Chapter 21: Chapter 21: The Craft of Concealment
After days spent honing his skills in the Titan array, Lu Fan decided it was time to shift his focus. Leaving the array, he returned to his home with renewed purpose and prepared to continue his journey. His mind turned to the Silent Aura Medallion he had recently acquired. He knew that if he could successfully refine it, it would be a valuable tool for staying undetected in future explorations.
The Silent Aura Medallion was a unique mixture of weapon and talisman methodology, combining aspects of both for the ultimate effect. However, it was challenging, especially for a novice talisman artist like him. He gathered a selection of basic materials to begin with, opting for cheaper options to create a Level 1 low-grade medallion, knowing this initial attempt would be primarily for practice.
He started with the weapon part, a relatively straightforward process for him. His steady hands worked the material with precision, shaping it into the form of the medallion he desired. The medallion's core was infused with his energy, creating the foundation for its concealment capabilities. This portion came naturally to him, a result of countless hours spent crafting and refining weapons.
However, the talisman part proved to be more troublesome. Unlike the weapon aspect, the talisman required him to inscribe delicate symbols onto the medallion's surface—symbols that needed to be aligned perfectly to channel the desired effects. He placed the medallion on his workbench and began carving the intricate runes that would give it its aura-concealing properties. But every attempt seemed to fall short. The lines wavered under his hand, and the symbols appeared uneven. The slightest error disrupted the flow of Qi through the medallion, rendering it ineffective.
Frustrated, Lu Fan tried again, only to find the same issues resurfacing. He continued to practice, his determination unwavering, yet he still couldn't seem to achieve the necessary precision. He tried adjusting his stance, regulating his breathing, and focusing his mind entirely on the task. But no matter what he did, the talisman inscriptions remained inconsistent, each attempt failing to capture the intended effect.
After several failed attempts, Lu Fan leaned back, staring at the incomplete medallion in front of him. He realized that no amount of brute force or persistence alone would solve this problem; he needed a new approach. He carefully analyzed the principles behind the medallion, contemplating its workings. Perhaps there was a simpler method that could achieve a similar result.
An idea struck him. Instead of struggling with the intricate talisman script, he decided to try carving a basic array onto the medallion instead. Arrays, unlike talismans, were larger and more forgiving in terms of structure. He sketched a simple concealment array design, hoping it would act as a substitute for the talisman's effect. Although arrays were traditionally used on a larger scale, Lu Fan believed this modified approach might work in his favor.
With newfound determination, he began etching the array onto the medallion. His hands moved with confidence, carving the lines and patterns he was far more familiar with. Once completed, he activated the array, and to his surprise, it worked. A faint field of concealed energy surrounded the medallion, creating a subtle aura that masked his presence.
However, there was one drawback. Unlike a talisman, which could be crafted to conceal only the user, an array was a broader mechanism. This concealment array generated a larger area of effect, creating a "bubble" of hidden space around him. The wider radius meant that anyone standing too close would also be hidden by the medallion's effect, making it difficult to use discreetly in crowded areas. If he wanted to move around unnoticed, he would have to maintain a certain distance from others to prevent them from being included in the array's concealment field.
Despite its limitations, Lu Fan was pleased with the result. While the medallion didn't function precisely as intended, it still provided a viable means of hiding his presence. The weapon portion of the medallion also amplified the array's effect, strengthening its field and extending its reach slightly further than a standard concealment array would have.
Examining the finished product, he knew it wasn't a perfect solution. The medallion lacked the personalized touch of a talisman and the precise concealment it would have offered. But, for now, it was enough. The medallion would serve him well in situations where stealth was necessary, and he could refine the design further as his skills improved.
Satisfied with his progress, Lu Fan decided to set aside the medallion project for now. While there was more work to be done, he knew that he could revisit it later with a fresh perspective. He stored the medallion in his satchel and turned his attention to other pressing matters, his mind already racing with ideas for his next undertaking. He felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that he had overcome yet another obstacle in his journey.
With the medallion set aside, Lu Fan's thoughts drifted toward his other experiments and ongoing research. His recent success with the Titan array had shown him the power of persistence and adaptability, and he was eager to continue exploring the depths of his cultivation. He had a list of techniques and skills to work on, each one pushing him closer to his goals.
Before leaving his workshop, he glanced back at the medallion, a faint smile on his face. He had turned a challenging task into a learning experience, and even though the result wasn't perfect, it was a valuable step forward. The path to mastery was rarely straightforward, and he was prepared to face each challenge head-on, knowing that every success, no matter how small, brought him closer to his ultimate aspirations.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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