The more you believe me, the more real it becomes.

Chapter 184 Application of the Forbidden Word Technique

Logically speaking, competing against these old fogies should be something that comes much later.

How come I'm practically locked in a battle right from the start?

The world is truly unpredictable, and life is full of twists and turns.

Du Yuan sighed inwardly.

Just as I was pondering this, I suddenly heard the man speak again:
"Immortal Master, I have a request to make."

Upon hearing this, the long-bearded old man's eyes widened, and he raised his leg to kick again:
"You really dare to ask! Tell me, how can you have the nerve to say that?"

The man was kicked and stumbled to the ground, his face instantly turning bright red. He stammered and couldn't utter a single word.

Seeing this, Du Yuan smiled even more, raised her hand to stop the old man who was about to continue his outburst, and turned to the man to ask:
"What's the matter?"

The man, his face filled with shame, rose to his feet and bowed deeply to Du Yuan.
“Immortal Master, I was previously arrogant because I was well-read and knowledgeable in both ancient and modern times. I was certain that although I could not compare with the ancient sages, I was certainly insightful about the ways of the world. But after meeting you today, I realize that I am still a frog in a well, extremely shallow.”

Having said that, he turned his head to look at the long-bearded old man:
"Although I still do not know this venerable gentleman's name, I am well aware of his great kindness towards me. Therefore, I am willing to become his disciple and devote myself to learning. However, after today's events, I am keenly aware of my impetuous nature and shallow foundation, and I fear that I may repeat my foolish and reckless words and actions in the future."

With each word he uttered, he felt a growing sense of shame. He considered himself a genius of his time, yet he couldn't even understand the political situation he'd observed for over a decade, and had even presumptuously joined the rebel army.
At this point, he looked up and stared directly at Du Yuan, his voice resolute:

"I just heard that you, Immortal Master, are skilled in a supernatural power called the 'Forbidden Word Technique,' which can not only seal a person's magical power but also sever their meridians, rendering their limbs useless. Therefore, I humbly request that you, Immortal Master, use this supernatural power to seal my tongue, so that I may refrain from uttering any more foolish words in the future!"

Upon hearing this, the long-bearded old man's expression changed drastically.

Silencing someone's mouth is no child's play! A slight misstep could lead to lifelong regret! Moreover, the person before us possesses unfathomable cultivation; once his divine power strikes, there's probably no way to counter it!

The old man grabbed the man's arm anxiously and said:

"Foolish child! Do you know the consequences?! Don't let a moment of impulsiveness lead to a lifetime of regret!"

Du Yuan's expression also turned serious, and he said in a deep voice:
"This humble Taoist priest does indeed possess this ability. However, this matter is of utmost importance; please reconsider!"

The man bowed deeply, his tone resolute:

"Even a moment of regret is far better than a lifetime of ignorance. Besides, without such a desperate situation, I would never have been able to learn anything!"

He paused, his gaze growing increasingly resolute, and said:

"I have already seen my own limitations. If I don't push myself into a corner and force myself to the brink, I will always remain stuck in a mediocre position."

His ambition was to help all people under heaven; if he remained mediocre, he would never achieve anything great.

He has already received an incredible opportunity today, and if it still ends up as something mediocre, he absolutely cannot accept it.

He used to say that he lacked opportunities and the right timing, and that once he gained power, he would surely rise to prominence like a dragon amidst the changing winds!

Now that the storm has arrived, how can he stop because he is afraid of thunder and rain?
Seeing him like this, Du Yuan nodded and said:

"It seems you have indeed figured it out. Fellow Daoist, what do you think?"

Seeing Du Yuan looking at him, the old man waved his hand and said:
"Since this child has made his own decision, I naturally cannot persuade him any further. Fellow Daoist, I'm sorry to trouble you!"

"It's out of the way."

Du Yuan raised her hand and pointed it lightly at the man's head. Golden light flowed from her fingertips, and with a flourish, a cursive character for "forbidden" appeared, then disappeared into her brow.

While still telling stories in the mountains, Du Yuan discovered that the common script in this world was almost identical to the clerical script. Along the way, reading and writing were not a major problem, except for some rare characters. Although she could roughly recognize what they were by their shapes, she was not sure she could write them down.

But after seeing it a lot, it doesn't bother you anymore. "Okay, that's done."

Upon hearing this, the man hurriedly looked up and tried to speak, only to find that he could only open his mouth but could not make a sound.

For a moment, I felt a little lost, but after a while, I felt at peace.

He then bowed again to Du Yuan to express his gratitude.

Du Yuan was also very satisfied with what she saw.

Sure enough, the people in the water village, along with this old man, did indeed grant him another extraordinary ability.

After the initial accumulation, the later development was incredibly smooth!

Go back and find a few old guys to bless it, so that it will be another means to fight against enemies in the future.

The long-bearded old man standing to the side was secretly alarmed!

The handwriting is clearly visible, yet I cannot sense any flow of magical power! Could it be that my eyes are too poor to discern it? No, no, that's impossible! Although this body is not my true self, it is still an avatar I have carefully crafted; it's impossible that I couldn't even detect fluctuations in magical power!

'This fellow Daoist doesn't need to deliberately conceal the flow of magical power before me. Could it be that there truly is no surge of magical power?!'

Upon realizing this, the long-bearded old man was instantly startled.

The technique was completed, but the magical power remained unmoved; the Dao was revealed, but the spiritual inspiration was not manifest! This completely contradicted the foundation of the Daoist arts he had cultivated throughout his life, utterly shattering his past understanding!
His worldview was shattered, and he really wanted to ask Du Yuan what was going on, but he swallowed the words back.

Because each mountain stronghold has its own closely guarded secrets.

This absurd method must be one of them. How could I, an outsider, possibly speak up?
Asking rashly and ending up embarrassed is a stroke of luck. If it makes you an enemy, you can only blame yourself for being too talkative.

Upon realizing this, the old man instantly extinguished his curiosity.

Then he cupped his hands towards Du Yuan and said:
"Thank you for your kind offer, fellow Daoist! I am Zhang Zuojing from Lingxu Mountain. When the great world arrives, I hope you will not hesitate to travel far and wide and pay me a visit. Only then can I fulfill my duty as a host!"

After saying that, the old man asked again:

"So, did you have any questions, fellow Daoist? Please feel free to speak. I will tell you everything I can!"

Du Yuan nodded happily; he had many questions he wanted to ask these ancient 'treasures'.

Before that, Du Yuan turned her gaze to the bald, burly man who had been floating silently in front of her, and a slight smile appeared on her lips:
"Now I'm sending you to handle all matters at the water fortress. Remember, return immediately upon completion. Any delays or attempts to shirk your duties will be dealt with severely."

He paused deliberately, his smile deepening:
"You can figure out the consequences for yourself."

The bald, burly man, feeling as if he had been granted a pardon, hurriedly swore an oath with a mournful face:
"Grand Immortal, you are wise! Even if I had eight hundred lives, I would never dare to play tricks on you!"

Who are you? And who am I? How could I possibly have the guts to do that?
Du Yuan nodded in satisfaction:

"Go."

The bald, burly man immediately collapsed to the ground, drenched in cold sweat, and then, without daring to delay for even a moment, scrambled away in a panic.

Watching him leave, Du Yuan then said to the old man:

"Fellow Daoist, how about we walk and talk?"

Zhang Zuojing smiled broadly:
"That is indeed my wish! Fellow Daoist, please!"

(End of this chapter)