Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 796 Perfection of Talisman Dao, Peak of Grandmaster Realm (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The spirit ink was also changed to "Mystic Turtle Aurora Ink", which is mainly made of fifth-order "Mystic Turtle Essence Blood", supplemented with "Aurora Ink Jade" powder and several kinds of rare spirit mineral powder.

He was going to draw a fourth-tier top-grade "Purple Heaven Divine Thunder Talisman"!
This is a top-tier talisman from the core inheritance of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect". It is extremely powerful and can instantly shatter the divine soul and annihilate the nascent soul!
This kind of talisman is extremely violent, very dangerous to draw, and extremely difficult to draw.

As the pen tip fell, the power of the laws of thunder, along with a vast divine consciousness, poured into it.

The upgraded "Jade Flower Heavenly Brush" perfectly controlled this power, and with each stroke, it outlined incomparably complex purple runes containing the Dao of birth and destruction.

The temperature inside the entire "Purple Cloud Palace" suddenly dropped, and tiny streaks of lightning condensed in the air.

Li Yunjing was completely focused, his divine sense meticulously controlling the output of every wisp of energy, perfectly combining it with the properties of the talisman paper and spiritual ink.

Several hours later, the last stroke was made!
"Buzz!"

A brilliant purple light shone on the talisman, and a fleeting image of a phantom world of thunder flashed by. A powerful sealing force spread out, then perfectly concealed itself within the talisman paper.

Tier 4 Supreme Item!

And it was a success on the first try!
A look of delight flashed in Li Yunjing's eyes, but he was not satisfied.

He continued to draw other top-grade fourth-tier talismans, and even began to try to combine his expertise in the Thunder Law with different laws such as Ice, Five Elements, and Poison to create or improve composite talismans with greater power and more unique effects.

The process has not been smooth sailing.

Some innovative ideas were too bold, exceeding the limits of the materials or his current control, leading to several failures, and precious talisman paper and spiritual ink turned to ashes.

But Li Yunjing was not discouraged at all.

Every failure was clearly recorded, analyzed, deduced, and improved upon by his powerful divine sense.

He had access to a vast amount of materials to experiment with, and his mastery of the fourth-tier peak array formations gave him an extraordinary understanding of energy structures and rune combinations.

Finally, after countless failures, he successfully drew a "Purple Cloud Netherworld Poison Talisman" that combined the destructive power of thunder with the poisonous power of the netherworld.

Once activated, this talisman not only unleashes a violent thunderbolt, but also carries a strange and malevolent poison that erodes the primordial spirit and harms the nascent soul. It is insidious, vicious, and impossible to defend against.

Its power has already exceeded the scope of ordinary fourth-tier top-grade items, and has touched the edge of a fifth-tier spirit talisman!

The moment the talisman was completed, Li Yunjing was struck by a sudden inspiration. Countless knowledge, experiences, and insights about the Dao of Talismans in his mind converged and sublimated, reaching a state of perfect harmony.

His understanding of talismans was no longer limited to fixed diagrams and traditions, but rather he truly grasped the essence of talismans communicating with heaven and earth and invoking the laws of nature.

With a thought, one can create the most suitable talisman according to the place and the time.

Fourth-tier peak Grandmaster of Talisman Dao!
It's a matter of course!

He slowly put down the "Jade Flower Heavenly Brush" and looked at the dozens of powerful talismans floating in front of him, each with its own unique light and aura. Most of them were of the fourth-order superior quality, and there were more than ten of them of the fourth-order top quality. There were even two or three near-fifth-order experimental talismans. He felt a sense of satisfaction.

[Secondary Position: Peak Fourth-Tier Grandmaster of Talismanic Arts]

[Signature inventory significantly increased: A large number of Tier 4 superior and top-grade talismans have been added, covering attack, defense, escape techniques, support, and special curses, as well as several special composite quasi-Tier 5 experimental talismans.]

After doing all this, Li Yunjing felt a deep exhaustion wash over him, not from his magical power, but from the extreme depletion of his mind.

Mental fatigue surged like a tide, an inevitable result of intense focus and countless calculations.

Li Yunjing did not force himself to continue, knowing the importance of striking a balance.

He slowly closed his eyes, no longer deliberately circulating his energy, but allowing his mind to naturally calm down and enter a state of tranquil rest.

The rich spiritual energy within the hall spontaneously nourished his physical body and nascent soul. The residual effects of the "Nine Revolutions True Elixir" he had previously taken were also gently soothing his soul, which had been greatly depleted.

He sat there quietly, as if he were one with the entire "Purple Cloud Palace" and the "Divine Cloud Mountain Range" beneath his feet, his breathing long and natural.

Time slipped away again.

I don't know how much time passed, maybe a day, maybe several days.

Li Yunjing's eyelids twitched slightly, and he slowly opened them.

The weariness deep in his eyes had vanished, replaced by a more profound and serene divine light than before.

After this thorough relaxation and recovery, his energy and spirit were not only fully restored, but also became more harmonious and insightful due to his previous extreme dedication and breakthrough.

Half a month is but a fleeting moment for cultivators.

But when Li Yunjing stepped out of the "Purple Cloud Palace" and spread his divine sense downwards, he felt a "Divine Firmament Dao Sect" that was completely different from the atmosphere before his seclusion.

The restlessness, excitement, and unease of the initial slump have faded, replaced by a calm and orderly busyness, and a deep-seated, ever-growing confidence.

The sect's grand formation still maintained 50% of its power, with faint spiritual light appearing. The patrolling disciples were disciplined and had sharp eyes, indicating that the state of vigilance, which was relaxed on the outside but tense on the inside, had not been lifted.

The disciples moved about with steady steps and focused energy, clearly not slacking off because of the victory, but rather showing even more competence after being tempered by hardship.

As he sensed, the integration efforts from the seven major spheres of influence—the Ming Dynasty, the Cang Kingdom, the Youyue Kingdom, a part of the Zhao Kingdom, the Hengyue Mountains, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea—had already begun to take shape under the guidance of the elders of each palace and peak.

After a preliminary inventory and classification, the enormous spoils of war have begun to be distributed in batches according to merit and need.

"Heavenly Craft Hall", "Heavenly Medicine Peak", "Seven Star Palace", "Ten Thousand Talisman Peak", "Beast Taming Hall"... working day and night, transforming the captured resources into the sect's real foundation.

The newly acquired cultivation manuals were translated, verified, and archived, with their essence selected to enrich the sect's "Scripture Repository."

A large amount of ice and water-type spiritual materials sent from the Northern Region are being continuously transported into the sect through the newly built teleportation array, greatly enriching the variety of resources.

Although the integration of the original "Xuanbing Palace" territory was complicated, it has been initially stabilized under the full cooperation of the "Northern Emperor Sect" and the deterrent effect of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

Those who stubbornly resisted have been eliminated, those with ulterior motives have temporarily gone into hiding, and most forces have chosen to submit and begin to act according to the new rules.

The Northern Region "Governor's Office" has been initially established, and although manpower is still scarce, order has been set in place.

It can be said that in the past two weeks, the behemoth that is Shenxiao Dao Sect has been digesting the astonishing benefits brought by the destruction of the "Xuanbing Palace" with unprecedented efficiency and transforming them into its own combat power.

Li Yunjing appeared silently inside the "Divine Firmament Hall" and slowly sat down on the throne that symbolized the highest power.

Almost the instant he sat down, several figures appeared silently in the hall as if they had been waiting for a long time, bowing respectfully.

"Greetings, Your Majesty the Sect Leader!"

The people who came were the Hall Master of the "Enforcement Hall", the Hall Master of the Merit Hall, the Hall Master of the Transmission Hall, and the person in charge of the "Ten Thousand Laws Association", who rushed over as soon as they received the news of his exit from seclusion.

These people are also the key figures in the daily operation of the sect. It can be said that with them, the sect can operate normally.

"No gift."

Li Yunjing's voice was calm. "Tell me, how has the situation been these past two weeks?"

The temple masters were prepared and stepped forward one by one to give their reports in a clear and organized manner.

The content largely matched his divine perception and what the previous message had described, but was more detailed.

The progress of resource integration, population registration, and spiritual vein management in the seven major spheres of influence; the distribution of spoils and the replenishment of sect treasuries; the progress of maintaining order in the Northern Region, handling prisoners, and managing surrendered forces; the status of disciple cultivation, task assignment, and merit calculation within sects...

And most importantly!
The latest developments of external forces.

The Chang'an Dynasty maintained its military presence on the border, and its probing became increasingly frequent, even resulting in several small-scale skirmishes, all of which were forcefully repelled by the alliance of the Xiao family and the Shenxiao Dao Sect.

Other sects and families on the Luofu Continent were greatly dissatisfied with the actions of the Shenxiao Dao Sect, believing that the Xiao family was a pawn planted by the Shenxiao Dao Sect to deliberately interfere in the Luofu Continent.

However, this dissatisfaction is far from warranting war.

The combat power displayed by the Shenxiao Dao Sect in its several actions has greatly terrified the local forces of the Luofu Continent!
With the Taixu Sword Sect and Luofu Dao Sect remaining silent, no one dared to initiate a war.

After all, the reputation of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" has spread from the "Southern Heaven Continent" to the "Luofu Continent", and its hegemonic status has been recognized by all sects and families on both continents.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Li Yunjing sat upright on the throne of the sect leader, his knuckles lightly tapping the armrests, producing a rhythmic sound that echoed in the empty and solemn hall.

Several temple masters stood respectfully with their hands at their sides, awaiting his decision.

A moment later, the knocking stopped.

"The 'Chang'an Dynasty's' deployment of troops on the border is nothing more than the barking of a defeated dog, fearing the strength of our army and coveting any potential benefits."

"Increase troop numbers to demonstrate strength."

"Order the border garrison commander to execute anyone who crosses the border to provoke others, regardless of their status." "Defeat their vanguard, capture their general, and hang him on the border as a warning to others."

"We must make 'Chang'an' understand that our sect does not start a war not because we are unable to, but because we are unwilling to."

Li Yunjing spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "If they continue to be ignorant of their place, the 'Xuanbing Palace' will serve as a cautionary tale."

"Follow the law!"

A glint flashed in the eyes of the "Enforcement Hall" leader, who bowed and accepted the order.

His swift and decisive actions were exactly what he wanted.

"As for 'Luofu Continent'... the panic stems from the unknown and misunderstanding."

“Our sect has risen suddenly and has been operating across two continents. It is only natural that they would be wary of us.”

Li Yunjing turned his gaze to the person in charge of external liaison at the "Wanfa Association," and softened his tone: "A forceful explanation would only give others ammunition and make it seem like you're trying to cover it up."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "In my name, I will draft two decrees."

"Firstly, to the 'Taixu Sword Sect' and the 'Luofu Dao Sect'."

"Speak with humility and explain that our 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' upholds the Way of Heaven and seeks nothing more than the continuation of the Daoist tradition and the well-being of our disciples and followers."

"This operation is truly to hunt down our old enemies and clean house; we have absolutely no intention of coveting the territory or spiritual veins of 'Luofu'."

“The Xiao family is an ally of our sect. They are based in Luofu and all their actions are autonomous. Our sect respects the existing order and rules of Luofu.”

"Invite the two envoys to discuss the possibility of peaceful exchanges and mutual benefit between the two continents of Nantian and Luofu."

"Humble your attitude and show them enough respect."

"Secondly, to inform the major sects, families, and independent cultivators of the 'Luofu Continent'."

"In public declaration, my 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' solemnly promises: We will not covet a single blade of grass or tree on the 'Luofu Continent,' nor will we initiate armed conflict with any 'Luofu' forces."

"We are willing to open some trade routes for fair trade of 'Southern Heaven' specialty spiritual materials, elixirs, and talismans."

“'Luofu' cultivators can also apply according to regulations. After passing the review, they can travel, visit friends, and even conduct limited cultivation exchanges within the territory of our sect, 'Shenxiao Daozong'.”

"also!"

"From the spoils seized in the Northern Region, a batch of rare ice and water-type treasures, which are also rare in the 'Luofu Continent,' have been selected and attached to the decree sent to the 'Taixu' and 'Luofu' sects as a small gift."

Li Yunjing added, "One should be courteous and sincere."

Appeasement is not weakness, but rather a strategic retreat to dismantle potential alliances, divide opponents, and gain time and space for growth and expansion.

Strong strength is the foundation, but skillful methods can make that strength ten or a hundred times more effective.

The Shenxiao Dao Sect has reached its limit and is no longer able to fight.

Currently, the main sect of "Shenxiao Daozong" has three combat-capable individuals at the Nascent Soul stage, 271 Nascent Soul stage cultivators, and 7,200 elders at the Golden Core stage.

There are 320,000 Foundation Establishment cultivators, and 2.18 million ordinary Qi Refining disciples at all levels!
With over 2.4 million followers, Li Yunjing, as the head of the family, needs to consider everything.

Li Yunjing hoped to take advantage of the last period of peace to improve the cultivation levels of those at the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining stages, and to produce as many Golden Core stage elders as possible.

The forces affiliated with the "Shenxiao Dao Sect," excluding Qi Refining cultivators, number in total dozens of times more than the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" itself!
Aside from lacking any True Monarchs at the Nascent Soul stage, these forces combined are no weaker than the "Divine Firmament Dao Sect".

As the supreme leader of such a powerful force, every decision Li Yunjing makes concerns the future of the entire faction.

We can deal with those old rivals in the "Southern Sky Continent," but we absolutely cannot go to war with the local forces in the "Luofu Continent"!
This is the bottom line to avoid as much as possible!
In particular, the overlords of the "Luofu Continent," the "Luofu Dao Sect" and the "Taixu Sword Sect," each have several True Monarchs, and their combined strength is even greater than that of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect."

The Shenxiao Dao Sect had even less intention of being their enemy.

"The Sect Leader is wise!"

Upon hearing this, the palace masters were all sincerely convinced.

This move, combining both firmness and flexibility, dealt a heavy blow to the rogue "Chang'an Dynasty" while extending the greatest goodwill to the "Luofu Continent," which has greater potential and more complex relationships, opening the door to communication. This was enough to resolve most of the hostility and firmly grasp the initiative.

"Go do it."

Li Yunjing waved.

"Yes!"

The hall masters bowed again, their figures disappearing silently from the hall to carry out the sect leader's decree.

Li Yunjing sat alone in the hall, his gaze seemingly piercing through the hall and looking towards the distant and unknown "Luofu Continent".

The policy of appeasement has been laid out, and the seeds have been sown.

Next, we must wait patiently and continue to quietly strengthen ourselves.

Only when one is strong enough will all appeasement be seen as grace and goodwill, rather than cowardice and flattery.

The process of integrating resources and enhancing strength within sects needs to be accelerated.

He pondered silently in his heart.

After finishing his official business, Li Yunjing turned his thoughts to the remnant soul of the "Mysterious Yin True Lord" imprisoned inside the "Purple Gold Gourd" and Xie Wuyi, a cultivator at the Golden Core realm of the demonic path!

He had imprisoned these two men for many years and had never paid them any attention.

Now Li Yunjing is going to make use of these two.

With a slight thought, Li Yunjing's figure disappeared from the magnificent "Divine Firmament Hall" and appeared in a quiet side hall the next moment.

This is where he usually meditates, heavily guarded and absolutely safe.

He sat cross-legged on the futon, and with a flick of his wrist, the "Purple Gold Gourd" that emitted a faint purple-gold luster appeared in his palm.

Runes flowed across the surface of the gourd, faintly emanating a chilling sealing power.

His consciousness sank into the inner space of the gourd.

The place where Xuan Yin Zhenjun and Xie Wuyi were imprisoned was not a dark place, but filled with layers of restrictive light nets laid out by Li Yunjing. At the core, two faint lights were tightly imprisoned.

A ball of light, grayish-black in color, twisted and struggled, emanating an extremely resentful and chilling aura. It was the weak remnant soul of the "Mysterious Yin True Lord".

The other group was slightly more solid, dark red in color, with a violent yet terrifying aura; it was the demonic cultivator Xie Wuyi.

Sensing the arrival of Li Yunjing's vast and majestic divine sense, both beams of light trembled violently.

"Li...Li Yunjing! What are you doing!"

The evil spirit let out a sharp shriek, terrified to the extreme.

Having been imprisoned for too long and suffering the daily torment of the seal's erosion, he had long lost his former arrogance.

"Junior... if you have the guts, give this True Lord a quick death!"

The dark gray remnant soul fluctuated violently, emanating the weak yet still ruthless thoughts of Xuan Yin Zhenjun: "What kind of righteous leader is this, imprisoning and humiliating us like this!"

Li Yunjing's consciousness transformed into a detached phantom, hovering before the barrier, coldly watching them.

"happy?"

Li Yunjing's voice resounded directly deep within their souls, carrying a hint of mockery, "Xuan Yin, when you tried to possess me back then, did you ever give me a quick death?"

The remnant soul of Xuan Yin Zhenjun paused, its resentment growing stronger, yet it had no words to respond.

This was his biggest mistake!

He never imagined that there was something so terrifying inside Li Yunjing's sea of ​​consciousness!

Even a True Monarch at the Nascent Soul stage like him couldn't do anything about it!
Li Yunjing ignored his powerless rage and turned his gaze to Xie Wuyi: "Xie Wuyi, I'll give you a chance."

Xie Wuyi's soul suddenly froze, then a glimmer of unbelievable hope surged within him: "What opportunity?"

(End of this chapter)