"It's a success! I've made it successfully."
After working for an unknown amount of time, the old man shouted, holding a bottle filled with golden liquid in his hand. This was the fusion potion that Xu Le had been dreaming of.
The old man looked at the successfully made potion with a complicated expression, but then smiled nonchalantly, handed it to Xu Le, stretched, and instructed him, "Xu Le, I understand the principle behind this potion now. It was made by a great magician from ancient China, a powerful being known as an immortal in China. It's like the sword immortals in Chinese legends, establishing a wondrous connection with their swords, even merging the sword into their bodies. He then applied this concept to talismans, successfully integrating them into his body and gaining immense power. Be careful when you're fusing it, as this potion hasn't been tested before, and it's not convenient to test it. But if you experience any discomfort during the fusing process, remember to tell me immediately, and I can offer targeted suggestions."
Xu Le nodded, indicating that he would use it carefully.
After saying goodbye to his father, Xu Le returned to his room, sat down, and laid out the nine talismans on the table, examining them carefully. He had only used the Rabbit Talisman before, escaping District 13 at an extremely fast speed without anyone noticing him. If it weren't for the enhanced mental strength Xu Le had gained from practicing magic, he would have almost crashed into the wall several times.
Xu Le picked up the Ox Talisman. He could feel a surge of power coursing through his body; he felt he could easily lift a small car and throw it. After putting it down, the power vanished instantly, leaving Xu Le feeling somewhat lost. He then tried all the talismans except the Rabbit Talisman. He could turn a living creature into a living rat, and he could turn the wooden rabbit on his table into a real, alive rabbit. The resurrected rabbit tried to escape, but Xu Le used the Rat Talisman, and the rabbit returned to its wooden form. The Horse Talisman could rapidly heal his wounds, and the Sheep Talisman allowed his soul to leave his body and wander the sky. This wandering was similar to a day-and-night wandering spirit, as if he had successfully cultivated the Yin and Yang spirits that countless people in other worlds pursued throughout their lives. Xu Le could clearly feel a power protecting his soul from harm from other external forces.
This surprised Xu Le. If he obtained cultivation techniques in the world of immortals and heroes, he could separate his soul from his body to absorb the essence of the sun and moon, and he would also have extremely strong resistance to attacks on the soul. This made him marvel at the power of the former Holy Lord. The mental power of the Chicken Talisman amplified his spiritual strength, and the effect after he used it was far stronger than that of an ordinary person. However, the Monkey Talisman and the Pig Talisman were not suitable for experimentation, so Xu Le did not try them.
Xu Le poured the potion into his hand. The golden liquid didn't continue flowing; instead, it formed a ball of light in his palm. Xu Le moved his fingers and picked up a dog talisman. The instant he picked it up, he could feel a connection established between him and the talisman, no longer just a passerby to it as before.
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Chapter Eleven: Undercurrents (Updated daily at 8 AM starting tomorrow)
If we were to use an analogy, the talisman is like a computer in an internet cafe. Anyone can access the internet with their ID card. He is now like someone who has gone from being an internet user to having his own computer. As long as the connection is not severed, he can maintain that connection and have certain permissions, allowing him to sense the talisman to some extent.
Xu Le had a sudden realization: one of these talismans was bestowed upon the Holy Lord by this world, representing a part of the law; the other demons were the same. Perhaps some might ask, why would the world bestow such powerful forces upon demons?
Because the world is ruthless, it only pursues the enhancement and sublimation of the world. The existence of Yin and Yang, good and evil, is a necessary part of the stability of the world. If there is only good and no evil, the world will be in chaos. However, if the power of evil is too strong, it will interfere with the development of the world. Therefore, the sealing of the eight demons before must have been due to the interference of the world. Otherwise, given the powerful ability of the demons to use the laws, they would not have been sealed so easily.
As for those eight warriors, they were likely the so-called Chosen Ones of the World, who, through a series of extraordinary encounters, directly became immortal gods. This was probably with the tacit approval of the world, allowing eight immortal gods to fight against eight demons and balance the yin and yang of time, good and evil. It was precisely because they saw this situation that they sealed these eight demons instead of killing them.
Xu Le banished these distracting thoughts, concentrated his mind, and slowly placed the dog talisman into his body, precisely where his heart was located. After placing it, Xu Le could feel a powerful life force filling every cell. Blood gushing from his heart filled his entire body, slowly transforming it—far more powerful than if he had used the dog talisman directly. Xu Le was now practically a rare treasure; his powerful life force meant that even a bite from him wouldn't grant immortality, but it would certainly extend his lifespan. Xu Le could feel his own strength, a strength that wouldn't disappear with the loss of the talisman, but would persist. He had a feeling that given enough time, his body could acquire the power of the ox talisman, and becoming a so-called innate Dao body wouldn't be difficult.
Without hesitation, Xu Le continued to place the remaining talismans into his body. After finishing, he glanced at the clock on the wall; it was already four in the morning, and the sky was beginning to lighten. It seemed the sun would rise soon. However, Xu Le felt no sleepiness. These nine talismans had given him immense power, not only physically but also spiritually. Nevertheless, Xu Le sat cross-legged on the bed, following his father's cultivation method, using meditation instead of rest.
After an unknown amount of time, Xu Le's mind gradually calmed down, and he became even stronger than before. The powerful vitality amplified his cultivation speed, which was good news for him. Although he had some talent in magic, he was not a genius. However, with the amplification of the talisman, his cultivation speed was ten times faster than before. It could be said that one month of cultivation for him now was equivalent to ten months of cultivation before.
Xu Le got up, washed up, and went downstairs. He saw that Jackie Chan had already prepared breakfast and was sitting there giving Xiao Yu some instructions. However, his expression was rather unpleasant, as if something bad had happened. Xu Le pulled out a chair, sat down, picked up a piece of bread, took a bite, and asked, "Jackie Chan, did something happen? Why do you look so unwell?"
"District 13 was attacked by the Mafia. Many people died, including Gunn, and the talismans were stolen." Jackie Chan was dejected. The Mafia had been utterly ruthless this time, attacking District 13, stealing all the talismans, and killing one of his few remaining friends in District 13, Gunn. Gunn had a very good temper and was kind-hearted. Jackie Chan, who frequently visited District 13, naturally became friends with him. Gunn's death at the hands of Valmont during the attack deeply saddened Jackie Chan, and he was also furious at the Mafia's actions.
Xu Le looked at the saddened Jackie Chan and offered a few simple words of comfort. He didn't feel too guilty; he was the biggest beneficiary of this incident, so he didn't feel much remorse.
His mindset has changed. While he hasn't become the kind of demon who kills entire families for some treasure, he won't abandon his own interests because of the deaths of some people. He's a typical profit-seeker; his current goal is to pursue immense power and eternal life, and then continuously enjoy the finest wines and the most luxurious food and clothing within that long life.
He never considered himself a person of few desires; he possessed strong aspirations. However, he lacked the qualifications and strength to fulfill these desires in the past. Now, though, he had the power, and he wouldn't suppress his true nature. As for the so-called escaping the mortal world and cultivating one's inner self, in his view, what was the point of immortality if one hadn't even truly enjoyed the mortal world? To cultivate like a machine was truly foolish.
Xu Le might change his mind in the future, but for now, he wants to enjoy every day of life, live the best life possible, and become a superior person. This goal supports him as he continues to move forward. Now, Xu Le possesses both the Dog Talisman and the Horse Talisman, which can be considered as granting him immortality.
However, he was not satisfied, because this was only immortality. He wanted eternal life, the eternal state where he would still exist even if the universe were destroyed. After witnessing powerful magic, this was his goal, and he would continue to fight for it.
After watching Jackie Chan leave, Xu Le said goodbye to his father and returned to his room to continue his cultivation.
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Inside the building, Valmont's face was grim, but he still managed to awaken the statue before him. A red glow emanated from the dragon-shaped statue, and Shendu's soul awoke within. A majestic voice asked, "Valmont, have you collected the talismans I requested?"
Hearing this, Valon was a little embarrassed, but for the sake of his treasure, he still braced himself and said, "Sir, we attacked District 13, but there were no talismans inside. I also encountered a mysterious person who must have stolen the talismans. So I would like to ask Sir if you can find the talismans."
"Valon, you piece of trash! Why have I lost contact with these nine talismans?" Shendu's furious roar echoed throughout the office. He had just sensed the talismans and discovered that he had lost contact with the other nine; someone had stolen his power. Although he was the Demon of Fire, the power of these talismans was part of his body. If he couldn't retrieve them, he would never be able to restore his body, nor would he be able to seek revenge on the humans he hated. This was more infuriating to him than death itself.
Betrayed by his own subordinates, his body was torn apart, and he was imprisoned for countless years. In hell, having lost his body, he was no match for the other demons and was often toyed with by them. This humiliation was unbearable for the Holy Lord. He had waited for so many years and was eager to release his dragon retinue to destroy the human world he hated.
When Valmont heard Shendu call him "trash" again, he couldn't help but grab his scepter and smash it against the statue. He was a mafia boss, and although he could compromise for the sake of treasure, that didn't mean Shendu could insult him at will. Just as he was about to smash the statue, a shadow warrior leaped out from the shadows and stopped him.
"Vallon, do you still want your treasure? Then go and retrieve all the talismans. I will send the Shadow Warriors to assist you." Shendu didn't press Vallon any further, fearing he might become desperate, so he changed the subject.
"Yes, Holy Lord." Valon snorted and turned to leave the office. He didn't want to fall out with Holy Lord before he got the treasure.
After Valon left, a long time passed before Shendu's puzzled voice echoed in the office: "Who on earth stole my power? Could it be him? Impossible, he's dead. If it wasn't him, then who could it be?" Then, silence fell again, as if nothing had happened.
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Chapter Twelve: Clash (Bonus chapter added because I'm in a good mood)
On the street, the traffic blended into a cacophony of noise. Identical buildings lined both sides of the street. The setting sun cast large patches of light on the repetitive structures and the fading trees. Xu Le sat in the shop. His father had gone out again, so he'd been asked to watch the shop. Fortunately, Jackie Chan was cooking, so he could relax here. Xu Le looked out through the glass at the same constant flow of traffic and hurried pedestrians—the unchanging rhythm of this city. He couldn't help but feel a pang of melancholy. Was a finite lifespan the reason for such a fast pace of life? Some long-lived spirits in D&D works pursued harmony with nature, art, and beauty. Their long lives allowed them to maintain an innocent and kind nature. Was this the difference between long-lived beings and ordinary people?
Xu Le dismissed these unrealistic ideas. Since he was curious, he would go to the world of elves to see if they were truly pursuing art, or if they were feeding on humans like vampires. The world is full of wonders, and Xu Le wouldn't be surprised if elves like goblins appeared; he would just be a little speechless.
Suddenly, Xu Le sensed a malevolent aura approaching. His intuition was rarely wrong; if he sensed danger, it meant trouble was brewing. Thinking this, Xu Le used the Sheep Talisman, his soul leaving his body and soaring through the sky, surveying the surrounding streets from above. Sure enough, not far away, he saw Valmont and his group approaching menacingly. Xu Le's heart tightened. Had the talisman been discovered? Now, possessing the power of multiple talismans, even ten Valmonts wouldn't be a match for him. However, with the talisman exposed, he would face two choices: return it to Section 13, or break ties with Section 13 and Jackie Chan. Although the talisman's power was immense, many wondrous treasures appeared later in the anime, and he alone couldn't find many. Jackie Chan, on the other hand, was the protagonist of this timeline; following him, he could find a large number of treasures. Therefore, breaking ties with Jackie Chan so early would be unwise.
Xu Le's soul returned to his body, and he had a plan in mind. After estimating the time, just as Valon and his group were about to arrive at the antique shop, he called out to the kitchen, "Jackie Chan, a customer is here. I don't know the prices, can you take a look?"
"Coming, coming!" Jackie Chan, wearing an apron, hurried out of the kitchen. As he reached the cashier, he saw Valon about to enter. Startled, he assumed a fighting stance and shouted at Valon, "Valon, you attacked District 13 and dare to swagger in here? Do you think the American government is a pushover? You've humiliated them so much, they've issued a nationwide warrant for your arrest! Don't think you can resist a state apparatus!" Jackie Chan wasn't just threatening; since the attack on District 13, several high-ranking officials in the country were furious and had ordered Valon's arrest.
Valmont's face instantly darkened upon hearing this, becoming so grim it seemed like water could drip from it. His original plan was to raid District 13 to obtain the talisman, then take the treasure from Shendu, escape this country, and live a life of luxury in another nation. However, someone had intercepted his plans, leaving him a scapegoat. Even if he went to explain to the American government now, they wouldn't listen; they would only arrest him as a warning to others. So, he was now suffering in silence, unable to voice his grievances. Jackie Chan's words struck a nerve, leaving him with a pent-up anger that had nowhere to go.
Valmont didn't lose his temper; he forced himself to calm down. At that moment, a dark figure emerged from the ground, transforming into the appearance of a Japanese ninja. In his hand was a yellowish-brown handle carved with four Chinese dragons, each with dark red eyes—the very same talisman finder used to locate the Tiger Talisman. Valmont took the finder and pointed it at the antique shop.
Xu Le was startled. Just as the dragon's eye looked at him, the talisman began to awaken, preparing to release its power, but Xu Le suppressed it. Having fused with the talisman, he possessed a certain level of authority, allowing him to suppress it to some extent. Xu Le also realized that this so-called talisman finder determined direction by causing the talisman to release some kind of power. Valmont's talisman finder lit up, but not in Jackie Chan's direction; instead, it emitted a red light directly towards Valmont's dragon eye. Valmont looked somewhat embarrassed, returned the talisman finder to the Shadow Warrior, and said in a deep voice, "Jackie Chan, I haven't obtained the talisman, so I need your help to find it. Once we find the talisman, we will leave this country."
Jackie Chan laughed angrily and shouted, "You guys are really shameless! You broke into District 13, killed people, stole talismans, and now you want me to help you find the talismans? You should think about your own safety first. You're wanted nationwide, and that's not just talk. Besides, I don't want to help you murderers." After saying that, he turned around and prepared to return to the prescription. He had no interest in talking to these criminals anymore.
"Jackie Chan, you're refusing a toast only to drink a forfeit." Valmont, seeing that Jackie Chan showed him no respect whatsoever, strode forward and suddenly lunged at him.
"careful"
Upon hearing Xu Le's warning, Jackie Chan rolled to the side and then stood up to throw a punch, but it was blocked by Valmont. Without hesitation, Jackie Chan delivered a high kick, catching Valmont off guard. The kick struck Valmont squarely in the face, and he staggered back a few steps, clutching his face. Valmont rubbed his face, a bloodthirsty look on his face, and then rushed forward to fight Jackie Chan again.
Seeing the two locked in fierce combat, Xu Le quickly put away several valuable items. At this moment, he had to admire his father's wisdom. He had left a few valuable antiques outside for easy storage, while the other trinkets were worth less than a hundred US dollars in total.
Crackling sounds!
The intense fight between the two shattered the porcelain, sending shards flying everywhere. Valmont's men, watching their boss and Jackie Chan locked in a fierce battle, were unsure of their stances. Suddenly, they spotted Xu Le watching from the sidelines, their eyes lighting up. A few of them exchanged glances and then surrounded him.