Sacrificial Ritual of Holding Talismans, Force Piercing Thousand Jin

Chen Heng reconfirmed the contents of the [Sacrificial Ritual of Holding Talismans], knowing that the type, cultivation level, and characteristics of the sacrificed Yao Beast would directly determine the nature and strength of the Lu Qi sought.

His mind raced, contemplating how to utilize this secret technique.

He wanted to seek suitable Lu Qi from this mysterious Profound Mirror to boost his strength as quickly as possible.

There was only one month left until the decisive battle between the Chen and Luo families.

Chen Heng couldn't seek Lu Qi that required time or resources to develop, and he was currently only at the third level of Qi Refining, with very limited combat ability.

He also lacked the means to capture high-level Yao Beasts for sacrifice. He could only draw upon low-level Yao Beasts raised or captured in the Chen family's beast pens for sacrifice.

Chen Heng continued pacing back and forth in the small wooden house. Cultivators in the early Qi Refining stage had limited true essence reserves, meaning they had not much mana available for casting spells.

The best way to improve right now would be to seek Lu Qi that enhanced his physical strength.

Or, sacrifice a turtle Yao Beast to improve his ability to withstand blows!?

Chen Heng slapped himself twice, pulling his scattered thoughts back.

To improve his combat ability, he needed to focus on the cultivation techniques he inherited, specifically the three major cultivation methods from the Chen family.

They were:

Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation.

Water Fire Heaven-Reaching Staff Technique.

Water Fire Defense Scripture.

These represented body refinement, spells, and mana, respectively.

While these three cultivation methods sounded impressive, only the Water Fire Heaven-Reaching Staff Technique was a complete Qi Refining level staff combat technique.

The other two methods were incomplete, only allowing cultivation up to the Mid Qi Refining stage at most.

This was the general treatment for cultivators from the Chen family who were born as illegitimate children of branch families and possessed ordinary spiritual roots.

The reason was simple: cultivation was too resource-intensive. Although the Chen family was a Foundation Establishment family with Foundation Establishment cultivators residing within, cultivation resources were always scarce relative to the number of people. The Chen family could only prioritize nurturing those with outstanding talent.

After all, in this cultivation world, only those with spiritual roots could cultivate.

Common spiritual roots included Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. There were also mutated spiritual roots like Wind, Thunder, Ice, and Darkness, as well as some innate physiques favored by heaven, such as the Pure Yang Physique and the Gang Spirit Body.

However, spiritual roots were not graded by quantity but by their affinity with spiritual energy.

Based on spiritual energy affinity, they were divided into nine grades, from one to nine, with grade one being the worst and grade nine being the best!

Those with low spiritual energy affinity, grades one to three, were known as low-grade spiritual roots.

Those with moderate spiritual energy affinity, grades four to six, were known as mid-grade spiritual roots.

Grade seven was a high-grade spiritual root, grade eight was an Earth Spirit Root, and grade nine was a Heaven Spirit Root!

Spiritual energy was naturally generated by heaven and earth. Only those with an affinity for spiritual energy reaching grades eight or nine could be named after heaven and earth!

A grade nine Heaven Spirit Root, due to its extremely high affinity with spiritual energy, allowed for extremely rapid cultivation and was also known as a Spirit Body.

Chen Heng possessed a mid-grade Water-Fire Spiritual Root, with a grade five affinity for both Water and Fire spiritual energy. His talent was rather mediocre.

If he had been born into a family focused on Qi Refining, he would likely have received focused training.

Instead, he was left to fend for himself in the Chen family. While he wouldn't get preferential treatment, he couldn't escape trouble.

The matter of participating in the decisive battle was supposedly decided by the elders drawing lots, but who knew if the lot box only contained illegitimate children like him with no backing?

Upon this thought, Chen Heng, who already had little sense of belonging to the Chen family, felt his feelings towards them grow even more distant after this incident.

However, what has come will come, and what has gone will go. Since he had already arrived in this cultivation world, he naturally sought eternal life and carefree freedom.

"But the urgent matter now is the decisive battle on Little Bamboo Peak a month later!"

With his thoughts cleared, Chen Heng's mind became as calm as a still lake, without ripples. He muttered to himself.

Among the three cultivation methods, the one that could be improved the fastest in a short time was the body refinement technique—Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation.

As long as his own physical strength increased, the power of the cultivation method would naturally rise, and he might even be able to overcome ten difficulties with one force.

Simply put, he just needed to be reckless!

Chen Heng cupped his forehead with one hand and began to recall the Yao Beasts raised and captured in the Chen family's beast pens, considering which ones would meet his requirements for increasing strength without being too powerful, too precious, or too difficult to obtain.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him. The early-stage first-tier Yao Beast raised by the Chen family, the Great Strength Arm-Reaching Ape, perfectly fit his requirements.

This Yao Beast excelled in physical strength and also matched the characteristics of his body refinement technique, Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation.

This cultivation method was based on visualizing the Fiery Eyes Water Ape, a third-tier Yao Beast from the Three Mountains and Four Waters, to refine the flesh and body by drawing upon the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, unleashing the immense strength of a divine ape.

If one could comprehend the true meaning of the divine ape, they could condense a Divine Ape Spirit Mark.

One Divine Ape Spirit Mark could increase strength by ten thousand jin.

The limit of the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation was thirty-three Divine Ape Spirit Marks.

However, due to the incomplete nature of this cultivation method, no cultivator in the Chen family's history has ever managed to condense more than ten Divine Ape Spirit Marks.

Chen Heng has cultivated diligently until now, and has only managed to condense half a Divine Ape Spirit Mark.

If his own strength could increase to a hundred thousand jin, dealing with an opponent at the third level of Qi Refining would be as easy as picking something up.

After selecting the Yao Beast for sacrifice, the ritual items required for the [Sacrificial Ritual of Holding Talismans] must also be prepared.

But these are all ordinary items, and that old servant should be able to prepare them for him.

With this thought, Chen Heng got up and walked to the door, pushing open the wooden door.

As expected, the old servant, Uncle Fu, who was at the Mid Qi Refining stage with a weathered face and a slightly hunched back, immediately appeared before him.

"Young Master Heng, what do you require? Just tell this old servant, and I will go prepare it for you."

The old servant's tone was extremely respectful, but his demeanor suggested that Chen Heng should preferably not even leave this wooden hut.

It was called service, but in reality, it was soft confinement.

Chen Heng chuckled inwardly, but his expression remained as usual, and he said calmly, "Please trouble Uncle Fu to prepare a live Great Strength Arm-Reaching Ape for me. I need to comprehend the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation."

Upon hearing this, Uncle Fu felt that there was nothing amiss.

This cultivation method indeed required visualizing the Fiery Eyes Water Ape as a foundation. However, the Fiery Eyes Water Ape possessed a high-grade bloodline, and after reaching adulthood, it was a third-tier Yao Beast comparable to a Purple Mansion cultivator.

With the Chen family's strength, it was impossible to capture a live Fiery Eyes Water Ape.

To observe it up close to aid in comprehending the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation, they could only settle for second best and choose some ordinary ape-like Yao Beasts.

"In addition, I will need a Talisman Brush, some Talisman Paper and cinnabar, as well as three sticks of premium sandalwood incense and an incense burner," Chen Heng said expressionlessly.

Old servant Uncle Fu nodded repeatedly in agreement and said respectfully, "Please, Young Master Heng, do not leave the vicinity within a five-mile radius. Please wait a moment, and this old servant will bring you the required items immediately."

Chen Heng did not respond. He turned directly and went back inside.

Not long after.

Old servant Uncle Fu brought all the items to the small wooden hut where Chen Heng lived.

That night.

The moon was high in the sky, and the night was deep and quiet.

Chen Heng got up from his bed, brought all the items, especially the first-tier early stage Yao Beast, the Great Strength Arm-Reaching Ape, which he had knocked unconscious!

He slowly walked into the underground cultivation chamber he had dug.

The underground chamber was not large, only about three zhang square. It contained only a simple meditation cushion, a plain stone table, and a stone stool.

Due to his ordinary background and the early death of his parents, before awakening his innate wisdom, Chen Heng was a cultivator who focused solely on cultivation.

He did not have high demands for his living environment or other external conditions.

This underground room was also a cultivation chamber that he had personally dug out.

Chen Heng did not hesitate and walked directly to the stone table.

He held the Talisman Brush, lightly dipped it in cinnabar, and began to engrave the [Sacrificial Mark] and [Talisman Bestowal Mark] required for the Sacrificial Ritual of Holding Talismans on the stone table.

This was part of the ritual setup for the sacrificial ceremony: the Profound Mirror Altar!

As for the Sacrificial Mark and Talisman Bestowal Mark, Chen Heng had spent the entire afternoon meticulously engraving them on Talisman Paper. He wouldn't say he was confident, but at least he was skilled.

He focused his gaze and began to engrave on the stone table, his movements flowing like water, completing it in one go.

Not long after.

The Sacrificial Mark and Talisman Bestowal Mark were engraved on the stone table, turning it into a simple Profound Mirror Altar.

Chen Heng let out a slight sigh of relief and then placed the unconscious Great Strength Arm-Reaching Ape onto the "Sacrificial Mark" of the Profound Mirror Altar.

The head of the Great Strength Arm-Reaching Ape faced Chen Heng directly.

Immediately, he took out a simple, ancient incense burner and placed it on the "Talisman Bestowal Mark" of the Profound Mirror Altar.

Chen Heng held his breath, lit the three sticks of sandalwood incense, held the incense bundle, circled the Profound Mirror Altar three times, and recited the Altar Purification Incantation from the Sacrificial Ritual of Holding Talismans.

"Pure qi rises, turbid filth sinks, the Profound Mirror opens, connecting the hidden and the profound!"

This action was intended to dispel distractions and demarcate the spiritual realm.

A moment later, Chen Heng stood before the altar, his right thumb pinching the base of his ring finger, with the other three fingers slightly extended. His left hand formed a hand seal, and his gaze was fixed on the center of the Profound Mirror Altar.

At the same time, he wholeheartedly visualized the mysterious Profound Mirror in his sea of consciousness.

He then sincerely recited the prayer from the Sacrificial Ritual of Holding Talismans.

"Profound Mirror above, all transformations merge in the unseen."

"Now, with sacrifice, I offer this Yao spirit."

"I beg for your clear insight, bestow talismans and blessings!"

After reciting the prayer, Chen Heng immediately flicked a drop of his vital blood from his fingertip onto the Great Strength Arm-Reaching Ape on the Profound Mirror Altar.

Not long after.

The Great Strength Arm-Reaching Ape on the Profound Mirror Altar weathered and dissipated at a speed visible to the naked eye, turning into wisps of ethereal light that merged into the patterns of the Profound Mirror Altar.

At the same time, Chen Heng felt a warmth pour in from the top of his head.

The Great Strength Arm-Reaching Ape on the Profound Mirror Altar completely dissipated.

Within his sea of consciousness, the Profound Mirror's surface displayed the four ancient talismans of [Force Piercing Thousand Jin].

Before Chen Heng could react, the four ancient talismans transformed into a stream of gray Lu Qi and integrated into his limbs and bones.

In his sea of consciousness, the spiritual platform also bore the four ancient talismans of [Force Piercing Thousand Jin].

In an instant, he understood the enhancement effect of this Lu Qi: extraordinary arm strength, blood energy like smoke.

Furthermore, with a single thought, this Lu Qi could be activated, causing a massive surge in strength for a short period, capable of splitting mountains and shattering rocks.

And during activation, the effects of practicing and comprehending body refinement techniques would be doubled.

Chen Heng didn't hesitate and immediately activated the enhancement effect of the [Force Piercing Thousand Jin] Lu Qi.

He immediately felt astonishing arm strength; if he were to unleash a punch, it would likely collapse his underground meditation room.

However, Chen Heng's goal was to comprehend the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation, not to show off his surging strength.

He quickly calmed his mind and spirit, closed his eyes, and began visualizing the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation.

Under the Lu Qi's enhancement, a peculiar perception transmitted from the mysterious Profound Mirror, surging into Chen Heng's soul and sea of consciousness.

"Awooo!"

A clear, long, rough, and impassioned ape's roar echoed throughout Chen Heng's sea of consciousness.

Simultaneously, a realization, originating from an unknown source, surfaced in Chen Heng's heart and reverberated in his sea of consciousness!

Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation!

A mountain-like, golden, fiery-eyed water ape stood tall, facing the sun, and let out a sky-piercing roar.

The golden divine ape held a staff in both hands and smashed it towards mountains and rivers. Immediately, thick, ancient, water-and-fire intertwined spirit marks appeared on its body.

A powerful and unstoppable staff momentum erupted, causing mountains to collapse and rivers to run dry wherever it passed.

In an instant, Chen Heng's comprehension of the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation, along with the Water Fire Heaven-Reaching Staff Technique, rapidly increased.

He took a step forward, forming a staff-holding posture with his hands, visualizing the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation.

A faint golden light appeared on his body's surface, and two golden spirit marks resembling ape patterns emerged on his arms.

Divine Ape Spirit Mark.

This was the cultivation achieved by practicing the Fiery Eyes Water Ape Transformation, comprehending its true meaning, and condensing it with one's own mana.

The deeper the cultivation, the more spirit marks!

Under the Lu Qi's enhancement, Chen Heng instantly condensed two complete Divine Ape Spirit Marks in the blink of an eye.

At the same time, the two Divine Ape Spirit Marks on his arms suddenly began to glow, attracting the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth, transforming it into pure, potent true essence that nourished his body.

This cultivation technique had reached the initial stage!

The intense fluctuation of spiritual energy was also sensed by the old servant, Uncle Fu, who was guarding the wooden house outside.

He watched for a long time, wanting to push the door open and enter, but ultimately did nothing.

Chen Heng, immersed in his cultivation, was naturally unaware of the changes outside.