Starting as a Talisman Master

"My name is Liu Qing, and I greet Young Master Han."

Liu Qing was initially reluctant to get up, and the teacup in his hand paused for a moment between his fingers. In the end, he suppressed his emotions, slowly stood up, straightened his robes, and walked over.

His gaze immediately fell on Lu Chi, and the next moment, his expression became even more unpleasant.

Lu Chi's expression was amused.

It's not surprising that this person would appear here. He has reached the fourth level of Qi Refining and has the title of a mid-grade talisman master. He may have settled in the heart of the market or have dealings with the cultivators here. It's reasonable that he was invited to the banquet.

Their eyes met.

Liu Qing's lips twitched, forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace. She thought to herself:

Could it be that enemies are destined to meet? To run into this fellow here!

Since the matter of the Hidden Pavilion was settled a month ago, he knew that he had lost ground in the pavilion and had to conceal his sharpness. From then on, he put away his competitive spirit and only sought to act peacefully.

Unexpectedly, I ran into this old rival again at today's tea party, and of course, it happened to be in this kind of setting.

This old Taoist priest, Qingxu, probably thought Lu Chi was an easy target, just like he had before. He wanted to take advantage of Lu Chi to show off his skills in front of the Han family.

Liu Qing cursed inwardly.

Isn't this pushing him into a fire?

Others may not know, but he knows all too well that the person in front of him is only in his early twenties, yet his talisman skills have already reached a high level. If they were to really compete, how could he dare to claim victory or defeat so easily?

Unaware of the subtle atmosphere, Master Qingxu smiled and introduced, "Fellow Daoist Liu comes from Xuan Yue Market. He is now the chief talisman master in the newly opened talisman shop in the market, and his attainments in talismanic arts are quite profound."

Upon hearing the word "Chief," Liu Qing's expression stiffened even more.

The title of "Chief Talisman Master" was something he casually mentioned when he boasted to Qingxu.

At that time, he did not know Lu Chi, so he naturally took the limelight of Yueyin Pavilion upon himself.

But now... on the day the two handed over the talismans, Qin Su Niang directly announced that Lu Chi was the chief talisman master of the Moon Hidden Pavilion.

Lu Chi cupped his hands in a slight gesture: "Fellow Daoist Liu."

"Fellow Daoist Lu." Liu Qing forced a smile, his voice still relatively calm, clearly unwilling to provoke him any further.

Master Qingxu, however, was completely unaware of the undercurrents, and his smile only grew wider.

"Since we are fellow talisman masters, we should naturally get closer." He looked at Lu Chi, "I wonder which talisman shop Fellow Daoist Lu is currently working for? What kind of talismans do you produce? If you could exchange a few sparring sessions with Fellow Daoist Liu, we could verify each other's skills."

The words implied that the two were of different social standing.

Lu Chi remained calm, offering only a faint smile without replying.

"Master Qingxu, Fellow Daoist Liu, the tea is warm, and everyone has arrived. If we delay any longer, we might miss the appointed time."

Han Jingxing frowned, his tone already showing some impatience. He waved his hand to stop Qingxu from speaking and directly pulled Lu Chi to his seat.

He had only intended to bring Lu Chi here to broaden his horizons, but he hadn't expected things to turn out so awkwardly so soon after he entered the sect. Master Qingxu was still talking on and on, but he finally raised his hand to stop him.

Master Qingxu wanted to ask a few more questions, but had to give up.

After the two sat down, Han Jingxing sighed softly and lowered his voice, saying, "Brother Lu, please don't be offended. Qingxu is a man who always likes to put on airs and wants to determine who is superior to whom."

"He was originally a rogue cultivator who spent his early years mingling in the mortal world. I heard that he even served as a 'national advisor' for a few years, receiving endless flattery from kings and nobles. Later, by chance, he moved to the marketplace and gradually gained some fame with his alchemy skills."

"This man was extremely attentive to the scions of prominent families, eager to bring everyone at the banquet to meet him. Although I disliked this manner, he was still of some use to me, so I couldn't very well refute him to his face."

Han Jingxing shook his head: "That Master Liu is probably just someone he brought in to save face. Qingxu is used to using others to elevate himself, fawning on those in power and belittling those in power. Brother Lu, if you see him in the future, just say a few words to him. This man can talk for half a day on his own, so there's no need to bother with him."

Lu Chi couldn't help but chuckle.

Han Jingxing said that others talk a lot, but he himself is no less so.

However, one particular remark caught his attention.

Qingxu was originally an alchemist. Although Han Jingxing disliked his mannerisms, he still said that it was "useful," which was clearly not just a casual remark.

Could it be that the Han family has other plans in the market, intending to make a name for themselves in the art of alchemy?

……

……

Master Qingxu flicked his sleeves and took his seat, still maintaining his composed demeanor. Two young disciples stood on either side of him, while Liu Qing sat down to his left.

As the tea smoke curled upwards, he stroked his beard, but the scene from just moments before still lingered in his mind.

Liu Qing's expression was clearly different.

In the past, when discussing the Dao of Talismans, this person always spoke with a touch of arrogance. But just now, he was much more restrained, not even daring to linger in eye contact. If they were merely fellow practitioners, he wouldn't have acted this way.

"Fellow Daoist Liu, are you and Lu Chi old acquaintances?"

More than just old acquaintances? Liu Qing remained silent for a moment, not answering immediately.

Seeing this, Master Qingxu became even more suspicious and said, "This person is so young, and his aura is only at the fourth level, yet he was able to come with Young Master Han. Could he have some other background?"

Liu Qing rubbed his temples, weighing the matter in his mind several times. In the end, he could not say much, and only said in a low voice, "This person is not easy to provoke. It would be best if you, Daoist, did not have any intention of getting involved with him."

Upon hearing this, Master Qingxu felt a slight unease in his heart.

Although Liu Qing had some undeserved reputation, he wasn't one to speak carelessly. Since he said "not to be provoked," there must be a reason for it.

He glanced at Han Jingxing at the table, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes.

This young man from the Han family was chatting with me quite warmly a while ago, and his words clearly showed his intention to win me over. He mentioned that the Han family wanted to open a pill shop in the market and needed someone to oversee it.

Now he's sitting side-by-side with a talisman master, chatting and laughing. Could it be that he has other plans?

Qingxu secretly made his own plans.

The Han family is a rising star, but if they really want to establish themselves in the market, they can't bypass the Shen family in the field of alchemy.

Although he did not inherit the orthodox lineage, he had some knowledge of the ways of the trade, and he might be useful to the Han family.

He took a sip of tea, and his expression returned to normal.

Hopefully, that kid remembers what he said earlier.

If the promises made by scions of prominent families are merely empty words, then it is truly disheartening.

……

……

The aroma of tea gradually dissipated during the gathering.

Han Jingxing turned to the side and asked in a low voice, "Brother Lu, is there anything you wish to exchange?"

Lu Chi thought for a moment, then made no attempt to hide it.

"The cultivation method I practice is merely a common one that I obtained by chance. If I could acquire a more profound cultivation method, that would be best. In addition, I would like to find some spiritual plants, preferably second-tier ones. If there are no mature plants, seeds will also be acceptable."

He spoke frankly, cupping his hands in a respectful gesture: "Brother Han has been here for a long time and comes from a prominent family; he might know some connections. If you have any leads, I would be extremely grateful."

After listening, Han Jingxing first nodded, then gently shook his head.

"Second-tier spiritual plants are not common in the market. If they are mature plants, they have probably already been reserved."

He paused for a moment, then said, "However, Brother Lu only asks for seeds, which may not be impossible. I do know a senior who often has some rare items; perhaps I can get them from him."

At this point, he looked somewhat puzzled.

"But what does Brother Lu need spirit plant seeds for? Are you perhaps a spirit farmer?"

"I must warn you first, cultivating spiritual plants is no easy task. From seed to maturity, it takes at least several decades, and sometimes as long as a hundred years. Even in my Han family, there aren't many who can truly cultivate them."

Lu Chi had already prepared his explanation and appeared calm.

"I'm not afraid to admit it, Brother Han. My aptitude is quite ordinary, only a low-grade spiritual root. Since there are no shortcuts, I can only make some long-term plans."

"A hundred years is both a long and a short time. If we can cultivate ourselves while slowly nurturing these seeds, it will be a way to leave behind a memento. Perhaps they will come in handy when our cultivation advances further in the future."

After hearing this, Han Jingxing was momentarily at a loss for words. He opened his mouth, but finally only managed to say, "Brother Lu... you do have foresight."

He took another sip of tea, then changed the subject: "The matter of cultivation techniques is even more difficult than cultivating spiritual plants. Since Brother Lu has asked for a profound method, I wonder what level you are seeking?"

After a moment's thought, Lu Chi said frankly, "My cultivation is shallow, and I have a low-grade spiritual root. I can barely manage with ordinary cultivation techniques. However, if I have the opportunity, I would like to switch to a technique with a more stable foundation."

Upon hearing this, Han Jingxing's eyes flickered slightly, realizing that what Lu Chi was seeking was no ordinary item; it might even be a Foundation Establishment method.

"Brother Lu, you've got quite the ambition. Such a technique is not easily found in the market. Most independent cultivators only have Qi cultivation methods, at most connecting half a fragment of a book. Those who can truly master it to the Foundation Establishment stage are either from a large family or the foundation of a sect."

Lu Chi remained calm.

Since one is on the path of enlightenment, one should always keep a lofty aspiration in one's heart. If one does not even dare to have this thought, then spiritual practice becomes mere confinement.

Han Jingxing smiled enigmatically: "I do possess a martial arts technique that might just be what Brother Lu desires."

"This method is called the 'Mysterious Origin Foundation Transformation Technique.' During the Qi Refining stage, it ensures a solid foundation and a continuous flow of Qi. If one cultivates it to perfection, there is a 20% chance of condensing a mortal foundation and directly reaching the Foundation Establishment realm. I obtained it by chance when I was training in Qingyuan County in my early years. Its origin is clean and has no connection with my clan."

If there's only a 20% chance of success, then there's an 80% chance it's hopeless.

Lu Chi's heart sank, and his expectations for that cultivation technique faded somewhat. Instead, the words "mortal foundation" stirred something within him.

"What did you mean by 'Fanji' that you mentioned earlier, Brother Han?"

Lu Chi frankly said, "What I have heard is that Foundation Establishment requires the condensation of spiritual energy, the transformation of the soul, and the reshaping of the physical body, ultimately forming the Dao Foundation. As for the distinction between Dao Foundations, I have only heard of Human Dao Foundation Establishment and Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment, and I know little about the others."

Han Jingxing smiled slightly, not at all surprised: "The distinction between the foundations of the Dao is far more complex than just the Dao of Man and the Dao of Heaven."

"If we were to discuss it in detail, it can be divided into five levels: Mortal Foundation, Spiritual Foundation, Superior Dao Foundation, Flawless Dao Foundation, and Heavenly Dao Foundation. What you have heard of 'Human Foundation Building' is merely a general term for all Dao Foundations other than the Heavenly Dao Foundation."

"Only those who are beyond flawless are qualified to contend for the title of 'Heavenly Way.' Of course, we both know this in our hearts."

His tone softened: "Most cultivators in the world, in their entire lives, only manage to condense the mortal foundation. To achieve that is already to surpass ninety percent of one's peers."

Lu Chi silently noted it down; such sights and sounds were rarely heard of by rogue cultivators.

"Since Brother Han has brought this up with me, I imagine it wasn't just a casual remark. I am indeed interested in this technique. If the opportunity arises, please feel free to speak frankly."