Chapter 2, The True Method of Black Water (1)

Zhuque Avenue is the main street of Chang'an, extending from the Xuanwu Gate in the north of Chang'an City to the front of the imperial palace. It is a broad and straight thoroughfare, wide enough to accommodate eight carriages side by side. On both sides of the Xuanwu Gate, there are the Eastern Market and the Western Block, which are the most bustling and prosperous markets in Chang'an, in the Tang Dynasty, and even in the world. Not to mention the products of the Tang Dynasty, even horses, weapons from the Western Regions, spices, and exquisite items from overseas countries are all available.

Jiao Fei took the pouch given by his master, and his heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself, "Even the wealthiest family in Baishi Town may not possess this much gold. It seems that the saying about cultivators being able to turn stone into gold is not false. In the future, I will surely learn such a technique." This pouch of gold further solidified Jiao Fei's determination to seek the Dao. He set out, following the path he had learned from two young Taoist boys at the temple where he was staying, heading straight for the broadest street in Chang'an, Zhuque Street.

Jiao Fei initially thought that this Taoist temple was quite poor and lacked provisions, which was why it was in such a state. However, upon discovering the truth, he could only remain silent and accept the responsibility for the cooking.

This Black Water True Method consists of ten and three levels of books, and is a direct transmission from the Divine Sect of the Demon Gate

Cultivating to the highest level not only involves manipulating the flow of water but also achieving unity with the true power of water, transforming into a black dragon, soaring through the clouds, controlling thunder and electricity, summoning clouds and bringing rain, commanding the winds and waves, possessing boundless power and vast supernatural abilities, comparable to the true dragons of ancient times

The beggar had a fierce appearance, and around his waist was coiled such a vile object, indeed no one dared to approach him. As he strolled leisurely down Zhuque Street, he resembled a successful scholar parading through the streets with an air of nonchalance

The true form of the Black Dragon, cultivated to the utmost through the Black Water True Method, although not as formidable as the ten great demons of the Divine Sect and the Demon Sect, is still considered a top-tier spell. Once one reaches a high level of cultivation, ordinary practitioners are no match. However, the path of cultivation is extremely difficult; without a heart of courage and determination, and without the slightest hint of fear while forging ahead, one often finds oneself stagnating, enduring decades of arduous practice without any progress.

The dilapidated temple where the master and his disciples resided was quite old, yet it had over ten acres of thin farmland, which provided some yield, alleviating concerns about food. The temple was home to an elderly Taoist priest and his two disciples, who were all in a state of near collapse, resembling the brink of death. They were ten times lazier than Jiao Fei and his disciples, often going hungry for three to five days, only managing to prepare a meal with great difficulty to quell their hunger.

However, there were also some rather peculiar individuals. Jiao Fei observed for nearly half an hour and saw a beggar with a giant snake coiled around his waist, who entered Zhuque Street. The beggar's eyes seemed to emit a red light, and a faint black mist rose from his head. It was evident that he was the high-level practitioner mentioned by his master, who for some unknown reason had concealed himself among these swindlers. Even the large snake around the beggar's waist was entirely crimson, enveloped in a fiery aura, with a distinct horn protruding from its head. Its eyes sparkled like lightning, and its tongue flicked in and out with incredible speed, clearly not an ordinary creature. It was evident that he was the high-level practitioner mentioned by his master, who for some unknown reason had concealed himself among these swindlers. Even the large snake around the beggar's waist was entirely crimson, enveloped in a fiery aura, with a distinct horn protruding from its head. Its eyes sparkled like lightning, and its tongue flicked in and out with incredible speed, clearly not an ordinary creature.

Although Jiao Fei had never entered the kitchen at home, such matters are not inherently difficult and do not require any special talent. While it is certainly impossible to achieve the world's finest delicacies, it is quite a simple task to ensure that the five members of the family are well-fed.

A group of monks, Taoists, and extraordinary individuals gradually entered through Xuanwu Gate. Some appeared travel-worn and tattered in clothing, yet exuded an air of dignity, while others were accompanied by large trays carried by their attendants, with musicians playing and followers bustling about, all the while sitting still, displaying their superiority. The current emperor is fond of Daoism, thus many have traveled thousands of miles to Chang'an for this grand event, including monks from the Western Regions and peculiar individuals from overseas, all participating in this celebration

Jiao Fei was admiring the view when suddenly someone pushed him from behind. He lost his balance and fell off the brick he was standing on. Just as he was about to shout in anger, he saw a girl in white, who smiled slightly with an air of apology. Although she was still young, her bright eyes and white teeth, along with her snow-like skin, made her smile radiant, resembling a rare flower in bloom, utterly captivating, a true light beauty.

The Blue Plow Daoist is usually taciturn, which makes him somewhat difficult to approach. His disciple is still temporarily registered and naturally does not dare to act independently or leave the Daoist temple without permission, so he goes to earnestly request the Blue Plow Daoist.

Aside from these two matters, Jiao Fei had no other worries. Having resided in this Taoist temple for over ten days, he happened to overhear passersby outside discussing that tomorrow would be the day of the Chang'an Water and Land Assembly. This sparked his interest, and he thought of going to see the festivities.

Just as the Blue Plow Daoist finished meditating and woke up, he heard that Jiao Fei was going to watch the Water and Land Assembly. After a moment's thought, he unexpectedly agreed, saying: "Most of the people at this Water and Land Assembly are nothing but frauds with little real power, but it is possible that a few masters are hiding among them. You may go to enjoy the spectacle, but you must not cause any trouble. I have a bag of gold here; you can buy a few Daoist robes on your way back. Since you have entered my sect, you must not continue to dress in a worldly manner"

Jiao Fei followed his master and resided in a very remote small temple in Chang'an. The Blue Plow Daoist did not go out, spending all day in seclusion and meditation. Jiao Fei did not dare to be lazy, and with not much else to do, he devoted seven or eight hours a day to contemplating the essence of the Black Water True Method

During the Tang Dynasty, it was the wealthiest and most prosperous nation in the world. Not only was the political climate within the court enlightened, with capable ministers and renowned officials managing state affairs, but there were also formidable generals who expanded the territory through numerous successful campaigns in the Western Regions, achieving great victories and elevating military prestige, leading to the submission of various tribes. Furthermore, the literary atmosphere was open and vibrant, producing numerous literary giants whose works surpassed those of previous eras. The Western Regions and foreign nations all held the Tang civilization in high esteem, which had a long-standing influence, often sending delegations to pay homage. Even princes and rulers from various countries chose to reside in Chang'an, reluctant to leave.

The atmosphere of this Chang'an city alone inspires poetry, as expressed in the lines: "A beautiful city and splendid scenery are never enough to behold, the dancing figures of the Western Regions are captivating and graceful"

The current Emperor Li Ying of the Tang Dynasty wishes to hold the Water and Land Assembly on Zhuque Street. Jiao Fei arrived a step late; when he reached Zhuque Street, he saw a sea of people on both sides of the street. He wanted to push his way in, but his strength was insufficient, so he could only bring a few bricks from the periphery to stand on and look around.

These matters, the Blue Plow Daoist never disclosed to Jiao Fei. The more one knows about these taboos of cultivation, the more one becomes constrained and hesitant. Jiao Fei, being young at heart, has long admired the various legendary immortals depicted in ancient texts, and his diligent cultivation aligns well with the mindset required for practicing the True Method of Black Water

Jiao Fei had studied the Black Water True Method with the Blue Plow Daoist for over a month. By usually concentrating his magical power in his eyes, he could see a faint halo of spiritual light around the people nearby. Although his vision was not particularly sharp, he could discern that nine out of ten of these monks and Daoists had little ability; their spiritual light was scattered, and there was no halo above their heads, clearly indicating that they were frauds with no magical power whatsoever. The remaining one-tenth, while somewhat stronger than ordinary people, still had their limits. Although his vision was not particularly sharp, he could discern that nine out of ten of these monks and Daoists had little ability; their spiritual light was scattered, and there was no halo above their heads, clearly indicating that they were frauds with no magical power whatsoever. The remaining one-tenth, while somewhat stronger than ordinary people, still had their limits.