You Speak

A quarter of an hour later, the flying boat quickly arrived above a secluded mountain valley.

Within the valley, buildings dotted the landscape amidst pleasant flora.

As the flying boat slowly descended, a golden barrier rose from within the valley.

"A formation..."

Lin Fan's expression shifted slightly.

A formation capable of covering an entire valley was no small feat.

Furthermore, as far as he knew, such formations consumed a significant amount of spirit stones and were rarely activated in ordinary times, only being deployed during attacks or special circumstances.

The flying boat landed steadily, and everyone disembarked one by one, with Lin Fan being the last.

On the plaza, an elder in white robes with golden patterns approached. He was thin and his temples were white, but he exuded vigor.

Following closely behind the elder was a person with exquisite features and a stunning, graceful figure, exuding charm with every movement.

"Greetings, Master Ruan."

"Greetings, Madam."

Everyone spoke in unison, bowing respectfully to the elder.

Lin Fan followed suit and bowed as well.

"I am very pleased that all of you could come," Master Ruan said with a smile, scanning the crowd.

Upon hearing this, Yun Peng, Wang Zhaofeng, and the others stepped forward to offer flattery, acting so enthusiastically and respectfully as if they wanted to praise Master Ruan to the heavens.

Master Ruan understood their intentions and, without further idle chat, gestured for everyone to follow him.

He had taken only a few steps when he suddenly stopped, noticing Lin Fan in a corner. He casually asked, "You look unfamiliar, who is this?"

He recognized almost all the Blood Talisman Masters and prospective Talisman Masters present today, except for Lin Fan, this stranger whose origins he didn't know.

At this moment, Yun Peng stepped forward and said, "Master, this person is a disciple from Blackwood Cliff, personally recommended by Shi Tao."

"Blackwood Cliff... aren't they from the handyman sect?" Master Ruan glanced at Lin Fan.

"Yes, Master Ruan," Lin Fan replied neither subserviently nor arrogantly.

Hearing this, the gazes of the others towards Lin Fan carried a hint of disdain.

Not only was he not a Blood Talisman Master, but he also came from the lowest background as a handyman. Did such a person deserve an invitation?

Master Ruan, however, did not show any disdain. He nodded and said kindly, "A young man who has worked hard. Since you are here, try to learn as much as you can."

Lin Fan was taken aback and quickly replied, "I will remember Master Ruan's teachings."

Master Ruan did not look at Lin Fan again. Supported by his charming wife, he walked towards the depths of Roaming Cloud Valley.

The rest of the group followed behind him in a grand procession.

Although called the Blood Talisman Gathering of Roaming Cloud Valley, it was more like a "Monster Exhibition."

Many monsters had been captured and were being held collectively in one area.

To become a Blood Talisman Master, one must master the Blood Demon Talisman.

And there were two prerequisites for crafting a Blood Demon Talisman: first, to observe and comprehend the divine form of monsters, and second, to incorporate the essence and blood of different monsters into the talisman.

Within the valley, various monsters were confined in cages. As black cloths were continuously unveiled, different kinds of monsters were revealed.

Not only were there ordinary monsters, but also powerful monsters of higher grades.

Monsters also had divisions of strength, with the main levels being: Spirit Opening Realm, Wisdom Condensing Realm, Iron Bone Realm, Inner Core Realm, Form Transformation Realm, and Ancestral Return Realm.

These corresponded to the Six Realms and Nine Grades of cultivators.

Lin Fan noticed that among the monsters in these cages, in addition to those in the Spirit Opening Realm, there were also monsters in the Wisdom Condensing Realm. The dense blood energy emanating from them made him feel a strong sense of oppression even from a distance.

Under normal circumstances, monsters of the same realm were more ferocious and terrifying than cultivators.

Lin Fan was "frightened" and didn't dare to approach the cages, appearing timid and cowardly, which was not out of place at all.

Seeing this, everyone else found it natural.

Lin Fan looked at the cage closest to him, where a peculiar creature was held. At first glance, it resembled a bird of prey, but strangely, it had two ferocious heads.

Lin Fan glanced at the wooden plaque hanging on the cage: Two-Headed Bird, a ninth-grade Spirit Opening Realm monster, feeds on human brains.

He observed the Two-Headed Bird, carefully studying its divine form.

Since Lin Fan wished to become a Blood Talisman Master, he had to seize this opportunity to observe the divine forms of various monsters and lay a solid foundation.

In addition to providing the monster's body, the Blood Talisman Gathering also offered a small amount of low-grade monster blood.

Lin Fan was also given a small bottle of Two-Headed Bird blood, but he did not rush to try crafting a Blood Demon Talisman. Instead, he brought over a chair and meticulously observed the Two-Headed Bird's form.

Time passed quickly.

Lin Fan initially observed the Two-Headed Bird, then examined other demonic beasts, even scrutinizing one or two powerful demonic beasts that had reached the Wisdom Condensing Realm from a distance.

He acted reasonably, transforming from his initial timid and cowardly demeanor to one filled with curiosity about the various demonic beasts.

The Blood Talisman Gathering proceeded smoothly. While everyone observed the demonic beasts, Master Ruan would occasionally offer guidance.

"Demonic beasts are evil and brutal, their bones filled with a bloodthirsty nature."

"Their forms are not uniform; some focus on bloodthirsty slaughter, while others emphasize cunning and deceit."

"To craft better Blood Demon Talismans, you must remember the forms of different demonic beasts, infuse their essence into the talisman, and use their blood to make it."

Master Ruan said with a solemn expression.

Everyone nodded in agreement. In terms of talisman crafting, Master Ruan was among the top figures in the entire sect.

"Infuse their essence into the talisman, use their blood to make it."

Lin Fan pondered this.

Just then, another specially made iron cage was brought over.

The cage was large and completely wrapped in black cloth.

At Master Ruan's instruction, someone stepped forward and removed the black cloth, revealing a white deer. Its antlers were beautiful, its limbs slender and strong, and it appeared exceptionally docile.

"Is this... a Golden Mane White Deer?"

Yun Peng glanced at it and praised, "This demonic beast is very rare. Master Ruan actually managed to get one."

Wang Zhaofeng also spoke, "The Golden Mane White Deer looks no different from an ordinary white deer on the outside, but in reality, it is an extremely ferocious demonic beast. Its grade is above the fifth rank of the Wisdom Condensing Realm. This Golden Mane White Deer's antlers have already grown four branches. If it grows another branch, it might become a spirit."

"It's only because Master Ruan has such high skill that he could capture one alive. If it were someone else, they wouldn't have this ability."

As the two spoke, other disciples gathered around, beginning to carefully observe the Golden Mane White Deer's form.

During this time, Lin Fan had seen many of the demonic beasts confined in Roaming Cloud Valley, almost all of them ferocious. Today, seeing the appearance of this Golden Mane White Deer, he felt no sense of ferocity; instead, it exuded a hint of gentleness.

But he understood that since Yun Peng and Wang Zhaofeng had identified it as a ferocious demonic beast, this Golden Mane White Deer was definitely not as simple as it appeared.

He remained silent, quietly observing the demonic beast.

On the contrary, Yun Peng and Wang Zhaofeng continued to speak, their words clashing, seemingly intending to showcase their knowledge.

As the two were arguing intensely, a cough was heard. Supported by his alluring wife, Master Ruan slowly walked over.

He glanced at Yun Peng and Wang Zhaofeng, then asked, "What is most important when comprehending the form of a demonic beast?"

Yun Peng quickly replied, "Of course, it's their habits. To comprehend their form, one must first grasp their habits."

"Like the Golden Mane White Deer, it appears docile like a spirit beast on the surface, but in reality, it is a terrifying beast that feeds on human blood. Its ferocity and bloodlust are its essence."

As soon as he finished speaking, as if to verify his words, the seemingly "docile" Golden Mane White Deer suddenly split its head open, transforming into a blood-filled mouth full of fangs, exuding a chilling malevolent aura.

Lin Fan was startled and thought to himself, So, the more docile a demonic beast appears on the outside, the more terrifying it is.

He intended to continue listening. Setting aside Master Ruan, a figure of extremely high attainment in talisman crafting, even Yun Peng and Wang Zhaofeng were true Blood Talisman Masters with unique experiences and insights.

Master Ruan nodded slightly but did not affirm Yun Peng.

At this moment, Wang Zhaofeng saw his opportunity and said with a smile, "Habits are indeed important, but I believe that to craft superior blood talismans, one must grasp the characteristics of the demonic beast. Take the Golden Mane White Deer, for example. This beast is adept at disguise, very cunning and sly."

"Using this characteristic to make blood talismans is most suitable."

Master Ruan looked at Wang Zhaofeng again and nodded, but remained silent.

One focused on ferocity and bloodlust, the other on cunning and slyness. Both made valid points.

Lin Fan pondered. Both Yun Peng and Wang Zhaofeng were correct, yet neither was entirely comprehensive.

Ferocity and bloodlust were its nature, while cunning and slyness were its methods.

Of course, this was not an occasion for Lin Fan to speak, nor did he want to draw attention to himself.

But fate had other plans. The very thing Lin Fan feared was happening.

Master Ruan suddenly pointed at the Golden Mane White Deer, his gaze falling on Lin Fan in the corner, and asked, "You tell me, what is the true form of this demonic beast?"