Chapter 93: The Supreme Clarity Thunder Talisman

“Is the formation’s core not in the realm of the living?”

Zhang Shouzheng stared at Iron Bull in disbelief. He knew that some powerful malevolent spirits could use their own ghostly energy to create another dimension known as the Ghost Domain. Could it be that the formation’s core existed within this Ghost Domain? If that were true, it would mean that three formidable evil spirits were stationed inside the formation.

A malevolent spirit capable of independently creating a Ghost Domain must be at least at the Manifest Yin level. Could these disciples of the dark sect actually command such powerful demons?

Long Ruoshui, the ancient songstress Zhang had encountered in Fen Shui Town, was one such Manifest Yin spirit who could evade the ghostly enforcers. The ghost general back then was of the same rank, wielding ghostly weapons that harmed both body and soul.

“Yes, it doesn’t exist in the realm of the living but in the Ghost Domain. Moreover, this Nine Directions Ghost Soul-Seizing Formation has no effect on ordinary people. Well, not exactly no effect; it’s just that the dark sect disciples disdain killing common folk, as activating this grand formation consumes their spiritual energy. Here’s a secret for you: the death toll is far higher than it seems because many Taoist disciples have stormed into the Ghost Domain but never returned. The Ghost Domain is a graveyard; none of those disciples’ primordial spirits escaped. It’s truly a pity.”

Iron Bull stroked his chin and spoke calmly.

“A graveyard! The primordial spirits didn’t escape!”

Zhang Shouzheng shivered. These dark sect disciples were excessively cruel, not even sparing the primordial spirits—the very essence of the soul. If annihilated, how could one reincarnate?

“Master, you must be cautious. But rest assured, with this item in your possession, as long as you channel your spiritual power, you can wield it. It was specially forged for you by the master,” Iron Bull said with a chuckle, carefully withdrawing three thin jade tablets from his pocket. Arcane runes were inscribed on the jade, faintly crackling with electric arcs. Zhang Shouzheng was startled upon receiving them—the runes bore a resemblance to the Five Thunders orthodox method of the Azure Dragon sect, but appeared even more profound.

Clearly, these three jade tablets contained thunder magic and were consumable items with immense energy, rivaling or surpassing the combined power of the Five Thunders. They were inscribed on jade rather than yellow talisman paper because the latter could no longer contain the thunder magic’s force, hence the use of higher-grade jade.

“These runes look so familiar, as if I’ve seen them somewhere before.”

Zhang Shouzheng scrutinized the tablets. Despite the complexity of the runes, after one glance, he understood them clearly, and upon a second look, was able to memorize them.

“Of course they’re familiar—they are the Taiqing Thunder Talismans of the Li family. Don’t forget, the true ancestor of the Li family was the Taoist Patriarch himself; he authored the Tao Te Ching. These divine thunder runes were personally researched by him and represent the orthodox form of heavenly thunder. Your Azure Dragon sect’s Five Thunders orthodox method actually diverged from the Li family’s divine thunder magic; they’re incomparable. This thunder talisman fragment alone, when used against a Manifest Yin level evil spirit, will cause the spirit’s ghostly energy to disperse significantly, even if it doesn’t completely annihilate the soul. Then, with a snap of your fingers, you can destroy it. Since you have three fragments, even if you unfortunately fall into the Nine Directions Ghost Soul-Seizing Formation and reach its core, you can still escape.”

Iron Bull grinned broadly, treating the matter lightly.

Seeing Zhang Shouzheng stunned, Iron Bull continued: “The master deliberately suppressed the power of the talismans. If they detonated with a huge blast, it could adversely affect you. Also, your current cultivation is only at the Daily Practice level. If these thunder talismans weren’t your own, holding these jade tablets would just result in mutual destruction. The master said that even if you accidentally trigger the tablets and they explode on you, you won’t die—at worst, your physical body will be severely injured. More potent thunder talismans would shatter your body and cause your primordial spirit to dissolve. So I think the master’s control is very precise.”

“I understand. Looks like I really need to visit the ancestor this weekend; my cultivation is far too shallow,” Zhang Shouzheng said with a self-mocking smile.

“Don’t lose heart, young master. As a direct descendant of the Li family, your cultivation is more efficient. Especially since you’ve fused with the Prime Origin Pearl, the Li family’s Taoist techniques are practically effortless for you.”

Iron Bull chuckled foolishly beside him. He was carrying a dozen or so shopping bags without complaint.

“Um, shall we take a break? Also, you’re carrying too many things—let me carry some for you,” Zhang Shouzheng said awkwardly, pointing to the shopping bags slung over Iron Bull’s muscular arm.

“Don’t forget, young master, I’m a corpse slave. Carrying more is no trouble at all. Just don’t mind my blunt words before, and please don’t hold a grudge over how I knocked you out earlier. I didn’t know you were a direct descendant of the Li family back then,” Iron Bull said with a fawning smile. He felt it necessary to cultivate a good relationship with Zhang Shouzheng, as Li Tagu favored him greatly.

“No, no, big guy, you’re too polite,” Zhang Shouzheng responded with a wide grin. Spotting Jiu’er nearby trying on clothes, he suddenly turned to Iron Bull and asked, “By the way, big guy, I know you corpse slaves need corpse scale powder. But can you get fresh blood?”

“You underestimate me, young master. Corpse scale powder controls disobedient corpse slaves. I’m obedient, so I don’t need it. Of course, I drink fresh blood to increase my strength. Heh heh, what do you need fresh blood for?”

Iron Bull whispered.

“I’ll tell you—it’s no secret. My junior sister is a zombie. I know human blood is the best, far superior to any beast’s fresh blood, because humans are the spirit of all beings.”

“I see. The master has a private hospital with a blood bank. If you need it, I can bring you a few packs every day. That’s no problem.”

Iron Bull laughed heartily but quickly turned serious. “By the way, young master, if you get bitten by a zombie, be sure to completely extract the corpse poison. The Li family depends on you to carry on our legacy. Though zombies can also gestate corpse fetuses, the master still holds to some old traditions.”

Zhang Shouzheng was momentarily speechless, then soon rejoined Jiu’er and the others. Zhong Zimo stood nearby, eyeing Iron Bull with fear and growing resentment when looking at Zhang Shouzheng. Though he didn’t know Iron Bull’s background, Iron Bull’s power to seal off a shop owned by Zhong’s family was formidable. Thus, Zhong endured silently.

Sima Yan’er glanced at Iron Bull, who introduced himself as Zhang Shouzheng’s household servant. Surprised, Sima Yan’er tried to discern something from him, but even the senior sister from the Heavenly Origin sect could not detect the corpse aura surrounding Iron Bull.

Regarding the methods of their own ancestor, Zhang Shouzheng could only admire them.