113 Brush Maker

"Cha Ming, it's so good to see you again!" Feng Huoshan said warmly. The attendant, who had paid little attention to him the first time he visited, now clasped his hands and bowed in greeting.

"My apologies on not making it sooner," Cha Ming said. "I needed to take care of some matters and wasn't able to come back until now." Dark circles surrounded his eyes, as his sleep had been restless. He had strange dreams where he was the sovereign of a mountain, overseeing the life and death of countless beasts.

Last night, he'd fought a frightening adversary—an incomparably powerful lion covered in scales. Only with the help of a silver-winged falcon did he survive. While the dream was very interesting, it made him long for the companionship of his little brother, Huxian.

"Not a problem," Feng Huoshan said. "Would you like me to show you around?"

"I would be in your debt," Cha Ming replied, smiling. He followed the older talisman master through the same hallway as before. But this time, instead of bypassing the different rooms, they stopped for a tour and an introduction. Their first destination was the mission board. It was in a large stone room and consisted of four large jade plaques that constantly displayed internal and external requests. The writing on the plaques continually shifted in a futile attempt to display all the information contained within.

"You can check the details of any posting by inserting your incandescent force," Feng Huoshan explained. "The majority of the postings are internal. The guild has several long-term contracts and also requires a minimum stock of mortal-grade talismans for the storefront. We supply various sects and clans, and we even supply a set number of talismans to the royal family every month. Members can complete these tasks either for internal credit or cash renumeration."

"Senior Brother Huoshan, what can the credit be used for?" Cha Ming asked.

"They can be used to purchase guild materials at cheaper prices," Huoshan said. "Various inks and brushes can be purchased. Or you can pay for private lessons or tutoring from senior artists. For the most part, however, people use their credits to browse the library."

"Makes sense," Cha Ming said. "What about the external postings?"

"External postings are a little more complex," Huoshan said. "The simplest sort is when a sect requires a large batch of talismans over and above the regular contract. The rewards are more lucrative, but the timelines are usually extremely tight. This usually happens before large expeditions, smelting trials, or fights between sects.

"Next, there are consulting jobs. They mostly have to do with appraisals or miscellaneous advice. Lastly, there are custom jobs. Typically, these are either requests for specific magic-grade talismans or the customer has a need to fill, and they aren't exactly sure if talismans are the way to go. Let me give you an example. Let's say the mayor's son wants to go on an expedition, and the mayor wants a life-saving treasure. He isn't too sure what he wants, but he's sure that he wants an item that gives his son unparalleled speed for at least an incense time so that he has time to reach his Dao protectors . Or perhaps he believes that running away is cowardly and wants a powerful offensive talisman that can slay his enemies. We let him know which talismans are available and at what cost and effect. He will then decide whether to proceed with an order."

"Are we reimbursed for the consulting time involved for these postings?" Cha Ming asked.

"If only," Huoshan grunted. "It's just a cost of doing business, but it's often the only way we can sell our higher-end products. Those on display might sit there for a long time before getting sold. Magic talismans are sold on consignment. A custom job, however, has a guaranteed sale if you win the contract."

"Then do you compete internally for each contract?" Cha Ming asked.

Feng Huoshan shook his head. "We all have our strengths. For example, my offensive earth and fire talismans are the best in our group. Luo Ming's defensive talismans are unparalleled. Hua Dong's healing talismans are the best. Granted, it's difficult for him to get work because medicinal pills are so much more effective. The only advantage talismans hold over pills is a complete lack of side effects and the potential for healing multiple targets."

"I think I get the general picture," Cha Ming said. Over the course of their conversation, he saw several qi-condensation cultivators move back and forth from the four jade slabs and using their medallions to authenticate and accept missions. "One last question. What if someone fails in delivering their mission?"

Feng Huoshan's expression darkened. "It's rare, but the consequences are quite severe. For mortal-grade missions, there is a large point penalty for failing to meet a deadline, as well as a warning. Every year, a member is allowed one warning. After a second offense, they may not accept missions for three years. These types of situations cost the guild greatly. Every time, the guild must hire a higher-ranking member to make up the difference so that the end delivery is not delayed.

"For master artists on the other hand, there is no penalty. The master artist's reputation suffers, and that is punishment enough. There are so few of us that a bad reputation will get noticed very quickly. This will directly affect his ability to sell high-level talismans. Therefore, master artists who fail to meet deadlines or fail to produce a product will usually perform remedial work for their client to smooth things over. Free of charge."

Huoshan led him to the next department, the storeroom. It was filled with bottles of ink, many types of which he had never heard of. "Is there really a point to having so many types of ink?" Cha Ming asked.

"There is," Huoshan replied. "You are a skilled artist, so you use liquified elemental essence because you value your time. However, some people are far less skilled and can't afford good brushes. They make do and use inks that, while terrible for any other talisman, increase either the efficiency or the success rate of that specific one. Some materials conform better to certain characters. In fact, I'll bet that if you used different ink, you could increase the quality of several talismans you crafted in your examination all the way to one hundred percent." While Cha Ming agreed this might be a possibility, it simply wasn't worth his time.

"There are also premium inks," Huoshan continued as they reached the back counter. The attendant there opened a cupboard in the back. It contained seven small flasks that emanated vibrant colors. "May I have the flask of fire evanescence?" he asked the attendant, who glared at him.

"You break it, you pay for it," the attendant said, scowling. He handed him a glowing red flask.

Feng Huoshan quickly opened the stopper. With a wave of his hand, a blazing hot river shot out from the flask. It floated around for a moment before Feng Huoshan waved it back. The flask was graduated, allowing Cha Ming to see that the amount returned equaled the amount withdrawn.

"By using elemental evanescence to create talismans, there is a one in three chance of forcibly upgrading it upon completion. A least-grade talisman would become a lesser-grade talisman, and so on. However, this ink is prohibitively expensive."

Cha Ming gulped. "How expensive?"

"One hundred times more expensive," Huoshan replied, causing Cha Ming to hiss between his teeth. "Assuming someone had a ten out of ten chance of succeeding in his crafting, a magic talisman would grant a tenfold return on investment. If elemental evanescence was used, the maker would break even. The success rate for most people is between one in three and one in two, making it a financial loss. Most people wouldn't bother unless they were crafting a life-saving talisman. I personally do not recommend trying it. You can't use pure elemental evanescence for your examination."

After exploring the remainder of the storeroom, they proceeded to the last location before the library—the brush maker's room. Before they headed into the quiet room, however, Feng Huoshan pulled Cha Ming over to warn him. "You must, in all cases, be extremely respectful to the brush maker. Brush making is a very rare craft, and we are lucky to have him. Please indulge any reasonable questions he might have of you. In terms of standing, the brush maker stands only below the branch leader."

With Cha Ming's nod of confirmation, they entered.

The room was nothing like Cha Ming expected. He thought the walls would be built of marble or stone. Instead, they were made of plain wood. Rather than having rack upon rack of brushes, he saw sixty white brushes near a desk on the side. On the desk sat a pile of paper and pot of normal ink.

In the center of the room was a clear wheel filled with various runic patterns. It seemed to be made from the purest glass. Upon further inspection, however, Cha Ming could see that it was made of a metal that resonated with his soul—soul steel. Soul steel was one material grade higher than soul alloy.

The remaining side of the room was a wall full of closets with unknown contents. Before he had a chance to ask Huoshan, a short balding man walked out from a room in the back.

"Greetings, Master Brush Maker," Huoshan said, bowing. Cha Ming followed his lead and greeted him in a similar fashion.

"Enough with the honorifics, they bore me," the older man said.

"Nonsense, Master Li, these are the honorifics you deserve," Huoshan said courteously. Seeing the smirk on the older man's face, Cha Ming realized that this was exactly what the man liked—to be complimented, but to reject the compliments and have them insist on them. However, flattery was an art, and Cha Ming wasn't sure how to join in.

"Who have we here, Huoshan?" the brush maker said. "Seems like a new face. Young, too."

"Cha Ming has recently passed his ninth-grade examination," Huoshan explained. "If I'm not mistaken, he will either pass this master examination or the next one."

"Very good, very good," Master Li said. "And at such a young age too. Crouch down now and let me look at you."

Cha Ming awkwardly got down on one knee to lower himself down to the man's four-foot height. The man didn't hold on ceremony and grasped his face with both hands, looking him straight in the eyes. Cha Ming averted his gaze, as staring into someone's eyes was considered disrespectful.

"Look at me straight ahead," the man said in a commanding voice.

To Cha Ming's surprise, he unconsciously listened to the command and peered into the man's nondescript black eyes.

"You practice an eye technique," the man said. "Your irises are special, and you weren't born with them. They resemble plates of pure green jade, inlaid with runes. What do you see that others can't see?"

Cha Ming's eyes flicked awkwardly toward Feng Huoshan.

What do you see that others can't see? the brush maker asked again mentally.

Shades of yellow, Cha Ming said hesitantly. And auras of malevolent ochre, he added.

What do you think they are? the man asked curiously.

Hesitating again, Cha Ming opted to respond with the truth. Devils, he replied.

Right. A useful ability, for some more than others. The older man nodded and released his head. "A fine young boy," he said. "I suppose you've come to beg me to make him a brush. What a coincidence; I happen to be free."

"You are? Wonderful!" Feng Huoshan said joyfully.

"I don't know if that's nece—" Cha Ming started.

"He would love for you to craft him a brush," Feng Huoshan cut in. Then he spoke mentally to Cha Ming. Don't you dare refuse him. Not many people catch him in such a good mood. You have no idea how many times the other masters and I had to beg him to make our brushes.

Cha Ming could only swallow down his words. Then he noticed the old brush maker's gaze fixed on him. "You know my rules," Master Li said. "Only the customer and I are allowed in the room."

"Of course," Feng Huoshan said. On his way out, he flipped the sign to mark the shop as closed and shut the door behind him. Cha Ming was left with the older man. He wasn't sure what to say. He didn't speak, but neither did the old man. Instead Master Li walked around Cha Ming with his hand to his chin, looking him up and down. Finally, he stood in front of Cha Ming.

"Now, why exactly is it that you don't wish for me to craft you a brush?" Master Li asked. He didn't seem the slightest bit upset, only curious. "It's always better to have a superior partner when crafting talismans. That means that you either already have a very good brush or you have one you are so attached to that you don't wish to part with. Which one is it?" Cha Ming noted that Master Li used the word "partner." He didn't see a brush as merely a tool.

"With all due respect, sir, it's both," Cha Ming said. He was very confident in the prowess of the Clear Sky Brush. Besides, how could he bear to part with it? It had accompanied him since before he began cultivating.

Instead of seeming offended, the older man chuckled. "Let's see it, then. Let me see this treasured partner that's so important to you."

Once again, Cha Ming hesitated. The Clear Sky Brush was a precious soul-bound treasure. Would he incur jealousy from the brush maker if he realized the truth? But he had come this far, so he ultimately decided to show him. The Clear Sky Brush, a perfectly cylindrical white brush with a white tip, appeared on the palm of his hand.

"Don't you worry, my boy, I won't hurt it," Master Li said. Then he waved at the brush like someone might do to get the attention of a dog. To Cha Ming's surprise, the brush shivered and flew up toward the man, curiously floating around his outstretched palm. Then it floated above it but didn't land. Master Li reached out to pet it, but it playfully avoided him.

"Curious," Master Li said. "A brush that refuses to be touched by anyone but its owner. How very curious. I can sense the presence of five elements on it. And something I can't quite put my finger on. Something ever changing, all encompassing."

"It's creation qi," Cha Ming explained.

"That would do it," Master Li said. "I'm not sure what I find more exciting—the fact that you can use creation qi or the fact that this brush can accommodate it. It is certainly not something I'm capable of. Five elements, not a problem. Creation qi, well, that's something you might only see in a transcendent realm." As he spoke, the brush continued dancing around his hand as though it were a game. And the man continued to observe it just the same.

"I'm not sure how to break this to you, but I'm afraid that your brush is incomplete," Master Li said.

"Incomplete?" Cha Ming asked. "I'm not sure how that's possible." As far as Cha Ming was concerned, the brush was a divine item. How could it possibly be incomplete?

"You don't believe me?" The old man chuckled. "Not to worry. I'll prove it to you. But first, do me a favor and pour your qi, every last drop, into the qi-sensing plate in the middle of the room."

Cha Ming obeyed his commands and moved over to the clear glass plate. He grasped it with both hands as he poured forth his foundation qi into the plate. As soon as it entered, it split off into seven different directions. Upon closer inspection, his qi wasn't a dense liquid like he was used to seeing in his dantian. Instead it took the shape of the sigils he crafted to establish his foundation.

"A sigil foundation, very impressive," the old man said. "I've only seen that once before. The man told me he took inspiration from the sigils he'd studied. However, he only made them with a single type of sigil, a frost sigil. And his foundation was very incomplete, only five pillars. A pity." He shook his head but continued observing the plate. All five points began glowing with increased intensity, while the white and the black runes floated in the center, forming a yin-yang symbol.

Soon the brightness reached its peak, and Cha Ming's qi was totally exhausted. As soon as the last of his qi poured in, a change occurred in the center of the plate. The white floated to the edges, forming a circle, while the black migrated to the center and formed a black star.

"Curious…" Master Li said. He left Cha Ming in front of the plate and went into the back, leaving the Clear Sky Brush floating playfully around Cha Ming.

Moments later, Master Li returned with a black box. He opened it, revealing a pile of clear dust. "This is the first test," the brush maker explained. "In order to accommodate so many elements, the brush should have a clear foundation, untainted by other elements. I predict it will consume about ten percent of this soul steel."

"Consume?" Cha Ming asked.

"Just watch," the man said, shushing him. He brought the chest up to the floating brush, which, as though finding its favorite snack, dove into the clear pile. Ten percent of the pile immediately disappeared.

The old man nodded. It was as he predicted. But after a moment, his expression paled. The brush continued to devour another tenth. He looked on nervously as one-tenth after another was absorbed by the brush until finally, only a single tenth remained in the chest.

Master Li looked at the pitiful pile remaining. "Why don't you just eat it all, you glutton," he said in an aggrieved tone. The brush, clearly energized by his words, ate up the remaining tenth.

Cha Ming was supremely embarrassed, but he didn't say anything because he was distracted by the huge difference he observed in the brush. Its body was now crystal clear, a stark contrast to its previous milky-white color. Further, he could sense the Clear Sky Staff had also strengthened. Its main body was no longer made of pure soul alloy but rather reinforced with soul steel.

The transformation seemed to invigorate the brush maker, who disappeared in the back once more and brought out five more boxes. One held a red lotus, another a blue lily. There was an emerald succulent, a bunch of golden grass, and something that resembled a yellow, daisy-shaped diamond. Each of these flowers seemed less botanical and more like precious gems. Cha Ming could sense high concentrations of heaven and earth qi stored within these treasures.

"Go ahead," the man said. The brush, sensing his approval, dove in without restraint. It crashed into the yellow diamond daisy, absorbing the fragments within itself, causing yellow-brown runes to appear on its clear surface. It crashed into the red lotus, drinking in concentrated fire that appeared in the form of red runic lines. The same happened for the blue lily, the bunch of golden grass, and the green succulent. Soon, all five colors were dancing around the brush. After finishing its feast, the brush floated around lethargically, as though trying to show that it was full.

"That should do for the main course," Master Li said. "Let's see if it takes a liking to any of the bristle materials." The master motioned for the brush and Cha Ming to follow. The latter could only helplessly tag along as the Clear Sky Brush followed its new best friend.

As they walked past closets, the man seemed to ask with his body language, "Do you want something here?" The brush vibrated intensely once they reached the third closet. The brush maker opened the closet and pulled out a long rack with fur, hair, and plants hanging from it.

The Clear Sky Brush wandered through the many items before finally resting its "gaze" on a pure white strand.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Master Li shouted, startling Cha Ming. "The hair of a qilin? Why don't you just kill me now!"

The brush shook indignantly. Cha Ming could sense its frustration, as if it were saying, You're the one who told me to look for something I liked. How dare you say what I like is too expensive?

"Fine!" Master Li said, his face red with rage. "Just take it! Go on!" The brush floated and attacked the entire group of white hair. Its bristle color transformed to a glowing white reminiscent of creation qi. "Are you full now?" the brush maker asked.

The brush shook. Cha Ming understood that as a no.

With an aggrieved expression, the brush maker continued to show it various closets, and to his relief, the brush sniffed in disdain at all of them. The brush maker was elated. "It seems that it's not full, but it doesn't want anything else," Master Li said.

"What is it doing floating over there?" Cha Ming asked, pointing. The brush had floated a little farther to what seemed less like a closet and more like a drawer.

"No, you will not!" the brush maker yelled. The Clear Sky Brush, aggrieved, floated in front of the drawer in protest. It refused to budge. After a brief struggle, the brush maker asked it, "Is this going to be the last thing?" The brush nodded. "Do you promise?" It nodded again. "Fine."

Master Li pulled opened the drawer and revealed a small bunch of long hairs that looked similar to the qilin hair, except these gave off a destructive sensation. As it ate a hair, half the brush turned black as the deepest night.

"It's the hair of a nightmare," Master Li explained. "Very difficult to find, and typically not used to make brushes. Brushes are used to create, not destroy."

After a few moments, the brush finished its feast and retreated back to Cha Ming. If it had a stomach, he was sure it would have let out a satisfied burp.

"Spoiled," Cha Ming scolded. The brush disappeared into the Clear Sky World. "How much do I owe you for all of this?" Cha Ming asked.

"Don't bother; it's a gift," the man said glumly.

Normally Cha Ming would have taken this at face value. However, he had seen the man's interaction with Feng Huoshan before.

"I insist. It's only right to compensate you," Cha Ming said. "At least let me make up your losses."

Master Li relented. "Fine. You can make up my losses. My profits will be the novel experience of dealing with a sentient brush. However, the cost of these materials is considered astronomical to most."

"Try me," Cha Ming said, feeling fairly confident. He couldn't imagine a brush costing more than five hundred or so high-grade spirit stones. And that would be for a peak-foundation-establishment treasure.

"The cost of the raw materials is ten thousand and eight high-grade spirit stones," the man said. "Let's make it a round ten thousand. How does that sound?"

For the first time since their fated encounter, Cha Ming lost his temper and began yelling mentally at the Clear Sky Brush.

Why don't you just kill me and take everything I own? he yelled at it while simultaneously handing the man a full crystal card. He suddenly empathized with the brush maker. It had been reasonable for him to get angry.