Chapter 795 - 555: Guardian Warriors
Day by day, the makeshift shelters at the outskirts of Ning City, once chaotic and dilapidated, had long since transformed.
With Chen Sheng distributing porridge and talismans daily, performing miracles, saving dying children with talisman water, and dispelling spreading epidemics with talismanic magic...
More and more disaster victims were completely subjugated by his "Divine Techniques."
A continuous flow of pure and devout Power of Faith poured in like a rushing river.
One morning, as yet another group of disaster victims bowed and gave thanks to him,
A majestic aura suddenly surged within Chen Sheng, a faint golden light emerged around him, and the Mana in his Dantian churned.
With the surge of aura, his professional level leaped!
[Daoist Level 4 (3465/10000)]
Chen Sheng lowered his gaze, feeling the increasingly potent Mana within, a slight and composed smile curling at his lips, he thought to himself:
"Indeed, I came to the right place!"
"If I were to leisurely spread the teachings in an ordinary Daoist temple, relying on the incense of a handful of visitors, who knows how long it would have taken to acquire such an aura."
He gently rubbed his fingertips, a hint of calculation crossing his mind:
"Now, the disaster victims on the outskirts of the city have mostly become my followers, the Aura they provide is increasing more slowly."
"It seems, it’s time to send Xiao Wang and the others out to bring back more disaster victims."
Through these days of observation, Chen Sheng had grasped the rule of the Power of Faith’s growth in aura; this power was like a constant stream.
A single follower could hardly provide a large amount of aura repeatedly in a short time.
The Power of Faith that could be extracted from this group of disaster victims was nearing saturation.
At Chen Sheng’s summons, over ten core disciples including Xiao Wang and Li Shi hurried over, bowing in respect before him.
"Daoist Master."
The group chanted in unison, their voices aligned, exuding sincere reverence.
With Chen Sheng’s secret teachings, proclaiming himself as the earthly manifestation of the Supreme Celestial King Chen Sheng, founding the Supreme Dao, the group therefore addressed him as ’Daoist Master’!
Chen Sheng sat on a meditation mat, his posture lazy yet exuding a powerful aura:
"You have been following me for some time now, quite diligently."
"Now, the Aura of the followers on the outskirts is slowing down; you shall divide into four groups, heading to surrounding counties and towns to guide the refugees here. Remember, do not disturb the officials, only guide those with sincere hearts."
"Follow the Daoist Master’s decree!" The group responded in unison, their tone firm.
Chen Sheng nodded slightly, pointing at a nearby jar, his fingertip gathered a red light, drawing a talisman in midair, muttering incantations.
Soon after, a jar of talisman water glowing faintly with golden light appeared, the golden light flowing, containing an awe-inspiring power.
"This is Divine Power Talisman Water. Each of you should drink a bowl to gain natural Divine Power, unmatched by ordinary people, granting you ample protection."
The group lined up to receive the talisman water, respectfully raising it above their heads, deeply bowing to Chen Sheng, then raising their heads and drinking it all in one go.
At the moment they drank the talisman water, a surge of power suddenly erupted around them, muscles slightly bulged, their eyes grew sharper, and a faint golden light subtly surrounded them.
The original fatigue vanished, their bodies filled with boundless energy, they all showed joy and knelt once more:
"Thank you, Daoist Master, for your blessing!"
Although they were like this, the benefits Chen Sheng himself gained far exceeded theirs.
This Divine Power Talisman Water, Chen Sheng drank daily!
Now, his body’s energy was like a dragon, his Mana was potent throughout, his physical strength comparable to a human Vajra, ordinary weapons would break upon contact.
Even without using talismanic magic, he could go unchallenged.
What pleased him further was that after his level increased, although new professional skills were not unlocked, the talismanic magic grew more profound.
Gold Blade Rune, Wind Commanding Rune, Cloud Rain Rune, Thunder Fire Rune...
Though these Daoist talismans consumed great amounts of Mana, they truly bestowed upon him the majesty of an Immortal.
Giving him greater confidence!
...
Time quietly passed.
Under the guidance of Xiao Wang and the others, batches of desperate disaster victims, like clinging to a life-saving straw, gathered at the outskirts of Ning City.
These disaster victims, mostly driven out with sticks by officials from surrounding counties, clad in rags, suffering hunger and cold, had long since plunged into the abyss of despair.
When they reached the outskirts and saw the orderly disaster victim shelters, abundant thick porridge, and the devotion and peace on the faces of Chen Sheng’s devotees, the despair in their hearts was instantly replaced by hope.
Everyone knelt before Chen Sheng, bowing to become the most devout followers of Supreme Dao.
New followers poured in continuously, and the pure Power of Faith surged once more.
The aura within Chen Sheng grew visibly stronger.
That day.
Numbers on the panel suddenly jumped.
[Daoist: Level 4 (10000/10000)].
"Add points!"
Chen Sheng inwardly shouted, without a trace of hesitation.
In an instant, the Mana in his Dantian erupted like a volcano, rushing through his meridians, permeating his entire being, eventually all converging into the Mud Ball Palace.
A roaring sounded in his mind, a more potent force swept through his body, the golden light around him grew even more intense, even causing the surrounding air to tremble slightly.
Simultaneously, a new professional skill vividly emerged in his mind.
[Daoist: Level 5 (0/100000)]
[Professional Skill: Warrior].
Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes, a barely noticeable weightiness flickered in his gaze, his tone carrying a hint of disappointment:
"Warrior?"
In his anticipation, upon reaching the fifth level, the unlocked skill should have been something extraordinary.
Not to mention the Great Divine Techniques that manipulate fortune and reverse Yin Yang, at the very least, it should have been Daoist Secret Techniques like cloud riding and fog riding or Six Ding Six Jia Hidden Gates, even the magic of transforming beans into soldiers would be more mystical than Warrior.
What’s more, he could already create some rudimentary Warriors using talismanic magic, such a skill seemed too ordinary.
He suppressed the disappointment in his heart, concentrating to explore the mysteries of the "Warrior" skill.
Moments later, his brows gradually relaxed, a divine light reappearing in his eyes, his mood improving markedly.
This Warrior skill, seemingly ordinary, actually hid profound mysteries!
As the Cultivation advances, different grades of warriors can be enlightened.
Water Mansion warriors can control water and travel in the mysterious depths, Load-bearing warriors can carry mountains and fill the sea, Kshitigarbha warriors can manifest Dharma Aspect across the heavens and earth...
If the Cultivation is sufficient, one can create top-level warriors that reach the skies and possess vast Divine Techniques.
Compared to the aggressive nature of Talismanic Magic, this is undoubtedly a solid path of protection.
"For now, I can barely create the lowest level of protective warriors, yet even in the mundane world, they are invincible."
However, what Chen Sheng values most is not the warriors’ Divine Techniques, but their inherent ability of "possessing from a distance."
"The warriors I transform are a hundred percent obedient, never betraying."
"I can also use the warriors’ bodies to cast spells from a distance and investigate all directions."
This means in the future, he no longer needs to show himself personally; he can control everything from behind the scenes, greatly enhancing safety.
Although in this world, he has yet to encounter a supernatural powerhouse that could threaten him, caution is his inherent nature in both past and present lives.
Had he not needed to gather faith and increase fortune, he would prefer to remain hidden behind the scenes, strategizing and calculating.
That afternoon, Chen Sheng resided in an elegant tent beside the Daoist temple.
The tent’s furnishings were simple, with only a Pear Blossom wood desk, upon which were placed cinnabar, talisman paper, and a nine-section staff, solemn and tranquil.
In no time, Little Wang, Li Shi, and all core disciples arrived, kneeling simultaneously within the tent, their foreheads touching the ground, their voices supremely respectful:
"Greetings to the Daoist Master! May the Daoist Master enjoy eternal immortal blessings, and may Daoist Techniques flourish!"
Chen Sheng sat upright behind the desk, his stature erect, eyes slightly raised, with Divine Light gleaming in his eyes.
This was not the pretentious Divine Light he used to disguise himself in the past, but the true "air viewing" ability acquired after leveling up. It was a mysticism accompanying warrior transformation, allowing him to see through a subordinate’s level of devotion at a glance.
His gaze slowly swept across the crowd, and in his eyes, above each person’s head, appeared a column of faith light of varying length and brightness.
The brighter and longer the light column, the more devout the follower it represented.
Chen Sheng was satisfied at heart:
"Not bad."
"Worthy of those I meticulously selected, without ulterior motives, their devotion is evident, not failing my cultivation effort."
His gaze stayed on Li Shi’s head for a moment, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
Li Shi’s faith pillar shone the brightest, likely due to his gratitude for saving his mother, making his devotion increasingly sincere.
Next was Little Wang, who followed him from the earliest days, unwavering in loyalty, with quite a bright light column.
He lifted his hand, lightly tapping the ground with the nine-section staff, with a tone growing ever more majestic:
"In the past, I promised, when my accomplishments reach Perfection, I shall ennoble you as Celestial Soldiers and Generals, to enjoy endless grandeur and glory."
"Although my feats are not yet accomplished, your recent meritorious service in guidance cannot go unrewarded."
"Today, I shall choose the five most devout among you to be ordained as protective warriors, granting you Divine Light Protection, impervious to blades and spears, to guard the Dao alongside me!"
With these words, the core disciples inside the tent instantly erupted in fervor, eyes full of ecstasy and anticipation, all kowtowing:
"Thank you, Daoist Master, for your grace! We are willing to walk through fire and water for the Daoist Master, without a second thought!"
Chen Sheng nodded slightly, signaling the crowd to stand up.
Then with a wave of his hand, the cinnabar and talisman paper on the desk all floated into the air.
He slowly stood up, his inner Qi surging, his moon-white Daoist Robe fluttering without wind, sleeves billowing, like a Heavenly Immortal descending, exuding full magnificence.
"Li Shi, Wang Xuan... step forward to receive your titles!"
Li Shi, Little Wang, and five others immediately stepped forward, kneeling with upright postures, eyes full of fervor and awe.
Chen Sheng held the nine-section staff, walking to the five of them, muttering incantations under his breath.
Cryptic and obscure commendation spells circulated within the tent, carrying a solemn and mysterious air.
Red light condensed at his fingertips, as he drew runes mid-air for each of the five in succession.
Each stroke was full of force, the runes complex and orderly, with the red light falling on their heads, turning into marks that slowly merged into their bodies.
Subsequently, he waved his hand, several bowls of golden light-laden talisman water flew through the air, landing precisely in the hands of the five:
"Drink the talisman water, receive the baptism, shed the mortal shell, and transform into protective warriors!"
The five held the bowls with both hands, drinking reverently to the last drop.
The talisman water turned into a vast force upon entering their throats, engulfing their entire beings.
Suddenly, brilliant golden light erupted from their bodies, muscles swelled, their posture became more upright, their gaze sharp as an eagle’s, subtle Divine Light enveloping them.
Appearing extraordinarily robust!
They’ve shed worldly air, truly embodying the image of protective warriors.
Holding the nine-section staff, Chen Sheng lightly tapped the five of them, and declared in a resonant voice:
"Ordained! You are granted the title of Supreme Dao Protective Warriors, to guard the Dao and protect the Dharma, dispelling evil and banishing spirits, with boundless strength, impervious to blades and spears, fearing no death or injury, following only my command. Any disloyalty, and your Divine Souls shall be annihilated!"
"Obey the Daoist Master’s Decree!"
The five shouted in unison, their voices booming and resonant, golden light flashing around them as they heavily kowtowed to Chen Sheng, heads touching the ground, in their tone was ultimate fervor and loyalty.
"We are willing to keep to the Daoist Master’s side, inseparable, sharing life and death!"
The ceremony concluded, and the golden light gradually dispersed.
Five protective warriors rose to their feet, standing straight as pines, with imposing aura, forming a sharp contrast to the other core disciples.
The rest of the disciples stood aside, eyes full of envy, silently clenching their fists, nurturing a strong desire in their hearts—they also want to become protective warriors, possessing such Divine Techniques and glory.
Chen Sheng swept his gaze over the other disciples, a faint smile tugging at his lips, his tone a mixture of persuasion and subtle manipulation:
"You need not envy, the position of protective warriors is not immutable."
"With the establishment of the Supreme Dao, it’s precisely when manpower is required."
"As long as you remain devout in heart, abide by the Dao rules, achieve many meritorious deeds, propagate the Dao, and recruit believers, expanding the Supreme Dao, then next time, the position of protective warrior can be yours."
He paused, his tone increasingly firm, as the Daoist Master aura emanated more strongly:
"Now, with the foundation of the Supreme Dao initially set, it still requires the widespread dissemination of the Dao to enlighten all beings."
"Immediately disperse to the surrounding counties and remote villages, spread the Dao, receive the drifters, and let more people know of the Supreme Dao’s compassion, joining the ranks of the Supreme Dao."
"Remember, in all actions, you must adhere to the Dao rules and exhibit Divine might, lest you tarnish the name of the Supreme Dao!"
"Obey the Daoist Master’s Decree!"
All core disciples responded in unison, their eyes bright, expressions firm.
Each swore secretly, determined to diligently spread the Dao and achieve meritorious deeds, striving for the opportunity to be ordained as protective warriors next time, to follow the Daoist Master and accomplish something great.