Recruit black physique to start practice in wasteland

Chapter 2311 Innate Dao Talisman (Third update, please vote for monthly tickets)

The True Venerable of Questioning Strings usually addresses Qu Jianlei as "Little Qu," given his age and cultivation level.

This time, he surprisingly addressed Qu Ling as "Master," which clearly indicates that he has something to ask for.

Qu Jianlei had heard of "naturally formed talismans," which were talismans that were created naturally!
The origins of talismanic arts have been discussed in the cultivation world.

How could perfectly good magic suddenly be drawn on talisman paper? How was this step taken from nothing to something?

One mainstream explanation is that it borrowed from innate talismans and gradually formed a system.

Naturally formed talismans are not necessarily magical; they are simply patterns or shapes naturally created by nature.

Once these patterns are formed, they come with some extraordinary effects, such as lightning protection or repelling mosquitoes.

For example, it easily attracts evil spirits... In short, there are all sorts of similar effects, and the mysterious aspects are not easy to explain.

Through these observations and lessons, our ancestors gradually developed talismans, which matured step by step as they evolved.

There have been many places where naturally occurring talismans have appeared, but naturally occurring Taoist talismans are different.

No matter what kind of treasure it is, as long as it is related to the word "Tao", it must contain great mystery.

"Natural Dao Talisman" is just a general term and does not have a grade limit. Some Nascent Soul level or even Golden Core level talismans can be called Dao Talismans!

As long as it can demonstrate enough wonder at the corresponding level, it is worthy of the word "Tao".

Is it really that much to ask cultivators in the Qi Refining stage to address each other as "fellow Daoist"?
However, Qu Jianlei's knowledge of the innate Dao talisman is basically limited to this.

In his mind, this kind of thing is much rarer than the origin and rules, and there is no need to understand it too much.

Strictly speaking, even if he wanted to figure it out, he wouldn't be able to collect much similar information.

It was such advanced knowledge that there were very few similar records in the Cangwu Realm, and he was too lazy to investigate.

As the saying goes, you only realize how little you know when you need it, and now he could only ask in astonishment, "So... divination is not possible?"

“If it’s a naturally occurring Dao talisman, it’s very likely to be exclusive,” Venerable Minning replied in a deep voice.

He didn't think Xiao Qu was ignorant; the key was that this knowledge was too obscure. He only came into contact with it when he was building the dojo.

"The existence of the Dao emphasizes inclusiveness and purity. If the innate Dao talisman is disturbed, it may trigger the Dao's concealment."

The Great Way is formless; the Way that can be spoken of is not the eternal Way. The saying "the Way is hidden" means that it has disappeared.

As for how it will disappear... there are too many possibilities.

To give an extreme example, imagine five people suddenly becoming greedy, fighting each other to seize a treasure, and then perishing together.

This can be called Dao Yin? All five discoverers are dead, so this naturally formed Dao talisman... isn't it now considered hidden again?
Jin Ge Zhenxian added, "You and I both foresaw the opportunity, but... no one else did!"

This could very well trigger some of the Dao's hidden power!
The ancient golden essence lived for a very long time and knew a lot of information.

Upon hearing this, Qu Jianlei realized why Wenxian Zhenzun had stopped him from performing divination.

His finger-counting divination had already alarmed Dao Fu; if he were to use seashells for divination as well… that would indeed easily lead to an even bigger incident.

So he nodded to Venerable Wenxian, "Very well, what advice do you have for me, Venerable One?"

“I’ll trap it with a trapping array first,” Wenxian replied seriously. “I have some strengths in array cultivation, which is necessary to verify the Dao talisman.”

That's true. Many naturally occurring talismans are created by the terrain, which is similar to the concept of formations.

Qu Jianlei nodded slightly upon hearing this, but for some reason, he had a vague feeling that something was amiss.

Upon hearing this, the other three True Venerables exchanged a meaningful glance.

With a wave of his hand, True Venerable Wenxian unleashed a series of suppressing stones and array bases, firmly enveloping the meteorite.

He frowned and pondered for a dozen breaths, feeling it wasn't safe enough, so he unleashed a second wave of suppressing stones.

Qu Jianlei's expression had calmed down, and there was no emotion in his eyes as he simply looked on calmly.

Wenxian Zhenzun looked at him again, "Master Quling, am I about to... investigate?"

"Immortal Venerable, please do as you please," Qu Jianlei said calmly, raising his hand.

The next moment, True Venerable Wenxian raised his hand and made a hand seal, his face solemn.

Seeing this, Qu Jianlei remained calm on the surface, but inwardly he sighed: We're doomed!

He had witnessed the True Venerable's intervention more than once or twice. Generally speaking, the Great Venerable only needed to use his mind to make a move.

For a True Venerable of the Out-of-Body stage to solemnly perform a hand seal, the matter must be significant, and the energy expenditure must be substantial!
A faint yellow glow enveloped the meteorite, growing denser and denser until it was impossible to see inside.

Meanwhile, within the area shrouded in yellow light, slight fluctuations and faint, intermittent sounds emanated.

About four or five minutes later, Han Li spoke up, "Alright, it really is a naturally formed Dao talisman. If we investigate any further, things will get bad."

“But I didn’t feel anything,” Qu Jianlei said expressionlessly. “Can’t this continue a little longer?”

“Master Quling, please don’t misunderstand,” True Venerable Wenxian said solemnly, “Han Li can testify that I, Wenxian, have never betrayed a friend!”

"Alright then," Qu Jianlei sighed softly, feeling a slight sense of powerlessness. His cultivation level was still a bit lacking.

The yellow light gradually faded, and the general outline of the meteorite inside could be vaguely seen.

Then True Venerable Wenxian spoke again, “Talismans and arrays are inseparable… Master Quling, this item is of great use to me, but not to you all.”

This is absolutely true. The origin of talisman magic is exactly the same as the origin of formation magic!
There's no need to use grand principles like "all paths lead to the same destination" here.

Once a cultivator's skill in talisman techniques and formations reaches a certain level, talismans and formations truly become inseparable.

Fearing that Qu Jianlei might be unconvinced, True Venerable Wenxian added, "If you don't believe me, just look at the reactions of the other three fellow Daoists!"

There's no need to look at it at all. Everyone wants a Natural Dao Talisman, but in this situation, Wenxian needs it the most—without exception!

The three True Venerables didn't even have the thought of competing for it—they dared to compete, but Wenxian was willing to risk his life!

What's there to say about the enmity of someone who blocked our way?
It's not that he wants to take things from the younger generation, but if things are distributed according to need, this opportunity should definitely be his!
"Hmm," Qu Jianlei nodded slightly, indicating that he was willing to accept reality, "and then?"

"Give this to me," Venerable Wenxian said solemnly, "I swear on my Dao that when you leave your body, I will protect you with my life!"

He knew what Xiao Qu needed, but he hadn't really taken it seriously before. But now he had to make a promise.

The innate Dao talisman was a tremendous opportunity for him to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, and he truly could not give it up.

With this opportunity, he could turn back to Houde Realm without any regrets.

The division of interests in another world... it's all the same anyway. At worst, he can just gather some ordinary resources through other means!
Those three understood this as well, otherwise they wouldn't have uttered a single word.
That's why Venerable Wenxian didn't hesitate to say he was willing to "protect the Dharma with his life"—it was truly worth it!

Qu Jianlei paused for four or five seconds before smiling slightly. Just as he was about to speak, Jin Ge Zhenxian interrupted, "Not enough!"

"Hey, you rascal," Venerable Wenxian chuckled helplessly, "This is an opportunity for the five of us, it has nothing to do with the Lingyun Sect!"

He had already considered it. The Lingyun Sect did not have a Grandmaster of Array Formation, but there was a guy who was very close to being a Grandmaster of Talisman Formation.

As for why that guy stopped studying talisman techniques... he probably realized that after leaving his body, all the arts of cultivation were useless.

Moreover, that person has probably already gone out to seek opportunities.

Therefore, Master Wenxian must use words to shut the other party down—although Xiaoqu has priority, the four of us have secondary priority!

“I’m not familiar with the Lingyun Sect,” Jin Ge Zhenxian said without hesitation.

He was only officially employed by the Lingyun Sect, and spent most of his time suffering in the lower realms, so he didn't have much personal interaction with the sect's top cultivators.

Moreover, the person the other party was implying was someone he had a very ordinary relationship with. That person was a proper human elder who had reached the Nascent Soul stage and looked down on him, this outcast!
He simply stated, "What if something happens before Xiao Qu leaves the body? What will you do then?"

"Am I really that despicable?" Venerable Wenxian roared in fury.

Then he realized what he meant and laughed, "Easy, you just want to delay me for hundreds of years, right?"

Is this even a big deal? If he were to seek out his own opportunities and spend a thousand or eight hundred years to obtain a Heavenly Dao Talisman, that would be a huge profit!
After a moment of contemplation, Jin Ge Zhenxian spoke up, "In Xiao Qu's team, he may not be the first to leave the body."

"It's all trivial!" Venerable Wenxian scoffed dismissively. "Then Xiaoqu will designate one spot, and I'll protect you as you leave your body!"

The cause and effect were too great; he had to make Xiao Qu willing, and the little request made by Jin Ge Zhenxian was really nothing.

"Enough!" Qu Jianlei spoke up. "Thank you for your kindness, Immortal Venerable. I dare not refuse such a gift from an elder!"

He was still indignant a moment ago, but now... that's enough!
Although the opportunity was indeed no longer relevant to him, wasn't it enough that he had gained a Dharma Protector who was breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage?
Zhongji's opportunity was truly extraordinary, but at this moment he also realized that this thing was truly the most suitable for Wenxian Zhenzun.

He simply did a quick calculation on a whim.

"Good, good, good," Wenxian Zhenzun laughed happily.

Then he flipped his wrist, and three small orbs of light appeared in his hand, which he handed to True Venerable Minning, saying, "A share for those who see it!"

"Three mother nests?" Min Ning was slightly taken aback. "I could take those myself... Isn't that too much to ask?"

The Asura World is right there. If he wants the Mother Nest, why doesn't he just take it himself? It'll only cost him some spiritual energy.

“Buying you without saying a word,” said the Venerable Wenxian with a smile, “is a token of my appreciation.”

Although the ownership of the innate Dao talisman has been determined, he might not be afraid if word got out. But... is it necessary to make a fuss?
“Then I’ll keep quiet,” Venerable Minning smiled and put the gift away. The gift was secondary; the important thing was that the other party was on their way!
Strictly speaking, even if he hadn't come to the Asura World, three mother nests would still be a considerable gift!
Then Wenxian Zhenzun glanced at Jin Ge Zhenxian again, "You have seven debts of origin... I will repay three of them for you, is that alright?"

(Three updates at the beginning of the month, please vote for me in July.)