Chapter 69: Engraving a Second-Tier Talisman (Seeking Continued Readership)

Since Liu Xiaoxian had helped resolve the Yu Family of Beastmasters issue, Li Guanzhuan did not hurry back to Silver Maple City. Instead, he first wrote a letter home, telling Wen Rongxin not to worry about him.

When Liu Xiaoxian heard that Li Guanzhuan wanted to start learning the art of array formation, she generously brought him a mountain of books. She also selected a few talented alchemists and talismanists from the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion, asking Li Guanzhuan to teach them whenever he had time.

Li Guanzhuan agreed. After all, Liu Xiaoxian had done him a great favor—if he didn’t help her with such a small matter, it would seem ungrateful.

Over the next few days, Li Guanzhuan began studying the knowledge of array formation. Arrays generally fell into two categories: portable and emplacement types.

Portable arrays were inscribed onto talismans, treasure seals, magical artifacts, flying vessels, or puppets to enhance their power. Some advanced arrays could turn a talisman into an array-talisman, or a magic artifact into an artifact-array. The sword arrays often seen in the cultivation world were also crafted by array masters. The difference lay in the arrangement of spiritual energy circuits, the structure of array eyes and anchors, and the selection of materials.

Emplacement arrays, on the other hand, were deployed upon spiritual veins as their core, enabling the establishment of grand mountain-protecting arrays. These could serve functions such as surveillance, recording, illusion, attack, and defense. They could even link the spiritual consciousness and qi of every member of a sect or clan, bringing forth formidable power.

But the permutations and combinations of arrays were innumerable, the supporting structures ever-changing, and the resulting spiritual energy circuits even more complex—almost like electrical circuit diagrams.

Holding a copy of "Foundations of Array Dao Analysis," Li Guanzhuan stared at the many intricate arrangements, feeling his head throb. Compared to the art of array, alchemy, artifact crafting, talisman making, and puppet arts all seemed like child’s play.

He couldn’t help but admire Song Zhiqiao, the young lady famed as "Little Green Tea." Despite only being at the third level of Qi Refinement, she could comprehend and understand array theory and had even become a true first-rank, lower-grade array master. Indeed, a noble lady from a scholarly family had her own skills.

“Brother Li, I think I can try drawing first-rank, middle-grade talismans now. The lower-grade ones are becoming a bit too easy for me,” Song Zhiqiao approached with a cheerful stride, speaking to Li Guanzhuan.

Li Guanzhuan was momentarily speechless.

How many days had Little Green Tea spent learning to make talismans? Not even a week, surely? And already she was able to draw middle-grade talismans?

As expected, genius female scholars might not excel in the path of cultivation itself, but when it came to intellectual pursuits, their talents truly shone.

Seeing the subtle change in Li Guanzhuan’s expression, Song Zhiqiao asked timidly, “Brother Li, did I do something wrong?”

“No, you’re very clever. You’ve got a sharp mind,” Li Guanzhuan sighed. “Back then, I was a first-rank, lower-grade talismanist for over twenty years. Who could have imagined you’d surpass that in just a few days?”

Song Zhiqiao was taken aback, but then she smiled sweetly. “Brother Li, it’s just that you built up your knowledge and now you’re reaping the rewards. Today, you’re a second-rank alchemist and talismanist admired by thousands. That’s already amazing!”

Li Guanzhuan said, “Alright, enough flattery. It’s time to start learning how to make Explosive Spirit Talismans, Fire Talismans, and Ice Talismans. These sell well. If you improve the quality and master the right technique, with your intelligence, you’ll be a first-rank, upper-grade talismanist within two or three years.”

With that, Li Guanzhuan put down the troublesome "Foundations of Array Dao Analysis," no longer in the mood to study. With the Velvet Flower Spirit Tree in his possession, as long as he and Song Zhiqiao cultivated together, the knowledge of array formation would likely enter his mind directly. Why waste the effort? This was more exhausting than dual cultivation.

So, Li Guanzhuan began to personally teach Song Zhiqiao how to draw middle-grade talismans.

“You made a mistake here. When outlining the patterns, you mustn’t be careless. It has to be just right, or the talisman won’t form properly, and you’ll waste materials.”

“Yes, yes… I’m sorry, Brother Li.”

“It’s alright, just focus a bit more.”

Feeling Li Guanzhuan standing right behind her, his familiar masculine aura wafting around her, Song Zhiqiao’s cheeks flushed and she grew nervous, her concentration wavering. After making yet another mistake, she looked downcast and dejected.

“It’s my fault for being so slow. Unlike Han Lian, who’s so smart and easily drew a middle-grade talisman,” she muttered.

At this, the young man in blue, Han Lian, beside them looked rather pleased with himself. Among all present, his talent for talismans was unmatched—surely he alone could inherit Senior Li’s legacy.

“Don’t be discouraged, Miss Song,” Han Lian said with a smile. “You’ve only just begun learning to craft first-rank, middle-grade talismans. It takes time and effort. Keep at it.”

“It’s fine,” Li Guanzhuan added. “Come to my room tonight, and I’ll explain some insights into the Dao of talismans. With luck, you’ll become a first-rank, middle-grade talismanist within half a year.”

“Ah?” Song Zhiqiao froze, then her face lit up with delight. “Alright, Brother Li, I’ll definitely come tonight!”

Many of the female alchemists and talismanists watching looked on with envy—and a hint of jealousy. If only they were a bit more charming, perhaps they too could win a chance at one-on-one tutoring from Senior Li in the evening.

“Now then, I’m going to draw a second-rank, lower-grade talisman—the Lightning Talisman. Talismanists may come watch, while alchemists continue your own work and don’t let yourselves be distracted.”

With that, Li Guanzhuan sat down cross-legged, adjusted his breath, and stilled his mind.

The talismanists hurried to claim good spots, eager not to miss the second-rank master at work. Song Zhiqiao obediently stood nearby.

Li Guanzhuan picked up his brush, and intricate, mysterious patterns of spiritual blood appeared on the paper, every stroke imbued with a unique charm. Soon, faint arcs of lightning flickered across the second-rank beast-hide talisman paper.

The first-rank talismanists stared, eyes wide and full of awe.

Was he about to succeed?

But then…

The lightning began to fade, and at last, a faint crackle signaled the talisman’s failure.

“It failed…”

Even so, the first-rank talismanists were deeply impressed. A second-rank Lightning Talisman was far more powerful than any first-rank attack talisman. As far as they knew, this was Senior Li’s first attempt—reaching this stage was already remarkable.

Song Zhiqiao opened her mouth to offer comfort, but seeing no trace of discouragement on Li Guanzhuan’s face, she quietly closed it, not daring to interrupt.

Li Guanzhuan exhaled gently. Indeed, the first attempt always ended in failure.

As he reached up to wipe the sweat from his brow, Song Zhiqiao promptly handed him a silk handkerchief, gently dabbing his forehead.

Li Guanzhuan paused, then smiled at the thoughtful young lady. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me, Brother Li. This is what I should do,” Song Zhiqiao replied with a giggle.

Li Guanzhuan nodded, then settled his mind again, calmly reviewing the cause of his failure and mentally rehearsing the process in his inner darkness to avoid wasting further materials.

After his seventh failure, he finally identified the issue and quickly went through the process again in his mind.

Soon after—

The Lightning Talisman succeeded.

Without hesitation, Li Guanzhuan dipped his brush in second-rank spiritual blood and swiftly outlined the patterns on the beast-hide talisman paper. The lines shimmered with spiritual energy, intertwining as arcs of lightning flickered and finally settled into the talisman.

“Success!”

“He did it on the second try… Senior Li is incredible.”

“No wonder he’s Manager Liu’s prized disciple. His talent in the Dao of talismans leaves us far behind.”

The observing first-rank talismanists burst into praise.

Li Guanzhuan looked a bit pale, but there was no trace of pride in his eyes. Only he knew how many failures lay behind this success.

He put away the Lightning Talisman and spoke: “Everyone, make the most of your time to practice. I’ll be in Shanggu City for at most three more weeks. If there’s anything you don’t understand, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Yes!” The first-rank talismanists, hearts brimming with confidence, hurried off to practice with renewed determination. If Senior Li could succeed on his second attempt, so could they!

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PS: Chapter three! Please vote for recommendations~ Tomorrow will also be three updates, starting at noon if possible. I’ll try not to update at such odd hours anymore.