Gacha games can't save this bizarre world.

With this, Zhao Hao's knowledge of antique appraisal improved rapidly. The only downside is that wearing it for extended periods is tiring!

Seeing him wearing a monocle, Uncle Tie couldn't help but sarcastically remark, "Oh, well, you look like a little English gentleman from the last century. One of those pretentious gentlemen~"

Zhao Hao recalled his extremely high level of spiritual vision and the phenomenon that he could see spiritual light.

He asked Uncle Tie what those people with the Yin-Yang Eyes and Heavenly Eyes could actually see.

Uncle Tie scoffed at this: "Hmph...how would I know? I can't see it!"

……

Although Uncle Tie is a rather old-fashioned Song Dynasty man with a traditional style, Zhao Hao is just as charming and good at getting things done!

Moreover, Zhao Hao's performance was indeed remarkable. Although Uncle Tie didn't say it out loud, and even mocked Zhao Hao for copying the scriptures as if they were crawling like earthworms, he had a very good opinion of him.

Furthermore, Zhao Hao was indeed involved in that sacrificial ritual in the Heidegger incident.

So Uncle Tie did tell him about the method of raising ghosts!

The origins of strange creatures are unverifiable, and their mysterious origins are a major characteristic of them.

Zhao Hao guessed that it was probably related to the dangerous ghost god that Uncle Tie had mentioned.

These strange creatures possess bizarre abilities, most of which come with serious side effects. However, some of these creatures are not unusable.

Those extraordinary individuals who have gone astray attempt to use certain methods to strengthen, enhance, and cultivate supernatural beings; this is collectively known as the method of raising supernatural beings.

Uncle Tie was both disdainful and indignant about this: "Some superhumans with fish-men in their brains are trying to explore the ability to cultivate bizarre creatures, or even how to become bizarre gods. But bizarre creatures are bizarre and incomprehensible, so this kind of approach is destined to be nonsense. They're all worthless second-rate bastards..."

"Some people who intend to raise monsters but do not do so properly end up dying tragically from the monsters they are offering, and their souls become nourishment for them, unable to be reborn. It is truly a case of offering them while they are alive and serving them after they die."

"Those are too far removed from you. Let's talk about superhumans instead! We generally call people who can utilize spiritual power superhumans."

"Among the methods of obtaining and enhancing spiritual power, some are extremely dangerous and carry enormous hidden dangers, even being traps set by certain terrifying and treacherous gods. Be sure not to go down the wrong path!"

Zhao Hao also learned from Uncle Tie that there are many secret gatherings in the supernatural circle.

Oh, by the way, there are many watch clubs and salons now, and they come in all sizes.

Many of these are shady dealings, and it's hard to say what the people behind them are up to...

We live in a society without the internet, and landline phones have only become widespread in the last few years. People's social interactions and entertainment still follow the old-fashioned traditions of gatherings and parties.

Therefore, the city has many different kinds of clubs, such as dance, literature, opera, hometown associations, as well as some private associations and private clubs that are not open to the public...

------------

Chapter 17, *Huangting Neijing Jing*

Before they knew it, it was Friday the 16th. Thanks to Zhao Hao's persistent copying, he had finished copying the first page of the Cloud Seal Scripture.

Although the first few days were really uncomfortable, to the point that I thought too much during the day and even had dreams at night.

I can't remember what I dreamt about the next morning, but I had a feeling of unreality, as if I were in another world.

But Zhao Hao eventually overcame it all and has now gotten used to it; his reaction isn't as strong as it was at the beginning. He even feels a little good about it!

Although Uncle Tie didn't offer any praise, Zhao Hao could sense his satisfaction from his attitude.

Uncle Tie: "Although your talent is average, at least your perseverance and character are barely acceptable..."

That day, the store finally made a big sale.

In the past few days, there were only about ten people a day, and most of them just looked and didn't buy anything. There were also some old things being sold.

However, none of the transactions exceeded $50, and Zhao Hao thought that if this continued, the business would have to close down.

Today's big sale went quite well; three items, totaling $1200!

The middle-aged, slightly balding man in the suit looked wealthy and like a successful person.

They said they were referred by a regular customer, who knew that the items at Lao Tie Antique Shop were a bit pricey, but worth the money and that they didn't sell fakes.

On Uncle Tie's recommendation, I chose three antiques.

A painted porcelain vase with a 200-year history from the Song Dynasty, a Japanese ukiyo-e print, and a European dressing box with a few decades of history.

In the end, both host and guests had a pleasant time, and the wealthy man left feeling quite pleased with himself.

By this time, Zhao Hao had also gained a considerable understanding of antiques, especially those in Uncle Tie's shop.

That porcelain vase is worth some money, at least $200 on the market. The other two pieces, even if you put them on display, aren't worth $200. So, this deal made at least $800.

Even so, Uncle Tie said it was only because he was a regular customer who referred him. Otherwise, it would have cost at least $1800!

Good heavens, with one slash, blood spurted out more than five meters!

It really is true that opening a business allows you to live off it for three years!

A few orders a month are enough!

Uncle Tie, dusting a piece of European knight's armor with a feather duster, said, "I can tell at a glance that customers like this know absolutely nothing. Buying antiques is just a pretentious act. We can't sell them good stuff; it would be a waste. We'll just sell them whatever we can, let them display it on the shelf..."

Upper-class families typically have cabinets or shelves displaying antiques or items that symbolize the family's history, showcasing their heritage.

The Amis in this world are still greatly influenced by traditional European values.

It seems that the process of gaining independence wasn't so smooth; it was messy and complicated, with many things happening. Therefore, some European countries still have a significant influence on this newly emerging nation.

Take, for example, that pretentious air of old England! Even when a tiger dies, its spirit remains; even when poor, one should never lose face.

Selling antiques and collecting are the top choices for families who have suddenly become wealthy. There are also more "noble" sports, such as golf, balls, horse racing, and charity galas.

So, they just start seeking a sense of superiority now that they have money! Harry Potter-style castles? It's laughable!

Uncle Tie added, "You'll get a commission on this deal, even though you didn't really play a role. But everyone who sees it gets a share, right?"

Zhao Hao will get $80 off this deal! Uncle Tie is so generous!

In the afternoon, Zhao Hao continued to copy the scriptures diligently and meticulously.

Uncle Tie nodded in satisfaction.

Over the past few years, he has mentored a few newcomers, though none of them lasted more than a month. However, he has still witnessed the restlessness and impetuosity of today's young people.

Uncle Tie couldn't help but recall his youth in the Song Dynasty, when seeking the Dao or learning the Dharma required three to five years of trials before you could even get close to it.

The young people of Amei, well, they're particularly arrogant, their feet never touching the ground. Even the Song people here have become restless.

Upon suddenly discovering the existence of a magical new world, everyone wishes they could transform into Superman that very day.

Copying scriptures? What a load of rubbish!

Is there anything that gives you the energy of a hundred suns just by drinking a vial of medicine?

Even if all else fails, getting bitten by an insect or getting some radiation would be fine, right?

What kind of experiment is it? It's the kind where you lie down in a jar, turn on the electricity, and come out a weakling turned into a strongman!

What? You don't even have that?

Is there any armor that allows you to fly and become a superhero?

There's nothing there! Garbage!

It's rare to find young people like Zhao Hao who are patient enough to copy scriptures when asked and not ask questions when not allowed to.

After lunch, Zhao Hao tidied up the kitchen briefly before continuing to copy scriptures.

Recently, he felt his endurance had greatly increased; his back no longer ached, his legs no longer hurt, and he no longer dreamed while sleeping! Copy more, the sooner you copy, the easier it will be!

Uncle Tie called out, "Zhao Hao, come here and rest for a bit."

Zhao Hao: Don't stop me, I can still copy!

Uncle Tie continued, "Let me tell you about the scripture you copied... so you won't copy it blindly."

Upon hearing that Uncle Tie was going to talk about the inner world and the scriptures he had copied, Zhao Hao immediately became excited.

The scriptures were all written in cloud seal script, even the titles.

There are no search engines or anything like that these days, so Zhao Hao had no idea what he was copying.

Zhao Hao sat down at the small table, poured tea for Uncle Tie, and waited for him to speak.

Uncle Tie first took a sip of tea and said, "Humans are the most intelligent of all beings, and among all things, humans are the most important. The most precious part of a human being is the heart. Without humans, all things have no foundation; without a heart, all laws are difficult to form..."

"The heart here does not refer to the heart among the five internal organs, but to a person's thoughts, but not in a superficial sense. Master Xujing once said: 'The heart is the origin of all laws. To establish laws with the heart is to establish 'heart laws,' which is also the foundation of Taoist cultivation."

"There are three thousand great paths, and there is more than one method of cultivation. Action and inaction are different names for the same thing, and they vary from person to person and arise from the heart... because people's innate qualities are different, so what they gain and cultivate will naturally be different."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hao was overjoyed!

The mental cultivation method?! Could it be that what I copied is...? Wouldn't that be a huge profit?

But then a chill ran through me again.

Uncle Tie is a good person, and he thinks he's done a good job, but surely he's not someone you'd take on as a disciple the moment you meet him? Could it be that he has ulterior motives towards me?

Overly cautious Zhao Hao couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

Who is Uncle Tie? He's met more people and knows more than Zhao Hao. From the Song Dynasty to Goryeo, then to Japan, and finally to America, what kind of experiences must he have had along the way? What kind of monsters and demons hasn't he seen?

Zhao Hao's heart skipped a beat; he knew what Zhao Hao was thinking.

Uncle Tie glanced at him, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Don't even think about it!"

Zhao Hao lowered his head. Sure enough, such a good thing couldn't possibly happen to him. And it shouldn't happen to him anyway; he was scared!

Uncle Tie continued, "The scripture you copied is called the 'Huangting Neijing Jing,' which is said to have been written by Wei Huacun's wife..."

Zhao Hao's heart skipped a beat. He had heard of the "Huang Ting Jing" before! It was one of the classics of Taoism. What was that poem again?

We respectfully proclaim that the Yellow Court Palace is tightly sealed, as if the Western Lands have been afflicted by disaster!

This is what the Tongtian Sect Leader in the Investiture of the Gods told his disciples, the myriad immortals of the Jie Sect.

Tongtian Jiaozhu, one of the Three Pure Ones, told his disciples that they should stay at home and read the Huangting Jing when they had nothing to do, and not go out and cause trouble or do anything reckless!

This demonstrates the status of the *Huangting Jing* in Taoism!

It turns out that the "Huangting Neijing Jing" is a classic text of the Shangqing School, which claims that the internal organs of the human body are all governed by ghosts and gods, and that by contemplating and focusing on them, one can achieve longevity.

It is said that Wei Huacun's wife was a female Taoist priest in the Jin Dynasty. She practiced Taoism and fasted for many years. She once served as the chief priest of the Celestial Masters sect (the Celestial Masters sect was divided into twenty-four regions, and the head of each region was called the chief priest) and founded the Shangqing School.

She collected a wide range of Taoist scriptures and secret texts, and her works, such as the "Huang Ting Jing," are important early classics of Taoism. Taoists revered her as "Zi Xu Yuan Jun" and "Nan Yue Fu Ren," and she was later regarded as the "Founding Patriarch of the Shangqing School."

"Therefore, the *Huangting Neijing Jing* and the *Waijing Jing* can be regarded as the fundamental classics of the Shangqing School..."