The mountains undulated, enveloped in drifting clouds and mist. The seasons cycled, time speeding by like a shuttle through weaving threads. In early spring, a few patches of remnant snow were still faintly visible in the mountains. Underneath the peach trees, pink petals fell like rain, dancing lightly in the breeze. The sun's rays pierced through the sparse branches and leaves, showering the earth with warmth and softness. As the seasons progressed, spring gradually passed and summer arrived. The temperature in the mountains slowly rose, infusing the forest air with a fresh, fragrant scent. The verdant growth rustled with the chirping of insects and birds, their sounds the rawest, most beautiful sounds of nature in the quiet and peaceful surroundings. In autumn, the maple and ginkgo trees displayed a variety of colors—fiery red, golden yellow, orange. Fallen leaves carpeted the entire valley, and in winter, snowflakes swirled, blanketing the woods in pristine white. Biting winds howled, the silence profound and solemn. The four seasons hastily moved on.

Seated cross-legged at the edge of a sheer cliff next to Yunti Peak, Qi Xiu was dressed in a loose, plain white robe, facing the abyss. He had been sitting there for an indeterminable amount of time.

Suddenly, he moved his hand through the air, and streaks of azure-colored Cloud Seal Talismans emanated from his fingertips, forming into a 'Thunder' character that was majestic, weighty, and imbued with heavenly might.

Calligraphy, Fifth Realm!

Success!

Slowly opening his eyes, he exhaled a puff of pale white frosty air. Gazing at the [Thunder Talisman] that had converged and remained intact in the void, his expression eased.

There were no more mishaps this time.

He had finally obtained the Dharma Talisman.

After nearly six long years, he had finally elevated his calligraphy to the Fifth Realm.

And the Cloud Seal Talisman he now understood was precisely the Dharma Talisman he had long yearned for.

Quietly contemplating the Divine Marvel of Fifth-Realm Calligraphy, Qi Xiu's gaze flickered subtly.

Compared to the illusory symbols drawn in midair with Fourth-Realm calligraphy, upon advancing to the Fifth Realm, aside from comprehending the Dharma Talisman, there seemed to be no other effects.

Wait, that's not right.

Just when Qi Xiu thought Fifth-Realm Calligraphy only involved comprehending Cloud Seal Dharma Talismans, the [Thunder Talisman] in front of him revealed something unusual.

The power isn't right.

The martial power manifested by Cloud Seal Talismans was only two-tenths of the original martial art's strength. Medicine Talismans and Drawing Talismans even less, at just one-tenth of their original effect.

But now…

With a single thought, Qi Xiu's fingertips flickered, and a [Sword Talisman] instantly formed, unleashing a Formless Sword Qi that pierced through a mountain opposite him, leaving behind a hole tens of meters deep. His fingers moved again, and one after another, Medicine Talismans and Drawing Talismans were created.

Indeed, the power had increased.

Martial Talismans now possessed three-tenths of the original techniques' power. Medicine Talismans and Drawing Talismans had their effects doubled, now reaching two-tenths of their original potency.

It seemed that Fifth-Realm Calligraphy, aside from the Dharma Talisman, also fully amplified the power of all Cloud Seal Talismans!

Martial Talismans, Medicine Talismans, and Drawing Talismans are one thing, but the power of this Suppression Talisman…

His fingertip barely twitching, Qi Xiu sketched out a [Suppression Talisman] and pondered over it for a moment, his eyes subtly shifting.

The power hadn't changed. But the "thickness" had increased. This thickness isn't to say that the volume of the Suppression Talisman has grown. Rather, the total amount of Divine Marvel it contained had increased.

The Suppression Talisman is unlike other talismans; it isn't derived from other Dharma Gates, so its power has always been constant. A Suppression Talisman drawn by Qi Xiu in the Common Realm would carry the power of the Common Realm. One drawn in the Dao-Entering Realm would hold the power of the Dao-Entering Realm. The power of the Suppression Talisman has always been proportional to Qi Xiu's cultivation level. But after breaking through to Fifth-Realm Calligraphy, the total Divine Marvel within the Suppression Talisman had increased. This meant that where once a single Suppression Talisman could vanquish one Demon of the Dao-Entering Realm, after the Fifth Realm, a single Suppression Talisman could subdue two Dao-Entering Demons.

The power remained the same, but the capacity increased. It's akin to having two bullets instead of one.

The total Divine Marvel of the Suppression Talisman has increased, and its duration is longer. Perhaps one day, a single Suppression Talisman could eternally suppress a region, keeping Demonic Evil Cultivators at bay, just as they now use the Scolding Sacred Heart to corrupt the land.

Having successfully broken through to the Fifth Realm of calligraphy, Qi Xiu was about to get up and make his way home when a majestic and elegant crane with snow-white feathers, a long neck, and powerful, narrow wings flew over.

"Seventh Master, the Peak Master summons you to the summit hall immediately."

Hovering in front of Qi Xiu, the crane spoke in human tongue, its voice deep and somewhat peculiar.

"Understood."

Nodding, Qi Xiu soared upward, transforming into a crimson bolt of thunderflame, trailing a blindingly bright, long tail of fire, and reaching the summit hall at the peak of Yunti Peak in a breath's time.

The hall was stately and ancient. Its towering roof, built from heavy bluestone, remained robust despite the eroding passage of time. In front of the hall, a broad stone staircase led to massive copper double doors. These doors were intricately carved with exquisite patterns and mystic symbols, exuding an aura of age and sanctity. The doors bore clear signs of rust and mottled colors left by the years, as if recounting the multitude of storms the grand hall had weathered through the long ages.

Arriving at the stone steps in front of the grand hall, Qi Xiu ascended them and came to the front of the hall.

"Disciple Qi Xiu seeks an audience with Master."

"Xiuer has arrived, come in."

Qi Xiu responded softly and stepped into the summit grand hall.

Inside the hall, a sacred and solemn atmosphere prevailed, with the air filled with a faint scent of sandalwood. The walls were adorned with gorgeous, elaborate silk tapestries, depicting ancient legends and scenes as beautiful as immortal realms. The floor was paved with smooth and sturdy marble, emitting a crisp echo with each step.

At that moment, three Daoists with white hair and beards were seated in the hall. To the left was Qi Xiu's master, the Peak Master of Yunti Peak and a Dao Expert, Daoist Yunxiong. On the right was an elderly Daoist with a goat beard, emanating an obscure and profound aura that seemed bottomless, evidently another mighty figure. Sitting in the center was a smiling, bald old Daoist with snow-white eyebrows, playfully spinning two iron balls in his hand. He seemed like a wealthy old hobbyist from the ordinary world.

"Hahaha, Senior Brother Yunyang, this is my junior disciple, Qi Xiu. What do you think? Doesn't he carry himself like a person of talent?"

Getting up and pulling Qi Xiu toward the chubby Daoist who resembled a playful elder, Daoist Yunxiong laughed so hard his beard almost reached the sky. He also glanced sideways at the goat-bearded old Daoist from time to time, his eyes brimming with pride.

"Divine energy concealed within, as profound as an abyss. For one so young to possess such cultivation… truly no easy feat."

With just a brief glance at Qi Xiu, the chubby Daoist's gaze sharpened, and his smiling expression grew even more benign and amiable.

"Is he really that impressive? Let me take a look."

The goat-bearded old Daoist stood up and approached, casually placing his hand on Qi Xiu's wrist. Qi Xiu instinctively wanted to dodge the touch of the old Daoist. But the withered and slender hand seemed to pass directly through the void, firmly grasping his wrist.

"This cultivation is not... eh? Such heavy True Gang! What grand scripture are you practicing?"

As soon as the goat-bearded Daoist spoke, the atmosphere in the room instantly froze, and three pairs of eyes fell on him simultaneously.

"Yun Qing, you are speaking too much."

Brushing off the goat-bearded Daoist's hand with a flick of his sleeve, Daoist Yunxiong showed a trace of displeasure on his face.

The chubby Daoist also coughed lightly, "Junior Brother Yun Qing, please, take your seat."

Realizing he had spoken out of turn, the goat-bearded Daoist gave an awkward laugh and waved his hand at Qi Xiu, "I have been rude, nephew, please don't hold it against me."

"Uncle Master, you are too kind. I practice a family secret True Scripture which I cannot reveal, please forgive me, Uncle Master."

Someone on par with Daoist Yunxiong was very likely also a Dao Expert of the Dao Body Realm, so Qi Xiu naturally couldn't afford to offend him simply for speaking out of turn. He spoke to diffuse the situation.

"Forget about it, forget about it. If it weren't for Yunxiong playing tricks back in the day, you'd still be calling me 'master' now."

Glaring at Yunxiong, Daoist Priest Yunqing tucked his hands in his sleeves and sat back down.

"Psh, who's to blame if you're not as skilled?"

Showing no indulgence for Daoist Priest Yunqing, Daoist Yunxiong retorted and then said to Qi Xiu, "Xiuer, I called you here today because the Gao Family's compensation has arrived. This is the head of Dianzheng Court, your Master Yunyang. The goat-bearded one is your Uncle Master Yun Qing."

"Greetings to Master Yunyang and Uncle Master Yun Qing."

Bowing slightly, Qi Xiu greeted the two elderly Daoists.

"No need for formalities. If it weren't for your smart and wise actions in time to thwart the Gao Family's scheme, our Shenxiao Sect would have become their tool. You have both courage and strategy; you deserve the most credit for this. Speak, what do you desire? As long as it's not too excessive, I can decide to grant it to you," explained Taoist Yun Yang softly.

It had taken a year to settle the compensation. Indeed, the struggles for interests between great powers were not easy.

Sighing inwardly, Qi Xiu looked thoughtful. To be asked what he wanted so unexpectedly, he couldn't think of anything at the moment. After all, he truly lacked nothing at the moment. His main Cultivation Technique was "The Secret of the Primordial Dragon-Tiger Scripture"; for Techniques, he had the "Five Thunder Orthodox Skill", and his Martial Path included the "Formless Sword Skill". Add to that the "Observing Qi Skill", "Water Patrol Evasion Skill", and many more Dharma Gates. Along with Alchemy, painting, and calligraphy. His daily cultivation time was already very tight. As for Magic Artifacts and Elixirs, he used them very little. Now, sequestered in the mountains for his cultivation, he had no need for such things.

Seeing Qi Xiu at a loss for words, Daoist Yunxiong offered a reminder, "Don't think of specific things, just mention what you need the most urgently."

The most urgent thing…

Frowning in thought for a moment, Qi Xiu looked up and said, "Disciple has delved into many Dharma Gates, and cannot focus on all of them simultaneously. Master Yunyang, do you have any solutions?"

"That's an interesting request. Let me think."

Hearing Qi Xiu's request, Taoist Yun Yang pondered for a moment, then his eyes lit up, "I've got it, but that thing… for you, it might be a bit excessive."

"Senior Brother, are you talking about..." Seemingly realizing something, both Daoist Yunxiong and Daoist Priest Yunqing turned their gaze towards Taoist Yun Yang.

"Yes, indeed, it's that Demonic Artifact—the Dual Heart Realm!"

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.