A journey through the world of martial arts

Chapter 110 The Spell Was Sealed
"Master, the Soul Purification and Mind Cleansing Mirror has been completed, but it still needs time to be nurtured. Please come and collect it when its spiritual energy is abundant."

The clan leader stroked the treasure mirror, thinking that with this treasure, Gu Xu would be able to provide more assistance when the people faced a great calamity in the future.

Gu Xu nodded upon hearing this.

After the clan leader had the room tidied up, he left with several elders. The months of refining the treasure had taken a toll on his mental energy, and his remaining lifespan had been greatly reduced.

Back in the library, Gu Xu picked up the last bamboo slip containing runes. It explained how to draw runes in mid-air without using a pen or other medium, but only by drawing spiritual energy with both hands to trace the runes. Once mastered, the power of the runes would be several times stronger than those drawn with a medium.

However, this technique of drawing talismans in mid-air is extremely difficult to master, and currently, no one in the entire Tong clan can reach this level.

Gu Xu calmed his mind, took a deep breath, and followed the steps written in the record. He moved his hands in the air in a certain pattern, feeling wisps of spiritual energy gathering at his fingertips. He drew the rune in one go, but after finishing, the entire rune flickered and then dimmed and dissipated, which was undoubtedly a failure.

"When I made the last stroke, I felt something was off. Was it a mistake in my technique, or was it the wrong way I was circulating my inner energy?" Gu Xu wondered to himself.

Subsequently, Gu Xu conducted several more experiments, and without exception, the runes lost their vitality after the last stroke was completed. Undoubtedly, there was a problem with the way the bamboo slip was written.

"Let's try to deduce it with the jade pendant." Gu Xu focused his mind on the jade pendant in his sea of ​​consciousness. A blurry figure appeared in the jade pendant space. He tried various methods to find the correct way to do the last step. After hundreds of failures, the blurry figure made the last stroke, and the runes did not dissipate.

A beam of light emanated from the hazy space, then the figure shattered, and Gu Xu's mind returned to his body, his expression extremely grim.

Calculating the time silently, Gu Xu found that only half a quarter of an hour had passed, but in the jade pendant space it felt like several hours had passed.

"This space is really too mentally taxing," Gu Xu had never felt so weak before. He took out the pill given to him by Elder Tianxuan, swallowed one, and immediately felt much more refreshed.

Gu Xu silently meditated and practiced his Qi cultivation. True Qi was continuously generated within his body. After one night, Gu Xu felt that his essence, energy, and spirit had been fully restored.

"Let me try now."

With his right index and middle fingers together, he sketched in the air, and mysterious runes appeared out of thin air under the nourishment of spiritual energy. When Gu Xu finished the last stroke, the invisible runes in the air suddenly shone brightly, and then a huge suction force enveloped the entire library, and some books were immediately sucked into the air and suspended in mid-air.

"Imperial Edict!" Upon seeing this, Gu Xu hurriedly reached out and touched the rune. The rune's light immediately dimmed and then turned into specks of light that disappeared without a trace.

"A single dust-removing talisman consumed ten percent of my true energy. If it were those more powerful talismans, it would probably consume even more. No wonder they are so difficult to cultivate; they are simply too extravagant."

Gu Xu couldn't help but guess that perhaps in the beginning, the way of runes was to draw runes in the air without needing any medium. But later, perhaps because people with insufficient true energy found it difficult to draw them, someone created a method to reduce the loss of true energy using a medium.

In this way, even those with insufficient true power can use runes. On the contrary, drawing runes in mid-air has become an unattainable peak. Apart from a few outstanding individuals, no one has reproduced such a divine skill.

With a flick of his sleeve, the scattered books returned to their original positions, and Gu Xu took out a bamboo scroll about array formations and barriers.

Previously, when entering the Water Moon Cave, the water curtain barrier outside had really opened Gu Xu's eyes. Using tangible water to create an intangible barrier to isolate the inside from the outside was truly remarkable.

"Barriers are mainly for external use, primarily blocking sensory input and lack offensive capabilities. Without knowing how to break them, one will be helpless. Arrays are mainly for internal use and can be roughly divided into three categories: sealing, offense and defense, and support. The arrays in Earth Flame Valley belong to the sealing category, while the spirit-gathering array in the Prayer Square belongs to the support category."

After reading through the bamboo slips, Gu Xu discovered that there wasn't a single offensive formation among them. Upon closer examination, Gu Xu realized that the Tong clan abstained from killing, so they naturally wouldn't have created such offensive formations.

Thinking of this, Gu Xu remained noncommittal. There is no inherent good or bad in formations; the important thing is the person who sets them up. The Tong clan has always been passively receiving attacks from their opponents. As the saying goes, "defense for too long will inevitably fail." Isn't the current situation the best illustration of this? He will face various crises in the future, so he naturally cannot give up this offensive formation.

"Let's take a look at the sealing formation first," Gu Xu carefully read the records about the sealing formation, which mentioned that the sealing techniques were probably no different from Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, stars, and the Luo River.

The Tong clan's methods of arranging formations are mostly based on Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, with a small portion being based on the art of stars.

The Yin-Yang and Five Elements need no further explanation. Gu Xu was quite interested in the power of the stars. As he read on, he learned that to set up a star formation, one must first draw upon the power of the stars. Moreover, the requirements for the person setting up the formation are extremely high. If the person setting up the formation cannot withstand the power of the stars, they will explode and die.

"Although it is quite powerful, it is extremely risky. It is best not to try it rashly." Gu Xu put it aside for the time being and turned to look at the Five Elements Seal.

"This Yin-Yang Five Elements Seal looks very simple; even an ordinary array master could set it up. However, it is easy to learn but difficult to master. There are very few people who can truly utilize the power of Yin-Yang Five Elements to its fullest extent."

Gu Xu knew the principle of not trying to do too much at once, so he carefully read through the most basic Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory and gained a general understanding of sealing techniques.

After meditating all night, the next morning, Gu Xu greeted the clan leader, took some items for setting up the formation, and went to a desolate hill. According to the bamboo slips, he arranged the formations accurately according to the five elements and directions. In the center of the earth position, he placed a fire crystal that had exhausted its firepower.

"First, connect a wisp of earth vein power and inject it into an array object. Then, use true energy to connect the five directions, forming a smooth flow based on the principle of mutual generation. Finally, activate the key array points."

Gu Xu pointed his finger, and a stream of true energy surged into the earth's veins. Guided by the true energy, a faint trace of earth vein power was drawn up, first rushing into the western metal position. The metal position array flashed, and under the control of the true energy, the earth vein power shifted to the northern water position, then the wood position, the fire position, and finally returned to the earth position.

The five array objects were infused with the earth's power, each emitting a faint light. The five colors of light—white, black, blue, red, and yellow—flowed smoothly, enveloping the fire crystal stone in the center of the earth position. Seeing this, Gu Xu pointed his finger, injecting a stream of true energy into the earth position. With a clear sound, the five array objects trembled simultaneously. The fire crystal stone in the earth position seemed to be bound by an invisible force, slowly sinking into the ground. After a few breaths, it disappeared.

Gu Xu pressed down on the sealed area, only to feel a resistance. He pressed harder, and with a pop, the resistance disappeared. The five array objects shattered, and the fire crystal stone that had sunk into the ground was revealed, though it had several cracks on it.

"Even a rough setup has a noticeable effect; if we mobilize the vast power of the earth's veins, the sealing power will increase exponentially."

He rubbed the fire crystal in his hand, and it instantly turned into a cloud of powder that drifted away in the wind.

After cleaning up all traces, Gu Xu prepared to return to the library, and on the way he happened to run into Elder Tianxuan, who was looking for him.

"Daoist Master, there's a problem with Xiao Feng. If it's convenient for you, please come with me," Elder Tianxuan said urgently upon seeing Gu Xu.

Originally, it was thought that after the fire poison was removed and several months of recuperation, Xiao Feng should wake up. However, this was not the case. Xiao Feng remained unconscious, but her breathing was no different from that of an ordinary person, making her look like a living dead.

Gu Xu agreed and followed Elder Tianxuan to a stone cave.

Yin Feng was lying on the stone platform. Gu Xu glanced at Elder Tian Xuan, then stepped forward to check his pulse. After a moment, Gu Xu opened his eyes.

"Master, how is Xiao Feng?"

"Xiao Feng possesses a hidden energy within her, which she has been holding back. It is precisely because of this energy that she remains unconscious. Elder Tianxuan, has Yin Feng been treated by anyone before?"

Upon hearing this, Elder Tianxuan's expression faltered slightly, then his heart sank. He recalled how Yin Zhong had taken Yin Feng to the Supreme Dao for treatment without success, which was why they had no choice but to seek help from the Tong Clan. Could it be...?

Thinking of this, Elder Tianxuan said in a deep voice, "Yin Zhong once took Xiao Feng to the Supreme Path, could it be..."

"That's it. I've heard the clan leader talk about the methods of the Supreme Path. When Yin Zhong married a woman from the Supreme Path, it might have been part of their scheme. They secretly tampered with Xiao Feng's birth. They went to such great lengths; their purpose must be more than that."

Gu Xu sighed. He had been so focused on detoxifying Yin Feng that he hadn't noticed this power. Now that the fire poison was gone, this power had spread throughout her body. It wouldn't be easy to cleanse it completely. Forcibly removing it would inevitably damage her body.

"Is there really no other way?" Elder Tianxuan asked dejectedly.

"It's not that there's no way."

"What method?" Elder Tianxuan asked with delight. He would not give up as long as there was a glimmer of hope.

"Sealing technique, using the power of time in conjunction with the sealing book, to slowly dissipate that power."

"Sealing techniques are beyond my expertise; I am skilled in medicine and barrier techniques, but I know nothing about sealing techniques. The clan leader and the five elders have some knowledge of them, but they have expended a great deal of their energy refining the treasure, so I'm afraid they are also powerless to help."

Elder Tianxuan's bright eyes dimmed, and he shook his head. "I am currently cultivating a sealing formation. As the saying goes, understanding one principle illuminates all others. Please allow me some time. If I can master the sealing technique, all the better. If not, I will have no choice but to use the formation to seal Yin Feng, to prevent any unforeseen events in the future."

Gu Xu was worried that Wushangdao would send Yin Feng to the Tong clan through Yin Zhong in order to determine the exact location of Shuiyue Cave and find a suitable opportunity to lead his people to attack it in a short time. At that time, the Tong clan would probably face annihilation.

That power hasn't been unleashed yet, so there's still room for things to turn around.

Upon hearing this, Elder Tianxuan knew that there must be something strange about this power. He glanced at Gu Xu, who nodded. Elder Tianxuan reached out and carefully examined the power, his expression turning slightly cold.

"This is indeed a supreme method. Fortunately, the Daoist Master discovered it in time. Otherwise, once this power was unleashed, the Water Moon Cave Heaven would have been in grave danger. This matter must be reported to the Clan Chief and the five Elders."

"This humble Taoist also needs time to comprehend the sealing technique, so I will not linger any longer. Farewell."

Elder Tianxuan escorted Gu Xu out of the cave. After returning, he temporarily sealed several vital acupoints on Yin Feng's body with magic, and then headed towards the clan leader's residence.

Inside the patriarch's cave, the patriarch's expression turned grim upon hearing Elder Tianxuan's words, yet he was also filled with relief. He said to the apologetic Elder Tianxuan, "Elder Tianxuan, this matter is not your fault. The Supreme Dao is truly treacherous and cunning. Summon the five elders first to discuss this. Alas, it truly is fate."

The clan chief summoned his guards and ordered them to bring the five elders over.

If it weren't for the creation of the treasure mirror, which would have given us enough power to seal the strange power within Yin Feng's body, we would now only be able to pin our hopes on Daoist Gu Xu.

A moment later, the five elders arrived one after another. Elder Tianxuan recounted the events again, and Elder Huo stood up, angrily saying, "The methods of the Supreme Path are becoming increasingly despicable. They don't even spare a child. Shameful and hateful!"

Elder Jin pressed his hand down and said, "Elder Huo, there's no need to be angry. Now that the problem has been discovered, there must be a solution. Clan Chief, can Daoist Gu Xu really master the sealing technique in such a short time?"

The clan chief said with certainty, "Daoist Gu Xu never does anything without being sure of success. Since he has already said so, it means he is quite confident in resolving this matter. Now, let's go and see what kind of strange power has been afflicting Yin Feng."

Everyone stood up and went to Elder Tianxuan's cave. After examining it, the clan leader said with a solemn expression, "This should be the Guiding Spell personally cast by the Supreme Daoist Qi Feng."

"The Returning Incantation!" Elder Jin exclaimed in surprise.

The Guiyin Incantation is one of the three great blood incantations of the Supreme Path. Originally, it was just a technique that used the blood of close relatives to find lost relatives, but it was later transformed by the Supreme Path into a vicious and insidious method.

A blood curse, made from the blood of a close relative, is cast onto that relative. Normally, it remains dormant, but once a certain trigger is triggered, the curse will occur without warning. The person under the curse will have their mind taken over, becoming like a puppet, acting entirely according to the master's will, without ever realizing it afterward.

"What a vicious heart! It seems Qi Feng had planned this all along," Elder Shui frowned. If the blood curse were activated, the location of Shuiyue Cave would be exposed.

"Elders, please follow me to temporarily set up the Five Elements Seal to isolate this curse for now."

The Water Moon Cave is crucial to the survival of the Tong clan, and no mistakes can be tolerated. Although they have already exhausted most of their vital energy, they can still perform a temporary seal. Once Gu Xu has mastered it, they can carry out the final seal.

The five elders sat cross-legged according to their positions, squeezing out the last bit of vital energy from their bodies. The clan leader and Elder Tianxuan were positioned at the Yin and Yang positions. As the power of the five elements gradually entered Yin Feng's body, the two of them simultaneously performed a blessing. Two forces, one hard and one soft, rushed into her body, and a bright light appeared above Yin Feng. Then the light subsided, leaving a faint flowing cloud rune on her left arm.

"This seal can only last for a month. If Daoist Gu Xu fails to master the sealing technique by then, we'll have to seal it again."

The clan leader exhaled a breath of turbid air, his already meager remaining energy almost completely depleted. The other six all nodded in agreement, agreeing that for the safety of Shuiyue Cave, no price was too high to pay.

"I only hope that Daoist Gu Xu can succeed in his cultivation as soon as possible," Elder Tianxuan thought to himself.

The clan leader instructed Elder Tianxuan to take good care of Yin Feng and to inform him immediately if anything went wrong. Elder Tianxuan agreed.

Inside the library, Gu Xu was searching for the bamboo slips containing the sealing formation and memorizing them. Just then, Elder Tianxuan came over and told him about the Guiding Spell.

After seeing Elder Tianxuan off, Gu Xu sat cross-legged and focused his mind on the jade pendant space, continuously practicing the sealing technique.

Within the jade pendant's space, Gu Xu's illusory figure unleashed dozens of runes with both hands, weaving together a dazzling light before disappearing into the illusory body. The runes twisted and turned, but shattered after only three breaths.

"It seems I still haven't practiced enough," Gu Xu continued to use the sealing technique, practicing relentlessly. After an unknown amount of time, Gu Xu's illusory figure quickly unleashed dozens of runes, which rapidly merged together and disappeared into the illusory body. A flash of light disappeared in an instant, and then an invisible net appeared within the illusory body, completely enveloping his limbs and bones.

"Finally, I've mastered it." Looking at the seal that shimmered with light within his ethereal body, Gu Xu felt a sense of relief and, exhausted, withdrew from the jade pendant space.

Inside the library, Gu Xu opened his eyes, silently calculated the time, and realized that half a month had already passed.

After dozens more rehearsals, Gu Xu finally stopped.

"We should inform the clan leader and the others," Gu Xu said as he tidied himself up and left the library. The guards immediately informed the clan leader, who soon arrived with the six elders.

After exchanging pleasantries, the group arrived at the cave. Gu Xu said to the clan leader, "I will soon perform a sealing technique. If anything unexpected happens, the clan leader and the six elders must be resolute and not hesitate."

Upon hearing this, the clan chief solemnly replied, "Rest assured, Daoist Master, I know what to do."

Elder Tianxuan remained silent. If the seal failed, the best course of action would be to kill Yin Feng and then grind his bones to dust.

Seeing that the clan leader and others had all taken their positions, Gu Xu came to Yin Feng's side with a solemn expression. He put his index and middle fingers together and drew runes in the air. Soon, streams of light wove into a net. When Gu Xu finished drawing the last stroke, the net of light quickly covered Yin Feng.

After the light net entered her body, Gu Xu immediately pressed on Yin Feng's brow and channeled a stream of true energy into her to protect her heart meridian.

Everyone saw Yin Feng's body suddenly brighten, and a blood-red rune broke through the seal set up by the clan leader and others in mid-air, constantly crashing against the light net. However, as the light net continued to close, the movement of the blood-red rune became smaller and smaller, and finally it went silent.

Only a golden rune in the center of Yin Feng's brow flashed briefly before fading away.

Seeing that the seal was successfully completed, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"The Blood Curse has already been sealed. As long as Yin Feng is lured into the sealed slumber and time is used to dissipate it, several hundred years will be enough to exhaust all the energy of the Blood Curse."

"This matter is entrusted to Elder Tianxuan. He must ensure its proper handling. Even in our absence, he must instruct future generations."

"Yes," the six elders replied, accepting the order.

"Daoist Master, you've worked hard these past few days. Please go back and rest," the clan leader said to Gu Xu.

"Then this humble Taoist will take his leave."

After bowing to everyone, Gu Xu stepped out of the cave and, instead of going to the library, returned to his residence.

Just as the Guiding Curse was being sealed, in a dark and secluded chamber at the Supreme Dao's residence, a white-haired old Daoist sitting on a cloud bed suddenly changed his expression, then spat out a mouthful of blood, his face turning several shades paler.

"Who forcibly sealed the Returning Curse? Could it be Tong Yuan and those old fogies? Impossible, their power isn't at that level."

The sealing power he felt just now was extremely powerful, something those people couldn't possibly achieve. If he hadn't acted decisively, he wouldn't have been injured.

"With a master man involved, the secrets of heaven are in chaos; this world is becoming increasingly unpredictable."

The old Taoist priest wiped the bloodstains from the corner of his mouth, meditated for a moment, then frowned deeply. He closed his eyes to rest, and the secret chamber returned to silence, with only a few green flames burning continuously.

(End of this chapter)