Chapter 10, Jade Ring

These are the secrets that are not to be transmitted, and they are also the most powerful source of strength for the lineage of witchcraft.

Upon thinking of this, Tao Xiaowu instinctively sat cross-legged and softly recited an ancient incantation. The old and convoluted pronunciation flowed slowly from Tao Xiaowu's lips.

Within a brocade box on the bookshelf lies a jade ring made of sheep fat white jade, identical to the one in Wu Cheng's hand, with the same intricate patterns and carvings.

He believed more than half of what Wu Cheng said

However, the brain cannot rest and continues to involuntarily ponder these divine texts

It seemed that in that very moment, Tao Xiaowu's consciousness had already been drawn to a distant place.

The room was filled with various scriptures and Taoist texts, yet he could not open a single one.

In the room, there are peach wood swords, copper coin swords, Taoist robes, command flags, and various other ritual implements.

Even the book that fell to the ground, he could not turn the pages

This is the covenant signed by the ancient sorcerers of the Wu Cheng lineage and the spirits, demons, and monsters surrounding Mount Hengtian over hundreds of thousands of miles.

but rather a jade ring

... ...

It seems to be nothing more than meaningless scribbles

Very well, the ghost of the drowned has approached Xu City by the water and has come to me for help. You should go and assist in resolving this matter

This is a way to keep something in reserve

Similarly, wearing a jade ring, one walks with a steady and dignified demeanor, avoiding hurried steps to prevent the jade ring from clashing and making noise, symbolizing the qualities of a gentleman

Since ancient times, the jade ring has represented many significant meanings. It is worn on the right thumb during archery, serving as a hook for the bowstring.

With this jade ring and that divine script, Tao Xiaowu has mastered the greatest ability of a shaman, which is to command wild beasts and summon spirits

Tao Xiaowu, you have inherited many of my skills and can now go out and practice witchcraft for others

As these runes were completely outlined, a faint mist seemed to emerge from them, almost enveloping Tao Xiaowu's sea of consciousness

This room was originally not large, and Tao Xiaowu was already very familiar with the items inside.

I do not know how much time has passed, gradually a sense of fatigue overtook me, and I finally succumbed to sleep.

Profound, dim, with pervasive mist everywhere

Although the jade pendant has not yet been passed on to Tao Xiaowu, Wu Cheng has already taught Tao Xiaowu the divine script he has mastered

It seems that tonight will be another sleepless night

The divine script recorded on this animal skin is, in fact, an oath or a contract

That is how the worship of these deities has not been mentioned

It is evident that the master here was likely a Taoist during his lifetime

Early in the morning, Wu Cheng coughed and said to Tao Xiaowu

Consciousness almost instantly faded away, and Tao Xiaowu suddenly let out a muffled groan, opening his eyes to find blood already flowing from his nostrils

In later generations, as long as the shamans of this lineage hold the jade pendant and recite the secret names of these spirits or demons, and offer sufficient sacrifices, they will be able to summon the spirits and demons to assist in their tasks

Oh! Tao Xiaowu walked over

Once again, I have entered this room, where I can see but cannot partake.

Regardless of anything else, he has already encountered the mountain spirit

It was as if deep within a cave, there was a massive creature, its body as thick as a water tank

In the adjacent room, Wu Cheng, who was curled up and continuously coughing, sensed something and revealed a hint of surprise at the corner of his mouth: "Qi You... unexpectedly mastered it so quickly... cough cough cough cough..."

A wave of immense fear surged within Tao Xiaowu, making him vaguely aware that if he was not adequately prepared, and without offerings, summoning these deities and spirits would pose a significant danger

The drowned ghost is not difficult to deal with; you need to use a drop of your own blood, along with the blood of the red snake, the gills of the fragrant carp, and the grass of the sun. Offer these to the ghost of the fragrant water, and that will be sufficient to resolve the issue

However, the next day, the witch woke up as if nothing had happened at all

Unfortunately, Tao Xiaowu also cannot understand these divine texts

Tao Xiaowu listened and said: "Thank you, Master, for your teachings"

However, more often it is worn on the body, symbolizing decisiveness in all matters, urging one not to hesitate in critical moments, reflecting the temperament of the husband

Oh, how is it that this jade ring is exactly the same as the one in Master Wu Cheng's hand? Could it be such a coincidence? Am I mistaken?

As time shifts and the world changes, following several great calamities and the establishment of the Han Dynasty, the divine path has been redefined, and many deities, spirits, and demons have already fallen.

On that beast skin scripture, there are recorded methods for summoning the spirit of the Huangshui, as well as the ancient pronunciation of the name of the Huangshui spirit

However, the remaining valid portion of the contract is already sufficient for Wu Cheng to establish a great reputation, earning the title of the foremost sorcerer of Hengyin

Tao Xiaowu dreamed again

For example, to offer this ritual, items such as rooster blood and red leaf grass are required

One should truly believe that there are spirits and deities in this world

As Tao Xiaowu's consciousness descended, the giant python that was in a deep slumber seemed to sense something, as if it was about to open its eyes

However, some of these contracts were signed one or two thousand years ago, and even the most recent contracts were signed over three hundred years ago

Tao Xiaowu let out a disappointed sigh, put away the beast skin, and continued to sleep

It is said that teaching a disciple can lead to the master's starvation

All of this is money; only with a reputation can one have wealth. Only with ability can one secure a place to live and thrive

As Tao Xiaowu pondered, suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, it seemed he caught sight of something

His body shrank further due to the cough, and his entire lungs seemed to be gasping violently like a broken bellows

In the dream, the colors remained mottled, and various divine scripts fluttered in my mind as if they were alive

Meanwhile, Tao Xiaowu carefully recalled these talismanic texts, then closed his eyes to visualize, meticulously sketching out these texts in the sea of consciousness

Ultimately, all of this dissipated, and it felt as if my mind transitioned from excitement to fatigue, completely entering into a profound dream.

However, it is half-rotten, with some areas already revealing the stark white bones of a giant python that is coiled and sleeping.

However, it was not these that attracted Tao Xiaowu's attention

However, now Tao Xiaowu knows that this jade ring represents a token of trust

No matter how you look at it, it is the same.

... ...

They will conceal their most formidable skills, only truly imparting them to their disciples just before their death

Yes, Master

Even before Tao Xiaowu's time travel, there were still some martial artists, doctors, or other individuals who inherited traditional skills.

However, the items required for the worship of other deities are different

Yes, Master! Although Tao Xiaowu had hardly slept all night, he was nonetheless full of energy

Last night, the coughing was so severe that it seemed I could stop breathing at any moment

Therefore, some of these contracts are still useful. The majority of the others have become completely useless

However, this witch still has a hidden hand