American variety show world begins with subduing Jason

Taking Buddhism as an example, Theravada Buddhism in the Theravada tradition generally divides the levels into four stages of Arhatship, while in Japan, the ten stages of Bodhisattva are preferred to represent the level of attainment.

In order to correspond with its rival, the Xuanmen school, the Mahayana schools of Chinese Buddhism also came up with the concept of the Five Realms of Brahma: Prajna Realm, Vajra Realm, Arhat Fruit, Bodhisattva Embryo, and Buddha Karma.

The same applies to the Xuanmen Immortal Path. Whether it's refining Qi and preserving spirit, or alchemy and talismans, each has its own name for the stages of cultivation.

Overall, the Neidan school has been most prosperous in the last few hundred years. In order to facilitate communication, people usually use their own system, which includes the concepts of acquired and innate golden elixir, yin spirit, yang spirit, and primordial spirit.

Lai Hengli didn't practice internal alchemy, so of course he couldn't form any golden elixir. However, at this level, the meaning is pretty much the same.

Depending on their respective methods, some form golden elixir, some condense relics, some create a mystical altar, and some become true talismans. Even extraordinary individuals from other systems can construct power cores such as the Heart of Magic and their natal spirit.

In short, it means to integrate one's essence, energy, and spirit into one, and then sublimate them. From then on, one's vital energy will not be lost or leaked, one will be free from illness and disaster, and as long as one does not suffer any accidents, one can live to the human limit of 150 years old, hence the name "True Person".

For modern cultivators, the concepts of Yang Shen (a type of immortal) and Yuan Shen (another type of immortal) are too lofty fantasies. Only the Golden Core True Person level is something that various organizations can still find a few of, who occasionally show their faces as role models to boost the confidence of newcomers and broaden their horizons, letting them know that there is a path ahead in the path of cultivation.

Outside of the Middle-earth system, Europe still maintains its ancient traditions, adhering to the five-tiered system of feudal squires, knights, lords, scepters, and crowns.

When they arrived in the New World, which had little cultural heritage, they simply used a simple scale of level one to five to describe it.

Anyway, no one will have any objections—who is better or worse can be determined by a fight. Let's see who's the real deal and not argue about the difference in skill levels.

As they spoke, the two of them had already entered another building through the corridor of the second-floor annex, and then went straight down to the basement via elevator.

In the basement, four fully armed guards stood watch over a round alloy door. Even when one of them stepped forward to verify Bai Ziyuan's documents, the other three remained vigilant and patrolled the surroundings.

Since he wasn't a formal member of the Hualian Group yet, Zhu Mingyao didn't intend to go in to avoid suspicion. However, Bai Ziyuan glared at him and pulled him inside.

"Why are you hiding so far away? You're expecting me to carry all this stuff myself?"

Upon entering the warehouse, the layout resembled a bank vault on television, with rows of shelves neatly arranged. However, instead of banknotes, these shelves held tightly sealed bottles, jars, boxes, and containers.

Zhu Mingyao looked around, stomped his foot, and, feeling the texture of the impact, said:

"Isn't it a bit too risky to rely solely on an alloy floor? People who are proficient in metal and earth magic are rare, but they're not impossible to find."

"You're overthinking it, kid." Bai Ziyuan bent down, took a long brown cardboard box from the shelf in the corner, and gestured with her chin toward the boy.

"Here, there's one more. Hug him."

"The warehouse is surrounded by half-meter-thick granite blocks. Behind each alloy floor tile and wall panel inside, Elder Lai has placed a Geng Metal White Tiger Sha (煞) on it. The whole thing is also set up with the 'Pointing to the Ground to Turn into Steel' technique. Whether it's a ghost or a human, anyone who tries to get in will be smashed to pieces."

The two entered the elevator one after the other. Bai Ziyuan pressed the button and then turned back to add:

"Besides, most of the materials here are ordinary; we don't keep the more precious things here."

"What are all these?" Zhu Mingyao asked curiously, looking at the large box in his arms.

"There are talismans, various materials, and some things that are just right for what you need now. I'll tell you the details when we get home."

Besides what Uncle Lai prepared, I also prepared a portion for you. Hurry up and thank Brother Ziyuan!

"Okay—okay—okay, thank you." Zhu Mingyao said with a sidelong glance and a perfunctory tone.

"What kind of attitude is that? No emotion whatsoever! Start over!"

The two walked out of the building, loaded their belongings into the car, and returned to Zhang's Antique Shop amidst laughter and conversation.

Bai Ziyuan took the water handed to her by the boy in the living room, gulped down two mouthfuls, put down the cup, and under Zhu Mingyao's expectant gaze, opened the cardboard box at her feet and began to introduce the items one by one.

The trial run is coming to an end, and I'll probably be eliminated in one round, but thank you all so much anyway (*︶*)

Chapter 46 Times have changed; fists are no match for guns.

"Ten pieces of the finest talisman paper, all made from aged bamboo that has been stored for more than three years. Half of them are cut to the correct size, and the other half are left uncut."

"Two Qinghao brushes, made from carefully selected old bamboo from the spiritual roots of the bamboo sea in southern Sichuan, Qingcheng Mountain, are used to draw talismans with natural inspiration, and the strokes are smooth and unrestrained."

"A set of ten Shi Gandang stones, though only the size of a fist, were mined from the top of Mount Tai and then buried and refined by the feng shui masters of our chamber of commerce in places where the earth's energy condenses in the Rocky Mountains. They are used to protect homes and ward off evil spirits, preventing the growth of foul air. They can be sold to wealthy merchants for at least tens of thousands!"

The will and power of the people of Central Plains, the natural resources of the Federation's mountains and rivers, and the resources of two great powers all serve you alone! Isn't that a great blessing?

"Two portions each of peach wood, jujube wood, locust wood, pine wood, cypress wood, and willow wood. Except for the peach wood, which is twenty years old, the others are all over forty years old."

"Gold, silver, and copper powder, gold, silver, and copper foil, mica powder, realgar, azurite, magnetite, American ginseng, Ganoderma lucidum, and other metal, mineral, herbal, and medicinal materials, etc., all of these are secondary. The important thing is this..."

Bai Ziyuan bent down, carefully picked up a small white porcelain jar with a thick glaze, and opened the lid to let Zhu Mingyao take a look.

Inside, there was a large amount of bright red cinnabar with a pure color and fine, even grains, which faintly reflected a reddish light under the lamp.

"This is a top-quality product that can't be found on the market. It's Nine-Turn Spirit Sand, refined for a hundred days in a furnace by fellow practitioners in China who are skilled in external alchemy. Whether used to draw talismans and cast spells, or to mix medicinal ingredients and arrange rituals, its effects are excellent. This small jar is more valuable than all those other things combined!"

"That pile contains some commonly used finished baits, various kinds of incense and liquor, pills, powders, ointments, and elixirs. They have labels on them, so you can take your time to look at them later."

"There are two jars of [Yin Shen Niange]. That stuff can't be kept for long; it needs to be made as needed. When you need it later, come with me to get it."

Bai Ziyuan then took out three small brocade boxes from the box and said:

"These three talismans were personally crafted by Elder Lai, who instructed you to keep them close to your body."

"One of them is the Hundred Weapons Talisman, which can generate a force field that covers the whole body, and can even block several close-range shots from a pistol."

"One is the Wuchong Huasha Diagram, which is good at dispelling all kinds of evil spirits, malevolent curses and vicious curses."

"One is a substitute talisman, which is similar in function to the substitute paper doll technique from your Maoshan sect. I know you don't know how to use the substitute technique yet, so I specially prepared it for you."

"Why are they all defensive or supportive? Are there any offensive magical artifacts? Like sword pellets?" Zhu Mingyao craned his neck and asked expectantly.

“I have this!” Bai Ziyuan held up what she was holding.

"The Smithson M357 revolver is reinforced with alchemy and infused with rare alloys, making it resistant to high temperatures, freezing temperatures, and dust and sand corrosion. It can still be used normally in extreme environments. Its modified size makes it easy to carry, and its classic design prevents jamming. If one bullet misfires, it can be fired repeatedly. With the terrifying lethality of the .357 Magnum bullet, a single shot within 50 meters will either kill or maim the target!"

Seeing the boy's speechless expression, Bai Ziyuan patted his shoulder, half-jokingly and half-seriously, and said:

"For most ordinary cultivators, this thing is far more useful than sword pellets! If they are below the Innate Realm and are not prepared, they basically cannot withstand it. Over the past hundred years, the number of extraordinary beings who have died from guns and cannons has far exceeded the number who have died from magic..."

"Brother, times have changed."

Bai Ziyuan's voice carried a hint of regret.

"This is the experience that many predecessors gained with their blood during the final years of the Later Jin Dynasty. So now all of us in Hualian need to practice shooting, at least to have a basic understanding of it!"

"I took you to the shooting range twice, didn't I? This thing isn't difficult. You can practice whenever you have time. The gun-handling procedures are all done and are in the bag."

"The boxes contain specially made silver armor-piercing bullets from the Holy Church, which have been quenched with holy water. They are more effective than ordinary spells against tough monsters like werewolves."

"Take a look at this last one, can you still recognize it?" Bai Ziyuan picked up an item from the bottom of the box and placed it in front of Zhu Mingyao.

How could I not recognize you?

Although his appearance has changed a lot, when he couldn't memorize the Taoist incantations, this thing would whip his buttocks several times.

Zhu Mingyao took the cane-like object and gently stroked it in his hand.

The peach wood torture staff is three feet six inches long, dark red in color, and has eight seal characters on it: "Thunder Gate Fire Chariot, Fengdu Torture Ghosts". It is engraved with thunder patterns and covered with lacquer.

This was Zhang Shouzhong's personal magic weapon, which he had used for twenty or thirty years. To make it easier to carry, he modified it into the shape of a walking stick.

The only difference is that the curved handle of the cane has been removed and replaced with a round head. The shaft is wrapped in a thin layer of black sharkskin, and the end is covered with silver, giving it a light and elegant British style. It has been transformed from a cane into a walking stick.

"Didn't the old man take it with him? I remember he was still using it when he boarded the plane."

“That’s a spare replica. Before your master left, he asked us to take the staff and change its style so that it would be easier for you to use. It’s not appropriate for a young person to carry a cane around, so it’s much better to change it to a walking stick. You can pair it with a suit jacket and consider it a retro style,” Bai Ziyuan replied.

"He said that when it comes to magical artifacts, it's better to have fewer but better ones. This staff is made of a rare and precious spiritual wood that has been around for a hundred years. It is of good quality and as tough as iron. It can be used to fight both humans and ghosts. It has also been refined by him for many years. It can be used to form an altar on the spot to assist in the performance of the spell. It can also be used as a peach sword and a magic whip. It has many wonderful uses and is more than enough for you."

The young man was somewhat moved. Such personal magical artifacts were usually passed down by practitioners when they passed away. The old man was really kind to him.

He picked up the stick, flicked his wrist, and swung it in a stylish flourish.

This feels amazing!

What boy could resist a straight and good stick?

If he had had this stick back then, he would have made all the rapeseed flowers within a ten-mile radius bow their heads!

Bai Ziyuan sat in the chair for a while, then stood up, dusted himself off, and said:

"You can organize the things yourself. Only 30% of the materials were brought here today. The rest will be stored in the Hualian warehouse. You can pick them up with the receipt when you're done. I have something to do this afternoon, so I'll be leaving now."

"What are you busy with? It's almost noon, let's go eat first, it's on me." Although he wasn't very good at socializing in his previous life, Zhu Mingyao still understood basic social etiquette.

"What's so great about the food? I'm going to Hollywood this afternoon. My family invested in a TV series there, and I'm one of the people in charge of the interviews. I heard there will be quite a few young ladies going, hehe..."

Bai Ziyuan's laughter carried a hint of lewdness, making even his handsome appearance seem somewhat sleazy.

If these words were spoken on the internet in the boy's previous life, they would surely have attracted a group of young girls with watermelon-shaped haircuts to attack him, earning him the respectful title of "underdog."

However, in this day and age, PCs are not yet widely available, and the online community is still relatively honest. There aren't many people who are just bored and make random accusations. Even if Bai Ziyuan is outspoken, as long as it's consensual, he will at most be called a playboy.

Zhu Mingyao stood up and saw him out of the house. Bai Ziyuan walked to the car, suddenly slapped his forehead, and turned around to say:

"The information you asked me to collect last time is almost finished. When are you going to have it delivered?"

Holiday break, I've only managed a few hundred words in the past few days (￣.￣)

Chapter 47 What era are we living in that we're still playing with traditional cultivation methods? (Part 1)

As a long-established organization rooted in the Federation for nearly a century, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce naturally has its own internal database, which stores various information that may involve supernatural powers that it has collected over a long period of time.

Although Zhu Mingyao has not yet officially joined Hualian, he is only a member on the side of Zhang Shouzhong and can barely be considered an unofficial member. He has no access to the real confidential files, but he can freely look through other public and semi-public information.

Zhu Mingyao had wanted to use it for a long time to enrich the monster-hunting guide he had written based on his memories from his previous life.

However, since Zhang Shouzhong was around, he couldn't explain his supposed prophetic abilities, so he didn't dare to do it openly and could only do it secretly, occasionally copying a couple of pages.

Now that no one was around, he greeted Bai Ziyuan and copied down the bits and pieces of information from his memory, listing the clues so that the person managing the database could search for relevant information and make a copy as soon as possible.

The reason he was so impatient was that, after experiencing it for a period of time, Zhu Mingyao found that the new Taoist method was just too amazing!

Its advantages, such as high potential, strong compatibility, abundant magic power, and numerous uses, need not be mentioned.

What more bikes do you want?

If this were in ancient times, when there were more opportunities and resources, such a superior immortal technique would probably only be learned by the true disciples of the true lineage. How could it possibly be his turn?

Zhu Mingyao, in particular, knew that his family's true aptitude was only barely average, and that he relied entirely on the system's stat boosts to maintain appearances. The [Shangqing Huangting Neijing Jing] happened to have the added ability to improve one's physical constitution, which was perfect for him, so he was even more determined to seize this opportunity.

It just requires a bit more money (points), right?

I'll go out and work (grind monsters) to support you!

The saying that desire is the driving force of human progress is absolutely true, and the young man is full of energy now.

Thinking of this, Zhu Mingyao replied directly, "Let's leave it for now. When will the Yin God Elixir be ready? I'll stop by on my way to get it."