Chapter 6: Becoming a Disciple (Part 2)

Chang Ye Ren smiled and said, “Of course it’s possible to make them. Otherwise, where would the talisman coins come from in the market? Only talisman masters and spellcasters can create talisman coins; others can’t.”
In Guo Shier’s understanding, coin production was a state monopoly, and private production was illegal. Here, one could create coins on their own—it was truly incredible.
Chang Ye Ren continued, “Shier, you can’t make talisman coins yet. Apprentices can only make green talisman coins. Once you become proficient, you can make silver ones. As for black talisman coins, they’re usually made by talisman masters and spellcasters. By the time they advance to higher ranks, no one wants to do it anymore.”
Only then did Guo Shier understand why those children with potential to become talisman masters or spellcasters could support a small group after four years—because they could directly create coins, so they would never lack money. It seemed that the truly wealthy in this world were talisman masters and spellcasters; they were even more powerful than merchants and could guarantee profits.
Chang Ye Ren said, “Books on how to make green and silver talisman coins can be obtained from the Spellcraft Hall. The method for making black talisman coins is hard to find. Well, consider this a gift from your uncle.”
Guo Shier didn’t know what to say. After staying silent for a while, he finally said, “Uncle Chang, I’ll think it over carefully.”
Chang Ye Ren finally breathed a sigh of relief. It was hard to move this kid. After all this effort, he only got such a brief reply. He smiled and said, “Alright, it’s getting late. Shier, go back and get some sleep. Come visit my place often when you have time.”
After thanking him, Guo Shier left and returned to his courtyard by carriage.
For ten consecutive days, no one came to see Guo Shier, which puzzled him greatly. It wasn’t until Chang Ye Ren and Chen Chunzhai visited that he realized things had changed.
In the reception hall, a brazier was burning brightly. The three of them sat cross-legged beside it. Chen Chunzhai said, “Shier, your master has been chosen.”
Guo Shier asked in surprise, “Who? Is it Uncle Chang?”
Chang Ye Ren smiled bitterly. “I don’t have that luck. The person who’s taken a liking to you… is a master-level expert from our Northern Talisman Sect. You’re really lucky, kid.”
Guo Shier asked, “Uncle Chen, who exactly am I supposed to become a disciple of?”
Chen Chunzhai replied, “The Northern Talisman Sect has three great spellcasters, five great talisman masters, ten great incantation masters, and fourteen great talisman warriors. The great spellcasters are the fewest in number but hold the most authority. Heh, this time… one of them has taken a liking to you and decided to take you as a disciple.”

Ren Changye said, “It’s a big deal for the Northern Talisman Gate to take in a disciple as a great talisman master. But this master doesn’t like crowds, so he won’t hold a grand ceremony. Today, we’ll take you there to meet him first.”
The higher one’s cultivation level, the better—Guo Shieru certainly understood this. With a high cultivation level, one’s knowledge must also be extensive, giving them a head start and naturally putting them ahead of peers. Guo Shieru stood up and said, “Alright, I’ll go change into clean clothes.”
Though there were no rituals like bathing, burning incense, or fasting here, Guo Shieru still understood the importance of wearing clean clothes as a sign of respect for his master.
Every great master owned vast lands—their estates were enormous, like small countries within a country. Many people relied on them; a great talisman master might have two or three thousand talisman warriors at his service, hundreds of talismanists and spellcasters, and even more ordinary people working for them. A master-level estate usually had tens of thousands of people serving it.
The old man wearing coarse linen clothes gave Guo Shieru the impression of being extremely old—slightly hunched, with half of his head bald, the remaining hair tied into a small braid. He had a few strands of eyebrows left and sparse beard. When he smiled, it was evident that his front teeth were missing, his large hands had prominent veins, and he had large age spots, all signs of his advanced age.
“I’m Luo Jie.”
Guo Shieru thought, “Hmm, his voice is quite strong—doesn’t sound like an old man at all.” He bowed respectfully and said, “I’m Guo Shieru. I greet you, old man.”
Luo Jie narrowed his eyes and said, “I’m not old! I’m only 218 years old—still very young! From now on, call me master!”
Guo Shieru was shocked inwardly—218 years old! Older than the sum of his two lifetimes. What kind of monster was this? He obediently replied, “Yes, I greet you, master.”
Luo Jie’s appearance didn’t resemble that of a great talisman master at all. He could see at a glance that Guo Shieru had great potential. This inner strength was essential for talismanists, and Guo Shieru’s potential was comparable to that of a talisman master, which pleased him greatly. That’s why he immediately asked Guo Shieru to become his disciple.
Ren Changye sighed secretly. He was just one step away from becoming a great talisman master, but that step was extremely difficult. If he could have advanced, how could Guo Shieru have been taken in by Luo Jie? The more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became.

Luo Jie called over his servants and gave them a few instructions before saying, “Ye Ren, Xiao Chen, sit down and talk. Shi Er, come sit next to me. Sigh, it’s not easy for an old man like me to support such a big family… By the way, Shi Er, have you started learning in the Spellcraft Hall?”
Guo Shi Er replied, “Not yet. I’ve only received some books and haven’t begun practicing.”
Luo Jie smiled and said, “That’s good. Don’t go to the Spellcraft Hall to learn. Those things are too ordinary; they’ll waste your time. Shi Er, will you stay in the manor with me… or come here from time to time? I think it’s better to practice on your own first. Come and live here once you reach the level of a Spellcraft Master.”
Guo Shi Er nodded in agreement. He didn’t want to move in right away either. At the beginning of learning, most of it was basic knowledge, so there was no need to learn from a senior Spellcraft Master—that would not only be a waste but also delay the old man’s time.
“Master, I’m here!”
A burly man walked in, his body covered in layers of runes. Upon closer inspection, those patterns seemed to be moving. Guo Shi Er could now recognize them somewhat and knew this man was a powerful Spellblade Master.
“Luo Luo, this is my young disciple, Guo Shi Er.”
Guo Shi Er didn’t understand why his master wanted to introduce him to a Spellblade Master. Not daring to be rude, he said, “It’s an honor to meet Brother Luo.”
Luo Luo nodded and asked, “No need for formalities. How old are you, young man?”
Luo Jie replied, “He’s only eight years old. You mustn’t bully him. In the future, lead your team and follow Shi Er.”
Luo Luo was incredulous. “Master, you want me to follow Shi Er?”
Luo Jie rolled his eyes slightly and said calmly, “What? Unwilling?”
Luo Luo was startled and quickly said, “Hehe, Master, of course not… I just thought it was sudden. I’m willing! Of course I’m willing! He’s my young brother after all…”
Chen Chunzhai glanced at Guo Shi Er with envy. Among the people he led, there was only one Spellblade Master, whom he treasured greatly. He hadn’t expected that Guo Shi Er, still just an apprentice, already had a Spellblade Master following him. It was great to have such a capable master. Chen Chunzhai knew that among Luo Jie’s followers there was a senior Spellblade Master, with at least seven or eight Spellblade Masters in total, yet Luo Jie handed one over without even blinking.
Luo Jie said, “Luo Luo, don’t think you’re at a disadvantage. This child will surely become a great Spellcraft Master in the future.”

Luo Luo smiled somewhat reluctantly, but he didn’t dare oppose Luo Jie’s decision, as Luo Jie was his biological grandfather. Luo Luo’s team consisted of four Symbol Warriors, one Spellcaster, and one relatively rare Symbol Pill Master—seven people in total with considerable strength. Using them to protect Guo Shier was indeed a bit overkill.
Guo Shier could only express his gratitude and couldn’t refuse.
Luo Jie handed him a book of symbols and said, “This is a training method for cultivating Symbol Power. I hope you can master it quickly. Come to see me every ten days so I can personally check your progress.”
Guo Shier replied, “Yes, master. But master… what is Symbol Power?”
Luo Jie showed no signs of impatience. He said, “What’s called Symbol Power, as well as the power used by Symbolists, Spellcasters, and Symbol Warriors, are actually similar forces—namely, the ability to activate symbols.”
“Symbol Power and Spell Power are both similar and different. Symbol Power tends to focus on creating symbols, making it relatively calm, while Spell Power tends to focus on controlling symbols, making it relatively volatile. Symbol Power combines both. Combat Power is special—it can only activate runes on the body. When one’s combat power is strong enough, they can also activate specific symbolic weapons, such as symbolic knives, spears, or swords.”
“Whether a person can control the power of symbols depends on their potential. Some people have good potential, like you, who are born with Symbol Power. Others have average potential, but through training, they can also unlock their own potential and gain Symbol Power, Spell Power, or Combat Power. There are also those with no potential at all… they are the most unfortunate.”
Luo Jie truly was a great Symbol Master. In just a few sentences, he clearly explained these various forces. He continued, “Different training methods are used to cultivate each type of power. The method I gave you just now is suitable for Symbolists. You must study it diligently and quickly develop your own Symbol Power so you can start creating symbols.”
“Symbols are the most important. Everything depends on symbols. Once you’ve developed Symbol Power, you should immediately start learning how to create symbols. This is the foundation of your success and the most important task.”
Both Chang Yeren and Chen Chunzhai listened attentively to Luo Jie’s teachings. Although they already knew this knowledge, they showed no signs of impatience. A great Symbol Master was indeed someone worthy of admiration.
Luo Jie continued, “Over the course of four years, based on your potential, first learn about materials and purification, then study runes. The next steps are creating symbols and controlling them. I hope you can advance to become a Symbolist within four years.”

Chen Chunzhai and Chang Yeren straightened up in surprise—this request seemed too high.
“By the way, I expect you to develop your own talismanic power within three months.”
Guo Shier didn’t quite understand what that meant, but nodded and said, “Okay, master. I’ll do my best to meet the requirement.”
Chang Yeren said, “Isn’t it too hasty…”
Luo Jie replied calmly, “There’s no rush. Some things can be learned alternately. It will just be a bit harder for Shier, but I think he can handle it.”
“Alright, that’s enough for today. Shier, come back in ten days. Let Luoluo take you back.”
Everyone stood up to leave. Just as they reached the door, someone came in from outside and said, “Grandpa, do we have guests?” It was a beautiful woman.
“Huh, who is this child? She’s quite cute! Come on! Say ‘auntie’…”
Guo Shier couldn’t help but laugh. A little girl daring to take advantage of him? He said, “I’m Guo Shier, your grandpa’s disciple. By seniority… I’m your uncle! Girl, call me ‘uncle’…”
Everyone was stunned. It was too strange for such words to come from an eight-year-old child.