Chapter 138: Mastery of the Yin Concealment Technique, Soul Suppression, A Change of Approach

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The student examination was merely incidental to him. He did not take it seriously. Returning to the second floor, Chen Yushu resumed his cultivation. This time, he began training in the art of shadow-walking techniques: the Subdue Shadow Manual, the Banish Evil Manual, the Seven Star Step, the Divine Presence Technique... Compared to martial arts, Chen Yushu was more focused on mastering various shadow-walking methods. After all, as an apprentice, he rarely engaged in combat with other martial artists; instead, he faced one malevolent spirit after another—vengeful ghosts, evil spirits, sinister zombies.

Martial arts often required mainly physical strength. For example, the Eighteen Consecutive Blades or the Gale Blade Technique, though driven by inner force, expended little energy once unleashed; they were more about circulating internal power. But shadow-walking techniques were different. Whether it was the Subdue Shadow Manual, the Banish Evil Manual, the Seven Star Step, the Divine Presence Technique, or the recently learned Shadow Point Sword, each required substantial cultivation foundation and continuous consumption of inner energy. Consequently, progress was slower, with efficiency improving only through frequent practical application.

“However, after such a long period of training, my Subdue Shadow Manual is finally approaching perfection,” Chen Yushu thought, his gaze falling upon his attribute panel.

Subdue Shadow Manual: Mastery (789/800)

Only eleven experience points away from completion.

“Previously, Sister Qiao, with her level of Dao attainment, could use the Subdue Shadow Manual at a small mastery level to suppress ordinary people, making them kneel. It could even pressure martial artists of the outer forging realm. This time, I want to see if a perfected Subdue Shadow Manual can achieve the same effect.”

With that in mind, Chen Yushu began practicing immediately. Soon, a manifestation of the Subdue Shadow Manual burst forth.

Boom!

A powerful oppressive force caused a muffled thud across the entire floor. Dust particles scattered on the floor seemed to be pressed into absolute stillness, motionless. Chen Yushu adjusted his breathing and unleashed a second, then a third technique... One Subdue Shadow Manual manifestation after another. His internal insight deepened, as if a special accumulation and sedimentation were gathering in his heart.

Although these accumulations did not materially alter the Subdue Shadow Manual or increase its power, the weight and the impending eruption of his thoughts stirred his spirit restlessly. Until he released the final manifestation.

Boom!

The air exploded with a roaring sound. Nearby weapon racks, stools, chairs, and tables seemed unable to withstand the oppressive force and broke apart. Yet, these broken furnishings did not rebound. It was as if an invisible force continuously compressed everything, disrupting the natural order and negating effects such as rebound or the scattering of weapons from the rack.

The weapons fell heavily, striking the floor with a dull thud, never producing a second sound.

“Subdue Shadow Manual, perfected?” Chen Yushu suddenly realized. His technique had officially broken through to the ultimate realm. At this level, the technique’s mechanism had naturally been optimized to its extreme. This explained the overwhelming strength of his manifestation, as if a crushing weight from heaven and earth swept down, suppressing everything in its path. Whether dust or objects standing on the ground, all were subjected to this pressure, collapsing or kneeling under it if unable to endure.

This was the astonishing effect.

“This is the Subdue Shadow Manual at perfection. Not only does its power increase, but the spell’s rune structure condenses and simplifies to the utmost degree. What was once a complex and variable pattern, requiring considerable time to copy, is now a simple, even crude ‘symbol.’ This not only allows me to perform it more swiftly and conveniently but also elevates its power to unprecedented heights. The alignment with heaven and earth reaches its tightest bond.”

Chen Yushu analyzed, his face showing shock and delight. Especially regarding its power, he was certain his Subdue Shadow Manual now surpassed Sister Qiao’s small mastery level technique, despite her Dao-level strength.

“What's going on?” At that moment, the steward Zhou, hearing the commotion below, came upstairs, accompanied by Qian Qian.

“What’s wrong, Brother Chen? I was just about to say goodbye to Steward Zhou when I heard such a loud noise, so I came rushing up. Did you break all these tables, chairs, and weapon racks?” Qian Qian asked, surprised.

“Sorry to disturb you both,” Chen Yushu smiled, quickly apologizing. “I’ll have someone replace them later, and I’ll cover the cost.”

“No problem. But what martial art are you practicing? How come weapon racks and tables, separated by so much distance, collapsed simultaneously?” Steward Zhou waved his hand, curious. Qian Qian nodded in agreement. The weapon rack was in the center of the hall, the tables near the wall, two or three zhang apart, yet both fell. It was puzzling. What's more, Chen Yushu held no weapons.

“It’s not martial arts,” Chen Yushu said, shaking his head. “It’s a technique from the sect’s shadow arts.”

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Chen Yushu did not conceal anything since Steward Zhou and Qian Qian already knew he cultivated not only martial arts but also shadow-walking secret techniques—those of the legendary sect. Occasionally, they would ask him about matters related to the sect, to which he often responded. In contrast, the apprentices in the pharmacy knew little of his background; many envied his privileges—to be exempted from work and focus entirely on cultivation, favored by the shopkeeper and accepted as a disciple, receiving abundant resources. Chen Yushu paid no mind to such feelings; he was far beyond comparison with those apprentices.

“That explains it,” Steward Zhou nodded vaguely, though many doubts lingered in his mind. He held back his questions. Qian Qian, however, driven by curiosity, pressed on, “What technique? It’s so powerful?”

“The Subdue Shadow Manual. It’s quite effective at intimidating ghosts and spirits but poses almost no threat to humans. Qian, would you like to experience it?”

Chen Yushu first explained the technique. Then, seemingly recalling something, he asked.

“Is it really harmless?”

Qian Qian hesitated but was tempted. Steward Zhou glanced at the weapon racks and tables silently. If it truly posed no threat, why had these objects collapsed? Out of curiosity, he did not challenge Chen Yushu.

“Of course. Even against ghosts, this technique is hardly lethal. It's merely a deterrent,” Chen Yushu quickly reassured.

“Well... alright then,” Qian Qian nodded. Following Chen Yushu’s instructions, he stood in the hall’s center. Steward Zhou stood tensely behind Chen Yushu. Most ordinary people and martial artists were naturally curious and wary of the sect’s methods. Previously unfamiliar, now with someone from the pharmacy willing to demonstrate, they were eager to see.

“Ready?” Chen Yushu asked casually. Seeing Qian nod, he swiftly gathered his inner energy. In the next moment, he raised his hand and pressed down heavily.

Boom!

A terrifying oppressive force swept down instantly.

Bang!

Qian’s knee suddenly buckled; his eyes momentarily blanked. He fell to his knees, utterly motionless.

“This...” Steward Zhou was stunned, unsure how to react. Everything had happened too quickly. He hadn’t even perceived Chen Yushu’s movement clearly. It seemed as if Chen merely raised and lowered his hand, and Qian immediately collapsed.

After three or four breaths, Qian seemed to regain his senses, his eyes brightening slightly. Yet his breathing became harsh, as if overwhelmed by shock, needing gasps to sustain himself and prove he was alive.

“I... I’m still alive?” Qian gasped.

Chen Yushu asked anxiously, “How do you feel, Master Qian?”

“I’m fine, just deeply shaken,” Qian shook his head, eyes complex as he regarded Chen Yushu. “Your technique is terrifying. It caused no physical harm, but when your hand pressed down, I felt as if the sky collapsed upon me, crushing my entire being. My mind faltered, my soul was stunned, as if this attack targeted my very spirit. Though I was merely kneeling, I felt my soul pressed to the ground, unable to rise until the force lessened and I slowly returned to myself.”

At that moment, he developed profound reverence for the sect’s shadow-walking arts. He knew Chen Yushu’s growth path and vaguely guessed the origin of his secret techniques. Yet, he had assumed Chen only grasped a few methods superficially, with limited subtlety. Only upon experiencing this strike did he realize Chen’s methods were not just strong—they were terrifyingly so.

Being somewhat experienced, Qian knew that ordinary shadow walkers were formidable but nowhere near Chen Yushu’s level. In fact, he sensed Chen’s shadow arts surpass even Lord Wu of the Yin Suppression Division. By comparison, Chen’s martial arts seemed less remarkable, though still formidable. Qian was well aware that Chen was now probably no weaker than himself, but his sect skills were undoubtedly superior.

“Is that so?” Chen Yushu fell silent, surprised his Subdue Shadow Manual could affect an inner-cultivation martial artist to such a degree, forcing him to kneel with his spirit seemingly knocked down. Though shocked, he was also thrilled. This clearly proved his technique’s power exceeded Sister Qiao’s.

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This surpassing filled him with exhilaration, like scaling a towering mountain that had long blocked his path. Sister Qiao had always been a towering figure—a paragon in shadow arts, seemingly omnipotent and omniscient. Especially now, with her Dao-level strength, she was a daunting presence, inducing frustration in Chen from his endless pursuit without catching up. But confirming his technique’s superiority, he finally felt confident—able to rival or even surpass her.

The cage and shackles had been broken.

Meanwhile, Steward Zhou, now bewildered, looked at Chen and suddenly blurted, “Yushu, can you kill demons?”

“Demons?” Chen Yushu was momentarily taken aback. Since cultivating shadow arts, he had never encountered demons. Corpse demons were essentially zombies—evil spirits. As for the Bear Matriarch he’d faced earlier, it adhered to ghostly rules, thus was a ‘spirit’ rather than a demon—a type of ‘monster.’ Pure demons, however, he had yet to confront. Demons had physical forms: creatures or plants that, through countless years of cultivation, gained formidable powers. Notably, the ‘immortals’ followed by Shi Hao were actually demons.

“It’s nothing, just curious,” Steward Zhou quickly waved his hand, covering up his unease. “Demons usually dwell deep in mountains and forests. Martial artists can see and handle them.”

Chen Yushu sensed the unnatural tone but said no more. The topic soon passed.

...

By the time he returned home, it was evening. Near noon, his master Su Ming had come back to test his martial skills in preparation for the talent examination and gave him guidance on using the Light-Heavy Blade Technique with refined methods. Though Chen Yushu’s martial realm was nearly equal to his master’s, his practical combat experience was lacking. This test taught him many subtle techniques not easily learned through solo practice, a valuable gain.

“I’m back!” Liu Qiao’er greeted him, then said, “Go prepare something to eat, I’m hungry.”

“Huh?” Chen Yushu looked surprised.

“I can’t cook. Also, I didn’t bring money this time; it was too rushed,” Liu Qiao’er blushed as she explained.

“Oh, my oversight... Qiao’er, wait here,” Chen Yushu said, heading to the kitchen to start a fire and cook.

Within less than half an hour, three dishes and a soup were laid out—fragrant, flavorful, and visually appealing. Cooking was a rare skill he had mastered in his previous life. Though the world had fewer condiments, it offered alternate ingredients, making little difference, and his dishes tasted especially delicious.

“By the way, yesterday while training, I noticed the spiritual particles in your room were unusually abundant, yet I sensed no change in the formation’s flux. Why is that?” After the meal, Liu Qiao’er suddenly asked.

“It’s probably due to the Spirit Attraction Talisman. Once activated, it swiftly draws nearby spiritual particles, enhancing cultivation effects to some extent,” Chen Yushu explained thoughtfully.

“Oh? How much does it cost? I want to buy some,” Liu Qiao’er inquired.

“There are twenty here. Qiao’er, you can use them first. No need for payment—I’ve already received plenty of help from you,” Chen Yushu said, laying a stack of talismans before her.

“That won’t do. Just as I charge for teaching you techniques, you must pay for my talismans,” Liu Qiao’er shook her head.

“Then how about exchanging this batch for another technique?” Chen Yushu pondered, then asked.

“I’m not in a hurry for new techniques. I can trade for these talismans another way,” Liu Qiao’er said, first shaking her head, then revealing a playful glint in her eyes.

“What way?” Chen Yushu blinked.

But Liu Qiao’er had already stood up, walking slowly toward the courtyard’s exit and speaking as she went, “By helping you solve a little trouble.”

...

Today’s condition was still not great, but tomorrow should see recovery. After reorganizing the outline, he felt utterly exhausted.