Chapter Three: Six Years Have Passed!

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This volume of spirit talisman techniques encompasses everything, yet many powerful talismans remain beyond Yang Nan’s use. Most talisman arts require a divine altar, venerating the ascending immortals of previous generations to borrow their divine power for subduing enemies, thus granting the talisman immense potency. Since Yang Nan lacks an altar and does not worship deities, mastering this compendium of Nine Heavens talisman arts is merely a means to familiarize himself with the strengths of other sects.

However, some of its marvelous tricks—such as paper-cut soldiers, drawing boundaries to imprison, and paper figures as guides—are easy to learn. The most potent is a spell called the “Spirit Might Talisman.” When inscribed and infused with magic, it instantly becomes an immensely powerful spirit talisman deity. Its strength depends on the caster’s cultivation: if a master-level expert channels their power, the talisman is master-level; if an immortal-level expert does so, it becomes immortal-level—truly formidable.

Bu Xu cut out a paper figure and drew the Spirit Might Talisman on it, transforming the paper figure into a divine general. Yang Nan also manifested a Spirit Might Talisman to oppose it. They each poured their divine consciousness into the talisman paper, engaging in a battle of offense and defense that was not only entertaining but also honed their skills. Whenever Yang Nan found cultivation dull, he would cut paper figures to spar with his master. Bu Xu did not hold back, infusing master-level power into the paper figures and focusing solely on transformation techniques. Though Yang Nan often suffered losses, he made significant progress.

The talisman arts of the Talisman Sect are extraordinarily strange. Just mastering the Spirit Might Talisman and the Substitute Talisman took Yang Nan a full year. The Spirit Might Talisman’s power rivals that of a real person’s cultivation, while the Substitute Talisman is uniquely mystical.

The techniques of the Talisman Sect are profound and vast; what Yang Nan learned is but a drop in the ocean. Seeing his broad interests, Bu Xu did not hinder him. Though focusing solely on the Arms Sect’s divine arts yields immense power, cross-disciplinary learning also advances one’s cultivation.

Having obtained this secret talisman manual, Yang Nan began to amuse himself by crafting paper figures. These paper soldiers and horses, once activated, could transform into real soldiers and steeds. Yang Nan casually mounted a warhorse and brandished a paper spear, looking quite the part.

By the present day, Taoism has branched extensively into various sects—Magic Sect, Arms Sect, Talisman Sect, Corpse Sect, Formation Sect, Alchemy Sect, Artifact Sect—each flourishing in its own right. Even the Arms Sect has given rise to Sword and Martial sects, illustrating the breadth of these divisions.

Conflicts in military strategy have always existed. Should Yang Nan descend the mountain, he will inevitably encounter Magic Sect experts. How could his master not teach him how to respond?

Bu Xu patiently explained the unique strengths of all major sects and schools, so Yang Nan would not be confused when facing them. The Arms Sect’s path is called “Breaking.” Cultivated to the utmost, it can break through heaven and earth to achieve true embodiment. Using these techniques is simply about breaking, severing, and annihilating!

From magic to divine powers, from the Daoist heart to all worldly phenomena, Bu Xu imparted everything without reservation. Day by day, Yang Nan’s respect and affection for this fairy-like master deepened.

The Kunlun Venerable usually takes only one disciple in a lifetime, pouring all their knowledge and care into that one without holding back.

Although Bu Xu claimed to have accepted Yang Nan out of mutual benefit, the longer they spent together, the more Yang Nan realized he had given little while Bu Xu gave more and more.

The so-called “Emotional Tribulation” is subtle. Occasionally, when Yang Nan awakens from meditation, he finds Bu Xu’s icy eyes gazing at him, seeming to shimmer with memories.

Perhaps only in those moments does this master reveal her true nature...

Yang Nan would never know what transpired between his master and the ancestral master, but he sensed it was deeply unforgettable, haunting their souls.

Otherwise, how could this mighty Kunlun expert, called the Sun Emperor and feared throughout the world, be so consumed by memories that she could not let go?

Day after day, Bu Xu became the person Yang Nan respected and loved most in his heart.

In this world, besides his grandfather, only this usually aloof Bu Xu treated him selflessly and without resentment.

By the time Yang Nan finished his studies, he lost track of how much time had passed. Bu Xu remained calm but grew gentler and less cold in her words and actions.

Yang Nan’s feelings for her resembled those for an elder sister or mother—how could she remain indifferent?

Master and disciple companionship is closer than blood.

One day, Bu Xu stopped her work, gently stroked Yang Nan’s head, and sighed softly: “A Nan, one hundred days of cultivation is like a thousand years in the world. You have reached completion. Prepare to leave seclusion.”

Since she said he could emerge, it was time to descend the mountain and undergo worldly trials. There was no need to waste time inside the Primordial Spirit Talisman, which was to be left for Bu Xu. Though reluctant, Yang Nan quietly asked, “Master, what should I do first after I go down?”

Bu Xu smiled faintly, returning to her usual cold demeanor: “Travel the world, meet masters of various sects, fulfill the venerable’s grand wish, then return to cultivate deeply again. Otherwise, closing oneself off will never lead to the Immortal Saint realm!”

“Venerable’s wish... family revenge...” Yang Nan thought of his grandfather’s boundless kindness and his unrelenting uncles, burning with deep hatred. If he could not uproot the Yang family, how could he face his birth parents and beloved grandfather?

“Master, I’m leaving the mountain. Where will you go?” After so long together, Yang Nan felt reluctant. Bu Xu taught him the True Fire Heart Refining Method and gave him the Heavenly Outer Rainbow Boat diagram. With just a bit of refinement, he could have a swift flying artifact. Borrowing the Primordial Spirit Talisman was no matter, but parting with his master stirred his heart.

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Bu Xu replied calmly, “Achieving master rank is a journey. If you’re diligent, you’ll soon be a venerable. Then we can ascend together and explore the supreme heavenly Dao. What’s the use of acting like a lovesick youth? I will return to White Cloud Peak to comprehend mysteries. When I succeed, I will seek you out!”

“Master, will your secluded cultivation this time lead to saintly accomplishment?” Yang Nan suddenly worried. Can she really resolve her inner knot by practicing with him? Without solving that, wouldn’t it be a major problem?

Emotional tribulations surpass all others. Yang Nan only knew Fang Qingyan for a few months before affection grew between them. How much deeper must the bond be between a master and ancestral master who have accompanied each other for centuries?

Yang Nan doubted whether his master could transcend emotional tribulations merely through companionship and cultivation with him.

Bu Xu smiled enigmatically, sighing, “You haven’t reached that realm yet. Explaining it to you won’t help; you’ll understand in time. Mountain meditation only increases magic power; traveling broadens your realm. Without experiencing worldly emotions, how can you transcend? After descending, kill where you must, destroy what you must, do what you want. Only then will you see your true heart—that is your great path.”

Yang Nan nodded faintly, half understanding. He had now reached the peak of Arms Mastery. Next, he must find spirit springs to refine divine weapons into masters. Since he possessed two forms, he needed two matching spirit springs to become a master. The mountain had such springs, but finding two identical ones was rare.

The so-called venerable’s wish and heart demon tribulation are simply about finding the path that suits oneself. Yang Nan’s priority after descending is to find his own path, not to hide in the mountain’s lonely cultivation.

Bu Xu led Yang Nan out of the cave, storing the Primordial Spirit Talisman away. Inside the room, Siyue and Wangyin, two young disciples, had long been waiting and greeted them respectfully: “Disciple congratulates Uncle Master and Senior Brother on their great attainment!”

Having not seen each other for so long, the two girls had blossomed into graceful maidens. Yang Nan was shocked and asked straight away, “How long have Master and I been in seclusion?”

Siyue smiled sweetly: “Senior Brother and Uncle Master have been secluded for six full years. Outside, the ice and snow have melted, and all life is thriving.”

Yang Nan jumped in surprise: “No way? Six years?” Time slipped by quietly. He felt as if a lifetime had passed.

Bu Xu turned, smiling faintly: “For cultivators, seclusion lasting years or decades is nothing unusual. When you reach venerable rank, even a hundred years won’t be strange.”

Yang Nan felt lost. Unconsciously, ten years had passed. Now twenty-two, the little Taoist boy had nearly become a master. Worldly affairs fade, white clouds drift—the path of immortality is indeed endless.

Perhaps, in a blink, he might spend a hundred years in the mountains, while the world outside changes beyond recognition. For cultivators, wealth and fame are truly like passing clouds...

“Master, are you returning to the mountain now?” Seeing Bu Xu leave without pause, Yang Nan felt a pang of reluctance.

Bu Xu led Siyue and Wangyin out, saying, “A Nan, remember well: to become a venerable, you must establish a grand wish. The wish may be great or small, but without a great wish, your Dao heart cannot fully unify. Remember this.”

The venerable’s wish is a crucial threshold from master to venerable.

The greater the wish accomplished, the stronger the Dao heart that will be achieved.

This is the second tribulation for cultivators.

Yang Nan nodded: “Master, I remember. I wish you an early ascension to immortality and sainthood, to glimpse the supreme heavenly Dao!”

The venerable’s wish—peace throughout the world!

Since demons and monsters roam the world, and the Great Yuan Dynasty is fragmented, Yang Nan had long decided on his grand wish.

Bu Xu smiled faintly: “If fate allows you to see the Underworld or the Realm of the Dead, go explore. Your ancestral master’s former favorite is nearby. If the spirit of Qingya ancestral master still lingers, you must not miss it.”

Yang Nan bowed his head: “Disciple remembers.”

“All things are infinite; heaven is supreme. Vast and boundless, thus called the Infinite Heavenly Venerable! A Nan, after descending, may your Dao be endless and prove my true nature.” Bu Xu’s words echoed in the Jade Pure Hall like a great bell, resounding endlessly. After speaking, she turned and floated away with the two young disciples.

“All things infinite; heaven is supreme; heaven is me, I am heaven...” Yang Nan felt a loss as his long-time master suddenly departed. Nearby, someone laughed: “A Nan, today you’ve achieved complete mastery of the Arms Sect—truly joyous and worthy of celebration!”

Turning, Yang Nan saw Chi Yang and Fang Qingyan smiling at him. He exclaimed in surprise, “Big Brother Chi Yang? You’ve already become a master?”

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Today’s Chi Yang was vastly different. His blazing aura suddenly retracted; the fiery bird mark on his forehead glowed vividly. Just from the divine light in his eyes and the aura above his head forming a splendid spiritual flower, Yang Nan knew his brother had reached master rank. This filled him with surprise and joy.

Chi Yang smiled: “You were in meditation for six years, cultivating with Fairy Bu Xu to realize the Dao. How could your foolish brother fall behind?” Though smiling, his eyes were filled with gratitude. Achieving master rank extended his life by centuries, bringing hope to the once desperate Chi Yang.

In the world of Dao sects, though the paths differ, reaching a high realm prolongs life by centuries. Confucian scholars are different; they may reach master rank in ten years but lack longevity, turning to dust after a century. Daoism and Buddhism differ greatly: Daoists can achieve the Immortal Saint realm; Buddhists can attain Arhat or Bodhisattva status—true paths to eternal life.

Yang Nan was pleased to see Fang Qingyan and the other daughters had also advanced, now master-level. He declared, “Today, I too have become a master! Now I can go down the mountain and travel!”

Fang Qingyan stepped forward gracefully: “Husband, preparations are needed before descending. Why not bathe and rest first?” Now Yang Nan’s wife, it was her duty to attend him. Having not seen her husband for six years, her eyes were softer than ever.

Yang Nan chuckled: “Good idea. Haven’t bathed in years. Without the talisman’s dustless air, I’d surely have overwhelmed Master with the smell, ha ha!”

He only joked like this before Bu Xu. After six years inseparable, now that she had left, his heart ached. Forcing a smile, he welcomed the joyful teasing of the ladies around him.

Entering the bath, Dieyi and Baiyi came to serve. Fang Qingyan, facing her husband, showed no shyness, generously adding water and tending to him. Yang Nan enjoyed their care and said, “Qingyan, it’s been years since you’ve seen your parents. Do you miss home?”

Six years of seclusion plus two years since Qingyan left to find her husband meant eight years apart from her parents. The once young girl had grown into a beauty—how could she not miss home?

This wife was truly the most gentle and virtuous in the world.

Fang Qingyan’s eyes glistened with emotion but she replied softly, “As the saying goes, a wife follows her husband. Without his guidance, I dare not think of home.”

Yang Nan saw the subtlety in her words and laughed: “We are cultivators; no need for worldly formalities. You’ve reached master rank—know the growth of all things and the Dao of heaven and man. Follow your heart. If you miss home, just admit it.”

Seeing Yang Nan’s spiritual aura deep within, Qingyan opened her heart: “Now that you’ve mastered your Dao, why not visit the old Qingming estate? The ancestral home is not to be forgotten. We can also visit my parents...”

Noticing her shyness, Yang Nan guessed they had been married years but not yet consummated. Visiting her parents like that would be awkward. He teased, “Haha! Could it be you want to bring back a grandson?”

Qingyan’s cheeks flushed deeply, her head nearly bowed to the floor, voice barely audible: “If my husband is merciful, it would be a blessing for the Yang family and me.”

Seeing her so earnest, Yang Nan’s heart stirred. Fulfilling his grandfather’s wish and gaining such an incomparable Dao companion—what joy could surpass that?

Qingyan was a rare match—beautiful, loyal, fierce, and deeply loving. Yang Nan was no insensitive fool; how could he be unmoved?

Cultivators seek transcendence, not cold-heartedness. Yang Nan had yet to experience love’s sweetness. With his beloved wife beside him, this emotional tribulation was inevitable.

Their eyes met with tender affection. Nearby, Dieyi and Baiyi paused, covering smiles with their hands. Yang Nan put on a stern face: “When will you two become masters? Hmm???”

Since his wife had spoken, refusal would be an embarrassment. How could Yang Nan deny the natural order of husband and wife? Married for years but not consummated—such a thing would scandalize ordinary society. Though cultivators, they could not remain childless forever.

Six years ago, he could still claim youth. Now twenty-two, not consummating was no longer justifiable.

Dieyi’s expression darkened, her head bowed. She was a mere little demon girl, despite countless elixirs, her progress was slow, and she felt downhearted. Baiyi smiled slyly: “The lady said we’ll reach master rank in a year or so. Why rush, young master? Hee hee...” She joked that master rank would allow formal concubinage.

“Rush?!” Yang Nan was startled but could do nothing with this mischievous girl, feigning ignorance.

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