Chapter 1, Awakening (Part 2)
Guo Shier was also puzzled; he felt that it hadn't been long since he last ate, yet he was hungry again
Guo Shier, being a reincarnated soul and having undergone reincarnation for the second time, does not have much feeling towards his parents in this life. Before his soul awakened, he began living independently at the age of five, making it difficult to get close to his parents even if he wished to.
Mr. Chen, whose full name is Chen Chunzai, is now over eighty years old. At the age of forty-seven, he transitioned from a talisman practitioner to a talisman master, and since then, his skills have deepened significantly. The status of a talisman master is extremely high; in this world, talisman masters represent a pinnacle of existence. Their strength is not only derived from their formidable martial abilities but, more importantly, from their creativity, as they serve as the driving force of this world
The talisman warrior respectfully replied: "The message has already been sent; it should arrive soon."
As the patriarch of the Guo family, this portly old man wields considerable power. The main and branch lines of the Guo family comprise over 200,000 individuals, and with the affiliated families and independent households, the total population exceeds one million. This makes them a recognized second-tier prominent family, thus the authority of the patriarch is extraordinary. The fact that the patriarch personally accompanies someone indicates the significant status of the elderly figure in green.
The meal was very simple, consisting of a large pot of boiled meat, the type of animal unknown, but it was quite delicious. There was also a large plate of braised meat, sauced to a reddish-brown color, cut into large pieces. Additionally, there was a bamboo basket filled to the brim with steamed buns, numbering around seventy to eighty. There were no fresh stir-fried vegetables, only a small amount of unidentified wild greens added to the pot of boiled meat.
At this time, Elder Chen, who had delivered the message in the morning, also arrived and conducted a reassessment of Guo Twelve's potential, of which he was very satisfied. Guo Twelve noticed that Elder Chen seemed to hold a high level of authority, and there were many talismanic warriors around him, as many as over ten, exuding a much stronger aura of killing compared to the talismanic warriors of the Guo family.
Alright, child, open your eyes
After consuming approximately seventeen or eighteen steamed buns, along with meat and broth, Guo Twelve finally felt full. He paused to quietly listen to the clan leader and Hong Changfeng conversing. The two of them, while talking and eating, devoured all the food as if a strong wind had swept through, leaving nothing behind, and only then did they contentedly stop eating. A servant approached with a copper basin, allowing the two to wash their faces and hands, and Guo Twelve followed suit.
The thing on his forehead suddenly disappeared. Guo Shier opened his eyes and found that the gaze of the old man in blue had become more benevolent. He asked, "Grandpa, is the test over?"
The kindly old man in blue said, "Twelve, call me Grandpa Hong. You don't need to rush out; stay by my side for now." He turned to a nearby talisman warrior and asked, "Has Old Chen arrived?"
Chen Chunzai said: "Being polite is good, but in the future, when you meet others, you need not be so formal. You have the potential for talismanic abilities. If you can study diligently and successfully advance to the status of a talisman master, your identity will change. At that point, only others will need to be polite to you, and you need not be overly courteous."
Suddenly, a warrior wielding a talisman rushed in, kneeling before the clan leader, his voice booming like thunder, and exclaimed: "Oh no! Clan leader, something terrible has happened!"
The old man in the blue robe ate even more, a large piece of meat, which he swallowed in just a few bites, as if he had simply gulped it down. His way of eating steamed buns was particularly distinctive; he grabbed a soft, fluffy bun, squeezed it tightly into a small ball, and consumed it one bite at a time. It felt as though he was not eating buns, but rather peanuts.
The world is vast, but nothing is more important than eating and relieving oneself. There is no need to worry about so much; let's eat first and discuss later. At this age, it is crucial for growth, and one must not go hungry under any circumstances
Chen Chunzai asked: "Is 12, www.hetushucomcom not hungry?"
A formidable talisman warrior, sharp as a long knife, responded with a sound and immediately gathered his companions, each taking their child and heading outside
After Elder Chen arrived, Hong Changfeng instructed Guo Twelve to follow him. Present were also four children with the potential of talisman masters and nine children with the potential of spell masters, making a total of fourteen individuals including Guo Twelve
Guo Ten
The Guest House specializes in hosting distinguished guests from out of town. Guo Twelve initially thought it was a very luxurious place, but upon arriving at the Guest House, he discovered that aside from the slightly spacious area, there was nothing luxurious about it. There was a heavy wooden table, a log floor, torches mounted on the walls, and the food consisted of large chunks of meat, pancakes the size of pot lids, hearty meat soup, and large bowls of rice wine.
Guo Shier sat beside Chen Chunzhai, gazing at the large pieces of meat and the flatbreads on the table. He couldn't help but let out a sigh, yet this body showed no aversion to such food. The saliva in his mouth gradually increased as the aroma of the meat wafted through the air
Hong Changfeng helplessly said: "Yes, you are right, my master of talismans!"
The old man in the blue robe nodded slightly and said to the next child, "Child, what is your name?"
Guo Daguan said in a deep voice: "Thunder! Shouting and making a fuss, what does that look like! Speak! What is the matter!"
Guo Shier was captivated by the patterns in the object on his forehead; those patterns were exceptionally beautiful, making him feel very comfortable. After a while, he suddenly realized that it was the power of the soul that allowed him to see clearly the object on his forehead
The patriarch has already sent someone to inform your parents that they will be hosted at the guesthouse tonight, you can just follow me
The old man in the blue robe, Hong Changfeng, smiled and said: "This is not my merit; if the little fellow did not possess potential and the quality of books, I would not be able to help at all"
Next is Guo Dan, who also possesses the potential of a warrior. Guo Shisan has no potential whatsoever and has not obtained anything.
Guo Shier was engrossed in his meal. Although he said nothing, his mind was racing: "A talisman master? What kind of profession is that? Exorcising evil spirits? It shouldn't be... What could it be then?" The more he thought, the more confused he became; this world was too unfamiliar.
Patriarch Guo Daguan was very pleased; the Guo family had unexpectedly produced a child with the potential for talismanic abilities, which was indeed a great joy. He smiled and said, "This time, we must trouble Mr. Changfeng. If our Guo family can produce a talisman master, it will all be thanks to Mr. Changfeng."
Guo Shier was impatient, not even bothering to use chopsticks, and grabbed a piece of meat to shove into his mouth. Suddenly, a thunderous sound rang out beside him, causing the piece of meat in his hand to drop. He felt quite annoyed, wondering who was making such a ruckus.
Hong Changfeng said with a smile, "It is rare to see such a polite child"
Guo Shier stood quietly to the side. He noticed that the vast majority of the children possessed the potential of warriors, while only a very few had the potential of spellcasters or talismans. So far, he was the only one with the potential for talismans.
Guo Shier discovered that he had a remarkable appetite, consuming ten large steamed buns in one go. Coupled with braised meat and meat soup, he was only half full. He was astonished to find that even at his most gluttonous in his previous life, he could not match the appetite of this eight-year-old child.
Guo Shier was so shaken by the exclamation "Wow, oh my!" that his hands trembled and his flesh fell off. That guy's voice was like thunder, simply terrifying in its volume
The afternoon test continued until evening. Guo Shier discovered that he was the only one with the potential for talismans. Among more than one hundred children, sixty percent had the potential to be warriors, eight percent had the potential to be spellcasters, and three percent had the potential to be talisman masters, while the rest were ordinary people. Because he found a child with the potential for talismans, Hong Changfeng was very satisfied with the results of this test
Although I do not understand what the potential of talismans is, it is evident from the fact that the old man left only himself behind that this potential is certainly not ordinary potential
Chen Chunzai said: "You eat, don't worry about them. The food here is rather simple. When you start studying, there will be magical food to eat, which will be delicious and more filling than the food now"
The domineering nature of Chen Chunzai is evident from this. He said: "Alright, go to the esteemed guest hall. Fengdao, you take the others and the children along as well."
Guo Shier's silence and composure greatly pleased Chen Chunzhai. An eight-year-old child, able to remain quiet and patiently wait in front of strangers, is not something that an ordinary child can easily achieve. Moreover, Chen Chunzhai could see that there was not a trace of fear in the child's eyes; instead, there was calmness, which is an essential quality for a talisman master.
Chen Chunzai glared and said, "Did I say something wrong?"
Hong Changfeng shook his head and said, "Old Chen, he is still a child; let's not discuss these matters for now"
Chen Chunzai has a very imposing appearance, rarely smiling, with a square face, a high nose bridge, and deeply set eyes. He has two thick, dark, and prominent under-eye bags, speaks in a loud voice, and maintains a straight posture, exuding a strong military demeanor
Beside every child stands a talisman warrior, but Guo Twelve is the only one without one; he is directly taken by Old Chen.
In the esteemed guest house, after Guo Shier's soul awakened, he met his parents for the first time in this life, to be precise, one father and six mothers. His father's name is Guo Liang, and his biological mother's name is Guo Lishi. The status of women here is very low; unless they can become talisman practitioners, or talisman warriors, or scholars, they hold no status whatsoever. Their purpose of existence is solely to bear children, and only by giving birth can they attain a certain level of family status
Guo Shier said: "Yes, thank you, Grandpa Chen, thank you, Grandpa Hong"
From Guo Shier's perspective, Mr. Chen is at most in his fifties, appearing much younger than Hong Changfeng. However, observing the way the two converse, it is clear that Mr. Chen is the one in charge. Hong Changfeng addresses him as "Mr. Chen" with great respect, which is certainly not the attitude one would expect among peers.
The old man in the green robe pressed the object onto Guo Shi's forehead and repeated his request. This time, the object did not emit a red glow, but instead faintly revealed a pale yellow hue. A hint of regret appeared on the old man's face as he said, "There is potential for a warrior, hmm, the potential is average." Beside him, the talisman warrior took out a small token and handed it to Guo Shi, saying, "Take this carefully, do not drop it, it is for your master." The old man in the green robe pressed the object onto Guo Shi's forehead and repeated his request. This time, the object did not emit a red glow, but instead faintly revealed a pale yellow hue. A hint of regret appeared on the old man's face as he said, "There is potential for a warrior, hmm, the potential is average." Beside him, the talisman warrior took out a small token and handed it to Guo Shi, saying, "Take this carefully, do not drop it, it is for your master."
Guo Liang was extremely excited; one of his sons actually possessed the potential for talismans and had been recognized by the talisman master Chen Chunzai. This meant that he could receive rewards and a promotion within the family. Although he could not recall what Guo Twelve looked like, this did not affect his overwhelming sense of excitement.
Guo nodded and said, "Yes, Grandpa Chen"
The test continued until noon, with half of the children remaining. Someone guided the remaining children to have their meal, while the elderly man in green led Guo Twelve to a restaurant outside the ancestral hall. At the restaurant, Guo Twelve met the clan leader of the Guo family, a chubby old man with a beaming smile, looking very amiable.
It was not until this moment that Guo Twelve realized the formidable nature of the clan leader. The authority he exuded was quite imposing, and the previously chaotic noise in the guest hall suddenly vanished, leaving the surroundings in complete silence, with only the faint crackling sound of the torches mounted on the walls.