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Li Shen's heart stirred slightly, but he remained calm and said:

"Please speak, Steward Zhao."

"Recently, there have been many events in the market, and the demand for talismans has increased significantly, but the talisman department is somewhat short-staffed."

Manager Zhao lowered his voice:

"There are a few young members of the clan who have some talent in talisman drawing, but they lack a good teacher to guide them and their progress is slow. After discussing with the elders, we would like to ask Master Li to spare some time to give us some pointers. Of course, the reward will not be stingy."

Upon hearing this, Li Shen did not respond immediately.

Manager Zhao then added:

"Master Li, you need not feel burdened. Just spend two hours explaining some basic techniques and correcting your methods. Come twice every ten days. As for the payment..."

He held out three fingers:

"Thirty low-grade spirit stones per month, plus one high-grade talisman inheritance."

Advanced Talisman Inheritance!

Li Shen's mind raced. When he looked through the books on talismans in the Zhao family's library, most of them were only instructive. Even if there were talisman inheritances, they were only basic talismans and did not involve advanced talismans.

Although advanced talismans, unlike ancient talismans, are not exclusive to any one family.

But the Zhao family's offer of such generous terms must have a deeper meaning.

After a moment's thought, Li Shen understood.

Despite the apparent instability in the market, the four major families remained unmoved, but in reality, they were all secretly accumulating strength. In the Zhao family's view, Li Shen's continuous provision of mid-grade energy-gathering talismans in such a short period of time was already a force worth winning over and investing in.

No good mentors to guide you?

The Zhao family has more than just him as a guest master.

That's a really lame excuse.

It's unclear whether Steward Zhao came up with it himself or if it was suggested by the elders.

After a moment's thought, Li Shen cupped his hands and said:

"I am deeply honored by the Zhao family's high regard, but I am unworthy of such consideration. I can accept the guidance, but there are two points to clarify beforehand: First, I will only provide guidance and will not be involved in the inheritance of talismans; second, the ultimate fate of these disciples depends on themselves."

Upon hearing this, Manager Zhao's plump face broke into a smile:

"Of course! How about we start tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM)?"

"If not tomorrow, how about the day after?"

He has a competition to participate in tomorrow, and Lin Xiaoxiao's wager is a fifty-year-old Floating Flame Grass, which is one of the auxiliary materials for refining Yuanhe Pill.

"No problem, then Master Li will come here at Chenshi the day after tomorrow."

After speaking, Manager Zhao settled the spirit stones with Li Shen. In addition to the basic monthly salary of three hundred spirit stones, Li Shen received an extra one hundred and fifty spirit stones and a pre-paid tuition fee of fifteen spirit stones.

After leaving the Zhao residence, Li Shen went to the Duobao Pavilion.

When I bought defensive inner armor before, I discovered that Duobaoge also offers a customization service.

Li Shen then decided to use the monster materials he had on hand to commission a custom order. Today happened to be the agreed-upon time for collection.

The treasure pavilion was still brightly lit, with various Buddhist artifacts displayed in an orderly manner.

The first floor mainly sells low-grade and mid-grade items, while the second floor is a private reception room that sells high-grade Buddhist artifacts and offers custom services.

Du Shanyan, the manager of Duobao Pavilion, greeted Li Shen. Upon seeing Li Shen, his eyes lit up and he quickly came forward to greet him.

"Fellow Daoist Li, your arrival is just in time. The inner armor and improved throwing knives you commissioned to be made were just completed this morning, and I was just about to send you a message."

As Du Shanyan spoke, he led Li Shen to the second floor:

"The weapon refiner said that the animal materials you provided were of excellent quality, and the finished product is even better than expected."

Upon entering the reception room, Du Shanyan immediately activated the soundproofing array to isolate external sounds and create a private environment for conversation.

Unlike other businesses in the market, Duobaoge is just a branch in Yunheshan Market.

Therefore, its relationship with the Foundation Establishment families in Yunhe Mountain Market is purely one of mutual benefit, not one of subordination.

This is also why Li Shen chose to have it customized.

The materials he had were not easy to sell.

"Fellow Daoist Li, please take a look."

Du Shanyan took out a black soft armor and five improved throwing knives, and placed them on the mahogany table.

The soft armor was tough to the touch, with the surface made primarily of the hide of a mid-stage Tier 1 black bear, and the lining incorporating supple spirit silkworm silk.

The quality is of medium grade in the first tier.

The five jet-black throwing knives had now turned dark green, clearly made from the Azure Water Toad. Being cut by the knives would result in being poisoned by the Azure Water Toad, which had a corrosive effect and hindered the flow of spiritual energy.

The quality has also reached the first-tier superior grade.

The two items alone cost Li Shen 300 spirit stones in customization fees, not including the cost of additional materials.

Fortunately, the quality met my expectations.

Li Shen examined it closely, while Du Shanyan pushed over a testing stone from the side:

"Fellow Daoist Li, why don't you give it a try?"

Li Shen's gaze fell on the dark green throwing knives. With a slight thought, he raised his right hand, and one of the throwing knives floated lightly in his palm.

"go!"

Li Shen gave a soft shout in his heart, and the flying knife transformed into a dark green afterimage, silently leaving a relatively deep wound on the hard testing stone made entirely of black iron.

Then a slight "sizzling" sound came from the edge, which was the corrosive effect of the toad venom.

"good!"

Du Shanyan couldn't help but let out a low shout, his eyes gleaming with admiration:

"The poison of this Azure Toad is so potent! It seems that ordinary magical artifacts would be unable to withstand its corrosive effects."

Li Shen was secretly delighted.

He retrieved the throwing knife and then tested the black soft armor.

Du Shanyan stood to the side, chuckling and rubbing his hands together.

"Is Fellow Daoist Li satisfied? To be honest, the craftsman who made this item is a master craftsman from our Treasure Pavilion. He was very excited when he saw the materials Fellow Daoist Li provided. He said it was rare to encounter such high-quality materials. He even added some of his own treasured items during the crafting process, which is why it has such an effect."

"Then I, Li, thank you."

Li Shen put away his inner armor and throwing knives, feeling quite pleased with himself.

With these two items, we will have more confidence whether we are going treasure hunting or fighting enemies in the future.

Accompanied by the shopkeeper, Li Shen left the Treasure Pavilion, then bought some materials for refining the Bigu Pill before returning to his courtyard.

After a simple adjustment, he threw himself back into cultivation, alchemy, and talisman drawing.

The next day, early in the morning, before the mist had dissipated, Li Shen got up and went out, only to bump into Lin Xiaoxiao, who was also going out.

After exchanging greetings, the two exchanged glances that held a hint of hostility.

To ensure fairness, the duel between the two was held in the Zhao family's alchemy room, which was used exclusively for refining elixirs.

As Lin Xiaoxiao was the disciple of the alchemist, and Li Shen was also a guest talisman master, it was not difficult for them to use it.

The two arrived here together, without saying a word the entire way.

At this moment, the disciples of the Zhao family who had heard some rumors all came over to join in the fun.

Some came to learn alchemy, some to learn talisman drawing, and some came specifically to watch.

After all, this competition was quite special to some extent.

It is a contest between different disciplines and specialties.

If Lin Xiaoxiao wins, it will not only prove that the majority of accepted ideas are correct, but it will also allow the disciples who study alchemy to smugly accuse the disciples who study talisman drawing.

Alchemy is a cut above drawing talismans.

vice versa.