Chapter 12: Guest Talisman Master

A flash of green light, blood splattering everywhere.

At this moment, the flesh on one side of the face of the burly Tribulation Cultivator was sliced off by the green light, revealing ghastly gums, looking utterly terrifying.

"Damn it! I’ll slaughter you all!"

The burly Tribulation Cultivator was shocked and pale, this ambush nearly cost him his life, and he didn’t care about the pain anymore, immediately releasing a Golden Light Talisman close to his body, ready to fight head-on.

In an instant, surrounded by golden light, a Mana Shield formed.

"Erniu!"

However, Lin Chang’an and Li Erniu didn’t hesitate to abandon him, rushing towards the five Tribulation Cultivators with dust-covered faces from the Fire Bomb Technique in the distance.

"Ah..."

With a scream, Li Erniu and Lin Chang’an were like tigers among sheep, and with their skillful cooperation, they directly killed two Tribulation Cultivators.

Li Erniu cultivated an Earth Element Technique, slashing down with great power, while Lin Chang’an’s Cyan Bamboo Sword Spiritual Artifact was like a snake’s flickering tongue.

They struck directly at the vital points.

In addition, being at the middle-stage Qi Refining fighting against early-stage Qi Refining, it was simply a crushing situation.

"Damn it!"

The burly head Tribulation Cultivator, seeing these ruthless means, shouted in anger and surprise:

"There’s been a misunderstanding! Fellow Daoists, this is the Dragon King’s Temple being flooded, it’s a misunderstanding."

The burly Tribulation Cultivator clearly mistook Lin Chang’an and the others for fellow practitioners. After all, their rich ambush tactics clearly marked them as veterans.

First using the Spiritual Steed as bait, then suddenly attacking from behind. After forcing him to use a Golden Light Talisman, they unhesitatingly abandoned him, turning to attack the others.

Because after using a Golden Light Talisman, one’s movements are somewhat restricted.

These two were evidently even more experienced Tribulation Cultivators than him.

However, at that instant, four early-stage Qi Refining Tribulation Cultivators had already been slain by Lin Chang’an and his partner.

Another Tribulation Cultivator had just been burned to a crisp by the flames.

"Damn! You local Tribulation Cultivators are ruthless!"

Seeing the two’s ruthless efficiency, the burly Tribulation Cultivator cursed, then without another word, slapped on a Divine Movement Talisman and turned to flee.

Not hesitating in the slightest.

Even while running away, the burly Tribulation Cultivator gritted his teeth, throwing his Storage Bag in another direction, leaving a message.

"Fellow Daoists, I admit my defeat today!"

In a matter of moments, there were five more corpses.

Lin Chang’an and Li Erniu didn’t pursue but immediately began collecting the spoils of battle.

Lin Chang’an used his coat to pick up the Storage Bag thrown by the enemy, and the two then rode their Spiritual Steed away from the scene.

...

Two hours later, only after confirming that no one was following them, did they breathe a sigh of relief.

"Brother Lin, this man is experienced."

"Indeed, when escaping, he didn’t head for our Spiritual Steed, but fled into the mountains, showing his rich experience. If we pursued, he might have led us into a trap."

They could set an ambush and counter-attack, the other party could also lay traps.

After all, they were all loose cultivators from the bottom, each with rich combat experience.

Lin Chang’an also felt a bit regretful, as he had set up a trap on the Spiritual Steed.

After years of battling in the Immortal Cultivation Realm, although their cultivation improved slowly, the way of survival had long been ingrained in their bones.

"Brother Lin, these five had forty-two Spirit Crystals, but unfortunately not a single Magical Artifact."

After confirming no traps among the spoils, Li Erniu excitedly took out a pile of Spirit Crystals.

Lin Chang’an also checked the Storage Bag, finding poison on it, as expected.

Using mana to blow away the poison powder on the Storage Bag, they weren’t surprised when they found it empty.

"Brother Lin, this man is very cunning."

Seeing this, Li Erniu was a bit resentful, "Looks like he’s harmed quite a few people."

Lin Chang’an nodded lightly, "This person’s Qi Refining Fifth Layer cultivation, if we fought head-on, we might not come out well."

Robbing cultivators is indeed a quick way to get rich, but it’s risky, and with risks come losses.

Although the Storage Bag was empty, it itself was worth three Spirit Stones.

Next moment, Lin Chang’an tossed the cleaned Storage Bag over.

"Brother Lin, this!"

Holding the Storage Bag, Li Erniu scratched his head awkwardly, while Lin Chang’an teasingly said:

"Didn’t you say before that maybe one day you’ll have a Storage Bag? Look, isn’t it here now?"

Faced with the teasing, Li Erniu scratched his head but couldn’t help grinning at the Storage Bag, playing with it fondly.

A Storage Bag, he couldn’t bear to buy one, but picking one up like this felt different.

"Erniu, remember to replace this Storage Bag when we return, so you won’t be recognized."

"Don’t worry, Brother Lin."

The two disguised themselves on the way, so they weren’t afraid of being recognized.

But the Storage Bag was uncertain, who knew if there were hidden marks that could be recognized by acquaintances.

Thus, items obtained from robbing should be quickly spent to avoid being tracked by those with motives.

After getting the Storage Bag, Li Erniu handed the forty-two Spirit Crystals to Lin Chang’an.

Lin Chang’an didn’t refuse; even among the best of friends, clear lines should be drawn when it comes to benefits.

Exchanging Spirit Crystals for Spirit Stones naturally involves a premium.

When Erniu was about to return the Golden Light Talisman and Divine Movement Talisman, Lin Chang’an didn’t take them, instead saying:

"It’s better to be cautious on the way back, and let’s talk after returning to the Market. Also, Erniu, please inquire about the Zhou Family’s conditions for hiring a Talisman Master."

Li Erniu scratched his head awkwardly, as a son-in-law, he couldn’t negotiate conditions.

"Brother Lin, I’ll inquire for you after going back."

Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded, aware that his limited abilities might be enviable among common loose cultivators, but meant nothing in front of established Foundation Establishment great clans like the Zhou Family.

Unless he had the ability to produce Upper Grade Tier One Talismans, only then he could be treated with courtesy and hired as a Tributor by the Zhou Family.

Tributors and hired Talisman Masters shouldn’t be confused.

...

The two finally returned to Cyan Bamboo Mountain Market smoothly.

This time, Lin Chang’an noticed the number of cultivators in the Market had increased again.

New faces of cultivators gathered, bringing more hustle and opportunities to the Market, but also creating instability.

After returning the Spiritual Steed to the Zhou Family, Erniu headed straight to the Family Steward’s office.

As a Qi Refining Fourth Layer cultivator, even a Tier One Middle Grade Talisman Master doesn’t qualify to disturb the Foundation Establishment ancestors within the clan.

"Lin Chang’an, the loose cultivator who came to the Market with you twenty years ago..."

Zhou Antai, a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, over eighty years old, with white hair and beard, now served as a steward for the Zhou Family.

Faced with this elderly man, Li Erniu nodded respectfully multiple times.

"Grandpa Zhou, Brother Lin recently could produce high-quality Tier One Lower Grade Golden Light Talismans, and now has also broken through to Qi Refining Fourth Layer."

Li Erniu reported every detail, knowing that a prestigious Foundation Establishment great clan like the Zhou Family wouldn’t easily recruit foreign cultivators.

The most basic point, an identity check would not be neglected, unless you were a Tier One Upper Grade Talisman Master.

Only with capabilities can you enjoy privileges.

"This person’s background is quite clear."

Zhou Antai gently stroked his white beard, nodding secretly, these twenty years had been spent in hard cultivation, without stirring up trouble.

After confirming the identity, Zhou Antai nodded and instructed:

"Alright, since this person is interested, let him come by tomorrow."

"Thank you, Grandpa Zhou."

Li Erniu smiled broadly, repeatedly expressing his thanks.

Watching this scene, Zhou Antai smiled, for among the sons-in-law, Erniu was his favorite, not just because his descendant married Erniu.

The main reason was still Erniu’s honest character, with no unnecessary cunning.

Just as Erniu was about to bid farewell, Zhou Antai reminded him:

"Erniu, the Market has been a bit restless lately, avoid going out unnecessarily, and replace that Storage Bag within the clan to avoid being targeted at this critical moment."

"Yes."

Erniu left joyfully, not only because of the Storage Bag but also because there was progress with Lin Chang’an’s matters.