บท 74: Chapter 74: Water and Sky Dharma Assembly
Lu An carefully pondered his master's words: the Heaven and Earth Talisman Law focuses on "Heaven" and "Earth" rather than "Talisman." What exactly did that mean?
By his estimation, his understanding of Talisman techniques had already reached a considerable level, yet he couldn't even sense the existence of this realm.
His master had said that his method of tracing Talismans in the air was merely a trick. Could it be that he was on the wrong path?
Unable to find an answer, he shook his head and turned his attention to the item his master had given him.
It was an ancient, simple-looking disc embedded with five small orbs.
The orbs were of different colors: gold, green, blue, red, and yellow—corresponding to the five elements of Dao.
He was puzzled and secretly infused his True Qi into the disc. At that moment, an unexpected change occurred. He felt a layer of light shield emanate from the disc, enveloping him.
Through the shield, the world he saw was vastly different. Various colors of the elemental Qi floated in the air; some intertwined while others repelled each other. Besides the common Five Elements Qi, there were also unknown Qi drifting through the world, forming the "sentient beings" of this world.
Lu An suddenly felt as though he were an observer of this world, watching the "inhabitants" of this realm, each with its own trajectory and style of action.
He had an epiphany and was momentarily entranced. The way of Talismans ultimately involves communicating with the elemental Qi of Heaven and Earth to form Talismans. Although his understanding of Talisman techniques was profound, his control over the elemental Qi was still quite weak.
Under such circumstances, how could he possibly draw Talismans in the void and achieve the realm of Heaven and Earth Talisman?
Lu An realized his fundamental issue. His gratitude towards Old Beggar increased; without his guidance, he might have continued down a blind alley. Even if he spent another ten or twenty years studying Talisman methods, he might never enter the realm of Heaven and Earth Talisman.
Now that he knew his goal, it was much easier to address. He believed that with daily contemplation, he would eventually step into this third realm.
Lu An withdrew his thoughts; achieving this was not something that could be accomplished in a day or two. The immediate priority was to solve his soul problem. He took out the "Soul Hundred Refinements Method" given by Old Beggar and began studying it.
"Extreme of the soul, full and overflowing, the body cannot bear, the law of contention. Suppress its sharpness, dissolve its chaos, harmonize its light, merge with its dust, the valley deity does not die; this is the root of Heaven and Earth…"
Lu An carefully practiced the Soul Hundred Refinements Method according to the secret text.
The "extreme" within his soul suddenly stirred, gradually separating a trace that flowed through various meridians and then disappeared. His body and dantian seemed to be nourished, generating a new vitality.
Whether it was an illusion or not, Lu An felt that the strength of his body had slightly increased, and his True Qi seemed to have undergone some changes. Meanwhile, the feeling of fullness in his soul had somewhat alleviated.
He was slightly pleased, knowing that the Soul Hundred Refinements Method was effective. He immediately focused his mind and continued practicing.
After a full day and night, Lu An finally woke up. "I didn't expect that completing one cycle would take so long. It seems that to cultivate to the Hundred Refinements level, it will probably take three to four months."
"However, this method is indeed effective. My discomfort in the soul has been alleviated."
"I wonder how long it will take my master to return. I need to reach the Hundred Refinements level before he comes back, so I must hurry."
Lu An closed his eyes again and slowly entered meditation.
One day, a transmission Talisman flew into the secret chamber. Lu An casually received it, and after reading it, his brows slightly furrowed.
He put away his technique and walked out of the chamber.
Bai Sheng was standing respectfully at the door. Seeing him come out, he immediately approached.
"Master, people from the Talisman Hall have come two or three times. I really couldn't put them off…"
"It's fine, I'll go speak with them personally."
Lu An waved his hand, signaling him to say no more.
The two of them arrived at the reception room. There were two figures sitting inside, engaged in conversation. One was the elder who had tested him, and the other was someone he did not recognize.
Lu An stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said, "It's been a long time since we last met. You seem to be in great spirits. Have you already become a Third-Rank Talisman Master?"
The elder saw Lu An approach and immediately came forward to greet him. "Young friend, you've finally arrived. I haven't had a chance to thank you for your guidance. Today, I must take the time to express my gratitude."
He then pointed to the person behind him and introduced, "This is Elder Qu, who has taken over from Daoist Zhang to temporarily manage the Talisman Hall in Guchang County."
Lu An nodded, performed a salute, and then asked, "What brings the two of you here?"
"Young friend has become a newly promoted Second-Rank Talisman Master in Guchang County, causing a stir in the Talisman Hall of Yongning County. We are here to deliver a reward."
Saying this, he took out a jade slip from his storage bag and handed it to Lu An.
Lu An examined it with his spiritual sense. After a while, he opened his eyes, showing a look of surprise.
"The Talisman Hall has indeed made a generous gesture, offering this Second-Rank Talisman True Method as a reward."
The jade slip contained records of eight Talisman True Methods. Although not many, they were all Second-Rank, indicating the Talisman Hall's substantial reward.
The examining elder smiled slightly, stroking his beard, and said, "Since you are a certified Second-Rank Talisman Master of our Talisman Hall, you are considered one of us. Our Talisman Hall has always been generous to its own."
Lu An nodded and accepted the True Methods. They were significant to him, as although he had advanced to Second-Rank Talisman Master, his cultivation level was still at Qi Refining. Therefore, he still had some insights to gain from practicing new Second-Rank Talismans.
He believed that mastering these Talismans would greatly enhance his Talisman skills.
"Thank you very much, Elders."
Seeing that the two did not seem ready to leave, he asked with confusion, "Is there anything else you need?"
The examining elder glanced at the other person and said, "Young friend has keen insight. We are here not only to deliver rewards but also to announce an appointment from the Talisman Hall."
Before Lu An could ask, the other person took out a golden decree and declared loudly, "The Talisman Hall hereby appoints Lu An as the Elder-in-Charge of Guchang County, responsible for all matters related to the Talisman Hall here, effective immediately."
After reading it, he rolled up the decree and handed it to Lu An.
Lu An did not take it but instead frowned slightly and said, "Elders, I understand the Talisman Hall's decree, but my cultivation is still low. I am not suited for such an important position. I hope you will consider other capable candidates."
The examining elder seemed to have anticipated this and smiled as he explained, "Young friend need not worry about being overwhelmed with mundane tasks. This is merely a nominal position. Otherwise, we would not have sent Elder Qu here."
Elder Qu also nodded and said, "You only need to focus on your cultivation. I will handle all subsequent matters. Besides, as an Elder, you will receive a substantial monthly stipend of spirit stones. It would be a pity to miss out."
Lu An's eyes showed a trace of doubt as he asked, "Such a good opportunity. What is the Talisman Hall's intention?"
The two elders exchanged glances, and the examining elder spoke again, "To be honest, I want to recommend you to participate in the Water and Sky Dharma Assembly hosted by the royal family of Qi Kingdom."
"If you can gain the royal family's favor, there will be many benefits."
"Moreover, if you attract the attention of the national teacher, you will have the chance to closely observe the Five Elements Dao Stele, which is an opportunity not to be missed."
Lu An pondered. He had heard of the Water and Sky Dharma Assembly. Participants are the top talents from Qi Kingdom's counties, making it a grand event for cultivation. The Five Elements Dao Stele is an ancient treasure of the Qi royal family, reputed to reveal the essence of elemental Qi.
However, Lu An was not swayed and asked, "Yongning County is vast with numerous Talisman talents. Surely, I am not the only candidate?"
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