Chapter 85: 命魂 Parasite? Xuantian Sect's Informant?

In the "Dream Interpretation" chapter, the introductory section of "The Great Dream Spring and Autumn," a spell called "Sleep Bug" was mentioned.

"Just as the seven corporeal souls of the physical body can host parasites that are difficult to detect, the soul of destiny also harbors similar entities. The Sleep Bug is one such entity."

Zhao Xing read it carefully. Given the medical understanding of this era, the discovery of parasites wasn't unusual. However, it was the first time he had heard that even spiritual entities could have parasite-like presences.

"The Great Dream Spring and Autumn further categorizes these 'soul parasites' into two types: benevolent and malevolent. Some parasites residing within the soul of destiny are benevolent symbionts, even indispensable, much like probiotics in the physical body?" The more Zhao Xing read, the more fascinated he became, utterly engrossed.

"The Sleep Bug belongs to the benevolent type. Without it, the soul of destiny cannot sleep. If the soul of destiny doesn't rest, the energy of the seven corporeal souls weakens, leading to a state of listlessness. If the lack of rest persists, the seven corporeal souls will further weaken until death. The Sleep Bug only completely disappears when one reaches the First Grade realm. This is because the three souls merge into a perfect whole, and as the spirit begins to transform into a divine soul, it approaches perfection and naturally expels any foreign entities."

"So, this spell mentioned in the 'Dream Interpretation' chapter teaches how to catch Sleep Bugs?" Zhao Xing was surprised; he truly didn't understand this profound skill. It was the first time he had ever heard of such a spell.

"By capturing someone's Sleep Bug, they are rendered unable to sleep, their mind remaining in a state of continuous exhilaration. Used appropriately, it can provide prolonged combat capability, but exceeding a certain limit will weaken the seven corporeal souls. This method allows one to kill a person without anyone knowing."

"Hmm? It can be used like that?" Zhao Xing's eyes lit up.

Initially, he had thought the "Dream Interpretation" chapter contained abstract, impractical concepts. He hadn't expected it to describe the essence of the three souls, the deconstruction of the soul and dreams, with the interpretation of dream content being secondary.

"The 'Dream Interpretation' chapter also mentioned a spell beneficial to oneself, namely, the Dream Storage technique. The Dream Storage technique allows for the storage of memories, preventing the neglect or forgetting of certain ancient or crucial information. Ancient cultivators, who often lived for thousands of years, accumulated so many memories that they sometimes struggled to distinguish between past and present, making them prone to qi deviation. The Dream Storage technique solved this problem by allowing a portion of memories to be sealed away through dreams."

"Furthermore, is the Dream Storage technique also applicable to certain cultivation insights?" Zhao Xing read the description of this technique. The "Dream Interpretation" chapter stated that certain naturally formed wonders possessed the profound mysteries of the Dao. However, the mysteries of the Dao were too profound; sometimes, their impact was so overwhelming that the comprehending individual couldn't bear it, leading to problems. The Dream Storage technique could enhance a cultivator's endurance. To put it simply, it had the ability of a memory palace and could expand one's mental capacity.

"The 'Dream Entry' chapter also has many miraculous aspects," Zhao Xing continued browsing the second stage. "Once one understands the essence of dream interpretation, the second step is to enter dreams. Entering one's own dreams, entering others' dreams, and pulling others into one's own dreams."

"However, the 'Dream Entry' chapter doesn't mention any offensive secret techniques; it mainly serves as a confidential means of information transfer," Zhao Xing mused. For example, when acting as a spy in a foreign land, whether it's meeting contacts, leaving secret signals, or exchanging tokens, none are truly secure. But transmitting messages through dreams is far more discreet. This is the technique of "Dream Impartation."

"No wonder people always talk about Yin spirits imparting messages through dreams. The essence of dreams is the occasional convergence of the three souls."

Zhao Xing then thought of his own "Yin Wind technique." "When I used the Yin Wind technique on Old Chen, he ended up having a nightmare. It was a lucky coincidence that I inadvertently manipulated his dream. However, this was a very superficial manipulation; the Yin Wind technique is primarily for offensive and destructive purposes."

Zhao Xing felt that this profound skill greatly appealed to him. He immediately began cultivating the spells within the "Dream Interpretation" chapter.

*You observed the Soul Armor, comprehending the "Dream Interpretation" chapter of "The Great Dream Spring and Autumn," and gained nothing.**You observed the Soul Armor, comprehending the "Dream Interpretation" chapter of "The Great Dream Spring and Autumn," and gained a preliminary understanding of the soul.**You observed the Soul Armor, comprehending the "Dream Interpretation" chapter of "The Great Dream Spring and Autumn." After a night, you finally achieved initiation, comprehending the spell 'Sleep Bug'.***Sleep Bug:** Mid-tier spell**Progress:** 0/9999**Effect:** Remotely extract Sleep Bugs from the soul of destiny.

*You observed the Soul Armor, comprehending the "Dream Interpretation" chapter of "The Great Dream Spring and Autumn." After a night, you finally achieved initiation, comprehending the spell 'Dream Storage'.***Dream Storage:** Mid-tier spell**Progress:** 0/9999**Effect:** Construct dream memories, enhance the soul of destiny's endurance.

Just the introductory chapter took Zhao Xing an entire night to comprehend. "The Great Dream Spring and Autumn" truly lived up to its reputation as a top-tier profound skill; even the "minor spells" like Sleep Bug and Dream Storage were of mid-tier level.

"They are all very practical spells. However, the Dream Storage technique is too difficult. I tried it once and couldn't succeed even after a long time, and it left me feeling dizzy," Zhao Xing shook his head.

"Let's try the Sleep Bug spell." The Sleep Bug spell, on the other hand, was easy to practice. Targeting himself would suffice.

Zhao Xing focused his mind inward, using his 'Heavenly Soul' to observe his 'Soul of Destiny'. Combined with his foundational "Clear Sight" spell, he easily located the Sleep Bugs within himself.

"Buzz." The Sleep Bugs were gathered into his palm.

*You cast the spell 'Sleep Bug' once. Progress: 20.*

"The Sleep Bug spell can be retracted or released; it's easy to practice," Zhao Xing gently clapped, and the Sleep Bugs re-entered his body.

*You cast the spell 'Sleep Bug' once. Progress: 20.*

Two hours later, Zhao Xing stopped. During practice, he also carefully experienced the sensation of the spell acting upon his soul of destiny.

"A single use makes little difference, or even none at all. But if used more than ten times, the feeling becomes very noticeable."

Zhao Xing looked at the silvery-white orb in his hand. Under the scrutiny of "Clear Sight," many Sleep Bugs had merged into one, forming a more potent 'Bug King'. This was a technique mastered after the Sleep Bug spell reached its First Turn, truly marking its initiation. It involved merging Sleep Bugs to make their effect stronger and take hold more quickly.

"If I collected enough Sleep Bugs, could I make Old Chen instantly fall unconscious? It would also be an incredible move to use during a fight."

The more Zhao Xing thought about it, the more he found the spell to his liking. If an enemy fell asleep mid-fight, wouldn't they be at his mercy?

"However, when the soul of destiny encounters danger, it bursts forth with greater energy. To achieve an instantaneous effect, I'll need to practice this spell much more."

With a hum, the Sleep Bugs were dispersed by the spell, and Zhao Xing, feeling completely refreshed, walked out the door. He had a good grasp of the spell's control; using it on himself had a decent revitalizing effect.

"Isn't today a day off? Why are you up so early?" Just as he stepped out, he saw Zhao Ruide practicing Zhan Zhuang under the locust tree.

"I'm used to waking up early," Zhao Xing fetched a basin of water and washed his face. "Where's Zheng'er?"

"Not up yet," Zhao Ruide's voice held a hint of helplessness. He truly didn't know what to do with his youngest son. He couldn't beat him, and scolding him was useless. At his age, he simply had no resistance to his youngest son's coaxing. Moreover, Zhao Zheng was an endearing child, and his pouting was quite a performance. Zhao Ruide truly couldn't bring himself to force him to practice martial arts.

"Why is it like this again?" Zhao Xing, however, was somewhat displeased.

"We have enough to eat and wear at home. As long as his character is good, he doesn't necessarily need to practice martial arts to make a name for himself," Zhao Ruide said.

"But you already told him to practice martial arts, and now you're half-heartedly letting it go. Isn't that teaching him to give up halfway?" Zhao Xing said. "In the future, he won't take anything seriously, and any big problem will be solved by just pouting at you."

After being lectured by his adopted son, Zhao Ruide felt a bit embarrassed. "You're right, I should be tougher," he immediately snapped off a branch and stormed towards the bedroom. At the doorway, he looked back at Zhao Xing, "Aren't you going to stop me?"

Zhao Xing replied, surprised, "Why would I stop you? It's perfectly natural for a father to discipline his son."

Zhao Ruide hesitated, "Is this one too big?"

Zhao Xing said helplessly, "If you can't bear it, don't pretend. Throw away the stick, and I'll call him."

"Who said that? I'm not throwing it away, I just want to switch to a smaller one..." Zhao Ruide awkwardly stepped aside. In the end, he didn't throw away the branch, but secretly swapped it for a smaller one, then stood outside with a stern face, waiting for Zhao Zheng to wake up.

Zhao Xing didn't go in either. He stood outside the door and began to extract Zhao Zheng's Sleep Bugs. He had a good grasp of the appropriate measure. After three times, Zhao Zheng woke up on his own. However, even though he couldn't sleep, the boy was still rolling around in bed, refusing to get up, which made Zhao Xing laugh in exasperation.

"Either way, you're still getting that beating."

Zhao Xing kicked the door open and barged in.

"Big Brother, good—ah, good morning." Zhao Zheng saw his elder brother kick the door open and immediately realized something was wrong; he must have woken up late today. So he lifted his small face, showing an innocent smile, trying to awaken his brother's affection.

Unfortunately, his brother had no affection, only cruelty.

"What did you promise Father before? Do you remember what time you agreed to practice martial arts?"

"Mao... exactly at Mao Hour."

"It's Chen Hour and one *ke* now. You're nine *ke* late. Go out and get the stick from Father yourself, two strikes per *ke*."

"Huh?" Zhao Zheng immediately pulled a bitter face.

"Or should I hit you?" Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow.

"No, no, Big Brother, don't trouble yourself, I'll go get my punishment now!" Zhao Zheng immediately got out of bed.

"Hurry up, it's almost Chen Hour and two *ke*. For every *ke* you delay, you'll get an extra strike."

"Got it!" Zhao Zheng quickly got up and washed himself as if flying.

"Buns, hot fragrant buns!""Sesame flatbreads, fragrant flatbreads!""Almond tea, drink a pot and stay warm all day! Good for the stomach and liver!"

Zhao Xing walked out, and Pingkang Ward was already bustling along the street. He conveniently bought some breakfast to take to Chen Shijie's residence, only to find a delicate-looking woman peeking around outside the Chen manor, carrying a basket, as if she were a thief.

"Hmm?" Zhao Xing, with his keen observation skills, immediately sensed something amiss. He silently circled around to the woman's back.

"Whoosh." A gust of Yin wind rose around the woman, and Zhao Xing demanded, "Who are you, and who sent you?"

"Ah!" The woman was startled, turned around unprepared, and nearly fell to the ground. Zhao Xing noticed her weak vital energy and didn't immediately act, only staring at her.

"Speak, why are you lurking outside the Chen manor?"

"I... I..." The woman stammered, unwilling to speak.

"If you don't speak, you'll come with me to see an official," Zhao Xing threatened.

"Oh, no, please, can't I just leave?" The woman wiped away tears, looking a bit wronged.

Zhao Xing was stunned for a moment. His "Clear Sight" spell was already max level, and he had cultivated "Yin Wind" and "The Great Dream Spring and Autumn," making his perception of souls highly acute. Through a small trick from "The Great Dream Spring and Autumn," he could tell that the woman wasn't lying. Could she not be a follower of the Profound Heaven Cult? Indeed, who would use such crude surveillance methods?

"Whoosh!" Just then, Chen Shijie flew out of the manor on the wind, landing between the two. With a casual wave, the Yin wind encircling the woman was dispersed.

Zhao Xing raised an eyebrow. Old Chen was indeed formidable. His Yin Wind wasn't merely introductory level; it was already at the Ninth Turn! Although he hadn't fully controlled it, could Chen Shijie really dispel Ninth-Turn Yin Wind with such a casual wave?

"What's going on? Why are you using Yin Wind on an ordinary person?" Chen Shijie supported the woman, frowning as he looked at Zhao Xing.

"I saw her lurking suspiciously outside your manor and thought she might be someone influenced by the Profound Heaven Cult," Zhao Xing explained.

"She's not," Chen Shijie patted the woman's back. "Let's go inside and talk."

Chen Shijie waved his hand, and a storm immediately surged around them. Between the alley and the manor gate, a storm corridor was formed. Zhao Xing was somewhat puzzled. He didn't know if Old Chen was showing off his skills or doing something else. He had a feeling that Chen Shijie seemed a bit off today, as if he was trying to conceal something. Could this be his lover?

Even if it was, there shouldn't be any problem. Wasn't it normal for him to have a lover? The Great Zhou's customs were open; even among the unmarried, relationships were common, so there was no need for such secrecy. Could she be a married woman? Thinking that way, it seemed to make sense.

Zhao Xing's gaze towards Chen Shijie immediately became a bit strange. "Who would have thought, Old Chen, you sly dog, would be involved in something so scandalous. Now you've gotten yourself into trouble, haven't you?"

"What are you thinking? It's not what you imagine." After bringing the woman into the manor and settling her in the living room, Chen Shijie went to the side hall to talk with Zhao Xing. "Gui Niang is unmarried, and I am unmarried. It's not what you're thinking."

"I didn't say anything," Zhao Xing waved his hand. "My Lord, you are certainly not someone I'd imagine like that."

"I'll be transferred next year, to the military," Zhao Xing hadn't intended to ask further, but Chen Shijie volunteered the information.

"Transferred?" Zhao Xing was taken aback. He hadn't expected Old Chen to leave so soon. But then again, it made sense; Chen Shijie, as a Military Agricultural Official, was truly wasted serving as a civilian administrator in the rear. As long as he hadn't made any major mistakes, he should indeed be transferred back to the military. He just wondered if there were any hidden circumstances.

"I previously had some issues with factional alignment that were unresolved," Chen Shijie said indifferently. "That's why my relationship with Gui Niang was never made public. Although that's resolved now, other unexpected issues arose, so we agreed not to meet for a short period. I didn't expect you to stumble upon us."

"You're not telling me all this for nothing, are you?" Zhao Xing vaguely guessed something.

"Exactly," Chen Shijie nodded. "I want you to come with me to the military. I've intended this from the start. You're wasting your time not being a military officer. I can see you have great ambitions. I originally planned to wait for you for another year or two, but now it seems your progress is rapid; your Yin Wind has already reached the Ninth Turn."

"Come join the military with me, Zhao Xing. A true man should conquer the four directions. Don't tell me you prefer staying in the rear as a civilian. If you stay in such a comfortable place for a few years, all your talent will be wasted!"

At this point, Chen Shijie no longer treated Zhao Xing merely as a subordinate. Ever since Zhao Xing attained a rank, he truly regarded him as a kindred spirit. What he said now was entirely from the heart.

Zhao Xing mused, "We can talk about that later. Can you first tell me why you broke off with Gui Niang when you still have half a year before your transfer? What exactly was the unexpected issue you encountered?"

Chen Shijie smiled, "See, this alertness and innate keenness — I told you you're suited for military affairs. You should come with me to meet the Marquis!"

Zhao Xing remained silent. Although he also found Chen Shijie quite agreeable, he couldn't just blindly agree. Chen Shijie needed to reveal the full story.

"It's the Profound Heaven Cult."

The Profound Heaven Cult? Zhao Xing was startled.

Chen Shijie slowly spoke from his chair, "For the past half-year, my Calamity Averting Almanac has issued multiple warnings. In that time, there have been ten major ill omens and thirty-five minor ones. Before, I didn't know why, because other Ninth-Rank officials' almanacs didn't show these warnings—only mine did. I also couldn't analyze the reason until recently, when officials and clerks were abducted across Nanyang Prefecture. Only then, with more inside information, did I understand why."

Zhao Xing asked, "Didn't you tell the government officials before?"

Chen Shijie scoffed, "Have you forgotten that *we* are the officials? A couple of ominous signs—are we supposed to have a Seventh-Rank official protect us? I also couldn't pinpoint the cause, and only decided to investigate after multiple occurrences. After the third major ill omen, I contacted military personnel to inquire about recent anomalies in Pinghai Province, which then led me to roughly identify the Profound Heaven Cult as the root of the trouble. Afterward, I reported my suspicions to the prefecture, but as I just said, could they assign someone to protect me closely for twelve hours a day?"

Zhao Xing asked, "Can't there be a large-scale search or something to find these demonic individuals?"

Chen Shijie shook his head. "You don't understand. The Profound Heaven Cult isn't some minor sect. The seventy-two Daoist academies of the Great Zhou today were established after the founding emperor's policy of expelling sects, and they subsequently submitted. Among these academies, the Profound Heaven Cult would still rank among the top. Its operations are extremely clandestine. Even during the founding emperor's time, it couldn't be completely eradicated, only driven out. Do you think that was easy? What the founding monarch couldn't achieve, it's hard for future generations to accomplish."

"The Profound Heaven Cult has persisted for over two thousand years. Can a sect with such deep roots, one that hasn't been destroyed in two millennia and occasionally causes chaos in the world, be rooted out by Nanyang Prefecture in a short time?"

Zhao Xing thought for a moment and said, "That makes sense. It's always easier to be the hunter than the hunted."

Chen Shijie slowly said, "Since that incident, I knew the Profound Heaven Cult might be targeting me. And on their list, I should be a relatively important target. That's why I stopped seeing Gui Niang; I intend to deal with this matter."

Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised. "You're not planning to..."

Chen Shijie nodded. "Yes, I plan to put myself in danger, cooperate with the military to set a trap, and lure the Profound Heaven Cult into making a move against me. If I don't eliminate their den of demonic individuals in the Nanyang Prefecture area, I won't feel at ease leaving. Those fanatics are insane; if they found out about my relationship with Gui Niang, it would likely implicate the innocent."

Zhao Xing was startled. "Isn't that too risky?"

Chen Shijie smiled, "Once successful, I won't have to worry about Gui Niang after I leave, Nanyang Prefecture can continue to enjoy peace and prosperity, and I can also gain merit for my military appointment. It's three benefits with one action; this risk is worth taking!"