Chapter 109: The Art of Hidden Fragrance, the Rite of Divine Descent, and the Method of Opening the Altar

“This is a matter of my own family,” Liu Qiao’er waved her hand, not wanting to elaborate further. Instead, she looked at him with keen interest and said, “I just saw you using the Qi-seeing technique? If my spiritual senses weren’t so sharp, I might not have noticed. It seems you have a good aptitude, having practiced the Qi-seeing technique to a preliminary level?”

“Yes,” Chen Yushu nodded cautiously. “But I still can’t see through your cultivation level, Qiao’er. Could it be that you have already entered the Dao?”

Entering the Dao! That was another realm entirely. It was a state many practitioners dreamt of reaching. Within Jianghuan Town, he hadn’t heard of anyone who had achieved this level. Even the head of Qingfeng Temple, acknowledged as the strongest Dao practitioner in the town, hadn’t attained it.

Going back decades, only the Spirit Woman of Beijiao Village—Qiao’er’s grandmother—had truly stepped into this domain.

“Not yet.” Liu Qiao’er shook her head. “As for why you can’t perceive my cultivation, that’s normal. Techniques are all relative. Since there are techniques to see through others’ cultivation, naturally, there are counter-techniques to prevent being spied on. I’m constantly under the Concealed Fragrance Technique, so of course you can’t see it.”

“Concealed Fragrance Technique?” Chen Yushu was momentarily stunned.

Her “not yet” implied something else in his mind—that although she hadn’t entered the Dao, she was close to doing so.

“This technique is quite simple—it prevents others from detecting your incense-fire cultivation. For example, when I look at you now... huh...”

As they spoke, they arrived at Chen Yushu’s residence. As soon as the door closed behind them, Liu Qiao’er’s gaze fixed on him, and she employed the Qi-seeing technique.

Suddenly, she was taken aback, a look of astonishment crossing her face. “You’re already at the level of two incense sticks? When did you breakthrough?”

She was genuinely surprised. Not much time had passed since their last meeting. She remembered he had just broken through to the one incense stick level, so how was it that now he had already reached two incense sticks?

“Just broke through,” Chen Yushu replied quickly.

“That speed... did you consume some kind of rare heavenly treasure?” Liu Qiao’er hurriedly asked.

“I used three Soul Pearls,” Chen Yushu admitted. He had no reason to hide it. Soul Pearls were widely known among those who walk the Yin Path as items that could boost incense-fire cultivation. Usually, only fierce ghosts could produce them, but those ghosts weren’t easy to handle. Though Chen Yushu made it look simple, that was because he had talismans, which saved him a lot of effort. Relying solely on Yin Path techniques, it was quite difficult to hold such spirits.

“No wonder. However, while Soul Pearls can boost a Yin Path practitioner’s cultivation, they also greatly affect one’s mental will. It’s best not to use them if you can avoid it unless your meditation level is relatively high. Otherwise, the spiritual particles inside the Soul Pearl will influence you.”

“By the way, what is your meditation level? I should have told you earlier. If it’s low, your current willpower might already be affected. You’ll need careful recuperation, at least for three to five years, without using Soul Pearls.”

Liu Qiao’er spoke with a hint of remorse. Dao cultivation progressed step by step; such boosts had their drawbacks. She had assumed Chen Yushu wouldn’t have access to Soul Pearls but was surprised he had obtained three and absorbed them all. The impact could be severe.

A drastic change in temperament was no trivial matter. If one lost control, they could become a frenzied demon, bloodthirsty and savage. Fortunately, Chen Yushu’s changes weren’t significant yet, but caution and careful nurturing were necessary.

“My meditation level is Great Meditation,” Chen Yushu replied, aware of the risks. So far, he hadn’t felt any abnormality.

“Hm?” Liu Qiao’er was momentarily stunned. “Great Meditation? Looks like I underestimated you. Great Meditation means stable temperament. Three Soul Pearls wouldn’t affect you much. You must have had some fortune to leap to this level. I went through great hardship to reach it myself.”

“This level is called the Genius Realm outside. Learning anything becomes much faster here—it’s the dividing line between ordinary people and geniuses. I imagine you’ve experienced its benefits. Great Meditation is also the standard for many famed mountains and prestigious cultivation sects in accepting disciples.”

“For example, the closest to us, Huangshan Fuqiu Temple, has few disciples, but the primary requirement is Great Meditation. Further north is Chaoyang Daoist Temple, famed for its talisman arts; all its elite disciples have Great Meditation levels. Though they have a method called the Chaoyang Purple Qi Technique to slowly boost meditation, their entry requirements aren’t as strict.”

“But without doubt, reaching Great Meditation is recognized by major sects as the foundation for possible Dao attainment.”

“By the way, in our Dao path, the primary basis for breaking into the Dao realm is also Great Meditation. There are those who have achieved Dao entry at the Lesser Meditation level, but they all rely on external forces, like evil spirits’ essence, which is impure. Such Dao attainment is considered inferior.”

A look of sudden realization and admiration appeared on Liu Qiao’er’s face. She hadn’t expected Chen Yushu to quietly reach Great Meditation, making her feel as if ages had passed between their meetings. His growth was incredibly rapid—so fast that even she was shocked.

“Only at Great Meditation can one enter the Dao?”

Chen Yushu was startled.

“It only increases the probability. Entering the Dao tests the spiritual realm of a Dao cultivator. If your spiritual realm isn’t sufficient, you’ll be stuck. But if it’s enough, breaking illusions and resisting external evils comes naturally, allowing you to further perceive Yin and Yang, and have your Yin soul leave the body.”

Liu Qiao’er waved her hand. “You’re only at the level of two incense sticks — still far from this realm. Knowing too much now might unsettle your mind and hinder cultivation.”

“However, since your cultivation has reached Great Meditation, you have the potential to go further. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. We’re from the same village, and fellow Dao practitioners—I won’t begrudge sharing knowledge.”

“You don’t need to be too grateful. What I do isn’t entirely selfless. Dao cultivation is difficult. Entering and perfecting the Dao are hard paths requiring mutual support. I’m helping you now; perhaps you’ll help me later. The world seems prosperous but is upheld by a few strong figures. Much of it is occupied by demons, spirits, ghosts, and monsters. Darkness belongs to them.”

Chen Yushu’s heart tightened at her words. Indeed, on Mount Tianyuan, many ghosts roamed at night. That Bear Spirit surely wasn’t the strongest; some, even seen from afar, terrified him—likely not weaker than that ghost lady in malevolence.

They mostly hid during the day and rarely approached human settlements. Ordinary people couldn’t see them, so the world seemed peaceful. But the wilderness was filled with great terrors.

Regarding her offer of help, he knew it was polite. Still, he was confident that one day he would be able to assist her.

Calming himself, Chen Yushu said, “I’ve encountered many difficulties recently and do sense some deficiencies. So, I hope to learn some techniques from you.”

“Learn techniques? Of course. But before, the price was ten taels per technique—a friendly rate. Now, it won’t be that cheap. By the way, you still owe me thirty taels.”

“Though,” she added, “consider it payment for looking after Xiaoyin. If you want to learn new techniques, there will be separate fees.”

Liu Qiao’er nodded but soon became serious. “I’ve prepared the money: thirty taels, not a cent less.”

“As for the techniques I want to learn,” Chen Yushu said, handing over the silver, “the Concealed Fragrance Technique you just mentioned seems good. Then, I need a powerful technique capable of killing enemies in one strike, and a method to open a ritual altar.”

After some thought, he passed the silver and spoke.

“Concealed Fragrance Technique is simple but costs thirty taels. The powerful technique I have is called Divine Arrival Technique. It commands spirits to suppress and kill ghosts—strong but consumes much energy. Use it cautiously in battle. It’s fifty taels.”

“The altar opening method is usually learned by Yin Path practitioners at the three incense stick level. Since your meditation level is Great Meditation and your cultivation is two incense sticks, you can learn it, but it’s more difficult. You need to set up an altar, borrow spirits, and use powerful sealing artifacts. Weak artifacts won’t work well. Compared to Divine Arrival, it requires even more caution. I can teach it for one hundred taels.”

“You pay me when you’re ready. No more credit.”

Liu Qiao’er answered each of Chen Yushu’s concerns carefully, ensuring the last mishap wouldn’t repeat.

“Don’t worry, I have the money!” Chen Yushu’s heart lifted as he went into his room and took out one hundred eighty taels from his hidden stash. He was fairly well-off now. Besides selling talismans for two or three hundred taels, the medicinal treasures he exchanged on Mount Tianyuan netted him two hundred taels—enough to pay and still have some left.

He knew Liu Qiao’er was somewhat lenient with him. Otherwise, these techniques wouldn’t cost so little.

“I didn’t expect you to be a small tycoon,” Liu Qiao’er said, surprised at the pile of silver.

She made no excuses or fuss about the time. As Dao practitioners, their energy was abundant, and they neither felt hunger nor fatigue. Even if spirit energy was drained, a short meditation session would restore it.

“Concealed Fragrance Technique, as the name suggests, hides your incense-fire cultivation. It requires controlling your spirit to...” Liu Qiao’er began explaining.

She started with the Concealed Fragrance Technique, then the Divine Arrival Technique, and finally the altar opening method. Unlike last time, when she needed to write out characters, seeing that Chen Yushu’s meditation level was Great Meditation, she skipped that. Great Meditation was seen as genius level—everything was learned quickly, including techniques.

Indeed, Chen Yushu mastered all three techniques after only one lesson. Of course, actual application would require practice.

Liu Qiao’er confidently took over Chen Yushu’s bedroom to rest, while he quietly trained in the courtyard.

“Concealed Fragrance Technique!” Chen Yushu’s mind stirred. He controlled his spiritual power, circulating it within to form a special talismanic pattern.

Instantly, he felt a shift—a special invisible membrane seemed to envelop him, hiding any spiritual fluctuations.

“Concealed Fragrance Technique, succeeded?” His eyes flicked to the status panel.

Concealed Fragrance Technique: Beginner (1/100)

As expected, the technique was successfully cultivated.

Next, Chen Yushu began practicing Divine Arrival Technique. Compared to Concealed Fragrance, it was much harder. Unlike other techniques using hand seals, this relied purely on spiritual power to sketch intricate magical structures. Once completed, energy would flow into them.

Still, Chen Yushu struggled. Each magical structure was complex, like drawing in the void, requiring strong spiritual control and deep understanding. Though he memorized it completely, drawing it out always faltered due to various disturbances. When disrupted, the technique couldn’t be unleashed.

After several failures, he paused, realizing his spiritual power, when extended outward, was disturbed by air currents. He lacked an anchor point, like a talisman paper, which provided a stable base for drawing symbols. Without it, drawing in empty air was erratic.

“The wind also interferes,” he thought, moving to practice inside his study. The door closed, and the wind ceased.

Using himself as the anchor, he started again. One structure, two, until the last formed. They merged into a single magical imprint.

A hum! Streams of special energy gathered in the void, coalescing into a unique divine light. He quickly opened the door and cast it into the courtyard.

Bang!

The light swept over the area like daylight but caused little damage. Instead, a lingering aura of scorching yang energy radiated.

“Divine Arrival Technique, also mastered,” Chen Yushu smiled, checking the panel.

Divine Arrival Technique: Beginner (1/100)

His repertoire had expanded, especially this technique. Though its environmental damage seemed mild, the intense scorching yang energy felt far stronger than his Thunder Summoning Talisman. Its power against yin spirits, ghosts, and undead was considerable.

And this was just beginner level. With mastery, partial completion, or full proficiency, it could become a formidable weapon.

However, as Liu Qiao’er warned, it consumed a lot of energy. One use drained about thirty percent of his cultivation power. So even at full strength, he could only use it three times per battle.

Feeling his spiritual energy wane, he sighed but accepted it—great power came with great cost.

“As for the altar opening method... that’s much harder.”

After a moment, Chen Yushu collected himself and focused on the altar method.

Opening an altar meant confronting an evil spirit or enemy head-on. Those capable of opening altars were respected figures within the Yin Path, able to establish their own halls and gain renown.

Like the Li family before—once just Yin Path practitioners with some village fame. But after gaining altar-opening power and slaying a fierce ghost, their reputation soared, and the Li family became a recognized Yin Path clan.

Though altar-opening brought glory, it also brought risk—the Li family’s downfall was said to be from a spirit they controlled betraying them.

This showed the influence of a practitioner who could open altars.

By ordinary Yin Path standards, Chen Yushu was still far from this level with only two incense sticks.

Yet, with Great Meditation, Liu Qiao’er said he technically possessed altar-opening ability.

“But to open an altar, I first need a powerful spirit, then a strong sealing artifact, plus other tools,” Chen Yushu recalled from her explanation.

She had spent the most time on this subject. Opening an altar could bind spirits to fight, judge evil spirits, and if strong enough, even summon troops to battle.

Many mystical techniques could be realized through altar opening.