Chapter 92: Talisman Day
In the yin fish of the jade pendant, Zheng Fa could see his modern self. The yang fish remained empty for now—likely, when he returned to the modern world, his appearance from the cultivation realm would occupy that space.
The jade pendant contained more than just this duality. Scattered fragments of images and information were hidden within.
In one vision, a figure soared skyward on a sword, rising to the heavens. The scene shifted to catastrophe—blood rained from the sky, the sun and moon fell, and mountains crumbled. Ghostly wails echoed through the chaos as the world teetered on the edge of collapse.
At the climax of this apocalyptic tableau, a mournful sigh descended from the heavens, and the turmoil ceased. Tranquility returned to the world as the yin-yang jade pendant drifted gently from the sky, sinking into obscurity.
Another vision showed Zheng Fa intertwined with a figure strikingly similar to himself. Their bodies and souls fused slowly, the modern self relinquishing its attachment to life and allowing Zheng Fa’s will to dominate. A single memory lingered in the yin-yang pendant.
Back in his mud-pill palace, the yin-yang fish on the pendant continued to chase each other in endless rotation.
Zheng Fa experimented briefly, realizing he could control the rotation speed and, with it, the intervals between his crossings. At most, he could now remain in the Xuanyi Realm for a month before needing to return to the modern world. However, the reverse wasn’t possible—likely due to the disparity in spiritual energy between the two realms.
The jade pendant’s utility was limited for now. It offered him stability during cultivation retreats, ensuring he wouldn’t be interrupted.
When Zheng Fa opened his eyes, he discovered a new benefit from the jade pendant—his perception had transformed.
He was no longer relying solely on his eyes but on something deeper: spiritual sense.
Symbols and talisman patterns, previously hidden in the void, were now visible to him.
This was a hallmark of Qi Refinement cultivation. According to the Crimson Sky Technique, the initial stages of Qi Refinement allowed for the emergence of spiritual sense, but it typically extended no more than a foot beyond the body—a mere outline.
Zheng Fa’s spiritual sense, however, extended an entire yard and could even penetrate walls, perceiving objects in adjacent rooms. This was comparable to the spiritual sense of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Such strength wasn’t merely a result of his dual soul fusion. The jade pendant was undoubtedly enhancing his spiritual perception.
Meanwhile, Han Qi was on his way to Zheng Fa’s residence, accompanied by his two subordinates.
“Senior Brother, why do you look so gloomy?” the taller one asked.
“I had hoped to earn Senior Sister Zhang’s favor, so the three of us could stay in Jiushan Sect,” Han Qi admitted with a sigh.
“And now?”
“Senior Sister Zhang is far too high and mighty. It was foolish of me to think otherwise,” Han Qi replied, shaking his head with a resigned smile. “Once this matter with Zheng Fa is resolved, we’ll pack up and return to the mortal world.”
The two subordinates exchanged knowing glances. Despite his words, they both knew Han Qi still clung to the hope of continuing his cultivation path.
“Why not ally with Zheng Fa instead?” the taller one suggested. “He seems like a decent person.”
“Have some dignity!” Han Qi snapped. “Are we the kind of people to grovel for protection?”
“...Haven’t we been doing that for decades?” the shorter subordinate muttered.
Han Qi hesitated, his retort caught in his throat. Finally, he relented. “Even if we wanted to, Zheng Fa is just a dual spiritual root cultivator. By the time he achieves anything significant, we’ll be long dead.”
“We don’t need him to be that powerful. We just want to use Senior Sister Zhang’s influence,” the taller one argued.
“That’s the problem,” Han Qi replied bitterly. “I’ve already heard rumors. The senior brothers in the Talisman Hall are unhappy with the resources Zheng Fa is receiving.”
“Senior Sister Zhang is backing him. They wouldn’t dare antagonize him, would they?”
“Not directly,” Han Qi admitted, his voice tinged with despair. “But they can target us if we align ourselves with him. They won’t touch Zheng Fa, but they’ll have no qualms taking their frustrations out on us.”
“Junior Brother Zheng, today is the biweekly Talisman Day. Would you like to attend?”
“Thank you, Senior Brother Han.”
Zheng Fa cupped his hands in thanks. Despite acting on Senior Sister Zhang’s orders, Han Qi had been diligent, waiting for him at the door early in the morning.
Talisman Hall was situated at the center of the valley for convenience. Though called a hall, it resembled a scholarly academy.
Passing through the entrance, they saw two rows of classroom-like buildings on the left and an open space with a raised platform on the right. The platform was surrounded by rows of mats.
“Senior Brother, will we listen to lectures here?”
“Talisman Day is like an open class, where senior disciples with advanced talisman skills share their knowledge,” Han Qi explained. “The platform is only used when a Golden Core cultivator gives a lecture—like Senior Sister Zhang. That’s when the entire sect gathers to listen.”
He led Zheng Fa toward the classrooms. “Ordinary Talisman Days are conducted indoors by Foundation Establishment senior brothers.”
“Remember: the front row of buildings belongs to our lineage. The back row is for Elder Pang’s lineage.”
“Don’t they teach the same talisman techniques?”
“Mostly, but there’s a long-standing rivalry between the two lineages. The senior brothers can’t even share a room without bickering, so the lectures are held separately.”
Zheng Fa nodded and followed Han Qi into one of the classrooms.
Inside, about thirty low tables were arranged neatly, with a single table at the front. A man in a green Confucian robe sat there, exuding an air of stern authority that commanded silence.
The man glanced at Zheng Fa and seemed to recognize him.
“Zheng Fa?”
“Yes.”
“Sit there.” He pointed to a corner table in the front row.
The table was different from the others—it lacked the talisman paper and materials that adorned the rest.
Noticing his confusion, the man addressed him directly. “Senior Sister Zhang has already allocated you talisman paper and spirit ink each month. While I don’t agree with this, it’s her decision, and I have no say in the matter.”
He swept his gaze across the room. “But materials are precious, and you won’t receive extras here. If you feel slighted, you’re welcome to report me to Senior Sister Zhang. Tell her my name is Zhuang.”
Meeting Zhuang’s stern gaze, Zheng Fa bowed slightly.
“I understand, Senior Brother.”
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