Yu Daohan realized that in terms of strength, he was definitely above Shi Bingzhi.
Even in this mortal world, there were probably no individuals stronger than himself.
However, when it came to state of mind, he admitted he was inferior to Shi Bingzhi.
The two began to discuss their next plan.
Shi Bingzhi thought of something and asked, "Master Yu, do you think the Divine Religion has means to read memories?"
Upon hearing this, Yu Daohan's expression changed, "You mean?"
Shi Bingzhi nodded earnestly, "We must guard against this."
Yu Daohan also understood that Shi Bingzhi's concern was not unfounded.
No one knew the methods of the Divine Religion.
Shi Bingzhi was confident he wouldn't show any flaws, but what if his memories were forcibly read after he lost consciousness?
This was not alarmist; the martial world had all sorts of sorcery.
Yu Daohan carefully recalled if there were any techniques in the martial world that could protect memories.
Shi Bingzhi suddenly thought of something and said, "Master Yu, I remember the Chen family in Miao Jiang has a type of Gu, which can forcibly alter a person's memory and issue commands."
Hearing this, Yu Daohan's expression shifted slightly, showing a hint of surprise, "Forcibly alter memories?"
Shi Bingzhi nodded, "That's right. To be absolutely safe, we might have to make a trip to the Chen family."
The two immediately decided to head to the Chen family in Miao Jiang.
Shi Bingzhi first called Nanjing Shuo to inform him that he would be away for a few days.
Meanwhile, Yu Daohan called Chen Shanshui, telling him he needed to see him about something.
Yu Daohan did not elaborate over the phone, leaving Chen Shanshui puzzled, but he readily agreed.
Although the two families had a feud, he understood the importance of the matter at hand.
They agreed to meet at the Chen family in Miao Jiang.
Their plan was set: first, Shi Bingzhi's memories would be forcibly altered, and then he would carry two compasses into the Divine Religion.
As for how to ensure they opened the seal three months later, that would be up to Shi Bingzhi.
Yu Daohan, on the other hand, would investigate the whereabouts of the other compasses.
A total of five seals had been opened, plus the four compasses already seized by the Divine Religion.
There were still nine compasses left. Shi Bingzhi had two, leaving seven.
However, Yu Daohan knew that the Yan Shu Sect seemed to possess one.
His next task was to find out where the remaining compasses were.
This battle could not afford any mistakes!
Three days later.
The two arrived at the Chen family's mountain village and found Chen Shanshui waiting for them.
Upon seeing Yu Daohan and Shi Bingzhi, Chen Shanshui asked with a puzzled expression, "Master Yu, was there something so important that it couldn't be discussed over the phone?"
Yu Daohan glanced around and did not answer.
Chen Shanshui immediately understood and smiled, "Please, you two, rest in the manor first. We can talk at leisure."
Yu Daohan nodded, and the three proceeded to the Chen family manor in the back of the mountain village.
Back in the main hall, Chen Shanshui dismissed all the Chen family disciples before speaking, "Master Yu, what is this matter that requires such secrecy?"
The two exchanged glances, and Yu Daohan said with a serious tone, "I intend to request a Gu from the Miao Jiang Chen family that can alter memories!"
Hearing this, Chen Shanshui's expression turned serious, and he asked, "My Chen family does indeed possess the Meng Ling Gu that can forcibly alter memories, but why would Master Yu want it?"
If Master Yu hadn't brought it up, Chen Shanshui would have almost forgotten that his family had such a Gu.
This Gu had been classified as a forbidden Gu by the three major sects and the Spiritual Affairs Bureau a hundred years ago.
Its cultivation was also forbidden within the Chen family.
This was because the Meng Ling Gu was too dangerous; a slight misstep could lead to internal strife within the Chen family.
Yu Daohan explained his and Shi Bingzhi's plan.
Chen Shanshui was stunned, unable to recover for quite some time.
However, he had already learned from his father that the Divine Religion had obtained four compasses.
Chen Guojun, being so shrewd, would not have failed to realize this was a diversion by the Divine Religion.
"Master Yu, have you discussed this plan with Master Nan and the others?" Chen Shanshui inquired.
Yu Daohan shook his head, "No. The fewer people who know about this, the better."
"I understand," Chen Shanshui nodded.
He also knew that the safety of the mortal world was at stake, and the fewer people who knew, the better.
"Follow me."
As Chen Shanshui spoke, he got up and walked towards a room behind the main hall.
They went to the basement they had visited before, where the two old men were still on guard.
Chen Shanshui led them to the room where the Chen family stored their Gu.
The room was large, with many stone pillars in the center, each holding a box.
Chen Shanshui walked to the last stone pillar, opened a box, took out two Gu worms, and then led the two out of the basement.
Entering a room with a bed, Chen Shanshui presented two milky-white, maggot-like Gu worms and said, "Master Yu, this is the Meng Ling Gu!"
Looking at the Gu worms in Chen Shanshui's hand, Yu Daohan was slightly surprised.
These Gu worms looked no different from ordinary maggots.
But often, the most ordinary things were the most deadly.
Chen Shanshui looked at Shi Bingzhi, who remained silent, and said seriously, "Fellow Daoist Shi, this Meng Ling Gu has no antidote. Once your memory is altered, it is permanent."
Shi Bingzhi retorted, "Is this method reliable? Will the Divine Religion easily detect any clues?"
Chen Shanshui shook his head and affirmed, "No!"
Hearing this, Shi Bingzhi finally nodded with relief and smiled, "Then, let's proceed."
"Have you thought it through?" Chen Shanshui narrowed his eyes.
He hadn't expected Shi Bingzhi to agree so readily.
A smile appeared on Shi Bingzhi's face, "Ever since I stepped into this profession, I have been prepared to sacrifice myself for all beings."
At this, Chen Shanshui felt a deep sense of admiration for Shi Bingzhi.
Truly, there were such saints in the world!
Chen Shanshui, always deeply calculating and a standard egoist.
If one does not look out for oneself, heaven and earth will destroy them; there was nothing wrong with that.
But when he encountered someone like Shi Bingzhi, all he felt was admiration.
"Good."
Chen Shanshui explained, "There are two ways to alter memories by swallowing this Gu worm: one is for us to alter it, and the other is for you to alter it. However, regardless of the method, it cannot violate the commands we issue, and it can only alter memories from within the last three years."
"Three years?"
Shi Bingzhi murmured, then grinned, "That's enough!"
Chen Shanshui handed over the Gu worms and said, "Swallow the Gu worms, and we will issue the command."
The Meng Ling Gu works by the caster issuing a command, and then the alteration begins. However, no matter how it is altered, it cannot violate the issued command.
This was the prerequisite.
Yu Daohan looked at Shi Bingzhi and asked, "Will you alter it yourself, or will we?"
Shi Bingzhi pondered for a moment and said, "Let me alter it myself. The command is to find ways to open all entrance seals in three months."
"Is it that simple?" Yu Daohan asked, confused.
Shi Bingzhi nodded, "Yes, it's that simple."
He had considered using other commands, but whether it was dissatisfaction with the entire martial world or a desire to destroy the mortal realm, these commands could not effectively ensure that the Divine Religion would open the entrance seals in three months.