"Magical Power possesses peculiar attributes; it can cultivate the soul, allowing it to transform into the existence of the Primordial Spirit." Zhang Chen’s mind was clear, deducing many secrets from a Qi Cultivation scripture.
"Unfortunately, the information I have now is too little to fully compare the differences between the two Daos. But there’s one difference I do know: in this world, due to the lack of Qi Cultivation mnemonics, people are forced to cultivate Martial Dao, using Qi Blood to nourish the soul, reaching the stage of Seeing God, and then stepping onto the Ghost Immortal Dao. As for Qi Cultivators, they don’t train in Martial Dao but use Magical Power to nourish the soul, strengthening it and laying the Supreme Foundation, thus separating the path of the Qi Cultivator from the Ghost Immortal Dao." Zhang Chen’s eyes grew brighter with countless speculations in his heart.
Thus, Daoists who train in martial arts become strong and sturdy, but after Seeing God, from the three realms of Seeing God, Night Travel, and Day Travel, they remain ordinary mortals, unable to increase any combat power. They have extremely high requirements for Qi Blood, which must not decline, or else the soul will diminish, and Dao Practice will begin to regress.
Only by reaching the realm of Exorcism can one manifest mystery and increase combat power.
However, the Primordial Spirit cultivated by Qi Cultivators, after reaching the twelfth level of Qi Cultivation, should be able to directly leap over the three realms of Seeing God, Night Travel, and Day Travel, mastering more methods.
"One is fast in the early stages, the other is fast in the later stages. If it were me, I would definitely choose the later stage speed! The early stage Qi Blood refining, as long as nutrition keeps up, seizing the chance while young and strong, along with cultivating the heart and mind, holds some hope." Zhang Chen’s lips curved with a smug expression: "I want to see what the difference is between the Primordial Spirit and the Yang God."
Reflecting further, Zhang Chen considered though the Qi Cultivation Technique is strong in the later stages, its early stage is pitifully weak, just like any ordinary person. Despite possessing Magical Power, there are no Guardian Dao methods.
Of course, Qi Cultivators can practice Martial Dao to protect themselves, but Zhang Chen did not want to exert himself in this way, instead pondering whether there might be other ways to enhance combat power.
At this moment, Zhang Chen recalled the book opened by Ancient Divine Beings that he saw earlier, with two runes drawn on it, his eyes brightened: "Those two runes... Now that I have Magical Power, can I research those two runes?"
He felt there was potential in this!
"I just don’t know what use those two runes have." Zhang Chen thought to himself.
"I’ll sleep first and ponder tomorrow." After a moment of thought, Zhang Chen went straight to sleep, the room plunged into silence.
With the dawn cue, Xiaodouding entered Zhang Chen’s room on time, tugging at his ear to rouse him, leading them both to wash up and hurriedly head to the practice field.
It was still the monotonous temple life day after day, and Zhang Chen followed the others in practicing morning lessons, reciting scriptures. However, this time, while reciting the scriptures, Zhang Chen felt increasingly that they were extraordinary; as the words were spoken, they emitted patterned sound waves that vibrated the Qi Mechanism within the human body, thereby stimulating the soul, allowing it to absorb Qi Blood for nourishment and growth.
"Just wondering whether, in this world devoid of Magical Power, these people might perceive the mysteries in the Huangting Scripture? Probably not, otherwise how would these noble masters impart such crucial texts to the ordinary populace? They would not be granting the common people a Fish Leaping the Dragon Gate opportunity, would they? Presumably, they’re using the Qi Cultivation Chapter to confuse ordinary people, mystifying themselves as lofty Ancient Divine Beings. These characters refuse to even spread their writings; how would they possibly pass down such Chapters?"
Zhang Chen’s gaze flickered with mockery; these grand masters planned meticulously, yet unknowingly gave the common folk a great advantage.
"However, using Qi Blood to nourish the soul is too slow, barely effective unless one is exceptionally talented. Seeing significant results is indeed difficult! This mnemonic merely opens a mysterious portal for the exceptionally talented; for ordinary people, aside from feeling refreshed, the outcome is minimal." Zhang Chen secretly ridiculed these aristocrats; they certainly wouldn’t read such deceptive things.
"Zhang Chen, you’ve become increasingly careless in your practice lately; at this pace, when will you become a Martial Dao expert?" Xiaodouding earnestly advised: "Did you not hear the Observatory Master speak the other day? There will be great changes soon, Yellow Heaven Dao is preparing to rebel; if you don’t practice martial arts, you’ll only be cannon fodder on the battlefield, what will you do then?"
After finishing the last mouthful of porridge, Zhang Chen arrogant reply followed: "Afraid? Isn’t there senior sister? She will protect me, right?"
With a rolling of eyes, Xiaodouding replied: "On the battlefield, swords and spears are unquestioning; only true skills matter."
After breakfast, the two began sweeping the temple. This time, Xiaodouding refused to let Zhang Chen out of their sight, insisting on Zhang Chen practicing martial arts. Initially, Zhang Chen wanted to resist; he was cultivating immortality, why practice martial arts?
But after being slapped painfully on the butt, till it ached to the bone, Zhang Chen was forced under Xiaodouding’s oppressive might to start practicing martial arts.
"This is more like it, you started late, so you need to practice more." Xiaodouding said grumpily.
After warming up, Xiaodouding leaned back in the master’s chair, watching the blue sky and white clouds with legs crossed, leisurely enjoying dried fruits from a small bag.
"I think you’re repaying kindness with enmity." Zhang Chen grumpily directed at Chengyu.
Ignoring Zhang Chen’s words, Chengyu hummed a tune instead.
Finishing practice at noon, Zhang Chen finally had a moment to rest, sinking into the master’s chair beside Xiaodouding: "What do you want for lunch?"
Chengyu’s eyes brightened at the words, then shook his head: "Not too good, right? There are hunting dogs in the Daoist Temple; if tracked by the Law Enforcement Elder, it could spell trouble."
With a smile, Zhang Chen replied: "Alright, let’s cool it for now."
Afterward, Zhang Chen and Xiaodouding lifted a wooden bucket, each holding a bowl of porridge, munching on buns as they walked down the corridor.
"Daoist Temple life is getting increasingly tough, they’ve even stopped providing pickles now." Xiaodouding complained.
Without responding, Zhang Chen finished lunch with Xiaodouding, then each returned to their rooms to sleep. Zhang Chen seized the opportunity to slip away, transformed into a Vampire Bat, soaring in the skies, reappearing by the Yellow River.
"The Flood Dragon’s body should lie in a cave under the riverbed; if it can be salvaged or some meat can be sliced off, it would be extremely nourishing. Alas, too many people have their eyes on it!" Zhang Chen muttered, proceeding to the county city, buying more snacks and meat, and then heading to Han Suzhen’s residence.
Knocking on the door, it wasn’t Han Suzhen that opened it, but a stranger.
An emaciated youth dressed in patched brocade robes greeted Zhang Chen.
The seventeen or eighteen-year-old, with a face as smooth as jade, looked quite handsome.
Noticing Zhang Chen in his wealthy attire, akin to a noble son, the youth respectfully queried: "May I ask who you might be, brother?"
"I have come to visit Master." Zhang Chen replied, observing the youth.
"Please come in." The youth quickly moved aside, introducing himself: "I am Chai Chuanxin, a descendant of royalty from Great Victory dynasty, the sixteenth generation descendant of the Duke of South Mountain. May I ask for your name, brother?"
Momentarily startled by the words, Zhang Chen eyed the youth with a questioning look: "Is this youth a royal descendant? How fallen he seems! Sixteenth generation? Likely distant from the genuine bloodline, no longer of noble standing, but who knows how this world counts lineage, whether it still classifies as noble?"