Chapter 375: Hypocrite

“Crafting talismans?” Mi Lingyue was surprised. “You want me to teach you some basic talismans? Not even powerful ones?”

Jiang Hao shook his head. He only wanted to learn talisman crafting. If he wanted a specific talisman, he could always purchase it, learn the method, and then make more. He could then sell it.

For instance, he knew how to make the Heaven Secrets Hidden Talisman, but he couldn’t sell it.

He just needed to learn the basic way and pattern to go about making any kind of talisman. That way, he could make anything he wanted.

“Then, I need to make sure what you already know first. What kind of talismans do you usually make?” she asked.

The other two in cages also turned to look at them in curiosity. They had some understanding of talisman-making as well.

“I know how to make the Divine Movement Talisman, Spirit Gathering Talisman, Ten Thousand Swords Talisman, and Hundred Thousand Swords Talisman,” said Jiang Hao.

“You know the Hundred Thousand Sword Talismans too?” Mi Lingyue was surprised.

“I do.” Jiang Hao nodded.

After that, he took out all of these types of talismans he had created lately. Mi Lingyue looked at them and told him that they were of high quality. Then, she didn’t say anything.

Jiang Hao couldn’t understand whether she was praising him or criticizing him.

“Are you self-taught?” Mi Lingyue asked.

“Yes. Is there something wrong with that?” Jiang Hao was confused.

“Have you seen exceptionally powerful brushwork? I mean, have you seen very powerful talismans?”

Jiang Hao nodded.

Mi Lingyue looked at the runes for a while. “Your talisman crafting talent is quite good, but your process is quite ordinary. Furthermore, being able to see brushwork from a single talisman means you can obviously pursue this path. However, I don’t know how far you can go. In the early stages, hard work can make a difference, but later on, it’s all about comprehension. This thing is both profound and mysterious. You’ll understand when the time comes. I’ll teach you the basic brushwork now, and then you’ll be able to better grasp the brushwork you see. But don’t get deceived by brushwork, and don’t try to forcefully imitate it. You need to find your own path in this, just like talisman crafting, alchemy, array formations, and forging. It’s all about being flexible and walking the path that suits you the most. Of course, if you don’t have enough talent, then this will not work. Some people are just born for this. Some need to consolidate their foundations and then seek the path. You need to find out which one you are.”

Jiang Hao nodded. He could do this.

Although he had some talent, he still needed to take it step by step. He could only succeed if he believed in his capabilities.

He wasn’t looking to become excellent at this craft. He just wanted to make spirit stones through it. The essence of it all was to improve his cultivation. After that, he began to learn. Brushwork could be divided into many aspects, including lines, thickness, curvature, and so on.

He truly benefited a lot from this information.

After a while, he whispered something to Mi Lingyue. No one else could hear him. After that, Mi Lingyue relaxed.

She also didn’t speak loudly. She wasn’t Hai Luo, after all.

Jiang Hao then asked Zhuang Yuzhen about the extraordinary genius from two hundred years ago who had appeared in the Corpse Realm.

“I heard it was someone from the west.”

Shang An was from the west.

So, the extraordinary genius from two hundred years ago was most certainly him.

The next day, the sparring match between the Bright Moon Sect and the Heavenly Note Sect began.

Jiang Hao had just arrived at the Spiritual Herb Garden when Xiao Li and the others were waiting for him.

“Senior Brother Jiang, do you want to come with us?” Xiao Li picked up the spirit beast in her arms.

“You all go ahead,” Jiang Hao said.

It would only start at noon, so he still had time to tend to the spirit herbs. Jiang Hao watched them leave and walked into the Spiritual Herb Garden.

[Strength +1] [Spirit +1]

[Spirit Sword +1]

After such a long time, he felt like he had gained a lot of spirit swords. Unfortunately, he couldn’t put them to use. He could only give them away as gifts.

If he ever needed help from someone from the outer sect, he could give them spirit swords instead of spirit stones. They would be happy to receive spirit swords.

He couldn’t sell these within the sect. It would invite unnecessary trouble.

At noon, Jiang Hao arrived at the arena outside the Law Enforcement Hall. Many people had gathered around.

Everyone was paying close attention to the match between their own sect and the Bright Moon Sect.

Even though they knew they weren’t a match, they couldn’t help but watch.

When Jiang Hao arrived, he saw that Manlong was standing in the arena. He had achieved the peak of the Primordial Spirit Realm.

As the former top disciple, no one was a match for him.

He wasn’t disqualified from participating in the previous competitions, so he could still receive resources and visit the Bright Moon Sect. He could even spar with them.

He stood there with absolute confidence. Manlongs talent, opportunities, and strength were beyond reach.

Even against the Bright Moon Sect, he was confident that he could put up a fight.

Jiang Hao looked around and found Xu Bai standing next to Elder Baizhi and the others.

“He looks elegant and refined, but he’s a hypocrite,” whispered a man angrily.

“That’s right! A scoundrel is a scoundrel. No one’s looking down on them. These noble and upright sects love to pretend to be gentlemen. When he wins, he will act all elegant and graceful. When he loses, he’ll take out his anger on us. Then he will try to suppress others with his realm. Shameless! He is making such a big show of this,” said a woman.

Jiang Hao stood amidst the crowd. He didn’t think too much about it. He just wanted to see what would happen.

But he felt that the words of two people made sense.

Xu Bai soared into the air and landed in the arena.

His cultivation was now at the peak of the Primordial Spirit Realm.

Manlong looked at him like he was facing a formidable enemy. At this moment, blood surged within him, and he didn’t dare to underestimate Xu Bai in the

“I am Xu Bai. May I ask who you are?” Xu Bai smiled. “Manlong,” said Manlong. “Should we start now?” “Of course.” Xu Bai didn’t waste any time either.

Whoosh!

Manlong shot out.

Boom!

A powerful fist pounded toward Xu Bai.

In response, Xu Bai raised his hand to defend himself and was pushed back a bit by the impact of the punch.

“Great!”

People cheered.

Manlong didn’t stop. He continued his assault.

Boom!

Boom!

He threw punches. Each punch was accompanied by a burst of energy.

The arena shattered layer after layer.

Xu Bai retreated and counterattacked.

He used his fingers as a sword. He found gaps in Manlong’s defense and poked at him.

Splat!

Blood splattered everywhere.

However, Manlong didn’t pay it any mind. He continued with his attacks.

Xu Bai struck Manlong’s body with over a hundred strikes.

Blood flowed. The friendly spar became intense.

Manlong seemed to become more courageous as the fight went on. He even surpassed his limits.

At this moment, Manlong felt that something was off. He was excited about this fight, and his body felt different from before. It was as though nothing hindered him at all. It was as if he had reached his peak.

“Roar!”

His blood energy transformed into a fierce beast around him. It was majestic and incredibly powerful.

Manlong launched his most powerful attack and charged forward.

Boom!

Xu Bai countered with his palm. A powerful shockvvave spread out.

In an instant, both Manlong and Xu Bai were pushed back.

Manlong stood still. He was unwilling to back down.

“It seems like a tie. Friend Manlong, you are indeed quite exceptional,” Xu Bai said.

He smiled warmly at him.

Manlong gritted his teeth. He knew that Xu Bai had gone easy on him. He had guided him to refine his cultivation at his peak. That was why he had felt different.

Yet Xu Bai didn’t take any credit for it at all. He didn’t even mention it. He just declared that it was a tie.

Manlong bowed to him in respect. “I know I lost. I accept that wholeheartedly..”