Chapter 74: The Prohibition of the Dao

Listening to the fact that Liu Ping was actually writing a novel instead of cultivating, Zui Hongchen was furious. Her junior brother possessed such extraordinary talent, yet he neglected his cultivation for the sake of novel-writing? Truly irresponsible! Unable to contain her anger, she came storming in to confront him, only to find that Liu Ping was already deep into his second chapter, "Zhang Yide Whips the Inspector; Prince He Plots the Downfall of the Eunuchs." So focused was he that he failed to notice his senior sister's arrival.

This world was one of immortals, where the suppression of mighty forces made technological progress arduous, yet other aspects flourished—such as certain philosophies, the support of merchants, private property, and even the concept of copyright. In ancient China, copyright was virtually nonexistent, since printing was too cumbersome and expensive, and novels and plays were mere diversions, unable to generate profit. But here, literature could indeed be profitable, leading to the rise of many novelists.

A single book could bring fame; a single character was worth ten coins. Hundred-coin novelists were not rare. The literary environment in this world, aside from the widespread knowledge of written language, even surpassed that of modern China in some respects. Most notable was the strict stance against piracy—novelists’ rights were greatly protected, so long as their work was truly worthy.

Publication was the first threshold, barring over ninety percent of aspiring writers. Achieving modest success weeded out most published authors; attaining great popularity eliminated those who were mere flashes in the pan. In this relentless process of elimination, becoming famous with a single book was extraordinarily difficult. Some novelists wrote into old age without ever seeing their work published—such was the harsh reality of the literary world.

Yet there were those with peerless talent, born storytellers who instinctively knew how to captivate readers and easily gained fame. It was enough to make others envious. Liu Ping, however, possessed little innate talent, but he had a unique trump card.

At this moment, Zui Hongchen pushed open the door, took a few steps into the study separated by a screen, and saw Liu Ping engrossed in his writing, oblivious to her presence. A trace of annoyance crossed her face as she silently complained: Brother, how can you be so unproductive? She was about to voice her reproach, but when her eyes fell upon the paper on the desk, the words died in her throat.

Sheets of paper were laid out to dry, and from the characters emanated a green aura, three feet in length—a remarkable sight. Ordinary people could not see this aura; even Liu Ping had to channel his spiritual energy to his eyes to discern it. But Zui Hongchen was different—she saw it easily.

“Without even being disseminated, it reveals a green hue... Though this is literary aura, if it spreads far enough, it might transform into fortune. Even if the converted fortune is faint and rootless, it should not be underestimated.” Zui Hongchen was moved, letting go of her disdain as she leaned in to read the contents.

Literary aura was considered a branch of fortune: white signified mediocrity—harshly, it was trash. Red indicated works that might gain minor popularity, poems or novels. Gold meant major success. Green, however, was reserved for works destined for the annals of history, impervious to the ravages of time—exquisite or even peerless.

This novel radiated a deep green, astonishing Zui Hongchen.

She first read the title: "The Deification of the Three Kingdoms?" What a peculiar name! Beneath it was a poem—

Rolling waters of the Yangtze eastward flow,
Waves sweep away all heroes.
Right and wrong, success and failure, turn to naught.
Green hills remain, sunset after sunset.
White-haired fishermen and woodcutters by river isles,
Accustomed to autumn moon and spring breeze.
A jug of cloudy wine—joyful meeting.
How many affairs from ancient times,
Are left to idle talk and laughter.

“What magnificent verse!”

Unable to restrain her admiration, she marveled at her junior brother’s talent. She read on, and soon finished the first chapter, but found herself craving more, eager to know what would happen next. She couldn’t help but smile wryly—her junior brother could write a novel so well? No wonder the work produced green aura; it resonated with her deeply. To craft such a piece was no longer a waste of time.

Liu Ping, still wholly absorbed, wrote with divine inspiration, as wisps of green aura rose from the words, filling him with satisfaction. After considerable effort, he finally finished the second chapter. Letting out a long breath, he suddenly realized his senior sister stood beside him, staring intently. Startled, he blurted, “Senior Sister, when did you arrive?”

Zui Hongchen smiled. “I heard from Hua’er that you were writing a novel, so I came to have a look.”

“Oh, did you read any just now? What do you think of my novel?”

“I read some. It’s well written, but don’t let your writing distract you from cultivation.”

Liu Ping replied, “Naturally. I wouldn’t neglect my priorities, so you needn’t worry.”

“That’s good,” said Zui Hongchen.

Liu Ping set the papers aside and continued, “You’ve come at the perfect time. I have some questions about condensing the Human Flower seed.”

Day after day passed; in the blink of an eye, seven days had gone by. Liu Ping wrote one or two chapters each day, reaching ten chapters and over fifty thousand words—enough for a first publication, so he paused. Meanwhile, progress on the Human Flower seed had also become clear.

Holding a piece of Yellow Bright Jade, Liu Ping quietly absorbed its energy. After a moment, he opened his eyes, delighted. “It’s done—the Human Flower seed has finally condensed.”

“Though it’s small, as long as it exists, cultivating it into a Human Flower is just a matter of time. I have ample resources, so I can greatly shorten the process.”

He closed his eyes to continue cultivation. One day later, inspecting his lower dantian, he found the tiny seed had already sprouted.

“I’ve finally stepped into the first stage of Human Immortal.” Satisfied, Liu Ping was in high spirits, went to the kitchen, and prepared a grand meal, which finally brought a smile of contentment to Hua’er, who had been waiting anxiously.

There were thirteen dishes, generous portions, and everyone ate heartily. Just then, Ye’er went to call Guo’er, but she still hadn’t arrived. Liu Ping couldn’t help but ask, “Is my cooking not to Guo’er’s taste? Why hasn’t she come?”

Hua’er mumbled between bites, “That’s because Guo’er is too shy.”

Zui Hongchen added, “Guo’er is indeed a bit timid.”

Ye’er said, “I think Master needs to step in—this can’t go on.”

Hua’er replied, “But she seems to enjoy it.”

Ye’er concluded, “Hermits are truly unfathomable creatures!”

Liu Ping laughed helplessly.

After the meal, it was time to take their leave. Suddenly, Liu Ping remembered something—those two beast hides he couldn’t make sense of. Perhaps his senior sister could decipher them, so why not let her take a look? With this thought, he took out the hides.

The moment they appeared, Zui Hongchen’s previously calm expression turned to surprise. “What are these?”

“These are something I happened upon a while ago. They didn’t seem ordinary, so I kept them close. No matter how I studied them, I couldn’t figure them out, so I thought you might see something I missed. Is there any mystery to them?” Liu Ping watched his sister’s reaction with delight and spoke eagerly.

Zui Hongchen took the hides and examined them closely. Then she said, “They appear to be a spell legacy, but there are too many Dao Seals on them—even I can’t see through them.”

“Dao Seals?” Liu Ping asked instinctively in confusion.

“Mm, look.” Zui Hongchen nodded and her slender fingers glowed with a blue light.

In that instant, the ordinary-looking beast hides revealed countless symbols, interwoven and layered in intricate patterns.

Liu Ping glanced once and felt dizzy, quickly averting his gaze.

Zui Hongchen was startled as well. “So many? These must be quite old, yet they still retain so many Dao Seals. I wonder what kind of spell legacy this is, to have so many seals. Truly astonishing!”

So Dao Seals were encryption measures in the immortal world? Liu Ping understood and continued, “Can you break these Dao Seals, Senior Sister?”

Zui Hongchen considered, then nodded seriously. “I can.”

Liu Ping was overjoyed. “Can you help me break them?”

Zui Hongchen replied, “I can, but it may take some time.”

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(So few recommendation votes! Begging for votes!!)