Chapter 20: Three Door Techniques and Cultivation of Four States

    Jiang Liuer realized that the "benefits" brought by yesterday's killing far exceeded his expectations. When silently reciting "The Mahayana Scripture of Killing and Sin" to refine the Skeleton Demon's remains, his efficiency had significantly increased.

    He could now maintain "extreme emptiness and profound stillness" during scripture recitation—a state of complete focus and tranquility.

    The power of the Skeleton Demon seeped into his body like a bubbling spring.

    Jiang Liuer's consciousness seemed to freeze in a particular state.

    The colorless spiritual energy within his dantian space began to gain hues.

    He felt undergoing a metamorphosis, likely reaching the second stage of Buddhism's "Desire Realm Meditation" or Taoism's "Refining Essence into Qi" as mentioned by Senior Tang Sanzang.

    Senior Tang Sanzang had once explained in the group chat...

    Buddhism divides cultivation into four realms: "Desire Realm Meditation," "Fundamental Dharma Meditation," "Mahayana Universal Meditation," and "Supreme Bliss Buddha Meditation," each subdivided into four stages.

    Taoism similarly categorizes cultivation into four realms: "Refining Essence into Qi," "Refining Qi into Spirit," "Refining Spirit to Return to Void," and "Refining Void to Merge with Dao," with each realm having four stages.

    "I never imagined cultivation could be this straightforward!" Jiang Liuer rejoiced.

    Was this due to his identity as the Golden Cicada's reincarnation?

    Or perhaps the combined power of Senior Tang Sanzang's Demon-Subduing Lotus Seed, the Skeleton Demon remains, and Senior Huang Mei's "Scripture of Killing and Sin" shared in the group?

    Jiang Liuer: "@Muscle Tang Sanzang, Senior! I've reached the second stage of Desire Realm Meditation/Refining Essence into Qi!"

    Muscle Tang Sanzang: "Not bad."

    Jiang Liuer: "Hehe, I've been refining the Skeleton Demon remains day and night without rest. Only after nonstop cultivation for a full day did I break through."

    Jiang Liuer: "Seniors, what level does this achievement rank among the Four Continents?"

    [Great Sage Equaling Heaven Sun Wukong]: "Barely a mountain-guarding imp! Weakling! When I first emerged from the stone, even clueless, I surpassed your current level."

    Jiang Liuer had thought he'd gained sufficient power for vengeance.

    But the Great Sage's words revealed how far he remained from avenging his parents.

    Muscle Tang Sanzang: "Since you've laid solid foundations, I shall impart you a cultivation method."

    Jiang Liuer felt uneasy.

    He'd secretly practiced the technique Senior Huang Mei shared in the group.

    Though Senior Tang Sanzang likely knew he'd read the scripture, he probably remained unaware of the covert practice.

    Muscle Tang Sanzang: "What do you wish to learn?"

    Jiang Liuer: "A method to avenge my parents!"

    The reply came instantly.

    Muscle Tang Sanzang: "Good. This hatred in your heart suits these techniques!"

    [Ding! "Muscle Tang Sanzang" sent an exclusive red packet!]

    Jiang Liuer immediately claimed it.

    Instead of physical items, this packet delivered mental information—a unique cultivation method.

    "Vajra Wrath Demon Body Tempering Art"—the technique's full name.

    Muscle Tang Sanzang: "My original creation. Master this to temper your flesh. Minor mastery grants blade immunity; major mastery repels elements; perfection lets bloodlust exorcise evil, your skin surpassing magical armor."

    [Ding! "Muscle Tang Sanzang" sent another exclusive red packet!]

    Hiss—another?

    While still digesting the body art, Jiang Liuer received a second packet.

    He clicked to claim.

    Muscle Tang Sanzang: "Another of my fourteen-year-old creations—'Hundred Curses Heart-Piercing Sword Control.' Though mediocre, it suffices for your current level."

    Jiang Liuer marveled at the senior's prowess.

    Creating techniques at fourteen?

    Utterly monstrous!

    What could he himself achieve by that age?

    Unimaginable.

    [Ding! "Muscle Tang Sanzang" sent a third exclusive red packet!]

    What? More?

    Jiang Liuer gaped.

    Muscle Tang Sanzang: "Another teenage creation—'Wind-Stepping Soul-Chasing Falcon Steps.' Master this, and no mortal steed can outrun you."

    Three consecutive gifts left Jiang Liuer dizzy.

    Body tempering. Sword control. Movement technique.

    Such generosity!

    Jiang Liuer: "My deepest gratitude, Senior!"

    After organizing the techniques, Jiang Liuer couldn't wait to experiment.

    He leaped from the moving prison cart's edge.

    "Benefactor! You fell!" cried Hu Yuyu.

    "Keep moving. I'll follow on foot." Mimicking the movement technique's instructions, Jiang Liuer channeled spiritual energy.

    An invisible wind seemed to lift his feet.

    Each step covered over three meters!

    "Amazing!" Within ten breaths, Jiang Liuer overtook multiple prison carts under stunned guards' gazes.

    He leaped six meters skyward, scenery blurring past.

    True wind-walking sensation!

    Jiang Liuer: "@Muscle Tang Sanzang, Senior! I've mastered the movement technique!"

    Tang Sanzang blinked. Though simple, his teenage creation shouldn't be mastered this swiftly.

    "Perhaps his talent surpasses mine," he murmured.

    ......

    Guards watched Jiang Liuer's antics in disbelief.

    "Captain... is it me, or is Jiang Liuer becoming less human? How can anyone run that fast?"

    Captain Yin Zhao urged his horse faster, still failing to catch up. Maintaining composure, he growled: "Normal for energetic youths."

    "Captain! He's flying now!" a guard shouted as Jiang Liuer ran midair.

    Yin Zhao snapped: "Must you force me to call our savior a demon? So what if he flies? Perfectly normal!"

    ......