"Indeed, it is difficult to explain in one word." Huang Chao said with a bitter smile.
Zhang Chen originally hoped Huang Chao would help remove his curse, but seeing Huang Chao trapped himself, it seems relying on him is hopeless now.
"Do you know the source of your transformation?" Zhang Chen asked.
Hearing this, Huang Chao shook his head. As a novice, he had never encountered anything mysterious, what could he possibly know?
"Do you know that a Cursed Demon God appeared in this massive tomb?" Zhang Chen asked.
"Of course I’ve heard about it. This tomb’s emergence of a Cursed Demon God has ensnared countless elite scholars, and the news has spread all over the world..." Huang Chao paused, his eyes filled with disbelief as he looked at Zhang Chen, "Are you saying that I’ve succumbed to a curse?"
"You’re not simply cursed; rather, you’ve been possessed by the Cursed Demon God. The Cursed Demon God’s essence resides within you, and from that, you’ve gained shape-shifting abilities." Zhang Chen looked at Huang Chao with sympathy. This unlucky fellow was gaining a superpower and about to achieve wealth, yet stumbled upon such a calamity?
What a twist of fate!
With so many elite scholars outside, the Cursed Demon God chose Huang Chao. Is there anyone more unfortunate than Huang Chao in this world?
"Please, my lord, save me." Huang Chao said, terrified, his face pale as he knelt down in supplication.
Zhang Chen helped Huang Chao up, "Do not be like this; even I could not break the curse. How could I save you?"
Huang Chao’s expression instantly turned haggard, disappointment written all over his face.
Zhang Chen patted Huang Chao’s shoulder, "Though I cannot save you, I can guide you towards a bright path."
"Please teach me, my lord. I promise never to forget your great kindness." Huang Chao answered, shifting from sadness to joy as he knelt, bowing repeatedly.
Before Zhang Chen, he possessed no dignity. Zhang Chen saved him from peril, gave him hope to change his life. What dignity did he hold before Zhang Chen?
"There’s only one way to resolve your troubles: collecting the Power of Faith," Zhang Chen advised.
"Power of Faith?" Huang Chao hesitated. "Isn’t that a divine offering? Can mortals collect it?"
"As long as you gather followers or establish temples, you will naturally gain Power of Incense Faith." Zhang Chen explained.
Mastering Extraordinary abilities, especially his shape-shifting skill, Huang Chao found collecting Power of Incense Faith not difficult.
"How can I collect the Power of Incense Faith?" Huang Chao asked, displaying ignorance.
Zhang Chen smiled, "The Yellow Heaven Dao has good methods for collecting Incense Faith. If you don’t know how, just imitate them."
"Thank you for your guidance; I will repay you one day with sincere gratitude." Huang Chao finally found a solution to his problem, moved to tears.
Yet he worried that in his current state, shifting forms at every step, he would be perceived as a demon and killed. Who would have faith in him? So he pleaded with Zhang Chen:
"Although I’ve found a solution, how can I collect Incense Faith like this? Please, my lord, have mercy and provide me with a method to earn time for gathering Power of Incense Faith."
Seeing Huang Chao cry so sorrowfully, Zhang Chen was conflicted. As the old saying goes: A hemp rope snaps at its thin point, and misfortune targets the wretched.
Huang Chao, having defied fate, now encounters such issues that arouse deep sympathy.
Before he obtained the Six-Word Mantra, Huang Chao sought his help but he had no solid plan. However, now with the mantra, suppressing a mindless demon’s essence is achievable.
"I can grant you a year’s time. If within this year you gather enough Power of Incense Faith, you can resolve this crisis. If not, come find me for a seal." As Zhang Chen spoke, he pressed his finger to Huang Chao’s forehead, activating the Six-Word Mantra. It formed a phantom calligraphy guide, which settled as a golden dot on Huang Chao’s forehead.
"Walk a few steps," Zhang Chen commanded after casting the spell.
Huang Chao cautiously took a step, with no transformation, showing a glimmer of joy. Testing with a second, third step... then ran to Zhang Chen with joy in his eyes, "It worked, my lord! I can return to normal."
"Do not celebrate prematurely. We have merely temporarily suppressed the curse. The true path lies in collecting Incense Faith promptly." Zhang Chen advised warmly, seeing Huang Chao’s excitement.
Seeing Huang Chao, Zhang Chen seemed to see himself. Though their situations varied, both struggled from the bottom.
"Thank you, my lord. I’ve not read much, can’t say flowery words; we’ll show kindness in deeds." Huang Chao bowed again before Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen patted Huang Chao’s shoulder, "Stand up."
"Now that morning’s come, I wish to treat you to a meal in gratitude. Please don’t refuse," Huang Chao invited sincerely.
Seeing Huang Chao’s earnest expression, Zhang Chen couldn’t help but agree: "I must reveal, I’m a wanted criminal by Prince Pingbian’s Mansion. If their scouts find us dining together, trouble awaits for even risking your life. Do you still want to treat me?"
"I’m aware you’re wanted by Prince Pingbian’s Mansion; as a beggar leader familiar with various circles, I have my sources." Huang Chao replied.
Zhang Chen looked at Huang Chao, surprised, "You’re not afraid?"
"One like you, kind and upright, why fear? Prince Pingbian’s Mansion is surely in the wrong for targeting you." Huang Chao replied, angered further, "If I could, I’d eradicate them for you." Confident, he added, "Besides, I have ways to disguise you from their detection; they couldn’t identify you even if you walked before them."
Upon these words, Huang Chao pointed at Zhang Chen, yet Zhang Chen’s body emitted a protective Golden Light, nullifying some mysterious energy.
Huang Chao watched as his gesture affected Zhang Chen not, leaving him stunned, doubting himself. Was his power gone along with the demon’s seal?
Zhang Chen realized his Golden Light had protected him. He withdrew the light, "Try pointing at me again."
Zhang Chen restrained his Gold Light to observe Huang Chao’s ability.
Huang Chao nervously pointed at Zhang Chen; suddenly, his body shook, and Huang Chao exclaimed joyfully, "It worked!"
Zhang Chen sensed and summoned condensed water vapor, forming a cold ice mirror before him. Staring at the image of a strange middle-aged man in the mirror, he paused.
Seeing Huang Chao’s expectant expression awaiting praise, jealousy stirred within Zhang Chen: Transforming Object!
This is Object Transformation! An absolute Great Divine Technique!
"This is my acquired ability, allowing targets to change forms for one day, vanishing after." Huang Chao explained smugly.
He could change himself and others as well.
"Such terrifying abilities from the Cursed Demon God." Zhang Chen dispelled the mirror, astonished, yearning for possession by the demon.
"Let’s go to the city where I can treat you to breakfast." Huang Chao invited, joyful.
Zhang Chen nodded, accompanying Huang Chao towards the city. Along the way, they conversed, discussing doctrines.
"With such authentic skills, spreading your teachings is easy; but expanding them requires wisdom." Zhang Chen remarked to Huang Chao.