The city's four sides are lit with a thousand lanterns, while the Milky Way flows across the water's heart.
In early autumn, the night is not yet so tranquil, and there are no rhythmic sounds echoing through the city.
Unlike the hustle and bustle outside, the atmosphere inside the eastern wing of the county office seems quiet and full of passion.
The atmosphere is quiet, while the fire in Chen Yun's heart is pounding and leaping.
At first, he was very envious of the two magical items, the Bind Jiao Rope and the White Jade Ring, as well as the Control Spirit Bronze Bell, but since he hadn't used any incantations, he felt a bit regretful in his heart.
Now the piece of green jade before him was very likely to be a jade tablet, recording the practice methods and incantations for forging magic weapons of the Yinshan Sect. He couldn't help but feel excited.
Cai Rujin said, "Uncle, why not try infusing true Qi?"
"Okay."
Chen Yun responded with a nod, picked up the green jade placed on the table, and tried to infuse it with a strand of true Qi.
However, what was truly frustrating was that nothing happened at all.
"Impossible," Chen Yun frowned and said, "Infusing true Qi is ineffective."
"But it shouldn't be like this," Cai Rujin took the jade tablet with some disbelief and also tried to infuse true Qi into it, "It seems that it really doesn't work."
Can these treasures only be admired and not used?
Chen Yun couldn't help feeling a sense of helplessness, just as he was about to say something.
Suddenly, a bolt of inspiration struck him, "What cultivation technique does the Yinshan Sect practice?"
Cai Rujin hadn't quite grasped what was happening and casually said, "Yin Shen."
While saying that, he added, "As cultivators, our cultivation techniques mainly involve Qi, essence, and spirit. Some sects specialize in cultivating spirits, while others specialize in refining Qi or cultivating the body. Only our Inner Dan Sect practices both life-extension and body-refining cultivation techniques. In terms of different cultivation methods, the body-refining technique counteracts the Qi-refining technique, while the Qi-refining technique counteracts spirit cultivation. Spirit cultivation counteracts the body-refining technique."
Cai Rujin was still talking non-stop, basically explaining that practitioners of Qi-refining usually win through their spells, and using spells has a "pre-gesture" phase. Practitioners of body-refining not only can take advantage of the "pre-gesture" phase to attack more swiftly while the Qi-refining practitioners are casting their spells, but even from a distance, they can avoid the impending damage by using their strong physique and seeing the "pre-gesture" phase.
As for the spirit cultivation sects, in their early stages, they often practice Yin Spirit, which is more afraid of Qi-refining techniques that can mobilize the power of heaven and earth. Especially the true Qi of the Inner Dan Sect, which is a pure Yang force, is even more oppressive to Yin Spirit.
The reason why the spirit cultivation technique can counteract the body-refining technique is because body-refining practitioners generally rely on refining their physical bodies with Qi and essence, and they do not inherently possess Qi. Once the power of Yin Spirit invades their bodies silently, it is almost impossible to break through without special strong body-refining practitioners, who will make their whole body's blood "scorching hot" in order to harm the Yin Spirit.
These principles, after Chen Yun had dealt with Liu Guibi and Lin Feyun, were all clear to him, and he did not need Cai Rujin's reminder.
Um, he hadn't really been listening to Cai Rujin's chatter about dominance at all. Instead, he picked up the green jade again and tried to invade it with his spiritual awareness.
When his spiritual awareness first touched the green jade, it still encountered resistance.
As Chen Yun increased the power of his spiritual awareness, that resistance gradually melted away.
When all resistance had vanished, a surge of information suddenly flooded into Chen Yun's spiritual awareness in great batches.
These pieces of information were somewhat similar to Zhao Gongming patting his own forehead to transmit energy, leaving a deep impression on his memory.
Chen Yun instantly understood what was recorded on the jade tablet.
The core is a spiritual cultivation method called "Meditation," which is different from the "Inner Reflection" method Chen Yun had received from Lin Feiyun. The method is very simple: imagine that there are thirty-six thousand deities within one's body, and gradually strengthen one of these inner deities to obtain its power. Ordinary people can attain immortality by fully cultivating one inner deity. If one can cultivate all thirty-six thousand inner deities to perfection, even the body can transform into a "world."
This is a very powerful spiritual cultivation method.
Chen Yun felt that he could merge it with the Inner Reflection method, which might produce unexpected remarkable effects.
As for the remaining contents, aside from the cultivation of plagues, ghosts, and zombies, and methods of control, there are also various ways to consecrate Yinshan Sect magical items, such as how to concoct pills for raising ghosts, even incorporating ghosts into one's own body through meditation to strengthen them. It is truly profound and intricate.
What is recorded in there is not only a cultivation method, but more like a treasury of dark cultivation techniques.
Especially the method for raising ghosts, Chen Yun thought it could be used to cultivate Qin Liang.
"Uncle Cai, I now know the methods of the White Jade Ring, the Bind Jiao Rope, the Control Spirit Bronze Bell, and how to command the Golden Armor Demon." Chen Yun said as he looked over, "You seem to have not cultivated Yuan Shen and thus cannot directly see the contents of the jade tablet. Should I recite them to you?"
Cai Rujin showed little interest, "Just tell me the incantations for consecrating magical items. I'm not interested in anything else. Once my Inner Dan Sect refines a Golden Pill, I will naturally enter the stage of refining energy into spirit. The true spirits I refine are beyond comparison to these cultivation techniques that focus on spirits."
Indeed, the cultivation of inner alchemy produces a Yang Spirit, which is a pure Yang immortal spirit, far superior to those who cultivate Yin spirits.
Seeing Cai Rujin's indifference, Chen Yun decided not to persuade him further and recited the incantations for consecrating magical items.
Afterwards, he consecrated the three magical items and tried again.
The Bind Jiao Rope, as Cai Rujin had said, could expand or contract as needed and possessed powerful binding power. Even if one encountered a cultivator skilled in transformation, once bound by the Bind Jiao Rope, there would be no use in transforming into a fly or mosquito; one would always remain bound.
As for the Control Spirit Bronze Bell, its function is also clear: by shaking it, one can summon wandering spirits and ghosts.
There was a Shrine of God in the county office, and when Chen Yun shook the bronze bell, it didn't summon any wandering spirits or ghosts. Instead, it startled the ghost catchers. Fortunately, upon learning that Chen Yun and Cai Rujin were disciples of the "True Dao" Sect, there was no conflict.
The White Jade Ring is quite interesting; it releases a beam of white light that envelops the wearer, capable of withstanding all spells and energy bursts. However, it has a fatal weakness: it cannot withstand physical harm.
Chen Yun only understood the function of the White Jade Ring after he became aware of its abilities, which allowed him to comprehend why Xie Wuming was injured so severely. The other party wasn't actually hurt by the heavy energy burst from Zi Wei Huai, but rather by the shattered rocks and debris that swept through during the energy explosion.
After consecrating these magical items, he went to the prison to refine the Golden Armor Demon and stored it in a purple patchwork storage artifact.
As for the purple patchwork, Chen Yun, for convenience, stitched it into the sleeve of his robe, just like Xie Wuming had done.
"I estimate that the Elder of Yinshan believed that those cultivating spirits could dominate practitioners of the body, so this White Jade Ring lacks the ability to withstand physical harm, but only serves to protect oneself from those who are being dominated by Qi cultivation. Its function is relatively simple. As for me, with my Tiger Skin Armor and a powerful physical body formed through accumulation and refinement, I'm not afraid of general physical harm, but only energy bursts. The function of this White Jade Ring is almost tailor-made for me." Chen Yun thought as he smiled.
This time, the harvest was quite bountiful.
Not only did he obtain superior magical items like the Bind Jiao Rope, the Control Spirit Bronze Bell, and the White Jade Ring, but he also acquired a "warrior" in the Golden Armor Demon that fears only thunder magic.
Of course, what Chen Yun was most satisfied with were the various incantations of the Yinshan Sect. If these things could be integrated into his cultivation of the inner core, perhaps it could create a brand new internal alchemy cultivation system.
……
The next day, the local officials in Chenzhou held a grand feast to express their gratitude to Chen Yun and Cai Rujin for coming to assist.
During the feast, officials like Zhao Qiu, Yang Lie, and others in Chenzhou officials, as well as generals like Zhang Chengfan, Wang Shiui, and Zhao Ke, all kowtowed to Chen Yun and Cai Rujin.
They wanted to give him gold and jade treasures.
Chen Yun and Cai Rujin were not particularly interested in gold and jewelry, so they each took a gesture and accepted a hundred taels of gold.
So much money may be unattainable for ordinary people for a lifetime, but for Chen Yun, who is on the battlefield and fighting with others, receiving so much gold is truly not enough.
After the banquet, the highlight came.
The eunuch sent by Emperor Xizong of Tang read out the imperial edict of enlisting Zheng Wen.
Unlike in the Ming and Qing Dynasties where officials had to kneel to receive the edict, during the Tang Dynasty, officials could stand or even sit while receiving the imperial edict.
According to Chen Yun's understanding, with the gradual intensification of feudal centralization, the procession ceremony would become increasingly solemn. For instance, during the Song Dynasty, standing while receiving the imperial edict was no longer acceptable; one had to stand. Then, during the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang "invented" kneeling while receiving the imperial edict. Since then, it has been carried forward by subsequent dynasties, especially during the Qing Dynasty when it became more ceremonious than ever before.
The eunuch was reading out the content of the imperial edict: "Ah! His position is subordinate to Changqiu, he sits and discusses Daoist teachings, listens to the governance of the realm, sequences the basic tenets of human relations, presides over the country's family and promotes social morality. Only your student Zheng Wen Abu from Dujing Yang True Man Gate of Cuizhongshan Jingyang Cave School, his Daoism is natural and his conduct is high and thick, carrying out rituals……Therefore, we have conferred on Zheng Wen Abu the title of Yuande Zhenren……Bearing this great honor, can you not be careful!"
"Thank Your Majesty."
"Thank Your Majesty."
Chen Yun and Cai Rujin gestured respectfully and responded, "Thank You Majesty," but unlike in the barbaric palaces of ancient dramas where they might say something like "Thank Your Majesty for your great honor," they simply responded with their gratitude.
Subsequently, the two of them took the imperial edict and left to return to Zongshan Mountain.
……
In the Transmission of Dao Hall.
Chen Yun and Cai Rujin immediately saw four people standing at the door of the inner courtyard when they returned: Zhong Lijun, Zheng Wenshu, Wang Laozhi, and Wang Zixi.
"Rebellious disciple!" Zhong Lijun shouted a reprimand from a distance.
Chen Yun was also straightforward, he knelt down on the ground and loudly said, "As a disciple, I know that I should be punished for not listening to my teacher's words, so I willingly accept punishment and ask to be confined to the dungeon."
"Deal with you later." Zhong Lijun's tone was fierce, but joyful light shone in his eyes.
Saying this, he looked at Zheng Wenshu beside him, "Wenshu, now that you have refined a Golden Pill and achieved immortality, you can leave the school and establish your own sect."
Zheng Wenshu quickly knelt down on the ground, "As a disciple, I do not wish to establish my own sect, but only to serve the teacher day and night at their side."
Zhong Lijun's tone carried an unresistible authority: "You have already refined a Golden Pill, and I have little more to teach you. Staying here would only hinder your path. I've found a good cave on Zihu Mountain for you to establish your own sect. It's called Jin Lu Cave, and I hope that after you leave, you will continue to accumulate meritorious deeds and always remember the importance of cultivation."
Zheng Wenshu repeatedly pleaded, expressing his desire to stay.
Zhong Lijun was unmoved, insisting that he leave and establish his own sect.
In the end, Zheng Wenshu had no choice but to say goodbye to the audience of the Transmission of Dao Hall with tears in his eyes, accompanied by Cai Rujin.
Zhong Lijun didn't even give Zheng Wenshu and Chen Yun a chance to speak.
After Zheng Wenshu and Cai Rujin had gathered their belongings and left the Transmission of Dao Hall, Zhong Lijun finally sighed and looked at Chen Yun, who was kneeling on the ground, "Chongyong, I've manipulated you for my own interests, but does that bother you?"
Chen Yun respectfully replied, "Teacher, everything you do has profound meaning, and as a disciple, I dare not hold any grudges."
Chen Yun said respectfully, "The actions of the teacher are full of profound meaning, and as a disciple, I dare not harbor any resentment."
Chen Yun was surprised that his teacher was so candid. Not only did he admit to his mistake, but he also explained why he had done it.
Zhong Lijun laughed as he spoke, "Now that Congyong has given Zheng Wenshu the qualification to become a god, in the future…if you encounter any problems that you cannot solve and I am not by your side, you can go to Jin Lu Cave to find Zheng Wenshu."
Chen Yun finally understood why Zhong Lijun had not allowed Zheng Wenshu to communicate with him earlier; it was likely that his teacher was preventing Zheng Wenshu from returning a favor by giving him particularly valuable magical items.
He said, "Disciple understands."
"Hmm." Zhong Lijun nodded slightly, "Although you have achieved a great feat in securing Zheng Wenshu's qualification to become a god, I am concerned that Xie Wuming, the only descendant of Xie Wuyang, the founder of Yinshan Sect, might trouble you. In this Transmission of Dao Hall, there are me and Laozhi to protect you, and Xie Wuyang dare not harm you. However, since you must go out frequently, I do not want you to be harmed by him. Therefore, I have specially sought a quiet place for you to cultivate. For the next year, I will carefully guide you there as well. Additionally, I will introduce you to… Zang Tianshi!"
(Chapter ends)
