Chapter 462: Chapter 302: River Book of the World, Great Deeds and Achievements, The Nether River Leads to the Netherworld

"He wished to use the written word to uplift the world and end the chaos. Thus, he aspired to compile the River Book. If the River Book were completed, it would be a monumental achievement that shakes the heavens, turning the Dynasty’s fortune from ethereal to tangible. The Dynasty could take this chance to breathe and develop."

"When that time comes, waterways will be open, regions will exchange goods, and peace will reign for generations. The people will be prosperous, the Dynasty strong, and families throughout the regions will benefit. With the River Book, the Dynasty can rectify disorder, ushering in a time of strength and peace!"

Li Xian was deeply shocked. Who would’ve thought that such profound discussions could be heard in a little black market, and he felt genuine admiration, without suspicion. He exclaimed, "This Zhang Zhisong truly is an extraordinary man."

The old blind man said, "Regrettably, he did not succeed. He only completed half of the River Book, and this Kan Nie Mai Book is written based on Zhang Zhisong’s initial experience of exploring river veins."

"By exploring river veins, one can predict river flow conditions, riverbed situations, resources like fish beasts, and vegetation along the banks. If aided by feng shui skills, regardless of the vast world, one river can reach everywhere."

Li Xian deeply agreed. In the past, when he and Wen Caishang were besieged, if only they had the River Book, they could rely on the winding rivers, complex and twisting... Zhang Hu, Su Qiuyu, and others would be extremely difficult to track. Moreover, many waterways are indeed interconnected. From small rivers gathering into mighty rivers, from great rivers flowing into small streams.

Whether deploying troops to dominate or engaging in trade and exchange, it holds immense advantages.

The old blind man added, "Moreover... martial artists derive their martial arts from the heavens and earth. If the River Book truly exists and one gains martial insight from it, the capabilities it offers are beyond imagination."

Li Xian replied, "Indeed!"

The old blind man laughed, "So, Young Hero, do you want this Kan Nie Mai Book?" Li Xian, feeling curious, asked about the price.

The old blind man demanded exorbitantly, straightforwardly stating three thousand taels of silver. Li Xian’s face twitched, although he felt the old blind man had deep insights, his words might not be fully true. Three thousand taels of silver were indeed difficult to produce.

The old blind man continued, "Enough, enough. If a good item cannot be sold, it is worthless. You are rare to have such fate, so I will sell this book to you for thirty-nine taels and four hundred ninety-seven Wen Coins."

Li Xian touched his purse. The money left, not a cent short, was exactly thirty-nine taels and four hundred ninety-seven Wen Coins. Li Xian doubtfully asked, "Old man, are you truly blind?"

He deeply felt the old blind man was not an ordinary person. Yet his nature was laid-back, not probing further. He gladly paid the money and exchanged it for the book. He thought, "If what the old blind man said is true, the Kan Nie Mai Book is not exaggerated, but the River Book is extremely significant."

"Even the knowledgeable Madam finds it difficult to tackle the complex water veins of the Great Wu Dynasty... no, of the Qiong Heavenly Mansion and Huashui Prefecture. If I can deepen my studies in this regard, I will possess a skill that surpasses Madam first."

The martial world... cannot do without the Essence Treasure, and the Essence Treasure cannot do without the characters ’water’ and ’charcoal’. Or one might say without ’water’ and ’fire’. From creek streams to small rivers, ordinary farmers compete fiercely during watering seasons. From mighty rivers to grand streams, families along the banks and forces also contend fiercely."

Martial artists cannot do without water.

Water is also the origin of martial arts.

The so-called martial arts family and village peasants are essentially no different. What they do is nothing more than competing for water and land."

...

...

Kan Nie Mai Book is a miscellaneous compilation. It records geographical features, involving feng shui study, the five-element mysticism, and even cultural stories. Treating it as a storybook, it is still intriguing to read with pleasure.

Li Xian held it in his hands, flipping through a few pages, feeling his money well spent. This Kan Nie Mai Book was authored by Zhang Zhisong in his early days. In the first few pages, one can see his initial attempts, with limited experience but already showing remarkable knowledge."

"Who is this Zhang Zhisong, and what era was he from? Perhaps I should ask Madam when we meet."

He meticulously read further. Towards the end, Zhang Zhisong developed the unique skills of "Reading River", "Consulting River", and "Pinching River". Li Xian skimmed through it, not quite grasping its essence yet.

He continued to look ahead. One sentence caught his attention: "In the world, there is a Nether River, connecting to the Netherworld."