Han Li stood alone atop an empty platform, gazing at an extremely peculiar circular stone disk before him, a hint of surprise crossing his face.
The disk was roughly a zhang in diameter, laid flat upon the ground. Strange patterns and numerous seemingly profound talismanic script were carved across its surface. At this moment, although no one was performing any rites upon it, a faint purple mist still wafted upward from the stone in lazy curls, merging with the purple clouds that hung over the village.
Han Li himself possessed considerable expertise in the art of formations, so he narrowed his eyes and began studying the stone disk.
Before long, his expression began shifting between clarity and confusion — one moment lighting up with understanding, the next furrowing into a deep frown. His mind became entirely absorbed in the study.
"Oh? Has this fellow Daoist discovered some of its mysteries?" Just as Han Li's awareness had narrowed to the stone alone, a booming, unfamiliar voice suddenly came from behind him.
Han Li's heart lurched, and he silently cursed his own carelessness — to let someone approach from behind without noticing. If this person harbored ill intent, he would be in grave danger.
However, this situation could not be entirely blamed on Han Li's negligence. He had long grown accustomed to using his spiritual sense to monitor everything around him. Now, with both his spiritual sense and Magical Power completely gone, it was only natural that he could not adapt immediately.
Han Li raised his guard, though his face betrayed nothing as he turned around.
Standing before him was a white-haired elder with a long beard. His face was covered in wrinkles, yet his eyes were remarkably sharp and spirited, and he regarded Han Li with a warm smile.
"Are you also a cultivator?" Han Li could only ask hesitantly, guessing at the answer since he no longer had his spiritual sense to rely upon.
"This old man is Bao Huanzi of the Five Dragons Sea. You must be one of the two cultivators who recently arrived," the elder replied with a pleasant smile.
"The Five Dragons Sea?"
The name stirred something in Han Li's memory. The Great Elder had mentioned this place before. His interest in conversation was genuinely piqued.
"So it is Fellow Daoist Bao Huanzi. My surname is Han — a mere rogue cultivator from the Scattered Star Seas," Han Li said, his expression easing.
"The Scattered Star Seas? There was once a fellow cultivator from there who came through here as well, I'm afraid he perished on a mission when he encountered a powerful Yin beast. Still, cultivators who are well-versed in the way of talismans are truly quite rare. The way you've been studying this stone disk so intently tells me your attainments in this area must be considerable!" The elder sighed briefly, then shifted his tone and asked.
"Stone Talisman? You mean this disk?" Han Li's expression took on a peculiar cast. This time it was not a deliberate affectation — it was genuinely the first time he had heard the term.
"Heh heh! It's no wonder you wouldn't know of it. Stone Talismans, Jade Talismans — these things have long been lost to the outside world. Only certain sects within our Five Dragons Sea still possess the knowledge to craft these ancient talismans." The bearded elder narrowed his eyes, the wrinkles on his face shifting slightly with a look of unmistakable pride.
Hearing this, the odd expression on Han Li's face actually faded.
"I have indeed never heard of Stone Talismans or Jade Talismans before. However, I have studied the way of talismans for a time, and I was surprised to see talismanic script carved onto this stone disk. Your words have cleared up some of my confusion. But this Stone Talisman also seems to display characteristics of a formation array. Could I have been mistaken?" Han Li looked at the elder and said with a slight frown.
"I never expected that you would be proficient in both formations and talismanic arts — I am truly most impressed! Fellow Daoist Han was not mistaken. This Myrrh Cloud Stone Talisman is indeed quite different from a true Stone Talisman. In order to harness the power of Yin Dark energy, it has been specially modified with features resembling a formation array. This gives it partial effectiveness as both a talisman and a formation. Though naturally, doing so greatly diminishes its overall power." The bearded elder's face registered a flicker of surprise, but he then broke into hearty laughter, clapping his hands.
Han Li listened and nodded thoughtfully, but when he turned back to look at the stone disk, he suddenly asked: