Martial Universe: The Eyes That Determine the Fate

Chapter 41 Talisman Master

The young man in brocade robes sneered repeatedly, his tone dripping with sarcasm, saying, "He has only a handsome appearance, putting on airs of a superior being, but in reality, he knows nothing of decorum. Wearing battle armor with vulgar red trousers, he's utterly crude and shallow, a disgrace to us talisman masters!"

"Does he really think he can look down on everyone just because he has a bit of an impressive air about him? He doesn't even know the most basic manners and etiquette. He's probably just a rogue cultivator from the mountains who's never seen the pomp and circumstance of aristocratic prodigies."

These words were sharp and merciless, instantly drawing agreement from those around them. The smirks on Li Yi's face grew increasingly mocking, as they waited to see him embarrassed, ashamed, and utterly humiliated.

In the eyes of these people, cultivators should not only cultivate combat power and the way of talismans, but also cultivate demeanor and value status. Li Yi's unconventional and disregard for others' opinions in his attire is considered vulgar and impolite, and should be ridiculed and despised by everyone.

Li Yi stood still, his expression remaining calm and indifferent upon hearing the words. There was no anger between his brows, only a blank indifference, as if the other party's mockery was as insignificant as the buzzing of mosquitoes.

He had no intention of competing with these worldly young men in terms of pomp and circumstance, so why should he cater to the shallow views of others?

Seeing Li Yi remain silent, the talisman master assumed he was guilty and became even more arrogant. He took a few steps forward, head held high, chest puffed out, his face full of arrogance, ready to make another sarcastic remark.

Just then, Li Yi slightly raised his eyes, a cold glint flashing across them. Without swaying, he calmly took a step forward.

"Thump!"

With each step, there was no earth-shattering roar, but an invisible aura as heavy as a mountain suddenly spread out. The bluestone ground beneath his feet instantly cracked, and spiderweb-like cracks spread in all directions. A tremendous force suddenly burst from the ground and shot straight up.

The arrogant talisman master had no time to react. He felt a terrifying force suddenly strike him from beneath his feet, causing him to lose his balance and fall forward uncontrollably. He landed hard on the bluestone ground with a thud, making a pathetic and embarrassing face. His hair was disheveled, his brocade robes were covered in dust, and he looked both comical and ashamed.

The entire room fell silent instantly, and the previous mocking and gossiping stopped abruptly.

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines. They hadn't expected that this seemingly calm young man would have such a terrifying aura. With just one step, he had sent a talisman master sprawling to the ground in a sorry state.

Li Yi looked down at the person on the ground with indifferent eyes. His tone was calm, but it was sharp and piercing. He slowly said, "Cultivation is about cultivating one's true nature, combat power, and the way of talismans to reach the heavens. It is not about cultivating what you consider decent clothes and worldly etiquette."

"You're obsessed with clothing and appearance, judging people by their looks. Your vision is as narrow as a frog in a well. You've already reached the limit of one seal in your cultivation, yet you dare to criticize others. You think too highly of yourself?"

His words were not loud, but every word was clear and sharp, hitting the ears of the crowd directly and incisively, precisely addressing their shortcomings of being pretentious and narrow-minded.

Many people present were taken aback at first upon hearing this, and then couldn't help but chuckle.

These words, though blunt, are all reasonable. On the other hand, the young man in brocade robes who fell to the ground was making a mountain out of a molehill and bringing shame upon himself.

The talisman master was both ashamed and furious. He scrambled to his feet, his face ashen, his spiritual power surging, and his eyes filled with malice. Having been publicly humiliated, he could no longer contain himself and was about to unleash his talisman technique to attack Li Yi directly.

The atmosphere instantly became tense, and everyone retreated, afraid of being caught in the crossfire. Zi Guang stared intently at the two of them, and a conflict seemed imminent.

Just as tensions were about to rise, a calm and authoritative voice suddenly came from the gate of the Talisman Master Association, carrying an air of unquestionable authority.

"stop!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw an old man in a gray robe with a kind face but an air of authority slowly walking out. He was none other than Master Yan, a very important figure in the Yan City Talisman Master Association.

His gaze swept across the scene, first looking at the talisman master whose face was ashen and who was furious, then turning to look at Li Yi, who was calm and composed. He frowned slightly, raised his hand and stopped the young man in brocade robes who was about to make a move, thus stopping the fight that was about to break out.

Master Yan stepped forward slowly, his gaze sweeping over the brocade-clad youth whose face was still full of resentment and whose spiritual energy was restless. His tone was authoritative without being angry, and he said, "This is the Talisman Master Association, a place for cultivation, not a place for street brawls and verbal abuse."

The words carried a heavy, age-old pressure. Even though the young man in brocade was full of resentment, he dared not be presumptuous in front of Master Yan. He could only clench his fists tightly, suppress his anger, and stand aside with his head down, his face turning pale and then red. He dared not say another word.

The surrounding young people and people from various factions also stopped their joking and laughing, and stood quietly with their breath down. No one dared to talk casually anymore, but secretly observed the young man in the arena.

Master Yan then turned to look at Li Yi, scrutinizing him for a moment. From his steady and imposing aura, to the sharp edge hidden in his eyes, and then casually glancing at the crimson trousers under his battle skirt that attracted countless gazes, a hint of suppressed amusement flashed in his eyes, but he ultimately steadied himself and his expression returned to calm.

"Hmm, not bad. Your bearing is quite impressive after changing your attire, but it's a pity your strength is still a bit weak." Master Yan's tone softened, and he said, "Come with me, let's go inside and have a chat."

Li Yi remained calm and composed, neither humble nor arrogant. He nodded slightly and followed Master Yan deeper into the Talisman Master Association.

Wandering along the winding bluestone path shaded by ancient pines and cypresses, the Talisman Master Association is filled with scattered pavilions and elegant terraces, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Many talisman masters who were passing by were surprised to see Master Yan personally leading the way. They all looked at Li Yi with surprise and wondered about the origins of this young man.

As you walk deeper into the courtyard, a quiet and elegant independent courtyard comes into view.

Looking from afar, a beautiful figure was already sitting by the stone table. Dressed in plain clothes, with a delicate face and a slender figure, it was Ziyue who had arrived early.

As she saw the two approaching, a faint smile flashed across her eyes. She calmly stood up and quietly stood to the side.

"Your daughter Ziyue has arrived early." Master Yan smiled faintly and gestured for the two to sit down.

Li Yi sat down calmly, his back straight, his expression serene, waiting for Master Yan to speak.

After Master Yan took his seat, his gaze fell on Li Yi, and he slowly began to speak, recounting in detail the art of talisman masters.

"Between heaven and earth, there is primordial energy that nourishes the physical body, tempers muscles and bones, and creates the combat power of a martial artist; there is also spiritual energy hidden in the sea of ​​consciousness, which is formless and intangible, yet can activate the runes of heaven and earth, evolve into profound supernatural powers, and control the fortune of heaven and earth. This is the talisman master."

He spoke slowly and calmly, his words like the ancient Taoist chants echoing gently in the courtyard, carrying a sense of dispelling the fog and pointing directly to the source.

"Martial artists cultivate Yuan power, clear their meridians, and expand their Dantian, progressing through three realms: Body Tempering, Earth Yuan, Heaven Yuan, and Creation—using their physical combat strength to dominate; while talisman masters primarily cultivate spiritual power, residing in their sea of ​​consciousness and nurturing their mind, using their spirit to inscribe runes, condense talismans, and wield the power of runes, which can trap enemies, attack and kill, heal injuries, and deduce the mysteries of heaven."

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