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墨書 Inktalez
In a small inn, Zuo Ci lay on a somewhat worn bed. The inn was old, with the walls showing a waxy yellow hue. Dark red handprints stained the walls of the lobby, accompanied by some bloodstains. Rumor had it that this inn used to be a haunted building, later taken over by a man known as Black Cripple. Despite its eerie atmosphere, it was affordable—only ten for a night's stay, though utilities were charged separately.
The owner of the inn was a well-known practitioner of dark arts in the circle. This place was also referred to as the Yin Yang Building.
Knock, knock, knock.
Zuo Ci did not even lift his eyelids at the sound of someone knocking on his door. The only ones who could afford to stay in this inn were those who practiced Evil Practices like him. A decayed wooden door was gently pushed open, revealing a dark-skinned face.
"Hey, Cao Juan Dao Ren, you've been quite the sensation lately!" A middle-aged man entered, carrying two bottles of Niulan Mountain liquor, a bag of rice, and a roast chicken, laughing heartily. This man was none other than Jiang Cheng, famously known as Black Cripple and the owner of this inn.
"I say, Black Cripple, what brings you here on such an unholy wind?"
Zuo Ci sneered, "Instead of going out to solicit clients, you come to my room. Are you trying to help me refine the Yanfu Tongshen?"
Those who summoned spirits were naturally born with a pure Yin constitution.
The Black Cripple shrank his neck and chuckled awkwardly, "Oh, my ancestor, could you let me live a few more years?"
"Speak quickly!" Zuo Ci did not rise from his seat.
The Black Cripple eagerly arranged the raw rice, roasted chicken, and beef from the nearby mountain neatly before inviting Zuo Ci to join him for a drink.
Seeing the wine, Zuo Ci decided not to put on airs. He took out a pack of rolled tobacco from beside his pillow and placed it in front of the Black Cripple, indicating that he could try some.
Greed flickered in the Black Cripple's eyes but was quickly overshadowed by apprehension. This pack of tobacco was highly beneficial for all practitioners of Evil Practices. However, the consequences of indulging were severe. Few could handle it like Zuo Ci. It was better not to smoke; it could shorten one's lifespan!
"Oh dear grandfather, please don’t scare your obedient grandson! I’m not fortunate enough to smoke that!" the Black Cripple said with a bitter smile.
With a snap, Zuo Ci lit a cigarette. He began to smoke while sipping his drink.
The Black Cripple watched Zuo Ci's aloof demeanor and hesitated, as if he had something to say. It felt like a weasel wishing a chicken a happy new year—there was no good intention behind it!
Zuo Ci bit into a chicken leg and laughed, "If there's something you need, just say it. If I can help you, I will!"
Ignoring any thoughts about the weasel and the chicken, the Black Cripple grinned and said, "Well then, I’ll start with respect!" He gulped down his drink in one go before pouring out his troubles.
These days, things have been quite strange here in Beidou Town. I don't know what kind of ill wind has blown in, but some rogue Deviant Arts have appeared, and their strength is rather impressive. They want me to hand over this shop, claiming that their Old Ancestor has taken a liking to it. If I refuse, they’ll curse me to death in three days.
Mr. Zuo, what do you think? In this society governed by law, how can there still be such scoundrels?
Zuo Ci didn’t even lift his eyelids. He just kept drinking.
Seeing that Zuo Ci wasn’t responding, the Black Cripple crushed a chili pepper in the palm of his left hand and then smeared it on his eyelids. Instantly, tears began to flow uncontrollably down his face.
Oh, why is my life so bitter! The Black Cripple started to wail and sing.
Are you crying for a funeral? Zuo Ci frowned and said, “Beidou Town has always been known as the ghost town of Tongcheng. Evil Practices are often traded here. What kind of Great Divine Power does this Old Ancestor possess?”
Not necessarily that powerful, the Black Cripple continued to cry and sing. It’s just that this Old Ancestor has some wealth and has made deals with those heartless people. If he takes over the shop, everyone will stay for free. Not only that, but for three days after opening, all services in the shop will be at a 70% discount, and he’ll cover the lost costs!
You see, isn’t that asking for my life?
I don’t know why I feel like his terms are quite generous? Zuo Ci chuckled. You, Black Cripple, are still charging us for lodging while he’s offering it for free. No wonder no one is helping you!
Hmph! The Black Cripple’s face was filled with rain like Li Zhi's as he cast a resentful glance at Zuo Ci.
You wouldn't believe it.
The impact of that gaze was so powerful that it was even greater than the damage dealt by the Five Thunder Rites of Tian Yi Dao to Zuo Ci.
Zuo Ci, with his black-brown skin, trembled and asked, "Who is that person?"
"I can't figure it out!" Black Cripple suddenly said with a grim expression.
"In Tongcheng, is there anyone you, Black Cripple, can't understand?" Zuo Ci replied in surprise.
"Very strange!"
Black Cripple shook his head and said, "The leader claims they are from Sheng Xian Dao, and they act quite arrogantly. I've dealt with many people, but I still don't know the details of this so-called Sheng Xian Dao."
"Then why are you afraid?" Zuo Ci shook his head.
Black Cripple was able to hold down the Yin Yang Building, so he naturally had some skills to back him up. He practiced the Earth Deity Technique from Dongyue.
There are many paths in Taoism, but the methods commonly practiced by today's Daoists are primarily the Heavenly Court Method and the Earth Deity Technique.
The Heavenly Court Method and Earth Deity Technique are essentially classification methods. The laws are divided into three categories based on the three talents.
They include the Heavenly Court Method, which is most commonly used by today's Daoists; the Earth Deity Technique, which is less commonly practiced; and the Fengdu Method, which is extremely rare and seldom used in modern times.
There is no need to elaborate on the Heavenly Court Method and Fengdu Method. However, it is worth mentioning the Earth Deity Technique: it refers to deities who reside among humans and have been deified through worship.
In the Heavenly Court Method, various generals reside in the Golden Palace. Those summoned usually descend from the Heavenly Gate.
The Earth Deity Technique categorizes its generals based on their locations. The generals residing in Dongyue Palace respond to summons by approaching from various directions. Meanwhile, those within the Fengdu Method, located at Fengdu Mountain, typically emerge through the Gen Gate when called.
This system of summoning generals is structured according to these classifications. The most renowned aspect of the Earth Deity Technique is its command over the Ten Protectors of the Eastern Peak:
1. Yi Ling Zhao Wu Shi - General Wen
2. Shun Ling Zhao Hua Shi - General Li
3. Xie Ling Zhao Ji Shi - General Tie
4. Zhen Ling Zhao Zan Shi - General Liu
5. Tongling Zhaoyou Shi - General Yang
6. Xuan Ling Zhao Qing Shi - General Zhang
7. Guang Ling Zhao Hui Shi - General Kang
8. An Ling Zhao Ying Shi - General Yue
9. Xian Ling Zhao Li Shi - General Meng
10. Yong Ling Zhao Zhu Shi Wei - General Wei
Not every one of these protectors is widely utilized, and their names are not consistently referenced across different schools of thought.
It is also noteworthy that there exists a degree of overlap between the Earth Deity Technique and the Fengdu Method. For instance, the two generals named Meng are included among the Eight Generals in the Fengdu Method.
The primary deity of the Earth Deity Technique is the Eastern Peak Taishan Heavenly Equal Holy Emperor, also known as the Dongyue Emperor. Since ancient times, Dongyue Taishan has held a unique status, with the Dongyue Emperor overseeing all matters related to incense offerings and worship throughout the realm.
As the earth deity relies on these offerings for sustenance, it follows that the Dongyue Emperor is regarded as the chief god of the Earth Deity Technique, which is also referred to as the Eastern Peak Earth Deity Technique.
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