Chapter 115: Catching Ghosts for Profit, the Red-Haired Body Refining Technique, and the Seven-Step Ascension Method

“Thank you very much, Brother Chen.”

Once inside, Shi Hao quickly expressed his gratitude.

Otherwise, he truly wouldn’t have known how to get in at that moment.

“It’s nothing but a small favor,” Chen Yushu waved his hand dismissively.

They entered through the main gate and immediately saw a towering statue of a deity.

The statue was clad in armor, holding a long spear, with one foot pressing down on a fierce tiger beast, exuding an imposing and extraordinary aura.

This was none other than the statue of the Peerless General.

However, they did not linger before the statue. Guided by someone in the distance, they ascended a nearby staircase and entered a room.

The moment they stepped inside, a unique, refreshing fragrance wafted in, instantly clearing their minds.

“Sacred incense?”

Chen Yushu’s heart stirred.

Such incense that could immediately invigorate the spirit was certainly no ordinary scent—it had to be sacred incense.

Then he noticed the people inside.

There weren’t many, but not few either.

Among them was the coffin-bearing man he had met before, and also two of the four shadow-walkers he had encountered earlier.

If his memory served correctly, these two possessed cultivation levels equivalent to three incense sticks.

Yet beside them was a woman wearing a red scarf that concealed her face. Judging from the demeanor of the two men, it seemed she was their leader.

This surprised Chen Yushu somewhat.

Could it be that this woman’s cultivation was even higher?

Besides them, he spotted a masked figure whose physique and mannerisms resembled Lord Wu Hong of the Yin Suppression Division.

After all, while faces could be hidden, body shape left traces.

However, he did not see Taoist Ma from Qingfeng Temple.

As for the organizer Shi Hao mentioned earlier, Guangyi Daoist, Master Zhou, the Iron-Boned Diviner Wang Yi, and the Three Heroes of the Ridge—they were strangers to him.

At this moment, a group entered silently without a word.

Someone arranged for tea to be served, though no one dared drink it lightly in such a place.

Soon enough, more people arrived.

Chen Yushu noticed it was Feng the Talisman Maker, from whom he had previously purchased beast-skin talisman paper.

“All right. By now, those who wanted to come and could come have probably all arrived.”

Just as Chen Yushu was wondering how the event would unfold, someone finally spoke.

It was one of the three people standing together.

“These three are the Three Heroes of the Ridge,” Shi Hao whispered in his ear.

Chen Yushu raised an eyebrow at this.

If these three were the Three Heroes of the Ridge, then who were the two who had been walking with two of them earlier?

Perhaps their strength was lower, so they weren’t recorded.

Or maybe they were deliberately concealed?

“Good!”

Then one person nodded and said, “Everyone! Some of you may know me, and some may be new friends unfamiliar with me.

Let me introduce myself first.

I am Wang Guangyi, styled Guangyi Daoist, and the initiator of this gathering.

My main intention is that since many like-minded souls have gathered here, it’s a good opportunity to meet, share, and exchange.

Of course, we come from all corners of the world, so differences in ideas are inevitable.

To prevent discord and needless casualties, I have convened this meeting so we may first become acquainted and familiar with one another.

This will facilitate smoother cooperation in the future…”

Chen Yushu glanced at Guangyi Daoist, a man appearing to be in his sixties or seventies, dignified and exuding an aura of transcendence.

“Originally, I didn’t intend to organize such a gathering.

Though I have some modest reputation, I admit I am no match for many fellow Daoists.

But a few friends insisted, and since this occasion called for it, I reluctantly sent out the invitation.

I am humbled by the number of people who have honored me with their presence.

Of course, we can postpone the discussions for now; as a gathering, trade is essential.

So, let’s begin with trading.”

Hearing this, others nodded in agreement.

Opportunities in this line of work are always preceded by trade.

Other matters can be discussed after deals are made.

“Then I shall begin.

Many old friends know that I have held the three incense-stick cultivation level for some time, constantly seeking a breakthrough.

As is well known, the gap between three incense sticks and entering the Dao is like an impassable chasm—few can cross it.

Currently, there are only three known methods.

One is meditation at the Great Concentration level, which may naturally result in a breakthrough, but that is reserved for ‘geniuses,’ so I won’t dwell on it.

The second is accumulating evil spirit essence; the more you gather, the more likely you can break through.

But the required amount is uncertain.

Moreover, it carries great risk of backlash, from a change in temperament to soul mutation, turning oneself into a malevolent spirit, causing immense harm.

Thus, we usually choose the third method.

That is to take pills.

Therefore, I repeat, I am here to buy a pill for entering the Dao.

If not that, then a barrier-breaking pill, or a meditation pill will do.

Even information about such miraculous pills is welcome; I am willing to offer this jade piece I carry in exchange.

This jade is called the Health Preservation Jade.

Simply carrying it can prolong life.

The previous owner—my master—lived to the ripe age of one hundred and twenty thanks to it.

Moreover, within the jade is recorded a health cultivation technique called Eternal Spring Skill, a method from ancient cultivators.

Though it’s not entirely suitable now, it still has many merits.

If one finds a suitable spiritual or treasure ground, it might even allow cultivation of the ancient ‘spiritual energy’ once used by old cultivators.”

Guangyi Daoist looked at everyone expectantly.

“Senior Guangyi, you know as well as anyone that pills for entering the Dao, barrier-breaking, or meditation are coveted treasures among countless practitioners.

How could they be found in a small town like Jianghuan?

You struggled to find even one pill in Qinghe County, let alone here.”

An acquaintance spoke up, breaking the surrounding silence.

“I’m only asking casually.”

Guangyi Daoist’s face showed a hint of disappointment but he nodded and took out a bronze mirror from his bosom.

“This is a Yin-Yang Mirror I recently acquired during a trip.

It can reflect the yin and yang, and has some power to imprison ghosts and spirits.

Its grade is at the low-grade magical artifact level.

Who wants it? Name your price.”

A magical artifact—the bronze mirror! A Yin-Yang Mirror!

Immediately, everyone’s expressions showed interest.

“One hundred taels of silver!”

“Three hundred!”

“Three hundred and fifty taels!”

At that moment, silver coins seemed almost worthless as prices soared rapidly.

Many called out bids.

Chen Yushu noticed even Lord Wu Hong from the Yin Suppression Division joined the bidding, but by then the price had already risen to five hundred taels.

Chen Yushu parted his lips to bid but, seeing he had only three hundred taels left, wisely kept silent.

He had thought himself somewhat wealthy before, but now he realized he was still very poor compared to true magnates.

Three hundred taels wasn’t enough to buy even one magical artifact.

Finally, the Yin-Yang Mirror was sold to a hunched old man for six hundred and fifty taels.

Next came a broad-shouldered elder who stepped forward.

“I plan to refine a batch of Joy God Pills soon.

I have most of the ingredients but lack a rare herb called Lotus Heart Grass.

If anyone has some, I’m willing to exchange three Huayuan Pills.

Moreover, if you trust my pill-refining skills, once the pills are made, I can give you a Joy God Pill in return.

By the way, this Joy God Pill enhances the spiritual awareness of shadow-walkers and helps recover the spirits of cultivators injured mentally.”

“That’s Master Zhou, a rare alchemist in our circles,” Shi Hao quickly introduced, a glint of admiration on his face.

Others’ eyes also brightened.

Alchemists hold a prestigious position; befriending one ensures a steady supply of pills vital for cultivation.

Such as the Joy God Pill—a direct boost to spiritual power.

For practitioners, spiritual power is the Dao, the external manifestation of strength.

“Coincidentally, I came across a Lotus Heart Grass during my travels but was unsure how to handle it.

I’ll trade it with Master Zhou,” a short-statured man stepped forward, producing a wooden box from his bosom and handing it over.

“Since Master Zhou is willing to offer three Huayuan Pills, the Joy God Pill must be extraordinary.

I’ll wait for one or two of those pills.”

“Good!”

Master Zhou opened the wooden box, confirmed the herb inside, and nodded joyfully, agreeing to the trade.

They would maintain contact privately afterward.

But Master Zhou wasn’t finished.

Shortly after, he spoke again.

“Additionally, I have some Huayuan Pills here.

They enhance a martial artist’s vital energy and benefit those at the internal strength stage.

For shadow-walkers cultivating body refining methods, these pills greatly increase physical power.

I have twenty in total, priced at fifty taels each.”

“I need a few.”

“I’ll take three.”

Such spiritual pills were in high demand on the spot.

Even if one didn’t need them, reselling could earn a profit.

After a brief hesitation, Chen Yushu bought three.

Seeing this, Shi Hao immediately requested three as well.

When Chen Yushu glanced at him, he explained, “In my sect, the stronger the body, the greater the force one can endure.

I’m no martial artist, but my grandmother said I could learn body refining techniques.

Unfortunately, she didn’t have good methods herself.

That’s partly why I’m here, hoping for some luck.”

Within moments, all twenty Huayuan Pills were snatched up.

More people took turns stepping forward, offering items for exchange or stating their needs and prices.

If someone had what was wanted at a reasonable cost, the trade was made.

Sometimes, like Guangyi Daoist, the desired items were too rare or precious, so no one possessed them, leading to disappointment.

Some treasures offered weren’t popular.

One of the Three Heroes of the Ridge held up a pouch and summoned three little ghosts.

“These are three specially found little ghosts, usable as spirit messengers.

Each is under three years old, with pure souls, no harm done to others, and little malevolent energy.

If interested, you may choose.

One hundred taels each.”

At this, the crowd fell silent.

Many looked disdainful.

Catching ghosts for sale was considered somewhat despicable in their circles.

Outwardly, everyone maintained a semblance of dignity and disdained such deeds.

Yet, since there was a market, someone actually paid one hundred taels for a little ghost and left.

The other two—one lame and one dirty beggar-like—were bargained down to fifty and eighty taels respectively and sold.

Chen Yushu watched the whole process but did not participate.

Though he lacked a spirit messenger, having learned how to raise them from Liu Qiao’er, he chose not to buy since Xiao Yin resided in his jade pendant and these ghosts didn’t suit him.

After a brief lull, another stepped forward—the coffin-bearing man.

“I have some donkey hooves I made myself, quite effective against zombies and similar creatures.

I want to exchange them for soul beads.

If no soul beads are available, Yin Bone Jades will do.”

He then took several donkey hooves from a snake-skin pouch.

Chen Yushu instantly recalled the donkey hooves used by his neighbor, the corpse caretaker Zhao Yufeng, when slaying an evil zombie.

They were highly effective and fierce.

He had been curious and eager before, and now had the chance to buy some at this market.

His heart stirred.

He quickly touched his jade pendant, and a voice echoed inside, “Xiao Yin, lend me some Yin Bone Jades, I’ll return them twice over later.”

Soon, Chen Yushu found a red cloth in his hand.

Unfolding it, five Yin Bone Jades lay inside.

Together with one he gained earlier at the opera troupe, that made six.

He stepped forward.

“I have six Yin Bone Jades.”

“How about two hooves for that?”

The coffin-bearer eyed the jades and promptly offered.

Though unsure of the price, Chen Yushu agreed after contemplation.

He soon held two donkey-hoof-like items emitting a pungent, foul odor.

He quickly wrapped them in cloth to mask the smell.

Two others at the market showed interest and completed trades—some with soul beads, others with silver.

As Chen Yushu prepared to step forward again, Shi Hao suddenly moved ahead.

“I have a spiritual stone used by ancient cultivators, containing pure energy and spiritual particles.

I want to exchange it for a body refining technique.”

Shi Hao took out a sandalwood box from his bosom and opened it, revealing a crystal-clear stone about the size of a baby’s fist.

“A spiritual stone!?”

“Is this really a spiritual stone?”

Exclamations rang out.

Some recognized the treasure.

Chen Yushu’s face showed surprise as well.

He had learned about spiritual stones from books in the Wen Chang Pavilion of the Tranquil Academy.

Though mostly poetry and essays, some histories and legends mentioned spiritual stones as ancient currency and energy crystals that could aid cultivation, rivaling many elixirs.

However, due to drastic changes in the world’s yin-yang balance years ago, spiritual energy dissipated and such stones became scarce, consumed with each use.

They are now nearly extinct.

Unexpectedly, Shi Hao possessed one.

“I have a book called ‘Red Hair Body Refining Technique.’

Mastering it deeply can rival the Red-Haired Blood Zombie.

Though I only have the basic volume, it’s still a top-tier body refining method.

I’ll exchange it for your spiritual stone, more than fair.”

Soon, another stepped forward.

“I also have a ‘Yin Qi Body Refining Method’…”

Two people coveted the stone.

After a brief hesitation, Shi Hao chose the Yin Qi method.

Though the Red Hair technique was more advanced, having only the basic volume made it less useful compared to the Yin Qi method, which allowed continuous cultivation.

He then stepped back.

Chen Yushu eagerly approached as Feng the Talisman Maker came forward.

He took out a book and said, “This is a secret soul-projection technique called ‘Seven Steps to Ascend Immortality.’

I want to exchange it for a Niu Jing Huang Bao.

Is anyone willing?”

The crowd fell silent.

Soul-projection techniques were highly regarded among shadow-walkers.

Many present considered it an advanced skill; some with incomplete transmission had never even heard of it.

Guangyi Daoist stepped forward.

“I’m interested in your out-of-body technique.

But the Niu Jing Huang Bao is a top-tier beast treasure.

The Niu Jing is rare, and not all produce this treasure.

It’s one in ten at best.

I’m willing to offer other items or gold and silver for exchange.

What do you think?”

“No exchange without the Niu Jing Huang Bao,” Feng shook his head.

Guangyi Daoist was silent for a moment, sighed, and withdrew.

Seeing no one else spoke, Feng knew none had what he sought and stepped down.

After watching for a long time, Chen Yushu could no longer restrain himself and stepped forward.

“My needs are not high.

I only want an object powerful enough to suppress evil spirits.

If anyone can provide one, I am willing to trade fairly, even pay a premium.

Also, these are talismans I crafted—Calming Spirit, Exorcising Ghost, Summoning Thunder, Lightness, and Spirit Gathering talismans.

I believe their power and effects are quite good.

The Exorcising Ghost talisman can deal with common malevolent spirits, one talisman per spirit.

The Summoning Thunder talisman is stronger; even for fierce ghosts, three to five talismans suffice.

The Calming Spirit talisman soothes the mind, aiding cultivation.

The Lightness talisman grants agility like a swallow.

The Spirit Gathering talisman concentrates spiritual particles, increasing effectiveness two or threefold, like three times the usual cultivation effect in one go.”

As Chen Yushu spoke, he pulled out a stack of talismans.

Everyone could vaguely feel the spiritual pressure radiating from them.

“Are the Exorcising Ghost and Summoning Thunder talismans really that powerful?”

“Does the Spirit Gathering talisman truly amplify spiritual particles two or three times?”

“We’ve seen these talismans before; they’re commonly used at Chaoyang Temple.

Their effects don’t seem as strong as you claim.”

As he finished speaking, several people couldn’t help but ask.

Some even expressed skepticism.

Feng’s expression was the most interesting.

He looked at these talismans, recalling that he had thought Chen Yushu was a beginner and might become a major client, so he generously sold him beast-skin talisman paper.

Now seeing these talismans, each emitting restrained spiritual light and pressure, far surpassing the ones displayed by Ta before, he was speechless.

So, Chen Yushu was the true talisman craftsman?

He, at best, was a novice?

Feeling ashamed for underestimating him, a hint of shame appeared on Feng’s face.

“There is a talisman maker here who can verify this,” Chen Yushu said directly.

Feng thought for a moment, then stepped forward.

“I am also a talisman maker.

I can confirm these are not ordinary talismans but finished products, reaching the low-grade level.

Low-grade talismans are over fifty percent stronger than basic ones.

They indeed possess the effects this young friend described.”

Feng continued, “Talismans are divided into four grades: basic, low-grade, mid-grade, and high-grade.

Each grade increases power significantly.

Basic talismans have the weakest power.

Low-grade talismans are about fifty percent stronger than basic.

Mid-grade talismans are fifty percent stronger than low-grade, nearly double basic talismans.

High-grade talismans exceed mid-grade by another fifty percent.

These are mostly low-grade talismans, so their power is indeed much greater.”

At this, everyone’s faces showed eagerness.

Especially as they prepared to venture into the century-old tomb.

Having these talismans on hand would greatly enhance their safety.

…