Chương 57: Presenting the Great Evolution Technique! Li Huayuan's Reward! The Invisible Needle

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Chapter Fifty-Seven: Offering the Great Evolution Technique! Li Huayuan's Reward! The Invisible Needle Talisman Treasure!

Inside the cave.

Zhou Ding stared intently at the jade slip in his hand, his mind completely immersed in the profound text of the "Great Evolution Manual".

The only sounds in the quiet room were the soft glow of the luminous pearl and the faint sounds he made when he occasionally turned the jade slip.

The spring water of the Spirit Eye gurgled in the corner, and the misty spiritual energy permeated the entire quiet room, yet it could not distract him in the slightest.

He had memorized the contents of the first three levels of the Great Evolution Manual.

This technique is extremely profound. It mainly describes how to temper and strengthen the source of one's divine consciousness through special visualization and meditation methods, so that the total amount of divine consciousness far exceeds that of others of the same level, and initially condense the divine consciousness to make it more resilient.

He closed his eyes and pondered, the words from the jade slip appearing in his mind.

"Consciousness is an extension of the soul. In ordinary people, consciousness is like mist, scattered and without direction; those who cultivate this method have consciousness like threads, which can be gathered and released, concentrated and dispersed..."

Zhou Ding secretly admired him.

The cultivation philosophy of this Great Evolution Technique is completely different from all the cultivation methods he knows.

Ordinary cultivation methods focus on building magical power and tempering the physical body, but this Great Evolution Technique directly cultivates the divine soul!

According to the jade slip, once the first level is mastered, the primordial spirit can easily split into more than ten divine thoughts.

Once you reach the second level, you can split into hundreds of spirits, and the third level is like that of the Lin family who has achieved Foundation Establishment, where you can split into hundreds of spirits.

He opened his eyes, a thoughtful look flashing across them.

The cultivator surnamed Lin can divide his spirit into hundreds and control hundreds of puppets.

pity……

He shook his head and continued reading.

The thought of controlling hundreds of mechanical puppets to fight against people on the third level made Zhou Ding feel that it was really a bit abnormal.

He could even imagine the scene—he stood behind, hundreds of puppets surged towards the enemy like a tide, swords clashed, spells were unleashed, and even if the enemy had three heads and six arms, he would be overwhelmed by the sea of puppets.

However, according to Zhou Ding's estimation, this freak can only run rampant for a short while during the Foundation Establishment stage.

Once you reach the Core Formation stage, unless you can create hundreds of puppets at the same level as Foundation Establishment stage cultivators, no matter how many you control, you won't be able to withstand a full-force attack from a Core Formation stage cultivator.

"A level two puppet... equivalent to a Foundation Establishment cultivator..." Zhou Ding muttered to himself, a thoughtful look flashing in his eyes.

How many rare materials would be needed to craft hundreds of level-two puppets?

However, if one can refine dozens of them and combine them with other methods, they will be a force to be reckoned with when facing an enemy.

He continued reading.

The method of the fourth level is even more profound and mysterious. It requires a strong and stable foundation of divine consciousness and a special method to carefully split off a part of one's own divine consciousness to master this secret technique.

Zhou Ding frowned slightly upon seeing this.

Split divine consciousness origin...

These four words alone are enough to send chills down your spine.

The origin of consciousness is the core of the soul.

Even the slightest damage can lead to a decline in cultivation, or even a serious injury to the soul, turning one into a fool.

This technique is extremely dangerous and must be used with utmost caution.

However, if one can master it, theoretically one can perfectly control multiple magical artifacts and cast various spells simultaneously, or perform unimaginably precise operations when refining pills or crafting artifacts, and even control hundreds of puppets.

"Risk and reward go hand in hand," Zhou Ding muttered to himself, a determined look flashing in his eyes.

The path of cultivating immortality is inherently defying the heavens.

If we hesitate to move forward because of fear of risk, how can we talk about longevity and long life?

Moreover, with his spiritual strength far exceeding that of others of the same level, his chances of mastering this technique should be greater than those of ordinary people.

"Only four floors..."

Zhou Ding flipped to the end of the jade slip and felt a slight regret.

According to the original text, the complete Great Evolution Technique should have seven layers, with the last three layers being the true essence, involving the core and more profound applications of divine sense.

Unfortunately, that cultivator surnamed Lin only had access to the first four levels.

However, being able to reach the first four levels is already an incredible stroke of luck.

These four levels are enough for him to cultivate from the Foundation Establishment stage all the way to the Core Formation stage, and to temper his divine sense to an extremely terrifying level.

Just as he was about to put away the jade slip, a thought suddenly struck him.

At the end of the jade slip, in those seemingly blank areas, there appear to be faint patterns.

Zhou Ding's pupils contracted slightly, and he quickly focused his attention to examine the area closely.

He held the jade slip up to his eyes and examined it carefully by the light of the luminous pearl.

In those blank spaces, at certain angles, some extremely fine lines faintly emerge, which are impossible to notice without close inspection.

"This is……"

Zhou Ding's heart raced slightly as he slowly probed in with his divine sense.

really!

Those seemingly blank spaces actually concealed content!

A brand new scripture slowly emerged in my mind.

The True Explanation of Puppetry!

Zhou Ding's pupils contracted sharply, and his breathing became more rapid.

He suppressed his excitement and focused intently on reading.

This "True Explanation of Puppets" is an incredibly detailed and systematic complete guide to puppet making!

It covers everything from the lowest-level Qi Refining stage puppet beasts to various combat puppets and auxiliary puppets in the Foundation Establishment stage, and even "Puppet Avatars" and "War Colossi" that can only be attempted to be refined in the Core Formation stage!

The scripture not only records in detail the core materials required for various puppets, the refining steps, the methods for depicting the core driving array, and the solutions for energy sources, but also explains how to perfectly apply the powerful divine sense and the ability to divide the soul cultivated by the "Great Evolution Technique" to control the puppets, achieving the terrifying effect of one person becoming an army and being able to command them as if they were one's own arm!

It even mentions some theoretically feasible but material-scarce ideas for Nascent Soul stage puppets!

Zhou Ding became increasingly alarmed as he looked at the document.

"This... this is practically an encyclopedia of puppetry!"

He murmured to himself, his eyes filled with surprise.

"This time we really gained a lot."

Zhou Ding took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and his face revealed an uncontrollable look of surprise.

Both the "Great Evolution Manual" and the "True Explanation of Puppets" are of immense value.

The Great Evolution Manual increases spiritual awareness and cultivates the split spirit; it is the cultivation of "spiritual awareness". The True Explanation of Puppets provides powerful "tools" and "techniques".

In addition, his divine sense was already strong, making it even easier for him to cultivate the Great Evolution Technique.

The combination of the three is simply a powerful supplement tailor-made for him!

It is foreseeable that once he cultivates the "Great Evolution Technique" to a certain level and combines it with the "Puppet True Explanation" to create several suitable puppets, his overall strength will surely experience a qualitative leap!

At that time, even if he faces a cultivator with a higher cultivation level than himself, he will have the confidence to fight them head-on!

Zhou Ding's hand holding the jade slip trembled slightly, and an indescribable excitement welled up in his heart.

But he quickly calmed down.

Even the most precious treasures require a certain lifespan to enjoy them.

The cultivator surnamed Lin died at the entrance of his own cave. Although the cultivators of the Thousand Bamboo Sect were killed by Li Huayuan, there was no guarantee that there would be any follow-ups.

and……

We also need to give an explanation to Li Huayuan.

He put away the jade slip, his eyes flickering as he fell into deep thought.

……

The next day.

The morning sun shines on the Taiyue Mountains, dispelling the thin mist in the mountains.

Zhou Ding stood at the entrance of the cave, gazing at the distant mountains, his face calm, but his mind was filled with countless thoughts.

Although Li Huayuan did not investigate yesterday's events in detail, he must have had some suspicions in his heart.

After all, the cultivator surnamed Lin died at the entrance of his own cave, and the pursuers were from the Thousand Bamboo Sect. As his master, Li Huayuan couldn't help but overthink things.

Putting myself in their shoes, I would also have doubts if my own disciple encountered such a situation.

After thinking it over, Zhou Ding decided that he should be honest.

Of course, not everything was revealed.

Instead, it selectively mentions only a portion of the information.

The matter of the Great Evolution Formula cannot be concealed.

Although Li Huayuan didn't say anything yesterday, with his insight, he could definitely guess that this matter was not simple.

If I say nothing, it will only make Li Huayuan suspicious.

It would be better to offer it up voluntarily.

Firstly, it would dispel Li Huayuan's doubts and show that he had no selfish motives.

Secondly, it also serves as a way to express gratitude to one's master.

Thirdly...

As a Core Formation cultivator, Li Huayuan's vision and knowledge far surpassed mine.

He offered up the Great Evolution Manual. If Li Huayuan could learn anything from it, it would only benefit him and not harm him.

Moreover, if Li Huayuan hadn't intervened yesterday, I would have been in a very troublesome situation.

He should give an explanation for this matter, both morally and logically.

Zhou Ding made up his mind, took out the Divine Wind Boat, transformed into a white stream of light, and headed towards the Green Wave Cave.

……

Half an incense stick later.

The Divine Wind Boat landed in front of the Green Wave Cave.

Zhou Ding put away his magical artifacts, stood at the entrance of the cave, and respectfully bowed with his hands clasped.

"Disciple Zhou Ding requests an audience with Master."'

His voice was exceptionally clear in the stillness of the early morning.

A moment later, the array's light barrier rippled, and a portal opened up.

A calm voice came from inside the cave: "Come in."

Zhou Ding took a deep breath and stepped inside.

Inside Green Wave Cave, the spiritual energy is abundant, several times more concentrated than outside.

The cave dwelling is elegantly laid out, with several luminous pearls embedded in the stone walls, emitting a soft glow.

A stone table, a few stone benches, and several pots of medicinal herbs placed in the corner, emitting a faint fragrance.

Li Huayuan sat cross-legged on a futon and nodded slightly when Zhou Ding entered.

"Please sit down."

Zhou Ding sat down on the stone bench as instructed, his expression respectful.

Li Huayuan looked at him calmly and said indifferently, "What brings you here today?"

His tone was unreadable, but his deep eyes seemed to see right through people's hearts.

Zhou Ding felt a slight chill in his heart, but his expression remained unchanged.

He took a deep breath, stood up, and bowed deeply to Li Huayuan.

"I have come today to confess to my master what happened yesterday."

Li Huayuan raised an eyebrow slightly, a strange glint flashing in his eyes.

He didn't speak, but just looked at Zhou Ding quietly, waiting for him to continue.

Zhou Ding raised his head and looked at Li Huayuan with a calm gaze.

"After that cultivator surnamed Lin died yesterday, I took his storage bag."

As he spoke, he took out the pale blue jade slip from his bosom, held it with both hands, and respectfully handed it to Li Huayuan.

"This is something I obtained from my storage bag. It is called the Great Evolution Technique and is a secret art of alchemy. I dare not keep it to myself, so I have come to offer it to my master."

Li Huayuan's gaze fell on the rolled-up jade slip, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

He didn't take it immediately, but looked at Zhou Ding with a deep, unfathomable gaze.

Do you know the value of this item?

Zhou Ding nodded, his expression serious: "This disciple knows a little about it. This technique can greatly enhance the strength of one's spiritual sense. When cultivated to a high level, one can even divide one's mind into multiple spiritual entities and simultaneously control multiple magical artifacts or puppets, making it exceptionally powerful."

"If you knew that, why did you still offer it up?"

Li Huayuan's voice remained calm, but his eyes were fixed on Zhou Ding, as if trying to see through him.

Zhou Ding raised his head and looked at Li Huayuan with a calm gaze.

"I owe my success today entirely to Master's guidance. If it weren't for Master's intervention yesterday, I would probably have lost my life at the hands of the Thousand Bamboo Sect cultivators. I will remember this kindness and gratitude forever."

His voice was sincere and genuine.

"Although this 'Great Evolution Manual' is precious, I wish to offer it to my master as a token of my gratitude. I have nothing else of value but this manual to express my appreciation."

He paused, then added, "Besides, I have already made a copy of this technique, enough for my own practice. It is only right that I offer the original to Master. I only hope that Master will not find it objectionable."

Li Huayuan looked at him and remained silent for a moment.

The cave was completely silent.

Zhou Ding remained motionless, holding the jade slip in both hands, his expression serene.

He knew that Li Huayuan was observing and scrutinizing him at that moment.

But he had no regrets and was naturally at ease.

A moment later, a hint of approval flashed in Li Huayuan's eyes.

He reached out and took the jade slip, probing it with his divine sense.

A moment later, he raised his head, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

With his discerning eye, he could naturally see the extraordinary nature of the "Great Evolution Manual".

This technique for tempering one's divine sense is incredibly profound; even a Core Formation cultivator like him can benefit greatly from it.

More importantly, this technique, when combined with puppetry, is a match made in heaven.

He already knew the identity of that Lin surnamed cultivator—the son of the previous leader of the Thousand Bamboo Sect.

The Thousand Bamboo Sect is famous for its puppetry, so it's not surprising that this young man possesses such a secret art.

He looked at Zhou Ding, his eyes filled with a hint of satisfaction.

The fact that this young man would willingly offer such a treasure speaks volumes about his character.

If it were anyone else, they would probably have kept such an opportunity a secret, afraid that others would find out.

After all, in the world of cultivation, it is common for masters and disciples to turn against each other and even for fellow disciples to kill each other over a treasure.

Yet he managed to come up with the idea to confess to himself, and his words were earnest and his attitude sincere.

This kind of mindset is rare.

What's even more remarkable is that he knows how to be grateful.

In the world of cultivation, ungrateful people are everywhere, while those who know how to be grateful are rare.

Li Huayuan nodded to himself.

This disciple was well worth the investment.

"Zhou Ding".

"Disciple is here."

"You did a good job."

Li Huayuan put away the jade slip, his tone softening, the scrutinizing look in his eyes completely gone, replaced by relief and satisfaction.

Zhou Ding quickly replied, "Master, you flatter me. I only did what I should do. If it weren't for your intervention yesterday, my life would have been in danger. What is a mere scroll of cultivation technique compared to that?"

Li Huayuan waved his hand.

"You don't need to be modest. I am very pleased that you offered this item so willingly. However, it is my duty to protect my disciples. Yesterday's action was out of our master-disciple relationship, so please don't worry about it."

He paused, his gaze falling on Zhou Ding, his eyes filled with expectation.

"I will shamelessly accept this 'Great Evolution Technique' from you, but I won't take it for nothing."

As he spoke, he raised his hand and waved it.

A talisman flew out from his sleeve and landed gently on the stone table in front of Zhou Ding.

The talisman was pale gold, about the size of a palm, with flowing runes on its surface and faintly shimmering with seven-colored light.

The moment the talisman appeared, the temperature in the entire cave seemed to drop a few degrees, and a sharp yet subtle aura slowly emanated from the talisman.

The talisman is engraved with a pattern of a small, seven-colored needle.

The pattern was so lifelike that a faint, cold light shimmered at the tip of the needle, as if it might fly out of the talisman at any moment.

Zhou Ding's gaze fell on the talisman, and his pupils contracted slightly.

"This is……"

His heart raced slightly as a name surfaced in his mind.

Li Huayuan smiled slightly, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes.

"This is the Invisible Needle Talisman Treasure."

"An invisible needle?"

Zhou Ding was startled, and his breathing quickened.

Of course he knew what the invisible needle was.

That was the signature magic weapon of the Hidden Moon Sect's Old Monster Qiong, known for being invisible and impossible to defend against.

It is said that once this needle is unleashed, it is difficult to see with the naked eye and difficult to detect with divine sense. Unless one's cultivation level far surpasses that of the opponent, there is no way to defend against it.

Often, before the enemy can even react, their protective magic weapon is pierced by an invisible needle, and they die on the spot.

In the Hidden Moon Sect, Old Monster Qiong, with the help of this treasure, had few rivals among cultivators of the same level.

Even cultivators in the late stage of Core Formation would have to be extremely careful when facing him, lest they be ambushed by his invisible needle-like rays.

Although its power is only one-tenth that of the original magic weapon, it is more than enough to deal with Foundation Establishment cultivators, and can be considered a top-grade magic weapon.

Li Huayuan smiled slightly, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes, as he looked at Zhou Ding's shocked expression.

"I won the bet with Senior Qiong last time by chance. This Invisible Needle Talisman was something he gave me from his body."

He recalled the events of that day, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Thinking back on how defeated Qiong Laoguai looked, it's still quite amusing.

He recalled the events of that day, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

Thinking back on how defeated Qiong Laoguai looked, it's still quite amusing.

He looked at Zhou Ding, his eyes filled with expectation.

"This treasure is quite powerful and can serve as a trump card for you. If you encounter a formidable enemy in the future, unleashing this treasure will surely catch them off guard."

Zhou Ding took a deep breath, suppressed his excitement, stood up, and bowed deeply to Li Huayuan.

"Thank you, Master!"

Li Huayuan waved his hand, indicating that he didn't need to be so polite.

"Get up. This treasure is good, but it is still just a talisman. It is one less to use each time. Do not use it lightly unless it is absolutely necessary."

He paused, his tone becoming more serious.

"Remember, external things are ultimately just external things; your own cultivation is the foundation. This invisible needle talisman can help you temporarily, but it can't help you forever. The only right path is to improve your cultivation."

Zhou Ding raised his head and solemnly said, "Disciple will remember Master's teachings and will certainly practice diligently to live up to Master's expectations."

He carefully put away the invisible needle talisman, an overwhelming joy welling up inside him.

Li Huayuan smiled slightly as he looked at Zhou Ding's barely concealed joy, a hint of kindness flashing in his eyes.

He became more and more satisfied with this disciple.

Although his talent is not outstanding, he is diligent, down-to-earth, kind-hearted, and knows how to be grateful.

People like this are worth nurturing.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, go back and cultivate diligently."

He waved his hand, his tone gentle.

Zhou Ding composed himself and bowed again.

"This disciple takes his leave."

He turned and left, his steps light and quick.