https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-195-The-First-Rank-Melting-Fire-Array/12541004/
Chapter 194: Talisman Manuals
Chapter 194: Talisman Manuals
Mo Hua had rarely encountered talisman manuals in his life as a wandering cultivator, and had never even seen one with his own eyes, so he had long forgotten about them.
It was only when talismans were mentioned in their discussion of pill refining that Mo Hua suddenly recalled them, and he decided to ask about it.
Master Chen stroked his beard and furrowed his brow in thought. "I'm neither an array master nor a talisman master, so I can't give you a definitive answer. But since you've asked, I'll share what I know."
Master Chen continued, adding, "However, what I tell you will surely be superficial at best. Take it with a grain of salt and simply use it to get a general idea. You don't have to take it as absolute truth."
"Of course," Mo Hua nodded repeatedly.
"As far as I know, talisman crafting is both a branch of array formation and a branch of pill refining," Master Chen explained.
"A hybrid of array formations and pill refining?" Mo Hua exclaimed in surprise.
Master Chen shot him a glance, amused and exasperated. "Don't make it sound so unappealing. The various paths of cultivation are inherently independent yet interconnected."
Mo Hua thought about it and said, "For example, a pill refining furnace crafted by a pill refining master may require the aid of an array master to inscribe formations on it. And the spiritual ink used by the array master might occasionally need the essence liquids blended by a pill refining master."
"Well said," Master Chen nodded in approval, and then continued on the topic of talismans. "Over the years, as the cultivation world evolved, the different paths of cultivation also underwent changes and transformations, and talismans are no exception..."
"Initially, talismans were quite similar to array formations, or you could say they were simplified array formations. Inscribed on paper and activated by spiritual energy, they produced effects akin to array formations."
"However, these early talismans had many drawbacks. Paper was not an ideal medium for preservation, and spiritual energy was difficult to seal within them. Their power fluctuated depending on the user's spiritual energy, and using spirit stones for activation was cumbersome."
"Most importantly, they lacked prestige. Talisman crafters were often regarded as inferior array masters, inherently lower in status. Who would be able to tolerate such a situation?"
"After years of development and improvements made by countless talented cultivators, talismans have undergone a complete metamorphosis. Today, talisman crafting has evolved into a distinct path of cultivation, separate from both array formations and pill refining."
"What changes were made?" Mo Hua was intrigued.
Master Chen replied, "Many changes, I presume. At the very least, their form has drastically changed. Now, jade talismans have replaced paper talismans. Instead of merely sealing spiritual energy and array formations, they encapsulate specialized spells, making them easier to preserve and use."
"Specialized spells?"
"Yes, talismans are like disposable spells—simple and convenient. Once you reach the required level of cultivation, you can use them regardless of your spiritual root attribute."
"Then they must be very powerful," Mo Hua said, his interest piqued.
"They are indeed powerful, but they're also extremely expensive," Master Chen said, his tongue involuntarily sticking out at the thought.
"The materials must be costly," Mo Hua surmised.
Master Chen nodded. "Talisman crafting requires jade, which is already pricey on its own. The higher the grade of the talisman, the more expensive the materials. Additionally, the process of crafting jade talismans borrows techniques from pill refining, incorporating simple array formations within the jade. Talisman crafters must also learn unique techniques to seal spells within the jade talismans."
Mo Hua shook his head as he listened, "Both expensive and troublesome."
"Indeed," Master Chen agreed.
"No wonder I've never seen them," Mo Hua said, "They're too expensive for most cultivators to afford."
Even if one happened to obtain a talisman or two by chance, it would be more practical to sell them for spirit stones than to use them personally.
Mo Hua asked, "Are there any other differences?"
"There must be, but that's all I know," Master Chen replied, "These are just basic facts that I learned from chatting with a talisman master while crafting a spiritual artifact for him.
Mo Hua laughed and said, "Don't worry, I'm just as clueless!"
Master Chen smiled at that. "Then, when you learn more about it in the future, come back and tell me about it."
"You have my word!" Mo Hua agreed cheerfully.
After their lengthy chat, Mo Hua realized it was getting late, so he stood up and bid farewell. "Master Chen, I should head back. Consider the deal for the Refining Store settled."
"Rest assured." Master Chen didn't try to detain him but instead instructed, "Big Pillar, see him out."
"Yes!" Big Pillar replied happily.
Big Pillar escorted Mo Hua home, and along the way, they chatted about various interesting happenings that had occurred recently, which Mo Hua found thoroughly engaging.
The world was vast and full of wonders, with countless cultivators, and naturally, all sorts of bizarre things happened.
Mo Hua listened to numerous tales, broadening his understanding of the cultivation world.
Upon reaching home, Mo Hua invited Big Pillar to share a meal, and the latter accepted with a shy smile, not wanting to be impolite.
With the matter of the refining master temporarily resolved, everything now depended on Master Chen.
Master Chen had refined spiritual artifacts in Tongxian City for many years and was acquainted with numerous cultivators, including several refining masters. He should be able to convince quite a few refining masters to join the newly established Refining Store.
Then, Mo Hua thought of another problem.
After the Refining Store was successfully set up, there was still the matter of the Pill Refinery to consider. There were even fewer pill refiners in Tongxian City, and they would likely be even harder to recruit.
It was always better to be prepared early. If one was ill-prepared when the time came, it would inevitably lead to a haphazard and chaotic situation.
With that in mind, Mo Hua fetched some more wine and meat and paid a visit to Xinglintang to see Old Man Feng.
"Grandpa Feng, I've come to see you!" Mo Hua greeted him with a beaming smile.
Old Man Feng glanced at Mo Hua, a hint of a smile in his eyes. "Do you need something?"
Mo Hua was puzzled. "Is it that obvious?"
Old Man Feng smiled gently. "I've watched you grow up since you were a child."
"Oh."
Since Old Man Feng had asked, Mo Hua decided to be direct and shared his plans for the Refining Store and the Pill Refinery.
As he listened, Old Man Feng's expression gradually turned solemn. "So, Elder Yu really intends to do this?"
Mo Hua nodded.
Old Man Feng pondered for a moment before replying, "Very well, you have my support in this matter."
Old Man Feng had a heart for the well-being of others, and he would likely agree to anything that truly benefited the rogue cultivators of Tongxian City.
Although Mo Hua had expected as much, he was still delighted that Old Man Feng had given his word.
"Thank you, Grandpa Feng!"
"Even though I've agreed," Old Man Feng added, "there's something you should be prepared for."
"Be prepared?" Mo Hua was perplexed.
Old Man Feng paused before continuing, "In this world, some endeavors, despite starting with good intentions, may eventually end in a mess due to the complexities of interests and the unpredictability of human nature."
Mo Hua was taken aback but soon nodded in agreement, finding his words wise.
"I'll keep that in mind, Grandpa Feng," Mo Hua said earnestly.
He thought about it and added, "However, since it's something that will benefit everyone, we should still go ahead with it. Even if things don't go as planned, that's a problem for the future, and we shouldn't let fears hold us back from taking action."
Old Man Feng looked at Mo Hua, slightly taken aback, but then his eyes softened with satisfaction, and he nodded. "Indeed, even if it ends in chaos, if it's the right thing to do, we should still pursue it with determination."
(End of Chapter)
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