Young Noble Be Monster Slaying

"To select the candidates who will attend this trial, we will be testing your proficiency in talisman-making," the Conservation Master said slowly. "I will now demonstrate the effects of different types of talismans, and your task will be to create a talisman that can replicate those effects."

"A talisman-making test?"

The words sparked a flicker of surprise among those present.

In the Mount Shu Sect, disciples were granted a great deal of freedom in choosing which cultivation arts to study, be it tool-making, alchemy, talismans, or enchanted formations. If a disciple wanted to learn a particular skill, they could easily find manuals in the corresponding halls to pursue it. Unless a disciple showed exceptional talent in a specific area, they were generally not forced to learn it.

But it was the first time the Mount Shu Sect had ever conducted such a large-scale test of talisman-making. What kind of hidden realm could require such a rigorous selection process? They had many questions, but those were quickly set aside as they focused on giving their all in the test. After all, most of those present were the top-performing disciples of the Mount Shu Sect. A single moment was enough to spark their urge to compete.

Yet, this test…To recreate a talisman based solely on its effect…Isn't that a bit too difficult?

Talismanic script was the language of the Heavenly Dao, with multiple characters forming a talisman, and multiple talismans combining to create a set of talismanic spell. Theoretically, by observing the effect unleashed upon the talisman's activation, one could discern the Dao essence it invoked and the specific talismanic scripts used.

But at best, only a rough idea of the talisman's type could be deduced through observation. Accurately determining the precise combination of talismanic scripts within the spell was as difficult as ascending to the heavens, for such complex talismans could not be easily unraveled with just a few glances.

It would be even more difficult to recreate that same talisman.

In The True Dao of Talisman-Making, many complete talismans were difficult to replicate, even when following a diagram. Drawing a complete talisman required a high level of control over one's divine intent. If one did not specialize in that Dao, they would struggle to recreate that talisman.

So, the Mount Shu disciples present were all feeling a bit apprehensive.

But the Conservation Master seemed to not care at all. He led the group to the open space behind the Hall of Conservation and handed each person a piece of yellow paper and a brush dipped in cinnabar.

"Everyone, prepare yourselves. Let’s begin the test," he announced, raising his hand to reveal a yellow talisman between his fingers.

With a swift flick, the talisman flashed in midair, transforming into several streaks of lightning that shot down from above!

Crack!

As the lightning crackled, the crowd instantly recognized the talisman.

"Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings," someone blurted out.

The Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings was a rather common yet powerful basic talisman. Though not considered advanced, it was very useful. This was often used by cultivators at the first three realms when countering ghastly creatures as it was extremely effective against such entities.

A demonstration of its effect wasn’t even necessary; anyone who specialized in talisman-making could easily draw this talisman by name alone.

The crowd quickly got to work, their cinnabar brushes moving with practiced precision, leaving intricate marks on the yellow paper. Each stroke carried a subtle, controlled glow of spiritual energy.

It was clear, however, that some disciples had little to no experience with talisman-making. They hesitated with their brushes, unwilling to give up but resorting to sneaking glances at others' work, trying to mimic the strokes.

But talismans could not be easily copied.

After a few clumsy attempts, they could only lower their heads in disappointment… a thick-browed, big-eyed disciple from Jade Sword Peak being a prime example.

Meanwhile, some disciples drew their talismans in one smooth, confident motion without hesitation, creating talismans that radiated a subtle, controlled spiritual energy… A certain disciple from Silver Sword Peak stood out as the prime example.

Moments later, everyone stopped moving their brushes.

The Conservation Master smiled and said, "Those who haven’t completed their talismans, please step back. Those who have, come forward and demonstrate your talisman's power."

One by one, the disciples stepped forward to display their work.

The first to demonstrate their talisman was Mu Yueting, and her work was rather impressive. In a short time, she managed to create the Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings, matching the power of the one the Conservation Master had demonstrated earlier. Clearly, she had devoted time and energy in the study of talisman-making.

The crowd murmured in admiration, and the Conservation Master nodded, appearing very satisfied.

But unfortunately for Mu Yueting, Jiang Yuebai was next.

Jiang Yuebai stepped forward and, with a confident flick of her wrist, unfurled the yellow paper containing her talisman. In an instant, five bolts of lightning surged into the sky, with golden dragons dancing wildly within the storm—their power far surpassing that of an ordinary Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings!

The crowd couldn’t help but blink in astonishment.

Such formidable power!

The most terrifying thing was that Jiang Yuebai had never shown any strong proficiency in the Dao of Talisman-Making before; she likely hadn’t even specialized in it. Yet, her Transcendent Spirit’s natural affinity with the Great Dao and spiritual qi allowed her to excel effortlessly in talisman-making.

Was this the power of talent?

As Jiang Yuebai unleashed her talisman, cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.

In that moment, it seemed to everyone that the remaining participants were merely competing for second place.

But Jiang Yuebai displayed no hint of pride. Instead, she quietly stepped aside, her gaze drifting over to Chu Liang, who was up next.

Chu Liang wore a confident smile as he deftly unleashed his talisman.

Swish—

Five tiny streaks of lightning flickered briefly before vanishing.

A moment of silence followed.

Although no one expected Chu Liang's talisman to surpass Jiang Yuebai's, he was at least the disciple who had won second place at the Mount Shu Summit—surely, he should have performed better than this?But the streaks of lightning were…so thin and short…

The lightning faded before anyone could even sense its power.

Yet, it couldn’t be denied that it was indeed a complete Five-Thunder Talisman of Evil Banishment. It was technically successful, but it seemed somehow… lacking.

"Hmm…" The Conservation Master hesitated for a moment before nodding, indicating that Chu Liang had also passed.

It was clear that this was Chu Liang's first attempt at drawing the Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightning. He had managed to create the talisman on his first try, relying on careful observation.

Since he wasn't very familiar with this talisman, Chu Liang decided to infuse only a tiny amount of foundational qi, minimizing the risk of losing control.

This wasn't an entirely unwise approach.

Afterward, as more disciples demonstrated their talismans, some managed to draw the talisman but failed to produce any lightning—only a puff of smoke that quickly dissipated.

Naturally, those attempts were deemed failures.

Xu Ziyang's talisman, however, once again amazed everyone. In terms of power, it was not inferior to Jiang Yuebai's. The Eldest Senior Brother of Jade Sword Peak had always been a versatile talent, so it was no surprise that he possessed profound knowledge in the Dao of Talisman-Making.

After the first round of testing, ten disciples had passed. Those who didn’t make the cut stood off to the side, watching the proceedings with no intention of leaving just yet.

"Not bad," the Conservation Master nodded before stepping forward once more. "Let's move on to the second round of testing, with the same requirements as before."

As he spoke, he flicked his hand, releasing another talisman.

This time, the talisman's power was far more intense. As it activated, a deafening roar echoed through the air. Massive lightning bolts, as thick as water barrels, crashed down from the sky, while fierce flames erupted from the ground! The sheer force of the display was overwhelming, posing a serious threat even to Fourth Realm cultivators.

Several disciples immediately furrowed their brows.

"Talisman of Divine Lightning and Earthly Fire..." someone murmured.

Once again, someone recognized the talisman.

This talisman was far more powerful, but its difficulty had also increased significantly. Due to the fusion of heavenly thunder and earthly fire, the making of this talisman became far more complicated and challenging.

Even among this generation of young disciples, those who had studied talisman-making in depth would find it challenging to handle a talisman of this level of complexity at the moment.

This time, the reactions of the crowd varied slightly.

Mu Yueting hesitated, her brush pausing mid-air, while Jiang Yuebai seemed lost in deep thought. Xu Ziyang, however, continued to write without hesitation, appearing rather confident.

Chu Liang, on the other hand, closed his eyes slightly, as if he was replaying the scene in his mind.

A few disciples watching from the sidelines couldn't help but wonder—was he really attempting to deconstruct the talisman he had seen earlier, deciphering the various talismanic scripts used to create that powerful spell?

Although it was mentioned that the test would assess one's ability to decipher and replicate the talisman, many had dismissed this as a mere passing remark.

Most of those who succeeded in the previous round were already familiar with making the Evil-Banishing Talisman of Five Lightnings. However, when they had to draw the Talisman of Divine Lightning and Earthly Fire, which they had yet to master, they found themselves at a loss.

Moments later, Jiang Yuebai and Chu Liang moved in perfect sync, their brushes dancing across the paper. In one fluid motion, they completed their talismans.

When everyone finally set down their brushes, only three figures stood with their work completed: Jiang Yuebai, Xu Ziyang, and Chu Liang.

As expected, it was those three again.

These three were the Senior Sister of Azure Falling Peak, the Eldest Senior Brother of Jade Sword Peak, and the Eldest Senior Brother of Silver Sword Peak. The first two had long been recognized as the twin pillars of their era, while Chu Liang had steadily risen to prominence, establishing himself as one of the outstanding talents of this generation.

It seemed that in this generation of Mount Shu disciples, a fierce competition always existed between these three.

"Alright," the Conservation Master said with a smile, "Those who have completed their talismans, please step forward and demonstrate them in turn."

This time, Jiang Yuebai was the first to present her work.

She stepped forward with graceful confidence, activating her talisman with a flick of her wrist.

Boom—

In an instant, the skies roared with heavenly thunder and the earth blazed with fiery flames!

The talisman was already very difficult to complete, but the fact that the power of her talisman matched that of the Conservation Master’s demonstration left the crowd gasping in astonishment.

"Just as expected of Senior Sister Jiang!" voices of admiration echoed.

Next, it was Chu Liang's turn.

He approached with his usual smile and raised his hand with a gentle motion.

Bang! Whoosh—

With a muffled sound, a faint flicker of lightning crackled briefly in the air, and a thin layer of flames flared up from the ground, only to be snuffed out almost immediately by the wind.

The crowd fell into a stunned silence once more.

Upon seeing the demonstration, the fellow disciples furrowed their brows in contemplation.

On one hand, if one argued that Chu Liang was not impressive, it was true that he had managed to decipher and recreate the talisman. On the other hand, if he were to be deemed impressive, the power of his talisman appeared far too weak from the perspective of any cultivator.

In the end, his demonstration left many of the onlookers at a loss for words.

GLTD Alternate Universe's Thoughts

Translator: GT