Chapter 36
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Chapter 36: Sugar-Coated Shells
Although it was a mandatory summons, the Wei Hall did provide some tangible rewards.
Wang Chen returned home with a Yunyang robe, a swan feather blade, three Exorcism Talismans, one Armor Horse Talisman, one Fireburst Talisman, a bottle of Qi Recovery Pills, and a bottle of Healing Pills.
He also brought back three books!
The robe and blade were both Grade One low-quality magical items.
Although he only had the right to use them and had to return them to the Wei Hall after the night patrol task, possessing these magical items undoubtedly boosted his strength.
The talismans and elixirs were self-explanatory, as they could be lifesavers at critical moments.
The three books were particularly intriguing: “Record of Magical Beasts,” “On Evil Spirits,” and “Night Watchers’ Tales.”
“Record of Magical Beasts” and “On Evil Spirits” were hefty volumes that illustrated hundreds of common magical beasts and evil objects, detailing their characteristics with a combination of text and images.
Wang Chen spent an entire afternoon committing the contents of these two books to memory.
During the night patrol task, he was likely to encounter the magical beasts or evil spirits described in the books.
Knowing oneself and one’s enemy ensures victory in every battle; even if he couldn’t win, he could still flee or seek assistance.
If he didn’t even know what his enemies were, how could he respond effectively?
Thus, Wang Chen believed these two books were invaluable.
After advancing to the fourth realm of Qi Training, Wang Chen’s spirit reached 3+8 points, the highest among his four main attributes.
In addition to his exceptionally sharp perception, his reaction speed and memory were also far superior to those of an average person.
Memorizing this knowledge was not a difficult task for him.
Through “Record of Magical Beasts” and “On Evil Spirits,” Wang Chen also gained a glimpse into the profound heritage of the Yunyang Sect.
Both books were exquisitely printed and bound.
The content was comprehensive, vividly illustrated, and easy to comprehend.
Such works could only be produced by a dedicated team responsible for gathering, studying, and compiling related materials.
Wang Chen was convinced that the library of the Yunyang Sect housed even more extensive and detailed books on similar subjects.
Knowledge is power!
As for “Night Watchers’ Tales,” it served as a manual for night watchers.
It clearly outlined what a night watcher should and should not do!
Although this book contained less information, Wang Chen considered it even more crucial than “Record of Magical Beasts” and “On Evil Spirits.”
He spent the entire night meticulously studying and memorizing it.
It felt like revisiting the intense review period before the college entrance exam in his past life.
However, if he made mistakes during the review, he might just miss out on attending university; if he didn’t fully grasp these three books…
He might even lose his life!
In addition to equipment, Dan symbols, and books, Wang Chen also selected two mid-level Qi Training spells for free.
Within his Sea of Consciousness, he now harbored two method seeds, each marked with oath seals.
They were the Fire Crow Technique and the Spirit Light Shield!
The Fire Crow Technique is a Fire Attribute spell.
Among the myriad of mid-level spells, it is renowned for its extensive attack range, formidable lethality, and versatile application.
The practitioner can summon one or multiple Fire Crows to assail the enemy, and upon striking the target, they trigger a fiery explosion, inflicting significant damage to both Evil Spirits and magical beasts.
Many cultivators with a primary five elements affinity for fire opt to master the Fire Crow Technique.
When deployed in combat, it can be a considerable nuisance to adversaries.
However, this spell imposes stringent demands on the caster.
As for the Spirit Light Shield, it is an essential protective spell for any mid-level Qi Training cultivator!
The Fire Crow Technique and the Spirit Light Shield are of considerable value; acquiring them through the Dharma Hall using sect contribution points would typically cost at least two to three hundred contribution points.
Yet, Wang Chen obtained them without expending a single contribution point or spirit stone.
This very fact heightened his sense of caution.
There is no such thing as a free lunch.
The immortal sect is not a charitable institution; it would never bestow benefits upon Outer Sect Disciples without reason.
The more the Wei Hall offers, the more perilous the task at hand!
Wang Chen could already sense the underlying danger, akin to a sugar-coated bullet.
Thus, in the days that followed,
he ceased his rigorous training in the Heavenly Dragon Vajra True Method and the Vajra Fist, and halted his studies of the "Basic Talismans Illustrated."
Apart from his routine cultivation of the Five Element Technique and tending to the spirit fields, he devoted the majority of his time to mastering the Spirit Light Shield.
He was determined to achieve proficiency within three days!
Wang Chen was acutely aware that his root bone and comprehension, both at a mere 3 points, were significant impediments to learning techniques and spells.
Given that the Spirit Light Shield is a mid-level Qi Training spell, the challenge in mastering it would be substantial.
Therefore, despite the urgency, he refrained from rushing; instead, he patiently delved into the method seed.
Simultaneously, Wang Chen reluctantly depleted his storage bag to purchase a package of Cloud Mist Spirit Tea in Yunshan City.
He then sought out the local head, an old cultivator, to seek his counsel.
Wang Chen could have approached the Dharma Hall to seek guidance from the elder teaching.
But with something as modest as a package of Cloud Mist Spirit Tea, the elder would hardly spare him a glance.
After learning of Wang Chen’s intentions, Grandpa Sun stroked his long white beard and smiled, "For such a small matter, you could have just come to me directly. Why bother bringing gifts?"
Wang Chen replied respectfully, "It is only proper to show respect to you, Elder."
Having an elder at home is like possessing a treasure; this old man has experienced more of life than Wang Chen has eaten grains of rice.
Living peacefully to over ninety years of age and still maintaining robust health, he must be well-versed in the art of quiet cultivation.
Wang Chen was confident that the elder could provide him with the right guidance.
"Hmm."
Grandpa Sun was very satisfied with Wang Chen’s attitude: "Very well, ask me anything. I am also proficient in the Spirit Light Shield."
Wang Chen immediately laid out all the issues he was facing.
Despite Grandpa Sun’s advanced age, his mind remained sharp, and he answered Wang Chen’s questions thoroughly and without reservation.
He also shared numerous insights on practicing the Spirit Light Shield.
Wang Chen felt a sudden clarity!
He believed he had made the right choice in consulting Grandpa Sun.
The elder’s cultivation experience was immensely rich.
Finally, Wang Chen asked, "Elder, do you have any knowledge of the Fire Crow Technique?"
Grandpa Sun shook his head: "My primary element is water."
Water overcomes fire, and cultivators aligned with the water element typically do not practice Fire Attribute spells.
The old man was both amused and slightly embarrassed: "Don’t regard me as an elder teaching!"
Wang Chen chuckled—he indeed intended to gain some knowledge without any cost.
When one is poor, one’s ambitions are modest.
Nevertheless, Wang Chen still gained a wealth of knowledge.
He even shared a meal with the elder.
That night, as soon as Wang Chen returned home, he went straight to the quiet room.
In the quiet room, he cleared his mind and channeled his dantian’s power to circulate throughout his body.
With all five fingers forming the spell and binding the seal, sensing a glimmer of spirit light, Wang Chen suddenly thrust his right palm forward.
"Protect!"
With a resolute shout, pure magical energy burst forth, forming a radiant shield in front of his palm.
Spirit Light Shield (Beginner): 0/100
He succeeded!
In just two days, Wang Chen had grasped the key to casting the Spirit Light Shield.
He added this spell to his skill repertoire.
Moreover, he still had one more day to enhance his proficiency with the Spirit Light Shield, to use it even more effectively for his protection!
