Wandering Gods of Day and Night
Chapter 229 - 174 Talismanic Script "Five Elements" _2

Chapter 229: Chapter 174 Talismanic Script "Five Elements" _2

"Hua Zi, Hua Zi, what are you doing? Hurry over!" Little Fuzi shouted.

Mu Hua picked up the iron wire again, rolling the iron ring as he ran toward Little Fuzi.

...

Zhou Xuan carried the divination book to the outer hall, took out a volume titled "Divination Ceremony," and was about to start flipping through it when he remembered a passage from the Wash Away Injustice Talisman earlier. He turned to Yun Ziliang and asked.

"Lao Yun, I just had a flash of inspiration, came up with this phrase, but honestly, I don’t fully understand its meaning. Can you help me analyze it?"

Zhou Xuan said.

"Go ahead, tell me."

"The energy of the Five Thieves corresponds to the forms of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. The heavens transform all things through the yin-yang and the five elements, shaping through energy, not energy through shape."

Zhou Xuan recited.

The scriptures were fragmented, without beginning, end, or context—very difficult to comprehend.

Yun Ziliang tilted his head and gave Zhou Xuan a glance: "You came up with this yourself?"

"Yes."

"Your inspiration is too brilliant; this phrase directly points to your new friend."

"Who?"

"Si Ming, that Hall Master of the Divine Stealer Hall," Yun Ziliang said. "His incense fire levels should be high, at least exceeding five layers of incense fire. The fifth incense fire technique of the Divine Stealer is called—Five Elements Escape Skill. It has variations of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth."

"This escape technique is the core method of the Divine Stealer when confronting opponents. While the technique can be comprehended as long as incense fire levels are reached, individuals vary in their perception, so the depth of comprehension naturally differs."

"The depth determines the variation, and the potency naturally varies accordingly."

Yun Ziliang continued, "Shaping through energy, not energy through shape—when I reflect on this, I find it profoundly insightful."

"What’s the difference between these two approaches?"

Zhou Xuan knew the passage originated from the talismanic script and realized Yun Ziliang truly had a discerning mind.

"The difference is immense. ’Energy through shape’ relies on magical skills to transform one’s bodily form into the energy of the Five Elements! Whereas ’shape through energy’ allows one to use the surrounding energy of the Five Elements as one’s own!"

Yun Ziliang said thoughtfully, "Such insight is something only those with innate dominance can achieve."

"We who walk the shadow and worship the gods think of heaven, spirits, five elements, and the great Tao in overly sacred terms. We become devotees; they reign above us."

"And so, deep in our bones, we simply aim to borrow their power. If we can obtain some, we’re satisfied."

"Little do we realize, beyond borrowing, we can also control, seize, and make them work for us!"

"Lao Yun, how many layers of incense fire did you achieve before?"

Zhou Xuan, upon hearing Yun Ziliang’s perspective, suspected Lao Yun’s incense fire levels must have been extraordinarily high in the past.

"Hah! You’d be shocked—I reached four layers of incense fire!"

Yun Ziliang said, proud as could be.

"You’re pulling my leg; certainly more than four layers..."

"Just four layers, I swear to the heavens." Yun Ziliang even swore an oath.

"Four layers of incense fire, yet such deep understanding of the path of shadow and divine worship?" Zhou Xuan was puzzled.

But since Lao Yun had sworn on it, then it must truly only be four layers.

...

Under the Ancestor Tree, Zhou Family’s Troupe.

Zhou Lingyi asked Yuan Buyu: "Elder Yuan, Yun Ziliang only achieved four layers of incense fire—do you think that’s possible?"

"Quite possible."

Yuan Buyu replied, "That Yun Ziliang claims he hails from Hidden Dragon Mountain. Initially, I couldn’t figure out who he might be."

"But now, after hearing what he said, I finally realize his identity!"

"The first inheritor of Hidden Dragon Mountain, spanning eight hundred years."

"Four layers of incense fire, yet unstoppable across the Human Daoist School."

"At seven, he achieved Spirit Communication Incense; by twelve, he climbed to four layers of incense fire. Then, he intentionally broke off his incense fire, severing his connection to the gods!"

"Without incense fire, can one still cultivate?"

Zhou Lingyi’s worldview was challenged.

"Others can’t, but he can!" Yuan Buyu said. "He’s an innately dominant individual. Yun Ziliang is not his true name. He uses the name of the divine dragon—he is Zhu Yin!"

Yuan Buyu continued, "Zhu Yin, how he fell into such circumstances, hiding in paintings for three hundred years, remains an unfathomable mystery."

"Or perhaps, his three centuries of concealment were to cultivate even greater divine skills."

Zhou Lingyi smiled lightly and said, "Having someone like Yun Ziliang around to accompany my younger brother will prove immensely beneficial for my brother’s incense fire cultivation."

"That’s certain, Master Zhou. Mingjiang Prefecture has the air of tumultuous convergence. I’m still considering going to help out Xuanzi."

"Elder Yuan, rest assured. My brother will face no danger—I guarantee it."

"So confident?"

"Every Tangkou genius has a Daoist Guardian. My brother also has one!"

Zhou Lingyi closed her eyes to rest her spirit.

Her daily activity primarily consisted of "nurturing the spirit," the way witches cultivated incense fire.

Yuan Buyu, on the other hand, awaited Zhou Xuan’s opportunity. Today, Zhou Xuan had grasped the Five Elements Escape Skill’s profundities—might he someday also see through some of the storyteller’s extraordinary skills?

"Even the master wishes for effortless gains!"

Yuan Buyu deeply desired to experience the joy of "lying in the courtyard while incense fire skills flourish within."

...

"Brother Zhou! I’m here!"

Zhou Xuan was studying ancient divination texts when the lively Si Yuer suddenly sprang into the shop, startling him.

"If you come in, just come in—why all the fuss..." Zhou Xuan placed the book on the counter and said.

"Brought you some gifts."

Si Yuer placed two paper bags on the counter: "Desserts from Yue Ming House, crisp yet not greasy—I guarantee you’ll love them."

"You’re really quite thoughtful. Just in time—I don’t have any snacks to entertain a wealthy lady here in the shop. Guess I’ll offer these in return for your kindness."

Zhou Xuan tore open the paper bag, grabbed a piece of dessert, and handed it to Si Yuer: "Little Yu, don’t be polite. Help yourself—it’s all among friends!"

With an air of confidence as if the desserts were pre-prepared by him.

Si Yuer was amused, laughing heartily with her head tilted back.

"Have a cup of tea, then we’ll discuss the sacrificial ritual."

Zhou Xuan said.

"We can talk about it now."

"Let me clarify first—sacrifice is the method for activating the Flower-picking Handprint tattoo. It’s not that I insist on sacrificing; I don’t profit from it."