“And I’m here as well. ” Luoshan Zi came into the temple after Gloria Lee and Tae Kuo, with Sue and Turner Ouyang behind her: “Sorry I had to take a moment to make sure we weren’t followed.”

“Luoshan.” The nameless man finally stood up and waved at her: “It’s been a while. Where’s the rest of your friends?”

“They’re waiting by the parking area as we speak. They don’t want to overcrowd the temple.”

“And they’re still afraid of Master.” The nameless man chuckled: “Still mischievous kids at heart, all of them.”

“Or they just don’t want to be inconsiderate before going on this mission.” Luoshan Zi smiled and shook her head: “Plausible deniability, maybe.”

“That’s really thoughtful of them. But this monk is worried that it would carry no weight in the eyes of those whom you are up against.” Master Liaoran nodded with a smile: “Still, this monk has some gift for you to aid you in your endeavor. Wuzui? ”

Wuzui stepped forward and pulled out a small bamboo tube from his sleeve. He walked up to Luoshan Zi with an unusual sense of respect and awe, while holding the tube with both hands.

Luoshan Zi bowed to Wuzui, then accepted the tube with both hands.

“Gloria?” Marcus looked at Gloria and gestured like a pen.

“Master Liaoran?” Gloria nodded at Marcus then turned to the master of the temple: “Marcus asked me to find certain items that you requested.”

“Oh, this monk is surprised and honored.” Master Liaoran smiled.

Gloria pulled out a small wooden box from her backpack and handed it to the master, who proceeded to pop it open with two fingers. Inside of it was a humble looking writing brush, and a small piece of thick, slightly reflective purple paper.

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“Panguan Writing Brush, and purple paper talisman.” Master Liaoran seemed genuinely surprised: “These must be extremely hard to find. You have this monk’s sincerest gratitude, Ms. Lee.”

“It’s actually from - from my friend. His name was Gyuu Park.” Gloria nodded at the master: “I don’t know how he got them. But they were entrusted to me. I have no idea how to use them, so I believe he would be glad they’re in your hands.”

“Donor Park would be remembered. Such a talented young clergyman.” Master Liaoran sighed: “This monk would personally pay a visit and convey the most heartfelt thanks.”

“You’re thinking about making a purple talisman?” The nameless man grabbed Master Liaoran’s arm, frowning: “Have you even done it before? ”

“Yes.” Master Liaoran nodded.

“But - you know what it means, right? Master?” Luoshan Zi also stepped forward: “Anyone could only make a small number of purple talismans their entire life for a reason. And - ”

“This monk fully understands what it means, what it requires. And this monk is prepared to do it.” Master Liaoran reassured everyone with a gentle voice: “In fact, without these, this monk would have to resort to a method that is going to be more costly on this monk’s part.”

The nameless man sighed, then asked with a calm voice: “What are you trying to make?”

“The destination of ours is a dangerous place. Not just in the sense that it would be guarded, but also in a sense that corrupting foul energy would be permeating the air. Every minute one spends in there would be one where you’ll be weakened, maddened and worse, have your Qiyun tainted and polluted. ” Master Liaoran nodded at Wuzui as he was served a small dish of dark red ink: “And - to put it simply and honestly, there is very little anyone could do when faced with that kind of all out hostility to one’s integrity and safety. A correctly crafted Talisman of Fortitude and Serenity, using the best materials. ”

Tae Kuo tried to chime in: “But that’s a really costly - ”

“This monk understands the cost and sacrifices needed.” Master Liaoran shook his head, smiling: “Give this monk but one moment.”

The master took a deep breath, then dipped the Panguan Writing Brush in the dark red ink. The hairs turned bright, glistening red after absorbing the ink. He rolled the purple talisman paper flat on his left palm, took another deep breath, then began writing on it. He wrote fast, yet every stroke was meticulous. His writing speed alternated between fast and slow, finishing with three very slow strokes.

“It is done.” Master Liaoran panted as he held the talisman up high: “Now. One last thing before we leave.”

The face of the talisman glowed under the moonlight. The writings on it gradually grew brighter, and along with it, a majestic aura began to form in and around the temple.

Wind blew through every corner of the outer sanctum. The oil lamps hung on the beams flickered. Silvery blue fire erupted from the talisman, swallowing the master’s fingers. But he was not in any kind of pain, nor was there any smell or other indication of burning.

The aura intensified as the fire consumed the talisman while leaving the master’s fingers unharmed. It reached its most intense when there was roughly a third of it left. Then, it began to retract and converge on everyone present in the temple. Before long, the aura covering almost the entirety of the temple became individual ones for each of them.

“Now we are ready.” Master Liaoran took a few deep breaths before bowing to everyone before handing the writing brush back to Gloria: “This should be enough for us now. But just in case, Ms. Lee. Please keep it with you. Energy lingers on it still, it might be useful later.”

“Thank you, Master.” Gloria accepted it, and put it back into the wooden box.

“Now is the time, if you’re ready.” Master Liaoran looked at everyone.