Chapter 202: The Difficulty of Creating a Talisman Treasure
“Talisman Treasure Inheritance.”
Lin Chang’an rarely walked out of his cave abode so relaxed. He sat upright in the pavilion, feeling the changes between heaven and earth while enjoying the breath of the sea breeze.
Holding the jade slip that Yun Yao had left him back then, the Third-rank Talisman Inheritance · Talisman Treasure, Lin Chang’an immersed himself in it.
When he had only second-rank skills back then, it felt one way. Now that he had broken through to third-rank skills, it was an entirely different experience.
“Third-rank talismans required far greater difficulty, extreme control, and the consumption of both energy and mana during crafting—things that ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators could not withstand.
Fortunately, my mana was abundant, even able to remain at its peak for long periods. That way, mistakes brought about by exhaustion of energy and mana during the crafting of third-rank talismans would not easily occur.”
Nodding secretly while holding the jade slip, Lin Chang’an acknowledged inwardly. If first and second-rank talismans still belonged within the range of ordinary cultivators, then third-rank ones were clearly on another level.
The power of third-rank talismans was formidable, thus the requirements for talisman paper were extremely harsh.
“Third-rank beast hides tanned into talisman paper, and even then the attributes had to match. One could not use talisman paper that countered the attribute…”
For example, if he were to draw a third-rank fire-type talisman but used talisman paper made from the hide of a water-type demon beast, not only would the success rate be pathetically low,
even if successful, its power would be greatly reduced, wasting such precious materials.
Likewise, if he wanted to draw a third-rank fire-type talisman but lacked fire-attribute paper, then wood-attribute talisman paper worked just as well.
“Attributes mutually generated and restrained—truly unpredictable.”
Seeing this, Lin Chang’an gained deeper insight.
For an ice-type talisman, water-attribute talisman paper worked, as well as wind and lightning—other rare attributes—all part of the yin-yang five elements.
Moreover, though most talisman paper came from the hides of demon beasts, that was only because the Sea Abyss of Beasts happened to have such resources in abundance.
In the cultivation world, under normal circumstances, most talisman paper came from various precious spirit woods.
And spirit woods, too, came in many attributes.
“But in the end, third-rank talisman paper was precious—whether from third-rank demon beasts, third-rank spirit woods, or even third-rank cinnabar.”
At this, Lin Chang’an sighed helplessly. On the path of cultivation, one could never avoid the word “wealth.”
Everything required resources.
“This Blood Fiend True Lord’s magical treasure has already fallen from third-rank top-grade down to third-rank mid-grade.”
As Lin Chang’an lifted his hand, a blood-red longsword instantly flew from within the Spirit-gathering Formation of his cave abode, landing in his palm.
The Blood Fiend Sword was crimson throughout, exuding a strong aura of baleful energy.
But upon seeing its dim spiritual glow, Lin Chang’an shook his head in regret.
“What a pity. Back then, this Blood Fiend True Lord’s magical treasures were corroded deep within the Yunwu Mountain Range, resulting in a great loss of spiritual essence.
With my current ability, I have no way of restoring it.”
Even if he could, he would not waste such wealth on restoring a magical treasure he could not even use at present.
Being able to let it slowly repair itself through the Spirit-gathering Formation was already quite good.
All magical treasures had the ability to repair themselves, but the process was extremely slow. Most Core Formation cultivators would use heavenly treasures to aid restoration.
“A talisman treasure sealed part of a Core Formation cultivator’s magical treasure within it, also called a ‘pseudo-magical treasure.’
But for the magical treasure itself, having a portion of its energy drawn away greatly diminished its spirituality. Recovery required years, even decades.
Frequent extractions could even cause permanent damage to the magical treasure.”
Looking at the Blood Fiend Sword in his palm, Lin Chang’an shook his head again.
He did not regret the damage to this treasure’s spirituality. After all, in his hands, it was nothing more than a sharp and durable magical artifact.
Unable to unleash its full power, it was better to craft one or two talisman treasures to serve as trump cards for saving his life.
For him right now, everything was in preparation for Core Formation. Let alone temporary damage, even if the magical treasure suffered permanent harm, so long as it helped him form his core, he would not hesitate.
“Best gather the materials for crafting talisman treasures first. After all, relying only on the Scarlet Sun Sword that can be used only once leaves me uneasy.”
Thinking so, Lin Chang’an slowly stood, packed up simply, and brought along his two spirit pets before preparing to leave.
…
After cultivating for quite some time, upon returning to Five Dragon Island, Lin Chang’an felt quite spirited.
He knew it was the confidence brought by his third-rank talisman skills.
“It’s just a pity. In the early stages, the talisman path is everywhere, but once it reaches third rank, it becomes truly rare.”
First and second-rank talisman papers were still manageable—they were plentiful.
This led to Refining Qi and Foundation Establishment cultivators using talismans commonly. But third-rank ones were different.
The paper itself for third-rank talismans was immensely valuable. The materials to make such paper were not only precious but had many uses, leading to the rarity of third-rank talismans on the market.
“Let alone that I don’t have other third-rank talisman inheritances yet, even if I did, I wouldn’t dare reveal them easily.”
Walking down the streets of the marketplace on Five Dragon Island, Lin Chang’an thought quietly.
A late-stage Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator possessing third-rank talisman mastery would easily draw trouble.
Great sects and factions would never let him go.
Thus, though his skill had broken through, he truly had no way to obtain other third-rank talisman inheritances for now.
The only third-rank talisman inheritance he had was the talisman treasure inheritance Yun Yao had given him.
“At the very least, with my current skill, crafting second-rank talismans again will be easier. That itself is beneficial.”
Thinking this, Lin Chang’an smiled.
“After mastering the arts of pen and sword, one sells them to the imperial house.”
In the future, if forming his core proved difficult, he did not mind using his third-rank skill as a stepping stone to join a major faction. He believed Bihai Palace would not be stingy with a Core Formation spirit item.
In other words, his breakthrough gave him another path of retreat.
“Master Lin, long time no see.”
“Yes, I’ve been in seclusion on the island recently, gaining some insights. But why do I feel the marketplace seems tense lately?”
Arriving at Many Treasures Pavilion, opened by Xuanyin Pavilion, a fellow countryman from Yue Kingdom greeted him with joy.
Seeing Lin Chang’an’s puzzled face, the shopkeeper did not doubt him. After all, back in Tianxuan City, he already knew this man’s reputation—
A genuine hard-working cultivator.
“Master Lin, you may not know, but the notorious robber cultivators who had been plaguing our Five Dragon Island seas offended our island lord.
Last year, I heard they were hunted down, forced to flee to the Fog Sea of Tongtian. Yet those robber cultivators were still unwilling, even claiming they had long supported Five Dragon Island…”
The shopkeeper sneered gleefully, secretly transmitting his words to Lin Chang’an.
“And those robber cultivators from the Palace of Blazing Fire—I hear they committed countless sins…”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an understood. This was what had happened after last year—Wang Clan’s betrayal, which dragged the Palace of Blazing Fire into conflict with Five Dragon Island.
Still, he had saved the Wang Clan. Without him, Five Dragon Island would have discarded that disgrace sooner or later.
Thus, for saving lives, what he had taken from the Wang Clan was deserved.
“So many major events have happened in this short time?”
“Of course. This place is truly chaotic. And the Seven Kingdoms Alliance—each kingdom with its own agenda—has long since become meaningless.”
The shopkeeper sighed and shook his head, a trace of disappointment in his eyes. Once, when the Seven Kingdoms Alliance was first founded, it had seemed so promising.
Lin Chang’an shook his head inwardly. It was not that the Seven Kingdoms Alliance was weak, but that the Sea Abyss of Beasts was too vast, their stationed forces too scattered, making true unity impossible.
Moreover, with the many tangled powers entrenched in the Sea Abyss, unity was naturally hard to achieve.
Lin Chang’an chatted with the shopkeeper as if they were old friends.
Besides being fellow countrymen, Lin Chang’an’s identity as a second-rank high-grade talisman master also made him worth befriending.
“Who would have thought that in just over a year, so much would have happened.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head, while the shopkeeper nodded helplessly. To the cultivators of this place, it seemed to have become commonplace.
Soon, Lin Chang’an brought out talismans for sale, exchanging them for cultivation resources.
“Master Lin, your skill grows ever more refined. Perhaps one day you’ll break through to third rank.”
“Shopkeeper, it’s not that easy. If I had broken through to third rank, I would have joined Bihai Palace already. At the very least, getting a Core Formation spirit item wouldn’t be difficult.”
Lin Chang’an spoke with a bitter smile. Second-rank high-grade talisman masters were many, but those who broke through to third rank were as rare as phoenix feathers.
The shopkeeper naturally knew this and understood it was just polite talk.
“Master Lin, here are the second-rank high-grade talisman papers and cinnabar you wanted, along with other cultivation resources.”
Once the materials he needed were brought out, Lin Chang’an nodded in satisfaction.
With a wave, he stored them in his storage pouch, then lowered his voice and whispered:
“Shopkeeper, do you have any third-rank demon beast hide? Just a small piece would suffice.”
“Master Lin, you—”
The shopkeeper stared in astonishment, seemingly guessing something.
Lin Chang’an showed a firm expression and said quietly:
“Shopkeeper, I have cultivated till now. If I don’t take a gamble in this life, I’ll never be reconciled. But the outer seas are too perilous, so I thought to first prepare a defensive inner armor.”
Naturally, he could not openly seek third-rank talisman paper, lest he draw attention.
A second-rank high-grade talisman master seeking third-rank talisman paper to craft premium talismans was still reasonable.
But third-rank talisman paper was different. For a second-rank high-grade talisman master to use it was far too wasteful.
He would not risk that. Hence, he found a plausible excuse—
To make inner armor in preparation for outer-sea beast hunting.
“Alas!”
The shopkeeper’s gaze turned complicated, even a little envious.
Yes, having cultivated to this point—who wouldn’t want to take a gamble?
“Third-rank demon beast hide? That, I truly don’t have.”
The shopkeeper smiled bitterly, but Lin Chang’an did not believe it.
“Shopkeeper, with Xuanyin Pavilion’s vast business, you really don’t have any?”
Xuanyin Pavilion had long traded with Five Dragon Island. If he said they lacked third-rank demon cores, Lin Chang’an might believe it. But to lack even a portion of hide was unlikely.
“Master Lin, I really don’t.”
Though he said so, the shopkeeper’s look of solicitation was obvious. His meaning was clear—such treasures only circulated internally.
Lin Chang’an pondered a moment before sighing and shaking his head.
The shopkeeper, seeing this, sighed as well.
“No helping it then. If you want such things, you’ll have to wait for Five Dragon Island’s once-a-decade auction. Perhaps then they’ll appear. Normally, they won’t be found.
Resources like that are mostly traded in the stronger marketplaces of certain sea regions, like Sea Abyss City and the Fog Sea of Tongtian.”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an sighed helplessly.
“I had hoped to obtain some third-rank demon hide. I have a friend skilled in artifact refinement who could forge me an inner armor, giving me another layer of protection.”
Indeed, he did have a friend—Hu Jin—whose artifact refinement skills were outstanding.
Thus, no one would doubt him.
In the end, Lin Chang’an left somewhat disappointed. Armor made from third-rank materials offered extremely strong defense. Though it lacked the versatility of a magical artifact,
worn on the body, it meant an extra life-saving measure.
…
Walking along the marketplace streets, Lin Chang’an inquired at several shops, but without exception, all said they had none.
Or rather—they all faintly hinted at solicitation.
“Such precious resources truly won’t circulate easily.”
After all, he had no access to the upper circles. Transactions among Core Formation cultivators often involved precious third-rank spirit items, exchanged in barter.
He found a restaurant, seated himself by a third-floor window, sipped spirit tea, and pondered.
Those great factions did have the materials—but they would never give them to him so easily.
The repeated hints from the shops made it clear.
“They’ve set their eyes on my skill as a second-rank high-grade talisman master. Only if I join them will they provide such precious resources.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head. Unless necessary, he truly did not want to join a faction.
Small factions rose and fell unpredictably, gone in a day.
As for great factions—joining them meant being ordered about.
With so many secrets on him, he could not lightly entrust himself to any faction.
“As for Sea Abyss City, not only hides but even third-rank demon cores could be found. But the journey was long, across multiple seas, far too dangerous. That left only the nearer Fog Sea of Tongtian.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an weighed the risks.
The Fog Sea of Tongtian was vast, shrouded in perpetual mist, teeming with endless demon beasts.
It was both a paradise for rogue cultivators hunting beasts and a refuge for robber cultivators, demonic cultivators, and wanted men.
The sea contained many islands rich in spiritual energy. Why had no great faction occupied it? Because of three great dangers.
Lin Chang’an opened the intelligence report he had bought from Many Treasures Pavilion regarding the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
“Three chaotic dangers made this place a land of peril.”
The first: erratic tempests (Gale Winds). If caught in them, body and soul were destroyed. Even Core Formation cultivators dreaded them.
The second: the perpetual fog that gave rise to countless yin spirits and fierce souls, eerie and vicious. Encountering them was a matter of luck—bad luck.
The third: beast tides and massive waves. The demon beasts there were fiercer, sometimes led by high-ranked beasts, launching tides of monsters in sync with strange weather phenomena to attack human cultivator islands.
Reading this, Lin Chang’an’s face twitched.
“This place is truly perilous.”
Thus, only desperados and robber cultivators would dare to stay there. Unless forced into a dead end, who would hide in such a place?
“Still, according to Many Treasures Pavilion’s reports, where there are cultivators, there is trade. On the edges of the Fog Sea of Tongtian, there are some relatively stable marketplaces.
There, one could find countless beast materials. Not only a small portion of third-rank demon hide—even third-rank demon cores occasionally appear.”
Seeing this, Lin Chang’an drew a deep breath. It seemed that if he wanted to craft a talisman treasure, he truly had to take this trip.
Though he was confident in his strength, going alone would easily draw attention. It was best to find companions.
“Though Xuanyin Pavilion had fixed caravans, with robber cultivators rampant these years, no one was willing to take risks carrying others.”
Sighing, Lin Chang’an thought to himself—this too was because of Five Dragon Island’s underhanded dealings, which had now affected even him.
It seemed he had no choice but to return to the island and seek out Old Hu.
Two late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, plus talisman treasures, and with his two spirit pets—alongside his formations—
Even against False Core cultivators, they could still put up a fight.