Starting as a Talisman Master

Chapter 270 Master Lu (5.2k)

Lu Chi suppressed his fleeting emotions, his expression remaining calm. He simply stepped aside and raised an arm, saying, "Since the sect leader has come to visit in person, if you don't mind the simplicity of the cave dwelling, please come inside and have a cup of coarse tea."

Having lived for hundreds of years, Master Xuanchen was naturally a wise and experienced man. When he arrived, he had already questioned Uncle Zhou and the other disciples stationed there, and learned that Lu Chi had been deliberately concealing his cultivation level all these years, living a secluded life in this market.

He naturally wouldn't be so tactless as to pry into the other party's reasons for concealing their true nature. Instead, he gave a wry smile, shook his head, and sighed, "Master Lu, you're too kind. It's just that my disciples are too mortal to recognize your true abilities. They've caused you some grievances in the market over the years. If they've been negligent in any way, I'll apologize on their behalf."

Lu Chi smiled slightly and said calmly, "Sect Leader, you flatter me. I have always preferred tranquility, and I have been enjoying peace and quiet in my seclusion here for the past few years. How could you say I have been negligent?"

The two looked at each other for a moment, their words conveying a tacit understanding and harmony. Master Xuanchen did not refuse and immediately followed Lu Chi into the Class A cave dwelling.

The two entered the cave and took their seats in front of the stone table, one as host and the other as guest.

Lu Chi flicked his sleeve, and a set of antique tea utensils quietly landed on the table. He flicked a wisp of magic power with his finger, conjuring a spiritual fire out of thin air, and took out a small jar of sealed tea leaves, brewing them slowly and deliberately.

Before long, a refreshing and cool tea aroma filled the room.

"Please have some, Sect Leader." Lu Chi poured a full cup and handed it to True Person Xuan Chen.

Master Xuanchen thanked him and took the teacup. The tea inside was clear and bluish, with wisps of mist rising from its surface.

He took a small sip, closed his eyes slightly, and savored it.

A moment later, Master Xuanchen opened his eyes, a look of surprise on his face. He clicked his tongue in amazement: "Excellent tea. It's refreshingly cool upon entry, but after swallowing, it transforms into a pure and warm spiritual energy that cleanses the mind. If I'm not mistaken, this tea should be made from the tender leaves of the third-tier spiritual plant, the Xuan Shuang Jade Cypress?"

Lu Chi smiled slightly and said humbly, "Sect Leader has a good eye. When I was traveling in my early years, I happened to obtain a broken branch of a Xuan Shuang Jade Cypress, so I tried to make this tea by picking a few new leaves. My skills are crude, and I hope you will forgive my poor performance."

In fact, this Xuan Shuang Jade Cypress was a spiritual seed he had collected from Hundred Herbs Peak years ago. The reason he specially brought out this third-tier spiritual item to entertain his guests was not to show off, but because he had other plans in mind.

Master Xuanchen put down his teacup and smiled, "Master is too modest. It's quite a coincidence that my Luoxia Sect also has several ancient spiritual tea trees that have been passed down for many years. Although they are not as secluded and cold as this Xuanshuang Jade Cypress, they still have their own unique spiritual charm."

"If you have some free time in the future, please feel free to visit my Luoxia Sect. I will certainly welcome you warmly and share fine tea with you."

He spoke in a gentle tone, and continued, "Since its founding, my Luoxia Sect has always relied on the art of alchemy. Since we are going to start refining pills, we naturally need all kinds of spiritual herbs and precious medicines."

"Over the centuries, our sect has cultivated numerous medicinal gardens, and with careful nurturing, many rare third-tier spiritual plants have survived. Since you are so interested in spiritual trees, I believe our sect's medicinal gardens will make your trip worthwhile."

Upon hearing the words "medicine garden," Lu Chi's heart stirred slightly, but he remained outwardly calm.

He nodded slightly and said gently, "I will remember your kindness, Sect Leader. If I have the time, I will definitely visit your sect to see those rare spiritual plants."

Having broken through to the Golden Core stage, if he could further improve the rank of the skills on his profession panel, they might develop into some excellent talents. However, if he wanted to continue to improve his "Spirit Farmer" profession, he would inevitably have to cultivate a large number of third-tier spirit plants by hand.

Such high-quality spiritual objects are nowhere to be found in ordinary markets, so he naturally had to pay close attention and inquire about them.

The reason I brought out this Xuan Shuang Jade Cypress to entertain my guests today was partly to test the waters.

Having heard that the Luoxia Sect possesses such a foundation, one might be able to find an opportunity in the future to exchange some third-tier spirit seeds with them.

After exchanging a few casual words, the atmosphere gradually became more harmonious.

Master Xuanchen set down his teacup and casually inquired, "I observe that your aura is remarkably strong, suggesting a profound foundation. May I ask how old you are?"

As they are both at the Golden Core stage, as long as Lu Chi doesn't actively disperse his concealment, others would definitely not be able to detect his bone age and spiritual root details using only their divine sense.

Lu Chi would not reveal his true lifespan.

After a brief calculation, he gave an age that he considered relatively safe: "I am of meager wisdom and have stumbled along the way, wasting my life to the age of over a hundred. My ability to form the Golden Elixir this time is entirely due to a bit of luck."

"Oh, over a hundred years old." Master Xuanchen remained composed, nodding slightly. He gently stroked his long beard with his withered hand, his tone kind and calm. "To have formed the Core at over a hundred years old, a testament to accumulated experience and eventual breakthrough—"

His stroking motion suddenly stopped, and with a barely perceptible tremor of his fingertips, he snapped off two strands of white hair.

Master Xuanchen slowly raised his eyelids, and the previous composure on his aged face was completely gone.

He stared intently at Lu Chi for a long while before finally managing to squeeze out a slightly dry voice, even losing his previous composure.

"Over a hundred years old?"

The reason why Master Xuanchen lost his composure at this moment was not because his Dao heart was unstable.

He himself possessed a low-grade spiritual root, making him exceptionally talented among his peers. He joined the Luoxia Sect at a young age and received meticulous cultivation from the sect's abundant resources.

It took him more than two hundred years to condense his magical power, hone his foundation, and finally break through the barriers to form the Golden Core.

Such progress in cultivation is considered superior among the successive patriarchs of the Luoxia School.

The man before them, Lu Chi, claimed to be a rogue cultivator, without any sect to rely on. He had struggled at the bottom of the cultivation world and was able to form a golden core at just over a hundred years old.

The comparison shocked him greatly, and he was stunned for a long time.

Master Xuanchen stared at Lu Chi for a long time, finally unable to suppress his shock, and couldn't help but ask, "Over a hundred years old—I wonder how exactly over a hundred years old Master Lu is?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he suddenly realized his mistake, his noodles warming slightly. He quickly apologized, "It was my fault. I was so agitated that I spoke without thinking. Please forgive me, Master. If it's inconvenient to explain, just pretend I never asked. It was truly my rudeness."

Lu Chi shook his head slightly, his expression remaining calm, and said indifferently, "It's alright, this is nothing to hide, Sect Leader, you don't need to worry about it."

He paused, looking at the other person's still-shocked expression, and then said, "It seems the sect leader has misunderstood. The 'over a hundred years old' I mentioned is not just over a hundred; I am actually one hundred and fifty years old now."

Upon hearing the words "one hundred and fifty years old," Master Xuanchen suddenly understood.

Although both 150 years old and over 100 years old belong to the category of "over 100 years old", the talents and foundations they represent are vastly different.

Even so, the fact that the other party, a mere rogue cultivator, could form a golden core at such an age shows that he is no ordinary person and must be someone with great opportunities and perseverance.

The methods practiced by Master Xuanchen were unique, and he was quite skilled in observing auras and judging people.

After several conversations, he had been secretly observing Lu Chi and saw that Lu Chi's magical power was pure and profound, without any trace of perverse or bloodthirsty aura, and was definitely not one of those evil cultivators who acted in an extreme way.

The Luoxia Sect is currently in dire need of talent. If they could recruit such a newly promoted Golden Core cultivator, wouldn't that be exactly what they wanted?

However, Master Xuanchen was mature and prudent, and knew that such an important matter should not be rushed.

This person's background is still unclear, so it would seem abrupt to offer him a recruitment offer prematurely.

Thinking of this, Master Xuanchen picked up his teacup again and changed the subject slightly.

In the ensuing conversation, he seemed to be casually discussing the customs and scenery of the cultivation world, but in reality, he began to subtly probe Lu Chi's past and origins.

Lu Chi, being perceptive, naturally understood the implied meaning. With a calm expression, he slowly recounted the resume he had prepared earlier.

He only knew that he was born on a remote, ordinary island when he was young. He accidentally obtained a fragment of a book and embarked on the path of Taoism. Since then, he has spent most of his life wandering between various markets in the boundless sea, relying entirely on his talisman-making skills to exchange for meager resources.

His words were half true and half false, which perfectly matched his reclusive lifestyle in Cangyuan City over the years. They sounded reasonable and watertight.

The two talked by candlelight until the night was deep.

After several conversations, Master Xuanchen felt more and more that the young man was calm and composed, knew how to advance and retreat, and was quite to his liking.

He thought to himself that if he could bring this person back to the sect and let his junior brother meet him, he would be very happy.

Master Xuanchen put down his teacup and said solemnly, "Master Lu has just formed his Golden Core and probably hasn't found a suitable blessed land yet. If you don't mind, why not come and stay at my Luoxia Mountain? My junior brother is also a person who is obsessed with spiritual plants, and he will surely become a close friend with you."

Lu Chi hesitated for a moment, then bowed apologetically and declined, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Sect Leader. However, I am used to being carefree, and having just broken through to the next realm, I still have several spells that I need to study in seclusion. It is indeed inconvenient for me to bother you at the moment. I hope you will understand, Sect Leader."

This was naturally just an excuse. Lu Chi had already thoroughly investigated the surrounding forces while lying low in the market.

The Falling Clouds Sect possesses extraordinary foundations; its ancestors included Nascent Soul stage cultivators. The mountain gate formations left behind by such sects are unpredictable and deadly.

As a newly promoted Golden Core cultivator, although his magical power was more profound than others of the same level, he would never rashly step into someone else's sect's protective formation.

When Master Xuanchen saw him decline, a hint of regret flashed in his eyes. He was well aware of the taboo of speaking too intimately with someone he didn't know well, so he didn't press the matter.

"If that's the case, I won't insist. The gates of my Luoxia Sect are always open to you, True Person."

When Master Xuanchen emerged from the cave, the disciples, including the old man surnamed Zhou, who were stationed outside, stood respectfully with their hands clasped.

Xuan Chen glanced at everyone and calmly instructed, "Master Lu is a distinguished guest of our sect. From today onwards, the area surrounding this Class A cave dwelling is designated as a forbidden zone, and no one is allowed to go there to disturb it. The rent Master Lu previously owed in the market is also completely wiped clean."

The disciples' expressions turned solemn, and they bowed their heads in agreement. Only then did Master Xuanchen wave his sleeve and transform into a streak of light, disappearing into the distance.

Inside the cave, Lu Chi silently spread his divine sense, taking in all the conversations outside.

Only after realizing that the aura of the golden core had completely left Cangyuan City did he slowly withdraw his divine sense, secretly thinking to himself, "Interesting."

This time, his Core Formation was a grand affair. In order to stabilize his realm, he secretly drew upon the spiritual energy of the market array and even triggered the array's core.

The sect leader of Xuan Chen didn't mention it at all, acting as if it never happened, which shows his intention to recruit him.

In the days that followed, the area outside the cave was indeed unusually quiet.

Lu Chi was well aware that no one had come to inquire about the rent that had been overdue for more than two years. Having reached the Golden Core Realm, such trivial matters were no longer of concern to him.

However, on the night of the fifth day...

The numerous restrictions on the Class A cave suddenly opened wide, then closed completely, severing all internal and external energy and creating the appearance of a secluded cultivation retreat.

Lu Chi himself had already transformed into a shadowy figure and quietly left the Cangyuan City market, landing in a desolate mountain hundreds of miles outside the market.

The desolate mountains and lonely ridges are chilled by the cold night wind.

Lu Chi stood with his hands behind his back on the edge of a cliff.

The void beside him trembled slightly, and a jet-black Styx Soul-Refining Banner appeared out of thin air, hovering silently. Yin energy swirled on the banner's surface, coalescing into the illusory face of Li Qianyou.

That day, Lu Chi and Xuan Chen sat facing each other drinking tea, and this banner was hidden in Lu Chi's sleeve.

Li Qianyou had overheard the conversation outside clearly. He suddenly chuckled dryly and said, "That old Daoist from the Falling Clouds Sect clearly has a good impression of you; his words were full of attempts to recruit you. Now that there's nothing else to do, why did you leave so late at night?"

Lu Chi looked towards the heart of the Great Li Kingdom and said calmly, "My formation of my core here will inevitably cause quite a stir. Although Xuan Chen has not made a fuss, the market is a melting pot of all sorts of people, and it's hard to guarantee that it won't leak to the ears of the other six factions of the Great Li Kingdom."

"Staying within the Luoxia Sect's formation will inevitably attract some tests and trouble in the future. It's better to leave first and enjoy some peace and quiet."

Li Qianyou nodded slowly, indicating that she understood.

He said no more, but his thoughts were racing.

In the past, this young man was extremely cautious in his actions, and he would hide his tracks at the slightest sign of trouble.

Although his withdrawal now is also to avoid trouble, judging from his breakthrough and his composure in advancing and retreating at will, he is quite different from before.

This action clearly indicated that the person was certain that there were no unforeseen events within the territory of the Great Li Kingdom that could truly endanger their life.

Since this young man was sent from Xuling to Qingming Continent, he naturally possesses no shortage of Nascent Soul Realm killing techniques. However, what Li Qianyou truly wanted to see was how much power Lu Chi would have after forming his Golden Core, relying solely on his own magical power.

A mountain breeze swept across the cliff, swirling up a few withered leaves.

Lu Chi suddenly broke the silence, asking in a calm voice, "Elder Li, do you think it's necessary for me to seek refuge with the Fang Sect now?"

The Yin energy within the Styx Soul Refining Banner surged. Li Qianyou pondered for a moment before speaking slowly: "Random cultivators have their freedom, and sects have their foundations. Each has its own calculations."

"Being a rogue cultivator is unrestrained, uninvolved in sect karma, and free from the constraints of sect rules. However, the difficulties are also obvious. Wealth, companions, methods, and land all need to be planned by oneself. Even collecting some third-tier spiritual items requires a lot of effort in the market."

"If you join a sect, you will be provided with excellent spiritual veins, and you will have access to classic texts and secret techniques. Some mundane tasks will also be handled by lower-ranking disciples. However, once you are supported by the sect, you will be at its beck and call. If you encounter sect infighting or are surrounded by powerful enemies, you will have no choice but to step forward and fight for your life."

At this point, Li Qianyou suddenly chuckled dryly, his tone tinged with amusement: "However, now that you have reached the Golden Core stage, your status is vastly different. If you were to go to those small sects, you would be more than capable of becoming a founding patriarch."

"Therefore, if you can find a place where you can just hold the empty title of guest elder, without having to worry about worldly affairs and disputes, and where you can receive a large sum of spiritual items as a stipend every month—this kind of business where you only take benefits and do nothing, it wouldn't hurt to join a sect."

Lu Chi shook his head slightly and said, "The kind of situation Elder Li described is probably rare in this world."

Li Qianyou chuckled ominously twice and pressed, "So, which side do you personally favor?"

Lu Chi remained silent for a moment.

His hesitation was not due to his former status as a disciple of the Taiqing Palace, nor was it out of reluctance to switch allegiance.

In the pursuit of the Great Dao, cultivators should prioritize the convenience of their cultivation. If he were to temporarily entrust his sect with acquiring resources today, his master would likely not reprimand him if he knew of it.

"Elder Li is a man of great knowledge and experience; he must also know of the Cangming Secret Realm, right?"

The gloomy aura on Li Qianyou's face froze.

He naturally knew about the Cangming Secret Realm.

That is a secret realm within the borders of Jingzhao and Youming in Huanyun Continent, opening only once every sixty years, and suspected to be a relic from ancient times. It contains many rare and precious materials and has always been an excellent place for Foundation Establishment cultivators of both countries to cultivate their foundations.

However, such a treasure land has always been firmly controlled by the six major sects of the righteous and demonic factions. Even if other sects and rogue cultivators have heard of it, they have absolutely no right to interfere.

A glint flashed in Li Qian's eyes, and he understood Lu Chi's thoughts. He asked in a deep voice, "Are you suspecting that the Seven Sects of Dali might also possess an opportunity similar to the Cangming Secret Realm?"

Lu Chi nodded slightly.

Even if he guessed wrong, the Seven Sects of Dali did not possess such a secret realm. However, if he could make more contact with cultivators of the same level from these major sects and exchange information, he would surely be able to discover more opportunities to improve his cultivation.

Reaching the Golden Core realm, in the vast world of cultivation in Qingming Continent, one could be considered mid-level. But the path to enlightenment is like climbing a mountain; if you don't advance, you fall behind, and he dared not have the slightest thought of stopping.

Now that the Taiyuan Profound Pill has been formed, the next step is to plan ahead for the future formation of the Nascent Soul.

Seeing that Li Qian remained silent, seemingly deep in thought, Lu Chi smiled slightly and said calmly, "There's no rush for this matter; we can proceed slowly."

He composed himself, and with a slight shift of light, landed on the Styx Soul Refining Banner that was quietly floating beside him.

This demonic treasure is a genuine magical artifact. Although Lu Chi is only at the Foundation Establishment stage, he can barely use it to fight, but ultimately he is limited by his cultivation level and cannot unleash the true power of the artifact.

Lu Chi raised his hand and formed a hand seal, causing the Taiyuan Xuan Dan within his Qi Sea to slowly circulate.

A deep and profound golden core power surged from his fingertips, continuously flowing into the banner.

In an instant, the Styx Soul Refining Banner emitted a burst of black light, and a chilling wind suddenly arose around it.

Li Qianyou was already relying on this painting, and now, with the infusion and nourishment of this powerful magic, his originally illusory face suddenly became more solid, and the chilling aura emanating from his body also rose steadily.

Lu Chi calmly sensed for a moment, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

The transformation is truly astounding.

Now that the Golden Elixir's power forms a foundation, this Soul Banner has finally revealed its true fangs.

Just considering Li Qianyou as the main soul at this moment, once he is summoned to fight, he can steadily unleash the combat power of the early Golden Core stage.

Lu Chi composed himself and put the Styx Soul Refining Banner into his sleeve. Then he reached out and patted his storage bag, and a faint light flashed in his palm, revealing a small, dim, yellow shield.

This was the very incomplete magical artifact he had found in the Burning Bone Cave years ago.

Lu Chi's fingertips were wreathed in magic power as he gently brushed over the mottled cracks on the shield's surface. After a moment's thought, he named it "Xuanhuang Shield".

As Lu Chi examined the tattered shield, he secretly made a plan.

Although he has now broken through to the Core Formation stage and his magical power has greatly increased, if you count the items he has on him, apart from the Styx Soul Refining Banner and this Xuanhuang Shield which barely reach the threshold of magic treasures, the rest of his handy weapons, such as the Xuanpo Gilded Needle and the Xuanyuan Sword, are still at the level of spiritual artifacts.

The power of a magical artifact is naturally invincible against Foundation Establishment cultivators, but it becomes inadequate when facing a Golden Core cultivator of the same level.

In my future cultivation, I will inevitably have to nurture and refine these artifacts to improve their quality.

Only when one's offensive and defensive methods are in line with one's own magical power can one be considered a true Golden Core cultivator.