Chapter 3: Purchasing Medicine and Examining Relics

Upon opening the package, there are three items inside. One of them is an ancient text titled "The Classic of Returning to Truth," which is the true transmission received by the old Daoist and also the method of cultivation practiced by this body in the past. However, for Shixuan, having the "Supreme Clarity Yuyu True Transmission of Deliverance and the Treasure Record of Attaining the Dao," which directly points to the fundamental great law, renders the cultivation method of this scripture less useful. Nevertheless, the Daoist techniques in the "Treasure Record" are derived from the fundamental great law. Apart from a few supernatural abilities that require external cultivation, most of the Daoist arts can only be practiced during the Golden Elixir stage and beyond. Since Shixuan possesses the "Supreme Clarity Yuyu True Transmission of Deliverance and the Treasure Record of Attaining the Dao," the cultivation method of this scripture is of limited utility. However, the Daoist techniques in the "Treasure Record" are derived from the fundamental great law, and aside from a few supernatural abilities that require external cultivation, most can only be practiced during the Golden Elixir stage and beyond. In contrast, the "Classic of Returning to Truth" contains a greater number of applicable Daoist techniques. Although they are all arts, their power is limited due to the constraints of the realm, they are nonetheless wondrous techniques that possess various useful applications.

Shi Xuan returned to the small courtyard, sat down to meditate for a while, and after regaining his calm, he went to the left wing room to find three spare medicine jars. He then formed hand seals and recited incantations, channeling the five elemental energies of his body to resonate with the heavens and the earth, casting a purification spell to clean the jars. Next, he divided the last type of medicine into three portions, placing them in accordance with the prescribed quantities and water requirements. At this moment, he could not use the commonly used medicine jar, because no matter how thoroughly it was cleaned, the usual jar always retained some medicinal properties. Generally, this would not pose a problem, but now it was a formula akin to alchemy, and even a slight excess of medicinal properties could lead to failure.

After a brief rest, the time for the medicinal herbs to be ready had arrived

He brought the medicine jar into the kitchen, where there was a row of small stoves often used by the old master for alchemy. After placing it properly, he looked for some wood and used a fire-starting technique to ignite it. Shi Xuan began to feel somewhat fatigued. Alas, his soul was too weak. Although during the Qi Nourishing stage he could mobilize the five elemental energies of his physical body to cast spells, it ultimately consumed his soul power. Of course, the five elemental energies of the physical body during the Qi Nourishing stage were also the reason why Shi Xuan could cast spells with the soul of the Body Refining and Soul Nourishing stage.

Although surprised in heart, I maintained a calm expression on my face, took out some small silver coins to pay and left the shop. Then, I visited several herbal medicine stores to gather the ingredients listed in the prescription. By purchasing from different shops, I could effectively prevent others from discerning the value of the prescription through the herbs I bought, thus avoiding unnecessary trouble

However, it is precisely because the materials are excellent that Master Xu intends to leave them to his disciples, as there may be opportunities in the future to refine a magical artifact anew. As mentioned earlier, before reaching the Golden Core stage, there are various steps involved in casting spells. Although the time required for spellcasting can be significantly reduced with the improvement of one's realm, there are always those who find the process too slow, leading to the invention of various alternative methods, such as talismans and magical artifacts. The practice of utilizing external objects to cultivate supernatural powers, as noted in the treasure records, is also considered an alternative method.

Shi Xuan looked at another item, a stack of talismans tied together, approximately ten sheets. These were the protective items prepared by Elder Xu in his final year for his disciples. It is important to note that although one can use spells upon entering the Qi Nourishing and Soul Strengthening stage, the procedures required for these spells are numerous and time-consuming. Therefore, it is common to prepare talismans in advance, so that when the time comes, one only needs to recite a spell or even use a bit of soul power to activate the talisman. As a master in the Out-of-Body stage, Elder Xu's remaining talismans would undoubtedly surpass those of his disciple, Shi Xuan, by a significant margin. However, the procedures required for spells at this stage are numerous and time-consuming, so it is common to prepare talismans in advance, allowing one to simply recite a spell or use a bit of soul power to activate them.

However, it is merely a thought. This divine ability requires at least the Out-of-Body stage for cultivation, as without fine control over one's own soul, how can one control the essence of Geng Metal? Without powerful internal energy, how can the lungs withstand the sharpness of Geng Metal? Moreover, Geng Metal is not so easily found! Of course, it is not a problem to use alternatives to Geng Metal; Taiyi True Gold, Western Gold Essence, and the essence of Venus are all legendary materials that can be used to forge immortal swords. It is merely a change of name for the divine ability, but these materials are equally elusive and cannot be sought after easily.

Only then did Shi Xuan let out a long sigh, feeling completely dizzy. He quickly sat down cross-legged, exhaling and regulating his breath, and it took quite a while before he regained the strength to move. When the butcher shop owner, Zheng Sunan, brought over two black and two yellow dogs, Shi Xuan's complexion finally returned to normal

Strangely, in the "Baolu," Qingyunzi mentioned that it is essential to cultivate this particular divine ability, along with four other divine abilities (Shaoyin Heart Yang Void Reality True Fire, Jueyin Liver Yang Green Wood Transformation Decision, Taiyin Spleen Yang Mountain and River Stabilization Technique, Shaoyin Kidney Yin Ice Soul Divine Light) before entering the Golden Elixir stage. At that time, there will be significant benefits upon entering the Golden Elixir stage, though Qingyunzi kept the specifics a mystery.

It is now June, and there are indeed many people on the streets wearing Taoist robes, with some even carrying folding fans, presenting a rather incongruous appearance

After having eaten and drunk to his satisfaction, Shi Xuan finally had the leisure to observe this city, which was distinctly different from modern society and exuded an antique charm. While reminiscing about the road to the southern part of the city, he glanced around. Perhaps due to it being a market day, the crowds were bustling, with small vendors lining both sides, selling various daily necessities, seemingly having been established here for a long time. The vegetable sellers were mainly concentrated in a few streets; beyond these streets, only a few corners in the southern direction could be seen.

Shi Xuan arrived at the South Water Well Street in the city and walked towards the largest and most crowded pharmacy he could find. Upon reaching the entrance, he saw three large characters resembling the Wei style inscribed on the sign—Tongrentang. Shi Xuan was immediately astonished; Tongrentang was indeed impressive, with branches even opening in another realm.

Shi Xuan gathered his spirits and, without daring to be negligent, carefully performed the incantation and executed the fire control technique. He meticulously managed the heat, and after half an hour had passed, the most challenging part was over. Now, he only needed to maintain a gentle flame and slowly simmer for another two hours.

To return to the main topic, the "Return to Truth Classic" is also a fundamental part of the true transmission of Daoist teachings. It lacks the foundation for both the refinement of tools and the alchemy of elixirs, which is indeed a pity

Upon entering, he went straight to the counter, where he saw the shopkeeper attending to a customer. It was indeed a great opportunity. He smiled at the apprentice behind the counter and greeted him before stating a few of the medicinal ingredients from the prescription. The young apprentice noticed that although two of the items were expensive, they were also in ample supply, so he did not inquire further about Shi Xuan. He simply gathered the items, wrapped them in oiled paper, and handed them to Shi Xuan, saying, "That will be four taels and three cash of silver."

Subsequently, I went to the butcher shop and informed the shopkeeper that I intended to host a dog meat feast for my relatives and friends, requesting him to deliver four live dogs to my small courtyard located in the west of the city

The last item is a mirror and a piece of paper affixed to it by the old Taoist. The paper states that this mirror was obtained by the old Taoist from an abandoned temple at Laoshan in the west of the lake. This mirror had contained a hundred-year-old ghost within the temple for decades. The old Taoist, passing by without understanding the situation, moved the mirror, allowing the ghost to escape. A fierce battle ensued, and the old Taoist nearly lost his life. Ultimately, he used one of the two Taiyi Thunderbolt Talismans he had received during his encounter with the true teachings to eliminate the hundred-year-old ghost, but the mirror was also shattered in the process. Although Xu Laodao could not identify the material of the mirror, he still picked up the largest shard and brought it back, reconstituting it into a mirror. However, it no longer possessed its former power and could not be used as a magical tool; it could only contain a naturally weak spirit due to its inherent supernatural qualities.

Since the old Taoist's death, Shi Xuan entered the old Taoist's room for the first time. The room was very tidy. Shi Xuan searched around and found, apart from some clothing and commonly used ritual items, a gray package. These clothes were of little use to Shi Xuan, as they did not fit his physique, and he was not skilled in sewing. It seemed that the old Taoist had some premonition of his own death, as everything was packed into the package. These clothes were of little use to Shi Xuan, as they did not fit his physique, and he was not skilled in sewing. It seemed that the old Taoist had some premonition of his own death, as everything was packed into the package

After inspecting the relics left by the old Daoist, Shi Xuan carefully stored the scriptures close to him, placing the talismans in the hidden pockets of his belt and sleeves for easy access. Only the mirror was kept in his own bundle. Currently, there were no suitable materials or refining techniques available, and it was futile to drool over the idea of crafting a magical artifact.

Shi Xuan was secretly astonished by the high cost of the medicinal ingredients in the prescription. This was only a few of them; at this rate, it seemed that his assets could only cover the purchase of medicinal ingredients for about fifty times. Each time he bought the ingredients, they would last approximately three days and six uses. If, after six months, his soul had not yet entered the Strengthening Soul stage, he would be bankrupt. The saying "poor in literature, rich in martial arts; a spendthrift Taoist" indeed holds some truth. Of course, martial practitioners do not possess such miraculous and precious prescriptions. Generally, the prescriptions used by martial practitioners for body tempering cost several dozen taels of silver per year, while the more valuable ones might cost around one to two hundred taels, which is quite terrifying. It is worth noting that Shi Xuan's small courtyard is only worth two to three hundred taels of silver.

Shi Xuan carefully examined the talismans, totaling seventeen chapters, among which there were four types with four copies each: the Invisibility Talisman, the Earth Armor Talisman, the Qi Summoning Thunder Talisman, and the Golden Light Soul Breaking Talisman. Additionally, there was one talisman inscribed in ancient cloud script (as mentioned in the "Treasure Record," which contains content on the Primordial Thunder Pattern and ancient cloud script) — the Taiyi Thunder of Heaven, which displayed flickering lightning, with an ancient script that appeared beyond the capabilities of Xu Laodao to create. It was either inherited from a true transmission or acquired through extraordinary experiences during travels. Another talisman was inscribed in ancient cloud script (as mentioned in the "Treasure Record," which contains content on the Primordial Thunder Pattern and ancient cloud script) — the Taiyi Thunder of Heaven, which displayed flickering lightning, with an ancient script that appeared beyond the capabilities of Xu Laodao to create. It was either inherited from a true transmission or acquired through extraordinary experiences during travels

Shi Xuan thought of the relatively modest power and the * diagram * book, and recalled a certain magical technique from the "Baolu" that required external objects for cultivation: the Taiyin Lung Yang Gengjin Sword Qi. This technique necessitates finding a piece of Gengjin, and then using a secret method to absorb the energy of Gengjin into the lungs, refining it day and night with secret techniques until it finally takes shape. It is said to possess extraordinary power, and unlike casting spells, it does not require the time to form hand seals or recite incantations, making it incredibly swift to use. Even cultivators at the Soul Stage might not be able to withstand its edge. Of course, whether one can hit the target is another matter, as this technique has limitations on distance and the number of uses. As one gradually nurtures the sword qi over time, both its power and range will increase.

Having tied up four dogs, Shi Xuan drew a bucket of well water from the small well and drank to his heart's content, then entered the house to sort through the belongings of the old Taoist priest

Shi Xuan set aside the "Classic of Returning to Truth" and suddenly thought about his future major in the "Treasure Record." Wouldn't that mean that Master Xu's lineage would be lost? Although he did not have an actual master-disciple relationship with Master Xu, he had seen through fragmented memories the care that Master Xu had shown to Du Bai. Now that this body was his own, he certainly had to feel gratitude and repay the kindness. It seems that he could only wait until he traveled the world in the future to find another talented individual to carry on the lineage. He had seen through fragmented memories the care that Master Xu had shown to Du Bai. Now that this body was his own, he certainly had to feel gratitude and repay the kindness. It seems that he could only wait until he traveled the world in the future to find another talented individual to carry on the lineage.

Magical artifacts are spellcasting tools crafted from suitable materials and appropriate restrictions, taking considerable time to refine. They possess great power and are convenient to use, making them highly favored by cultivators. Naturally, they are also exceptionally precious. Magical artifacts are categorized into four levels: magical tools, spiritual tools, magical treasures, and spiritual treasures. The crafting of magical tools employs corresponding Earthly Fiend restrictions. When a magical tool's Earthly Fiend reaches perfection and merges into the Heavenly Gang restriction, it advances to a spiritual tool, at which point the Heavenly Gang restriction can be further refined. The restrictions for magical treasures and spiritual treasures are referred to as treasure restrictions and spiritual restrictions, respectively. In general, magical tools and spiritual tools are considered items of the Qi Refining stage, while magical treasures and spiritual treasures belong to the Nascent Soul stage.