Chapter 128: Fellow Daoist, Save Me! I Am the Emperor of the State of Wu!

A mid-grade talisman! Its power is naturally far superior to a standard finished talisman. Chen Yushu hurried into the courtyard to activate it. In an instant, a warrior in golden armor, standing as tall as a man, appeared before him.

"After the grade was upgraded to the mid-grade talisman level, the height of this Golden-Armored Guard has increased significantly. It also looks much fiercer in its presence."

Chen Yushu carefully observed the armored soldier and then issued an order for it to attack him. The next moment, the soldier held its spear, shifted its position, and thrust it toward him. Chen Yushu parried with his long saber, and upon feeling the force behind the strike, he was pleasantly surprised rather than alarmed. The power of this thrust was not much weaker than his own, and even its reaction speed had improved considerably compared to the previous version.

He then followed up with several rapid strikes of his saber. *Clang! Clang! Clang!* The armored guard quickly moved to defend. Although its speed was not as fast as he had imagined and its movements were somewhat stiff, it was superior in every aspect compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, Chen Yushu discovered that its defense was quite formidable; it took three full strikes with his saber to break through its outer armor. While this was partly because he had not used his full strength, it was enough to withstand the full-force blow of an average outer-tempered or even an inner-refining martial artist.

"In other words, the combat strength of the armored soldier summoned by a mid-grade talisman is no weaker than that of an accomplished outer-tempered martial artist. The key is that it knows no fatigue and fears no pain. In actual combat, it could even hold its own against an inner-refining martial artist for a time. Besides that, it is an excellent sparring partner. Through sparring with it, the experience points for my various skills have increased significantly..."

As Chen Yushu experimented with the mid-grade armored soldier talisman and analyzed its power level, he noticed that the experience gain for his martial arts was much higher than through his own solo practice. For instance, when practicing his Gale Saber Technique, each session previously only added three to five points of experience, but after fighting the armored guard, he gained over a dozen points. The same was true for his Light and Heavy Saber Technique.

Seeing this, Chen Yushu was in no hurry to dissipate the summon. Instead, he changed his mindset and began to spar with it in earnest. First came the Gale Saber Technique, then the Eighteen Consecutive Strikes, and the Light and Heavy Saber Technique, all while occasionally utilizing the Eight-Step Cicada-Chasing footwork to dodge attacks.

An incense stick's time later, the armored guard’s form suddenly faltered, shattered rapidly, and dissolved into thin wisps of smoke.

"The armored soldier summoned by a mid-grade talisman can only be maintained for the duration of one incense stick. Once the time is up, it will immediately dissipate, even if it hasn't sustained any damage."

Chen Yushu stood silently in place, gaining a deeper understanding of this spiritual talisman and feeling quite satisfied. After all, this was only the effect of a single mid-grade talisman. If he were to throw out two, three, or even twenty at once, it would be equivalent to having a small squad of armored guards protecting him, and the resulting combat power would be on an entirely different level. This Armored Soldier Talisman was, by nature, a tool whose effectiveness and combat power increased with quantity. If he had possessed dozens of mid-grade armored soldier talismans while on Qiuhe Mountain, he might have been able to wipe out those four evil corpses all by himself.

"However, using mid-grade armored soldier talismans for martial arts practice is still a bit extravagant. Ordinary armored soldier talismans might be worth a try. Drawing them myself is relatively cheap, and I can afford the consumption."

With that thought, Chen Yushu turned and headed into his study to begin drawing talismans.

***

"The Point-Yin Sword—using one's fingers as a sword, pointing wherever one wills, and a flash of sword light strikes. It is indeed a technique with quite effective results."

Night fell. Chen Yushu stood in the courtyard, continuously practicing various dark-path techniques, including this newly learned Point-Yin Sword. Although it was far inferior to the God-Descending Technique in terms of lethality, it had a much longer range, capable of striking down yin ghosts and spirits from three or four zhang away. Moreover, this was only the entry level of the Point-Yin Sword; once cultivated to proficiency, minor completion, or even great completion, not only would its power increase, but its casting range would also extend further.

"As of now, among my various techniques, only the earliest one I acquired, the Subdue-Yin Formula, has reached the state of great completion. The Qi-Gazing Technique is at minor completion, the Sha-Dissolving Formula is also at minor completion, and the Hidden Fragrance, God-Descending, and Altar-Opening techniques are all at the proficiency level... If one doesn't count my incense-path cultivation, my strength still has a great deal of room for improvement."

Chen Yushu was well aware of the role various techniques played in enhancing his strength. Take the God-Descending Technique, for example. Even at the proficiency level, its power was formidable. With his two-incense-stick level of cultivation, a proficient God-Descending Technique could severely injure an evil corpse. One could only imagine the terrifying power it would unleash once he cultivated it to minor or even great completion.

Then there was the Altar-Opening Method. In some ways, this technique was even more powerful than the God-Descending Technique. However, because it was complex to cast and required a certain amount of preparation time, it was difficult to use in the heat of the moment. Nevertheless, it was definitely a trump card. He looked forward to seeing its effects when he finally put it to use.

"Codename God-Favored, calling fellow daoist in Longjiang. Please respond if you hear me."

Just then, a voice suddenly echoed in Chen Yushu's mind. In an instant, Chen Yushu reacted. It was the Sensing Disk. Last night, he had accidentally connected to an unknown entity while experimenting with the device. The other party had been surprised and delighted by his appearance, repeatedly calling for a response. Out of caution, he had remained silent. But today, the other party had taken the initiative to make contact again. Furthermore, the disk could transmit sound directly into his mind without his intervention, leaving him marveling at how advanced the communication tools of this world were.

However, considering this was a product of the ancient immortal cultivation world, where countless powerful figures existed, it was only natural that there were those dedicated to creating various auxiliary tools. Alchemists, formation masters, talisman masters—the hundred arts of cultivation were all created by such individuals.

"Codename God-Favored, calling nearby fellow daoists again... Is there really no one? What a wretched place this is. If there is no response, I am truly going to die..."

As Chen Yushu pondered, the voice came again, seemingly tinged with despair.

"Codename God-Favored, final call... Forget it, let it be destroyed. If I had known, I wouldn't have come. Who would have thought that a tiny place like Longjiang would hide a true dragon..."

The voice was clear and real, its tone weary and resigned.

"Who are you?"

After hesitating for a long time, Chen Yushu finally spoke. He could have remained silent, as speaking meant unknown risks, but he would have lost the opportunity to learn about the Sensing Disk. As a transmigrator, he understood the value of communication too well. He also vaguely suspected that this might be the greatest secret of the master of Zhao Yufeng and Qi Jichuan, that old beast Wei Mingyuan. Thus, after much thought, he made his response.

"There really is someone! I knew it. Even though Longjiang is remote and there is only one small town nearby, it is impossible that I am the only one who possesses a Sensing Disk."

"Brother! Fellow daoist! Help me!"

Soon, the voice returned, filled with surprise and joy, and the person quickly responded.

"Answer me first. Who exactly are you?"

Chen Yushu had guessed that the other party was trapped, but given that they had responded for two consecutive days, the situation was likely not immediately fatal. Therefore, he spoke with caution.

"Who am I? I am just an unlucky fool who came to Longjiang to hunt for treasure out of curiosity. I never expected that there would actually be a dragon in Longjiang. I was hit by its tail and severely injured. To make matters worse, not long after I escaped, I encountered two evil spirits fighting. One fled, but the other set its sights on me, wanting to capture me as its divine servant. Bah! A mere pseudo-god dares to demand I become its servant? Is it worthy? However, I am injured and cannot use many of my techniques. If it weren't for a few treasures I have, I would have been captured long ago. But now, I can barely protect myself. I am currently trapped in the northern part of Longjiang on a nameless mountain. Oh, I remember there is a huge, barren, yellow-stone mountain nearby; if you live in the area, you must know the place. Fellow daoist, come and save me quickly! I really can't hold on much longer. If you don't come, I will have to submit. I'll just be a servant for a few years and hope to survive. Or, if you have any messenger ghosts, you could send some supplies—divine incense, candles, spirit stones, divine essence pills, altar talismans, or even just some evil spirit essence would do..."

The person on the other end spoke quickly, as if wanting to pour out all their grievances at once, only stating their demands at the end.

"There is a dragon in Longjiang? As for your requests, I’m afraid I cannot comply. If I go, I’ll just be delivering myself to my doom; I am simply no match for that pseudo-god."

Chen Yushu said candidly. If it were just an evil spirit, he might have a chance, but a 'scourge-level' entity! He could not help but shake his head. He knew without even trying that he was no match. Evil, Scourge, Calamity, Disaster—each level represented a massive gap in strength. He currently had the courage to face evil-level entities, but against powerful ones like the corpse-demon Wei Mingyuan, he would be helpless if not for his steady-state meditation level. Therefore, while he felt some sympathy for this 'God-Favored' one, he was powerless to act. As for sending a messenger ghost with supplies? He hadn't even considered it. Why feed the dog? A messenger ghost was still a ghost and could not withstand the attack of a scourge-level entity. Knowing the danger, he would never let Xiao Yin or Xiao Hong take such a risk.

"I see. Walking the path in this world, one should never have expectations of anyone. I thought I could use the Sensing Disk to contact other fellow daoists for help. I didn't expect that it wouldn't be able to save me either..."

The tone of the God-Favored one was filled with disappointment; they truly seemed to be in despair.

"Wait. I cannot save you, but I can help you write a letter to seek help. If you can hold out a little longer, perhaps you can wait for another fellow daoist to save you."

Chen Yushu said quickly. He was not truly that compassionate, but he did want to learn more information from the other party. After all, someone who could clash with a scourge-level entity must have significant abilities, perhaps even being beyond the Dao-Entry realm. A few words of guidance from such a person could save him a great deal of effort. Furthermore, while the person was in danger, it was not necessarily a fatal situation—the pseudo-god merely wanted to enslave them. If they submitted, they would still retain their skills. If he stood by and did nothing, the person might not seek him out specifically, but their attitude toward him wouldn't be favorable. Moreover, from the description, if he guessed correctly, the pseudo-god forcing them was none other than the only scourge-level deity in Jianghuan Town, Granny Jiang. Once this God-Favored individual became her servant, they would inevitably cross paths with him eventually. He naturally had to take precautions.

"That's right. I can write a letter! Please, fellow daoist, help me write a letter to Fellow Daoist Situ of the Fuqiu Temple on Huangshan Mountain. We have some history. If the letter is sent quickly, it might arrive in ten days or so. I should be able to hold out for half a month..."

The God-Favored one was overjoyed, their mood visibly improving. They then hurriedly instructed Chen Yushu on how to write the letter, providing the address of Fellow Daoist Situ, the secret codes, the form of address, the specific type of paper to use, and the envelope style. Letters within these circles were not easily sent. Even if a letter reached the mountain gate, without the proper secret codes and format, it would not be accepted; even if it were, it would be treated as ordinary mail and left aside. This person was seeking help to save their life and dared not be careless. Chen Yushu recorded everything one by one, indicating he understood.

"By the way, I still don't know your name, fellow daoist? If I can be successfully saved this time, it will mean I owe you a great favor. In the future, there will definitely be a generous reward."

Soon, a solemn voice came from the other side.

"My codename is Tongling, the Spirit-Communicator."

Chen Yushu replied. After a moment's thought, he asked, "By the way, what exactly is the Sensing Disk? What is its function?"

"Is this your first time using a Sensing Disk?" The other side was silent for a moment before asking with surprise.

"You should know that this place is very remote. For all these years, no second person using a Sensing Disk has appeared nearby," Chen Yushu said calmly.

"That makes sense. North of you is at least eight hundred miles of wilderness. God knows what is in there, and no one has ever opened a path through it. This place is indeed extremely remote, a borderland of the Wu Kingdom, and very few people come here." The God-Favored one realized, then said in a solemn voice: "The Sensing Disk is a treasure passed down from the ancient immortal cultivation world. It has the function of sensing similar treasures nearby and enabling communication. It is said that even in ancient times, there were not many of these. As for now, even fewer remain. Therefore, every cultivator who obtains one is a lucky soul. You can use it to talk to nearby powerful figures, make secret contacts, conduct trades, and develop. Of course, the Sensing Disk can be seized, so every owner hides their identity and only uses codenames unless they trust someone deeply. Personally, I think even if you trust someone, you shouldn't tell them your real name. Trust is relative; even one's own parents might not stay true in the face of profit. Historically, there have been many cases of father and son or brothers killing each other over a Sensing Disk. But fellow daoists who connect through the Sensing Disk can actually trust each other. Because I don't know you, and you don't know me. I might need your help, and at times, you might need mine. Moreover, the Sensing Disk has the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood. If I lie, the disk will immediately issue a warning. If you lie, the disk on my end will also warn me. No one can tell lies or set traps within the Sensing Disk because it is a treasure directly connected to your spirit. Even if your meditation has reached the level of 'Constant' or 'Eternal' stillness, you cannot bypass its discernment. Therefore, connections made through the Sensing Disk are more trustworthy."

Perhaps because Chen Yushu had agreed to help, the God-Favored one explained everything carefully, from the origin of the disk to its functions.

"The Sensing Disk can sense whether what the other person says is true or false?" Chen Yushu was stunned, unable to help but sigh in wonder.

"Exactly. For example, if I say I am the Emperor of the Wu Kingdom..." The God-Favored one immediately spoke.

Chen Yushu noticed a slight vibration on the Sensing Disk. If he used his spiritual sense to look inward, he would have seen the color of the disk change—it turned slightly red.

"Do you feel the vibration? That is it reminding you that I am lying. So, when I say that if I am saved, I owe you a great favor and will reward you generously, that is the truth. This is not just a promise; it is my genuine intent. If I fail to fulfill it, the next time I trade or cooperate with someone else, the Sensing Disk will issue a warning, indicating that my reputation is insufficient. Others will be wary of cooperating with me or refuse me altogether."

"I see. Thank you, fellow daoist, for clearing this up," Chen Yushu said solemnly.

"Very well. Opening the Sensing Disk consumes a lot of cultivation, and I cannot afford to waste any more now. Time is running out, so I will stop here. Please make sure to send that letter tomorrow. Otherwise, I will really have to become that pseudo-god's servant and be enslaved for life."

As the voice fell, Chen Yushu felt the connection with the other person cut off.