Chapter Twelve: Crafting the Talismans

That night, the moonlight flowed like water. Jie Peiling returned to his small room, choosing not to stay at the outer gate but, like Han Jiang, residing among the registered names and miscellaneous duties on the mountain peaks of Yingtian Taoist Temple.

He surmised that since this place was closer to the descent path, Han Jiang had always lived here. The entire temple knew of their close relationship, so it was reasonable that Jie Peiling did not choose the outer gate but stayed where he originally was—just as Han Jiang had not sought lodging at the outer gate back then.

Jie Peiling prepared all the materials Han Jiang had brought him earlier for refining talismans, laying them out neatly on the table.

Recalling what he had read in ancient texts, he began the process step by step.

From his memory, the method of talisman creation begins with water. The most crucial aspects of preparing talisman water are category, timing, and direction. Different waters from various places have distinct requirements.

Water serves to dilute the ink evenly; different inks require different types of water to clearly define the five elements and thus achieve their spiritual efficacy.

Jie Peiling remembered a phrase from a strange tales novel: “Water is soft and formless, endless in its flow, expanding and contracting at will, turbulent yet calm, receptive yet undamaged, breaking yet unbroken. It moves through gaps, transforms infinitely, thus resembling the virtue of the Dao, capable of harmonizing and inspiring the spirit.” It also stated, “The five elements are also seen within water.”

It further noted: “Gathering waters can be taken from: mountain streams, rivers, wells, dew, flower water, rainwater, the Milky Way, and the Jade Pond; water that kills can be taken from: stagnant water, polluted water, fishy water, foul water, muddy water, turbid water, blood water, applying yin and yang accordingly.”

Each type of water corresponds to a unique function. For example, dew water, known in this practice as “True Water of Tianyi,” is best gathered from grass, next from flowers, and least from tree leaves, all matched with appropriate seasonal timing.

Following his fragmented memories, Jie Peiling first prepared all the talisman water, then took out the cinnabar.

Generally, cinnabar used in talismans falls into two main categories: red cinnabar and black cinnabar. The finer qualities are rare and usually possessed only by talisman masters from major sects. Han Jiang had brought him some of both, though in limited quantities.

He separated the two kinds carefully to avoid confusion during refining. Red cinnabar is typically used for literary talismans; its nature is gentle and slow, suitable for gradually manifesting effects, commonly for attracting romance or wealth. Black cinnabar is used for martial talismans; it is urgent and fierce, apt for swiftly dealing with evil, suppressing demons, and warding off calamities. The four talismans Jie Peiling had previously used were all made with black cinnabar.

Red cinnabar itself is divided into four types, corresponding to the five elements: fire, metal, wood, and earth. The last element, water, is represented by black cinnabar.

Talisman creation also aligns with the five elements. By following their principles and applying changes in talisman script, one can guide the qi of heaven and earth, mimic celestial phenomena, simulate events, and respond to human needs. Thus, cinnabar’s role in talisman crafting is paramount.

After organizing the corresponding talisman water and cinnabar, Jie Peiling exhaled deeply and brought out the other prepared materials.

For talismans meant for internal use, the inscriptions are usually written with soot ink, specifically discarded oil soot ink, with pine soot ink being the best. There are various types such as pine resin, dark jade, dark pine, and jade pine, with “dark jade” considered the finest.

Cinnabar, talisman water, and soot ink are all potent carriers of talisman power. They complement each other and are indispensable.

This was no different from his usual battles. Had the young woman in plain clothes not handed him her sword during their fight, no subsequent plans would have been possible. All efforts would have been futile. Talismans, like weapons, are a crucial means for a person. If he had attempted to harm the martial god statue without talismans, it would have been premature. But with talismans, he could restrain it.

Especially when matched evenly against a rival, having a trusted weapon often becomes the decisive factor.

With everything ready, Jie Peiling laid the talisman paper flat on the table. Holding his brush, his heart was filled with trepidation.

Though he was not unskilled at drawing talismans—he had envisioned this scene countless times and practiced on blank paper many times before—this was the first time he was truly crafting one for real.

He took a deep breath, concentrated fully, recalling the incantations. One by one, he breathed life into the prepared materials. As his brush touched the paper, it seemed guided by divine aid; the strokes flowed like dragons and serpents, confident and commanding, blending cinnabar and talisman water.

Spiritual energy slowly began to circulate unnoticed, like an invisible burden pressing upon his chest.

Jie Peiling felt as if possessed, utterly oblivious to fatigue. When the ink at the brush’s tip was nearly spent, he exhaled, moistened the brush, and the faint red threads clung to the tip. Before that breath faded, a faint glimmer began to manifest on the talisman paper.

The most crucial point in refining talismans is a steady essence, energy, and spirit—completing the work in one go.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Jie Peiling looked utterly haggard and collapsed into his chair, all his spiritual energy completely depleted. Fortunately, no one was around to disturb him, and he had focused entirely on the task without distraction. Even a slight mistake could have cost him his cultivation or worse, his life, as the toll on essence, energy, and spirit was tremendous—death by spiritual exhaustion was a real risk.

During the process, he felt nothing but exhilaration at completion. When he set down the brush, his bodily functions plummeted to their lowest. His eyes glazed over, staring blankly at the freshly crafted talisman on the table.

The moment he regained his senses, he saw the talisman’s spiritual power was abundant and was overjoyed. His fatigue vanished instantly, and he was eager to craft another.

Yet, when he reached for the black cinnabar, he found only a small amount remained—insufficient for another talisman.

At this realization, Jie Peiling awoke as if from a dream, cold sweat flooding his body. He patted his chest, overwhelmed by a feeling of survival against the odds.

Had Han Jiang prepared a large supply of black cinnabar for him, he might well have perished on the spot today, his spirit unsettled even in death. Considering the items on his table, anyone could deduce the cause and effect at a glance.

Jie Peiling hastily put down his brush, then picked up the talisman he had just drawn and smiled involuntarily. Though he did not yet know the extent of its power, at least it was a success.