After Dongfang Xiaotian transmigrated here, the two most unforgettable lessons he learned were, first, to be wary of the three great delusions of life.
And second, that as long as there’s no imminent danger, he must do everything possible to level up, or at least preserve his own strength.
The dangers in this world go far beyond those lunatics from the Cult of Evil Gods with their mysterious shenanigans—there’s always someone who might pop up out of nowhere trying to kill you, or ambitious types stirring up trouble in their quest for power.
Take the Xiao Sect, for example. Even though it’s a branch of one of the Four Great Sects, it’s far from peaceful. The Grand Elder of the Xiao Sect is still eyeing the position of Sect Master like a hungry wolf.
Right now, tensions are high between the Xiao Sect, the Four Sages Academy, and the City Lord’s Manor. Each side has two Golden Core cultivators.
Dongfang Xiaotian felt something was bound to happen sooner or later. It wouldn’t be surprising if another Three-Sect War broke out the moment the conflicts escalated.
As for whether there would be a battle in Lingtian City, Dongfang Xiaotian was absolutely certain.
Not because the Four Sages Academy or the City Lord’s Manor are so righteous, but because the protagonist’s little junior brother is here—even the tiniest spark can ignite old grievances.
Of course, when it comes to strength, Dongfang Xiaotian was quite confident as an expert who came back to the beginner’s village to crush rookies.
If it came down to a one-on-one, Jun An certainly wouldn’t fear anyone in Lingtian City.
But the problem is, those people have powerful backers. No matter how strong Dongfang Xiaotian was, there was no way he could wipe out everyone in the Xiao Sect before running out of stamina and money.
From what Dongfang Xiaotian knew, unless your cultivation reached Nascent Soul, it was always possible for a large enough number of lower-level cultivators to overwhelm you.
Take Xiao Yuanqing as an example. He might be invincible below Golden Core, but he’d still have to kill Qi Refining disciples one by one. Sooner or later, he’d run out of spiritual energy.
For Dongfang Xiaotian, this problem was even more obvious. After all, every time he used a talisman, that was one less in his stash.
Arming a whole Golden Core army? That would burn through spirit stones in no time.
So, he still needed to restock his talismans as quickly as possible and restore his spiritual sea, instead of spending ages each time just to charge up and continue draining spirit stones.
Originally, Dongfang Xiaotian had planned to give up making Tier Three talismans and instead burn the midnight oil crafting Tier Two talismans for the spirit stones he needed.
But now that he had Heavenly Astral Gold, he could work at a more relaxed pace, replenish his stock of Vajra Barrier Talismans, and brace himself for the upheaval that could strike Lingtian City at any time.
What’s more, he was just lending a hand.
Since Daoist Yuanzhe was already researching Tier Three talismans, it meant his skill with Tier Two talismans was more than sufficient.
For him, entering an amateur competition in this backwater was child’s play.
As for why the other party was so generous, willing to hand over his reward before even competing—and Dongfang Xiaotian was so sure he’d get second place…
The Black Dragon Chamber of Commerce, after all, had a status on par with Shenghua’s banks. This guy was probably a rich young master sent out to gain experience and run business on his own.
And since it was the Black Dragon Chamber of Commerce, Dongfang Xiaotian didn’t think they’d send Daoist Yuanzhe into this competition without a plan. The guy probably had some real skills.
Figuring it all out in an instant, Dongfang Xiaotian immediately accepted the offer to cooperate.
With the invitation letter in hand, he went straight to buy the materials he needed.
***
Outside the Talismanist Guild
“Dad, just who is this big shot coming today? Why do both of us have to wait out here for him?”
Zhou Fufu, waiting by the door, complained, “With this much time, I could be practicing talisman crafting instead.”
“Fuer, mind your tongue. The person you’re waiting for isn’t just your grandfather’s equal as a Tier Three Talismanist—he’s also your grandfather’s close friend and sworn brother.”
The sixty-year-old middle-aged man beside her was Zhou Fenghe. Stroking his beard kindly, he said dotingly, “More importantly, he once served in the Imperial Capital’s Divine Mechanism Battalion.”
“If he was recognized by that great figure, his mastery of talismans must be truly remarkable. What he can teach you will be no less than what your grandfather could.”
That “great figure” Zhou Fenghe mentioned was none other than Han Shengyuan, the only Emperor-ranked Talismanist in Shenghua. Getting his approval to join the Divine Mechanism Battalion was a badge of honor in itself.
Zhou Fenghe continued earnestly, “Fuer, besides, he’s a lifelong friend of your grandfather’s. Even if he was just an ordinary cultivator, we should treat him with respect. Who knows, he might even recommend you for advanced study in the Divine Mechanism Battalion. That’s a real opportunity!”
After hearing this, Zhou Fufu couldn’t help but show a look of longing and nodded, continuing to wait outside.
As the most talented Talismanist in Lingtian City, her radiance was only slightly dimmer than Xiao Yuanqing’s. The only thing that could make her wait so eagerly was something to do with talismans.
Now, with the prospect Zhou Fenghe described, she was even more curious and excited about the old man even her father was treating so respectfully.
Just then, the carriage door opened.
Zhou Fufu immediately perked up and looked ahead, spotting a carriage escorted by three late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators approaching slowly.
With a spirit beast as the steed, of course, but even the escorts were all late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators!
That was basically half the strength of the Xiao Sect or the Four Sages Academy—what a show of force!
Zhou Fenghe saw it too, his face breaking into a broad smile as he went forward to greet them, “Old Master Zhou, this junior pays his respects.”
That voice—“Xiaofengzi?”
An elderly man with graying temples stepped down from the carriage. He was sturdy and carried himself with impressive vigor. After alighting, he strode forward, “Xiaofengzi, it’s been a long time.”
Zhou Fenghe gave a wry smile, “Old Master Zhou, only you would call me that in Lingtian City. At least give me a little face.”
Zhou Hongwu laughed, clapping Zhou Fenghe’s shoulder with his large hand, teasing, “What? Back when your father and I were courting your mother, you weren’t even born yet, and now you mind?”
“How could I?”
Zhou Fufu also gave a sweet smile, “Hello, Grandpa Zhou!”
Zhou Fenghe said, “Let me introduce you. This is my daughter, Zhou Fufu. Fuer, Old Master Zhou and your grandfather are lifelong friends. Call him Grandpa Zhou.”
“That’s my favorite way to be called!”
Zhou Hongwu stroked his beard, a fond look appearing in his eyes, “Hmm, you’ve got a bit of your grandmother’s spirit. Looks like you’ll be a real beauty in the future.”
“Grandpa Zhou, don’t tease me.”
Zhou Fufu took Zhou Hongwu’s slightly withered hand and led him into the guild. “Grandpa Zhou, let’s go. It’s too sunny outside—I’ll show you around inside!”
Zhou Hongwu nodded right away, “Good, good, good. Show me how your grandfather turned the Lingtian City Talismanist Guild into what it is now.”
Before going in, Zhou Hongwu reminded his guards, “No need to follow me in. Just watch the carriage and don’t block anyone else’s business.”
After they entered the main hall, Zhou Fenghe quickly caught up.
Zhou Hongwu asked, “By the way, why is it so lively here? Didn’t I just send my visitation card two days ago? Word’s spread this fast?”
“Of course! Who wouldn’t want to meet a Tier Three Talismanist from the Imperial Capital like you?”
Zhou Fufu, holding Zhou Hongwu’s arm, said, “But there’s another reason. You came back at just the right time—our Talismanist Guild is hosting a competition for talismanists, so a lot of them have come to participate!”
“Oh, a competition? Then I must take a good look.”
Zhou Hongwu stroked his beard, curious about the current talents of Lingtian City. Then, as if something came to mind, he asked, “By the way, little girl, what tier are you now as a Talismanist?”
“I’m not that good—just about to challenge the threshold for Tier Three Talismanist, and I only know the Tier Three Heavenly Fire Talisman.”
Even as she said that, Zhou Fufu’s face held a touch of pride.
After mastering a Tier Three talisman, she finally had the confidence to stand up to Golden Core cultivators—even if she’d still lose, she could at least put up a fight, making her the strongest below Golden Core.
Her reputation in Lingtian City was now second only to Xiao Yuanqing, who was half a step into Golden Core.
“Good! Good! Good!”
Zhou Hongwu said “good” three times in a row, “You’ve already surpassed your father and me!”
“Nonsense. I’ve just barely caught up to Dad. Catching up to you, Grandpa Zhou, is still a long way off.”
Zhou Fufu grinned slyly, “But if you teach me a new talisman, maybe I could surpass my dad.”
“Fufu, mind your manners. The method of refining each talisman is an important family secret—how can it be taught so casually?”
Zhou Fenghe was immediately anxious, hurriedly telling Zhou Hongwu, “Old Master Zhou, this is my failure in teaching her. Please don’t take offense!”
But Zhou Hongwu wasn’t pleased, “Why can’t it be taught? Or should I take my skills to the grave with me?”
After he finished, Zhou Hongwu looked at Zhou Fufu and said, “Little girl, as long as you call me Grandpa a few more times in front of your grandfather and annoy that old guy, I promise to teach you my best Tier Three Vajra Barrier Talisman!”
Zhou Fenghe looked a bit strange, as if he’d heard something odd.
“Hehe! Pinky promise!”
Zhou Fufu hooked her little finger with Zhou Hongwu’s slightly withered finger.
Zhou Fenghe could only sigh helplessly. With these two living ancestors happy, what else could he say?
Forget it—it was his daughter’s decision, as long as the old and young were pleased.
Zhou Fufu beamed, “Grandpa Zhou, you’re the best! When the competition starts, you must watch me—I’ll win first place just for you~”
“Not bad, not bad! Kid, you’ve got a great daughter.”
Zhou Hongwu praised Zhou Fenghe, patted the girl’s head, then took out a slip and said, “Take this and get the materials for the Golden Light Barrier Talisman. I’ll personally teach this little girl how to draw it.”
Zhou Fenghe nodded in delight. He hadn’t expected his daughter to win Zhou Hongwu’s guidance so easily.
He hurriedly summoned a female cultivator, handed her the list, and told her to get the materials quickly.
Soon after, a female cultivator returned to report. Zhou Fenghe, surprised at how fast she was, noticed the embarrassment on her face.
At once, Zhou Fenghe knew something was wrong, “What is it?”
The female cultivator said softly, “Some of the materials on the list are already out of stock…”
“No stock? How’s that possible!”
Zhou Fenghe was incredulous, “We restock every half month—how could we be out?”
The female cultivator, frightened by the guild leader’s anger, hurriedly replied, “Most other materials are still in stock, but half an hour ago, a disciple from the Four Sages Academy bought a huge amount of Golden Core stage Golden Armor Serpent scales—most of our stock went then.”
Zhou Fufu frowned, “Didn’t you say there were still some left?”
“Miss…”
The female cultivator continued, “Just now, another Four Sages Academy disciple came and bought up the rest. It’s probably the same person.”
Zhou Fenghe frowned. Golden Armor Serpent scales were Tier Three materials, hard to restock. “What about other casual cultivators? Anyone else selling them?”
She answered, “There were, but he bought those too.”
Zhou Fenghe rubbed his temples and looked at the empty-handed female cultivator, “What about the rest of the materials? Surely not everything’s gone?”
“We still have all the Tier Two materials.” The female cultivator replied.
“What do you mean, only Tier Two materials left?”
Zhou Fenghe caught the key point, “So all the Tier Three materials are gone?”
The Tier Three Vajra Barrier Talisman needed three Tier Three materials: main ingredient Heavenly Astral Gold powder, and as auxiliaries, Golden Armor Serpent scales and Tie Bei Turtle shell powder.
All three were Tier Three materials, and sourcing them in Lingtian City was tough—they’d have to go to another city.
“Not exactly,” the female cultivator said.
“Oh? So we still have Tie Bei Turtle shell powder?” Zhou Fenghe breathed a sigh of relief.
The female cultivator replied, “We still have the Heavenly Astral Gold that’s reserved as the competition prize.”
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