Journey to the West: The Great Sage's Guide

Chapter 39 Evolution of Qi Illumination Technique

The monkey, also curious, came closer.

It stretched out its furry monkey head, blocking Zhong Xuan's view.

The monkey craned its neck, staring at the words and runes on the talisman book, frowning: "Brother! The things written here, and the lines drawn on the talismans, are getting stranger and stranger the more I look at them."

Zhong Xuan patted the monkey's head: "Brother Monkey, don't be impatient. When I have time in the future, I will first teach you to read and write, and understand the meaning of words. Then you will understand."

He then looked at the talisman book.

"As for talismanic arts, I don't understand them very well now, but I have some general ideas."

"How is the art of talismans, capable of unleashing various supernatural effects, any different from spells and magical artifacts?"

Just as Zhong Xuan was deep in thought, a soft footstep sound suddenly came from outside the temple.

With just a slight thought, he was able to perceive all the changes around him.

"Brother Monkey, come with me to greet her. Abbess Jingyuan has come to visit."

"Huh? Brother Ren! How did you know?"

"How should I know? Hmm, it's anger."

"gas?"

"Yes. Brother Monkey, think about it, when you walk, isn't there a breeze?"

"Yes, yes!"

"If you walk behind me, you will surely create a breeze; if you stand behind me, you will block out the light. Therefore, we do not need to see things with our eyes alone."

"And? Does it taste the same?"

The monkey scratched its head, unable to understand easily in a short time.

Is there a lot of wind blowing when that bald woman walks around? But she clearly hasn't even reached his back yet.

Then it can only be the smell?

Zhong Xuan chuckled but didn't say anything more, deciding to explain in detail at a more appropriate time later.

The key lies in the "evolved" Tai Xuan Zhao Qi Fa tonight.

After tonight's battle, from Qingyang Jing to Zhang Chengming, their Qi-manipulation techniques have improved significantly.

The fundamental supernatural powers derived from this foundation have been expanded in both depth and breadth, unlike anything seen before.

Now, it is gradually revealing all sorts of strange and extraordinary features.

It appears to be a cognitive model that goes straight to the core.

Based on my understanding from my previous life, this is no longer a simple spell or minor supernatural power.

It is not only used for easily cultivating ancient Qi, but also for extracting and refining various spiritual energies into the body.

It has now even gradually become a "passive" response under normal circumstances.

It's as if hearing, vision, and even heartbeat no longer require conscious control.

Zhong Xuan has been using it ever since, and it has gradually developed into a passive reflection effect.

Now, within a radius of about ten feet, divine intent continuously emanates like a gentle spring breeze and fine rain, forming a cycle like flowing snow. Within this range, various energies are sensed, and a tiny wisp of energy is drawn back.

Ultimately, these elements intertwine and generate on the inner lake, transforming into a more clearly organized scene.

What is now reflected in the lake is a simple and ancient Taoist temple.

The three-courtyard house includes front and back courtyards, with various details depicted in the freehand style of traditional Chinese painting.

The trees in the courtyard were replaced by a column of green, its shades perfectly balanced, as if created in a single stroke.

Even more subtle, invisible, flowing energy of various colors is reflected in the lake of the heart.

The colors are vibrant yet tinged with the darkness of night, and every change corresponds to the outside world.

The changes now reflected are, in addition to the dozen or so vibrant and complex mortal auras in the hall, two exceptionally robust auras, one large and one small, have also broken in.

One of them was too thick and too intense.

It was like a huge rock crashing in; the ripples of the chain reaction it triggered were instantly perceived by Zhong Xuan with his keen insight.

As Zhong Xuan looked up, his gaze wandered aimlessly through the empty corridor.

Completely arrogant and disdainful of others.

The monkey watched with great curiosity and even deliberately jumped back in front of the man.

But the man seemed to know exactly how to move, easily dodging them without even glancing at them.

"Brother Monkey, what are you doing?" Zhong Xuan asked, amused.

"Wow! You can see?" The monkey's eyes widened.

Zhong Xuan patted the monkey's head in an annoyed tone, not really wanting to say anything more.

How come he can't see?

Now, by focusing our attention on all directions, we can see things much more clearly than when we are passively observing.

Even as the two passed by the earthen path beside the corridor, a mouse darted out of the shadows beside them.

He could even vaguely deduce from the changes in its qi that it might be a pregnant female mouse.

The world today is clearer to him than ever before.

Zhong Xuan led the monkey through the corridor and went straight to the gate of the Taoist temple.

Two women dressed in plain-colored monk robes and a little girl stood at the entrance.

Both of them were surprised to see him suddenly appear.

I only knocked twice, how come someone opened the door?

Zhong Xuan quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and asked, "Master, is there something urgent?"

Master Jingyuan clasped her hands together and smiled gently: "No need for such formalities, benefactor."

She explained, "On my way back, I was constantly worried about you and Master Zhang's spirit, so I took the liberty of asking to stay the night and exchange some cultivation experiences."

As she spoke, she stepped aside to let the nun beside her pass: "This is my disciple Qingyue. The other disciple has already gone back to report the news."

Qingyue quickly curtsied and said, "Greetings, benefactor."

Zhong Xuan nodded and stepped aside to lead the way: "Master, you're too kind. I'll arrange accommodations right away."

He looked at it carefully again and thought to himself, "How cute!"

The little nun was only eight or nine years old, and she was truly exquisitely beautiful and innocent.

She must have been considered an elder in the nunnery and had been doted on since childhood.

Xiao Qingyue followed her master into the Taoist temple, her eyes curiously scanning the hall.

Seeing that many people were tied up inside, she couldn't help but ask, "Benefactor, are there demons among those people in the hall?"

The voice has not fallen,

The captain of the officers strode out and laughed loudly, "Good question, little master! There really are two Taoist boys who are demons in disguise. If it weren't for you, little benefactor, and the Monkey Immortal, we brothers would not have been able to subdue them."

Qingyue clicked her tongue in amazement. Abbess Jingyuan glanced indifferently across the hall and saw that the two young Taoist disciples did not have strong auras and were just low-level demons.

She didn't take it to heart and turned to Zhong Xuan, saying, "Benefactor, could you please release one or two of the temple's people to guide us? My disciple and I have been traveling a long way and would like to wash up and rest first."

Zhong Xuan readily agreed and instructed a female servant from the temple to lead the way.

He paused, then said earnestly, "To be honest, I am currently studying the talisman book left by Zhang Chengming, but I am completely unfamiliar with talisman techniques and do not know how to refine the small bell in my arms. I am going to trouble you tonight, Master, for a long talk and to ask for your guidance."

Although Master Jingyuan looked tired, she still nodded and agreed: "You are too kind, benefactor. After I have settled in, I will come and explain the methods of making talismans and performing rituals to you in detail."

She secretly made her own plans.

This young man is exceptionally gifted and has a deep affinity with Buddhism.

If we can persuade him to convert to Buddhism and enter the Shuiyue Nunnery to practice, it will be a great blessing for the nunnery.

Now that we're in such a convenient position, if we showcase our cultivation and knowledge, we can attract him even more.

Perhaps this can bring about the matter, giving us a head start over Senior Brother Jingchen.

As Master Jingyuan's thoughts raced, she and Qingyue followed the other monks towards the side room.

Zhong Xuan was about to return to the talisman room when he suddenly heard an urgent plea for mercy from behind him.

At the entrance to the hall, two bound Taoist boys were struggling desperately, their faces full of pleading.

The lead Taoist boy trembled and choked out, "Please spare us! We've also learned talisman-drawing skills from the abbot, and we're willing to teach you all our methods. Just please don't hand us over to those bald Buddhist monks!"

The other novice nodded repeatedly, "We are willing to follow you and obey your commands!"

The monkey sneered, "Why didn't you dare say a word when she was here? Now that she's gone, you're finally speaking up—what a spineless coward!"

Zhong Xuan looked at the two of them and said slowly, "Well then, come with me and let me see just how much skill you've learned."

The two young Taoist disciples were overjoyed and repeatedly expressed their gratitude: "Thank you so much, benefactor! We will certainly tell you everything we know!"

Zhong Xuan nodded and turned to look at the two officers beside him, Officer A and Officer B.

He took out a silver ingot from his pocket and handed it over: "I'd like to trouble you two brothers to go and buy some wine, food, and vegetarian dishes tonight."

The two head constables accepted the silver with both hands and quickly replied, "Rest assured, benefactor!"

Zhong Xuan instructed, "The food and drink are to reward all the brothers; you've all worked hard for most of the night. The vegetarian dishes are for Abbess Jingyuan and Master Qingyue. Remember not to violate the precepts for nuns; do not buy any meat or fish, and make sure everything is clean and fresh."

The two turned around in response, quickly walked out of the Taoist temple, and soon disappeared into the thick night.

Zhong Xuan also left the hall with the monkey and the Taoist boy.

The other officials huddled together, chatting quietly, filled with awe and anticipation.

"This benefactor is so kind and generous, and he even remembers to reward us. He's much better than those arrogant and haughty immortals."

"I wonder if we'll have the good fortune to seek a connection with the immortals, even if we only learn a little bit, it will benefit us for life."

"Seeking a connection with immortals is fine, but a connection with Buddhism is out of the question! I don't want to become a monk and cut off my family's lineage, and I can't stand the strict precepts of Buddhism, eating vegetarian food and chanting Buddhist prayers every day—just thinking about it makes me uncomfortable!"

Everyone joined in the laughter.

The tense atmosphere in the hall gradually eased.

……

A moment later, in the rear hall of the temple.

Zhong Xuan arrived here with Abbess Jingyuan and the others.

Compared to the chaotic and noisy front hall, the back hall was much more spacious and bright.

Opening the window reveals a small, elegant back garden.

There is a pond in the garden, and the bright moonlight shines on the water, making it sparkle.

The pond is surrounded by lush vegetation, and the stone path meanders and twists, exuding a serene and elegant atmosphere.

Master Jingyuan walked to the window, her gaze slowly sweeping over the scenery of the rear courtyard, a look of approval on her face: "The layout of this rear courtyard is quite well-organized. Although it is small, it does not lack a sense of scale. It also gathers some spiritual energy from heaven and earth, forming a beautiful and ethereal scene."

Before he could finish speaking, a disdainful snort suddenly came from the wooden fish in Zhong Xuan's arms.

Zhang Chengming's spirit scoffed, "Hmph, although you're bald, you do have some insight—it seems this Shuiyue Nunnery isn't some nameless, runaway temple after all; it has indeed developed some discerning eyes."

Xiao Qingyue's eyebrows shot up in anger as she glared at the wooden fish: "What nonsense are you spouting! My master is the abbot of Shuiyue Nunnery, her Buddhist teachings are profound, how dare you, a heretic, slander her like this!"

Zhong Xuan quickly raised his hand to signal Qingyue to calm down.

He turned to the two young Taoist disciples: "You two just mentioned that you had learned the art of drawing talismans from the abbot. Why don't you elaborate a bit so that my master and I can discuss it together?"

The two young disciples, who were already eager to curry favor with Zhong Xuan, became even more enthusiastic when he took the initiative to ask them questions, and they competed to speak first.

The taller Taoist boy spoke first: "Benefactor, the most important thing in drawing talismans is to have a righteous mind and steady breath, and to clean your hands. Otherwise, if your mind is not righteous, the talisman will not be effective; if your breath is not steady, the talisman will easily dissipate; and if your hands are not clean, the talisman's essence will be defiled."

The short-statured Taoist boy chimed in, "Senior brother is right, but the brush, ink, cinnabar, and paper are all indispensable. Ideally, the brush should be made of wolf hair, the ink should be pine soot, the paper should be yellow talisman paper, and the cinnabar should be mixed with a little spiritual herb juice. Only in this way can it bear the magical power and draw a truly effective talisman."

After they finished speaking, they both looked at Zhong Xuan, their eyes full of anticipation.

Zhong Xuan nodded slightly, then turned to look at Abbess Jingyuan, as if seeking her opinion.

Master Jingyuan nodded with a smile: "You two are right. Both the ritual and the utensils are very important. These two points are indeed the key to getting started."

Having gained the abbess's approval, the two young disciples became even more proud.

Their faces lit up with even more joy, and they continued talking non-stop.

The tall Taoist boy said, "Besides having the right mindset, skill, and materials, you also need to be familiar with the entire structure of the talisman you're drawing. It consists of the talisman head, the talisman core, and the talisman foot. You must memorize the true form of the original talisman by heart, without the slightest error, in order to draw a good talisman!"

The short Taoist boy then added, "The final step is to outline the shape, infuse energy, and preserve the spirit. First, use a brush to outline the talisman, then infuse your own magical power into the base of the talisman, allowing it to flow and gather at the head. Only then can the talisman be considered truly successful."

The monkey standing nearby scratched its head and frowned as it listened.

These concepts of talisman heads, talisman cores, and the infusion of qi and the preservation of spirit sound like celestial scripture.

It glanced furtively at the man listening intently, then at the eloquent young Taoist and the composed Abbess Jingyuan, before sneaking off to the front hall when no one was looking.

Zhong Xuan was quick-witted and immediately noticed the monkey's departure, but he didn't pay it any mind.

As long as he's inside Qingyang Temple, Brother Monkey can't escape the influence and perception of the Five Finger Mountain.

He then looked at Abbess Jingyuan, awaiting her comments.

Master Jingyuan nodded slightly: "What you two young friends said is not wrong, but these are not comprehensive or in-depth enough. However, for beginners, it is already quite rare."

The joy on the faces of the two young Taoist disciples faded slightly, and they felt resentful.

The tall Taoist boy couldn't help but speak up, his tone somewhat provocative: "Since the nun says our explanation wasn't in-depth enough, you must also have considerable knowledge of the art of talisman drawing?"

The short Taoist boy also said sarcastically, "Would you be so kind as to show us your skills?"

Qingyue immediately chimed in, her eyes filled with anticipation: "Yes! Master, please show them what true talismanic arts are!"

Master Jingyuan smiled and waved her hand gently but with great tact: "This humble nun is now a member of the Buddhist community, and I only know a little about the art of drawing talismans. I am not an expert in it. I have come tonight to answer your questions, not to argue over pride. Why must we determine who is better?"

The two young Taoist boys, however, refused to give up.

The tall Taoist boy said, "Master is too modest. We started by doing odd jobs and cultivating our magical powers. When we formally learned to draw talismans, it took us several months or even several years just to practice the three steps of structure, qi infusion, and spirit preservation before we could each master a talisman we were good at."

The short Taoist boy added, "Even so, the success rate is only 70% to 80%."

Qingyue scoffed, "So you only have 70-80% skill, and you're only good at one thing! I thought you guys were much more capable."

The two young Taoist disciples blushed red from being teased.

Just then, Zhang Chengming's spirit inside the wooden fish suddenly spoke.

He slyly provoked, "These two young disciples are already quite good. They would barely qualify as talisman masters according to the standards for accepting disciples at Longhu Mountain. You should know that even those with superior aptitude need to enter the sect for several years before they dare to say that they are confident they can continuously produce talismans."

He changed the subject and looked at Qingyue: "Little girl, you are quick-witted and clever, and you are also very thoughtful. You could try that Wind Summoning Talisman that I used to practice with in my early years. That Wind Summoning Talisman, along with the Fire Talisman and the Purification Talisman, belongs to the beginner talismans. None of you have ever used it before. If you try it out, you can see how good your aptitude is. Wouldn't that be obvious?"

Xiao Qingyue's eyes lit up, and she was immediately intrigued. She quickly looked at Abbess Jingyuan and said, "Master, Master, I want to try! I want to see who has better aptitude, me or the other two!"

The two young Taoist disciples were overjoyed to hear Zhang Chengming's approval from the Yin spirit.

But when he asked Qingyue to try the talisman, she felt a little resentful.

They didn't want to be outdone by a young Buddhist nun!

The two immediately nodded in agreement.

"Let's give it a try!"

"Let's see if this little nun can draw a wind-summoning talisman!"

Zhong Xuan smiled and nodded as he looked at the three of them, who were eager to try.

Seeing her young apprentice's liveliness, Abbess Jingyuan could only say "Amitabha" and let the boys play as they pleased.