The special state of focus granted by the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart allowed him to learn anything without distraction.
Several forms of Magic that were already at Great Success seemed to yield new insights each time he contemplated them.
The operation of Magic flowed as if divinely assisted, leading to numerous fresh innovations.
These small techniques often proved surprising during Magical Combat.
Beside him, Lady Honghua and Bai Xianyin were also present as spectators for this spar.
In Lady Honghua’s fascinating eyes, there was a hint of contemplation. She felt that if she were to encounter beings like the Dragon Maiden and Zhang Jian, relying solely on Divine Power might not even guarantee her safety.
Though she was a deity, her Divine Dao Techniques were limited, comprising only a few forms of Magic comprehended over centuries!
In front of a true Cultivator, even small gods like her found themselves at a disadvantage.
However, obtaining the orthodox heritage of the Sheji Divine Dao would make a difference.
Every True God has orthodox heritage, possessing Divine Dao Techniques.
There’s a vast distinction between deities with orthodox Divine Dao heritage and mountain ghosts like her, and those barely able to be called gods.
Bai Xianyin was also observing and frequently nodding.
Initially, she thought that without the Sect’s teachings and guidance, Zhang Jian would surely have significant shortcomings in Magical Combat, but she hadn’t expected his mastery and finesse with various forms of Magic.
Among the genuine disciples of the Tongshan Lineage, those who could manipulate Magic with such skill were few.
"To reach such a level without a teacher is truly astonishing!"
"It’s a pity the Master is too busy to offer guidance; otherwise, if he could apprentice under other Uncles and Elders, the Young Master..."
Bai Xianyin quickly dismissed this dangerous thought, as she had immense reverence for her own Master and dared not harbor disrespect.
Yet she suggested aloud.
"The Young Master’s Sword Control Technique is remarkable. Next time, when choosing a Magic, definitely exchange it for a more High Tier Sword Control Magic. Our Zhanmo Lineage’s Sword Cultivation Technique is also unparalleled!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian nodded.
This was his thought as well.
He himself was fond of the offensive methods of the Longsword, and it would be a waste not to choose a High Tier Sword Control Technique, especially with the rare Dragon Roar Sword in hand.
Beside him, Bai Liying was in some contemplation, and after a moment, said, "Actually, if Brother Zhang wants to learn a High Tier Sword Control Technique, it’s not necessary to go to a Daoist Sect. My Bai Shui Dragon Palace also holds a precious Sword Control Technique. If the Young Master is interested, he could give it a try!"
"Oh?"
Zhang Jian was somewhat surprised.
Bai Liying, seeing Zhang Jian’s expression, couldn’t help but laugh.
"Brother Zhang may not know, but in the depths of Bai Shui, there are many relics. Some of these ancient relics are related to Cultivators, though buried deep within the Water Veins by the passage of time. Others may not find these relics, but they are within sight of us water creatures!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian sighed, "No wonder the outside world claims that among the gods of mountains and rivers, the Water Realm Gods are the wealthiest!"
Bai Liying smiled gracefully at this. Originally cool by nature, her face now radiant like the earth in spring, bringing unmatched beauty.
Bai Xianyin and Lady Honghua couldn’t help but turn their gazes toward her.
Bai Xianyin, with a look of envy, remarked.
"Indeed, in the vast, boundless world, there are many deities among the mountains and rivers. But when it comes to wealth, the Water Realm Gods are unparalleled, primarily because the great rivers are an indispensable part of this magnificent land. Many ancient Immortal relics or Immortal Cave Mansions emerge from the Water Veins!"
Hearing this, Zhang Jian immediately stated.
"Then I must go and observe!"
He had no apprehensions. His relationship with the Bai Shui Dragon Palace was already extraordinary, and they were allies—steadfast allies at that.
Bai Nu had requests for him, and he also gained some benefits, which were beyond reproach.
Bai Liying gently nodded, immediately setting a time with Zhang Jian to open the relic and allow him to comprehend the Sword Technique.
After the spar, the Dragon Maiden had some insights and hurriedly departed, returning to the Well Dragon Palace, agreeing to another bout with Zhang Jian in the future.
Zhang Jian also had some insights.
The exchange, though not life-threatening, was far better than practicing alone.
In this state, Zhang Jian gained even more.
A moment later, Zhang Jian consulted Bai Xianyin on a couple of techniques for Artifact Refining.
He had a few options for places to refine artifacts. One was the Bai Shui Dragon Palace, rumored to have an Earth Fire Spring Eye deep within, very suitable for Artifact Refining.
The second was the Red Flower Temple.
The Red Flower Temple is where Lady Honghua’s Divine Realm lies, and she, being the Fire God and Zhang Jian’s Lifebound Ghost God, could aid in refining his Lifebound Dharma Artifact, making it a more efficient process.
The only problem now was some tricks in the refining process.
Bai Xianyin had anticipated this. She cheerfully took out an Artifact Refining Record from her robes, personally written by Tie Xin Daoist.
"Young Master, Uncle Tie Xin had long expected you couldn’t resist asking me, but didn’t expect you could hold out so long..."
At this, Zhang Jian could only give a nervous smile; he had indeed been held up by mundane matters.
But he didn’t mind.
They say the world is full of suffering and fatigue, yet even Saints must undergo trials within it to gain enlightenment.
All he could do now was allocate his time wisely and face challenges head-on.
After the Dragon Maiden’s departure, Zhang Family exchanged a few words with Bai Xianyin and Lady Honghua, then prepared to find a quiet place to comprehend the Artifact Refining Secret Technique, hoping to complete his Lifebound Dharma Artifact soon.
Just then, Zhang Jian paused his steps, noticing Zhang Lu and Hu Shan enjoying a drink nearby. Zhang Lu, having matured, now exuded a more generous demeanor.
Under his influence, he gradually became capable of holding his own.
Hu Shan, however, was gradually showing signs of aging.
Since Xiaoxie died to the Tiger Demon, this Guard Captain seemed to lose his former vigor, smiling less and showing more signs of decline and desolation.
He spent most of his time in the company of wine, reminiscing fondly about the days of training with his comrades, always becoming melancholic when talking about it.
Upon seeing Zhang Jian arriving, the two quickly rose to greet him.
"Young Master!"
Zhang Jian glanced at the half-empty gourd of wine and said, "You two seem to be enjoying yourselves!"
Zhang Lu, thick-skinned, simply chuckled.
"Young Master, care to try some?"
Zhang Jian gently shook his head, "Your wine falls short, neither comparable to the Monkey Wine from the Mountain God’s Mansion nor the fine wine and delicacies from the Dragon Palace!"
Zhang Lu nodded, "That’s indeed true!"
Beside him, Hu Shan’s face showed some hesitation, and after a moment, he seemed to have made up his mind.
He spoke:
"Young Master, I’m afraid I can no longer serve as your Guard Commander!"
At this, Zhang Jian’s gaze intensified, and Zhang Lu also froze, about to speak, but Hu Shan shook his head to stop him.
Having said it, he seemed completely relieved, merely smiling and bowing toward Zhang Jian.
"Young Master, I am exceedingly grateful for the trust shown by the Great Clan Leader and yourself, appointing me, a veteran at fifty, as your Guard Captain.
But now, as I approach sixty, I truly feel my energy waning. Having no knowledge in Magic, I’ve assessed and realized that my continued presence by your side offers limited help. You cannot always grant me privileges merely because I am an old soldier of the Zhang Family. Those younger fellows below will say that the old guy is self-unaware, exploiting his seniority to unnecessarily reap benefits!"
"Should you trust in me, I am willing to stay with the Zhang Family and continue training the Zhang Family’s troops!"
"Perhaps that is truly what I excel at!"
His weathered, aged face was full of sincerity.
Clearly, his words came from the heart!
Zhang Jian felt moved!
At over fifty, Hu Shan was indeed already considered long-lived among the people of Daqian!
And he truly was just a mortal, simply a mortal!