Li Xin scanned the talisman master qualification examination procedures written on the sheet handed to him by the receptionist. The method of examination was simple. One only needed to enter the examination space where an array was installed and draw talismans. There was no separate proctor because each talisman master possessed their own techniques and secrets, and many could not properly display their true ability under the gaze of others.
The Union had adopted this method so that talisman masters could demonstrate their capabilities to the fullest. The cost required to take the examination was 1000 jeon. This was not merely an application fee but a form of deposit, to be returned upon passing the examination. It was also meant to prevent people from recklessly attempting the qualification test unless they were confident.
Li Xin took out a sheet of Red Spirit Paper he had prepared in advance and handed it to the receptionist. Red Spirit Paper was among the finest talisman papers, each sheet worth 1000 jeon. Ordinary talisman masters did not carry Red Spirit Paper on them, and a flicker of surprise passed through the receptionist’s eyes.
He examined Li Xin once more, yet he could not discern the identity of ‘Muyeong’ hidden behind the black robe and mask.
“Please follow me.”
The receptionist guided Li Xin toward the examination chamber. Located deep within the Heavenly Talisman Pavilion, the examination space was completely isolated from the outside.
As he stepped through the massive iron doors, a chamber surrounded on all sides by solid stone walls appeared. Complex patterns were carved into the walls, and faint currents of spiritual power flowed between them.
“Then we shall begin immediately.”
As Li Xin stood at the center of the chamber, the array activated, and darkness swallowed his surroundings in an instant. Within the pitch-black void, a small desk materialized. Upon it were the Four Treasures of the Study.
Li Xin’s formidable mental strength instantly recognized that this was not reality, but a space constructed of illusion. Soon, a calm and weighty voice echoed within his mind.
[To see the head of the serpent is to know its length.]
If one could discern a small part, one could infer the whole. The voice then issued a clear command.
[Draw five different strokes to prove your qualification.]
Li Xin recalled the examination procedure the receptionist had explained. The first test did not simply assess talisman crafting skill; it was a process to measure potential.
By observing a single stroke, the principles contained within would be revealed, and through them, the depth of the talisman master’s understanding could be judged.
Li Xin did not hesitate. He had already fully embodied five strokes to the level of Three-Stroke—the Strength Talisman stroke, Water Binding Talisman stroke, Diffusion Talisman stroke, Resonance Talisman stroke, and Radiance Talisman stroke. His hand instinctively grasped the brush, ground the ink, and drew the first stroke upon the paper.
The first stroke, that of the Strength Talisman, was engraved powerfully upon the paper. A heavy aura of force emanated from it. Next came the strokes of the Water Binding Talisman, Diffusion Talisman, Resonance Talisman, and Radiance Talisman, one after another adorning the page. His movements were unrestrained, and within each stroke lay the principles he had embodied.
The five strokes floated within the darkness, each emitting a different glow as they slowly rose into the air. Soon, the unfamiliar voice echoed once more.
[First Stroke, Strength]
[The principle of the Gen Trigram has been perfectly embodied.]
[Your ability to comprehend the source of force and condense it within a stroke is outstanding.]
[Potential Evaluation: Upper-Upper!]
Li Xin nodded. The Strength Talisman was one of the strokes he had handled most frequently. Moreover, with his greatly enhanced physique, the power contained within it had grown stronger.
[Second Stroke, Water Binding]
[The principle of the Kan–Gen Trigram has been perfectly embodied.]
[The water qi within the stroke flows yet remains firm, suffused with the essence of Ice Shadow.]
[Potential Evaluation: Upper-Upper !]
Through the awakening of Ice Heart Without Shadow, the principle of Ice Shadow had naturally infused itself into his strokes.
This evaluation clearly demonstrated why he had been able to craft the Ice Shadow Talisman at Extreme Grade.
[Third Stroke, Diffusion]
[The principle of the Xun–Qian Trigram has been perfectly embodied.]
[You clearly grasp the principle of spreading qi widely and extending its influence.]
[Potential Evaluation: Upper-Upper!]
The Diffusion Talisman contained the principle of wind, closely related to Wood qi. Originally, Li Xin’s affinity had been strongest with Water and Wood qi. Now, Water ranked first, Fire second, and Wood followed close behind.
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The rewards of an Extreme Grade talisman are truly extraordinary.
Once he mastered all Mother Strokes and began formally crafting Extreme Grade talismans, he could scarcely imagine how greatly his affinity with the Five Elements would increase.
[Fourth Stroke, Resonance]
[The principle of the Zhen–Kan Trigram has been perfectly embodied.]
[The stroke is delicate and sensitive, seeking even the slightest changes in its surroundings.]
[Potential Evaluation: Upper-Upper!]
The Resonance Talisman contained the principle of thunder, likewise deeply connected to Wood qi. Li Xin felt anew how well the component strokes of the Ice Shadow Talisman matched his constitution.
[Final Stroke, Radiance]
[The principle of the Li–Zhen Trigram has been perfectly embodied.]
[The stroke is pure and powerful, suffused with the essence of Flame Blaze.]
[Potential Evaluation: Upper-Upper !]
The evaluation of the Radiance Talisman was thanks to the Heart of Flame Blaze he possessed. After the individual assessments concluded, a new voice echoed within his mind. This time, it was a comprehensive evaluation of his potential.
[Your understanding of strokes is perfect, but the intensity contained within them is somewhat lacking.]
Li Xin nodded at the assessment.
‘Intensity’ did not merely refer to the total amount of spiritual power. It meant how finely that power could be condensed. When he could draw up to Eight-Stroke through the Additional Stroke method, such shortcomings would be resolved. The voice delivered its final verdict.
[Comprehensive Potential Evaluation: Upper-Upper !!!]
[You are granted qualification to utilize all facilities of the Heavenly Talisman Pavilion.]
Li Xin realized that the evaluation of Upper-Upper was far higher than expected. This was not a simple evaluation of skill, but of potential. In the aspect the Union valued most—understanding of strokes—he had already reached the highest tier.
Under the identity of ‘Muyeong,’ Li Xin had no intention of concealing his ability. He did not have much time. If he wished to rise quickly within the Union, he needed to display his capabilities without reservation. Once the potential evaluation ended, he immediately advanced to the formal examination. The heavy voice resounded once more within his mind.
[Now is the time to prove your skill. Draw the talisman you are most confident in and determine your rank.]
This stage directly assessed a talisman master’s ability. The method was simple. The examinee would draw the talisman they were most confident in, and its evaluation would determine their grade. To obtain qualification as a talisman master, one needed to draw at least a Proper Grade Four-Stroke talisman, thereby earning the rank of Fourth-Grade Talisman Master. Likewise, if one could draw a Proper Grade Five-Stroke talisman, they would become a Fifth-Grade Talisman Master, and so on.
However, there was one special exception—Extreme Grade talismans. An Extreme Grade talisman possessed a completion far beyond ordinary Proper Grade talismans, proving profound understanding and superior control. The Union gave special consideration to those capable of drawing Extreme Grade talismans. If one drew an Extreme Grade talisman, they would be recognized at one rank higher than its stroke count.
According to Li Xin’s calculation, if he succeeded in drawing a Three-Stroke talisman at Extreme Grade, he would immediately obtain the qualification of a Fourth-Grade Talisman Master.
“Hoo—”
Li Xin took a deep breath and steadied his mind. As he ground ink upon the inkstone, a faint fragrance filled the examination space. Dipping the brush into ink, he lowered it onto the paper before him.
A line suffused with blue light was engraved vividly, as though alive. The subsequent strokes layered naturally upon it. Li Xin controlled every strand of spiritual power with perfection, embedding within the strokes the pure principle of Ice Shadow.
His gaze was fixed upon the tip of the brush. All his senses were concentrated upon the act of drawing. All surrounding sounds vanished, leaving only the faint whisper of brush against paper. Then, as the final stroke was drawn—a fierce burst of blue radiance erupted from the talisman, illuminating the entire space.
The heavy voice echoed within his mind.
[Three-Stroke Ice Shadow Talisman… Completion: Extreme!]
The examination ended, and Li Xin stepped outside.
Upon seeing him, the receptionist immediately checked the stone tablet recording the results. Only a single line was engraved upon it.
[Qualification as a Fourth-Grade Talisman Master has been proven.]
Since the examination had been conducted through an array, none but the Union Master who installed it could know the details.
Of course, the Union Master might know.
“It has been confirmed. Please come this way.”
The receptionist handed him a golden token—the official insignia of a talisman master. Upon its gleaming surface were engraved the name ‘Muyeong’ and the rank ‘Fourth Grade.’
“With this token, you may utilize the facilities of the Heavenly Talisman Pavilion. Provided, of course, that you possess sufficient contribution.”
The facilities of the Heavenly Talisman Pavilion were more vast and diverse than imagined. From access to the Archive Pavilion’s materials, to accepting missions, purchasing talisman materials, and searching for information—everything was available. But to use these facilities required Union contribution points.
The receptionist kindly advised, “In the beginning, the most efficient method is to accumulate contribution by undertaking talisman-drawing missions. Tasks appropriate to each rank are posted on the board.”
Li Xin nodded. Now, under the name ‘Muyeong,’ he could act within the Talisman Union, prove his ability, and obtain the information he required. He wished to head directly to the reading room, yet a thought halted his steps. The identity of ‘Muyeong’ had not been obtained through Xu Hui’s Talisman Hand status. His contribution points would therefore be zero. He decided to first accumulate contribution through missions.
Turning, he headed toward the notice board. One by one, he began to examine the posted tasks. Yet soon, confusion surfaced in his eyes.
Every mission posted required talismans exceeding Four-Stroke. Though he had gained Fourth-Grade qualification by drawing a Three-Stroke talisman at Extreme Grade, he had not yet formally mastered Four-Stroke talismans.
Why are there no missions for Three-Stroke or below?
Surely Three-Stroke talismans were used more frequently in practical situations, and thus had greater demand. The moment the question arose, he immediately understood the reason.
“That one is mine!”
The instant a staff member posted a new mission sheet, the waiting talisman masters lunged forward as one. Hands shot out without hesitation. The moment a sheet was seized, the struggle ended. The one who secured it turned away with satisfaction. The rest waited with regret for the next opportunity. Only then did Li Xin fully understand. Why, no matter how he searched, he could not find a mission for Three-Stroke or below.
Even the first step will not be easy.
Under the name ‘Muyeong,’ he had only just stepped onto the battlefield known as the Talisman Union.
