"What is there to question about capability?"
As the atmosphere eased, Elder Jie Liang had completely returned to his usual state. He said, "Since my technique has been made public, any disciple of the Sect who meets the requirements can practice it. This is a matter of course, why the surprise?"
Only then did Yu Zhou feel a throbbing pain in his chin. He rubbed it a couple of times, then turned to Yu Ci with a smile, "You are indeed fortunate. The 'Primordial Root Qi Method' created by Junior Brother Jie is one of the top three self-created Innate Methods for Qi Cultivation since the Sect's Thunderbolt Tribulation. Thirty years ago, after it was perfected, it was immediately welcomed into the Ancestral Master's Hall, ranking alongside the Predecessor's Various Methods.
"However, he does not favor the One Mind Hall and requested that this method not be included in the method column. The elders of the Sect let him have his way, hence its low profile. But this method is widely recognized as a top-tier Qi Cultivation Technique. It provides a unique approach to Refining the Hidden Consciousness, Coagulation of the Yin Spirit, and even the subsequent fusion of divine energy. Especially when paired with some of the Sect's most superior Elixir Formulas, such as the 'Taiqing Liquid Divine Elixir Technique' and the 'Purple Mansion Nine Lights Flowing Pearl Elixir Technique', it is much more powerful than the Qi Cultivation Techniques practiced by ordinary Outer Disciples. If you can master it, it will greatly benefit your future Golden Elixir accomplishment."
While Yu Zhou was lavishing praise, Elder Jie Liang remained impassive, "My technique isn't that extraordinary. But as I've said, he lacks the necessary maturity to pass on the method."
"So you're saying, if he has enough maturity, he can be taught?"
Yu Zhou pursued relentlessly, signaling Yu Ci to follow up.
Innate Method for Qi Cultivation, praised so highly by Old Daoist Yu Zhou, how could Yu Ci not be tempted? He didn't bother to hide his interest. He turned his gaze to Elder Jie Liang, took a deep breath, and asked in a deep voice, "May I ask, Master Jie Xian, what are the requirements to practice the 'Primordial Root Qi Method'?"
Elder Jie Liang, having a good impression of him, didn't beat around the bush and raised two fingers:
"First, you must be a disciple of the Sect, whether from the main or branch family, to comply with the Sect's rules. Second, you must have a certain level of proficiency in talismans. My Qi Cultivation Technique is largely derived from talismans. If your understanding of talismans is inadequate, it will only hinder your cultivation, making it more effort than it's worth, leading to a loss rather than gain."
"What kind of proficiency is required for a Talisman?"
Elder Jie Liang looked at him, saying, "Mastering the Qi Leading Method."
Yu Ci was taken aback. Recalling Elder Jie Liang's demonstration in the Moral Hall, he found it mystifying and was clueless about how to start. If this was the standard, it would indeed be somewhat troublesome.
As he lowered his head in thought, Elder Jie Liang said, "Although the Qi Leading Method is a minor skill, it is crucial to the essence of the Talisman. It is difficult to understand but easy to master, you don't need to be overly concerned. Besides, it's too early to discuss this matter. I will be setting off for Sky Rift Valley tomorrow. The journey will take several months. Let's talk about these matters when I return."
Just as Yu Ci was about to respond, he heard Yu Zhou sneer:
"What a calculation!"
Staring at Elder Jie Liang, Yu Zhou began to calculate, "The qualification of an Outer Disciple is worth only a thousand merits. But a high-quality Fish-Dragon starts at three thousand merits. Moreover, that scroll of Talisman Book, if as you said, just those few missing Sect's Immortal Talisman Spell Methods, are priceless treasures. Your Qi Cultivation Technique, no matter how good, is just a Qi Cultivation Technique after all. How much merit do you think it's worth?"
These words were the last thing Elder Jie Liang wanted to hear, especially when Yu Zhou equated his self-created formula with merit points. His face darkened again, and the atmosphere tensed once more.
Caught between the two quarrelling Immortal Elders, Yu Ci was at his wits' end. He had no choice but to resort to his old trick, pointing at something on the table and interjecting:
"There's actually another thing I need Master Jie Xian's help with. Today, I heard Master Jie Xian explaining about the Talisman Plate. I can let the Circulation Plate Technique go, but the Talisman Plate itself is extremely ingenious. I happen to have one here, of very good quality, but it broke when I held it. I wonder if Master Jie Xian can fix it?"
Both Elder Jie Liang and Yu Zhou were taken aback by his words. Yu Zhou wanted to speak, but in the end, he closed his mouth and watched the commotion. Elder Jie Liang gave him a cold glance, picked up the Talisman Plate, and frowned after a quick look:
"What is this?"
"Eh?"
Yu Ci didn't understand Elder Jie Liang's meaning and asked in confusion, "Isn't this a Talisman Plate?"
Elder Jie Liang looked at him and shook his head, "Although it has the shape of a Talisman Plate, it has been used as an Array Plate. This change, though ingenious, is a case of losing sight of the essentials. Compared to the Circulation Plate Technique, it's not necessarily superior."
"Array Plate?" Yu Ci was still somewhat perplexed, so Elder Jie Liang took it upon himself to explain.
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Talisman Plates and Array Plates are two distinct entities, as different as chalk and cheese.
According to Elder Jie Liang, a Talisman Plate is used for crafting talismans. Its unique layout harnesses the True Meaning of the Symbol Technique to gather Primordial Qi from heaven and earth, swiftly creating talismans. In this sense, a Talisman Plate is akin to the hammer and chisel used by a common artisan. In the hands of a novice, it can only be used as a blunt instrument, but in the hands of an expert, it can craft countless different works.
As for the Array Plate, it involves pre-engraving complex seals of formations onto special materials, which, when activated with the right technique, can quickly set up a formation. This semi-finished product doesn't require the user to have any knowledge of formation seals. Its function is similar to Jade Talismans used for storing talismans.
The creator of the Talisman Plate had a rather peculiar approach, whether out of ignorance or a desire to innovate, he had a wild idea and decided to experiment on this Talisman Plate.
This person took advantage of the unique characteristics and material of the Talisman Plate, and using the techniques of crafting Jade Talismans and Array Plates, carved an extremely intricate and powerful top-tier talisman onto it, solidifying it in place. With this, even a cultivator who knew nothing about talismans could utilize this top-tier talisman, provided they had sufficient cultivation level and the corresponding driving techniques. This could significantly boost their combat power when prepared.
However, this approach was absurd compared to the true purpose of a Talisman Plate. It was like overlooking the infinite potential of the Talisman Plate itself for temporary gains, akin to buying a pearl only to return it.
Yet, Yu Ci thought that the person who could craft such a Talisman Plate and solidify a top-tier talisman on it must be quite formidable. Given their level, they might not care about a single Talisman Plate. Who could say for sure?
Despite his dissatisfaction with the creator's approach, Elder Jie Liang found himself intrigued and asked Yu Ci about the origins of the Talisman Plate.
Just as Yu Ci was about to answer, a thought suddenly sprang to mind.
What an opportunity!
At that moment, Yu Ci thought of the Pure Water Sect and the still-hidden Monk Yi Xin.
Without a doubt, Monk Yi Xin was a prime suspect in the disturbances around Sky Rift Valley. However, for his own protection, Yu Ci had purposely omitted some details about the Pure Water Sect when recounting his experiences in Sky Rift Valley to Old Daoist Yu Zhou. He had been somewhat worried lately. Although the Lichen Sect was powerful, they might overlook the clue right under their noses.
Now, it was indeed a perfect opportunity to subtly reveal the mysteries. With the Talisman Plate as the foundation, and the Ghost Beasts as the selling point, one could only wonder what the two Immortal Elders who heard of this matter would think.
Yu Ci then elaborately recounted how he obtained the Talisman Plate that day. There was not a single false word in his story, but intentionally or unintentionally, he shifted the focus of the description onto Zhen De.
"Shooting Star Plate?"
"Pure Water Sect?"
The former was from Elder Jie Liang, and the latter from Yu Zhou. From the different responses of the two Immortal Elders, their respective focuses could be discerned.
Yu Zhou then turned to Elder Jie Liang and said, "Monk Yi Xin from the Pure Water Sect, who practices the Amritakundalin's Method of Buddhism, is incredibly pure, but his origins are unclear. You might want to pay attention to this in the Sky Rift Valley area."
Elder Jie Liang nodded slightly.
Although his response was nonchalant and didn't seem too concerned, Yu Ci's objective was nonetheless achieved.
However, since they were discussing the Talisman Plate, Yu Zhou quickly redirected the conversation back to the topic.
Elder Jie Liang, pointing to the Talisman Plate, explained to Yu Ci, "The method of modifying this Talisman Plate is absurd, yet intricate. Nearly a thousand layers of circuits, three hundred and sixty orifices are used to the fullest, all engraved with Rune Patterns by that person's exquisite skills. In this way, even if the layout of the Talisman Plate is restored, these patterns will have an unpredictable impact on the control of the Talisman, making it difficult to repair."
He looked at Yu Ci and said, "If you don't mind, I would like to keep this Talisman Plate for now. When I return to the Sect, I will discuss it with Brother Lu and see how to repair it. Within half a year, I will give you a response, is that acceptable?"
The Brother Lu he mentioned was the one who initially released the Merit Points News, seeking the Fish-Dragon, and was a close friend of both Yu Zhou and Elder Jie Liang.
How could there be any objection to that? Yu Ci quickly bowed in thanks.
At this point, the discussion was almost over. Because of the need for imprinting, Yu Ci simply handed over the Talisman Book as well, as long as Bao Guang returned it the next day. For a moment, Elder Jie Liang's hands were full, and at this time, there was still the Stone Box containing the Fish-Dragon on the table.
Bao Guang, quick to seize the opportunity, stepped forward and took the Talisman Plate and Talisman Book. As he reached out to take the Stone Box, Elder Jie Liang halted him with a stern, "Hold on."
Stopping Bao Guang in his tracks, Elder Jie Liang looked directly into Yu Ci's eyes. "Even though I haven't seen this Spiritual Artifact in person, based on my conjecture, the Merit Points it can be exchanged for are substantial. What is your intention?"
Yu Ci responded respectfully, "I leave it to the elders' arrangement."
His words were commonplace, but he quickly added, "If I were to exchange, I only want immortality."
His statement was audacious, yet at this moment, Yu Ci did not hold back. He expressed his deepest desire without any pretense.
Elder Jie Liang nodded slowly, although it was unclear whether he understood or agreed with Yu Ci's proposition.
Finally, he said, "Immortality is no easy pursuit, I can only promise you an opportunity. There's no need to test the Fish-Dragon anymore. Although I have the power to recommend Outer Disciples, the Sect will still send people to verify. When the time comes, you can make arrangements. As for the 'Primordial Root Qi Method', if you've mastered the Qi Leading Method, you can come to me anytime."
Yu Ci was stirred, but before he could respond, Elder Jie Liang excused himself and left.
At this moment, Yu Zhou, who was standing beside them, stood up with a smile. Just as he was about to speak to Yu Ci, Elder Jie Liang, who was about to leave, suddenly turned his head, "Is this what you wished for?"
Yu Zhou was taken aback, "Why would you say that, junior brother?"
Elder Jie Liang glanced at him, a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, as if mocking, "You contacted me ten days ago, inviting me to give a lecture, and specifically brought up the matter of medicinal herbs tonight, leading me here. Wasn't your intention to learn this technique from me?"
With that said, he scoffed coldly without waiting for the Old Daoist to respond, turned on his heel, and left without looking back.
Yu Ci was about to see him off, but seeing this, he didn't feel it was appropriate to follow. He turned back to look at Yu Zhou. Under the lamplight, the deep wrinkles on the Old Daoist's face cast a mottled shadow, making it hard to read his expression.
However, it seemed that both sides were in good spirits.
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