Chapter Thirty-Nine: Deeply Shaken-Strange Tales: Pursuing Immortality(Listening to the Rain of Past Dreams)

Yi An had just mentioned that he would use the method to break through the Day Wandering stage in exchange for the Five Elements Dao Technique, which meant this was no ordinary method. Xuan Yangzi speculated that the approach Yi An promised was most likely something acquired from a heritage.

At this thought, Xuan Yangzi’s eyes grew eager. He had been stuck at the Night Wandering stage for a long time; if he could break through early, the price he had to pay would be trivial compared to the benefit.

“Your suggestion is excellent. Rules are rigid, but people are flexible—I quite agree with that. Very well, let’s make the exchange.” Xuan Yangzi, as if afraid Yi An might change his mind, agreed immediately.

“You’re decisive, Master.” Yi An nodded, unsurprised. Once he had seized upon Xuan Yangzi’s weakness, there was little doubt the latter would consent.

In truth, the transition from Night Wandering to Day Wandering was essentially a matter of strengthening the soul—making it resilient enough to withstand sunlight, thus achieving Day Wandering.

Therefore, what Yi An offered Xuan Yangzi was a secret technique for enhancing the soul’s strength.

Xuan Yangzi’s foundation was solid and profound, but he had never touched the Day Wandering stage because his soul’s strength was lacking.

Once his soul was strong enough, the breakthrough to Day Wandering would come naturally.

Xuan Yangzi quickly comprehended the secret art Yi An imparted and could not help but exclaim, “Exquisite!” He felt a sudden enlightenment, as if decades of frustration had vanished in an instant.

“You truly are my lucky star, young friend. With this secret art, I’ll save at least twenty years of arduous cultivation. I am not a stingy man; besides the Five Elements Dao Technique I promised, I’ll also teach you the art of Shifting Form and Shadow.” Xuan Yangzi’s face was radiant with joy. What he had gained was far beyond his expectations, and he was generous by nature; even adding Shifting Form and Shadow, he still felt he had gotten the better deal.

“Thank you for your generosity, Master.” Yi An replied, unconcerned. His sole aim was the Five Elements Dao Technique. In his previous life, he had heard much about it—an immortal art of the Upper Clarity School—yet he had never had the chance to obtain it, as only disciples of the Celestial Lord could practice it. For his current needs, it was the perfect choice to establish his foundation.

As for Shifting Form and Shadow, he had little interest. Its practical uses were limited, being a low-level technique, suitable only for collection.

Sensing Yi An’s lack of enthusiasm, Xuan Yangzi smiled and explained, “Don’t underestimate Shifting Form and Shadow. Its wonders go far beyond what you’ve seen. In fact, it surpasses the Five Elements Dao Technique in many ways.”

“I’m intrigued.” Yi An’s curiosity was piqued. Sealing the memory of a mortal was not difficult; cultivators of high skill could do so effortlessly. Shifting Form and Shadow merely brought this ability forward. If there were hidden depths, he had yet to see them.

“I mentioned earlier, the essence of Shifting Form and Shadow lies in the ‘shift.’ Sealing memory is only its most basic aspect. You’ve witnessed the fox clan’s illusion arts, I presume. This technique works in a similar vein—it can fabricate a memory from nothing and implant it in someone’s mind. But unless absolutely necessary, it’s best not to use it; after all, tampering with another’s memory is against the natural order,” Xuan Yangzi explained.

“So, it can erase a person’s memory and supplant it with a new one? That’s…” Yi An paused. He had to admit, Shifting Form and Shadow was terrifying. If it fell into the hands of villains, chaos would reign.

“Not quite. Your analysis is correct, but you overlook the technique’s limitations.”

“Shifting Form and Shadow can indeed implant memories, but at its core, it works by manipulating a person’s soul. What if the subject has reached the Out-of-Body stage?” Xuan Yangzi shook his head. The higher one’s cultivation, the stronger their soul. Using Shifting Form and Shadow on ordinary people was easy, but for cultivators, it required rigorous conditions from the one casting the spell.

“I see.” Yi An was enlightened. He had suspected that such a powerful ability must have its flaws. Still, Shifting Form and Shadow was not entirely useless; perhaps it would find its use someday.

“I’ll teach you the Five Elements Dao Technique first. The Five Elements—metal, wood, water, fire, earth—encompass all things under heaven. With the aid of any of these arts, you can greatly increase your combat strength. Within the Five Elements Dao Technique are also the Five Element Escape arts…” Xuan Yangzi explained, listing its marvels one by one.

Included were the Fire Control Art, Earth Movement Art, and Water Avoidance Art.

Yi An memorized them carefully, impressed by the Five Elements Dao Technique’s reputation. Even a single hearing brought him many insights.

Indeed, the greatest truths are the simplest.

Even the most advanced arts were often derived from the Five Elements Dao Technique.

If one thoroughly mastered this technique first, subsequent cultivation of high-level arts would yield twice the result with half the effort.

Xuan Yangzi advised, “Let me give you a suggestion—start with the Earth Escape Art.”

“First, summon the earth energy, recite the mantra in your heart, then…”

Before Xuan Yangzi could finish, Yi An’s figure suddenly vanished, leaving only a lingering warmth in the spot where he had stood.

“…What…”

Xuan Yangzi stood stunned for a long moment, only regaining his composure when Yi An reappeared at his side.

“Master, did I do it correctly?” Yi An asked.

“Excellent… You can continue practicing… I must return and cultivate myself.” Xuan Yangzi forced a laugh, his confidence shaken. He had once considered himself a genius in cultivation, yet it had taken him five days to grasp the basic Earth Escape Art. By comparison, Yi An had succeeded on his first attempt.

…

The next part will be revisited in ten minutes; there isn’t enough time now.

“Not quite. Your analysis is correct, but you overlook the technique’s limitations.”

“Shifting Form and Shadow can indeed implant memories, but at its core, it works by manipulating a person’s soul. What if the subject has reached the Out-of-Body stage?”