Yu Ci felt somewhat awkward. The two Daoist Masters had come because of his matter, yet now they were arguing, leaving him unable to interject, nor could he walk away without seeming rude. The situation was truly uncomfortable.
He especially noticed that the elder daoist appeared on the verge of losing his temper, seemingly provoked to his limits by Xie Liang. If things escalated into an unmanageable scene here, what would become of the situation?
As he pondered this, Yu Zhou’s gaze turned toward him. When their eyes met, Yu Ci, struck by a moment of insight, responded with a bitter smile.
Heavens knew why Yu Ci was smiling bitterly, but the emotion behind it was clear.
The elder daoist still valued him, and seeing this, it seemed to remind him of the original purpose of their visit. The turbulent emotions within him visibly diminished—it seemed the daoist elder truly needed such a moment of reprieve.
Yu Zhou managed to control his emotions, though he waved his hand irritably. “Things have reached this point. I don’t want to argue with you anymore. This has nothing to do with our purpose tonight. The disciple I’ve recommended has a resolute mind, great courage and decisiveness, exceptional skill in swordsmanship and talisman techniques, and even has a Dragon Fish to offer the sect. All the conditions are met; I simply wish to add a touch of polish. Why must you posture like this?”
“Your recommended disciple is fine, but your teaching methods have serious issues!”
Xie Liang seemed determined to oppose Yu Zhou today, his rigid face masking an unyielding persistence. This made Yu Ci inwardly exclaim in frustration. Just as he considered whether to come up with another way to ease the tension, a timid voice interjected:
“Senior Brother Yu is indeed very skilled in talisman techniques. Back at Southern Frost Lake, he used that Ghost-Binding Talisman to capture the Flat-feathered Bird…”
It was Bao Guang who spoke. The young daoist had come to pour tea and, sensing the tense atmosphere, relied on his familiarity with both elders to forcefully insert himself into the conversation. While his words might not have been entirely appropriate and his intentions overly transparent, his timing was impeccable. Yu Ci silently praised him and seized the opportunity to chime in:
“In front of Daoist Master Xie, aren’t you afraid of biting your tongue with such praise? My meager abilities merely come from copying talismans from a manual. Catching a Flat-feathered Bird hardly warrants commendation.”
“Not at all. I thought it was impressive. That Ghost-Binding Talisman looked as though it had been pulled straight from the Nether Realm…”
Seeing the two younger disciples eagerly speak up, how could the two Daoist Masters not understand their intentions? Yu Zhou, having already been tempered by the earlier reprieve, found it easier to rein in his emotions. He glanced at Xie Liang, turned his face slightly aside into the shadow cast by the lamplight, and spoke in a more conciliatory tone:
“We’ve debated these principles for decades, and it leads nowhere. Tonight, we’re not here to embarrass ourselves in front of the disciples. Let’s call it a day, shall we?”
Xie Liang was silent for a moment before giving a barely perceptible nod. When he spoke again, it was directed at Yu Ci: “The Ghost-Binding Talisman has twenty-two variations that form chains. Which one did you learn?”
Though it was a question, it carried an entirely different tone compared to earlier criticisms. Yu Ci paused for a moment, but upon noticing Xie Liang’s determined demeanor, he immediately understood the elder’s intentions. Xie Liang regretted his earlier harshness and was now attempting to mend the atmosphere, albeit in a clumsy manner.
Naturally, Yu Ci wouldn’t expose him and instead cooperated sincerely:
“Daoist Master, it is the Yin Centric Dark Law Ghost-Binding Talisman.”
“Is that so? Truly an orthodox lineage of the Mystical path.”
Xie Liang, not being one for eloquence, had only managed his earlier speech because it encapsulated beliefs he had upheld for years. Now, in trying to change the subject, he fumbled for words, struggling for a while before finally asking:
“May I borrow that talisman manual for a look?”
The question was somewhat abrupt, but Yu Ci didn’t mind. He stifled a laugh and produced the Celestial Qi Gathering Secret Talisman Manual, presenting it with both hands.
Although distracted, Xie Liang still maintained proper etiquette, accepting it with both hands and offering thanks in return. However, judging by his expression, his thoughts weren’t on the manual. He held the scroll in his hands, frowning in contemplation. Heaven only knew what insights he might uncover.
At this point, it was Yu Zhou who broke the awkward silence, saying, “Junior Brother Xie is the most outstanding among our peers in the sect. Though proficient in many disciplines, his forte remains talisman techniques, as you’ve witnessed in the Prominent Virtue Hall.”
Yu Ci replied promptly, “This disciple has greatly benefited.”
One dry sentence wasn’t enough, of course. Yu Ci worked hard to weave words together, but fortunately, he had a vivid memory of the lecture in the Prominent Virtue Hall and had no shortage of things to say:
“Daoist Master’s opening three principles were truly extraordinary. Although this disciple had seen them in the talisman manual, arranging them in that specific order brought a fresh perspective, making the internal connections instantly clear. As for the subsequent precepts, Qi Cultivation method, and Cosmic Circuit Technique… hmm?”
Yu Ci suddenly had a thought.
Xie Liang’s explanations in the Prominent Virtue Hall seemed to share a layered structure, just like the opening three principles. According to his interpretation, the precepts represented the standard closest to the “purest logic,” the most macro level. Following that, the Qi Cultivation method conveyed the talisman technique’s true essence, slightly less fundamental. Finally, the Cosmic Circuit Technique, being a pragmatic and streamlined tactic rather than a true daoist method, naturally ranked lower.
Reflecting on this, he recalled how, in the Prominent Virtue Hall, the disciples seemed drowsy during the precepts, bewildered by the Qi Cultivation method, but elated by the Cosmic Circuit Technique. Didn’t this indirectly confirm the saying in the Scripture: “The superior one hears the Dao and diligently practices it; the mediocre one hears the Dao and is indifferent; the inferior one hears the Dao and laughs at it”?
As this realization dawned, Yu Ci felt both embarrassed and enlightened. When he regained his composure, he found both Yu Zhou and Xie Liang watching him, the former with curiosity, the latter with contemplation.
Noticing Xie Liang’s gaze, Yu Ci couldn’t help but voice his suspicion, asking:
“Daoist Master, is there any particular taboo in using the Cosmic Circuit Technique?”
This question wasn’t a deliberate attempt to smooth over the atmosphere but was prompted by his earlier observations. He had noticed a subtle shift in Xie Liang’s emotions when explaining the Cosmic Circuit Technique earlier and had kept it in mind. Now, his inquiry wasn’t just casual but a probe into Xie Liang’s intent.
Xie Liang seemed more focused this time. He replied calmly, “Shortcuts should be sought within the Dao, not through techniques. When I teach and the disciples fail to grasp the Dao, I resort to these expedient methods. That you can pose this question shows some insight. Well done.”
Looking at him once more, Xie Liang finally unfolded the talisman book in his hand. Initially, his expression remained calm and unperturbed, but the moment his eyes landed on the general outline of the scripture, a look of surprise and intrigue appeared on his face. This starkly contrasted with his usually stoic demeanor, making it particularly noticeable.
He made no attempt to hide his reaction, so everyone in the room saw it. Yu Ci found it puzzling, and at the same time noticed Bao Guang winking at him, seemingly asking for an explanation. As for the old daoist, he simply turned to Xie Liang and joined him in examining the talisman book.
Xie Liang had completely forgotten about the people around him. His previous courtesy was nowhere to be seen. Starting from the general outline, he flipped through the text, and in less than half a quarter-hour, he had read through the entire talisman book. Then, he began again, this time paying closer attention.
Yu Ci and Bao Guang could only exchange glances, careful not to make a sound.
After a long while, the old daoist finally broke the silence in the room: “I don’t understand talisman techniques, but the embroidery technique on this silk is intricate and dense, yet with clear layers. When unfolded, it flows like rolling waves and drifting clouds. Tens of thousands of words and over a thousand illustrations—seemingly disjointed but actually seamlessly connected—it’s quite pleasing to the eye. If the person who created this embroidery were to wield a sword, they’d undoubtedly be exceptional.”
Xie Liang let out a faint hum without responding immediately. After studying the book for a while longer, he finally spoke: “This includes a technique called the ‘Jade Tone Heavenly Core Thunder Method.’ However, the accompanying incantation has certain flaws. These flaws were widespread six hundred years ago, even among the masters of talisman techniques. It wasn’t until Xin Tianjun of the Eight Scenery Palace perfected this incantation and made it public that these errors were corrected. Yet, earlier talisman books and scriptures still retain the uncorrected versions.”
His words indicated that this talisman book was at least six hundred years old.
He continued, “The silk used here is from the Bitter Branch silkworm. Its texture is sturdy, impervious to water and fire, though it develops a dark sheen with time. For it to remain so lustrous even now, some form of incantation must have been applied, yet no traces of it are visible. This craftsmanship is remarkably advanced.
“This book contains over a thousand talismans. At first glance, most appear ordinary, but they are exceedingly precise. Moreover, it includes at least two celestial talismans and over twenty incantations that are either lost to the sect or confirmed to have errors, making it quite valuable.”
Finding so much information in one talisman book left Yu Ci and Bao Guang deeply impressed. However, Yu Ci couldn’t help but feel a little hopeful. Could this book be truly precious?
The old daoist chuckled from the side. “It doesn’t seem like an ordinary item. I wonder how much merit it could be worth?”
At this remark, Xie Liang’s face darkened slightly, though he ultimately refrained from retorting. Instead, he turned to Yu Ci and asked, “Do you know the origin of this talisman book?”
Yu Ci had no reason to hide it and briefly recounted his experience escaping the Twin Immortal Sect in his youth, omitting only the part about the Divine Illumination Bronze Mirror. Xie Liang pondered aloud, “Zi Lei and Chi Yin? I’ve never heard of them.”
After some thought, he closed the talisman book and asked, “The origins of this book need further investigation, but some of the talismans within are highly valuable. They could fill gaps or correct errors in the sect’s current talisman scriptures. Would it be possible to make a copy of it?”
Yu Ci smiled. “Why not?”
Hearing his straightforward response, the old daoist Yu shook his head with a smile, while Xie Liang once again bowed deeply in thanks. Yu Ci, now used to this, returned the courtesy with proper etiquette.
Before Yu Ci could fully straighten up, Xie Liang suddenly spoke, “During my lecture earlier today, there were two moments where your performance was exceptional.
“You raised the question about the ‘essence of purity,’ which only someone with deep personal insight could ask. Your cultivation of the soul is solid, and your comprehension is remarkable—you’ve already begun to glimpse the path of refining hidden awareness. That’s one. Secondly, when I was drawing talismans, your energy resonated actively, with every muscle and bone in your body responding. This sensitivity could only come from prolonged immersion in talisman techniques.”
Yu Ci didn’t understand why Xie Liang was suddenly praising him, but he still bowed to express his thanks.
Immediately afterward, Xie Liang sighed and said, “What a pity.” Yu Ci was startled and looked up at him.
Xie Liang explained, “It’s a pity that, despite these qualities, you haven’t truly entered the path of talisman techniques. Though your innate Qi is extraordinary, you haven’t learned how to use it effectively. I have a method of innate Qi refinement that would suit you perfectly, but for me to pass it on, you’re still lacking.”
Hearing this, the old daoist was visibly shaken and even tugged out a few strands of his white beard. “Are you saying you could teach him the Primordial Origin Qi technique?”
Goblin: Want to read more? You can become a Ask the Mirror ($5 per month) member at Patreon for only $5 per month. Member of this tier will get Five or More Advance Chapters immediately, and will stay 5 or more chapters ahead of the regular release for the month! You can become a CN WN Bundle ($10 per month) member and have access to all the CN webnovel advance chapters on goblinslate. You can support me by sponsoring chapters at BuymeaCoffee or Patreon Shop.
Check out my other projects: Flower Stealing Master, Immortal Divine Tribulation, Dual Cultivation with a Fox Demon, The Way of Restraint