For Zhang Chulan, it would be a huge boon if Zhang Lingyu could be eliminated now; it would even mean the direct fulfillment of his purpose for coming to Longhu Mountain.
A hesitant expression appeared on Zhang Lingyu's face. He looked at Zhang Chulan, then at Qingshui, and asked, "Professor Zhuo, would you choose to accept the position of Heavenly Master?"
"What do you think?"
Qingshui didn't directly answer Zhang Lingyu.
Zhang Lingyu had a simple nature and a pure heart, but that didn't mean Longhu Mountain's junior uncle was foolish or couldn't see through certain things.
He just hadn't experienced much and didn't know how to handle many situations, or simply couldn't bring himself to do them.
I don't think so. For you, the position of Heavenly Master successor is dispensable. Your goal, like most Anomalous Humans who came here for the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony, is just for Old Senior Lu's Tongtian Lu. So, once you give up the qualification of Heavenly Master successor, then...
Zhang Lingyu's gaze turned to Zhang Chulan, recalling the embarrassing incident from the night before, which had occurred in front of everyone.
Longhu Mountain's thousand-year reputation, I'm afraid...
Zhang Lingyu pursed his lips, not continuing.
Zhang Chulan, watching from the stands, immediately made a constipated expression:
Does this guy think it's embarrassing for me to become the Heavenly Master successor?
Xu Si's face broke into a smile:
"If someone with your character became a director at Nadou Tong, I'd also find it embarrassing. I'd probably submit my resignation to the Board of Directors that very day."
Zhang Chulan lowered his head slightly.
"Fourth Brother, considering the power Zhang Lingyu just displayed, do I stand a chance?"
"Seven chances. This is with Zhang Lingyu currently injured. If he were fully recovered, you'd have at most a three-in-ten chance, and that's assuming you know all his abilities while he's unaware of your hidden cards."
Zhang Chulan scratched his head, a bit annoyed.
He just wanted to learn the truth about what happened back then from the Old Heavenly Master, not for things to turn out like this.
At this moment, Zhang Zhiwei also withdrew some of his attention from Zhang Chulan.
With his power, which overshadowed all Anomalous Humans in the world, he could hear the conversation on Zhang Chulan's side if he wished.
Sorry, Lingyu, this position of Heavenly Master, the previous Heavenly Master, he originally intended to pass it to that big-eared thief...
Just as Zhang Lingyu shakily stood up from the ground, intending to continue the fight, the Old Heavenly Master also rose from his seat.
"Alright, Lingyu, stop messing around."
A golden thread, condensed into a tangible form, shot out from Zhang Zhiwei's fingertip, firmly binding Zhang Lingyu.
"This match, Professor Zhuo won. He and Chulan will advance to the finals."
"Master!"
Zhang Lingyu knelt before Zhang Zhiwei, bowing his head.
"This disciple is incompetent; I have disappointed you."
"Then, later, we'll wait until tomorrow…"
"Grandmaster!"
Zhang Chulan suddenly rose from his seat.
"No need to wait until tomorrow. I forfeit this final match. I can't possibly be Professor Zhuo's opponent."
"Chulan, are you sure?"
"Grandmaster, I'm sure."
Zhang Chulan said seriously.
The Old Heavenly Master's eyes turned to Qingshui.
"Then, Professor Zhuo, congratulations. As for the reward…"
"You know, we all came to the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony for Old Man Lu's prize. The position of Heavenly Master successor isn't something someone from outside Longhu Mountain can comfortably take.
However, regarding this reward, I was wondering if it could be exchanged for something else. Don't worry, I just need your help with a small favor later; it won't be difficult."
Zhang Zhiwei nodded faintly, feeling quite pleased in his heart, and naturally agreed without hesitation to Qingshui's condition.
Seventy years ago, during the Jia-Shen Rebellion, he, Tian Jinzhong, and the previous Heavenly Master, Zhang Jingqing, wanted to protect Zhang Huaiyi, one of the Thirty-Six Thieves. Their plan was to bring Zhang Huaiyi back to Longhu Mountain and have him assume the position of Heavenly Master successor.
That way, anyone who wanted to harm Zhang Huaiyi would be going against the entire Longhu Mountain.
At that time, Zuo Ruotong had already passed away due to Wugensheng and Li Muxuan causing a ruckus at the Sanyi Sect. Zhang Jingqing was the top Anomalous Human in the Anomalous Human World at that time, and Zhang Zhiwei, though in his thirties, might not have reached the absolute peak, but he was at least at the level of the current Two Heroes. Zhang Huaiyi himself possessed Qi Body Origin and was equally terrifyingly strong.
Coupled with Longhu Mountain being the leader of Daoism and the special significance of the Heavenly Master position, Longhu Mountain truly had the confidence to protect Zhang Huaiyi.
Zhang Jingqing had originally chosen Zhang Huaiyi as the Heavenly Master successor, with Zhang Zhiwei merely as a backup—because this "guaranteed winner" truly didn't need the Heavenly Master's Degree to reach the peak. For someone like Old Zhang, who transcended the world's limits, the Heavenly Master position and its Degree were merely a constraint.
Then Longhu Mountain would have two peak experts.
It was just a pity that Zhang Huaiyi didn't accept.
That was a special period. Zhang Huaiyi didn't want to implicate his sect, didn't want Longhu Mountain to clash with other forces in the Anomalous Human World because of him, which would affect the battlefield. Nor did he want his esteemed master to use the Heavenly Master's Degree on his behalf. Therefore, he silently went into hiding, concealing his identity and dodging pursuers for sixty years.
Zhang Zhiwei wasn't going to let regret fester this time.
He hadn't been able to protect his junior disciple, Zhang Huaiyi, back then. Now, he couldn't let Zhang Huaiyi's descendant go unprotected for the same reason.
This time, there were no outside enemies!
He was over a hundred years old; if he still couldn't protect his junior disciple's descendant, then what good was his position as the top Anomalous Human in the Anomalous Human World? It would all be for nothing.
Qingshui didn't want the Heavenly Master's successor position, so naturally, the second-place Zhang Chulan would step up.
"Hahahaha, Old Lu, it's about time you made good on your promise, isn't it?"
Zhang Zhiwei chuckled, patting Lu Jin's shoulder beside him.
"You don't need to remind this old man, you old rogue."
Lu Jin took out a box, opened it, and placed it in front of Qingshui.
A thick, small black book, no bigger than a palm, with gold foil patterns along its edges, appeared before Qingshui. It was the Tongtian Lu.
"This Tongtian Lu was passed down to me by my good friend, Zheng Zibu of the Maoshan Shangqing Sect. I feel unworthy of it and am not adept at talismans, so I've rarely used it and haven't been able to make it flourish. Professor Zhuo, you are a great scientist, a brilliant mind. I hope this Tongtian Lu can be put to greater use in your hands."
"Then I thank you, Old Senior Lu."
Qingshui took the Tongtian Lu from Lu Jin with both hands, then looked at Zhang Zhiwei with a smile.
"Old Heavenly Master, you should have guessed my small condition by now, shouldn't you?"
Zhang Zhiwei likewise stroked his long white beard, smiling.
"It seems Professor Zhuo had it all figured out early on, but I, this old Daoist, will confirm it once more: Are you asking for the talisman techniques of my Longhu Mountain?"
"Precisely."
Qingshui nodded slightly to Zhang Zhiwei.
Longhu Mountain Celestial Master's Mansion, Maoshan Shangqing Sect, and Gezao Mountain Lingbao Sect are known as the Three Talisman Sects, all major Daoist schools proficient in talismans.
The most famous, of course, is the Maoshan Shangqing Lu, but Longhu Mountain's Zhengyi Lu is no less impressive.
To inherit the talisman techniques of Longhu Mountain's Zhengyi Lu without formal apprenticeship, one must gain the approval of the Heavenly Master.
"Good, once this matter is settled, come with me."
Zhang Zhiwei agreed.
...
In the evening, after dinner.
Qingshui followed Zhang Zhiwei into the Celestial Master's Hall on Longhu Mountain.
Yue Qian stood guard outside, where Zhang Chulan was also waiting.
The hall was quite spacious, housing five statues. In the center, seated majestically with a sword, was the statue of Zhang Daoling, the ancestral Heavenly Master of Longhu Mountain. In front of him, two smaller statues, slightly larger than life-size, on his left and right, were those of his two enlightened disciples, Wang Chang and Zhao Sheng.
The remaining two statues were of the more renowned Heavenly Masters from Longhu Mountain's history: the 30th Heavenly Master, Zhang Jixian, and the 43rd Heavenly Master, Zhang Yuchu.
"The talisman techniques of Longhu Mountain have a long history, originating in the Han Dynasty and developing into a complete system during the transition between the Two Song Dynasties. Over thousands of years, they embody the painstaking efforts of generations of Celestial Master's Mansion disciples. If you wish to learn them, you must offer incense to these patriarchs."
Zhang Zhiwei, dressed in simple white robes, said to Qingshui.
"Of course."
Qingshui took the incense, lit it, and bowed before the statues.
Only then did Zhang Zhiwei take a box from the table and present it to Qingshui.
"You are not a member of my Daoist sect, so there's no need for you to be formally initiated or to receive a golden tablet or certificate. However, there are some things I must make clear to you first. Tell me, old Daoist, what prior experience have you had with talisman techniques?"
"Hmm... do watching Lin Zhengying's movies count?"
As soon as Qingshui said this, Zhang Zhiwei understood.
He had absolutely no real understanding.
"Talismans have grades, and this is closely related to the Lu granted to Daoists. This one in your hand is my Zhengyi sect's Taishang Sanwu Dugong Jinglu. Upon receiving this Lu, one enters the Heavenly Bureau and can hold ranks of sixth or seventh official grade. This Dugong Lu in your hand, besides the invocation words, general proclamation, cloud horse, Dugong official letter, and recommendation letter, also contains sixty-four talisman techniques. However, the highest are only sixth or seventh grade. It's not that I, this old Daoist, am unwilling to give you talismans above fifth grade, but talismans above fifth grade are dangerous for you."
"Drawing talismans is dangerous?"
Qingshui asked Zhang Zhiwei.
"Otherwise, why would those high-grade talismans be cherished as treasures by the major sects? If you don't have sufficient cultivation, rashly drawing high-grade talismans will only lead to a backlash. That's why Daoists often need to set up altars, find precious talisman paper and brushes, recite scriptures, bless the brush, bless the ink, bless the paper, and after drawing, they still need to empower and consecrate them. To preserve or enhance their power, they must also be placed in the ancestral hall for disciples and followers to constantly venerate. It's terribly troublesome."
Zhang Zhiwei dismissively pursed his lips.
Old Zhang didn't need talismans at all; his own palm strike was more effective.
"I see. So, Old Heavenly Master, if I can learn a sixth-grade talisman, can I return to Longhu Mountain to seek higher-grade talismans?"
Qingshui put away the box and asked Zhang Zhiwei.
"The Scripture of the Grand Zhengyi Alliance and Might can be given. However, Five Thunder Talismans above third grade can only be granted by a high-ranking official of my Celestial Master's Mansion. The first-grade Shangqing Lu can only be granted by successive Heavenly Masters because it is included within the Heavenly Master's Degree, and it is a talisman with special functions, not for combat."
"Is that so?"
Qingshui seemed a little disappointed.
"However..."
Zhang Zhiwei's tone suddenly shifted.
"If you agree to one condition, I can leave the Heavenly Master's Edict. As long as you come to Longhu Mountain and leave a corresponding-grade talisman at the Celestial Master's Mansion, I can grant you the talisman methods for the next edict, up to a second-grade Three Caves Five Thunder Talisman."
"And your condition is...?"
"I'm over a hundred years old and don't have many years left. After I pass away, as long as you're alive, if Longhu Mountain ever faces trouble, I hope you'll help once."
Zhang Zhiwei's tone seemed to carry a hint of entrusting a legacy.
On one hand, he was indeed very old and didn't have many years to live. On the other hand, he had already decided to pass the Heavenly Master's Degree to Zhang Chulan.
Qingshui also noticed this but didn't say much.
This was an internal matter for the Celestial Master's Mansion on Longhu Mountain, and it wasn't appropriate for him, an outsider, to interfere. Not to mention, Zhang Chulan was incredibly shrewd; after more than ten years of experience in society, he was so cunning he didn't resemble a nineteen-year-old college student at all. He must have already figured out a lot of things.
"Old Heavenly Master, I accept this matter."
"Alright, then you may leave. Call Chulan in."
"Okay. By the way, Old Heavenly Master, are there any experts on Longhu Mountain skilled in talisman arts whom I could consult?"
"My eldest disciple, Qianhe, and my sixth disciple, Yunan, have been granted second-grade and third-grade talismans respectively, and are both quite good at talisman arts. However, the most skilled should be my junior brother, Jinzhong. He lost the use of his legs and hasn't left Longhu Mountain in decades. Aside from quiet cultivation, he's also been drawing talismans all these years to leave something for future generations. Compared to the eldest and sixth disciples, Jinzhong has more free time. Talk to him, and he will guide you."
"In that case, I thank you, Old Heavenly Master."
Qingshui performed a newly learned Taoist cupped-hand salute to Zhang Zhiwei, then pushed open the door and walked out.
Qingshui looked at the sky, where a few stars had already appeared, and said:
"Chulan, the Old Heavenly Master wants to see you. Brother Yue, let's rest for a bit, then grab some late-night snacks and go visit Elder Tian."
He estimated that Quansheng would probably attack the mountain soon.
"Professor Zhuo."
Seeing Zhang Chulan walk into the Heavenly Master Hall, Yue Qian said:
"I don't recommend you go out tonight. We just received news that multiple surveillance cameras in Guixi City have detected traces of Quansheng members. Nadou Tong has already temporarily transferred a batch of Anomalous Humans from their North and East China branches, and the Lu Family's retainers are also on high alert. Something is likely to happen tonight."
"It's fine. We'll go find Elder Tian after things start. Let Longhu Mountain owe me a big favor."
Qingshui said, hands clasped behind his back, as he walked with Yue Qian from the Heavenly Master Hall to the main room, looking at the centuries-old "Teaching and Practice of the Sect's Transmission" plaque hanging above the deity statue in the central hall.
"Then you cannot leave my sight."
Yue Qian replied.
With the Magic Tool sunglasses Qingshui gave him, Yue Qian's potential power ceiling had increased by half a step.
He was confident that even if he couldn't defeat Ding Daoan, one of Quansheng's Two Heroes, he could still safely retreat with Qingshui.
Not to mention, the power of Qingshui's Magic Tool Puppet was actually stronger than his own.
As long as he ensured Qingshui wouldn't be ambushed, there would be no problem unless the Old Heavenly Master, a top Anomalous Human World expert, attacked them, or a large group of masters surrounded them.
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