Chapter 23: Gaining True Teachings

As he spoke, Master Yun Shou took three more items from the intricately carved box. "There is no need to wait for three days; come to me tonight at the third watch."

Bai Yichen glanced over and saw that the items were a bottle of pills, a scroll of martial techniques, and a jade tablet with golden script. The pill bottle was made of green jade, concealing its contents.

As for the scroll, it appeared to be a secret technique passed down through the temple, something known only to the temple masters. Bai Yichen could not discern its details, so he directed a questioning look at Master Yun Shou.

Master Yun Shou smiled slightly and began explaining each item.

First was the pill. In addition to refining the three Red Ginseng Barrier-Breaking Pills, the leftover materials had been used to create 24 smaller Red Ginseng Pills, each resembling a tiny red gemstone.

These were made using decades-old red lingzhi as the primary ingredient, lacking the barrier-breaking effect of the main pills and with a weaker potency. However, for Bai Yichen, who was in the late-stage Acquired realm, this was perfect, as it could speed up his progress toward achieving Acquired perfection. Unfortunately, only three of these pills remained.

Bai Yichen suspected that Master Yun Shou had consumed more than a few of them, explaining how he had managed to break through to the Great Completion of the Innate realm despite his advanced age. After all, this pill could still provide some benefit even to someone at the first level of the Innate stage.

Looking with anticipation at the remaining two items, especially the golden-scripted jade tablet, Bai Yichen eagerly awaited further explanation.

Next, Master Yun Shou spoke about the scroll of martial techniques.

"This is the 'True Scripture of the Yellow Court and Hidden Talisman,' created by the founder of Xuanzhen Temple, Master Tianyuan. However, this scripture is exceedingly profound and obscure, difficult for most to cultivate."

"It is meant as an advanced method for disciples who have mastered the Yellow Court Stance," Yun Shou said, pausing for a few moments before continuing. "Actually, no. This technique has little to do with the Yellow Court Stance. The stance was named to commemorate this scripture."

Bai Yichen understood the implication and refrained from further questioning.

"Typically, once a disciple achieves Acquired perfection, they would go on to cultivate the 'Innate Pure Yang Skill,' which was passed down by the third-generation temple master. After several refinements, it has become one of the better Innate techniques among the major sects."

"However, I believe you are exceptionally gifted and may have the potential to try this more advanced method first."

"But be careful not to be overly ambitious. The later stages of this scripture touch upon the Grandmaster realm, which is still far beyond you. Viewing it too soon could lead to obsession."

Upon hearing this, Bai Yichen respectfully acknowledged Master Yun Shou's warning, though he felt even more excited inside. In his past life, the only Grandmaster-level material he had encountered was the incomplete Sunflower Tome. Now, he was eager to compare it with this new technique.

As for the complexity, Bai Yichen wasn't too concerned. With his innate talent for martial arts and past experience in the Great Completion of the Innate realm, he was confident in his ability to succeed where others had.

Curious, he asked, "Has anyone besides the founder ever successfully cultivated this technique?"

Master Yun Shou smiled bitterly, "Only a handful. Among them, one succeeded due to a connection with this golden-scripted jade tablet."

Yun Shou then picked up the jade tablet and began explaining its origins.

The tablet had been left by Master Fengtian, the sixth-generation temple master, who was one of the few to successfully cultivate the 'True Scripture of the Yellow Court and Hidden Talisman.' His martial prowess had reached the pinnacle of the Innate stage, just a step away from becoming a Grandmaster.

This jade tablet was something he had discovered during his adventures, from which he had decoded a mental cultivation technique called the 'Sitting and Forgetting Meditation,' intended for later disciples to learn. Fengtian had claimed that great mysteries were hidden within this method.

"Did Master Fengtian ever break through to the Grandmaster realm?" Bai Yichen asked.

"There is no record of him doing so. After reaching the pinnacle of the Innate stage, he passed on the position of temple master and went on a journey, leaving the jade tablet behind. It has been passed down ever since."

"What benefits does practicing the 'Sitting and Forgetting Meditation' provide?" Bai Yichen inquired.

Master Yun Shou pondered for a moment before saying, "It can help to gather one's thoughts and strengthen one's vital energy. However, the entry point is extremely difficult, and… it is not like ordinary martial arts."

This was yet another "tough bone to chew on." Bai Yichen couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation, though he was quite intrigued by the notion of it being "unlike martial arts."

With that, Master Yun Shou handed over the three items along with the decoded Sitting and Forgetting Meditation to Bai Yichen. He then picked up the teapot on the table and poured himself a cup.

Bai Yichen accepted them seriously, but his mind was somewhat unsettled. He suddenly realized that while these three items seemed promising, they did not appear to have much connection to the path of immortality. He had expected to receive some immortal technique to cultivate, but it seemed like the focus was still on martial arts.

Fortunately, having experienced many lifetimes, his will was strong. He soon thought that perhaps the golden-scripted jade tablet indeed contained hidden mysteries. Even if it didn't, he still had plenty of opportunities to try again.

With this thought in mind, Bai Yichen set aside his myriad concerns and poured himself a cup of tea.

"Ha ha, your temperament is truly commendable. Back in my day, I was quite dazed for a while," Master Yun Shou teased.

Bai Yichen merely smiled and didn't retort.

Then Master Yun Shou reminded him, "Remember to return the True Scripture of the Yellow Court and Hidden Talisman once you've memorized it. As for the golden-scripted jade tablet, you can keep it for now, but do take good care of it."

Bai Yichen was quick to agree. Given his memory, it would be easy for him to memorize the techniques.

"Alright, you must be tired after tonight's events. Go rest in the side room," Master Yun Shou said.

Hearing this, Bai Yichen did not hesitate and took his leave with the items.

...

As dawn broke, a pale light colored the eastern sky, gently pulling back the veil of night. Qingkong Mountain gradually awakened in the soft glow, waiting for the sun to rise.

With the sound of a resonant bell ringing out, the Xuanzhen Temple was filled with the voices of disciples once again, as if the silence and slaughter of the previous night had merely been a dream.

At this moment, everyone gathered in the courtyard of Master Yun Shou to discuss matters. However, the number of attendees had decreased compared to last night. Besides the four Innate experts, only the four temple masters—Guanhe, Guanjian, Guanzhi, and Wufangtang—along with Bai Yichen, were present.

This was because these few had only sustained minor injuries or remained unharmed during the battle.

Master Yun Shou did not hide anything and shared the information he had gathered about the Heishi organization's branch in Qingzhou during last night's interrogation. Afterward, the four Innate experts discussed and made decisions.

Considering that Master Yun Shou had to guard the mountain gate and that Daoist Tongyao was no longer young, they decided to send the Hero Yan Bei and Daoist Mo Mei, each leading a team of Xuanzhen disciples, to the two most critical locations in Qingzhou where the Heishi organization was active for a sweep.

As for the remaining five, Master Yun Shou suggested that Master Guanhe stay at the temple to handle daily affairs and lead the disciples in cleanup, so he was not to join the action. In fact, Bai Yichen guessed this was also to give Master Guanhe more time to break through to the Innate realm.