Inside the house.
Chen Yun looked at those spoils of war with unwavering eyes.
Previously, he had braved life-threatening dangers to go to Liuxi City to fight, without ever thinking of gaining anything in return.
After all, he went with the intention of certain death, so how could he possibly have thought of anything else?
"Let's take a look at the harvest."
As Chen Yun peered into the somewhat dilapidated storage ring, he mused to himself, "In this fight with Yin Wujie, I successfully activated my Dao body and subdued over a thousand spirits and demons, as well as more than a thousand wandering souls. Even if Yin Wujie didn't get good equipment, it's actually not a bad deal."
The power of the Dao body is self-evident.
He had considered countless strategies before, all revolving around the "Immortal Siege Banner."
When the Dao body materialized and the "Immortal Siege Banner" was revealed as a trump card, he never had an opportunity to use it.
"In this case, even if someone has seen me fighting with Yin Wujie, they still wouldn't know what I have up my sleeve."
Thinking about it, Chen Yun turned his gaze first to the three metal flowers.
He had a vivid memory of the three metal flowers.
At that time, Yin Wujie summoned three flowers and created a commotion that was truly earth-shattering and grand in scale.
Chen Yun knew that these three metal flowers were undoubtedly formidable artifacts.
He took them out to take a look and was about to input his spiritual consciousness.
Suddenly, the sound of Xie Ziran appeared outside, "Quickly, someone is looking for you."
Someone is looking for me?
I don't seem to have any acquaintances in the Golden Spring Mountain.
Chen Yun was somewhat puzzled, but he still quickly put away the things and replied to the outside, "They've arrived."
He stood up and walked outside.
He opened the door.
Chen Yun saw Xie Ziran wearing a white dress standing next to the flower bed.
In the distance, at the gate of the inner courtyard, five demons were kneeling down.
These five demons were Gong Juji, the Brown Bear Demon, the Monkey Demon, the Lynx Demon, and the Rhinoceros Demon.
Seeing this, Chen Yun felt dizzy. He wondered what these five demons were doing kneeling down here, had they offended Xie Ziran?
Just as he had this thought, Gong Juji fell to his knees and loudly said, "The demon Gong Juji and four of my sworn brothers are fascinated by Master Chen's law and seek to be admitted into the Xuan Gate under Master Chen. We are willing to die for Master Chen, whether it is scaling the knife mountain and diving into the flames, or being a cow or horse, we have no regrets. We hope that Master Chen will have mercy on us."
"To be a cow or a horse, we have no complaints. We hope Master Chen will show mercy to us."
"To be a cow or a horse, we have no complaints. We hope Master Chen will show mercy to us."
The Monkey Demon, Lynx Demon, Brown Bear Demon, and Rhinoceros Demon spoke in unison, completing their high-chant. They then bowed their heads in unison.
Ah?
Are you going to join my sect?
Chen Yun was stunned, really unable to understand what was happening.
If he said that his majestic aura had subdued these powerful demons and they should have submitted to him before, then they should have joined him during their first or second meetings, instead of waiting until now.
But if it's not this reason, why would these demons suddenly come to seek refuge under him?
Chen Yun thought it over carefully and realized why this was the case.
It was no accident, it should be that several demons knew about himself slicing Yin Wuji, so they wanted to join his sect and receive the protection of the genuine Xuan Gate.
Don't look at him as a medium-level mage.
The Yin Wuji he killed was also no more than an upper-level mage.
Gong Juji, who seems to be similar in status to an upper-level mage, is quite far from him.
In fact, the four words "genuine Xuan Gate" are not something to be taken lightly.
Firstly, joining the genuine Xuan Gate even if it's just to be a patrol demon, counts as having a sect to support you.
Those who like to exorcise demons and eliminate evil, like martial artists and monks, will no longer dare to touch these demons, providing them with great protection for their survival.
Secondly, demons do not have cultivation techniques; they simply absorb the essence of the sun and moon through instinct.
If they join the genuine Xuan Gate, they stand a chance to obtain some longevity techniques, at which point their cultivation would progress by leaps and bounds.
Lastly, demons who follow the public laws and maintain order generally lead a simple life and are constrained by local sacred laws, making it difficult for them to enjoy a meat diet even on special occasions.
If they join the genuine Xuan Gate, not only will they be able to enjoy blood food, but one day the "lord" may be pleased and possibly grant them immortal roots and magical fruits.
These thoughts flashed through Chen Yun's mind, and he roughly understood why Gong Juji had brought the four demons to seek refuge.
In fact, Chen Yun's guess was only partially correct.
Gong Juji, relying on instinctive cultivation, had reached a level similar to that of a high-level mage. His vision was not at all ordinary.
He was thinking of joining a sacred sect, not just any Xuan Gate.
To be honest, with such high cultivation, if he were to join some small sect, his status and position would be extremely high.
However, small sects have limited potential and may not be able to protect him.
As for those sacred beings, they all have extraordinary cultivation, and their disciples and disciples-in-training are also high-level individuals. How could they possibly be interested in a demon like Gong Juji?
Chen Yun was different.
Gong Juji, after witnessing the awe-inspiring battle in which Chen Yun killed Yin Wujie, immediately realized that this young Taoist had the potential to become an immortal. Now that he was only a medium-level mage, it would be easier for him to accept Gong Juji and his few brothers.
Furthermore, behind Chen Yun stood Zhongli Quan, a revered figure.
Gong Juji thought that even if Chen Yun couldn't protect him now, how could Zhongli Quan not be able to?
Considering these reasons, Gong Juji brought his brothers here to seek refuge, wanting to join Chen Yun's sect before he attains immortality and becomes a god, so that they could accumulate some meritorious service. This way, when Chen Yun really becomes an immortal, they could also rise swiftly.
Both sides were secretly calculating.
Chen Yun was quite eager to recruit Gong Juji as his own.
After all, the other party was at a level comparable to that of a high-level mage!
Just then, he had a slight reservation.
Chen Yun quickly approached and helped Gong Juji and the other four demons stand up, "Big King of the Mountain, it's the truth that I'm unable to make decisions about you guys joining my sect at the moment."
Upon hearing this, Gong Juji, the Monkey Demon, and the other five demons showed expressions of disappointment on their faces, thinking that Chen Yun was politely rejecting them.
Who would have thought that Chen Yun's next words would reignite their hopes.
Chen Yun said, "I have not yet graduated from my master. Whether it's taking a disciple or receiving a follower, it must be approved by my mentor. How about this? I will report this matter to my mentor in Qing City Mountain after I return, and then give you an accurate response?"
Gong Juji and the other demons realized Chen Yun's predicament only then and all showed joyous expressions.
"What Mr. Chen says is very true. Indeed, it takes the permission of the master to take disciples," Gong Juji said hurriedly. "We will accompany Mr. Chen to see the master. If he agrees, we will serve him day and night. If he doesn't, we will simply go out for a walk and then immediately return to Jinquan Mountain."
Chen Yun thought about it and found it reasonable. This way, he wouldn't have to run back and forth. "Okay, let me first bid farewell to Xie Ziran.”
Gong Juji raised a hand, "Mr. Chen, please go ahead."
The Monkey Demon and the Bear Demon, among others, all showed smiling expressions on their faces.
Chen Yun nodded at them, turned around to Xie Ziran in front of him, made a bow and said respectfully: "Master, I have been disturbing you for over a month. Now I have calculated the time, it's been quite long. Therefore, I have come here to bid farewell."
"Wait a moment." Xie Ziran raised his hand and performed a soundproofing technique, "I still have some matters to entrust to you."
Chen Yun didn't know what kind of magic technique the other person had performed. He bowed respectfully and said, "Master, please feel free to speak. I am ready to listen."
Xie Ziran stared at his face intently and said, "Your performance in the battle with Yin Wuji was very satisfactory."
Killing an upper-level mage with the power of a medium-level mage is indeed something to be proud of.
Chen Yun was already quite satisfied with this battle.
Now, hearing such praise from a sacred being like Xie Ziran, Chen Yun couldn't help but feel a bit proud.
However, he spoke humbly in his mouth, "Accidentally won a move or two."
He had thought that Xie Ziran would say something like "Don't be modest" and then continue with some encouragement.
Who would have thought that Xie Ziran nodded slightly and said, "That's enough."
Chen Yun: "..."
Xie Ziran didn't care about his expression and spoke in a rare soft and gentle tone, "Your control of magic power is still a bit lacking."
Upon hearing this, Chen Yun immediately understood that Xie Ziran was pointing out his own shortcomings.
He immediately sought enlightenment respectfully, "I'm not bright, so please enlighten me."
Xie Ziran did not speak directly but asked in reverse, "Do you remember the time when you fought with Yin Wuji and used magic to destroy the surroundings?"
Chen Yun didn't understand and said, "I remember. The release of magic necessarily causes the power to leak. It's not strange to accidentally destroy the surroundings."
Xie Ziran didn't speak. He snapped his fingers, a stream of white qi burst from his fingertips. As soon as it touched the boulder in front, it immediately unfolded and spread out to the left and right. On the left, it turned into fire; on the right, it turned into water, attacking from both sides simultaneously.
In an instant, three small holes appeared on the boulder. The middle hole, which was struck by the white qi, was relatively shallow, while the holes on the left and right were pierced through.
Chen Yun looked on with a side glance.
"Have you figured it out?" Xie Ziran asked.
Chen Yun is not just highly talented; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to be taken as a disciple by Zhongli Quan.
He pondered and looked at the boulder, "Master, are you suggesting that the application of magic can be as varied as a thousand forms, and even when it takes the form of a spell, it can still be controlled?"
Xie Ziran looked at him appreciatively and said, "Understood. When you used magic in the past, once the magic was cast, it was just this spell, with no changes. Therefore, if it did not hit the target, there would inevitably be a waste of your own magic power and unnecessary destruction. If you can use magic power freely, even when casting a spell, you can change it at will. This way, you can reduce damage while increasing the potency of the spell. In summary, you are not very skilled in controlling your own strength. I hope that when you return to Qing City Mountain, you will pay careful attention to how to use your strength and strive to exert even the slightest force to press down on a thousand jin of weight."
Chen Yun felt like he had received enlightenment, and he bowed deeply to Xie Ziran, saying, "Thank you, Master, for your guidance."
Xie Ziran spoke in a calm tone, "This is the most basic application of magic power. Those who have reached mastery can inject the power into the boulder, leaving no visible damage on the surface, while the inside has turned into powder. One day when you can achieve this, you will also be considered a master of your generation."
Upon hearing these words, Chen Yun couldn't help but recall the time when his master had demonstrated the Dragon Slaying Technique to him. Wasn't that just the power erupting and leaving no visible damage on the surface of the boulder, while the inside was actually turned into powder?
It seems that these truths were pointed out by my master when he taught me the Dragon Slaying Technique. I just didn't understand them until now.
Chen Yun somewhat understood why his master had not clearly stated these points.
As the saying goes, "The master opens the door, but cultivation is up to the individual."
One will truly understand the lesson if they have experienced it themselves.
He sighed slightly at his master's good intentions and thanked him again.
Finally, he took his leave from Xie Ziran.
Chen Yun led Gong Juji, the four demons, and the White Ape and Flying Snake away.
Just stepping out of the mountain gate.
The Brown Bear Demon asked with a simplemindedness, "Mr. Chen, what did the immortal say to you just now? Was she imparting some great technique to you?"
Gong Juji's expression changed as he scolded, "Old Bear, things of Mr. Chen are none of your business!"
The Brown Bear Demon was left speechless after being scolded.
On the other hand, Chen Yun was taken aback.
He didn't know that Xie Ziran had just performed an ear-piercing technique.
After all, he hadn't learned any of those magical arts.
He asked back, "When I talked with Xie Zhenren, didn't you all hear anything?"
Gong Juji smiled and said, "The immortal performed an ear-piercing technique, and we, the little demons, could not hear anything at all."
Chen Yun, upon hearing the precise answer, felt a myriad of emotions surging through his heart.
He of course knew why Xie Ziran had used the "soundproofing technique."
It was just to save face for himself.
He didn't want to lose face in front of the few demons who might become his disciples.
Being a medium-level mage and still needing to be taught how to use his power, isn't that embarrassing?
Chen Yun has been with Xie Ziran for over a month and knows his personality well.
If it were before, Xie Ziran certainly wouldn't have cared about Chen Yun's face and would say anything.
Now, Xie Ziran has pointed out Chen Yun's shortcomings and even considered his face in doing so.
Chen Yun knows that Xie Ziran treats him as a person inside, rather than just because of Zhongli Quan or He Xianqu's face.
It's a great recognition of me.
For a moment, Chen Yun felt wonderful.
After over a month of history, Chen Yun finally received the biggest recognition from Xie Ziran.
The reason why it happened was probably because he went to kill Yin Wuji without hesitation, and added to that, he performed well, so he received recognition.
In that case, could it be said that he has graduated from his studies under Xie Ziran?
Upon thinking of this, Chen Yun felt even more wonderful.
He was happier about Xie Ziran's recognition than the numerous spoils of war he had obtained from Yin Wuji.
Now that he has received recognition from Xie Ziran, Chen Yun felt it was time to return to his master and hear whether the master was satisfied with his achievements from this period of study under Xie Ziran.
In addition, he had wanted to see what loot he obtained from Yin Wuji, but that was interrupted.
When he returned to Qing City Mountain to see his master, he would take a good look at the spoils of war and see what treasures they contained.
(End of chapter)
