Chapter 439: Chapter 439 – Attending the Luo Tian Grand Assembly (Part 1)
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"It seems this world will offer me quite a few valuable discoveries."
As George summoned his panda Patronus to block Huang Ming's soul attack, he made a quiet mental note.
This was only the first Taoist temple he'd visited, yet he had already encountered a cultivation method that could benefit him. He was confident the other sects wouldn't be far behind.
"What in the world is this thing? A giant panda? Aren't you supposed to be a native of Beijing?"
Realizing that his attacks were consistently intercepted by the pudgy body of the panda—no matter how many punches and kicks he threw—it stood there unbothered like some invincible housecat.
Huang Ming was left speechless.
"Beijing natives like Sichuan pandas too."
George chuckled.
"Taoist Huang, let's call it a draw. You can't break through my Patronus, and while I'm using it, I can't attack your physical body either. Seems fair, doesn't it?"
"Alright then, a draw it is."
Huang Ming's soul returned to his body. He opened his eyes and walked toward George.
"I didn't expect foreign magic could actually block my Yang Spirit... Seems I really underestimated you."
"You brat, now you see what they mean by 'there's always someone better out there'?"
"Just because you stand out among your peers doesn't mean you get to slack off in your cultivation every day."
Suddenly, a bearded middle-aged Taoist appeared behind Huang Ming.
Hearing the voice, Huang Ming jumped in fright, then scratched his head and chuckled.
"Senior Brother! I have been cultivating diligently. What brings you here?"
"You dared use the Yang Spirit technique. Of course I had to come check it out."
With that, the middle-aged Taoist smacked Huang Ming on the head, knocking him flat on the ground.
"You just learned to project your Yang Spirit and already you're flaunting it? If the other guy had been attacking instead of defending, your soul would've been shattered by now!"
"Greetings, Master Liu."
George dismissed his Patronus and Apparated in front of the Taoist, cupping his hands in salute.
The moment Huang Ming had projected his Yang Spirit, this man had arrived—much faster than Huang Ming himself.
From their earlier conversations, George inferred that this must be Liu Xingyang, Huang Ming's senior disciple and acting teacher.
"You flatter me, Master Liu. The Patronus is primarily a defensive spell. It lacks offensive power, so all I could do was hold off Taoist Huang's spirit without harming it."
Ordinarily, Patronuses were only used against Dementors or as magical messengers, and indeed lacked much offensive capability.
But George was different. His power far surpassed that of most wizards, and he had modified the Patronus Charm himself.
With just a thought, his Patronus could manifest enough force to break even solid stone—let alone deal with spirits.
"No need for formalities, Mr. Jin. To think that Miss Jin's younger brother is also an Awakened One—what a surprise."
Liu Xingyang turned to George with a touch of surprise on his face.
George smiled.
"Other than my father, no one in the family knows I'm Awakened. I hope you'll help me keep that secret, Master Liu."
"Completely understandable," Liu nodded. Among Awakened Ones, that was quite common.
Though there was oversight by the National Authority, the world of the Awakened was far more dangerous than the mundane one. Most didn't want their families involved.
Not knowing was safest.
"Senior Brother, we were just sparring. Nothing serious. You still have lectures to give to the junior disciples—no need to waste time here."
Huang Ming stood up, rubbing his sore head, and said helplessly.
"Take good care of Mr. Jin. Don't mess around again, or I'll have you copy the Dao De Jing fifty times tonight."
With a snort, Liu Xingyang gave George a respectful nod and strolled off leisurely.
These days, even Awakened Ones had to make money legally.
But most Taoist monks weren't skilled in business, so befriending wealthy patrons was essential.
He had sent Huang Ming today specifically to host Jin Baobao—a rich second-generation scion—hoping it would lead to future financial support for the temple.
Now that Jin Baobao turned out to be an Awakened One, all the better.
So he no longer fussed over Huang Ming's use of the Yang Spirit technique.
"Mr. Jin, you're really strong. Have you considered joining the Luo Tian Grand Assembly a week from now?"
"Luo Tian Grand Assembly?"
George looked puzzled. He had seen people discussing it on forums earlier, but hadn't had time to read the details.
"Yes, and this year's assembly is different. Old Master Lu Jin of the Lu Clan is offering the Tongtian Talisman as the champion's prize!"
At the mention of the event, Huang Ming grew visibly excited.
"What's the Tongtian Talisman?" George asked, intrigued.
Huang Ming's eyes lit up instantly:
"The Tongtian Talisman, according to my master, represents the pinnacle of talismanic arts.
It requires no altar, no energy invocation, and no prior setup. Even talisman masters of the Shangqing sect—who specialize in this craft—need hours to create a single talisman. But with the Tongtian Talisman, you can draw them effortlessly.
And not just one—dozens in moments."
"So it's really that incredible. Then I definitely want to give it a try."
Seeing Huang Ming's enthusiasm, George's interest was piqued.
Earlier, Huang Ming had dismissed talismanic rituals that required setups as inferior—insisting that his sect's focus on spiritual cultivation and destiny was the true path.
But now, just hearing about the Tongtian Talisman made him sparkle with admiration.
Which could only mean one thing: this wasn't an ordinary talismanic artifact.
"We'll go together then. I'll represent White Cloud Temple.
But honestly, my master says that with my current strength, I've got no shot at winning the top prize. I'm just going to broaden my horizons and see what the younger generation from other sects is capable of."
Huang Ming patted George's shoulder.
"You shouldn't set your hopes too high either. Let's treat it as an eye-opening experience."
He figured Jin Baobao's strength was about on par with his own, so winning wasn't realistic.
But he genuinely liked George—didn't want to go alone—and he understood his senior brother's intentions.
George had just returned to China and was curious about the local Awakened community. This event would be a perfect introduction.
"Great. How do I sign up?"
George agreed without hesitation.
Even without the Tongtian Talisman, the Luo Tian Grand Assembly was an excellent opportunity to observe and learn about the various sects' Awakened spells.
Then he could pick which ones interested him—and find ways to acquire them.
If he had to visit each sect like he did with White Cloud Temple, it could take years.
"No need to register in advance. As long as you're an Awakened One under thirty, you're eligible.
Just come with us. We'll register on-site."
"Then thank you, Taoist Huang."
George offered a respectful cupped-hands salute.
Huang Ming waved him off.
"No need to be so formal. We get along well. You're an Awakened One too—just call me Old Huang, and I'll call you Old Jin."
"Sounds good to me."
George smiled.
(End of Chapter)