Chapter One Hundred Eighteen: The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King

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Ruan Xiaowu raised his brow and scrutinized Sun Meng from head to toe. “Where are you from, sir? And how have you heard of me?” The reputation of the Ruan brothers was indeed notable in the nearby area, but it was mostly limited to villages of a similar rank. Looking at Sun Meng’s attire, he hardly seemed like someone who would mingle with them. If a person like him claimed to have long admired his name and came to see him, it was either for amusement or to seek his help.

Sun Meng smiled faintly. The next moment, Ruan Xiaowu and Ruan Xiaoqi felt as if they were immersed in a vast starry sky, with starlight sparkling all around. The sensation was remarkably pleasant.

This was a technique Sun Meng had developed during his cultivation, akin to a form of magic. He had observed the fluctuations of star energy in Lin Chong and the others as a reference. This method could, to some extent, stimulate the response of the star power within their bodies.

Sure enough, a layer of starlight appeared on their skin, and their respective constellations materialized behind them. However, since their awakenings were incomplete, the constellations appeared somewhat ethereal.

“How does it feel?” Sun Meng transmitted his voice to them.

Ruan Xiaowu and Ruan Xiaoqi exchanged a glance, their eyes reflecting surprise.

They had previously sensed a sort of barrier inside the three brothers’ bodies, one that they had tried every means to break through without success.

The eldest, Ruan Xiaoer, was married and focused on fishing, paying little attention to such matters. The second, Ruan Xiaowu, had been stuck at this level for years, feeling frustrated and distracting himself with gambling.

Only the youngest, Ruan Xiaoqi, had just reached this level and still held confidence, though this wasn’t his first attempt to break through the barrier.

“Do you have a way to solve the problem within us?” Ruan Xiaowu asked seriously.

Sun Meng nodded. “Easily.”

“Do you want us brothers to work for you?” Ruan Xiaoqi stepped forward. His eyes were prominent and dark, and with the dark spots on his face, he looked fierce.

Fearing his brother’s bluntness might cause trouble, Ruan Xiaowu quickly pulled him back. “If you can guarantee our breakthrough, we can do five tasks for you within our ability!”

He had initially intended to say three tasks but decided to add a couple more after thinking it over.

Five tasks—not too many, not too few. Even if each was somewhat dangerous, they at least had hope.

Sun Meng looked at Ruan Xiaowu, surprised that he still had his own little scheme at this moment. Most cultivators in his place would already be trying to curry favor or showing fear.

“I have sensed the heavenly secret and come to take disciples.” Sun Meng waved his hand, and seven stars lit up. Two of them shone their light on the two men, making them feel even more comfortable.

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This was not entirely an illusion. His cultivation method also relied on the power of the stars throughout the heavens, so matching energy corresponding to their original fate constellations naturally created a pleasant sensation.

“Brother, my bottleneck is starting to loosen!” Ruan Xiaoqi’s face lit up with excitement as he knelt before Sun Meng. “Master above, Ruan Xiaoqi is willing to follow you in martial arts!”

Ruan Xiaowu had just been immersed in that sensation and hadn’t reacted immediately, allowing Ruan Xiaoqi to take the lead. Although the feeling made him think becoming a disciple wouldn’t be a loss, he still found Sun Meng somewhat strange. But now that his brother had made a decision, he could no longer refuse.

“Ruan Xiaowu pays respects to Master!”

Sun Meng waved his hand, and the surroundings vanished. The two then realized they had somehow arrived at the village’s dock where boats moored. Their eldest brother was there too, just as dazed as them.

The distance from the village’s gambling den to the dock was at least three thousand meters, yet they hadn’t noticed walking or how much time had passed, nor had they sensed their eldest brother’s presence. If the other party could bring them here so effortlessly, it meant killing them would be as simple as a wave of the hand. The gap in power was too great!

Even the straightforward Ruan Xiaoqi became more serious, wary that his behavior might provoke Sun Meng’s ill will.

“Alright, no need to be so formal. I suppose you all felt the effect of the star power on your bodies just now. This is my cultivation method—using star power to temper the body, internal energy, and spirit, ultimately breaking through realms, forming your own constellation, and producing effects similar to spells. Although you three are brothers, your stars differ. The origin of the method is the same, but your paths will vary. You may discuss among yourselves but must never imitate each other—that will only lead you astray.”

Sun Meng waved his hand, and three beams of light entered their foreheads. The cultivation method activated, and three shining stars appeared in the sky above the dock, visible only in this area.

“Have you entered the state of enlightenment? Indeed! Then the remaining four can start as well.” After speaking, Sun Meng left.

His target was none other than Chao Gai and his group, who were originally supposed to rob the birthday tribute convoy. Among them, the others were manageable, but the Cloud Soaring Dragon Gongsun Sheng made him uncertain.

The rest were ordinary by birth—minor officials, local gentry, generals, or outright underworld figures, all low or bottom-tier in the Song Dynasty. Only Gongsun Sheng was a legitimate Taoist, a rare breed.

Originally, he was the only one from Liangshan who had timely escaped danger, not only receiving imperial rewards but also ending well. After the great gathering of Liangshan heroes, he participated in only one major event—the campaign against the Liao. After Liangshan’s victory, he left. Though Liangshan continued to enjoy victories before the campaign against Fang La, overall it was like the moon at its zenith, followed by misfortunes.

In the end, many Liangshan heroes died or were injured; only a few ended well. The once-mighty fortune seemed to vanish. Sun Meng couldn’t help but wonder if Gongsun Sheng had foreseen this early or even orchestrated it.

After all, Lu Zhishen rose to fame thanks to the abbot of Mount Wutai, and Gongsun Sheng, as a proper Taoist, would know some secrets of fate and possess certain methods.

Therefore, Sun Meng did not include him among the other four.

Chao Gai, known as the Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King among the underworld, held the village head position. Wealthy, generous, and fond of befriending heroes, he was skilled in martial arts, unmarried, and earned his nickname from carrying a stone pagoda across a river.

From afar, Sun Meng saw a constellation shining above Chao Gai’s house. His guess was correct—Chao Gai was indeed one of the star constellations and seemed close to awakening!

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Chao Gai’s death was definitely no accident!

With this thought, Sun Meng strode into Chao Gai’s home and watched him finish a set of staff techniques.

“Impressive skill!” Sun Meng applauded.

Chao Gai was startled; he hadn’t sensed anyone’s presence.

But the next moment, he faced the same experience as the Ruan brothers. Sun Meng clearly saw Chao Gai’s constellation.

“The Heavenly Leader Star!”

Sun Meng was genuinely surprised. In his memory, this star should belong to Song Jiang. But considering what happened later, it was very likely Song Jiang had wrested this star away.

‘This confirms Gongsun Sheng’s involvement,’ Sun Meng thought.

“I have a method to help you break through your cultivation and solidify your fate!” Since Chao Gai wasn’t stuck like the Ruan brothers, he could break through on his own. It wasn’t yet time to recruit disciples directly.

Chao Gai glanced around; the starlight was dazzling and mysterious. Opposite him stood Sun Meng, who seemed like the very core of the celestial stars, exuding nobility and mystery.

“Chao Gai pays respects, may I know your honorable name?” Chao Gai bowed respectfully. To him, Sun Meng’s displayed abilities were those of a transcendental master, deserving utmost respect. He did not think he could simply confront such a person and earn their admiration.

“You have the star constellation fate, perfectly suited to my cultivation method. Such fate is heaven’s will!” Sun Meng said as he handed over the cultivation technique. They returned to reality, and Chao Gai entered the state of enlightenment.