Qi Quan opened the door to the infirmary with a sense of curiosity.
Inside the infirmary, a husband and wife were embracing and weeping. Ling Sheng stared blankly at the electronic audio device, unsure of what to do.
Seeing her enter, the young man's eyes lit up, and he immediately stood up to greet her.
[Ah, Ling Sheng's mother is crying so pitifully.] The system said with a pained heart.
Qi Quan asked, "Is the treatment done?"
Ling Sheng shook his head, a hint of confusion appearing in his eyes.
He had pressed the button, but they didn't listen. He couldn't treat the patient.
Qi Quan turned to the human and the ghost.
Fu Jiuge's sobs had already stopped. She lowered her head somewhat shamefully to wipe her tears, while Xie Lanzhou hurriedly handed her a tissue.
"Sorry, I... I couldn't hold back," she said in a hoarse voice. "Did I delay your matters?"
Xie Lanzhou slapped his forehead. "Right! Director Li said you were here to treat your injury. I was so overjoyed to see you that I actually forgot! Where are you injured?"
"My dantian is somewhat damaged. Elder Brother used a secret medicine to barely prevent it from worsening." Fu Jiuge, her eyes red, looked gently at Ling Sheng. "Are you the one who will treat me?"
Ling Sheng immediately returned to his role as the doctor and pressed the button.
"Please lie down."
Xie Lanzhou released his wife, allowing her to lie down slowly.
"Please close your eyes."
Fu Jiuge very much wanted to ask him why he couldn't speak, but now was clearly not the right time.
She obediently closed her eyes.
Ling Sheng sat beside the sickbed, his right hand suspended above her dantian. A gentle spiritual power carefully probed inward.
He clearly "saw" that her dantian area was riddled with holes. Even though it was controlled by secret medicine, the amount of spiritual power her dantian could store was extremely meager. There were also some stubborn strands of spiritual energy lingering and wreaking havoc, continuously damaging her dantian.
Those who have never suffered such an injury would find it hard to understand this kind of pain.
Fu Jiuge had lost her sanity for the past twenty years and might not have felt the pain. But since waking up, she had endured this torment day and night.
Fortunately, starting today, she would no longer suffer this pain.
Ling Sheng skillfully captured the "destructive elements," wrapped them with his spiritual power, and removed them all from the dantian.
The pain vanished instantly without a trace.
Fu Jiuge opened her eyes in surprise, her expression exactly the same as every other injured person before her.
Before her surprise could finish, Ling Sheng once again circulated his spiritual power, gently nourishing the damaged dantian and repairing all the wounds. Her originally ice-cold abdomen actually began to feel somewhat warm.
Fu Jiuge's pale, thin cheeks gradually became rosy.
Xie Lanzhou excitedly clenched his fist.
It works, it really works!
With the experience from the first dantian injury patient, Ling Sheng was even more adept this time. He quickly repaired her dantian and withdrew his spiritual power.
Then he looked at Qi Quan.
Qi Quan asked, "All done?"
He nodded.
"Truly amazing." These three words now came to her lips effortlessly.
Although he had heard them many times, Ling Sheng still loved hearing them.
The corners of his eyes curved into a smile, and he suddenly opened his arms, making a move as if to hug her.
Qi Quan: ?
A barrier instantly materialized between the two of them.
Ling Sheng bumped his head against the barrier, his eyes widening slightly.
He pointed at Fu Jiuge and Xie Lanzhou, clasped his hands together briefly to indicate their earlier hugging scene, then poked at the barrier between him and Qi Quan, his eyes showing confusion and grievance.
Qi Quan looked at him somewhat helplessly and shook her head.
She really wasn't very accustomed to hugging.
Ling Sheng then pointed to his own forehead, placed the back of his hand to his lips, imitating the scene where Qi Quan had kissed him before.
[Hahahahaha, Boss, is he... asking why you can kiss him, but he can't hug you?] The system's tone was full of gossipy teasing.
Qi Quan: [Is that the same thing?]
[How is it different?]
[I kissed him because I was happy.]
[He saved someone, he's happy too.]
Qi Quan: ...
That made some sense.
Put that way, her refusing his hug really wasn't very fair.
Just as she was feeling conflicted, a sudden "pfft" of laughter came from the side.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you." Fu Jiuge covered her mouth with her hand, smiling as she looked at them. "I'm healed. Should I leave this place now?"
Qi Quan: "..."
She expressionlessly dispelled the barrier.
Although Fu Jiuge wanted to get closer to her own child, now was clearly not the right time. Many people outside were waiting for the results of her treatment.
She sat back in the wheelchair and closed her eyes.
Xie Lanzhou stood behind her, his hands gripping the wheelchair handles, a pained look flashing in his eyes before quickly fading away.
He pushed Fu Jiuge out of the infirmary.
Outside the infirmary, a young investigator took over the wheelchair, nodded to Xie Lanzhou, and pushed Fu Jiuge towards the exit of the Investigation Department.
The system sighed: [These two, one became a ghost, the other pretends to be foolish. Ah!]
The man stood in the corridor, watching the wheelchair leave his sight, then turned to face the wall, resting his forehead against it.
[When will these days come to an end!] The system said indignantly. [That evil cultivator organization is truly harmful. This time we must strive to catch them all in one net!]
Qi Quan smiled: [We will.]
Her sleeve was suddenly tugged.
Qi Quan turned her head, meeting Ling Sheng's amber eyes.
The young man extended his phone: [Sorry.]
She asked in surprise, "Why do you say that?"
[I made you unhappy earlier.]
Ling Sheng unconsciously picked at his phone case.
Although he really wanted to be close to her, if she didn't like it, he should apologize to her.
The hair on his head seemed listless, lacking its previous vitality.
Qi Quan couldn't help but laugh.
He's quite good at pretending to be pitiful.
However, wanting a hug wasn't a bad thing; it fell within the normal range of human social interaction. His desire to hug indicated he possessed relatively normal human social psychology.
The last time he was imitating Su Wenwen, this time he was imitating Fu Jiuge.
Imitating others showed he had curiosity about the world.
This was a good thing.
She should affirm this.
Considering this, Qi Quan pointed towards Xie Lanzhou, who had his forehead against the wall not far away.
"If you want to hug someone, you can go to him."
Xie Lanzhou definitely wouldn't refuse.
Ling Sheng: ...
System: ...
The young man slowly typed: [He is a ghost.]
Qi Quan paused, unsure how to respond.
The phone was extended again: [I'm going to draw talismans.]
She subconsciously nodded. "Okay, go ahead."
Ling Sheng slowly glanced at her, then turned and left, holding the electronic audio playback device.
He hung his head, his tall, slender back conveying a hint of loneliness.
As he passed by Xie Lanzhou, he suddenly stopped.
The system exclaimed excitedly: [Ah! He wouldn't be listening to you and planning to hug Mr. Xie, would he!]
Qi Quan also raised an eyebrow in surprise.
Unexpectedly, the young man lowered his head, typed a line of text, and held it under Xie Lanzhou's eyes.
Xie Lanzhou, immersed in sorrow: ?
[Go draw talismans.]
Even the period seemed particularly forceful.
Xie Lanzhou's sorrowful mood was abruptly interrupted; it seemed he couldn't feel sad anymore.
He wiped his face. "Let's go."
The man and the ghost walked side by side towards the office.
Xie Lanzhou looked at his cold profile and, thinking of what happened earlier in the infirmary, couldn't help but speak in the tone of an experienced person, lowering his voice: "Did you want to hug her earlier?"
Ling Sheng slowed his pace.
The man's eyes lit up. This was promising!
He leaned closer to Ling Sheng and said with great experience, "You shouldn't have been so abrupt earlier."
Ling Sheng pricked up his ears.
Xie Lanzhou wanted to tease him. After building up his anticipation, he deliberately didn't continue.
He waited for Ling Sheng to ask.
To his surprise, Ling Sheng did not continue waiting. Instead, he quickened his pace, returned to the office, sat down in his chair, and began focusing on drawing talismans.
Xie Lanzhou: ???
Seriously? He had built up his appetite so high, so why wouldn't he just ask proactively?
After finishing one talisman, Ling Sheng saw him still standing there pondering his ghostly existence. He then took out a stack of blank talisman papers and placed them in front of Xie Lanzhou's seat. The meaning was quite clear.
If you have nothing better to do, draw talismans.
Xie Lanzhou: ...
Those who ignore the advice of their elders will suffer the consequences.
At the entrance of the Investigation Department, Fu Jiuchong, who had been waiting anxiously, finally saw his sister's figure.
Compared to before she went in, her complexion was noticeably much rosier.
This was...
She was cured?!
Fu Jiuchong, his face filled with excitement, helped her into the car, closed the door to block the prying eyes from outside, and instructed the driver, "Home."
He suppressed his emotions and didn't speak to Fu Jiuge immediately. He held it in all the way home until they entered the study room equipped with an isolation array. Then, with a trembling voice, he asked, "Jiuge, you... you're better?"
Fu Jiuge opened her eyes, revealing a comfortable smile. "I haven't felt this relaxed since I woke up."
Her dantian was completely healed; she could continue cultivating!
Fu Jiuchong's eyes reddened, and he smiled sincerely.
In the past twenty years, he had never laughed so freely.
After laughing, he asked, "Does the Investigation Department really have a miraculous doctor?"
The smile on Fu Jiuge's lips deepened. "Yes, a miraculous doctor."
"With Senior Qi Quan already stationed at the Investigation Department, adding such a formidable figure... I'm afraid they will truly lead the Mystic Arts world in the future," Fu Jiuchong sighed with emotion.
"Brother, is that not a good thing?" Fu Jiuge's gaze was calm.
Fu Jiuchong was taken aback, then suddenly smiled.
"Right, it's not a bad thing either."
No longer tormented by illness, Fu Jiuge's once haggard face radiated a dazzling brilliance.
"Should we release the news that my dantian is healed?"
Fu Jiuchong snorted lightly. "No. Let those people guess."
The various factions within the Mystic Arts world were indeed guessing.
"Was Fu Jiuge really cured or not?"
"Unclear. The Fu family hasn't said."
"Looking at the comparison photos from before she went in and after she came out, I feel there should be some effect."
"Should be? Comparison photos? What effect?"
"Look, before she went in, her face was very pale. After coming out, her complexion was noticeably much rosier. That means the treatment was effective."
"Really? I can't see it."
Some with good relationships grew tired of guessing and called Fu Jiuchong directly.
Yan Fengjun asked with a smile, "Brother Fu, does the Investigation Department really have a miraculous doctor?"
"If your family also has a mystic master with damaged meridians, you can send them to give it a try," Fu Jiuchong played coy with him.
Yan Fengjun teased, "If that's really the case, wouldn't we all end up owing favors to the Investigation Department?"
"Would the official side force you to repay a favor?" Fu Jiuchong said solemnly. "Admitting that the Mystic Arts world itself lacks the strength to achieve much isn't that difficult."
Yan Fengjun laughed. "Brother Fu speaks... as straightforwardly as ever."
In the past, when it came to suppressing evil cultivators, the Mystic Arts world indeed hadn't performed well.
The Yan family also lost many elites, with the most regrettable being Yan Fengqing.
Yan Fengqing was once a top contender for the position of family head. He was both a young seventh-level mystic master and a genius in talisman arts within the Mystic Arts world, with a large following within the family.
But during a mission to pursue an evil cultivator, he accidentally damaged the meridians in his legs, causing his star to fall from then on.
Yan Fengjun originally wanted to compete with him fairly. Under such circumstances, without even a competition, he directly became the head of the Yan family.
Seeing the heartbroken and despairing look in Yan Fengqing's eyes back then, Yan Fengjun didn't feel good either.
He just never expected that Yan Fengqing would get involved with an evil cultivator organization.
Although there was no evidence, the Investigation Department wouldn't detain him in an interrogation room without reason.
The loss of elites happened in many sects and families.
Since then, the Mystic Arts world had been in low spirits for a long time, which allowed evil cultivators to become increasingly rampant in recent years.
"I'm just stating facts," Fu Jiuchong said. "If you want to know, you might as well go and try it yourself."
Yan Fengjun chuckled. "Thank you, Brother Fu."
He hung up the phone, lowered his head in thought for a moment, then dialed Li Guoyan's number.
With Senior Qi Quan and the miraculous doctor stationed at the Investigation Department, the various forces of the Mystic Arts world would eventually accept the Investigation Department's leadership. Yan Fengjun was willing to be the first to bow his head.
However, this time Li Guoyan did not agree directly.
He said, "Family Head Yan, you also know that injuries like damaged meridians and dantian are extremely difficult to treat. The doctor may not be able to take on so many patients again in a short time."
Those investigators at the convalescent home were still waiting for treatment.
He agreed to let Fu Jiuge come because of the natural parent-child relationship between Fu Jiuge and Ling Sheng. Moreover, Xie Lanzhou had provided so many clues to the Investigation Department.
Reuniting a righteous and kind family was an outcome he favored.
Yan Fengjun didn't doubt it either.
Healing meridians and dantian was inherently arduous. Otherwise, why would so many mystic masters have suffered for so many years?
Li Guoyan's answer actually made him more convinced.
He asked, "I wonder when the doctor will be able to accept patients?"
Li Guoyan: "When the time comes, Mr. Yan will naturally be notified."
"Awaiting your good news."
Besides Yan Fengjun, others like Yin Yi and Wan Du also called to inquire afterward.
Li Guoyan had only one meaning: Treatment is possible, but show your sincerity.
After all the calls ended, he went to Qi Quan's office.
"Master, the technical department has already registered a live-streaming account for you. It will only be accessible to Investigation Departments nationwide."
That is to say, people outside the Investigation Department wouldn't be able to see the stream.
Qi Quan nodded and posted a Weibo message.
[White Water True Person V: The live-streaming room is now open, for a period of half a month. Details on the official website.]
White Water True Person now had a considerable number of Weibo followers. Moreover, as an "industry heavyweight," she had many active fans.
As soon as the Weibo post went up, many people using fan names commented.
[White Water Goddess, Please Update Today: Ahhhhh! Live stream! Is it the kind of live stream I'm thinking of?! Can I see the living goddess?!]
[White Water Goddess, I Want to Marry You: Did the person above not read clearly? You can only see the stream at the Investigation Department! Wuwuwuwu I hate this! Why didn't I join the Investigation Department earlier!]
[White Water Big Sis, I Want to Have Your Babies: The person above might want to check out the Weibo posted by the official Investigation Department account. There's a surprise!]
[Senior, Take Me Flying: Oh my god! Fellow practitioners, hurry up and sign up! Just by signing up, you can go to the Investigation Department to watch the stream! Big Sis White Water personally live-streaming to impart knowledge, it's definitely full of valuable insights. Maybe after listening, we can advance to the next level hahahaha!]
[Good Thing My Hand Speed is Fast: Hehehe, I've already signed up.]
For a time, mystic masters who received the news all flocked to the official websites of local Investigation Departments to submit their applications.
A live stream from the number one person in the Mystic Arts world probably only happens once in a lifetime. It would be such a loss to miss it!
Many people who saw the official announcement were practically fainting with happiness.
[Aspiring to Be the Top Talisman Master: Fellow practitioners, did you see... the official website says the senior is proficient in sword arts, talisman arts, and array arts? This... this is the world of geniuses, isn't it?]
[Sword Cultivators Are the Coolest: Ahhhhh! I want to watch the stream! I want to learn sword arts from the goddess! I've already signed up!]
【Without formations, you're nothing: Just the Dao of Formations alone is enough to make my head spin, but I never expected the grandmaster to be proficient in three paths!】
For a while, even more Heavenly Masters eagerly signed up.
But before long, someone raised questions on Weibo.
【It's Not Bad Being a Couch Potato: Why wasn't my application approved? My Heavenly Master certificate isn't expired!】
【Heaven Bestow Power Upon Me: Me too! Why won't they let me pass? I want to watch the livestream!】
【Watching the Sky, the Sea, and You: Is the Investigation Department discriminating against people? They pretend to be magnanimous on the surface, but are they actually afraid that Heavenly Masters will learn too much and surpass the investigators?】
【Aspiring to Live to 999: Is this intentional restriction? Can we get an explanation? On what grounds are they rejecting us?】
More and more people clamored online.
The Investigation Department didn't spare their feelings either, directly posting a list. The people on the list all had criminal records, mostly involving illegal activities committed during their youth. According to the laws at the time and their age, it wasn't severe enough for prison, but it definitely indicated major flaws in their character.
The Investigation Department naturally wouldn't allow such people to watch the livestream.
The protesters immediately fell silent.
Other Heavenly Masters were practically dying of laughter. Did they really think the Investigation Department, just because it was newly established, didn't know their backgrounds?
Before its establishment, the Investigation Department had secretly carried out countless missions and uncovered plenty of information.
Most Heavenly Masters were well aware of this.
Apart from weeding out Heavenly Masters with poor character, the Investigation Department also screened the list of applicants and selected many with upright character and good talent, allowing them priority access to watch the livestream at Investigation Department branches.
Local Investigation Departments methodically arranged the livestream viewing.
The various factions of the Mystic Arts world were once again thrown into confusion by the Investigation Department's move.
First the Divine Physician, now a grandmaster's livestream... what were they trying to do?
The Sect Leader, elders, and elite disciples of the Guiyuan Sect had no choice but to convene a meeting.
"What is a 'livestream'?" asked an old-fashioned elder.
The sect's chief disciple, Liu Qiang, replied: "It's where Senior Qi Quan uses a livestreaming platform to teach the Dao methods face-to-face with everyone."
His face showed some excitement.
It wasn't just him; the other elite disciples felt the same.
They also wanted to watch the livestream, but without the sect's permission, they didn't dare to sign up casually.
At times like this, they really envied those independent cultivators.
Independent cultivators were free and unfettered, not controlled by any sect. They had probably already filled all the spots!
"Teach Dao methods?" Another elder shook his head. "Every sect's Dao methods are different. How can they be taught?"
A female disciple spoke up loudly: "Senior Qi Quan excels in the three paths of Sword, Talisman, and Formations! Although the cultivation heart techniques differ, the skills of these three paths can be taught. Even learning just a little would bring endless benefits."
"That's right, Sect Leader, esteemed elders, the combined talisman invented by Senior Qi Quan, integrating sword techniques and talismans, can fly hundreds of kilometers and accurately shatter a seventh-grade formation!"
Just this point alone was enough to benefit one for a lifetime.
Yin Yi glanced at the disciples who were clearly itching to go, sighed inwardly, and said, "If that's the case, it wouldn't hurt to go watch the livestream. Liu Qiang, you enjoy studying the Dao of Formations. Select two more disciples skilled in the Dao of Talismans and the Dao of the Sword to sign up."
"Yes!"
Other factions reacted similarly.
The Investigation Department was highly efficient, arranging personnel within a single day.
The livestream was scheduled to start at 8 PM.
After finishing dinner, Qi Quan continued to meditate and cultivate.
The system asked: 【Grandmaster, class is about to start. Aren't you going to prepare your lesson?】
【No need.】
In her previous life, she often taught sect disciples. A livestream lecture was nothing major.
Outside the Longjing City Investigation Department branch, many Heavenly Masters were lining up to enter.
The classroom for watching the livestream was arranged in the fourth-floor training ground.
The training ground was very large, capable of accommodating over a thousand people.
There weren't as many Mystic Arts practitioners as one might imagine, and even fewer Heavenly Masters were willing to sign up.
Some failed the character check, some were on missions and unaware, some were too arrogant to think it worth watching, and some were simply too lazy to come.
"Look! Is that Yan Huai?"
"Wow, even Yan Huai is here? He's actually watching a livestream!"
"Didn't you know? He's a fan of Senior Qi Quan. His name is on the tipping leaderboard."
"No wonder he came. He's a master of the Sword Dao. I wonder if watching the livestream will help him improve."
"Fu Luanfei from the Fu family is here too!"
"And Liu Qiang from the Guiyuan Sect!"
"They're all elites from various sects. It seems the top masters also have great trust in Senior Qi Quan."
"Of course! Senior Qi Quan is now the number one figure in the Mystic Arts world!"
Everyone lined up to enter.
There were no desks or chairs in the training ground, so they could only sit on the floor. Fortunately, they all had cultivation, so sitting on the cold, hard floor didn't bother them.
A projection appeared on one wall of the training ground.
The venue was large, with many sitting in the back dozens of meters away from the screen, but practitioners had keen eyesight, so that distance was nothing.
At 8 PM, the livestream began.
In Investigation Department branches across the country, amidst everyone's eager anticipation, a figure finally appeared on the screen.
Thunderous applause simultaneously erupted in the training grounds as everyone used their phones to enter the livestream room, sending a variety of gifts to express their respect.
Only those inside the Investigation Department branches could use their phones to access the livestream room.
Qi Quan sat in front of the livestream camera, her long hair loosely tied at the back. Her exceptionally beautiful face was very photogenic, glowing with a soft, moist luster under the lights.
Her eyes were deep and serene, like the vast ocean or the boundless starry sky, calm and undisturbed when gazing into the distance. But everyone knew what immense, powerful energy lay beneath the sea's surface and within the cosmos.
It inspired awe.
Qi Quan had no idea what her "students" were thinking.
She addressed the camera: "The livestream will be one hour daily. I will first discuss the Sword Dao, then the Talisman Dao, and finally the Formation Dao. Each segment will be twenty minutes. You may not leave early, but those only interested in one path can rest for forty minutes during the class."
The classrooms burst into laughter, and comments on the screen scrolled rapidly.
There was also some hushed conversation.
"I never thought the grandmaster, who seems so serious, could be quite humorous."
"I love her even more now, what should I do!"
"The grandmaster is the grandmaster. 'I don't care if you sleep in class.'"
"Because who would dare to sleep!"
Qi Quan wasted no time and directly began explaining the Sword Dao.
Her knowledge was extensive, and she had taught many classes. She had no script in hand, but one in her mind, speaking without pause while students in the "classroom" took notes furiously.
"The Sword Dao should not be confined to traditional sword techniques and methods. It can be combined with other Dao methods to create new forms of attack. For example, the combination of Sword Dao and Talisman Dao, or Sword Dao and Formation Dao. That's all for the Sword Dao for now. Let's begin the Talisman Dao."
The comment section went wild.
【The combination of Sword Dao and Talisman Dao! That's the combined talisman the grandmaster invented! I really want to hear the senior explain the combined talisman!】
【So much substantial content. The senior's understanding of the Sword Dao is truly profound.】
【We've already witnessed the combination of Sword Dao and Talisman Dao firsthand. What about Sword Dao and Formation Dao? How can those two be combined? Will the senior explain that later?】
Qi Quan took out a Unity Talisman and held it up to the camera, asking, "Has anyone seen this talisman before?"
[No.]
[Never seen it.]
[Ahhhh! Is this a new talisman created by the senior?!]
[Respect!]
Qi Quan smiled and said, "It's a talisman I created a few days ago. I won't reveal its name just yet. Today, I'll only teach you how to draw this talisman. If any talisman masters present have brought talisman paper, cinnabar, and a brush, you might as well follow along. Once you learn this talisman, there will be an unexpected surprise."
[Wow! Today was really worth it!]
[The master is truly not keeping secrets for herself.]
[Am I the only one who wants to know what kind of surprise it is?]
[I want to know too! It's a pity I'm not a talisman master!]
[Talisman masters are so lucky!]
Getting to learn a new talisman for free sounded enviable to anyone.
Carrying talisman-drawing tools was a habit for every talisman master.
All the talisman masters stared intently at the screen.
On the screen, the camera angle lowered, focusing on the desk, capturing only Qi Quan's hands.
[The senior's hands... no, the way she holds the talisman brush is so beautiful!]
[Screenshotting to admire! This talisman paper looks so good!]
[The color of the cinnabar is also gorgeous.]
The comments were from Taoist masters who didn't understand the art of talismans.
The talisman masters who did understand the art were all staring at the screen, not daring to blink, afraid of missing the senior's brushwork technique and sequence.
The talisman pattern was completed in one fluid motion, a faint golden light flashing briefly.
Warm applause erupted once again in various training grounds.
The talisman masters' hands were red from clapping.
After drawing one talisman, Qi Quan explained the drawing method she had just used. Her teaching was profound yet easy to understand, not confusing but enlightening.
"I'll give you ten minutes. Those who can draw the complete talisman pattern on the spot should hand it over to the Investigation Department staff after the livestream ends and register."
[What if we can't draw it on the spot?]
"For those who don't draw it on the spot, bring it to the next class."
In the Director's office, Li Guoyan, watching the livestream, couldn't help but smile.
Actually, the Unity Talisman was the key to this livestream.
The Unity Talisman, well, it's about uniting everyone to draw it together.
There were so many investigators and Taoist masters across the country, requiring a vast number of Unity Talismans. It was impossible for Qi Quan, Ling Sheng, and Xie Lanzhou to draw them all.
Therefore, this method was used to involve talisman masters of good character.
Of course, this didn't mean swordsmen and formation masters were useless.
Qi Quan would also teach them various combat skills during the livestream.
And the upcoming...
formation explanations were prepared for the investigators of the local Investigation Departments across the country.
From now on, all national Investigation Departments would enter a state of readiness for battle. Each department would formulate corresponding combat plans based on the specific situation of the local cultist bases.
The one-hour livestream ended quickly. The Taoist masters listened with great interest, completely unwilling to leave.
"Why doesn't the senior establish her own school? I really want to hear her teach the Dao every day!"
"Even if she established a school, it wouldn't be your turn to join."
"How can you say that!"
"Based on your low cultivation level, you wouldn't qualify to enter!"
"Want to compare?"
"Let's compare then!"
Liu Qiang took his junior brother and sister back to the Guiyuan Sect and immediately went to see the Sect Leader.
All three of them looked very excited.
Yin Yi felt a pang in his heart. His good disciples had become someone else's fans.
He put on a stern face and asked, "How was the livestream? Was it helpful?"
Liu Qiang said excitedly, "Senior Qi taught a new type of formation, one I've never seen before."
The junior sister specializing in talismans said joyfully, "She also taught us a new talisman!"
The junior brother specializing in swordsmanship said with a flushed face, "Senior Qi's comprehension of the Sword Dao is truly profound!"
Yin Yi: "..."
He asked incredulously, "She really taught you all that?"
Which faction in the Mystic World doesn't keep their secrets?
Want to learn? Sure, join the sect first.
The Guiyuan Sect never passed on its various Dao techniques to outsiders. Even the most basic talisman patterns were never taught to outsiders.
Yin Yi truly didn't want to believe that someone would selflessly teach their own Dao techniques, let alone new formations and talismans!
For a moment, he felt an immense sense of respect.
Compared to Qi Quan, the entire Mystic World seemed somewhat narrow-minded.
He waved his hand, dismissing the three, and pondered for a long time. Certain ideas began to take root and sprout in his heart.
Manor in the Beijing suburbs.
Yan Fengqing listened to the steward's report and frowned.
"A new talisman? A new formation? Teaching the Sword Dao?"
The steward nodded and said, "Although the Taoist masters who watched the livestream kept tight-lipped, we managed to glean some information from their words. After collating and analyzing it, we confirmed she taught a new talisman and a new formation."
"Can we find out what the new talisman and formation are?" Yan Fengqing asked.
The steward shook his head. "They reportedly signed a confidentiality agreement. The specifics of the new talisman and formation cannot be found out."
Once a Taoist master signs a confidentiality agreement, unless facing life or death, they won't break their promise.
Given the current severe situation and the fact that "that person" was at the most critical juncture, the organization couldn't afford any more disturbances. Concealment was better than exposure.
He snorted coldly. "It's just a show to gain popularity. Relying on Qi Quan's reputation to attract more followers. They're all just low-level Taoist masters, not worth worrying about."
The steward deeply agreed and also didn't take it too seriously.
But there was one thing he wasn't sure whether to mention.
"Hesitating like that, just say what you have to say," Yan Fengqing said impatiently, his face cold.
The steward secretly took a deep breath and said, "I also heard a piece of news, saying that the Investigation Department indeed has a miraculous doctor who can treat damage to meridians and dantians. Even..."
Yan Fengqing subconsciously gripped the armrests of his wheelchair, staring at him intently.
"Even what?"
"Even the Fu Family Head sent his sister to the Investigation Department, and she seems to have received good treatment."
Yan Fengqing was stunned for a long moment, then suddenly let out a short, sharp laugh.
"Even if it's an act, they should follow basic logic. Using a 'miraculous doctor' as a gimmick, are the people in the Mystic World fools? How can they... believe that?"
The steward said, "But this undoubtedly gives the Investigation Department even greater authority."
No one was unaware of how strong an attraction a physician capable of treating meridian and dantian injuries held for Taoist masters.
Probably not a single sect leader or family head could sit still.
Yan Fengqing gritted his teeth. "I don't believe it. It's all fake."
The steward wanted to say more but was silenced by his gloomy gaze.
"How much longer for 'that person'?"
The steward frowned. "Recently, the Investigation Department has been managing things strictly. Checkpoints are set up everywhere, and the monitoring teams within the Taoist Master Association are also keeping a close eye on the masters. Many things have been delayed."
"No matter how slow, it's almost time," Yan Fengqing said. "After the family competition ends, everything will be reorganized."
He gazed in the direction of the main Yan Family residence, a cold smile playing on his lips.
Time flew by.
Half a month passed in a flash. The Taoist masters who participated in watching the livestreams benefited greatly. Their respect for Qi Quan rose steadily, and they even began to feel a sense of belonging towards the Investigation Department.
When the final day ended, many Taoist masters were reluctant to leave, lingering for a long time.
"I sat on that spot for fifteen days!"
"Who didn't?"
"I sparred with the person behind me after class every day. We even developed a bond through fighting."
"Oh right, didn't the senior say there would be a surprise for those who learned to draw the new talisman?"
"Could the surprise be teaching another new talisman?"
"Don't dream about it!"
"Just received a notice: Masters who submitted talismans can collect an equivalent amount of talisman-making tools and an invitation card."
"Although I don't mind the used talisman paper and cinnabar, the Investigation Department's gesture truly makes me feel appreciated."
"What is the invitation card for?"
"It seems to be an opportunity to enter the live stream next time!"
"Oh my! Is that true?"
"Absolutely true!"
"Wuwuwu, why is it only for Talisman Masters?"
"Perhaps... the talismans drawn by Talisman Masters are actually useful?"
"We Sword Masters are useful too!"
"Formation Masters refuse to be left behind!"
The Investigation Department timely stepped in to explain: "Talisman Masters have already made contributions to the Investigation Department, hence they receive an invitation card."
"We can also contribute! Why deprive us of the right to choose? Wuwuwu."
Investigation Department: "The time for contributions has not yet arrived. Please wait patiently for the notice. All Masters who participate in making contributions will receive an invitation card. Those with higher contribution values will receive more benefits."
"What are 'more benefits'?"
The Investigation Department kept it mysterious: "You'll find out later."
Upon hearing this, the Masters excitedly left the Investigation Department, eagerly rubbing their hands in anticipation of the notice.
They were not fools.
From the Investigation Department's actions, most of them guessed that the department might be planning a major operation soon.
And this major operation was closely related to the Mystic Arts community.
As members of the Mystic Arts community, they were willing to contribute!
Everyone sensed the impending storm.
Several days later, the Yan family's internal competition finally arrived.
Yan Fengqing took a car to the main family estate.
This was the first time in many years he had set foot in the main family estate.
The main estate hadn't changed at all, still exuding the sternness and decay of an aristocratic family.
Yan Fengqing sat in his wheelchair, pushed by a steward, and entered the main gate under the scrutiny of the crowd.
The competition arena was quite far from the main gate.
...
As the competition approached, every corner of the mansion was filled with tension and excitement.
Yan Fengqing passed through long corridors and pavilions, finally arriving at the entrance of the competition arena.
There was something extra on both sides of the entrance compared to previous years.
Yan Fengqing asked, "What are these?"
Several rows of flower baskets placed outside the competition arena? Was it for opening celebrations or welcoming guests?
He swept his spiritual sense over the flower baskets but detected nothing unusual.
The steward said, "I heard this was Young Master Yan Huai's instruction."
"He seems cold and heartless, yet has such a hobby."
Yan Fengqing scoffed, suppressing an inexplicable unease in his heart, and slowly entered the competition arena.
Inside the arena, Yan Huai looked down at his phone.
The steward's face flashed briefly on the screen, marked in black.
Black indicated being implanted with a puppet talisman; red indicated having taken the Bloody Pill.
His expression unchanged, he put away his phone.
Yan Geng suddenly leaned over, looking nervous. "Brother Huai, it's bad!"
Yan Huai: "What is it?"
"Among the branch family members, there are several at Level 5, third and second tiers. They just suddenly advanced to Level 6 while waiting backstage!"
Yan Huai himself was at Level 6 when he competed back then, unmatched among his peers, winning immense support for the main family.
But this year, is the main family going to lose its edge?
Several Level 6 practitioners—how can we compete with that?
Yan Huai's face remained calm. "It's fine."
Yan Geng was on the verge of tears.
Aren't you really worried at all about the main family losing face?
At the same time, Investigation Department branches across the country reported to headquarters.
"Formations are in position. Awaiting instructions."
Li Guoyan's expression was stern, his energy focused and steady.
"Execute as planned."
