The struggle between the seven lineages

The Northern Emperor's Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment is wondrous, and precisely because of this, it easily reveals his various extraordinary abilities.

Just like his master, Daoist Yiyuan, who could directly unleash the Yin Thunder Method with the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment, but he had never seen his master use it.

When encountering demons and monsters, Daoist Yiyuan would draw his sword and fight directly, rarely using spells.

Looking back now, Zhou Wuji knows that his master was just being cautious.

Even with such a close disciple, the master would never show any unusual behavior.

Zhou Wuji also reminded himself that he should be especially careful in the future, especially when casting spells, and never treat others as fools.

It's one thing to master the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword- Slaying Transformation Realm, but if one could casually unleash Yin Thunder, it would inevitably arouse suspicion if fellow disciples or experts saw it.

For the next few days, Zhou Wuji followed Yiping to learn the Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder and the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation.

Although the Yin Thunder Method was powerful, Zhou Wuji felt that the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation was more important.

This divine mantra can bless oneself and others, and has extremely strong protective effects.

Everyone thought he was a master Swordsmanship. When he went into battle with his sword, he was much safer with the protection of the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation.

This door god incantation can be cast instantly, so it's not too exaggerated.

Zhou Wuji originally intended to master the Yin Thunder Method first, but given the current situation, he felt that the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation would be more useful to him.

It has the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword for offense and the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation for defense. It can draw its sword as soon as it gets close. Perfect!

After ten days of study, Zhou Wuji had basically mastered the three spells. The Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment also showed that he was at the beginner level in all three spells.

It wasn't that his talent for cultivation had improved, but rather that his cultivation level had become stronger, especially with the Northern Dipper Tianshu Scripture and the Seven Stars Demon-Slaying Sword reaching Transformation Realm, allowing him to deeply master the stellar power characteristics of the Big Dipper Seven Stars.

In this respect, Zhiyuan the abbot of the Lower Court is no match for him.

The Northern Dipper Tianshu Scripture is the foundation of Law Technique. Now his foundation is particularly strong, and his Divine Sense is also strong, so learning Law Technique will not be so difficult.

Ten days later, Zhou Wuji finally couldn't resist taking out the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment.

The Divine Body-Cleansing Incantation begins with adding one or two ounces of one's destiny.

It consumed six life essences, one of which was worth more than two ounces, and directly increased it to the Great Completion Realm.

Such auxiliary spells are sufficient for those at the advanced level.

Next came the Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder Method. Zhou Wuji invested three life points, each worth more than one ounce, to forcibly elevate the Yin Thunder Method to a proficient level.

Two more life essences, each weighing over two ounces, were transformed into the Origin Profound Spirit. Purple light spread out, and the mastery of the Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder Method was enhanced.

To improve further, one must invest at least three ounces of one's destiny.

Zhou Wuji still has three more life destinies in his possession: one is the Cold-Blooded Twin Fiends, and the other is Chen Dagou from the Five Dragons Gang Chen Dagou.

After some consideration, Zhou Wuji decided to stick to the original plan and first improve the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation.

He has mastered the Northern Dipper Heavenly Pivot Yin Thunder Method to a level where he has reached the state of Wuzheng.

With his powerful Law Power Divine Sense and magical abilities, and possessing the Northern Emperor's Book of Heavenly Punishment, he didn't need to set up an altar or use banners and Law Artifact for blessing. Through hand seals, incantations, and stepping on the Big Dipper, he could unleash Yin Thunder in just ten breaths.

In addition, since he opened the Heavenly Gate, his power of Thunder Method would far surpass that of Wuzheng, which would be more than enough.

Finally, there is the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation.

In fact, this divine incantation is even more complex. Although Wuzheng has a high level of Law Technique skill, he still needs to form an array to quickly cast the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation.

This is precisely why the market price of the Northern Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Talisman is so outrageous.

Three paths with a life value of one ounce or more, and two paths with a life value of two ounces or more, have elevated the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation to a proficient level.

The Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation is even more complex than the Yin Thunder Method, as it requires adjusting the spirits of the Big Dipper Seven Stars to form a complete and rigorous incantation.

At this point, Zhou Wuji truly realized that there was a reason why the Northern Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Talisman was so expensive.

The incantations are far too complex; very few people could truly understand and use them.

Scarcity drives up prices – supply and demand determine prices.

The three Northern Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Talisman that Wuming gave him were extremely effective.

Moreover, the Law Technique power of the Northern Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Talisman is fixed, and it is the same no matter who uses it.

The Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation is different; the stronger the cultivator's Law Power, the stronger the incantation's power.

Zhou Wuji systematically invested the remaining three or three destiny points, the purple light dissipated, and the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation had reached its peak.

Zhou Wuji was slightly disappointed. His cultivation level was already quite high, and after investing three 3-liang-plus destiny stones, he had only achieved the Great Completion stage!

This demonstrates that the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation is indeed complex and profound. Its mastery level should be the highest level in the Lower Court!

Zhou Wuji was pleased to understand this. Once he mastered the divine incantation and learned how to make talismans, he could transform the incantation into talismans, which would be a stable source of income in the future.

He formed hand Law Seals incantations to cast spells. In ten breaths, a robe of azure light draped over his body like a cloak.

The chest area of the garment was decorated with the Big Dipper Seven Stars constellation, shimmering with beautiful starlight.

The Big Dipper Seven Stars is the manifestation of a divine incantation; when the Big Dipper Seven Stars disappears, the divine incantation also dissipates.

The advantage is that the caster can accurately grasp the status of the spell; the disadvantage is that the enemy can also see it.

The Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation consumed nearly a hundred units of Law Power, but fortunately it was very stable. Not only did it not affect his spellcasting and sword use, it could even improve his efficiency in breathing spiritual energy.

Zhou Wuji endured for another ten days before finally showing off the Daoist Yiping Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation.

Seeing Zhou Wuji complete the spell within ten breaths, the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation materializing into a bright blue robe, even the Daoist Yiping stared wide-eyed.

"You, you, this----"

Daoist Yiping stood up excitedly, even reaching out to touch his azure robe.

The azure light garment felt soft and smooth to the touch, like the finest silk, yet with the dense, supple texture of mercury.

The Big Dipper Seven Stars shone brightly on the light-colored garment; its light, though not dazzling, was bright and pure.

Daoist Yiping couldn't help but shake his head. "You've already mastered the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation!"

Before Zhou Wuji could speak, Daoist Yiping sighed deeply, "I've practiced this door god incantation for over ten years, but it still requires an altar and the blessing of Big Dipper Seven Stars to complete the incantation. Alas, alas----"

Daoist Yiping was very familiar with Zhou Wuji, and he placed high hopes on this junior disciple. He did not hide his disappointment in front of Zhou Wuji.

He believed he had some talent in cultivation, and by the age of twenty-seven, he had already steadily advanced to the Seventh Rank.

Having immersed himself in the Seventh Rank for many years, his true Law Technique are quite refined.

However, he made no progress in the Big Dipper Heavenly Gang Divine Incantation, and this setback made him realize that his talent for cultivation was mediocre and that he would never have the chance to advance to the Sixth Rank in this lifetime.

From then on, Daoist Yiping gave up his efforts and just lay around in the Lower Court, passing his days in a relaxed manner. He found that this was quite good.

Many Daoists work hard their whole lives, are extremely diligent and self-disciplined, yet they only reach the Seventh Rank before they die.

He never enjoyed anything in his life; he lived a life of hardship without any reward.

Seeing Zhou Wuji's displayed Law Technique talent, Daoist Yiping couldn't help but get excited.

Zhou Wuji had no idea about his martial uncle's mental journey, and seeing the old man's eyes redden again, he felt slightly embarrassed.

That old man is just too sentimental; he'll burst into tears at the drop of a hat.

Daoist Yiping quickly calmed down. He wiped his eyes and said earnestly, "Your talent in Law Technique is extraordinary, but the tallest tree in the forest is bound to be felled by the wind."

"You're already attracting a lot of attention in the Lower Court; you'd better keep your skills to yourself and not show them off."

Zhou Wuji nodded. Uncle Yiping was just the type to seek stability; otherwise, he wouldn't have been lying low in the Flying Profound Hall.

He really didn't need to go out and show off; his immediate priority was to obtain the ordination certificate from the imperial court.

"Uncle-Master, I'd like to learn the art of talisman making."

"Ah, that's a bit difficult. Each of the seven branches of our Northern Pole Sect has its own strengths, Kaiyang Lineage excels in talisman making. If you want to learn, you'll need to find a master from the Kaiyang Lineage— "

Daoist Yiping shook his head, "The conflicts between our seven lineages run deep. True secret techniques will only be passed on to disciples of our own lineage."

"Huh?" Zhou Wuji was a little surprised. He knew that the seven branches of the Northern Pole Sect were fighting fiercely, but he did not expect the situation to be so bad.

He was also a little curious. "What is our Heavenly Pivot Lineage good at?"

"Skilled in Law Technique," Daoist Yiping chuckled dryly.

Where is Yuheng?

"Skilled in Swordsmanship, the Northern Dipper Seven Star Sword is a secret Swordsmanship of our school. It is said that in the early years, there was a senior who proved his Dao through swordsmanship and was known as the Sword Immortal."

"So powerful?" Zhou Wuji became interested. His sect actually possessed a top-notch Swordsmanship; he really wanted to see it for himself.

Yiping didn't want to talk about that anymore. He changed the subject and said, "Daoist Yiding is from the Yuheng Lineage, which has always been at odds with our Tianshu. This is because the two lineages have had a grudge for many years. That's why he doesn't like you."

"He must have taken control of the Discipline Hall again. You absolutely mustn't be the one to oppose him. He's not alone; he has the entire Yuheng Lineage behind him."

Zhou Wuji was quite puzzled by this. He asked, "The Lower Court is already barely able to stand its ground in Yunyang Prefecture, and we, the various branches, still want to fight amongst ourselves?"

"The Lower Court is only on the verge of collapse; it's not really in serious trouble yet."

Daoist Yiping shook his head. "The struggle between the seven branches of our sect has a long history, and it's not something that anyone can just let go of."

"When there are too many people, their hearts won't be united. Everyone knows this is wrong," but no matter how the interests are divided, it's impossible to satisfy everyone.

"If you don't fight for it, the benefits will be snatched away. How will you explain that to your subordinates? There's no other way; everyone has to fight tooth and nail. Whoever lets their guard down will be finished—"

Zhou Wuji was speechless. This was indeed a dead end, unless everything could be started over.

However, these things were not of much concern to him. He was just a minor Seventh Rank, and such important matters of the sect were naturally handled by the important figures.

As for the malice of the Daoist Yiding, he could stay in the Flying Profound Hall and, being Seventh Rank, there was nothing the other party could do to him.

After all, it's just a factional struggle; the other side probably wouldn't really go so far as to do anything to him.

Last time Zhou Wuji came to the Lower Court, he only stayed for a few days and still didn't understand the situation Lower Court.

This time it's different; he's going to reside permanently in the Lower Court, which will make these factional struggles a bit more troublesome.

Having Law Technique, Zhou Wuji originally intended to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and go out for a stroll with Yang Tie Ying and Shangxing.

Having received Daoist Yiping, Zhou Wuji didn't want to cause trouble, so he stayed in the Flying Profound Hall. Every day, besides his daily studies, he would occasionally give Yang Tie Ying some pointers on cultivation, and spend most of his time reading through ancient texts.

Zhou Wuji obtained a yellow jade gourd from the Cold-Blooded Twin Fiends, but he never figured out what it was for.

He wanted to search through ancient texts to see if there were any similar words or related records.

He could have asked his Yiping, but he wanted to figure it out himself first.

Peaceful days fly by, and before we knew it, it was early April.

The sun was shining brightly that morning. Zhou Wuji was reading an ancient book by the window when a figure moved in the courtyard. It was Daoist Yiping returning from outside.

Zhou Wuji put down the ancient book and asked with a smile, "Where did you go so early in the morning, Uncle-Master?"

Daoist Yiping's round face looked rather grim. He said in a low voice, "The inspector from the Heavenly Master's Manor has arrived at the Lower Court. I just happened to run into him. The inspector's Dharma name is Zhishan, and he's actually a master from our sect."

The ordination certificate examination is extremely crucial and important. Generally speaking, the Heavenly Master's Manor will not use its own masters to conduct the examination to prevent cheating.

Encountering a master from our own sect during the assessment should have been a good thing. Unfortunately—

When Zhou Wuji saw that Daoist Yiping looked unwell, he immediately thought of the conflict between the seven branches of their sect.

He asked, "Which lineage does this Zhishan belong to?"

"The Yuheng Lineage is in trouble now—" Daoist Yiping said with a worried expression.

It would be one thing if it were a master from another branch, but even if there are conflicts between different branches, they wouldn't make things difficult for a junior Zhou Wuji.

The Yuheng Lineage, however, has a deep-seated conflict with Yizhen, and may very well use this opportunity to cause trouble, which would be a huge problem.