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墨書 Inktalez
At that moment, Zuo Dao suddenly noticed a strange phenomenon: since arriving in this world, it seemed he had not done anything for himself. No, he had established Heterodox, but even that felt uncertain; he wasn't quite sure what Heterodox had become now. What exactly had he accomplished for himself since coming to this world?
The others did not expect Zuo Dao to be lost in thought like this.
The cultivator named Yuan had finally shed his hidden ailments after being treated by Kun Ru Tao and had fully recovered. The Kun Ru Tao of Purple Time was no longer the same as the one Zuo Dao had seen when he first arrived. Zuo Dao had always treated those around him well, and Kun Ru Tao had proven himself; under Zuo Dao's guidance, he had surprisingly risen to become a Silver-level Dao Dan Master.
When Su Ziqing learned this news, she was overjoyed. However, after calming down, she decisively decided against having Kun Ru Tao take the Alchemist examination. On one hand, she did not want to attract attention; on the other hand, she wanted to protect Zuo Dao. Otherwise, in a short period of time, her sect would have gained another Dao Dan Master, and everyone would want to uncover the secrets behind it.
"Thank you all for saving my life," Yuan said quickly after his recovery.
"Haha, brother, no need for thanks. If anything happens in Miao Cheng, just call for me," Luo Ao replied cheerfully.
Among the Solemn Temple, he had the best relationship with Yuan, especially since Yuan was the son of his master. He treated him like a younger brother.
Zuo Dao waved his hand; that was enough for now. He discreetly observed the expressions of several Masters and noticed that one named Xin displayed a flash of cold malice in his eyes when Yuan was rescued. Of course, only he noticed it; the other party concealed it well.
Yuan's full name was Mu Yuan, the only son of Master Mu Bai. He was also an exceptionally talented Creator.
The Masters saw that Zuo Dao and the others had healed Yuan in such a short time and did not linger any longer. After exchanging greetings, they began to leave. Before Xin Changzhu exited, he specifically reminded Mu Yuan.
"Yuan, don't be so careless next time. You won't always be this lucky. If something were to happen to you, we would have a hard time explaining it to Master!"
With that, he shook his head and sighed.
Once Xin Changzhu was far away, Zuo Dao nudged Luo Ao.
"Who is that person?"
"That's your Xin Dan old ghost," Luo Ao said disdainfully as he followed Zuo Dao's gaze. "Just a sneaky and cunning individual."
"Oh." Zuo Dao did not expect Luo Ao to respond like that.
Luo Ao let out a bitter laugh. "After Master had his incident, this guy started jumping around, teaming up with outsiders to bully the people in the dojo, constantly shouting about wanting to merge with River Dojo, claiming that others should treat him with respect. But the current situation in the dojo is not good, and Master hasn't been seen at all."
"When the incident happened, who was by his side? How did it occur?" After listening to Luo Ao's words, Zuo Dao asked a question that seemed off-topic.
"I don't know." Luo Ao was taken aback and then looked at Mu Yuan.
"Mu, how did you get into trouble? Didn't I tell you to stay in the dojo?"
It was then that he remembered that recently Miao Cheng had been unstable, and there were people secretly eyeing their dojo. So before leaving, he specifically instructed Mu Yuan not to go out unless necessary. But now that something had happened right after he turned around, it felt very strange.
"Brother, it's all my fault. If it weren't for a few new Fundamental Taoist Texts coming out from Fleeting Life Old Book Pavilion, I wouldn't have gone," Mu Yuan admitted, realizing he had made a mistake.
"Liao Fusheng? Old Book Pavilion? Did something happen at Old Book Pavilion?" Luo Ao immediately understood where the problem lay.
"Yes, I ran into a few Cultivators at Old Book Pavilion. We all wanted the same book, and as a result..." There was no need to continue; just looking at Mu Yuan's previous demeanor made it clear what had happened.
"The other party didn't know your identities? Old Book Pavilion didn't intervene? What about Liao Fusheng?" Luo Ao's expression darkened as he asked a few more questions.
Mu Yuan was also clever; seeing his senior brother ask these questions, he realized he couldn't hide anything anymore.
"Right, I had overlooked something. It seems those Cultivators were keeping an eye on me. Whatever book I chose, they chose as well. It was only after I settled on one of them that the conflict occurred. After Fleeting Life took me over there, he left for something else, and none of the managers at Old Book Pavilion were present."
Everyone present was sharp-witted and immediately sensed there was an issue.
"What kind of person is Liao Fusheng?" Zuo Dao interjected with a question.
Luo Ao replied fiercely, "He's the second disciple of Xin Dan."
"Well, it seems that it's that Xin Changzhu's doing," Zuo Dao chuckled, recalling what he had seen earlier.
"It looks like there isn't a decent person in your Solemn Temple!" Zuo Dao laughed.
"Don't mind my brother's words. The Master has always had conflicts with several Masters. I didn't expect that once the Master was in trouble, all these Monsters and Demons would jump out," Luo Ao said, clenching his fists tightly. "Go find Liao Fusheng."
At this point, Zuo Dao and the others felt a bit out of place; after all, it was an internal matter for them, and as outsiders, they had no reason to intervene.
"Brother Lou, this is your own business. We can't interfere. If you need anything, just let us know," Zuo Dao said, realizing that was all he could do at the moment.
Just then, a disciple came to report.
"Reporting to the Senior Brother, Shuyun Dojo has come to challenge us and specifically requests a Soul Battle with Brother Mu Yuan."
"What?" Luo Ao frowned tightly. Just when Mu Yuan's injuries had healed, someone was already coming to challenge him.
Zuo Dao watched from the side and shook his head subtly. If that Xin Dan had no issues, it would indeed be strange. However, from Luo Ao's tone, it seemed he also had some doubts about him. Since they were on guard now, Zuo Dao decided to wait and see; if something really happened, he wouldn't hold back. He still had a good impression of Luo Ao.
At that moment, Xin Dan and his group had just left and happened to run into the representatives from Shuyun Dojo who had come to issue the challenge. Upon learning that they were here to challenge them directly, none of the Masters looked pleased, especially when they found out that they specifically named Mu Yuan for the battle; their brows furrowed in concern. They couldn't believe that these challengers were unaware of what had happened at the Old Book Pavilion.
However, it was Xin Dan who spoke up at this moment: "Since they are here to challenge us, let Mu Yuan decide for himself; after all, his injuries have healed."
Hearing this, the other two Masters' expressions stiffened as they exchanged thoughtful glances with Xin Dan. Meanwhile, the envoy from Shuyun Dojo revealed a hint of coldness in his eyes.
At this time, Luo Ao received the message and walked over with Mu Yuan and the others.
"Who am I? So it's Master Shu! No wonder you dare to issue such a challenge," Luo Ao remarked. He had suspected that this challenge was not as simple as it seemed. For Miao Cheng to name someone specifically in a challenge meant there needed to be an equal standing and a witness present.
The visitor turned out to be Shu Yishi from Shuyun Dojo, and surprisingly standing behind him was Xiao Qingshui from Muda Hall, another Master in their own right.
"Ah, Brother Lou, I happen to have gained some insights this time and would like to seek guidance from the talented individual Mu Yuan here. I hope you won't hesitate to share your wisdom," Shu Yishi said, lowering his stance significantly. He wasn't worried about rejection; rather, he feared that his opponent might not engage at all.
"Indeed, given your realm, I can certainly offer some pointers. However, don't tell me you are unaware of the happenings at the Old Book Pavilion. If you truly don't know, I can understand," Luo Ao replied with a smile as he looked at Shu Yishi.
Upon hearing this, Shu Yishi's expression changed. Luo Ao's words were quite cutting; he had merely been polite, but he hadn't expected his opponent to follow up so directly and even mention the Old Book Pavilion. It was well known that if a dojo was unaware of events occurring in Miao City, it would imply that the dojo had no reason to exist. If he were aware of it now, it would mean he was kicking someone when they were down, which was disgraceful.
"It seems the Venue Master’s words are still as sharp as ever; perhaps this challenge is not worth pursuing," Shu Yishi said, feeling caught in a dilemma.
"It appears Master Xiao is the official witness for this event. The Shuyun Dojo certainly knows how to make a grand gesture; I wonder what benefits they promised you," Luo Ao remarked, unfazed by the exchange.
Zuo Dao stood quietly behind Luo Ao, observing the interactions with an inscrutable expression while calculating something in his mind.
"Next," just as Luo Ao and his opponent were engaged in verbal sparring, he suddenly received a transmission from Zuo Dao. This surprised him; among so many people present, none dared to do such a thing. The realms of these individuals were so advanced that even the slightest fluctuation would be detected by them.
Yet he noticed that those around him seemed oblivious to it, which left him somewhat astonished.
"It's just a challenge letter. You should accept it soon to avoid angering our Solemn Temple," Luo Ao stated, causing both sides to be taken aback. Xin Changzhu and others hadn’t expected Luo Ao to accept the challenge letter, while those from Shuyun Dojo were surprised that he actually did.
As Shu Yishi stood there in shock, Mu Yuan stepped forward and gently took the challenge letter from his hands, smiling brightly at him. He had complete trust in Luo Ao because he knew that within Solemn Temple, aside from his father, only Luo Ao genuinely cared for his well-being.
At this moment, Shu Yishi finally came to his senses; his mouth moved slightly but no words came out. Xiao Qingshui quickly reacted instead.
"Very well, as the witness, I confirm that this Soul Battle is now effective. Both parties should prepare accordingly for the agreed time and place."
With that said, he paid no further attention to anyone else and left with an air of authority. Given his status, he didn’t need to concern himself with these people’s opinions; if it weren't for the significant cost Shuyun Dojo had incurred to invite him out here as Luo Ao mentioned, he wouldn't have bothered coming at all.
"Please feel free to leave," Luo Ao said as he suppressed his lingering doubts and began to see off the guests.
"Brother Zuo, what do you mean by that? You should know that Soul Battle isn't just a simple task. Although I've been researching new techniques during this time, I haven't made any progress. If I rely on old methods, it's easy for others to break through," Luo Ao said eagerly after they returned to the room.
"It's just a matter of techniques!" Zuo Dao waved his hand dismissively. "Whatever type you want, I only have one requirement: if you don't knock your opponent down, I won't let you off the hook."
"What?" Not only Luo Ao, but Mu Yuan, Kun Ru Tao, and Sima Yan all stood there in shock.
Seeing their expressions, Zuo Dao realized he might have said something wrong.
"Do you really have it?" Luo Ao snapped back to reality and looked at Zuo Dao, but his gaze made Zuo Dao feel as if he were facing a scheming merchant.
"Of course I have it; the techniques for Soul Battle exist," Zuo Dao squinted at Luo Ao. "You better not get any funny ideas; the consequences are beyond what you can bear."
"Brother Zuo, come on now, aren't you hurting our friendship with that kind of talk?" Luo Ao chuckled and moved closer to Zuo Dao, putting an arm around his shoulder. "Quickly tell me what good stuff you have."
Zuo Dao shrugged off the other's arm.
"Get lost; I'm not into men."
Laughter filled the room.
Mu Yuan was also a talented cultivator. After learning some information about the Creator, Zuo Dao began systematically teaching him.
In fact, the one most surprised by Zuo Dao's actions was Kun Ru Tao. He was well aware of Zuo Dao's accomplishments in the Alchemical Path. The growth of any Alchemist typically depended on talent, time, and a bit of luck.
Becoming a Black Iron Emperor Alchemist required just a little talent and a lot of time; while being a Bronze-Level Alchemist demanded higher talent; reaching the Silver Dao Alchemist level required significant comprehension; Golden Alchemists stood above all others, possessing not only talent but also that elusive luck; and the Star Diamond Sacred Pill was a legendary existence whose mere appearance indicated immense sacrifices were needed.
Regardless of the level of Alchemist, extensive time investment was necessary. However, Kun Ru Tao knew that Zuo Dao had achieved this level at just over a hundred years old. If he had also dabbled in techniques, did he really have that much time?
Thus, he consciously became an observer, wanting to see if Zuo Dao truly existed as a Creator.
Luo Ao confidently joined in, claiming he was there to handle logistics, which earned him a collective eye-roll from everyone.
In truth, Zuo Dao didn’t know much about the Creator either, but he had previously heard about Luo Ao and the Soul Battle. He thought it was just everyone showcasing their own created techniques, which made him feel more at ease.
When it came to mastering techniques, Young Master Zuo wore a proud expression. Although everything he knew was borrowed from others, these techniques were all ancient, with only a few surviving through time. While he was unaware of how prosperous Miao Cheng's techniques had become, he understood that compared to the vast expanse of ancient history, the present was merely in its infancy.
Generally, the techniques developed by a Creator were limited to their own attributes. Take Mu Yuan for example; as a dual-attribute Creator of metal and earth, his creations were confined to those two elements. Asking a metal Creator to develop a fire technique would be akin to asking for the impossible.
The other participant in this Soul Battle, Shu Yishi, wielded water and wood attributes and was also a dual-attribute Creator, effectively countering Mu Yuan’s strengths.
To Zuo Dao’s eyes, these considerations were trivial. Countering an opponent only mattered when both sides were evenly matched; if one possessed absolute power, then countering was nothing but a joke.
At that moment, a rather peculiar situation unfolded. Zuo Dao was simultaneously questioning Luo Ao and Mu Yuan while teaching them. This left Kun Ru Tao feeling quite awkward—was Zuo Dao truly a Creator or not?
Only Luo Ao and Mu Yuan knew the answer to that.
Initially, Zuo Dao had no clear understanding of what being a Creator entailed—concepts like clarifying connections and setting frameworks were foreign to him. However, after explanations from Lou and Mu, Zuo Dao quickly got into the groove.
Miao Cheng's understanding of techniques surpassed that of many others in different realms. Perhaps one or two individuals might not notice it, but collectively, Miao Cheng's Creators instilled a sense of dread in Zuo Dao.
The fundamental aspect of Miao Cheng's Creators lay in their comprehension and analysis of the way. They might not know precisely what a technique entailed, but they could analyze everything derived from that technique and trace it back to its origins.
If one person attempted this endeavor alone, it would take a lifetime to achieve; however, Miao Cheng functioned like a massive research center where each individual focused on studying a specific branch. The combined effect of their efforts far surpassed what any single person could accomplish.
As Zuo Dao began to grasp the essence of being a Creator, he couldn’t help but sigh softly. If only all of Miao Cheng’s Dojos could be unified, it would be an immense boon for the celestial realm. Yet with countless Dojos existing and the ever-changing hearts of people, such unity seemed like an unattainable dream. Moreover, Zuo Dao sensed that everything about Miao Cheng appeared orchestrated; someone had deliberately shaped this situation. However, he had no intention of delving into it further—it had nothing to do with him as he already had enough troubles of his own.
Initially, Zuo Dao thought he could simply pull out some techniques from the sea of knowledge and teach them to Mu Yuan. But during his teaching journey, he suddenly developed a keen interest in being a Creator.
The two spells he had created back in Moling could only be considered rudimentary forms of techniques. As he learned more about the Creator profession, his curiosity grew ever larger.
He possessed knowledge that few were aware of, and fundamentally, it did not belong to him. However, after understanding the concept of the Creator, a new idea formed in his mind: to truly make these things his own.
Thus, while he was teaching Mu Yuan, he was also continuously improving himself. At this moment, Luo Ao and Mu Yuan had become completely numb. They were certain that Zuo Dao was not a Creator, yet in the following moments, Zuo Dao's performance deeply struck them.
Zuo Dao had not yet undergone the Creator's evaluation, but Luo Ao already knew that the Cultivator before him, who spoke so eloquently, had stepped into the profound realm.
What kind of monster is this! both of them lamented inwardly.
"Well, there isn't much time left before the Soul Battle. I've taught you all I can; you won't have time to digest more," Zuo Dao suddenly said to Mu Yuan.
"In fact, you already understand the essence of a Creator quite well. What I want to discuss with you now is something else. Oh, and Lao Lou, you come over too."
The time for the Soul Battle was set for a month later, which was one of Miao Cheng's rules. By the twentieth session, Zuo Dao had already taught Mu Yuan at least four techniques related to the Metal and Wood elements, transforming them into something that belonged to Mu Yuan himself. During this time, Luo Ao also benefited significantly.
"My little brother, if you have anything good, don't keep it to yourself; hurry up and share it with me," Luo Ao said as he clung to Zuo Dao.
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