The True Blood Talisman Master

Mingyang Marketplace.

After finishing her purchases, Feng Ling did not hurry back to the Blood Demon Sect. Instead, she rested for a night at an inn near the marketplace, waiting until dawn before returning to the sect.

As the night deepened, a tall, masked figure slipped silently out of the inn.

She moved with agility and soon infiltrated a residence.

Inside a room, a man who had been preparing to sleep suddenly rose and said in a deep voice, "Who is it?"

A black shadow darted inside.

"You're a senior brother from the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect, right?"

The man was startled, but he subconsciously nodded. He was a disciple of the Flowing Cloud Sword Sect stationed here.

Without wasting words, the black shadow took out a palm-sized map and shoved it into the man's hands as she said, "This map shows part of the Blood Demon Sect's terrain, with the sect's corresponding defensive forces marked on it."

"Also, Senior Sister Qiao'er has sacrificed herself."

Without wasting words, the black shadow immediately took out another palm-sized map and quickly stuffed it into the man's hands. "This map shows the terrain around the Blood Demon Sect. It marks some of the Devil Dao Sect's patrol forces. You must hand it over to the sect. Also, Senior Sister Qiao'er... has sacrificed herself."

"So you're the junior sister who infiltrated the Devil Dao Sect. Don't worry. I'll definitely relay this to the sect."

The man spoke solemnly.

"Thank you, senior brother. I have to return immediately."

With that, the black shadow turned and left.

Just then, a cold glint flashed in the man's eyes. With a flick of his finger, his long sword suddenly shot from its sheath and slashed viciously toward the black shadow's back.

Sensing the chill behind her, the black shadow quickly turned around. As she watched the flying sword rushing toward her, her eyes filled with confusion, shock, bewilderment, and fear...

She instinctively tried to dodge, but it was already too late.

Suddenly, the sound of something tearing through the air rang out.

A figure swooped down and swiftly rushed behind her.

Bang!

The flying sword struck mercilessly. The figure struggled to block it, but was still sent flying while vomiting blood from the blow.

"He's one of the Devil Dao Sect's people... Run..."

The figure shouted in a trembling voice.

The man merely grinned ferociously. As he formed a sword art, the flying sword swept across mercilessly, slicing the speaking figure's head off.

The sword's momentum did not diminish as it once again rushed toward the black shadow.

"Impudent."

Suddenly, an angry shout rang out.

Several figures appeared and plunged down with their swords raised. Before they even arrived, several flying swords streaked through the void like lightning. While shattering the flying sword attacking the black shadow, they also rushed straight toward the man.

The man was filled with unwillingness, but could only turn and flee.

However, he was ultimately a step too slow. Several flying swords pinned him to the ground at once, killing him on the spot.

The black-clad woman stood frozen in place. The veil on her face slowly slipped away, revealing a delicate and stunningly beautiful face, though it was now filled with bewilderment.

Looking at the dead Devil Dao Sect spy, then at the figure who had died blocking the sword for her, Feng Ling stood there like a wooden chicken.

"Fortunately, we arrived in time. Otherwise, Young Miss would have been in danger."

Several figures gathered around. Only after confirming that Feng Ling was unharmed did they all let out a sigh of relief.

"Young Miss, disguising yourself as an undercover agent in the Devil Dao Sect is too dangerous. Besides, the conflict between good and evil is far too complicated and terrifying. You should return with us."

Feng Ling bit her red lips tightly but firmly shook her head. "Senior Sister Qiao'er sacrificed herself, and now someone else has sacrificed himself as well. I can't just give up halfway."

At that moment, she became even more determined to overthrow the entire Blood Demon Sect.

If this Devil Dao Sect was not eliminated, who knew how many more people would die tragic deaths?

The others exchanged glances but did not dare say anything more.

Inside the Hidden Scripture Pavilion, Lin Fan had grown increasingly adept at copying Rune Patterns.

With his whole heart immersed in the task, combined with the foundation provided by his "Meridian Condensing Realm, First Grade" cultivation, his efficiency in copying Rune Patterns also improved.

At first, Lin Fan could only copy a dozen or so Rune Patterns a day, but after several days, he could copy nearly twenty each day.

Such efficiency left even Zhao Wang dumbfounded.

Lin Fan not only copied Rune Patterns for himself, but also casually completed Zhao Wang's copying work—and did not even want his Contribution Points.

As a result, the more Zhao Wang looked at Lin Fan, the more pleasing he seemed.

Zhao Wang was beaming. His daily workload had decreased, yet he still received his Contribution Points. What could be more comfortable than this?

Of course, while enjoying such treatment, Zhao Wang did not mistreat Lin Fan either. He reported Lin Fan's talent for copying Rune Patterns to the inner disciple Shi Tao.

For ordinary matters, Shi Tao would not have cared much. However, Lin Fan's talent suggested that he might become a Blood Talisman Master, so Shi Tao regarded him with considerable importance.

Under Shi Tao's personal arrangements, a Talisman Master from Blood Soul Peak was invited.

"Senior Brother Yun, my junior brother is very talented at copying Rune Patterns."

"Could you see if you can teach him a few methods of talisman crafting?"

"Junior Brother Zhao, I'm helping my master select talented people. If the person you mentioned truly has talent, I can teach him some knowledge related to talismans. If he doesn't, then there's nothing I can do."

"Understood, understood."

Zhao Wang nodded repeatedly.

He knew very clearly that Shi Tao had managed to invite this person, which already counted as giving Lin Fan an opportunity. Whether Lin Fan could seize it would depend on his own fortune.

Not long afterward, a man dressed in the robes of an Inner Disciple slowly sized up Lin Fan.

"Junior Brother Lin, this is Senior Brother Yun Peng, an extremely rare Blood Talisman Master from our Blood Soul Peak."

Zhao Wang stepped forward and introduced him to Lin Fan.

"A Blood Talisman Master?"

Lin Fan was startled, but quickly understood the intention behind this.

His thoughts stirred slightly. Although he could craft basic talismans and could be considered to have one foot in the realm of a Blood Talisman Master, there was still a huge gap between him and a true Blood Talisman Master.

If he could receive guidance from a genuine Blood Talisman Master, he would surely gain a great deal.

"Lin Fan greets Senior Brother Yun."

Lin Fan hurriedly bowed.

Yun Peng waved his hand. "There's no need to be so polite. I'm a disciple of Master Ruan's lineage. The talisman-crafting methods of our lineage aren't something ordinary disciples can learn."

"You've read the Talisman Secret Tome, right? The contents in it are merely the simpler talisman-crafting methods of our lineage."

"Today, Senior Brother Shi personally invited me, so I'll demonstrate some talisman-crafting techniques for you. How much you can learn will depend on your own fortune."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yun Peng casually waved his hand. A sheet of pure-white Talisman Paper quickly spread open, and the Cinnabar was also mixed and prepared.

"Junior Brother Lin, watch carefully and learn carefully. This opportunity is extremely rare."

Seeing that Lin Fan was still standing there in a daze, Zhao Wang hurriedly reminded him.

Lin Fan nodded and focused intently on Yun Peng's movements.

He picked up the Talisman Brush and quickly outlined the pattern on the Talisman Paper. His movements flowed as one, even smoother than Lin Fan's.

Soon, as the ink solidified and the light of the Rune Patterns drew inward, a talisman was complete.

"This talisman is called a Fire Spirit Talisman. With just a trace of power, it can unleash powerful flames."

Yun Peng casually pinched the talisman. It burst apart with a boom, and a scorching force of flame surged upward, sending waves of heat several meters into the air.

"The Fire Spirit Talisman he drew is one or two tenths more powerful than the talismans I make."

Seeing this effect, Lin Fan's heart jolted.

This was his first time watching a true Blood Talisman Master craft a talisman. Whether in movement or control of force, the other party far surpassed him. Most importantly, the talismans Yun Peng crafted possessed a certain "spirit," making their power even more astonishing.

"Did you see clearly?"

Yun Peng turned toward Lin Fan and asked.

"I couldn't see clearly."

Lin Fan answered.

"It's only right that you couldn't see clearly. To craft a qualified basic talisman, you need to practice repeatedly."

"If you want a talisman to possess greater power, you must imbue it with its spirit and form."

Yun Peng gave a cold snort.

Becoming a Blood Talisman Master was no simple matter. He had already demonstrated the process for Lin Fan. Whether Lin Fan could comprehend its essence would depend on his own fortune.

"Spirit and form?"

Lin Fan pondered this.

"Come, give it a try."

Yun Peng spoke.

He also wanted to see whether the other party truly had the potential to become a Blood Talisman Master.

"This... all right."

Lin Fan wore a troubled expression.

He looked nervous, but was actually as steady as an old dog. He had already mastered the crafting of basic talismans earlier, so attempting to craft one in front of the two men was naturally no challenge.

The hardest part was showing that he had talent for talisman crafting without letting them see that this was not his first time crafting one.

"Junior Brother Lin, do your best."

Zhao Wang encouraged him.

If Lin Fan could become a Blood Talisman Master, then he, the person who had recommended him, would also gain certain benefits.

Lin Fan nodded, then picked up the Talisman Brush. Imitating Yun Peng, he slowly outlined the pattern on the Talisman Paper according to Yun Peng's movements just now.

His grip on the brush was unsteady, trembling badly, yet the Rune Patterns he drew were almost identical to those on Yun Peng's talisman.

This scene astonished Yun Peng.

The way he looked at Lin Fan changed.

Under Yun Peng and Zhao Wang's watchful gazes, Lin Fan spent fifteen minutes and finally outlined a complete Rune Pattern.

Beads of sweat the size of beans covered his forehead. His breathing became somewhat unstable, as if he had just gone through a great battle, and his spirit appeared utterly listless.

A crude talisman appeared. The power of the Rune Patterns on it was extremely thin. Strictly speaking, it was a half-finished product.

Yun Peng examined the half-finished talisman and clicked his tongue in wonder. "You've got some ability. To reach this level on your first attempt at crafting a talisman is indeed proof of some talent."

"Senior Brother Yun, does that mean Junior Brother Lin can become a Blood Talisman Master?" Zhao Wang asked joyfully.

"He merely has some talent. Whether he can become a Blood Talisman Master will depend on his future performance."

Yun Peng gave a cold snort.

An hour later, Yun Peng left.

Before leaving, he left Lin Fan a booklet containing some of his talisman-crafting experience.

Of course, the booklet had not been given for free. Lin Fan had spent fifty Contribution Points to buy it, and he was not allowed to pass it around casually.

"Junior Brother Lin, you need to practice talisman crafting more from now on and become a Blood Talisman Master as soon as possible."

"Once you become a Blood Talisman Master, you'll be able to establish yourself in the sect."

"Your senior brother will be able to bask in your glory too."

Zhao Wang smiled broadly.

"Rest assured, senior brother. I'll definitely work hard."

"And thank you for everything today, senior brother."

Lin Fan nodded.

Seeing how agreeable Lin Fan was, Zhao Wang wore a satisfied expression.

Over the following period, besides copying Rune Patterns in the Hidden Scripture Pavilion, Lin Fan also used his free time to try crafting talismans.

Moreover, his "progress" was neither too fast nor too slow. Every so often, he would make some improvement.