Starting as a Talisman Master

Inside the side hall, everyone took their seats according to their status as guests and hosts, but the atmosphere was as cold as ice.

Lu Chi remained calm and composed, slowly picking up the celadon teacup, skimming off the foam, and taking a small sip.

The slightly bitter tea slid down his throat, which ironically made his mind even more active and clear.

Mu Changfeng and Qin Suniang were outwardly harmonious but inwardly vying for power within the sect, something he had long anticipated.

Based on this reasoning, how could Elder Mu possibly sit idly by and watch her use the Moon Concealment Pavilion's daily profits to firmly secure her position as acting sect leader?

Today's display of power is clearly a result of Mu Changfeng's deliberate attempt to recruit Wei Hong, a "superior-grade talisman master," to seize power and rival him and Liu Qing, seeing the rise of Yueyin Pavilion.

To be more precise, Wei Hong's primary target should be him, the current "chief".

Mu Changfeng's slightly hoarse voice slowly rang out: "Now that a renowned top-grade talisman master like Master Wei has joined us, the income of our Moon Concealment Pavilion will surely reach new heights in the future."

"However... it is debatable who should hold the title of 'Chief Talisman Master' in this pavilion."

Qin Su Niang lowered her eyelashes slightly, concealing the coldness in her eyes.

Immediately, a wisp of spiritual energy, thin as a spider's thread, carrying a hint of weariness, silently entered Lu Chi's ears.

"Fellow Daoist Lu. Just now in the hall, Elder Mu claimed that the sect was recruiting virtuous and talented people, but in reality, he wanted to use Master Wei's qualifications to forcibly obtain a title of honorary retainer."

"His heart is not in the Dao of Talismans, but in the power of my Moon Concealment Pavilion. If he were to act, the future income and rules of this pavilion would likely be transferred to someone else for no reason."

"I absolutely cannot agree to this. Please, Master Lu, do not back down. I will reward you handsomely once the matter is settled."

Lu Chi's expression remained unchanged, but he already fully understood.

No wonder Qin Su Niang looked somber when she came out; she must have experienced an extremely unequal confrontation inside.

She was a sensible person. Moon Shadow Pavilion was her foundation, and she couldn't possibly cut off her own arm by giving resources to outsiders forced in by her mortal enemy.

However, in the cultivation world, nominal authority is ultimately no greater than the suppression of one's cultivation level.

With his cultivation level nearing the peak of Qi Refining, Mu Changfeng was so powerful that even Qin Suniang, the acting sect leader, found it extremely difficult to stand up to him in front of everyone.

After the deed is done, there will be a generous reward... Lu Chi's thoughts stirred slightly. The Concentration Fruit and Earth Vein Ginseng left by Lin Chengye were essential for him to solidify his foundation and plan for foundation building. If he could take advantage of this cause and effect to obtain them, it would be an opportunity.

Moreover, Mu Changfeng's actions, ostensibly for fame, were in fact aimed at his own desk. This cause and effect naturally had to be settled on the spot.

Lu Chi: "Since Elder Mu is concerned about the chief position, in my opinion, we should follow the old rules of the pavilion. Master Wei and I will each rely on our abilities and determine who is superior based on the sales of talismans in the market."

"Whoever's completed talisman is more favored by fellow Daoists will be the chief, shall we?"

Mu Changfeng waved his hand: "It takes a long time and effort, so it's not necessary to go to such trouble. Since Master Lu is confident in his skills, why don't he have a friendly spar with Fellow Daoist Wei today?"

"You two will compete based on the quality of your talismans, the rarity of their types, and their various wondrous uses. The one who emerges victorious will become the chief of the Moon Concealment Pavilion. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone in the side hall changed.

Master Wei Hong gently stroked his long, gray beard, his eyes slightly closed, exuding an air of calm composure and confidence.

Lu Chi thought to himself, "Interesting."

It seems that this old scoundrel and this man surnamed Wei had conspired beforehand, and clearly came prepared, having set a trap for him to fall into.

Wei Hong was already slightly inferior to the other top-grade talisman masters in the Luo family's talisman shop. Moreover, he had been in seclusion for many years and had not produced many talismans, so outsiders mostly thought that he had not yet reached the required level.

With such a grand display, could it be that you've suddenly gained something?

Qin Su Niang frowned slightly: "Elder Mu's words are rather hasty. Both of you are rare top-grade talisman masters in our pavilion, each with your own unique skills and strengths. How can one easily determine who is better based on just a brief exchange on the spot?"

Her words, seemingly weighing the facts, were actually a covert attempt to exonerate Lu Chi.

After all, in the common perception, although Lu Chi is exceptionally talented, the time it has taken him to truly become a high-grade talisman master is still relatively short.

If it really came down to a contest of skill and knowledge of different types of talismans and obscure techniques, no one could possibly compete with Wei Hong, a seasoned veteran with decades of experience.

Wei Hong said calmly, "Even if they are both of the highest quality, the difference in spiritual energy flow and the smoothness of the beginning and end of the talisman is obvious to anyone with discerning eyes."

"Moreover, the variety of talismans a talisman master possesses corresponds to the needs of all walks of life in this market. The rarer and more practical the talismans are, the more certain it is that they can bring in sales revenue for the pavilion in the future."

"In my opinion, this competition not only reveals profound truths from seemingly minor details, but it is also perfectly reasonable and fair!"

Qin Su Niang frowned slightly and parted her red lips, just about to find another excuse to mediate.

"Since Master Wei is so interested, then I, Lu, will accept."

A gentle yet fearless voice suddenly broke in.

Lu Chi flicked the hem of his blue robe, his expression as calm as if he had merely agreed to add a side dish for dinner.

During his seclusion these past few days, he had thoroughly revamped his treasured talisman techniques. Now, the skill with which he writes and his control over the spiritual energy channels are far superior to what they used to be.

If it were any other kind of contest, he might have to think twice, but since it's a contest of talismans, what is there to fear?

The side hall suddenly fell silent, and everyone was taken aback, clearly not expecting him to agree so readily.

Qin Suniang swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue. Seeing Lu Chi's resolute expression, she opened her mouth, but in the end, it turned into a silent sigh, and she couldn't say anything more.

A glint of triumph flashed in Mu Changfeng's eyes, and he sneered inwardly: "He's still young and impetuous, and doesn't know his own limitations."

His intention was obvious: to compete in the art of talismanic arts and to publicly subdue Lu Chi.

Once Lu Chi loses power, Liu Qing will be even less of a threat.

Mu Changfeng: "Good! Master Lu is indeed a man of few words! Since we are going to have a match on the spot, this side hall is a bit too cramped. In my opinion, it would be better to move to the talisman-testing platform in the front hall, so that everyone in the pavilion can broaden their horizons."

Wei Hong stroked his long, gray beard, nodded slightly, and looked composed.

The group then filed out, passed through the screen, and went straight to the spacious talisman-selling area in the front hall of Moon Concealment Pavilion.

The sun was high in the sky, and many independent cultivators were already wandering around the shelves, selecting items, while several disciples of the Qixia Sect were waiting on the side.

The sudden appearance of these key figures and talisman masters in the back hall caused quite a stir, instantly drawing the attention of everyone in the hall.

Facing the curious gazes of the crowd, Mu Changfeng cleared his throat, gathered his energy in his dantian, and announced loudly: "Fellow Daoists, today our Moon Concealment Pavilion has a joyous occasion. Fellow Daoist Wei Hong, who was once famous throughout Qingque Mountain, will, from this day forward, serve and contribute to our pavilion."

A buzzing sound immediately filled the front hall.

Wei Hong's name carries considerable weight in the circle of cultivators on Qingque Mountain who frequently purchase talismans.

Before everyone could process the news, Mu Changfeng waved his sleeve, his gaze suddenly shifting to Lu Chi, and raised his voice:

"To celebrate Master Wei's entry into the Pavilion, a special event has been arranged today! The current Pavilion Master Lu and Master Wei will compete in the art of talismanic arts on the Talisman Testing Platform! Whoever demonstrates the superior skill on this platform today will become the future Chief Talisman Master of the Moon Concealment Pavilion!"

The front hall suddenly became lively, with exclamations and discussions rising and falling.

It's human nature to enjoy a good show, and this drama of top-tier talisman masters vying for the top spot is far more interesting than simply buying talismans.

Amidst the clamor of voices, Qin Suniang stepped aside, her delicate brows furrowed, her eyes filled with worry.

"Brother Liu Qing, you are also a talisman master. In your opinion... who has a better chance of winning this sparring match today?"

Liu Qing's gaze swept between Wei Hong and Lu Chi with complicated emotions. After hesitating for a long time, he finally uttered dryly, "Fellow Daoist Lu, perhaps."

Qin Su Niang opened her beautiful eyes slightly and looked at him in surprise.

She originally thought that Liu Qing, with her proud and arrogant nature, must be on Wei Hong's side after Lu Chi had stolen her thunder and humiliated her, and would be hoping that Lu Chi would also suffer a big setback today.

Liu Qing suddenly felt a chill run down her spine and subconsciously turned her head, only to meet Cao Zhen's fierce gaze, which seemed to want to devour her.

He felt a shiver run down his spine from the stare, and a sudden sense of bewilderment washed over him:

Is this guy surnamed Cao out of his mind? I only exchanged two words with him in secret, without even touching a finger, so why is he glaring at me with such a fierce look?