Flame City, Joining the Symbol Master Association

Early the next morning, just as dawn broke.

Luo Heng and Han Chong set out on the road. Although Han Chong had yet to recover from his severe injuries, with the pills Luo Heng provided and a night of recuperation, he could barely manage to travel on horseback.

Along the way, Han Chong's attitude toward Luo Heng became increasingly respectful, even carrying a trace of awe.

The strength Luo Heng had displayed the previous night made him realize that the youth before him was no ordinary person.

"Brother Luo, Flame City lies thirty miles ahead." Han Chong pointed at the faint outline of the city walls in the distance. "What are your plans after entering the city?"

Luo Heng looked at the city gradually coming into view and replied calmly, "I'll first visit the Symbol Master Association. I want to test my Spiritual Power level."

Han Chong quickly said, "If you do not mind, Brother Luo, I can introduce you. Master Yan, the association president, is an old acquaintance of my father's. I am also a member of the Symbol Master Association. The old man appreciates talented young people the most."

"Then I'll have to trouble Brother Han." Luo Heng nodded.

The two urged their horses onward and soon reached Flame City's eastern gate.

As one of Tiandu Prefecture's important cities, Flame City was far beyond Qingyang Town in scale.

Its walls were built from smooth Black Crystal Stone. From afar, the walls stretching out on either side resembled a black dragon lying across the earth, majestic and imposing.

It was a vast circular metropolis built upon yellow sands, dominated by red and yellow hues and filled with an air of blazing heat and wild desolation.

Security at the city gate was tight. People flowed in and out endlessly, while merchant caravans came and went without pause.

After paying the entrance fee, the two entered the city.

The streets within were broad and paved with smooth bluestone slabs. Shops lined both sides, and the cries of vendors rang out without end.

Martial artists, merchants, and commoners moved through the streets.

What caught Luo Heng's attention even more was that he occasionally saw martial artists in various outfits whose auras were anything but weak. From time to time, he could even sense the distinctive Spiritual Power fluctuations of Talisman Masters.

Flame City truly is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, Luo Heng thought.

Ordinary people only knew that Flame City had three great top-tier forces: the City Lord's Mansion, the Myriad Gold Merchant Guild, and the Blood Wolf Gang. They did not know that the Symbol Master Association was in no way inferior to those three powers.

The Symbol Master Association's rules were simply more relaxed. Most of its members devoted themselves to studying Fu Dao, making them seem low-key, but their influence remained formidable.

Han Chong led Luo Heng through several main streets with practiced ease and arrived at a relatively quiet area in the eastern part of the city.

This place was completely different from the bustle of the other districts. A faint scent of sandalwood and ink lingered in the air.

An ancient, elegant courtyard stood there. Above its gates hung a wooden plaque bearing three vigorous characters: "Symbol Master Association."

"We're here. This is the Flame City Symbol Master Association." Han Chong dismounted as he spoke.

Two disciples in blue robes stood guard at the entrance. Upon seeing Han Chong, one of them hurried over. "Senior Brother Han, you're back! This is..."

"I suffered a minor injury. It's nothing serious." Han Chong waved his hand, then introduced Luo Heng to them. "This is Brother Luo Heng. He wishes to test his Spiritual Power at the Symbol Master Association. Is the president here?"

"The president is in the Bamboo House in the rear courtyard, discussing next year's Tower Battle with Senior Sister Ziyue," the disciple replied respectfully.

"Tower Battle..."

Han Chong frowned slightly and explained to Luo Heng, "Brother Luo may not know this, but the Symbol Master Associations of different cities have a tradition of Tower Battles. The rules are simple: whoever reaches the highest floor in the Symbol Master Tower and remains there the longest wins. If one side wins three times in a row, it may take the other side's Symbol Master Tower."

"Including this year, our Flame City Symbol Master Association has already lost to Tianhuo City twice. This will be the final battle. If we lose again, the Symbol Master Tower will be taken by Tianhuo City."

Luo Heng nodded. This matched the plot of the Original Work. He remembered that Dongzi would rise to prominence next year and help the Flame City Symbol Master Tower win.

The two entered the courtyard. Several Bamboo Houses stood scattered about, while a few Symbol Master disciples either studied scrolls outside the houses or practiced talisman crafting in the open space. All of them respectfully saluted Han Chong upon seeing him.

"The Symbol Master Association is usually this quiet. President Master Yan and the core disciples all live in these Bamboo Houses. They only enter the Symbol Master Tower for activities such as Spiritual Power cultivation and Tower Battles," Han Chong explained as they walked.

They passed through a bamboo grove path and arrived at the depths of the courtyard.

A black Stone Tower roughly a dozen zhang tall stood in an open clearing.

The tower was ancient and unadorned, its surface covered in the marks of time. Faint, profound Talisman Runes flickered across it.

Even from dozens of zhang away, Luo Heng could sense the dense Spiritual Power field emanating from the tower.

Within his Niwan Palace, the Myriad Law Seal trembled slightly, seemingly drawn to that power.

"This is the Symbol Master Tower." Han Chong's tone turned solemn as he continued, "It was condensed from Spiritual Power by generations of Flame City's Talisman Master forebears over nearly a century. The tower has nine floors. The higher one climbs, the stronger the spiritual pressure becomes, and the better the tempering and cleansing effects."

"There is a spiraling stone staircase inside. It is said that an ancient stone stele exists on the Eighth Floor. Talisman Runes flicker upon it, and it can form the Formation of Life. The Symbol Master Tower is the sacred ground in the hearts of Flame City's Talisman Masters."

Luo Heng looked at the black Stone Tower, a gleam flashing through his eyes.

This truly was a good thing. Its effect on Spiritual Power tempering was likely no weaker than his Stone of Enlightenment Fragment.

"Senior Brother Han!"

A clear female voice rang out. A young woman in purple emerged from one of the Bamboo Houses.

She appeared to be seventeen or eighteen years old, with stunning beauty and a cool, graceful temperament. A Silver Badge hung from her waist, with two interwoven Talisman Runes upon it. She was clearly a Two-Seal Symbol Master.

Her Spiritual Power fluctuations were solid and powerful. She was evidently one of the most outstanding members of the younger generation.

"Junior Sister Ziyue, this is Brother Luo Heng, a Talisman Master I met along the way. He wishes to test his Spiritual Power at the Symbol Master Association." Han Chong cupped his hands and explained Luo Heng's situation.

Zi Yue's gaze settled on Luo Heng, and a trace of surprise flashed through her cool eyes.

She could sense the refined and pure Spiritual Power fluctuations around Luo Heng. Though they appeared to be only at the First Seal level, their quality far exceeded that of ordinary First Seal Rune Masters.

"Young Master Luo." Zi Yue nodded slightly. "My teacher is in the Bamboo House. Please follow me."

The three entered the largest Bamboo House.

The furnishings inside were simple. Bookshelves lined all four walls, filled with all manner of beast-hide scrolls and jade slips.

An elderly man in a gray robe sat in a bamboo chair. His beard and hair were white, yet his complexion was rosy and his eyes shone brightly. He was studying a complex Talisman Rune diagram with his head lowered.

"President." Han Chong saluted respectfully.

Master Yan raised his head. Seeing Han Chong's pale face and bandaged wounds, he frowned. "Little Han, you are injured? Did something happen during the mission?"

"We were ambushed on the way by the Second Leader of Black Skull Stronghold and his men. Fortunately, Brother Luo saved me." Han Chong briefly recounted what had happened.

After listening, a cold gleam flashed through Master Yan's eyes. "Black Skull Stronghold... They are becoming increasingly bold. Leave this matter to the Symbol Master Association. Focus on recovering from your injuries."

Only then did he turn his attention to Luo Heng. After examining him for a moment, surprise slowly appeared in his eyes. "What refined Spiritual Power! Boy, what Concentration Method do you cultivate?"

Luo Heng's heart tightened slightly. This old man's discernment was truly sharp. He respectfully replied, "This junior cultivates the Concentration Technique."

"Concentration Technique? An ordinary method?" Master Yan shook his head. "An ordinary method could never cultivate Spiritual Power this pure and refined. Still, since you do not wish to say more, this old man will not press you. Little Han said you want to test your Spiritual Power?"

"Yes. This junior wishes to know my exact level."

"Good. Follow me."

Master Yan rose and led the three to one side of the Bamboo House.

A circular array three feet in diameter was engraved into the floor there. Its array patterns were intricate, and a transparent crystal sphere the size of a human head rested at its center.

"This is the Spirit Testing Array. Stand in the middle," Master Yan said.

Luo Heng did as instructed and stepped into the center of the array. The moment he stood still, the array patterns automatically lit up with a silver-white glow.

"Relax your mind and pour your Spiritual Power into the crystal sphere at the center."

Luo Heng took a deep breath. Within his Niwan Palace, the Myriad Law Seal slowly rotated. A stream of pure Spiritual Power followed the guidance of the array patterns and flowed into the crystal sphere.

Buzz!

The crystal sphere began to shine. At first, it was a faint white, but then the color gradually deepened, turning silver, then pale gold...

Master Yan's previously calm expression slowly froze.

Zi Yue's eyes widened, and Han Chong revealed a shocked expression as well.

The crystal sphere's color continued changing. The gold became increasingly rich until it finally transformed into the most dazzling golden-red!

"Golden-red... Spiritual Power strength at the level of a Three-Mark Rune Master!" Master Yan's voice trembled slightly as he murmured, "And the attribute... seems to be the rare 'Analysis' attribute!"

He suddenly looked at Luo Heng, his eyes filled with disbelief. "Boy, how old are you?"

"Sixteen." Luo Heng replied calmly. It seemed he had still underestimated his talent in Spiritual Power.

"Sixteen years old, with the cultivation of a First Seal Rune Master, yet possessing the Spiritual Power strength of a Three-Mark Rune Master, and even a special attribute..." Master Yan took a deep breath, ecstasy flashing in his eyes. "Heaven blesses the Flame City Symbol Master Association!"

A radiant light shone in Zi Yue's beautiful eyes. As the most outstanding young Talisman Master in Flame City, she had only just touched the threshold of the late Two-Seal stage.

Yet this youth before her already did not lose to her in Spiritual Power strength!

"Young Friend Luo." Master Yan's attitude became extremely fervent. "Would you be willing to join our Flame City Symbol Master Association? This old man can make the decision and directly grant you core disciple status, with the highest treatment!"

Luo Heng pondered for a moment before asking, "Master Yan, this junior has only just arrived and does not know much about the Symbol Master Association. What rights and obligations come with joining it?"

"There are naturally many rights." Master Yan stroked his beard and explained in detail. "Each month, you may receive thirty Yang Yuan Stones, five sheets of Second-Grade Talisman Paper, and one portion of Concentration Incense. You may freely browse the Symbol Master Association's collection of books and use the Symbol Master Tower for cultivation. If you have any questions regarding Fu Dao, this old man and the other elders will guide you."

"As for obligations... the Symbol Master Association's rules are relaxed, and there are usually no mandatory requirements. Only when the Symbol Master Association faces major matters must you contribute, such as... next year's Tower Battle." Master Yan's tone became somewhat heavy.

Zi Yue continued, "The Tianhuo City Symbol Master Association has already defeated us twice. If we lose again, the Symbol Master Tower will be taken away. That would be a fatal blow to the Flame City Symbol Master Association. If Young Master Luo joins, I hope you can contribute your strength to the association."

Luo Heng fell silent for a moment. The Symbol Master Tower would greatly benefit his Spiritual Power cultivation, and Tianhuo City... it was the city next to Flame City. He had already forgotten how the Original Work described it. He still had more than half a year; by then, defeating them would be no problem at all.

"This junior is willing to join the Symbol Master Association. As for the Tower Battle, this junior will not shirk the responsibility." Luo Heng cupped his hands. Then let's do it!

"Good! Good! Good!"

Master Yan said "good" three times in a row. His old face blossomed with delight. With a talent as powerful as Luo Heng, what did they have to fear next year? He then said, "Zi Yue, take Young Friend Luo to complete the procedures and arrange a residence for him. Let him stay in the Bamboo House beside yours. You young people can exchange ideas more easily. Little Han, stay here for now."

A trace of surprise flashed through Zi Yue's eyes. Her teacher truly valued this Young Master Luo highly.

"Yes, Teacher."

The procedures went smoothly. Luo Heng received a Silver Badge. Two interwoven Talisman Runes were engraved on its front, representing his status as a core disciple, while the words "Flame City Symbol Master Association" were carved on its back.

Zi Yue led Luo Heng to a bamboo grove on the eastern side of the courtyard, where several independent Bamboo Houses stood.

"This Bamboo House will be Young Master Luo's residence from now on." Zi Yue pushed open the bamboo door of one of them and said to Luo Heng, "I live next door. If you need anything, you may come find me at any time."

The interior of the Bamboo House was simple yet elegant, with one sitting room and one bedroom. A desk stood before the window, while a meditation cushion rested in the corner.

A faint bamboo fragrance filled the air, calming the mind.

"Thank you, Miss Zi Yue." Luo Heng thanked her, his tone remaining calm.

"Then I will take my leave first." Zi Yue spoke before departing.

Watching the young woman leave and close the door, Luo Heng said:

"System, perform a check-in."

[ Ding! Daily Check-in successful! Obtained: Second-Grade Talisman Paper ×10, Concentration Incense ×3, Detailed Explanation of Talisman Fundamentals (Jade Slip) ×1 ]

Luo Heng smiled faintly as he looked at the check-in rewards. The system truly provided the most practical items according to his circumstances.

Talisman Paper and Concentration Incense were both necessities for a Talisman Master's cultivation, while the Detailed Explanation of Talisman Fundamentals jade slip could make up for his lack of theoretical knowledge.

Sitting cross-legged on the meditation cushion in the Bamboo House, Luo Heng took out the jade slip and pressed it against his forehead.

A stream of information surged into his mind: the classification and structure of Talisman Runes, the principles behind talisman creation, techniques for controlling Spiritual Power, methods for arranging Talisman Arrays...

The Myriad Law Seal glowed faintly, its Analysis ability operating at full force. This knowledge was rapidly absorbed, digested, and thoroughly comprehended.

In less than two hours, Luo Heng had completely mastered these basic theories.

He opened his eyes, and a trace of realization flashed within them.

"So that's how it is... The Path of the Talisman Master is essentially using Spiritual Power as a brush and the Primal Energy of heaven and earth as ink, drawing the patterns of laws in the void and invoking the power of heaven and earth."

Luo Heng stood and looked through the window at the black Symbol Master Tower.

It was time to experience it.

It was now afternoon.

Seven or eight young Talisman Masters had already gathered before the Symbol Master Tower, speaking quietly among themselves. When they saw Luo Heng approach, their gazes all turned toward him.

"So he's the newly arrived core disciple?"

"I heard his Spiritual Power strength reached the Three Seal level. What a monster..."

"He's sixteen. When we were sixteen, we had not even broken through to the First Seal, right?"

"Senior Sister Ziyue is here!"

Zi Yue walked over from the direction of the Bamboo Houses. Seeing Luo Heng, a faint smile appeared on her cool face. "Young Master Luo, do you also wish to enter the Symbol Master Tower?"

"I want to try it." Luo Heng nodded.

"The spiritual pressure inside the tower is extremely strong. The first floor is manageable, but from the second floor onward, the pressure doubles with every floor. With Young Master Luo's current Spiritual Power, reaching the fourth floor should not be a problem."

Zi Yue kindly reminded him, "However, do not rush ahead recklessly on your first time entering the tower. If you feel stabbing pain in your mind, withdraw immediately. Otherwise, your soul may be damaged."

"Thank you for the reminder." Luo Heng nodded in response.

At that moment, a somewhat effeminate voice sounded:

"Oh my, Junior Sister Ziyue is truly concerned about this newly arrived junior brother."