Chapter 54: The Talisman Sect!

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Jian Yichen’s words carried a hint of mockery mixed with helplessness. He raised an eyebrow, a faint smile curling at the corner of his lips. His gaze flickered among the disciples around him, some curious, others teasing, before finally settling on the slightly nervous face of the junior disciple guiding the way. “Junior brother, don’t pretend you don’t understand. Go take a hike.”

Though his tone was light, there was an undeniable authority in it. A mischievous glint flashed in his eyes, as if he were savoring the unexpected little drama unfolding before him.

With that, he swept his long sleeves with a flourish, the fabric billowing in the wind like autumn leaves dancing through the forest—carefree and unrestrained.

He then strode confidently towards the heart of the Talisman Sacred Ground, each step measured and unhurried, as though all eyes in the world followed his every move.

“Pfft—playboy!” the junior disciple snapped.

“It’s truly infuriating. Such a good girl wasted on a smooth talker like him—it’s enough to make one’s blood boil!” The junior disciple’s eyes locked on Jian Yichen as he turned away, emotions flickering across his face.

Xing Chenzi marveled at the scene before him: “Hey, what’s he still doing here? He’s been standing around for minutes.”

Yu Fan slowly turned, glancing at Fang Yu and Xing Chenzi, before looking back at the man who had just left so stylishly. His flowing robes fluttered in the breeze, seemingly captivating everyone present.

Fang Yu’s lips twitched into a faint, awkward smile at the sight before her.

Suddenly, with a loud thud, something wrapped and heavy was thrown from the sky, landing squarely on Jian Yichen’s head. He snapped angrily, “Hey, you lunatic! You messed up my handsome hair! Come out here!”

Everyone around burst into laughter. Even the nearby girl couldn’t help but giggle.

Jian Yichen’s embarrassed figure quickly vanished from view, leaving behind a string of curses and scattered strands of hair fluttering in the air.

His retreat was like a sudden gust of wind, stirring fallen leaves on the ground before whisking them away, leaving behind bursts of suppressed laughter.

The junior disciple’s laughter grew louder, clutching his stomach, nearly doubled over with mirth. Tears glistened in his eyes, but the triumphant smile on his lips refused to fade.

The surrounding disciples cast friendly glances, some covering their mouths to stifle chuckles, others exchanging knowing looks, sharing in the rare moment of joy.

Yu Fan stood still, brow furrowed, her face a picture of confusion as she scanned the crowd, as if everything that had just transpired was beyond her comprehension.

In her clear eyes was both bewilderment at Jian Yichen’s awkward exit and puzzlement over the laughter around her. Her lips twitched slightly as she searched for an appropriate expression to respond to the unexpected scene.

Jian Yichen hastily fled the place, overwhelmed by the sudden embarrassment, his departure marked by flustered haste.

“Ha ha,” the junior disciple laughed heartily, until his sides ached and he finally stopped.

Yu Fan’s face remained puzzled, a look of bewilderment lingering.

Xing Chenzi gently patted Fang Yu on the shoulder. “Sis, how much longer do we have to stay here?”

“Not sure, Chenzi,” Fang Yu replied softly, turning her head slightly.

Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, casting mottled patterns over the Talisman Sacred Ground, bathing the new arrivals in a warm golden glow.

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The junior disciple led Yu Fan, Xing Chenzi, and Fang Yu slowly into the center of the crowd. His voice was crisp and clear, like a mountain spring, instantly capturing the attention of all the surrounding disciples.

“Everyone, quiet down. Let me introduce some new friends,” he said warmly, turning to push the three forward before the group.

Yu Fan wore a simple yet elegant blue robe, her long hair loosely tied back, her eyes shimmering with anticipation for the unknown world ahead. Xing Chenzi looked sharp and clever, his gaze sparkling with mischief. Fang Yu appeared gentle and gracious, a faint smile gracing her lips, radiating a welcoming aura.

“Hello, my name is Niu Xiaodan,” introduced a slightly plump young man to Yu Fan and the others.

“You can call me Xiaodan,” he added, leaning close to Yu Fan’s ear, then whispering quickly to Xing Chenzi and Fang Yu, “But don’t come to me with talisman questions—I don’t understand that stuff.”

Yu Fan chuckled softly at his words, her laughter clear and pleasant, like blossoms opening on a spring morning, carrying an unintentional warmth.

She gently turned her head, eyes sparkling with amusement, nodding to Niu Xiaodan as if to say, “No worries, we’ll help each other.”

At that moment, a ray of sunlight broke through the clouds, casting a soft golden rim along her elegant blue robe, highlighting her ethereal presence.

Xing Chenzi wore a sly grin, his eyes darting as if plotting some playful trick.

He quietly approached Xiaodan, lowering his voice so only they could hear, “Oh? So if we hit a tough problem, you’re going to be responsible for cheering us up, right?”

He winked mischievously, catching Xiaodan off guard, who then laughed along, a subtle friendship forming between them. Soon after, Niu Xiaodan was pulled aside.

Then, a tall and strong man leapt into view. He spoke slowly and solemnly: “Hello, I’m Niu Dazhuang. My father sent me here—to bring honor to our family—so I’m here to learn talisman arts. Nice to meet you.”

“Hello, Niu Dazhuang,” Xing Chenzi greeted him.

“Ha ha, looking forward to working together,” Yu Fan added warmly.

With the junior disciple’s words hanging in the air, he turned to face Yu Fan, Xing Chenzi, and Fang Yu, his eyes shining brightly.

He waved his sleeve gently, as if guiding the three into a brand-new world.

Sunlight streamed through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on their path, adding a dreamlike quality to this solemn yet mysterious moment.

The junior disciple led them along a path paved with green stones, flanked by lush ancient trees. The occasional birdcall added to the serene atmosphere.

At the end of the path stood a simple courtyard. The gate was half-open, and inside, a white-haired elderly man sat with his eyes closed, surrounded by a faint aura of spiritual energy, like an immortal secluded from the world.

“The master asked me to bring them to pay respects to you as their teacher,” the junior disciple said respectfully, clasping his hands and bowing slightly.

The old man stroked his beard and smiled kindly. “The master has good judgment. Our Talisman Sect is famous far and wide and boasts great strength—far stronger than the Assassination Sect.”

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The elder stroked his beard again. “Very well. Let me see your true strength.”

With a gentle wave of his hand, three spirit stones appeared before Yu Fan, Fang Yu, and Xing Chenzi.

“Place your hands on these stones to test your abilities,” the elder instructed kindly.

The disciple gestured solemnly, “Show us your power.”

Yu Fan stepped forward first. Her gaze was gentle as she placed her hand on the spirit stone, which emitted a soft, lustrous glow.

In an instant, the stone seemed to awaken, its inside swirling with a faint blue light, like the brightest star descending into the mortal realm.

As Yu Fan slowly channeled her spiritual energy into the stone, the blue glow intensified, resembling a spring of clear water flowing within, cool yet brimming with formidable power.

The very air around seemed to tremble subtly with the surge of energy, allowing everyone present to sense the deep cultivation hidden within Yu Fan.

Next, Fang Yu gracefully extended her hand and touched the stone. A gentle green light blossomed across its surface, like tender new leaves in early spring, full of hope.

The green glow rotated slowly inside the stone, harmonizing with Fang Yu’s warm and gentle temperament, reflecting a serene strength.

She closed her eyes in concentration, guiding her spiritual energy to resonate with the stone. Though subtle, the power was profound and unmistakable.

Xing Chenzi’s lips curved into a playful smirk, his eyes sparkling with cunning. Slowly, he raised his hand, palm resting lightly on the seemingly ordinary spirit stone.

Silently, he muttered, “Ghost Spirit Sister, how about we give everyone a special show today?”

Though his voice was low, it seemed to transcend time and space, carrying a barely perceptible challenge.

Yet the spirit stone remained inert, refusing to glow, its dull gray surface undisturbed. The surrounding air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Xing Chenzi raised an eyebrow in surprise, but his smirk grew wider, as if all of this had been expected—or perhaps it was part of an elaborate ruse.

His fingers played lightly on the stone, as if sharing a silent conversation with an old friend.

Again, he whispered, “Ghost Spirit Sister, let’s make this a truly unique opening.”

Before the words faded, a glint of mischief shone in his eyes, as if he understood the secrets of the world.

But the stone lay still, like a slumbering giant, silently ignoring his call, maintaining its unremarkable gray hue.

The air around them felt thick and still, as if even the wind held its breath, waiting for a miracle that never came—an awkward silence.

Xing Chenzi’s lips curled into a smile rich with meaning, a blend of curiosity and calm acceptance of the present moment.

“Hmm, except for the child, the others are perfect. Understandable—after all, he is still a young boy. Let them pass. Take them down and arrange accommodations,” the elder said softly.