Chapter 44: Enlightenment

The pill melted into Wu Ming’s mouth, and only then did he realize he had been a bit too confident.

The Five-Stone Returning Brightness Powder was a rare and precious formula recorded in the “Yellow Court Secret Classic,” and it had cost a great deal to gather all the ingredients. How could its effects be ordinary?

Even for alchemists and even mages, it had certain effects.

He, a complete novice, had swallowed it directly, and the medicinal potency was too strong, causing significant problems.

At this moment, he felt a surge of heat rising from his entire body, endlessly flowing, penetrating his limbs and internal organs, making him almost want to jump up and dance wildly.

Although this pill wasn’t a celestial elixir that would cause an ordinary person to explode upon ingestion, it was still too potent for a typical Taoist practitioner to endure.

Wu Ming was only wearing light clothing, yet he was now steaming with heat, visibly sweating.

“If I were to stand up now, letting my mind run wild and my body dash about, allowing the medicine to fully take effect, it might truly become a tiger or wolf-level pill, severely depleting my vital essence!”

Wu Ming’s thoughts were clear, yet he fiercely restrained himself.

Before swallowing the pill, he naturally had preparation and confidence—his martial cultivation foundation!

Ordinary people couldn’t endure this medicinal potency, but his innate constitution allowed him to barely maintain a shred of clarity in his mind.

At this moment, he forcefully suppressed the heat, silently reciting the Yellow Court scriptures, circulating the Yin Fu techniques, locking the heat inside, guiding it from the dantian, along the conception and governing meridians up the spine, directly to the celestial crown, piercing through the mud pill.

Everyone possesses a consciousness sea, but before cultivation, it remains a chaotic void.

Taoists open the consciousness sea by illuminating it with light, making it the source of their spiritual power.

Although martial arts and Taoist cultivation differ in path, some methods are shared.

At this moment, Wu Ming firmly guarded his spirit, allowing the heat to pass through the mud pill, transforming hot into cold, like a clear, icy thread surging within the consciousness sea.

Within the chaos, a thread of vitality quietly stirred.

Externally, Wu Ming’s previously red-faced, overheated appearance completely receded, returning to a calm state.

The jade rabbit sank, and the golden crow rose in the east.

Unconsciously, an entire night had passed.

At this moment, Wu Ming, sitting cross-legged, suddenly opened his eyes, a flicker of sharp light flashing within.

“Almost there…”

He touched his brow, a hint of joy emerging: “Now when I meditate, I can clearly sense a thread of light on the verge of emerging within my consciousness sea… This Five-Stone Returning Brightness Powder is indeed extraordinary. Although any medicine is most effective the first time, the remaining doses should be enough to assist me in opening my consciousness sea!”

“Even if I entered the Taoist academy, I’d only be considered an outer-disciple assistant. Only after truly opening the consciousness sea and receiving the Taoist talisman could I be considered a true inner-disciple…”

“But now, I can catch up to that progress in just a month!”

Wu Ming’s lips curled into a slight smile.

Becoming a talisman-receiving Taoist was naturally not so simple. From what Wu Ming knew, within the Taoist academy, there were many disciples stuck at this stage for years or even decades, and some never managed to break through their entire lives.

To address this, the Taoist sects had specially developed various talismans, such as the Supreme Three-Five Authority Scripture Talisman, the Supreme Zhengyi Alliance Scripture Talisman, the Eight Trigrams Protection Talisman, the Demon-Repelling Divine Talisman, the Four Divisions Prohibition Scripture, the Life-Preserving Longevity Talisman, and others, as methods to accelerate growth.

However, using talismans to open the consciousness sea was a last resort, as those who relied on talismans inherently possessed less potential compared to those who naturally opened their consciousness sea, known as “Heaven-Bestowed Talisman” disciples, the true inheritors.

Moreover, even these talismans weren’t readily available.

From what Wu Ming knew, the Yunping Taoist Academy granted the Nine Phoenix Purification Talisman, with only three spots available every five years, fiercely competed for.

Wu Qing had entered the academy, naturally opened her consciousness sea within three months, and received the Heaven-Bestowed Talisman, earning widespread fame and being cultivated as a true inheritor.

“Hmm… Compared to Sister Wu Qing, I’m essentially cheating, but with the myriad paths of cultivation, as long as the goal is achieved, relying on external aids matters little. However, my progress is rapid, so my Taoist heart and cultivation must also keep pace, or else my foundation will be unstable, leading to a tragic outcome… It’s time to calm my mind, study more Taoist scriptures, and cultivate my character…”

Wu Ming gazed at the clouds in the sky, suddenly sighing.

At this moment, large snowflakes like goose feathers drifted down from afar. In no time, the earth was blanketed in white, draped in silver, with a solemn chill in the air…

…

The fourth year of Peace, on the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month.

The sound of firecrackers ushers in the New Year; Spring breeze brings warmth into the TuSu wine. The sun shines brightly on countless households, as all replace old peach charms with new ones.

This world also celebrates the Spring Festival, an ancient ritual of the Zhou dynasty, quite similar to what he remembered from his past life.

Even so, customs like replacing peach charms, burning bamboo firecrackers, and drinking TuSu wine remained, and the entire manor was filled with a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere, evoking a sense of nostalgia in Wu Ming.

On this very day, Wu Qing, who had long been at the Taoist academy, was finally returning home.

“Hurry up and clean properly! If the young mistress isn’t pleased, just wait and see what happens to your hides!”

Early in the morning, the entire manor was bustling with activity. Old Wu, the steward, was bustling about importantly, giving reprimands left and right.

“It seems the academy really has been busy. I heard Sister got promoted and has been working nonstop…”

Wu Ming, having cultivated his martial arts to the point of being unaffected by extreme cold or heat, wore a long robe and silver crown, his wide sleeves fluttering. Having studied many Taoist scriptures, he carried an air of calm detachment, captivating the maids below with his presence.

“The roads must be cleared, and plant more plum blossoms in the courtyard—Sister Wu Qing loves those…”

As he casually instructed the steward, he caught sight of someone and paused: “You, come here!”

“My Lord!”

Li Xiuyun, wearing silver hairpins and a red coat, her face flushed, approached with a graceful bow, nervously clutching her sleeve: “I wanted to come and help…”

“Very well! If you don’t mind, you’re welcome to celebrate with us this year—it’ll be more lively!”

Wu Ming smiled. Since someone was monitoring her, nothing seemed amiss, so he naturally wanted to show a little kindness.

“Alright! No, thank you, my Lord!”

Upon hearing this, Li Xiuyun’s eyes suddenly lit up with joy, nearly forgetting herself.

“The young mistress’s carriage has arrived!”

At this moment, another gatekeeper entered to announce, and Wu Ming quickly went to greet her.

Li Xiuyun had intended to move forward, but suddenly her expression dimmed, and she slowly stepped back.

“Miss, the young master himself has come to greet you!”

From the carriage, a maid with a charming smile and delicate beauty descended, greeting Wu Ming with a bow before turning to the carriage.

Wu Ming naturally recognized her—this was his sister’s maid, Xue’er.

“You little rascal, now you even know manners—how rare!”

The carriage curtain lifted, revealing Wu Qing’s stunning figure. Though dressed in Taoist robes, her beauty remained undeniable, and the large cloak she wore added a touch of heroic vigor.

“Sister, you’ve worked hard. Previously, I was ignorant and neglected you—I hope you can forgive me!”

Wu Ming stepped forward to assist her, noticing Wu Qing seemed momentarily startled, then she gave him a sidelong glance mixed with appreciation as she slowly stepped down from the carriage.

“Greetings, Young Mistress!”

At this moment, Old Wu, Feng Han, and others all bowed. Wu Ming took Wu Qing’s hand, leading her into the manor, casually recounting his recent activities.

“Hmm, establishing a school and training local guards—these are all solid foundations…”

Upon reaching the main hall, Wu Qing removed her cloak, shaking off snow, her phoenix-like eyes carrying a hint of teasing: “But… with both literary and martial wings prepared, could my little brother possibly wish to become a dragon, vying for supremacy under heaven?”

Puh!

Wu Ming nearly spat out his tea, almost falling over: “You… what did you say?”

“Puhahaha!”

Seeing Wu Ming’s reaction, Wu Qing laughed heartily: “I’m just teasing you. Look at how frightened you are—it’s so amusing!”

Her expression turned serious again: “We Taoist cultivators have transcended the three realms and exist beyond the five elements. Mundane power and the rise and fall of dynasties are merely obstacles—ignore them, and you’ll never achieve true greatness!”

“Thank you, Sister, for reminding me!”

Wu Ming listened, deeply moved. With recent Taoist cultivation accumulation, he felt he was just one step away from breaking through and opening his consciousness sea. He immediately thanked her, then suddenly shivered: “Sister, you’ve noticed!”

“You’re brimming with spiritual energy, your embryonic light stirring. Your Taoist cultivation and mindset have reached their peak, just one step from opening your consciousness sea—I naturally noticed!”

A crimson gleam flickered in Wu Qing’s eyes: “I initially intended to find you some cultivation techniques, but I never expected you to have already discovered your own path—and what’s more, it’s authentic Taoist doctrine. This is truly your blessing!”

“The method I’m currently practicing is the “Yellow Court Secret Classic,” obtained from Master Qingping of the Zhou family. Sister, take a look…”

Wu Ming handed over the silver-charred jade book, completely open.

“The Zhou family?” Wu Qing’s eyebrows furrowed, carrying a hint of killing intent, yet she accepted it and examined it carefully, visibly moved: “Good! This method is no worse than mine, unfortunately only half of it… Whether you can find the continuation will depend on your fortune!”

“You don’t seem surprised? Won’t you even ask about my secrets?”

Wu Ming was truly astonished this time.

Anyone undergoing such a dramatic transformation would naturally raise suspicions.

He had long prepared explanations, all based on the memories of the wastrel’s past, seemingly flawless.

Yet unexpectedly, Wu Qing showed no signs of doubt.

“Your talent and Taoist nature are merely average. To suddenly advance so rapidly naturally means you’ve encountered your own opportunities!”

Wu Qing smiled gently and said, “Do you know, ever since reaching the mage level, I’ve gained spiritual insight—even the ability to divine fortunes. If you are truly yourself, with no harm to your soul, what more needs to be said? The deeper your blessings, the happier I am!”

Hearing this, Wu Ming felt somewhat embarrassed.

If not for leaning on the Main Temple’s powerful support, helping to conceal his secrets, he would likely have been exposed by now, suffering a tragic fate.

“There’s something important I must entrust to you this time I’ve returned.”

Wu Qing exchanged a few more words with a smile, her expression suddenly turning solemn as she gazed at the snow: “I’ve been promoted by the academy head and selected as a high-ranking Taoist priest. On the second day of the second lunar month next year, I must go to the prefectural city to participate in the Dragon Gate Assembly. The outcome is uncertain!”

“Sister, you know the Dragon Gate Assembly is extremely dangerous, with the local aristocracy targeting participants. Could you temporarily avoid the spotlight?”

Wu Ming immediately furrowed his brows.

If Wu Qing encountered trouble, aside from his personal feelings, the Zhou family would no longer hold any restraint.