“You can even get in through the back door?”
Dongfang Xiaotian sized up Daoist Yuanzhe in surprise.
“Hehe, this is something I’m only telling you because I see fate has brought us together, brother.”
Daoist Yuanzhe guarded the way, waiting for Dongfang Xiaotian to slip around the edge of the crowd and arrive before a side door, where there were far fewer people.
Only a few handmaidens stood to one side to receive guests.
Seeing Dongfang Xiaotian and Daoist Yuanzhe walk up together, one of the handmaidens stepped forward to greet them, “Gentlemen, please show your competition invitation.”
“Right here, right here.”
Daoist Yuanzhe took out an envelope from his spatial ring, then pointed at Dongfang Xiaotian and said, “This brother is my assistant, just let him in with me.”
“Very well, please come this way.”
The handmaiden didn’t say much, just nodded and led Daoist Yuanzhe and Dongfang Xiaotian down the corridor, soon bringing them into a private room.
As soon as they entered, Daoist Yuanzhe pulled a canvas bag out of his spatial artifact and poured out fruits of all sorts of shapes.
“Brother Dongfang, want to try one?” Daoist Yuanzhe picked up a purple sticky fruit and handed it to Dongfang Xiaotian.
“What is this thing?” Dongfang Xiaotian couldn’t help but grumble as he accepted one and gave it a squeeze—it was soft, like pressing on some kind of oozing, meaty lump.
“A friend of mine recently bred this new crop. It’s been fed to livestock for months without any problems, and I hear it even helps with constipation. Want to try one?”
Daoist Yuanzhe said as he picked one up himself and looked at Dongfang Xiaotian.
“Of course, I haven’t eaten it either. You could just help me out and give me your thoughts? If it’s good, maybe it’ll become the specialty of my family’s trading company.”
So, you want to use me as a guinea pig, huh?
Dongfang Xiaotian opened his mouth, looked at the fruit in his hand—which felt disturbingly like a pig’s heart—and shook his head, “Forget it, it just looks way too weird.”
“Hahaha, fair enough. I’ll take your words as feedback then.”
Daoist Yuanzhe didn’t get upset, but simply started gnawing away, his mouth soon stained with purple juice.
Chewing as he spoke, “But appearance isn’t much of a problem when it comes to food. Hmm… the taste isn’t bad.”
Dongfang Xiaotian set down the purple sticky fruit and asked, “So Daoist Yuanzhe, you’re a talisman cultivator as well?”
“Didn’t you come here to buy things as a talisman cultivator too, Brother Dongfang?”
Daoist Yuanzhe laughed heartily, finished one fruit in a couple of bites, and grabbed a second, asking, “If I may ask, what rank are you, fellow Daoist?”
“I just arrived here and haven’t taken any tests, but I can draw five types of second-rank spirit talismans.”
Dongfang Xiaotian’s face stayed calm as he hid a little bit of the truth. After all, when you’re out and about, it’s only natural to keep a few cards up your sleeve.
Generally speaking, for a talisman cultivator to reach the next rank, you’d need to master a certain number of spirit talismans of your current rank.
While there’s no official rule for what counts as “enough,” most people agree that learning ten types per rank is when you’d start trying to break through to the next.
It’s like building a foundation for math: before you learn addition, you need to know numbers; before multiplication, you need to know addition; before quadratic equations, you need to know linear ones.
Once you’ve built up enough knowledge, then you can try to learn the next level.
Mastering five types of talismans was about the same as being at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment—neither too high nor too low, comparable to an inner sect disciple of the Four Sages Academy or Xiao Sect.
Although Dongfang Xiaotian wasn’t an inner sect disciple yet, when you’re outside, you make your own identity.
“I wouldn’t have guessed—so young and already a second-rank talisman cultivator. Truly a rare talent.”
Daoist Yuanzhe couldn’t help but look Dongfang Xiaotian over a few more times and asked, “So, interested in showing your skills at this Talisman Sect’s talisman-making tournament?”
“I’m just here to buy things.”
Dongfang Xiaotian shook his head. Right now, he only wanted to finish his purchases, draw talismans, sell them quickly—he was genuinely broke.
“Here—”
Daoist Yuanzhe tossed over the competition invitation from before, “You can use this to buy, Brother Dongfang. Contestants can bring their own materials, so with this it’ll be much easier to buy what you need.”
Dongfang Xiaotian hesitated a bit, “Daoist Yuanzhe, this is our first time meeting, isn’t it?”
“It is, but the moment I saw you, I could tell you weren’t ordinary.”
Daoist Yuanzhe wiped the juice off his hand, looking at Dongfang Xiaotian. “May I ask, how well can you control and mix talisman-making materials? What’s your success rate?”
“Not bad,” Dongfang Xiaotian replied offhandedly.
“Then you’re certainly better than me.”
Daoist Yuanzhe smiled and said, “To be honest, Brother Dongfang, my trading company wants to expand its influence here, to promote this grain I brought.”
“And naturally, the way to expand is to take part in the talisman cultivator guild’s contest and get a good ranking.”
Daoist Yuanzhe continued, “While my theoretical understanding of talismans is good enough to attempt breaking through to third rank, I’m not so skilled in mixing and proportioning the materials. As long as you can help me a little later, that’s enough.”
Got it. All theory, not much hands-on skill.
“The talisman cultivator guild allows two people to compete together?” Dongfang Xiaotian asked curiously.
“Of course. Crafting spirit talismans is complicated and exhausting, and most people have low success rates, so during the contest, minor tasks like mixing talisman ink or preparing the ritual area are all done by talisman apprentices.”
Daoist Yuanzhe said, “I was supposed to have an apprentice helping me, but his cultivation’s too low and he caught a sudden illness. He’s in the privy right now, and who knows when he’ll be out. If it weren’t for you, Brother Dongfang, I might’ve had to drop out.”
Dongfang Xiaotian understood. To make sure every contestant can put on a good show, they relaxed the rules on helpers.
But Daoist Yuanzhe wasn’t done. He continued, “Don’t worry. If you don’t want to show your face during the contest, just wear a hat.”
“I only want the title from this contest—more accurately, I want to win the title for our Black Dragon Trading Company, so I don’t need any of the prizes. How about it?”
Daoist Yuanzhe tempted him, “You know, the reward for first place is the method for making a third-rank spirit talisman, granted by a third-rank talisman cultivator. Second place gets a half-pound of third-rank material, Tian Gang Gold! And third place…”
Before Daoist Yuanzhe could finish, Dongfang Xiaotian blurted out, “Deal!”
Though Dongfang Xiaotian didn’t like getting involved in messy affairs, he had no choice—he was just too poor.
***
Outside the Talisman Cultivator Guild
“Dad, just who is this big shot that we both have to come out here and wait for?”
Zhou Fufu, who was waiting at the door, complained, “I could be practicing my talisman-making instead.”
“Ah, Fufu, the one coming today has fifty years of talisman-making experience and is a third-rank talisman cultivator—Old Master Zhou Hongwu. If he wants, he could arm a whole Golden Core team in no time!”
The middle-aged man beside her, named Zhou Fenghe, stroked his beard with fatherly affection, “More importantly, he once served in the imperial capital’s Shenji Battalion and was personally recognized by that great one.”
“His talisman skills are extraordinary! If you can get even a little guidance from him, it might benefit you for a lifetime!”
By “that great one,” Zhou Fenghe naturally meant Han Shengyuan, Saint Hua’s top talisman cultivator. Being allowed into the Shenji Battalion by him was a badge of honor in itself.
Zhou Fenghe continued sincerely, “Fufu, besides, he and your grandfather were lifelong friends—even if he were just an ordinary cultivator, we’d still have to treat him with courtesy. Who knows, maybe he’ll even recommend you for further training in the Shenji Battalion—now that’s a true opportunity!”
After hearing this, Zhou Fufu couldn’t help but look forward to it, and nodded, continuing to wait outside.
As the number one talisman genius of Lingtian City, her talent was only slightly below Xiao Yuanqing. The only thing that could make her wait with such anticipation was something related to talisman cultivation.
And with the future Zhou Fenghe described now before her eyes—
Just as Zhou Fufu’s thoughts drifted, her father nudged her, “Fufu, he’s here!”
Zhou Fufu immediately perked up and looked ahead, spotting a carriage slowly rolling in, guarded by three late Foundation Establishment cultivators.
The spirit beast pulling the carriage was impressive, but even more so were the three late Foundation Establishment guards!
Zhou Fufu thought this was nearly half of the Xiao Sect’s strength—it was quite an imposing lineup!
Seeing this, Zhou Fenghe greeted them with a broad smile, “Old Master Zhou, my respects!”
“That voice—Little Fengzi?”
An elderly man with graying temples stepped off the carriage. He was robust and his aura was formidable. After alighting, he strode forward, “Little Fengzi, it’s been a long time.”
Zhou Fenghe smiled wryly, “Old Master Zhou, only you dare call me that in Lingtian City. Have some mercy on my dignity.”
Zhou Hongwu laughed, giving Zhou Fenghe a hearty slap on the shoulder, joking, “What? Back when I was courting your mother, you weren’t even born! Now you’re objecting?”
“How could I?”
Zhou Fenghe said, “Right, let me introduce you—this is my daughter, Zhou Fufu. Fufu, Old Master Zhou and your grandfather were lifelong friends—call him Grandpa Zhou.”
Zhou Fufu flashed a sweet smile, “Hello, Grandpa Zhou!”
“That’s the way, I like being called Grandpa!”
Zhou Hongwu stroked his beard, his eyes brimming with fondness. “Hmm, you really have a bit of your grandmother’s charm. Looks like you’ll grow up to be a pretty little lady.”
“Grandpa Zhou, please don’t tease me.”
Zhou Fufu took Zhou Hongwu’s slightly withered hand and led him toward the guild, “Grandpa Zhou, let’s go inside. The sun’s too strong out here. I’ll show you around the guild!”
Zhou Hongwu nodded at once, “Alright, alright, take me inside and show me how your grandfather has managed Lingtian City’s Talisman Cultivator Guild.”
Before going in, Zhou Hongwu didn’t forget to tell his guards, “No need to follow. Just watch the carriage and don’t block other people’s business.”
After they entered the hall, Zhou Fenghe hurried to catch up.
He quickly added, “Old Master Zhou, I’ve prepared a private seat for us—let’s rest for a bit first.”
Zhou Fenghe could see how fond Zhou Hongwu was of his daughter, and finally let go of his anxiety.
Years ago, Zhou Hongwu was chosen for the Shenji Battalion and missed his chance with Zhou Fufu’s grandmother.
He had no children of his own and Zhou Fenghe worried he might resent the bloodline of his old love’s rival.
But now it seemed Zhou Hongwu truly wanted to treat Zhou Fufu as his own granddaughter.
If things kept progressing step by step, recommending Zhou Fufu for advanced training in the Shenji Battalion was definitely possible!
If it just kept progressing like this…
“Grandpa Zhou, I heard your talisman-making is even better than Grandpa’s! Could you teach me one?” As soon as she brought Zhou Hongwu inside, Zhou Fufu immediately asked.
“F-Fufu!”
Zhou Fenghe broke out in a cold sweat, “Old Master Zhou just arrived and is tired from traveling. How can you be so inconsiderate?”
His daughter just opened her mouth and asked for talisman instruction?
Zhou Fenghe couldn’t help but regret it. His daughter was good in every way, but why was she so impatient about talisman arts?
“What’s wrong with my little Fufu?”
But Zhou Hongwu’s reaction stunned Zhou Fenghe. The old man stroked Zhou Fufu’s hair. “Saying my talisman skills surpass your father’s—doesn’t sound like a lie, does it?”
Wait, is that the point?
Each talisman is a talisman cultivator’s lifeblood—like a secret technique, not to be passed on except to disciples or family.
For Zhou Fufu to ask so directly was a breach of etiquette.
But seeing Zhou Fenghe fall silent, Zhou Hongwu just stroked Zhou Fufu’s head and said, “Little girl, if you call me Grandpa a few extra times in front of your grandfather later to annoy him, I’ll teach you now! How about it?”
Zhou Fenghe suddenly looked like he’d heard something strange.
“Hehe! Pinky swear!”
Zhou Fufu hooked her pinky around Zhou Hongwu’s withered finger.
Zhou Fenghe nearly jumped in protest, but Zhou Hongwu glared at him, and the military aura from the old veteran instantly made Zhou Fenghe’s protests die in his throat.
Forget it—let his daughter do as she pleased.
Zhou Fufu giggled, “Grandpa Zhou is the best! So, what are you going to teach me?”
Hearing her call him Grandpa over and over, Zhou Hongwu was obviously pleased. Even if he’d lost out in love to Zhou Fenghe’s father, now he was her Grandpa!
Stroking his beard fondly, Zhou Hongwu said, “First tell Grandpa, how’s your talisman cultivation coming along? Then Grandpa can teach you properly.”
“I’m a second-rank talisman cultivator now, almost breaking through to third rank,” Zhou Fufu said with some pride.
Given time to prepare, among all the younger generation in Lingtian City, the only one who could definitely beat her was Xiao Yuanqing, who was half a step into Golden Core.
That was enough to make her proud.
“Good, good, you raised a fine daughter.”
Zhou Hongwu praised Zhou Fenghe, then stroked the girl’s hair. “Then I’ll teach you the most practical military talisman, and the one I’m best at: the third-rank Diamond Body Protection Talisman. How’s that?”
“Yes! Anything Grandpa Zhou teaches, I’ll love!” Zhou Fufu nodded, smiling like a flower.
“Little Fengzi,” Zhou Hongwu turned to Zhou Fenghe and handed him a material list.
“Take this list and get the materials for the Golden Light Protection Talisman. I want to personally teach this little girl how to draw it.”
Zhou Fenghe nodded with delight. He hadn’t expected his daughter to get Zhou Hongwu’s guidance so easily, and he quickly called a female cultivator, handing her the list and telling her to hurry and prepare.
Soon after, a female cultivator came to report. Zhou Fenghe was surprised by her quick return, but her face wore an embarrassed look.
“What is it?” Zhou Fenghe asked impatiently.
The female cultivator said softly, “Some of the materials on the list are out of stock…”
“Out of stock? How is that possible!”
Zhou Fenghe was incredulous, “We restock every half month—how could there be no stock?”
The woman, frightened by the guildmaster’s anger, quickly replied, “Most materials are fine, but seven days ago, a disciple from the Four Sages Academy came and bought up a large quantity of Golden Armor Snake Scales for the Golden Core stage. Most of our stock was sold then.”
Zhou Fufu frowned and asked, “Doesn’t that mean there’s still some left?”
The female cultivator replied, “Miss… just now, another Four Sages Academy disciple came and bought the rest.”
Zhou Fenghe frowned—Golden Armor Snake Scale was a third-rank material, not easy to replenish. “Are any rogue cultivators selling?”
The woman replied, “There were, but he bought those too.”