Talisman

"A scandal involving 22 people has been revealed in your establishment."

"Host, do you want to merge the reward?"

[ Yes ].     [No]

Looking at the system prompt, Chen Yang was momentarily stunned for a second, "Oh.., I appears to have gotten a new feature along with the brand name feature."

Chen Yang considered the props and corn for this feature. On one hand, if I choose to get separately, I have possiblity of getting the items or resources suitable for my current stage but the chance of getting something truly epic by merging them… well, the gambler in him couldn't resist.

Intrigued by the unknown (and a little impatient), Chen Yang's curiosity won out. He decisively   selected "Yes" to merge the reward, eager to see what kind  of reward he would get .

"host has decided to merge the reward. Do you want to merge 10 rewards/10 rewards twice or all at once?"

Obtaining an additional option Chen Yang chose the second option (merge in one go) without much consideration.

"Congratulations to the host on receiving the reward: talisman dao, third tier."

Chen Yang blinked. Now that was a mouthful. Despite being at the pinnacle of the foundation establishment realm ,  his head felt like a library filing cabinet that someone had shoved a universe of information into. Visions of ancient rituals, glowing symbols, and enough chanting to make a monk blush flooded his mind .

Chen Yang concentrated his thoughts, attempting to grasp the fragments of understanding in the midst of chaos. He gradually came to understand the significance of the talisman dao, a powerful magic system passed down through generations of cultivators.

Talismans encompassed not only inscribed paper, but also the ability to dispense formulas.

Inscribing symbols and patterns on weapons, pills.

A method for drawing on the bodies or bones of humans and demon beasts.

In his memories, Chen Yang experienced a cycle of rebirth.

Every skill was thoroughly understood.

Chen Yang's eyes showed a hint of vicissitude when he opened them.

Phew!

Chen Yang exhaled turbidly, now fully aware of his current abilities.

Chen Yang traced the intricate pattern of the water-type talisman in the air with a flick of his finger, guided by his newly acquired knowledge of the talisman dao.

As Chen Yang finished the final stroke of the intricate water-type talisman in the air, the atmosphere abruptly changed. Dark clouds gathered overhead, swirling ominously in response to the magical energy released by the sigil.

Before Chen Yang could react, water droplets began to fall from the shop's ceiling, pitter-pattering onto the floor below. It began as a light drizzle, but quickly intensified, cascading down in torrents as if a storm had been unleashed within the shop.well, let's just say things got a little out of hand.

Chen Yang's eyes widened in shock as he watched the surreal scene unfold before him. The rain fell like shimmering curtains, casting a soft glow over the shop's interior and transforming it into a watery wonderland.

Panicked, Chen Yang frantically attempted to dispel the talismanic energy, but his efforts were in vain. The Tier 3 talisman seemed to have a life of its own, drawing upon the elemental forces of water with terrifying intensity.

Passers by stopped in their tracks, staring in awe at the spectacle unfolding within the shop. Some hurriedly sought shelter from the sudden downpour, while others stood transfixed, mesmerized by the magical display.

Chen Yang, desperate to avoid an aquatic apocalypse, focused his thoughts and channeled all his remaining qi towards the floating talisman. As he concentrated, the magical symbol began to shimmer and fade.

With a final surge of willpower, he depleted his qi reserves, disrupting the intricate patterns and causing the talisman to unravel. The storm clouds above dissipated, and the torrential downpour subsided.

As the last droplets of water vanished into thin air, Chen Yang let out a sigh of relief, feeling the weight of the magical burden lift from his shoulders. He had successfully dispelled the errant sigil.

Phew

Chen Yang sagged with relief, the weight of the magical burden finally lifted. He'd managed to dispel the errant talisman, but at a cost. His entire qi reserve was drained.

"I will have to be cautious when using the testing the talisman from now on."

He glanced towards the sleeping Xiao siblings, seemingly undisturbed by the magical storm, their bodies still diligently absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy. A wry smile touched his lips. Even a magical downpour couldn't disrupt their beauty sleep.

He popped the tier 3 qi condensation pill in his mouth. Within minutes, he felt a surge of energy replenish his depleted reserves of qi.

With a sigh, Chen Yang ascended the stairs to the alchemy lab, a haven of bubbling cauldrons and fragrant aromas. His mission: refine a batch of Intoxicating Pills, Grade One marvels that aided in wine absorption.

The refining process was a delicate dance. Chen Yang meticulously measured his ingredients, a practiced calmness settling over him. Each herb, root, and mineral was carefully weighed and combined, his movements precise and unhurried. This wasn't brute force, but a symphony of meticulous steps.

Reaching for his newly acquired knowledge, Chen Yang incorporated the talisman inscription method. With practiced ease, he etched a specific pattern onto the surface of the pill furnace. This wasn't mere decoration; the intricate design, gleaned from the Talisman Dao, channeled heat more efficiently. It was like adding a conductor to the alchemical orchestra, ensuring a perfect harmony of elements.

As he ignited the furnace, the inscribed pattern flared to life, glowing a soft blue. The heat intensified, but in a controlled manner, coaxing the ingredients within to meld together. Chen Yang monitored the process with a keen eye, adjusting the temperature with practiced ease.

The air thrummed with a low hum, a testament to the potent energies at work. The fragrance of the concoction intensified, wafting through the lab with an enticing aroma. Time seemed to slow as Chen Yang became one with the process, his senses attuned to the dance of fire and essence.

Finally, after two hours of meticulous work, Chen Yang emerged from his trance. A satisfied smile stretched across his face. The furnace sputtered its last, and within, nestled amongst the embers, lay five glistening pills. Each one, a perfect sphere, pulsed with a faint blue light – a testament to the successful incorporation of the talisman inscription.

Chen Yang, his qi reserves slightly depleted but his spirit high, carefully retrieved the pills. These weren't just Intoxicating Pills anymore; they were imbued with the power of the talisman, a testament to his newfound abilities.