Chapter 4: The Giant Dragon Talisman (Part 2)
Eagle Demon was in charge of recording, while Guo Shier gave orders in a commanding manner.
Kumu couldn’t help but marvel inwardly—this kid was truly outstanding. Under his guidance, the chaotic crowd gradually became organized, divided into groups by family and occupation. Guo Shier had them recommend group leaders themselves, then gathered those leaders to quickly assign tasks.
Monier stood smiling beside Guo Shier, watching him direct the operations. She was just as amazed as Kumu—this child was amazing. She couldn’t understand how Guo Shier could manage so many people so methodically; even if it were her to take charge, she would feel at a loss.
Kumu sighed, “This kid… is better than me…”
Monier said, “Of course he’s better than you! You only know how to fight alone! When there are many people, you get frustrated… you’re no good at leading!”
Kumu rolled his eyes and said indifferently, “I like it that way!”
Monier snapped, “You stupid blockhead, useless woodhead…”
Kumu closed his eyes, acting as if he hadn’t heard her. Amidst his busy schedule, Guo Shier glanced back at his master and couldn’t help but laugh, “Master, your wife is calling you a useless woodhead…” Then he continued directing, “Grandpa Xu, the group you lead go in first. Stay organized—go one group at a time.”
Xu Zai Kun wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, “Okay! Sigh, Shier… you’ve exhausted me…” He complained briefly before turning to head to his group.
Kumu said calmly, “He’s used to it!”
Guo Shier had nothing to say—this master was really cold-hearted. Monier huffed and fell silent. She knew complaining was pointless; it only wasted words with no effect. If it weren’t for him having taken on such a good disciple this time, she wouldn’t even bother paying him attention.
After a whole day of work, they finally sent everyone to the Chenxiao Sect. Guo Shier’s voice was hoarse, which made Monier feel extremely worried. Fortunately, Monier had prepared for the reception in advance, so they wouldn’t arrive at the Chenxiao Sect without a place to stay.
Two days later, once everyone was settled, Guo Shier returned to Kumu’s small manor to rest. Although he now had his own family manor, he still preferred to come to his master’s place because it had the best underground talisman-making hall.
There were two things on Guo Shier’s mind that he couldn’t let go of: one was to find Master Luo Jie and Grandpa Nanshan, and the other was the promise he had made to Li Ran back in the Tongyou Secret Realm—that once he became a great talisman master, he would go to a certain place. Though he didn’t know where it was, his talisman sect had the coordinates, and as long as they went to the Tongyou Secret Realm, they could reach there.
There are still no clues as to where Master Luo Jie is, so going to the place designated by Li Ran has become the top priority. However, he’s worried that the master won’t allow him to leave, so he must inform both the master and the master’s wife about this. After years of living together, he has come to respect Ku Mu and Monier, truly treating them as his elders.
This time, when going to Li Ran’s place, he doesn’t plan to take anyone with him, not even Eagle Demon, because he doesn’t know what might happen there; being alone makes him more flexible. At his current age, he’s more confident in staying away from danger on his own—children generally don’t seem threatening.
After finding Ku Mu and Monier, Guo Shier said, “Master, Master’s wife, I need to go on a trip. I can’t determine how long it will take.”
Monier was surprised and said, “Baby, you need time to study. Isn’t it inappropriate to go now?”
Guo Shier sighed and said, “I have to go. They are people I met when I first entered the secret realm. They’re very powerful, and it was they who gave me my life talisman ball.”
Ku Mu showed a hint of surprise and said, “Oh? Shier, tell me about that encounter.”
Guo Shier described in detail how he first met Li Ran. Ku Mu asked, “Is that secret realm called the Tongyou Secret Realm? Did that person say it leads to many places?”
Guo Shier nodded. “Yes. I also met people from the Fuye family. By the way, where did Fuye Xiangrong go?”
Monier replied, “He was assigned by the inner sect. They’re short-staffed lately, so he was sent to the Natural Talisman Fire Area.”
Guo Shier said, “That’s one of my people!”
Ku Mu said, “It would be a waste keeping him with you. After all, he’s acrazy master-level expert—a perfect sacrifice. How could the sect let him go?”
Guo Shier was speechless. After a while, he said, “Alright, fine. Anyway, I wasn’t fond of that guy anyway. It doesn’t matter if I hand him over to the sect. But the sect should give me some points too. Most of the people in my family will take the Xumi Path; I need points to secure spots for them.”
Monier said, “Baby, don’t worry about that. Your Master’s wife will take care of it. You already have a high amount of sect points.”
Ku Mu said, “The sect probably has no more than two secret realms like that. Shier, you’re really lucky. On your first entry into a secret realm, you encountered such a place. Well, do you want your master to accompany you?”
Guo Shier said, “I can take my master to the Tongyou Secret Realm and then go alone.” He knew his master was interested in the Tongyou Secret Realm.
Monier said, “No, it’s too dangerous. How about I go with you?”
Kumu shook his head and said, “Ni’er, if I’m guessing correctly, Li Ran is from the Advanced Spellcraft Continent and is a skilled expert. I can tell that person has no ill intentions. If he wanted to deal with Ershier, he wouldn’t even need to put in any effort.”
Monier was stunned and said, “Advanced Spellcraft Continent?”
Kumu replied, “From Ershier’s description, that person should be a professional from an advanced continent, possibly even more powerful than a Grand Sage… This is Ershier’s chance; we shouldn’t stop him.”
Monier fell silent for a moment before hugging Guo Ershier and saying, “Baby, be careful. If anything seems wrong, run away quickly… Don’t hesitate to use the Giant Dragon Talisman your master gave you. It doesn’t matter if it’s lost—just ask your master to hunt for another one and make it… Come back early once you’re done.”
Guo Ershier almost cried. It was the first time someone had cared about him so much. He nodded and said, “Don’t worry, master. I’ll be very careful… Hehe, I can run fast.”
Monier stood up and said, “I’ll go prepare something for our baby.”
Kumu said, “Women… they just like to talk too much. Alright, Ershier, you need to inform your family so they know.”
Guo Ershier replied, “Master, there’s no need to worry. I’ll go tell them.”
Kumu nodded and said, “Be careful. The task that person has given you probably won’t be easy. If you can’t do it, just refuse outright. I think that person won’t mind. Well, if he tries to force you… agree first, then find a chance to escape back. I don’t believe he can find you among countless continents.”
Guo Ershier couldn’t help but laugh. This plan was a bit cunning, but he agreed with it. He certainly wouldn’t pretend to be brave—doing something that would only bring suffering was absolutely out of the question. He nodded and said, “Master, I understand. I’ll run away as soon as something seems off.”
Kumu was pleased. This young disciple understood things almost instantly no matter what. He said, “I wonder what that person wants you to do. People from advanced continents are very proud. Once I reach the rank of Grand Sage, maybe I’ll seek out a sect on an advanced continent to further my studies… When you go this time, if it’s an advanced continent, keep an eye out for any suitable sects.”
Guo Ershier was surprised and asked, “Master, do you plan to go to an advanced continent after you advance?”
Kumu said, “There’s nothing strange about this. Just like the professionals from your Northern Talismans Sect… if they had the chance to enter the Chenxiao Sect, they would also be very proactive. No one would refuse an opportunity to learn and advance.”
Guo Shier suddenly understood the mindset of the people here—they pursued the pinnacle of their careers, and everything else didn’t matter. He said, “Okay, if I can reach the Advanced Continent, I’ll definitely find out which important sects exist and choose the best one…”
Kumu nodded seriously. Guo Shier couldn’t help but laugh again. It was quite funny to see a master who was usually so serious and cold, indifferent to everything, suddenly becoming enthusiastic about one thing and acting so solemn.
Guo Shier said, “Master, I’ll go back to my family first. We’ll set off in a while.”
Kumu nodded. “Okay.”
…
Guo Shier’s family was not far from Kumu’s small manor; it only took ten minutes to fly there. The manor wasn’t large, covering about a hundred acres, with dozens of courtyards of various sizes. Guo Shier lived in a small building.
Guo Shier gathered everyone for a brief meeting to make some arrangements for family affairs. Since he wasn’t taking anyone with him this time, he didn’t mention where he was going. He assigned Luo Zhan to oversee the family, Ying Mo to handle security, Xu Zai Kun and Chen Chun Zhai to take care of daily affairs, and Aunt Lan and Aunt Xin to manage household matters like food, clothing, and shelter. The four young friends would follow to learn.
After Luo Zhan, Ying Mo, and the others left, Ying Mo stayed behind and said, “Shier, I must come with you!”
Guo Shier smiled bitterly. “Uncle Ying Mo, I can’t take you…”
Ying Mo asked, “Is it very dangerous there?”
Guo Shier replied, “I don’t know. I’ve never been there either.”
Ying Mo said seriously, “It’s my duty to protect you. You can’t refuse your followers.”
Guo Shier scratched his head. “Uncle Ying Mo, it’s not possible this time.”
Ying Mo looked to Luo Zhan for help. Luo Zhan said, “Shier, the eagle is doing this for your own good. Having a powerful Talisman Martial Artist by your side means many things can be handled by the eagle… I know you’re strong, but having an old man with you is still different. I also don’t approve of you going alone.”
Cornered, Guo Shier had no choice but to say, “Alright, Uncle Ying Mo, come with me. Uncle Luo, you take care of the family.”
Ying Mo immediately became happy and said, “Good. Old Luo, please take good care of the family. I’ll take care of Shier’s safety.”
Luo Zhan nodded and said, “Guo Shier, I don’t know where you’re going, but be careful. Don’t be reckless—stay low-key and come back soon.” Almost everyone reminded Guo Shier to be careful, which made him feel very warm. Only those who cared about him would give such warnings. He said, “Don’t worry, Uncle Luo. Do you remember our battle with Fu Yechen in the Secret Realm? Hehe, back then we almost couldn’t hold back, but we were extremely lucky and were thrown out of the realm at a critical moment… So don’t worry; I’ve always had good luck.” Luo Zhan gave a wry smile and said, “Someone came looking for you just now… I don’t know them.” Guo Shier asked in surprise, “Who came looking for me?”