Chapter 141: The Chosen One’s Third Conversation, the Ancestor of Yellow Mountain, and Preparing New Year’s Goods

"Perhaps so?"

Chen Yushu was momentarily stunned, and could not help but speak.

"To be born with a Dharma physique means your speed in learning any spell or technique is exceptionally fast. No wonder your cultivation speed for both techniques and spells is so astonishing."

Liu Qiao'er looked at him, nodding, a hint of realization dawning upon her face.

Naturally, Chen Yushu had no intention of over-explaining.

However, while he did not know the exact degree to which a natural Dharma physique enhanced the efficiency of cultivating spells and techniques, he instinctively felt that the attribute panel's utility was far more powerful than any so-called Dharma physique.

After all, the attribute panel was not restricted to spells and techniques; even martial arts, reading skills, internal arts, and Nether-walking esoteric arts could all be directly enhanced through it.

Free of bottlenecks, ignoring obstacles, and leading straight to the ultimate limit.

"No wonder."

Liu Qiao'er nodded, her expression quickly returning to calm.

Without asking any further questions, she soon retreated to her room and began yet another round of out-of-body cultivation.

As for Chen Yushu, he produced a Pèiyuán Pill, swallowed it in a single gulp, and once again commenced his trinity cultivation.

The Medicine King Stance, the Medicine King Strength-Locking Art, the Medicine King Thunderous Roar, combined with the Tiger Roar and Dragon Chant Art.

Practicing these four martial arts simultaneously was a method he had discovered that suited him best, allowing him to lay an incomparably solid foundation.

An hour later, Chen Yushu slowly exhaled a breath, a trace of satisfaction showing on his face.

"Through this period of cultivation, my Medicine King Thunderous Roar and Tiger Roar and Dragon Chant Art have finally been advanced successively to the Lesser Accomplishment realm. The effect on training my internal organs has indeed significantly improved. Just a short while of cultivation directly increased my strength by over ten catties. The enhancement in my actual combat effectiveness is naturally even greater."

Chen Yushu had never abandoned his martial arts cultivation, especially with the assistance of those two bottles of top-grade Pèiyuán Pills; almost every day, he could feel his strength growing.

Now, with both the Medicine King Thunderous Roar and the Tiger Roar and Dragon Chant Art reaching Lesser Accomplishment and his cultivation efficiency vastly increased, his mood naturally became even more joyful.

He could genuinely feel that within his internal organs—which seemed to vibrate continuously with the circulation of his blood and the beating of his heart—the momentum and resilience of his viscera were far stronger than before.

"External tempering, internal refinement. Currently, my external tempering technique, the Medicine King Strength-Locking Art, has actually reached the late stage of Great Accomplishment. In a few more days, I estimate I will be able to advance it directly to perfection. Only then will my external tempering be considered to have reached its limit. My skin, flesh, tendons, bones, and marrow will truly have reached a point where they cannot be ascended any further. At least in terms of external tempering, this should be counted as the absolute peak. By then, I can pour all my focus into internal refinement, striving to push my internal organs to their limits as well."

Chen Yushu thought to himself, silently sensing the internal force within his body—especially the golden threads of force that continued to accumulate and multiply as his Qi and blood grew increasingly robust.

These golden threads of force not only continuously consolidated his foundation and increased his physical strength while he practiced his external and internal cultivation arts, but they also yielded the greatest enhancement when he unleashed various martial arts.

In terms of sheer power, they surpassed his previous force-wielding methods by a huge margin. They truly functioned somewhat like 'internal energy'.

"Internal energy is a special kind of force that a martial artist can only cultivate after both their external tempering and internal refinement have reached a certain degree. Given my physical strength, I am actually already capable of cultivating internal martial arts and producing internal energy. However, if I were to do so now, the internal energy cultivated would inevitably lack purity because my physical conditioning has not yet reached its limit."

Chen Yushu knew that the more solid the foundation and the deeper the physical root, the purer and more powerful the resulting internal energy would be.

His skin, flesh, tendons, bones, and marrow were already sufficient. Yet, the training of his internal organs still fell a bit short. Perhaps they were no longer inferior to internal-refinement martial artists like Qian Qian, but they naturally still had some distance to go before reaching the pinnacle.

Of course, Chen Yushu was not in a hurry.

Cultivation was never achieved overnight; it required long-term accumulation and progress. Having practiced martial arts for only a few months, reaching his current state was already remarkably good. Naturally, there was no need to rush.

...

The night gradually grew deeper.

Once Chen Yushu finished drawing today's talismans, he took out the volume titled *Detailed Exposition of Array Dao* and began reading.

In truth, he had already read this book once.

However, many of the array mysteries contained within could not be fully comprehended just by reading it through a single time; they required careful deliberation and contemplation.

Even with Chen Yushu's meditative state of deep concentration, he could not completely grasp it all from a single reading.

Of course, precisely because his meditative state was higher, his comprehension while studying this *Detailed Exposition of Array Dao* grew increasingly profound. He was even able to extrapolate from it a wealth of information that was not recorded in the book yet contained the exquisite subtleties of the array dao.

"Perhaps this is what they mean by gaining fresh insights with every reading?"

Chen Yushu glanced at the system panel, where the messages 'Reading +7' and 'Reading +5' flashed past, and felt satisfied within his heart.

If he were to study other books, although his reading realm could still improve, it would increase by at most one or two points. Yet when perusing this *Detailed Exposition of Array Dao*, the reading experience gained reached five or seven points. Although much lower than during his first reading, it was certainly not slow.

"Still, after the second pass, the enhancement this book provides to my reading experience will begin to weaken. I will still need to seek out more related books."

Chen Yushu was acutely aware of how much reading aided his cultivation. If he wanted to rapidly increase his reading experience, he had no choice but to spend a significant amount of time continuing to study relevant texts.

Yet...

Just as he was feeling a headache coming on, he suddenly felt a slight stir in his heart.

The induction disk vibrated once more.

"The induction disk is vibrating. Could the God's Favorite be sending another message?"

Chen Yushu instantly felt a surge of anticipation.

He had communicated with that God's Favorite twice in total. The first time was right after establishing contact, when he subsequently helped the other party mail a letter; the second time was after the other party had escaped, informing him that they were saved and mentioning that Granny Jiang had been injured. Additionally, the other party had mentioned offering him a reward.

And he had smoothly seized the opportunity to request some esoteric cultivation arts corresponding to the post-Enlightenment realm.

The reason he hadn't asked for esoteric cultivation arts of the Incense realm was, firstly, that he already possessed quite a few Nether-walking esoteric arts, which were more than enough for the short term. The old saying went that biting off more than one can chew; before mastering his numerous esoteric arts to Great Accomplishment or Perfection, he did not wish to distract himself by learning other techniques.

Beyond that, he also had his own concerns.

That God's Favorite was undoubtedly a being above the Enlightenment realm. Their true strength was even superior to Sister Qiao'er's.

By requesting secret manuals of the Enlightenment realm, he was also subtly signaling that his own strength was already on the verge of entering Enlightenment, or perhaps had even attained it. Doing so would command a certain degree of wariness from the other party.

After all, as the other party had stated, holders of induction disks must remain vigilant; if complete trust was lacking, it was best not to reveal their true identities. His move also served to misdirect the opponent.

"And now, they are reaching out. Presumably, they have news?"

Muttering to himself, Chen Yushu shifted his intent and swiftly connected with the induction disk.

"God's Favorite calling Spirit Medium, please answer if you hear this."

Sure enough, the voice of the God's Favorite rang out immediately from within.

"Fellow Daoist, I am here."

Chen Yushu hurriedly responded.

"Fellow Daoist Spirit Medium, there is a matter I must discuss with you. Regarding the esoteric cultivation manuals of the Enlightenment realm that you asked me to prepare for you last time—I did indeed prepare some. However, after taking a rough look at them, most proved to be relatively ordinary. While they can be practiced normally and are not overly weak, they lack distinct features. I would feel somewhat ashamed to hand them over as a way to repay this favor. Fortunately, however, I happened to overhear another piece of news that might be of assistance to you."

The God's Favorite spoke, their tone inevitably carrying a hint of hesitation.

"What news?"

Chen Yushu was slightly startled. In truth, he didn't disdain the so-called 'Dharma' for being ordinary. Because he was confident that through the attribute panel, he could cultivate any originally ordinary 'Dharma' to an unimaginably profound realm, transforming its nature.

Take the Subduing Yin Formula, for instance. Originally, it was merely a very ordinary ghost-suppressing technique with weak might, lacking even the lethality to harm ghosts; it was merely a method of intimidation and pressure. Yet once he cultivated it to the realm of Perfection, its might was no longer comparable to before. Not only could it suppress evil spirits and malevolent corpses, but it also possessed a psychological deterrence effect, causing them to briefly lose their wits and lie at his mercy. In terms of power, it had become vastly stronger. No one would ever mistake it for an ordinary ghost-suppressing technique anymore.

"The Mount Huang Inheritance Cliff is about to open," the God's Favorite said.

"Mount Huang Inheritance Cliff?" Chen Yushu paused.

"That's right. The Mount Huang Inheritance Cliff is a legacy site left behind by the Mount Huang Ancestor from five hundred years ago. It opens once every thirty years, permitting any Nether-walking cultivator of at least one stick of incense in dao-agilty and below the Enlightenment realm to go and receive the inheritance. In fact, many Taoist temples and sectarian forces on Mount Huang were established and passed down based on the legacies left by the Mount Huang Ancestor. Consequently, many factions collectively refer to themselves as disciples of the Mount Huang Ancestor, treating him with the rites of a patriarch. But acquiring the legacy is no simple matter. One must undergo his three trials. Once passed, one randomly receives a portion of his legacy. Some find Nether-walking esoteric arts, some array dao inheritances, while others secure pill dao techniques or talisman legacies. Of course, there are also the Sword Immortal arts that the Mount Huang Ancestor was most renowned for, the art of wandering the void with the spirit, and the marvelous swordsmanship capable of taking a person's head from a thousand miles away."

The tone of the God's Favorite carried a deep yearning.

The Mount Huang Ancestor was unequivocally a top-tier existence within the Nether-walking domain. The legacy he left behind was undoubtedly of the highest caliber. Even the God's Favorite was filled with curiosity and temptation.

"The legacy site is located in Mount Huang?" Chen Yushu frowned.

To be honest, after reading extensively, his understanding of the various affairs within the Wu Nation far surpassed that of ordinary people. He knew that the more famous mountains and great rivers tended to harbor immense terrors. Not to mention, he still had a copy of the *Rivers and Mountains Atlas* in his hands, which clearly marked the presence of a calamity-level entity within Mount Huang.

Yet that was not the entirety of Mount Huang. Mount Huang was incomparably vast. A continuous stretch of mountainous terrain all fell under the purview of Mount Huang. No one knew how many terrifying entities were hidden within those layers of deep mountains.

Even the forces within the various sects at most only operated in the outer peripheral regions. Venture deep inside? Even powerful Nether-walking experts above the Enlightenment realm dared not tread there lightly. It was said that more than one high-level Nether-walking master had ventured deep within, never to be seen again.

"That goes without saying. However, it is restricted to the outer fringes of Mount Huang. While dangers exist, the area is protected by the Zhuxie Sword Array (Exorcising Sword Array) originally deployed by the Mount Huang Ancestor. Any entity at or above the calamity level that dares to approach will be slain by the sword array. Especially during the period when the legacy opens, the power of the sword array reaches its peak. Not a single existence above the specter level dares to set foot there. Even beings of our Enlightenment realm risk being mistakenly killed if we enter that zone. Therefore, during this period, the strongest entities in that region are those with three sticks of incense in dao-agilty, or evil spirits and fierce ghosts of the demonic sort."

At this point, the God's Favorite paused slightly, regret evident in their tone before continuing, "Unfortunately, I have already entered the Enlightenment realm. Otherwise, I would undoubtedly go in and try my luck. Because obtaining even one or two legacies—even if just the most ordinary secret art inheritances—would allow my strength to soar by a huge margin. It is said that thirty years ago, someone acquired the Mount Huang Ancestor's sword technique inheritance, entered a demon cave alone with a single sword, and slaughtered their way through the entire cavern, leaving behind the moniker of 'Demon-Slaying Swordsman' in the outside world. Of course, the Mount Huang Ancestor's greatest asset was his Void-Wandering technique, which is also the corresponding Enlightenment-realm cultivation method. It is a solid, top-tier cultivation legacy. Aside from that, there is his Heavenly Flying Sword technique. Once mastered, even standing right here, one can take a person's head from a thousand miles away. Truly unimaginable in its power..."

As the God's Favorite spoke, their tone was full of envy and yearning.

Yet soon afterward, they sighed and said, "It's just a pity that the Mount Huang Ancestor's breadth of mind was too vast, truly practicing teaching without discrimination. As long as beings within his legacy site during this period—not limited to demons and ghosts—wish to do so, they may all proceed for the trials. Once passed, they receive the inheritance. Therefore, the scene will inevitably be extremely chaotic when the time comes, with many sect prodigies and geniuses carefully nurtured by Nether-walking clans arriving on the scene. Naturally, strife will be inevitable. While I don't doubt Fellow Daoist's ability to handle all this, caution is still warranted. When the time comes, I will also compile a corresponding list of prodigies and send it to you so you can have a general understanding."

"I thank Fellow Daoist God's Favorite for your concern. I only wonder, when exactly is this so-called legacy site scheduled to open? If I wish to go, what preparations must I make?"

Chen Yushu was indeed stirred by these descriptions.

Mount Huang Inheritance Cliff, the legacy of the Mount Huang Ancestor... If possible, he naturally hoped to acquire more brilliant and formidable Nether-walking inheritance arts.

The White Tiger Contemplation Method might still suffice while in the Incense realm. But once he entered Enlightenment, the demands placed upon the 'Dharma' would inevitably escalate, and his need for a stronger 'Dharma' would grow correspondingly greater.

"It will open in approximately a month's time. The entire duration lasts only seven days. Within seven days, the legacy concludes. Whether one passes the trials depends entirely on one's own fortune. As for preparations? You merely need to ensure you can safely and smoothly reach the Mount Huang Inheritance Cliff. Nothing else is really required," the God's Favorite replied promptly.

"I see." Chen Yushu nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.

Within a month, no matter how fast his cultivation speed increased, it was impossible for him to jump from his current state of having just reached three sticks of incense to three sticks of incense at perfection. It did indeed align with the requirements for entering the Mount Huang Inheritance Cliff.

If he could smoothly acquire a portion of the legacy within that Mount Huang Inheritance Cliff, it would undoubtedly bring a tremendous boost to his strength and potential.

"By the way, roughly what level of strength did that Mount Huang Ancestor possess?"

Following that, Chen Yushu asked out of curiosity.

"Beyond Enlightenment, the Soul Refining realm. As for whether it was the True-False realm, Yang-Transforming realm, or Life-Culling realm, I do not know. Stepping beyond even that threshold is not entirely impossible either," the God's Favorite remarked with a sigh of emotion.

"True-False, Yang-Transforming, Life-Culling... cultivation knows no bounds. But at least, being able to glimpse the path ahead can be considered fortunate."

As the spiritual light within the induction disk dissipated, Chen Yushu let out a low sigh laced with emotion.

Soon afterward, he quickly reined in the emotions that had just been stirred up, retrieved two talismans, and with a flick of his intent, directly activated them.

Pacifying Spirit Talisman! Guiding Spirit Talisman!

The Pacifying Spirit Talisman soothed the mind and spirit.

The Guiding Spirit Talisman gathered the surrounding spiritual particles.

These two types of spiritual talismans had now become necessities for his cultivation. Their effects were naturally much better than practicing without them.

Only then did Chen Yushu immerse his mind, enter deep meditation, and begin practicing the White Tiger Contemplation Method.

One cycle, two cycles, three cycles...

Chen Yushu rapidly circulated the White Tiger Contemplation Method, continuously absorbing the surrounding spiritual particles to fortify his spiritual power.

Incense Dao-Agility +1

For the White Tiger Contemplation Method at the Great Accomplishment level, the cultivation efficiency was actually no longer low. However, once his Incense dao-agility reached the three-sticks-of-incense mark, every single point of improvement in experience value became increasingly arduous, leaving him to quietly cultivate and trade time for space while accumulating his strength step by step.

...

The turn of the year was fast approaching!

Today was also the very last grand market day of the year within Jianghuan Town.

For once, Chen Yushu did not cultivate. Early in the morning, he strolled through the streets alongside Liu Qiao'er, purchasing various New Year goods.

Unbleached cloth, ready-made garments, along with some grain, half a side of pork, chicken, duck, fish, and naturally, a variety of incense sticks, candles, yellow paper, and other ritual items.

From Liu Qiao'er's words, he had already learned that although Beijiao Village appeared peaceful, two seals were on the verge of failing completely.

The first was the malevolent entity that had once wreaked havoc in the ancestral temple of Beijiao Village. It was said that Liu Qiao'er's own father had personally taken action, sacrificing his life to trap and seal it away.

The second was that giant fish. According to Liu Qiao'er, the giant fish inside Beijiao Village slammed against its pillars almost every day, frantically tugging at the chains... It required someone to step in, either to reinforce the sealing chains anew or to completely eradicate it.

And none of these tasks could be accomplished by Liu Qiao'er alone.

Therefore, she needed helpers.

Previously, she had placed her hopes on 'Uncle Zhong' from the village. Because he was the only person in the same village belonging to the sectarian paths, possessing the strength of one stick of incense at perfection and nearing the second stick, she had sought him out. But the man held prejudices against her, refused to believe a single word she uttered, and viewed her claims with even less credibility given her young girl's appearance at the time.

Now, she pinned her hopes on Chen Yushu.

As for Chen Yushu, he likewise wished to resolve the troubles within the village. After all, he was also a son of Beijiao Village; his parents, relatives, and ancestors had lived here for generations, and naturally, he could not sit idly by while such threats persisted.

Preparing thoroughly for this was, of course, entirely natural.

Yet with so many goods purchased, the two of them alone could not haul them back. The storage bag's space was, after all, not quite large enough.