"If you can produce top-grade first-tier talisman paper in a short time, then your talent will rival Zhou Xiao's."
Shang Guangming said with a smile.
"Alright, I understand."
Chen Changming nodded.
First-tier talisman paper was merely something made by novice talisman masters. Even if he produced top-grade ones, it would not prove much.
"Work hard. If you can defeat Lin Jiuyang, then your master won't have to step down and yield his position to someone more worthy."
Shang Guangming patted Chen Changming on the shoulder.
Chen Changming asked curiously, "Master, what exactly happened between you and Wu Qiong?"
"Back then, Wu Qiong accidentally touched the Buddha Light Demon-Suppressing Talisman in the Thousand Buddha Hall and nearly caused a disaster. In a fit of anger, I expelled him from the Thousand Talisman Pavilion."
At the thought of the past, Shang Guangming's expression became complicated. He muttered, "That fellow was also highly skilled at making talismans. Over the years, he kept his head down and honed his craft, and before long, he was evenly matched with me. Later, he challenged me to a talisman-making contest, and the two of us ended in a draw. So we made another wager, using a contest between our disciples as the stake. If Wu Qiong's side lost three consecutive rounds, then he would no longer force me to relinquish my position."
"Master, you're the Pavilion Master. Why must you compete with him at all?"
Chen Changming frowned.
"For tens of thousands of years, the Thousand Talisman Pavilion has had an unwritten rule: the Pavilion Master's talisman-making skill must be the highest in the pavilion. Only then can they command the respect of all."
Shang Guangming sighed.
"Alright, I understand, Master."
Chen Changming nodded, then entered the cave abode.
Gazing toward the cave entrance, Shang Guangming muttered,