"Master, the patriarchs also told me something else," Ethan said, setting his tea cup down and taking a small sip.
Master Lin, sitting nearby, immediately leaned forward, his face full of concern.
"What did the patriarchs say? Was it something important, related to your cultivation?"
Seeing the urgency in his master's voice, Ethan stopped teasing him and spoke seriously.
"It's like this, Master. About my previous… unusual abilities. The patriarchs said these come from the power of the Twelve Zodiac Spirits. They told me to use them without worry, and that the patriarchs themselves are still overseeing the matter."
Hearing this, Master Lin finally relaxed. Then, almost playfully, he tapped Ethan lightly on the head.
"Next time, you should tell me sooner. You had me worrying for nothing."
Master Lin then carefully examined Ethan's meridians with his divine sight, ensuring that nothing was wrong. Only after thorough inspection did he finally ease, still cautious after all, even he had never personally witnessed a direct summoning by the Three Mao Patriarchs.
Ethan asked if this new scripture could be taught to Daniel and Evan as well. Master Lin shook his head.
"It's not that it hasn't happened before," he explained. "But transmission of such teachings is the responsibility of the sect elders or previous masters. You must understand, this scripture is an orthodox Supreme Clarity technique. Passing it to mortals without approval is a serious violation. Those who have ascended already hold divine status. Transmitting it to a qualified disciple always requires proper authorization. To spread it recklessly would invite karmic consequences no one here could bear. It could even bring disaster during tribulation, sending someone straight to the underworld."
Hearing this, Daniel and Evan quickly waved their hands.
"Senior Brother, you should cultivate this yourself. No need to worry about us."
Ethan understood the stakes immediately. He placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
"Don't worry, junior brothers. The next time we meet the patriarchs, I will request powerful techniques for both of you. And for Master too. We will all share in this."
Master Lin shook his head, amused, patting Ethan gently on the back.
"You think you can meet the patriarchs whenever you want? I understand your intentions. Keep this matter to yourself; there's no need to tell anyone else."
Ethan nodded, and Daniel and Evan were visibly moved. Loyalty and brotherhood at this age struck them deeply.
"Alright," Master Lin said. "Since nothing else matters for now, there's a household in town facing trouble. Take your two junior brothers and go see to it."
Ethan straightened his posture. "Yes, Master."
The three set off together toward Renjia Town. The road between the mortuary and town was deserted and dull, so the brothers passed the time chatting.
Evan asked about Ethan's miraculous healing ability, wondering if it could cure any illness.
Ethan paused, thinking carefully.
"You could say that. As long as the person isn't dead, I can save them."
He had tested the talismans privately countless times and knew their strength. The Sheep Talisman wasn't limited to soul projection, controlling spirits, or dream walking. Its power extended to protecting the soul and enhancing perception.
When Ethan was five, he had encountered a special spirit that could hide its presence perfectly, unnoticed even by Master Lin at mid-foundation level. It entered Ethan's room silently one night, intending to drain his energy. But the spirit was instantly repelled by a tremendous force, alerting Master Lin, who arrived just in time to find it barely alive.
The Sheep Talisman greatly boosted Ethan's spiritual defenses and comprehension, allowing him to understand new techniques almost instantly. The Horse Talisman, compared to ordinary talismans, was even more potent. Output, however, was limited by Ethan's own cultivation.
Daniel and Evan's eyes widened in amazement at Ethan's words.
Evan exclaimed, "Senior Brother, that means you're going to be rich! Treating wealthy patients alone could bring a fortune!"
Daniel's eyes sparkled too. "Yeah, Senior Brother, are we about to get rich?"
Ethan inhaled deeply, shaking his head.
"What are you thinking? In times like this, having such power is dangerous. If warlords discover it, I could be captured just to keep them alive. Then I'd lose all freedom."
The brothers fell silent, imagining Ethan trapped in chains, looking helpless.
"Furthermore," Ethan continued, "if evil cultivators learn of it, danger won't only come to me. Master Lin and both of you could be at risk."
Daniel and Evan drew in a sharp breath.
Daniel didn't understand complex reasoning, but he knew one thing: valuable things attract unwanted attention.
Evan, however, understood immediately. Innocent people are often persecuted for possessing treasure.
He turned to Ethan, eyes serious.
"Senior Brother, don't worry. From now on, I will never reveal your ability to anyone. Even under torture, not a single word will escape me."
Daniel quickly echoed, "Yes, Senior Brother. Me too."
Ethan smiled and patted both of their backs.
"Don't worry. Once I'm strong enough and fearless of any enemy, we won't need to hide it anymore."
Indeed, being able to heal any illness was frighteningly powerful. The other talismans could still be used discreetly, like the Ox Talisman, which others might simply think was some secret technique. Even with Maoshan backing them, some evil cultivators might act recklessly to survive.
The three brothers laughed as they continued their journey to Renjia Town.
The troubled household bore the surname Huang and lived on the west side of town. Ethan, Daniel, and Evan entered from the east, crossing the town until they reached the Huang estate.
Knock, knock, knock.
Daniel stepped forward and rapped on the door. Ethan and Evan waited behind.
Creak. A weary servant opened the door. Seeing the three dressed as Taoist disciples, he bowed quickly.
"Three Taoist masters, my lord has been waiting. Please, follow me."
The boys exchanged a glance and followed.
Inside, a thin middle-aged man sat on an armchair. Upon seeing Ethan and his brothers, he stood immediately.
"Are you disciples of Master Lin?"
Ethan stepped forward and bowed.
"I am Ethan Lee. These are my second and third junior brothers."
Daniel and Evan also bowed politely.
The man's face lit up as if he had grasped at a lifeline.
"Please, masters, you must help me."
Tears streamed down Mr. Huang's face as his body trembled. The servant quickly supported him back into the chair.
Once seated, Mr. Huang began to speak slowly.
A few days ago, his only son went to gather herbs in the mountains. Upon returning, he fell ill and could not recover. He grew weaker by the day. Despite consulting several physicians, no cause could be found.
Daniel and Evan looked to Ethan, assuming the young master was sick and waiting for Ethan's guidance.
Ethan, noticing their glance, shook his head subtly. Then he addressed Mr. Huang.
"Mr. Huang, your household has not been at peace recently, has it? It seems this… entity has visited more than once."
Mr. Huang's eyes widened in shock. Daniel and Evan immediately became alert, scanning their surroundings.