Chapter Ninety-Five: The Beginning of Talismans (Second Update)

The method of refining artifacts within the world inside the gourd did not need adjustment from the Ancestor Luo, as someone was already working on making changes. Such changes might not be easy, but once begun, they would never truly end, for the Ancestor Luo would support them.

The research direction for this new type of artifact refining focused mainly on universality rather than exclusivity. Without the guidance of a highly skilled master, such a transformation would be impossible. However, the Ancestor Luo could possess divine consciousness to inspire certain master craftsmen.

Consider this: under the rapid operation of thirty-six Dharma-form brains... based on the wisdom and inspiration of such a person, a rapid burst of numerous lower-level inspirations would follow, multiplying infinitely. But if this person’s cultivation level were too low, this method could easily end in failure, reducing them to a mass of pulp.

After all, these brains belonged exclusively to the Ancestor Luo, not to others. Borrowing them meant that both the mind and body had to bear the rapid mental activity of the Ancestor Luo’s thinking. A single misstep or an obstructed thought could result in instant death. There was even the possibility of madness.

The primary cause was the excessively fast mental operation. Once withdrawn, the brain would lose that speed of activity and perceive the external world as painfully slow. Such a tremendous contrast could only be endured by an extraordinarily strong mind.

At present, the Ancestor Luo had not yet promoted this technique widely, as the project was progressing steadily without urgent pressure. The original method of refining magical implements could not be outright abolished, as this new method was considered an advanced development of the existing one.

One person was specially designated to use it, and the artifacts refined in this manner were to be called Life-bound Artifacts.

“Eh? So soon?!” The Ancestor Luo was pondering when suddenly he sensed something. Someone had conceived a method.

His thoughts swiftly arrived at the scene to witness the birth of a new type of artifact.

The method was simple: simplify the cultivation technique, then inscribe it with runes. By repeatedly embedding these simplified runes into the artifact through a process akin to ritual refining, the artifact could be upgraded faster without requiring it to reciprocate the true energy to the wielder.

However, the relationship between the artifact and its owner had to change from the previous mutual exchange of true energy to a new recognition method: incantation.

Only by reciting the mantra could the artifact be activated.

The incantation was set by its owner and could be spoken aloud or silently communicated mentally. This method was varied but somewhat complicated, making it almost like casting a spell.

Thus, the creator abandoned this approach.

Yet the Ancestor Luo saw great potential.

He believed that by broadening the thinking, there was no need to be confined to artifacts alone. This was an unexpected discovery.

Runes—talismans!

This was something the Ancestor Luo had overlooked before.

He even slapped his forehead, thinking, “All those zombie-fighting films by Master Lin from childhood were wasted.”

Talismans were excellent—they were simple to use and easy to craft. Such a valuable tool would undoubtedly aid the development of the human race.

The Ancestor Luo had already envisioned many uses and variations.

Of course, thorough research had to be carried out first.

So, the Ancestor Luo established a pilot project within the world inside the gourd.

He let the craftsman who had the accidental idea continue to develop it.

As for how to have him work on it, it was simple.

“Here is fifty gold. I want you to continue researching this artifact,” the Ancestor Luo said, handing over a handful of gold ingots.

There were fifty pieces, each weighing one jin.

The recipient was a burly man with thick beard under his chin and veins bulging on his face. His name was Ling, with the surname Dong.

He stood shirtless, holding a rough iron hammer, a bashful expression on his face.

“Fifty gold? Ling, you’re making it big now,” someone nearby exclaimed.

Ling smiled modestly and said, “Master Dong, this is just my duty.”

As he spoke, he rubbed his hands, wanting to accept but feeling a bit shy.

When this workshop began researching new artifacts, the Ancestor Luo immediately sent a thought, creating a clone to purchase the workshop.

In fact, the Ancestor Luo bought several blacksmith workshops, all of which were tasked with researching new artifact methods.

This was a new way to influence the human world.

In the long peace of the initial kingdom, barter was gradually replaced. Early shell currency was supplanted by metal coins; various goods and entertainment emerged.

This allowed the Ancestor Luo to influence human development by controlling precious metals.

Of course, this method had to be used carefully, lest it hinder the growth of small human communities.

“Keep this for now. You’ll need to recruit more apprentices and continue researching this item,” the Ancestor Luo said, stuffing the gold into Ling’s arms and patting his shoulder in appreciation.

“Got it,” Ling said happily, clutching the fifty gold ingots.

After gifting the gold and demonstrating his generosity to the craftsmen, the Ancestor Luo took Ling to his private workshop.

Prior to this, the Ancestor Luo had set up identical workshops for each craftsman, equal in size and equipment.

He had also raised their wages significantly, enough to reward their tireless efforts.

Ling was clever. Seeing the Ancestor Luo call him aside for a private meeting, he sensed something important. Once seated, he asked, “Master Dong, if you have any matters, please command me. I will solve them for you.”

“Heh heh, as long as it’s not murder, arson, or robbery,” the Ancestor Luo added with a smile.

He then produced a sheet of paper.

“Ling, I don’t need you to kill, burn, or pillage. I only want you to continue refining artifacts,” he said.

Ling looked at the paper with some puzzlement, unable to grasp the meaning.

“You want me to forge and refine on this paper? I have some strength in that. Just tell me what artifact you want, and I’ll make it for you,” Ling said confidently.

The Ancestor Luo knew he was talented; Ling could forge all kinds of weapons—knives, spears, swords, halberds, axes, hooks, and even iron beads, kettles, and statues.

His skills were diverse and refined, enabling the current innovation in artifact creation.

“I want you to help me refine an artifact on this paper. Is that possible?” the Ancestor Luo placed the paper flat on the table.

Ling was momentarily stunned. What kind of task was this?

“Master Dong, are you joking?” Ling asked incredulously.

But the Ancestor Luo nodded earnestly: “I believe you have the ability.”

Ling was at a loss for words.

“If successful, there will be great rewards,” the Ancestor Luo added.

Ling looked at the fifty gold, then at the paper, and finally solemnly faced the Ancestor Luo.

“Master Dong, I can’t guarantee success, but I will do my best, with all my effort.”

The Ancestor Luo smiled with satisfaction.

In this era, progress did not always require threats or hardship for the human race; sometimes, simple incentives were enough.

Apologies for being delayed by some work matters; I still need to write some reserves.