Time seemed to pass in an instant, yet also as though a century had gone by, before Elder Cui raised his head tremblingly.

"Dao... Daoist?"

"One must return a favor when it is received."

Fang Zheng withdrew his fingers, a hint of fatigue showing in his eyes, clearly indicating that the Spiritual Transmission Method was still difficult for him at this point.

Even though it was just a basic Observation Method, a bit of cultivation knowledge.

He slowly said:

"Elder Cui is exceptionally gifted, had you received the True Skill at a younger age, your achievements would surely be remarkable, but as of now... it’s somewhat late."

"Content, content." Elder Cui’s body trembled slightly, his voice agitated:

"I never thought, in my old age, I would still get to see the True Skill?"

"Daoist!"

"Please accept my bow!"

With that, his knees softened, about to kneel to the ground.

"Alas!"

Fang Zheng waved his hand, an invisible force immediately stopping Elder Cui’s action, gently supporting him up:

"No need for that."

Elder Cui felt himself stand involuntarily, even more astonished at the Daoist’s marvel before him, forgetting to attempt kneeling again.

With just a light touch of a finger on the forehead, knowledge could be inserted into a person’s mind.

With a wave of the hand, an invisible force could appear.

Such means... 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

If not seen with one’s own eyes, experienced personally, even if someone close told him, he would absolutely not believe it.

"I learned the Qi Observation Technique from my master, traveled across many mountains, rivers, and lakes over the decades, visiting many Holy Lands of Daoism and Buddhism."

"Bitterly seeking the True Skill."

Tears welled in Elder Cui’s eyes, his voice was complex:

"Pity!"

"Always in vain!"

In those few words lie much helplessness, desolation.

Unlike Elder Jia in Jia Family Village, possessing the Qi Observation Technique, Elder Cui was firmly convinced of the True Skill’s existence in the world, and went to countless places for it.

Spent countless time as well.

From unwavering pursuit of the True Skill in youth, to confusion and disorientation in middle age, to dissatisfaction and regret in later years.

He spent his best years chasing that elusive existence.

For this reason.

He nearly caused his family to break up.

If he had settled down early on and concentrated on his business, he would be more than just an antique expert known in a small circle.

"To learn the Dao in the morning, one can die in the evening!"

Elder Cui took a deep breath, clasped his hands, and bowed deeply to Fang Zheng:

"Thank you, Daoist!"

"Elder Cui, no need to be so courteous." Fang Zheng shook his head:

"What you gave me is equally important to me as well."

"By the way."

He changed the subject to prevent further entanglement on this matter:

"Elder Cui once said that the Daoist who crafted the Talisman was not Mr. Lv Sr., then who was it? Is it possible to meet them?"

"That person’s last name is Wang, now retired in Qing Province, already disabled." The current Elder Cui was ready to answer anything Fang Zheng asked, he replied:

"It’s not possible to meet him, but it’s not easy to even talk to him."

"Oh!"

Fang Zheng asked curiously:

"Why?"

"Heh..." Elder Cui shook his head, stroking his beard:

"All past matters of dust and mud from many years ago, but since the Daoist has asked, there’s nothing to hide."

He paused, then continued:

"This person learned the means to craft talisman paper from somewhere in his youth, particularly excelling in talisman paper that confuses others’ minds."

"With such a method, he was always surrounded by beauties, and even... targeted women whom he liked but who didn’t return his affection."

"Truly disgraceful!"

Fang Zheng understood.

This is a very normal psychological shift.

Those who suddenly become rich often indulge recklessly; those who gain magic might try to take advantage with magic.

Elder Cui’s wealth came from the Qi Observation Technique.

But this person...

What he wanted were women.

"Because he was skilled and also looked quite decent, people initially only thought he had a way with women, could make them fall head over heels."

Elder Cui continued:

"No one thought he was using magic to influence others’ minds."

"Until one day..."

He shook his head, saying:

"This person offended someone they couldn’t afford to offend, just having bewitched a woman, when the woman’s husband came knocking."

"As a result..."

"His hands, legs, and even that thing below were all crippled by others, only leaving him a life to barely hang on."

Tch!

Fang Zheng was speechless.

This is truly bringing it on oneself, cannot blame others.

"Serves him right!"

Su Jin said coldly:

"Such a person, letting him live is already too lenient!"

"Heh..." Elder Cui laughed:

"If he weren’t from the Wang Family, given those he offended, he probably would have died countless times already, wouldn’t have waited for someone truly formidable to take action?"

"Wang Family?" Su Jin frowned:

"Are they very powerful?"

"Very powerful indeed."

Speaking of the Wang Family, even Elder Cui couldn’t help but straighten up, saying solemnly:

"The Langya Wang Clan can be counted as the largest powerful family in Xia Country, over thousands of years, this family has produced thirty-six empresses, ninety-two prime ministers..."

"Even today, they still control many things, would you say they are powerful?"

Su Jin’s expression froze.

His background wasn’t low either, naturally understanding the meaning in Elder Cui’s words, those wealthy young masters most people encounter are not truly the rich and powerful.

True wealth is defined by both wealth and status.

Like a decade ago, the so-called Four Young Lords of the Capital City, the King of Hai Province, used to be glamorous, with each family having assets in the billions, what about now?

Those who declined have declined, those who disappeared have disappeared...

True gentlemen, young lords are never known to common people.

"Langya Wang Clan."

Fang Zheng mused:

"I didn’t expect this family to still exist now?"

"Yes, they do." Elder Cui’s eyes flickered, saying:

"I’ve heard that the reason the Langya Wang Clan can avoid each disaster and thrive for a thousand years is because the family has those who are skilled in deduction."