Chapter 99: Right and Wrong, Success and Failure

Zhang Shisan naturally had long forgotten about others’ opinions. He hurriedly pulled Mei Qing and, using a Daoist technique, instantly returned to his own guest room. Before even sitting down properly, he grabbed paper and brush, first drawing a Purification Talisman to demonstrate to Mei Qing, then ordering him to copy it.

Mei Qing hadn’t slept at all the previous night. He had just dozed off for less than ten minutes when Zhang Shisan splashed a bucket of cold water over him. He hadn’t even changed clothes and was now soaked from head to toe, feeling extremely uncomfortable. Seeing another talisman handed to him, he blurted out without thinking, “Old Daoist, do you even want me to live anymore—ah—”

Before he could finish speaking, he felt a thump on his head. Zhang Shisan, puffing his mustache in anger, shouted, “You’re supposed to be a cultivator. Why are you so lazy, like a sleeping cat? I, an old Daoist, also haven’t slept a wink, yet I’m still full of energy. No more nonsense. If you don’t hurry up and draw it, you’ll get a thrashing!”

“You’re a disgrace to old age,” Mei Qing muttered helplessly. Suppressing his sleepiness, he forced himself to draw the Purification Talisman. However, already exhausted and unwilling, he sketched it out carelessly, barely glancing at the strokes. Without even bothering to check it with spiritual perception, he tossed it to Zhang Shisan and said, “Done!”

Zhang Shisan took it and examined it repeatedly. Rather than showing joy, his expression became even more puzzled. He could clearly see how casually Mei Qing had drawn it. Yet, surprisingly, the talisman had still worked.

Originally, Zhang Shisan had suspected that Mei Qing might have learned some talisman-drawing techniques before and was now deliberately messing with him, so he used this Purification Talisman to test him. Although talismans for calming the mind and purifying the body were common in various sects, his version was quite unusual. It combined both functions into a single talisman, making it a rare composite talisman.

Generally speaking, talismans were designed for a single purpose—rain-summoning talismans only brought rain, disaster-warding talismans only dispelled disasters, etc. However, a few rare talismans combined multiple Daoist techniques into one, becoming composite talismans.

Such composite talismans usually weren’t more effective than using two separate talismans, but they were significantly harder to create. For example, this Purification Talisman: if it were only a Mind-Clearing Talisman or a Body-Purifying Talisman, it would only be a second-tier minor talisman. But combined into one, its creation difficulty rivaled even third-tier minor talismans.

According to Zhang Shisan’s knowledge, no sect had ever deliberately combined these two talismans. He himself had created it during idle practice, inspired by a sudden idea. Moreover, since inventing this talisman, he had rarely used it in front of others. That Mei Qing could successfully draw it meant he hadn’t previously learned talisman-drawing techniques to trick him.

Even more infuriating was that Mei Qing had clearly drawn it carelessly, violating the fundamental principle of talisman-making—sincerity of heart. For such a hastily drawn talisman to still work, even the Three Pure Daoist Lords might have been furious enough to twist their noses.

From ancient times, the primary principle of talisman-making had always been “sincerity of heart brings spiritual power; insincerity brings failure.” Zhang Shisan’s first lesson in learning talismans had been memorizing the *Talisman Essentials* taught by his master. The opening passage stated, “Talismans are the union of yin and yang. Only the most sincere can use them. If sincerity is lacking, naturally, it will not work…”

Never had he imagined that after studying Dao and drawing talismans for so many years, today he would be stumped by a young brat. Looking at Mei Qing’s casual strokes, drowsy eyes, and lazy posture, clearly showing no sincerity whatsoever, how could the talisman still succeed?

Zhang Shisan gritted his teeth inwardly, realizing that unless he figured this mystery out, not only would he be unable to teach Mei Qing Daoist techniques, but his own cultivation would also stagnate. As a legitimate inheritor of the talisman school, his entire cultivation was based on talismans. Now, Mei Qing’s inexplicable success had completely undermined his long-established foundation in talisman practice. How could he continue cultivating Daoist techniques if his beliefs and methods were being so thoroughly challenged?

Seeing Mei Qing still looking half-dead, Zhang Shisan snorted, then slapped the talisman onto Mei Qing’s body while chanting, “Venerable Lord Lingbao, calm the body and spirit; disciple’s soul and vital energies, merge into profound tranquility!”

As Zhang Shisan finished chanting, Mei Qing felt a sudden jolt throughout his body. Instantly, he became fully awake. His entire body felt fresh and clean, without a trace of mud or water. Even his clothes, worn for several days, were now spotless and wrinkle-free.

“Senior, this talisman is actually pretty good,” Mei Qing smiled cheerfully, completely refreshed. “But since you have such techniques, why not tidy up your own clothes?”

Zhang Shisan had naturally long forgotten what others might think. He hurriedly pulled Mei Qing and, using a Daoist technique, instantly returned to his own guest room. Without even sitting down properly, he grabbed a pen and paper, first drawing a “Clear Mind and Purify Body” talisman to demonstrate to Mei Qing, then ordered him to replicate it.

Mei Qing hadn’t slept a wink the previous night and had just dozed off for less than fifteen minutes when Zhang Shisan abruptly woke him up by splashing a handful of cold water on his face. Still in his wet clothes, feeling utterly uncomfortable, Mei Qing saw Zhang Shisan handing him another talisman and blurted out without thinking, “Old Daoist, are you trying to kill me—ah—”

Before he could finish, he felt a sharp tap on his head. Zhang Shisan, with his beard bristling and eyes glaring, scolded, “You call yourself a cultivator? Lazy as a sleeping cat! I haven’t slept a wink either, yet I’m full of energy. Enough nonsense! If you don’t draw it quickly, you’ll get a beating!”

“Old but shameless, truly a thief…” Mei Qing, resigned, forced himself to suppress his drowsiness and began to draw the “Clear Mind and Purify Body” talisman. However, he was so exhausted and unwilling that his strokes were twice as sloppy as usual. He merely glanced at the characters Zhang Shisan had written, hastily scribbled them down, and without even bothering to check, tossed it to Zhang Shisan, saying, “Done!”

Zhang Shisan took it, examined it repeatedly, but instead of being pleased, he grew even more puzzled. He could clearly see that Mei Qing had rushed through it, yet despite the carelessness, the talisman had somehow worked.

Originally, Zhang Shisan had suspected that Mei Qing might have some prior experience in drawing talismans and was deliberately messing with him, hence he used this “Clear Mind and Purify Body” talisman to test him. While talismans for clearing the mind and purifying the body were common, his version was unique, combining both effects into a single talisman—a rare composite talisman.

Generally, talismans have one effect per talisman. For example, a rain-summoning talisman only brings rain, and a disaster-warding talisman only dispels calamities. However, a few talismans combine multiple Daoist techniques into one, known as composite talismans.

Such talismans usually aren’t more effective than using two separate talismans, but they are far more difficult to create. For instance, the “Clear Mind and Purify Body” talisman, if separated into individual talismans, would only be considered lower-tier, second-grade talismans. But combined, the difficulty of creating it rivals that of a lower-tier, third-grade talisman.

As far as Zhang Shisan knew, no sect would bother to combine these two talismans into one. He had only created it during idle practice, inspired by a sudden flash of insight. Moreover, since inventing this talisman, he had rarely used it in front of others. The fact that Mei Qing could successfully draw it suggested that he wasn’t deceiving Zhang Shisan with prior experience.

What was even more infuriating was that Mei Qing had clearly been half-hearted in his effort, completely violating the principle of “sincerity” in talisman creation. Yet, the talisman still worked. If the Three Pure Ones saw this, they’d probably be furious.

The primary principle of talisman creation has always been “sincerity brings efficacy; insincerity brings failure.” The first thing Zhang Shisan learned when studying talismans was to memorize the “Talisman Pivot” taught by his master. The opening line stated, “Talismans are the harmony of yin and yang, and only the most sincere in the world can use them; if sincerity is lacking, naturally, they will not work…”

After years of studying Daoism and creating talismans, Zhang Shisan was now stumped by a young novice. Watching Mei Qing casually scribble the talisman, his eyes heavy with sleep and his posture lazy, it was clear he lacked any sincerity. By all accounts, he shouldn’t have succeeded. How had he managed it?

Zhang Shisan gritted his teeth, realizing that if he didn’t figure this out, not only would he fail to teach Mei Qing Daoist techniques, but his own cultivation would also stagnate. As a true inheritor of talisman arts, his entire cultivation was rooted in talismans. Now, seeing Mei Qing’s performance negate years of his foundational beliefs, how could he continue to cultivate the methods he had always followed?

Seeing Mei Qing still looking half-dead, Zhang Shisan snorted, slapped the talisman onto Mei Qing’s body, and chanted, “Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Lord, comfort this body; disciple’s soul and spirit, merge with the profound darkness!”

As Zhang Shisan finished the incantation, Mei Qing felt a sudden jolt through his body, instantly waking him up. His entire being felt refreshed, and even his clothes, which he had worn for days, were now clean and wrinkle-free.

“Senior, this talisman is quite good,” Mei Qing said with a refreshed smile, his drowsiness completely gone. “But since you have such a method, why don’t you tidy up your own clothes?”

“I like it this way! None of your business!” Zhang Shisan snorted, then picked up his brush and drew a “Summoning Talisman.” He made a hand seal and chanted, “Golden Palace, Jade Chamber, light of the sun and moon; qi merges with the five elements, toppling the four directions; those who obey my incantation, come quickly and submit; those who defy it, perish and be destroyed. As urgent as the law commands!”

As Zhang Shisan finished the incantation, a talisman ghost, less than three feet tall and as faint as a wisp of smoke, suddenly appeared in the room.

Talisman ghosts aren’t actual spirits but are summoned through talismans, formed from the aggregation of natural qi. Since they are made of qi, they aren’t living beings, lack consciousness, and can only perform simple tasks as commanded by their master.

“Wow!” Mei Qing was thoroughly impressed. He had heard of talisman ghosts before, though they were far less powerful than the Six Ding and Six Jia spirits summoned by Bi Zhen. However, they were much easier to summon. Only cultivators from renowned orthodox sects could learn such advanced talismans. Seeing Zhang Shisan summon one now, Mei Qing was both surprised and delighted.

“This thing is fun,” Mei Qing said with a smile. “What can it do? I’ve seen people send little ghosts to steal things. Is this little guy the same?”

The small talisman ghost, upon appearing, automatically stood behind Zhang Shisan, bowing its head like an obedient child.

“This is just a talisman ghost, a temporary aggregation of natural qi. It’ll disappear in a short while. What you’re talking about are the Five Ghosts, which aren’t part of orthodox practices,” Zhang Shisan said with a frown. “Enough chatter. This is a lower-tier, third-grade talisman, and even among third-grade talismans, it’s quite difficult. Try drawing it.”

Mei Qing nodded repeatedly, mentally reviewing the talisman Zhang Shisan had just drawn. However, this talisman was rather complex, and Mei Qing didn’t recognize many of the characters on it. Although he had mentally traced the strokes several times, he still felt unsure.

“What are you dawdling for? Why is this talisman so hard to draw? You were quite smooth with the last one,” Zhang Shisan said impatiently, seeing Mei Qing hesitate.

Ignoring him, Mei Qing mentally retraced the strokes, then picked up the brush and drew the Summoning Talisman.

However, as soon as he finished, instead of feeling the usual surge of qi, he felt the qi on the paper vanish instantly. The talisman had failed.

Mei Qing frowned, and Zhang Shisan let out a thoughtful “Hmm.” The previous night, Mei Qing had failed to draw a few talismans, but those were mostly due to careless strokes or extreme lack of focus. This time, Mei Qing was certain he had followed the mental image perfectly. Why had it failed?

Before Zhang Shisan could speak, Mei Qing grabbed another sheet of talisman paper, took a deep breath, and began to redraw the Summoning Talisman. To Zhang Shisan’s eyes, the strokes were even more accurate than before. Yet, strangely, despite the increased care and precision, Mei Qing failed again.

Unwilling to give up, Mei Qing drew several more, but without exception, none succeeded.

“Could it be that you can’t draw third-grade talismans yet?” Zhang Shisan’s eyes lit up. While it was frustrating for Mei Qing to fail, for Zhang Shisan, any anomaly was a potential clue to understanding Mei Qing’s unique talisman-drawing ability.

“How should I know?” Mei Qing said with a dark expression. “I felt like I drew it exactly the same as before, even more carefully this time. But something’s off—the qi just dissipates as soon as I finish.”

Without saying much, Zhang Shisan picked up the brush and drew a “Diamond Talisman,” demonstrating it to Mei Qing and asking him to try.

This time, Mei Qing didn’t dare to be careless. He carefully observed Zhang Shisan’s strokes. Fortunately, the cloud script on this talisman was somewhat familiar, and after watching once, he had a clear mental image. He picked up the brush and replicated it stroke for stroke. As he finished, he felt a surge of metal and earth qi emanating from the talisman—it had succeeded.

“This is strange!” Zhang Shisan naturally sensed the talisman’s success. The Diamond Talisman wasn’t just a lower-tier, third-grade talisman; it was one of the most difficult among them. The Diamond Talisman, embodying the concept of indestructibility, combined metal and earth elements. Once activated, it made the user’s body as hard as diamond, making it one of the most commonly used protective talismans among cultivators.

However, because it required the simultaneous use of metal and earth elements, drawing this talisman was far more challenging than most third-grade talismans. Earlier, when Mei Qing repeatedly failed to draw the Summoning Talisman, Zhang Shisan had thought he might be incapable of drawing third-grade talismans. Now, seeing him succeed with the Diamond Talisman on his first try, Zhang Shisan’s earlier assumption was clearly wrong.

This kid is a monster, Zhang Shisan thought, glaring at Mei Qing. Third-grade talismans were difficult even for seasoned cultivators, and drawing something like the Diamond Talisman required extreme care—one slip, and it could fail. Yet, this kid had watched once and drawn it perfectly on his first try. How was that possible?

“You…” Zhang Shisan raised his hand, wanting to say something, but he didn’t know where to start. After stammering for a while, he finally gave up and lowered his hand in defeat.

As he finished chanting, a talisman spirit appeared in the room—barely three feet tall, as insubstantial as light smoke.

This so-called talisman spirit wasn’t a real ghost but a talisman entity formed from heavenly spiritual energy. Since it was merely a concentration of spiritual energy, it wasn’t considered a living being and had no consciousness or intellect, only capable of performing simple tasks as instructed by its master.

“Wow!” Mei Qing was greatly impressed. He had heard of talisman spirits before. Although not as powerful as the Six Ding and Six Jia summoned by Bi Zhen, they were much easier to summon. Only orthodox sects’ cultivators could learn such advanced talismans. Seeing Zhang Shisan use it now, he couldn’t help but feel delighted.

“This is fun,” Mei Qing smiled. “What can it do? I’ve seen people send a few little ghosts to steal things. Is this little guy the same?”

The small talisman spirit automatically stood behind Zhang Shisan as soon as it appeared, bowing its head obediently like a well-behaved child.

“This is just a talisman spirit, a temporary concentration of heavenly energy, which will dissipate soon,” Zhang Shisan frowned. “The ones you mentioned for moving things are the Five Ghosts, not something from orthodox cultivation. No more chatter. This is a third-tier minor talisman. Even among third-tier talismans, it’s relatively difficult. Try drawing one yourself.”

Mei Qing nodded repeatedly, carefully recalling the talisman Zhang Shisan had drawn. However, this talisman was indeed quite complex, with characters he barely recognized. Although he repeatedly analyzed the brush strokes, he still felt uncertain.

“What are you hesitating for? Why is this talisman so hard for you? Weren’t you just drawing them smoothly before?” Zhang Shisan, seeing Mei Qing’s hesitation, spoke impatiently.

Mei Qing ignored him, carefully reviewing the brush techniques in his mind before finally picking up the brush and paper to draw the Summoning Talisman.

However, as soon as he finished the last stroke, instead of feeling the usual surge of spiritual energy, he sensed the energy instantly vanish from the paper and brush. This talisman had failed.

Mei Qing frowned. Zhang Shisan also uttered a “Hmm.” During last night, Mei Qing had indeed failed several talismans, mostly due to brush errors or lack of concentration. But today, he was certain he had drawn it exactly as he envisioned. Why had it failed?

Before Zhang Shisan could speak, Mei Qing had already taken another talisman paper, inhaled deeply, and started drawing the Summoning Talisman again. In Zhang Shisan’s opinion, in terms of form alone, this talisman was actually more accurate than the previous ones. Yet strangely, this seemingly most careful and accurate talisman also failed.

Unwilling to accept this, Mei Qing tried several more times, but each attempt ended in failure.

“Could it be that you can’t draw third-tier talismans now?” Zhang Shisan’s eyes lit up. Although Mei Qing’s failure to draw this talisman was frustrating for him, for Zhang Shisan, any variation might mean a breakthrough in understanding Mei Qing’s unique talisman-drawing ability.

“How should I know?” Mei Qing replied gloomily. “I clearly felt this talisman was no different from the previous ones. I was even more careful this time. But something was off, and the energy dissipated as soon as I finished.”

Zhang Shisan said nothing but picked up his brush again, drew a Diamond Talisman, and demonstrated it to Mei Qing, asking him to try again.

This time, Mei Qing dared not be careless. He carefully observed Zhang Shisan’s brush techniques. Fortunately, the cloud script on this talisman was relatively familiar. After watching once, he memorized it clearly. Picking up the brush, he carefully copied it. As soon as he finished the last stroke, he felt a strong surge of metal and earth energies—it had succeeded again.

“This is truly strange!” Zhang Shisan naturally sensed the talisman’s success. The Diamond Talisman wasn’t just a third-tier minor talisman—it was among the most difficult ones. The Diamond Talisman symbolized indestructibility, combining metal and earth elements into one. Once activated, it could make the user’s body as solid as diamond, making it one of the most commonly used protective talismans among Daoist cultivators.

However, because it required simultaneous use of both metal and earth elements, drawing this talisman was much harder than ordinary third-tier talismans. Earlier, seeing Mei Qing fail repeatedly at the Summoning Talisman, Zhang Shisan had thought he might be unable to draw third-tier talismans. Now, seeing him successfully draw even the Diamond Talisman at first attempt, his previous assumption was clearly wrong.

This kid was just a monster. Zhang Shisan glared at Mei Qing, gritting his teeth. For a third-tier talisman, even seasoned cultivators needed to be extremely careful when drawing a Diamond Talisman—one careless stroke could ruin it. Yet this brat had drawn it successfully after just one look. How could such a thing be possible?

“You…” Zhang Shisan raised his hand, wanting to say something, yet unsure where to begin. After stuttering for a while, he finally gave up and let his hand drop helplessly.