The use of magical artifacts originated from ancient times. However, the techniques for crafting such artifacts in those early eras differed from modern practices. In fact, the later methods involving talismans,丹药 (dan pills), and鼎器 (cauldrons) were all developed and refined by subsequent generations, and naturally, the techniques for crafting artifacts were no exception.
At this point, Zhang Shisan glanced at Mei Qing and asked, “Mei Qing, although I’ve never previously inquired about your personal cultivation methods, I can clearly see that your techniques are vastly different from those practiced by various sects in the world today. They seem to originate beyond the traditions of talismans, alchemical pills, and鼎器 (ding vessels), and actually exhibit strengths from both schools. Although I don’t know its source, it feels very much like the cultivation methods of ancient times.”
Mei Qing hurriedly replied, “Master, your insight remains as sharp as ever. The cultivation method I possess was actually obtained by chance.” He then recounted how he had deciphered the divine thunder techniques of the Shenzong Sect, and afterwards resolutely embarked on this path following the prohibition of丹药 cultivation. He also recited the incantations of the Shenzong thunder techniques, the cultivation methods, as well as his own insights.
In truth, Mei Qing had long wanted to openly share his cultivation experiences to gain his master’s guidance, rather than continuing to explore blindly on his own. Initially, although he had become a disciple under both Zhang and Ku, he still felt some emotional distance and thus couldn’t fully open up. However, as time passed and he saw how earnestly both masters taught him, he finally committed himself completely. Yet neither Zhang Shisan nor Master Ku had ever asked about his previous cultivation path, so he had never brought it up. Now, with this topic naturally arising, he finally shared everything about his cultivation method.
When Zhang Shisan heard the term “Shenzong Thunder Techniques,” he was already taken aback. After listening to Mei Qing’s detailed recounting of his cultivation experiences, he shook his head and sighed, “So that’s how it is. In those days, the Shenzong Sect was unrivaled across the land, and their cultivation methods were highly sought after. Your opportunity to obtain them is indeed rare. When I first met you, I noticed your techniques bore a striking resemblance to the legendary Plum Blossom Daoist, Fan Wentai, so I assumed you might have some connection to the Plum Blossom Sect. I never imagined you were actually from the Shenzong Sect.”
“In those days, Zhang Liusun of our Celestial Master sect founded the Xuan sect and wiped out the Shenzong sect, seizing their Shenzong Thunder Techniques. However, the effort was ultimately incomplete. I can’t guide you in this method. I see that it contains profound mysteries and echoes the cultivation methods of ancient times, but it may not be suitable for the current era. Alas, these matters are difficult to explain clearly. We can only let nature take its course,” Zhang Shisan said with a tone of melancholy.
“Master, does this mean ancient cultivation methods were different from those of today?” Mei Qing, having heard Zhang Shisan’s repeated references to ancient times, couldn’t help but feel curious.
“When the world was first formed and humanity began, human nature was simple, and the primordial energies of heaven and earth were naturally pure and abundant. Therefore, cultivation was extremely effortless. One only needed to guide the energy into the body, and it would flow effortlessly, generating miraculous effects. However, as time passed, human hearts grew increasingly complicated, and the primordial energies became chaotic and sparse. As a result, cultivators had to rely on various methods—refining energy, condensing elixirs, drawing talismans, or crafting artifacts—to purify and harness these energies. These methods became necessary out of circumstance, signaling a decline in cultivation techniques.”
“Later still, the ambient energies of heaven and earth grew even scarcer. Even when drawn into the body, refining and utilizing them became increasingly difficult. Thus emerged the Dan and Cauldron school. Their focus on generating energy internally, rather than relying on external sources, was actually a matter of necessity. Just imagine how little primordial energy a single person could refine within their body over the course of a hundred years? But with external energies becoming increasingly scarce and impure, the rise of the Dan and Cauldron school was truly a desperate measure, marking a decline in our cultivation path.”
“Just look at the past few centuries—no one has ascended to immortality. Although many theories abound, blaming karmic retribution or the chaos wrought by the Xuan sect on the Daoist world, the undeniable fact is the decline of ambient energies in heaven and earth.”
At this point, Zhang Shisan appeared somewhat dispirited and shook his head, saying, “Your Shenzong Thunder Techniques bear some resemblance to the ancient cultivation path—they both involve guiding ambient energy and refining elixirs. However, achieving such advancement in today’s era of scarce energies suggests this method might have been refined by a later-generation expert. The fact that you can cultivate the elixir path while simultaneously channeling energy to create talismans, switching seamlessly between the two, indicates that your cultivation method must be the key.”
When Mei Qing first began learning talisman creation, Zhang Shisan had initially attempted to stop him, believing that those devoted to丹鼎 (Dan Ding) cultivation couldn’t possibly create talismans. However, Mei Qing had greatly surprised Zhang Shisan at that time, and now, looking back, it was clearly due to the Shenzong Thunder Techniques.
“If that’s the case,” Mei Qing said excitedly, “does it mean I might also have some advantage in crafting artifacts?”
Zhang Shisan shook his head, saying, “I can’t be certain about that either. Our Celestial Master sect has never especially been known for artifact crafting. Furthermore, crafting artifacts is quite different from drawing talismans. Both the Talisman and Dan鼎 schools depend on it, yet the techniques involved in artifact crafting differ greatly. Take, for example, the Talisman and Dan鼎 schools themselves—the differences are already substantial. As for how your cultivation path will interact with artifact crafting, that remains to be seen.”
Mei Qing thought for a moment and asked: “Master, the method you taught me for refining stone fragments—what kind of artifact crafting technique would that be? I feel like it lies somewhere between talismans and formations, except it requires refining with inner fire rather than drawing with cinnabar like talismans or using true energy to activate formations.”
Zhang Shisan replied, “Didn’t I just mention that there are countless techniques for crafting artifacts? Some use inner fire, while others rely on true energy. Some incorporate talismanic symbols, and others do not. The methods vary greatly. Even among sects—for example, sword cultivators—some have practiced from the outset by fusing their swords into their bodies, cultivating them like elixirs, which they call ‘Sword Dan’ (剑丹). Strictly speaking, this too is a form of artifact crafting. However, our Celestial Master sect generally adheres to a balanced and orthodox approach toward artifact creation, avoiding extreme methods. As long as your foundation in talismans is solid and your cultivation deepens with sufficient purity of inner fire, crafting artifacts won’t be overly difficult. Nevertheless, our Celestial Master cultivation emphasizes balance and harmony among the Five Elements, so we rarely produce exceptional artifact crafters. You should also bear in mind that while artifact crafting can aid in combat, it is not the fundamental path of cultivation. Don’t invest too much time in it or become excessively obsessed.”
Mei Qing opened his mouth as if to speak but remained silent. Zhang Shisan, sensing his inner conflict, patiently continued, “Perhaps you think that cultivating through artifacts complements your techniques and won’t hinder your cultivation. This mindset must be avoided. If you were born with a natural fire constitution or entered cultivation through artifacts, then cultivating via this path wouldn’t be a bad choice. However, since you initially pursued丹道 and later shifted to thunder techniques—neither of which follow the artifact path—forcing yourself into artifact cultivation will only waste time and impede your progress. Moreover, artifacts ultimately depend on the user’s command and play only a secondary role. Without sufficient cultivation, even possessing countless artifacts will render them useless. Unless you truly obtain a treasured artifact (宝法), but such treasures are extremely rare and unpredictable—better not to dwell on them.”
Mei Qing asked curiously: “So are artifacts and treasure artifacts not the same thing? Like the items my wife carries—those are all artifacts. What exactly is a treasure artifact?”
Zhang Shisan laughed, “If your wife’s collection of items were publicly displayed, even minor sects would be overwhelmed with jealousy. However, they’re still just ordinary artifacts—she doesn’t possess any treasure artifacts. In fact, treasure artifacts are a category of artifacts, but to qualify as a treasure artifact, it must contain a Qiling (artifact spirit). Simply put, an ordinary artifact is just a basic tool, much like a sword or knife, albeit more powerful. But once a treasure artifact possesses a Qiling, it becomes attuned to the master’s mind and can autonomously unleash techniques—this is where the distinction lies.”
Mei Qing let out an “Ah,” gradually understanding. Artifacts were like ordinary machines—functional, but still heavily reliant on the operator. Treasure artifacts, on the other hand, were like machines with artificial intelligence—capable of independent operation and far less dependent on the master. Naturally, their power was vastly superior.
“So where do Qilings come from? Are they also crafted?” Mei Qing asked with growing interest.
Zhang Shisan smiled bitterly, “Not even your master, nor likely anyone in our Celestial Master Sect, can answer that clearly. As I mentioned earlier, there are very few treasure artifacts existing in the world today. Those that remain are mostly handed down from ancient times—no one in this era has ever heard of a new treasure artifact being created by any sect or master. However, some unorthodox sects do employ a cruel method—forcibly extracting living souls to produce false artifact spirits (伪器灵), which they then seal inside artifacts to imitate the functions of a genuine 器灵 (artifact spirit). This practice, however, is regarded as abhorrent by the righteous path for two reasons: first, it is extremely cruel and violates the natural order; second, these false 器灵 are created through coercion and lack harmony, making their powers unpredictable and significantly inferior to those of true 器灵. Furthermore, such artifacts don’t last long—the false 器灵 eventually fade away, rendering the artifact completely useless.”
With some concern, Zhang Shisan added: “Mei Qing, I’m telling you all this so you understand that the path of artifact crafting is extremely difficult and demanding. Even if you possess extraordinary talent and the support of a sect, it will still be hard to achieve anything significant. I’m only teaching you the basics of artifact crafting so you can understand artifacts and create simple ones for self-defense. Don’t become obsessed and lose sight of your true cultivation path.”
Mei Qing could only nod in agreement and began listening attentively as Zhang Shisan explained the fundamentals of artifact crafting. One key difference between talismans and artifacts is that talismans are drawn with cinnabar on paper, while artifacts are inscribed with fire-based symbols onto artifact cores.
“The materials used in artifact crafting are referred to as *Qitai*. The most common types are wood, earth, and metal. Water and fire-based *Qitai* are extremely rare. Wood is the most frequently used type—for example, peach wood, *Leijingzao* (wood from jujube trees struck by lightning), and sandalwood. Earth-based *Qitai* include various kinds of jade, while metal-based *Qitai* encompass different types of metals. However, there are two fundamental requirements: first, the material must be rich in ambient energy; second, it must be easily refined.” Zhang Shisan casually took out several materials and began explaining each one to Mei Qing.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage