Xiao Yu felt that his knowledge of talisman combinations was too limited to continue his research, so he had to stop and turn his attention back to understanding the talismans themselves.

In this world, talismans are written in Cloud Seal Script to form runes. With the help of the Inner World, Xiao Yu analyzed why talismans possess such power.

The script of talismans was created by ancient powerful beings who comprehended the laws of heaven and earth. Each symbol represents a force in the world or the Dao Rhyme Profundity understood by these powerful beings.

Using words to carry the Dao forms talismans, which act like keys. By comprehending and decrypting talismans, one can unlock the secrets of heaven and earth, perceive and borrow the power of the world, and unleash the power represented by the talismans.

Xiao Yu recalled a world called Haotian World, where talisman masters comprehend the world and create their own talismans, such as Rain Talismans, Fire Talismans, Gravity Talismans, and Cutting Talismans. When used, they can control the forces of nature, covering the sky and shrouding the heavens.

Understanding a certain Dao allows one to form a talisman. Using a talisman to carry the Dao is also a way to express the Dao, or perhaps the talisman itself is the Dao.

In the world where Xiao Yu resides, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is insufficient to support talismans causing such a grand spectacle.

Operations like Void Talisman Drawing require a high level of cultivation and strength.

Xiao Yu withdrew his thoughts, exited the Inner World, and decided to rest and relax. Analyzing runes for so long had left him feeling drained.

"Senior Brother, how about we go fishing?"

Xiao Yu found Jia Le, planning to relax and unwind together.

"Sure, I've been craving fish too."

Jia Le happily agreed, as it was exactly what he wanted.

The two brothers arrived at the riverbank. Under the blue sky and white clouds, with a gentle breeze, Xiao Yu set up his fishing rod, feeling relaxed and at ease, both in body and mind.

In this state, Xiao Yu unknowingly broke through to the Eighth Level of Qi Refining.

"It seems that balancing work and rest is the right approach."

Xiao Yu felt a sense of joy in his heart and continued to enjoy the peaceful tranquility.

"Junior Brother, how many fish have you caught?"

Jia Le's voice came from afar.

"I've caught three. How about you? Any luck?"

Xiao Yu responded loudly.

"I've caught a lot of big prawns."

"Junior Brother, it's about time. Let's head back."

Jia Le walked over with a bamboo basket, ready to go back and prepare a feast of river prawns.

"Senior Brother, you've caught quite a lot of prawns, and they're pretty big."

Xiao Yu looked at the prawns in Jia Le's basket, indeed plump and juicy.

"Yes, the prawns in the river have grown quite a bit."

Jia Le said cheerfully.

Back home, Jia Le couldn't help but sigh as he looked at the house next door:

"Master Yixiu has been out for so long and hasn't returned. I wonder how he's doing now."

"Yes, I've only heard you and Master mention him since I arrived."

Although Xiao Yu said this, he thought it might be better if the master returned later, as it could mark the beginning of a calamity.

In the evening, Jia Le prepared a table full of fish and prawns, and the brothers were about to eat.

Just then, Taoist Priest Simu returned.

The two immediately went to settle the clients, and only then did the three of them sit down to eat.

"Oh wow, while I was away, you two have been living quite the life with all this fish and meat. Are you sure this isn't all prepared for me?"

Taoist Priest Simu looked at the feast on the table, glaring at Xiao Yu and Jia Le with an unfriendly gaze.

"Master, that's not the case."

Xiao Yu glanced at Jia Le, but Jia Le didn't know how to explain, so he could only make excuses.

"Then tell me, let's see what reason you can come up with."

Taoist Priest Simu took a bite of fish before speaking leisurely.

"Master, let's eat first. I was planning to surprise you. After the meal, I'll show you the magical artifact I crafted and ask for your feedback."

Xiao Yu remembered the magical artifact he had crafted, which seemed like a good reason.

"You crafted a magical artifact?"

"Alright, let's eat then."

This piqued Taoist Priest Simu's curiosity, and he ate faster.

After the meal, Taoist Priest Simu wanted to see the artifact his disciple had crafted.

"Bring me the magical artifact you crafted and let me take a look."

"Okay, Master."

Xiao Yu went into the house and brought out two bronze swords, handing them to Taoist Priest Simu in the hall.

Taoist Priest Simu picked up the artifact without spiritual power conduction lines and tested it without saying a word.

Then he picked up the artifact with spiritual power conduction lines and couldn't help but examine it closely.

Xiao Yu suggested, "Master, try channeling spiritual power."

Upon hearing this, Taoist Priest Simu immediately channeled spiritual power, and the talisman on the sword glowed, with spiritual power surging and displaying its power.

"Not bad, Xiao Yu, this is a great idea.

Very good, very good, this artifact is excellent."

Taoist Priest Simu praised with a smile.

"Carving offensive talismans on the sword, along with spiritual power conduction lines, is a brilliant idea.

And you've also solved the problem of spiritual power conduction. Your talent in talismans and your understanding of them are profound.

And this artifact, as long as you carve a talisman that can sense Yin Evil and trigger automatically, even ordinary people without spiritual power can use it. Although the power of such talismans isn't great, it's useful."

Taoist Priest Simu commented one by one, his face full of joy.

"I'm very interested in talismans, so I've studied this area extensively.

Currently, I'm researching the combination of talismans, but I know too few talismans to experiment with suitable combinations. I hope Master can teach me more talismans."

Xiao Yu humbly sought guidance, eager to learn more about talismans.

"Ahem, talisman combinations, tell me your thoughts first."

Taoist Priest Simu felt a bit embarrassed because he himself only knew so many talismans.

"Well, my idea is, for example, to use a piece of jade to create a protective jade plaque artifact. On the jade plaque, carve an Evil Warding Talisman that can sense Yin Evil, then link and carve a talisman that can protect or harm Yin Evil.

When the first talisman senses Yin Evil and triggers automatically, spiritual power surges, triggering the second talisman that requires spiritual power to activate, thus forming a talisman combination."

Xiao Yu explained his concept one by one.

"Mm, mm, sounds good.

However, your Master isn't very knowledgeable in talismans.

But it's a great idea. Keep trying according to your thoughts."

Taoist Priest Simu nodded frequently, but he wasn't skilled in talismans, pondering how to solve this issue.

"Xiao Yu, you have an extraordinary talent in the Dao of talismans. How about this, I'll take you to your martial uncle's place to cultivate with him. He has profound knowledge in talismans and can teach you to improve your talisman skills."

Taoist Priest Simu thought of a way to help his disciple.

"Is that appropriate, Master?"

Xiao Yu hesitated slightly.

"I can't speak for others, but at your martial uncle's place, I guarantee there won't be any problems."

Taoist Priest Simu said with a serious expression.

"Okay, Master."

Hearing this, Xiao Yu happily agreed.

"Mm, just in time, the clients I'm sending will pass by your martial uncle's place. We'll set off in a couple of days, so get ready."

Taoist Priest Simu immediately arranged the schedule.

"Junior Brother, you're going out again. I heard Ren Family Town, where Martial Uncle is, is quite lively."

"Master, I want to go too."

Jia Le didn't want to be left alone at home and couldn't help but plead with his master.

"You want to go too? If everyone goes, who will look after the house?"

Taoist Priest Simu glared at Jia Le.

"Oh."

Jia Le knew it was hopeless.

***

Two days later.

After dinner in the evening, Xiao Yu and his master prepared to set off. In the past two days, Xiao Yu had crafted a few more bronze sword magical artifacts, with two for each of them.

Xiao Yu took the artifacts and his belongings to the door, seeing Jia Le looking pitiful, he couldn't help but comfort him:

"Senior Brother, I won't be at Martial Uncle's place for long. I'll be back soon."

At the same time, he thought to himself, judging by Jia Le's age, it shouldn't be long before Master Yixiu next door returns, bringing back a beautiful female disciple. Senior Brother Jia Le, you'll be secretly delighted.

"Alright, Jia Le, look after the house, and don't forget to cultivate and do your homework. Xiao Yu, let's set off."

Taoist Priest Simu finished speaking, shook the bell, and led the clients first, with Xiao Yu following closely behind.

Jia Le watched as his master and junior brother gradually disappeared into the mountain path.

***

After several days of traveling by night and resting by day, the master and disciple finally arrived at Ren Family Town.

"Your martial uncle's mortuary is outside the town. We're almost there."

Walking another mile or two, they could already see the mortuary.

Before long, the master and disciple arrived at the door, and Taoist Priest Simu knocked first.

After a short while, the door opened, and Wencai saw Taoist Priest Simu and immediately called out:

"It's Uncle Simu!"

"Mm, it's Wencai."

"Xiao Yu, this is your senior brother Wencai."

"Wencai, this is my disciple Xiao Yu."

Taoist Priest Simu introduced the two to each other.

"Greetings, Senior Brother."

Xiao Yu formed a Taoist hand gesture and saluted Wencai.

"Hello, Junior Brother."

Wencai hurriedly returned the gesture.

Then Wencai helped settle the clients in the side room.

Not seeing his senior brother for a while, Taoist Priest Simu asked Wencai:

"Where's my senior brother?"

"Master went to town and will be back soon.

Uncle, Junior Brother, you rest first. I'll prepare some food."

Not long after, Wencai prepared the food, a pot of porridge, a few plates of pickles, and a plate of peanuts.

After eating, it wasn't long before Uncle Nine returned.

"Junior Brother, you're here."

Uncle Nine greeted warmly.

"Yes, Senior Brother, this is my disciple Xiao Yu."

"Xiao Yu, greet your uncle."

Taoist Priest Simu introduced his disciple.

"Greetings, Uncle. Hello, Uncle."

Xiao Yu finally met the renowned Uncle Nine, forming a Taoist hand gesture and saluting respectfully.

"Good, no need for formalities, nephew."

Uncle Nine politely gestured for him to rise.

"Your master mentioned you when he passed by here before. It's been so long, and we're meeting for the first time."

Uncle Nine looked at Xiao Yu, thinking to himself, his aura is extraordinary, his foundation is remarkable.

"Senior Brother, I brought Xiao Yu here this time to let him cultivate with you for a while. Xiao Yu has a high talent for talismans."

"You know my level in talismans, so I ask you to help teach him."

Taoist Priest Simu explained the purpose of their visit to Uncle Nine.

"Alright, Xiao Yu can stay here to cultivate. I'll teach him well, Junior Brother, rest assured."

Uncle Nine agreed without hesitation.

"By the way, what level of Qi Refining is Xiao Yu at now?"

Uncle Nine wanted to know Xiao Yu's cultivation level.

"Xiao Yu is now at the Eighth Level of Qi Refining, haha."

Taoist Priest Simu couldn't help but feel proud.

Uncle Nine was also a bit surprised, but seeing Taoist Priest Simu's smug expression, his face darkened.

"High talent, but don't slack off."

Uncle Nine advised.

"Thank you for your guidance, Uncle."

Xiao Yu naturally appeared humble and teachable.

At this moment, Taoist Priest Simu took out the magical artifact and handed it to Uncle Nine.

"Senior Brother, take a look at this artifact."

Uncle Nine took it, experienced it, and praised:

"Great idea, the fusion of talisman and artifact, calling it a Talisman Artifact is more fitting."

"This is precisely Xiao Yu's understanding of talismans combined with my method of crafting artifacts, resulting in a new type of artifact."

Taoist Priest Simu proudly expressed his disciple's achievements.

"This is an artifact crafted by Xiao Yu?"

Uncle Nine was immediately surprised.

Then Taoist Priest Simu shared the idea of talisman combinations with Uncle Nine.

This piqued Uncle Nine's interest, and he chatted with Xiao Yu and Taoist Priest Simu non-stop, constantly proposing new ideas until late at night when they finally went to rest.

A few days later, after researching talisman combinations and crafting, they ran out of new ideas, and their enthusiasm waned.

Taoist Priest Simu advised Xiao Yu to humbly learn from his uncle and practice talisman techniques, then set off on his journey.

A day later, Uncle Nine called Xiao Yu into the room.

"Xiao Yu, I'll now pass on to you my insights into talisman techniques and the combined use of talismans and formations."

He then handed over three books to Xiao Yu.

"Take them back and read them. If you have any questions, come to me, and I'll explain."

"Thank you for passing on your knowledge, Uncle."

Xiao Yu respectfully thanked him.

Xiao Yu returned to his room and began to read the three books given by Uncle Nine.

The first book recorded over thirty talismans mastered by Uncle Nine, including twelve that Xiao Yu already knew.

Among them were advanced offensive talismans like the Heavenly Thunder Talisman, Blazing Fire Talisman, and Evil Breaking Talisman.

There were also others like the Soul Suppressing Talisman, Puppet Talisman, Plague Expelling Talisman, Soundproofing Talisman, Vajra Talisman, House Warding Talisman, Soul Summoning Talisman, Tracking Talisman, and Corpse Settling Talisman.

The second book was Uncle Nine's notes on talisman insights.

The third book contained a few methods for using talismans in formations.

With so many talismans at his disposal, Xiao Yu immediately immersed himself in learning.

Although the Inner World aided his understanding of talismans far beyond ordinary people, Xiao Yu chose to hide his true abilities, frequently seeking Uncle Nine's guidance and also asking about unclear aspects of cultivation.

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***

One day, Wencai invited him to go to town.

Xiao Yu hadn't been to the town yet and gladly agreed to go.

When they reached a shop, Wencai pointed and said:

"Junior Brother, up ahead is Qiusheng's aunt's shop. Recently, the mortuary has been quiet, and her shop has been doing well, so Qiusheng has been helping out here."

"Since we're at the door, let's go in and say hello to Senior Brother Qiusheng."

Xiao Yu prepared to meet Qiusheng.

The two entered the shop, and upon seeing Wencai, Qiusheng asked:

"Wencai, what brings you here? Is there something at the mortuary?"

"Don't worry, nothing's wrong. We came to town for fun, and when we got here, I mentioned you to Junior Brother Xiao Yu, and he said we should come in and say hello."

"Oh, I forgot to introduce you. This is Junior Brother Xiao Yu, Uncle Simu's disciple."

Wencai said with a cheeky smile.

"Hello, Senior Brother."

Xiao Yu stepped forward to greet.

"Hello, Junior Brother. When did you arrive? It's been busy here lately, so I've been helping out."

Qiusheng also greeted warmly.

"I've been here a few days, but I haven't visited Ren Family Town yet, so I came to take a look."

"Busy is good for business."

Xiao Yu replied politely.

After chatting for a while, they saw customers entering, so Qiusheng went to attend to them.

After a while, Xiao Yu and Wencai said goodbye to Qiusheng and left the shop, continuing to stroll around the streets. As it got late, they finally returned.

---

Proofreader & Editor: Peter Pan