Dashing Student Chapter 1349: Cultivating the Secret Technique

The secret technique known as "Pen Dances with Flowers" was handpicked for Gu Ci by Master Canglan, functioning primarily as a specialized form of talismanic magic.

Advanced talisman cultivators, upon attaining a sufficient realm, can manifest talismans directly in the air. This practice demands only mana and divine soul energy, dispensing with physical mediums entirely, without sacrificing any of the talisman's original potency.

While this secret technique fashions talismans into characters, giving it a more imposing appearance, it is essentially just a display of ornate flair.

Chen Nan’s interest, however, was captured by the specific ability to craft talismans mid-air. He imagined that if he could summon hundreds of talismans with merely a thought, even ghosts would be left helpless against him.

Nevertheless, after immersing himself in the study of the "Magic Brush Flower" technique, he let out a barely audible sigh.

While the prospect of deploying numerous talismans at once through a single thought is feasible, the prerequisites are incredibly demanding, necessitating the prior mastery of the "Soul Splitting Technique."

A typical cultivator might manage to juggle two, or perhaps even three or four tasks simultaneously, but they eventually hit a concrete barrier.

Conversely, the Soul Splitting Technique enables a divine soul to take on a multitude of tasks—even reaching hundreds or thousands—provided that the cultivator’s strength and soul capacity are sufficiently developed to sustain it.

Previously at the Martial Arts Arena, Gu Ci utilized his brush to produce a dense swarm of characters, a feat made possible by combining the Soul Splitting Technique with the "Magic Brush Flower" method.

Without utilizing the Soul Splitting Technique, even scribbling a few characters simultaneously would be considered an extraordinary accomplishment.

"It is truly unfortunate that the version of the Soul Splitting Technique passed down by Master Canglan was not something Gu Ci brought along with him."

He had realized this during his inaugural encounter with Yi Mingzi, who demonstrated control over hundreds of daggers at once, a clear indicator that he possessed the Soul Splitting Technique.

Lacking this technique for now, Chen Nan decided he would first focus on mastering the "Magic Brush Flower" method and leave his other plans for a future time.

Three days passed in a heartbeat. Throughout this duration, Chen Nan successfully absorbed the Primordial Yin stored within his constitution, yielding a substantial advancement in his cultivation level.

In the same span, he achieved a comprehensive mastery of the "Magic Brush Flower" technique.

Extending his fingers to trace fluid patterns through the air, he watched as a talisman radiant with golden light manifested before his eyes.

Given that Chen Nan possessed a foundation as a Sixth Grade Talisman Master, he stripped away the decorative excesses of the technique and fully grasped the fundamentals of air-manifested talisman crafting.

The talisman stabilized, yet after the duration it takes for an incense stick to burn, it slowly dissolved and reverted into raw spiritual energy of nature.

Though air-drawn talismans mirror their physical counterparts, they lack permanence; they must be generated on the fly, draining the user's mana and divine soul energy in the process.

With his current strength, Chen Nan found no difficulty in conjuring hundreds of talismans, albeit he had to commit to drawing them iteratively.

"I must verify if the Righteous Alliance’s treasury holds the Soul Splitting Technique, otherwise the ultimate potential of this secret technique is quite mediocre," he muttered before exiting his quarters. He summoned Ning Yu to accompany him toward the Righteous Alliance’s treasury, as he had yet to claim his reward contributions.

After scouting the treasury, he discovered a wealth of artifacts, yet the specific manual he desired remained elusive.

"The Soul Splitting Technique is an incredibly rare treasure; it is only to be expected that it isn't easily found. I will keep an eye out on your behalf," Ning Yu comforted him.

"I suppose that is all we can do for now."

Chen Nan nodded and opted to exchange his contribution points for top-grade spirit stones. One point yielded one top-grade spirit stone, and he exchanged a total of one hundred and fifty thousand points.

Combined with the wealth he had previously extorted from Master Canglan, Chen Nan had amassed a small fortune, ensuring he would not worry about spirit stone shortages for the foreseeable future.

Ning Yu likewise utilized her own reward points to acquire two Seventh Grade Spiritual Artifacts—one for offense and one for defense—greatly enhancing her combat capability.

Just as they prepared to depart, a cultivator hurried toward Chen Nan.

"Senior brother, the Elders have requested your presence to discuss an urgent matter; please accompany me immediately."

"The Elders wish to see me?" Chen Nan asked, frowning slightly. "I wonder what this could entail?"

He harbored suspicions, fearing Master Canglan might be attempting some devious schemes.

"I am not privy to the details," the messenger replied, shaking his head. "I only know that it is a matter of great importance, as even the Alliance Hierarch is personally present."

"It would seem this isn't Master Canglan’s work after all," Chen Nan mused to himself. He turned to Ning Yu and said, "Return first; I will go see what is happening."

"Be careful," Ning Yu cautioned him, though she secretly resolved to inform Liu Hanyue, knowing that if things went awry, only she had the power to intervene.

The messenger summoned a flying boat, ferrying Chen Nan to an installation on the far island—the exact location where he had arrived upon first using the teleportation array.

The stationed guards still remembered Chen Nan well.

"I knew you were no ordinary talent back then, though I did not expect you to climb to such heights so rapidly," the camp captain remarked, his gaze filled with a sense of relief.

In his years of service, he had observed countless recruits—some fell in the line of duty, others surrendered to despair, and few truly distinguished themselves. Watching Chen Nan’s trajectory touched him deeply.

"I have urgent business, so we shall speak again," Chen Nan said, cupping his hands. He was generally amicable toward those with whom he shared no animosity.

"Of course, of course," the leader agreed with a warm smile.

Following a transit through the teleportation array and a flight of several hours, they finally alighted at the Righteous Alliance’s headquarters. It was a massive island, dominated by a bustling metropolis where cultivators constantly traversed the skies.

The city's preeminent structure, a towering palace, radiated a sanctified presence that compelled a feeling of subservience in all who approached it.

This was the heart of the Righteous Alliance. After declaring his presence, Chen Nan was permitted entry into the cavernous main hall.

Seated at the highest dais was an elder whose very posture exuded immense authority and pressure.

Chen Nan immediately identified him as Jiang Wuyue, the Alliance Hierarch.

Flanking the hall were over a dozen Elders of the Righteous Alliance, each a master of the Nascent Soul Realm, observing Chen Nan with scrutinizing interest.

"Greetings to the Hierarch and all honorable Elders. I ask, what instructions do you have for calling upon this junior?"

Chen Nan spoke clearly, his voice resounding through the silent hall after a respectful bow.

Jiang Wuyue gave a slight nod. The young man’s ability to remain calm and composed under the collective gaze of a dozen Nascent Soul masters was a testament to his exceptional character.

"You were summoned because we require your service for a specific mission. Rumor has it that you possess connections within the Demon Sect?"

Chen Nan’s heart skipped a beat. If they had uncovered his link to Tu Susu, it would spell catastrophe. He maintained his composure and issued a flat denial.

"No, those are merely baseless rumors."

"Is that so?" Jiang Wuyue noted, then nodded. "Actually, it matters little if you do know people in the Demon Sect, for our intent is to send you directly into their territory."

"The time has come for us to join forces with the Demon Sect to stand against the threat of the Demon Clan!"