Chapter 301 - 149: Clue to the 3rd Daoist Talisman, Scripture, Martial Domain, Extravagance, Buying a Horse’s Bones for 1000 Gold

"That's because his precious disciple was screwed over by the Sword Dao Ancestral Court back in the day."

"So, you can forget about that."

"Besides, even if you did, I've never heard of anyone who could earn the recognition of two Daoist Talismans in succession."

"Perhaps only those at the True Master Level who cultivate 'Immortal Techniques' and pursue the goal of becoming a Yang Spirit True Immortal would have a way."

As she spoke, she untied a Dragon Knob Jade Seal from the black sash at her waist. It had a deep, dark luster and a majestic air, a symbol of the Marquis's Mansion's authority.

"Here, take this."

"Now that you've reached the pinnacle of Dao Skill and formed a 'Divine Thought,' you should delve into Magic Techniques."

"A Divine Soul's Magic Techniques aren't necessarily more powerful than what a Martial Artist can do, but their advantage lies in being devious and unpredictable."

"They're not just for combat. They have all sorts of other applications and can sometimes produce miraculous results."

"You can study a few different techniques, because if you want to break past the shackles of 'Daoist Skill' and elevate your Dao Skill into a true Daoist High Merit..."

"Studying Magic Techniques in addition to a Divine Soul True Method is essential."

Ji Xiu looked down at the Jade Seal that Xiao Mingli was handing him. Just as he was about to ask a question, he heard her continue.

"This seal is the key to the 'Scripture Pavilion' of the Beicang Marquis's Mansion."

"Press it into the recess on the main gate, and the entryway mechanism will turn, opening it."

"I can see your Secret Martial arts are extraordinary, and your Skin Refining Technique is even from the 'Xie Family'... In terms of Martial Arts, there's nothing more I can give you."

"However, the collection in the Beicang Marquis's Mansion's Scripture Pavilion mostly consists of things related to the Divine Soul. For you, this should be of great benefit."

"The Scripture Pavilion is divided into three floors."

"The first floor is the armory of secret treasures. Most of what's displayed inside are Martial Arts Spiritual Weapons and Spirit Armor that my father seized in battle."

"The second floor holds the Martial Arts Classics. It contains many Scriptures, including some Top-Grade ones. You can pick one to study and master."

"I'm not letting you take more because you can't bite off more than you can chew."

"Magic Techniques are just like Martial Arts, if not more complex. It often takes years of diligent study to grasp their essence. Spreading yourself too thin isn't necessarily a good thing."

"Most masters of Daoist High Merit focus on one discipline until they reach Great Success, then supplement it with a few skills from side sects for support. That's usually enough to walk the path of the Great Dao."

"As for the third floor..."

She seemed to recall something, and a nostalgic look filled her eyes.

"The third floor is the 'Divine Soul Martial Domain.'"

"The scrolls displayed inside all contain the Martial Dao Will left behind by my father, or by other masters, imprinted within using Divine Soul techniques."

"If a Martial Artist wants to improve their Martial Arts, the best way is often to spar with a Grandmaster."

"Basically, all the Major Sects, True Sects, and noble clans with fiefdoms have such 'places' for their core disciples to hone their Martial Arts."

"While you're staying at the Marquis's Mansion, you should go there often."

"As long as you don't damage your Divine Soul..."

"One day in the Martial Domain is worth a month in the outside world!"

"So, this is why the further a Martial Artist progresses, the more they must also cultivate their Divine Soul."

Spiritual Weapons, Scriptures, a Martial Domain.

One day worth a month!?

As he listened to Xiao Mingli calmly explain these secrets, Ji Xiu was stunned.

'So this is the heritage of a Marquis's Mansion?'

'Earth Treasures, Magic Techniques, Martial Arts, Cultivation!'

'It encompasses everything!'

'It's a perfect paradise for cultivation!'

Having been trained by Duan Chenzhou before, Ji Xiu knew the value of this kind of training. It was a way to consolidate the progress he'd made with his skills.

His heart pounded with excitement.

"Thank you, Young Lady Heir!"

Xiao Mingli waved her hand.

"You're the one who said it's about affinity, not money."

The woman raised an eyebrow.

"This courtyard of mine is a lonely place. Apart from some fawning, short-sighted flatterers, I don't have much of a connection with any old acquaintances from the past."

"All these inheritances and whatnot... they're just sitting idle anyway."

"We have an affinity, so what's the big deal if I give you a share?"

'So magnanimous!'

Reeling from all he had gained, Ji Xiu clutched the Jade Seal and returned to his quarters, completely satisfied.

He prepared to witness the true heritage of the Beicang Marquis's Mansion for himself the next day.

Only after he was long gone...

...did Li Xuanyi emerge from the shadows.

"Senior Sister, what do you think? When that kid gets to the Martial Domain and sees your heroic figure breaking through the 'Four Great Limits' back then, do you think he'll just fall head over heels for you?"

She teased, but Xiao Mingli's gaze was languid. Unconcerned, she simply glanced at the bright-eyed, beautiful woman beside her.

"If he had been born ten years earlier, I would be no match for him."

She spoke with the utmost seriousness.

Then, she added softly,

"That 'seize the day' attitude of his... it's so much like how I used to be..."

A nostalgic look crossed Xiao Mingli's face.

But just as the two martial sisters were chatting idly under the moonlight...

Granny Shi approached, a worried expression on her face as she clutched an invitation card.

"Young Lady."

"What is it, Granny?"

Seeing the expression on the face of the old woman who had served her father for so long, Xiao Mingli frowned.

"That direct-line daughter of the Xie Family..."

"...has come to Jiangyin Prefecture. She wants to see you."

Hesitation flickered in Granny Shi's eyes.

And even though no name was mentioned, Xiao Mingli's expression instantly turned cold, as if she knew exactly who it was without being told.

Then, she sneered.

"She just wants to see the 'golden child' of yesteryear 'ground into common dust' so she can gloat."

"She's just a cousin. If she wants a meeting, she can have one."

"Am I, Xiao Mingli, afraid to see people?"

"How childish."