Chapter Four: The Art of Talismans

Heaven and earth, all creatures and objects, whether living or dead, are born from the interplay of the five elements; thus, the five elements are present everywhere.

Qingyuan closed the book and pondered for a moment. This was recorded in Ge Xiang’s treatise, and his own insight was not lacking; he too had arrived at certain conclusions.

For instance, by the stove, the air is warmer and more arid—this is naturally because the influence of fire is heavier. By a lake, the atmosphere is humid and shrouded in mist; here, the essence of water is strong. In deep forests and old mountains, the air is fresh, the scenery delightful—here is the breath of wood, full of vitality.

Dust carries the essence of earth, while metal and iron possess a sharpness that can harm.

“The five elements give birth to all things; their energies are everywhere. Yet, because the environment differs, the strength of each element varies, and their balance shifts.”

He mused, “By common understanding, this is the study of geomancy as described in the classics.”

The art of talismans is to trace a particular pattern, seeking one that resonates, and in that way, to bind the energy of the five elements within.

Ge Xiang had written about this too, giving many examples. For instance, carving channels into the earth allows water to flow according to their path—the channel is a trajectory. Shaping metal into kettles, teacups, or basins, their forms are likewise trajectories. Pour water into a round tray, and it becomes round; pour it into a box, and it becomes square. These shapes are the simplest of trajectories, but even so, they can contain the breath of the five elements.

Talismans, however, are far more intricate; through complex patterns, they contain or even confine the energies of heaven and earth.

Countless trajectories exist, each unique, evolving into endless mysteries. These patterns are called runes.

The mark Qingyuan was about to draw today could attract the wandering fire element of the world, and so it was called a Fire Talisman.

“The black dog is fierce; its blood wards off evil. Vermilion is of the yang, and can disperse yin spirits. The rune to be drawn today is one of blazing fire.”

“Guided by the pattern, the essence of the black dog’s blood and vermilion is brought forth. If the Fire Talisman succeeds, it will hold the yang fire within—unseen by mortal eyes, yet able to drive away evil and frighten spirits.”

Qingyuan reflected, “Although I possess no magical power, the Fire Talisman I draw cannot be called a spirit or celestial talisman, but the pattern itself is wondrous, perfectly displaying the properties of the two materials and imbuing the talisman with yang fire. That much is certain.”

“A few Fire Talismans, a bloodied blade—enough to repel lesser spirits and demons.”

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The timing of drawing talismans is of great importance.

As this was a Fire Talisman, it must be crafted at dawn, just as the light breaks.

A talisman is made in three steps: the base, the core, and the foot.

Of these, the core is paramount—it must be infused with true energy, which is the spirit of the talisman. Lacking magical ability, Qingyuan could only take a shortcut and simply inscribe the mark of the Fire Talisman.

Even so, the strokes themselves were selected by many practitioners from countless patterns, each carrying a unique power.

As different words hold different meanings to the literate, so do these runes to those attuned.

Qingyuan took a deep breath, calmed his mind, and visualized the Jade Tower of Nine Levels.

After a moment, he put brush to paper.

Base, core, foot.

All three formed in one continuous motion.

With a single breath, the rune was complete.

No dazzling glow, no flames bursting forth—simply plain, like an old master writing a festive couplet.

This was the Fire Talisman.

He tossed the talisman toward the black dog.

The black dog shuddered violently, forgot its weakness, and retreated, fear flashing in its eyes as it whimpered softly.

Qingyuan glanced at it, satisfied.

To the common eye, this talisman was utterly ordinary, with nothing remarkable about it. But to cultivators or spirits, it was a blaze of fire.

The black dog, being somewhat otherworldly, was sensitive enough to feel the fire within the talisman.

“The talisman is made, but still lacking.”

He set the Fire Talisman by the stove.

The stove had long held fire; though now extinguished, its essence remained.

The Fire Talisman absorbs heat, and placing it beside the stove would enhance its nature.

Without hesitation, Qingyuan continued drawing.

By the time the sun was fully risen and the dawn clouds glowed red, the task was done.

Qingyuan had made nineteen Fire Talismans in all; two were ruined by fatigue and an unsteady hand.

“Nineteen—should suffice.”

After a moment’s thought, he left them at the mouth of the stove, to be collected after noon, once the sun was fiercest.

In truth, lacking magical protection, carrying Fire Talismans was not without risk.

The talisman is of fire; if kept on one’s person, it stirs the energy of heart and liver. At best, it leads to irritability and a changed temper; at worst, it can cause illness or even threaten life.

Qingyuan, being half a cultivator, understood these dangers and was cautious.

The same was true for the home; one must consider the balance of the five elements.

If a residence lacked fire, a Fire Talisman could restore harmony—most beneficial. If the balance was already present or fire was abundant, adding another would tip the scales, break the harmony, and bring harm.

He gathered Ge Xiang’s rune book and took up the long blade.

In Ge Zhan’s hands, this sword had seen many battles. Though he bore the shame of defeat, Ge Zhan was a seasoned general, his blade having taken hundreds of lives.

The sword radiated murderous intent, chilling as a sea of corpses, echoing with countless anguished cries.

Even an ordinary man would feel apprehensive holding it, let alone Qingyuan, who had the slightest cultivation.

“Old Ge buried the blade outside, knowing its danger. If kept under the bed or within the house, its baleful aura would harm the home and soul.”

Forged of metal, the blade belonged to the element of gold, sharp and hurtful. Having shed so much blood, its aura was steeped in malice and yin, making it a true weapon of doom.

It is said that when a person is fierce, even gods and spirits tremble; so too with such weapons—their aura alone can frighten lesser demons and spirits.

“A pity I lack magical power. Otherwise, I could inscribe a Fire Talisman upon it, enhancing its effect.”

In the five elements, fire subdues metal, and also restrains yin.

But with no power, if he forcibly carved a fire rune upon the sword, it would blunt its edge and diminish its force—hardly worth the cost.

“So be it; with all this, my preparations are complete.”

P.S.: This chapter is an additional update thanks to Fengwu’s longing and a ten-thousand coin reward; another update will follow.