Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

The sky changed from dusky yellow to twilight purple.

The outlines of the seventy-two peaks in the night resemble ink strokes.

A faint spiritual light flickered at the summit; it was the protective glow of the true disciple's cave dwelling.

Li Yan slowly walked downstairs and passed through the first floor of the dining hall.

The disciples were sitting around a long table eating, with congee and vegetable soup in their porcelain bowls.

Some people looked up and saw the new gray-silver Taoist robe around Li Yan's waist, their gazes complicated.

Li Yan remained calm, nodded slightly, and then went out on his own.

The stone lanterns along the mountain path gradually lit up.

The wick was made from shark oil, and the flame was bluish-white, illuminating the stone steps with a cold light.

Night mist rises from the valley floor, mingling with the lamplight to create a hazy glow.

Walking through it feels like treading on a starry river.

This is the treatment for a disciple who is registered in the sect.

Midday on the moon.

Li Yan returned to Courtyard No. 7, Bingzi.

The old plum tree in the courtyard stretches its branches under the moonlight, its subtle fragrance wafting through the air.

He stood under the plum tree, looking up at the moon.

Beneath the eye sockets, the moonlight cascaded down like a silver waterfall.

It contains extremely faint traces of Yin essence, which are drawn into the spirit pool in the courtyard by the spirit-gathering array.

He took out the tortoise shell from his bosom.

Under the moonlight, the patterns on the nail plates seemed to come alive, slowly flowing.

A slight tremor ran through my mind, and a premonition surfaced in my heart.

Tomorrow's Scripture Repository, northeast corner bookshelf, third floor...

I sensed this interruption, but it was unclear.

Li Yan put the tortoise shell away and pushed open the door to enter the quiet room.

He sat cross-legged on the futon and first took out a Nourishing Qi Pill.

The pill is about the size of a longan, light golden in color, and has three cloud-like patterns on its surface.

It was precisely the low-grade Nourishing Elixir among the provisions for registered disciples.

Although it is only of low grade, it is still a rare benefit for cultivators in the Enlightenment stage.

He delivered the pill to the mouth.

The elixir dissolved, transforming into a warm, moist current that flowed down the throat and into the limbs and bones.

The medicinal effects mainly flow to the newly opened heart orifices, which, nourished by them, gradually increase their stability.

Li Yanning guided her.

Half an hour later, the medicinal power was fully refined.

Reflection in the Mirror of the Heart:

[After taking Yangqiao Dan, the stability of the heart orifice slightly increased.]

[Current mental stability: 20/100]

Comprehension of the "Shouzhuo Jing" (Scripture of Simplicity): 40/100

The results were acceptable.

He carefully put away the remaining two pills. This item should not be used in large quantities; one pill should be taken every three days to avoid damaging his foundation.

Then, he took out the Shouzhuo wooden sword, placed it horizontally on his lap, and continued to nurture and refine it with his true qi.

The spiritual essence within the sword was even clearer than yesterday.

When true energy is channeled into it, the sword will tremble slightly, like a baby's babbling.

Night falls, and the mountain wind whispers through the forest.

Li Yan finished his practice and rested, lying on a bamboo couch, listening to the wind whispering outside the window.

The next day at Chenshi (7-9 AM), in the lecture hall.

There were several hundred registered disciples, who sat in the hall.

The front row was reserved for true disciples, and seven or eight people were already seated there, exuding profound auras and emanating spiritual light.

Li Yan chose a window seat in the middle or rear row, which was inconspicuous and offered a good view.

The bell tolled three times.

A slender figure emerged from the back hall and slowly ascended the altar.

One of my senior disciples, whose Taoist name is Qingxu, specializes in the inner vision of the Huangting.

Master Qingxu lightly flicked his whisk, his gaze sweeping across the hall below:

"Today we will discuss Volume Three of the Huangting Jing, which covers the internal landscape of the five internal organs and the connections between acupoints."

As soon as he finished speaking, a Daoist aura emanated from his body.

Li Yan opened his eyes wide and observed the flow of Daoist energy.

The true teachings are different from those of the patriarchs.

The patriarch spoke of the fundamental principles of the Great Way, whose essence is as vast and boundless as the sea.

The true transmission speaks of the key points and essentials of the Dharma, its profound meaning flowing like a stream, clear and traceable.

With each word uttered by Master Qingxu, a ray of spiritual light emerged from his mouth, transforming into runes that hung in mid-air.

The runes are divided into five colors: blue, red, yellow, white, and black, corresponding to the five internal organs: liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys.

Runes flowed, outlining the inner landscape of the human body.

The acupoints of the five internal organs are arranged like stars, connected to each other by the flow of qi.

"The five internal organs store the spirit, and the five spirits govern the orifices."

The liver stores the soul, which manifests in the eyes.

The mind holds the spirit, which manifests in the tongue.

The spleen stores intention, which manifests in the mouth.

The lungs store the vital essence (魄), which manifests through the nose.

The kidneys store the will, which manifests in the ears.

Master Qingxu spoke slowly and deliberately.

"However, this is the way of the world. Those who cultivate themselves should know how to adapt. Although the nine orifices are divided into primary and secondary, they are actually interdependent."

The eyes are connected to the liver and also to the heart. The ears are connected to the kidneys and also to the spleen…

Li Yan listened intently, his mind reflecting the surroundings.

The traces of those flowing runes and the nodes where the Qi of the five internal organs converged were all imprinted in the mirror.

He compared his three orifices with the five internal organs.

The heart orifice belongs to fire, connects to the tongue, and governs the mind.

However, Master Qingxu said that the heart fire can also nourish the kidney water, warm the lung metal, and warm the spleen earth.

"Therefore, enlightenment is not an isolated matter. When one orifice is opened, one should think about the others. When one organ is strong, one should take care of the five vital energies."

These words were like a sudden awakening.

Although Li Yan knew about the theory of the nine orifices, he believed that they should be opened one by one, step by step.

Only today did I realize that the nine orifices are interconnected, can influence each other, and can benefit each other.

He closed his eyes and looked inward.

The eyes are perfectly round, with a faint bluish light, indicating a connection with the liver qi.

The ear orifice is complete, black water flows gently, connecting to the kidney meridian.

The mind is newly opened, a faint red flame ignites, illuminating the divine.

There are energy channels connecting the three orifices, but I hadn't paid attention to them before.

At this time, following the teachings of the Pure Emptiness True Man, one uses the heart orifice as the pivot, drawing the heart fire to nourish the eyes and ears.

With the heart's fire warmed and nourished, the blue light in the eyes becomes even more concentrated.

When the heart fire descends, the black fluid in the ear orifices flows slightly faster.

Although the changes are subtle, they are absolutely true.

[Listen to the true teachings, comprehend the principles of the connection between the nine orifices, and gain +10 comprehension points on the "Guardian of Simplicity"]

Current time: 50/100

Reflected in the mirror of his heart, Li Yan felt a slight joy.

The sermon lasted for two hours.

By the time the gathering ended, the sun was high in the sky. The disciples gradually rose and discussed their findings in small groups.

Li Yan followed the crowd out of the building and was about to head towards the Sutra Repository when he heard someone call out from behind:

"Senior Brother Li, please wait."

Turning around, he saw the gray-robed disciple who had passed the test with him yesterday.

He had changed into a Taoist robe with his name on it, and bowed, saying:

"My name is Zhou Ming. I passed the trial yesterday with my senior brother. May I ask where you are headed?"

Li Yan returned the greeting: "Senior Brother Zhou, I wish to visit the Sutra Repository."

Zhou Ming's eyes lit up slightly: "What a coincidence, I was just about to choose a cultivation technique. How about we go together?"

After a moment's thought, Li Yan nodded in agreement.

The two walked side by side along the mountain path.

Zhou Ming seemed quite talkative, recounting the various aspects of yesterday's assessment and the rules for registered disciples.

Li Yan mostly listened quietly, occasionally responding, and speaking cautiously.

Halfway there, we heard laughter coming from around a bend in the mountain road ahead.

A group of nominal disciples were gathered in a circle, and it seemed that someone in the center was competing in magic.

Li Yan glanced around and saw two people in the arena, one in a blue robe and the other in a yellow shirt, exchanging fireballs.

The fireballs flew around, and although it was only a low-level spell, it still drew cheers from the onlookers.

Zhou Ming stopped, quite interested:

"They are Senior Brother Liu from the Weaponry Pavilion and Senior Brother Wang from the Alchemy Room. The two of them have always been at odds and often spar here."

Li Yan glanced at it and then looked away.

The technique was crude and riddled with flaws.

Furthermore, engaging in open combat on this mountain path violates the sect's rules.

Not wanting to cause trouble, he said to Zhou Ming, "If Senior Brother Zhou is interested, you can watch here. I'll go to the Sutra Repository first."

Zhou Ming hesitated for a moment, then laughed and said, "Let's go together. Watching too many fights is pointless."

The two bypassed the crowd and continued on their way.

Li Yan, however, became wary.

He had hundreds of disciples, and their relationships were complex and intertwined.

There has always been competition between the alchemy and alchemy departments, and the disciples under their tutelage naturally compete with each other.

As a novice practitioner, one must be especially careful with one's words and actions, and avoid getting involved in disputes.

As I was pondering this, my ear twitched slightly.

Someone was chasing after them quickly.

Turning around, he saw an unfamiliar young man, panting, who ran up to him and bowed deeply.

"Senior Brother Zhou, the steward is looking for you. He says there's a batch of medicinal herbs in the alchemy room that needs to be inventoried. Please go there immediately."

Zhou Ming frowned, looked at Li Yan with an apologetic expression, and said, "Senior Brother Li, this..."

"Senior Brother Zhou, please go ahead and attend to your business," Li Yan said calmly.

Zhou Ming bowed and took his leave, then hurriedly departed with the young man.

Li Yan watched his retreating figure, lost in thought.

When the young man relayed the message, his eyes flickered and his breathing became slightly disordered.

Furthermore, if you need to find someone, you have a jade token for sending messages; why send someone on a journey?

However, this has nothing to do with me.

He shook his head and continued towards the library.

The Sutra Repository is located on the east side of Sanxing Cave, backed by a cliff and facing a sea of ​​clouds.

The pavilion has three floors, with flying eaves and brackets, and glazed tiles that reflect the sunlight, overflowing with seven colors.

The first floor is open to registered disciples.

Li Yan entered the pavilion with the jade talisman. The one guarding the pavilion was an old Taoist priest with white hair, who was dozing off in a bamboo chair.

Sensing someone enter, it slightly raised its eyelids, glanced at the jade talisman, then closed its eyes again and simply waved its hand.

The pavilion is spacious, about three zhang high and more than ten zhang wide and long.

The four walls were lined with sandalwood bookshelves, reaching as high as the roof beams, and the books on them were as vast as the ocean.

They were stored in the form of jade slips, silk books, bamboo scrolls, and paper books.

The faint scent of ink mingles with the pure fragrance of wood, bringing a sense of calm and tranquility.

At this time, there were already twenty or thirty disciples in the pavilion, some wandering among the bookshelves, and others sitting cross-legged in a corner reading quietly.

Following the premonition evoked by the tortoise shell, Li Yan headed straight for the northeast corner.

The third bookshelf.

He looked up and saw that this floor was filled with miscellaneous books and classics.

Alchemy, weapon crafting, talismans, formations, medicine, divination, astrology... the categories are numerous.

His gaze swept across the scroll, finally settling on a grayish-blue silk scroll.

The silk book is old, with slightly curled edges and no words on the spine.

However, beneath the eye's eye, a faint ethereal light flowed across the surface of the silk scroll, with hidden patterns of wind and thunder.

He reached out and took it.

It feels slightly heavy in the hand; the silk book is made of tanned monster hide, making it tough and durable.

Expand, and you'll see four ancient seal script characters on the homepage.

"A Brief Explanation of Wind and Thunder".

Continue reading.

This is a miscellaneous classic text that discusses the basic applications of the two elements of wind and thunder.

The content isn't particularly advanced, but its strength lies in its comprehensive system.

It covers everything from the essence of wind and thunder, the transformation of spiritual energy, the drawing of basic talismans, to the casting of simple spells.

The mirror of the heart reflects.

[A Brief Explanation of Wind and Thunder] (Miscellaneous Classical Texts)

[Grade: Upper Mortal Grade]

[Content: Fundamental Theory and Application of Wind and Thunder]

[Suitable for: cultivators in the Awakening stage, especially those whose eyes, ears, and mind have already opened]

[Note: The author of this classic is unknown, and it seems to have been casually written by a senior who was well-versed in wind and thunder.]

Although it is not a profound teaching, it has a solid foundation and unique insights.

Li Yan's heart stirred slightly.

The Way of Wind and Thunder is exactly what I need right now.

Wind represents speed and insight.

Thunder is powerful and fierce, capable of warding off evil.

Furthermore, wind and thunder are closely related to the ear and eye orifices. Cultivating this path may lead to the opening of the fourth orifice.

He decided to borrow the book.

He then casually browsed the other bookshelves and selected "Basic Talisman Illustrated" and "A Hundred Mirrors of Spiritual Herbs".

The former can teach some practical talismans, while the latter is very helpful in managing a medicinal garden.

With the three books in hand, he went to the old Taoist priest at the door to register.

The old Taoist priest remained with his eyes closed, only raising his finger to point to the jade book on the table.

Li Yan understood, pressed the jade talisman on the jade book, a flash of blue light appeared, and the borrowing information was recorded.

The deadline is one month. If the payment is not made by the deadline, the merit points will be deducted.

He carefully put away the books and then turned to leave the room.

Just as I stepped out of the door, I saw a golden shadow sweeping in from the direction of the sea of ​​clouds, landing on the stone platform in front of the pavilion after a few leaps.

It was Sun Wukong.

The monkey was wearing a new Taoist robe today, which fit him perfectly and made him look very energetic.

A straw rope was tied around his waist, from which hung a wild fruit he had picked from who-knows-where, swaying precariously.

It spotted Li Yan at a glance and exclaimed joyfully, "Senior Brother Li! You're here too!"

His voice was clear and bright, attracting the attention of the disciples in the pavilion.

Li Yan cupped his hands in greeting: "Junior Brother Sun."

Sun Wukong leaped over, his golden eyes scanning the book in Li Yan's hand: "What book did you borrow, Senior Brother? Let me see!"

He reached out his hand as he spoke.

Li Yan did not shy away and handed over "Feng Lei Xiao Jie".

Sun Wukong took it, flipped through a few pages haphazardly, and pursed his lips:

"These convoluted characters give me a headache! I'd rather go play in the mountains; I'll learn faster that way!"

Li Yan chuckled: "Everyone has their own destiny. Junior Brother is exceptionally talented, so there's no need to be bound by the classics."

These words made Sun Wukong beam with joy, and he handed the book back to him:

"Brother, you're so kind! By the way, did you know that I saw something interesting when I went to the back mountain yesterday?"

"Oh? What is it?"

"A glowing worm!" Sun Wukong exclaimed excitedly.

"It's as long as a finger, entirely emerald green, and at night, when it lies on the rocks by the water, it twinkles like a star."

I tried to catch it, but it dove into the water and disappeared!

Li Yan's heart stirred.

Emerald green, glowing, perched by the water's edge...

"But is it shaped like a small snake, with fleshy horns on its forehead?"

"Yes, yes, yes!" Sun Wukong scratched his head. "My senior brother has seen him too?"

I have never seen it with my own eyes.

Li Yan shook his head, "But I once read in a miscellaneous book that this thing is called Yinghuo, which is formed from the essence of water. It is warm in nature and likes cleanliness."

It often appears in waters rich in spiritual energy, and its light can calm the mind and soothe the soul.

"Yinghuo?" Sun Wukong's eyes darted around. "Sounds like a good thing! It's a pity it got away."

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said, "This creature is timid and will flee when startled."

If you encounter it again, junior brother, do not rush to chase after it. Prepare some moonlight and dew and place it on the shore; perhaps this will lure it out.

"Moonlight Dew?" Sun Wukong scratched his head. "What's that?"

"The dew that condenses on banana leaves at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM) must be collected on the night of the full moon."

"This is so troublesome..."

Sun Wukong muttered to himself, then grinned and said...

"But since you've said so, I'll give it a try another day! If I catch it, I'll share half with you!"

Li Yan smiled and said, "Then I thank you in advance."

As they spoke, the two had reached the fork in the mountain path.

Sun Wukong was going to play in the back mountain. He said goodbye to Li Yan, somersaulted up to the treetop, and disappeared into the forest in a few moments.

Li Yan watched it fly away, lost in thought.

Although Yinghuo is a low-level spiritual creature, it is indeed a good thing for nourishing the soul.

If Sun Wukong could capture him, he might be able to get a share, which would greatly benefit his mental stability.

This is the benefit of cultivating good relationships.

He continued walking back.

I paused slightly as I passed the herb garden.

The dew in the garden is crystal clear.

Li Yan pushed aside the bamboo fence, his gaze slowly sweeping over this familiar land.

After being promoted to a registered member, he pleaded with his senior brother in charge, saying that the herb garden was his life's work and earnestly requesting that he continue to manage it.

Seeing his diligence and considering that the herbs in the garden were indeed growing much better than in previous years, the steward granted his request.

The scene in the garden now is somewhat different from when he left.

With eyesight, the subtle workings of the soil become even clearer.

In the northeast corner, where the Seven Star Grass once stood, he sprinkled some green pebble powder he had retrieved from the cold pool.

A faint blue luster emanated from the soil, where several clumps of shade-loving Ganoderma lucidum were peeking out.

The cap is like black jade, with pale gold patterns inlaid along the edge.

Li Yan walked to the stone platform by the garden and picked up a small bamboo hoe.

He shaved it himself; it was lighter than a hoe and less likely to damage the roots. He squatted down and began his work for the day.

The first thing to do is to examine the spiritual state of each herb.

On the third row to the right, the safflower plant's leaves have turned from purple to deep purple on the back, and a stream of light flows along its veins.

This is a sign that maturity is imminent.

Li Yan carefully observed with his eyes and estimated that it would be ready to be harvested and used in medicine in three more days.

He took out a small piece of powder made from lightning-struck vine, mixed it into the spiritual spring water, and carefully watered the roots of the Tiankui.

Thunder energy can stimulate wood-type spiritual plants to accelerate the absorption of nutrients from the soil.

This is an unorthodox method recorded in "A Hundred Mirrors of Spiritual Herbs," and he has just figured out how to do it.

Sure enough, as the powder settled in the soil, the leaves of the *Sedum aizoon* trembled.

The purple light on the back became even more intense.

Next were those few withered grasses that had been moved from Beijian.

This herb prefers shade and moisture, but the entire herb garden faces the sun.

Li Yan placed several hollow bamboo tubes around them, filling them with water from the cold pool.

During the day, water vapor evaporates, creating a damp microenvironment within a small area.

At night, the dew condenses and drips down the bamboo tubes, nourishing the grass roots.

At this moment, the frosty white veins on the edges of the leaves of the ground-dry grass are clear and full, indicating good growth.

Li Yan reached out and touched a blade of grass.

With ears slightly open, one can hear the subtle sound of sap slowly flowing inside the grass blades.

That was the sound of water and the essence of plants blending together, peaceful and rhythmic.

He had an epiphany.

The growth of plants may seem silent, but it actually makes a sound.

This sound resonates with the flow of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

If one can connect with it spiritually, it is an alternative interpretation of observing the way of heaven and acting in accordance with heaven.

Just as I was concentrating, I heard footsteps behind me.

Li Yan stood up and turned around, only to see that it was a disciple of the alchemy room named Wu.

A few days ago, I came to collect leaves of *Smilax glabra* to use as a medicinal ingredient.

"Junior Brother Li, you're tending to these herbs again."

Senior Brother Wu approached with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the herb garden.

"Your garden is now quite well-known in the outer gate."

The other day, Senior Brother Chen praised you, saying that the medicinal herbs you produce here have 30% more spiritual energy than those from other places.

Li Yan cupped his hands in greeting: "Senior Brother Wu, you flatter me. It was merely following the proper steps and conforming to the nature of plants."

"You're too modest." Senior Brother Wu waved his hand and took out a small cloth bag from his robes.

"This is the reward for picking up the medicine the other day, five spirit shells. There is another matter to discuss."

The alchemy workshop needs to refine a batch of Tranquilizing Pills soon, which requires three Tranquilizing Flowers.

I remember you have two here, and the quality is good enough.

I can get another one from elsewhere. If you're willing to sell it, each one will cost eight spirit shells. How about it?

The calming flower is located in the southeast corner of the herb garden; it was planted by Li Yan himself.

This flower grows extremely fast, blooming a new batch every half month.

It is currently in bloom, with silver speckles hidden among the pale blue petals, indicating that the flowers have reached full bloom.

Li Yan pondered for a moment.

The Heart-Clearing Pill is a commonly used supplementary medicine for disciples who have registered their names. It can help people calm their minds and concentrate their spirits, which is beneficial for meditation and enlightenment.

Selling this flower will earn you spirit shells, which you can use for your own cultivation.

"I will do as you say, senior brother." He nodded, "Just be careful when picking the leaves, don't damage the roots and stems, they can sprout again next month."

"Of course," Senior Brother Wu said happily. "I understand the rules of the alchemy room: when you gather herbs, you must leave a trace."

The two walked to the southeast corner.

Two calming flowers stand side by side, their stems graceful and shimmering with a pale blue glow.

Upon closer inspection, Li Yan observed that the spiritual energy at the center of the flower was condensed like dew, indicating it was indeed a superior product.

He took the jade scissors and carefully cut off the upper half of the flower stem.

The lower half with leaves was left, along with the complete root system.

In this way, the plant can sprout new branches and bloom again next month.

Senior Brother Wu accepted the flowers, placed them in a jade box, paid sixteen spirit shells, chatted for a few more minutes, and then left.

Li Yan carefully put away the spirit shells and continued working.

Weed, loosen the soil, and check for pests.

He didn't use magic, only his two hands and a bamboo hoe.

With a single stroke of the hoe, the soil's natural flow is followed.

Pull up the weeds and cover the vulnerable nodes of the root system.

The movements are slow and deliberate, yet remarkably efficient.

In less than half an hour, the entire medicinal herb garden had been properly tended.

With all the weeds removed, the soil became loose and moist, and every herb was in a suitable condition.

Li Yan stood by the garden, looking at the thriving greenery, and felt a sense of peace.

For him, the herb garden was not only a way to earn resources, but also a place for spiritual practice.

Moreover, managing the medicinal herb garden was a suitable role for him, and would not attract attention.

True disciples disdain such things, while nominal disciples mostly pursue magical techniques and supernatural powers.

Those who settle down and grow grass like him are the ones who become mediocre.

Mediocre people are often the easiest to overlook.

This is exactly what he wanted.

As the sun rose higher, Li Yan washed his hands and turned to leave.

As he walked out of the herb garden, he glanced back.

Amidst the misty clouds of the fairy mountains, bamboo fences, green seedlings, and morning dew create a pure and tranquil haven.

That would be excellent.

Back at No. 7, Bingzi Courtyard, he first took out "A Brief Explanation of Wind and Thunder" and carefully studied it at his desk in the study.

The contents of the silk manuscript are indeed substantial.

The opening chapters explain the essence of wind and thunder.

"Wind is the movement of the Qi of Heaven and Earth."

Its nature is light and agile, characterized by swiftness, insight, and changeability.

Thunder is the stirring of yin and yang energies.

Its nature is fierce and powerful; it is responsible for dispelling evil, intimidating, and promoting growth.

"If a cultivator wishes to control wind and thunder, he must first understand their nature and follow their momentum before he can borrow their power..."

Li Yan was engrossed in reading.

These principles may seem simple, but every word is precious. For cultivators in the Enlightenment stage, they are the key to laying a solid foundation.

Following the methods in the book, he tried to sense the wind and thunder energy between heaven and earth.

The eyes see the emptiness, the ears hear the wind.

A mountain breeze rustled softly through the plum branches outside the courtyard.

There is a spiritual energy flowing in the wind, light and swift.

Li Yan focused his mind slightly, using his inner aperture as a guide, attempting to capture a wisp of wind spirit.

At first, several attempts were all in vain.

The wind passes without leaving a trace, elusive and hard to grasp.

But he wasn't in a hurry.

The essence of humility lies in adapting to circumstances.

He relaxed his mind, letting the wind caress his body and feel its flowing rhythm.

Gradually, he seemed to become one with the sound of the wind.

The rustling sound in my ears transformed into a natural melody.

The trajectory of the wind's flow gradually became clear in my mind.

At a certain moment, a thought stirred within me.

A cool breeze seeped in through the ears, traveled along the meridians, and finally entered the heart.

That aura was light and nimble; it was the Wind Spirit.

Although it is only as thick as a hair, it is real and true.

The mirror of the heart reflects.

[Initial connection with the spirit of the wind, the mind resonates with the rhythm of heaven and earth, stability +2]

[Current mental state: 22/100]

Li Yan opened his eyes, a look of joy flashing in them.

It worked!

He continued studying the silk manuscript, turning to the basic chapter on thunder magic.

Lightning magic is more difficult than wind magic.

Thunder is born from the clash of Yin and Yang, and is violent and untamable.

Without a special physique or the aid of magical artifacts, it is extremely difficult for cultivators in the Enlightenment stage to directly attract lightning.

However, Feng Lei Xiao Jie proposes a clever trick.

"Thunder is born from clouds, and clouds gather from mountains."

The mountaintop is often shrouded in thunderclouds. By extracting the scattered thunderous energy and using water as a medium, it can be slowly refined and accumulated over time…

This method requires a specific environment and is slow, but it is reliable.

Li Yan wrote it down and then read through the talisman chapter.

There are many types of wind and thunder talismans.

However, with his current cultivation level, he can only draw the simplest Gentle Breeze Talisman and Minor Thunder Talisman.

The Gentle Breeze Talisman can gather a gentle breeze to dispel dust and cool the air.

The micro-thunder talisman can generate fine electricity, repelling insects and dispelling miasma.

Although its power is weak, it is practical.

He took out the talisman paper, cinnabar, and talisman brush he had received yesterday.

The talisman paper is ordinary yellow paper, soaked in the sap of spiritual herbs, and can barely hold a trace of spiritual power.

The cinnabar was mixed with a small amount of hematite powder, giving it a dark red color.

The talisman brush is made of ordinary wolf hair.

Following the illustrations in the book, he first drew the Gentle Breeze Talisman.

Dip the brush tip in vermilion, concentrate your mind and spirit, and infuse your true energy into the brush tip.

Put pen to paper.

The first stroke was crooked.

The spiritual energy veins on the talisman clashed with the flow of true energy, causing the cinnabar patterns to instantly dissipate and the talisman to spontaneously combust.

Li Yan was not discouraged and changed the paper to draw again.

This was done three times, and all attempts failed.

I paused writing to ponder.

The problem lies in the coordination between the control of true qi and the rhythm of the runes.

The art of talismans emphasizes completing the task in one smooth motion.

The movement of the brushstrokes must be completely synchronized with the infusion of vital energy and the guidance of the mind; the slightest deviation will render all previous efforts futile.

Close your eyes and repeatedly trace the stroke order and rhythm of the Qingfeng talisman in your mind.

Once I had a clear plan in mind, I picked up my pen again.

As the brush fell, the vermilion ink, like blood, meandered across the yellow paper.

With my mind highly focused, I can hear the subtle sound of the pen tip rubbing against the paper.

The eyes observe the flow and changes of the spiritual energy in the runes, while the mind governs the output of true energy.

The three orifices are coordinated, as easily as the arm and fingers.

With swift strokes, the talisman gradually took shape.

As the final stroke ended, the talisman paper trembled slightly, emitting a pale blue halo.

Li Yan picked up the Qingfeng Talisman and examined it closely.

The runes are still immature, and the spiritual energy fluctuations are weak, but it is indeed complete.

He infused a wisp of true energy, and the talisman emitted a bright light. A breeze arose in the courtyard, causing the plum branches to sway gently and the leaves to rustle.

The wind was weak, just enough to move the fallen leaves, but it was effective.

[Successfully crafted a Qingfeng Talisman (Mortal Rank, Low Grade), marking the initial glimpse into the Dao of Talismans (1/100).]

[Insight: The method of coordinating the three acupoints improves control over true qi.]

Li Yan smiled slightly and, seizing the opportunity, continued to draw the micro-thunder talisman.

The Micro Thunder Talisman is three times more complex than the Gentle Breeze Talisman, with more strokes and turns, and requires more true energy.

After five failures, the sixth talisman finally emitted a faint electric light, and the talisman was completed.

It was already late.

He put away his talisman tools, feeling slightly tired.

Drawing talismans takes a lot of mental energy, so we'll stop here for today.

He ate some of the dry food he had brought with him for dinner, then sat cross-legged on a futon to regulate his breathing and recover.

It was late at night.

Li Yan suddenly felt a slight warmth in the tortoise shell in his arms.

When removed, the nail plate gleamed with a warm luster in the darkness, and the patterns flowed faster.

A premonition arose in my mind, much clearer than usual.

Tomorrow, at the old site of the cold pool behind the mountain, at the end of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), a faint light will rise from the bottom of the water and last for three breaths...