Mei Qing and Bi Zhen were inside discussing the newly released Thunder Dao techniques when suddenly a shout from Mingjing, the young apprentice outside the door, startled them. As they looked up, someone pushed the door open and strode straight in, with Mingjing stumbling behind, desperately trying to hold him back.
The newcomer had skin as smooth as congealed fat, a face powdered white, eyebrows like willow leaves, and eyes like crescent moons. Dressed in a pale green silk robe with a bright red cape over his shoulders, he extended his slender fingers like chives and spoke in a voice as sweet as a nightingale’s song: “Dear Bi Zhen sister, why do you always hide from your dear brother?”
Brother, are you from the palace?
It turned out to be none other than Guo Xiaogongye, the young nobleman who had been relentlessly pursuing Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen, who had been chatting and laughing with Mei Qing moments earlier, immediately turned cold upon seeing this effeminate nobleman. She said coolly, “Lord Guo, as a man of status, why have you barged in without even a word? Bi Zhen’s Benevolent Sage Palace is not your Duke’s Mansion.”
A flash of resentment flickered in Guo’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Dear Bi Zhen sister, why so formal? Today I’ve just acquired a new garden outside the southern city gate, and I specially came to invite you to come relax there…”
Bi Zhen stole a glance at Mei Qing, who looked visibly displeased. She inwardly cursed the man for always showing up at the worst times, interrupting the moment. She cut in: “I am a Daoist nun, so please refrain from such familiarity. I’ve already made it clear that this is a quiet place of cultivation, unsuitable for your visits. Please understand.”
Guo’s smile froze on his face. Seeing Bi Zhen’s icy expression and recalling the intimate atmosphere between her and Mei Qing when he first entered, his heart burned with jealousy. He sneered sharply, “If you’re a Daoist nun, then why is this young man in your room?”
Mei Qing had never liked this guy, and upon being dragged into the argument, he raised an eyebrow and was about to speak, but Bi Zhen beat him to it: “Mei Qing is a fellow Daoist practitioner, and he’s here today to discuss Daoist scriptures with me. Do we need your approval for that?”
“Discuss Daoist scriptures?” Guo sneered again, pointing at the scrolls on the table. “You expect me to believe that nonsense?”
Bi Zhen ignored him and said coldly, “I’ve said enough. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Mingjing, please escort Lord Guo out.”
Guo’s face twisted with rage. “No need! Fine, Bi Zhen, now that you’ve become a Daoist master, you think you’re above everyone else, huh? Fine, I’ll leave! But don’t come running to me later!” With that, he flung his hand, sending Mingjing stumbling, and stormed off without looking back.
Bi Zhen remained silent for a while before finally turning to Mei Qing and saying softly, “Mei Qing, actually he…”
“Enough,” Mei Qing took her hand gently and said, “No need to explain. What’s the point in even dealing with such a shemale? Who would go out of their way to step on dog poop with new shoes?”
Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at that, then asked curiously, “What’s a shemale exactly? I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
Mei Qing broke into a cold sweat, frowned, and looked up thoughtfully before finally replying with difficulty, “That’s a complicated question. You see, humans are born from human mothers, and demons from demon mothers…”
“Give me a break,” Bi Zhen interrupted him bluntly. “You’ve been reading Daoist scriptures all this time for nothing. You think demons are born as demons? If a cultivator gives birth, does the child automatically become a Daoist master?”
Mei Qing continued to ponder deeply. “That’s a very insightful question, Bi Zhen. But any theoretical discussion is meaningless. I strongly suggest we verify this through practice. So, tell me, do you think it’s better to have a boy Daoist master or a girl Daoist master?”
“Get lost!” Bi Zhen blushed furiously. “Who said I want to have kids with you? If you want one so badly, go have one yourself!”
The time for having children was still far off, but Mei Qing finally made some progress in deciphering the later parts of the Thunder Dao techniques.
The Dao techniques recorded afterward were a total of three and a half. The reason for the half was because the last part was missing and could not be completed.
These techniques were: the Five Elements Vanishing Art, Thunder Seal Art, Spirit Crane Talisman, and Palm Thunder. What disappointed Mei Qing the most was that the most powerful one, Palm Thunder, was precisely the incomplete part.
Even among the first three that had already been sorted out, the Thunder Seal Art and Spirit Crane Talisman could not be practiced because neither of them knew how to draw the related talismans.
After all, Shengxiao Sect was still a talisman sect, and talismans played a significant role in their techniques.
Thus, only the Five Elements Vanishing Art remained for the two to practice.
Although Bi Zhen herself had never practiced Dao techniques, she had been in the sect for a long time and had seen much. According to her, the Vanishing Art was common among sects, with the saying of seventy-two different vanishing techniques. In reality, they were mostly similar. Although the Divine Thunder Sect’s techniques were all based on Thunder Dao, the Vanishing Art was probably not much different from other sects, so Mei Qing should be able to practice it.
“Why do you say I can practice it? Aren’t you going to practice it too?” Mei Qing asked in surprise.
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen were discussing the newly released Thunder Techniques inside the room when suddenly, the young Taoist apprentice Ming Jing called out from outside the door, startling them. As they looked up, they saw someone push the door open and stride in, with Ming Jing stumbling behind, trying to catch up.
The newcomer had skin as smooth as jade, a face as fair as powder, eyebrows like slender willows, and eyes like crescent moons. Dressed in a soft green silk robe with a bright red cloak, he extended his delicate, orchid-like fingers and spoke in a voice as melodious as a nightingale’s song: “Sister Bi Zhen, why do you always avoid me?”
“Brother? Big brother, are you from the palace?”
It was none other than the young Lord Guo, who had been relentlessly pursuing Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen, who had been chatting and laughing with Mei Qing, immediately turned cold upon seeing the arrival of this effeminate lord. She said indifferently, “Young Lord Guo, you are a person of status. How could you barge in without a word today? This Rensheng Palace is not your Duke’s mansion.”
A flash of resentment crossed Lord Guo’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Sister Bi Zhen, why are you so distant? Today, I’ve just acquired a new garden outside the southern city, and I came especially to invite you to relax there…”
Bi Zhen glanced at Mei Qing, noticing his displeased expression, and felt annoyed by Lord Guo’s untimely intrusion. She interrupted him, “Bi Zhen is a nun. Please refrain from calling me ‘sister’ and show some respect. I’ve already told you that this Taoist temple is a place of tranquility, and it’s inconvenient for you to visit. Please understand.”
Lord Guo’s smile froze. Seeing Bi Zhen’s icy demeanor and recalling the intimate atmosphere between the two when he first entered, he felt a surge of hatred. He sneered, “If Bi Zhen is a nun, then why is this young man in your room?”
Mei Qing, who had long disliked Lord Guo, was about to speak when Bi Zhen cut in, “Mei Qing is my fellow Taoist. Today, I invited him to discuss Taoist scriptures. Do I need your approval for that?”
“Discuss Taoist scriptures?” Lord Guo laughed shrilly, pointing at the silk scroll on the table. “These scribbles? Who are you trying to fool?”
Bi Zhen ignored him and said coldly, “I’ve said what I needed to say. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Ming Jing, please escort Young Lord Guo out.”
Lord Guo’s face twisted, and he said sharply, “No need! Fine, Bi Zhen, now that you’ve become a ‘real person,’ you look down on everyone, don’t you? Fine, I’ll leave, but you’ll come looking for me someday!” With that, he flung Ming Jing aside and stormed out without looking back.
Bi Zhen remained silent for a long time before finally looking up at Mei Qing. “Mei Qing, actually, he…”
“Enough,” Mei Qing took Bi Zhen’s hand and said softly, “There’s no need to explain. Why bother with such a creature? Who would step on dog poop with new shoes?”
Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at Mei Qing’s words, then asked, “What is a ‘creature’? I’ve never heard of it.”
Mei Qing broke into a sweat, frowned, and thought for a long time before finally saying awkwardly, “This is a complicated issue. You see, humans are born from human mothers, and creatures are born from creature mothers…”
“Stop it,” Bi Zhen interrupted him without hesitation. “You’ve been reading Taoist scriptures all this time for nothing. Do you think creatures are born as creatures? If a cultivator has a child, would the child be born a ‘real person’?”
Mei Qing continued to ponder deeply. “That’s a profound question. Bi Zhen, any theoretical discussion is meaningless. I strongly suggest we test this idea through practice. First, tell me, do you think it’s better to have a boy ‘real person’ or a girl ‘real person’?”
“Go away!” Bi Zhen blushed furiously. “Who wants to have a child with you? Have one yourself if you want!”
The time for having children was still far off, but Mei Qing’s interpretation of the Thunder Techniques was finally making some progress.
The subsequent recorded techniques consisted of three and a half methods. The reason for the half was that the last part was missing and could not be completed.
These techniques were: Five Elements Escape Technique, Thunder Forbidden Technique, Spirit Crane Talisman, and Palm Thunder. The most regrettable for Mei Qing was that the most powerful one, Palm Thunder, was the incomplete part.
Even among the three that had been sorted out, the Thunder Forbidden Technique and the Spirit Crane Talisman were impossible to practice because the talismans related to these two techniques were unknown to both of them.
After all, the Shenxiao Sect was a talisman-based sect, and talismans played a significant role in its techniques.
Thus, only the Five Elements Escape Technique was left for the two to practice.
Although Bi Zhen herself had not practiced Taoist techniques, she had been in the sect for a long time and had extensive knowledge. According to her, the escape technique was common among various sects, known as the Seventy-Two Escape Methods, and they were mostly similar. Although the Shenxiao Sect’s techniques were based on Thunder Techniques, the escape technique was probably not much different from other sects, and it should be fine for Mei Qing to practice.
“Why is it fine for me to practice? Aren’t you going to practice it?” Mei Qing asked in surprise.
“Once I pass the stage of forming the elixir, I can naturally practice the sect’s techniques. But you are different. You have no sect, and most of my techniques may not be suitable for you. Even if I risk breaking the sect rules to teach you in the future, it might be difficult for you to achieve any results. Therefore, the only way for you to learn Taoist techniques is to find a path from the Shenxiao Sect’s secret texts,” Bi Zhen said somewhat sadly.
Mei Qing finally understood. Bi Zhen was not like him, without techniques to practice; it was just that the time was not right. Once she formed the elixir, she would naturally receive teachings from her sect. If she secretly learned techniques from other sects beforehand, it would not be beneficial.
Since they had already discussed it, Mei Qing began to learn the Five Elements Escape Technique. However, at the beginning of his practice, Bi Zhen had to guide him. Although Bi Zhen was also a novice in Taoist techniques, she was still slightly better than Mei Qing, who was completely clueless.
“It seems I can’t go back tonight. My dear, where shall I rest tonight?” Mei Qing asked with a mischievous smile as Bi Zhen sent a fire attendant to inform Mei’s family that he would not return tonight.
Bi Zhen spat, “You rascal, I don’t care where you rest. Once you’re done practicing, I’ll kick you to the library to find your Sister Yu Zhen and practice the Love Observation Technique!”
Hearing this, Mei Qing couldn’t help but shiver as the image of Yu Zhen’s lethality flashed before his eyes.
That night, Mei Qing began practicing the Five Elements Escape Technique in Bi Zhen’s room.
The so-called Five Elements Escape Technique was a method of using the power of the five elements to escape instantly, a technique that all cultivators learned at the beginning of their practice. When mastered, one could travel thousands of miles in a single thought, and walking on water or through fire would be effortless.
“That’s great. Once I master this technique, I can use earth escape to come to your room and wood escape to your bed whenever I miss you… Why are you laughing?” Mei Qing was fantasizing about the convenience of mastering the escape technique when he noticed Bi Zhen laughing uncontrollably.
“Do you think the escape technique is just for wandering around? Hehe, since you don’t understand, let this fairy explain it to you in detail,” Bi Zhen said with a smile, clearly delighted to spend the night with Mei Qing.
The escape technique, as its name suggested, was a skill for escaping. It consisted of five types of escape methods: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, hence the name Five Elements Escape Technique. Its use was also subject to many restrictions, and it was impossible to escape freely at will.
Bi Zhen took out a small wooden token and hung it around Mei Qing’s neck. “To practice the escape technique, you must first have a token. Although this is not made of Thunder Startled Jujube Wood, it is made of high-quality Three Yang Buddha Peach Wood. It’s quite good for practicing the escape technique, so take good care of it.”
Mei Qing found it interesting and immediately examined it. It was indeed finely crafted and had a unique fragrance. It was shaped like an arrow, only about an inch long. He laughed, “So this is what a token looks like. I thought it had to be a big one placed on the table. Does that mean I can’t use the escape technique without this token?”
Bi Zhen nodded. Mei Qing played with the token for a while, then suddenly laughed.
“What are you laughing at?” Bi Zhen asked in surprise.
“I just thought, if you have to wear a token for every technique you practice, wouldn’t those masters who practice over a dozen techniques have their necks full of tokens? The image of a Taoist master walking around with a bunch of tokens around his neck is just too funny,” Mei Qing said with a grin.
“Stop it, that’s not how it works,” Bi Zhen rolled her eyes at him and then explained.
Generally, after a Taoist disciple laid the foundation, the number of techniques they could practice was very limited, and not all of them required talismans or magical tools. Moreover, once they reached the stage of refining essence into qi, most of these tools could be absorbed into the body, so there was no need to wear them around.
“Before the Supreme Ultimate, the root of heaven and earth; metal, wood, water, fire, earth gods take precedence…” Mei Qing stepped in the pattern of the Big Dipper, reciting the incantation. Beside him, Bi Zhen watched intently, holding the scroll of the Five Elements Escape Technique, guarding him.
The Five Elements Escape Technique was divided into two levels: “Concealment” and “Escape,” each with its own set of five-element incantations. To practice it, one had to choose the appropriate times, such as the four seasons, eight festivals, and days like Jiazi and Gengshen. During practice, one started with concealment and then moved on to escape. The concealment level began with the earth incantation, and after three days, one could move on to the next incantation. It took a total of one month to master.
The practice method was similar to that of the talisman sects, starting with the so-called “Primordial Ancestral Qi,” which was drawn from the kidney water to intersect with the heart fire, transforming into the five-element qi, which was then exhaled onto the token. After completing the ten incantations, one had to constantly nurture the token with spiritual energy. In times of crisis, holding the token and reciting the incantation would allow one to escape freely.
Mei Qing, who practiced the elixir path, naturally had no source of Primordial Ancestral Qi. But Bi Zhen had already said that the escape techniques of various sects were not much different. Since he practiced the elixir path, he could use the elixir qi in the same way. Following her instructions, Mei Qing focused on his ancestral cavity, using the sun’s true fire to shoot down at the nearly solidified vortex of qi. Sure enough, a stream of elixir qi rose as commanded, quickly circulating through his five organs, blending yin and yang, and achieving a state of chaos and emptiness.
Mei Qing did not dare to be careless. He continued to step in the pattern of the Big Dipper, moving from the greedy star to the broken star in the yin dipper and from the chief star to the gang star in the yang dipper. He stabilized his posture, stopped his ancestral qi, held the token, and exhaled. He felt a thick, yellow qi condense on the token, subtly resonating with his mind, just as described in the text. He knew that the first earth incantation had been successfully practiced.
To Bi Zhen, after Mei Qing exhaled, his entire presence seemed to disappear, replaced by a deep, earthy aura. She could no longer see him clearly, but she could still sense his presence through their spiritual connection. Seeing that Mei Qing had achieved such profound results in his first attempt, she couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen were discussing the newly released Thunder Techniques inside the room when suddenly, the young Taoist boy Mingjing called out from outside the door, startling them. As they looked up, they saw a man pushing the door open and striding in, with Mingjing stumbling behind, trying to catch up.
The man had skin as smooth as jade, a face as pale as powder, eyebrows like delicate willow leaves, and eyes shaped like crescent moons. He was dressed in a soft green silk robe with a bright red cloak draped over his shoulders. Extending his slender, orchid-like fingers, he spoke in a voice as melodious as a nightingale’s song: “Bi Zhen, my dear sister, why do you always avoid me?”
“Brother? Are you from the palace or something?”
It was none other than Lord Guo, who had been relentlessly pursuing Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen, who had been chatting and laughing with Mei Qing, immediately turned cold upon seeing this effeminate lord. She said indifferently, “Lord Guo, you are a man of status. How could you barge in without a word today? This is the Rensheng Palace, not your Duke’s mansion.”
A flash of resentment crossed Lord Guo’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Bi Zhen, my dear sister, why are you so distant? Today, I’ve just acquired a new garden outside the southern city, and I’ve come especially to invite you to relax there…”
Bi Zhen glanced at Mei Qing, noticing his displeasure, and felt annoyed by Lord Guo’s untimely intrusion. She interrupted him, “I am a nun, so please refrain from calling me ‘sister.’ I’ve told you before that this Taoist temple is a place of tranquility, and it’s inconvenient for you to visit. Please understand.”
Lord Guo’s smile froze. Seeing Bi Zhen’s icy expression and recalling the intimate atmosphere between her and Mei Qing when he first entered, he felt a surge of hatred. He sneered, “If Bi Zhen is a nun, then why is this boy in your room?”
Mei Qing, who had already disliked the man, was about to retort when Bi Zhen cut in, “Mei Qing is my fellow Taoist. Today, I invited him to discuss Taoist scriptures. Do I need your approval for that?”
“Discuss Taoist scriptures?” Lord Guo scoffed, pointing at the silk scroll on the table. “These scribbles? Who are you trying to fool?”
Bi Zhen ignored him and said coldly, “I’ve said what I needed to say. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Mingjing, please escort Lord Guo out.”
Lord Guo’s face twisted with anger. “No need! Fine, Bi Zhen, now that you’ve become a ‘real person,’ you think you can look down on me, huh? Fine, I’ll leave, but you’ll come crawling back to me someday!” With that, he flung Mingjing aside and stormed out without looking back.
Bi Zhen remained silent for a long time before finally looking up at Mei Qing. “Mei Qing, actually, he…”
“Enough,” Mei Qing took Bi Zhen’s hand and said softly, “There’s no need to explain. Why bother with such a creature? Who would step on dog poop with new shoes?”
Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at Mei Qing’s words, but then she asked, “What exactly is a ‘creature’? I’ve never heard of it.”
Mei Qing broke into a cold sweat, frowning as he pondered for a long time before finally saying awkwardly, “This is a complicated issue. You see, humans are born from human mothers, and demons are born from demon mothers…”
“Stop it,” Bi Zhen cut him off mercilessly. “You’ve been reading Taoist scriptures all this time for nothing. Do you think demons are born as demons? If a cultivator has a child, would the child be born a ‘real person’?”
Mei Qing continued thoughtfully, “That’s a profound question. Bi Zhen, any theoretical discussion is meaningless. I strongly suggest we test this theory through practice. First, tell me, do you think it’s better to have a boy or a girl?”
“Stop it!” Bi Zhen blushed furiously. “Who said I’m going to have a child with you? If you want one, have it yourself!”
The time for having children was still far off, but Mei Qing had finally made some progress in deciphering the remaining Thunder Techniques.
The techniques recorded afterward consisted of three and a half methods. The half was because the last part was missing and could not be completed.
These techniques were: the Five Elements Escape Technique, the Thunder Prohibition Technique, the Spirit Crane Talisman, and the Palm Thunder Technique. The most regrettable part for Mei Qing was that the most powerful technique, the Palm Thunder Technique, was the incomplete one.
Even among the three that had been sorted out, the Thunder Prohibition and Spirit Crane techniques were impossible to practice because the talismans related to these two techniques were unknown to both of them.
After all, the Shenxiao Sect was a talisman-based sect, and talismans played a significant role in its techniques.
Thus, only the Five Elements Escape Technique was left for the two of them to practice.
Although Bi Zhen herself had never practiced Taoist techniques, she had been in the sect for a long time and had a broad knowledge. According to her, the escape technique was common among various sects, with seventy-two different methods, but they were mostly similar. Although the Shenxiao Sect’s techniques were based on Thunder Techniques, the escape technique was likely not much different from other sects, so it should be fine for Mei Qing to practice.
“Why is it fine for me to practice? Aren’t you going to practice it too?” Mei Qing asked in surprise.
“Once I pass the stage of condensing the elixir, I’ll naturally have the sect’s techniques to practice. But you’re different. You don’t belong to any sect, and most of my techniques may not suit you. Even if I risk breaking sect rules to teach you in the future, it might not yield any results. So, for now, the only way for you to learn Taoist techniques is to find a path through the Shenxiao Sect’s secret manuals,” Bi Zhen said somewhat gloomily.
Mei Qing finally understood. Bi Zhen wasn’t like him, without any techniques to practice; it was just that the time wasn’t right. Once she achieved the elixir, she would naturally receive teachings from her sect. If she prematurely learned techniques from other sects, it wouldn’t be beneficial.
Having agreed on this, Mei Qing began to study the Five Elements Escape Technique. However, at the beginning of his practice, Bi Zhen had to guide him. Although Bi Zhen was also a novice in Taoist techniques, she was still slightly more knowledgeable than Mei Qing.
“It seems I can’t go back tonight. My dear, where should I rest tonight?” Mei Qing asked with a mischievous smile as Bi Zhen sent a fire attendant to inform Mei’s family that he wouldn’t be returning tonight.
Bi Zhen spat, “You rascal, I don’t care where you rest. Once you’re done practicing, I’ll kick you to the library to find your dear Yuzhen and practice the Love Meditation Technique!”
At the mention of Yuzhen, Mei Qing couldn’t help but shudder at the thought of her overwhelmingly charming image.
That night, Mei Qing began practicing the Five Elements Escape Technique in Bi Zhen’s room.
The Five Elements Escape Technique, as the name suggests, allows one to escape instantly by borrowing the power of the five elements. It is a basic technique that all cultivators learn at the beginning. When mastered, one can travel thousands of miles in an instant, and walking through water or fire would be effortless.
“That’s great. Once I master this technique, I can just earth escape to your room and wood escape to your bed whenever I miss you… Why are you laughing?” Mei Qing was fantasizing about the convenience of the escape technique when he noticed Bi Zhen laughing uncontrollably.
“Do you think the escape technique is just for wandering around aimlessly? Hehe, since you don’t understand, let me explain it to you,” Bi Zhen said with a smile, clearly happy to spend the late night with Mei Qing.
The escape technique, as its name suggests, is primarily a means of escape. It consists of five types of escape techniques based on the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Its use is also subject to many restrictions, and it’s impossible to escape freely at will.
Bi Zhen took out a small wooden token and hung it around Mei Qing’s neck. “To practice the escape technique, you must first have a token. This one isn’t made of Thunder-startling Jujube Wood, but it’s still high-quality Three-Yang Peach Wood. It’s good enough for practicing the escape technique, so take good care of it.”
Mei Qing found it interesting and examined it closely. It was indeed finely crafted and had a unique fragrance. It was shaped like an arrow, only about an inch long. He chuckled, “So this is what a token looks like. I thought it would be a big plaque on the table. Does that mean I can’t use the escape technique without this token?”
Bi Zhen nodded. Mei Qing played with the token for a while and suddenly laughed.
“What are you laughing at?” Bi Zhen asked curiously.
“I just thought, if I need to wear a token for every technique I practice, wouldn’t those masters who practice a dozen techniques have their necks full of tokens? The image of a Taoist master walking around with a bunch of tokens hanging from his neck is just too funny,” Mei Qing said with a grin.
“Stop it, that’s not how it works,” Bi Zhen rolled her eyes and explained.
Generally, Taoist disciples could only practice a limited number of techniques after laying their foundation. Some techniques required talismans, but not all of them needed ritual tools. Moreover, once they reached the stage of refining essence into qi, most of these tools could be internalized, so there was no need to wear them around.
“Before the Great Ultimate, the root of heaven and earth; metal, wood, water, fire, earth gods take precedence…” Mei Qing chanted the incantation while stepping in the pattern of the Big Dipper. Bi Zhen watched intently, holding the scroll of the Five Elements Escape Technique, guarding him.
The Five Elements Escape Technique was divided into two levels: “concealment” and “escape,” each with its own set of five-element incantations. To practice it, one had to choose specific times and days, such as the four seasons, eight solar terms, or the Jiazi and Gengshen days. The practice began with concealment, starting with the earth incantation. After three days, one could move on to the next incantation, and it would take a month to master the entire technique.
The cultivation method was similar to that of other talisman-based sects, starting with the so-called “primordial ancestral qi.” The ancestral qi was drawn from the kidney water and combined with the heart fire, transforming into the five-element qi, which was then exhaled onto the token. After completing the ten incantations, one had to continuously nurture the token with spiritual energy. In times of crisis, holding the token and reciting the incantation would allow one to escape freely without fail.
Mei Qing, who practiced the elixir path, naturally had no primordial ancestral qi. But Bi Zhen had already mentioned that the escape techniques of various sects were not much different. Since he practiced the elixir path, he could use his elixir qi in the same way. Following her instructions, Mei Qing focused on his ancestral cavity, using the sun’s true fire to illuminate the nearly solidified vortex of qi. Sure enough, a stream of elixir qi rose as commanded, quickly circulating through his five organs, blending yin and yang, and achieving a state of chaotic emptiness.
Mei Qing didn’t dare to slack off. He continued stepping in the pattern, from the greedy star to the broken star in the yin dipper, and from the chief star to the gang star in the yang dipper. He stabilized his posture, stopped his ancestral qi, held the token, and exhaled. He felt a thick, yellow qi condense on the token, subtly resonating with his mind, just as described in the text. He knew he had successfully mastered the first earth incantation.
To Bi Zhen, after Mei Qing exhaled, his entire presence seemed to vanish, replaced by a deep, earthy aura. She could no longer see him, but she could still sense his presence through their spiritual connection. Seeing Mei Qing achieve such profound results in his first attempt, she couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
Once they had decided, Mei Qing began to study the Five Elements Vanishing Art. At the beginning of cultivation, he naturally needed Bi Zhen’s guidance. Although Bi Zhen herself was also new to Dao techniques, compared to Mei Qing, who was even more clueless, she was still a bit better.
“It seems I can’t go back tonight. My dear wife, I wonder where I should stay?” Mei Qing asked with a sly smile after seeing Bi Zhen send a fire-handling Daoist to inform the Mei family that he couldn’t return tonight.
Bi Zhen spat and said, “You bad guy, I don’t care where you stay. Once you finish cultivating, I’ll kick you to the library to find your Jade True sister and practice your love and devotion there!”
At her words, Mei Qing couldn’t help but imagine Jade True’s terrifying image, and he shivered involuntarily.
That night, Mei Qing began practicing the Five Elements Vanishing Art in Bi Zhen’s room.
The Five Elements Vanishing Art was a technique that used the power of the five elements to vanish instantly. It was a basic skill that cultivators learned at the beginning of their cultivation. When mastered to a high level, one could travel a thousand miles in an instant, and entering water without drowning or entering fire without burning was nothing special.
“That’s great then! Once I master this technique, whenever I miss you, I can use the Earth Vanishing to get to your room and then the Wood Vanishing to jump onto your bed… Why are you laughing?” Mei Qing was daydreaming about the convenience of the Vanishing Art when he noticed Bi Zhen laughing nonstop and hurriedly asked.
“You think the Vanishing Art is just some trick for wandering around whenever you feel like it? Hehe, since you don’t understand, let me explain it to you, my dear disciple.” Bi Zhen’s smile was blooming like a flower. It was clear that she was very happy to be alone with Mei Qing late into the night.
Actually, as the name suggested, the Vanishing Art was originally a skill for escaping danger. It consisted of five types—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—hence the name Five Elements Vanishing Art. However, its use was quite restricted, and it was absolutely impossible to vanish wherever and whenever one pleased.
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen were discussing the newly released Thunder Techniques inside the room when suddenly, the young Taoist apprentice Mingjing called out from outside the door, startling them. As they looked up, they saw a man push the door open and stride in, with Mingjing stumbling behind, trying to catch up.
The newcomer had skin like congealed fat, a face as white as powder, eyebrows like slender willow leaves, and eyes resembling crescent moons. He was dressed in a soft green silk robe with a bright red cloak draped over it. Extending his delicate, orchid-like fingers, he spoke in a voice as melodious as a nightingale’s song: “Sister Bi Zhen, why do you always avoid me?”
“Brother? Are you from the palace?”
It was none other than Lord Guo, who had been relentlessly pursuing Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen, who had been chatting and laughing with Mei Qing, immediately turned cold upon seeing this effeminate lord. She said indifferently, “Lord Guo, you are a man of status. How could you barge in without a word today? My Ren Sheng Palace is not your Duke’s mansion.”
A flash of resentment crossed Lord Guo’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Sister Bi Zhen, why are you so distant? I’ve just acquired a new garden outside the southern city and came especially to invite you for a visit to relax…”
Bi Zhen glanced at Mei Qing, noticing his displeasure, and felt annoyed by Lord Guo’s intrusion. She interrupted him, “I am a nun. Please address me appropriately. I’ve told you before that the Taoist temple is a place of tranquility and not suitable for your visits. Please understand.”
Lord Guo’s smile froze. Seeing Bi Zhen’s icy demeanor and recalling the intimate atmosphere between her and Mei Qing when he first entered, he felt a surge of hatred. He sneered, “If you’re a nun, then why is this man in your room?”
Mei Qing, who had long disliked Lord Guo, was about to retort when Bi Zhen quickly interjected, “Mei Qing is my fellow Taoist. We were discussing Taoist scriptures today. Do I need your permission for that?”
“Discussing Taoist scriptures?” Lord Guo scoffed, pointing at the silk scroll on the table. “These scribbles? Who are you trying to fool?”
Bi Zhen ignored his sarcasm and said coldly, “I’ve said what I needed to. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Mingjing, please escort Lord Guo out.”
Lord Guo’s face twisted with anger. “No need! Fine, Bi Zhen, now that you’ve become a ‘real person,’ you look down on everyone, don’t you? Fine, I’ll leave. You’ll come looking for me someday!” With that, he shoved Mingjing aside and stormed out without looking back.
Bi Zhen remained silent for a long time before finally looking up at Mei Qing. “Mei Qing, actually, he…”
“Enough,” Mei Qing took Bi Zhen’s hand and said gently, “There’s no need to explain. Why bother with such a creature? Who would step on dog poop with new shoes?”
Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at Mei Qing’s words, then asked, “What is a ‘creature’? I’ve never heard of it.”
Mei Qing broke into a sweat, frowning as he pondered for a long time before finally saying awkwardly, “This is a complicated issue. You see, humans are born from human mothers, and creatures are born from creature mothers…”
“Stop it,” Bi Zhen cut him off bluntly. “You’ve been reading Taoist scriptures all this time for nothing. Do you think creatures are born as creatures? If a cultivator has a child, would the child be born a ‘real person’?”
Mei Qing continued thoughtfully, “That’s a profound question. Bi Zhen, any theoretical discussion is meaningless. I strongly suggest we test this idea in practice. So, do you think we should have a boy or a girl first?”
“Go away!” Bi Zhen blushed furiously. “Who said I’m having a child with you? If you want one, have it yourself!”
The time for having children was still far off, but Mei Qing had finally made some progress in deciphering the remaining Thunder Techniques.
The techniques recorded afterward consisted of three and a half methods, with the last part being incomplete and irreparable.
These techniques were: Five Elements Escape Technique, Thunder Forbidden Technique, Spirit Crane Talisman, and Palm Thunder. The most regrettable for Mei Qing was that the most powerful one, Palm Thunder, was the incomplete part.
Even among the three that had been sorted out, the Thunder Forbidden Technique and Spirit Crane Talisman were impossible to practice because the talismans related to these techniques were beyond their understanding.
After all, the Shenxiao Sect was a talisman-based sect, and talismans played a significant role in their techniques.
Thus, only the Five Elements Escape Technique was left for them to practice.
Although Bi Zhen had never practiced Taoist techniques herself, she had been in the sect for a long time and had extensive knowledge. According to her, the escape technique was common among various sects, with seventy-two different methods, but they were mostly similar. Although the Shenxiao Sect’s techniques were based on Thunder Techniques, the escape technique was likely not much different from others, so Mei Qing could practice it.
“Why do you say it’s fine for me to practice it? Aren’t you going to?” Mei Qing asked, surprised.
“Once I pass the stage of condensing the elixir, I’ll naturally have sect techniques to practice. But you’re different. You’re not part of any sect, and most of my techniques may not suit you. Even if I risk breaking sect rules to teach you, it might not yield results. Therefore, the only way for you is to find a path through the Shenxiao Sect’s secret texts,” Bi Zhen said somewhat sadly.
Mei Qing finally understood. Bi Zhen wasn’t without techniques to practice like him; it was just a matter of timing. Once she achieved the elixir, she would naturally receive teachings from her sect. Learning other sects’ techniques prematurely would be counterproductive.
Having agreed on this, Mei Qing began to study the Five Elements Escape Technique. At the start of his practice, Bi Zhen had to guide him. Although Bi Zhen was also a novice in Taoist techniques, she was still slightly more knowledgeable than Mei Qing.
“It seems I can’t go back tonight. My dear, where shall I sleep?” Mei Qing asked with a sly smile as Bi Zhen sent a servant to inform his family that he wouldn’t be returning that night.
Bi Zhen scoffed, “You rascal, I don’t care where you sleep. Once you’re done practicing, I’ll kick you to the library to find your Sister Yuzhen and practice the Love View!”
At the mention of Yuzhen, Mei Qing couldn’t help but shudder at the thought of her overwhelming presence.
That night, Mei Qing began practicing the Five Elements Escape Technique in Bi Zhen’s room.
The Five Elements Escape Technique allowed one to escape instantly by harnessing the power of the five elements. It was a fundamental technique for beginners in cultivation. When mastered, one could travel thousands of miles in a thought, and walking through water or fire would be effortless.
“That’s great. Once I master this technique, I can earth escape to your room and wood escape to your bed whenever I miss you… Why are you laughing?” Mei Qing was fantasizing about the convenience of the escape technique when he noticed Bi Zhen laughing uncontrollably.
“Do you think the escape technique is just for wandering around? Hehe, since you don’t understand, let this fairy explain it to you,” Bi Zhen said with a radiant smile, clearly delighted to spend the night with Mei Qing.
The escape technique, as its name suggested, was primarily a means of escape. It consisted of five types: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, hence the name Five Elements Escape Technique. Its use was also subject to many restrictions and could not be used at will.
Bi Zhen took out a small wooden token and hung it around Mei Qing’s neck. “To practice the escape technique, you must first have a token. This one isn’t made of Thunder Startled Jujube Wood, but it’s still high-quality Three Yang Peach Wood. It’s quite good for practicing the escape technique, so take good care of it.”
Mei Qing found it interesting and examined it closely. It was indeed finely crafted and had a unique fragrance. Shaped like an arrow, it was only about an inch long. He chuckled, “So this is what a token looks like. I thought it would be a big one placed on the table. Does that mean I can’t use the escape technique without this token?”
Bi Zhen nodded. Mei Qing played with the token for a while, then suddenly laughed.
“What are you laughing at?” Bi Zhen asked, puzzled.
“I just thought, if I need to wear a token for every technique I practice, wouldn’t those who practice a dozen techniques have their necks full of tokens? The image of a Taoist master walking around with a bunch of tokens around his neck is just too funny,” Mei Qing said with a grin.
“Stop it, that’s not how it works,” Bi Zhen rolled her eyes and explained.
Generally, after foundational training, Taoist disciples could only practice a limited number of techniques, and not all of them required talismans or tools. Moreover, once they reached the stage of refining essence into qi, these tools could be internalized, so there was no need to wear them around.
“Before the Great Ultimate, the root of heaven and earth; metal, wood, water, fire, earth spirits take precedence…” Mei Qing stepped in the pattern of the Big Dipper while reciting the incantation. Beside him, Bi Zhen watched intently, holding the scroll of the Five Elements Escape Technique, guarding him.
The Five Elements Escape Technique was divided into two levels: “Concealment” and “Escape,” each with its own set of incantations. To practice it, one had to choose specific times, such as the four seasons, eight solar terms, or the days of Jiazi and Gengshen. The practice began with the earth incantation, followed by the others after three days, and it took a month to master.
The cultivation method was similar to that of other talisman sects, starting with the so-called “Primordial Ancestral Qi,” which was drawn from the kidney water to meet the heart fire, transforming into the five elements’ qi, which was then exhaled onto the token. After completing the ten incantations, the token had to be nurtured with spiritual energy. In times of crisis, holding the token and reciting the incantation would allow one to escape at will.
Mei Qing, who practiced the elixir path, naturally had no Primordial Ancestral Qi. But Bi Zhen had already mentioned that the escape techniques of different sects were not vastly different. Since he practiced the elixir, he could use his elixir qi in the same way. Following her instructions, Mei Qing focused on his ancestral cavity, using the sun’s true fire to stimulate the nearly solidified qi vortex. Soon, a stream of elixir qi rose as commanded, circulating through his five organs, blending yin and yang, and achieving a state of chaos and emptiness.
Not daring to be careless, Mei Qing continued his steps, moving from the greedy star to the broken star in the yin dipper and from the chief star to the gang star in the yang dipper. He stabilized his posture, halted his ancestral qi, held the token, and exhaled. A thick, yellow qi condensed on the token, subtly resonating with his mind, just as described in the texts. He knew the first earth incantation had been successfully cultivated.
To Bi Zhen, after Mei Qing exhaled, his entire presence seemed to vanish, replaced by a deep, earthy aura. She could no longer see him, but her connection with him allowed her to sense his presence. Seeing Mei Qing achieve such profound results in his first attempt, she was overjoyed.
Mei Qing found it interesting and took the token to examine. It was indeed fine and fragrant, quite different from ordinary peach wood. It was shaped like an arrow, only an inch long. He laughed and said, “So this is what a token looks like. I thought it would be something big that you have to place on a table. Does that mean I can’t use the Vanishing Art without this token?”
Bi Zhen nodded. Mei Qing played with the token for a while and suddenly burst into laughter.
“What are you laughing at?” Bi Zhen asked in surprise.
“I just thought, if every Dao technique requires a token, then those masters who practice dozens of techniques must have their necks full of tokens. Just imagining a Daoist master walking around with a bunch of tokens hanging from his neck makes me laugh,” Mei Qing chuckled.
“Come on, that’s not how it works,” Bi Zhen rolled her eyes at him and explained.
Actually, most Daoist disciples could only learn a limited number of techniques after entering the sect and building their foundation. Some techniques required talismans, but not all of them needed tokens. Moreover, once they reached the stage of refining essence into energy, most tokens could be absorbed into the body, so there was no need to wear them around.
“The Taiji comes first, the root of heaven and earth; Metal, Wood, Water, and Fire, Earth Spirit leads…” Mei Qing stepped in the pattern of the Dipper, reciting the incantation. Beside him, Bi Zhen watched intently, holding the scroll of the Five Elements Vanishing Art to protect him.
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen were discussing the newly released thunder techniques inside the room when suddenly, the young Taoist Mingjing called out from outside the door, startling them. As they looked up, they saw a man push the door open and stride in, with Mingjing stumbling behind, trying to catch up.
The man had skin as smooth as jade, a face as white as powder, eyebrows like slender willows, and eyes like crescent moons. He was dressed in a light green silk robe with a bright red cloak draped over his shoulders. He extended his delicate, orchid-like fingers and spoke in a voice as melodious as a nightingale’s song: “Sister Bi Zhen, why do you always avoid me?”
“Brother? Are you from the palace or something?”
It was none other than Lord Guo, who had been relentlessly pursuing Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen, who had been chatting and laughing with Mei Qing, immediately turned cold upon seeing this effeminate lord. She said indifferently, “Lord Guo, you are a man of status. How could you barge in without a word today? This is the Ren Sheng Palace, not your Duke’s mansion.”
A flash of resentment crossed Lord Guo’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Sister Bi Zhen, why are you so distant? I’ve just acquired a new garden outside the southern city and came especially to invite you for a visit to relax…”
Bi Zhen glanced at Mei Qing, who looked displeased, and she couldn’t help but feel annoyed by this troublesome man. She interrupted him, “I am a nun. Please address me appropriately, Lord Guo. I’ve already told you that this Taoist temple is a place of tranquility, and it’s inconvenient for you to visit. Please understand.”
Lord Guo’s smile froze. Seeing Bi Zhen’s icy expression and recalling the intimate atmosphere between the two when he first entered, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of hatred. He said sharply, “If you’re a nun, then why is this man in your room?”
Mei Qing, who had long disliked this man, raised an eyebrow and was about to speak when Bi Zhen quickly interjected, “Mei Qing is my fellow Taoist. We were discussing Taoist scriptures today. Do I need your permission for that?”
“Discussing Taoist scriptures?” Lord Guo sneered, pointing at the silk scroll on the table. “These scribbles? Who are you trying to fool?”
Bi Zhen ignored him and said coldly, “I’ve said what I needed to say. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Mingjing, please see Lord Guo out.”
Lord Guo’s face twisted with anger, and he said sharply, “No need! Fine, Bi Zhen, now that you’ve become a true person, you look down on everyone, don’t you? Fine, I’ll leave, but you’ll come looking for me someday!” With that, he flung Mingjing aside and stormed out without looking back.
Bi Zhen remained silent for a long time before finally looking up at Mei Qing and saying, “Mei Qing, actually, he…”
“Enough,” Mei Qing took Bi Zhen’s hand and said softly, “There’s no need to explain. Why bother with such a creature? Who would step on dog poop with new shoes?”
Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at Mei Qing’s words, but then she asked, “What is a ‘creature’? I’ve never heard of it.”
Mei Qing broke into a cold sweat and frowned, thinking deeply before finally saying awkwardly, “This is a complicated question. You see, humans are born from humans, and demons are born from demons…”
“Stop it,” Bi Zhen interrupted him without hesitation. “You’ve been reading Taoist scriptures all this time for nothing. Do you think demons are born as demons? If a cultivator has a child, would the child be born a true person?”
Mei Qing continued to ponder deeply. “That’s a profound question. Bi Zhen, any theoretical discussion is meaningless. I strongly suggest we test this theory in practice. First, tell me, do you think it’s better to have a boy or a girl?”
“Go away!” Bi Zhen blushed furiously. “Who said I’m going to have a child with you? If you want one, have it yourself!”
The time for having children was still far off, but Mei Qing had finally made some progress in deciphering the remaining thunder techniques.
The techniques recorded afterward consisted of three and a half types. The half was because the last part was missing and couldn’t be completed.
These techniques were: Five Elements Escape Technique, Thunder Forbidden Technique, Spirit Crane Talisman, and Palm Thunder. The most regrettable for Mei Qing was that the most powerful one, Palm Thunder, was the incomplete part.
Even among the three that had been deciphered, the Thunder Forbidden Technique and Spirit Crane Talisman couldn’t be practiced because the two of them didn’t know how to handle the talismans related to these techniques.
After all, the Shenxiao Sect was a talisman-based sect, and talismans played a significant role in their techniques.
Thus, only the Five Elements Escape Technique was left for the two of them to practice.
Although Bi Zhen herself had never practiced Taoist techniques, she had been in the sect for a long time and had broad knowledge. According to her, escape techniques were common among various sects, with seventy-two different methods, but they were mostly similar. Although the Shenxiao Sect’s techniques were based on thunder, their escape technique was probably not much different from others, so it should be fine for Mei Qing to practice.
“Why is it fine for me to practice? Aren’t you going to practice it?” Mei Qing asked in surprise.
“Once I pass the stage of forming the elixir, I’ll naturally have sect techniques to practice. But you’re different. You’re not affiliated with any sect, and most of my techniques might not suit you. Even if I risk breaking sect rules to teach you, it’s unlikely you’ll achieve much. So, for now, your only path is to find a way through the Shenxiao Sect’s secret texts,” Bi Zhen said somewhat gloomily.
Mei Qing finally understood. Bi Zhen wasn’t like him, without any techniques to practice; it was just that the time wasn’t right. Once she formed her elixir, she would naturally receive teachings from her sect. If she secretly learned techniques from other sects beforehand, it wouldn’t be good.
Having agreed on this, Mei Qing began to learn the Five Elements Escape Technique. At the start of his practice, Bi Zhen had to guide him. Although Bi Zhen was also a novice in Taoist techniques, she was still slightly better than Mei Qing, who was completely clueless.
“It seems I can’t go back tonight. My dear, where shall I rest tonight?” Mei Qing asked with a sly smile as Bi Zhen sent a fire attendant to inform Mei’s family that he wouldn’t be returning tonight.
Bi Zhen spat, “You rascal, I don’t care where you rest. Once you’re done practicing, I’ll kick you to the library to find your Sister Yu Zhen and practice love contemplation!”
At the mention of Yu Zhen, Mei Qing couldn’t help but shiver at the thought of her overwhelmingly charming image.
That night, Mei Qing began practicing the Five Elements Escape Technique in Bi Zhen’s room.
The so-called Five Elements Escape Technique was a method of borrowing the power of the five elements to escape instantly. It was a technique that all cultivators learned at the beginning. When mastered, one could travel thousands of miles in an instant, and walking through water or fire would be effortless.
“That’s great. Once I master this technique, I can just earth escape to your room and wood escape to your bed whenever I miss you… Why are you laughing?” Mei Qing was fantasizing about the convenience of the escape technique when he noticed Bi Zhen laughing uncontrollably.
“Do you think the escape technique is just for wandering around aimlessly? Hehe, since you don’t understand, let this fairy explain it to you in detail,” Bi Zhen said with a smile, clearly delighted to spend the late night with Mei Qing.
The escape technique, as its name suggested, was primarily a means of escaping danger. There were five types of escape techniques: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, hence the name Five Elements Escape Technique. Its use was also subject to many restrictions and couldn’t be used freely.
Bi Zhen took out a small wooden token and hung it around Mei Qing’s neck. “To practice the escape technique, you first need a token. This one isn’t made of thunder-shocked jujube wood, but it’s still high-quality three-yang peach wood. It’s good enough for practicing the escape technique, so take good care of it.”
Mei Qing found it interesting and immediately examined it. It was indeed finely crafted and had a unique fragrance. It was shaped like a small arrow, only about an inch long. He laughed, “So this is what a token looks like. I thought it would be a big one placed on the table. Does that mean I can’t use the escape technique without this token?”
Bi Zhen nodded. Mei Qing played with the token for a while and suddenly laughed.
“What are you laughing at?” Bi Zhen asked in surprise.
“I just thought, if you need to wear a token for every technique you practice, wouldn’t those who practice a dozen techniques have their necks full of tokens? The image of a Taoist master walking around with a bunch of tokens hanging from his neck is just too funny,” Mei Qing said with a chuckle.
“Stop it, that’s not how it works,” Bi Zhen rolled her eyes at him and then explained.
Generally, after a Taoist disciple laid their foundation, the number of techniques they could practice was very limited. Some techniques that required talismans didn’t necessarily need ritual implements. Moreover, once they reached the stage of refining essence into qi, most of these implements could be absorbed into the body, so there was no need to wear them around.
“Before the Great Ultimate, the root of heaven and earth; metal, wood, water, fire, earth spirits take precedence…” Mei Qing stepped in the pattern of the Big Dipper, reciting the incantation. Beside him, Bi Zhen watched intently, holding the scroll of the Five Elements Escape Technique, guarding him.
The Five Elements Escape Technique was divided into two levels: “concealment” and “escape,” each with its own set of five-element incantations. To practice, one had to choose specific times, such as the four seasons, eight festivals, or the days of Jiazi and Gengshen. During practice, one started with concealment, beginning with the earth incantation, and after three days, moved on to the next incantation. It took a month to master all five.
The practice method was similar to that of other talisman sects, starting with the so-called “primordial ancestral qi,” drawing it from the kidney water to meet the heart fire, transforming it into five-element qi, and then exhaling it onto the token. After completing the ten incantations, one had to constantly nurture the token with spiritual energy. In times of danger, holding the token and reciting the incantation would allow one to escape freely without fail.
Mei Qing, who practiced the elixir path, naturally had no primordial ancestral qi. But Bi Zhen had already said that the escape techniques of different sects were not much different. Since he practiced the elixir path, he could use elixir qi to exhale onto the token, which should work the same way. Following this, Mei Qing focused inward, using a ray of sun’s true fire to shine on the nearly solidified vortex of qi within him. Sure enough, a stream of elixir qi rose as commanded, quickly circulating through his five organs, blending yin and yang, and achieving a state of chaotic emptiness.
Mei Qing didn’t dare to slack off. He continued stepping in the pattern, moving from the greedy star to the broken star in the yin dipper, and from the chief star to the gang star in the yang dipper. He stabilized his posture, stopped his ancestral qi, held the token, and exhaled. He felt a thick, yellow qi condense on the token, subtly resonating with his mind, just as described in the text. He knew he had successfully completed the first earth incantation.
To Bi Zhen, after Mei Qing exhaled, his entire presence seemed to vanish, replaced by a deep, earthy aura. She could no longer see him clearly, but she could still sense his presence through their spiritual connection. Seeing Mei Qing achieve such profound results in his first attempt, she couldn’t help but feel overjoyed.
The cultivation method was similar to that of the talisman sects. It started with the so-called “Primordial Qi,” which was drawn from the kidney water and united with the heart fire, transforming into the Five Elements Qi. This Qi was then blown onto the token. After completing all ten incantations, the token needed to be constantly warmed with spiritual consciousness. In times of danger, by holding the token and reciting the incantation, one could vanish at will without fail.
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen were discussing the newly released thunder techniques inside the room when suddenly, the young Taoist novice Ming Jing called out from outside the door, startling them. As they looked up, they saw a man push the door open and stride in, with Ming Jing stumbling behind, trying to catch up.
The man had skin as smooth as jade, a face as fair as powder, eyebrows like slender willows, and eyes like crescent moons. He was dressed in a soft green silk robe with a bright red cloak draped over his shoulders. He extended his delicate, orchid-like fingers and spoke in a voice as melodious as a nightingale’s song: “Sister Bi Zhen, why do you always avoid me?”
“Brother? Are you from the palace?”
It was none other than Lord Guo, who had been relentlessly pursuing Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen, who had been chatting and laughing with Mei Qing, immediately turned cold upon seeing this effeminate lord. She said indifferently, “Lord Guo, you are a man of status. How could you barge in without a word today? This Ren Sheng Palace is not your Duke’s residence.”
A flash of resentment crossed Lord Guo’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Sister Bi Zhen, why are you so distant? Today, I’ve just acquired a new garden south of the city, and I came especially to invite you to relax there…”
Bi Zhen glanced at Mei Qing, noticing his displeasure, and felt annoyed by Lord Guo’s intrusion. She interrupted him, “I am a nun. Please address me appropriately, Lord Guo. I’ve told you before that this Taoist temple is a place of tranquility and is not suitable for your visits. Please understand.”
Lord Guo’s smile froze. Seeing Bi Zhen’s icy expression and recalling the intimate atmosphere between her and Mei Qing when he entered, he felt a surge of hatred. He sneered, “If you’re a nun, then why is this man in your room?”
Mei Qing, who had already disliked Lord Guo, was about to retort when Bi Zhen cut in, “Mei Qing is my fellow Taoist. We were discussing Taoist scriptures today. Do I need your permission for that?”
“Discussing Taoist scriptures?” Lord Guo scoffed, pointing at the silk scroll on the table. “These scribbles? Who are you trying to fool?”
Bi Zhen ignored him and said coldly, “I’ve said what I needed to. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Ming Jing, please escort Lord Guo out.”
Lord Guo’s face twisted with anger. “No need! Fine, Bi Zhen, now that you’ve become a ‘real person,’ you look down on everyone, don’t you? Fine, I’ll leave, but you’ll come crawling back to me!” With that, he flung Ming Jing aside and stormed out without looking back.
Bi Zhen remained silent for a long time before finally looking up at Mei Qing. “Mei Qing, actually, he…”
“Enough,” Mei Qing took Bi Zhen’s hand and said softly, “There’s no need to explain. Why bother with such a creature? Who would step on dog poop with new shoes?”
Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at Mei Qing’s words, then asked, “What is a ‘creature’? I’ve never heard of it.”
Mei Qing broke into a sweat, furrowing his brow as he pondered. “This is a complicated question. You see, humans are born from humans, and creatures are born from creatures…”
“Stop it,” Bi Zhen interrupted bluntly. “You’ve been reading Taoist scriptures all this time for nothing. Do you think creatures are born as creatures? If a cultivator has a child, would the child be born a ‘real person’?”
Mei Qing continued thoughtfully, “That’s a profound question. Bi Zhen, theoretical discussions are meaningless. I strongly suggest we test this idea in practice. First, tell me, would you prefer to have a boy or a girl?”
“Go away!” Bi Zhen blushed furiously. “Who said I want to have a child with you? If you want one, have it yourself!”
The time for having children was still far off, but Mei Qing’s interpretation of the thunder techniques was finally making some progress.
The recorded techniques included three and a half methods. The half was because the last part was missing and couldn’t be completed.
These techniques were: Five Elements Escape Technique, Thunder Restriction Technique, Spirit Crane Talisman, and Palm Thunder. The most regrettable for Mei Qing was that the most powerful technique, Palm Thunder, was the incomplete one.
Even among the three that had been compiled, the Thunder Restriction and Spirit Crane techniques were unattainable because the talismans related to these techniques were beyond their understanding.
After all, the Shenxiao Sect was a talisman-based sect, and talismans played a significant role in their techniques.
Thus, only the Five Elements Escape Technique was left for them to practice.
Although Bi Zhen herself had never practiced Taoist techniques, she had been in the sect for a long time and had broad knowledge. According to her, the escape technique was common among various sects, with seventy-two different methods, but they were mostly similar. Although the Shenxiao Sect’s techniques were based on thunder, the escape technique was likely no different from others, and Mei Qing could practice it.
“Why do you say I can practice it? Aren’t you going to?” Mei Qing asked in surprise.
“Once I pass the stage of condensing the elixir, I can naturally practice the sect’s techniques. But you’re different. You have no sect, and most of my techniques may not suit you. Even if I risk breaking sect rules to teach you, it might not yield results. Therefore, the only way for you is to find a path through the Shenxiao Sect’s secret texts,” Bi Zhen said somewhat gloomily.
Mei Qing finally understood. Bi Zhen wasn’t like him, without techniques to practice; it was just a matter of timing. Once she formed her elixir, she would naturally receive teachings from her sect. Learning other sects’ techniques prematurely would be counterproductive.
Having agreed on this, Mei Qing began to study the Five Elements Escape Technique. At the start of his practice, Bi Zhen had to guide him. Although she was also a novice in Taoist techniques, she was still slightly more experienced than Mei Qing.
“It seems I can’t go back tonight. My dear, where shall I rest tonight?” Mei Qing asked with a sly smile as Bi Zhen sent a fire attendant to inform his family that he wouldn’t return that night.
Bi Zhen spat, “You rascal, I don’t care where you rest. Once you’re done practicing, I’ll kick you to the library to find your Sister Yu Zhen and practice the Love Observation Technique!”
At the mention of Yu Zhen, Mei Qing couldn’t help but shiver at the thought of her overwhelming presence.
That night, Mei Qing began practicing the Five Elements Escape Technique in Bi Zhen’s room.
The Five Elements Escape Technique allowed one to escape instantly by harnessing the power of the five elements. It was a basic technique for beginners in Taoism. When mastered, one could travel thousands of miles in a thought, and walking through water or fire would be effortless.
“That’s great. Once I master this technique, I can use earth escape to come to your room and wood escape to your bed… Why are you laughing?” Mei Qing was fantasizing about the convenience of the escape technique when he noticed Bi Zhen laughing uncontrollably.
“Do you think the escape technique is just for wandering around? Hehe, since you don’t understand, let me explain,” Bi Zhen said with a smile, clearly delighted to spend the night with Mei Qing.
The escape technique, as its name suggested, was a means of escaping danger. It included five types of escape techniques: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, hence the name Five Elements Escape Technique. Its use was highly restricted and couldn’t be used at will.
Bi Zhen took out a small wooden token and placed it around Mei Qing’s neck. “To practice the escape technique, you must first have a token. This one isn’t made of thunder-startled jujube wood, but it’s still high-quality three-yang peach wood. It’s good enough for you to practice the escape technique, so take good care of it.”
Mei Qing found it interesting and examined it closely. It was indeed finely crafted and had a pleasant fragrance. It was shaped like an arrow, only an inch long. He laughed, “So this is what a token looks like. I thought it would be a big one placed on the table. Does that mean I can’t use the escape technique without this token?”
Bi Zhen nodded. Mei Qing played with the token for a while and suddenly laughed.
“What are you laughing at?” Bi Zhen asked curiously.
“I just thought, if I need to wear a token for every technique I practice, wouldn’t those who practice dozens of techniques have their necks covered in tokens? The image of a Taoist master walking around with a bunch of tokens around his neck is just too funny,” Mei Qing chuckled.
“Stop it, that’s not how it works,” Bi Zhen rolled her eyes and explained.
Generally, Taoist disciples could only practice a limited number of techniques after laying their foundation. Some techniques required talismans, but not all needed ritual implements. Moreover, once they reached the stage of refining essence into qi, most of these implements could be absorbed into the body, so there was no need to wear them around.
“Before the Great Ultimate, the root of heaven and earth; metal, wood, water, fire, earth gods take precedence…” Mei Qing chanted the incantation while stepping in the pattern of the Big Dipper. Bi Zhen watched intently, holding the scroll of the Five Elements Escape Technique, guarding him.
The Five Elements Escape Technique was divided into two levels: “concealment” and “escape,” each with its own set of five-element incantations. To practice it, one had to choose specific times, such as the four seasons, eight solar terms, or the days of Jiazi and Gengshen. The practice started with concealment, beginning with the earth incantation, followed by the next incantation after three days. It took a month to master.
The practice method was similar to that of the talisman sects, starting with the so-called “primordial ancestral qi,” drawing it from the kidney water to intersect with the heart fire, transforming it into the five-element qi, and then exhaling it onto the token. After completing the ten incantations, one had to constantly nurture the token with spiritual energy. In times of crisis, holding the token and reciting the incantation would allow one to escape at will.
Mei Qing, who practiced the elixir path, naturally had no primordial ancestral qi. But Bi Zhen had already said that the escape techniques of different sects were mostly the same. Since he practiced the elixir, he could use elixir qi to exhale onto the token, which should work the same way. Following her instructions, Mei Qing focused on his ancestral cavity, using the sun’s true fire to shoot down at the nearly solidified vortex of qi. Sure enough, a stream of elixir qi rose as commanded, quickly circulating through his five organs, blending yin and yang, and achieving a state of chaotic emptiness.
Mei Qing didn’t dare to slack off. He continued stepping in the pattern, moving from the greedy star to the broken star in the yin dipper and from the chief star to the gang star in the yang dipper. He stabilized his posture, stopped his ancestral qi, held the token, and exhaled. He felt a thick, yellow qi condense on the token, subtly resonating with his mind, just as described in the text. He knew the first earth incantation had been successfully practiced.
To Bi Zhen, after Mei Qing exhaled, his entire presence seemed to vanish, replaced by a deep, earthy aura. She could no longer see him, but she could still sense his presence through their spiritual connection. Seeing Mei Qing achieve such profound results on his first attempt, she was overjoyed.
Mei Qing and Bi Zhen were discussing the newly released Thunder Techniques inside the room when suddenly, the young Taoist apprentice Ming Jing called out from outside the door, startling them. As they looked up, they saw a man push the door open and stride in, with Ming Jing stumbling behind, trying to catch up.
The man had skin as smooth as jade, a face as white as powder, eyebrows like slender willow leaves, and eyes shaped like crescent moons. He was dressed in a soft green silk robe with a bright red cloak draped over his shoulders. He extended his hand, fingers as delicate as peeled scallions, and spoke in a voice as melodious as a nightingale’s song: “Sister Bi Zhen, why do you always avoid me?”
“Brother? Big brother, are you from the palace?”
It was none other than Lord Guo, who had been relentlessly pursuing Bi Zhen.
Bi Zhen, who had been chatting and laughing with Mei Qing, immediately turned cold upon seeing this effeminate lord. She said indifferently, “Lord Guo, you are a man of status. How could you barge in without a word today? This Ren Sheng Palace is not your Duke’s mansion.”
A flash of resentment crossed Lord Guo’s eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. “Sister Bi Zhen, why are you so distant? Today, I’ve just acquired a new garden outside the southern city, and I’ve come especially to invite you to relax there…”
Bi Zhen glanced at Mei Qing, noticing his displeasure, and felt annoyed by Lord Guo’s intrusion. She interrupted him, “Bi Zhen is a nun. There’s no need for such familiarity, Lord Guo. I’ve told you before that this Taoist temple is a place of tranquility, and it’s inconvenient for you to visit. Please understand.”
Lord Guo’s smile froze. Seeing Bi Zhen’s icy demeanor and recalling the intimate atmosphere between the two when he first entered, he felt a surge of hatred. He sneered, “If Bi Zhen is a nun, then why is this boy in your room?”
Mei Qing, who had long disliked the man, raised his eyebrows and was about to speak when Bi Zhen cut in, “Mei Qing is my fellow Taoist. We were discussing Taoist scriptures today. Do I need your approval for that?”
“Discussing Taoist scriptures?” Lord Guo scoffed, pointing at the silk scroll on the table. “These scribbles? Who are you trying to fool?”
Bi Zhen ignored him and said coldly, “I’ve said what I needed to say. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Ming Jing, please escort Lord Guo out.”
Lord Guo’s face twisted, and he said sharply, “No need! Fine, Bi Zhen, now that you’ve become a true master, you look down on everyone, don’t you? Fine, I’ll leave, but you’ll come looking for me someday!” With that, he flung Ming Jing aside and stormed out without looking back.
Bi Zhen remained silent for a long time before finally looking up at Mei Qing and saying, “Mei Qing, actually, he…”
“Enough,” Mei Qing took Bi Zhen’s hand and said softly, “There’s no need to explain. Why bother with such a creature? Who would step on dog poop with new shoes?”
Bi Zhen couldn’t help but laugh at Mei Qing’s words, then asked, “What’s a creature? I’ve never heard of it.”
Mei Qing broke into a sweat, furrowed his brow, and thought for a long time before finally saying stiffly, “This is a complicated issue. You see, humans are born from human mothers, and creatures are born from creature mothers…”
“Stop it,” Bi Zhen interrupted him without hesitation. “You’ve been reading Taoist scriptures all this time for nothing. Do you think creatures are born as creatures? If a cultivator has a child, would the child be born a true master?”
Mei Qing continued thoughtfully, “That’s a profound question. Bi Zhen, any theoretical discussion is meaningless. I strongly suggest we test this theory in practice. First, tell me, do you think it’s better to have a boy or a girl?”
“Go away!” Bi Zhen blushed. “Who said I’d have a child with you? Have one yourself if you want!”
The time for having children was still far off, but Mei Qing had finally made some progress in deciphering the Thunder Techniques.
The techniques recorded afterward consisted of three and a half methods. The half was because the last part was missing and could not be completed.
These techniques were: Five Elements Escape Technique, Thunder Forbidden Technique, Spirit Crane Talisman, and Palm Thunder. The most regrettable part for Mei Qing was that the most powerful technique, Palm Thunder, was the incomplete one.
Even among the three that had been sorted out, the Thunder Forbidden Technique and the Spirit Crane Talisman could not be practiced because the talismans related to these two techniques were unknown to them.
After all, the Shenxiao Sect was a talisman-based sect, and talismans played a significant role in their techniques.
Thus, only the Five Elements Escape Technique was left for them to practice.
Although Bi Zhen herself had not practiced any Taoist techniques, she had been in the sect for a long time and had extensive knowledge. According to her, the escape technique was common among various sects, known as the Seventy-Two Escape Methods, which were largely similar. Although the Shenxiao Sect’s techniques were based on Thunder Techniques, the escape technique was likely not much different from other sects, so Mei Qing could practice it.
“Why do you say it’s fine for me to practice? Aren’t you going to practice it?” Mei Qing asked in surprise.
“Once I pass the stage of condensing the elixir, I’ll naturally have the sect’s techniques to practice. But you’re different. You’re not affiliated with any sect, and most of my techniques may not suit you. Even if I risk breaking the sect’s rules to teach you in the future, it’s unlikely you’ll achieve much. Therefore, the only way for you to learn Taoist techniques is to find a path through the Shenxiao Sect’s secret texts,” Bi Zhen said somewhat sadly.
Mei Qing finally understood. Bi Zhen wasn’t like him, without any techniques to practice; it was just that the time wasn’t right. Once she achieved the elixir, she would naturally receive teachings from her sect. If she secretly learned techniques from other sects beforehand, it wouldn’t be beneficial.
Having agreed on this, Mei Qing began to study the Five Elements Escape Technique. At the beginning of his practice, Bi Zhen had to guide him. Although Bi Zhen was also a novice in Taoist techniques, she was still slightly more experienced than Mei Qing.
“It seems I can’t go back tonight. My dear, where shall I sleep tonight?” Mei Qing asked with a sly smile as Bi Zhen sent a fire attendant to inform Mei’s family that he wouldn’t be returning tonight.
Bi Zhen spat, “You rascal, I don’t care where you sleep. Once you’re done practicing, I’ll kick you to the library to find your Sister Yu Zhen and practice the Love Observation Technique!”
At the mention of Yu Zhen, Mei Qing couldn’t help but shiver at the thought of her lethal image.
That night, Mei Qing began practicing the Five Elements Escape Technique in Bi Zhen’s room.
The Five Elements Escape Technique allowed one to escape instantly using the power of the five elements. It was a technique that all cultivators learned at the beginning of their journey. When mastered, one could travel thousands of miles in an instant, and entering water without drowning or fire without burning was a trivial matter.
“That’s great. Once I master this technique, I can earth escape to your room and wood escape to your bed whenever I miss you… Why are you laughing?” Mei Qing was fantasizing about the convenience of the escape technique when he noticed Bi Zhen laughing uncontrollably.
“Do you think the escape technique is just for wandering around? Hehe, since you don’t understand, let this fairy explain it to you,” Bi Zhen said with a smile, clearly delighted to spend the night with Mei Qing.
The escape technique, as its name suggested, was a skill for escaping. It consisted of five types of escape methods: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, hence the name Five Elements Escape Technique. Its use was also subject to many restrictions, and it was impossible to escape at will.
Bi Zhen took out a small wooden token and hung it around Mei Qing’s neck. “To practice the escape technique, you must first have a token. This one isn’t made of thunder-startled jujube wood, but it’s still high-quality three-yang peach wood. It’s good enough for you to practice the escape technique. Keep it safe.”
Mei Qing found it interesting and examined it closely. It was indeed finely crafted and had a unique fragrance. It was shaped like an arrow, only an inch long. He laughed, “So this is what a token looks like. I thought it would be a big one placed on the table. Does that mean I can’t use the escape technique without this token?”
Bi Zhen nodded. Mei Qing played with the token for a while and suddenly laughed.
“What are you laughing at?” Bi Zhen asked in surprise.
“I just thought that if I need to wear a token for every technique I practice, wouldn’t those who practice a dozen techniques have their necks full of tokens? The thought of Taoist masters walking around with a bunch of tokens around their necks makes me laugh,” Mei Qing said with a grin.
“Stop it, that’s not how it works,” Bi Zhen rolled her eyes and explained.
Generally, Taoist disciples could only practice a limited number of techniques after their initial foundation. Some techniques required talismans, but not all of them needed ritual tools. Moreover, once they reached the stage of refining essence into qi, most of these tools could be internalized, so there was no need to wear them around.
“Before the Great Ultimate, the root of heaven and earth; metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, the spirit of earth comes first…” Mei Qing chanted the incantation while stepping in the pattern of the Big Dipper. Bi Zhen watched intently, holding the scroll of the Five Elements Escape Technique, guarding him.
The Five Elements Escape Technique was divided into two levels: “concealment” and “escape,” each with its own set of incantations. To practice it, one had to choose specific times, such as the four seasons and eight solar terms, or days like Jiazi and Gengshen. The practice began with concealment, starting with the earth incantation, and after three days, the next incantation could be practiced. It took a month to master.
The practice method was similar to that of other talisman-based sects, starting with the so-called “primordial ancestral qi,” which was drawn from the kidney water to meet the heart fire, transforming into the qi of the five elements. This qi was then exhaled onto the token. After completing the ten incantations, the token had to be nurtured with spiritual energy. In times of crisis, holding the token and reciting the incantation would allow one to escape at will.
Mei Qing, who practiced the elixir path, naturally had no primordial ancestral qi. But Bi Zhen had already said that the escape techniques of various sects were not much different. Since he practiced the elixir, he could use the elixir qi in the same way. Following the instructions, Mei Qing focused on his ancestral cavity, directing a ray of sun’s true fire onto the nearly solidified vortex of qi. Sure enough, a stream of elixir qi rose as commanded, quickly circulating through his five organs, blending yin and yang, and achieving a state of chaos and emptiness.
Not daring to be careless, Mei Qing continued his steps, moving from the greedy star to the broken star in the yin dipper, and from the chief star to the gang star in the yang dipper. He stabilized his posture, ceased his ancestral qi, held the token, and exhaled. He felt a thick, yellow qi condense on the token, subtly resonating with his mind, just as described in the text. He knew the first earth incantation had been successfully practiced.
To Bi Zhen, after Mei Qing exhaled, his entire presence seemed to vanish, replaced by a deep, earthy aura. She could no longer see him, but she could still sense his presence through their spiritual connection. Seeing Mei Qing achieve such profound results in his first attempt, she was overjoyed.
From Bi Zhen’s perspective, as soon as Mei Qing exhaled, his entire presence suddenly vanished. She could only sense a deep and profound earthy aura. Visually, he seemed to disappear into a hazy mist. However, since their hearts were already somewhat connected, she could still feel that her beloved was right in front of her. Seeing that Mei Qing had achieved such profound results on his first attempt at this technique, she couldn’t help but feel immense joy.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage