This thought quickly passed through Lu Chi’s mind, followed by a self?mocking inner sigh.

  After all, he was no heaven?defying prodigy—his aptitude was mediocre.

  To obtain an ancient formula was already a tremendous stroke of luck.

  Why get tangled up in debates about the ancient versus the modern?

  "Sect Master Qin, regarding the matter of the Foundation Establishment Pill formula, I am indeed moved."

  "If we are truly to discuss cooperation, I have one question: if I were to join the Mistvale Sect, how many talismans would I need to produce each month? And what rules would apply?"

  As soon as he spoke, a clear flicker of delight passed through Qin Suniang’s eyes, and the smile at the corners of her lips deepened slightly.

  She knew Lu Chi was already considering joining.

  "Since Talisman Master Lu is interested, I will naturally speak candidly."

  "If Talisman Master Lu is willing to join our sect, you would only need to produce thirteen talismans per month."

  "Among these, three should be mid?grade talismans, and ten should be low?grade."

  "The talismans must cover a variety of types: Spirit?Gathering, Golden Light, Ice Arrow, Aura?Concealing, Fleet?Foot, Revitalizing Spring—all commonly used talismans must be included."

  "Two or three times a month, spare some time to guide the disciples in our sect's Transmission Hall, helping them improve their talisman?completion techniques and the condensation of talisman?intent."

  "You need not instruct them daily; occasional pointers will suffice."

  "As for talisman materials—paper, spirit ink, spirit sand—the Mistvale Sect will provide all superior?quality items."

  "Talisman Master Lu will not have to spend a single coin of his own."

  "If Talisman Master Lu occasionally produces a high?grade talisman, or exceeds the required quota, the sect will naturally offer generous rewards."

  "Spirit stones, elixirs, even ancient texts from the sect's collection—all can be negotiated."

  Qin Suniang paused, her gaze fixed directly on Lu Chi, and added:

  "Of course, if Talisman Master Lu’s realm advances in the future, the monthly quota can be adjusted accordingly."

  "What our sect values is Talisman Master Lu’s potential and sincerity, not the immediate output."

  Thirteen talismans per month... three mid?grade, ten low?grade...

  That’s... incredibly easy.

  Lu Chi calculated rapidly in his mind.

  This demand was far lighter than he had anticipated.

  With his current ability, meeting this requirement would be effortless.

  He could even reserve most of his time to consolidate his realm and study new talismans.

  Having all materials provided was an unexpected bonus.

  What he did not realize was that for ordinary talisman masters, success or failure in crafting a talisman hung by a thread.

  A momentary lapse in concentration, impure breath, or a slight stagnation of spiritual power—and the entire talisman would be ruined, all previous effort lost.

  At best, it would be a wasted sheet of paper; at worst, it could backlash against the spirit, causing minor injuries that lasted for days.

  But when Lu Chi activated [Blazing Will], his mind and spirit were focused to a needle’s point, his intent channeled entirely into the brush.

  Even talisman patterns he originally had no confidence in could be forcibly shaped into form.

  At the very least, he could produce a first?rank, low?grade talisman—utter collapse was never a risk.

  This reliability was something ordinary talisman masters simply could not match.

  "Sect Master Qin’s kindness is deeply appreciated."

  "However, this matter concerns my future path. I must return and consider it carefully."

  "I will give you a reply soon—I will not keep Sect Master Qin waiting long."

  Lu Chi was quite tempted internally, but he spoke these words out of caution.

  Did the Mistvale Sect truly have an Elder at the eighth layer of Qi Refinement overseeing it?

  Was the Foundation Establishment Pill formula really divided into ancient and modern versions?

  All this crucial information currently relied solely on Qin Suniang’s account.

  Qin Suniang showed no disappointment. Instead, she gave a light laugh and stood up.

  "Of course. Talisman Master Lu’s caution is only prudent."

  "Once you have made up your mind, you may come to the Hidden Moon Pavilion to find me at any time."

  "The gates of the Mistvale Sect are always open to Talisman Master Lu."

  With a wave of her hand, a jade slip flew to land before Lu Chi.

  "This is a draft of the contract. Talisman Master Lu may take it back and examine it in detail."

  "If there are any unsuitable points, revisions can be proposed."

  "In three days, the talisman hall will open for business. I will be waiting on East Street."

  "By then, the hall will be named ‘Moon?Veil Pavilion’—implying talismans hidden under the moon, quietly awaiting those destined to find them."

  Lu Chi accepted the jade slip and cupped his hands in farewell.

  "Thank you for your patience, Sect Master Qin. I take my leave."

  Stepping out of the Hidden Moon Pavilion, the night breeze brushed against his face.

  Walking out alongside him was Cao Zhen.

  Lu Chi slowed his pace slightly, glancing sideways at this burly spirit?farmer cultivator beside him.

  His tone was casual, yet carried a probing note.

  "Brother Cao, was it you who facilitated Sect Master Qin’s invitation for me to come and discuss matters today?"

  "Has Brother Cao... already joined the Mistvale Sect?"

  Cao Zhen’s steps did not pause. His voice remained as low and steady as ever, but now held a trace of frankness.

  "Talisman Master Lu has a keen eye. That is correct."

  "Some days ago, I accepted Sect Master Qin’s invitation and joined the Mistvale Sect."

  "I help manage some spirit fields and handle miscellaneous affairs in the market district."

  "For Brother Cao to receive the Mistvale Sect’s nurturing—your future prospects are bright. I must offer my congratulations."

  "Nurturing is not the word. Sect Master Qin is currently in a difficult position."

  "Many inside and outside the sect covet what she has. I am merely lending a hand."

  "After all, she is a woman living alone, yet must support the entire Mistvale Sect—it is truly pitiable."

  "If we can help, we should offer some support."

  Pitiable? Offer some support?

  You, Cao the Oath?Breaker—with your thick eyebrows and big eyes, you look honest, speaking so righteously, but deep down, aren’t you just coveting Qin Suniang’s tender vulnerability and the Mistvale Sect’s hidden resources?

  The Foundation Establishment Pill formula, sect resources, a widowed beauty... which of these isn’t a coveted prize?

  This ‘offering some support’—how very dedicated it is.

  The two walked a stretch further before parting ways at a fork in the road.

  Cao Zhen turned and left, his figure soon swallowed by the darkness.

  Lu Chi stood where he was, watching that burly back fade into the distance. The smile in his eyes gradually cooled.

  This Cao the Oath?Breaker... in every word, he speaks in Qin Suniang’s favor, yet his attitude is neither humble nor overbearing.

  He appears honest, but in truth, he harbors other intentions.

  The Mistvale Sect is now facing impending storms.

  For an outsider, a mere spirit?farmer, to secure a foothold and even win Qin Suniang’s trust—that is certainly not mere luck.

  He took a deep breath, stored the jade slip away, and turned to walk toward his home.

  The room inside remained quiet and lonely.

  The lampwick flickered weakly.

  Lu Chi first sat down on the edge of his bed.

  He took a deep breath, raised a hand, and the grey storage pouch at his waist gave a faint tremble.

  A flash of spiritual light, and several objects materialized on the small table.

  First were several jars of Mi Mi Lan wine, a gift from Zhou Jinxin.

  When first opened, its rich aroma had been overwhelming, but now only half a jar remained.

  He casually placed it on the bedside table.

  Next came the box of Revitalizing Grass sent by Xu Yanqiu.

  The jade box was tightly sealed, the grass inside a lush green, subtly containing spiritual energy.

  It felt cool to the touch, its medicinal fragrance light yet long?lasting.

  Lu Chi’s fingertip lightly traced the lid of the box.

  In his mind surfaced Xu Yanqiu’s perpetually stern face—stubborn, bitter, tinged with the unyielding spirit of youth.

  A mid?grade spiritual root, with prospects that should have been boundless, yet he stubbornly plunged into the Shen family to do odd jobs, tending fires, delivering fuel, staying up all night to watch the furnace...

  In the art of alchemy, the Shen family would never pass their true teachings to an outsider.

  No matter how hard he tried, he would only ever be sewing bridal clothes for another.

  If he could extricate himself in time, with his spiritual root aptitude, finding a proper lineage or joining a small sect like the Mistvale Sect might still offer a sliver of hope.

  Lu Chi shook his head, closed the jade box, and carefully stored it in the innermost part of his storage pouch.

  There were a few more simple gifts: spirit vegetables, spirit fruits, two bottles of low?grade spirit wine... all presents from the spirit?farmer cultivators at the banquet.

  Their value wasn’t high, but they were practical.

  He took all these out in one go, piling them on the wooden shelf in the corner of the room to free up the storage pouch’s pitifully small space.

  Only after clearing the clutter did he retrieve from the deepest part of the pouch the jade box gifted by Lady Qin Sui.

  The box was warm and jade?like, cool to the touch.

  The lid was engraved with delicate moonlight patterns.

  With a gentle lift, a crystal?clear pill lay quietly on a crimson silk cushion.

  The pill was snow?white, faintly glowing.

  Its medicinal fragrance was light, yet carried an indescribable softness, as if it could soothe the very heart.

  Youth?Preserving Pill.

  Lu Chi stared at this pill, his gaze sharpening for a moment.

  Looking at it optimistically, this gift was likely Lady Qin Sui’s wish for him—to preserve his youth, maintain his appearance, and walk the path of longevity smoothly.

  After all, in cultivation, one most feared a decaying mind and withered appearance.

  If he could remain young longer, it would at least help stabilize his Dao?heart a little more.

  As a female cultivator and a sect master, Lady Qin naturally placed great importance on “beauty.”

  This pill might genuinely be a gesture of sincerity.

  But considering the worst...

  The malicious rumors circulating in the market often used beauty?preservation as a cover for aphrodisiacs, mind?control poisons, or even schemes involving charm and cultivation?draining.

  Lady Qin gave him this pill precisely when she was trying to recruit him into the sect.

  If there were some hidden trick... he, a mere third?layer Qi Refinement minor talisman master, would be utterly defenseless.

  Moreover, a widow giving a youth?preserving pill to a young male cultivator—how could it not seem somewhat flirtatious and probing?

  Could it be she intended to use both beauty and medicine to make him more compliant?

  Or perhaps... to use this closeness to control him later?

  Lu Chi gave a self?deprecating smile, closed the jade box, and carefully placed it back in the furthest corner of his storage pouch, sealing it with a simple Spirit?Locking Talisman.

  Early the next morning, as daylight first filtered through the paper window, Lu Chi rose.

  He took out paper and brush and swiftly wrote a short letter.

  Its contents were simply a request for Zhou Jinxin to help investigate the authenticity of the Mistvale Sect’s eighth?layer Qi Refinement elder.

  The man had been active in the market for years, with wide connections and well?informed sources—this task suited him perfectly.

  With that done, Lu Chi took out the Qi?Nurturing Pill, swallowed and refined one, then waited until his mind was clear.

  He got up, spread out talisman paper, took out his talisman brush and spirit ink, and prepared to draw a talisman.

  Today, he intended to create a “Residence?Sealing Talisman” for the An family.

  This was a first?rank, lower?grade talisman.

  Its intent was focused and steady, capable of stabilizing a residence’s fortune, warding off evil spirits, and preventing petty thieves from spying.

  Though not suited for combat, it was extremely practical for a rogue cultivator’s dwelling.

  The brush tip touched the paper.

  First, he dotted the talisman’s head, then guided the talisman’s body.

  Spiritual ink spread slowly along the brush’s path.

  Lu Chi’s mind was calm, his breathing long and steady.

  His brush moved like a swimming dragon, completing the talisman in a single, unbroken flow.

  With the final stroke closing the foot, the talisman paper trembled slightly.

  Golden light patterns emerged, and the talisman’s intent solidified.

  Success!

  The moment the talisman was completed, a familiar line of text suddenly flickered in Lu Chi’s sea of consciousness:

  [Residence?Sealing Talisman Proficiency Increased: Novice (10/100)]

  [Talisman Master Profession Experience +1]

  [Profession Level Up: Talisman Master Lv.2 (0/50)]

  [New Talent Acquired: Twin Brushes]

  After a month of diligent, unceasing practice, the [Talisman Master]? profession had finally advanced another step, reaching Lv.2 and unlocking a new talent!