Martial Universe: The Eyes That Determine the Fate

Chapter 37 The Talisman Master Gathering, Master Yan

Li Yi followed closely behind her, a newly acquired Qiankun bag hanging from his waist. He kept an eye on the street scenery while pondering the mysteries of the talisman master's path. Following Zi Yue's footsteps, he slowly walked towards the Yan City Talisman Master Association.

In the heart of Yancheng, buildings are scattered and ancient trees reach for the sky. A quiet long street runs from north to south, at the end of which stands a group of ancient buildings.

This is the Flame City Talisman Master Association.

There is no extravagance of carved beams and painted rafters, nor the ostentation of world-renowned monuments, only the undulating high blue stone walls, within which ancient pines and cypresses stretch out with vigorous strength, exuding a vast and ancient charm that has been accumulated over the years.

From afar, the entire Talisman Master Association was shrouded in a faint, pale silver aura of runes. The invisible elemental and spiritual forces that roamed the world gathered and flowed here, forming a unique Dao domain.

Zi Yue moved with light steps, her figure as aloof as a solitary shadow under the moon, heading straight towards the main gate of the Talisman Master Association.

Li Yi followed closely behind, and the moment he stepped into this territory, his mind was suddenly jolted.

An invisible and intangible wave emanated from the heavens and earth. It was not as domineering and powerful as martial arts energy, but it was more profound and mysterious, like the ancient Daoist chants whispering in one's ear, or like invisible runes rising and falling in the void.

His brow trembled slightly, and the dormant spiritual power within him involuntarily and slowly awakened and undulated, like a wanderer returning home, giving rise to a natural sense of harmony and belonging.

The scattered runes and Daoist principles scattered throughout the surrounding world seeped into his limbs and bones, nourishing his soul and refining his origins. They even gave his spiritual power a faint sign of improvement.

Ordinary martial artists who step into this place will at most feel that their Yuan energy is abundant and their mind is calm and peaceful, but they will never experience such extraordinary phenomena as the resonance of their soul and the entry of Daoist principles into their body.

Li Yi's eyes narrowed, and he was secretly alarmed.

This Talisman Masters Association is indeed extraordinary, forming its own talisman dojo. The Daoist essence of heaven and earth has been condensed to the extreme, providing unimaginable benefits to those who cultivate spiritual power and comprehend the Dao of Talismans.

What might be just a place for cultivation to others was, for him, an excellent place for secluded cultivation and enlightenment. It was as if the Great Dao was guiding him, destined to form a bond with the Talisman Master.

When the disciples of the Talisman Masters Association who were guarding the gate saw Zi Yue, their expressions all became solemn, and they immediately bowed and paid their respects with the utmost deference.

"Greetings, Miss Ziyue."

Zi Yue nodded slightly, said nothing more, and led Li Yi through the gate into the depths of the Talisman Master Association.

The courtyard is even more ancient and secluded, with bluestone paving the way and winding paths leading to secluded spots. Stone pillars and stone tables covered with ancient runes can be seen everywhere, with the runes flowing with a faint light and a hidden Taoist charm rising.

Elders and young men dressed in the robes of the Talisman Masters Association passed by from time to time. Each of them had a restrained aura, a solid soul, and a calm and profound demeanor unique to Talisman Masters.

As they passed by, the talisman masters all glanced at her, their eyes filled with awe when they landed on Zi Yue. When their gazes swept over the unremarkable Li Yi beside her, they were somewhat curious but did not scrutinize him much.

No one could have imagined that this seemingly ordinary young man's physical body and cultivation foundation had already surpassed his peers in Yan City, and was even comparable to the older generation of experts.

Ziyue was extremely familiar with the paths of the Talisman Masters Association. She avoided the crowds and made her way to the deepest part of a quiet bamboo courtyard.

Outside the courtyard, a refreshing mist swirls, ancient bamboo sways, and faint ripples of spiritual energy slowly spread, enveloping all directions and isolating the outside world from noise and disturbance.

Before they even got close, a powerful and profound divine aura swept over them, not domineering, but exuding the vastness of time and the composure of controlling the Great Dao of Runes.

Without much thought, Li Yi knew that there must be a top-notch talisman master in charge here.

Ziyue stopped in front of the bamboo hut and said softly, "Master, your disciple Ziyue has come to pay her respects."

After a moment of silence inside the bamboo hut, a slightly hoarse yet steady and deep old voice slowly drifted out, carrying a sense of calm that came from having seen through the ways of the world: "Come in."

Zi Yue raised her hand to signal Li Yi to come inside, and then pushed open the door.

The bamboo hut is furnished very simply, with a table, a chair, a stove, and a futon, nothing else.

An elderly man dressed in a gray-blue robe sat quietly on a futon. His beard and hair were white, his face was aged, and his eyes were closed. He had no sharp aura about him and looked like an ordinary old man from the countryside. However, the faint silver light surrounding him and the unfathomable fluctuations of his soul revealed his extraordinary nature.

This person is none other than Master Yan, the president of the Yan City Talisman Master Association and a four-seal talisman master.

The moment Master Yan stepped into the bamboo hut, he slowly opened his eyes. Two silver rays flashed from his eyes. His gaze first fell on Zi Yue, and then casually swept over Li Yi beside him.

At first glance, Li Yi's gaze towards Master Yan seemed to be that of an ordinary old man, but Master Yan's eyes were clear and bright, without any sense of being old and decrepit.

Upon meeting his gaze, Master Yan's aged face paused slightly, and a hint of undisguised surprise flashed across his eyes.

He has cultivated the art of talismans for decades, possessing a vast spiritual power and extremely sharp eyes. He has seen through all the talented young people in Yan City and can see through a person's innate qualities, soul, and foundation with just one glance.

But when it came to Li Yi, he only felt that the young man in front of him seemed young and had an ordinary and restrained aura, like a hidden reef in the deep sea. The surface was calm, but the bottom contained an immeasurable and vast foundation.

His physical body was solid and heavy, seemingly impervious to all magic. His martial arts foundation was so solid it was almost abnormal. What shocked him even more was that deep within the boy's brow, his spiritual power was hidden, pure and refined, far surpassing that of ordinary cultivators of the same level. He was born to be an excellent candidate for cultivating the Dao of Talismans. His strength and talent were something he had rarely seen in many years.

This child is no ordinary person!

Master Yan had developed a great deal of attention and interest in Li Yi, and his gaze lingered on Li Yi for a long time without shifting away.

Seeing this, Zi Yue didn't bother with pleasantries and went straight to the point, slowly recounting her encounter with Li Yi on the way, their sparring, and how she was instantly defeated. She didn't exaggerate, but truthfully described Li Yi's extraordinary combat power and calm demeanor.

The bamboo hut was quiet for a moment, with only the rustling of bamboo leaves outside the window.

Master Yan listened quietly, his aged eyes filled with growing astonishment.

Zi Yue was his disciple, and he knew her strength all too well. Yet she was so easily suppressed by such a young boy. Her combat power and her foundation were truly astonishing.

Recalling the exceptional spiritual talent and martial arts aptitude he had just glimpsed, Master Yan immediately felt a surge of appreciation for his talent.

He pondered for a moment, then looked solemnly at Li Yi, his tone filled with sincerity and expectation, and said, "Young friend, your innate talent is extraordinary, your spiritual gift is rare, and your martial arts cultivation is among the best of your generation. You are a genius that comes along only once in ten thousand years."

"As the president of the Flame City Talisman Master Association and a Four-Seal Talisman Master, I am willing to make an exception and accept you as my closed-door disciple. I will personally teach you the profound mysteries of talismanic arts and guide you onto the path of a talisman master. I wonder if you, young friend, are willing?"