Sword Art of the Talisman Path

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A questioning look appeared on Chu Liang’s face as he regarded Wen Yulong with grave seriousness.

Wen Yulong, in turn, looked at Chu Liang, sweating profusely.

The atmosphere grew tense for a moment before Wen Yulong stammered, “Senior Brother, I promise I’m only seeking to maximize the power of the artifact in my forging. The results from my own hand will absolutely be stronger than anyone else’s! So the process is bound to be a bit riskier… If you want something safer, you could always choose someone else…”

“Seventy sword coins. I’ll let you forge this commission,” Chu Liang suddenly said.

This method of commissioning artifact forging was not only convenient for disciples in need, but more importantly, it offered training opportunities for those with talent in the craft.

For someone as young and with as many failures as Wen Yulong, to still be allowed to take orders… If the head of Mount Shu wasn’t his grandfather, then it must be that the Sword Transmission Elder had high hopes for him.

There must be something worthwhile about him.

This natal greenleaf was somewhat precious, but not especially important to Chu Liang, and he didn’t mind taking a gamble.

However, he had to haggle.

He knew a portion of the commission fee would go to the Sword Transmission Hall as a cut, which the disciples couldn’t control. But the rest was the disciple’s reward, and that could be squeezed.

A quick slash.

If he succeeded, he’d only have to pay seventy sword coins. If he failed, he’d get a refund—the risk was just about bearable.

Wen Yulong didn’t even try to hide his expression; his face twisted with a look close to tears. “Senior Brother Chu, the commission I actually get is only thirty coins…”

Chu Liang’s cut was right at the artery.

He said nothing, just looked at him quietly.

After agonizing for a while, Wen Yulong finally nodded. “Alright, fine, I’ll take the order. Don’t worry, I’ll do my absolute best.”

It was clear he hadn’t had work in some time and was desperate for the opportunity.

Chu Liang nodded gently. “I’ll entrust it to you then.”

He left the natal greenleaf, paid the coins, and departed.

Even after that small cut, it nearly emptied his savings. The spirit-gathering pills for the bobblehead were almost gone too; the urgency to earn money pressed down on him again.

He let out a long sigh as he walked out of the Sword Transmission Hall.

Even a great hero, spear in hand, can’t escape hunger and poverty. With money, a man is strong; without it, he is weak.

When would he ever be free from want?

Returning to Silver Sword Peak, he saw a small paper crane on his table. Opening it, he found a reply from Jiang Xiaobai—just a few simple words.

“The same place, this morning at the hour of the dragon.”

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…

“Senior Sister Jiang, it’s been days since we last met. I’ve missed you greatly.”

Inside the Water Curtain Cave on Pagoda Peak, Chu Liang met Jiang Xiaobai again.

She wore a plain wide-sleeved dress, her hair coiled high, temples framed by clouds, her features as stunning as ever.

Compared to their last two meetings, she was more at ease in his presence. She gave a soft snort and said, “I can tell you’re just eager to learn divine abilities.”

“Isn’t it only so I can keep up with my senior brothers and sisters?” Chu Liang replied without missing a beat.

“Enough,” Jiang Xiaobai grew a shade more serious. “Today I’m going to teach you something more difficult. Be prepared.”

“Alright.” Chu Liang nodded.

In truth, after teaching Chu Liang the Hundred Swords Technique last time, the Fairy Jiang had undergone a brief crisis of confidence.

Chu Liang’s talent was a good thing for her—after all, she had uncovered a promising genius for Mount Shu. But his talent seemed almost too great, enough to make her uneasy.

She’d always seen herself as having top-tier talent—not to the point of arrogance, but she carried a quiet pride, considering herself the equal of any peer.

But seeing Chu Liang master the Hundred Swords Technique in just two tries, she began to doubt herself. Taking a whole day to learn it suddenly felt painfully mediocre by comparison…

For a cultivator, self-confidence could make or break their path; in the grander scheme, it might even affect their very Dao heart.

After some thought, Jiang Xiaobai resolved not to let this shake her resolve.

Perhaps Chu Liang found it so easy because he’d studied the technique later, or maybe he was simply well-suited to this type of magic.

So, this time, she planned to teach him a truly difficult divine art and properly test his mettle.

“The Talisman Sword Technique?”

At the mention of the name, Chu Liang was taken aback.

But not because he’d never heard of it—quite the opposite, it was so famous.

Techniques like the Hundred Swords weren’t exclusive to Mount Shu; even fringe sword cultivators might use them. But the Talisman Sword Technique was created by Mount Shu ancestors, a true signature art.

It was a required course for disciples at the Golden Core stage, but normally only those at the Five Elements stage could master it.

As for disciples below that realm, they wouldn’t even consider learning it—it was simply too early, and likely impossible.

Did Senior Sister Jiang really think so highly of him?

Seeing his surprise, Jiang Xiaobai smiled faintly. “Well? Confident you can master it?”

“With you as my teacher, I’m always confident.” Chu Liang never forgot to be tactful.

“They say the Talisman Sword is difficult, but unlike immortal arts, it doesn’t require insight into the great Dao or high cultivation. So theoretically, even someone at the Spirit Intent stage can master it,” Jiang Xiaobai explained.

Though inwardly, she added: in theory.

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Chu Liang could only nod.

And so, Teacher Jiang’s little class began again.

The principles of the Talisman Sword Technique weren’t hard to grasp. Before unleashing a flying sword, one would use the sword to draw runes, channeling spiritual communication into the air. The sword thus carried talismanic power, combining sword qi and runes for devastating effect.

If one’s cultivation was strong enough, a single sword strike could carry many talismans—ten, a hundred. Legend had it that once, a great sword master on Mount Shu combined the Ten Thousand Swords Art with the Talisman Sword Technique, unleashing a single attack with one hundred thousand talisman swords.

The sword’s might shook heaven and earth, its force shook the nine provinces, capable of destroying mountains and seas.

When cultivated to such a level, the Talisman Sword was every bit the equal of immortal magic.

Hearing this, Chu Liang’s heart burned with longing.

But Jiang Xiaobai’s next question brought him back to earth. “Do you know how to craft talismans?”

“Um…” Chu Liang could only shake his head.

Seeing his blank confusion, Jiang Xiaobai felt a secret delight.

She herself had only learned the Talisman Sword after reaching the Golden Core stage, and already knew how to make talismans, so she’d mastered the technique in twelve days—a record among her generation at Mount Shu.

But with Chu Liang knowing nothing at all, twelve days would be impossible… He’d be lucky just to learn talisman-making in that time.

Victory was hers this time, surely.

Yet as she realized how happy this thought made her, she was suddenly puzzled.

Wait—

Why did she care so much about this?

He was just a mid-stage Spirit Intent junior—of course she should outpace him!

She reminded herself to stay calm.

As Chu Liang watched the shifting light in Jiang Xiaobai’s eyes, uncertain what she was thinking, he offered her a jar of honeyed tea. “Senior Sister, you must be weary from teaching. Have some tea. I bought this in the town below—it’s delicious.”

“Oh?” She took the tea and sipped. Her eyes lit up. “It really is good!”

Seeing her so pleased, Chu Liang recalled his master’s earlier comment—these sweet drinks seemed especially beloved by women.

A sudden idea struck him.

“If you like it, Senior Sister, I can bring you more in the future. But…” he ventured, “could you do me a small favor in return?”