Due to the synchronization of talisman testing, the number of batches remained the same—ten in total—but the number of participants in each batch was reduced. Now, each batch had just over 2,000 participants. The time allotted for crafting the talismans was the same as in the first round, indicating that the smoothness and proficiency of talisman-making were also part of the evaluation.
In the first batch, Lin Xiao and Jiang Youfu still did not spot Liu Chun among the participants. When the time for the first batch was up, the talisman masters gradually left the stage.
There were a total of 100 talisman testing platforms, and 200 cultivators dressed in Lian Ying Hall uniforms approached the front of the venue, each pair standing on either side of a platform. After bowing to the audience, they each pulled out a talisman pouch from their storage rings, containing the talismans that had just been collected.
They displayed identical talismans to the audience, then simultaneously placed them on the testing platforms. It seemed prearranged that the first talisman tested at each platform was the Fireball Talisman. As soon as the talismans were placed on the platform, they were activated in the blink of an eye.
Each platform erupted in a large fireball, but thanks to the protective barriers around the platforms, all the energy was contained within. The audience could only see the visual effects without feeling the actual power.
Of course, the purpose of the testing platforms wasn't just to show off visuals. The energy comparison of the talismans wasn't based solely on what could be seen with the naked eye. Next to the area where the talismans were placed on each platform was a transparent, slender column, which reminded Lin Xiao of a thermometer.
When a talisman was activated, the red light inside the column would rapidly rise, eventually stopping at a peak level. This peak represented the energy level of the talisman. Naturally, the talisman with the higher peak was deemed the stronger one, and that talisman would be counted as a qualifying talisman.
After testing the first Fireball Talisman, the next was the Water Sword Talisman. The testers waited until the effects of the previous talisman dissipated, then reset the transparent column before placing the next talisman into the platform.
The process of testing talismans was faster than the time it took to create them, so the tests progressed quickly.
As each pair of ten talismans was tested, results began to emerge. Most platforms showed that one talisman set was superior, with only a few cases where the sets were equally matched. If two talismans were tied, the results would be compared after all rounds, and those with weaker results would be eliminated.
With the talisman masters busily crafting their talismans on stage, Lin Xiao and Jiang Youfu naturally shifted their focus to the spectacular effects at the testing platforms.
Jiang Youfu had rarely had the chance to see these attack talismans in action, so he was thoroughly entertained. "So, this is what cultivators use in battles. I thought talismans were just for communication and escape, like the ones in our sect."
Of course, he said this to Lin Xiao via voice transmission, cautious not to mention their sect in front of so many people.
Lin Xiao replied, "You can't be fighting all the time, so naturally, our sect's talismans are more practical. Just think about it—do we use attack talismans more often, or communication talismans?"
Jiang Youfu scratched his head. "You're right. We've never really used attack talismans, but we sure burn through communication talismans. I think Liu Chun spends most of his time crafting those in the talisman room, aside from the ones we sell."
Lin Xiao patted Jiang Youfu's shoulder, transmitting, "Even though we don't use them much, it's still important to know how. If we get into a tough spot and don't know how to use them, it could be a big problem. We should practice when we get the chance. We try to keep a low profile, but there are plenty of lunatics out there. We need to be prepared."
"Lunatics?" Jiang Youfu was puzzled. He discreetly scanned the surrounding cultivators, then asked, "Why are there so many lunatics? Everyone here seems normal to me..."
Lin Xiao shook his head and sighed. "Ah, Fuzi, you don't know. The world is full of people who are crazy, but some only harm themselves while others enjoy spreading their madness to others. People like us need to stay vigilant."
Finally, in the afternoon, the seventh batch was up, and Lin Xiao and Jiang Youfu finally saw Liu Chun among the participants.
"Liu Chun is up, Xiao-ge!" Jiang Youfu exclaimed.
"Yes, I see him. Let's keep an eye on who collects his talisman pouch later."
With Liu Chun on stage, the two no longer focused solely on the testing platforms, shifting their attention to him instead.
As Liu Chun went through his preparation checks, he again felt that strange sensation of being watched. He scanned the audience but found nothing out of the ordinary.
Hidden among the crowd, Lin Xiao and Jiang Youfu quickly looked away, pretending to be interested in something else as soon as Liu Chun's gaze turned toward the spectators.
Perplexed, Liu Chun lowered his head, waiting for the signal to start, while making a mental note to stay alert after the competition—after all, he was carrying a significant amount of sect funds.
When the gong finally sounded, the seventh batch began their talisman crafting. Despite the speed at which talismans were being tested, the sheer number of platforms meant that by the time the seventh batch finished, the fifth batch's talismans were still being tested.
Fortunately, neither the spectators nor the participants—being cultivators—minded the passage of time. Occasionally, a few Qi Refining stage cultivators who didn't like taking fasting pills would step away to have a quick meal.
When the seventh batch finally left the stage, Lin Xiao and Jiang Youfu's eyes were glued to the official who collected Liu Chun's talisman pouch. They watched him intently as he, carrying the storage ring with Liu Chun's talisman pouch inside, finally approached one of the testing platforms in the late evening.