Chapter 8: Apprenticeship and Learning the Law

However, in his generation, things turned out rather bleak. As the 21st century marks the moment of the great rejuvenation of Chinese civilization, who still believes in the notion of ghosts and deities? That is merely a synonym for superstition and conservatism

When Shi Ren finished listening to the old Taoist's story, he felt a deep respect. It is quite normal for a person to have ideals, but it is exceedingly difficult for someone to remain steadfast in their ideals, responsibilities, and aspirations throughout their entire life

Recently, the old Taoist priest discovered that his health was deteriorating. After a quick calculation, he was shocked to find that he had only a few years left to live. This realization made him even more eager to select a suitable disciple to inherit his teachings

Due to the diverse array of people encountered daily while making a living at the train station, it becomes easier to select items based on the qualifications of the individuals. Just as Shi Ren was about to board the train, the old Taoist sensed a fluctuation of magical artifacts emanating from Shi Ren. Moreover, it was a divine object imbued with a heavy presence of yin energy, leading the old Taoist to directly conclude that it was an item previously used by a yin spirit

This is a blatant display of charlatanism

charlatan beggar

Alright, alright, I believe you

Well, good. Then I shall make you fully convinced. Listen carefully, this is the first part of the Celestial Master’s secret manual. I will recite it to you and then add my insights on cultivation. How does that sound

When the body of the female ghost turned to ashes, the black figure that had emerged from nowhere slowly turned around. It walked straight up to Shi Ren, who was momentarily stunned before realizing who it was. Wasn't this the charlatan who had sold him a so-called secret manual of spells using low-level tricks at the Nanjing train station?

Time passes swiftly, like flowing water, moving unknowingly and without awareness of how far it has gone

"You want to buy, but I am not selling. If you kneel down now and bow to me as your master, there is still time; if you delay any longer, there will be no opportunity left." After saying this, the charlatan began to look down on others, his eyes gazing at the sky, standing arrogantly in front of Shi Ren, waiting for Shi Ren's reaction

Particularly, the old Daoist provided a very detailed explanation of the Nine Secrets, as the Nine Secrets www.hetushu.com is the essence of the entire Daoist cultural heritage. It is the nemesis of ghostly and supernatural entities, serving as the trump card for Daoists

Shiren is learning the Nine Character Mantra. Understanding the learning process is not difficult; the key lies in the nine different hand seals, which have posed a challenge for Shiren. He remembers the beginning but forgets the end, and it is essential to connect the nine seals skillfully in one continuous flow. For Shiren, achieving a seamless integration of the nine is currently too difficult and requires a process of time.

Well said, let's do this. First, let's have a conversation to get to know each other, and then you can serve me tea and formally acknowledge me as your mentor.

Sit down, focus on the nose, observe the heart through the nose, embrace the formlessness of unity. Concentrate your mind, silently recite the mantra, and circulate the heart method. The old Taoist suddenly became very serious, as if making a final decision

Shi Ren understood that once the old Taoist priest imparted his powers to him, the priest would be left with nothing. In the face of danger, he would have to leave it to fate, and this would hasten the arrival of his own demise

"Sure, but I would like to see you showcase your skills again. To be honest, I didn't quite catch it the first time." Shi Ren is not someone to be underestimated; he always makes decisions after careful consideration.

Otherwise, excessive阴气 can be detrimental to a person's lifespan

Thank you, esteemed senior. That will suffice, but no matter what, I will never purchase your so-called Buddha Palm.

Moreover, today's young people do not even believe in concepts like ghosts, let alone in magic. Essentially, this is no different from charlatans.

The "Lin" character decision signifies a stable mind and body, remaining unperturbed in the face of events, maintaining an unwavering will; the hand seal is the Unmoving King Seal. The "Bing" character decision embodies an extraordinarily strong life force that returns to youth; the hand seal is the Great Vajra Wheel Seal. The "Dou" character decision represents courage and decisiveness, with a resilient fighting spirit emerging in the face of difficulties; the hand seal is the Outer Lion Seal. The "Zhe" character decision allows for the free control of one's own body and the bodies of others, the spirit power of all things, with the hand seal being the Inner Lion Seal. The "Jie" character decision involves a sense of crisis, the ability to understand and manipulate human hearts, and to resolve all troubles; the hand seal is the Outer Binding Seal. The "Zhen" character decision entails telepathic insight into the enemy's psychology, foreseeing danger; the hand seal is the Inner Binding Seal. The "Lie" character decision reflects a resilient fighting spirit in the face of difficulties; the hand seal is the Outer Lion Seal. The "Zhe" character decision allows for the free control of one's own body and the bodies of others, the spirit power of all things, with the hand seal being the Inner Lion Seal. The "Jie" character decision involves a sense of crisis, the ability to understand and manipulate human hearts, and to resolve all troubles; the hand seal is the Outer Binding Seal. The "Zhen" character decision entails telepathic insight into the enemy's psychology, foreseeing danger; the hand seal is the Inner Binding Seal. The "Lie" character decision signifies the splitting of all obstacles that hinder oneself; the hand seal is the Wisdom Fist Seal. The "Zai" character decision involves control over the five elemental forces, allowing for the free and easy use of superpowers; the hand seal is the Sun Wheel Seal. The "Qian" character decision represents transcending the human realm, where my heart is Zen, and all transformations merge; the hand seal is the Treasure Vase Seal. Splitting all obstacles that hinder oneself; the hand seal is the Wisdom Fist Seal. The "Zai" character decision involves control over the five elemental forces, allowing for the free and easy use of superpowers; the hand seal is the Sun Wheel Seal. The "Qian" character decision represents transcending the human realm, where my heart is Zen, and all transformations merge; the hand seal is the Treasure Vase Seal

The sermon delivered with great righteousness and integrity, filled with a sense of justice.

As he grows older, life has become secondary. However, the lineage of Maoshan, which has been passed down for over a thousand years, is on the verge of extinction in his hands. Nowadays, the youth are all focused on indulging in the pleasures of the body, leaving little interest in the arcane arts.

The old Taoist, Ming, is known as Yi Gen, and he is the 132nd legitimate descendant of the authentic Maoshan Taoists. When Shi Ren heard the name Yi Gen, he misunderstood it and burst into laughter. "A stick of a divine stick," indeed lives up to its name.

When Shi Ren realized what the old Taoist was doing, he finally shouted out. The old Taoist intended to impart the magical powers he had cultivated over decades to Shi Ren, thereby awakening his Yin-Yang Eye. This meant that in the future, Shi Ren's Yin-Yang Eye would be capable of slaying ordinary ghosts, and he would be able to control it freely, even being able to engage with ghost generals.

Upon hearing the words of the old Taoist priest, Shi Ren felt an even deeper pain and sorrow in his heart

Alright, without further ado, based on the actual situation reflected, you have at most two months of time, which essentially means you will only have about one month to learn alongside me. Now, I will start teaching you from the basics; you will go through each item and once you have mastered the fundamentals, you can practice on your own. You have the innate advantage of having a yin-yang eye, and I believe your progress will be rapid.

Next, there was a detailed explanation of a series of topics such as the identification, tracking, suppression, and transcendence of ghostly and supernatural entities. Although it is also a secret manual of the Celestial Master, the content explained by the old Taoist priest is much more accessible and easier to understand than that found in the Celestial Master’s secret manual

Disciple, your time is almost up at m.hetushu.com. You should be on your way. From now on, you will be traversing the world. I have nothing else to give you, so let me help you activate your Yin-Yang eyes.

How is he here? Moreover, his spells are so powerful that even ghost generals are no match for him with just one strike. Such terrifying magic. Could it be that he is the expert I have been searching for through great hardships?

After finishing his speech, this self-proclaimed Taoist began his display of spells, continuously performing them. His hands were constantly forming various seals, the specifics of which Shen Ren could not fully comprehend. However, there were a few hand seals that Shen Ren had some vague recollection of, as they had been introduced in the Heavenly Master’s secret manual.

... ...

No one believes, which means no one seeks the old Taoist priest to perform rituals or similar tasks. The final outcome is that the old Taoist priest struggles to the point of not being able to afford a meal. Having practiced since childhood, he does not possess even a basic skill for survival; he is still only capable of exorcising demons and capturing ghosts.

The two of them returned to the hotel room together, and Shi Ren came to the fortune teller, sitting down to slowly listen to what the fortune teller had to say

The current Maoshan sect is under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government, primarily focused on promoting Taoist culture and tourism. If you engage in activities related to ghosts and deities there, isn't that tantamount to opposing the government? The old Taoist priest clarified this for Shiren, and Shiren finally understood.

The young man, Shi Ren, hails from Hubei. An unexpected accident caused his left eye to mutate, enabling him to see things that others cannot, primarily objects imbued with heavy yin energy. Some say that this is a connection to the realm of yin and yang, and that spirits have granted him a natural ability akin to a divine eye. What it truly is, I do not understand. I only know that heaven has bestowed upon me this special ability, and I strive to utilize it well, contributing my part to restore peace to the mortal realm

Master, it is not permissible

Just like a martial artist, the internal skills have already been deeply cultivated; it is merely a matter of how to channel these internal abilities outward to attack others

Young man, I at least saved your life. Would it be too much to ask for you to thank me first before greeting me? You show no respect for your elders and lack proper upbringing

Master, you are the authentic descendant of the Maoshan sect, but why do you live in the countryside of Nanjing? Why not reside in Maoshan?

The charlatan gave Shi Ren a disdainful glance, leaving Shi Ren momentarily at a loss for words

When the old Taoist's expression changed and his eyes fixed on Shi Ren, only then did Shi Ren listen attentively as the old Taoist began to speak.

The next day, Shi Ren set off north with the old Taoist priest, returning to the old Taoist's home in Nanjing

Shi Ren saw this and did not utter a word; instead, he knelt down respectfully and bowed several times to the old Taoist priest.

First, let me speak; listen to me. Disciple, through our interactions over the past month, I have gained a considerable understanding of your character. Knowing that you will not use the spells you have learned for evil gives me peace of mind. After all, I am nearing the end of my life; once I am gone, all my magical powers will depart with me. You are just beginning, and without decades of effort, how could you possibly reach my level of cultivation? Even if you are a genius among geniuses, it will still take you at least half the time I have spent in my practice. Since I am nearing the end of my life, and my powers will leave with me, why not directly impart my knowledge to you? This way, you can contribute to maintaining order in the mortal realm and benefit the people.

Three days later, Shi Ren boarded the train to Xiangyang alone. Originally, Shi Ren had intended to stay a few more days to fulfill his filial duties, but the old Taoist insisted that he leave immediately, fearing that the malevolent spirits in the crematorium's basement would harm mortals.

The nine-character mantra corresponds to nine different hand seals, starting with the Immovable Wisdom King seal. Each hand seal represents a different efficacy, and the damage inflicted on spirits varies accordingly. When the nine hand seals are integrated into a single hand seal, it can be considered a significant achievement.

In the future, as long as Shi Ren follows the insights on cultivation from the Heavenly Master secret manual given to him by the old Daoist, and gradually comprehends and integrates them, he will naturally and effortlessly learn the spells.

Thus, it all began with a small deception and a conversation with Shi Ren, leading to a journey that involved tracking and gathering information until reaching Hangzhou. Ultimately, when encountering Shi Ren, who sought to suppress this ghostly general, it was revealed that he was the heir of the Yin-Yang Eye.

Before the old Taoist priest could ask whether Shi Ren was willing or not, Shi Ren directly demonstrated his answer through action. A cup of tea may seem simple, but it represents obligation and responsibility. When the old Taoist priest realized that his time was drawing near, he received such an exceptionally gifted disciple. It can be said that he felt a sense of relief in his later years, as the burdens on his shoulders could finally be lifted. With a sense of ease and liberation, the old Taoist priest, after so many years of perseverance, found himself in the happiest moment of his life. It can be said that he felt a sense of relief in his later years, as the burdens on his shoulders could finally be lifted. With a sense of ease and liberation, the old Taoist priest, after so many years of perseverance, found himself in the happiest moment of his life

The old Taoist priest looked at Shi Ren, who was practicing drawing talismans, and it seemed that during this past month, the master and disciple had been living in harmony; otherwise, the old Taoist priest would not be feeling so melancholic.

Another point is that selecting disciples for the practice of spells also depends on their spiritual roots; it is not the case that anyone can practice just because they are a person. It is necessary to find individuals with spiritual roots suitable for practicing spells, and they must also have a personal interest in spells and take it upon themselves to uphold the righteous path by subduing demons and capturing ghosts, which makes it even more difficult to find.

Master, please forgive your disciple's ignorance; I did not realize that a great person was right before me and still spoke harshly. Please drink the tea offered by your disciple and impart the skills of subduing demons and capturing ghosts.

Rest assured, I won't be dying anytime soon. I have transferred 90% of my magical power to you, leaving 10% for my own use. While navigating the world, if you encounter any difficulties, feel free to call me. In the past, I used paper cranes for messages, but now that I have no magical power left, that method is likely no longer viable; you can only call me.

After nearly half an hour, Shi Ren finally admitted that this self-proclaimed poor man truly possesses magical abilities, and he is likely the esteemed figure I have been searching for in my dreams. I have searched high and low without success, yet I have found him effortlessly! I traveled all the way from Nanjing to Hangzhou in search of a master, only to discover that the master was right beside me.

The old Taoist originally found it difficult to cultivate his practice, and he took it upon himself to maintain peace in the mortal realm. From youth to old age, he never wavered in his aspirations and dared not go against the intentions of his ancestral immortals

The old Taoist priest said nothing and began the instruction. Starting with drawing talismans, he provided an introduction to the materials, effects, and magical powers, after which Shi Ren began to practice.