Xianxia: Big Brother of Tianyong City

Chapter 22: “A Single Talisman to Save Your Life”

Upon seeing Xiao Yu enter, Hansu Zhenren smiled with satisfaction. He had found the ideal candidate.

He spoke with calm assurance:

“Yu’er, let me introduce you to this young man. He is a senior disciple of the Iron Pillar Temple. Many years ago, I crossed paths with their former temple master. Now that the Iron Pillar Temple faces a crisis, it is only right that Tianyong City extends its aid.”

“Master,” Xiao Yu said respectfully, “I came to see you today because I wish to embark on a journey for some worldly experience.”

“Well, what a coincidence. It seems you and the Iron Pillar Temple are fated to cross paths.”

Hansu Zhenren had already intended to send Xiao Yu on this mission. He trusted Xiao Yu’s capabilities. The young man’s previous performance during the ambush by demonic cultivators on his journey with Fuqu had been exemplary.

The disciple of the Iron Pillar Temple respectfully saluted Xiao Yu.

Standing before Xiao Yu, he felt a profound and oppressive aura emanating from the young man. It was the natural suppression a higher-level cultivator exerted over one of a lower realm. To the disciple, Xiao Yu seemed capable of killing him with a mere wave of his hand.

Despite being slightly older than Xiao Yu, the disciple addressed him as “senior.” Such was the custom of the cultivation world, where strength and accomplishments outweighed age in determining respect.

“No need to stand on ceremony. Rise and explain the situation to me,” Xiao Yu said.

The Iron Pillar Temple disciple stood and quickly recounted the issue,

“Senior, our temple has guarded the Moon-Devouring Wolf Emperor for over a millennium. Recently, the formation keeping it sealed has weakened, and it requires the reinforcement of an immortal’s strength.”

“So, it’s a matter of fortifying a formation.”

Xiao Yu nodded in understanding. It was a simpler matter than he had anticipated—there would be no need to fight the wolf demon directly.

The disciple added nervously,

“Senior, the temple master specifically instructed me to stress the urgency. The formation must be reinforced before the full moon on the Mid-Autumn Festival. If not, the wolf demon will grow significantly stronger, and the consequences will be dire.”

“Understood.”

Xiao Yu’s expression remained calm. There was still over half a month before the festival, leaving plenty of time to address the issue.

The Iron Pillar disciple knelt to the ground, kowtowing three times with such force that his forehead turned red.

“I speak on behalf of the entire Iron Pillar Temple in expressing our gratitude to Tianyong City for coming to our aid. This is a life-saving kindness.”

The Moon-Devouring Wolf Emperor was a thousand-year demon of immense strength and savagery. Without Tianyong City’s assistance, the small Iron Pillar Temple would have no hope of survival.

Hansu Zhenren’s voice was gentle as he said, “The Iron Pillar Temple and Tianyong City are both righteous sects. It is only natural for us to assist one another in times of need. There is no need for such formalities.”

Xiao Yu stepped forward and helped the disciple to his feet.

The young man felt deeply moved. He had always heard that Tianyong City’s immortals were paragons of virtue who cared for the well-being of the world. Today, he had witnessed it firsthand.

“Master Hansu, Senior Xiao, I have been away from the temple for three days already. The temple master awaits my return. I shall not delay further.”

Bowing deeply to both Hansu Zhenren and Xiao Yu, the disciple respectfully took his leave, departing from the Hanlin Library.

Hansu Zhenren turned to Xiao Yu with a smile,

“Yu’er, I have a jade slip for you. It contains my insights on formation arrays. Study it carefully during your journey to the Iron Pillar Temple.”

With a flick of his wrist, Hansu Zhenren seemed to pluck the jade slip from the fabric of space itself. The green crystal floated gently toward Xiao Yu.

“Thank you, Master.”

Xiao Yu received the slip with both hands, treating it with great care. He knew that his master, ever considerate, had provided the jade slip to ensure he could successfully assist in reinforcing the formation.

“Yu’er,” Hansu Zhenren continued, “I’ve also heard that you selected the Void Sword of Illusions technique in the Tianjian Pavilion. That sword art is exceedingly difficult to master, but I commend your decision to venture out and gain experience.

“However, the cultivation world is fraught with danger. To ensure your safety, I am giving you this talisman.”

Hansu Zhenren’s expression softened. He regarded Xiao Yu as his own child, having personally raised and guided him since he was young. The thought of Xiao Yu venturing into the unpredictable world filled him with both pride and concern.

A yellow talisman appeared, inscribed with intricate red patterns drawn in cinnabar. It floated toward Xiao Yu, radiating faint spiritual energy.

Talismanic treasures, also known as spiritual talismans, are created to store powerful techniques—whether they be lethal strikes, defensive barriers, or escape arts. They are indispensable for surviving life-threatening situations.

“This talisman contains a protective spell that can shield you from harm. Use it wisely,” Hansu Zhenren said.

Xiao Yu respectfully accepted the talisman, his heart warmed by his master’s thoughtfulness.

“I will not disappoint you, Master,” he vowed, his resolve firm as he prepared for the journey ahead.