"No need to thank me; it's only right for fellow disciples and brothers to act this way. Moreover, I haven't done much."

As Qi Xiu was welcomed into the courtyard, Ge Ping instructed the demoness Bai Ling to brew two pots of Spiritual Tea.

"This courtyard is brimming with vitality and rich in spiritual energy. A mortal living here would likely extend their lifespan and easily live to a hundred without any problems."

Qi Xiu couldn't help but marvel as he curiously surveyed Ge Ping's courtyard. From the moment he stood outside, he could sense the surging vitality within. Now that he had entered, that sensation was even more profound. The air here seemed to contain a powerful life force, flowing into one's limbs and bones with each breath. For any creature, this place was an extremely comfortable sanctuary for nurturing life.

"This Great Qinglian Lifespan Array cost me 20,000 Dao Coins; I had Elder Yun Guan assist in setting it up. Naturally, it's quite effective. However, the Array Plate must be replaced every ten years, costing nearly 10,000 Dao Coins each time. I'm almost unable to afford its upkeep." With a helpless expression, Ge Ping spread his hands.

The Shenxiao Sect valued innovation and development. All peaks and branches were now self-sustaining; the Sect itself didn't get involved. Although Yunti Peak had Yunti Spirit Fruits as a source of finance, providing for seven cultivators, including Daoist Yunxiong, still left them somewhat short. Hence, disciples like Ge Ping also had to find ways to manage some businesses and earn Dao Coins for themselves. Only then could they meet the daily consumption required for cultivation.

Hearing the fatigue in Ge Ping's words, it was evident that maintaining this array was a source of considerable worry and exhaustion for him.

Qi Xiu touched his cheek. He estimated that most cultivators within the Shenxiao Sect were not wealthy. But that was normal.

Cultivators who wanted to earn Dao Coins had to be proficient in at least one of the miscellaneous arts. Elixirs, Talisman Scripts, Magic Artifacts, Array Plates—these four miscellaneous arts were the most common and also the highest earning. But each of these arts was more complex and intricate than cultivation itself. Not only did they require guidance from a senior, but they also demanded innate talent and a great deal of time to master. Therefore, those who profited from these arts were often cultivators at the Blood-Stained Realm or even the Dao Body Realm and above. Dao-Entering Realm cultivators were almost all focused on their own cultivation; they had no time to delve into these miscellaneous arts.

"Oh right, you came looking for me; was there anything else?" Leading Qi Xiu to a simple and serene wisteria wood table, Ge Ping passed him a cup of freshly brewed Spiritual Tea. "Try this. It's a type of Spiritual Tea I cultivate myself, named Hua Yan. This little cash cow of mine is what's keeping me afloat."

Taking the teacup, Qi Xiu glanced at the translucent and clear tea within, which contained brightly blossoming flowers. Before even taking a sip, his nostrils were already filled with the delicate and lingering scent of flowers.

"What a fine Hua Yan, truly living up to its name." He lightly sipped the tea, which tasted like honey brewed from a multitude of flowers. The sweet and long-lasting flavor was endlessly delightful, making one involuntarily crave a second sip.

"Actually, I've come because there is something I need Brother Ge's help with."

"Speak freely." Setting down his teacup, Ge Ping smiled lightly.

"I made a breakthrough yesterday and felt as if I might be disturbed by a Heart Demon. I'm worried that this Heart Demon might return, so I want to purchase some methods or Magic Artifacts for protection against it. I'm not very familiar with these things, which is why I wanted to ask for Brother Ge's advice," Qi Xiu said in a measured tone, revealing his purpose.

"A Heart Demon?" Ge Ping's expression grew significantly more serious as he said solemnly, "You're facing Heart Demon trouble just after reaching the Dao-Entering Realm? If that's the case, you definitely should take precautions early to avoid future regrets. Let me think. The methods to resist Heart Demons involve the Divine Soul Realm, which you cannot practice as you're only in the Dao-Entering Realm. You can only buy Magic Artifacts to resist Heart Demons. Do you have money?"

"A little bit." Not wanting to admit that he had over 10,000 Dao Coins in his Flood Dragon Pool Ring, Qi Xiu nodded to indicate he had some savings.

"Alright then, I'll ask a few senior brothers to see if there are any Heart Demon Magic Artifacts for sale within the Sect recently. There should be some news in a few days."

"Then I owe you many thanks, Brother Ge."

After thanking Ge Ping, the two chatted idly for a while before Qi Xiu set off for home.

As he walked, his heart was filled with emotion. This was the advantage of being backed by a large platform. Any problem could find someone to solve it. Purchasing Magic Artifacts and methods also came with their respective connections. There was no need to beseech and beg, only to possibly end up without the right contacts in the end.

「In the following days.」

Qi Xiu met with Daoist Yunxiong once to formally express his wish to become a collateral branch disciple. Daoist Yunxiong felt a sense of regret over his decision. He didn't know that Qi Xiu's talent and understanding of Thunder Magic stemmed from his Divine Marvel of Proficiency. Any Cultivation Technique in his hands presented no difficulty. He had mistakenly thought of him as a genius in cultivating Thunder Magic. If he could become a mainline disciple and switch to cultivating the "Nine Heavens Divine Thunder Scripture," he would surely become a pillar within the Sect in the future.

Yet, regarding Qi Xiu's decision, Daoist Yunxiong simply felt regret, without trying to dissuade or stop him. Among his six disciples, most were collateral branch disciples. They, too, had made considerable contributions to the Sect. Whether from the main family or the branch families, as long as one remained in the Shenxiao Sect, they were disciples of the Shenxiao Sect, and he treated them all equally.

"Since you have decided, your master will say no more.

"You are now a cultivator in the Dao-Entering Realm, and you may select a Thunder Magic to cultivate.

"Your master specializes in the Five Thunder Orthodox Skill and the Divine Authority Thunder Golden Body.

"The Divine Authority Thunder Golden Body is a Blood-Stained Realm technique created by your master.

"You are not yet capable of cultivating it.

"When you reach the Blood-Stained Realm, if you are interested, your master can teach it to you.

"This technique is an extremely strong Martial Path technique.

"Cultivate it to the extreme, and you become one with the heavenly thunder; the heavenly thunder becomes one with you.

"With this power, you can sweep away armies and look down upon the world!

"It is indeed immensely powerful.

"It's just a pity that none of your senior brothers and sisters have taken a liking to it.

"They do not recognize its value, truly ignorant of its worth!"

Daoist Yunxiong felt hurt that no one appreciated his proud creation. Now he placed his hopes on this talented junior disciple.

Feeling Daoist Yunxiong's eager gaze, Qi Xiu forced a smile. "Rest assured, once I reach the Blood-Stained Realm, I will... seriously consider it."

"Mm, good. Then your master wishes you an early success in reaching the Blood-Stained Realm. This is the summary of the Five Thunder Orthodox Skill. Take it home and look it over. Decide which one you want to learn and then come find your master."

Daoist Yunxiong handed a thin booklet to Qi Xiu as he spoke. Six large characters were written in a flamboyant style on it: Five Thunder Orthodox Skill Summary.

「In the courtyard.」

Qi Xiu lay on a rocking chair, slowly flipping through the Five Thunder Orthodox Skill Summary given by Daoist Yunxiong.

The Five Thunder Orthodox Skill, also known as the Five Elements Thunder Skill or Five Thunder Celestial Heart Skill, was one of the most orthodox Thunder Magics of the Shenxiao Sect. It was widely cultivated by many in the Sect. Its power was second to none among all Thunder Magics. Of course, the difficulty of cultivating it was at a nightmare level.

The Palm Thunder that Qi Xiu had cultivated in the second round of the entrance examination was a simplified, and further simplified, version of the Five Thunder Orthodox Skill. But its power was already tremendously terrifying. That undying creature had been incredibly weak under the majesty of Thunder Magic, unable to withstand a single blow. From this, one could imagine just how terrifying the power of the authentic and orthodox Five Thunder Orthodox Skill would be.

The Five Elements Thunder Skill was divided into five volumes: Heavenly Thunder, Cang Thunder, Dragon Thunder, Divine Thunder, and Orthodox Thunder.

Heavenly Thunder, also known as Golden Thunder—governs the proper order of the heavens, coordinates the four seasons, beheads Heavenly Demons, sweeps away plagues, and captures Celestial Demons and all difficult-to-treat evil spirits.

Cang Thunder, also known as Wood Thunder—governs the generation of all things, nourishes the five grains, clears mountain mists and miasmas, guides departed souls, and is used to pray for favorable weather.

Dragon Thunder, also known as Water Thunder—commands thunder to bring rain, provides relief from drought, eliminates Jiao Dragons, venomous snakes, malicious mirage-monsters, and nature spirits, stirs winds and clouds, and manages the affairs of aquatic demesnes.

Divine Thunder, also known as Fire Thunder—governs slaughter and punishment, rectifies evil through chastisement, quells chaos caused by Demons, illuminates the six cardinal directions; when its thunder and fire are unleashed, all things vanish.

Orthodox Thunder, also known as Earth Thunder—governs the slaying of spirits in ancient artifacts, subdues primordial or stagnant qi, demolishes altars and destroys temples, and regulates terrestrial deities.

Only by completely cultivating all five volumes of Thunder Magic and integrating them as one was one truly practicing the Five Thunder Orthodox Skill! At that time, with a mere thought, one could summon wind and rain and overturn rivers and seas. What creature of heaven and earth would dare defy the Heavenly Authority?!

Cultivating Thunder Magic is difficult, thousands, even tens of thousands of times more so than ordinary Daoist Inheritances. Otherwise, it wouldn't stand at the top of all magic. I heard from Master that within the entire Shenxiao Sect, fewer than ten people have perfected the complete Five Thunder Celestial Heart Skill. Most people are stuck at the threshold of commanding Heavenly Authority with the Five Thunder Orthodox Skill. I wonder when I will be able to reach that threshold.

After some reflection, Qi Xiu shook his head to clear his thoughts.

If I were to choose to cultivate these five volumes of Thunder Magic, where should I start? Senior Brother Ge Ping mainly cultivates the Wooden Path and therefore chose Cang Thunder, also known as Yi Wood Divine Thunder. This Thunder Magic is very special; although it symbolizes the punishing power of thunder, which is extraordinarily yang and rigid, it is also filled with strong vitality. It is as if the spring thunder awakens all things. Therefore, among the five volumes of Thunder Magic, its power is the lowest. But it can stimulate the vitality of all things, not only healing injuries but also revitalizing origins. In the path of plants and trees, it has unique advantages. And because of the intense vitality contained in this Thunder Magic, mixed with the dignified intent of thunder, it has a very strong restraining effect on ghostly and undead creatures! It can even be said to vanquish all yin and ghostly qi in the world! When Cang Thunder sounds, all ghosts scatter. I have the 'Hunyuan Dragon Tiger Scripture Mystery' to protect me; I can cultivate any volume of Thunder Magic without any hindrance or restriction. But the cultivation time for this Thunder Magic is extremely long. I should first choose a Thunder Magic that is more suitable for me to use and start with that.

His gaze swept across the five volumes of Thunder Magic, finally pausing on one of the lines.

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