Yu Ci found the situation somewhat awkward. The two Immortal Elders were here on his account, yet they were now engaged in a dispute. To make matters worse, he couldn't interject, nor could he simply leave. The situation was quite uncomfortable.

Especially when he saw Old Daoist's emotions, clearly on the verge of exploding due to Elder Jie Liang's provocation. What if things got out of hand here?

As he was thinking, Yu Zhou's gaze turned towards him. Their eyes met, and Yu Ci gave him a bitter smile.

Only heaven knows what Yu Ci was ruefully smiling about, but the emotion was clearly conveyed.

Old Daoist indeed still valued him. Seeing this, he seemed to remember the original purpose of their visit. The surging emotions also subsided a little. Perhaps what Old Daoist needed most at the moment was this kind of buffer.

Yu Zhou managed to control his emotions, but waved his hand a bit irritably, "We've come to this point, I don't want to argue about these matters. They're irrelevant to our purpose tonight. The disciple I recommended is strong-willed, extremely courageous and decisive, proficient in swordsmanship talisman, and has the Fish-Dragon to present to the sect. All conditions are met. I just want to add a finishing touch for him. Why must you take this stance?"

"The disciple you recommended is not the problem, but your teaching methods are!"

Elder Jie Liang was determined to confront Yu Zhou today. Under his stern face, there was an unyielding mind. This made Yu Ci sigh inwardly, considering whether he should think of a way to defuse the tense atmosphere, when he heard a timid voice beside him:

"Brother Yu's cultivation level in talisman is really impressive. Back at Nanfrost Lake, he caught the Water Mimic Bird using the Binding Ghost Talisman."

The speaker was Bao Guang, a young Taoist. He had come over to pour tea for everyone and felt the unpleasant atmosphere, so he took advantage of his familiarity with the two elders to interject. His words might not be appropriate, and his intent was too obvious, but the timing was just right. Yu Ci inwardly praised him and followed up:

"In front of Master Jie Xian, you're not afraid of biting your tongue. My little skill is all copied from the Talisman Book. Is catching a Water Mimic Bird worth boasting about?"

"Of course, I think it's very impressive. That Binding Ghost Chain really looked like it was pulled out from the Netherworld."

The two immortals saw the two juniors vying to speak, how could they not understand their intentions? Yu Zhou's emotions were buffered earlier, so it was easier for him to control. He glanced at Elder Jie Liang, slightly turned his face, hid his expression in the shadow of the lamp, and his tone became more conciliatory:

"We've been debating these principles for decades, it's meaningless. We came here tonight, not to make a fool of ourselves in front of our disciples. Can we call it a day?"

Elder Jie Liang was silent for a while, and then subtly nodded. When he spoke again, he turned to Yu Ci, "There are twenty-two types of Binding Ghost Talisman that can form a chain, which one did you learn?"

Although this statement was also a test, it was completely different from the previous issue. Yu Ci was slightly taken aback, but when he saw Elder Jie Liang's concentrated demeanor, he understood the Immortal Elder's intention: Elder Jie Liang regretted his earlier behavior, and he was trying to dispel the unpleasant atmosphere, albeit in a clumsy manner.

Yu Ci, of course, would not expose him, and was even trying his best to play along:

"Respected Immortal Elder, it is indeed the Black Law Binding Ghost Symbol of Yin Du."

"Is it? It truly is the Direct Inheritance of the Mysterious Gate."

Elder Jie Liang, not one to be glib, had just delivered a lengthy discourse. This was a viewpoint he had held steadfastly for many years, hence his fluency. Wanting to change the topic now, he struggled to find the right words. After a long pause, he managed to squeeze out:

"May I borrow that Talisman Book for a look?"

This request was somewhat abrupt, but Yu Ci didn't mind. Suppressing a smile, he took out the "Shangqing Star Secret Talisman Book" and presented it with both hands.

Though Elder Jie Liang's mind was elsewhere, he still adhered to decorum. Not forgetting to express his gratitude, he received the book with both hands.

However, from his expression, it was clear his mind was not on the Talisman Book. He simply held the scroll in his hands, his brow furrowed in contemplation. Who knows what mysteries he could discern?

At this moment, it was Old Daoist Yu Zhou who broke the awkward silence: "Junior Brother Jie is one of the most outstanding among our Sect peers. Though he is proficient in many areas, his greatest expertise lies in Talismans. Today, in the Moral Hall, you have witnessed this."

Yu Ci responded, "I have benefitted greatly."

A dry response like this was, of course, not enough. Yu Ci tried his best to weave words together. Thankfully, he had a deep impression of the lessons in the Moral Hall, so he was not at a loss for words:

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"The Immortal Elder's opening three sentences of the crucial Heart Method were ingenious. Although I have seen them in the Talisman Book, arranging them in that order made them uniquely insightful, instantly clarifying their interrelationships. As for the following Discipline, Qi Leading Method, and Circulation Plate Technique, hmm?"

Yu Ci suddenly had a realization. Elder Jie Liang's words in the Moral Hall seemed to have the same layered relationship as the opening three sentences. According to Elder Jie Liang, Discipline was the standard closest to the "Pure Principle", which should be the most macroscopic level. The subsequent Qi Leading Method should be a declaration of some True Meaning of the Symbol Technique, a level slightly lower. As for the "Circulation Plate Technique", it was not a Daoist law, but a kind of simplified, hastily applied technique, naturally ranking lower.

Now thinking about it, at that time in the Moral Hall, all the Cultivators present were dazed by the Discipline, confused by the Qi Leading Method, and excited by the "Circulation Plate Technique". Was this not in line with the scripture's saying that "Superior Scholars hear the Dao and diligently practice it; Intermediate Scholars hear the Dao and are uncertain; Inferior Scholars laugh when they hear the Dao"?

The moment the thought emerged, he felt a slight embarrassment, yet a sense of enlightenment. When he came to his senses, he saw both Yu Zhou and Elder Jie Liang looking at him, the former with confusion, the latter seemingly lost in thought.

Upon seeing Elder Jie Liang's gaze, Yu Ci couldn't help but voice his doubt, asking:

"May I ask, Immortal Elder, are there any taboos in using the Circulation Plate Technique?"

This was no longer an attempt to liven up the atmosphere but a question based on his daytime experience. He had noticed a slight change in Elder Jie Liang's demeanor when he mentioned the "Circulation Plate Technique", and thus kept an eye on him. But his question now was not merely an inquiry, but a probe into Elder Jie Liang's intentions.

Elder Jie Liang seemed more focused than before, responding indifferently, "The shortcut is to be sought in the Dao, not in the technique. I teach the Dao and the Law, but if the disciples in the hall cannot comprehend, I have to resort to crafty techniques. It's good that you could ask this question, it shows you are responsive."

Looking at him again, Elder Jie Liang finally opened the Talisman Book in his hands. His expression remained calm, but upon seeing the general outline of the scriptures, surprise and interest surfaced on his face, contrasting starkly with his usual flat demeanor.

He made no attempt to conceal his reaction, so everyone in the room saw it. Yu Ci, while puzzled, noticed Bao Guang winking at him, seemingly asking what was going on. As for the Old Daoist, he simply turned his body, watching the Talisman Book along with Elder Jie Liang.

Elder Jie Liang had completely forgotten about the others around him, a stark contrast to his previous courteous demeanor. He started reading from the general outline, flipping through the entire Talisman Book in less than half an hour, then started again, this time with more attention.

Yu Ci and Bao Guang could only exchange glances and keep silent.

After a while, it was Old Daoist Yu Zhou who broke the silence, "I don't understand Talismans, but looking at the embroidery on the silk, it's intricate and layered, unfolding like waves and clouds. Tens of thousands of words, over a thousand illustrations, seemingly disjointed but actually seamless, pleasing to the eye. If the embroiderer were to wield a sword, they would certainly be exceptional."

Elder Jie Liang hummed in agreement, not responding immediately. After another moment, he said:

"There's a Jade Sound Primordial Pill Heavenly Thunder Method in here, but the accompanying spell chant is somewhat flawed. This flaw was common six hundred years ago, even the Master of Symbolic Arts couldn't avoid it, until Prime Master Xin of the Eight Scenery Palace perfected the chant and made it public, only then was it corrected. But the Talisman Books made before that haven't been corrected."

What he meant was that this Talisman Book was at least six hundred years old.

He continued, "The silk material is made from bitter branch silkworms, tough and resistant to water and fire. Over time it develops an ink color. To be preserved until now, still shiny as new, it must have been treated with a Curse technique, yet there's no trace of it, a truly skillful hand."

"This compendium houses thousands of Talismans. At a glance, they may seem ordinary, yet they are incredibly precise and meticulous. Moreover, there are at least two Immortal Talismans and over twenty Talismans that the Sect either doesn't possess or has confirmed to contain errors, making them quite valuable."

Yu Ci and Bao Guang were both highly impressed by the wealth of information found in the Talisman Book. However, Yu Ci was now filled with a tinge of anticipation. Could this Talisman Book be of significant worth?

Yu Zhou, standing nearby, chuckled, "It seems to be no ordinary item. I wonder how many Merit Points it's worth?"

At these words, Elder Jie Liang's face darkened slightly, but he didn't retort. Instead, he asked Yu Ci, "Do you know the origins of this Talisman Book?"

Yu Ci had no reason to hide anything, so he briefly recounted his escape from the Twin Immortal Sect when he was young, only omitting the part about the Divine Bronze Mirror. Elder Jie Liang mused, "Purple Lightning and Red Yin? I've never heard of it."

After some thought, he closed the Talisman Book and asked, "The origins of this book require further investigation, but some Talismans within are extremely valuable. They could help the Sect to rectify the deficiencies in our current talisman scriptures. Would it be possible to make a copy?"

Yu Ci laughed, "Why not?"

Hearing his straightforward response, Yu Zhou shook his head and smiled. Elder Jie Liang once again bowed in gratitude, but Yu Ci, already accustomed to such gestures, politely returned the bow.

Before he could fully straighten up, Elder Jie Liang spoke again, "During my lecture today, you exhibited exceptional understanding in two aspects.

Firstly, you raised a question about the essence of purity, a question that could only be asked by someone with personal experience. Your Divine Soul Cultivation Level is solid, and your comprehension is commendable. You have begun to glimpse the path of Refining the Hidden Consciousness. Secondly, when I was Drawing Talismans, your Aura was active, and every muscle and fiber of your being responded. This could only be the result of long immersion in the world of Talismans, allowing such keen sensitivity."

Yu Ci didn't understand why Elder Jie Liang was suddenly praising him, but he still bowed in thanks.

However, Elder Jie Liang then sighed, "What a pity." Yu Ci was taken aback and looked up at him.

Elder Jie Liang continued, "It's a pity that despite having these qualifications, you have yet to truly master the art of Talismans. Although your Primordial Qi is of extraordinary quality, you haven't mastered how to use it. I have an Innate Method for Qi Cultivation that would be perfect for you, but you still lack the necessary readiness to receive it."

Yu Zhou, who was standing by, was shocked and even stroked his white beard, "Are you saying you could pass on the Primordial Qi to him?"

*************

Brother Fishbone's benefits haven't arrived yet, but I am determined to grasp onto the favorites and votes every day! Brothers and sisters, move your fingers and let the favorites increase!

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