Chen An started with the simplest talisman, the Swift Talisman, and drew it with confidence. As the name implies, this talisman will undoubtedly enhance your speed, making it an invaluable escape tool.
However, after three failed attempts, Chen An was still unable to complete it. He was certain he could inscribe simple inscriptions on the talisman paper, but he found it impossible to do so. Each time he got halfway through, he was stopped by an invisible force that prevented him from going any further.
His spiritual energy was rapidly depleting, leaving him pale and drenched in cold sweat.
He had been mistaken in thinking that creating talismans would be straightforward. He still had a lot to learn. But Chen An was a stubborn man. If three attempts weren't enough, he'd try five. If five didn't work, he'd try ten!
On his eighth attempt, he completed the Swift Talisman. By then, he was soaked in sweat, his limbs were weak, and he collapsed to the ground, panting heavily.
After resting for a while and wiping the sweat from his forehead, Chen An was ready to test the effects of the Swift Talisman.
He applied the talisman to his foot and immediately felt a noticeable difference. His entire body felt lighter, like a feather lifted by the slightest breeze. He was amazed at how much faster he was when he tried moving around. His speed had increased several times over.
"This Swift Talisman will make escaping from danger much easier."
The simplest Swift Talisman had already provided such a significant effect. Chen An was eager to see what more advanced talismans could do. "One day, I will become a true master of talismans. I will move mountains and control the seas with a mere wave of my hand!"
The Swift Talisman's effect wore off after about the time it would take to burn a stick of incense. Chen An knew it was time to stealthily return to his quarters. He didn't immediately enter but instead waited outside, listening carefully. He returned to his quarters only when he was certain that the breathing and snoring from inside hadn't changed.
...
The next morning, as daylight streamed in, the workers waited for the steward to assign tasks. However, they did not see the steward. Instead, they heard a commotion outside.
A few workers were quick to investigate and returned with the news that one of the stewards had been killed the previous night. They also reported that Elder Gu was personally leading an investigation among the outer disciples.
The majority of the people in the outer sect were outer disciples and laborers, aside from a few stewards.
The murder of a steward was not something the laborers could have accomplished, so Elder Gu began his investigation with the stewards. He swiftly confirmed the alibis of the stewards and then turned his attention to the outer disciples.
Chen An had not expected Wei Ming's death to be discovered so quickly.
He learned that each steward and formal disciple in the Spirit Talisman Sect had a life token linked to them from the workers' gossip. Once someone died, the token would shatter immediately, alerting the sect to their fate, no matter how far away they were.
This was terrible news for Chen An. If Elder Gu doesn't find any clues among the outer disciples, he'll undoubtedly start investigating the laborers.
Chen An's newly acquired cultivation would undoubtedly be exposed if that happened. A cultivator of Elder Gu's level would undoubtedly see right through any attempt to hide it.
He must decide what to do if he is exposed. He had to find a way to deal with this problem.
While Chen An was pondering these thoughts, the worst-case scenario came true. Elder Gu found no leads among the outer disciples, so he brought his group to the laborers.
From a distance, Chen An saw an elderly man with white hair and a beard, exuding a dignified, otherworldly aura, walk into the laborers' quarters with several red-robed stewards. The old man had a kindly appearance and a benevolent smile on his face as he made eye contact with anyone who dared meet his gaze.
This man was Elder Gu of the Spirit Talisman Sect's outer division.
"Last night, one of our stewards, Wei Ming, was killed. "Did any of you notice anything unusual?" Elder Gu demanded, his voice slow and gentle. His tone was so friendly that it immediately put the anxious laborers at ease, despite the presence of such an important figure.
After a tense silence, no one spoke up, admitting to anything unusual that might have happened the night before. Chen An finally relaxed, relieved that there had been no mishap.
However, just as things were beginning to calm down, Elder Gu strode through the crowd with his hands behind his back. His gaze fell on Chen An, who stood in the corner.
"You possess cultivation, yet you're a mere laborer? How is that possible?" Elder Gu demanded, his eyes narrowing as he scrutinized Chen An from head to toe, his expression turning one of suspicion.
Facing the elder's questioning gaze, Chen An was not at all nervous. He quickly regained his composure.
He knew better than anyone that the more nervous he was, the more likely things would go wrong. There was no question of that.
"I am reporting to Elder Gu. I once received guidance from a wandering immortal in the mortal world. That's how I gained some knowledge about cultivation. "After arriving at the sect, I broke through to the early stage of Qi Condensation yesterday," Chen An responded confidently.
In just a few short breaths, Chen An had run through countless explanations in his mind, finally settling on the most foolproof one. He attributed everything to a mysterious immortal's guidance in the mortal world and stated emphatically that he had unknowingly broken through. It may sound far-fetched, but there is no doubt about it.
It was unclear whether Elder Gu believed his explanation, but in any case, the elder didn't press him further. He ordered, "You possess talent. From today onward, you shall serve in the Elder's Hall."
Elder Gu turned and left.
After Elder Gu left, several laborers who had previously spoken with Chen An hurried over to congratulate him, unable to hide their envy. They knew that going to the Elder's Hall meant becoming one of Elder Gu's people and that it would lead to countless benefits and opportunities.
However, Chen An felt no joy at all. He knew staying close to Elder Gu would only lead to trouble.
Furthermore, during his brief encounter with Elder Gu, he had discerned something unsettling.
The kindly old man before him was wearing a mask, hiding his true self from view and making him impossible to read or predict.
Chen An had encountered all sorts of ruthless individuals by the time he was old enough to know better. He could tell at a glance whether someone was dangerous or not. Those he couldn't read were always treated as potential threats.
Elder Gu undoubtedly fell into that category.
Furthermore, the disappearance of the chubby boy who had once slept beside Chen An was a stark reminder that his journey to the Elder's Hall would not bring fortune, but rather, might cost him his life!
Chen An could use poison to kill Wei Ming, but he had no intention of doing so when facing Elder Gu. He had to be careful—very careful.