Chapter 122: Difficult to Practice the Subtle Method, Five Skandhas Yin True Qi

If one must speak of this world, there is truly no such thing as money not being useful.

In this room on the Treasure Ship, the walls are all carved with high mountain and flowing water patterns made of superior red sandalwood; the room is curtained with bright pearls, and in the center stands a crane-beak incense burner half a person's height, the smoke flowing slowly from it, actually causing a layer of coolness to permeate the entire room, making even one's mind feel quite relaxed and refreshed.

The bed is even more skillfully crafted from agarwood, with soft gauze like water, light and comfortable.

Three meals a day are provided with Spirit Rice, a bowl's portion, paired with three small dishes—one meat, one vegetable, and one fish soup—the taste and appearance are both not bad, and life is truly comfortable.

As for wanting to enjoy more, that requires paying extra.

Hmm, the room rate is one Spirit Pearl per day, and Chen Ci has to pay for two, because the bill for Lin Laohu next door is also hung on his head, ptooey~

If it weren't for the fact that he had ransacked a haul after the incident that day, Chen Ci would have been afraid he'd have to book a dormitory bed for this cheap Shixiong and be done with it; as for himself, having risked his life so many times, can he not enjoy himself a little?

However, now is not the time to consider these things; Chen Ci slowly put down the Dao Tome in his hand, exhaled a breath of turbid air, closed his eyes for a short rest, and thought about something in his heart.

Although this Lin Qinhu is quite skilled at painting big pictures, regardless of whether his words are true or false, he truly delivers when the matter is finished.

Five Ghosts Possession Great Method.

Five Skandhas Yin Demon Method (1/3), and it was even dictated orally.

In his words, being able to pass on one-third of such a True Method is already the limit of his authority; for anything further, Chen Ci must reach the cultivation level himself, become an Inner Gate or True Inheritor of the He Mountain Sect, and after being recorded in the He Mountain Inner Gate Dao Tome, can he then be taught by the transmission elders.

If one has not entered the Dao Tome but practices a True Method, and it is discovered by the sect, Chen Ci and Lin Qinhu will surely die without a doubt; it is likely that even the Golden Core True Persons of the entire He Mountain Sect would come to kill them and retrieve the True Method.

"But this isn't even one-third; fine, just like that nameless remnant tome from Ma Family Village, it only has the first part; although it is stronger, it isn't stronger by much."

Chen Ci sighed; he estimated that it was roughly a cultivation method for the Hundred Apertures.

"Two and a half years since I started, finally opened the gate to Longevity, not easy."

According to Lin Qinhu, the Five Ghosts Possession Great Method cannot be practiced unless the Five Ghosts Transportation Method is perfected; otherwise, if the Yin spirits enter the body, one will inevitably suffer a Qi deviation—lightly, one's sanity will change drastically, and heavily, one's spirit will scatter; in any case, most disciples in the He Mountain Sect stop at this step.

And the sign of the Five Ghosts Transportation Method being perfected is the ability to attach one's intent to the five ghosts to patrol in all directions; it is not that Chen Ci is boasting, but if he still had his integrity, he could see everything happening in the rooms to his left and right with the level of his Five Ghosts Transportation Method.

The deeper the level of the Five Ghosts Transportation Method, the easier it is to practice the Five Ghosts Possession Great Method; and for the first time practicing the Five Ghosts Possession Method, one must either be in a secret room or in the wild mountains and forests; it is not recommended in crowded places, and if one does not listen, one bears the consequences.

Therefore, for these two days, Chen Ci only studied the Five Ghosts Possession Great Method and did not dare to actually practice it.

Moreover, he felt that his own Five Ghosts Transportation Method was still lacking a bit; it wasn't that it couldn't be improved further, and sharpening the knife does not delay the work of cutting wood.

Five Ghosts Transportation Method: Perfected/2/100

"First, practice the Five Ghosts Transportation Method to Perfected, no rush; besides, the appearance of Lin Laohu's Five Ghosts Possession is truly chilling."

Chen Ci shook his head; given the quality of his own little five, it shouldn't make him become like that.

What he currently wants to solve more is the problem of his Dao cultivation.

Three Yin Qi-Eating Method: 43/100 (Three Yin True Qi, medium-low quality)

Five Skandhas Yin Demon Method (Remnant): Not yet entered

The Three Yin True Qi he has cultivated was not easy to come by; if he were to disperse it, he would be reluctant, but switching to the Five Skandhas Yin Demon Method is not that simple either; although the nature of the True Qi of both is similar, it is as if the acupoints have already been occupied, and it is not easy for an outsider to enter.

"Bang, bang, bang!"

Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupted Chen Ci's thoughts.

"It's me."

It was Lin Qinhu's voice; Chen Ci got up to open the door and raised his hand in a salute: "Lin Shixiong."

"Mm."

Lin Qinhu's complexion was still not very healthy; although there was some color, his aura was very low; it seems that move caused him great damage, and I don't know if there are any sequelae; if there aren't, Chen Ci would also like to learn it.

The two sat down, and Chen Ci brewed a cup of hot tea for Lin Qinhu with the tea leaves in the room; Lin Qinhu took a sip before saying: "I came to find you today because there is something I need to tell you."

"Shixiong, please speak."

Chen Ci straightened his expression.

"It's nothing major; this 'Baohua Workshop' has extensive connections, and these days I've processed some items; your share will naturally be given to you."

Lin Qinhu chuckled: "Working for me, merits and faults are clearly distinguished, and there are naturally rewards and punishments."

Chen Ci suddenly realized; the Five Ghosts Possession Method and the Five Skandhas Yin Demon Method were the pie, and now it is the project split, which is not bad either.

You must know that Chen Ci only collected some gold, silver, Spirit Pearls, and divine sand; all other Dharma Artifacts and items were taken by Lin Qinhu; he hadn't thought much about it before, but now it seems there is an unexpected joy.

The net worth of more than ten cultivators, even after being discounted again and again, should still be quite a lot.

Chen Ci rubbed his fingers, quite moved.

"Do you want Dharma Artifacts or Dao Tomes?"

Lin Qinhu put down his teacup: "Six Paths Black Cable, or the Skull Demon Method, and there is also a seizing method that coordinates with the Five Yin Evil Qi Bag; as for the others, they are of no great use, and I estimate you wouldn't fancy them."

Chen Ci was quite tempted; these Dharma Artifacts of the He Mountain Sect don't look like much, but they are first-class sharp weapons for fighting and killing; if it weren't for his fortuitous encounter, having refined the Five Yin Gold Evil with the method of refining gold Qi, he would have been backstabbed to death by those cheap fellow disciples during the fight that day.

The Skull Demon Method is fine, but the Six Paths Black Cable, when refined to Perfected, is truly first-class and easy to use.

And the Five Yin Seizing Hand is not bad either; his own Adai contributed a lot this time; should he reward it?

After pondering for a moment, Chen Ci suppressed the restlessness in his heart and shook his head: "Shixiong, forget about the Dharma Artifacts and Dao Tomes; just exchange them all for Spirit Pearls, divine sand, and cultivation pills for me."

Competing with Dharma Artifacts, how can it compare to competing with Dao cultivation?

His current defensive means are enough; practicing more evil artifacts, no matter how fierce the prestige, is not as good as having a higher level of True Qi cultivation; moreover, Chen Ci vaguely felt that this Five Skandhas Yin Demon Method is likely very difficult to practice, and with his current cultivation aptitude, it is hard to say what he will achieve; not saving more money always makes him feel insecure.

"Very well."

Lin Qinhu thought for a moment: "Then let's settle it at four hundred Spirit Pearls."

How much, four hundred Spirit Pearls?

Chen Ci's first reaction was, so much money, how should I spend it? Sudden wealth, sudden wealth! As expected, killing and arson are the fastest ways to make money!

"Do not think it is too little."

Lin Qinhu saw Chen Ci's expression change slightly and explained: "Dharma Artifacts are heavily discounted when sold, and there is also the share for Senior Brother Geng and Junior Brother Dong, which must be given to their descendants in the future."

"Mm, Junior Brother understands."

Chen Ci nodded slightly; this cheap Shixiong speaks quite nicely, but it is true; Lin Laohu promised Shixiong Geng's descendants a disciple status, a future of Dao Foundation, so having a good father—or rather, a good grand-uncle—can truly save many years of detours.

Not jealous, anyway, Chen Ci is not even a little bit, not even a tiny bit jealous.

"Is your True Qi cultivation going smoothly?"

Lin Qinhu looked Chen Ci over a few times and suddenly asked.

"Not exactly smooth."

Chen Ci's heart stirred; it seemed he was about to be given some pointers. This Lin Laohu was truly capable. He bowed with both hands and asked for guidance: "Could Senior Brother teach me? I intend to refine the Five Ghosts Transportation Method to a more profound level before cultivating the Five Ghosts Possession Method. As for now, I want to use my Three Yin True Qi to switch to cultivating the Five Skandhas Yin Demon Art, but I have no leads for the time being and cannot enter the gate."

"Among the Superior Grade Qi Refining Methods in the sect, this Five Skandhas Yin Demon Art is actually a cut above the Thousand Mountains Pulse Traveling Method. However, this method is arduous. Without the Five Ghosts Possession Great Method to assist in cultivation, it is very difficult to make progress. If you cannot cultivate the Five Ghosts Possession Great Method to a high level, the future of this art is actually not as good as the Three Yin Qi-Eating Method you are currently cultivating."

Lin Qinhu said indifferently: "But since you have already chosen your path, I will not try to persuade you."

After a pause, Lin Qinhu continued: "The so-called True Qi has spirit. If you want to switch, your Three Yin True Qi will also obstruct you, making the first step of entry even more difficult. If you do not wish to disperse your cultivation, I can help you, but you must also do one thing for me."

"Senior Brother, please speak clearly."

Chen Ci secretly curled his lip; he had indeed thought too much. How could this Lin Laohu ever let someone take advantage of him for free?

"It is nothing major; it is still about that descendant of Senior Brother Geng."

Lin Qinhu did not keep him in suspense and said directly: "Although I will give him the status of an Apprentice, I may not necessarily be able to spare the time to teach him. Once matters here are settled, you go and find that descendant for me, and pass the Three Yin Qi-Eating Method to him. Can you do it?"

"Fine."

Chen Ci thought for a moment and agreed. It was indeed not a major matter, just a bit troublesome.

"Hmm, reach out your hand."

Upon hearing this, Chen Ci extended his left hand. Lin Qinhu gripped his wrist. With a muffled groan, Chen Ci's face suddenly turned pale, devoid of any blood, and his whole body could not help but tremble. He only felt his own Three Yin True Qi acting like a mantis trying to stop a chariot; he did not know what had instantly crushed it, forcing it all into his left hand.

His whole body felt as if it had been scraped by knives, empty and hollow.

"Done. The Five Skandhas Yin Demon Art is entered; this restriction is now broken."

Lin Qinhu stood up, smiled at Chen Ci, and walked away leisurely, even thoughtfully closing the door for him, leaving only Chen Ci slumped in his chair, feeling incredibly uncomfortable.

"Ugh, damn it, at least give a hint, ugh."

The nauseating sensation of having his True Qi exhausted washed over him, and Chen Ci subconsciously tapped open his Gold Finger panel.

Three Yin Qi-Eating Method (Sealed): 1 (43) / 100 (Three Yin True Qi, Mid-Lower Quality)

Five Skandhas Yin Demon Art (Fragmented): Not yet entered (Nether Yin True Qi, Top-Tier Quality)

Besides squeezing his Three Yin True Qi, this Lin Qinhu had also left behind a strand of Nether Yin True Qi for Chen Ci to comprehend; he had put in some effort.

"Let's practice. If I still can't enter the gate after this, there's no excuse."

Chen Ci slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air, suppressed the weakness throughout his body, and began to circulate the Qi refining method of the Five Skandhas Yin Demon Art.

Three days later.

Chen Ci slowly exited his meditative state. He seemed to hear a crisp sound, as if the shackles on his body had been shed, and the True Qi within his body gave birth to a mysterious and profound change.

On the Gold Finger, the status line for the Three Yin Qi-Eating Method slowly changed, gradually fading away and disappearing.

"Finally succeeded."

Chen Ci could not help but exhale a breath; the airflow was surprisingly cold, carrying wisps of White Mist.

His gaze moved downward, he paused, looked carefully for a few more moments, his body tilted, and a curse escaped his lips.

Five Skandhas Yin Demon Art (Fragmented): 14 (43) / 100 (Nether Yin True Qi, Top-Tier Quality, can open Three Hundred and Sixty Apertures, five practices a day, one unit (43) can be advanced in thirty days, and one unit can be advanced every six hundred days thereafter)

"Damn it, this is what you call 'very difficult to make progress'? This is practicing until you die and still not touching the threshold of the Dao Foundation!"

Chen Ci gasped: "Impossible, absolutely impossible, otherwise how did that Lin Laohu... right, there is also the Five Ghosts Possession Great Method."

This Five Skandhas Yin Demon Art also has auxiliary methods, very good, very good. It's just that he doesn't know to what extent he must practice the Five Ghosts Possession Method to make progress. Chen Ci's eyelids twitched. Although this Nether Yin True Qi seemed a bit impressive and the future looked promising, why did he feel so panicked?

It must be an illusion... right.

(End of this chapter)