I had doubts about what Wangliang Xianshi said. Indeed, it could be seen as a reason why Wangliang Xianshi, who came from the Astronomical Observatory, couldn't interpret the strange script, but the problem was that I couldn't fully trust his abilities. For all I knew, he might just be spouting plausible lies.
As if reading the doubt on my face, Wangliang Xianshi frowned.
"I can guess what you're thinking... but what I say is the truth."
"I wish I could believe that."
"What do you have to lose by believing? You still have no clues to interpret the strange script, after all."
"Hmm..."
Wangliang Xianshi was right. He didn't claim he could interpret the strange script, but only explained the reasons why he couldn't. There was nothing to gain by doubting him now. So, I decided to ask what I was curious about.
"Then, why are you telling me all these facts 'at the risk of your life'? We just met today, know almost nothing about each other, and you don't even know what I intend to do with the Heavenly Rock Scroll."
"That's because this meeting itself is a fortuitous encounter for me."
Huh?
A fortuitous encounter for me?
Feeling a bit bewildered, Wangliang Xianshi said with a gleam in his eyes.
"Though I now make a living by reading fortunes for fools, I was once a proud member of the continent's top Astronomical Observatory. To encounter the strange script, which I couldn't understand at all, again is a rare opportunity. As a scholar, I must know, even if it means breaking the duty of secrecy for the royal family."
"A scholar... Aren't you a Taoist who calls yourself a Xianshi?"
"Hahaha. You don't seem to know much about Qimen Dunjia."
Wangliang Xianshi chuckled bitterly and explained further.
"Qimen Dunjia is not superstition. It's a formula that produces a specific result by arranging the essence of Jia according to established principles. It can be considered a field of arithmetic and physics.
The Wangyun Formation I set up on this mountain is no different. I didn't deploy it using any special supernatural power, but simply by following established principles. Qimen Dunjia is merely one of the fields a scholar can reach. The formation is also a kind of self-defense technique, perhaps?"
"Hmm... I see."
I felt as if I had heard something quite valuable.
So, Qimen Dunjia isn't about cultivating inner energy to exert mysterious powers, but rather something that any ordinary person can create by using their brain well? It was a story I had never heard or known during my life as a bounty hunter, so I was curious. Since I was asking, I decided to learn more.
"Then, do techniques like Fu Shen Shu (Divine Talisman Technique) and Demon Exorcism Technique not require supernatural powers?"
"It does require a special ability, but it's more about the power of the Upper Dantian."
"Upper Dantian?"
"Ha ha. I should explain more to such a distinguished guest."
Wangliang Xianshi chuckled and said.
"Baixiong, the inner energy (Neigong) you cultivate is stored in the Lower Dantian. It spreads through the body, enhancing physical abilities to a superhuman level. As the Lower Dantian's power increases, it reaches the Middle Dantian, which is not a specific part of the body like the Lower Dantian."
"Then, where is the Middle Dantian?"
"The Middle Dantian is often associated with the heart, but that's not accurate. When the Lower Dantian's power becomes extremely high, it undergoes a process of integration, and all the power converges in the heart. In essence, the ultimate realm of martial arts is the Middle Dantian."
I was quite surprised and said,
"Then, is the Upper Dantian the brain?"
"Yes."
Wangliang Xianshi seemed thirsty from explaining so much, so he poured himself another cup of water. After a sip, he continued.
"But don't misunderstand, the Middle Dantian is an evolution of the Lower Dantian, but the Upper Dantian is unrelated. The Upper Dantian's function is to develop and interfere with another dimension by enhancing the innate special abilities hidden in the human brain. It's a power that can't be used without being born with it, and those born with it have been active based on that ability."
Isn't that the same thing?
"Hmm... If it's a power you're born with, it seems unnecessary to distinguish it from supernatural powers."
"No. While I don't know the details, the practitioners of the Left Dao Fangmen (Left Dao Sect) insist on clearly distinguishing the Upper Dantian from supernatural powers. There must be a clear reason for those who use the Upper Dantian's power."
"I see..."
I had gained considerable knowledge.
The distinctions of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Dantian, and the understanding of Qimen Dunjia techniques!
This was knowledge that would be hard to come by even if you paid a fortune. Wangliang Xianshi offered me water.
"Would you like some water?"
"No, thank you."
"Anyway, I got a bit off-topic, but my request is one."
Clang
Wangliang Xianshi slapped the wooden board, which was carved like a table. Greed was evident in his eyes.
"Whoever you are, help me interpret this Heavenly Rock Scroll."
"......"
Of course, that's why you told me all this.
I crossed my arms and thought. I had a rough idea of his purpose, but hearing it from his mouth was a fresh experience. I looked at him and said,
"Wangliang Xianshi, if I had intended to use violence and torture, what would you have done?"
"That's why I told you everything before you could do that, right?"
"There are people who beat you up first and ask questions later."
"You didn't seem like that kind of person. If you were, I would have been dead when the Wangyun Formation was broken. I just wanted to have a conversation with someone I could talk to."
Wangliang Xianshi's speech was very fluent and smooth. It was almost certain that he was a man of great learning.
I realized I was at a critical juncture.
Should I give him the Heavenly Rock Scroll to interpret as he wished?
Or should I just confirm that he can't interpret it and leave?
"But... you said you couldn't interpret the strange script even when you searched the Inner Hall. That means you don't have the ability to interpret the Heavenly Rock Scroll, right?"
"Hmm... That's..."
Wangliang Xianshi hesitated, as if he had a guilty conscience. Indeed, there was no basis for him to claim he could interpret the mysterious script now, which he couldn't understand even when he worked at the Astronomical Observatory. After a moment's hesitation, he said,
"Perhaps I can interpret it."
"How?"
"With the Wuming Jishi (Unnamed Ritual Book). No matter how mysterious a language is, it has its own structure. If there are enough samples, it's possible to roughly understand the meaning. The Wuming Jishi is a single volume, so it was impossible to understand, but if we compare it with the Heavenly Rock Scroll, which contains the same strange script, we might be able to interpret it."
"Indeed..."
I nodded, then got to the point.
"So, if I bring the Wuming Jishi, you can interpret it for me?"
"Hmm... Yes, but..."
Wangliang Xianshi seemed to realize that his method was a bit absurd and said quietly,
"The Inner Hall is right next to the Taolong Hall, the emperor's residence. It's the deepest part of the Inner Palace, and it would be impossible to take the Wuming Jishi from there."
"It's possible."
"Really?"
I answered without hesitation, and Wangliang Xianshi looked stunned. Indeed, my words were about infiltrating the innermost part of the imperial palace, the most dangerous place in the world, to steal a book, which would make me seem like a madman.
However, I had the possibility of reversing the course of events using the Heavenly Rock Scroll, even if I died. If I planned well and used my brain, I could get my hands on the Wuming Jishi.
"Wait a moment."
Wangliang Xianshi seemed to be thinking about something and went inside the house.
He came out with a few scrolls and three books and handed me the scrolls.
"Take these."
"What are they?"
"A map of the Inner Palace. The imperial palace consists of 99 palaces, and with additional buildings, it's actually 173 palaces. Without a map, you can't reach the Inner Hall."
"......"
I looked at Wangliang Xianshi in disbelief.
"Surely you didn't bring a map of the imperial palace when you left?"
"I made it."
"Even so, this is... "
This item alone could be considered treason. If the map of the imperial palace were leaked to outsiders, it would make it difficult for the emperor and the royal family to evacuate. Wangliang Xianshi, who calmly did something that would result in immediate execution and the extermination of his nine clans, said confidently,
"So what? Anyway, I'll continue the explanation."
"......"
This man is quite a free spirit.
Indeed, that's why he's living as a fake Taoist outside the imperial palace.
"And these are three books you must read. The Taiji Qishu (Taiji Mysterious Book) explains basic formations and techniques. Reading the Yishu Zhenben (Yi Technique True Book) will help you understand the Taiji Qishu more easily. Lastly, read the Leijing (Thunder Essence Classic) for at least half an hour every day to invigorate your brain."
"Why do I need to read these technique books?"
"Hmm... You don't know?"
Wangliang Xianshi clicked his tongue and said,
"The Outer Palace is just ordinary buildings, but the 36 palaces of the Inner Palace are constructed using Qimen Dunjia and the Six Directions Formation. If an enemy invades or an intruder appears, the Astronomical Observatory or the Jin Yi Wei will activate the formation, and the internal guards can easily corner the intruder in a dominant position. To avoid this, you must understand Qimen Dunjia and the formation."
"Is the formation that scary?"
Wangliang Xianshi said in a slightly deflated voice,
"Even you, who broke through my Wangyun Formation like water, can't overlook the imperial palace's formation. It's a formation created by the greatest Qimen Dunjia master, and even if you had twice your current inner energy, you would be hunted down."
"Hmm..."
"You'll understand when you experience it."
Wangliang Xianshi handed me the three books as if they were gifts.
"When you understand the Taiji Qishu and the Yishu Zhenben, I'll explain how to break through the imperial palace's defenses. Come back then."
I frowned.
"Isn't this... too complicated?"
"Infiltrating the Inner Hall means you can also infiltrate the Taolong Hall next to it. It's a difficult task to get to a position where you can strike the emperor."
"What if I fail and get caught?"
"Well, that's a problem for then. I'm already considered dead to the world, so I can take care of myself."
Only after looking at the three books and the scroll map in my arms did I realize the extreme difficulty of this mission. If I had known it would be this difficult, I should have prepared my mind better before coming.
But I decided to revise my plan.
"Then, it might be better for me to learn Qimen Dunjia from you."
This time, Wangliang Xianshi looked surprised.
"But this is the most basic knowledge, something anyone who can read the Four Books and Five Classics can understand..."
"I don't know the Four Books and Five Classics. I'm not illiterate, but I only have the knowledge of a bounty hunter."
"......"
Wangliang Xianshi looked as if he had been hit. He must have thought I was a man of considerable knowledge. Realizing he had to teach a complete novice all kinds of knowledge, including the basics, he soon began to grumble with his chin in his hand.
"Well... I'm not very good at teaching..."
"Who says I'm not good at learning? We need to cooperate to achieve our goals."
"... Do you know how to read Chinese characters?"
After a while, he tested my knowledge level and was disheartened.
"Damn... It will take you at least three years to properly read the Taiji Qishu."
"So what?"
I said bluntly.
"Let's start tomorrow, then."
I canceled my plan to go to Luoyang.
With a new plan, I would now study writing and learn Qimen Dunjia at the same time.
What's so special about three years?
Since I have plenty of time, I will steadily move towards my goal.