Chapter 12: Immortal Talisman

Over the past month, almost all the Named Disciples had come to know Wang Lin, and whenever they saw him, they would display a condescending expression and use vicious, sarcastic language.

Wang Lin ignored all of this. He knew that these Named Disciples were mentally twisted and warped. Before he arrived, they were at the very bottom tier of the School, unable to vent the suffering and exhaustion they endured. Now that he was here, having entered the School by attempting suicide, his status was undoubtedly even lower than that of a Named Disciple, making him an easy target for everyone to bully.

He sneered internally, knowing that resistance wouldn't solve this. Within the School, the strong were respected. Those Named Disciples who had joined earlier were all physically robust, and some had even learned simple Immortal Spells. If he resisted, he would definitely be the one to suffer loss.

However, Wang Lin was not the type to be a pushover. He memorized every mocking face, waiting for his strength to increase so he could repay them one by one.

Holding this thought, he acted like a deaf and blind person. No matter what others said, he stuck to his own ways. Every day, besides fetching water, he secretly studied the Mysterious Bead.

He attempted to soak the bead in various liquids—spring water, dew, sweat, and even blood—and ultimately discovered that dew had the best effect among them.

However, dew also had distinctions. The dew that appeared on the Stone Bead in the early morning had the best effect, followed by nighttime dew. If he collected dew from other objects to soak the bead, the effect was even worse.

Following this pattern, spring water was next. Blood and sweat were the least effective, having almost no function at all.

To avoid drawing attention, he specifically found several small wild gourds in the mountains. After scooping out the seeds, he used them to hold different kinds of dew.

He did not carry these gourds on him. Instead, he found a secluded spot and buried them deep underground in different locations. He never brought them back to the School, only retrieving them when collecting dew daily.

The one he carried with him was a gourd filled with spring water. Drinking a few mouthfuls when tired instantly refreshed him.

Besides this, Wang Lin also noticed a strange phenomenon: whenever dew appeared on the Stone Bead at night or in the morning, the surface of the bead looked covered in water droplets, but when he actually collected them, more than half of the dew would inexplicably vanish, leaving at most less than one-tenth.

Regarding this strange phenomenon, Wang Lin could only conclude that the dew was absorbed by the bead. Although this explanation was somewhat absurd, Wang Lin truly couldn't think of any other answer.

That evening at dusk, Wang Lin filled the remaining three vats of water and said to the yellow-robed youth who was sitting cross-legged Cultivating: "Senior Brother Liu, I need to go home for a trip. I won't be coming tomorrow."

The youth surnamed Liu rolled his eyes, glanced at Wang Lin, and grunted through his nose.

Wang Lin learned from Zhang Hu that Named Disciples were allowed three opportunities per year to visit home. They could apply at any time to an Elder surnamed Sun and request an Immortal Talisman, which allowed free travel and showcased the School's Immortal Spells.

Wang Lin remembered that his father's birthday was approaching, and he had to go back no matter what. After leaving the Chore Office, he walked toward the Elder specifically responsible for Named Disciples.

The Hengyue School is divided into one Main Court and five Subsidiary Courts, the five subsidiaries being Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, where the Named Disciples reside. Inner Sect Disciples and Elders mostly live in the Main Court. While fetching water, he had often gazed at this place from afar, filled with envy. Now that he had arrived here, he carefully surveyed the area, stood outside the Main Court gate, and announced loudly: "Named Disciple Wang Lin requests an audience with Elder Sun."

A young man dressed in white robes swaggered out of the Main Court, glanced at Wang Lin, and said haughtily: "You are Wang Lin?"

Seeing the other party dressed in white robes, Wang Lin's heart tightened, and he nodded.

He now knew that all Disciples of the Hengyue School had their robe colors categorized according to Rank. Named Disciples were divided into gray robes and yellow robes, with yellow robes signifying qualification to Cultivate Immortal Spells. Inner Sect Disciples, based on their respective strength, had robes divided into four colors from highest to lowest: purple, black, white, and red.

The white-robed youth curled his lip, coldly swept his gaze over Wang Lin, and turned to walk into the courtyard. Wang Lin remained expressionless and paced to follow.

Walking inside the Main Court, it wasn't long before he was led beside a garden planted with flowers and herbs. The white-robed youth said lethargically: "Junior Martial Uncle Sun, a Named Disciple is here to see you."

After speaking, he stood carelessly to the side.

An aged voice came from the garden: "You may leave. Named Disciple, come in."

The white-robed youth chuckled softly and withdrew.

Wang Lin was very nervous. He pushed open the garden gate. As soon as he stepped inside, a rich medicinal fragrance immediately assaulted his senses. Wang Lin was startled. He looked back at the gate, wondering why, despite only being separated by a door, he hadn't smelled any medicinal fragrance outside.

"What are you standing there for? State your name!" The voice, showing displeasure, came from a room in the corner of the garden.

Wang Lin quickly and respectfully said: "Disciple Wang Lin pays his respects to Elder Sun. My father's birthday is tomorrow, and this Disciple wishes to return home for a trip."

"You are Wang Lin? So it's you. Hmph, those who Cultivate Immortality emphasize cutting off the dust of the Mortal world. If you cling to secular affairs like this, don't ever think about stepping into the Immortal Gate!" the aged voice scolded.

Wang Lin frowned and couldn't help but say: "This Disciple has not learned any Immortal Spells, so how can I be considered one who Cultivates Immortality?"

The other party fell silent for a moment. After a long time, he impatiently said: "The limit is three days. Go quickly and return quickly. This is a Thousand Mile Talisman that can be used twice. Stick it on your leg, and it will greatly increase your speed." After speaking, a seemingly ordinary yellow piece of paper floated out of the room window and landed gently at Wang Lin's feet.

Wang Lin picked it up and carefully placed it in his bosom. He knew from Zhang Hu that all Named Disciples who went home to visit relatives would be gifted such an Immortal Talisman. The Hengyue School's objective was simple: to use these Disciples visiting home to demonstrate Immortal Spells and attract more children to come for the entry test.

To be frank, this Immortal Talisman was very low quality. Its only advantage was its simple application; it could be used by simply sticking it on the leg each time. For Mortals, it could increase speed.

However, quite a few Inner Sect Disciples were keen on collecting them. It was rumored that they could be exchanged for items at external trade fairs. These Named Disciples treasured them even more, treating them like rare treasures. Some were reluctant to use them, accumulating many under the guise of visiting relatives.

Leaving the Main Court, Wang Lin pondered briefly, then walked toward his residence. After tidying up his luggage in his room and bidding farewell to Zhang Hu, he descended the mountain.

The sky was now filled with brilliant starlight. Wang Lin had originally planned to leave the next day, but being unsure of the speed granted by the Immortal Talisman, and fearing he would delay his father's birthday, he decided to travel overnight.

Not long after Wang Lin left, the Elder surnamed Sun in the Main Court pushed open his door, preparing to gather some herbs. Suddenly, his expression froze. He stared at the area near the garden gate where several stalks of Blue Thread Grass were planted; they had all withered.