Chapter 108: Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Shen
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
The level of a Talisman Master was affected by many factors. There arc two most important factors. One was the level of control of the brush technique. The older the Talisman Master, the stronger his control. The other was the level of understanding of the spirit rune circuit.
When Shen Ping heard the content of the second step, he understood that it was a test of his comprehension. His control could be improved through the accumulation of time. However, other than the accumulation of experience in talismans, his comprehension ability also required some talent.
He walked to the jade table. There was a special talisman placed on it.
Spirit Stabilizer Talisman.
Shen Ping, who was originally a little nervous, heaved a sigh of relief when he saw this talisman.
The Spirit Stabilizer Talisman was indeed a relatively special second-grade talisman. Although this talisman did not have as many spirit runes as compared to other second-grade talismans, it was complicated and varied. It tested the talisman master’s understanding of spirit runes.
Most importantly, almost no cultivator would use such a talisman.
For example, the Armor Spirit Talisman, the Lightning Talisman, the Flamefall Talisman, and other Level Two talismans. Foundation Establishment Cultivators often needed them for battle and exploration, as well as for life-saving and escape. Therefore, this was the first choice for Level Two Talisman Masters to try to make talismans.
Talisman masters rarely expended their energy to study special talismans like the Spirit Stabilizer Talisman. Even if they wanted to improve their understanding of spiritual runes, they would choose talismans that are of higher grade and are commonly used.
If it was any other Talisman Master in the qualification assessment, they would probably have a headache if they encountered a Spirit Stabilizer Talisman. However, among the breakthrough experiences and comprehension that Shen Ping absorbed, there was the production of a Spirit Stabilizer Talisman.
He calmed his mind, and prayed. He finished his familiar movements. He picked up the talisman brush and buried his head in the talisman paper to sketch. He did not have to worry about failure. With the successful memories engraved in his blood and muscles, Shen Ping did not feel any pressure at all.
The beautiful woman standing behind him sized up this Qi Refinement Talisman Master with interest.
The complexity and variability of the Spirit Stabilizer Talisman was comparable to a mid-grade Level Two. Most Level Two Talisman Masters at the Foundation Establishment Realm would not study and make it, let alone Qi Refinement Talisman Masters.
Moreover, even if he had made the Spirit Stabilizer Talisman before, he might not succeed if he tried again. It was indeed very harsh to use such a special talisman to test Qi Refinement cultivators.
According to her understanding, the applicants for Talisman Masters at the main station of the True Treasure Pavilion had basically fallen at this step.
In the room on the right, the five Golden Core Perfecteds had indifferent expressions. They were quite satisfied with the applicant during the first step of the assessment.
However, the second step was the key.
As long as he could successfully make it, it meant that this person’s comprehension of spiritual runes was not low. His talent in the Dao of Talismans was extraordinary. After he built his foundation in the future, it was only a matter of time before he advanced to a high-grade Level Two Talisman Master.
In the room in the backyard of the True Treasure Pavilion, the Foundation Establishment Guests were still waiting patiently. The longer it took, the higher the possibility of passing the qualification test.
At this point, regardless of whether the applicant would eventually pass, this potential was already worth befriending.
Shopkeeper Qu tasted the spiritual tea and the anticipation in his heart became stronger.
The sun rose and set.
In the assessment room, Shen Ping failed again and again. Even though he had the experience and memory of making the Spirit Stabilizer Talisman, the difficulty of his first attempt exceeded his expectations. Fortunately, he did not need to consider the problem of the materials. Otherwise, just the failures these few days would have increased his pressure.
During this period, he had taken more than 16 Spirit Revitalization Pills and Spirit Accumulation Pills. Every failure required time to recover. There were only four sets of materials left on the jade table.
The beautiful woman behind him swayed her waist and walked to Shen Ping’s left. She waved her fingers elegantly and added another stack of materials. Her fragrant lips parted slightly. “Talisman Master Shen, do you want to rest for half a month and adjust your condition?” She smiled meaningfully and said, “When you relax completely, it might be easier to succeed.”
Shen Ping acted as if he did not hear anything. The talisman brush in his hand did not stop at all. As the last spirit rune of the Spirit Stabilizer Talisman landed, the entire talisman paper flickered.
The beautiful woman glanced down. Soon, the faint smile on her face turned into shock. Amidst the flickering of the spiritual patterns, the blood ink on the talisman quickly reacted and finally hid a spiritual light.
The Spirit Stabilizer Talisman was completed!
A long-lost smile appeared on Shen Ping’s face.
“Congratulations to Talisman Master Shen for completing the second step of the assessment!” The outline of the beautiful woman’s brownish-purple dress rose and fell slightly. She first congratulated him, then couldn’t help but say, “It’s extremely difficult to make the Spirit Stabilizer Talisman. I didn’t expect Talisman Master Shen to complete it within twenty sets of materials. This attainment in the Dao of Talismans is truly admirable!”
Shen Ping turned around and subconsciously asked, “Senior, I’m curious about how many sets of Spirit Stabilizer Talisman materials are prepared for the second step of the assessment?”
“A hundred.” The beautiful woman stared at Shen Ping. “Although there are no restrictions, if you can’t complete one within a hundred sets, there’s no need to continue.”
Shen Ping smiled and said, “It seems that I’m quite lucky. Senior, is there a third assessment next?”
“Yes.” The beautiful woman’s eyebrows were charming and moving. She said casually, “The third assessment is very simple. Talisman Master Shen only needs to answer what a talisman is.”
The immortal cultivation techniques such as pills, talismans, weapons and arrays, were all broad and profound. It was very difficult for beginners to have any profound understanding. For example, in the Dao of Talismans, a Level Two or even a Level Three Talisman Master might not be able to understand what talismans were.
Therefore, as long as there were not too ridiculous comments, he could basically pass the third step.
However, Shen Ping was not in a hurry to reply. In fact, he was a little puzzled as to why she asked such a question. In his opinion, the talisman was just to earn spirit stones and resources. Since the other party asked, this might be the process. Moreover, looking at the beautiful woman’s expression and tone, he seemed to be able to answer casually.
He thought for a moment. He did not answer her question. “The talisman is in my heart.”
What was a talisman? How could he have any understanding? In any case, he could reply whatever he wanted.
In the right wing, when the five Golden Core Realm cultivators heard this, different smiles appeared on their faces.
“What a trick.”
“Every talisman master has their own understanding. Of course, the talisman will be in every talisman master’s heart. It’s not easy. Our Wei Kingdom’s True Treasure Pavilion finally has a talisman master who can pass the qualification assessment!”
“That’s right. It’s easy to cultivate as a Talisman Master, but it’s as difficult as ascending to the heavens to be truly proficient in this path and have some attainments.”
“Pill, talisman, weapon and arrays… Most Talisman Masters are just mediocre.”
“There’s finally a result after waiting these few days. What’s everyone’s evaluation?” The Golden Core Daoist who spoke last looked at the other four.
“Pass!” The four Perfecteds replied in unison.
“Good!” The Golden Core Perfected clapped his hands and smiled. He raised his finger and wrote a large word in the air. “Pass!”
The words flickered and quickly disappeared into the house.
In the assessment room, the beautiful woman already knew the evaluation given by the five Golden Core cultivators. The charming smile on her face became more enthusiastic. She looked at Shen Ping and said seriously, “Congratulations, Talisman Master Shen, for passing the qualification assessment of the True Treasure Pavilion!”
As she spoke, she flipped her palm. A jade token with the word ‘true’ carved on it floated in the air. “This is the qualification jade token. After refining it, if you encounter danger during the period before participating in the special-class guest elder assessment, it can save your life at a critical moment.
“Talisman Master Shen, you have to keep it well. The five Golden Core cultivators who evaluated you have already left. After you obtain the special-class guest elder’s wooden token, you will have a chance to see them again.”
Shen Ping nodded. Then, he followed the beautiful woman out of the room.
After arriving at the hall, the beautiful woman suddenly turned her enchanting and plump body. “Not only is Talisman Master Shen’s standard in the Dao of Talismans formidable, even your courage is really great. But since you’ve passed the qualification test, I won’t hold it against you for your rashness from before.”
With that, she was the first to step out of the threshold. Her laughter entered his ears. “My surname is Qiu. You can see me at the large-scale auction that happens every five years in the True Treasure Pavilion.”
Shen Ping was stunned and then looked surprised. Then he quickly shook his head and took two deep breaths. However, he could not suppress the joy in his heart. Although he only had the qualifications to be a special-class guest elder, he took this step.
It meant that he had refined the metal! His past hard work and perseverance were not in vain at this moment. While he was struggling in the darkness, there was finally a glimmer of light.
Shopkeeper Qu was standing at the entrance of the hall. He was wearing a wide robe and looked at Shen Ping with a smile. When he came back to his senses, he lowered his sleeves and cupped his hands. “Congratulations on passing the qualification assessment!”
“Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Shen…”
Immediately after, five or six voices mixed with sincere smiles sounded..