I Cheated While Cultivating - Chapter 318

Chapter 318: Chapter 38 The So-Called Ancient Secret Technique

This day, the weather was clear.

In the small courtyard rented by Zhou Heng, there was a boy and a girl, two children who were practicing some rather strange positions one move at a time.

Both children appeared to be around five or six years old, handsome and adorable like porcelain dolls, and they even looked somewhat alike, likely a pair of twin brothers and sister.

As they practiced these odd positions, their little faces were earnest, without the slightest relaxation.

Zhou Heng stood to the side, watching the two practice their skills, nodding slightly, quite satisfied in his heart.

The two children were named Jiang Xianchu and Jiang Houli, the former being the brother and the latter the sister.

Zhou Heng had discovered them a few days earlier while treating illnesses at a medical clinic.

At that time, the two children had contracted a serious cold, and the local village doctor was helpless, leaving their parents in desperate worry. They had no choice but to come to the town, kneeling and begging Zhou Heng to treat them.

And Zhou Heng, with just a slight exertion of his skills, had cured the two children with ease.

The parents of the children were extremely excited and specifically made a visit to show their gratitude, bringing the children to kowtow to Zhou Heng in thanks, saying that he was like a second parent to their children.

Zhou Heng, by chance, had also made some progress in his research on improving the Longevity Technique, so with this opportunity, he took the children as apprentices on impulse.

His explanation to the children’s parents was that he wanted the children to follow him and learn medical skills.

After all, talk of martial arts would probably be incomprehensible to the children’s parents who had farmed all their lives.

Medical skills, on the other hand, were different.

In this world, being a doctor was a highly respected profession, with a good status and income, and opportunities to mingle with various dignitaries. They might even establish connections with high and mighty Immortal Masters.

Furthermore, in the past few days, Zhou Heng’s reputation for curing all ailments had spread far and wide, earning him no small amount of fame, making him worthy of trust.

So, when he proposed the idea, the children’s parents immediately agreed without hesitation.

After taking in Jiang Xianchu and Jiang Houli as disciples, Zhou Heng began to teach them the cultivation methods of the Longevity Technique. With his current research progress, he was already able to help these two youngsters cultivate a strand of Innate True Qi.

Although this strand of Innate True Qi was not yet powerful enough to do much, at most it could be used to nurture the body and strengthen one’s constitution. But once Zhou Heng obtained the visualization charts and truly came into contact with the supernatural forces of this world, he would be able to further deduce the cultivation path of the Longevity Technique in this world.

Of course, Zhou Heng had always been teaching medical skills as well, and even claimed that the Longevity Technique was a kind of special medical technique.

He did this to avoid any questions from the children’s parents, so they wouldn’t think he was deceiving them.

Just as Jiang Xianchu and Jiang Houli were practicing in the courtyard, a gentle knock on the door suddenly sounded, causing the children to stop what they were doing and look towards the door with curiosity.

“Go to the backyard and have some fruit,” Zhou Heng said to the children.

The small courtyard had two sections, with a not-so-large backyard where two fruit trees were planted. The brother and sister, Jiang Xianchu and Jiang Houli, had been eyeing them for a long time.

“Yay! Thank you, teacher!” The two children said in unison, extremely happy, hopping and skipping their way to the backyard.

Once the two children had left the front yard.

The puppets of Han Lin and Wei Guang came out from inside the house, standing by Zhou Heng’s side. Then, Zhou Heng got up, had the puppet Han Lin take a seat, and he himself stood to the side.

“Come in, the door is unlocked,” the puppet Han Lin, controlled by Zhou Heng, said.

Squeak.

The wooden gate of the small courtyard was pushed open, and two people, one old and one young, walked in. They were none other than Yu Jianghe and Yu Shuiliu.

Yu Jianghe walked in front, and upon seeing the two “people” standing behind Han Lin, especially the wooden and deathly pallor of Wei Guang, he couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart, and said with a cupped fist, “It’s been ten years since we last met, and Han Daoist’s Puppetry Technique has become truly remarkable.”

He could tell that Wei Guang had been turned into a puppet, which meant that Han Lin’s Puppetry Technique had reached the level of controlling cultivators in the Sun Roaming Realm, a threat to him indeed.

As for the other puppet beside Wei Guang, that must be the itinerant physician who called himself “Zhou Wei.”

No, that identity was probably also fake, just a front to deal with the ordinary people of the secular world.

But since when did Han Lin possess such cleverness?

What exactly had he experienced during his journey to the ancient battlefield?

Or could it be that he had meditated upon the treasure likeness of the Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva and unlocked great wisdom?

Yu Jianghe was full of doubts in his heart.

“Daquan Sect’s disciple Yu Shuiliu pays respect to Daoist Han.” Yu Shuiliu also shed his previous contempt, as Han Lin gave him a very clear sense of crisis.

It also meant that the other party indeed possessed the ability to kill him.

“What’s the matter?” Zhou Heng, manipulating Han Lin, looked towards Yu Jianghe, sensing that the aged-looking man was the one in charge.

“I heard that Daoist Han obtained the treasure likeness of the Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva from the ancient battlefield?” Yu Jianghe said with a smile.

“What, are you here to snatch it too?” Zhou Heng, manipulating Han Lin, slightly narrowed his eyes, revealing a fierce and dangerous intent.

Yet his heart was somewhat puzzled. Why did this person say the treasure likeness of the “Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva” was something Han Lin got from an ancient battlefield?

This was completely different from the information he had gleaned from the fragmented memories of Wei Guang.

What was going on?

“No, no, no, Daoist friend has misunderstood, we have no such intention.” Yu Jianghe shook his head repeatedly, feeling his heart pound under Han Lin’s gaze, and thought, “This fellow has a strong killing nature; it’s rumored that the Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva gathers the power of dragons and elephants within him, being vigorous and strong. Could it also enhance a person’s killing nature?”

Little did he know the murderous intent displayed by Han Lin was actually all deliberately shown by Zhou Heng.

Zhou Heng’s Divine Soul was even more potent than a True Person in the True Form Realm of this world, naturally causing him to feel palpitations.

“Then what are you here for?” Zhou Heng, manipulating Han Lin, reined in the killing intent and instead displayed a mild smile.

“I would like to propose a transaction with Daoist friend,” Yu Jianghe said solemnly, “If Daoist friend would lend the ‘Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon Bodhisattva Treasure Likeness’ for my perusal, I am willing to offer our sect’s secret scripture, the ‘Three Mountains Treasure Likeness Chart.’”

“Master!” Yu Shuiliu exclaimed in shock, having not expected that the trade proposed by Yu Jianghe would be this.

The Three Mountains Treasure Likeness Chart was a secret visualization technique of the Daquan Sect, strictly forbidden from being divulged outside the sect.

If this transaction were to be leaked, all three people present would be unable to escape the manhunt of the Daquan Sect!

What on earth was the master thinking?

“Interesting,” Zhou Heng controlled Han Lin, showing a smile that was not quite a smile, “What is this? Trying to take my treasure likeness for nothing?”

Although he had no idea what level of visualization technique this so-called “Three Mountains Treasure Likeness Chart” was, it was always right to feign and inflate his own “value” in the situation.

Moreover, the “Great Majestic Dragon Bodhisattva Embodiment Diagram” directly points to the Heavenly Heart Realm, only one level lower than this world’s strongest “Taoist Divine Realm.” Presumably, this “Three Mountains Embodiment Diagram” should not be superior to that advanced level.

“Ha ha, fellow Daoist jests.” Yu Jianghe didn’t seem surprised by Han Lin’s reaction and said gravely, “I am sincere in my offer. As long as fellow Daoist lends me the ‘Great Majestic Dragon Bodhisattva Embodiment Diagram’ for viewing, not only will I present the ‘Three Mountains Embodiment Diagram’, but I am also willing to serve as a pawn for fellow Daoist for the next hundred years.”

“Master, you mustn’t… this is absolutely not possible!” Yu Liushui was completely stunned.

What was his master thinking, to actually become Han Lin’s pawn, which meant becoming a servant?

Why would he resort to such a thing?

“Liushui, there is no need for surprise or to persuade me,” Yu Jianghe gently shook his head and sighed, “There is great terror between life and death.”

“I see,” Zhou Heng understood and, controlling Han Lin, said, “Although fellow Daoist is so sincere, I still cannot allow you to view the ‘Great Majestic Dragon Bodhisattva Embodiment Diagram’.”

It’s not that I won’t give it, it’s that I don’t have it!

“Understood,” Yu Jianghe nodded, his complexion suddenly turning much paler, and he looked at Han Lin with some envy, “Actually, I did consider forcibly taking the Embodiment Diagram from fellow Daoist, but after seeing fellow Daoist in person, I abandoned the idea. Congratulations, fellow Daoist, you are nearing your True Form.”

In Yu Jianghe’s eyes, the powerful spirit that “Han Lin” had shown in his gaze had already exceeded the norm for the Sun Roaming Realm level. Even if not yet at True Form, it would not be far off.

“You have made a wise choice,” Zhou Heng said with a smile. “Otherwise, my puppets would have increased by two.”

“Then my disciple and I will take our leave first and not disturb fellow Daoist’s peace.” Yu Jianghe seemed to have aged several more years.

What he actually sought was not the “Great Majestic Dragon Bodhisattva Embodiment Diagram,” but a hope for extending his life.

Since ancient times, the only difficulty has been death; everyone seeks immortality.

“Fellow Daoist need not be disheartened,” Zhou Heng suddenly spoke up.

“What do you mean, fellow Daoist?” Yu Jianghe’s eyes lit up, and he immediately became excited.

“Don’t misunderstand; it’s not about showing you the Embodiment Diagram,” Zhou Heng said with a smile. “I have a technique here that might help you sense the natural laws of heaven and earth, make further progress, and condense your True Form.”

“Really?!” Yu Jianghe seemed to be invigorated, hastily closing the distance to Han Lin, his body trembling slightly.

“It is still in the experimental phase,” Zhou Heng gently shook his head and continued, “And this technique is not like visualization techniques but is a different path with an uncertain future.”

What he referred to was naturally the improved method of cultivating “The Eternal Life Chant.”

With his study over this period, Zhou Heng had made significant progress in the cultivation method of “The Eternal Life Chant” in this world.

Although it still lacked visualization as a primer and Innate True Qi could not yet mobilize the awe-inspiring power of heaven and earth, it could complete the interaction between internal and external, directly perceiving the natural laws of the external world.

The hardest part of advancing from the Sun Roaming Realm to the True Form Realm is indeed the comprehension of natural laws to understand the true meaning of the Embodiment Diagram and consequently condense the True Form.

However, before reaching the True Form Realm, cultivators in this world can only comprehend the natural laws of heaven and earth through constant visualization or by referring to real physical objects, lacking the ability for direct perception.

Thus, for those long stuck in the Sun Roaming Realm, lacking the ability to directly sense the natural laws of heaven and earth, the improved version of The Eternal Life Chant might truly become a lifesaving straw.

Of course, all of this has to be confirmed after actual experimentation, and currently, Zhou Heng is still in the hypothesis and deduction phase.

Yu Jianghe is undoubtedly a very suitable experimental subject.

If he truly can break through to the True Form Realm because of it, would that mean an alternative cultivation path has been established outside of the visualization method?

Is there a possibility of receiving a positive feedback from the rules of heaven and earth, gaining merit?

Zhou Heng’s heart was slightly excited.

At this moment, Yu Jianghe was caught in deep dilemma.

After Han Lin refused to let him see the “Great Majestic Dragon Bodhisattva Treasure Image,” he had fallen into despair, but unexpectedly, the other party had given him new hope.

However, this method of contemplation, diverging from the traditional path and stepping into the True Form, sounded like a scam.

Was this real?

If it was real… how could Han Lin, a mere Loose Cultivator, who was still at the level of manipulating objects before obtaining the “Great Majestic Dragon Bodhisattva Treasure Image,” develop such an earth-shattering technique.

Wait, could it be that he didn’t just obtain the contemplation image in the ancient battlefield of the southwest, but also acquired some ancient secret techniques?!

The great war at the end of the ancient times destroyed many Great Sects and top inheritances; perhaps there really was a method that could rapidly advance someone to the True Form Realm!

Thinking of this, Yu Jianghe was suddenly overwhelmed with excitement and after pondering for a moment, he said, “Please do impart the secret technique to me, fellow Daoist!”

At that time, Zhou Heng remained silent, simply manipulating Han Lin to sit there with a smile.

Yu Jianghe was slightly stunned, and then said, “I forgot the principle that techniques should not be casually imparted. The Three Mountains Treasure Image, please have a look, fellow Daoist.”

As he spoke, he took out a green scroll from his sleeve and presented it with both hands to Han Lin.

Yu Liushui stood by, dumbfounded.

What was going on? Why had his master so easily called out the Three Mountains Treasure Image?

Zhou Heng, controlling Han Lin, accepted the scroll and had an epiphany after only a brief inspection. He put the scroll away and began teaching Yu Jianghe the introductory postures of The Eternal Life Chant.

This process was not concealed from Yu Liushui because Zhou Heng didn’t mind if The Eternal Life Chant was spread, even hoping that the technique would be known throughout the world.

As Yu Jianghe practiced each move, his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

As someone who had been stuck at the peak of the Sun Roaming Realm for twenty years, he could clearly feel his connection with the world around him strengthening, and the long-standing shackles on him were loosening.

This was just the beginning of his practice, and the ancient secret technique was indeed miraculous!

While teaching The Eternal Life Chant, Zhou Heng, pretending to be Han Lin’s puppet, stood behind. In reality, he had already begun to contemplate the “Three Mountains Treasure Image.”

This was a treasure that pointed directly to the Manifesting Holy Realm; entry was not easy, and normally, just concentrating the mind and steadying the spirit would require a lot of effort.

But for Zhou Heng, these were not issues. His Divine Soul was of an extremely high quality, and as he began to contemplate, his realm soared.

In the dark and profound spiritual world, three immortal mountains formed out of thin air, majestic and elegant, shrouded in fairy mist.

These three immortal mountains seemed to forge a bridge connecting Zhou Heng with the outside world, allowing him to use the power of his Divine Soul or Innate True Qi to mobilize the power of heaven and earth.

Techniques that were previously impossible, as well as some Taoist Formulas and Martial Arts, were now feasible in practice.

Just as Zhou Heng was feeling immensely pleased within, a sudden inspiration struck him, and he couldn’t help but recall the “Supreme Riding Ox Image” that he had tried to contemplate before but to no avail.

At the same time, high above the clouds outside Qingxiang Town, a streak of light was flying over.

It was brimming with murderous intent!