Immortal Cage - Chapter 56 Blood Flesh Pill Technique
Yu Lie once again arrived at the entrance of the Scripture Pavilion, casting a hesitant glance at the two stone cranes guarding the entrance. However, after a moment of hesitation, Yu Lie respectfully bowed towards the stone cranes before stepping into the Scripture Pavilion.
This time, he did not offer specially made talismans as he had ascended to the rank of middle-level Dao Disciple, his physical body and Qi having been greatly enhanced, giving him the confidence to enter the Scripture Pavilion once again.
Having attained the rank of middle-level Dao Disciple, the first and second floors of the Scripture Pavilion would permanently open for him, allowing him to peruse the scriptures at his leisure.
Suddenly, as Yu Lie stepped across the threshold, the two stone cranes on either side came to life. Extending their long necks, they scrutinized Yu Lie with their sharp beaks and bared teeth, sending a chill down his spine despite his robust physique.
However, just like the previous encounter, the chill quickly dissipated, and the stone cranes retracted their necks, returning to their motionless state.
Observing this scene, Yu Lie breathed a sigh of relief, adjusting his robe as he proceeded towards the loft. Yet, just as he was about to step fully into the entrance, he caught a glimpse of disinterest on the faces of the two stone cranes.
Yu Lie pondered inwardly, "Could these two stone cranes be living creatures?" Recalling the process from his previous visit, he hesitated slightly before taking out two crimson talismans worth a hundred coins each from his sleeve.
Turning around, Yu Lie bowed to the two stone cranes, offering the talismans in his hands. He intended to test the stone cranes and establish goodwill with them.
Swish! Before Yu Lie could say a word or make any unnecessary movements, the stone cranes swiftly snatched the talismans from his hands, swallowing them whole. The disinterest on their faces vanished, replaced by a hint of pleasure.
Though the stone cranes remained silent, Yu Lie knew that he had at least not offended them, if not gained their favor. While two hundred coins were not a small sum, it was a worthy gesture of respect for the stone cranes.
Subsequently, Yu Lie turned around and entered the Scripture Pavilion once more. Having visited the pavilion before, he casually browsed through the first and second floors before proceeding directly to the third floor.
Upon reaching the third floor, he immediately approached the counter. However, to his disappointment, the person at the counter was not Song Danqing but an unfamiliar senior Dao Disciple who was leisurely enjoying tea.
Realizing that Song Danqing was not on duty that day, Yu Lie maintained a smile and respectfully greeted the senior Dao Disciple, expressing his intention to collect martial arts techniques.
The senior Dao Disciple, engrossed in his tea, turned slowly to Yu Lie and acknowledged his request before proceeding to check the records.
After a meticulous review and registration process, the senior Dao Disciple stepped out from behind the counter, entered a hidden door, and returned with an incense stick, mirroring Song Danqing's actions.
Upon the incense stick, Yu Lie saw the words "Blood Flesh Pill Technique," and he gratefully thanked the senior Dao Disciple.
Pleased with Yu Lie's respectful demeanor, the senior Dao Disciple nodded and offered Yu Lie the opportunity to choose another martial arts technique or exchange for a different technique, emphasizing the importance of his decision.
In the town of Heishui, each promotion of a Dao Disciple allowed them to acquire an additional martial arts technique from the Scripture Pavilion, similar to Yu Lie's previous experience with the poison book.
This privilege was a result of Yu Lie's promotion to a middle-level Dao Disciple. The poison book he had acquired previously had greatly benefited his cultivation and knowledge of herbs, minerals, and flesh, providing significant assistance.
Prior to this visit, Yu Lie had carefully considered his choice and consulted with the senior head, firmly deciding on the Blood Flesh Pill Technique as his selection.
Alchemy was one of the three major cultivation arts, with divisions into herbal, metal, and flesh categories based on the materials used. Yu Lie, being accustomed to handling toxic substances in the alchemy room, naturally chose the flesh category of alchemy.
He had learned from his conversation with the senior head that in many places, junior Dao Disciples were not qualified to access true cultivation arts. Only upon promotion to a Dao Disciple could they have the opportunity to learn authentic techniques.
Yu Lie felt fortunate that he had diligently pursued alchemy, as it granted him access to genuine cultivation arts. Otherwise, he would have been restricted from learning alchemy despite his interest.
Upon receiving the Blood Flesh Pill Technique, Yu Lie was surprised to find a silver mirror instead of the usual incense stick or paper book. The mirror bore the inscription "Blood Flesh Pill Technique" in ancient, mystical runes, indicating its significance.
The senior Dao Disciple cautioned Yu Lie that the mirror could only be viewed ten times before becoming unusable, emphasizing the need for careful observation.
Realizing that the mirror was a unique medium for transmitting knowledge, Yu Lie understood the value of the Blood Flesh Pill Technique and thanked the senior Dao Disciple before departing with a sense of accomplishment.
As he left the Scripture Pavilion, Yu Lie reflected on his visit, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and joy at the knowledge he had gained. Returning to his stone abode, he first bathed and then absorbed the teachings of the second-floor poison book before eagerly delving into the study of the authentic alchemical technique.