Lei Jun thanked Master Yuan Mobai and, together with his senior brother Wang Guiyuan, retired for the night.
「Early the next day,」 he packed his personal belongings at the Tao Boy Court and formally began moving up the mountain. Two others were also moving out of the Sixth Court of Tao Boy with him.
The Transmission Ceremony last night saw a total of thirty-two Tao Boys participate; thereafter, the Tao Boys became Taoists and officially became True Inheritance of the Celestial Master Mansion.
Apart from the special First Branch, each of the seven other branches had participants in the Transcension Ritual, ranging from two to four per court. Including Lei Jun, three Tao Boys from the Sixth Division had broken through.
Saying that they were going back to the Tao Boy Court to move, however, did not mean they had to do it themselves.
"How could we trouble the Taoist Master to lift a finger? Let us do it!"
A group of young Tao Boys lined up and bowed to Lei Jun.
Those familiar with Lei Jun regularly did not show any hesitation or awkwardness at this time, as their mental transitions had been very smooth. To be exact, ever since it was confirmed before the Transmission Ceremony that Lei Jun would participate in the Transcension Ritual, everyone had already started to adjust their mindset and prepare themselves mentally.
Zhang Yuan, in particular, was very proactive about this.
It was somewhat regrettable that he was injured last year due to an explosion at Elder Du's Altar. Although he later recovered from his injuries, whether it be adjustments to his physical condition or the time taken to heal, his cultivation progress was delayed. In the end, prior to this year's Transmission Ceremony, Zhang Yuan had only achieved the eleventh level of Qi Cultivation. Within the Sixth Court of Tao Boy, he was considered among the best, yet he just missed this year's Transcension Ritual and had to continue his secluded cultivation for another three years. Fortunately, he was still relatively young and could continue to accumulate for a later, more explosive advancement.
At this moment, watching Lei Jun dressed in a formal Apricot Taoist Robe as an official True Inheritance of the Celestial Master Mansion, Zhang Yuan couldn't help feeling a bit wistful.
But he had long since moved on: Firstly, there had been no conflicts or competition between them previously. Secondly, Lei Jun had entered the fold to learn from Elder Yuan, one of the high-ranking Elders of the Celestial Master Mansion. Thirdly, Lei Jun had managed to ascend to the Perfection realm of the Twelfth Floor of Qi Refinement in less than two years at the Tao Boy Court, a rare occurrence even within the Taoist Holy Land, the Celestial Master Mansion.
So, apart from being astonished, was he now watching this former Junior Brother Lei, the current Master Lei, poised to soar to the heavens?
With their prior interaction as a foundation, even if one couldn't cling to such strong support, it surely wasn't sensible to offend and invite trouble, was it?
If there was a chance to cling, one should make the most of it… Zhang Yuan had a very solid mental resolution.
The other young Tao Boys felt similarly. To expect to interact with Lei Jun as before was not entirely impossible, but they too must first participate in the Transcension Ritual and become official True Inheritance of the Celestial Master Mansion. But that would be at least three years from now, so there was no need to leave a three-year gap. Master Lei was not difficult to get along with, and it was easy for the brothers to persuade their own pride.
Lei Jun did not possess many belongings. After a simple packing, he bade farewell to Zhang Yuan and the others and returned to the main mansion up the mountain.
Wang Guiyuan was waiting outside his new home. Upon seeing Lei Jun, he said with a smile, "In the Tao Boy Court, Tao Boys must live alone and are not allowed to employ servants or maids. After the Transcension Ritual and upon entering the main mansion, each person is allocated two places to have servants attend to them, though all expenses are self-funded. Junior Brother Lei, do you require any assistance?"
Lei Jun asked, "Some brothers have family members to serve them; what about those who have no one left at home?"
Wang Guiyuan replied, "In the town outside the mountain, there are many families who have joined their relatives who are disciples. Because each individual has a limit on the number of people they can bring up the mountain, some live under the names of other brothers. If you need it, I can introduce you."
It's also a sort of social network, a cycle of favors… Lei Jun nodded.
However, he laughed and said, "For now, I do not need it. I will let you know if I require it later. For urgent matters, I can temporarily summon a Tao Boy from the court down the mountain to lend a hand."
Wang Guiyuan nodded and waved his hand. Someone came forward carrying several trays with a variety of items, which were handed over to Lei Jun. "As a transmission disciple of Our Sect, all disciples are given a stipend by the Sect for their Cultivation Practice. This is the first batch. Use them well."
Lei Jun expressed his thanks. After people brought the items into the house, he bid farewell to Wang Guiyuan and returned to his room to take inventory.
Fifty Spirit Qi Pills for assisting in cultivation.
Fifty sticks of Calming Incense.
Ten jars of Pei Yuan Jiang.
One vat of Medicinal Bath Mother Liquor.
Various other medicinal bath ingredients.
A pair of Warm Spirit Jade Panels.
Three Black Rabbit Hair Talisman Brushes for making Spirit Talismans.
Twenty ingots of Talisman Ink.
Ten reams (a thousand sheets) of yellow paper.
Various other items, including incense, rice wine, and so forth.
Aside from redeeming accumulated merit or having their own family wealth, Tao Boys in the Tao Boy Court only receive one Spirit Qi Pill a day and share one stick of Calming Incense during the major lectures... Lei Jun thought to himself. After becoming True Inheritance, the supply of resources has indeed taken a big leap forward.
After organizing the items, Lei Jun lit a stick of Calming Incense, then took out the first volume of the *True Formula of the Great Way Scripture* passed down by Yuan Mobai to preview and study.
Before awakening his Hidden Dragon Spirit Body, many had commented on Lei Jun's excellent Comprehension. Yet, as he read through the scriptures of the inner Celestial Master Mansion, he still felt parts were obscure and difficult to understand. He was thankful for having laid a basic foundation at the Tao Boy Court; otherwise, he wouldn't have understood the meaning of many terms or what they truly referred to. If I misconstrued some parts, the consequent deviation could be more serious than merely taking a long detour.
「Overnight,」 Lei Jun only managed to get a half-grasp on one or two pages of the scripture. But instead of feeling defeated, his interest grew stronger.
After putting away the Taoist Scriptures, Lei Jun first consumed one Spirit Qi Pill, followed by a small amount of Pei Yuan Jiang, and then performed his Breathing Skills to regulate his Qi. With the abundant flow of Spiritual Energy on the main mountain grounds, nourished by the Spirit Qi Pills and Pei Yuan Jiang, the twelve Qi Seas within Lei Jun were brimming, and his True Qi grew increasingly condensed.
After performing his Breathing Skills, Lei Jun fell into a deep sleep. He woke fully energized the next morning to visit his master, Yuan Mobai, with Wang Guiyuan.
"Your spirits look good," Yuan Mobai said with a smile that felt as refreshing as a spring breeze, "Zhonggui, take a moment to explain to your junior brother."
Lei Jun initially guessed that Wang Guiyuan's Taoist name was Wang Chongyuan, only to find it was Wang Zhonggui, eliciting private speculation.
Wang Guiyuan cleared his throat. "Junior Brother Lei, we have all learned in the Tao Boy Court that Our Sect's Taoist Laws emphasize the dual cultivation of life essence and spirit. However, upon closer examination, we cultivate life essence before spirit. It's not that Life Skill is more important, but that it serves as the beginning and foundation.
"Humans are a microcosm, and the universe is a macrocosm. To cultivate Life Skill first is not to sever the connection between the micro and macrocosms, but rather the opposite—to build a bridge between the two.
"Similarly, when we cultivate Talisman Scriptures, we are also using another vital bridge to borrow the laws of heaven and earth. Human power is finite, and the universe infinite. If human power could match the universe's infiniteness, one could be said to have attained the Tao," Wang Guiyuan explained.
After listening, Lei Jun pondered for a moment.
Yuan Mobai asked with a smile, "What are you thinking about?"
Lei Jun replied, "I used to hear that our Talisman Scriptures are submitted to the heavenly deities to request Divine Skills from our ancestor grandmasters…"
Wang Guiyuan looked at Yuan Mobai. Seeing him nod in agreement, he turned back to Lei Jun. "Junior Brother Lei, did you hear this in the Tao Boy Court, or did Senior Sister Tang mention it?"
Lei Jun answered, "I heard it during my time in the Tao Boy Court, but I can't recall who mentioned it."
Wang Guiyuan continued, "Indeed, as you have mentioned, Our Sect's Talisman Scriptures were once petitions to the ancestral masters of the Taoist Sect. Later, after generations of ancestral masters refined the Taoist Laws over many years, Our Sect's Talisman Scriptures shifted to borrow directly from the laws of heaven and earth. Of course, the rituals and procedures remain as they were, unchanged."
Lei Jun nodded. "I understand now."
Yuan Mobai said, "The Tao Boy Court has already laid the foundation for you. Today, we shall start directly with the *True Formula of the Great Way Scripture*."
His Cultivation Realm was incomparably higher than those teaching in the Tao Boy Court. His instruction was profound yet simple, and penetrated to the core. The Taoist Scriptures that Lei Jun found obscure the night before became suddenly clear with just a few words from Yuan Mobai.
He first explained the laws to Lei Jun. Then, while Lei Jun was left to reflect on his own understanding, Yuan Mobai moved on to teach Wang Guiyuan, who, having started earlier, was progressing more quickly.
In terms of procedure, Yuan Mobai didn't use any flashy techniques. He provided instruction that was straightforward and similar to that of the Tao Boy Court, only deeper.
After the morning class, the master and disciples would converse and clarify doubts. They would have a normal lunch, enjoy free time in the afternoon, and then attend the evening class after dinner.
"The morning class is for expounding on the scriptures and imparting the Tao, while the evening class is for teaching Talisman Skill, alchemy, and other Spells," Wang Guiyuan said during lunchtime. "However, Master's intention is for you, Junior Brother Lei, to focus fully on preparing for Foundation Establishment. After that, with a solid inner foundation in the Great Way, it will not be too late to learn external Spells."
Lei Jun replied, "That is indeed my intention."
Wang Guiyuan said, "Besides the items previously sent to you, check for yourself and let me know if you need anything else. I will be assisting Master Liu in the coming days. Before I leave, I'll make sure everything is in order for you."
"Thank you, Senior Brother," Lei Jun responded. "What does Master Liu need assistance with?"
Wang Guiyuan answered, "It's nothing major. Master Liu is developing a special Talisman Ink using Bipsong Stone Marrow as the main ingredient, and he is taking it very seriously. The Tao Boys can't handle it, so some transmission disciples were requested to help. Master has sent me there to take orders."
Lei Jun had heard about this Elder Liu, another Elder in the mansion. Although Elder Liu and Yuan Mobai were not from the same lineage, the two were quite acquainted and had a good relationship. As for Bipsong Stone Marrow, Lei Jun had never heard of it. It must be an exceedingly rare treasure.
After the Transcension Ritual to become True Inheritance of the Celestial Master Mansion, one is generally referred to as a transmission Taoist or transmission disciple. They practice the orthodox Great Taoist Scripture and learn Talisman Scriptures to create Spirit Talismans themselves. The materials transmission Taoists use to create Spirit Talismans usually consist of Cinnabar-based Talisman Ink, Black Rabbit Hair Talisman Brushes, and yellow Talisman Paper, among other things. These were the items Wang Guiyuan had delivered to Lei Jun the previous day.
A transmission Taoist, upon reaching the Altar Stage of the Third Heavenly Layer, consistently accumulating merits, undergoing trials, and fulfilling certain conditions, may apply for Talisman bestowment. This is the second major threshold after the Transcension Ritual. After this threshold, one becomes known as a Talisman-bestowed Taoist or a Talisman-Instructed Disciple. The teachings and privileges of Talisman-Instructed Disciples naturally far exceed those of transmission disciples.
For instance, the Talisman Ink Elder Liu is now preparing uses not just simple Cinnabar but the rare treasure Bipsong Stone Marrow as the main ingredient, combined with various other supplementary materials. The Spiritual Power it contains, of course, is incomparable to that of Cinnabar. Correspondingly, the Talisman Brush and Talisman Paper used are also not basic items.
Elder Liu doesn't have disciples of his own. As the Talisman Ink he requires is important, the Tao Boys cannot be of help, so transmission disciples are borrowed. Thus, Yuan Mobai has lent out his disciple Wang Guiyuan for this task.
This is also one of the rights of a Talisman-bestowed Taoist. Just as a transmission Taoist can select Tao Boys, a Talisman-bestowed Taoist can also command transmission Taoists to serve on a temporary basis. The difference is that a transmission Taoist, being an official True Inheritance of the Celestial Master Mansion, requires consent from their Du Shi.
Out of respect, Tao Boys from the Tao Boy Court must address all Talisman Sect Taoists who have undergone the Transcension Ritual with honorifics. Transmission Taoists, when facing Talisman-bestowed Taoists, should, as a matter of etiquette, refer to them as Taoist Master or Elder. Conversely, Talisman-bestowed Taoists do not have to do so, unless the two are closely related via lineage. Therefore, in the world of the Taoist Talisman Sect, there's sometimes the saying, "transmission Taoists, Talisman-bestowed Taoists."
"As Taoists, only after Talisman bestowment can we, while traveling outside the mountain, independently establish Altars to perform rituals and offer salvation to the world," Wang Guiyuan explained. "Otherwise, a mere transmission Taoist conducting an Altar ritual must do so in the name of their own benevolent master, assuming the master has undergone Talisman bestowment."
Moreover, according to the regulations of the Celestial Master Mansion, once a True Inheritance disciple has undergone Talisman bestowment, they are qualified to travel beyond the mountain, start their own faction, and contribute to the spread of the Taoist Talisman Sect's Mount Longhu Lineage. All newly established sub-sects must honor the Dragon Tiger Mountain Ancestral Court as the orthodox lineage. Transmission disciples may choose to follow a Talisman-bestowed Taoist to a branch sub-sect or Taoist Temple to serve as a core member. This is one of the ways the Celestial Master Mansion manages talent allocation and expands its influence.
Wang Guiyuan remarked, "After Talisman bestowment, let's not even speak of the Taoist Robes, Vestment Robes, and the like. In addition to the existing Passport Talismans, scriptures, and Magic Artifacts we possess, the Sect will also confer Talisman Credentials, Tablets (Imperial Missives), along with Magical Swords, Commanding Flags, Orders, Torture Ghosts Sticks, Heavenly Canopy Rulers, and other treasures."
Lei Jun smiled. "I have high ambitions but must keep my feet on the ground. I will diligently cultivate and strive to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm of the Second Heavenly Layer."