Mei Qing, however, was brimming with enthusiasm. Now fully alert and wide awake, he was like a drunkard catching sight of fine wine upon witnessing various kinds of talismans. During these two sessions when Zhang Shisan taught him talisman drawing, he had acted quite exaggeratedly. Initially, Mei Qing hadn’t paid much attention, but now seeing Zhang Shisan’s troubled state, he naturally realized that his own performance must have been somewhat unusual, which caused Zhang’s alternating emotions of joy and worry.
“That…Senior, I’m not sure why I can’t draw the Servant Summoning Talisman no matter what I do, yet the Diamond Talisman came so easily? In my humble opinion, these two talismans don’t seem to differ much in difficulty?” Mei Qing did not directly ask why Zhang Shisan was so surprised and troubled, instead he questioned his own success and failure with the two talismans he had just drawn.
“Sigh, precisely this is what has been troubling me,” Zhang Shisan replied composedly, his voice somewhat hoarse. “Mei Qing, do you know anything about the intricacies involved in drawing talismans?”
“Intricacies?” Mei Qing asked in surprise. “Isn’t it just a matter of drawing them as shown? Of course one must channel one’s energy, and the talisman will gain life.”
Mei Qing, however, was brimming with enthusiasm. Now he was full of energy, not a hint of drowsiness, and having witnessed a variety of talismans, he was like a drunkard who had stumbled upon fine wine. The two times Zhang Shisan had taught him to draw talismans, he had been overly dramatic. Initially, Mei Qing hadn’t paid much attention, but seeing Zhang Shisan’s troubled state now, he naturally understood that his own performance must have been somewhat unusual, causing Zhang Shisan to fluctuate between joy and worry.
“Um… Elder, I wonder why I couldn’t draw the Servant Summoning Talisman no matter what, but the Diamond Talisman came so easily? In my humble opinion, the difficulty between these two talismans doesn’t seem to differ much?” Mei Qing didn’t directly ask why Zhang Shisan was surprised and troubled, but instead inquired about the success and failure of the two talismans he had just drawn.
“Ah, it’s precisely this that has been puzzling me,” Zhang Shisan calmed down, his voice slightly hoarse. “Mei Qing, do you know what the intricacies of drawing talismans are?”
“Intricacies?” Mei Qing was surprised. “Isn’t it just about drawing it as it is? Of course, one needs to channel their energy and adjust their essence, and the talisman will naturally come to life.”
“Just drawing it as it is?” Zhang Shisan smiled bitterly and shook his head. “I, a humble Daoist, have been practicing for nearly a hundred years. Since I built my foundation at thirteen, I started with the Five Elements Talisman, beginning my study of talisman arts. By the age of thirty, I had passed the stage of refining essence and entered the stage of refining essence into qi, and my talisman arts also reached the intermediate level. From the time I started learning to draw talismans until I could successfully create this Diamond Talisman, it took me a full fifteen years.”
“Fifteen years?” Mei Qing was shocked. Although he had put a lot of effort into drawing the Diamond Talisman, it had been done effortlessly, without any sense of difficulty. How could it be as hard to learn as Zhang Shisan said?
“Could it be… because you were still in the stage of refining form at that time, and your true essence wasn’t stable, hence the difficulty?” The stage of refining essence into qi in the talisman school is equivalent to the cultivation level after forming the golden elixir in the alchemy school. Since this old Daoist only reached this stage at thirty, his talent must not be great, so it’s normal that he couldn’t draw talismans well. Mei Qing’s thoughts wandered.
“Perhaps you think that because I only reached the stage of refining essence into qi at thirty, my talent is limited, hence the difficulty?” Zhang Shisan seemed to see through Mei Qing’s thoughts and asked leisurely.
Mei Qing, having his thoughts exposed, felt a bit embarrassed. He just chuckled, scratched the back of his head, and didn’t answer.
Zhang Shisan wasn’t angry either. He smiled and said, “In the alchemy school, forming the golden elixir in seventeen years is considered top talent; in the talisman school, progressing quickly in the early stages, passing the stage of refining essence in seventeen years, isn’t too fast, but it’s certainly not slow either. Moreover, the reason my cultivation wasn’t fast was precisely because I was too diligent in my talisman arts. In our sect, being able to draw the Diamond Talisman in fifteen years and reaching the intermediate level in seventeen years, in the past three hundred years, I am the first.”
Mei Qing listened, his mouth agape, with an expression of disbelief. Although this old Daoist had high cultivation, his actions were erratic and eccentric, not resembling someone from a reputable orthodox sect. Even if he were a disciple of a proper sect, he probably wasn’t an elite figure. But when Zhang Shisan mentioned his sect and himself, the pride and confidence on his face were genuine.
Seeing Mei Qing’s expression, Zhang Shisan smiled slightly and began to talk about his experience in learning talismans.
It turned out that in Zhang Shisan’s sect, disciples started learning talismans from the day they began their cultivation, as long as they had successfully built their foundation and had true essence in their bodies. Naturally, they started with the most basic lower-grade first-level talismans that Mei Qing had drawn, such as the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies.
“These talismans aren’t too difficult. Generally, smarter and more talented disciples can succeed in about one or two months. If they’re a bit slower, they can manage in half a year. However, our sect has a rule: practicing lower-grade first-level talismans must take at least a year before teaching the second level. If the master thinks a disciple’s talent isn’t good, they must draw first-level talismans for three years before being taught the next level. Mei Qing, guess how long I drew first-level talismans?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Could it be that you drew first-level talismans for three years?”
Zhang Shisan was shocked and exclaimed, “You… how did you guess?”
Mei Qing smiled and said, “Earlier, you mentioned that you were very diligent in your talisman arts. In my opinion, the reason you surpassed your predecessors and became the fastest in three hundred years must be because you put in a lot of effort in the most basic areas. That’s why you could later surpass others.”
Zhang Shisan sighed deeply and said, “Exactly. When I first entered the sect, my talent was quite good, and I received much praise from my master. But when I started learning talismans, I realized that drawing talismans wasn’t just about the skill of the brush, but the skill of the heart. I once heard that carpenters learning their craft must start with the most fundamental skills like sawing and chiseling, practicing for years before learning to make furniture. Those who practice for half a year have skill in their eyes; those who practice for a year have skill in their hands; those who practice for three years have skill in their hearts. From the beginning, I loved the art of talismans, so I was determined to practice until it was in my heart. That’s why, despite the advice of my master and fellow disciples, I drew first-level talismans for three years.”
Mei Qing listened and nodded repeatedly. In any skill, the most important thing is the foundation. As the saying goes, sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the chopping of wood. On the contrary, those who aim too high and refuse to put effort into the basics may shine for a moment but will never achieve extraordinary success.
“At that time, the sect’s rules dictated that, apart from cultivating qi, drawing talismans took up most of the time. Each day, we had to draw a hundred of each of the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies talismans before we could rest. I was full of drive and insisted on drawing two hundred of each talisman every day before stopping. Although I was talented and drew talismans faster than others, I still worked from dawn to dusk, hardly taking a break. It wasn’t until three years later that I felt that drawing talismans became as natural as one with the brush, the talisman path not just flowing from the brush but directly from the heart, the talisman forming wherever my spirit reached. Those three years of hard work were not in vain,” Zhang Shisan said leisurely. “At that time, my fellow disciples were all learning second-level talismans, and the faster ones could already draw seven or eight types. Talismans aren’t about genius; they require step-by-step progress. So some people said that my three years of foolishness might leave me no chance to catch up with others.”
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t me who was foolish. It took me only a year to catch up on those three years. If it weren’t for later, heh…”
Zhang Shisan shook his head and sighed as he spoke.
“What happened later?” Mei Qing, hearing about cultivation experiences for the first time, was quite interested.
“Later, I quickly mastered second-level talismans, and this time, I didn’t waste any effort and directly prepared to tackle the third level,” Zhang Shisan said, squinting his eyes, reminiscing.
Mei Qing understood that the foundation required for second-level and first-level talismans wasn’t vastly different. Since the foundation was already solid, lingering on second-level talismans was pointless. Instead, the next step should be to quickly engage with higher-level talismans and gain experience in practical use.
“However, this time I stumbled badly,” Zhang Shisan said, with an amused expression.
“Ah? I thought your cultivation method was very reasonable and should lead to rapid progress. How could there be a problem?” Mei Qing, hearing that Zhang Shisan had stumbled, was puzzled and asked.
Zhang Shisan smiled bitterly and said, “I’ve told you, I was always very diligent in my talisman arts. But human effort has its limits; focusing on one thing inevitably neglects another. Although my progress in talismans was fast, my progress in spiritual power inevitably suffered. Once I reached third-level talismans, which required higher cultivation, my cultivation couldn’t keep up.”
Mei Qing let out an “Ah,” realizing that Zhang Shisan’s earlier mention of his slow cultivation due to over-focusing on talismans must refer to this.
Zhang Shisan shook his head and smiled, “At that time, it was unbearable. I knew exactly how to draw the talisman, but halfway through, I would run out of energy and couldn’t continue. Because of this, I had to grit my teeth and go into seclusion for a few years to catch up on my cultivation. Fortunately, in the talisman school, drawing talismans and cultivation should complement each other. There are methods to use talismans to aid cultivation. By the time I reached the stage of refining essence, I easily broke through various third-level talismans. After a few more years of solid cultivation, I managed to pass the stage of refining essence and enter the stage of refining essence into qi. And once I reached the stage of refining essence into qi, I immediately advanced to the intermediate level in talisman arts. It was a blessing in disguise.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. It seems that even in the talisman school of cultivation, one must balance both cultivation and talisman arts, complementing each other. Focusing solely on one is not the right path.
Zhang Shisan, rarely speaking of his past experiences, was stirred by Mei Qing’s situation and spoke at length, his emotions stirred. After a while, he returned to the present and smiled wryly, “Now, Mei Qing, you should understand what’s unusual about your talisman drawing, right? In fact, I’ve seen countless talisman masters since I was young, but I’ve never seen anyone who could draw talismans so effortlessly. Drawing talismans requires the harmony of heart, body, qi, brush, and form; none can be lacking. Yet you, with an insincere heart, an improper posture, chaotic brushwork, and crooked talisman forms, and being a practitioner of alchemy rather than qi cultivation, probably don’t even understand the qi of talismans. How could you draw even third-level talismans so easily?”
“Well…” Mei Qing opened his mouth, not knowing what to say. He was truly fearless due to ignorance, so he dared to draw talismans as soon as he picked up the brush, succeeding without knowing the intricacies. Hearing Zhang Shisan’s words now, he found it all quite unbelievable and incomprehensible.
“Fifteen years?” Mei Qing was astonished. He had drawn the Diamond Talisman with great care, but it had been effortless for him. He hadn’t found it particularly difficult, so how could it be as hard to learn as Zhang described?
Mei Qing, however, was brimming with enthusiasm. Now he was full of energy, not the least bit sleepy, and had just witnessed a variety of talismans, which was like a drunkard encountering fine wine. The two times Zhang Shisan had taught him to draw talismans, he had acted quite surprised. Initially, Mei Qing hadn’t paid much attention, but seeing Zhang Shisan’s troubled demeanor, he naturally realized that his own performance must have been somewhat unusual, causing Zhang Shisan to fluctuate between joy and worry.
“That… Elder, I wonder why I can’t seem to draw the Summoning Talisman no matter what, but the Diamond Talisman comes so easily? In my humble opinion, the difficulty of these two talismans doesn’t seem to differ much?” Mei Qing didn’t directly ask why Zhang Shisan was surprised and troubled, but instead inquired about the success and failure of the two talismans he had just drawn.
“Ah, it’s precisely this that has me puzzled,” Zhang Shisan calmed himself, his voice slightly hoarse. “Mei Qing, do you know what the key points are in drawing talismans?”
“Key points?” Mei Qing was surprised. “Isn’t it just about drawing them as they are? Of course, one needs to channel energy and adjust the essence, and the talisman will naturally come to life.”
“Just drawing them as they are?” Zhang Shisan smiled bitterly and shook his head. “I, a poor Taoist, have been practicing for nearly a hundred years since I started. Since I built my foundation at thirteen, I began with the Five Elements Talisman, starting my study of talisman techniques. By the time I was thirty, I had just passed the stage of refining essence and entered the stage of transforming essence into energy, and my talisman techniques also reached the intermediate level. From the time I started learning to draw talismans until I could successfully create this Diamond Talisman, it took me a full fifteen years.”
“Fifteen years?” Mei Qing was shocked. Although he had been very focused when drawing the Diamond Talisman, he had done it effortlessly, without feeling any difficulty at all. How could it be as difficult to learn as Zhang Shisan said?
“Could it be… because you were still in the stage of refining form at that time, and your true essence wasn’t stable, making it so difficult?” The stage of transforming essence into energy in the talisman school is equivalent to the cultivation level after forming the elixir in the alchemy school. Since this old Taoist only reached this stage at thirty, his talent must not be great, so it’s normal that he couldn’t draw talismans well. Mei Qing’s thoughts wandered.
“Perhaps you think that because I only reached the stage of transforming essence into energy at thirty, my talent is limited, right?” Zhang Shisan seemed to see through Mei Qing’s thoughts and asked leisurely.
Mei Qing, having his thoughts exposed, felt a bit embarrassed and just chuckled, scratching the back of his head, and didn’t respond.
Zhang Shisan wasn’t angry either and laughed, “In the alchemy school, forming the elixir in seventeen years is considered top talent; in the talisman school, initial cultivation is quite fast, and passing the stage of refining essence in seventeen years isn’t too fast, but it’s certainly not slow. Moreover, the reason my cultivation wasn’t fast was precisely because I worked too hard on talismans. In our sect, being able to draw the Diamond Talisman in fifteen years and reaching the intermediate level of talismans in seventeen years, in the past three hundred years, I am the first.”
Mei Qing listened, his mouth agape, with an expression of disbelief. Although this old Taoist had high cultivation, his actions were erratic and eccentric, and he didn’t seem like someone from a reputable orthodox sect. Even if he were a disciple of a proper sect, he probably wasn’t an elite figure. But when Zhang Shisan mentioned his sect and himself, the pride and confidence on his face were genuine.
Seeing Mei Qing’s expression, Zhang Shisan smiled slightly and began to talk about his experience in learning talismans.
It turned out that in Zhang Shisan’s sect, disciples would start learning talismans as soon as they successfully built their foundation and had true essence in their bodies. Naturally, they started with the most basic lower-level talismans like the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies, which Mei Qing had drawn.
“These talismans aren’t too difficult. Generally, smarter disciples with good talent can succeed in about a month or two. Those who are slower can manage to draw them in about half a year. However, our sect has a rule: one must practice lower-level talismans for at least a year before being taught the next level. If the master thinks a disciple’s talent is poor, they must practice the first-level talismans for three years before being taught the next level. Mei Qing, guess how long I practiced the first-level talismans?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Could it be that you practiced the first-level talismans for three years?”
Zhang Shisan was shocked and exclaimed, “How did you guess?”
Mei Qing laughed, “Earlier, you mentioned that you worked very hard on talismans. In my opinion, the reason you surpassed your predecessors and became the fastest in three hundred years must be because you put in great effort at the most basic level. That’s why you were able to catch up later.”
Zhang Shisan sighed deeply and said, “Exactly. When I first joined the sect, my talent was quite good, and I received much praise from my master. But when I started learning talismans, I realized that drawing talismans isn’t just about the skill of the brush, but the skill of the heart. I once heard that when carpenters learn their craft, they must start with the most fundamental skills like sawing and chiseling, practicing for years before they can make furniture. Those who practice for half a year have skill in their eyes; those who practice for a year have skill in their hands; those who practice for three years have skill in their hearts. From the beginning, I loved talisman techniques, so I decided to practice until the skill was in my heart, ignoring the advice of my master and fellow disciples, and practiced the first-level talismans for a full three years.”
Mei Qing listened and nodded repeatedly. In any skill, the most important thing is the foundation. As the saying goes, sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the chopping of wood. On the contrary, those who aim too high and refuse to put effort into the basics may show off for a while, but they will never achieve extraordinary success.
“At that time, according to the sect’s rules, besides cultivating energy, drawing talismans took up most of the time. Each day, we had to draw one hundred of each of the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies talismans before we could rest. I was very driven and insisted on drawing two hundred of each talisman every day before I would stop. Although I had good talent and could draw talismans faster than others, I still worked from dawn to dusk, with almost no rest. It wasn’t until three years later that I felt that when I drew talismans, my hand and brush were one, and the talisman wasn’t just drawn by the brush but directly from my heart. Wherever my spirit went, the talisman formed itself. Those three years of hard work were not in vain,” Zhang Shisan said leisurely. “At that time, my fellow disciples were all learning second-level talismans, and the faster ones could already draw seven or eight types of talismans. Talismans aren’t about genius; they require step-by-step progress. So some people said that by being so foolish for three years, I might never catch up with the others.”
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t me who was foolish. I caught up with those three years in just one year. If it weren’t for later, heh…”
Zhang Shisan shook his head and sighed as he spoke.
“What happened later?” Mei Qing, hearing about someone’s cultivation experience for the first time, was quite interested.
“Later, I quickly mastered the second-level talismans, and this time, I didn’t waste any effort and directly prepared to tackle the third level,” Zhang Shisan said, squinting his eyes, as if reminiscing.
Mei Qing understood that the foundation required for second-level and first-level talismans wasn’t vastly different. Since the foundation was already solid, lingering on second-level talismans was pointless. Instead, the next step should be to quickly move on to advanced talismans and gain experience in practical use.
“But I didn’t expect to stumble badly this time,” Zhang Shisan said, with an amused expression.
“Ah? I thought your cultivation method was very reasonable and should lead to rapid progress. How could there be a problem?” Mei Qing, hearing that Zhang Shisan had stumbled, was puzzled and asked.
Zhang Shisan smiled bitterly, “I told you, I always worked very hard on talismans. But human effort has its limits; focusing too much on one thing inevitably neglects another. Although my progress in talismans was fast, my progress in magical power was inevitably affected. When it came to third-level talismans, which require higher cultivation, my cultivation couldn’t keep up.”
Mei Qing let out an “Ah,” realizing that Zhang Shisan had mentioned earlier that his slow cultivation was due to over-focusing on talismans, which must refer to this.
Zhang Shisan shook his head and smiled, “At that time, it was unbearable. I knew exactly how to draw the talisman, but halfway through, I would feel empty inside and couldn’t continue. Because of this, I had to grit my teeth and go into seclusion for a few years to catch up in cultivation. Fortunately, in the talisman school, drawing talismans and cultivation should complement each other. There are methods to use talismans to aid cultivation. By the time I reached the stage of refining essence, I easily broke through various third-level talismans. After a few more years of solid cultivation, I managed to pass the stage of refining essence and entered the stage of transforming essence into energy. And as soon as I entered the energy transformation stage, I immediately reached the intermediate level of talismans, which was a blessing in disguise.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. It seems that even in the talisman school of cultivation, one must cultivate both magic and talismans, complementing each other. Focusing solely on one aspect is not the right path.
Zhang Shisan, rarely speaking of his past experiences, was stirred by Mei Qing’s situation today and spoke at length, feeling quite emotional. After a while, he returned to the present and smiled wryly, “Now, Mei Qing, you should understand what’s wrong with your talisman drawing, right? In fact, I’ve seen countless talisman masters since I was young, but I’ve never seen anyone who could draw talismans successfully so casually. Drawing talismans requires the harmony of heart, body, energy, brush, and form, none of which can be missing. But you, your heart isn’t sincere, your body isn’t upright, your brushwork is chaotic, and the talisman forms are crooked. Moreover, you practice alchemy, not energy cultivation, so you probably don’t even understand the energy of talismans. How could you possibly draw even third-level talismans so effortlessly?”
“Well…” Mei Qing opened his mouth, not knowing what to say. He was truly fearless in his ignorance, so he dared to draw talismans as soon as he picked up the brush, and they worked. He had no idea that talismans had so many intricacies. Now, hearing Zhang Shisan’s words, he felt it was all quite unbelievable and inexplicable.
Mei Qing, however, was brimming with excitement. Now he was full of energy, not the least bit sleepy, and had just witnessed a variety of talismans. It was as if a drunkard had stumbled upon fine wine. Zhang Shisan had taught him to draw talismans twice, each time reacting with astonishment. Initially, Mei Qing hadn’t paid much attention, but seeing Zhang Shisan’s troubled expression now, he naturally understood that his own performance must have been somewhat unusual, causing Zhang Shisan to fluctuate between joy and worry.
“Um… Senior, I wonder why I couldn’t draw the Summoning Talisman no matter how hard I tried, but the Diamond Talisman came so easily? In my humble opinion, the difficulty of these two talismans doesn’t seem to differ much?” Mei Qing didn’t directly ask why Zhang Shisan was surprised and troubled, but instead inquired about the success and failure of the two talismans he had just drawn.
“Ah, that’s exactly what I’ve been pondering over,” Zhang Shisan calmed himself, his voice slightly hoarse. “Mei Qing, do you know what the key points are in drawing talismans?”
“Key points?” Mei Qing was surprised. “Isn’t it just about drawing them as they are? Of course, one needs to regulate the flow of energy, and the talisman will naturally come to life.”
“Just drawing them as they are?” Zhang Shisan smiled wryly and shook his head. “I, a humble Taoist, have been practicing for nearly a hundred years since I started. Since I built my foundation at the age of thirteen, I began with the Five Elements Talismans, starting to learn the art of talismans. By the age of thirty, I had passed the stage of refining essence and entered the stage of transforming essence into qi, and my talisman skills also reached the intermediate level. From the time I started learning to draw talismans until I could successfully create this Diamond Talisman, it took me a full fifteen years.”
“Fifteen years?” Mei Qing was shocked. Although he had been very careful when drawing the Diamond Talisman, it had come to him effortlessly, and he hadn’t felt any difficulty at all. How could it be as hard to learn as Zhang Shisan said?
“Could it be… because you were still in the stage of refining form at that time, and your true essence wasn’t stable, which made it so difficult?” The stage of transforming essence into qi in the talisman school is equivalent to the cultivation level after forming the elixir in the alchemy school. Since this old Taoist only reached this stage at the age of thirty, it seemed his talent wasn’t that great, and it was probably normal for him to struggle with drawing talismans. Mei Qing’s thoughts wandered.
“Perhaps you think that because I only reached the stage of transforming essence into qi at the age of thirty, my talent was limited, right?” Zhang Shisan seemed to see through Mei Qing’s thoughts and asked leisurely.
Mei Qing, having his thoughts exposed, felt a bit embarrassed. He just chuckled, scratched the back of his head, and didn’t answer.
Zhang Shisan wasn’t angry either. He smiled and said, “In the alchemy school, forming the elixir in seventeen years is considered top-tier talent. In the talisman school, the initial cultivation is quite fast, and passing the stage of refining essence in seventeen years isn’t too fast, but it’s certainly not slow either. Moreover, the reason my cultivation wasn’t fast was precisely because I put too much effort into talismans. In our sect, being able to draw the Diamond Talisman in fifteen years and reaching the intermediate level in seventeen years, in the past three hundred years, I am the first.”
Hearing this, Mei Qing couldn’t help but open his mouth wide, his face filled with disbelief. Although this old Taoist had a high level of cultivation, his behavior was erratic and eccentric, and he didn’t seem like someone from a reputable orthodox sect. Even if he were a disciple of an orthodox sect, he probably wasn’t an elite figure. But when Zhang Shisan mentioned his sect and himself, the pride and confidence on his face were absolutely genuine.
Seeing Mei Qing’s expression, Zhang Shisan smiled slightly and began to talk about his experience of learning talismans.
It turned out that in Zhang Shisan’s sect, disciples would start learning talismans as soon as they successfully built their foundation and had true essence in their bodies. Naturally, they would start with the most basic first-grade talismans like the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies, which Mei Qing had drawn.
“These talismans aren’t too difficult. Generally, the smarter and more talented disciples can succeed in about one or two months. Even the slower ones can manage to draw them in about half a year. However, our sect has a rule that one must practice first-grade talismans for at least a year before being taught second-grade talismans. If the master thinks a disciple’s talent isn’t good, they must practice first-grade talismans for three years before being taught the next grade. Mei Qing, guess how long I practiced first-grade talismans?”
Mei Qing thought for a while and said, “Could it be that you practiced first-grade talismans for three years?”
Zhang Shisan was shocked and stared at him. “How… how did you guess?”
Mei Qing smiled and said, “Earlier, you mentioned that you put too much effort into talismans. In my opinion, the reason you surpassed your predecessors and became the fastest in three hundred years must be because you put in a lot of hard work in the most basic areas. That’s why you were able to catch up later.”
Zhang Shisan sighed deeply and said, “Exactly. When I first entered the sect, my talent was quite good, and I received praise from my master. But when I started learning talismans, I realized that drawing talismans wasn’t just about the skill of the brush, but the skill of the heart. I once heard that when carpenters learn their craft, they must start with the most fundamental skills like sawing and chiseling, practicing for years before they can make furniture. Those who practice for half a year have their skill in their eyes; those who practice for a year have their skill in their hands; those who practice for three years have their skill in their hearts. From the very beginning, I loved the art of talismans, so I decided to practice until the skill was in my heart. That’s why, despite the advice of my master and fellow disciples, I practiced first-grade talismans for a full three years.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. In any skill in the world, the most important thing is the foundation. As the saying goes, sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the chopping of wood. On the contrary, those who aim too high and refuse to put effort into the basics may show off for a while, but they will never achieve extraordinary success.
“At that time, according to the sect’s rules, apart from cultivating qi, drawing talismans took up most of the time. Each person had to draw a hundred of each of the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies talismans every day before they could rest. I was full of energy at that time, and I insisted on drawing two hundred of each talisman every day before I would stop. Although my talent was good and I could draw talismans faster than others, I still spent from dawn to dusk, almost without a moment’s rest. It wasn’t until three years later that I felt that when I drew talismans, the person and the brush became one. The way of the talisman wasn’t just written by the brush, but directly from the heart. Wherever my spirit reached, the talisman would form on its own. Those three years of hard work were not in vain,” Zhang Shisan said leisurely. “At that time, my fellow disciples were all learning second-grade talismans, and the faster ones could already draw seven or eight kinds of talismans. There are no geniuses in talismans; one must progress step by step. That’s why some people said that I had wasted those three years and would never catch up with the others.”
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t me who wasted those three years. I caught up with the three-year gap in just one year. If it hadn’t been for later, hehe…”
As Zhang Shisan spoke, he shook his head and sighed.
“What happened later?” Mei Qing, who was hearing about someone’s cultivation experience for the first time, asked with great interest.
“Later, I quickly mastered second-grade talismans, and this time, I didn’t waste any more time and directly prepared to tackle third-grade talismans,” Zhang Shisan said, squinting his eyes, as if reminiscing.
Mei Qing understood that the foundation required for second-grade and first-grade talismans wasn’t that different. Since the foundation was already solid, there was no point in lingering on second-grade talismans. On the contrary, the next step should be to quickly get in touch with advanced talismans and gain experience in actual use.
“But I didn’t expect that this time, I would fall hard,” Zhang Shisan said, with a look of amusement on his face.
“Ah? I think your method of cultivation is very reasonable and should lead to rapid progress. How could there be a problem?” Mei Qing, hearing that Zhang Shisan had fallen, was puzzled and asked.
Zhang Shisan smiled wryly and said, “I also told you that I have always put a lot of effort into talismans. But human strength is limited after all; focusing on one thing inevitably leads to neglecting another. Although my progress in talismans was very fast, my progress in magic power was inevitably affected. When it came to third-grade talismans, which require a higher level of cultivation, my cultivation couldn’t keep up.”
Mei Qing let out an “Ah,” and then remembered that Zhang Shisan had mentioned that his slow cultivation was due to his excessive focus on talismans, which must have referred to this.
Zhang Shisan shook his head and smiled, “At that time, it was really something. I clearly knew how to draw the talisman, but halfway through, I would feel empty inside and couldn’t continue. Because of this, I had to grit my teeth and go into seclusion for a few years to catch up with my cultivation. Fortunately, in the talisman school, drawing talismans and cultivation should complement each other. There are also some methods to use talismans to assist cultivation. When my cultivation reached the stage before refining essence, I easily broke through various third-grade talismans. After a few more years of solid cultivation, I actually managed to pass the stage of refining essence and reached the stage of transforming essence into qi. And once I reached the stage of transforming qi, I immediately advanced to the intermediate level in talismans, which can be considered a blessing in disguise.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. It seemed that even in the talisman school of cultivation, one must cultivate both magic and talismans, complementing each other. Focusing on only one aspect is not the right path.
Zhang Shisan rarely talked about his past experiences, but today, Mei Qing’s situation had sparked his interest, and after talking for so long, he was also feeling emotional. After a while, he returned to the present reality and smiled wryly again, “Now, Mei Qing, you should know what’s wrong with your talisman drawing, right? In fact, since I was young, I’ve seen countless talisman masters, but I’ve never seen anyone who could draw talismans successfully as casually as you. Drawing talismans requires the harmony of heart, body, qi, brush, and form; none can be missing. But you, your heart isn’t sincere, your body isn’t upright, your brushwork is chaotic, and the form of your talismans is crooked. Moreover, you cultivate the alchemy school, not the qi cultivation school, so you probably don’t even understand the qi of talismans. How could you draw even third-grade talismans so easily?”
“Well…” Mei Qing opened his mouth, not knowing what to say. He was truly fearless because of his ignorance, so he dared to draw talismans as soon as he picked up the brush, and they came out successfully. He didn’t know that there were so many intricacies in talisman drawing. Now, hearing Zhang Shisan’s words, he also felt it was somewhat unbelievable and didn’t understand why.
Caught red-handed in his thoughts, Mei Qing felt somewhat embarrassed, chuckled, scratched the back of his head, and did not reply.
Mei Qing, however, was brimming with excitement. Now he was full of energy, not the least bit sleepy, and had just witnessed a variety of talismans, which to him was like a drunkard encountering fine wine. The two times Zhang Shisan had taught him to draw talismans, he had acted quite astonished. Initially, Mei Qing hadn’t paid much attention, but seeing Zhang Shisan’s troubled expression now, he naturally understood that his own performance must have been somewhat unusual, causing Zhang Shisan to fluctuate between joy and worry.
“Um… Elder, I wonder why I couldn’t draw the Summoning Talisman no matter what, but the Diamond Talisman came so easily? In my humble opinion, the difficulty of these two talismans doesn’t seem to differ much?” Mei Qing didn’t directly ask why Zhang Shisan was surprised and troubled, but instead inquired about the success and failure of the two talismans he had just drawn.
“Ah, it’s precisely this that has been puzzling me,” Zhang Shisan said, his voice slightly hoarse as he composed himself. “Mei Qing, do you know what the key points are in drawing talismans?”
“Key points?” Mei Qing asked in surprise. “Isn’t it just about drawing them as they are? Of course, one needs to channel their energy and adjust their essence, and the talisman will naturally come to life.”
“Just drawing them as they are?” Zhang Shisan shook his head with a bitter smile. “I’ve been practicing for nearly a hundred years since I started. After laying my foundation at thirteen, I began with the Five Elements Talisman and started learning the art of talismans. By the age of thirty, I had passed the stage of refining essence and entered the stage of refining essence into qi, and my talisman skills also reached the intermediate level. From the time I started learning to draw talismans until I could successfully create this Diamond Talisman, it took me a full fifteen years.”
“Fifteen years?” Mei Qing was shocked. Although he had put a lot of effort into drawing the Diamond Talisman, it had been done effortlessly with a single stroke, and he hadn’t felt any difficulty at all. How could it be as hard to learn as Zhang Shisan said?
“Could it be… that you were still in the stage of refining form at that time, and your true essence wasn’t solidified, which made it so difficult?” In the talisman school, the stage of refining essence into qi is equivalent to the cultivation level after forming the golden elixir in the alchemy school. Since this old Taoist only reached this stage at thirty, his talent must not be that great, and it’s normal that he couldn’t draw talismans well. Mei Qing’s thoughts wandered.
“Perhaps you think that because I only reached the stage of refining essence into qi at thirty, my talent is limited, right?” Zhang Shisan seemed to see through Mei Qing’s thoughts and asked leisurely.
Mei Qing, having his thoughts exposed, felt a bit embarrassed and just chuckled, scratching the back of his head, and didn’t answer.
Zhang Shisan wasn’t angry either and laughed, “In the alchemy school, forming the golden elixir in seventeen years is considered top-tier talent; in the talisman school, progressing quickly in the early stages, passing the stage of refining essence in seventeen years, isn’t too fast, but it’s certainly not slow either. Moreover, the reason my cultivation wasn’t fast was precisely because I put too much effort into talismans. In our sect, being able to draw the Diamond Talisman in fifteen years and reaching the intermediate level of talismans in seventeen years, I am the first in nearly three hundred years.”
Mei Qing listened, his mouth agape, with an expression of disbelief. Although this old Taoist had high cultivation, his behavior was erratic and eccentric, and he didn’t seem like someone from a reputable orthodox sect. Even if he were a disciple of a proper sect, he probably wasn’t an elite figure. But when Zhang Shisan mentioned his sect and himself, the pride and confidence on his face were unmistakably genuine.
Seeing Mei Qing’s expression, Zhang Shisan smiled slightly and began to recount his experience of learning talismans.
It turned out that in Zhang Shisan’s sect, disciples started learning talismans from the day they began their cultivation, as long as they had successfully laid their foundation and had true essence in their bodies. Naturally, they started with the most basic lower-grade first-level talismans, such as the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies, which Mei Qing had drawn.
“These talismans aren’t too difficult. Generally, smarter and more talented disciples can succeed in about a month or two. Those who are slower might take half a year to barely manage it. However, our sect has a rule: practicing lower-grade first-level talismans must take at least a year before moving on to the second level. If the master in the sect deems a disciple’s talent insufficient, they must practice first-level talismans for three years before being taught the next level. Mei Qing, guess how long I practiced first-level talismans?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Could it be that you practiced first-level talismans for three years?”
Zhang Shisan was astonished and exclaimed, “How… how did you guess?”
Mei Qing laughed, “Just now, you mentioned that you put too much effort into talismans. In my opinion, the reason you surpassed your predecessors and became the fastest in three hundred years must be because you put in hard work at the most basic level. That’s why you could rise above later.”
Zhang Shisan sighed deeply and said, “Exactly so. When I first entered the sect, my talent was praised by my master. But when I started learning talismans, I realized that drawing talismans wasn’t just about the skill of the brush, but the skill of the heart. I once heard that carpenters learning their craft must start with the most fundamental skills like sawing and chiseling, practicing for years before they can make furniture. Those who practice for half a year have skill in their eyes; those who practice for a year have skill in their hands; those who practice for three years have skill in their hearts. From the very beginning, I loved the art of talismans, so I resolved to practice until the skill was in my heart. That’s why, despite the persuasion of my master and fellow disciples, I practiced first-level talismans for a full three years.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. In any skill, the most important thing is the foundation. As the saying goes, sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the chopping of wood. On the contrary, those who aim too high and refuse to put effort into the basics may show off for a while, but they will never achieve extraordinary success.
“At that time, the sect’s rules dictated that apart from cultivating qi, most of the time was spent drawing talismans. Each disciple had to draw a hundred of each of the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies talismans every day before they could rest. I was driven by a strong impulse and insisted on drawing two hundred of each talisman every day before I would stop. Although I was talented and drew talismans faster than others, I still spent from dawn to dusk without a moment’s rest. It wasn’t until three years later that I felt that drawing talismans became as natural as breathing, and the talisman’s path wasn’t just written by the brush but directly from the heart. Wherever my spirit reached, the talisman’s pattern formed by itself. Those three years of hard work were not in vain,” Zhang Shisan said leisurely. “At that time, my fellow disciples were all learning second-level talismans, and the faster ones could already draw seven or eight types of talismans. Talismans are not about genius; they require step-by-step progress. So some people said that by being foolish for those three years, I might never catch up with the others.”
“Unfortunately, the fool wasn’t me. It took me only a year to make up for those three years. If it hadn’t been for later, heh…”
Zhang Shisan shook his head and sighed as he spoke.
“What happened later?” Mei Qing, hearing someone recount their cultivation experience for the first time, was quite interested.
“Later, I quickly mastered second-level talismans, and this time, I didn’t waste any effort and directly prepared to tackle the third level,” Zhang Shisan said, squinting his eyes as if reminiscing.
Mei Qing understood that the foundation required for second-level talismans wasn’t much different from that of first-level talismans. Since the foundation was already solid, lingering on second-level talismans was pointless. On the contrary, the next step should be to quickly engage with advanced talismans and gain experience in practical use.
“However, I didn’t expect that this time I would stumble badly,” Zhang Shisan said, with an amused expression.
“Ah? I thought your cultivation method was very reasonable and should lead to rapid progress. How could there be a problem?” Mei Qing, hearing that Zhang Shisan had stumbled, was puzzled and asked.
Zhang Shisan smiled bitterly and said, “As I told you, I always put a lot of effort into talismans. But human effort is limited after all; focusing too much on one thing inevitably neglects another. Although my progress in talismans was rapid, my progress in magical power was inevitably affected. Once I reached third-level talismans, which required higher cultivation, my cultivation couldn’t keep up.”
Mei Qing let out an “Ah,” realizing that Zhang Shisan had mentioned earlier that his slow cultivation was due to over-investment in talismans, which must have referred to this.
Zhang Shisan shook his head and smiled, “At that time, it was unbearable. I knew exactly how to draw the talisman, but halfway through, my body would be empty, unable to continue. Because of this, I had to grit my teeth and go into seclusion for a few years to catch up with my cultivation. Fortunately, in the talisman school, drawing talismans and cultivation should complement each other. There are also methods to use talismans to assist cultivation. By the time I reached the stage of refining essence, I easily broke through various third-level talismans. After a few more years of solid cultivation, I unexpectedly passed the stage of refining essence and entered the stage of refining essence into qi. And once I reached the stage of refining essence into qi, I immediately advanced to the intermediate level of talismans, which was a blessing in disguise.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. It seemed that even in the talisman school of cultivation, one must cultivate both magic and talismans, complementing each other. Focusing on only one aspect is not the right path.
Zhang Shisan, rarely speaking of his past experiences, was stirred by Mei Qing’s situation today and spoke for a long time, feeling quite emotional. After a while, he returned to the present reality and smiled slightly bitterly, “Now, Mei Qing, you should know what’s wrong with your talisman drawing, right? In fact, since I was young, I’ve seen countless talisman masters, but I’ve never seen anyone who could draw talismans successfully as casually as you. Drawing talismans requires the harmony of heart, body, qi, brush, and form; none can be missing. But you, your heart isn’t sincere, your body isn’t upright, your brushwork is chaotic, and the talisman’s form is crooked. Moreover, you cultivate the alchemy school, not the qi-refining school, so you probably don’t even understand the qi of talismans. How could you draw third-level talismans so effortlessly?”
“Well…” Mei Qing opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say. He was truly fearless due to ignorance, so he dared to draw talismans as soon as he picked them up, and they succeeded without him knowing the intricacies involved. Hearing Zhang Shisan’s words now, he felt it was all quite unbelievable and inexplicable.
Upon hearing this, Mei Qing couldn’t help but open his mouth wide, his expression full of disbelief. Although the old Taoist had extremely high cultivation, judging from his erratic behavior, he didn’t seem to come from a prestigious sect. Even if he were a disciple from an orthodox sect, he probably wouldn’t be an elite. However, the pride and confidence on Zhang Shisan’s face when he mentioned his sect and himself were clearly genuine.
Seeing Mei Qing’s expression, Zhang Shisan smiled slightly and began to recount his experiences learning talisman arts.
It turned out that in Zhang Shisan’s sect, once disciples successfully establish their foundation and their true energy is formed, they begin to learn talisman arts. Naturally, they start with the most basic, low-level talismans like the Taiji, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies, which Mei Qing had drawn.
“These talismans aren’t particularly difficult. Generally, talented disciples can succeed within one or two months. Those less gifted might need about six months. However, our sect has a rule: at least one year must be spent practicing the lowest level talismans before being taught the second level. If the master deems a disciple’s talent insufficient, they must spend three years drawing the lowest level talismans before advancing to the next level. Mei Qing, can you guess how long I spent drawing the lowest level talismans?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment before replying, “Could it be that you spent three years drawing the lowest level talismans?”
Zhang Shisan was greatly surprised, his eyes wide. “How…how did you guess that?”
Mei Qing smiled and said, “Earlier, you mentioned that you devoted too much effort to talisman arts. In my opinion, the reason you could surpass your predecessors and become the fastest in three hundred years must be because you worked hard on the fundamentals, thus eventually overtaking others.”
Zhang Shisan sighed deeply and said, “Exactly so. When I entered the sect, my talent was highly praised by my master. However, while learning talisman arts, I realized that drawing talismans is ultimately not about the hand but the heart. I once heard that carpenters learning their craft must start with the most basic tasks like sawing and chiseling, practicing for years before they can make furniture. Practicing for six months develops the eyes; a year develops the hands; three years develops the heart. Since I loved talisman arts from the beginning, I was determined to internalize this skill, so I ignored my master’s and fellow apprentices’ advice and spent three full years drawing the lowest level talismans.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. The most important aspect of any skill is its foundation. As the saying goes, sharpening the axe doesn’t delay chopping wood. On the contrary, those who aim too high and neglect the basics may be able to show off temporarily, but they will never achieve extraordinary accomplishments.
“At that time, our sect’s rules allocated most of our time to drawing talismans besides gathering energy and cultivation. Everyone had to draw one hundred each of the Taiji, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies talismans daily before resting. I was full of drive back then, drawing two hundred of each talisman every day before stopping. Although I was talented and drew talismans faster than others, I worked from dawn to dusk almost without a moment’s rest. It was only after three years that I felt a unity between myself and the brush, the talismans not only drawn by hand but directly reaching my heart and mind, forming naturally with my thoughts. This three-year effort was ultimately not in vain,” Zhang Shisan said wistfully.
“Back then, my fellow apprentices were already learning the second level talismans, and those who cultivated quickly could already draw seven or eight types. There are no geniuses in talisman arts; everyone must walk step by step. At that time, some even said that I had wasted those three years and would never catch up with others again.”
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t I who was foolish. I caught up with those three years of lost time in just one year. If it hadn’t been for what happened later, hehe…”
Zhang Shisan shook his head while sighing.
“What happened later?” Mei Qing asked with great interest, as it was the first time he had heard someone recount their cultivation experiences.
“Later, I quickly mastered the second level talismans, and this time, I didn’t waste any more effort and directly prepared to tackle the third level,” Zhang Shisan said, his eyes narrowing as if reminiscing.
Mei Qing understood in his heart that the foundation required for second-level talismans wasn’t much different from that of first-level ones. Since the foundation had already been laid solidly, lingering on second-level talismans would be meaningless. Instead, the next step should be to quickly move on to advanced talismans and gain experience through practical application.
“Unexpectedly, this time I stumbled badly,” Zhang Shisan said with a grin.
“Ah? I think your approach to cultivation is very reasonable and should lead to rapid progress. How could there be a problem?” Mei Qing asked, puzzled by Zhang Shisan’s misfortune.
Zhang Shisan smiled bitterly and said, “I told you before, I devoted myself too much to talisman arts. However, human effort has its limits. Focusing too much on one aspect inevitably leads to neglect in others. Although my talisman skills advanced rapidly, my cultivation of spiritual power inevitably suffered. When I reached the third-level talismans, the required cultivation level was higher, and my progress couldn’t keep up.”
Mei Qing exclaimed, “Ah!” only then realizing that Zhang Shisan had mentioned his slow progress was due to his excessive focus on talisman arts.
Mei Qing, however, was brimming with enthusiasm. Now he was full of energy, not the least bit sleepy, and had just witnessed a variety of talismans, which to him was like a drunkard encountering fine wine. The two times Zhang Shisan had taught him to draw talismans, he had reacted with great astonishment. Initially, Mei Qing hadn’t paid much attention, but seeing Zhang Shisan’s troubled state, he naturally understood that his own performance must have been quite unusual, causing Zhang Shisan to fluctuate between joy and worry.
“Elder… I wonder why I couldn’t draw the Summoning Talisman no matter how hard I tried, but the Diamond Talisman came so easily? In my humble opinion, the difficulty of these two talismans doesn’t seem to differ much?” Mei Qing didn’t directly ask Zhang Shisan why he was surprised and troubled, but instead inquired about the success and failure of the two talismans he had just drawn.
“Ah, it’s precisely this that has been puzzling me,” Zhang Shisan said, his voice slightly hoarse as he composed himself. “Mei Qing, do you know what the key points are in drawing talismans?”
“Key points?” Mei Qing asked in surprise. “Isn’t it just about drawing them as they are? Of course, one needs to channel their energy and adjust their essence, and the talisman will naturally come to life.”
“Just drawing them as they are?” Zhang Shisan shook his head with a bitter smile. “I, a humble Daoist, have been practicing for nearly a hundred years since I started. After laying my foundation at the age of thirteen, I began with the Five Elements Talisman and started learning the art of talismans. By the time I was thirty, I had passed the stage of refining essence and entered the stage of transforming essence into qi, and my talisman skills also reached the intermediate level. From the time I started learning to draw talismans until I could successfully create this Diamond Talisman, it took me a full fifteen years.”
“Fifteen years?” Mei Qing was shocked. Although he had put a lot of effort into drawing the Diamond Talisman, it had come to him effortlessly, without any sense of difficulty. How could it be as hard to learn as Zhang Shisan made it out to be?
“Could it be… because you were still in the stage of refining form at that time, and your true essence wasn’t stable, which made it so difficult?” The stage of transforming essence into qi in the talisman school was equivalent to the cultivation level after forming the golden elixir in the alchemy school. Since this old Daoist only reached this stage at thirty, his talent must not have been great, and it would be normal for him to struggle with drawing talismans. Mei Qing’s thoughts wandered.
“Perhaps you think that because I only reached the stage of transforming essence into qi at thirty, my talent was limited, right?” Zhang Shisan seemed to see through Mei Qing’s thoughts and asked leisurely.
Mei Qing, having his thoughts exposed, felt a bit embarrassed and just chuckled, scratching the back of his head, without answering.
Zhang Shisan wasn’t angry and laughed softly. “In the alchemy school, forming the golden elixir in seventeen years is considered top-tier talent; in the talisman school, progressing quickly in the early stages and passing the stage of refining essence in seventeen years isn’t too fast, but it’s certainly not slow either. Moreover, the reason my cultivation wasn’t fast was precisely because I put too much effort into talismans. In our sect, being able to draw the Diamond Talisman in fifteen years and reaching the intermediate level in seventeen years, in the past three hundred years, I am the first.”
Mei Qing listened, his mouth agape, with an expression of disbelief. Although this old Daoist had high cultivation, his actions were erratic and eccentric, and he didn’t seem like someone from a reputable orthodox school. Even if he were a disciple of an orthodox school, he probably wasn’t an elite figure. But when Zhang Shisan mentioned his sect and himself, the pride and confidence on his face were genuine.
Seeing Mei Qing’s expression, Zhang Shisan smiled slightly and began to talk about his experience in learning talismans.
It turned out that in Zhang Shisan’s sect, disciples started learning talismans from the day they began their cultivation, as long as they successfully laid their foundation and had true essence in their bodies. Naturally, they started with the most basic lower-grade first-level talismans, such as the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies, which Mei Qing had drawn.
“These talismans aren’t too difficult. Generally, smarter and more talented disciples can succeed in about a month or two. For those who are slower, it might take half a year to barely manage. However, our sect has a rule: practicing lower-grade first-level talismans must take at least a year before moving on to the second level. If the master thinks a disciple’s talent isn’t good, they must draw first-level talismans for three years before being taught the next level. Mei Qing, guess how long I spent drawing first-level talismans?”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and said, “Could it be that you drew first-level talismans for three years?”
Zhang Shisan was astonished and stared wide-eyed. “How… how did you guess?”
Mei Qing laughed. “Earlier, you mentioned that you put too much effort into talismans. In my opinion, the reason you surpassed your predecessors and became the fastest in three hundred years must be because you worked hard on the most basic aspects. That’s why you could later surpass others.”
Zhang Shisan sighed deeply. “Exactly. When I first entered the sect, my talent was praised by my master. But when I started learning talismans, I realized that drawing talismans wasn’t just about the skill of the brush, but the skill of the heart. I once heard that when carpenters learn their craft, they must start with the most fundamental skills like sawing and chiseling, practicing for years before learning to make furniture. Those who practice for half a year have skill in their eyes; those who practice for a year have skill in their hands; those who practice for three years have skill in their hearts. From the beginning, I loved the art of talismans, so I decided to practice until the skill was in my heart, ignoring the advice of my master and fellow disciples, and spent three full years drawing first-level talismans.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. In any skill, the most important thing is the foundation. As the saying goes, sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the chopping of wood. On the contrary, those who aim too high and refuse to work on the basics may shine for a moment, but they will never achieve extraordinary success.
“At that time, the sect’s rules dictated that besides cultivating qi, drawing talismans took up most of the time. Each person had to draw a hundred talismans of the Two Forms, Four Symbols, Five Elements, and Six Harmonies every day before they could rest. I was driven by a strong impulse and insisted on drawing two hundred talismans each day before I would stop. Although I was talented and drew talismans faster than others, I still worked from dawn to dusk, with hardly a moment’s rest. It wasn’t until three years later that I felt that drawing talismans became as natural as breathing, and the art of talismans wasn’t just written with the brush, but directly from the heart, with the talisman forming wherever my spirit reached. Those three years of hard work were not in vain,” Zhang Shisan said leisurely. “At that time, my fellow disciples were all learning second-level talismans, and the faster ones could already draw seven or eight types. Talismans are not about genius; they require step-by-step progress. So some people said that my three years of foolishness might have cost me the chance to catch up with others.”
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t me who was foolish. I caught up with those three years in just one year. If it hadn’t been for later, heh…”
Zhang Shisan shook his head and sighed as he spoke.
“What happened later?” Mei Qing, hearing about the experience of cultivation for the first time, was quite interested.
“Later, I quickly mastered second-level talismans, and this time, I didn’t waste any more time and directly prepared to tackle the third level,” Zhang Shisan said, squinting his eyes, as if reminiscing.
Mei Qing understood that the foundation required for second-level talismans wasn’t much different from that of first-level talismans. Since the foundation was already solid, lingering on second-level talismans was pointless. Instead, the next step should be to quickly engage with higher-level talismans and gain experience in practical use.
“But I didn’t expect that this time I would take a big fall,” Zhang Shisan said, with an amused expression.
“Ah? I think your cultivation method is very reasonable and should lead to rapid progress. How could there be a problem?” Mei Qing, hearing that Zhang Shisan had taken a fall, was puzzled and asked.
Zhang Shisan smiled bitterly. “I told you, I put too much effort into talismans. But human energy is limited, and focusing too much on one thing inevitably neglects another. Although my progress in talismans was fast, my progress in spiritual power was inevitably affected. Once I reached third-level talismans, which required higher cultivation, my cultivation couldn’t keep up.”
Mei Qing let out an “Ah,” realizing that Zhang Shisan had mentioned earlier that his slow cultivation was due to his excessive focus on talismans, which must have referred to this.
Zhang Shisan shook his head and smiled. “At that time, it was unbearable. I knew exactly how to draw the talisman, but halfway through, my body would be empty, unable to continue. Because of this, I had to grit my teeth and go into seclusion for a few years to catch up with my cultivation. Fortunately, in the talisman school, drawing talismans and cultivation should complement each other. There are methods to use talismans to assist cultivation. By the time I reached the stage of refining essence, I easily broke through various third-level talismans. After a few more years of solid cultivation, I managed to pass the stage of refining essence and reached the stage of transforming essence into qi. And once I reached the stage of transforming qi, I immediately advanced to the intermediate level in talismans, which was a blessing in disguise.”
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly. It seemed that even in the talisman school, cultivation and talismans were intertwined. Focusing on only one aspect was not the right path.
Zhang Shisan rarely talked about his past experiences, but today, Mei Qing’s situation had sparked his interest, and after talking for so long, he was emotionally stirred. After a while, he returned to the present and smiled wryly. “Now, Mei Qing, you should know what’s wrong with your talisman drawing, right? In fact, I’ve seen countless talisman masters since I was young, but I’ve never seen anyone who could draw talismans so effortlessly as you. Drawing talismans requires the harmony of heart, body, qi, brush, and form, none of which can be lacking. But you, your heart isn’t sincere, your body isn’t upright, your brushwork is chaotic, and your talisman forms are crooked. Moreover, you practice alchemy, not qi cultivation, so you probably don’t even understand the qi of talismans. How could you possibly draw third-level talismans so easily?”
“Well…” Mei Qing opened his mouth, not knowing what to say. He was truly fearless in his ignorance, so he dared to draw talismans as soon as he picked up the brush, and they came out successfully. He had no idea that talismans had so many intricacies. Now, hearing Zhang Shisan’s words, he himself found it unbelievable and incomprehensible.
Mei Qing nodded repeatedly, realizing that even in the Talisman Sect, cultivation must balance both spiritual power and talisman arts, complementing each other. Focusing solely on one aspect would never be the right path.
Zhang Shisan rarely spoke of his past experiences, but today, inspired by Mei Qing’s situation, he had been reminiscing for a while, his heart stirred with emotions. After a while, he returned to the present and smiled bitterly again, saying, “Now, Mei Qing, you should understand what’s wrong with your talisman drawing. In fact, I have seen countless talisman experts since I was young, but I have never seen anyone like you who can casually draw a successful talisman. Talisman drawing requires harmony of mind, body, energy, brush, and appearance, all five elements indispensable. Yet you, your mind is not sincere, your posture is not correct, your brushwork is chaotic, and the talisman’s appearance is crooked. Moreover, you cultivate in the Alchemical Sect, not the Cultivation Sect, and you probably don’t even understand how talisman energy works. How could you possibly draw a third-level talisman so effortlessly?”
“That…” Mei Qing opened his mouth, not knowing what to say. Being truly fearless in ignorance, he had dared to draw talismans right away, succeeding on the first try, unaware that there were so many intricacies involved in talisman drawing. Hearing Zhang Shisan’s words, he himself now felt it was inexplicable and couldn’t understand why.
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