Chapter Seventy-Four: Mutual Generation and Restraint

It would be better to simply strike down with a single sword, saving trouble and venting one's anger at the same time.

"Fortunately, the Seven-Nail Arrow Manual has not been spread among the people. Otherwise, the consequences would be unimaginable. Should it fall into the hands of villains, it would be disastrous. The world would know no peace," Xuanyangzi sighed in relief.

Though the Divine Curse Technique bears some similarity to it, the degree of danger between the two is worlds apart.

Just as Yi'an had thought, the Divine Curse Technique was rather unremarkable. Even if placed before others, it might not attract much interest, regarded only as a seldom-used oddity. However, if the Seven-Nail Arrow Manual were to be acquired by the wicked, it would be a formidable tool for eliminating rivals and expanding their influence. In just a few years, chaos would reign across the land.

As if sensing Xuanyangzi's worry, Yi'an explained, "Nothing in this world is truly invincible. Everything has its counterbalance. Without below, there is no above; without low, there is no high; without bitterness, sweetness cannot exist. Even a baleful art like the Seven-Nail Arrow Manual is not invincible in the truest sense. When the practitioner casts the spell, a subtle connection is formed with the victim, one which cannot be hidden from those with deep cultivation."

"As long as the practitioner is interrupted within twenty-one days, the spell will fail entirely. Moreover, the Seven-Nail Arrow Manual has a significant drawback: each use diminishes one's own fortune and virtue. An ordinary person who uses it three times will nearly exhaust their fortune. If the practitioner is blessed, it may be different, but the disparity is not great. Even those who hold this art cannot act recklessly."

Xuanyangzi listened, suddenly enlightened. As Yi'an said, nothing is absolutely invincible; all things come at a price. To pay with one's own fortune is unwise, for once it is depleted, misfortune follows.

This touches upon the theory of fate. A person's luck is not static, and fortune and virtue are the foundation of sustaining it. Once fortune is scattered, luck will immediately plummet.

As for the common saying, "Even drinking cold water gets stuck between your teeth," this is no mere jest. For those in a period of great misfortune, all manner of improbable calamities can occur.

Miao Shihai, meanwhile, was utterly confused, as if a giant question mark was written across his brow.

Yan Chixia's blood was boiling with excitement. These matters fascinated him as much as a scholar is drawn to books and knowledge. Yet Yi'an's identity puzzled him once again—wasn't he a scholar?

How could he speak of such supernatural matters, leaving even a proper Daoist like Yan Chixia feeling embarrassed?

Moreover, the breadth of Yi'an's knowledge was astonishing, filled with tales and mysteries Yan Chixia had never heard.

Clearly, Yi'an was not just a simple scholar, as he appeared. He should have known: anyone who could call his master a friend would not be an ordinary person.

For a moment, Yan Chixia's mind conjured countless possibilities.

Xuanyangzi then explained in detail to Miao Shihai the matters he needed to pay attention to, and what to do after drawing out the demon.

Soon after, Xuanyangzi rose and asked Miao Shihai to wait for a moment.

In a short while, Xuanyangzi returned, holding a brocade pouch whose contents were unknown.

"Take this talisman, for emergencies."

Miao Shihai accepted the talisman with delight. Having been saved by such a treasure before, he was not unfamiliar with it. If he had been anxious before, the moment he received the talisman, all his worries disappeared.

"Do not underestimate this talisman. It is not the crude charm you held before. It can withstand a full-force blow even from a great demon of the Night-Wanderer realm, let alone ordinary minor demons." Sensing Miao Shihai's thoughts, Xuanyangzi quickly explained the talisman's importance.

His first plan, though simple, carried considerable risk. Should the demon act unpredictably, he might not be able to fully protect Miao Shihai. To ensure nothing went amiss, Xuanyangzi gritted his teeth and took out his most prized treasure, left to him by his master. He had few left; each one used was one less, and there was no way to replenish them.

After all, talismans are rare and hard to come by.

Just like alchemists, talisman-makers are a scarce profession. Entry is difficult, and mastery is not gained in a day. There are no shortcuts—only skill through practice.

During the process, constant attempts at making talismans require expenditures that ordinary people would find hard to bear.

Thus, the value of talismans is truly manifest.

Miao Shihai quickly tucked the brocade pouch into his shirt, tying a firm knot at the edge, lest he lose the precious talisman.

"Master Daoist, words cannot express my gratitude. I will remember this kindness," Miao Shihai bowed deeply to Xuanyangzi. Although the latter asked for no reward, Miao Shihai could not remain indifferent. To be ungrateful is no different from cold-blooded snakes and scorpions. Those with flesh and blood, with feelings and grudges, are human; those without, with hearts of wolves and dogs, do not belong in this category.

"Enough, enough. It's too soon for thanks. Wait until the demon is dealt with, then you may thank me," Xuanyangzi said with a smile, helping him up and patting his shoulder. For that single sentence, the man deserved his full support.

To avoid arousing suspicion, Xuanyangzi decided to wait another day before letting Miao Shihai leave alone. If he left immediately, the demon might suspect something. If he left tomorrow, it would appear as if Miao Shihai believed the coast was clear and was preparing to return home.

Early the next morning, Miao Shihai left Jade Void Temple alone, heading toward his home. Xuanyangzi and Yi'an followed in secret, hiding underground to avoid detection, maintaining just the right distance as they trailed him.

They followed him all the way to his house, waiting for half a day, yet the demon did not appear.

Helpless, Xuanyangzi declared the first plan a failure and began preparing the second.

This time, they did not return to Jade Void Temple, but decided to set up a ritual in Miao Shihai's home.