how it is." Chen Xiao also immediately understood.

  "It won't do, this matter is of great importance. Once the River Chart appears, it will inevitably attract the attention of the powerful beings between heaven and earth. It seems that I also have no choice but to show up and meet them..." Ji Yu said resolutely, his voice carrying a hint of unspoken solemnity.

  ——

  When Chen Xiao fell into deep thought, Xuan Jing Lao Wang and Qing Qiu Hu Wang exchanged a glance, but did not disturb him. Instead, they sipped their wine cups carefully, communicating through the transmission of sound.

  "It seems you were right, this little guy also knows about the River Chart."

  Qingqiu Fox King said hastily, his voice barely concealing his excitement, "I've been trapped in the Purple Mansion's Round Boundary for several thousand years already. If I still can't break through this Southern Barbarian Deep Mountain's seal, I'm afraid I won't live much longer either. Luckily, luckily this guy has appeared!"

  Xuan Jing Lao Wang also sighed and said, "Yes, if it weren't for our demon clan's extremely long lifespan, I'm afraid we wouldn't have been able to endure these countless years. This kind of opportunity, this time we must grasp it firmly."

  Qingqiu Fox King nodded and suddenly said: "Right, you said he can collect the River Chart?"

  "It's not Hetu, it's..." The voice stopped abruptly, and the old king Xuan Jing suddenly raised his head, with a hint of horror in his eyes.

  Qingqiu Huwang was taken aback and looked up to see the thin old man standing beside him, and he couldn't help but take a cold breath.

  His face was pale and thin, his eyes were deep like an abyss, he lazily held a green gourd bottle, gulping down wine, his demeanor was indescribably comfortable and carefree, looking just like a contented elder often seen in the mortal world.

  However, the two demon kings' eyes were extremely venomous, and in almost an instant, they sensed from this frail old man a breath that made them feel palpitations and fear.

  This feeling is like facing a towering mountain of unknown height, can only look up, can only worship!

  "A tortoise that has cultivated for 31,200 years and a Qingqiu fox that has cultivated for 8,033 years are still in the realm of Zifu Yuanman. If not for their long lifespan, they would have turned into a pile of white bones long ago."

  Ji Yu swept his eyes over the two demon kings and said calmly.

  Xuan Jing Lao Ding Wang and Qing Qiu Hu Wang's expressions changed, and they couldn't help but reveal a hint of shock. Obviously, Ji Yu's words had exposed everything about the two of them.

  "How did Ji Yu see through our true nature at a glance?" Although Chen Tai had long known that Ji Yu's strength was immeasurable, he couldn't help but be amazed.

  "Elder's gaze is like a sharp sword, may I ask for your esteemed name?" The old tortoise king's expression had already become extremely respectful, he stood up and bowed, saying.

  Qingqiu Fox King also didn't dare to slack off, following suit and getting up, the gaze towards Ji Yu was full of shocking colors.

  "Who I am is none of your concern, just answer my questions."

  Ji Yu's seemingly casual and carefree voice, however, carried a hint of an overbearing aura that seemed to look down on the world. He directly asked, "Is the River Chart really in this deep mountain?"

  "It's true, but it shouldn't be a complete River Chart, and the fragments might be even bigger." Xuan Jing Lao Wang replied, he had already figured out that Ji Yu and Chen Tai's relationship was not shallow, so he naturally knew what to do.

  However, he couldn't help but feel a hint of shock in his heart. This little guy had quite a few strange things about him. When killing the Kunpeng King, even if he hadn't fully grasped the true meaning of the Wind Path, with this mysterious old man around, he would absolutely not have been killed by the Kunpeng King.

  "Heavenly River Chart fragments?" Ji Yu exclaimed in surprise.

  "That's right, if it were a complete River Chart, it would have been discovered long ago." Old Wang Xuanjing replied quickly.

  "How could the complete River Chart shatter? Could it be that something unexpected happened in these million years...?" Ji Yu muttered to himself, falling into deep thought.

  Chen Xiao ignored all this and said: "Since it's a fragment of the River Chart, why don't you two seniors go collect it?"

  "Chen Xiao, little friend, don't call me that again. I'm not worthy of the title, let's just be equals." Lao Ding Wang hastily corrected.

  "That's right, that's right. If Chen Suo doesn't mind, just call me Qing Qiu old brother and it'll be fine." The Fox King of Qing Qiu also said with a smile.

  Facing this change, Chen Tuo's heart was filled with infinite emotions. No wonder those powerful families' sons were surrounded by people fawning and flattering wherever they went. It wasn't that they feared their actual strength, but rather the backing they had behind them.

  "That River Chart fragment's power is too divine, it's not something that our powers can subdue." Old Turtle King's expression turned serious as he said: "According to my deduction, the only one who can subdue it is you, young friend."

  "Me?" Chen Xiao pointed at himself, saying in surprise.

  "It's you." Old Wang said with certainty, "I divined a hexagram by reducing my lifespan by ten years the day before yesterday, and after careful consideration, I found that all signs point to you, young friend. It is absolutely impossible for there to be any mistake."

  What kind of divination is this, to lose ten years of one's life? Chen Xuan still thought it was absurd, but he also knew that the secret arts of astrology and divination had existed since ancient times, so he didn't doubt what Old Turtle King said.

  "Whether it's true or not, go take a look when you've recovered your strength." Ji Yu woke up from his contemplation and said decisively: "If it's a fragment of the River Chart, your chances of subduing it are indeed very high. Don't forget, in the Sea of Recognition...

  Before Chen Xiao finished speaking, he understood Ji Yu's meaning. The image of Fu Xi in his own sea of recognition contained a thread of the true meaning of the River Chart, and relying on this faint connection, it was indeed possible to subdue that fragment of the River Chart.

  "Senior is right, Chen Xiao and Kun Peng had a fierce battle, they must have been exhausted. It's better to wait for their strength to recover before going to conquer the River Chart." Xuanjing Old Turtle King was overjoyed, and Ji Yu's appearance undoubtedly gave him new hope.

  "This is ten thousand catties of spiritual liquid, for Chen Xiao's friend to recover from, this is my heartfelt gift, I hope you won't decline." Qingqiu Fox King took out a white jade bottle and handed it to Chen Xiao.

  "Obedience is better than respect." Chen Quan nodded and took it over readily.

  "Hahaha." Xuan Jing Lao Wang and Qing Qiu Hu Wang burst out laughing, seemingly delighted that Chen Yao could collect the 10,000 jin of spiritual liquid.

  Chen Suo clearly felt that after accepting this gift, his relationship with the two demon kings had become much closer. Sometimes accepting gifts from others can actually promote relationships, and this statement is not false either.

  Of course, Chen Xiao did not reject this feeling. In his view, both Xuan Jing Lao Wang and Qing Qiu Hu Wang were capable, had a good grasp of the situation, knew how to behave, and understood human relationships. Establishing a relationship with them would be beneficial and harmless.

  On the side, Ji Yu watched Chen Tai exchange with the two demon kings, speaking calmly and steadily, advancing and retreating with propriety. With every gesture, he had shed much of his former awkwardness, forming a personality and demeanor that belonged to himself, appearing extraordinary and dignified.

  "The little guy has finally grown up......" Ji Yu let out a sigh of relief in his heart, feeling extremely delighted.

  He still remembered the first time he saw Chen Yao, his calm and collected face was like a lonely young beast that was always ready to fight for its life, like a hedgehog that had camouflaged itself with sharp quills, as if it didn't do so, it wouldn't know how to survive, stubbornly and fiercely.

  Compared to before, he has now imprinted his edges deep into his bones, like a smooth pebble, radiating a dazzling light that belongs only to himself.

  No need for sympathy, no need for pity, no need for support, with the sword in one's heart, act freely and openly, enjoy the favor of gratitude.

  This is the mentality that a strong person must have!

  ——

  PS: Xiaoxiao is only 16 years old, having gone through the trials of Nanman's dark domain and deep mountains. It's time for her to draw her sword and pierce a hole in the sky!

  Also, I won't PS Xiaoxiao anymore, there's a risk of spoilers... Hope everyone will leave some footprints in the review section after reading the book, so I can see your comments and praise too?