Chapter 78 The Mystery of the Rubbing
Chapter 78 The Mystery of the Rubbing
Chapter 78 The Mystery of the Rubbing
Over the next few days, Shen Qingyi and Cao Wenjing took turns giving lectures.
Shen Qingyi explained the identification of materials, from the texture of Linghuang paper to the selection of wolf hair brushes, leaving no detail unattended.
She took special care of Han Sushuang, giving her pointers from time to time and keeping her after class for individual explanations.
Cao Wenjing then discussed the principles of talismans and talismans, progressing step by step from the generating and restraining relationships of the five elements to the harmony of yin and yang.
He treats everyone equally, patiently answering all questions in the order they are asked, without showing favoritism.
Gu Shenyan would secretly activate the [Assisted Cultivation] mode every time he attended class.
That enlightening feeling allowed him to make rapid progress in his understanding of the Dao of Talismans.
When Shen Qingyi explained the ratio of spirit cinnabar, he could quickly understand what effects different proportions would produce.
When Cao Wenjing was explaining the generating and restraining relationships of the Five Elements, he could even deduce more than a dozen different combinations of talismans.
This level of understanding even caught Cao Wenjing's attention.
On the afternoon of the third day, Cao Wenjing spoke about "the reconciliation of conflicting attributes".
"Water and fire are inherently incompatible; forcibly combining them into one talisman will most likely result in an explosion."
He drew a diagram on the blackboard: "What kind of spiritual energy do you all think can be used as a medium? —"
As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Shenyan raised his hand.
"Senior Brother Cao, what if we use wood?"
Cao Wenjing was taken aback: "Wood?"
"Yes."
Gu Shenyan stood up: "Water nourishes wood, wood fuels fire; wouldn't it be smoother to use wood as a bridge?"
A glint flashed in Cao Wenjing's eyes: "You—have tried it?"
"No," Gu Shenyan shook his head. "I just suddenly had an epiphany while listening to my senior brother's explanation."
"Excellent!" Cao Wenjing laughed heartily, "Your comprehension is truly remarkable!"
He turned around and drew another diagram on the blackboard: "You're right, wood is more suitable for bridges than soil."
"However, this painting method is extremely difficult, and the slightest mistake can lead to failure. I originally intended to teach you this method when your foundation was more solid—"
"Since you've already grasped the concept of 'being cautious with words,' I'll say it in advance."
For the next half hour, Cao Wenjing explained in detail this highly difficult method of talisman fusion.
Han Sushuang frowned as she listened, clearly finding it extremely difficult.
Jia Shouren was completely bewildered and could only mechanically take notes.
Only Gu Shenyan, with the support of the [Assisted Cultivation] mode, deeply imprinted every key point in his mind.
After class, Shen Qingyi stopped Cao Wenjing.
"Senior brother, this Gu Shenyan—"
"He is indeed a promising talent." Cao Wenjing nodded. "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed that someone could have such a high level of comprehension."
"only----"
Shen Qingyi said with some worry, "I'm afraid Su Shuang is about to have some ideas."
"It's alright."
Cao Wenjing waved his hand: "In the path of cultivation, everyone relies on their own abilities."
"If she's not satisfied, then she should work even harder."
"Besides—"
He looked out the window, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "What Master wants is a disciple with true talent."
From this perspective, Shen Yan's current high level of understanding is more important than Su Shuang's.
Shen Qingyi's eyes flashed: "Senior brother, are you saying that in such a short time, some of the new disciples have already had an epiphany—allowing you to reap that 'kindness of being taught'?"
Upon hearing this, Cao Wenjing simply smiled and remained silent.
On the morning of the fourth day, Cao Wenjing continued to give the lecture.
After he finished explaining the basics, he didn't let everyone practice on their own as usual.
Instead, he wrote four large characters on the blackboard: "Imprint the Fire of Life".
The classroom immediately fell silent.
Han Sushuang put down her pen.
Jia Shouren's eyes widened.
Even the usually indifferent Chen An had a flicker of emotion in his eyes at this moment.
For a talisman master, imprinting the four characters "Life Fire" is of paramount importance.
It signifies wealth, status, and above all, it means truly entering the core circle of this industry.
Cao Wenjing turned around and glanced at everyone present: "As you all probably know, the Life Fire Diagram comes in both original and printed versions."
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"The original, infused with a large amount of demonic materials, possesses the effects of enhancing cultivation and guiding treasure hunting, making it priceless."
"Although the rubbings are inferior, they are still far superior to ordinary spiritual items, and one can be exchanged for hundreds or even thousands of dollars."
He paused for a moment: "But have you ever considered why only talisman masters can make copies of the Life Fire Diagram?"
Han Sushuang pondered for a moment, then tentatively asked, "Because—talisman masters have the most precise control over the flow of spiritual energy?"
"That's just one aspect."
Cao Wenjing nodded, then looked at Gu Shenyan: "Shenyan, what do you think?"
Gu Shenyan pondered for a moment: "Talismans and Life Fire Diagrams are essentially both ways of imprinting a certain 'artistic conception' onto a medium."
"The talisman is inscribed with the meaning of magic, while the life fire diagram is inscribed with the meaning of demonic supernatural powers."
"Although the two are different, they are fundamentally the same."
"good!"
Cao Wenjing clapped his hands in praise: "You hit the nail on the head."
"The reason why talisman masters are able to make copies of the Life Fire Diagram is because we do the same thing day and night —"
"To condense the ethereal 'meaning' into tangible things."
He walked to the window and looked at the old locust tree in the courtyard: "There are many people in this world who can draw talismans, but those who can truly make a copy of the Life Fire Diagram are few and far between."
"Do you all know why?"
The classroom was completely silent.
Cao Wenjing turned around and took out a roll of parchment from his sleeve.
He unfolded the parchment and laid it on the podium.
The paper depicts a ferocious, bull-shaped monster, its hooves raised in a charging stance.
The bull was covered in black scales, had four thick, pillar-like legs, two sharp horns on its head, and blood-red eyes.
"This is the 'Black Ferocious Bull,' which is quite powerful among ferocious-level demons."
"The 'Black Ferocious Bull - Raging Charge' chart is one I copied five years ago."
He stroked his short beard: "To make a copy of the Life Fire Diagram, you need three things."
[Core skills explanation detected!]
[The panel is in deep learning —]
"Firstly, I saw it with my own eyes."
He tapped the parchment: "I didn't see the pattern in a book, nor did I hear anyone describe its appearance, and it's not something I just imagined—"
"I truly stood before that demon."
"I've seen how it acts, how it uses its supernatural powers, how it lives, and how it—kills."
"Secondly, materials from demons."
He pulled a small piece of black scale from his sleeve: "When making the imprint, you need to incorporate the flesh, hair, scales, and other tissues of the demon into the spiritual sand."
"Only a life-fire diagram drawn with this kind of spiritual sand can truly carry the supernatural powers and true meaning of demons."
"The original Life Fire Diagram required a great deal of materials, with each one requiring several ounces or even more of demonic materials."
"Although there are fewer rubbings, they still cost a few coins."
Han Sushuang couldn't help but ask, "Senior brother, why must we use demonic materials?"
"Because supernatural powers are hidden within flesh and blood."
Cao Wenjing explained, "The reason why demons are so powerful is that they are born with some kind of supernatural power."
"This supernatural ability is not something acquired through cultivation, but rather an instinct etched into one's bones and fused into one's blood."
"By making rubbings of the Life Fire Diagram, we are actually 'extracting' this instinct."
"Without demonic materials as a medium, it's like trying to cook without rice; what you draw is nothing more than a piece of waste paper."
He thought for a moment and then added, "Moreover, it's best if the demon materials are hunted by the talisman master himself."
"Why?" Jia Shouren asked in a low voice.
"because----"
Cao Wenjing's gaze deepened: "You were already observing while you were fighting the demons."
"How it attacks, how it dodges, how the spiritual energy flows when it unleashes its supernatural powers—"
"These details will be remembered by your instincts during life-or-death battles."
"When you return to draw the chart of destiny, those insights will come to you, making your drawing more realistic."
"Using materials hunted by others is possible, but the results will be much worse."
"The experience of others killing demons is ultimately just the perspective of an observer."
"Only by killing with one's own hands can one truly master it."
He then became more serious: "Thirdly, comprehension and technique."
"Having seen demons and having the materials does not guarantee a successful rubbing."
"You also need sufficient insight to capture what you see and feel in writing."
"It requires even more exquisite skills to make every stroke just right."
Cao Wenjing looked at everyone and said, "Today, I will let you try."
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