Easily Passing the Test

Deep within the market stood an ancient courtyard with three entrances and three exits.

Above the Vermilion Lacquered Gate hung five gilded characters: "Talisman Master Guild." After ascending nine tiers of white jade steps, a bright hall caught the eye.

Thirty-two bronze lamps surrounded the area, illuminating the central jade platform until it shone brightly.

A middle-aged talisman master was bent over his desk, writing. His eyes were exceptionally sharp whenever they opened and closed. In mere moments, a Gengjin Sword Talisman was complete.

Shangguan Nian waited at the side. Once she saw him set down his brush, she saluted him. "I came uninvited and disturbed you, President Li."

The middle-aged talisman master put down his talisman brush and glanced at Shen Yun beside her. "Why be so polite with Uncle Li? Is there something you need, Nian?"

Shangguan Nian nodded. "There is indeed something I need Uncle Li's help with."

Talisman Master Li's gaze shifted as he smiled. "It is for this young friend, isn't it? Why not introduce him?"

Shen Yun stepped forward and clasped his fists. "Greetings, President Li. I am Shen Yun. I came to purchase Second-grade Talisman Arts."

Shangguan Nian briefly explained the situation. The middle-aged talisman master before him was Li Tong, vice president of the Canglang Mountain Spirit Talisman Guild.

Li Tong tapped his fingers and pondered for a moment. "A trivial matter. He only needs to register his name with the guild."

Any Talisman Master could register with the Spirit Talisman Guild. The restrictions were extremely loose, making them equivalent to peripheral members.

Under normal circumstances, only core members could purchase Second-grade Talisman Arts. This special treatment was granted for Shangguan Nian's sake.

"Thank you, Uncle Li. What kinds of talisman arts does Young Master Shen need?"

Shangguan Nian turned back, only to find Shen Yun looking somewhat troubled. Doubts arose in her heart.

Shen Yun hesitated for a moment. "Can I take the Talisman Master examination now?"

Hearing this, Li Tong froze slightly and gave him a surprised glance. "Of course. If you can refine three Mid-grade Talismans within two hours, you will have passed the examination."

Shen Yun nodded. "Then I will trouble President Li. I would like to take the examination now."

Li Tong made a welcoming gesture with his right hand, indicating that Shen Yun could proceed as he pleased.

Shangguan Nian was curious. Young Master Shen is not actually a Talisman Master? Could it be that he learned these talisman arts on his own?

Her mind was clear and perceptive. If Shen Yun had been taught by a famous master, why would he need to purchase such talisman arts?

When Shen Yun took out his talisman-making tools, Li Tong's expression shifted slightly. He wanted to speak, but stopped himself.

The talisman paper was the most ordinary mass-produced kind, and the talisman ink was no different. Most outrageous of all was the talisman brush. Not only was it the cheapest quality, its tip had already yellowed, looking as though it was about to fall apart.

What kind of wild, unorthodox path did he come from? I should go easy on him later.

Li Tong felt rather helpless and had no faith in Shen Yun whatsoever.

If a craftsman wished to do good work, he must first sharpen his tools.

When had anyone ever come to an examination without meticulously prepared equipment, fearing the slightest impact on their performance? It had been decades since he had seen such broken scraps of copper and iron.

Yet the moment Shen Yun began writing, all his doubts vanished like smoke.

Without Hesitation, Shen Yun lowered his brush as though it were pure instinct.

His right hand did not tremble in the slightest, and the brush tip pierced through the paper with force.

His strokes flowed freely and effortlessly, while his control over spiritual power followed his will.

Only five minutes passed before Shen Yun lifted his brush and stood.

Specks of red light shimmered from the spirit talisman like starlight. Its exquisite runes seemed born whole from heaven itself, and the blazing ferocity of fire was ready to burst forth.

"Top-grade Fireball Talisman!"

Li Tong nearly shouted the words. He stood frozen in place, feeling as though his entire understanding of the world had suffered a violent impact.

Shangguan Nian's red lips parted slightly. Her bright eyes stared blankly at the spirit talisman, the shock in her heart beyond words.

She had watched many masters refine talismans and had been won over by their skill, but Shen Yun's talisman arts gave her an entirely different feeling.

It was seamless and natural, wielded as freely as one pleased, as though heaven and earth themselves were borrowing his hand to write.

Seeing Shen Yun prepare to continue refining spirit talismans, Li Tong let out a long sigh. "There is no need to continue. You have already passed the examination."

With skill tempered through a thousand hammers and ten thousand refinements, he surpassed even Second-grade Talisman Masters. Li Tong even suspected that Shen Yun had come here simply to show off his abilities.

Afterward, Shen Yun received a set of Talisman Master robes and a badge from the Talisman Association.

Li Tong wore a genial smile as he beat around the bush, trying to learn about Shen Yun's master and lineage.

Shen Yun casually replied, "My master is unwilling to reveal his name. Everyone simply calls him Mister Fang."

Mister Fang? I have never heard of any master with that surname. Could he be some hidden great power of the Dao of Talismans?

After turning the matter over in his mind, countless thoughts swirled through Li Tong's heart. Without revealing anything, he took out a Talisman Jade Slip.

Shen Yun finally bought the talisman arts he wanted and thanked her. "This time, it was all thanks to Miss Shangguan."

Shangguan Nian shook her head, her expression earnest. "I should be the one thanking you. Young Master Shen's guidance benefited me greatly."

Cannot Find the book title? Try searching for the author instead. Perhaps it has simply Changed name!

Watching the two of them, Li Tong could not help but praise them. "The waves behind drive on those before them. Before long, Tianlan Prefecture will produce two more masters of the Dao of Talismans."

The group was chatting merrily when Uninvited Guests arrived.

"Reporting to the president, Granny Aramaki has come to visit."

With the announcement, an Old Woman in gray robes shuffled in with her body bent over. Her Skull Cane struck the stone tiles, its sharp sound grating on the ears.

A haughty young man Closely Followed behind her, head raised and chest thrust out. His gaze looked down upon others, carrying the air of one who ran rampant and proclaimed himself king.

Seeing them, Shangguan Nian politely said, "Granny Aramaki, Brother Mo, why have you come?"

"I heard you were here, so this old woman came to take you back on the way," Granny Aramaki said in a hoarse voice, her eyes cloudy. "The entry examination for the Lone Swan Sword Sect is approaching. The Patriarch has ordered you to return to the clan immediately."

The arrogant young man immediately added, "Elder Brother Dongjun has already arranged everything. Sister Nian, do not waste any more time on the Dao of Talismans."

Shangguan Nian's brows Slightly Furrowed. If she joined the Lone Swan Sword Sect, she would have to obey Shangguan Dongjun's commands from then on, scheme against others, and fight for power and profit. That was not what she wanted.

"My heart is devoted to the Dao of Talismans. Send someone else to the Lone Swan Sword Sect."

Shangguan Nian refused. She had left home to travel precisely to avoid these disputes, yet she had still been tracked down.

Granny Aramaki's expression Darkened, and her tone became cold. "This is the Patriarch's order. Could it be that you wish to defy it?"

Shangguan Nian did not answer. Her exquisite face was filled with resolve, as though she were making a silent protest.

Seeing the atmosphere grow taut with drawn swords and bent bows, Li Tong stepped forward to smooth things over. "It was because of the next Talisman Master Tournament that Venerable Lingkong sent Nian out to travel and gain experience. I ask that you two understand."

Shangguan Mo snorted coldly. "What Talisman Master Tournament? Joining the Lone Swan Sword Sect is the foremost matter. Sister Nian, are you truly unwilling to return?"

"I am unwilling!"

Shangguan Nian remained unmoved and said firmly, "The Dao of Talismans is what I seek in this life. Please convey my apologies to Elder Brother Dongjun."

Her Dao Heart was like iron. She was unwilling to be dragged into these right and wrong disputes.

"Fine, fine, fine. Your wings have truly hardened."

Granny Aramaki's expression grew More and more frigid. If Shangguan Nian had not been Venerable Lingkong's disciple, she would have seized her on the spot.

Shangguan Dongjun had already gained a firm foothold within the Lone Swan Sword Sect, and now was precisely the time when he needed capable people.

Shangguan Nian possessed outstanding talent and extraordinary intelligence. She could have become his right-hand woman, joining him in plotting great affairs within the Sword Sect. Yet she had repeatedly declined, and this infuriated Granny Aramaki.

The discussion ended on bad terms. Granny Aramaki left with Shangguan Mo, her bark-like old face becoming even more sinister.

Once they left the Talisman Master Guild, their expressions were cold and severe, like ghost soldiers passing through the land. Frightened passersby detoured around them.

Granny Aramaki said in a sinister voice, "Go monitor Shangguan Nian. This Little girl harbors rebellion in her heart. Act according to circumstances when the time comes, and do not let her ruin the clan's great undertaking."

Shangguan Mo replied with a vicious grin, "Rest assured, Great-Aunt. I will keep my eyes on her every move."

Granny Aramaki nodded. "I am at ease when you handle matters. If anything happens, throw the message bug into Shen Family territory. Someone will contact you then."

The Shangguan Family was at a critical juncture, so Granny Aramaki left first. Shangguan Mo turned back to Looked towards the guild building and sneered softly. "Everyone must obey the family's commands. Sister Nian, you will not escape this fate either."

Inside the Talisman Association's reception hall.

Shangguan Nian forced a strained smile. "I caused Uncle Li trouble."

Li Tong shook his head, fully understanding her situation. Then he noticed Shen Yun beside him, and Doubts in their hearts arose. This Kid has such a weak sense of presence. I thought he had already left.

Shen Yun was circulating the Qi Concealment Technique with all his strength. Anyone who saw him would unconsciously overlook his existence.

He silently listened to the entire conversation without drawing the Slightest bit of attention.

Shangguan Dongjun, the Lone Swan Sword Sect...

Shen Yun stroked his chin and thought thoughtfully, Granny Aramaki is the Shangguan Family's Second Elder. Why would someone like her appear in Shen Family territory?

When something was abnormal, there had to be a demon at work. Thus, he became somewhat more vigilant.

After parting ways with Shangguan Nian, Shen Yun was about to leave when his Spiritual Sense caught Shangguan Mo's Aura.

Shen Yun stared at his retreating back and muttered softly, Why is this Kid still here?

"Big Brother, what are you doing?"

Shen Wude suddenly appeared, his face covered in sweat, as though he had just run a marathon.

"Fatty nearly died of exhaustion. I circled the market eight times before shaking off those guys."

Shen Wude fanned himself with a gilded folding fan and followed Shen Yun's gaze. "Who is this Kid? He walks around like he owns the place. One look tells me he is some second-generation cultivator. I will go teach him a proper lesson."

His eyes darted around as he began thinking of returning to his old trade.

Shen Yun glanced at him, and an idea stirred in his heart. "He is from the Shangguan Family and came to the Shen Family with ulterior motives."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wude immediately understood. "Big Brother means we should follow him?"

Shen Yun nodded. "Move quickly. His cultivation is not weak. Do not let him discover us."

"Leave it to me, Big Brother. Knocking people out from behind is my specialty."

Shen Wude chuckled, and he and Shen Yun silently followed behind Shangguan Mo.