Chapter 28

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The sound of the qin extended an invitation.

Tao Taigong’s expression first tensed, then gradually relaxed. He solemnly straightened his attire, and before stepping through the wooden door, he lowered his eyes and cupped his hands. Each step he took reflected a growing sense of seriousness, which was understandable given that he had just been deeply shaken.

The old Earth Deity was different from Qi Wuhuo.

He had lived for a long time and understood far more about cultivation, and he knew much more in detail.

The orthodox Daoist tradition, having been passed down to the present, has developed numerous spells and divine abilities into a cohesive system.

The proper path consists of five arts:

Mountain, Medicine, Physiognomy, Fate, and Divination.

[TL_Note: Physiognomy = face reading]

These five categories represent the various directions of cultivation.

The divine abilities for protecting the Dao are generally divided into two categories. The first type is those that can be executed at will, like breathing to summon thunder, using one’s Xiantian One Qi as the core, transforming internal visualization into external divine power. These abilities are swift and can be deployed instantly, with just a gesture or thought.

The second type requires incantations, footwork, or even tools as assistance.

This type falls under the category of Xuantan.

[TL_Note: Mysterious Altar]

Xuantan-type divine abilities mostly rely on the strength of Deities, Immortals, or Ancestral Masters.

At the highest level, they can draw upon the vast force of heaven and earth.

These divine abilities need careful preparation, with strict requirements in every aspect, making them quite demanding. However, once executed, they are incredibly powerful.

As long as there is enough preparation time, once cast, these abilities often allow one to perform divine abilities far beyond their own realm of cultivation.

Based on their respective Ancestral Masters of their lineage, as well as their relationships with the Immortals and Earth Deities

Different lineages have their own unique methods of inheritance.

If one is not a disciple of the specific lineage, lacks their name inscribed on the jade book, or hasn’t received the requisite talisman, even if they obtain the method to perform the divine ability, they won’t be able to summon that power or activate the technique. In some cases, attempting to use such a method may even result in a backlash from the divine ability itself.

If anyone were to kill a disciple of the Shenxiao lineage and seize the jade book of the altar techniques, then present a jade book talisman to the Thunder Capital Bureau of the Daoist sect, requesting to perform the Five Thunder Technique at a specific time and place.

The Five Thunder Technique would most likely hit the caster’s head directly.

Then, as Daoist lineages passed down their techniques, some of the Xuantan-style ritual practices leaked out, and other cultivation sects began to imitate the Daoist Xuantan, developing their own similar divine abilities.

But regardless of whether it is from the orthodox Daoist tradition, a heterodox sect, or a folk lineage.

The basic framework of all Xuantan-type divine abilities is the same.

The specifics of setting up the altar for the ritual are not discussed here.

Next come the talismans, the ritual ceremony, and the Yu-step.

[TL_Note: a specific Daoist ritual step or movement associated with controlling divine forces]

Following that is the incantation—though there are countless types of incantations, the basic logic is as follows; First, you specify the source of the power you are invoking,

So as not to call upon the wrong deity.

Then, you report the situation you’re facing.

The third line expresses the outcome you wish to achieve.

Finally, you recite the specific content of the incantation.

For example, in folk traditions, there is the [Shaojiu Incantation].

[TL_Note: Shaojiu = name of a famous Tang dynasty wine]

The first line declared: I follow the command of the Fox Immortal Master, descending the mountain with the golden lock.

The second line then says: Now I see people warming wine to drink.

Finally, the purpose of the incantation is revealed: Seal the wine into the Golden Gate.

This can be regarded as a small trick used by wanderers all over the world to steal Shaojiu using the template of Xuantan of the Daoist lineage to create their own inheritance. The advantage of this structure is that even those who haven’t cultivated Xiantian One Qi can perform various spells using their Primordial Qi and preparation. This makes it easier to pass down these practices.

And this is all-encompassing, even swordsmen who practice Xuantan can address most situations they encounter while traveling.

These methods can be used for a wide range of purposes, from exorcising spirits and subduing demons to preparing food and concealing one’s presence.

The downside is that it takes a lot of time. If a mistake is made, such as contacting the wrong Immortal or Earth Deity, there will be no response.

However, no matter the lineage of the incantation, great reverence is shown toward the entities being invoked.

The practitioner either invites or venerates them.

But what he had just heard was an Edict—

Tao Taigong lowered his gaze, not daring to raise his head.

He went forward step by step.

He just felt that his steps were becoming heavier.

The difference between issuing a command and making a request is as vast as heaven and earth.

Even more terrifying was the fact that he still had not seen any trace of a Xuantan ritual being performed—no incense burning, no ceremonial preparations.

There was nothing!

This implied that by just opening his mouth, he had connected with the heavens above and the underworld below, issuing a single decree to deliver the souls.

The more one understood about cultivation, the more terrifying it becomes

From all his years of accumulated knowledge, there were only two possibilities that explained what Tao Taigong had witnessed: either the one who acted possessed extraordinary power, far beyond that of ordinary people.

That is the highest level Xuanzong of the Daoist Sect.

A disciple of the Taishang lineage.

Otherwise, you cannot use Taishang’s name to give an Edict to the Underworld.

Regardless of which possibility it was, as a God of Fortune and Virtue, he knew he must act with utmost respect. As he approached, Tao Taigong humbly said: “This city’s Fortune and Virtue Land God, Tao Kan, greet the honored Daoist. Your esteemed presence graces this humble place. I apologize for not welcoming you from afar—please forgive my sins.”

As he spoke, he lifted his head and finally saw the young man sitting at the stone table, playing the qin. His expression instantly froze.

“Oh, it’s Tao Taigong,”

It was the blue-robed youth, whom the Tiger had introduced earlier. He sat on the stone stool, with one hand resting on the qin, and offered an apologetic smile, saying:

“I only sensed a familiar presence but couldn’t discern who it was, so I simply referred to you as a friend.”

“Why have you come?”

Tao Kan’s kind expression stiffened.

Qi… Qi Wuhuo?

It took a while for his Primordial Spirit to gather his thoughts.

With over two centuries of experience, he barely maintained his composure at that moment.

“You, this, what is…”

“Just now, those…”

Qi Wuhuo clasped his hands and replied: “Earlier, my Primordial Spirit was too depleted to rise and open the door to greet you properly. Please do not take offense.”

Tao Taigong slowly shook his head. “No, no offense at all… no offense at all…”

“How could I possibly take offense?”

As his mind gradually regained clarity, Tao Taigong lifted his head to see that the lingering Yin Qi had not yet fully dissipated. Faint golden light still flickered in the air, swirling softly around the young man. Tao Taigong slowly came to terms with the fact that this had indeed been the youth’s doing. Reflecting on it, he recalled how the mysterious and powerful Tiger Mountain God held this young man in high regard, and an inkling of suspicion began to form in his mind.

So that’s how it is, I see, I see...

Mountain God, you’ve really kept me in the dark!

Tao Taigong sat down, exchanged a few pleasantries with Qi Wuhuo, and then asked,

“Wuhuo, what kind of incantation did you use? It allowed you to guide those souls to peace.”

Qi Wuhuo was about to explain that it wasn’t his own doing.

But then recalled how the old man had concealed himself, clearly unwilling to reveal his presence. After a moment of hesitation, Qi Wuhuo replied:

“There are some things I cannot share, Tao Taigong. I hope you understand…”

Cannot share.

As expected…

The Land God’s thoughts stirred slightly, but he stroked his beard and nodded, his expression serious:

“No matter, no matter, Wuhuo, you needn’t say more.”

“I understand completely.”

“I truly do.”

There was no longer the casual tone he used earlier when chatting with the other Earth Deities, calling him a little child.

Nor did he keep any secret thoughts to himself.

He then noticed the sword box placed upright nearby. He recognized it immediately as the treasure used by the evil cultivator earlier. The sword box had the power to stir sword qi like waves and control flowing wind. The many talismans and seals that Tantai Xuan had painstakingly refined over a hundred years had now been completely undone. His eyes twitched at the sight, and then a thought crossed his mind.

Many of the world’s greatest treasures originate from the Taishang lineage.

If this young man belongs to the Taishang lineage.

His mastery of the art of refining tools and alchemy would be only a matter of course.

Indeed, the Taishang lineage lives up to its exalted reputation.

For an ordinary cultivator at the level of Xiantian One Qi, someone capable of establishing their own lineage, it would take a lifetime to refine a life-bound treasure. Yet, here it was, subdued in an instant.

Now completely under control and able to be wielded without constraint.

However, this item was likely with that Tiger before. Unexpectedly, the Tiger did not keep the treasure for himself but gifted it to this youth? It seems the Tiger must have known he was a descendant of the Taishang lineage and treated him so well because of that.

Tao Taigong’s thoughts churned as he contemplated the situation.

Suddenly, he made a firm decision.

With a smile, he stroked his beard and said: “But, truth be told, I had intended to return to the mountain to find you anyway.”

“Quite a coincidence, isn’t it?”

Qi Wuhuo was puzzled.

The Land God reached into his robes and pulled out an object, gently placing it on the table. It had a wood-like appearance, finely textured, and bore a talisman resembling a lightning snake—precisely the identity token of the [Mingzhen Dao Alliance]. Qi Wuhuo’s expression changed slightly, and Tao Taigong explained:

“…I had just recalled this.”

“This token is not meant to bind to the Primordial Spirit.”

“Tantai Xuan could kill and steal to use it, so naturally, others can use it too.”

“That evil cultivator was captured by the mountain god, but it was you, Wuhuo, who ended his life.”

“By the rules, this item rightfully belongs to you.”

Tao Taigong smiled as he raised his hand, gently pushing the identity token—one he had initially intended to keep for himself—toward Qi Wuhuo.

Then, without changing his expression, he smiled and said:

“I knew you might need this, and I was already planning to go up the mountain to return it to you.”

“Now, it just happens to work out perfectly.”

PS:

The Shaojiu Incantation originates from the folk tradition of [Lu Ban’s Tricks]