Chapter 81: The Wind Rises
The Shadow Arrow Technique focuses on the word "shadow."
This is a Profound Tier Upper Grade archery technique, naturally based on True Qi, and fundamentally different from the Meteor Arrow Technique.
The Meteor Arrow Technique is a Postnatal Realm archery, though powerful, it ultimately remains at the level of technique. But the current Shadow Arrow Technique is different, it has transcended technique, reaching another level.
As for how to describe this level, Gu Zhan couldn’t quite figure it out, he could only say it lies between technique and Dao.
It transcends technique, yet does not reach the level of Dao.
The Shadow Arrow Technique focuses on the word "shadow."
It is divided into three realms,
Entry Realm: Untraceable,
This is the realm that Gu Zhan has currently mastered, when the arrow is released, it is so fast that it is untraceable, its trajectory unpredictable.
Viewed objectively, this Entry Realm is an enhanced version of the Meteor Arrow Technique, after all, to release an arrow that is untraceable, the archery skill must reach the Peak of Perfection.
Minor Success Realm: Floating Light and Shadow,
At this realm, the distinction between innate and postnatal begins to fully manifest, and the essence of the word "shadow" is completely developed. In theory, those who reach this realm can transform a single arrow into nineteen illusory arrows, mixing illusion with reality, making it impossible for opponents to see through.
Great Success Realm: Shadow Follows Form,
At this realm, it begins to touch the level of Dao.
The annotation in the secret manual is also very complex, summarized in one sentence, at this realm, the arrow is powerful enough to hunt down enemies, the arrow moves with the heart, intention precedes action.
"This is... absurd!"
Gu Zhan looked at the description of the Great Success Realm, shocked to the core,
it’s simply a martial art version of a tracking device.
This also made Gu Zhan more anticipative of the legendary Dao Realm.
Beyond the Innate realm lies the Dao Realm,
It is rumored that this realm is formless and intangible, everything originates from the natural world, extremely mysterious, it is the root of martial artists.
...
The heavy rain continued to wash over,
Gu Zhan slowly stood up, walked to the doorway, and squinted slightly as he watched the waterfall-like curtain of rain.
The things Rong Yichu sent did indeed move him, but were not enough to make him protect the Rong Family.
His willingness to protect the Rong Family at this time is mainly because he lacks people; in all aspects, he lacks people. Not having enough experts around is one reason, more importantly, he lacks someone who can help manage the rear.
The current situation in Linjiang City,
The struggle between the Transitory Officials’ Lineage and the Noble Families has intensified with the arrival of Wan Yan, in such a situation, no one can stay out of it.
The last person who tried to stay out of it, Luo Bingsheng, already met his end through a series of coincidences, and the various local powerful families behind him were either exterminated or fell into decline.
Watching from across the river is very dangerous,
When two tigers fight, they absolutely will not allow a wolf to stand by and watch; either get caught in the crossfire and die, or get eaten first and then continue the fight.
Gu Zhan is well aware that his current situation is similar to that of Luo Bingsheng back then.
So, he needs someone now,
Just like Gu Chuan needed someone to guard the rear for him back then, now Gu Zhan is in a similar situation.
Rong Yichu is very suitable.
"Just hope you don’t disappoint me!"
...
Linjiang City experienced several consecutive days of rain,
The torrential rain seemed endless, shrouding the entire Linjiang City in a mist of rain that lasted four or five days before finally stopping, but Linjiang City was already enveloped in dense fog.
Inside the Hundred Households Office.
A ray of morning sunlight pierced through the fog, shining into a hall.
Wan Yan was slicing an apple with a dagger, piece by piece.
A personal guard beside him cupped his hands and said, "Sir, the entire Rong Family has moved into the South City, the patriarch Rong Yichu has entered the Hundred Households Office to become an adviser to Gu Zhan."
Wan Yan took a bite of the apple and chuckled, "This Rong Yichu is quite a talent, if only the Rong Family hadn’t lost its power to those few old geezers, things wouldn’t have come to this."
The personal guard said, "It’s just that now, the Rong Family didn’t just fall overnight, its name has also become a disgrace, the dignified Rong Family patriarch going to be an adviser to Gu Zhan, the Rong Family has truly become a laughing stock now."
"A laughing stock? Haha," Wan Yan said, "compared to becoming a laughing stock, isn’t it better than waiting for death? This Rong Yichu acts decisively and can lower himself; it’s just a pity that Gu Zhan is doomed, otherwise, his choice might actually prolong the Rong Family’s life."
The personal guard said nothing.
Wan Yan tossed the apple aside and said, "The time is about right, the orders can be issued, undermine Gu Zhan, then inform Yang Yuzhi, it’s time to draw various noble families into the South City, the real turbulence is just beginning!"
...
In the official records Room of the South City Hundred Households Office.
Rong Yichu brought a cup of tea to Gu Zhan, bowed, and said, "Sir, what instructions do you have for your student today?"
Gu Zhan pointed to the chair beside him, indicating for Rong Yichu to sit, and then said, "It’s nothing much, just wanted to see if you’re getting used to it. The environment of the Hundred Households Office is not as good as the Rong Family, if there’s anything you need, just feel free to get it."
"It’s already very good," Rong Yichu said, "to have a place granted by you, I am already very satisfied. To be honest, this Hundred Households Office is a place many want to enter but cannot."
Gu Zhan smiled and said, "It’s not a place for ordinary people, but it doesn’t match the status of the Rong Family patriarch either."
"Sir," Rong Yichu suddenly stood up, bowed deeply, and slowly said, "Now there is no more Rong Family patriarch, only the adviser Rong Yichu!"
Gu Zhan gestured for him to sit down and asked, "So, how is the Rong Family?"
Rong Yichu replied, "Thanks to your care, the Rong Family has settled down in Qingping Lane, led by the clan elder Rong Wanshan. They are now starting to engage with some Martial World influences to do some business."
"You chose Qingping Lane?" Gu Zhan asked somewhat puzzled.
Rong Yichu nodded slightly, "Sir, your security forces are insufficient, and you have long resided in Qingping Lane, so I’ve arranged for the Rong Family there. You can dispatch them at any time, they can also help solve some minor troubles for you, preventing some underhanded tactics from disturbing you."
Gu Zhan nodded.
Just then, hurried footsteps sounded from outside, it was Ma Lang and Ma Long, the two Chief Banners.
"Sir," Ma Lang appeared anxious and said, "someone from the Hundred Households Office is here."
"Hmm?" Gu Zhan frowned and asked, "What does someone from the Hundred Households Office come for?"
Ma Lang took a deep breath and said, "To be precise, it’s someone from the Hundred Households Office bringing a messenger from the Yunzhou Garrison."
"A messenger from the Yunzhou Garrison!" Gu Zhan frowned immediately, having a very bad premonition, he asked, "Did they say what it’s about?"
"To read out orders," Ma Lang said, "I and Ma Long, along with Xiang Yuan, have been promoted to Hundred Households and are being dispatched to the Hundred Households Offices of other cities. Additionally, many Small Banners from our Hundred Households Office are promoted to Chief Banners and are also to be dispatched to other cities!"
In the room, Rong Yichu frowned and said softly, "Sir, Wan Yan is trying to undermine you, cutting off your control over the South City!"