Mei Qing felt somewhat perplexed. Seeing Zhang Shisan’s mischievous grin, he realized that drawing a dual-element talisman combining the Five Elements must have its difficulties. Fortunately, Mei Qing had already developed his own understanding of talismans, especially since he could recognize cloud script, making it possible for him to create composite talismans by himself.
Mei Qing pondered for a moment, then picked up a brush and combined the Metal and Water elements into a single talisman.
Metal talismans differ from Water and Fire talismans, which are relatively easier—once drawn correctly, they can naturally release droplets or flames. However, Metal talismans are much more difficult; even cultivators with high proficiency struggle to summon a large iron block. As such, a Metal talisman typically produces only a metallic wind.
Mei Qing was somewhat puzzled. Seeing Zhang Shisan’s mischievous smile, he realized that combining two elements into a single talisman must be quite challenging. Fortunately, Mei Qing had his own ideas about talismans, especially since he was familiar with the cloud script, making it possible for him to create his own combinations.
After some thought, Mei Qing took a brush and combined the elements of metal and water into a single talisman.
Unlike the water and fire talismans, which were relatively easier to create and could naturally produce water droplets or flames once drawn, the metal talisman was much more difficult. Even those with considerable cultivation found it hard to summon a large iron block after activating the talisman.
Thus, the metal talisman could only produce a metallic wind. However, Mei Qing’s idea was that since metal generates water, he could use the metallic wind as the starting point for the next water talisman, like two connected firecrackers. By chanting the incantation to activate the metal talisman, the metallic wind would trigger the water talisman, producing water.
While the concept seemed simple, the actual execution was far from easy. The talisman paper was only the size of a palm, and drawing so many symbols on it was already challenging. Making the two talismans interconnected added another layer of difficulty.
Zhang Shisan closed his eyes and remained silent, letting Mei Qing experiment on his own.
Mei Qing drew four or five talismans, each time slowing down. The previous attempts had all failed, primarily because the connection between the metal and water talismans couldn’t be successfully drawn.
Previously, Mei Qing had also created a composite talisman, the Clear Mind and Purify Body Talisman. However, that talisman’s combination wasn’t as complex as this one, where one talisman triggered the other. Instead, the two elements were combined simultaneously. Comparatively, Mei Qing’s current approach should have been easier.
Simultaneously activating two talismans sounds simple, but achieving it is quite difficult. The balance and combination between the two talismans must be precise; otherwise, the talisman won’t work. Mei Qing’s method, however, didn’t require considering this balance, as the two talismans were activated separately, making it easier.
It’s like two people singing in turns; they only need to ensure the end of one line connects smoothly with the start of the next. But if they sing together, even a slight difference in pitch or rhythm can cause chaos.
Despite this, Mei Qing’s practical experience was still lacking. It wasn’t until the eighth attempt that he finally felt he was onto something.
Initially, Mei Qing had treated the two talismans as separate entities, leading to pauses in his brushwork and thoughts. After numerous failures, he gradually realized the issue and began to consider the metal and water talismans as a single entity. This shift in mindset allowed his spiritual energy to flow more smoothly, and he started to gain some insight. Although he failed again due to a momentary lapse in brushwork, he could faintly sense the interplay between the metal and water energies.
Encouraged, Mei Qing continued to refine his brushwork and the talisman’s form, feeling his spiritual energy becoming more harmonious. Although he hadn’t succeeded yet, he believed that persistence would eventually lead to success.
Zhang Shisan, though seemingly indifferent, had been secretly observing Mei Qing’s every move. Initially amused, he gradually became more surprised. However, he quickly regained his composure and resumed his role as an amused spectator.
Mei Qing spent the entire day drawing talismans, only pausing briefly for lunch.
He felt he was on the verge of success, but each time, he fell just short at the final moment. Instead of feeling frustrated, Mei Qing became even more determined.
Previously, his high success rate in drawing talismans was due to having clear examples to follow, with his spiritual energy naturally flowing to achieve success. Now, without a clear reference, he had to explore and experiment, which made the process much more challenging. However, this also allowed Mei Qing to practice various techniques and explore different possibilities, becoming thoroughly familiar with the metal and water talismans.
Even Zhang Shisan couldn’t help but nod in approval. Mei Qing’s talent and insight were exceptional, though his earlier impatience had worried Zhang Shisan. Seeing him now fully immersed in his work, Zhang Shisan was pleased.
After several more failures, Mei Qing stopped, closed his eyes, and meditated for a while. His spiritual energy was nearly depleted. Although drawing lower-tier talismans didn’t consume much energy, he had been working non-stop all day, especially with the repeated attempts at the metal-water talisman, which had taken a toll on his mental and physical strength.
Realizing this, Mei Qing decided not to rush. He took some time to calm his mind and replenish his energy. Then, holding the talisman and brush, he closed his eyes and focused for a moment before opening them and quickly drawing the talisman.
This talisman had been meticulously calculated and tested multiple times, and Mei Qing was confident it was the best combination of metal and water. Fully focused, he poured his spiritual energy into the brush, which flowed smoothly and evenly across the cinnabar lines, gradually forming a complex talisman.
As the brush lifted, the spiritual energy suddenly surged, creating a unique talisman form. At the top, a metallic wind rustled, with sharp metallic energy vibrating along the brushstrokes. Below, a water talisman connected to the metal talisman, its energy slightly restrained, emitting a gentle, prolonged spiritual force.
Mei Qing examined it for a moment, pleased with his work. He showed it to Zhang Shisan, then chanted the metal talisman’s incantation, made a hand seal, and activated the talisman at the right moment. A metallic wind rose with a clanging sound, but the entire talisman paper turned dark, with only a faint mist of water before it disintegrated into nothingness.
Initially excited, Mei Qing watched his final creation with wide eyes. Everything seemed to go well at first, with the metallic wind rising and triggering the water energy. But why did the talisman suddenly disintegrate and vanish without a trace?
Mei Qing looked dismayed, while Zhang Shisan burst into laughter.
“Master!” Mei Qing said angrily. “What kind of master are you? Not only do you leave me to figure it out on my own, but you also mock me after I’ve worked so hard?”
Zhang Shisan continued to laugh, shaking his head. “No, no. Mei Qing, to be honest, I can’t really guide you here. Your talisman is quite ingenious, far beyond what I expected.”
Mei Qing blinked. “Does that mean it’s impossible to combine two talismans on one paper? But I felt like I almost succeeded just now.”
Zhang Shisan smiled. “Elemental talismans are the most basic, used mainly for practice and nothing else. Some have tried to combine two elements on one paper, but no one has succeeded. Most who attempt this are beginners, lacking the necessary skill to execute their ideas. By the time they gain enough experience, they no longer bother with such things.”
Mei Qing nodded, realizing the truth in his master’s words. If he could think of this idea, others likely had too. But beginners who thought of it usually lacked the ability to execute it, while those with enough experience wouldn’t waste time on such basic talismans.
Zhang Shisan continued, “Your talisman was quite clever, combining metal and water in a way that complemented each other, with one leading to the other. Even I might struggle to achieve that. But you overlooked one thing: the talisman’s success depends on the paper. By drawing both talismans on the same paper, the metal talisman’s activation caused the paper to disintegrate, taking the water talisman with it before it could take effect.”
Mei Qing was stunned. The problem was so simple, yet he hadn’t thought of it.
“Is there no other way?” Mei Qing asked, frowning.
Zhang Shisan smiled. “Perhaps there is. You could slightly offset the two talismans so that as the metallic wind rises, the water energy gradually follows. By the time the metallic wind fully forms, the water talisman would have already been activated. This way, the paper wouldn’t be destroyed. However, achieving this would require an incredibly precise control over the brushwork, energy distribution, timing, and talisman form.”
Mei Qing fell silent, deep in thought. Zhang Shisan chuckled. “Although most cultivators wouldn’t approach talismans this way, I think it’s worth exploring for you. First, your cultivation has already surpassed the initial stages, providing a solid foundation for talisman practice. Second, you’re familiar with the cloud script, which gives you a unique perspective. Third, since you’ve never formally learned talisman techniques, you’re unbound by traditional methods. Although these talismans are of little practical use, their difficulty makes them excellent for building a strong foundation.”
Mei Qing felt encouraged by his master’s words. Zhang Shisan added, “However, your earlier approach was somewhat opportunistic. Metal generates water, so combining them was relatively straightforward. But if you tried to combine fire and water, which are opposing elements, your method wouldn’t work. For conflicting elements, you’d need a completely different approach.”
“Thank you for your guidance, Master,” Mei Qing said respectfully. “If there were no challenges, talismans wouldn’t be interesting. Since you spent three years mastering the lowest-tier talismans, why shouldn’t I put in the effort to explore these elemental combinations? Please watch and see what I can achieve.”
Zhang Shisan nodded with a smile. Just then, a calm voice came from outside: “Disciple, the time has come. The Dao’s gate closes, but the Buddha’s teachings are boundless. When the opportunity arises, do not miss it.”
With these words, Master Ku entered gracefully.
Imagination was easy, but execution proved far more difficult. The talisman paper was only palm-sized, making it extremely hard to inscribe multiple symbols, let alone ensuring their interconnection. The challenge was immense.
Zhang Shisan closed his eyes and remained silent, leaving Mei Qing to experiment freely.
Mei Qing drew four or five talismans, each slower than the last. All previous attempts had failed, primarily due to the junction between the Metal and Water elements being improperly drawn.
Previously, Mei Qing had drawn composite talismans, such as the Purification Talisman. However, those combined elements activated simultaneously rather than sequentially like the current one. In comparison, Mei Qing’s current approach should have been simpler.
Activating two elements simultaneously sounds easy, but in practice, it is extremely difficult. Any imbalance between the two elements would cause the talisman to fail. Mei Qing’s method avoided this issue by activating each element separately, making it naturally easier.
It’s like two people singing in turn—one line after another, needing only to connect the end of one to the start of the next. But if they sing together, even a slight misalignment in pitch or rhythm would cause chaos, following the same principle.
Despite this, Mei Qing’s practical experience was still limited. By the eighth talisman, he let out a soft “Hmm,” sensing that he was getting somewhere.
Previously, Mei Qing had drawn the two elements sequentially, treating them as two separate talismans. This mindset inevitably caused hesitation in his brushwork. After many failures, he gradually identified the issue and began treating the Metal-Water talisman as a single entity. As his spiritual energy flowed more smoothly, he began to grasp the technique. Although he still made mistakes due to poor brushwork, he could already feel the faint presence of Metal and Water energies.
Encouraged, Mei Qing kept refining his brushwork and talisman design, feeling his spiritual energy flow more and more smoothly. Though not yet successful, he sensed that success was within reach.
Though seemingly indifferent, Zhang Shisan had been closely observing Mei Qing’s every move with his spiritual sense. Initially amused, he gradually showed surprise. However, after a moment’s thought, his expression returned to one of eager anticipation.
Mei Qing spent half a day drawing, barely pausing even for lunch.
Though everything seemed ready, each attempt failed at the final moment by the smallest margin. Yet Mei Qing felt no frustration—only increased enthusiasm.
Previously, his high success rate in drawing talismans was due to having clear models to follow, his spiritual sense clear and precise, allowing his true energy to flow naturally. Now, without a fixed model, he was exploring step by step, making it far more challenging. Yet precisely for this reason, he continuously experimented with techniques and calculated various possibilities, mastering Metal and Water talismans thoroughly.
Even Zhang Shisan nodded approvingly. Mei Qing’s talent and insight were exceptional, though his earlier behavior had seemed slightly impulsive, causing Zhang some concern. Seeing him now, fully immersed and focused, Zhang naturally felt pleased.
After several more failed attempts, Mei Qing paused, closed his eyes, and rested for a while. His internal true energy was nearly depleted. Though drawing lower-tier talismans didn’t consume much energy, he had worked non-stop all day, constantly experimenting with different brush techniques for the Metal-Water talisman, exhausting both mind and spirit. Even an iron-willed person would struggle to endure such strain.
Realizing this, Mei Qing no longer rushed. He first calmed his mind and rested, then picked up the brush and talisman paper, closing his eyes briefly to visualize the design before opening them and swiftly beginning to draw.
He had already calculated the talisman’s design many times and attempted it repeatedly, confident that this was the optimal configuration for Metal and Water. Now fully concentrated, his entire focus was on the brush, his true energy flowing steadily along the bristles, evenly coating the cinnabar strokes. Gradually, the strokes connected, forming a rather complex talisman shape.
As the brush lifted, his true energy surged, forming a strange talisman shape. At the top, metallic winds howled, golden energies vibrating along the sharp strokes. Below, a semi-script, semi-incantation-like pattern led into the Water talisman. Since the Water talisman depended on Metal for activation, its energy was subdued, faintly emitting a continuous, flowing spiritual force.
Mei Qing was somewhat puzzled. Seeing Zhang Shisan’s mischievous grin, he knew that the “One Talisman, Dual Five Elements” must have its difficulties. Fortunately, Mei Qing had his own ideas about talismans, especially since he was familiar with the Cloud Script, and combining talismans wasn’t entirely impossible for him.
After some thought, Mei Qing took a brush and combined the Metal and Water elements into a single talisman.
Unlike the Water and Fire talismans, which were relatively easier to create and could naturally produce water droplets or flames once drawn, the Metal talisman was much more challenging. Even for those with considerable cultivation, summoning a large block of iron was difficult.
Thus, after activating the Metal talisman, it only produced a gust of metallic wind. However, Mei Qing’s idea was that since Metal generates Water, he could use the metallic wind as the starting point for the next Water talisman, like two connected firecrackers. By chanting the incantation to activate the Metal talisman, the metallic wind would trigger the Water talisman, producing water.
While imagining this was easy, actually drawing it was another matter. The talisman paper was only the size of a palm, and drawing so many symbols on it was already challenging. Making them interconnected added another layer of difficulty.
Zhang Shisan closed his eyes and remained silent, letting Mei Qing experiment on his own.
Mei Qing drew four or five talismans, each time slowing down. The previous attempts all failed, primarily because the connection between the Metal and Water talismans wasn’t successful.
Previously, Mei Qing had also drawn a composite talisman, the “Clear Mind and Purify Body” talisman. However, that combination wasn’t as complex as this one, where one talisman triggered the other. Instead, both talismans were combined simultaneously. Comparatively, Mei Qing’s current approach should have been easier.
Activating two talismans simultaneously sounds simple, but achieving it is quite difficult. The balance and combination between the two talismans must be precise; otherwise, the talisman won’t succeed. Mei Qing’s method didn’t require considering this, as the talismans were activated separately, making it easier.
It’s like two people singing in turn, where they only need to connect the beginning and end. But if they sing together, even a slight difference in pitch or rhythm can cause chaos. The same principle applies here.
Despite this, Mei Qing’s practical experience was still lacking. It wasn’t until the eighth attempt that he let out a sound of realization, feeling he was onto something.
Earlier, Mei Qing had treated the two talismans as separate entities, leading to pauses in his mind and hand movements. After repeated failures, he gradually realized the issue and began treating the Metal and Water talismans as a single entity. His spiritual energy flowed more smoothly, and he gained some insight. Although he failed again due to a slip in his brushwork, he could faintly sense the Metal and Water energies.
Encouraged, Mei Qing continued without pause, constantly refining his brushwork and the talisman’s form. He felt his spiritual energy flowing more smoothly. Although he hadn’t succeeded yet, he believed he would eventually.
Zhang Shisan, though seemingly indifferent, had been secretly observing Mei Qing’s every move. Initially, he was amused, but later, he became somewhat surprised. However, he quickly reverted to his earlier demeanor, as if watching a show.
Mei Qing spent the entire day drawing talismans, only stopping briefly for lunch.
He felt he was on the verge of success, but each time, he fell just short at the last moment. Instead of feeling frustrated, Mei Qing became even more motivated.
Previously, his high success rate in drawing talismans was due to having a clear reference in his mind. Now, without a clear blueprint, he had to explore and experiment, which naturally increased the difficulty. However, this also allowed Mei Qing to practice various techniques and explore different possibilities, becoming thoroughly familiar with the Metal and Water talismans.
Even Zhang Shisan couldn’t help but nod in approval. Mei Qing’s talent and insight were exceptional, though his earlier impatience had worried Zhang Shisan. Seeing him now fully immersed in his work, Zhang Shisan was pleased.
After several more failures, Mei Qing stopped, closed his eyes, and meditated for a while. His internal energy was nearly depleted. Although drawing low-tier talismans didn’t consume much energy, he had been working non-stop all day, especially with the repeated attempts at the Metal-Water talisman, which had taken a toll on his mental energy.
Realizing this, Mei Qing decided not to rush. He calmed his mind, meditated for a while, then picked up the talisman and brush again. After a moment of contemplation, he opened his eyes and began drawing swiftly.
This talisman had been meticulously calculated and tested multiple times, and Mei Qing was confident it was the best combination of Metal and Water. Fully focused, his mind and energy were concentrated at the brush tip, the spiritual energy flowing smoothly and evenly across the cinnabar strokes, gradually forming a complex talisman shape.
As the brush lifted, the spiritual energy surged, forming a unique talisman pattern. At the top, a metallic wind rustled, with golden energy vibrating along the brush strokes. Below, a Water talisman pattern emerged, its energy slightly restrained, exuding a gentle, enduring spiritual force.
Mei Qing examined it for a moment, pleased, and showed it to Zhang Shisan. He then chanted the Metal talisman incantation, made a hand seal, calculated the position and time, and activated the talisman. A metallic wind rose with a clanging sound, but the entire talisman paper turned dark, and only a faint mist of water appeared before it dissipated into nothingness.
Initially excited, Mei Qing watched his final creation with wide eyes. Everything seemed to go smoothly at first, with the metallic wind rising and triggering the Water energy, but why did the talisman suddenly disintegrate?
Mei Qing looked dismayed, while Zhang Shisan burst into laughter.
“Master!” Mei Qing said angrily. “What kind of master are you? Not only did you leave me to figure it out on my own, but now you’re laughing at me after I’ve worked so hard?”
Zhang Shisan continued to laugh, shaking his head. “No, no. Mei Qing, to be honest, I couldn’t have guided you even if I wanted to. Your talisman was quite ingenious, far beyond what I expected.”
Mei Qing blinked. “Does that mean it’s impossible to combine two talismans on one sheet? But I felt like I almost succeeded.”
Zhang Shisan smiled. “Five Elements talismans are the most basic, used only for practice. Although some have tried to combine two on one sheet, no one has succeeded. Those who tried were usually beginners, lacking the necessary skill. By the time they gained enough experience, they no longer bothered with such things.”
Mei Qing nodded, realizing the truth in his master’s words. This idea, though he had thought of it, must have occurred to others as well. Beginners might have the idea but lack the skill, while experienced practitioners wouldn’t waste time on such basic talismans.
Zhang Shisan continued, “Your approach was quite clever, combining Metal and Water in a way that complemented each other, even I might struggle to replicate it. However, you overlooked one thing: the talisman paper. By drawing both talismans on the same sheet, once the Metal talisman activated, the paper would disintegrate, destroying the Water talisman before it could take effect.”
Mei Qing was stunned. The problem was so simple, yet he hadn’t considered it.
“Is there no other way?” Mei Qing asked, frowning.
Zhang Shisan pondered, then said, “Perhaps one method could work: slightly offsetting the two talisman patterns so that as the metallic wind rises, the Water energy follows. By the time the metallic wind fully forms, the Water talisman would have already completed its activation. This would avoid the paper’s limitation. However, achieving this would require an incredibly precise control over the brushwork, energy distribution, timing, and talisman form.”
Mei Qing listened, deep in thought. Zhang Shisan smiled and said, “Although most practitioners wouldn’t approach talismans this way, I think it’s worth exploring for you. First, your cultivation has already passed the refining stage, providing a solid foundation. Second, your familiarity with the Cloud Script gives you a unique advantage. Third, since you’ve never formally learned talisman techniques, you’re unbound by traditional methods. Although this type of talisman is useless, its difficulty is immense. If you can find a way to succeed, it would greatly benefit your foundational skills.”
Mei Qing felt encouraged. Zhang Shisan added, “However, your earlier method was somewhat opportunistic. Since Metal generates Water, combining them was relatively straightforward. But if you were to combine Water and Fire, which are opposing elements, you’d need a completely different approach.”
“Thank you for your guidance, Master,” Mei Qing said respectfully. “If there were no challenges, talismans would lose their appeal. Since you spent three years perfecting a low-tier talisman, why shouldn’t I put in the effort to master the Five Elements combination? Please watch and see what I can achieve.”
Zhang Shisan nodded with a smile. At that moment, a calm voice came from outside, “Disciple, the time has come. The Dao gate closes, but the Dharma is boundless. When the opportunity arises, do not miss it.”
With that, Master Ku entered gracefully.
Initially thrilled, Mei Qing watched his hard-earned creation unfold with wide eyes. But to his surprise, everything started smoothly—the metallic wind arose, triggering the water energy—yet suddenly, the talisman crumbled, and the energy dissipated without effect.
Looking crestfallen, Mei Qing was met with Zhang Shisan’s hearty laughter.
“Master!” Mei Qing exclaimed, his face flushed with frustration. “What kind of master ignores his disciple like this? After working all day and finally making some progress, instead of offering guidance, you mock me?”
Still chuckling, Zhang Shisan shook his head. “No, no, Mei Qing. To be honest, even I couldn’t guide you here. Your talisman exceeded my expectations—it was quite ingenious.”
Mei Qing blinked. “So you’re saying it’s impossible to combine two Five Elements on one talisman? But I felt that last one was almost successful.”
Zhang Shisan smiled. “Five Element talismans are the most basic, useful only for practice and nothing more. Though some have considered combining two Five Elements on one talisman, no one has ever succeeded. Most who attempted it were beginners—eager but lacking the skill. By the time they gained enough cultivation, they no longer cared for such trivial pursuits.”
Mei Qing nodded thoughtfully. It made sense—since he had thought of it, others likely had too. Beginners at the Five Element stage might conceive such ideas, but usually lacked the ability to realize them. And once they attained higher cultivation, they no longer wasted energy on such basic talismans.
Zhang continued, “Your talisman just now was extremely clever. Though combining Metal and Water, they actually complemented each other, one triggering the next. Even I might struggle to do the same. But you overlooked one thing—the talisman paper itself. When the Metal talisman activates, the paper is immediately affected by the metallic wind and disintegrates, taking the Water talisman with it. Before the Water talisman can activate, it’s already destroyed, so naturally, it fails.”
“Ahh…” Mei Qing was stunned. It was such a simple issue he hadn’t even considered.
“Then… there really is no other way?” Mei Qing asked, frowning.
Zhang smiled. “I can think of one possible method—slightly offsetting the two talisman forms so that as the metallic wind begins, the water energy follows gradually. By the time the metallic wind peaks, the Water talisman has already activated. This would bypass the talisman paper’s limitations. However, achieving this requires an almost inconceivable level of precision in brushwork, energy distribution, timing, and talisman form.”
Mei Qing fell silent. Seeing this, Zhang chuckled. “Though others may find this path impossible, if you wish to explore it, I think it’s worthwhile. First, your cultivation has long surpassed the refinement stage, sufficient for talisman practice. Second, since you already understand Thunder Script, this is a chance to trace back to the source and uncover true knowledge. Third, though you lack formal training in talismans, you’re free from constraints. Though these talismans are practically useless, they are extremely difficult. If you can truly discover a path through them, it will greatly strengthen your foundation.”
Inspired, Mei Qing nodded. Zhang then shook his head. “Still, your method was somewhat clever. Since Metal generates Water, you essentially created a chain of talismans. If you tried to combine Water and Fire, this method wouldn’t work. So this approach works for mutually generating elements, but for mutually overcoming elements, you’ll need an entirely new approach.”
“Thank you, Master,” Mei Qing replied respectfully. “If there were no challenges, talismans wouldn’t be interesting. If you could spend three years doing nothing but practicing lower-tier talismans, why can’t I put in some hard work on composite Five Elements? Please watch closely, Master.”
Zhang nodded with a smile. Just then, a calm voice came from outside.
“Disciple, the time has come. The Daoist path closes, but the boundless path of Buddhism opens. When conditions arise, do not miss the opportunity.”
Mei Qing was somewhat puzzled. Seeing Zhang Shisan’s mischievous smile, he knew that combining two elements into one talisman must have its difficulties. Fortunately, Mei Qing had his own ideas about talismans, especially since he was familiar with cloud script, making it not impossible for him to create his own combination.
After some thought, Mei Qing took a brush and combined the elements of metal and water into a single talisman.
Unlike water and fire talismans, which are relatively easier to create and naturally produce water droplets or flames once drawn, metal talismans are much more challenging. Even those with considerable cultivation find it difficult to summon a large block of iron.
Thus, a metal talisman can only generate a metallic wind. However, Mei Qing’s idea was that since metal generates water, he could use the metallic wind as the starting point for the next water talisman, like two connected firecrackers. By chanting to activate the metal talisman, the metallic wind would trigger the water talisman, producing water.
While the idea seemed simple, the execution was far from it. The talisman paper was only the size of a palm, and drawing so many symbols on it was already extremely difficult, not to mention making them interconnected. The complexity was immense.
Zhang Shisan closed his eyes and remained silent, letting Mei Qing experiment on his own.
Mei Qing drew four or five talismans, each time slower than the last. The previous attempts all failed, primarily because he couldn’t successfully combine the metal and water symbols.
Earlier, Mei Qing had created a composite talisman, the Clear Mind and Purify Body Talisman. However, that combination wasn’t as complex as this one, where one symbol led to another. Instead, both symbols were combined simultaneously. Comparatively, Mei Qing’s current approach should have been easier.
Activating two talismans simultaneously sounds simple but is actually very difficult. The balance and combination between the two symbols must be precise; otherwise, the talisman won’t succeed. Mei Qing’s method didn’t need to consider this, as the two symbols were activated separately, making it easier.
It’s like two people singing in turn, only needing to connect the beginning and end; if they sing together, even a slight difference in pitch or rhythm can cause chaos.
Despite this, Mei Qing’s practical experience was still lacking. It wasn’t until the eighth attempt that he finally felt he was getting somewhere.
Previously, Mei Qing had treated the two symbols as separate entities, leading to pauses in his strokes and thoughts, causing failures. Gradually, he realized the issue and began to consider the metal and water symbols as a single talisman. His spiritual energy flowed more smoothly, and he gained some insight. Although he failed again due to a mistake in his brushwork, he could faintly sense the presence of metal and water energy.
Encouraged, Mei Qing continued without stopping, constantly refining his brushwork and the talisman’s form. He felt his spiritual energy flowing more smoothly. Although he hadn’t succeeded yet, he believed he would eventually.
Zhang Shisan, though seemingly indifferent, had been secretly observing Mei Qing’s every move. Initially, he was amused, but as time went on, he became increasingly surprised. However, he quickly resumed his playful demeanor.
Mei Qing spent the entire day drawing talismans, only stopping briefly for lunch.
He felt he was on the verge of success, but each time, he fell just short at the last moment. Instead of feeling frustrated, Mei Qing became even more determined.
Previously, his high success rate in drawing talismans was due to having a clear reference in mind, allowing his spiritual energy to flow naturally. Now, without a clear guide, he had to explore step by step, making the process much more challenging. However, this also pushed Mei Qing to practice various techniques and consider different possibilities, thoroughly mastering the metal and water talismans.
Even Zhang Shisan couldn’t help but nod in approval. Mei Qing’s talent and insight were exceptional, though his earlier impatience had worried Zhang Shisan. Seeing him now fully immersed in his work, Zhang Shisan was pleased.
After several more failures, Mei Qing stopped to rest and meditate. His spiritual energy was nearly depleted. Although drawing lower-tier talismans didn’t consume much energy, he had been working non-stop all day, especially in his repeated attempts to perfect the metal and water talisman, which had taken a toll on his mind and body.
Realizing this, Mei Qing decided not to rush. He took some time to meditate and regain his composure before picking up the talisman and brush again. Closing his eyes briefly, he focused his thoughts, then opened his eyes and began to draw swiftly.
This talisman had been thoroughly calculated and tested by Mei Qing, and he was confident it was the best combination of metal and water. Fully focused, his spiritual energy flowed smoothly through the brush, evenly spreading across the cinnabar characters, gradually forming a complex talisman.
As he lifted the brush, his spiritual energy surged, creating a unique talisman shape. At the top, a metallic wind rustled, with sharp metallic energy vibrating along the brushstrokes. Below, a water talisman shape followed, its energy subdued and emanating a gentle, prolonged spiritual force.
Mei Qing examined it with satisfaction, then showed it to Zhang Shisan. Chanting the metal talisman’s incantation and making the appropriate hand gestures, he activated the talisman. A metallic wind arose with a clanging sound, but the entire talisman paper turned dark, with only a faint mist of water before it dissipated into nothingness.
Initially excited, Mei Qing watched his hard work unfold, only to see it fail abruptly. He looked puzzled, while Zhang Shisan burst into laughter.
“Master!” Mei Qing exclaimed in frustration. “What kind of master are you? Not only do you not guide me, but you also laugh at me after I’ve worked so hard?”
Zhang Shisan chuckled and shook his head. “No, no. Mei Qing, honestly, I couldn’t guide you even if I wanted to. Your talisman is quite ingenious, beyond my expectations.”
Mei Qing blinked. “Does that mean it’s impossible to combine two elements on one talisman? But I felt like I almost succeeded.”
Zhang Shisan smiled. “Elemental talismans are the most basic, used only for practice. While some have tried to combine two elements on one talisman, no one has succeeded. Those who attempt it are usually beginners with limited cultivation, and by the time they gain enough experience, they lose interest in such things.”
Mei Qing realized this made sense. If he had thought of it, others likely had too. But beginners lack the skill, and those with enough cultivation don’t bother with basic elemental talismans.
Zhang Shisan continued, “Your approach was clever, combining metal and water in a way that complements each other. Even I might struggle to do it. However, you overlooked one thing: the talisman paper. When the metal talisman activated, the paper was destroyed by the metallic wind, and the water talisman was lost before it could take effect.”
Mei Qing was stunned. The problem was so simple, yet he hadn’t considered it.
“Is there no other way?” Mei Qing asked, frowning.
Zhang Shisan thought for a moment. “Perhaps there is a way. If you slightly offset the two talisman shapes, the water energy could follow the metallic wind. By the time the metallic wind fully activates, the water talisman would have already completed its effect. This would avoid the paper’s limitation. However, achieving this would require an incredibly precise control over brushwork, energy distribution, timing, and talisman form.”
Mei Qing fell silent, deep in thought. Zhang Shisan smiled and said, “While others might not pursue this path, I think it’s worth exploring for you. First, your cultivation has surpassed the initial stages, providing a solid foundation. Second, your familiarity with talisman scripts allows you to delve deeper into their essence. Third, having never formally learned talisman techniques, you have the advantage of being unconstrained. Although such talismans are useless, their difficulty makes them excellent for building a strong foundation.”
Mei Qing felt encouraged. Zhang Shisan added, “However, your earlier method was somewhat opportunistic. Metal generates water, so combining them was feasible. But if you tried to combine water and fire, which are opposing elements, this approach wouldn’t work. For opposing elements, you’d need a different strategy.”
“Thank you for your guidance, Master,” Mei Qing said respectfully. “If there were no challenges, talismans would be boring. Since you spent three years perfecting a basic talisman, why can’t I put in the effort to master composite elemental talismans? Please watch my progress closely.”
Zhang Shisan nodded with a smile. Just then, a calm voice came from outside, “Disciple, the time has come. The Dao’s gate closes, but the Buddha’s teachings are boundless. Seize the moment when fate arises.”
With that, Master Ku entered gracefully.
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