Chapter 538: Bingding Shenggui Talisman

Learning the Fengdu Method naturally has its reasons.

Li Yan understood this clearly in his heart.

First, he himself cultivated the Luo Feng Scripture, having laid a solid foundation; switching to another method was not a wise choice.

The path of cultivation is not about whose scripture is more powerful.

It's about who can go further.

Mortals have limited lifespans; even if you were given the methods of the Jade Emperor, how many could survive the life-and-death calamity, let alone the subsequent cosmic disasters?

Second, it was the information the old Daoist had revealed.

Followers of the Bei Di Sect who cultivate the Fengdu Method are extremely rare due to the Bei Di Black Edicts.

Of those who cultivate the Luo Feng Scripture, the living Yin Cha, as far as is known, is only him.

And those who cultivate both methods are even rarer.

Moreover, there is the transformation of identity.

His past-life experience told Li Yan that life's best choices are rarely the glamorous, idle titles, but the scarce ones.

Cultivating the Fengdu Method is absolutely correct.

"Quite clever…"

Juechenzi the old Daoist nodded slightly, clearly approving of his choice.

Then the old Daoist continued: "As for the remaining two, they are the Demon King Method and the Zhenwu Method."

"The so-called Demon King Method—you should know—is the art of commanding the Six Palaces' Demon Kings, such as Zong Lingcheng, the Demon King of Zhou Jueyin Palace, and Xiang Weiyuan, the Demon King of Tai Sha Liangshi Palace."

"This method was originally forbidden, difficult to cultivate. In ancient times, Master Zhang Tian Shi suppressed the Six Palaces' Demon Kings by invoking the power of Heaven; mortals attempting to command them risk instant backlash."

"Since you cultivate the Luo Feng Scripture, you may command them under the name of the Yin Court, overlapping with this method—no additional cultivation needed."

"Then there is the Zhenwu Method, similar to the Zhenwu Palace lineage, famed for martial arts, yet lacking the depth of Zhenwu Palace's transmission."

After hearing the old Daoist's explanation, Li Yan hesitated: "Can I choose only two methods?"

Juechenzi replied calmly: "Greed leads to indigestion. With this opportunity at hand, if you crave more than you can handle, you may end up achieving nothing."

Li Yan frowned, lost in thought.

Suddenly an idea struck him: "Master, could you elaborate on the Earth Deity Sect? I've heard you can summon Wen Lingguan?"

Li Yan was not cunning or deceitful, but he had ample worldly experience.

Just now, Juechenzi had explained in detail, yet subtly set traps, steering him toward the Tianpeng Method and Fengdu Method.

But the Earth Deity Sect's methods were mentioned only in passing.

Remember, the old Daoist's origin was the Earth Deity Sect; though part of the Bei Di lineage, there are closer and farther branches.

Was he deliberately concealing something?

The old Daoist fell silent for a moment, then admitted without evasion: "Indeed, we can. Don't blame me for my selfishness."

"Other Earth Deity Sect methods require worship of worldly deities to borrow their power—this is the temple priest's art, useless to you. But the secret method to summon Wen Lingguan is truly extraordinary."

"Wen Lingguan was a celestial being reincarnated; at birth, he bore heavenly script clouds on both ribs—twenty-four characters of the 'Ten Thousand Eons Heavenly Book' and sixteen characters of the 'Pursue Demons, Summon Servants.' This is our sect's untransmitted secret."

"In ancient times, our ancestor Zhang Jixian specially crafted the 'Bingding Talisman,' also called the 'Bingding Shenggui Talisman,' inscribing these heavenly scripts."

"To summon Wen Lingguan, this treasure is the key."

At this, Li Yan instantly understood.

He was not of the Earth Deity Sect; if he learned this method, he would inevitably take the treasure, and the sect would lose it forever.

Li Yan pondered a moment, then said: "In that case, forget it."

For any reason, receiving the transmission was already deeply grateful; taking the sect's treasure would be utterly unjustifiable.

Yet the old Daoist fell silent again, then sighed: "Enough. Man has nine plans, but Heaven has one. Since fate has denied us, clinging to this treasure will only invite disaster."

Saying this, he slowly rose, walked to a hidden compartment in his study desk, carefully retrieved a brocade box, and brought it before Li Yan to open.

Inside lay a token.

Unknown in material, its black wood resembled ink jade, adorned with golden patterns; besides intricate talismans, both sides bore unreadable characters resembling cloud motifs.

Seeing it, Li Yan's heart instantly tightened.

This object was indeed a supreme treasure; the moment the brocade box opened, its chilling aura made him pause his breath.

A formidable, fierce power surged straight toward his face.

Juechenzi the old Daoist gazed at it with deep reluctance, his voice low: "This treasure is the 'Bingding Shenggui Talisman,' personally crafted by the Tian Shi, made from six-times-repeated thunder-struck yinchen wood."

"One side is engraved with the twenty-four characters of the 'Ten Thousand Eons Heavenly Book,' the other with the sixteen characters of the 'Pursue Demons, Summon Servants.'"

Seeing Li Yan hesitate, as if about to refuse, the old Daoist sighed softly and pushed the box toward him: "Take it. When I was young, I could barely command it; today, I am powerless."

"My sect's successors have dwindled; none can inherit it. I only hope you, possessing this treasure, will punish evil and promote good, living up to its renown."

"Thank you, Master."

With these words, Li Yan no longer hesitated.

His enemies were growing stronger; he needed sufficient trump cards.

Summoning Wen Lingguan would not be simple, but even a glimmer of hope could become a decisive weapon.

"Enough…"

Juechenzi the old Daoist turned his gaze away and said solemnly: "While my mind is still clear, I shall transmit the essentials to you today."

"The key to the Fengdu Method lies in the Three Classes."

"The Master Class, the Saint Class, and the General Class. The Master and Saint Classes need no elaboration—Di Shi Zhongtian Ziwei, San Guan Si Sheng Beiji, Fengdu Dadi. All are recorded in the scriptures, yet none have succeeded."

"What I shall primarily teach you is the General Class: the troops and generals of the Six Palaces, Six Caves, and their courts, as well as the Eastern and Western Tai Bureaus, the Yin Officials and Imperial Clerks…"

"To practice the Fengdu Method, you must align your official rank with your spiritual position. As a living Yin Cha, you naturally hold an advantage—you may harmonize with the Nine Springs' edicts, bind the officials and generals of the Two Tais, and summon the Nine Mang and Eight Sha to march…"

"The Fengdu generals are divided into Inner and Outer Eight Generals, known as the Eight Sha, totaling sixteen generals, arranged according to the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams. The Judge sits in the Central Palace, initiates the Master, treads the Dipper, sends the spirit, rests the Emperor, and invokes the Six Palaces' incantations…"

"After capture, punishment is meted out according to the Nüqing Heavenly Code, the condemned are imprisoned in Fengdu; generals must not be used recklessly, or harm will follow…"

…………

Unaware, night fell.

"Thank you, Master."

Li Yan bowed respectfully to Juechenzi the old Daoist.

His cultivation path had long been one of self-discovery; now, with the old Daoist's meticulous guidance, his lineage was completed, and his understanding of Fengdu enforcement deepened.

If before he was a self-taught rogue,

Now he had received formal training.

After speaking all day, Juechenzi the old Daoist looked exhausted: "The human realm is changing. As a living Yin Cha who has received the Heavenly Official's post, you are likely one destined to face the calamity."

"Remember, even if you hold a position in the Dharma Realm, you remain human. How should one walk the path of humanity and Heaven? You must know your limits…"

Saying this, he waved his hand: "I am tired. Go."

Li Yan bowed again, deeply respectful, then turned and left.

As he left the small courtyard, he glanced back once.

Beneath the statue, the old Daoist sat sipping tea, eyes vacant, staring at the oil lamp—as if recalling the past.

Li Yan knew this elder had little time left.

Juechenzi had told him much.

In his youth, the old Daoist had been a prodigy, secretly granted the Heavenly Official's post, even met Master Sanfeng, who had favored him.

Alas, fate was unkind.

The old Daoist had cultivated his entire life, with a chance to use the Heavenly Official's position to complete his task, gain divine Gang, and go further on this path.

Perhaps even a sliver of hope to ascend to godhood. But the era he lived in had not yet seen the human realm's transformation; he waited half a lifetime for one chance to capture.

And even that, he failed.

Unlike the living Yin Cha, the Heavenly Official's post was limited.

By receiving the transmission from the old Daoist, Li Yan had formally taken over his Heavenly Official's position…

Such is life: even with lofty ambitions and the skill to slay dragons, if fate is against you, there is nothing to be done.

"Li Shaoxia, let us go."

As Li Yan pondered, Lingyunzi approached, stealing a sidelong glance inside, wisely saying nothing.

"I apologize for keeping you waiting so long."

Li Yan bowed, then followed him down the mountain.

Night had fallen; the mountain path was slippery, but to the two, it was no obstacle—they moved swiftly as a gale.

"Li Shaoxia, I've already arranged the building project."

Please... you... collect 6... ... ooks....!

Lingyunzi smiled: "You arrived at the perfect time. Several of the grottoes and blessed lands on Zhao Gong Mountain are now vacant. I've secured one for you—the legendary retreat of Zhao Lingguan."

He mentioned it deliberately.

Originally, he had merely fulfilled his duty toward Li Yan; but what he had seen these past two days led him to a new judgment.

Li Yan's importance was far greater than he had imagined.

Even the sect leader had underestimated him.

Zhao Gongming's hidden grotto was the finest blessed land on Mount Qingcheng; even Ning Fengzi had cultivated there. It was rarely opened to outsiders.

He had exerted great effort, even invoking the sect leader's authority, to obtain it.

Li Yan understood at once and bowed quickly: "Thank you, Daoist. Should you need anything in the future, please contact me."

A carriage is lifted by many hands; Li Yan was no fool.

Lingyunzi not only had high cultivation, but had become the guest master at a young age and was a trusted confidant of the current abbot of Qingcheng, so it was essential to cultivate good relations.

Even the celestial law realm cannot escape human relationships and worldly affairs—how much less so the mortal world?

Thus, those who follow the Dao gain much support; those who abandon it gain little.

Human relationships and worldly affairs—are they not also the Dao?

After returning to Chaoyang Cave, it was already deep night. Li Yan and Wang Daoxuan briefly exchanged accounts of the day's events, ate a simple meal, then returned to their rooms.

By candlelight, he took out the "Bingding Sheng Gui Fu" and held it in his hand, examining it closely.

This treasure was an unexpected boon.

Marshal Wen presides over life and death and wards off plague, so this artifact inherently suppresses poison charms.

More crucially, it could serve as a foundational treasure for the Fengdu Method, complementing the Five Directions Luo Feng Flags—perhaps even enabling summoning of generals from the Quan Tai.

Of course, this too is a ritual altar method, somewhat like an upgraded version of his Fengdu Kaozhao Great Method; as his cultivation advances, he may even borrow power from the netherworld bureaucracy.

At that time, he could dedicate all his Gangling entirely to his troops.

In addition, his own "Luo Feng Jing" must be completed.

He would also cultivate new techniques.

This seclusion would likely last a long while.

Zhao Gong Mountain, where the cave heaven and blessed land lay, was still some distance from Qingcheng's main peak, but closer to Guanxian.

Once the pavilion was built, he could proceed there directly.

Thinking of this, Li Yan could not help but gaze out the window.

Qingcheng Mountain was a cave heaven and blessed land, rich with primordial Gangsha energy; eagles and hawks arriving in winter were suppressed, so no messages had been sent these past two days.

He did not know what state Sha Lifei and the others were in…

…

…………

Outside Guanxian County, near the Dujiangyan, a village.

"We're here! Right here!"

Wang Tianzuo, dressed in black, spoke in a lowered voice.

His face was still pale; logically, after being possessed, he should have rested for a while—but his friend had been murdered, and he must uncover the truth.

Pointing to the village ahead, Wang Tianzuo said gravely: "This village is called Heishui Village. Old Lu is the village shaman, deeply respected, and holds considerable prestige among Daoist practitioners around Guanxian."

Sha Lifei, likewise hiding in the grass, rubbed his chin and said: "It looks ordinary—no idea why someone would settle here."

Lu San turned his head upon hearing this.

There, in the shadow of a large tree, an old yellow weasel sat on its hind legs, eating fruit, wearing a tattered garment, already learning to walk like a human.

"Squeak, chuckle…"

The old yellow weasel had modest cultivation but exceptional spiritual sensitivity; it understood human speech and spent a long time explaining to Lu San in the Upper Language.

After listening, Lu San pondered, then turned and said: "The Meishan Brothers Association has existed for a long time. Originally, many worshipped Erlang Zhenjun, patrolling mountains and destroying temples, driving off yin ghosts and gathering minor demons to protect local peace—this was helping Erlang Zhenjun manifest his power."

"Each spring, they gather minor demons to inspect leaks in the Dujiangyan, organize villagers for annual repairs, then hold a sacrificial ceremony on Qingming."

"They began in the Eastern Han, but during the Song, when the imperial court declared Erlang Zhenjun a heretical cult, some took advantage to stir chaos. Many members of the Brothers Association, angered by this, joined the rebellion and suffered heavy losses."

"Later, they went into hiding. Thus, 'Meishan Brothers' gradually became known as the 'Seven Brothers of Meishan.'"

"These minor demons are all spirits from nearby mountains, cooperating with the Brothers Association to guard the worship of Erlang Zhenjun."

"As for why Old Lu was killed? They do not know."

"So that's how it is…"

Sha Lifei raised an eyebrow, signaling with his eyes: "Lu San, ask them again—have they ever seen Erlang Zhenjun?"

The reason the group came to Guanxian was to trace clues of Erlang Zhenjun's reincarnation; these minor demons and the Meishan Brothers were clearly key.

Wang Tianzuo, overhearing, was left speechless.

He finally understood the purpose of Sha Lifei and the others.

But the idea sounded utterly implausible.

Could Erlang Zhenjun truly exist?

Lu San nodded and continued questioning, but after speaking at length with the old yellow weasel, he shook his head: "They revere Erlang Zhenjun, but have never seen his true form."

"Strange… is he not here then…?"

Upon hearing this, Sha Lifei frowned slightly.

Wang Tianzuo forced down his shock and said gravely: "Let's go to Old Lu's house first—perhaps we'll find some clues."

"There are many dogs in this village—depends on your skills."

"No problem."

Lu San rose, formed a hand seal, whistled a few times, and the village dogs immediately scurried back into their houses, trembling and too afraid to bark.

Only then did the group rise and slip into the village under cover of darkness.

"That house right there!"

After walking a short distance, Wang Tianzuo pointed to a small courtyard in the distance.

The courtyard gate was tightly shut, pitch black.

"Wait!"

As Sha Lifei moved forward, Lu San grabbed his arm, his face grim, eyes locked on the courtyard: "Something's wrong inside."

"I heard… a woman crying…"

(End of Chapter)