The Dao character talisman suddenly transformed into a blazing sun, rising into the sky.
Intense light cascaded from above, illuminating the entire world as if it were day.
The scorching rays, arranged distinctly, resembled arrows shot forth.
A single glance confirmed they contained a potent, high-temperature burning power!
Qu Jianping and Min Ziqiong cried out in alarm, attempting to evade.
But how could they escape the speed of light?
In an instant, both women were enveloped by the rays.
Just as they resigned themselves to their fate, the light touched their bodies, yet produced no burning sensation whatsoever!
Instead, it brought a pervasive comfort, warming every pore, as if their internal organs had been cleansed. Their blood surged like a mighty river.
Most crucially, the negative emotions that had been weighing down their hearts vanished under the light!
The aged skin and wrinkles on their bodies crumbled into dust, revealing layers of new, tender, smooth skin, as flawless and delicate as eggshells, ready to burst at the slightest touch!
"This..."
The two women exchanged glances. Though they couldn't see the changes in themselves, they could infer their condition from each other's transformations!
They never imagined this Dao character talisman possessed such a remarkable effect!
*Hum!*
A phantom image suddenly projected from the Dao character talisman.
Wearing a high cap and ornate robes, with wide sleeves.
It was the image of Cao Ye they had seen in the illusion!
Cao Ye's phantom stepped forward, glancing at Qu Jianping and Min Ziqiong with apparent disapproval, then turned his head away.
It was only when he saw Ying Chen that a look of satisfaction appeared on his face.
He cupped his hands in a salute towards Ying Chen, his demeanor akin to meeting a kindred spirit!
Ying Chen gazed at Cao Ye's phantom and slowly spoke, "So, this is the true Dao intent hidden behind your talisman. To condense your entire Dao intent into form, you are indeed a master of the Dao. Why then are you unknown within the Xuanmen?"
Cao Ye's phantom smiled faintly, possessing a degree of independent consciousness, and replied, "My original heart was ultimately that of a scholar. I sought neither strength nor the uncanny. Thus, though I had profound insights into Daoist theories, I never truly practiced. It wasn't until that day, residing in the mountains, that I had an epiphany and condensed the Dao intent accumulated over many years into form, inscribing it within words."
Ying Chen understood, his mind suddenly enlightened.
So that was it!
This situation with Cao Ye was not uncommon in ancient times. Great scholars of antiquity did not solely study Confucian texts; many were also proficient in various other disciplines.
Some scholars, their hair white with age, devoted their entire lives, reaching a state of perfection in Buddhist and Daoist theories, yet without any supernatural abilities. But in the moments before their death, they would suddenly attain enlightenment, their powers would manifest, and they would ascend to the ranks of earthly immortals.
Cao Ye was precisely such a case.
Although not a member of the Xuanmen, he had thoroughly researched its theories, allowing his Dao intent to flow freely. Upon his sudden realization, his entire Dao intent instantly took form and was infused into his writings.
Had Cao Ye not abandoned his Dao intent, history might have gained another true Daoist master.
Alas, Cao Ye's ambition lay elsewhere, and thus history only recorded him as a late Tang poet and a high-ranking scholar, not as a Daoist master.
"To be able to manifest me proves you have understood my true heart and comprehended my Dao intent. We can call ourselves confidants."
"A scholar dies for his confidant. Therefore, what can I do for you?"
Cao Ye's phantom looked at Ying Chen and asked.
Ying Chen's eyes flickered. He knew that Cao Ye's words meant he had truly mastered this Dao character talisman.
Previously, although Ying Chen could harness the talisman's power, it was less than a tenth. At best, it was a mid-to-low-grade magical artifact.
But now, after receiving the phantom's acknowledgment, the Dao character talisman had instantly been elevated to a high-grade magical artifact!
It was even comparable to the Xuanpin Lei Yang Sword that Ying Chen had refined!
"I only need you to do one thing for me—protect a girl."
Ying Chen replied.
Upon hearing Ying Chen's words, not only Qu Jianping but also Min Ziqiong felt their hearts pound.
Both women instinctively assumed the girl Ying Chen mentioned was them!
However, they soon realized they were being overly optimistic.
"That girl is my direct disciple. She is only five years old. Though intelligent, she lacks the ability to protect herself. Therefore, I require you to protect her until she can do so."
"As for whether you will continue to act as her guardian afterward, that is your decision; I will not force you."
After hearing Ying Chen's words, Cao Ye readily agreed without a second thought: "Agreed."
Clearly, Ying Chen's use of the term "guardian" rather than "personal attendant" or "bodyguard" significantly enhanced Cao Ye's acceptance.
As a scholar, how could he not possess an aspiration to "teach and nurture, with disciples spread across the land"?
Protecting a five-year-old child was precisely the continuation and manifestation of such an aspiration!
"Then it's settled. I will introduce you later." Ying Chen smiled faintly.
Cao Ye nodded, and with a surge of golden light, akin to a receding tide, his phantom disappeared into the air.
Only the Dao character talisman remained, lying quietly in Ying Chen's palm, as if nothing had happened.
It was all like a fleeting dream.
"It's real! My face has become so much smoother and softer!"
"Mine too!"
Qu Jianping and Min Ziqiong's immediate concern was their faces.
The two women looked in the mirror, touching and marveling, confirming the reality of Cao Ye's phantom.
Ying Chen looked at them with a helpless sigh.
When Cao Ye's phantom manifested, a portion of its Dao intent had overflowed, landing upon them.
Unfortunately, they were not cultivators; otherwise, their cultivation would have soared by now.
As it was, they merely had improved skin and appeared younger. Anyone would call it a waste of a divine gift!
However, seeing their joyous and excited expressions, Ying Chen suspected this was what they desired more than cultivation.
"Now, do you understand why I traded Shi Boqiong for this item?"
Ying Chen looked at Qu Jianping and asked.
Qu Jianping reluctantly tore her gaze away from the mirror and replied, "I understand."
"So, do you still feel it's unfair?"
Qu Jianping nodded, "Of course."
"..." Ying Chen's forehead darkened.
So, all his efforts had been in vain!
Even a fool could see how precious this Dao character talisman was, yet Qu Jianping still felt it was unfair?
Unexpectedly, Qu Jianping explained earnestly, "Initially, after I understood it was a magical artifact, I felt it was fair. But now that this artifact has made me younger by more than five years, I suddenly feel I've gained a huge advantage!"
"Do you know how many wealthy individuals in this world spend billions of dollars just to live a few more years? Therefore, I still owe you a tremendous favor!"
"And this favor, I must repay no matter what! Give me your phone. I'll give you my number. From now on, no matter what trouble you encounter, you can find me. Ask of me anything, and I will not refuse!"
Qu Jianping said, extending her hand towards Ying Chen.
Ying Chen, however, pressed his hand to his forehead, his expression one of utter despair.
Now, this persistent nuisance was truly impossible to shake off!