Ji Mingyu explained, "As you know, human cultivators are not like various beasts, whose innate divine techniques are imprinted in their bloodlines. When their descendants grow up, they naturally master them."
"Therefore, among the ancient cultivators, someone figured out a method to imprint divine techniques into external objects, known as the Divine Command."
"After passing this down to their descendants or disciples, they can comprehend the divine techniques through the Divine Command, or even use it to perform the corresponding techniques in advance."
"However, the method of creating the Divine Command has long since been lost. The tokens that remain are mostly ancient relics passed down from the past."
Chu Xuan was both surprised and delighted, "So, does this mean I can use this token to perform the divine techniques of the Four Mischief-Making Monkeys?"
The master shook his head, "It's not that simple. Since the Divine Command is an inheritance object, naturally, a specific method is required to activate it."
"I've tried infusing it with magical power to no avail, injecting divine sense was useless, and attempting to refine it was impossible. How will you use it?"
Chu Xuan, feeling like cold water had been poured on him, could only ponder, "Are there still any Four Mischief-Making Monkeys in this world today?"
"Those were spiritual objects of the Primordial Era; you won't find them now," Ji Mingyu said, handing the token back to the disciple.
"Since it is destined for you, keep it with you for now."
"I'll look into ancient texts or consult with others to see if there's a way to activate it."
This was the temporary arrangement. Chu Xuan thanked his master and put the token away.
Incidentally, since this is a site of ancient battlefield ruins, could it be a relic from some great cultivator?
Chu found himself lost in various daydreams, imagining the grandeur when he could one day command the sun and moon, shrink mountains, and manipulate the world.
...
Admiring the spectacle of countless light spots, the mentor and disciple continued to sit down and fish.
Unexpectedly, this time, as soon as Chu Xuan cast his line, his fishing rod started moving again!
Chu Xuan was surprised, "No way, is this old fish so considerate? Sending one isn't enough, now two?"
Ji Mingyu shook her head, "Highly unlikely, pull it up and see."
Of course, Chu Xuan did as told, reeling in with ease, it didn't seem to be a big catch.
Unexpectedly, with a flick of the rod, what was hooked turned out to be a black, grotesque fish resembling a loach, its head entirely composed of a hideous large mouth.
This bizarre fish emitted strong demonic qi, and it was constantly devouring upward.
The hook was already in its stomach, much of the fishing line was swallowed, and it was even absorbing Chu Xuan's magical power, rapidly closing in on him!
Chu Xuan's complexion changed, and the snow mink on him bristled, as if facing a formidable enemy.
Ji Mingyu frowned and casually waved her palm, smashing the demon into a pulp from a distance, with even the powder consumed by an invisible flame, vanishing completely.
"What bad luck," Mingyu stood up, "Let's call it a day and head back."
Seeing his master's mood spoiled by the demonic fish, Chu Xuan had nothing more to say and obediently packed up the fishing rod.
Unexpectedly, Mingyu took his fishing rod and destroyed it just like the demonic fish, "After all, these are demonic creatures that developed from the ancient battlefield, better to be cautious."
Chu Xuan nodded in agreement, "We'll come again next time."
Ji Mingyu, somewhat regretfully, took his hand, "Such spectacles may not be seen again for decades."
Chu Xuan replied earnestly, "Even if it takes hundreds or thousands of years, I'll surely bring you again."
Mingyu gave him a deep look and ultimately smiled, "Alright."
------------------
In his personal quiet room, Chu Xuan toyed with the Divine Command, even trying the rumored "blood recognition."
Unfortunately, the broken token showed no reaction.
Forget it, Chu Xuan put it away, assumed a meditative posture, and resumed his Qi cultivation.
Although he hadn't established his foundation, limiting the capacity of his dantian to hold more magical power, causing any absorbed spiritual qi to dissipate ultimately, he persisted daily, viewing it as training.
Night deepened, and silence enveloped the quiet room, yet for some reason, Chu Xuan's previously serene expression began to twist...
Simultaneously, a strong sense of agitation arose inexplicably within him:
Why can't I establish my foundation yet? How much longer must this be delayed? What is my master's true intention? Is she deliberately trying to harm me?
All sorts of distracting thoughts came flooding in, and even terrifying illusions took form in Chu Xuan's mind.
Along with the change in his mental state, the absorbed heaven and earth spiritual qi violently surged within him, and his previously stabilized magical power began to reverse its flow....
Fortunately, Chu Xuan's years of cultivation didn't go to waste; relying on sheer willpower, he forcibly broke free from his hallucinations.
Then he felt intense pain all over his body, realizing he had succumbed to inner demons!
The most sorrowful part was that Chu Xuan, his face flushed, could only watch helplessly, his body stiff and unable to move, unable to utter a word.
What's happening? Why am I suddenly stricken by inner demons out of nowhere?
Suddenly, Chu Xuan recalled the eerie fish, wondering if it had been due to the magical power it had absorbed from his jade fishing rod...
As his condition worsened, Chu Xuan felt despair wondering if his promising start would lead to an unfathomable end here. If he were to die, how heartbroken would his master be?
At this moment of hopelessness, a familiar fragrance wafted over, with warm hands pressed against his back.
A mighty magical power, of the same lineage yet immensely more potent, slowly coursed into Chu Xuan, helping to untangle the chaotic currents of magical power and spiritual qi, repairing damaged meridians...
Almost instantly, Chu Xuan was relieved from the deadly crisis of inner demons.
Sighing in relief, he was filled with a strong sense of security. Thankfully, his master was there, always caring for him, spotting problems at the right time.
Wait, did his master also cultivate the "Jade Capital Secrets"?
Since Ji Mingyu had mentioned that this cultivation technique requires celestial qi for Foundation Establishment, Chu Xuan had previously thought they weren't practicing the same technique.
Where then did she acquire the celestial qi needed for her foundation? Such a rarity couldn't be common.
Drawing on the notion of "a unique inheritance passed down from master to disciple, generation by generation," Chu Xuan speculated that celestial qi might be a sect heirloom, hence why his master placed such importance on his Foundation Establishment...
Ji Mingyu quickly sorted out the issues with her disciple, retracting her hands.
Chu Xuan opened his eyes, drenched in cold sweat. Although he could move now, he was weak and couldn't maintain his sitting posture, collapsing backward.
Mingyu did not retreat. Instead, she cradled Chu Xuan into her arms, resting her cheek gently on his forehead, unaffected by any unpleasant odor.
Feeling the soft, fragrant warmth behind him, Chu Xuan was increasingly moved, whispering, "Master, you're so good to me."
His voice was tinged with emotion.
Mingyu just chuckled softly, "Don't think too highly of me."
"I only pretend to be gentle in front of you."
Upon hearing this, Chu Xuan remembered how his master always maintained her cold, indifferent demeanor before others, refusing to smile even at her personally raised snow mink.
Though unsure of why his master was singularly kind to him, Chu Xuan silently vowed to grow into a man worthy of his master, cherishing her throughout life.