oud beasts wouldn't pay it any mind. They swiftly dashed into the depths of the passage. Along the way, they encountered three humanoid cloud beasts, none of them particularly strong. Qin Sang and his...The wretched demon's appearance resembled that of a dog, but its front legs were short and thin. Fearing exposure by middle-aged Taoists, it could only walk on the ground, using its two hind legs to run at a speed that was not slow.
Suddenly being called out, the demon fox couldn't help but stiffen. After a slight pause, her legs churned like wheels as she rode on demonic wind and sped towards the dense forest ahead.
Qin Sang followed at ease, his gaze on Bei Yao carrying a hint of peculiarity.
The aura he sensed from the grass field at Bai Long渡 just now should belong to this monster. Its aura is comparable to that of a Nascent Soul Stage demon, the true master of the formation. It has been secretly manipulating the giant wolf all along, its magical powers are indeed extraordinary.
At this moment, the Beiyuan Demon's aura has greatly diminished, only at the early stage of the demon core.
Qin Sang followed it all the way, confirming that it wasn't injured or suffering from any other ailment, but had simply fallen in cultivation.
The giant wolf and it were one, their breaths shared the same source, their cultivation could even transform into each other. Even the middle-aged Taoist was deceived by this.
The Bēi demon still ran frantically. Qin Sang tapped lightly on the ground, easily catching up to it before the demon. He raised his hand and made a grasping motion, and the Bēi demon was sucked into his palm. After being lifted by the back of the neck, its entire body became immobile.
Away from the hustle and bustle of people, Qin Sang found a flat rock on the mountainside and settled down, tossing his belongings onto it casually.
'Bang!'
The monster was thrown to the ground, but its eyes were tightly shut, and its body was stiff, like a lifeless object.
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Qin Sang said calmly, "I know you can understand human speech. If you don't want the poor Dao to use soul-searching techniques, honestly answer a few questions from the poor Dao."
The demon, Beijiao, trembled all over. She opened her eyes, her pupils darted around wildly, and with a sudden movement, she flipped over and knelt down, bowing repeatedly: "Great Immortal, please spare my life! Great Immortal, please spare my life! This lowly demon is willing to serve you day and night. Whatever the Great Immortal wants to know, this demon will answer truthfully."
This demon is cunning and sly, but also has some sense. It avoided a lot of trouble. I'm short-handed right now, and it isn't easy to find such a highly intelligent monster. Perhaps it can be kept as a useful tool.
Qin Sang smiled faintly, "I ask you, what place is this"
>
Of course, what he most urgently wanted to know was how cultivators in this world stabilized their primordial energy and practiced what kind of methods. However, it would be best to first understand the general situation of this world before making any judgments.
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The demon was stunned, carefully lifting its head to glance at Qin Sang.
This person's aura was subtle; it couldn't sense their cultivation level at all. But it could be certain, they far surpassed its peak.
Just the aura of pressure emanating from this person alone sent shivers down its spine.
A Taoist Master, under the rule of the Dao Court, could hardly be lost, couldn't he
The狽妖 was unsure what Qin Sang really wanted to ask, so he racked his brains and told her everything he knew.
Qin Sang listened quietly, only then realizing that this was the world of Taoism.
It turned out that the Nine Dragons Nation where he currently resided was a nation under the jurisdiction of a branch altar of the Taoist sect. The monarch and all officials in the country were ordinary people. The Taoist sect rarely interfered with the changes of dynasties in the mortal realm. This point was actually consistent with the strategy of the Windstorm Cultivating Immortal Sects governing the human world.
Before, Qin Sang had heard the woman's name from the female consort and knew that the ninth branch hall of the mysterious and true Xuan Miao Yingzhen Grand Altar was in charge of Jiulong Kingdom.
However, according to the Bao Yao, the full name of this place should be: Zhong Mao Zhi, Qing Xu Jing, Xuan Miao Ying Zhen Dan, Ninth Branch Altar, Nine Dragons Country Floating Dragon City.
There are also legends of the Nine Heavens Golden Palace, but it only exists in legend. No one knows if it truly exists or where it is located.
All are divided into sections, each section is independent.
Jingwei is called Jinglu, also known as the Jingtan.
Each Jingtan temple has various departments, responsible for overseeing the affairs of humans, gods, ghosts, and demons in the world. It is just like an ordinary human dynasty, with ranks and officials established. They are divided into nine grades, with Grade One being the most honorable. Each grade also has "zheng" (regular) and "cong" (auxiliary) positions.
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The presiding official was like a young woman, holding the rank of Zhengliu (Sixth Rank), and serving as Shangqing (High Official) in charge of rituals at the Tianshu Courtyard. He also handled affairs within the Tianshu Courtyard.
Below the sixth rank, all officials listen to and carry out orders from their respective locations. National masters of each country are stationed at the Tianshu Courtyard, responsible for overseeing the four directions.
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Even the chief of the Altar can only be given the rank of "Qingxuan, Doctor of the Imperial Court", which is still just a fifth-rank official. Only those altars with particularly important positions can have their rank increased by half a level.
Above the Jinglu Mansion resided the Imperial Inspector of the Heavenly Court, a high-ranking official of the fourth rank responsible for affairs in the Tianshu Courtyard.
Then, going beyond the scope of the knowledge possessed by even a crafty demon, he reached new heights.
The official ranks are clearly defined, hence it is also called the Dao Court. However, the Dao Court is not limited to only the Tianshu Institute.
Zhong Maoji, under the jurisdiction of Tianzhu Yuan, had another official named Shibei who was in charge of Beiji Qu Xie Yuan. Zhong Maoji and Shibei were known as the "Two Officials," and it was said that Beiji Qu Xie Yuan could rival Tianzhu Yuan in terms of power and rank, despite having different titles.
However, when Chūjō mentions the Dōin, he usually refers to Tenshubu.
Of course, not all Taoist cultivators belonging to Zhongmaozhi's lineage were affiliated with Tianshu Courtyard. There were also many other Taoist sects outside Tianshu Courtyard, but they couldn't truly be free-spirited hermits. As long as they were under the jurisdiction of the Dao Court, they were subject to its rule and had to abide by celestial laws. They couldn't act recklessly, or else the Dao Court would have the right to punish them.
For example, the old master of the Befouled Demon, who hailed from Danxiao Mansion, lived in a place where Danxiao Mansion’s mountain gate was adjacent to another Jingzhizhen. Even if it were just the head of the altar under Jingzhizhen who came, they would have to open the mountain gate and welcome them with respect.
These Taoist cultivators, even after being assessed for their merits and demerits, could enter Tianshu Academy to become immortal officials. However, these people were only a minority in Tianshu Academy.
When the former master of the demon, having achieved the position of a Xuan Fa master, refused to enter the Dao Court.
Hearing this, Qin Sang couldn't help but be astonished. A Yuan Ying cultivator could only be a fifth-rank Dutan master at Tianshu Courtyard. Above them were Jing Lu and Zhong Mao Zhi. If official rank and cultivation corresponded one to one, wouldn't there be cultivators of the Refining Void stage or even higher in this world
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"How many levels of legal positions are there for cultivators in the Daoist sect" Qin Sang asked in a deep voice.
The spirit demon was stunned for a moment, and for a while didn't know how to answer.
It is common knowledge that cultivators of the human race in this realm all enter the Dao Sect, and the order of cultivation within the Dao Sect is well known. Even the demon and ghost kingdom located on Mount Dongji would be clear about it.
Looking at this person, one can see their spirit is clear and their breath is mysterious yet tranquil. They must have received genuine teachings, but I wonder what methods they practice
Could it be a demon from beyond the realm
The demon suddenly remembered a legend and couldn't help shivering. He didn't dare to think further, so he quickly told what he knew.
Qin Sang, after hearing this, couldn't help but rejoice in his own prudence.
The overall strength of the cultivators in this realm is indeed extraordinary, surpassing that of the Storm Realm. There is no fear of a dead end ahead.
>
The practice order of this world's Taoist school is called Fa Wei, divided into nine levels from top to bottom: Bi Dao Fa Wei, Dong Zhen Fa Wei, He Tu Fa Wei, Wu Fu Fa Wei, Dong Xuan Fa Wei, Sheng Xuan Fa Wei, Dong Shen Fa Wei, Dao De Fa Wei, and Zheng Yi Fa Wei.
He is now familiar with the eight levels of Mahayana, Hunyuan, Xianren, Huashhen, Yuanying, Jindan, Zhuji, and Lianqi.
Limited by his cultivation and knowledge, the demon couldn't fathom the extent of the divine powers wielded by beings on higher planes.
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But Qin Sang could determine through its description that, at least below the Nascent Soul realm, his cultivation level was comparable.
For example, the female cultivator was a Dào God realm cultivator, her aura comparable to that of a Jindān cultivator. As for the middle-aged Daoist priest, he hailed from the Duōtán sect, indicating he was most likely a Shēngxuán realm cultivator, on par with a Yuán Yíng cultivator.
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The disgraced demon had once heard his former master and personal guards discuss the formidable Immortal of the Cave Profound Realm. Now, recounting the story, it was almost on par with a Nascent Soul cultivator's power.
Therefore, it can be inferred that a Mahayana practitioner merely comprehends the realm of true Dharma, yet they are unaware if there has been a division within Mahayana or if there is even more profound mystery beyond Mahayana.
Of course, Qin Sang was still very far from that realm. Now wasn't the time to be thinking about these things.
“Can positions and ranks correspond” Qin Sang calculated carefully, the Heavenly Pivot Academy’s official ranks were divided into nine grades, which happened to correspond one by one with the nine realms of Dharma.”
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Therefore, is it to be inferred that all celestial officials of the first rank in Tianshu Academy possess the cultivation of a Great Accomplishment period
If that were the case, Mahayana cultivators would surely not remain in a small thousand worlds. They must have ascended to the Great Thousand World.
Now the Bèi Yao is accustomed to such things, only regarding Qin Sang as an outsider demon. Knowing everything and saying it all, she said: “Positions from rank eight to nine are held by those who have attained the Dao of a true position. Rank seven should be the starting point. Little demon has followed the old master for not long, but based on what I've seen, there may be special reasons why someone has reached their level but hasn't been formally promoted yet. But I've never seen anyone promoted to a higher position before they have achieved the necessary cultivation.”
Qin Sang nodded and said, "Bi Dao's statement is indeed mysterious. It means that Zhong Mao's achievement at the very least is a five-symbol法位."
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All merit belongs to Zhong Mao Zhi Zheng, who holds the seal of All Merit.
And those five talismans, very likely belonged to a cultivator from the Refining Void realm.
The fox demon smiled wryly and said, "This little demon is lacking in knowledge, but I've heard that the Tianshu Courtyard of Zhongmao really has great cultivators, but I don't know if they are all skilled."
Qin Sang heard this and couldn't help but sneer in her heart.
Just now, he learned that in this world, once a Taoist enters the stage of Sheng Xuan (Ascending to the Profound), which is equivalent to a Yuanying cultivator, they can be called a True Person. This point aligns with the Storm Realm.
But those above the third level of Sheng Xuan are all called True Persons, until they reach the He Tu realm, which is the Nascent Soul stage he deduced, and only then can they be respectfully addressed as True Monarchs. Because the five symbol realm True Persons collectively manage a region's affairs, "Great" is added before their titles, which has become a convention over time.
He was merely a Qi Refining cultivator, yet he had been revered as a True Monarch for many years. Thinking about it made him ashamed.
If this were to be known by the high immortals of this world's Daoist school, they would surely denounce it as an overstep.
Aware of the general principles of the Daoist teachings, Qin Sang had just asked about how Daoists in this world cultivated.
Upon inquiry, it turned out to be a great surprise to him.
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According to what he saw and heard, he thought that this world was governed by Shintoism and talismanism, but it wasn't. The Taoist school practiced talismanism and the way of thought.
Talismans and runes should be looked at separately.
The key lies in 'lu'!
A talisman, also known as a legal document or fasces in Taoism, is believed to possess immense power.
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The Divine Mandate encompasses all celestial beings and spirits, summoning and commanding them. It judges merits and demerits, investigates acts of virtue and vice, and decrees edicts for all souls.
> It can also slay demons and subdue monsters, and control mountains and rivers.
It can also purify the air and ward off a hundred evils.
One can also cultivate the Tao with Dao Xuan, and attain enlightenment!
The so-called "lu" is something Qin Sang had seen before. It was the announcement to all spirits in the female shaman's altar, and the Danxiao banner in the wolf soldier's altar.
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These are the true forms of talismans, also known as talisman imprints. Different lineages transmit different talisman imprints.
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The is unique to the Tianshu Courtyard. It is said to be a talisman called the Nine Heavens Soldier Talisman, formed by celestial officials from the Beiji Exorcism Academy!
When the Bi Yao was summoned by its former master as troops, it had already ascended to the Xuan Fa position. Therefore, it was unclear what the true appearance of the talisman was. It was said to be something like a seal or talisman, possibly a combination of cryptic runes, or perhaps an incredibly complex talisman.
As cultivation level increases, one will gradually condense a genuine talisman seal.
>
After a Taoist disciple receives the teachings and enters the Dao, they must then undergo a ceremony called "receiving the mandate" (受籙). Only after this ceremony can they begin their cultivation practice. This highlights two crucial functions of the mandate.
It can purify the air and harmonize with the six natural energies of heaven.
Two can store the true God-mind.
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"Six days the vapors..."
Qin Sang silently recited this word in her heart.
This Taoist school views chaotic energy as the six celestial energies. After receiving a talisman, one establishes heaven and earth as an altar, places the talisman on the legal altar, and can thus borrow the power of the altar to stabilize the heavens, set right the Yuan (primordial force), and begin their practice in the Dao.
But merely stabilizing one's vital energy is insufficient. Within the six days of qi, there lies a possibility for disruption. Over time, it will still erode the cultivator's primordial spirit, affecting their intelligence and shaking their foundation. Therefore, one must utilize the method of contemplation, imagining deities as anchors, using seals as references, harmonizing Qi to summon deities, sensing the Heavenly Heart, and contemplating the divine beings. This ensures safety.
This method is also called storing the spirit or storing the thought. The spirit or thought that is stored is also known as a guardian deity or a guardian altar general. Both talismanic seal and guardian altar general are pillars of the altar formation.
Talismans can not only protect the Daoist practitioner, but also the soldiers summoned by them. They can all practice around the altar and be protected, and they can also visualize guardian deities with the Daoist practitioner. This not only makes the altar more stable, but also benefits the Daoist practitioner's cultivation as the sincere and dedicated soldiers and Daoist practitioner work together in harmony. It is truly mutually beneficial.
Not only can the Taoist altar be used for cultivation, but it can also store troops. When Taoists travel, they can collect their altars and bring their troops with them.
If you meet a Taoist and think he is alone, so vulnerable to be bullied, then you are greatly mistaken. He could very well summon thousands of demon soldiers in an instant, banners covering the sky – truly, one person becomes an army of tens of thousands.
But raising an army is not so easy, and it comes with the risk of the army rebelling.
Because the world is chaotic, demons cultivate alone. The higher their cultivation realm, the greater the risk of losing their rationality. Even demons without awakened spirits can sense the benefits of the formation. Subduing troops is easier than in normal realms.
Furthermore, the talisman possesses a trace of spiritual power. It doesn't require the imperial decree; if generals in the army are awakened by Daoists with blessings, they will be filled with gratitude and readily submit.
The number and cultivation level of soldiers and horses naturally have an upper limit, but the Bi Yao is not very clear. It only knows that it is related to the cultivation level of Taoists and the talismans they receive.
>
Because investiture is not a one-time event, and full accomplishment of merit requires ascending to higher ranks of legal mandate, this is the sequential order of cultivation in Taoism.
And the bestowal of investiture must be carried out on a dharma platform. Each sect has its own mountain gate and dharma altar, and Tianshu Courtyard also has its own dharma platform. There are so-called governance, pacification, capital, and branch altars, and they are all responsible for conferring investiture.
Hearing this, Qin Sang's slightly relaxed mood couldn't help but grow heavy again.
"Are you the rebel who overturned the altar"
Qin Sang looked the fox demon up and down.
The Bi Yao shrank back a little, it didn't want to expose its own shame, but thinking of how its identity as a travelling cultivator had already been exposed on the river surface, this person could easily find out. Therefore, it dared not hide anything.
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“That old Taoist was ruthless and cruel. This young demoness was later forcibly conscripted by him, she wasn't one of his personal soldiers and was treated harshly. Moreover, the old Taoist favored certain individuals and repeatedly unjustly reprimanded this young demoness...”
The wretched demon still wanted to argue a few words, but under Qin Sang's seemingly smiling yet not-smiling gaze, even with its sharp teeth and venomous tongue, it gradually had nothing more to say.
Qin Sang didn't bother with it, saying calmly, "Let me ask you, when you said that a Taoist priest granting the conferring of talismans and contemplating divine spirits could summon heavenly soldiers to descend, have you ever seen such a thing"
>The demon, Bi Yao, breathed a sigh of relief and quickly shook her head. "I've never seen him fight. That old Taoist only uses his own soldiers because he's not a celestial officer from the Tianshu Courtyard and doesn't have unrestricted power. He has to get permission from the City Gods and mountain gods before summoning them. There are no heavenly soldiers and generals, it must be propaganda spread by the Daoists."
Qin Sang let out a small 'hmm' and then asked, "If there are no gods, then where do the City Gods and Mountain Gods come from"
"This..."
The demon king was taken aback. It hadn't really thought about this issue carefully.
The demon’s eyes rolled around, and after a stammering pause, it suddenly remembered something. Its face lit up with joy as it exclaimed, "This little demon remembers! That old Taoist once said—all gods are created by humans!"
(End of Chapter)
Please: m.xyusk
Let me know if you have any other text you'd like translated!sterious aura sealed within the stone slab. This little one can sense it; it will be immensely beneficial to me, which is why I've been lurking in Wan She Abyss for years. After merging with it, who k...