Shamanic Dao Golden Talismans

The Shamanic Dao Golden Talismans are a prized Li Family collection with three functions: Transformation, Concealment, and Blessing Arts. Their effects support disguise, resistance to divination, and temporary protection. They are expendable artifacts derived from particular powers, rather than proof that their users personally cultivate those divine abilities.

History

Identifying the clan's collection

Xuanfeng brings the collection from the Great Ning Palace. Xizhi obtains an explanation through Yuanli and examines twelve golden talismans carried by Xijun: two Transformation, five Concealment, and five Blessing Arts. He separates them and gives Xijun a small Si Family booklet describing their use. The identification makes previously unfamiliar family treasures available for deliberate plans instead of experimentation in a crisis. (Chapters 902 and 1167)

The three kinds have different strengths. Transformation can take another person's form through blood, although Foundation cultivators with perception arts can readily see through it. Concealment temporarily blocks divination, making it especially valuable against powers that might otherwise track the bearer. Blessing Arts are more complex, with their practical defense later demonstrated in Chenghui's final escape attempt. (Chapters 902 and 1167–1168)

Xijun's disguise and Chenghui's last defense

Xijun uses Transformation to impersonate Guo Hongyao after killing her. Appearing wounded and wearing her robe, he draws Guo Hongkang close enough to strike with Hanlin. His knowledge of Hongyao's volatile manner makes the performance credible despite his limited familiarity with the pair. The deception succeeds in creating the opening, but does not prevent Hongkang from detonating a separate Merging Fire talisman and injuring Xijun. When Ximing later examines his pouch, precious Shamanic Dao talismans remain with one already used. (Chapters 921–922 and 936)

Chenghui deploys the two other kinds when facing Situ Mo. Blessing Art surrounds him with deep azure light associated with Earth Virtue and Azure Manifestation, while Concealment provides black radiance that interferes with Purple Mansion divination. The first deflects frostlight and temporarily protects him, but reaches its limit under pressure. Cold fiendish Geng Metal energy shatters the Concealment effect; after the talismans are destroyed, the enemy's spirit artifact locks onto him again. Their assistance cannot provide an unlimited escape from an opponent with superior power. (Chapters 1167–1168)

Abilities and properties

• Transformation: Uses blood to assume another person's form. Its disguise can be penetrated by Foundation-level perception arts; Xijun supplements it with stolen clothing and an appropriate performance. (Chapters 902 and 922)
• Concealment: Temporarily obstructs divination. Derived from Untraceable Presence, it does not grant the user that divine ability as a permanent personal attainment. Its protection can be broken by hostile power. (Chapters 902 and 1167–1168)
• Blessing Arts: Provide qualified protection, including the Earth Virtue and Azure Manifestation radiance that deflects incoming frostlight around Chenghui. Their force has a limit and is consumed under sustained attack. (Chapters 1167–1168)
• Consumable stock: Using or destroying a talisman depletes a particular dose. The collection is not an inexhaustible source of its three functions. (Chapters 936 and 1168)

Ownership and custody