Under One Person: Starting with the Dual Cultivation of Body and Soul.

He had been dealing with Zhang Zhiwei for more than a year or two. Ever since Zhang Zhiwei slapped Lu Jin and made her cry at the Lu family compound, he had been deeply impressed by Zhang Zhiwei and was naturally aware of Zhang Zhiwei's personality.

If you really piss him off, he'll go be no less dangerous than his mad dog, Lü Ci.

He didn't want Zhang Zhiwei to hold a grudge, so he couldn't make any definitive statements and had to come up with a solution that would be acceptable to everyone.

This would both prevent Zhang Zhiwei from losing his temper and allow them to profit.

After a pause, Wang Ai continued with a smile, "Old Celestial Master, since you have expanded the selection scope for this Luo Tian Grand Ceremony beyond the Celestial Master's Mansion, you can't show favoritism. Don't be like those second-rate companies that pre-select positions like radish pits."

“That would be bad. How about we treat everyone equally and expand the selection scope to the entire world of supernatural beings! The selection plan will continue to follow the plan you drafted at the Celestial Master's Mansion. Any young supernatural being under the age of thirty can apply to participate.”

"What do you think of this suggestion?"

They're all ancient foxes, why are they playing at Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio?

As soon as Wang Ai said this, Lü Ci chimed in: "Old Master, what Old Wang said makes sense. The Celestial Master is the leader of Taoism and the most respected figure in the world of extraordinary people. We have always been convinced by the previous selections of the Celestial Master."

"As everyone knows, I, Lao Lü, am most convinced of your status as the Celestial Master. However, if you were to open a back door and create a 'crown prince' for the Celestial Master, I'm sure many people would not be convinced."

Lu Ci grinned, revealing a hearty smile: "I think we should do as Old Wang said and simply expand the selection scope to the entire world of supernatural beings. All young people under the age of thirty can participate."

"With such a rigorous selection process, the chosen Celestial Masters will surely be respected by the people, won't they?"

Chen Jinkui chimed in, "That's right! I also think what Elder Wang and Elder Lü said makes perfect sense."

"Let all the young people in the world of supernatural beings participate in the selection, and the final winner will be the number one among the younger generation!"

"Old Celestial Master, you are the foremost among our older generation. Everyone is convinced that you are the Celestial Master."

"If you were to choose the foremost young talent as the successor to the Celestial Master, that would be even more convincing, and no one would have anything to say!"

"Makes sense!"

"I also think this is a good suggestion!"

Several others echoed this sentiment.

At this moment, Lu Jin looked at the old Celestial Master, then at the others, and wanted to speak several times, but gave up.

How to put it? Everyone wanted the Qi Source Flow, but no one wanted to offend Zhang Zhiwei, so they came up with a compromise.

If he wasn't willing to accept this proposal, was there any better solution? He couldn't think of one.

Does that mean that because it's difficult, they'll just flip the table and give up?

At that point, everyone will use their own methods to try and obtain the Qi Source Flow? Zhang Chulan's situation will only become more dangerous.

Although Wang Ai's suggestion was rather unethical, to be honest, it was better than having no solution at all.

Chapter 208 Lu Jin's Decision

The old master smiled and looked at everyone, nodded, and said, "Since everyone thinks this is a good idea, let's do it this way."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was taken aback. They had expected the old master to try and negotiate, perhaps by setting some thresholds or prohibiting certain sects' top contenders from participating.

If the old master really brings it up, they can understand.

After all, the Celestial Master is selecting Celestial Masters. If a promising candidate from another sect participates in the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony and wins by chance, should they stay at the Celestial Master's Mansion to become a Celestial Master, or should they return to their original sect?

These are all points that can be discussed.

They had even prepared their bargaining strategies, but they didn't expect that the old master had no intention of arguing with them and agreed directly.

What exactly is the old master up to?

Could it be that Zhang Chulan is incredibly strong? Surpassing all the younger generation, and unafraid of any challenge?

The old master agreed so readily that they felt they had lost out.

But those who can sit in this room are all people of importance, and at this time, they would never make unreasonable demands like street vendors.

If you actually do that, not only will you lose all face and dignity, but you'll also deserve to be punished by the Old Master.

Lu Jin looked at the old master with some surprise. He agreed so easily? This wasn't like the old man at all.

In his memory, Zhang Zhiwei was not some highly respected, easy-going, and otherworldly Taoist priest.

That old scoundrel is a real scoundrel. He often haggles with me over the smallest things and tries to take advantage of me.

At the last apprentice-acceptance banquet, Zhang Zhiwei extorted appearance fees from a top-notch performance team.

Why are you so quick to haggle when you shouldn't, but so easy to haggle when you should?

Lu Jin was somewhat puzzled, but actually, the reason was quite simple.

This is a test that the Old Master left for Zhang Chulan.

He wanted to pass the position of Celestial Master to Zhang Chulan, but one must be strong to succeed. After all, Zhang Chulan had cultivated the Golden Light Mantra and Thunder Magic. If he couldn't even handle a few juniors of the same age, there was no need for him to forcefully support such an incompetent person.

He will then implement the second plan.

He laid his cards on the table, stopped pretending, and used his absolute strength to protect Zhang Chulan, allowing him to stay at Longhu Mountain as a Taoist priest from now on.

However, Lu Jin didn't think too much about it. He was just a little angry that these people had actually joined forces to target the Old Celestial Master. As an old friend, he couldn't stand by and watch. He stood up and said in a deep voice:

"Gentlemen, the meeting will be paused for a moment. I have some matters I would like to discuss with the Old Master privately."

Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged glances, wondering what Lu Jin was up to. Was there something he couldn't say in the meeting?

"Since Old Lu has something to discuss with me privately, then everyone, please excuse me for a moment," the old master said.

The Celestial Master had already agreed to their previous requests, so naturally they couldn't refuse this one.

The two walked out of the council chamber and strolled slowly along the passageway of the Trinity Gate.

"Old Celestial Master, how could you tolerate being bossed around like this today? And you even agreed?"

The old Celestial Master, his hands tucked into the sleeves of his Taoist robe, said calmly, "Forget it, Old Lu. It's truly absurd to let Zhang Chulan, an outsider, participate in the selection of the Celestial Master's successor. Their reaction is understandable."

Lu Jin frowned and said, "Old Celestial Master, can't you really see it? They're forcing you to expand the selection to the entire world of supernatural beings because they don't want Zhang Chulan to enter the Celestial Master's Mansion."

"Think about it, how many of those extraordinary people outside dare to covet the position of Celestial Master?"

"Even if they come to participate, they probably won't really give it their all. In that case, the only ones who can truly stand against Zhang Chulan are their disciples. These guys will definitely do their best to eliminate Zhang Chulan first, and your plan will fail."

The old celestial master sighed and said, "Alas, even if what you say is true, what can I do? The way of the Tao is natural; where things go and where they go is up to Zhang Chulan's fate."

Seeing the old celestial master's nonchalant attitude, Lu Jin said angrily, "Hmph, this is ridiculous. Although following fate is a Taoist practice, I can't tolerate those guys succeeding."

"They thought that under their plan, only Zhang Chulan would go all out in this conference, while the other superhumans would either not participate or not contribute."

"Hmph, I'm going to defy their wishes and give them a little trouble!"

The old master looked at Lu Jin with some surprise and laughed, "Old Lu, how are you going to cause them some trouble?"

Lu Jin didn't answer directly, but instead asked, "You don't object, do you?"

"You're helping me, of course I don't object!" the old master said with a smile.

"In that case, let's go to the meeting room and resume the meeting!" Lu Jin said.

Lu Jin walked ahead, and the old master asked from behind, "You haven't said how you're going to cause them a little trouble yet?"

Lu Jin waved her hand without turning her head: "Just listen. You've already agreed anyway."

The two returned to the council hall one after the other. The crowd, who had been whispering among themselves, fell silent and all eyes were on Lu Jin.

"Brother Lu, what conclusion have you reached with the Celestial Master?" Wang Ai asked with a smile.

Lu Jin nodded and said, "We've come to some conclusions. I've been thinking about it carefully just now. You've given the Old Master such a good suggestion; you've really put in a lot of effort. But what about me?"

Lu Jin patted his chest: "What have I, Lu Jin, done? I won't feel at ease if I don't do something for this Luo Tian Grand Ceremony."

As he spoke, blue light emanated from Lu Jin's fingertips, and he actually began to draw talismans in mid-air in front of everyone.

Wherever his fingertips traced, streaks of blue light remained in the air, and runes unfolded layer upon layer.

Because it was in the conference hall of the Sanyi Gate, Lu Jin did not draw those powerful talismans.

He was drawing a Shangqing Five Warriors Talisman, which has many rituals involved in its creation. Even a Taoist priest from the talisman school would need at least half a day to draw one.

But Lu Jin only took a few breaths to draw it without performing any rituals or using cinnabar or yellow paper.

As the talisman was completed, a surge of blue light appeared in the air, and five towering, jet-black giants materialized out of thin air in the center of the venue.

Seeing the five tall, black figures ahead, Wang Ai's small eyes widened in surprise. "Brother Lu, you...you are..." she exclaimed.

"Old Lu, what are you doing?" The old master was also taken aback, not understanding what Lu Jin was up to, why he would suddenly display his abilities in public.

"Senior Lu, what's going on?" Chen Jinkui, Feng Zhenghao, Na Ruhu and other juniors looked at Lu Jin with surprise.

Drawing talismans in mid-air, without being bound by objects, is a method that defies common sense and goes against their usual understanding of talismans.

Chapter 209 The Grand Gathering

"Old Lu, it seems the rumors are true!" Lu Ci narrowed his eyes, recalling some past events. It was Lu Jin who collected Zheng Zibu's body and also Lu Jin who buried him.

There were rumors at the time that Lu Jin had obtained Zheng Zibu's Tongtian Lu, but because there was no conclusive evidence, the matter was dropped. Unexpectedly, the Tongtian Lu was actually in Lu Jin's hands.

Ignoring everyone's gaze, Lu Jin pointed to the five strongmen in front of him and said, "Since we have decided to gather all the extraordinary people in the world to participate in the Celestial Master Selection Conference, even if they really come, it will only be to give us face and go through the motions. I'm afraid there aren't many who really intend to inherit the Celestial Master position."

"In that case, wouldn't it be a huge waste for these people to have come all this way?"

Lu Jin looked around at everyone present and announced domineeringly, "Therefore, I have decided that if the winner of the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony does not intend to become the successor of the Celestial Master, I will pass this Tongtian Talisman to him."

"The Heavenly Scroll?"

Chen Jinkui stared intently at the five strongmen in front of him, muttering to himself, "Drawing talismans at will without any medium or ritual... Is this the legendary Tongtian Lu? One of the eight extraordinary skills that caused the Jia Shen Rebellion back then!"

“It’s genuine, no doubt about it! You can ask them if you don’t believe me!” Lu Jin pointed to Wang Ai and Lü Ci.

Lu Ci sneered, "What a fine example of a flawless life! You used to look so virtuous and clean-living. I thought the rumors were untrue. It seems you were the ultimate beneficiary of that turmoil."

He never minded speculating about others with the utmost malice, but he had never quite believed the rumor that Lu Jin had plotted the Eight Extraordinary Techniques and obtained the Tongtian Talisman.

Because he understood Lu Jin. If this guy really got involved, Zheng Zibu couldn't possibly die. The Wang family had already protected Feng Tianyang, so the Lu family couldn't possibly fail to do the same.

Most importantly, he knew about the events of the Sanyi Sect back then. While they were hunting down the owner of the Eight Extraordinary Techniques, Lu Jin was leading his fellow disciples in hunting down Wugensheng.

In that battle, not only was the Sanyi Sect expelled from the list, but Lu Jin was also seriously injured and on the verge of death. He had been recuperating and had no ability to acquire the Eight Extraordinary Techniques.

But why did the Tongtian Talisman end up in Lu Jin's hands?

He didn't try to acquire the Eight Extraordinary Skills, but they came to him on their own.

The thought of this made Lü Ci very unhappy. He had gone to great lengths and paid a huge price to keep the Eight Extraordinary Techniques, but even so, he only managed to keep half of them.

Lu Jin did nothing and paid no price; the Eight Extraordinary Techniques were delivered to him on their own.

The problem is not scarcity, but inequality.

Lu Ci felt very unhappy, which was why he had confronted Lu Jin earlier.

Upon hearing Lü Ci refer to himself as a beneficiary of the Jia Shen Rebellion, Lu Jin's eyes narrowed, and he couldn't help but think of his fellow disciples who had died in the Jia Shen Rebellion.

Strictly speaking, Sanyi's fellow disciples did not die in the Jia Shen Rebellion, but rather died purely because of Wugensheng. The one who truly died in the Jia Shen Rebellion was his good brother Zheng Zibu.

He still remembered the scene when Zheng Zibu, with his last breath, came to him to hand over the Tongtian Lu.

He abandoned Zheng Zibu because he resented Zheng Zibu's sworn brotherhood with Wugensheng, but Zheng Zibu did not resent him. Instead, he handed over the Tongtianlu to him and did not even ask him to avenge him.

Thinking of this, Lu Jin felt extremely sad. He sighed, "I still can't forget the unwilling expression on Zheng Zibu's face before he died."

Then, he looked at Lü Ci and Wang Ai: "Oh, right, before he died, he told me the names of those who were chasing him. Would you two like to hear them?"

Wang Ai gave an awkward smile: "Haha, the past is like dust in the wind. I hope Brother Lu can let it go as soon as possible, so as to comfort the spirit of his friend in heaven."

Lu Ci snorted coldly and did not reply.

The Wang and Lü families did indeed hunt down Zheng Zibu, but they did not destroy his hometown or kill his relatives.

This is also why Lu Jin can still talk to them properly. If Wang Ai and Lü Cizhen really slaughtered Zheng Zibu's village for the sake of the Tongtian Talisman, Lu Jin would definitely investigate the matter.

Even so, it is not a very honorable thing to hunt down others for the sake of the Eight Extraordinary Techniques, especially since the Wang family itself already possesses one of the Eight Extraordinary Techniques. Therefore, Wang Ai stopped Lu Jin from continuing.

"Hmph!" Lu Jin snorted coldly and dispersed the five warriors.

Subsequently, the proposal to expand the selection scope of the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony to the entire world of extraordinary people and to use the Tongtian Talisman as the prize for the winner was finalized.

Although the others knew that Lu Jin's use of the Tongtian Talisman was meant to annoy them, wasn't it also a good thing?

Originally, all they were planning was a possible opportunity to obtain the source of Qi.

Now, in addition to the Qi source flow, there is also a confirmed Tongtian Lu (a talisman for connecting heaven and earth).