At this moment, two young Taoist boys entered carrying a tray. On the jade tray were five fruits, which resembled infants less than three days old, complete with limbs and facial features.
It is the ginseng fruit that grows on the ginseng fruit tree, a spiritual root of heaven and earth.
"Master, the fruit has arrived!"
After the two young Taoists stood still, they asked Zhen Yuanzi for instructions.
"Put it on the Imperial Tutor's desk!"
Zhen Yuanzi said calmly.
"yes!"
The two young disciples muttered to themselves for a moment, then obediently placed the tray on Xiao Ning's table and withdrew.
"These are just some local specialties; please excuse the poor hospitality, Imperial Tutor!"
Then, Zhen Yuanzi said something pretentious and arrogant.
"So this is the ginseng fruit, a spiritual root of heaven and earth? It truly lives up to its reputation!"
Smelling a rich fruity aroma, Xiao Ning exclaimed in admiration.
This fruit, also known as the Grass Return Elixir, blooms once every three thousand years, bears fruit once every three thousand years, takes another three thousand years to ripen, and can only be eaten once every nine thousand years. Each time, only thirty fruits are produced.
The ginseng fruit tree is a spiritual root of heaven and earth, and the fruit it bears is a rare treasure. If a mortal is fortunate enough to obtain this fruit and smell its fragrance, he can live for 360 years, and if he eats one, he can add 47,000 years to his life.
"Although this fruit is quite rare, with only thirty available every nine thousand years, it's of little use to this old Daoist; it's just a treat for his palate!"
Zhenyuan Daxian smiled broadly, his tone tinged with pride, and said, "However, for the Imperial Tutor, each pill can add ten thousand years of magical power, equivalent to the effect of the Supreme Dao Ancestor's Five-Turn Golden Elixir!"
"Thank you for your generous gift, Great Immortal!"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ning did not refuse and directly put away the five fruits along with the tray.
"My cultivation is shallow, and I am just about to ask the great immortal for guidance. I hope the great immortal will be generous in giving me his teachings!"
Having accepted the benefits, Xiao Ning then brought up the topic of cultivation.
As a veteran Celestial Immortal, Zhen Yuanzi lived for no less than the Jade Emperor.
Therefore, Xiao Ning did not want to miss this opportunity to ask him for advice.
"I wouldn't presume to offer guidance; let's have a discussion!"
Zhen Yuanzi replied modestly.
This discussion lasted for half a month.
"Young man, take care. If you need anything, just let me know, and this old Taoist will certainly not refuse!"
Standing at the entrance of Wuzhuang Temple, Xiao Ning and Zhenyuan Daxian bid each other a reluctant farewell.
After half a month of discussions, Zhen Yuanzi discovered that Xiao Ning's personality and temperament were very compatible with his, and their relationship had become much better than before. They were almost ready to kowtow and become sworn brothers.
Fortunately, after the discussion came to an end, Xiao Ning finally remembered that war with Buddhism was imminent and he could not waste any more time here.
Thus, this scene unfolded: bidding farewell to Zhen Yuanzi, who tried his best to persuade him to stay, and they parted with reluctance.
"Brother Zhen Yuanzi, please wait a moment. If you need anything, I will not hesitate to ask. I'll be going now!"
Xiao Ning waved his hand, and a white cloud rose from beneath his feet, soaring into the sky and flying towards the Southern Continent.
…………
Outside Chang'an City, on the Western Hills, lies the garrison camp guarding the capital.
As mentioned earlier, the entire capital city of Chang'an was garrisoned with 50,000 Imperial Guards, 100,000 troops from the Five City Garrison Commands, and 100,000 guards from various government offices.
The total force of 250,000 troops was to protect the safety of the imperial city and the inner city, as well as to maintain the security of Chang'an City.
The Western Hills Garrison, on the other hand, guarded the area around the capital for 500 li, with 500,000 elite soldiers stationed there.
At this time, at the Xishan military camp drill ground.
Imperial Tutor Xiao Ning, accompanied by Minister of War Qin Qiong, was inspecting the Beijing garrison to check for corruption such as receiving salaries without working and exploiting soldiers.
Standing on the high platform of the drill ground, looking at the various battalions, one could see plumes of spirit and smoke rising into the sky, forming a powerful military spirit.
Indeed, that is the spirit of the military.
In this world where extraordinary powers exist, and even immortals, Buddhas, gods, demons, and monsters coexist.
Mortals are like ants; no matter how many there are, they are no match for gods and immortals. They can only be slaughtered and preyed upon by others.
Later, the ancient human emperor Xuanyuan researched human martial arts and methods of training soldiers. Under the premise of clear faith, famous generals training, strict military discipline, and clear rewards and punishments, there was an extremely slight possibility that a military spirit could be born.
Those who practice martial arts progress from skin training, bone tempering, tendon strengthening, marrow cleansing, and blood transfusion to becoming innate grandmasters and ultimately martial saints.
The Martial Saint is the highest known realm in martial arts. Its combat power is unparalleled, capable of defying the heavens and defeating immortals, and splitting mountains and rivers.
However, their lifespan is the same as that of ordinary people, only 180 years.
They cannot fly; they can only run barefoot on the ground.
Beneath the immortals and Buddhas lies another world, known as the Jianghu (江湖, the martial arts world).
However, most of the masters in the martial arts world are in the military.