Chapter 22: The Battle of Talismanic Arts! (I)

"What is he? A sword immortal?"

"The Daoist heritage of the Wudang Mountains does have some merit. He's such a young third-generation disciple, yet he has already reached the late stage of the Spirit Convergence Realm. Moreover, he possesses such extraordinary insight into the Dao of the Sword."

"The Dao of the Sword must not be underestimated."

"Sword techniques, not considered Daoist arts?

Hah!

Now that's an interesting statement. Truly intriguing."

"No matter how strong sword techniques are, they'll never surpass Daoist arts. Just look at the sword-controlling techniques that have resurfaced in the Shu Dynasty. They can take a person's head from a thousand meters away, like snipers in a movie."

"Although it sounds impressive, isn't it just another flashy trick?"

The presiding Daoist master from Mount Mao stood up, making the heavily accented murmurs quiet down.

Since the more experienced Daoist elders and masters were maintaining composed expressions, most of the discussions had come from young cultivators. Among those skilled with the sword, a few seemed visibly moved by Wang Sheng's demonstration, but most remained stoic.

Meanwhile, Li Shiwu was now sitting straighter than the other Daoist elders, his dejected demeanor completely gone. He raised a thumb at Wang Sheng, playfully waving it in front of him. Wang Sheng exchanged a glance with his senior sister and saw that she, too, seemed more at ease than before.

The presiding Daoist master of Mount Mao said, "Wudang's Seven-Star Sword Formation truly lives up to its reputation. The Daoist arts and techniques displayed by the various sects today were also truly impressive.

"Our primary reason for inviting everyone here today is to ensure that the Daoist heritages can be as complete and perfect as possible. Daoist arts have been lost for a millennium, and many Daoist heritages now have gaps or omissions. Most people neither know of nor believe in them. Today is an opportunity for our sects to fill in the blanks and verify our knowledge with one another.

"From this point on, let there be no formalities. Everyone is welcome to engage in mutual learning. However, if anyone wishes to spar, please exercise restraint and do not damage the harmony of our Daoist family."

The Daoist master clasped his hands in a formal gesture. With a flick of his fly-whisk, dozens of Mount Mao disciples in dark Daoist robes entered to maintain order.

At first, the crowd seemed hesitant and shy. It took nearly a quarter of an hour before two Daoist masters stood up and approached one of the sects, initiating a conversation. However, with the ice broken, those who had been eager to make a move immediately sought out their chosen targets. Even the Wudang delegation had Daoist masters coming over to exchange knowledge.

The waters of their gathering had finally begun to stir.

For the younger disciples, this event was primarily an opportunity to observe. They dared not speak much but attentively listened to the exchanges, occasionally gaining insights.

Several Daoist masters initially came to consult Wang Sheng about the Dao of the Sword. However, constrained by their seniority and because Wang Sheng was seated at the back, they instead engaged in discussions with Wudang's two Daoist masters. Meanwhile, Wang Sheng just sat quietly with his eyes closed, choosing not to get involved. He kept his spiritual consciousness within himself instead of probing externally.

His senior sister gently tugged at his arm, making him open his eyes. He then followed her subtle motion to look in an indicated direction, finding a young, spiky-haired Daoist priest in casual attire.

He was the one who had previously mocked Mount Mao's heritage and ridiculed Wudang. Now, he glared intently at Wang Sheng.

Thinking the man's gaze was directed at his senior sister, Wang Sheng frowned, and his expression turned cold.

Is he after my senior sister?

However, Wang Sheng soon realized that the Daoist priest's attention was fixed on him, which was... unsettling.

Seemingly having made up his mind, the young man walked toward Wang Sheng, who was seated about a dozen meters away. Two bearded Daoist masters standing nearby exchanged smiles instead of stopping him.

Just as the spiky-haired Daoist priest had taken a couple of steps, a group of Mount Mao disciples in dark Daoist robes approached. Their leader cupped his hands to formally greet the nearby Daoist masters.

"I am Liu Yunzhi, a disciple of Mount Mao," he began, drawing the attention of the crowd. "I humbly request a sparring match with Shi Qianzhang of the Longhu Mountains, to exchange insights on the Great Dao of Talismans. Would Shi Qianzhang, a master of this Dao, be willing to engage in another round with me?"

Liu Yunzhi of Mount Mao.

Shi Qianzhang of the Longhu Mountains

Wang Sheng felt a vague sense of familiarity with the name Shi Qianzhang. He seemed to have seen it in the middle-to-lower ranks of the Immortal or Earthly Rankings in his previous life, but it didn't leave a strong impression on him.

Wang Sheng was more familiar with Liu Yunzhi of Mount Mao not just because he had encountered him on the street earlier.

Liu Yunzhi, an outstanding third-generation disciple of Mount Mao, was destined to become one of the thirty-six renowned figures of Daoist sects. With his handsome appearance and extraordinary demeanor, he would eventually amass a considerable online following.

Wang Sheng could tell that Shi Qianzhang had likely intended to challenge him until Liu Yunzhi intercepted him.

Wang Sheng had demonstrated his swordsmanship earlier for two reasons: to uphold Wudang and his master's reputation, and to spare his senior sister from unnecessarily exposing her abilities. He had no intention of gaining fame today.

If reputation were truly beneficial for cultivating the Dao, he could've just found a picturesque cliff on the Wudang Mountains and live-streamed his sword practice.

Wang Sheng did want to spar with the brash Shi Qianzhang, though. Opportunities for controlled sparring matches were ideal for gaining practical experience and understanding various Daoist arts. Hence, when the spiky-haired priest was intercepted, Wang Sheng felt a tinge of disappointment despite remaining unbothered by Shi Qianzhang's earlier provocation.

Having died once, he knew all too well how the peaceful era would descend into chaos in certain hidden corners within a decade or two—and how the Daoist sects would vie against one another. Moreover, unlike the Daoist masters in the area, who had spent years in serene mountain retreats, he understood the grim reality of battles with lives on the line.

With the crowd watching, Shi Qianzhang nonchalantly smirked. Instead of waiting for his sect's Daoist master to answer Liu Yunzhi, he lazily replied, "What's the matter? Still not willing to accept your defeat from last time?"

"Naturally, I'm still a little unsatisfied. That's why I want to spar with you again."

Liu Yunzhi's expression remained calm, showing no intention of avoiding his previous defeat. He locked eyes with Shi Qianzhang. "After our last duel, I couldn't accept my defeat, and it started to interfere with my usual cultivation. Today, I humbly request another lesson from you. Regardless of the outcome, I won't bother you again."

Shi Qianzhang glanced at Wang Sheng, finding the Wudang disciple resting with his eyes closed. Shi Qianzhang's mouth twitched slightly.

"I'm not worried about that swordsman from Wudang running away anyway, and sparring with you won't take much time. Let's go."

Swordsman...

Wang Sheng smirked but said nothing. He didn't even bother opening his eyes.

Let's prove who's better later.

The Daoist masters from the Longhu Mountains did not intervene, and Shi Qianzhang's senior brothers just watched with amused expressions. They were already used to Shi Qianzhang and had great confidence in his abilities.

Unlike them, the disciples who accompanied Liu Yunzhi looked somewhat uneasy. However, despite being seemingly aware of Shi Qianzhang's reputation, they still stood behind Liu Yunzhi and silently supported their senior brother.

Sparring was part of their Daoist arts exchange; no one would stop these two disciples of prominent sects from dueling. On the contrary, all eyes turned toward them. Many even moved closer to avoid missing anything. The elder Daoists seated in front of the palace also turned their attention to the scene, seemingly looking forward to the bout.

The Longhu Mountains and Mount Mao were heavyweight sects in the Daoist community, and Liu Yunzhi and Shi Qianzhang were outstanding representatives of the younger generation, each inheriting the full teachings of their respective sects. The confrontation between the two was no trivial matter, especially on a day like today.

On the surface, it was just a duel between two young leaders with exceptional cultivation. However, on a larger scale, it could be seen as a contest for supremacy in the Dao of Talismanic Arts.

A few minutes later, in the open space in front of Chongxi Palace, Shi Qianzhang and Liu Yunzhi faced each other. They stood seven or eight meters apart on a smooth stone ground marked by the scars of time, primal qi gathering steadily around them.

Shi Qianzhang, likely under twenty years old, adjusted his aura. His entire demeanor changed, and his gaze sharpened. However, he retained his inherent arrogance.

Based on his focused eyes and concealed internal qi, Shi Qianzhang seemed to have also reached the late stage of the Spirit Convergence Realm.

Even Wang Sheng, who had just opened his eyes, was a bit surprised by his cultivation level. It had only been two and a half years since the resurgence of primal qi. Hence, reaching that realm at such a young age was considered remarkable.

Wang Sheng only managed to reach the late stage of the Spirit Convergence Realm thanks to his meticulous preparation before the Great Upheaval, his master's efforts in clearing his meridians, and the benefits of the First Breath of Heaven and Earth. Through the Pure Yang Immortal Mantra and the Seven-Star Sword Formation, he steadily broke through.

On the other hand, Liu Yunzhi had been cultivating since childhood and getting dedicated training at Mount Mao, yet he was still only at the middle stage of the Spirit Convergence Realm.

Compared to them, if Shi Qianzhang wasn't a prodigy like Wang Sheng's senior sister, then the Daoist heritage of the Longhu Mountains likely had some unique advantages.

Shi Qianzhang's cultivation level and his rather average looks aside, he also donned an out-of-place outfit—spiky hair, jeans, a gray T-shirt with flamboyant designs on both sides, and a pair of high-end branded running shoes. The man couldn't be farther from the conventional appearance of a Daoist.

Moreover, Shi Qianzhang exuded an odd sense of dissonance that made the audience feel slightly out of place.

On the other hand, Liu Yunzhi looked much more traditional. He had a jade-like face, was dressed in a Daoist robe, and had neatly tied his long hair. He stood in the arena with his aura flowing, his slightly swaying hair adding an air of effortless elegance.

With his hands tucked casually in his back pockets, Shi Qianzhang seemingly relished the attention from the crowd.

"So, what's the competition this time?" he asked leisurely.

"Same as before: talismanic arts," Liu Yunzhi replied as he gently flicked his left hand. Between his index and middle fingers appeared a few thin yellow papers with ancient talismanic symbols drawn in red cinnabar.

Shi Qianzhang's lips curled, making no effort to conceal his disdain.

Holding a slightly crumpled black talisman, he stretched out his left arm. He then lightly snapped his fingers, making the patterns on the talisman flash before pale flames engulfed it. Within the flames, four bright lights flickered briefly and transformed into four talisman pouches about ten centimeters long. They were strapped to Shi Qianzhang's arms and legs for easy access.

The pouches were filled with talismans of four different colors—black, blue, red, and yellow. Each stack was noticeably thick.

Shi Qianzhang's brief display alone silenced the entire crowd.