The Blade-Wielding Legend
Chapter 77 Cloud Thunder Divine Drum

Chapter 77: Chapter 77 Cloud Thunder Divine Drum

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This sort of situation had never occurred before.

The Daluo Dharma Body was his greatest secret, and except for absorbing Heavenly Spirit Earth Treasure for repairs, it was the first time something had acted upon it.

And it came from the mysterious Yin Bureau and Netherworld!

This feeling was like being spied upon by Ghost Gods.

How could Li Yan not be flustered in his heart?

Luo Mingzi shook his head and said, "I don’t know either."

"Though the gods of the Yin Bureau are Innate True Gods and are worshipped everywhere, our Taixuan Orthodox Sect does not involve ourselves, and one of our commandments is not to interfere in Yin Bureau matters, at most performing the Breaking Prison Technique to release yin souls."

"The only thing I know is that those with the Hook Seal are chosen by the Yin Bureau to become living Yin messengers, walking between the Netherworld and the human world."

"But you’re not someone who crosses into the yin realm. Many yin souls are hidden deep underground crevices and cannot cross into the yin, nor can they detain people. How would you complete the Yin Bureau’s orders?"

"Alas, I saw that you had some talent, and I thought of reporting back to let you join the Law Enforcement Hall as an outer member, but now it’s not possible."

Li Yan recalled the tragic state of Wu Lao Si before his death and said with lingering fear, "If I can’t complete the task, will I die?"

Luo Mingzi shook his head and said, "I don’t know, as it involves the Yin Bureau, living Yin messengers’ affairs are mostly secretive, unknown to outsiders."

"Here’s the plan: After I return, I’ll ask my master if he knows about this. In the meantime, your urgent task is to figure out the origin of the Hook Seal."

Li Yan furrowed his brow, "I don’t quite understand, elder."

Luo Mingzi sighed and said, "The Yin Bureau is obscure and unpredictable. Some worship the Beiyin Fengdu Emperor, who commands the Five Ghost Emperors. Others worship the ten Hell Lords, who rotate serving as the Lord of Taishan. In our sect’s texts, they are all Innate True Gods. Understanding where the Hook Seal came from is crucial for making decisions."

"Also, it’s best to find an experienced living Yin messenger to inquire."

Li Yan nodded earnestly, "Thank you, elder, I will remember this."

Luo Mingzi continued, "Do you know of the Taishan matter at the Chaotic Burial Mound?"

Li Yan replied, "I know a bit."

Luo Mingzi said coldly, "The Mountain God is a True God. Since you know the news, the Taixuan Orthodox Sect wouldn’t let those people act recklessly. I am in a hurry to return because of this matter."

"Soon, several senior brothers will return, and Qingyangzi will preside over the Jiao Altar ritual, helping the Mountain God return to position to ward off disasters and eliminate the Chaotic Burial Mound’s Yin Qi. At that time, the court will also intervene, dispersing the westward beggars’ nest and those in the pugilistic world."

"Do not get involved in this matter out of greed. Also, if you seek to expand your knowledge, you may go to watch the ceremony at the foot of the mountain."

"Thank you, elder."

Li Yan promptly cupped his hands in thanks.

Such high-level rituals would surely involve many Mystical Sect experts. Witnessing it would aid future cultivation.

Luo Mingzi nodded and sighed, "No need to thank me."

"Mystical Sect cultivation is difficult; Dao is just part of it, but upholding righteousness is more important. Since joining the Law Enforcement Hall, I’ve seen too many fellow Daoists go astray. Obsessing over small gains, losing true intentions, leading to death and the end of their Dao."

"I see Evil Qi hidden between your eyebrows, be extra cautious on this path!"

After speaking, he cupped his hands and floated away.

Li Yan respectfully cupped his hands to bid farewell.

He previously had some thoughts about the Taixuan Orthodox Sect, feeling these people were high and mighty, likely tainted by profit as the state religion.

But now, it seemed that at least Luo Mingzi, whom he had encountered, was a respectable Daoist.

Thinking of this, Li Yan looked again at the Hook Seal mark in his hand, feeling a bit troubled.

A living Yin messenger sounded impressive, even the Taixuan Orthodox Sect treated them with respect, yet from Wu Lao Si’s performance, it wasn’t a good position.

That’s right, Wu Lao Si worshipped the Beiyin Fengdu Emperor.

Could this powerful figure have forcibly recruited him?

Just as Li Yan was deep in thought, Manager Wan approached again, smiling as he said, "Young Brother Li, now that the person has been saved, what are you worried about?"

"Your combat drum is complete, why not come and take a look?"

"Oh, is it ready?"

Li Yan’s eyes lit up upon hearing this.

......

Arriving in the backyard, a combat drum was already placed on a wooden stand.

As Manager Wan said, this combat drum had been reduced in size.

The original Qin Han combat drum was the length of an adult’s arms, divided into expedition, combat, and triumphant return, along with drum, cymbals, gong, suona horns, horse bells, knives, spears, and banners. When played, a hundred drums resonated together, presenting a grand spectacle.

However, this drum was merely as wide as a washbasin, appearing a bit petite.

Nevertheless, Li Yan dared not underestimate it.

The drum body crafted from jujube wood struck by lightning had been polished with tung oil, turning into a glossy amber color with numerous branch-like thunder-strike patterns, resembling tens of thousands of thunderbolts falling.

The drum skin was made from the finest Si Skin, darker in color, with dense copper nails embedded, forming cloud patterns that combined with the thunder patterns below to create an image of thunder descending amidst clouds.

Li Yan activated his smell superpower.

He could sense the scorching Thunder Fire Gang Qi emanating from the drum body, much stronger in impression than the Hundred Battle Plaque of the old residence.

"Good drum!"

Li Yan was filled with joy and couldn’t help but praise it out loud.

Manager Wan stroked his beard with a smile, pride evident in his expression, "Little Brother, I can’t refine other Magic Artifacts, but when it comes to drum-making, our Wensheng Pavilion hasn’t lost to anyone in the entire Guanzhong."

He wasn’t lying; otherwise, he wouldn’t have taken on the Taixuan Orthodox Sect’s commission.

Seeing Li Yan eager to try and strike it, Manager Wan hastily stopped him, "Young Brother Li, don’t be hasty; the drum hasn’t been Enlightened yet, follow me to move it inside the hall."

Saying this, he instructed Li Yan to carry the drum into the Ancestor Hall, placing it in front of the offering table.

Manager Wan first changed his attire, dressed in black with a red belt around his waist, and then solemnly arranged offerings, covering the drum with a red cloth.

After completing these steps, he shook a bell with his left hand and continuously chanted.

Li Yan did not enter the room but stood outside in the courtyard, observing quietly.

He knew that every Magic Artifact, from constructing a huge Divine Statue to the straw men and paper horses’ edicts, even the mugwort for invisibility, all required Enlightenment as the final step.

Like putting the finishing touch on a dragon painting, only by Enlightening it could it form a complete entity.

Mystical Sect craftsmen excelled in this practice. Manager Wan didn’t avoid letting him see, which was a form of teaching in itself.

As Manager Wan chanted spells and shook the bell, after circling the magic platform nine times, he lit forty-nine sticks of incense, bowing to the Divine Statue. Then, he bowed towards the six divine directions of the household from the courtyard, before finally bowing to heaven and earth and returning to the hall.

"Respectfully invite the Ancestor to descend on the platform!"

With a low chant, Manager Wan inserted the incense sticks, then lifted the red cloth on the drum, taking a red pen dipped in vermillion chicken crown blood, drawing talismans in the air, invoking the taboo and reciting, "Heaven and Earth have eight sounds, clay as xun, gourd as sheng, skin as drum, bamboo as pipe, silk as string, stone as qing, metal as bell, wood as chuo."

"Heaven and earth open auspicious times, I act under the Ancestor’s decree..."

"Open you, drum body, the universe contained within you!"

"Open you, drum nails, the stars anchor the world!"

"Open you, drum skin, thunder sounds quake the heavens!"

As he chanted, Manager Wan marked all over the drum body with the pen.

Li Yan opened his smell superpower, sensing much deeper.

The Ancestor Altar in the hall had formed an arrangement, with the Divine Astral at the center, incense surrounding it, complementing the household’s six divine figures to form an array.

And this combat drum, after each vermillion mark was placed, gathered and condensed the Gang Qi, gradually forming, then slowly receding.

When the Enlightenment concluded, the combat drum resembled an ordinary object.

But Li Yan knew that this Cloud Thunder Drum could now be truly considered a Magic Artifact. With Storing God activating it, it could produce Thunder Sound to intimidate demons and banish evil.

"Hahaha!"

Seeing Li Yan’s eager eyes, Manager Wan smiled, stroking his beard, "Brother Li, give the drum a try!"

Li Yan didn’t stand on ceremony, he directly carried the drum out, placing it on the stand in the courtyard, tightened his stance, his chest and abdomen vibrating, as he emitted the "Hum" sound while striking the drum surface.

Boom!

Though the Cloud Thunder Combat Drum wasn’t large, it produced a thundering sound.

It was clearly audible throughout the entire courtyard.

The carpenters in the yard, all experienced in drum-making, immediately recognized a good drum when heard; they couldn’t sit still, they set aside their work and rushed to the backyard to watch.

And in Li Yan’s eyes, a hint of surprise emerged.

He could feel that as the drum sound reverberated, the fascial tissue of his chest cavity resonated with it, akin to a lightning strike, his whole body tingling slightly.

In terms of effect, it far surpassed the previous big drum.

But this was not yet the true Divine Drum Cloud Thunder Sound.

Li Yan hesitated for a moment, looking at Manager Wan.

Manager Wan smiled while stroking his beard, "Feel free to try it; if it breaks, I’ll give you my brand!"

"You jest, elder."

Li Yan took a deep breath and struck the drum surface once more.

But this time, he used the Yin Force of Hidden Energy.

Boom!

A deafening noise made everyone around him wince and cover their ears.

Li Yan, meanwhile, trembled all over like he’d been electrocuted; it took several deep breaths for him to recover, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily showed a hint of joy.

This was the true Divine Drum Cloud Thunder Sound!

The drum’s vibration not only rapidly stimulated the fascial tissue, wrapping energy into a circle, concentrating all power, increasing ability, but also allowed for the training of Hidden Energy.

Hard and soft, Yin and Yang, trembling, Coiling Silk...

The power of Hidden Energy took a myriad of turns; if one could continuously use it and perfectly coordinate various forces with moves, they would have reached the pinnacle of Hidden Energy.

With this Cloud Thunder Drum’s assistance, everything was achievable!

Manager Wan slightly nodded, obviously very satisfied, then loudly instructed, "Someone, carry the drum stand out the gate."

Everyone quickly stepped forward, lifting the drum stand and Cloud Thunder Drum out of the yard.

Only then did Manager Wan soberly explain, "This Cloud Thunder Divine Drum is a Magic Artifact; striking it with Storing God can intimidate and drive away evil. There’s a risk of disrespect within the yard, given the Ancestor Altar, and a clash of Gang Qi, so it must be taken out."

Li Yan nodded, using Storing God with Hidden Energy, delivering a palm strike.

Buzz!

This time, the drum’s vibration was similar to before, but the Thunder Astral Qi rapidly spread along with the drum sound.

Rustling!

In the distance, birds on the tree branches flew away in alarm, the village dogs whimpered, tails between their legs.

Meanwhile, all others felt a thunderous noise in their minds, taking quite some time to regain their composure.

Li Yan was thrilled.

This item could even intimidate living souls; weaker Wandering Ghosts were likely to flee in dread upon hearing it, and if they were too close, they’d be scattered.

Sadly, its power was immense, but its consumption was considerable.

After just one use, he felt somewhat fatigued.

Manager Wan approached again, pointing to a tiny copper beast mouth on the drum body, speaking in a low voice, "Suspending the Demon Suppression Coin Blade Tassel here makes it more powerful, but with your Dao, you might find it hard to wield. Also, as a trump card, it’s best not to reveal it publicly."

"Indeed, thank you, elder."

Joy was hard to conceal on Li Yan’s face as he cupped his hands in thanks once more.

Just then, a rider galloped along the dirt road at the village entrance.

The young man in Samurai robes dismounted gracefully before the courtyard, cupped his hands, and said, "Liu San of the Zhang Martial Arts Hall, greets Young Hero Li!"

Zhang Martial Arts Hall, weren’t they in a heated conflict with the Zhou Family? Why were they seeking him?

Li Yan was puzzled, "Has something happened for you to come here?"

Liu San said solemnly, "Master requests your presence."

"Zhou Pan intends to wash his hands of it and retire!"

"Wash his hands?"

Li Yan’s eyes turned grim, "Thinking he could resolve grievances so easily, he’s mistaken!"

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