Mang Shusheng's Ink Painting Practice

Chapter 273 The Probe of the Dark Spring

Zhao Yifu didn't just stuff everything into his mouth; he actually wanted to 'screen' the dark source energy through his spiritual aperture first.

How so?

He wasn't sure if there was anything else in this dark source of power, but whatever it was, it should be influencing him through the mental level.

What a coincidence, isn't it?

His mental state is quite complex.

The dark source energy entered his spiritual aperture and quickly arrived at the 'battle zone' where the Forbidden Book of the Great Void, the Killing Blade, and the Pure Yang Demon-Subduing Sword were locked in combat, and then settled there.

Good heavens, while others are constantly refining their power, Zhao Yifu is frantically adding things to it.

However, changes were immediately visible after the dark source energy entered Zhao Yifu's spiritual aperture.

That is, it quickly transformed into another spring, and began to pump out dark source power incessantly.

If we were to quantify it, Zhao Yifu's current output of dark source power is ten times more efficient than before!
This is undoubtedly a major upgrade.

"Done?"

The master asked.

Zhao Yifu replied, "It's done."

The Grandmaster said, "It's good that you've succeeded. In the coming period, I will occasionally teach you and your master the Taiqing Daoist methods. Since you have just come from the mortal world, there are still many basic things that need to be learned."

Zhao Yifu nodded repeatedly.

Afterwards, the grandmaster took his leave, and Zhao Yifu also hurried back to Baiyun Mountain.

To be honest, Zhao Yifu felt that his grandmaster seemed to have been following him all along. Maybe he was leaving now, but he was actually still following behind.

……

In the days that followed, Zhao Yifu enjoyed another period of peaceful and fulfilling study time.

He received the teachings of his grandmaster along with his master.

Grandmaster Xuandu discovered a very interesting fact: if he chose to teach Liang Zhongzhi alone, the progress would not be slow, but only average.

But if Zhao Yifu were to learn alongside him, or if Zhao Yifu were to be taught first and then he were to be taught... that would be incredible, as Liang Zhongzhi's learning progress would more than double.

Moreover, even with the most difficult concepts, Zhao Yifu sometimes hasn't even grasped them yet, but he can still make a breakthrough ahead of time.

Although he always looked exhausted from studying, unlike Zhao Yifu who seemed to have it all figured out, he always managed to achieve good results.

This made Xuan Du increasingly apprehensive as he taught... Good heavens, what kind of nonsense is he teaching?

Even during this process, Liang Zhongzhi unknowingly entered the realm of celestial immortals!

Clearly, the experience of studying with Zhao Yifu stimulated Liang Zhongzhi's potential to be unleashed.

However, this also attracted some attention to Liang Zhongzhi's frequent visits to Baiyun Mountain.

At least this time, when Liang Zhongzhi was leaving Baiyun Mountain, he was suddenly blocked by two people.

A woman was dressed entirely in white, but bright blue lines were visible beneath her skin, giving her an eerie beauty.

It was the Mysterious Yin Maiden.

The other person was hidden under a gray robe, and something seemed to be wriggling inside.

It was none other than the Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu.

These two demons intercepted Liang Zhongzhi on his way back.

"Hehehe, I didn't expect that demon to still be in contact with his righteous master. Why don't we help him get rid of him?"

The Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu said with a light smile.

Xuan Yin Chan Nu said coldly, "Things are not that simple. I suggest that we talk to Fellow Daoist Fu Yin Zi about this in person to avoid causing any more trouble."

The Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu laughed, "I wouldn't dare to act rashly in his presence, but if I were to catch him red-handed... there would be plenty of people to deal with him..."

As he spoke, he looked at Liang Zhongzhi, whose face was 'innocent', and sneered, "Just surrender obediently and let me plant the Gu worm inside you, otherwise you'll suffer a bit..."

At this moment, Liang Zhongzhi's kind face turned slightly gloomy. He said, "Hmm? Have we been exposed?"

"Trouble, we can't let that child get into trouble."

The Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu is a man of flexibility, and now he feels it's time for him to step forward.

Then he laughed and said, "Alright, you're wise to surrender!"

However, Liang Zhongzhi's expression suddenly turned ruthless and cold...

"Since that's the case, then you're all just asking to die!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Liang Zhongzhi was suddenly enveloped in the same crimson demonic flames as Zhao Yifu!
Good heavens, when did he master the demonic possession skill?
The surging flames spread out like a tsunami, engulfing Xuan Yin Cha Nu and Wan Gu Xie Jun in a completely unreasonable way.

The laughter of the Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu naturally came to an abrupt end.

He stared at Liang Zhongzhi in utter astonishment, comparing it in his mind to the demonic fire he had encountered when he met Zhao Yifu earlier... He discovered that Liang Zhongzhi's demonic fire was even more domineering and vast, with the potential to burn mountains and boil seas.

The smile of the Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu froze, replaced by a bitter smile. "As expected of that person's master... Is it too late for me to say that this is a misunderstanding?"

Xuan Yin Maiden had no choice but to step forward and use her immense Xuan Yin cold energy to resist the demonic fire.

At the same time, she said angrily, "Look at the mess you've made! Aren't you going to think of a solution?"

Upon hearing this, Liang Zhongzhi laughed arrogantly and said, "Solve it? The solution is for you all to die here. Only the dead won't reveal anything!"

Xuan Yin Chan Nu was certain that this was Zhao Yifu's master. This style of killing people without a word, and this inherited arrogance... no, Liang Zhongzhi was obviously even more arrogance.

These two, master and apprentice, look so alike!

However, Xuan Yin Cha Nu discovered that although Liang Zhongzhi's fire was fierce, he was essentially only a Celestial Immortal.

With her current level of cultivation, she has nothing to fear.

Therefore, she managed to withstand the overwhelming flames and even managed to save the Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu.

However, the fire quickly died down.

Liang Zhongzhi tilted his head slightly and said, "Huh? Aren't you afraid of burning?"

Xuan Yin Cha Nu immediately sensed something was wrong.

And where she was, a giant ice lotus had already appeared!

The ice lotus closed in, covering the center where the Myriad Gu Evil Lord and the Mysterious Yin Maiden were located.

Xuan Yin Cha Nu shouted, "Go quickly!"

However, the Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu did not react.

She turned her head and saw that the Myriad Gu Evil Lord was covered in frost and moved slowly.

All she could say was, "Good luck to you!"

With that, he leaped out of the area covered by the ice lotus.

At this moment, the Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu also had black energy surging from his body, indicating that he was using dark source power to protect himself at the last moment.

For some, the Dark Source is an added bonus, while for others it's merely a means of self-preservation.

With the use of dark source power, the Myriad Gu Evil Lord finally regained his ability to move.

But by then it was too late for him to break free of the frost. The petals of the ice lotus around him were already falling down one after another in a massive, overwhelming manner.

He shattered one layer, then another, only to be quickly crushed by more and more ice lotus petals, and then pressed down layer upon layer.

The ice lotus that had bloomed on the earth closed up instantly, becoming an ice coffin.

This seems to be a unique sealing technique!
Liang Zhongzhi stomped his leg. There was nothing he could do; this was a psychological shadow left over from over-practicing the secret technique back then. Although he had now mastered the art of "old cold legs," he still had some subconscious reactions.

The Evil Lord of Ten Thousand Gu, frozen in ice, was covered in black matter but unable to move.

Even the massive numerical boost from the dark source power couldn't free them from this ice coffin.

This shows that the dark source power is not omnipotent; at least sealing techniques are very effective.

Xuan Yin Chan Nu's heart tightened upon seeing this, and she then said to Liang Zhongzhi, "Senior, there is a misunderstanding here!"

Liang Zhongzhi said calmly, "I no longer care about any misunderstandings. As long as you are all dead, that's all that matters."

Xuan Yin Chan Nu felt a chill run down her spine; these two, master and disciple, were truly alike!

They turn on you without giving you any chance at all. What kind of behavior is that?

Left with no other choice, Xuan Yin Chan Nu had to abandon Wan Gu Xie Jun and run away.

Without saying a word, she turned and ran, intending to go back and report what had happened.

Good heavens, what's going on with the Taiqing lineage? Do you know that some filthy things have infiltrated your ranks?!
Xuan Yin Cha Nu has run away.

Liang Zhongzhi suppressed his domineering and cold aura, and then said in a low voice, "Is it alright to put this woman back?"

Zhao Yifu quietly appeared from the side and said, "No problem. This woman is just a pitiful unlucky girl. Letting her go back will be a good opportunity to test her."

Liang Zhongzhi nodded, then pointed to the Myriad Gu Evil Lord he had sealed with the Ice Lotus and asked, "What should we do with this person?"

Before Zhao Yifu could answer, Grandmaster Xuandu quietly appeared and said, "Give him to me. I can take him back and study the various characteristics of this dark source power to prepare for the future."

He was so elusive; he really had been tailing us all along...

Zhao Yifu reminded him, "Grandmaster, all those who serve Youquan through sacrificial rituals will actually fall under Youquan's control."

Xuan Du nodded, then reached out and pointed at the center of the Thousand Gu Evil Lord's brow in the ice coffin... The Thousand Gu Evil Lord's true spirit was actually extracted just like that!

What's amazing is that the empty shell of his primordial spirit remained inside his physical body.

A true spirit that has been separated from its primordial spirit is as if it has lost all protection; even a gentle breeze is like a knife to its wound.

The spirit trembled, looking at Xuandu in terror, and asked, "And who are you?"

Grand Master Xuandu said calmly, "I am Xuandu, have you ever heard of this?"

Zhenling was utterly horrified: "Grand Master Xuandu? Has the leader of the Human Cult also fallen to demonic ways?"

This thought process is truly...

With a wave of his hand, the Grand Master Xuandu sent the true spirit to the underworld to be judged.

He then put away the ice lotus and said, "It's rare to find such a good sample."

Then disappeared.

Zhao Yifu shrugged, then looked at Liang Zhongzhi and asked, "Master, what does it feel like to be possessed by a demon?"

Liang Zhongzhi pondered for a moment and said, "The so-called 'entering the demonic path' is actually the application of one's own mental power, only it's taken to an extreme."

"Actually, there is no such thing as demon or Tao. Once your mind reaches a certain level, whether it is demon or Tao is just two sides of the same coin."

Zhao Yifu laughed and agreed, "Master is right. Nowadays, people have many misunderstandings about demons. In fact, the demons they see are simply evil."

Liang Zhongzhi nodded and said, "That's true, but most people in the world are fools, so we should still hide if we can."

Zhao Yifu understood his master's meaning and flattered him with a smile: "I never expected that Master could comprehend the application of the Ice Lotus Seal from 'Frosty Steps to Heaven'. I admire you greatly."

He had figured out how to get along with Liang Zhongzhi now... it was to praise him more. Only by giving him more praise could his master continue to work hard and make progress.

Liang Zhongzhi was immediately distracted and said with a smile, "Little Doyle, if you like it, you can pass it on..."

So the master and apprentice began another very lively discussion and exchange. They verified each other's progress, which was truly reflected in this pair.

After the master and disciple were separated for three days, Zhao Yifu suddenly received a paper crane.

It was written by Master.

The message read: "[Today, my Uncle-Master Chunyangzi inquired about my demonic possession. The woman I released that day was indeed no ordinary person.]"

Just that one sentence.

The paper crane relay, a little game that the master and disciple used to play, can now be played again in the celestial realm after they have reached a certain level of cultivation.

Zhao Yifu thought for a moment, then picked up his pen and wrote: "What did my grandmaster uncle say?"

The ink floated in mid-air, then coalesced into an ink cat, which then leaped into the sky and disappeared into the darkness.

A moment later, a black crane landed in front of Zhao Yifu, then its body dissolved into a string of ink marks: [My martial uncle only asked me about my experience when I entered demonic possession, as if I harbored a longing for it.]

[Also, your Ink Cat was almost discovered. Remember to improve the stealth of this technique next time.]

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yifu nodded, and then wrote down: "Master, what do you think of using illusion runes as an outer layer?"

After writing these characters, he splashed ink to create some patterns of unknown meaning.

Then the ink coalesced into an ink cat, and the patterns on the ink cat revealed the circuitry of illusion.

The next moment, the cat vanished completely, without a trace.

A moment later, a lifelike red-crowned crane suddenly appeared in front of Zhao Yifu, looking exactly like a real crane.

The crane quickly dispersed in front of Zhao Yifu, transforming into ink-like characters: "Your illusion magic is still a bit lacking."

Good heavens, those words left Zhao Yifu speechless.

He could only continue upgrading his illusion magic and then continue his conversation with his master...

Of course, it wouldn't matter if the contents of their next message were intercepted and discovered, since the master and disciple were engaged in a unique 'illusion contest'.

Without realizing it, a spell that wasn't particularly cost-effective had been elevated to a whole new level...

However, this feeling of returning to the past did not last long, and the Lingji monk came to visit again.

The Lingji monk, who had returned to the mountain, was speechless as he faced the grand formation at the entrance of Baiyun Mountain.

He couldn't see the hidden Yin-Yang Dust Array, he just felt that this array seemed to have been upgraded.

How can this be upgraded?
The monk Lingji, who had some knowledge of formations, was somewhat bewildered and began to question the meaning of life.

Fortunately, the formation activated shortly afterward, and a cat emerged from the mist.

Upon seeing the Lingji Monk, the cat's tail immediately transformed into a single word: Come.

The monk Lingji was greatly surprised when he saw this. His eyes were covered, but his divine sense was still intact. After careful investigation, he discovered that it was actually an illusion cat!

Goodness, it seems Zhao Yifu has evolved in every way recently?
The monk Lingji even went so far as to destroy his own eyes in order to train his primordial spirit, yet even so, he could hardly detect Zhao Yifu's illusion.

A sense of resentment inevitably arose in his heart.

However, this resentment gradually dissipated, because when he truly saw the gap, he could no longer have any thoughts of comparison.

He followed the phantom cat into the formation and soon arrived at Zhao Yifu's location.

This place has been taken very well into account.

The cats roamed around, and the flowerbeds smelled wonderful.

The monk Lingji silently gazed at this beautiful and harmonious scene, murmured a Buddhist chant in his heart, and then asked, "Layman, how have you been lately?"

Zhao Yifu put down his pen, smiled, and stood up to greet him: "Drinking wine, painting, playing with cats... all very good."

The monk Lingji praised, "The layman's character is better than that of those who follow the righteous path."

Zhao Yifu said, "The righteous path? There are many hypocrites in that path, but none as free and unrestrained as the true demonic path."

"If you ask me, once Venerable Youquan succeeds in his great undertaking, we should promote the demonic path throughout the world, making the righteous path a rat that everyone hates and beats... Wouldn't that be interesting?"

Lingji Monk broke out in a slight sweat upon hearing this; he had never heard of such anti-heavenly talk before.

But when Zhao Yifu said it, it sounded almost like it was perfectly natural... He really is a devilish brat.

The monk Lingji nodded and said, "It is good that you have such lofty aspirations, but I have heard that your master has also fallen into demonic possession. Why not introduce him to the Venerable One?"

When Zhao Yifu heard him say this, he chuckled and said, "Monk, don't joke around. If you want my master to join the group, there must be some value to be gained first."

Lingji Monk looked at Zhao Yifu with envy again... Goodness, this young man has such a strong backbone, it's truly enviable.

To be able to stand tall and speak these words with confidence and without fear of retribution is a testament to Zhao Yifu's abilities.

Lingji Monk shook his head and said, "Alright, then we'll have to wait until later."

Zhao Yifu then changed the subject, saying, "Master, is there another task you have to assign me?"

The monk Lingji nodded and said, "There is one thing."

He paused and said, "There is a small sect on the coast of the East China Sea called the Azure Jade Sect. Your Excellency needs you to wipe it out."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yifu sneered and said, "I refuse."

The monk Lingji frowned: "Why?"

Zhao Yifu said, "I agreed to the Venerable One's request to destroy the Immortal Sword Alliance without hesitation. I would even do my best to raid the Heavenly Prison if asked to do so... As for such a trivial matter, I can just find someone to do it."

"I don't have that kind of free time."

The monk Lingji was speechless for a moment.

The reasoning was so straightforward that he couldn't refute it.

He said, "Alright, I'll take care of that. There's another task for you to complete."

He paused for a moment, then immediately added, "This will definitely be a challenging task."

Zhao Yifu said, "I am all ears."

The monk Lingji said, "Your Excellency needs you to go to the Underworld and find a way to make friends with the Ghost King's forces there."

Zhao Yifu was shocked. Befriending the Ghost King?

Is this necessary?
Zhao Yifu asked curiously, "The Ghost King is at most a Yang God, what use would we have for him?"

The Ghost King might be a formidable force in the mortal realm, but if it dared to venture into the celestial realm... it would be nothing more than a consumable resource.

The monk Lingji said, "You must not underestimate him. The Ghost King in the underworld can even be compared to a celestial being."

Zhao Yifu scratched his head, indicating that he didn't think so.

That's true. At the time, he was causing trouble directly as a ghost messenger, and he felt restricted... But if he had gone to the underworld in his physical body, his physical yang energy would definitely have been suppressed by the yin energy of the underworld, and he wouldn't have been able to unleash even 30% of his strength.

Of course, he's not afraid now. So what if he's going to the underworld?

He can just dream about it; it'll feel like going home.

So he agreed and asked, "What is the Venerable One's purpose in asking me to befriend the Ghost King?"

Lingji Monk said, "That's a matter for the next step. The Ghost King's mind is chaotic and he can hardly be considered rational. It's not so easy to befriend him. You should complete this step first and then see what the Venerable One instructs."

Zhao Yifu nodded and said, "Alright then, I'll contact the Venerable One myself when the time comes."

Lingji Monk paused, sighed slightly in his heart, and said, "I have conveyed the Venerable One's will, and I will take my leave now."

Zhao Yifu suddenly said, "Master, wait a moment."

The monk Lingji stopped.

Zhao Yifu asked, "I have a question that I don't understand. May I ask?"

The monk Lingji said, "Just tell me."

Zhao Yifu said, "I have also met some masters, some of whom are free and true to themselves, and some who are troubled by demonic obstacles... But whether they are troubled or free and true to themselves, they all originate from a Buddhist heart."

"Why does the Master serve the Venerable One? What Buddhist heart is behind it?"

The monk Lingji was suddenly stunned and didn't know how to answer for a moment.

He asked calmly, "And what about the layperson? What were their motivations for serving the Venerable One?"

Zhao Yifu frankly said, "I can't stand the shackles of the Heavenly Court. Under those rules and regulations, my personality and thoughts will be imprisoned, so I don't like the Heavenly Court."

This was incredibly honest, because that's truly what he thought.

His frankness was so overwhelming that even the monk Lingji felt he couldn't take it. How was he supposed to respond?
He could only bite the bullet and say, "This humble monk has no Buddhist heart; I simply pursue power."

Zhao Yifu listened and suddenly realized, "I see."

He then stopped dwelling on the matter and took his leave of the monk Lingji.

After the Lingji monk left, Zhao Yifu suddenly activated the 'Great Summoning Spell'.

"Grandmaster, Grandmaster? Are you there, Grandmaster?"

He called out twice.

The grandmaster appeared in a corner of his courtyard with an impatient expression and said, "Coming, coming, what are you yelling about?"

Zhao Yifu grinned and leaned closer, saying, "Grandmaster, it's because Youquan contacted me again, and I had to report to you! But it seems that's no longer necessary, Grandmaster should have heard everything, right?"

Grandmaster Xuandu said, "You're never doing anything proper..."

Xuan Du's words already carried a hint of doting affection.

There's no way around it, who wouldn't love such a capable grand-disciple?
He said, "That monk Lingji is most likely related to the West... If you ask him about his Buddhist heart, he probably truly has a Buddhist heart."

"As for the Qingyu Sect that was supposed to be destroyed by you, it should be a lineage of Yuqing. It seems that our senior uncle's arrangements have been discovered. Youquan is testing us."

“You were right not to take this job earlier. I guess it was originally going to be handed over to that monk Lingji. He must be having a headache over this too.”

"Interesting, this Youquan isn't stupid!"

Zhao Yifu said with a laugh, "What's so difficult about that? Since Youquan has already started to suspect, it's not far from being exposed. Why not just withdraw now and cut our losses? It's better to do it early than to be exhausted by dealing with its repeated probing and eventually be exposed."

Xuan Du asked in surprise, "All of us from the three sects consider it an honor to serve the immortal sect, so how could we easily give up... But you, how can you say such a thing so lightly?"

Zhao Yifu paused for a moment, then said quietly, "Perhaps, I really want to try and see if I can overthrow this Heavenly Court!"

Still so honest.

Xuan Du was speechless.

Finally, he could only pat Zhao Yifu on the shoulder and say, "You're definitely suited for this."

Zhao Yifu scratched his head. Was this a compliment?
Xuandu then asked, "How can you help me with the mission to the Underworld?"

Zhao Yifu waved his hand and said, "There's no need to trouble Grandmaster. I know some ghost kings in the underworld. I'll go visit my old friends this time, and also visit the Eastern Peak Emperor and all the ghosts and ghost messengers I know."

Xuan Du: "..."

He suddenly felt that Youquan was perhaps a little too happy.
These subordinates are so easy to manage!

However, he still pointed out: "Youquan wants you to befriend the Ghost King, and I think he most likely wants to find out about the ancient grudges beneath the Netherworld. Just act according to the situation, and be sure not to let Youquan think that these ancient grudges have become a major threat."

Zhao Yifu understood immediately, nodded knowingly, and then went to get to work.

As for how to do other things... the grandmaster already knows, so what else is there for him to ponder?

(End of this chapter)