Starting as a Talisman Master

Xuan Yin Valley... Lu Chi had heard this name before when chatting with some rogue cultivators in the market.

Hundreds of miles northwest of Dongyue County lies a damp mountain range called Youming Ridge, which is the location of Xuanyin Valley.

The cultivators in this valley are known for their insidious Gu techniques and soul-capturing spells. They often act by any means necessary, specializing in unorthodox and heretical practices, and their reputation among rogue cultivators is extremely bad.

When ordinary cultivators mention it, they usually frown and shake their heads, keeping their distance with respect.

However, the sect leader of this valley is a peak Qi Refining cultivator, whose strength is among the top in the Dongyue County. Therefore, despite his notorious reputation, no one has ever truly denounced him, let alone dared to unite and annihilate him.

Seeing his slightly furrowed expression, Qin Su Niang sighed softly and turned her gaze to the window, as if reminiscing about the past:

"Qixia Sect and Xuanyin Valley once fought over a first-order spiritual vein. The two sides fought fiercely, resulting in heavy casualties. In the end, Qixia Sect gained the upper hand, and Xuanyin Valley was forced to retreat. From that day on, they regarded our sect as a thorn in their side and often attacked us in secret."

She paused, turned to look at Lu Chi, a flash of coldness crossing her eyes:

"My husband was poisoned by the 'Soul-Eating Gu' of Xuan Yin Valley. He barely managed to return, then went into seclusion for half a year before passing away. After he left, our sect gradually declined, and Xuan Yin Valley, seeing our sect's weakness, became even more unscrupulous."

So that's how it is... No wonder Qin Su Niang was so eager to recruit me and Liu Qing to expand the talisman master lineup; no wonder Cao Zhen guarded us day and night with such strict vigilance... However, there seems to be another hidden reason behind this... Lu Chi frowned slightly after hearing this.

On the surface, this story seems perfectly logical. It's common for two factions to fight for lineage, forge a deep-seated feud, and resort to underhanded schemes and revenge.

Upon closer examination, however, there are several discrepancies.

If Xuan Yin Valley truly intended to kill someone, how could they have managed to return to their clan after using the "Soul-Eating Gu"? Since this Gu is named Soul-Eating, it would not have left only half a life, allowing someone to return with clues.

Furthermore, he passed away after six months of seclusion. During those six months, Qixia Sect did not take any countermeasures. It would be too passive for a sect to allow its leader to exhaust himself and die.

Another point.

When Qin Su Niang mentioned this matter, her tone was heavy, but her expression remained extremely composed. There was sadness in her voice, but no real loss of control. It was more like she was recounting an old case than reopening old wounds.

Lu Chi lowered his gaze.

He didn't know the details, but he was certain that things weren't as simple as she described.

Perhaps Xuan Yin Valley does bear some responsibility.

However, it is difficult to say whether there were others who fueled the flames or if there were other hidden reasons.

When he looked up, his expression had returned to normal, but he felt a renewed sense of caution towards the Qixia Sect.

Qin Su Niang's words just now were actually a warning to him to be careful of Xuan Yin Valley.

This is no empty talk. Since Xuan Yin Valley has a grudge against Qi Xia Sect, how could it sit idly by and watch Yue Yin Pavilion gain a foothold in the market? If it really wants to take action, it is not impossible that it would include him, the talisman master, in the plan.

"Thank you for your frankness, Sect Master. Now that I have joined the Moon Concealment Pavilion, I will stand with the sect through thick and thin. If the Profound Yin Valley comes again, I will certainly not stand idly by."

Lu Chi bowed and accepted, already having his own plans. He would prepare several more talismans for self-defense when going out in the future.

With a high-grade talisman by his side, even someone in the late stage of Qi Refining might not be able to defeat him easily.

Within the market town, the three major families took turns patrolling, with strict rules in place. Even if Xuan Yin Valley had designs on the area, it dared not act rashly.

Of course, this is the ideal outcome. The Qixia Sect is unstable both internally and externally, and the situation is unclear. It is necessary to leave a way out.

Qin Su Niang treated him well, and he remembered it in his heart. However, the path of cultivation is fraught with danger and unpredictability. When faced with a desperate situation, one should cut ties decisively and flee far away to ensure one's safety.

Qin Su Niang gently flicked her gauze sleeves, her gaze gentle yet tinged with concern: "From what I've observed, Master Lu's breathing techniques seem to be those commonly practiced by rogue cultivators. While his foundation is solid, he may not be able to fully utilize his talents, and I fear his future progress will be limited."

"Although the Qixia Sect is weak, it possesses a technique called 'Mysterious Moon Qi Condensation Technique,' which is specifically designed for Qi Refining cultivators to cleanse their spiritual energy and solidify their foundation. If Master Lu does not mind, I am willing to bestow this technique upon you, so that you may advance further."

"What does Master Lu think?"

Lu Chi's heart stirred slightly. Although he usually tried his best to conceal his aura when he was out, as fellow cultivators, he could see through his disguise if he had a discerning eye.

It was understandable that Qin Su Niang could tell that his cultivation method was mediocre. Given her ability to establish herself in the market and her fifth-level Qi Refining cultivation, she was unlikely to be someone who relied solely on her looks.

The Qixia Sect's inherited cultivation techniques... Lu Chi had originally planned to find an opportunity to inquire about this matter today.

That nameless martial art was picked up from a dilapidated temple. By the middle stage of its practice, it had become stagnant, and the absorption of spiritual energy was like a trickle. Its combat power was not particularly impressive.

The former sect leader of Qixia Sect was at the peak of Qi Refining, and his lineage was considered top-notch in Dongyue County. He had long harbored the desire to change his cultivation path.

However, he was always cautious and unwilling to make promises lightly, so he cupped his hands and said, "I appreciate the sect leader's kindness. To be honest, I do intend to change my cultivation method, but I am still considering it."

"May I ask if you may allow me to take a look at this 'Mysterious Moon Qi Condensation Technique'? I will study it carefully before making a decision."

Qin Su Niang smiled faintly and remained silent. She lifted her gauze sleeve and took out a thin blue book from her storage bag. The cover had four characters engraved in seal script, exuding an ancient charm. It was the "Mysterious Moon Qi Condensation Technique".

Lu Chi took it, his fingertips slightly cool. He had thought the other party would refuse, but to his surprise, the other party was so quick to accept. He was a little surprised.

He didn't say much, and immediately flipped through the book.

The book contained mostly methods of breathing exercises, emphasizing the use of moonlight as a guide to condense spiritual energy and cleanse impurities. The approach was quite sophisticated, indeed more refined than his original practice. If he were to switch to this method, he could reshape the pathways of his meridians.

But as you turn to the back, the number of pages gradually decreases.

The mental cultivation method abruptly ends at a certain point, with no follow-up key points. Although it may be enough to induce a change in the body's energy flow, it is difficult to see any deeper evolution.

If one were to rely solely on this method to cultivate to the late stage of Qi Refining, it would be virtually impossible.

Lu Chi closed the book, his expression returning to normal.

It's just a fragment.

Seeing this, Qin Suniang said softly, "I did not bring the complete scroll of this sect's method. If Master Lu is willing to switch to this method, once your foundation is solid and the time is right, I will personally take you to the Qixia Sect to see the complete inheritance."

No matter how nicely it's said, it's nothing more than using a fragment as bait to lure me into a trap... Lu Chi lowered his eyes, a hint of coldness appearing between his brows.

If one truly switches to this method, once one's foundation is established, changing to another method will become extremely difficult, and one will be constrained in both advancement and retreat.

He had just been thinking of the Qixia Sect, but now it seems that his relationship with Qin Su Niang was ultimately based on the weight of the bargaining chips and the length of time she was useful; there was no genuine affection between them.

However, he had just considered withdrawing, and when it came to scheming, he might not be much better than the other way around.

"I am deeply grateful for the Sect Master's kindness. However, changing my cultivation method concerns my path to immortality, so please allow me to consider it carefully. Once I have made a decision, I will inform you."

Upon hearing this, Qin Suniang's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, her smile remaining but now carrying a hint of deeper meaning: "Of course. Master Lu is always steady and reliable, I have no hurry."

She deftly gathered the book back into her sleeve, rose to see the guest off, and spoke in her usual gentle tone.

Lu Chi bowed and took his leave. As he stepped out of the inner hall, his back was steady, but in his heart he wondered: Apart from Qixia Sect, where else in Dongyue County could one find profound martial arts techniques?

For a moment, I was completely stumped.

Well, I'll have to ask around.

Now that I have obtained over a hundred spirit stones, I might as well go home and rest first, and then buy Qi-Nourishing Pills and Spirit-Gathering Pills to help my cultivation progress steadily.

The journey home was not far, and his mind was somewhat at ease when he suddenly heard a faint whisper entering his mind. The voice was intermittent and incoherent, but it was clearly not a hallucination.

Lu Chi paused in his steps.

The old locust tree beside the alley casts swaying shadows, its bark rough and cracked, its leaves rustling in the wind.

The soft, rustling sound was faintly coming from among the branches and leaves.

Further away, a wild vine climbs the wall, its leaf tips trembling slightly, making a rustling sound.

His expression remained unchanged, but his heartstrings were already taut. Ever since he acquired the [Listening to Plants], he could hear the whispers of plants and trees. This time, the soft sounds were clearly a warning.

It seems someone has been here before? Who was it?

He didn't linger and went straight back to his residence. As soon as he reached the door, his face suddenly darkened.

At the bottom corner of the door frame, the warning sign had long since faded and its runes were charred black, clearly indicating that it had been triggered.

A soft knocking sound came from inside the house, as if someone was struggling.

Someone has broken in! People from Luo Wenshan... or Xuan Yin Valley? Lu Chi's heart tightened, and a lot of thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.

He pulled a talisman from his sleeve, his fingertips slightly clenched, ready to escape at any moment.

The thought crossed my mind, but I stopped myself.

"The commotion was not significant, and the aura was not strong. If Luo Wenshan or Xuan Yin Valley really wanted to make a move, they would not have sent someone with such cultivation level, nor would they have known they were trapped and yet had no one to help them."

The faint sound of array patterns echoing could be heard from inside the room; it was the trapping array he had left behind.

The opponent failed to break through, indicating that their cultivation level was at most the mid-stage of Qi Refining.

"It's illegal repairmanship!"

Lu Chi's gaze grew cold.

Rumors have been circulating in the market lately that someone skilled in disguise and concealment can enter monks' residences at night and disappear without a trace.

I never imagined that this would happen to me today.

The Swiftness Talisman was quietly withdrawn, replaced by an Ice Arrow Talisman.

The talisman exuded a chilling aura, its secrets hidden within.

There are many secrets in his house. The three spiritual plants that were accelerated by the spiritual liquid alone are enough to arouse suspicion. If even a whisper of them were to be spread, the consequences would be dire.

Tonight, we must not let this man leave.