Fang Qing was quite satisfied with the effects of the Horse-Head Vajra Protector Divine Art.
Although he could not use any of its methods that relied on external aid, mastering just the second stage had given him Second-Order High Grade Body Refinement and Spiritual Sense at Foundation Establishment Perfection. That was enough to draw more power from the Tide-Birth Pearl, especially since the art consumed so little. It was well worth the cost. Still, as his status rose and his horizons broadened, he could gradually leave it behind.
"Your Venerable Self wishes to perfect the second stage without drawing on the Esoteric Treasury's protector Divine Power... and perhaps even advance to the third. That is not impossible." Sangji pressed his palms together and said something that delighted Fang Qing.
"Oh? What must I do?"
Fang Qing asked at once.
"I have brought a dose of Dragon-Elephant Prajna Elixir. This elixir was passed down through our Esoteric Treasury and greatly benefits Body Refinement. It cannot be exposed to light, or it will turn to vapor. Nor can it touch water, fire, earth, or wood, so it is ordinarily kept in a gold box... When the time comes, Your Venerable Self must form the Kṣitigarbha Seal to draw in the elixir's vapor and circulate it through the Three Wheels and Seven Meridians... Then change to the Demon-Subduing Vajra Seal. At that point, a Dumu must assume the Lotus-Seated Form to assist Your Venerable Self's cultivation. Her rank and wondrous powers will take the place of the visualized Horse-Headed Wisdom King. She will appear subdued, and through the dual cultivation of form and emptiness, Your Venerable Self can perfect the second stage, perhaps even break through to the third..."
Sangji pressed his palms together and spoke earnestly.
"Well, that..."
For once, Fang Qing