Quantum Immortal

Master Zhang’s voice resonated with authority and wisdom as he began, “Now that you know about the elemental resonance, let’s talk about the classification of talismans.”

Wuji leaned in closer, eager to absorb the new knowledge. His mind was still processing the intricate interplay of elements, but he knew that understanding the different levels of talismans would be crucial to mastering the craft.

Master Zhang paused for a moment, stroking his long, white beard before continuing, “Talismans are classified according to both quality and the cultivation realm of the talisman master. This dual classification system is important because it defines not just the strength of the talisman, but also the skill and cultivation base of the one who made it.”

Master Zhang motioned toward a shelf on the far wall, where several parchments glowed faintly in the dim light of the room. “Let’s start with the basics.”

He then said, “The talismans made by Qi Gathering realm cultivators are called Mortal-grade Talismans. These possess weak spiritual energy and are often used for small tasks such as lighting a fire or offering minor protection. In the grand scheme of cultivation, Mortal-grade Talismans are relatively simple. Their purpose is limited, as they lack the capacity to channel significant Qi. Most cultivators outgrow the use of Mortal-grade talismans early in their journeys.”

Wuji nodded, thinking about the first talisman he had seen—a simple scroll that had lit a fire when activated. At the time, it had seemed almost magical, but now he realized it was the most basic application of talismanic art.

Master Zhang’s expression grew more serious as he continued. “The next level is Human-grade Talismans. These are stronger than Mortal-grade talismans and are crafted by Foundation Establishment realm cultivators. They’re commonly used for defense or small elemental attacks. A well-made Human-grade Talisman can shield its user from a minor elemental strike or deliver a small, but effective, burst of energy.”

Wuji's mind raced. Foundation Establishment cultivators were the first to grasp true spiritual energy, so it made sense that their talismans were more powerful and versatile. He imagined a talisman summoning a gust of wind or erecting a temporary shield—a clear step up from lighting a fire.

Master Zhang then shifted his weight and spoke in a slightly deeper tone. “Earth-grade Talismans,” he said, “are middle-tier talismans, crafted by Core Formation realm cultivators. These talismans can harness more powerful elemental or spiritual forces and provide a solid boost in battle or protection. They are not all-powerful, but they last longer and are much stronger than the previous two grades. Still, even these talismans have limitations in terms of duration and overall strength.”

Wuji’s eyes widened. The Core Formation realm was no joke, and he could only imagine the complexity required to create an Earth-grade Talisman. The power to influence larger-scale elemental forces or offer serious protection intrigued him. These weren’t the everyday tools of common cultivators; they were potent, practical, and crucial in battle.

Master Zhang then stood up and walked to the shelf, selecting a talisman that radiated faintly with a golden hue. “Now, we come to the Sky-grade Talismans. These are high-quality talismans made by Nascent Soul realm cultivators. They can release powerful elemental attacks, erect strong defensive barriers, or even heal grievous injuries. Sky-grade talismans are far superior to the lower grades; they can endure more pressure and last longer before breaking. They are highly sought after in both combat and crucial moments of life and death.”

Wuji swallowed hard. He had heard stories of Nascent Soul cultivators wielding immense power, but to think that talismans could serve as a direct channel for such power was astounding. A single Sky-grade Talisman could turn the tide of a battle or save someone from the brink of death.

Master Zhang placed the talisman back on the shelf and turned to Wuji, his expression softening. “But,” he said, “there are rumors of talismans beyond even these grades. It’s said that there may be higher-grade talismans, though they are shrouded in mystery and legend.”

Hearing this, Wuji’s curiosity spiked. He linked the information he had just received and asked in bewilderment, “Master Zhang, does that mean there are higher realms in cultivation beyond Nascent Soul?”

Master Zhang smiled mysteriously and looked deep into Wuji’s eyes, his gaze steady and knowing. “You will get to know when the time comes,” he said cryptically.

Wuji felt an urge to press for more answers, but he sensed that Master Zhang wasn’t going to reveal anything further just yet. Deciding not to ask, he kept the information in the back of his mind, another puzzle piece in the larger picture of cultivation he was slowly building.

Master Zhang, returning to his calm and instructional demeanor, continued. “Now that you understand the general classifications, we must also discuss the sublevels within each grade. Talismans are not all created equal, even within the same classification. They can vary greatly based on the skill of the talisman crafter, the quality of the materials used, and the understanding of the runes.”

Master Zhang’s finger traced a delicate line on the surface of the talisman he had just put back, as though he were recalling the painstaking work it took to create such an object. “Let’s begin with the Low-Level Talisman. These are the most basic forms of talisman within its grade. They are hastily made or crafted with low-quality materials. While functional, they lack power and often have a short duration. The energy flow is weak, unstable, and prone to breaking or malfunctioning during use. Such talismans are suitable only for minor tasks or emergencies.”

Wuji could relate this to his engineering experience. He had seen shoddy work before—machines that broke down because someone had rushed the process or used poor materials. A Low-Level Talisman was no different.

Master Zhang moved on. “A Mid-Level Talisman is a standard-quality talisman, crafted with decent materials and a more careful process. It has a stable structure and performs adequately for its intended purpose. Its energy flow is balanced and reliable, making it useful in common combat or utility situations. For most mid-tier cultivators, a Mid-Level Talisman is more than sufficient.”

Wuji’s thoughts turned to quality control in engineering. A Mid-Level Talisman, like a well-designed machine, would be dependable and predictable, able to perform under regular conditions without failure.

Next, Master Zhang’s expression grew more serious. “A High-Level Talisman is a well-made talisman crafted by experienced cultivators. It uses refined materials and shows a greater understanding of Qi and the Dao. The energy flow is strong, durable, and more effective than a Mid-Level Talisman. It holds up well in battle and releases its effects with precision and strength.”

Wuji could almost feel the power of such a talisman. The level of craftsmanship required was impressive, and he imagined the precision needed to weave the perfect combination of runes and Qi into one harmonious flow.

Then, Master Zhang’s tone shifted to one of reverence. “A Superior-level Talisman is a talisman crafted with high-grade materials and great care, showing near-perfect mastery of the craft. These talismans have significant power, effectiveness, and durability. The energy flow is flawless, the effects potent, and they last much longer than lower-level talismans. Superior-level Talismans are highly sought after, often used in high-stakes battles or by elite cultivators.”

Wuji’s admiration for talisman crafting deepened. He realized that these talismans weren’t just tools; they were art. Every stroke, every rune mattered.

Finally, Master Zhang spoke with a note of awe. “And at the pinnacle of craftsmanship lies the Perfect-level Talisman. These are rare, created by masters who possess a profound understanding of the Dao and the laws of the universe. The materials used are of the highest purity, and the talisman is imbued with flawless Qi control. The energy flow is perfect, without any flaws or weaknesses. The power is maximized to its highest potential, and such a talisman is incredibly valuable and rare. In fact, a Perfect-level Talisman can even exceed the power of a low-level talisman from one higher grade.”

Wuji’s mind was blown. A talisman that could surpass its own grade? The thought was staggering. Yet, it made sense. The perfect alignment of materials, runes, and Qi could unlock a level of power far beyond what anyone expected.

Master Zhang folded his arms, his tone now serious. “But remember, Wuji, Perfect-level talismans are extremely difficult to craft. They require perfect parchments and inks of the same grade, without any impurities. And, most importantly, they require a perfect understanding of the rune to be drawn on the talisman. Not many people have this level of mastery.”

Wuji nodded in deep understanding. The road ahead would not be easy, but the potential rewards were beyond anything he could have imagined.

After explaining the classification of talismans in detail, Master Zhang walked to a drawer and pulled out a small, worn book. He handed it to Wuji with a soft smile. “You’ve learned much today, but your real journey begins now. Start with this. It’s a foundational text—'Runic Foundations'. Study it well. It will teach you the core concepts and the Dao of basic runes. Without a deep understanding of the basics, you’ll never reach the higher levels of talisman crafting.”

Wuji took the book with both hands, bowing deeply. “Thank you, Master.”

Master Zhang nodded approvingly, giving Wuji permission to move to the corner of the room where he usually prepared his parchments and practiced drawing runes. Wuji sat down, eager and full of curiosity, and opened the book.

The title, “Runic Foundations,” stared back at him, and with a deep breath, he began to read.