Chapter 010: Re-cultivating the Spiritual Incantation

As the three princesses departed, the island fell silent. Wen Zifu had been cultivating on the island for three years and had not seen the outside world for a long time. Today, persuaded by Lu Rui, his youthful heart could no longer remain calm. He thought perhaps he could bring his mother over to serve her well, which further solidified his intention to venture out. After greeting Lu Zhongdao, he left the island and headed towards Luojiang City.

Every day, Wen Zifu devoted himself to his cultivation, yet the three princesses, as instructed by their ancestor, sought to approach him. These three were of similar age, all around thirteen or fourteen years old. They had personally heard their ancestor, Lu Zhongdao, mention that Wen Zifu would at least possess the strength of a Silver-level talisman master in the future. Coupled with the exhortation from their father, Lu De, they naturally sought every possible means to interact more with Wen Zifu

Lu Zhongdao carefully explained the method of writing talismans to Wen Zifu, who attentively memorized it. Casually, he drew a talisman in the air and murmured, "Fire come!" Suddenly, a flame appeared on the tip of his index finger where he had drawn the talisman.

Three years ago, when Wenzi Fu left home, it took him a full day and night to walk from Luojiang City to the shores of the East Sea. Now, with powerful spiritual energy within him, this distance of over a hundred miles is hardly a challenge; in just half an hour, the city walls of Luojiang City came into his view

Amidst the relentless temptations and services of the three princesses, Wen Zifu gradually integrated the five elemental powers. Four months after he successfully merged the water elemental power with the metal elemental power, the last remaining fragment of the independent earth elemental power within Wen Zifu was also gradually assimilated into the formidable fire elemental power

With the diligent cultivation of the character Wenzi, his understanding of spiritual spells has deepened significantly. However, unlike ordinary talisman masters, the spiritual spells he casts through void drawing are not weaker by even half compared to those cast by ordinary talisman masters using burning talismans; in fact, they are slightly stronger. It is important to note that even silver talisman masters experience a reduction in power when casting spells through void drawing, and for an average blue-level talisman master, the power of the spells is at least halved when using void drawing. This may be the unique aspect of the Yin-Yang Five Elements Talisman Method, which is a proprietary technique of Master Zhang.

As the spiritual energy surged within the talisman in Wen Zifu's hand, the flames grew larger and larger. Lu Zhongdao looked at the flames in Wen Zifu's hand with astonishment, his face filled with disbelief, and exclaimed, "No way, just drawing a talisman, without any hand seals or incantations, and you can cast a spiritual spell?" He then laughed heartily, saying, "As expected of my disciple, truly exceptional, hahaha!" The three princesses, upon seeing the flames in Wen Zifu's hand, also cheered with joy.

"It seems that the spiritual power of the Five Elements is indeed different from the general spiritual power used in talismans. Let me ponder this a bit more," Lu Zhongdao thought for a moment and continued, "Now that your spiritual power has reached the blue level, you should also learn the method of drawing talismans. I will first teach you the method for writing the Fireball talisman, and you can practice it later. Since you are able to explore the fusion of the Five Elements' spiritual power on your own, your understanding of its application will be the deepest. Perhaps with a stroke of inspiration, you will discover the method of usage. If that doesn't work, I will seek out that old talisman master and request the secret manual he possesses."

In the practice of cultivation, there are no distinctions of day or night. Wen Zifu, deeply engrossed in his training, remains oblivious to the passage of time. Whenever he finds a moment of leisure, he dedicates himself to practicing and merging spiritual energy. On one occasion, after leaving the island, Lu Zhongdao brought three young girls back with him. He did not pay much attention, thinking that Lu Zhongdao had become so engrossed in teaching his disciples that he had taken in some talented girls as his students.

"My goodness, this power is quite extraordinary, far stronger than that of an average blue-level talisman master’s flames," Lu Zhongdao exclaimed in amazement, saying, "Not bad, young man, let’s give it another try"

The three princesses have all grown into graceful beauties. The eldest, Princess Chengping Lu Rui, is already sixteen years old, and Princess Leping Lu Xuan is also about to turn sixteen, while the youngest, Princess Anle Lu Zhen, is already fifteen. The three young ladies have become increasingly enchanting, spending their days around Wen Zifu, who finds their allure quite significant. Fortunately, over the past two years, Wen Zifu has matured under the influence of the three princesses and has developed a resilience that prevents him from embarrassing himself in front of girls.

It is known that there are countless talisman masters in the world, yet among them, 99 out of 100 remain at the yellow level throughout their lives without any progress. However, Wen Zi, at the tender age of not yet sixteen, achieved the blue level after less than a year of cultivation, which is truly unprecedented and unmatched in history.

Fortunately, several princesses understood the importance of balance. Whenever they saw Master Wen Zifu meditating and practicing, they would gather together, murmuring about how to relieve his fatigue and prepare delicious food for him. Clearly, the princesses were very pleased with Master Wen Zifu's potential and character, which is why they took such delight in these activities.

The so-called beauty is but a hero's grave. Lu Zhongdao, in his impatience, bound Wen Zifu to the Lu family, not fearing that Wen Zifu might be distracted by beauty and neglect his cultivation, ultimately achieving nothing in the future. Fortunately, Wen Zifu had endured much suffering since childhood and understood that to change his previous life, he could only rely on diligent cultivation. Therefore, although he was entangled with three princesses, he did not let it hinder his cultivation time.

At first, Wenzi Fu did not take it seriously, thinking that his exceptional talent was the reason why several girls admired him and thus were so close to him. However, as time passed, he realized that the situation was not as he had imagined. He suddenly recalled that Lu Zhongdao had once mentioned sending him a princess, and he couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat. Could it be that these three delicate and beautiful young ladies were all princesses?

Wen Zifu was not unaware of Lu Zhongdao's intention to use the princess to bind him to the warship of the Great Zhe royal family. Lu Zhongdao's actions were so blatant that he did not bother to find any excuses, clearly believing that Wen Zifu would not refuse. Wen Zifu had always felt grateful towards Lu Zhongdao; it is important to note that due to his complete five-element body, he was unable to cultivate talisman techniques. If it were not for meeting Lu Zhongdao, he would have lived a life of mediocrity. However, it was precisely because of his encounter with Lu Zhongdao that he saw hope in cultivating talisman techniques. After he began his cultivation, Lu Zhongdao pointed him towards a clear path in his practice. For him, helping Lu Zhongdao and assisting the Great Zhe royal family was a matter of course, thus he did not feel any aversion towards Lu Zhongdao introducing him to the princess.

However, it was none of his business, so Wen Zifu casually glanced at the young man and then looked away. He thought about how he hadn't seen his mother for many years and the detestable members of the Wen family, and it seemed he should bring some "interesting" gifts. With this in mind, Wen Zifu turned to the market in the east of the city. After selecting a few items, he heard the common people shouting repeatedly, as a young man from the Zhou family boldly declared his intention to slaughter the Wen family. Naturally, Wen Zifu would not miss the opportunity to witness the Wen family being provoked, which led to the scene at the beginning.

"Control the flames with your thoughts!" Lu Zhongdao said as he formed a seal and chanted a spell, sending a fireball into the sea to demonstrate for his disciple. Wen Zifu observed Lu Zhongdao's method of casting spells and attempted to extend his thoughts into the fire, which had already grown to the size of a basin. As his gaze shifted, he spotted the large tree where he usually meditated and practiced. He waved his finger towards the tree, and the flame transformed into a massive fire tongue, incinerating the tree, which was as thick as two people could embrace, in the blink of an eye. Wen Zifu observed Lu Zhongdao's method of casting spells and attempted to extend his thoughts into the fire, which had already grown to the size of a basin. As his gaze shifted, he spotted the large tree where he usually meditated and practiced. He waved his finger towards the tree, and the flame transformed into a massive fire tongue, incinerating the tree, which was as thick as two people could embrace, in the blink of an eye.

Do you still remember the fireball spell I taught you before? Show me how it works." Lu Zhongdao handed a talisman to Wenzi Fu, asking him to cast the spell. Wenzi Fu respectfully took the talisman, converted all his spiritual energy into fire spiritual energy, then used his spiritual energy to ignite the talisman. He formed hand seals and recited the incantation, but unfortunately, as he completed the hand seals, the talisman turned to ashes, and still, there was no sign of the fireball.

Just as he entered the city gate, a handsome young man brushed past him. The young man's face was devoid of expression, clearly the type of person who was exceptionally aloof. However, what captured Wen Zifu's attention was the young man's strength. The strongest expert in Luojiang City, Wen Dingguo, was merely at the ninth level of the Yellow rank. Given Wen Zifu's current strength, he could easily see through Wen Dingguo's abilities at a glance. Yet, this young man gave Wen Zifu a sense of inscrutability. This suggests that even if the young man was not stronger than him, he was at least comparable. What captivated Wen Zifu's attention was still the young man's strength. The strongest expert in Luojiang City, Wen Dingguo, was merely at the ninth level of the Yellow rank. Given Wen Zifu's current strength, he could easily see through Wen Dingguo's abilities at a glance. Yet, this young man gave Wen Zifu a sense of inscrutability. This suggests that even if the young man was not stronger than him, he was at least comparable.

Wen Zifu, after all, comes from a prominent family. Although the Wen family does not hold a significant position in the Great Zhe Dynasty, it is not uncommon for descendants to engage in marital alliances. Moreover, as a beneficiary of such unions, Wen Zifu would naturally not be overly averse to this practice. However, to send three princesses at once is rather excessive.

In the blink of an eye, summer had arrived between the *pictures* and the books. Wen Zifu had been following Lu Zhongdao to learn the arts for a full three years. On this day, after his training, Wen Zifu was once again besieged by the three princesses. Lu Rui clamored for Wen Zifu to accompany the sisters to the market, and with no other choice, Wen Zifu had to agree.

Wen Zifu went to Lu Zhongdao and said, "Three princesses are too many; one is enough." However, Lu Zhongdao laughed heartily and replied, "These three young ladies are all exceptional. Spend some time with them first, and then let me know whom you prefer. If you wish to have all three, that is also not a problem." Saying this, he sent Wen Zifu away, urging him to build a rapport with the young ladies.

Wenzi Fu harmonized the spiritual powers in the order of Metal generating Water, Water generating Wood, Wood generating Fire, and Fire generating Earth. After he integrated the spiritual powers of Metal, Water, and Wood into the Fire spiritual power, the disparity between the Earth spiritual power and the Fire spiritual power on his body had become immensely vast, making the final integration of the Earth spiritual power seem remarkably effortless

Great! Starting tomorrow, we will officially begin learning the Flame Spirit Spell. Once you have mastered all the Blue-level Flame Spells, I will teach you the Thunder Spirit Spell, the Earth Spirit Spell, and the Wind Spirit Spell! Lu Zhongdao laughed heartily, secretly thinking that this disciple was quite promising. In the future, even after I am gone, the Great Zhe Dynasty will not be easily bullied, and perhaps we might even be able to bully others.

Currently, Wen Zifu has attained the strength of a Blue Level Tier 3, and possesses both Thunder and Fire elemental spells. Looking across the entire Luojiang City, there is simply no one who can match him. Therefore, Lu Zhongdao is not worried at all and even asks Wen Zifu to bring back some fine wine for him.

After this, Wen Zifu's life became more regular. In the morning, he studied the methods of talisman writing under Lu Zhongdao; in the afternoon, he practiced spiritual incantations; and in the evening, he meditated and trained. His days were indeed fulfilling. It is uncertain whether it is due to the unique spiritual power of the Five Elements Talisman Method, but whenever Lu Zhongdao taught him the Fire Incantation, if Wen Zifu used a talisman as a guide and performed the hand seals while reciting the incantation, he would definitely be unable to cast the spiritual incantation. However, when drawing talismans in the void, he neither performed hand seals nor recited incantations; he only needed to shift his thoughts, and flames would manifest in his hands. It is uncertain whether it is due to the unique spiritual power of the Five Elements Talisman Method, but whenever Lu Zhongdao taught him the Fire Incantation, if Wen Zifu used a talisman as a guide and performed the hand seals while reciting the incantation, he would definitely be unable to cast the spiritual incantation. However, when drawing talismans in the void, he neither performed hand seals nor recited incantations; he only needed to shift his thoughts, and flames would manifest in his hands.

On a warm spring day, under the concerned gazes of the three princesses, Wen Zifu merged the last bit of earth spiritual power within him. Waves of colorful radiance flashed around him, and he then felt a tremendous spiritual force circulating throughout his body, ultimately dispersing into his limbs and bones. At this moment, Wen Zifu's foundation in the Yin-Yang Five Elements talisman technique was truly completed, and his strength had now surged to the first tier of the blue level.

The subsequent cultivation became much simpler; it only required following the experience of merging the gold spiritual power and integrating the water spiritual power into the wood spiritual power. However, the wood spiritual power is significantly lower than the water spiritual power after it has been merged with the gold spiritual power, so one must carefully adjust the spiritual power to avoid inadvertently converting the water spiritual power into gold spiritual power, which would counteract the wood spiritual power. Therefore, the merging speed is much slower than that of merging with gold spiritual power. Fortunately, with the previous successful merging experience, Wen Zifu is confident in completely merging the five types of spiritual power, so he patiently begins to slowly merge the spiritual power.

Wenzi Fu, filled with joy, repeatedly cast the Fire Spirit Spell, turning the land around him into charred earth. Several princesses kept their distance, fearing that he might accidentally set himself ablaze, yet they continuously shouted encouragement to Wenzi Fu.

Wenzi Fu felt a sense of warmth in his heart upon seeing the genuine concern of the three princesses for him. He thought to himself that being with them was not such a bad thing after all, since he was not the one at a disadvantage. With this in mind, he finally smiled at the three princesses for the first time. It is worth noting that previously, no matter how much the three princesses cared for him, he had always maintained a certain level of vigilance towards them and had never truly smiled at any of the three.

Wen Zifu shook his head helplessly and sighed, thinking that the days ahead might be quite lively. Sure enough, the three princesses were doing everything they could to get close to him, frequently offering to wash clothes, cook meals, and give shoulder massages. Even when Wen Zifu was bathing, the three princesses would suddenly come in, shyly saying they were there to help him wash. Several times, Wen Zifu almost surrendered during the close encounters with the three women, but fortunately, he remained resolute and did not embarrass himself in front of them.

Lu Zhongdao is like an inexhaustible treasure trove; he taught Wen Zifu numerous fire spells, dedicating over a month to instructing him. It was only after this extensive training that Wen Zifu managed to learn nearly all the blue-level and below fire spells he knew. Perhaps due to Lu Zhongdao's own practice of fire spells, his understanding of them is particularly profound. As long as Wen Zifu remembers the method for writing the spell symbols, he can successfully cast fire spells by drawing them in the void.

Wenzi Fu looked at the flames in his hand, which were growing larger and larger, and awkwardly said, "Old man, this fire isn't getting smaller, is it? It's getting bigger!"

That evening, Lu Zhongdao had the three princesses prepare a sumptuous dinner to reward the accomplished Wen Zifu. The master and disciple toasted and exchanged cups, enjoying their meal immensely, until finally, Wen Zifu, unable to withstand the effects of the alcohol, became utterly intoxicated.

Wen Zifu stood up, feeling a surge of heroic spirit. He let out a long howl towards the sky, followed by a hearty laugh. Several princesses had been watching Wen Zifu with concern, and at this moment, seeing his rare display of a broad smile, they understood that he had made a breakthrough. Their faces also broke into radiant smiles, as if they themselves had achieved success in their own cultivation.

Wenzi Fu once again drew a talisman as instructed, and flames instantly ignited at his fingertips. With a wave of his hand, a massive tongue of fire erupted, scorching the ground before him into a charred expanse

Four individuals were preparing to set out when someone came to report that Emperor Luduo of the Great Philosophy summoned the three princesses. It turned out that the Empress Dowager of the Great Philosophy had not seen the three princesses for many years and missed them dearly. She sent someone to inform Luduo that she wished to see the three princesses and to see how they had grown. Since the three princesses followed Lu Zhongdao to the island, they had not returned to the Great Philosophy Imperial Palace. Upon hearing of their grandmother's summons, they lost interest in visiting the market and returned with the entourage that had come to fetch them.

The secluded island of Lu Zhongdao lies by the East China Sea, merely a hundred or so miles from Luojiang City. Wenzi Fu followed the direction towards Luojiang City, recalling the scene of his angry departure from home years ago. At this moment, having achieved success in his cultivation, he intended to make those shortsighted individuals from the Wen family pay the price upon his return to Luojiang City

After two months of diligent practice, Wenzi Fu discovered that the success rate of casting the Thunder Spirit Spell, using Fire Spirit Power as a conduit, was the highest. He shared this news with Lu Zhongdao, who suggested that this might be the unique aspect of the Five Elements Talismans. In the past, Master Zhang's Yin-Yang Five Elements Talismans not only enabled the casting of spirit spells but also had the power to heal and save lives, summon deities, and control spirits. It seems that in the realm of talismanic arts, the Five Elements method can indeed yield remarkable results.

As the days gradually passed in the diligent practice of Wenzi Fu, two more springs and autumns had gone by in the blink of an eye. Wenzi Fu was now seventeen years old. During these two years, his mastery of the Five Elements spiritual power had become more refined, and his strength had advanced to the third tier of the blue level. However, perhaps due to the nature of the Five Elements spiritual power, Wenzi Fu could still only utilize spells from the fire and lightning systems. According to Lu Zhongdao, this was because his strength was still insufficient, and the fire and lightning spells were likely his current limit.

After completing the Fire Spirit Spell, Lu Zhongdao began to teach Wenzi Fu the usage of the Thunder Spirit Spell. However, the learning of the Thunder Spirit Spell was not as swift as that of the Fire Spirit Spell. Although he had memorized the talismans thoroughly, the success rate of casting the spirit spell was not one hundred percent. Nevertheless, Wenzi Fu was not one to easily concede defeat. After more than a month of study, he had also memorized the Thunder Spirit Spells below the blue level, and then he paused his study of the spirit spells to focus on practicing the casting of the Thunder Spirit Spell.

The three princesses did not dare to disturb Wen Zifu during his training, as his future achievements were boundless. If the three were to interrupt Wen Zifu's cultivation, it was likely that Lu Zhongdao would become furious immediately. However, Wen Zifu could not possibly be training all day long, so they took advantage of his resting time to intentionally or unintentionally move closer to him.

"Good lad, you have reached the realm of a Blue-level Talismancer in less than a year of cultivation; I underestimated you. " Lu Zhongdao hurried over upon hearing the whistle of Wenzi Fu. With his strength, he could naturally discern Wenzi Fu's level of power at a glance. He extended his hands to grasp Wenzi Fu's, channeling his own spiritual energy into him to carefully investigate Wenzi Fu's cultivation progress. After examining him for quite some time, he finally released Wenzi Fu's hands and chuckled, praising him, "Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! The five elemental spiritual energies are interconnected and fused together; very good, very good. It is impressive that you managed to discover this cultivation method on your own."