In the Sand Village, the clones are everywhere, and the Arkham game begins

Chapter 475 The Celestial Master's Mansion's First-Rank Talisman

This old fox always resorts to sneak attacks whenever possible.

"Alright, Elder Lu, you can take this Heart-Connecting Mirror. In the future, the disciples of the Sanyi Sect can also use it to refine their hearts and such. Although the upper limit won't be very high, it will be enough."

Just remember not to let the disciples immerse themselves in it for too long at once. About once a day, and each time should not exceed ten minutes. This illusion is constructed using their own mental power.

Excessive use can easily lead to mental and physical exhaustion, causing emotional distress.

Lu Jin was delighted and laughed as he accepted the Heart-Clearing Mirror.

With this thing, no matter what happens to the disciple in the future, there will be a stable lower limit to his state of mind.

Selecting disciples will be much easier today.

For the middle-aged and elderly strongmen like them, breaking free from this illusion is not difficult. However, for the younger generation of extraordinary individuals, to escape from the illusion, they must either be outstanding among their peers or truly pure of heart. Such individuals are more suitable for the San Yi Sect because the San Yi Sect requires sincerity and harmony in their disciples.

The further you progress in the Reverse Life Triple Stage, the greater the danger during the breakthrough. If the physical body fails to transform into Qi, or cannot recover smoothly after transformation, it is extremely dangerous. If it is just a minor injury to the skin and flesh, it is fine, but if the meridians, internal organs, or bone marrow are damaged, then it will be troublesome.

Failure can result in injury at best, and severe consequences can completely sever one's future path. For example, Zuo Ruotong had a mishap when cultivating the Reverse Life Triple Realm in his youth, so he had to maintain the Reverse Life state and still looked like a handsome man in his thirties even in his old age.

Therefore, the San Yi School requires its disciples to be extremely meticulous in this process, to have the purest mind possible, and not to be impatient for quick results or to strive for great progress. Only by going with the flow can one successfully continue on this path; otherwise, one will only harm oneself.

This is why Zuo Ruotong did not accept Liu Deshui as a student, but instead recommended him to Yanwutang.

Under the influence of Qingshui, the reopening ceremony of the Sanyi Gate became somewhat like a university's independent admissions process.

First, they had to complete a test paper to assess their comprehension. Then, they had to go through an illusion in the Mirror of Understanding, which served as a practical exercise and interview. Finally, they would be scored based on their performance to select Lu Jin's preferred disciple.

Most people in the world of supernatural beings have their own clear lineage and origins. Even those from small sects would not easily switch allegiance to others.

However, as a newly emerging peerless master, Lu Jin possesses the Reverse Life Triple Realm and knows the Heavenly Talisman. Qing Shui also holds the title of elder in the San Yi Sect. The number of independent practitioners and disciples from various families without clear lineages is neither too many nor too few, totaling more than a thousand.

After a series of tests, Lu Jin accepted a total of twelve people. The youngest was a ten-year-old boy from the Gao family in Northeast China. Like Zhang Lingyu, he was kind-hearted and innocent.

The oldest was a 22-year-old college student who practiced his family's martial arts, possessing extraordinary comprehension and a clear mind.

However, he was not the eldest disciple among the second-generation disciples after the reconstruction of the Sanyi Sect.

Above him are Lu Lin and Feng Xingtong, who are the senior and second senior brothers of the Sanyi Sect.

After the apprenticeship ceremony, Qingshui and Zhao Fangxu took the initiative to invite the many renowned masters present to go to the back hall of the main hall to discuss matters.

The development of the situation also conformed to the predictions of Shimizu and Zhao Fangxu.

Upon hearing the truth hidden within the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Valley, that it was related to immortals, and that even the Eight Extraordinary Techniques originated from there, everyone was intrigued.

Even Lu Jin wanted to try to find clues about Wugensheng from it.

The only exception is Zhang Zhiwei.

"Master, what do you think? Without you, our chances of winning are probably..."

Zhao Fangxu looked at Zhang Zhiwei, who remained silent, and hesitated.

Many of the older generation present were also observing.

The younger generation may not know how formidable this person is, but they are well aware that Zhang Zhiwei was unmatched among his peers before the age of forty, and unmatched in the world after the age of forty.

With the Celestial Master present, they dared to blindly follow, because only in this way would they believe they would win the battle.

Even though Lu Jin is now a top expert, they are still very clear that there is a difference between a top expert who became a top expert sixty years ago and one who only became a top expert this year.

“I can go. The calamity of the Jia Shen year has dragged on until now, and it should be put to a complete end this time.”

Zhang Zhiwei tapped on the table, setting the tone.

Zhao Fangxu breathed a slight sigh of relief.

As long as the Celestial Master agrees, that's fine; as for the conditions, you can name whatever you want.

Zhang Zhiwei stroked his long beard and said:

"However, what if I perish here? What will happen to the Celestial Master lineage of Longhu Mountain? Even if the possibility is small, it is still possible. I must go back and prepare."

"While my fellow comrades may have their own selfish motives in taking action this time, ultimately, dealing with Qu Tong is also helping the country, which is only right. But shouldn't we make sure everything is arranged properly before we act?"

Zhao Fangxu nodded upon hearing this:

"The old master's words make sense. Although we are quite confident about this trip, there are always dangers. Everyone can go back and finish dealing with their matters first, and then we can regroup."

During this period, if you have any requests, please tell me. I will do my best to meet them within my authority. If that's not possible, Professor Zhuo will be there to back you up. As long as the request is reasonable and legal, it won't be a problem.

"Alright, since Qu Tong and her group are stuck in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Valley and can't escape, then we don't need to rush. Let's take a month to deal with what we have to do and celebrate the New Year. When... well, let me calculate, let's set off on the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, preferably at the hour of Mao (5-7 AM). This day happens to be a day of Heavenly Pardon, a good time to pray for blessings, ward off disasters, and turn misfortune into good fortune."

Zhang Zhiwei quickly calculated and arranged the schedule.

"Haha, the auspicious day calculated by the Celestial Master must be a good day. With the Celestial Master leading the team, we are sure to succeed quickly and reap great rewards. I can also take this opportunity to stretch my muscles and bones."

A look of joy appeared on Ruhu's face, and he cupped his hands in greeting to the old Celestial Master.

The others also thanked the old master.

That night, in a guest room at Sanyi Gate.

"The old Celestial Master invited me here so late at night, what is the purpose of this visit?" Qingshui asked curiously, looking at the old Celestial Master who was wearing a white bathrobe.

"There are some things that, while not that important, are still quite significant. However, only you and I know about these matters. In the future, there will simply be one more sixty-sixth Celestial Master."

"The 66th Celestial Master... have you decided who will be your successor?"

Zhang Zhiwei was the 65th Celestial Master, so the 66th generation would naturally be his successor.

"The Celestial Master... naturally, the more outstanding the better, but there's no need to be overly outstanding like me, otherwise it would be a waste. Having the level of Lu Jin is about right. If that's really not possible, someone like Lü Ci or Wang Ai would be barely qualified."

Lu Jin is about right, and Lü Ci and Wang Ai are about right.

Goodness, one is a top-three player in the Chinese server, and the other two are also top-ten players in the Chinese server. In Old Master's opinion, they are just qualified.

However, upon closer reflection, many of the Celestial Masters of Longhu Mountain throughout history have been exceptional masters who have always held the reins of the Zhengyi sect. It is possible that those Celestial Masters with relatively weaker abilities were mostly in the first tier below the exceptional level, such as Lü Ci and Wang Ai.

While not every Celestial Master is a master in every generation, each generation of Celestial Masters at least has the ability to rank among the top ten in the world and uphold prestige.

Of course, in the history of Longhu Mountain, this is called a period of decline.

"The biggest difference between the Celestial Masters of all generations and other extraordinary people lies in the Celestial Master's Passage. I cannot tell you the specific information contained in the Celestial Master's Passage, but it is clear that the Celestial Master's Passage does have the ability to transmit power, just as the outside world says. However, even if the Celestial Masters of all generations practice the same techniques, their Qi is ultimately not the same person's Qi. Therefore, there will be considerable losses during the transformation process, and it also depends on the successor's body and what level of cultivation they can withstand."

Therefore, each Celestial Master would try to recover this loss before passing it on to the next.

My skill level is quite good. In the fifth year after I became the Celestial Master, I had recovered my strength. Now I estimate that I am more than twice as strong as I was back then.

If Qianhe were to receive the Celestial Master's teachings, even Old Lu would probably have to rebuild his three cores and break through to the third level to defeat him. However, Qianhe is already quite old, and even if he becomes a Celestial Master, he will never be able to recover from this loss until he dies.

Having received the nurturing and guidance of the previous Celestial Master, I am determined to pass on Longhu Mountain and the Celestial Master's teachings to the future. Naturally, I hope that the next Celestial Master will be able to carry on this legacy.

From the current perspective, Chu Lan and Ling Yu are the best. Among the current disciples of Longhu Mountain, they are the only two who have the opportunity to reach the pinnacle.

Chu Lan's foundation within the sect is not deep, but he is exceptionally intelligent and capable of wielding this power, allowing Longhu Mountain to flourish in the future era of great change. Even if there are some troubles within the sect, I trust his abilities and confidence in handling these relationships.

Lingyu is deeply loved by his senior brothers within the sect, which helps maintain unity within the sect. However, he lacks vision and experience. Although he has made considerable progress under Chu Lan's guidance this past year, he is still somewhat lacking and not yet qualified to be the leader of this vast Longhu Mountain.

"It seems that Zhang Chulan is still the one you prefer."

"I owe his family, and he's quite capable himself. Anyway, let's not talk about them anymore and get back to the main topic."

Zhang Zhiwei sighed softly and sat down in the chair.

"Two months ago, I had Rongshan deliver a second-grade Three Caverns Five Thunder Talisman Scripture to you. Have you begun your studies?"

"I'm still figuring it out. Right now, I've only learned the Taiyi Five Thunder God Talisman, which is most closely related to thunder magic. As for the others, I only have some ideas and have just started researching them."

"So, you've mastered the second-grade talisman?"

Zhang Zhiwei didn't seem surprised at all.

"Not bad, but you only know one second-grade talisman."

"That's enough. Just your combination of magical artifacts and high-tech gadgets for protection, plus the Taiyi Five Thunder God Talisman that you can use at will with the Tongtian Talisman, tsk tsk, apart from me and Lu, I don't think anyone can withstand the bombardment of so many Taiyi Divine Thunders."

"That's not necessarily true. I'm not without other methods. If Master Lu hasn't broken through to the third level of Reverse Life, he probably won't be able to stop me."

Zhang Zhiwei then looked at Qingshui with surprise.

"Then you are truly more impressive than I was back then. To have reached such a level before the age of thirty, you truly deserve to be called a genius of all time. You have a knack for scholarship and invention, you can make the country strong and the people rich, and you are also exceptionally talented in cultivation. I'm afraid even if Zhuge Liang were to be reborn, he would be three points inferior to you."

Zhuge Liang is widely recognized as the most extraordinary person who came closest to becoming an immortal, and he is also considered by many to be the greatest minister of all time. Comparing him to Zhuge Liang is undoubtedly a very high compliment, not to mention the claim that Zhuge Liang is inferior to him by three points.

"Old Master, you flatter me. Throughout history, how many people have achieved more in terms of merit and virtue than Zhuge Liang? He is already a cultural symbol representing wisdom and loyalty in the hearts of all Chinese people. I am still far from that level."

Shimizu shook his head.

"It's almost time. Never mind, let's not keep arguing. I have something I'd like to ask you."

"Please speak, Elder Celestial Master."

“Then I will say it. I have lived for over sixty years without encountering an opponent, but this journey is bound to be somewhat dangerous, so I must have a backup plan. The Celestial Master’s Mansion’s backup plan is a first-grade secret talisman, which is also known as the Zhengyi Alliance Talisman, one of the three treasures of the Celestial Master’s Mansion.”

The three treasures of the Celestial Master's Mansion, besides the Zhengyi Mengwei Talisman, are the Yangping Zhidu Gong Seal and the Sanwu Zhanxie Male and Female Swords.

These two magical artifacts saved the Celestial Master's Mansion's lineage during several perilous moments in the history of the supernatural world, particularly at Longhu Mountain.

Its power is extremely terrifying, but it also requires a huge amount of Qi. Generally, only those who have inherited the Celestial Master's Degree can use it. It is an important trump card of the Celestial Master's Mansion of Longhu Mountain. It can only be used to protect the mountain gate and must not be taken out to avoid loss.

However, as one of the three treasures of the Celestial Master's Mansion, the Zhengyi Mengwei Talisman has never been known to have any special abilities.

Tonight, the old master will personally reveal the truth to him.

"The position of Celestial Master begins with the Celestial Master's Degree. To prevent Celestial Masters from dying violently outside, the Ancestral Master created the Zhengyi Alliance Majesty Talisman, which is both a magic weapon and a first-grade talisman. If a Celestial Master dies before the decree of the Celestial Master is returned, a large amount of energy in the Celestial Master's Degree will be consumed to transfer the decree of the Celestial Master back to the Zhengyi Alliance Majesty Talisman."

Don't think this is simple. I can't tell you exactly what the Celestial Master's Pass is, but the Zhengyi Alliance Majesty Talisman, which can disregard life and death and directly inherit the Celestial Master's Pass, is definitely worthy of the status of a first-grade talisman.

"If one could master—no, even just learn how to repair this grade of talisman—one could extend one's lifespan and greatly increase one's power. If one could master it completely, it wouldn't be impossible to reverse life and death."

"Repair? Old Celestial Master, do you mean that this Zhengyi Alliance Majesty Talisman will suffer damage every time it is used?"

Zhang Zhiwei closed his eyes, nodded, and continued:
"Indeed, just as you suspected, that is why I asked you tonight whether you have mastered a second-grade talisman."

(End of this chapter)