Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique-Chapter 126 - 123: Cyan Yang Talisman Manual
After copying the Cultivation Technique Jade Slip to solve the most pressing needs, Ji An returned to the Cultivation Method Area to slowly search for talisman-related heritage.
The Jade Slips he previously selected mostly introduced the drawing of talismans, a craftsmanship, not heritage.
Currently, he can only produce talismans at the Qi Refining Level. Although Middle Grade Magic Talismans can pose a certain level of threat to enemies at the Foundation Establishment Level, the threat is not lethal.
His past encounter with a Tribulation Cultivator outside the Cyan Bamboo Marketplace taught him the benefits of having an ample supply of talismans.
If he starts stockpiling Bursting Talismans now, he could one day deliver a shockwave of chain explosions to his enemies.
He picked through and finally selected a Jade Slip called "Cyan Yang Talisman Manual."
The introduction mentioned it records the lifetime talisman-making experiences and insights of Lv Qingyang, a Tier Two Talisman Maker from the sect, including the creation of many Foundation Establishment Stage talismans, as well as the methods for making Talisman Discs and Talisman Soldiers.
Ji An then found some other Jade Slips with Miscellaneous Records of Cultivation to copy with the Senior Brother on duty.
One’s experience is limited, but by reading the records of other cultivators, he can broaden his own horizons and might find it useful one day.
"Each Miscellaneous Records of Cultivation Jade Slip only requires 200 Contribution Points, and this talisman heritage requires 21,000 Contribution Points.
Lv Qingyang was a cultivator from two hundred years ago, reportedly could almost breakthrough to the Chao Origin Stage. Many Talisman Makers in the sect choose this heritage; Junior Brother has good taste."
The cultivator on duty laughed heartily. Being on duty in the Inheritance Hall has an extra benefit; they earn a commission from the Contribution Points that other disciples use to copy the Jade Slips.
Today, this Junior Brother exchanged for all high-end and expensive items, spending more than fifty thousand Contribution Points, of which he could get a share of a few thousand points.
Ji An grit his teeth; at his current spending rate, over three hundred thousand Contribution Points won’t last long.
...
After copying the Jade Slips, Ji An bid farewell to his Senior Brother and left the Inheritance Hall, strolling to the nearby Diligence Hall.
Ye Changqing noticed him entering and immediately stood to greet him, the wrinkles on his face forming a chrysanthemum-like smile:
"The sun must be rising from the west today; how does Junior Brother have time to visit me? Could it be he wants to take on more sect missions?"
He teased, as this Junior Brother hadn’t left Red Flame Peak for many years, earning him the nickname ’Stone Turtle Cultivator’ among some Alchemists.
Turtles are not fond of movement; Stone Turtles are even more motionless.
"Today I came to the Inheritance Hall to exchange cultivation techniques, so I couldn’t pass by without coming to savor a cup of Spirit Tea with my Senior Brother,"
Ji An said with a bow and smile, and then added:
"My Spiritual Apricots are starting to ripen one after another. In a few days, I’ll have someone send some over for Senior Brother to try."
Saying this, he handed over a gray cloth bag filled with over thirty pounds of roasted pine nuts.
Senior Brother had taken good care of him, always sending premium talisman-making materials and keeping him informed of any news.
Though small in gesture, giving gifts can enhance their relationship.
The pine nuts from Red Flame Peak are plump, much larger than those from other places, and the spiritual energy and taste are far superior.
"Stay for lunch; we’ll brew tea and drink wine."
Ye Changqing, having smelled the aroma of the pine nuts, happily accepted the bag.
Because of their quality, the pine nuts collected from Red Flame Peak would have half taken by the sect’s High-Tier Cultivators, and the rest sent to the heads of each hall; even working in the Diligence Hall, he didn’t get many.
With few duties, snacking on pine nuts is a good way to pass the time.
As they sat facing each other, their conversation turned to the matter of Mingfeng Mountain.
Ye Changqing sighed and said:
"Some old comrades have been asking me about the battles; they want to make a final contribution to the sect and perhaps shelter their descendants in the future.
Hehe, unless truly hopeless about their future, no cultivator wishes to remain old without achieving further.
Two hundred years ago, at his age and level, cultivators would have long since retired from sect affairs to live their remaining years free of worries.
When faced with a demon calamity threatening the sect’s survival, there’s no chance of simply lying low for a quiet life.
Should there be a demon beast siege in the future, even these old bones of his would don armor and fight once more.
Ji An’s expression grew solemn, and he said gravely:
"The Three Sects have been preparing for a hundred years; if handled properly, the impact of the demon calamity on the Western Continent sects will be far lesser than the last major demon calamity outbreak."
Compared to demon beasts that rely on brute force, humans may seem weaker, but with various Magic Arrays, Magical Artifacts, and talismans, these shortcomings are fully overcome.
For thousands of years, the cultivators’ techniques have continually advanced, while the demon beasts’ attack methods have changed little. Cultivators have the advantage.
Ye Changqing shook his head slightly and said:
"I hope so, but no matter how well-prepared we are, the Western Continent cultivation realm will inevitably suffer great losses, and there will be significant casualties among the sect disciples.
That said, the demon calamity can also be seen as a test; we don’t know how many cultivators will stand out through the battles.
Those who survive the war will surely achieve something in the future."
...
After enjoying lunch, Ji An bade farewell to Senior Brother Ye and rode a Flying Shuttle to Ningcui Cliff.
Within the grotto mansion, he bowed deeply with hands clasped:
"Greetings to Master, it’s been many years since we’ve met, and Master’s elegance remains unchanged."
Ge Ying lifted a tea cup, feigning anger:
"You still acknowledge me as your master? Ten years away from Ningcui Cliff without a return visit, I’ve almost forgotten I have such a disciple."
Though her face showed anger, she was quite satisfied upon sensing her disciple’s cultivation realm.
Practicing Wood Element Techniques amidst the intense Golden Fire Spiritual Energy of Red Flame Peak, breaking through to the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment in ten years shows exceptional diligence for someone of his aptitude.
He hadn’t returned to Ningcui Cliff in ten years, yet the gifts presented every year had never ceased.
Judging from the quality of the pine nuts and Spiritual Charcoal sent, his understanding of the cultivation technique was profound, even surpassing her achievements back then.
A disciple surpassing themselves is a kind of honor for a teacher.
"Master called several times but there were delays, it was a mistake on my part.
I wanted to visit you a few days ago, but it happened that the Spiritual Apricot I planted was about to mature, so I thought of bringing you some to taste. This time, the Spiritual Apricots are even better in appearance."
Ji An took out a fruit basket, maintaining a bow while lifting it with both hands.
The fragrance of the fruit wafted around, mixed with the fresh scent of Spirit Tea, offering a unique flavor.
After a few moments, Ge Ying put down her tea cup, maintaining her dignified voice and said sternly:
"What, do you want me to help you to your feet?"
A hint of kindness flashed through her gaze and quickly vanished.
"Thank you, Master."
Ji An smiled and rose, handing the fruit basket to the maidservant next to him:
"Wash some and serve them up."
He sat on the left side of his master and said:
"Speaking of which, it was Senior Sister Mu who gave me the seed of this Spiritual Apricot Tree."
He recounted the story of purchasing the peach seed from Li Lingyu, with Mu Qingwan giving him an extra as a bonus.
As the master aged, speaking of familiar people could evoke more memories.
"I heard Lingyu mention this before, it’s quite remarkable, our master-disciple fate is indeed wonderful. Both Liu Yu and Lingyu had interactions with you and recommended you at the same time.
At first, I wasn’t planning to take any disciple, but upon meeting you, I found you to be of great potential, so I directly accepted you as my disciple..."
As they recounted past events, any slight estrangement from years of not seeing each other quickly vanished.
The maidservant brought up the Spiritual Apricots, and Ge Ying picked one, bringing it to her nose, and gently took a bite, chewing carefully.
Her eyes revealed appreciation, and she said warmly:
"Your ability to cultivate Spirit Fruit Trees is not far behind mine."
She used the Object Control Technique to send a Spiritual Apricot to Ji An, stood up, and said:
"Come with me, let me show you a treasure."
Ge Ying made a hand sign to open the Dharma Prohibition, entering the Medicinal Garden.
Then she flew to the other side of the garden by Qi Manipulation and stopped by a stone wall covered in green vines.
She slightly turned her head and sent sound transmission to the people behind:
"Inside is the most valuable treasure of Ningcui Cliff, where the sect’s Tier Two Top-grade Spiritual Peach Tree is placed."
She took out a token for opening the restriction, made a hand sign to open the door, and the stone wall silently split to reveal a two-foot path.
"Don’t use Qi Flight, or the Dharma Prohibition above will temporarily shut down for a while."
Ji An followed inside, finding it to be a stone stair winding through the mountain’s belly.
On the rock wall, every few steps lay a pigeon-egg-sized Luminous Bead, emitting a gentle white light, not dim at all.
After about half an hour, Ji An felt a sudden brightness and, crossing a layer of light, found himself on a platform spanning two mu, with sheer cliffs outside.
Rich Wood Element Spiritual Energy rushed at his face, the air was full of elegant fragrances, and in the distance, torrents of waterfalls and mist could be seen.
Two Spirit Peach Trees grew left and right, their blossoms white like snow and pink like the rosy glow, resembling Spirit Clouds adorning the branches. A group of purple honeybees as large as fingers buzzed among the flowers.
The largest peach tree’s bark was cracked with sparse leaves and flowers, while the other was lush with branches and leaves.
Ji An saw a few large titmice landing in the sky above, chirping and hopping, chasing each other.
"Shoo!" He raised his hand to wave them off, but the birds paid him no heed, not even glancing at him.
Ge Ying chuckled and said:
"Even though sunlight streams in, from outside, this appears as nothing but a rocky wall.
Outside, there is an Illusion Array and a Mimic Array. Even a Golden Core Stage cultivator would have difficulty discerning it.
Even if you shout loudly here, the sound cannot be transmitted outside."
"Such Immortal Family methods," Ji An foolishly smiled a couple of times to cover his embarrassment, as he had dabbled only briefly in the Array Dao.
He coughed a few times, took out a brocade box, and presented it with both hands, smiling:
"I also have a gift for you, Master, for this visit."
There was no one else here, and it was so secure that it was suitable for discussing secrets.
Ge Ying took the brocade box, suddenly feeling the weight on her arm, she raised an eyebrow and, curiously opening the box, dazzling lights reflected into her eyes.
She took out the items inside to carefully examine them, and said in a deep voice:
"Tier Two Upper-grade Celestial Profound Red Gold, and Tier Two Top-grade Star Trace Gold, this gift is too valuable.
Do you know what these mean to those Sword Cultivators?"
The Celestial Profound Red Gold was lustrous like yellow brass, with natural wave-like patterns, while the Star Trace Gold’s surface was full of star-like dots of light.
Her eyes burned as she stared at her disciple:
"Where did these come from? Did you get yourself into some serious trouble?"
These items were not something an Early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator could possess, the Celestial Profound Red Gold might be acceptable, but the Star Trace Gold could be used to make the embryo of a Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact.
A Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact, if sacrificially refined day and night by a Chao Origin Stage cultivator, would perfectly harmonize with its aura and could accompany its owner through the Thunder Tribulation.
After successfully crossing the tribulation, the cultivator would break through to the Golden Core Stage, and the Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact would then transform into a Magical Treasure.
