I was selling peach wood swords on a live stream, how did I become a Taoist ancestor?

In the room, Li Jun closed "An Introduction to Magical Arts," his heart beating faster and faster.

This includes not only the spells of various Taoist schools, but also the spirit possession techniques of shamans from the north, the Gu poison of the Miao region, and even some folk Nuo opera traditions.

Each technique has detailed training methods, effect descriptions, and precautions.

Although they were all basic versions and not very powerful, the variety of them far exceeded Li Jun's expectations.

"This...this is the introductory textbook for the extraordinary world?" Li Jun's mind was in turmoil.

Jin Hao watched eagerly from the side, then cautiously asked, "Brother Taoist, what do you think of... these spells?"

Upon hearing this, Li Jun pondered for a moment.

"The selection is quite comprehensive," he said slowly, "but..."

"But what?" Jin Hao asked hurriedly.

"However, some techniques are not suitable for beginners," Li Jun said, feigning profundity. "In the path of cultivation, the worst thing is to try to do too much at once. Giving too many choices at once can easily lead people astray."

Jin Hao's eyes lit up.

The Taoist priest is indeed insightful!

"Then, Taoist brother, what do you think I should choose?" Jin Hao asked expectantly.

Li Jun glanced at him, quickly calculating in his mind.

He doesn't even understand these techniques himself, so how can he help Jin Hao choose?

But the words have already been spoken, so I can't show any weakness.

Li Jun recalled his past experience playing games—skills are not about quantity, but quality, and about proper combination.

Having thought of this, he already had an idea.

First and foremost, you must be able to withstand the strain; survival is the top priority.

Then you need to be able to run; if you can't win a fight, run away.

Then, the attack range needs to be long enough to allow for ranged attacks.

Finally, choose a character with high burst damage and quick activation, so you can turn the tide in crucial moments.

Li Jun believes that this line of thinking should also be applicable in reality.

After all, survival comes first.

He looked at the list while mentally filtering through the options.

Life-saving techniques...

Golden Light Mantra, Protective Mantra, True Word Technique...

Escape techniques...

Swiftness Technique, Lightness Technique, Water Escape Technique...

Ranged attack spells...

Palm Lightning, Object Manipulation Technique, Fire Control Technique...

High burst damage spells...

Five Thunder Spell, Evil-Breaking Spell, Crimson Flame Spell...

Li Jun selected subjects one by one according to his own understanding.

More than ten minutes later.

He looked at Jin Hao and spoke slowly.

"I took a quick look."

"This book, 'An Introduction to Magic,' does contain a comprehensive collection of magic techniques, but not all of them are suitable for you."

Jin Hao nodded repeatedly and took out a notebook: "Brother Taoist, please tell me, I'll write it down!"

Li Jun cleared his throat and began to speak according to his own train of thought.

"On the path of cultivation, survival is of paramount importance."

"Therefore, the art of preserving one's life should be the top priority."

He opened the book and pointed to several magical techniques.

"The Golden Light Mantra and the Protective Mantra are the two that should be practiced first."

"The Golden Light Mantra is primarily for defense, while the Protective Mantra can provide early warning."

Jin Hao's eyes lit up.

Makes sense!

Only by surviving can you produce results!

Li Jun continued, "Secondly, one must have the ability to advance and retreat as needed."

"If you can't win a fight, you need to be able to escape in time."

He then pointed out several other techniques.

"The Swiftness Technique and the Lightness Technique are two techniques that can assist movement skills and increase mobility."

Jin Hao nodded emphatically.

That's right! Running fast is also very important!

Li Jun continued, "Secondly, we must have the means to subdue the enemy."

"It's best to choose spells with long attack range and fast activation speed."

He turned to the next few pages.

"Palm Thunder and Object Manipulation Technique, these two are quite good."

"The Palm Lightning is fast and can be cast instantly, while the Object Control Technique has a long attack range and is controllable and retractable."

Jin Hao listened with rapt attention.

The Taoist priest was so thoughtful!

Li Jun concluded, "As for our trump card..."

He paused, then turned to the page about the Five Thunder Spell.

"This Five Thunder Spell is quite powerful."

"Yes, Taoist brother, I've remembered everything!"

"However, these... how come they are all Taoist techniques?" Jin Hao said softly.

Li Jun was stunned for a moment before he realized what was happening.

He chose it entirely subconsciously based on his identity as a "Taoist disciple," without thinking too much about it.

However, the words have already been spoken and cannot be taken back.

"Taoist techniques are moderate and peaceful, making them most suitable for building a foundation," Li Jun said in a serious tone, spouting nonsense. "While other traditions may have their unique aspects, they are prone to going astray in the early stages."

"I see!" Jin Hao suddenly realized.

The Taoist priest is thinking about his long-term future!

"Thank you, Taoist priest!"

Li Jun waved his hand and continued flipping through the booklet.

Upon closer inspection, he noticed that some of the descriptions of the spells were somewhat...like those of the underworld.

For example, the practice of shamans invoking spirits to possess someone's body is said to grant them great power in a short period of time, but the cost is the depletion of their essence and blood, and they may even suffer a backlash from the spirits.

There's also the Gu technique from the Miao region, which involves raising Gu worms. The process is cruel, and if not controlled properly, it can backfire on the user.

If these techniques were to be widely adopted, who knows what kind of chaos they would cause?

Li Jun frowned.

Although he didn't understand, he still had basic judgment.

These techniques are quick and powerful, making them too tempting for some people who are eager for quick results.

If the exchange were to be allowed, many people would probably choose these.

What will the Great Xia Dynasty become then?

Are shamans performing rituals all over the streets? Or are they raising poisonous insects everywhere?

Li Jun shivered.

As he was thinking, Jin Hao spoke up again: "Brother Taoist, do you think these spells... need to be modified or shortened?"

Li Jun's heart stirred.

The opportunity is here.

He feigned reluctance: "Logically speaking, this is a textbook compiled by the Night's Watch, and I shouldn't say anything."

"But since you asked..."

Li Jun opened the booklet and pointed to the underworld techniques.

"These, and these, are not really suitable."

He first crossed out the series on spirit possession by shamans.

"Inviting a spirit to possess you may seem to grant you power quickly, but it requires a very high level of mental fortitude. Beginners with weak willpower are easily influenced by the spirit and may even turn the tables on you."

Jin Hao nodded and made a note of it.

Li Jun then crossed out the Gu magic from Miao territory.

"Gu techniques are insidious and poisonous. The cultivation process is against the natural order, and the risk of backlash from the Gu worms is too great, so they are not suitable for widespread use."

Next, he removed some spells that had similar effects but consumed a lot of resources or came at a high cost.

Jin Hao quickly took notes beside him.

An hour later.

Of the more than one hundred techniques in the booklet, only seventy-two were removed.

Li Jun breathed a sigh of relief.

"That's all," he said. "These seventy-two techniques are balanced, gentle, and progressive, making them most suitable for beginners."

Jin Hao stared wide-eyed at the list he had written down.

Seventy-two...

This number holds extraordinary significance in the realm of the extraordinary.

Thirty-six Heavenly Generals and Seventy-two Earthly Fiends.

The Taoist priest left behind seventy-two spells. Could there be some deeper meaning behind them?

Jin Hao dared not ask any more questions and could only keep his doubts to himself.

"Thank you, Taoist priest!" He put away his notebook. "I'll definitely practice the spells you chose for me when I get back!"

Li Jun nodded: "Cultivation requires a down-to-earth approach; don't aim too high."

"Yes!" Jin Hao nodded emphatically.

He sat for a while longer, then, seeing that it was getting late, he got up to say goodbye.

Li Jun escorted him to the gate of the courtyard.

"Be careful on the road."

"Goodbye, Taoist brother! The next chapter is even more exciting: Chapter 55 The Number of Earthly Fiends? The Taoist is setting rules for our Great Xia! (4K, please read on), looking forward to your visit."

Jin Hao waved and quickly walked down the mountain.

Once outside the Qingfeng Temple area, he immediately took out his phone and dialed Liu Zhenguo's number.

"Uncle Liu! I saw Brother Taoist!"

"How is it?" Liu Zhenguo asked anxiously.

"The Taoist priest helped me choose a spell, and... he even edited out 'Introduction to Spells'."

"Cut off? How much was cut?"

"From over a hundred, only seventy-two were left."

On the other end of the phone, Liu Zhenguo remained silent for a few seconds.

"Seventy-two...the number of the Earthly Fiends?"

"Send me the list, and I'll report it to headquarters immediately!"

"yes!"

After hanging up the phone, Jin Hao took a picture of the list he had written down and sent it over.

Then, he hurried down the mountain, his heart filled with enthusiasm.

The Taoist priest personally selected the spell for him!

He's determined to make a name for himself!

……

at the same time.

South City Night Watchmen Branch.

Liu Zhenguo frowned as he looked at the list Jin Hao sent him.

Seventy-two techniques.

This number is too sensitive.

He immediately dialed the encrypted number at headquarters.

"President Qin, it's me, Liu Zhenguo."

"Jin Hao has returned from Master Li's place."

"Master Li reduced the 'Introduction to Techniques' to seventy-two techniques."

On the other end of the phone, President Qin remained silent for a moment.

"Seventy-two...the number of the Earthly Fiends?"

"Yes."

On the phone, President Qin took a deep breath.

"Send me the list, and I'll immediately organize a team to study it."

"yes!"

After hanging up the phone, Liu Zhenguo sent the list over.

Then he sat down in the chair and fell into deep thought.

Master Li left behind seventy-two magical techniques...

What does this mean?

A mere coincidence?

Or... is there a deeper meaning?

Liu Zhenguo couldn't understand it.

But he knew that this matter was probably not that simple.

……

Night Watch headquarters.

President Qin frowned as he looked at the list of seventy-two spells on the screen.

In the conference room sat seven or eight senior executives from headquarters, as well as several senior figures who were in charge of the headquarters.

One of the white-haired elders, whose Taoist name is Xuanming, is ninety-eight years old this year and is one of the most respected elders in the Taoist community.

"Senior Xuanming, what do you think?" President Qin asked respectfully.

Xuanming Daoist stared at the screen, his fingers lightly tapping the table.

"Seventy-two...the number of the Earthly Fiends."

He spoke slowly, his voice aged yet powerful.

"In the Taoist tradition, the number seventy-two represents the Earthly Fiends, which govern killing and change."

"It's probably no coincidence that Master Li left behind seventy-two magical techniques."

Xuanming Daoist paused for a moment, then said, "This old Daoist believes that this is telling us that these seventy-two techniques are the cornerstone of the future cultivation system of the Great Xia Dynasty."

"The number of Earthly Fiends is in harmony with the Way of Heaven. Master Li is helping us set rules and draw boundaries for the future."

After listening, President Qin nodded.

That's what he thought too.

Given Master Li's unfathomable level of spiritual attainment, every move he makes is worthy of deep consideration.

Leaving behind seventy-two spells was definitely not just for the sake of simplification.

"Then... shall we proceed according to this list?" President Qin asked.

Taoist Xuanming pondered for a moment.

"Can."

"In that case, let's do as Master Li says." President Qin made the decision. "The final version of 'Introduction to Magic Techniques' will consist of these seventy-two magic techniques."

"In the future, when we promote it nationwide, we will only promote these areas."

"As for those that were deleted... they'll be shelved for now, and we'll deal with them when the time is right."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

But just then, a bespectacled man sitting next to President Qin suddenly spoke up: "President Qin, there's a question."

"explain."

"The original 'Introduction to Techniques' was compiled by various schools of Taoism and other lineages."

"Back then, in order to be selected, the various factions fought tooth and nail, and many sects even brought out their most treasured secrets."

The bespectacled man pointed to the list of spells that had been removed and smiled wryly.

"Now, with just one word from Master Li, they've all been deleted..."

"How are we going to explain this to those sects?"

To this end, the Night's Watch headquarters did a lot of coordination work to barely get the various factions to reach an agreement.

Now, with just one sentence from Master Li, most of the spells have been removed...

Are those sects that were not selected happy about it?

But we couldn't ignore Master Li's opinion.

After a moment of contemplation, President Qin slowly said, "Here's what we'll do: notify the heads of the branches in various regions and have them communicate with the sects that were not selected."

"To put it nicely, their techniques are excellent, but since they are intended for beginners across the country, we must be extremely cautious."

"After research by several predecessors, only those on the list have been retained for now."

"Once the situation becomes clearer, those who were not selected will definitely be put back on the list, and at a higher level."

The group exchanged glances and nodded.

This is the best solution at the moment.

This approach respected Master Li's opinion while also giving those sects a way out.

"Then it's settled." President Qin made the decision. "Meeting adjourned."

……

The news quickly spread to various places.

The heads of the Night Watch branches in various locations began to deal with the matter.

After hearing the explanation, most sects were somewhat disappointed, but they could understand.

After all, this was a research decision made by the "Night Watch Elders".

Furthermore, the promise of a higher-level version in the future is something to look forward to.

Only a few traditions have been passed down, and the reaction has been quite intense.

Kitahara City.

The Night Watch Division.

Zhao Tieshan received the document from headquarters.

When he saw the list of names in the final version of "An Introduction to Magic", his expression changed.

The shamanic arts were all crossed out, not a single one was left.

"This is troublesome..."

Zhao Tieshan sighed.

He knew Aunt Hu's temper all too well.

When compiling "An Introduction to Magical Arts", Aunt Hu personally led several elders of shamanic practitioners to bring out their most treasured secrets.

It is all for the purpose of securing a place in the future cultivation system.

Now they've all been crossed out...

How am I going to explain this to Aunt Hu?

Zhao Tieshan steeled himself and dialed the Hu family's number.

"Hello, is this Aunt Hu? This is Zhao Tieshan..."

On the other end of the phone, Aunt Hu's voice was calm: "Young Zhao, what's up?"

"Um... about 'An Introduction to Spells'..." Zhao Tieshan carefully chose his words, "The final list is out, what do you think..."

"The list is out?" Aunt Hu interrupted him eagerly. "How many of our shamanic practices were involved?"

Zhao Tieshan swallowed hard. "Well... Aunt Hu, please listen to me..."

"How many exactly?" Aunt Hu's voice turned cold.

"...Not a single one."

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

A full ten seconds.

Then came Aunt Hu's voice, suppressed with anger: "Zhao boy, say that again?"

Zhao Tieshan smiled wryly: "Aunt Hu, this matter is a bit complicated. Let's talk about it in person..."

Announcement: Update coming soon, please stay tuned!