Chapter 2: Legends of the Secret Realm (Part 2)

Only then did Guo Shier understand the meaning of his Life Talisman Book. It was essentially a massive firepower stronghold, a mobile fortress—a walking artillery base. A single hidden talisman could hold ten precious talismans, and a complete set of hidden talismans numbered at least a hundred. Even if half of them were used to hold precious talismans, that would still be five hundred precious talismans. If each precious talisman could fire twice, it meant a total of a thousand firings. No wonder great talisman masters were so powerful—such a thing couldn’t help but be formidable.

Guo Shier suddenly remembered something and asked, “Master, what is a Spirit Talisman?”
Luo Jie’s expression changed slightly. He said, “A Spirit Talisman… Ah, Spirit Talismans are truly remarkable. But their creation method… only a few versions remain, and it’s on the verge of being lost. Simply put, a Spirit Talisman is a higher-grade talisman than a precious talisman. After being activated a certain number of times, it can automatically restore its power. If combined with a Life Talisman Book, its strength increases even further.”

Guo Shier asked, “There are such treasures too? Master, do you have a Spirit Talisman?”
Luo Jie replied with a mix of laughter and scolding, “You little brat, how dare you ask? You need to be careful from now on. If you obtain a Spirit Talisman, the fewer people who know about it, the better. Such things arouse envy and could attract master-level figures to fight over them. Of course, I, your master, have Spirit Talismans. Not to mention Spirit Talismans, I even have ancient talismans… I have two!”

Guo Shier was extremely curious and asked, “Bone Talismans? Aren’t Bone Talismans quite common?”
Luo Jie realized he had misunderstood and explained, “It refers to ‘ancient.’ Ancient talismans, as the name implies, are talismans passed down from ancient times. They are extremely rare, and every single one is invaluable. Ancient talismans are among the best Life Talismans, but their creation method has been completely lost.”

Guo Shier asked, “Where did Master get your ancient talismans?”
Luo Jie replied, “They were obtained from the Secret Realm. Since ancient times, countless talisman masters have entered the Secret Realm. Those who died there often carried ancient talismans, but it’s very difficult to find their remains. Even if lucky enough to find them, the talismans might not be there, and if they are, they may not be intact. That’s why ancient talismans are so rare.”

Guo Shier was stunned. There really were such treasures. He asked, “Master, what exactly is the Secret Realm?” He seemed to have heard of it vaguely before but hadn’t paid attention. Hearing that ancient talismans came from the Secret Realm, he immediately took it seriously.

Luo Jie said, “There are countless entrances to secret realms on this continent, but not many fixed ones, nor many large-scale secret realms. It is said that talismans were obtained from these secret realms and passed down to this continent. Secret realms seem to be another world, very different from our continent.”

Guo Shier still couldn’t understand secret realms, which was related to his education in his past life. But not understanding didn’t mean he didn’t believe. Since his rebirth, he had fully believed in the existence of souls and spirits. Coupled with the talismans of this life, he was completely convinced of the existence of secret realms. As for the mechanism behind them, he still wasn’t clear. He asked, “How do you enter a secret realm?”

“There are two ways to enter secret realms: fixed and unfixed. Fixed entrances are usually located in specific places and open at set times. Unfixed ones… well, it depends on luck. You might accidentally enter a secret realm while in a valley, or through a beam of light. They’re all sorts of things—every secret realm is different.”

Luo Jie added, “It is said that a few secret realms lead to other continents, but that’s just a legend. No one has proven it yet. Maybe once you go to another continent, you can never return. Hehe, when we were young, we also went crazy for a while, searching everywhere for secret realms. The two ancient talismans I obtained were found in a very small secret realm. Unfortunately, I only stayed there for seven days before being thrown out.”

“Secret realms are extremely dangerous. There are fierce wild beasts and strange traps. Those who enter often engage in fights. Even among peers, you can’t fully trust anyone. Only friends you know well or your own team can guarantee your safety; everyone else is unreliable.”

Guo Shier thoughtfully said, “Hmm, I get it. There are precious materials, ancient talismans, and rare items—enough to arouse others’ greed, which is why they’re so dangerous. I guess many people die in secret realms.”

Luo Jie said, “Indeed, many people who advance from apprentices rush into secret realms excitedly, but due to insufficient strength, they end up dying there. So, until you become a talisman master, try not to go to secret realms. If it’s organized by a sect and you go to those fixed ones, it’s still okay. Those fixed realms are also dangerous, but they’ve been explored quite thoroughly.”

Guo Shier nodded. He certainly didn’t want to die in a secret realm. Even if there were countless treasures, what use were they without his life?

In fact, Guo Shier still hadn’t realized that since he was born into this world, many things were beyond his control—even if he had lived three lifetimes, that wouldn’t change at all.
“Master, how long will it take to reach the Beast Talisman Gate?”
Luo Jie replied, “The West Talisman Gate is very far away. If it’s a small group, like a combat squad, it might take half a year. But for a large group, well, it’ll take almost a year… This is a rare opportunity, as quite a few people are going this time.”
Guo Shier was shocked and said, “That far?”
Luo Jie said, “It’s not that far actually, as there are sections of the journey that can be taken by boat. If we had to travel all over land, it would take even longer—two years wouldn’t be unusual. Moreover, the journey is more dangerous, with wild beasts and savages attacking, as well as bandits robbing along the way. Those who can travel over land are usually experts from sects or large caravans.”
Guo Shier asked, “Master, how many people are going to the Beast Talisman Gate this time?”
Luo Jie smiled and said, “Mainly people from the inner sect—two masters, a dozen or so spellcasters, talisman makers, and spell artisans. Each of them will bring dozens of people. Ah, and there’s also a large caravan joining us—it belongs to the North Talisman Gate. I estimate there will be two or three thousand people in total.”
Guo Shier noticed that people in this era liked to travel in groups, often large groups of thousands. With carriages, dogs, goods, and more, the convoy became even more enormous. He asked, “Master, why are we going to the Beast Talisman Gate?”
Luo Jie replied, “For exchanges, competitions, learning, trading goods and materials, and exchanging special talismans… These are remnants of the Four Great Alliances. In fact, by now, only trading goods and materials remains. As for exchanges, learning, and exchanging talismans, those have long become mere formalities.” He added, “Oh, right, competitions have also been kept—competing against each other… Well, in the last competition, dozens of people died; it turned into a massacre.”
Guo Shier was surprised and asked, “Do we have conflicts with the Beast Talisman Gate?”
Luo Jie smiled and said, “All four great sects… have conflicts, though they appear harmonious on the surface. When you travel outside in the future, be careful when encountering people from other sects. You can’t say that everyone from other sects is evil, but if you’re not vigilant, you might get killed unjustly.”
Guo Shier nodded and said, “Hmm, if I meet people from other sects, I’ll take action first…”

Luo Jie said helplessly, “Why? Why strike first if there’s no problem? You’re overfed… I just asked you to be careful, not to take the initiative. There are also people you can get along with in other sects; you can make good friends there too.”
Guo Shier said with a grin, “Got it. Make friends if you like them, and eliminate them if not. Right, Master?”
Luo Jie sighed bitterly, “Forget it. It’s too early to tell you this now. Go back and get ready. Also, go to Uncle Hu to get the materials. Hmm, try to make a basic hidden talisman for me first.”
Guo Shier immediately became happy and said, “Okay, I’ll show it to Master in a few days.” He didn’t leave through the main door but slipped out through the back door.
While wondering why Guo Shier had left sneakily through the back door, Luo Jie saw Luo Wei Jie running in through the main door and said, “Huh? Where’s Shier?” Only then did he realize it was Luo Wei Jie. He scolded her with a smile, “Xiao Jie, why are you running around aimlessly all day? Shier has already left. Why are you looking for him?”
Luo Wei Jie stammered, “It’s nothing, just something related to cultivation…”
Luo Jie snapped, “Cultivation matters? You ask me?”
Luo Wei Jie turned and ran away, “Oh, I have something to do. I’m leaving!” She rushed out in a panic, muttering, “Hmph, once she gets a disciple, she forgets her granddaughter… Grandpa is biased… Shier, wait and see… Don’t let my sister catch you! Hehe… That little guy is so fun…”
Luo Jie watched Luo Wei Jie worriedly, sighing inwardly. This granddaughter had potential, but she just wouldn’t put in the effort. She was in her twenties yet still acted like a child, fond of playing.
Guo Shier had sharp ears. As soon as he heard Luo Wei Jie’s footsteps, he knew the crazy girl was coming. It wasn’t that he was afraid of her, but rather he was impatient to deal with her. In such a situation, it was best to flee, so he quickly ran out through the back door. After finding Uncle Hu and getting the materials, he quietly returned home. With departure in just over twenty days, he had to hurry.
Guo Shier entered the small building and saw Aunt Chen and Chen Hong sitting in the living room.
Aunt Chen said smilingly, “Shier, congratulations on advancing to a Talisman Master.”
Guo Shier bowed politely, “Aunt Chen, why are you here? Is there something?” He glanced at Chen Hong and saw the young girl twisting her fingers anxiously, looking at a loss. His heart sank slightly.
Aunt Chen asked, “Shier, are you going to the West Talisman Sect?”
Guo Shier nodded, “Yes, I’m going with my master.”
Aunt Chen asked, “What about Xiao Hong?”

Guo Shier didn’t understand and said, “Of course we go together. Is there a problem?”
Aunt Chen sighed and said, “Yes, a big problem!”
Chen Hong whispered anxiously, “Stop talking…” Her face was red, as if she didn’t know what to say.
Guo Shier was puzzled and asked, “Why stop talking? Xiaohong, just speak clearly if you have something to say.”