All Heavens: Dual Cultivation of Magic and Martial Arts Starting from the Republic of China

Chapter 65 Asking the Three Methods Again

The purple smoke rippled.

[Fragment of the Shangqing Lingbao Dongshen Zhengfa, currently held at 5%.]

[Can consume 105 Heavenly Dao Points, increasing completeness to 57.5%.]

Should it be promoted?

"Yes."

next moment.

Purple smoke suddenly surged.

[Heavenly Dao Points have been consumed.]

The completeness of the incomplete "Shangqing Lingbao Dongshen Zhengfa" has been improved.

boom!

Fu Ze felt as if countless words, talismans, incantations, and methods suddenly flooded into his mind.

Shangqing Talismanic Arts, Lingbao Fasting Ritual, Dongshen Thunder Magic, Qi Refining and Spirit Preservation, Commanding Magical Weapons —

Suppressing evil, purifying, protecting, praying for blessings, exorcising ghosts, subduing demons —

Countless profound thoughts settled deep within Fu Ze's soul.

It was like a mysterious book, finally laid out before him. What were once just a few broken pages were now more than half complete.

Fu Ze closed his eyes and took a while to catch his breath before slowly exhaling.

"This is really good stuff."

He could even sense that although the spiritual energy in his [Niwan Palace] acupoint was exhausted, the foundation of his magic had become more stable.

Many techniques that were previously forcibly performed using family-inherited Southern Maoshan methods now have more orthodox and sophisticated interpretations. He can even understand many unorthodox spells in Southern Maoshan methods by applying the Shangqing orthodox teachings.

Fu Ze understood.

I've really hit the jackpot this time!

Moreover, it's unclear whether it's due to the improvement in martial arts talent, coupled with the series of life-and-death battles these past few days.

Fu Ze had a vague feeling that his martial arts skills were about to break through!

After mastering the hidden strength, the next step is to transform the strength.

That step requires vigorous practice until the pores close, the qi and blood become unified, and the mind and spirit become focused.

He seems to have already grasped the basics!

However, Fu Ze simply didn't have the energy to do anything more tonight.

After continuous battles, his spiritual energy was depleted, and he was covered in injuries. He then went on to review the information in the [Heavenly Decree] and receive the complete content of the *Shangqing Lingbao Dongshen Zhengfa*.

He was utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally.

"never mind."

Fu Ze lay down on the bed and let out a long breath.

There's no need to rush.

Since the evil god is dead, I can finally get a good night's sleep.

A gentle night breeze blew past the window.

In the distance, the faint, indistinct laughter of a few drunken villagers could still be heard from the village.

Fu Ze closed his eyes.

He slept exceptionally well that night.

When Fu Ze woke up the next morning, he felt that he had slept very well.

Although the wounds on my body still ache slightly and the spiritual energy in my Niwan Palace has not fully recovered, my spirits have finally recovered quite a bit.

The village is already bustling with activity.

The village chiefs from several villages, along with many villagers, waited outside the courtyard. Seeing Liao Xibai, Fu Ze, and the others packing their belongings, many people's eyes reddened again.

The village chief of Hewan Village tremblingly cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

"We, your gentlemen, are deeply grateful for your kindness; we, from several villages, will never forget it!"

Several women nearby, holding children, wanted to come over, kneel down, and kowtow, but Liao Xibai had them stopped.

Liao Xibai said gently.

"From now on, everyone should live their lives well, not be bewitched by evil spirits, and not easily entrust their lives to any gods or ghosts. That's enough."

Fu Ze felt a pang of emotion upon hearing this.

Since last night, the spirit and energy of these villages have been completely different.

Previously, everyone was shrouded in gloom, as if an invisible boulder was pressing down on their heads, and the atmosphere in the village was frighteningly oppressive. Now, although they are still poor and suffering, at least there is a spark of life in their eyes.

After saying goodbye, everyone set off again.

This time, however, they walked much slower.

Liao Xibai's health had deteriorated significantly after using the [Divine Breath Synergy] technique and traveling for several days. Li Junfeng's foundation was damaged, and his qi and blood were depleted. Although he didn't say it, his steps were no longer as light and smooth as before.

The villagers specially gathered two mules and made a simple bamboo frame.

Liao Xibai and Li Junfeng took turns sitting for a while and walking for a while.

Zhao Rui originally wanted to tease Li Junfeng, but seeing his pale face, he swallowed his words and silently carried more luggage.

They still refused to take the official road.

In these chaotic times, officialdom is not necessarily safe. Especially given Liao Xibai's special status, in addition to being secretly hunted down, he would also be targeted by local warlords or remnants of the old party, which would make things even more troublesome.

So the group continued walking eastward along the mountain path.

The eastern part of Sichuan is characterized by its mountainous terrain and rapid water flow.

The path often winds along the mountainside, with a damp stone wall on one side and a steep slope covered by vegetation on the other. After it rains, the stone path becomes extremely slippery, and even mules have to tread carefully.

In some places, it's not even a road, just a narrow path worn out by mountain dwellers and herb gatherers.

Deep in the old forest, vines entwine, and the humidity is extremely high. When I woke up in the morning, the mountain mist filled the valley like white cotton wool. My clothes felt damp all day and just wouldn't dry.

Occasionally, when passing by a stream, the water rushes down from between the rocks, making a splashing sound.

Sometimes you have to step on slippery stones to cross the stream.

Liao Xibai was in poor health, and Li Junfeng was seriously injured, so Fu Ze and Zhao Rui had to support him from the front and back.

Feng Xuan was old, but he didn't complain. He would just stop at any mountain valley with heavy yin energy to check the feng shui and sprinkle some talisman ash.

Fu Ze asked him if there was any evil spirit in the air.

Feng Xuan shook his head.

"Mostly not. It's just that in the mountains and fields, the air is damp and shady, and since there's been no one around for a long time, it's easy for unclean things to accumulate. I'm just cleaning it up for you, so that future generations won't suffer the same fate."

Fu Ze nodded.

After leaving those villages, the surroundings became quiet.

Sometimes you won't see more than a few living people all day.

This silence was different from the deathly stillness that had been suppressed by the evil god.

The forest was filled with birdsong, insect chirps, the sound of wind rustling through leaves, and the faint rustling of some wild animal trotting through dry branches in the distance. It was a tranquility undisturbed yet brimming with life.

By noon on the second day, the group rested on a hillside.

Liao Xibai leaned against a tree trunk, closing his eyes to rest. Li Junfeng sat beside him, adjusting his breathing. Zhao Rui washed his face by the stream.

Fu Ze recalled the "can be granted a title" message displayed by the Heavenly Decree the night before and finally couldn't help but look at Feng Xuan.

"Master Feng Xuan, I would like to ask you something."

Feng Xuan was slowly drinking water when he heard this and smiled.

"Young friend Fu, please speak."

Fu Ze pondered for a moment.

"What exactly is the relationship between the Taoist ranks, titles, and positions, as well as the ordination ceremony?"

Feng Xuan paused.

Fu Ze continued.

"If I don't receive the ordination, will it affect my advancement in rank?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Xuan's expression immediately changed.

He stared at Fu Ze for a long while before asking hesitantly.

"Young friend Fu, you're... almost at the level where you can be ordained?"

Fu Ze didn't hide anything.

"It should be."

Feng Xuan gasped.

Li Junfeng, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, also opened his eyes.

Zhao Rui had just returned from washing his face when he heard this, before he had even dried his face.

"No, Brother Fu, you just killed an evil god the day before yesterday, and you're being ordained again today?"

Li Junfeng paused for a moment, then said coldly.

"You really are a bit unlike a human. Are you perhaps some kind of evil god reincarnated?"

Zhao Rui immediately responded.

"Brother Li, you think so too? I've always felt that Brother Fu is like some kind of ancient demon reincarnated."

Fu Ze said irritably.

"You two have had enough."

Liao Xibai also opened his eyes, looking somewhat surprised, but he didn't lose his composure and just smiled.

"Young Master Fu is exceptionally talented; this isn't the first time he's surprised people."

Feng Xuan smiled bitterly.

"Mr. Liao, you make it sound so easy. I've seen quite a few geniuses on Gezao Mountain, but someone like young friend Fu is truly rare."

He paused, his expression turning serious.

"Since young friend Fu has asked about this, I will explain in detail."

"Dharma level mainly refers to the realm of cultivation. It includes the depth of one's magical power, the strength of one's spirit, and whether one's acupoints and meridians can bear higher levels of Dharma."

.

"The titles and ranks of the talismans are more like identities and duties within the Taoist system and divine rituals. Only after receiving the talisman can one truly enter the lineage of talismans and can be registered in the talismanic register to carry out rituals."

Fu Ze listened attentively.

Feng Xuan continued.

"But the ordination is not just a title."

"True talismans are very special. They are different from ordinary talismans. Ordinary talismans are created by cultivators using talisman paper, cinnabar, and spiritual energy to invoke divine commands and cast spells."

"The Heavenly Register is said to be the embodiment of a certain magical rule between heaven and earth."

Fu Ze's heart stirred slightly.

The embodiment of the rules of magic?

This statement does bear some resemblance to the ancient characters displayed in the Heavenly Decree.

Feng Xuandao.

"The essence of ordination is to use specific celestial script to condense one's magical power, which is scattered in the meridians, acupoints, dantian, and internal organs, into a unified whole."

"The more stable the energy is, the purer the magical power, and the stronger the meridians and acupoints will become. For talisman cultivators to advance, they usually need to be ordained."

Fu Ze asked.

"What if there is no ordination?"

Feng Xuan thought for a moment.

"Within the same realm, one can certainly continue to improve. For example, in the initial stage of the Zhengyi Dharma, some people have only just entered the gate, while others already possess profound magical power and are formidable in combat."

"If we only consider offensive and magical combat, young friend Fu, he has probably already surpassed many sorcerers who have truly attained the initial stage of the Zhengyi School."

"But if you really want to cross that threshold and enter a higher level, the ordination is very important."

"Of course, the Quanzhen School is another matter. They are not a talismanic sect; they follow the path of internal alchemy, so their approach is different."

Fu Ze frowned.

"What about the folk lineages?"

Feng Xuandao.

"If a folk lineage belongs to the talisman school, either one's ancestors have inherited a celestial talisman, or one should try to obtain a talisman from an orthodox sect."

Fu Ze shook his head.

"My family doesn't have this kind of tradition."

Feng Xuan wasn't surprised.

The Southern Transmission of Maoshan folk magic lineages is inherently scattered and complex. Some have roots, some don't. Some have been taught magical techniques, but not necessarily the true methods of ordination.

He smiled and comforted her.

"Young friend Fu, there's no need to worry."

"Both Gezao Mountain and Luofu Mountain are orthodox talisman sects. You have a close relationship with Fellow Daoist Yumingzi, and you have also gone through life and death with me. When the time comes, if you wish to request a talisman, I am willing to vouch for you whether you go to Luofu Mountain or Gezao Mountain."

Fu Ze felt a warmth in his heart and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Thank you, Taoist priest."

Feng Xuan waved his hand.

"However, the ordination must be performed within the sect and according to the proper rituals. It's not something that can be done by simply drawing a few talismans somewhere. We're still on our way, so it probably won't be possible to do it anytime soon."

"But you don't need to rush."

"Your foundation is solid now, and your magical power can still be honed. When you are officially ordained, you will be able to proceed more steadily."

Fu Ze nodded.

He understood in his heart that the Daoist ordination ceremony was like a crucial procedure. Without it, one could continue to grow stronger in the short term. But if one wanted to advance to higher realms, it would most likely be unavoidable.

The group walked slowly for the rest of the journey.

Fu Ze also roughly calculated the time.

He has been in this world for almost half a month.

"I wonder if the time scale in the two worlds is actually the same."

If it's truly a one-to-one match, then he has been missing for over ten days in his original world.

Thinking about this, Fu Ze felt a little strange.

Fortunately, I didn't have many relatives or friends to begin with.

Grandpa passed away a long time ago, not to mention my parents. Apart from a few casual acquaintances, no one visits him every day.

If someone is missing for more than ten days, it's unlikely anyone will notice them immediately. Even if they are, it's probably just that some deliveryman can't be reached by phone.

If it were someone with many relatives and friends, the police would probably be searching the world for them by now.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but sigh softly, feeling a mix of emotions he couldn't quite describe.

Bored on the journey, the group often chatted.

Liao Xibai occasionally talks about his time following Mr. Sun Yat-sen when he was young.

At that time, there were no people, no money, and no soldiers.

A group of passionate young people huddled in a simple house in a foreign land, lighting a few oil lamps, discussing how to overthrow the seemingly enormous Tartar dynasty.

"Many people think we're crazy."

Liao Xibai smiled.

"Some people say, 'The world is so vast, and the imperial court is so powerful. What can you do with just a few people, a few guns, and a few newspapers?'"

"But some things, someone has to believe in them first and do them first."

He said this in a calm tone, without any impassioned fervor.

But Fu Ze felt it carried an extraordinary weight.

Li Junfeng then recounted some interesting stories about his paternal uncle, Master Li.

One night, Master Li was traveling when he passed by an abandoned mortuary. Inside, a group of vengeful ghosts were using the yin energy to try and drain his yang energy.

As a result, Grandmaster Li didn't even throw a punch.

He simply stood at the entrance of the mortuary, his blood surged, his chest and abdomen throbbed like thunder, and then he opened his mouth and roared.

"roll!"

With a single shout, masculine energy surged forth like a furnace opening its doors.

Those vengeful ghosts were instantly annihilated.

Zhao Rui's eyes lit up as he listened.

"That's too intense! Isn't that even more satisfying than firing a gun?"

Li Junfeng said calmly.

"A Grandmaster of Dan Jin, his whole body is filled with masculine energy like a furnace, he can pounce fifty paces in one go, and his every move has the strength of two or three thousand catties. He is no ordinary martial artist."

Zhao Rui was unconvinced and started talking about his childhood.

When he was six years old, he was playing with his younger sister in the yard. Suddenly, a rabid dog appeared out of nowhere in the village, its eyes red and foaming at the mouth, and lunged at his sister.

His father was a hunter, and his homemade gun was hung under the eaves.

In his desperation, Zhao Rui actually moved a stool over and touched the homemade gun that was taller than him.

At that time, he had never learned how to use a gun; he had only seen his father use one a few times while hunting.

But the moment the mad dog pounced, he simply raised his gun, aimed, and fired.

Bang!

The mad dog's head exploded, and it collapsed in front of its younger sister. Six-year-old Zhao Rui was also thrown to the ground by the recoil, and his shoulder was bruised for half a month.

When his father came back, he was so frightened that his face turned pale. Then he stared at the dead dog for a long time before finally saying only one sentence.

"You kid, you were born to make a living with guns."

Zhao Rui raised his eyebrows smugly as he said this.

"That's why I became such a good shot later on, it's no exaggeration."

Fu Ze smiled.

The others also asked him about his past.

Fu Ze only said that he learned the Dharma and practiced boxing from his grandfather. The family's inheritance was not complete, so he had to figure out many things on his own.

He wouldn't say anything more.

Zhao Rui joked.

"Brother Fu, you have more secrets than the wild rabbit burrows in the mountains."

Fu Zedao.

"Everyone has secrets."

Liao Xibai smiled.

"To go through life and death side by side is enough. There are always things that people can't say."

Li Junfeng nodded as well.

Zhao Rui shrugged.

"Alright then. I won't ask anymore. As long as you're not a bad person, that's fine."

The journey took about half a month.

They traversed mountains and forests, bypassed post roads, borrowed ferry boats, and also spent two nights in a deserted temple.

As you travel further east, the mountains become gentler, but the network of waterways increases.

The air no longer carries the heavy, damp chill of the dense forests of eastern Sichuan, but rather the openness of the area between the Yangtze and Han rivers.

Finally, one evening, they arrived near Yunmeng County.

Zhao Rui stood by the roadside, looking at the gradually flattening terrain in the distance, and he visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

"We've finally arrived."

Fu Ze glanced at him.

"What? Aren't we going to Jinling? Is it safe here?"

Zhao Rui laughed.

"Almost. Things will be much safer from here on out."

Li Junfeng's expression relaxed a bit.

Fu Ze then realized this.

Although they were ultimately going to Jinling, they had already completed the most dangerous part of the journey.

Once we reach Wenlong, we'll be safe.

Because the garrison commander of Wenlong was Liao Xibai's old subordinate, and also his childhood follower. He was an absolute confidant and loyalist.

Fu Ze frowned slightly upon hearing the name.

"Wenlong?"

He seemed to have never heard of it.

Li Junfeng glanced at him.

"The first shot that overthrew the Manchu dynasty was the Wenlong Uprising."

Zhao Rui was also surprised.

"Brother Fu, even though you grew up in Southeast Asia, you must have heard of this before, right?"

Fu Ze paused in his steps.

In that instant, he finally realized what was happening.

So this is where it is!

In his original world, it seems he didn't have this name.

However, martial arts are paired with literature, and prosperity with success.

It seems to make no mistake!

Moreover, the years of the fall of the Manchu dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China don't quite match up—it feels somewhat ambiguous.

Fu Ze looked up at the darkening sky in the distance, and a strange sense of disorientation arose in his heart once again.

This world, although it is very similar to his original world.

But ultimately, they are not exactly the same.