Chapter 49: Qigong, Willow Leaf Gold Sabers, and Blood Curse Sorcery

The six magical arts unfolded one by one, examined in sequence.

Folk Methods: Fire Basin Exorcism, Wealth Swallowing Technique, Chopstick Pinching Method
Esoteric Arts: Qigong - Grain-Repelling Qi Guidance Diagram, Willow Leaf Golden Blade Technique, Blood Curse Technique

First, the folk methods.

1. Fire Basin Exorcism originates from ancient folk customs. People believed the fire basin symbolized a mountain of blades and a sea of fire—representing difficulties and obstacles. To step over it was to dispel evil spirits and bad luck. In many places, even weddings involved crossing over a fire basin.

This method is valid but not very powerful; it only repels minor spirits and light misfortune.
Note: Requires burning mugwort.

2. Wealth Swallowing Technique is a somewhat sinister method to harm others financially, its exact origins unclear. It involves raising a toad in a dark place, feeding it human bones and corpse oil. Then, by feeding the toad the target’s hair, nails, or similar items, the toad dies instantly. In the following three days, the target suffers a significant financial loss.

In ancient times, folk shamans used this to punish and intimidate unbelievers.
Note: This method also harms the user’s own fortune; harming others does not benefit oneself.

3. Chopstick Pinching Method, fully known as the Red Chopsticks Finger Pinching Ghost Expulsion Technique, stems from the ancient belief that fingers are connected to various parts of the body and the cosmos. The middle finger, in particular, links man to heaven and earth. Red chopsticks—with their red color and round ends—symbolize the yin and yang of heaven and earth. Pinching the second segment of the middle finger interrupts this connection, allowing ghosts and evil spirits to be squeezed out of the body.

This is a common folk method, used by both Taoist priests and laypeople, without distinction between good or evil.
Note: If the evil is too strong or prepared, forcibly pinching it out may harm the possessed individual.

After reviewing these three folk methods, Louis stroked his chin thoughtfully.

These folk methods are not bad at all, especially the Fire Basin Exorcism and Chopstick Pinching Method—they can actually dispel possession. He recalled many foreign horror films where possession was difficult to handle; now, with these techniques, it seemed much more manageable.

As for the Wealth Swallowing Technique, it was a clever way to curse others but useless to him. He was wealthy and wouldn't want to lose his own fortune just to harm someone else—rather inconvenient.

However, these were just appetizers.

Now, on to the main course.

1. Qigong - Grain-Repelling Qi Guidance Diagram

Qigong is a traditional method of exercise and health cultivation, but its origins lie in ancient internal alchemy and primordial qi training. Over time, it evolved, merged, and simplified into an excellent foundational practice.

Because it spread widely and proved effective regardless of moral alignment, it was included in folk manuals.

In modern times, it has undergone further reforms, with many categories and mixed qualities, demanding different aptitudes. Some focus on external power, granting invulnerability to blades and extraordinary strength; others emphasize foundational cultivation, extending life and aiding spiritual practice.

This particular qigong is the original foundational method, pure and highly effective!

Beginners can strengthen their bodies; with practice, they become immune to diseases and gain great qi power; mastery grants the birth of internal qi, setting one apart from ordinary mortals.

Looking at the detailed description, Louis’s eyes lit up. Was this... a fundamental method?

No, this was only a tiny fragment of the fundamental method.

The true fundamental methods were far more powerful.

Yet even so, a smile crept to Louis's lips.

Finally, finally!

There was something to enhance the body!

The folk methods had mostly been ineffective—either scaring ghosts away or unlocking doors. Against formidable foes, fleeing was the only option.

Well, fire techniques were somewhat useful but came at the cost of consuming vital energy and even lifespan.

Now, with this qigong, he no longer needed to worry about such side effects.

“Ah, at last, something truly core,” he breathed, then attentively turned to the other two esoteric arts.

2. Willow Leaf Golden Blade Technique

This is a technique to slay ghosts!

Willow branches have long been believed to repel spirits, and under special methods, willow leaves can directly kill ghosts.

Take fresh young willow leaves from shady places, hold them in hand, inscribe a talisman, and blow three breaths upon them. The mind must be focused during the blowing; only the third breath can send the leaf flying, proving the strength of one’s intent. At that moment, the leaf flies out, capable of harming the ghost or human soul you wish to destroy.

This technique has levels: beginner, proficient, and master.

Beginners—ordinary people—can use it with limited effectiveness.

Proficiency increases power but also consumes more energy and spirit. Excessive use causes severe headaches and mental disturbance.

Mastery requires formally entering cultivation and developing the yin spirit, unlocking the technique’s full power.

3. Blood Curse Technique

A terrifying, cruel, and sinister curse art.

Though originating from folk traditions, it is distinct from common folk magic; it began closely tied to heterodox sects like the White Lotus Cult, later incorporating necromantic arts from the Lingnan region to form this blood curse technique.

It is both a curse and a cursed treasure.

It requires collecting vast amounts of blood to distill blood essence, then using a human body as a nest for worms—living humans preferred, corpses second best. The stronger the body, the better.

Next, talisman papers inscribed with curses cover the corpse, sealing the seven orifices of the face. Countless worms inside consume the blood essence, grow stronger, bite, and fight among themselves until the corpse becomes a hollow shell. The last surviving worm transforms into a blood-colored orb resembling jade.

This blood orb embodies the blood curse, capable of killing whatever it targets. The stronger the target, the more essence consumed until depletion.

Note 1: This orb cannot be replenished and must be reforged. The process is gruesome, risking mental disturbance and pursuit by righteous sects.

Note 2: Advanced techniques of this art are found in the heterodox compendium.

...

Looking at these two esoteric arts, Louis fell silent.

Their lethality... was intense.

One art annihilates ghosts and souls; the other curses with bloodshed.

Neither was to be trifled with.

Just reading about them, Louis could imagine how terrifying their practitioners must be.

They kill invisibly.

These arts revealed to Louis the true danger of the heterodox path.

So this is the heterodox way?

No wonder it mingled with demons and deviant paths—some of its techniques were indeed ruthless and cruel.

But, I like it.

Louis’s lips curled slightly.

In this land rife with drug lords, murderers, and perverts, it was quite fitting.

Besides, there were unlikely to be righteous heroes suddenly appearing to punish him here.

So, what was there to worry about?

“Folk methods and esoteric arts are truly different—one is a foundational cultivation method, one a ghost-slaying art, one a curse-killing technique. Much stronger than folk methods.”

“I just wonder how long it will take to master them.”

Gazing at these three esoteric arts, Louis realized that for a long time to come, his focus would have to be on mastering them.