Chapter 67

In the small house, Tang Jie held a steel needle, dipped it in a pigment made from saltpeter, phosphorus, and blue fire powder, and carefully injected the pigment into the pre-drawn array patterns. This pigment was specially formulated according to Xumu Yang's secret method, which was particularly effective in transmitting spiritual energy. When they were arranged according to the predetermined array patterns, they would automatically generate the corresponding spells upon activation.

In fact, the principles of array formations, talisman techniques, and spell techniques are all interconnected, all achieving specific effects through the manipulation of spiritual energy.

When Kudao Ren gave lectures to the students, he once pointed out that everyone knows that the world has spiritual energy, but few can explain what spiritual energy really is.

According to Kudao Ren, spiritual energy is actually a fundamental substance that objectively exists in the world of cultivation, similar to atoms, which can form all things.

The difference is that spiritual energy has a spiritual nature.

This spiritual nature is not related to spiritual energy itself but distinguishes it from all other substances in the world.

Wind has no consciousness, rain has no consciousness, wood has no consciousness, and stone has no consciousness, but spiritual energy has consciousness.

Spiritual energy has consciousness, yet it is naive and unaware.

Spiritual energy is the essence of everything!

It is both alive and not alive, and the greatest difference from all other unconscious things is that it can accept commands and generate reactions. It's as if a stone, once given life, can follow our commands and act accordingly.

Spiritual energy is just like that.

All spells, in essence, are commands given to spiritual energy.

Those cycles and endless changes all originate from this.

Therefore, spells are commands, specifically commands that act on spiritual energy, making it act according to one's will.

For this reason, talisman techniques, array formations, and spell techniques are all commands to spiritual energy, but they differ in their targets and methods of manifestation.

This is like how a brush, a pen, and a pencil all write words, but their uses and fields of existence are different.

Spell techniques are based on the human body, using the body as a support and the meridians as a path, emphasizing spontaneity.

Talisman techniques are based on talisman paper, using the paper as a support and the ink lines as a path, emphasizing convenience.

Array formations are based on nature, using nature as a support and the array patterns as a path, emphasizing power.

Though their manifestations differ, their essence is the same.

For this reason, Xiao Yiyi can transform array formations into spell techniques because she was born with a natural affinity for array formations, allowing the array to be directly formed within her body, thus manifesting as a spell technique.

For puppet array formations, the puppet is used as a support, and the array patterns as a path, emphasizing flexibility.

Creating a puppet array formation requires adjustments based on the material and form of the puppet.

This battle puppet is made primarily of lightning-struck wood, which is best suited for carving lightning-related array formations.

At this moment, Tang Jie was carving a lightning array formation: the Little Heavenly Wolf Lightning Array.

This array formation was obtained by Xumu Yang during his early travels and was originally called the Heavenly Wolf Lightning Array, designed for large wolf puppets.

After obtaining the true understanding of array formations, Tang Jie had been studying this array formation. He discovered that by discarding some of its functions, it could be applied to smaller puppets, and he spent considerable time researching this.

During his three years at the Wei family, with no cultivation techniques to practice, he focused most of his energy on this. At that time, his only thought was how to use the least resources to obtain the most suitable puppet.

Even so, the high cost of materials for puppet creation once made him consider giving up, but Wei Tianchong's appearance made him persist.

The modified array formation, which Tang Jie called the Little Heavenly Wolf Lightning Array, as a mini version, has the greatest feature of being able to summon lightning power, making the puppet's movements faster and its attacks more powerful with lightning effects.

The process of carving the array formation is extremely complex, and each array pattern requires careful calculation. After an afternoon, Tang Jie had only completed a small part, and he was already sweating from the effort.

Just as he was about to sit down to rest, he heard someone shouting outside.

Tang Jie quickly put away the puppet and went out to see that it was Liu Hongyan, Ping Jingyue, and a few other students from the Xieyao Society.

Seeing them, Tang Jie smiled and said, "What wind has blown you all here today?"

Ping Jingyue gave him a glare and said, "You still have the nerve to ask. Since the last thief incident, your Tranquil Abode has become like a fortress, and ordinary people can't get in. Do you know that some people are now betting on you?"

"Bet? What kind of bet?" Tang Jie asked curiously.

Liu Hongyan replied, "Of course, it's to see who can break through the array and enter your Tranquil Abode. We have bet with the Jingjue Society that your door can be entered at will."

Tang Jie laughed, "You guys are really bored."

Ping Jingyue smiled at Tang Jie, "So, are you going to let us win this little benefit?"

"Of course," Tang Jie opened the array and said, "Come in."

Several students from the Xieyao Society entered the Tranquil Abode, and inside, they couldn't help but tease Tang Jie about being protected by the Xiyue Academy, saying he had become a caged golden bird, unsure if it was a blessing or a curse. Tang Jie just smiled and chatted, enjoying the conversation.

Outside the Tranquil Abode, in the octagonal pavilion, the student surnamed Min appeared again, looking at the entrance to the Tranquil Abode and writing on a talisman, "The Xieyao Society people have entered. It seems Tang Jie only allows fellow students to enter. To capture Tang Jie, we must act from this angle."

A moment later, the message came back, "Let Nongui take action."

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After seeing off Liu Hongyan and the others, Tang Jie continued his array formation work.

The Little Heavenly Wolf Lightning Array took four full days to complete. Next, Tang Jie needed to create another array formation for it.

To complete this array formation, Tang Jie had to visit the Lingmiao Shop again.

At the Lingmiao Shop, Tang Jie strolled around, looking for the materials he needed.

While wandering, he found himself at the grain shop from last time.

Madam Shui was leaning against the shop, smiling at him.

Tang Jie hurried forward and bowed, "Madam Shui, good day."

Madam Shui smiled, "I remember you. Among the current students, you were one of the first to discover the survival methods of the academy."

"Madam's praise is too much, I am unworthy. Student Tang Jie greets Madam."

"En, your speech is still polite. You seem to be a sensible person. I am in a good mood today, so tell me what you want, and I will give you a discount, saving you from being overcharged by your seniors."

Tang Jie quickly said, "I am not buying grain today."

Madam Shui gave him a look, "My grain shop only sells grain, but who said I only have a grain shop?"

Tang Jie was taken aback, and Madam Shui said, "Follow me."

She then gracefully walked to the side.

Following Madam Shui, Tang Jie arrived at a five-story pavilion.

The pavilion was intricately carved and beautifully decorated, making it very eye-catching.

Tang Jie was surprised to see the pavilion, "Lingtai Pavilion? Is this pavilion run by Madam?"

The Lingtai Pavilion is one of the best shops in the Lingmiao Shop, specializing in high-quality magical tools, talisman paper, and various materials, basically everything a Lingtai realm cultivator might need, hence the name.

Madam Shui smiled, "It's run by my son, but he is busy and rarely comes here, so I manage it most of the time. Come, see if there's anything you need."

Madam Shui beckoned Tang Jie to come in.

A servant boy greeted them, and this servant was also a Xiyue Academy student.

Xiyue Academy students, after passing the literary examination, have much more free time. Those who find cultivation tedious often look for something to do and earn some pocket money.

For them, hard cultivation, trials, miscellaneous tasks, and part-time jobs are all choices for students, and different choices often lead to different life paths.

The student greeted, "What does this junior brother need?"

Tang Jie hesitated for a moment and finally said, "I need some purple ink, some Spirit-Dispelling Powder, and some Bone-Penetrating Nails."

" Spirit-Dispelling Powder?" Madam Shui was surprised, "It's a poison that dispels spiritual energy. What do you need it for?"

Tang Jie quickly replied, "The literary examination is coming soon. I am confident I will pass, and I plan to go on a trial after that."

"Go on a trial after passing the literary examination? Isn't that too hasty? You are new to the academy, your foundation is not solid, and your strength is weak. Even the simplest trial place would be too dangerous for you," Madam Shui said with concern.

"That's why I need the Spirit-Dispelling Powder," Tang Jie replied. "I have no choice. My talent is limited, and my cultivation progress is slow. If I don't find a way to earn some money, I might not reach the Transcendent realm within ten years."

Madam Shui looked at Tang Jie with doubt, then suddenly grabbed him, a dark force entering his body through his pulse. Tang Jie was shocked, trying to shake her off but failing. Fortunately, Madam Shui quickly withdrew her hand, "You are already at the Spirit Spring realm. Five transformations of the Jade Gate, not too bad, not too good. But even without using spiritual medicines, reaching the Transcendent realm within ten years should not be a problem. However, your body is quite peculiar, why is your blood energy so strong?"

She kept looking at Tang Jie, making him sweat. He hurriedly smiled, "I have been exercising since I was young, so my body is quite strong."

Madam Shui just smiled, knowing he was not being honest, but did not press him, "Your secrets are your own business, I don't pry. Your body is quite solid, which can help you deal with ordinary small demons, but if you encounter a powerful one, you will still die. Well, it's your business, I won't bother. I do have Spirit-Dispelling Powder, if you want it, I will give it to you, but remember not to use it on your classmates. If I find out, you will be in trouble."

Tang Jie quickly replied, "Thank you, Madam. I will not use it to harm my own people."

With the materials from Madam Shui, Tang Jie returned to the Tranquil Abode and began carving the array formation he needed.

Compared to the Little Heavenly Wolf Lightning Array, this array formation was much simpler and was completed in one afternoon.

Seeing the completed lightning wolf puppet, Tang Jie made it move. The wolf puppet instantly rushed out, like a bolt of lightning, pouncing on the millstone in the yard. It extended its sharp claws and slashed, leaving three deep claw marks on the stone. This was even before the array formation was activated.

Tang Jie was very satisfied, thinking that although the puppet's defense was weak, its speed was fast and its attacks were sharp. If used for a surprise attack, even a Linghai realm student would be seriously injured if caught off guard. If used well, it would be a powerful weapon at this stage.

However, thinking of Madam Shui, the confidence that had just risen in Tang Jie quickly disappeared.

This was the first time he encountered someone who could instantly discern his strength. Not only was his hidden Spirit Spring realm revealed, but even the body-strengthening effects of the Zangxiang Classic were seen at a glance.

Moreover, the way Madam Shui did it so casually made him realize that his pride in his tough body was just "quite solid" to her. Thinking of this, Tang Jie broke out in a sweat again.

The Xiyue Academy was truly a place of hidden dragons and tigers. Even a grain shop owner could have such cultivation. If he encountered a cleaning lady who suddenly came up to him and said, "Your cultivation technique is wrong, you should do this and that," he wouldn't be surprised.

At that moment, he truly realized that in this world, strength was still the greatest reliance.

All wisdom and tricks must be based on sufficient strength. Without it, they are just illusions.

He, Tang Jie, was lucky because the Heavenly Palace and the Xiyue Sect were at odds, giving him an opportunity to exploit.

But this luck has its limits and will eventually run out.

When that time comes, it will be the end of the road for him.

"I must improve my strength to a level where I can protect myself before that happens," Tang Jie said to himself.

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After completing the puppet, Tang Jie did not immediately give it to Wei Tianchong but used the excuse that the array formation took time and needed more days to complete.

In the following days, he continued to practice hard. Since his Spirit Spring realm was discovered, he no longer hid it and directly went to the lecture platform to receive the second level of the cultivation technique to continue improving. Fortunately, his progress over this period was consistent with the expected speed of a five-transformations Jade Gate, so no one suspected anything.

Tonight, another guest came to the Tranquil Abode.

His name was Zhuang Shen, a student from the Xieyao Society, who had met Tang Jie a few times during the society's gatherings.

"Brother Zhuang, why are you here today?"

Tang Jie directly invited Zhuang Shen in and asked casually.

"Nothing much, just some questions for Brother Tang," Zhuang Shen said, walking around and looking around, his right hand already reaching into his bag, pulling out a map and casually throwing it. The map disappeared into the air, and a blue sky canopy appeared around the Tranquil Abode, as if the entire space was isolated.

"Oh? What questions?" Tang Jie walked ahead as if he didn't notice, asking casually.

Zhuang Shen laughed loudly, "Of course, it's about Brother Tang's true identity!"

A sword light flashed, and a sword slashed down at Tang Jie!

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