Zhou Family.
"A Tier One Upper Grade Talisman Master, this person is indeed talented, but unfortunately, heâs a bit too old."
The patriarch of the Zhou family, Zhou Renmao, shook his head, seemingly lamenting that someone of Lin Changâanâs age was still persisting in arduous cultivation, thinking it was just because he hadnât come to terms with reality.
Below, Zhou Antai also nodded and said:
"Patriarch, this personâs background is clear, heâs a good seedling. Before, I had Erniu subtly hint, but this person remains steadfast in his cultivation, with an undying heart for the Dao."
Previously, Erniu had subtly mentioned that the Zhou family was planning a marriage alliance, and with Lin Changâan being a Talisman Master, he could completely marry a girl with a Spirit Root from the Zhou family.
"A heart for the Dao!"
The Zhou family patriarch Zhou Renmaoâs eyes were somewhat complex, as if he thought of countless familiar faces who had fallen on this path.
"A Tier One Talisman Master, backed by this talented Foundation Establishment disciple from the Li Huo Palace, this goodwill is worth our Zhou family drawing in. Youâve done very well."
The Zhou family patriarch Zhou Renmao praised, saying that a Tier One Talisman Master was not enough for them to lower themselves like this, but the person behind him was different.
Especially given the relationship of being a son-in-law to the Zhou family, making friends and not making enemies was the Zhou familyâs way of doing things.
"Recently, the family is preparing for the Foundation Establishment Pills, a time of much turmoil. Later, you should personally go to the Yun Clanâs Commerce under the name of the Zhou family to place the next long-term order.
Remember, thereâs no need to deliberately make concessions, just pick the type of orders that any other commerce would do the same."
Listening to the patriarchâs arrangements, Zhou Antai, who had strived for the Zhou family all his life, respectfully saluted:
"Patriarch, I have already had people arranged to do these things."
The steadiness of his cousin made the Zhou family patriarch Zhou Renmao reveal a satisfied smile and nod.
"Recently, let the people below be cautious, as the old patriarchâs life is nearing its end, and the matter of the Foundation Establishment Pills can easily draw attention."
At this time, this Zhou family patriarchâs face was extremely solemn.
"Itâs also good luck this time, the previous Wind-split Eagle attack on the market just let our Zhou family obtain a wind attribute Demon Core."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Antaiâs eyebrows showed a trace of relief, nodding in agreement:
"Patriarch, this is Heavenâs favor towards our Zhou family, young master Feng just happens to have an Anomalous Spirit Root, making Foundation Establishment a sure thing."
However, upon hearing Zhou Antaiâs comforting words, the Zhou family patriarch Zhou Renmao instead frowned, then shook his head and said:
"No! That was then, this is now, just within the market, who knows how many people are eyeing us, the Zhou family. Wanting to sustain this turmoil is far from enough relying only on me."
At the same time, news of the Zhou family preparing materials for refining Foundation Establishment Pills and inviting a Pill Master from the Li Huo Palace to refine them also spread stealthily.
For a time within the market, who knows how many people were watching.
...
Gathering Immortals Tower.
"Brother Lin, with your accumulated efforts, youâve even managed to craft the Tier One Upper Grade Golden Light Talisman; truly, youâve kept us in the dark."
Little Marquis Shen Lie wore a look of envy, first offering congratulations and then teasing, but simultaneously drawing their relationship very close.
Especially, maintaining this appropriate distance made Lin Changâan involuntarily feel a sense of affection.
"Brother Shen, donât tease me."
Lin Changâan waved his hand with a smile, then sighed:
"Only half a year ago did I make a breakthrough in skills, yet still not mature. During this half-year, I havenât skimped on wasting Spirit Stones to interact with fellow Talisman Masters, all thanks to Mr. Yunâs complete Golden Light Talisman legacy."
What he said was true, buying Tier One Upper Grade Talisman Paper and Cinnabar, and visiting other Talisman Masters to discuss experiences, though these were all for outward appearances.
Seeing Lin Changâan calmly narrate, Shen Lie was filled with emotion.
Itâs not that easy.
Only by being in the Immortal Cultivation Realm can one know how hard it is for a Loose Cultivator to rise step by step through sheer talent.
Just thinking of those half-year attempts, Shen Lie understood that the bitterness and sweetness were probably something only Lin Changâan himself could truly feel.
However, Shen Lie didnât know that the bitterness and sweetness, for Lin Changâan, was solely sweetness.
"Brother Lin, I wonât beat around the bush, with the current outside chaos, Tier One Upper Grade Talismans donât earn much, but we canât do without them, otherwise the Loose Cultivators are all opportunists."
When it came to commerce, Shen Lie was well-versed and never thought of taking advantage, instead nodding with a smile:
"Brother Lin, rest assured your talismans given to me wonât result in a loss."
Lin Changâan nodded with a smile too.
"In that case, thereâs no need to trouble two masters for one task, this Tier One Upper Grade Talisman Paper, and Cinnabar, will still bother Brother Shen."
Upon hearing this, Shen Lie immediately beamed with joy.
Reciprocity, and favors must have exchanges to be effective.
Moreover, no matter who he buys the talisman paper and cinnabar from, itâs still a purchase.
"Rest assured, although business is business, Brother Lin, these years you havenât been stingy in introducing Talisman Masters to the commerce, talisman paper, and cinnabar, without raising prices or lowering quality."
The two exchanged bright laughter after meeting eyes.
Knowing each other for twenty-five years, maintaining contact in the Immortal Cultivation Realm is a rare and precious thing.
Later, Shen Lie also set up a table at Gathering Immortals Tower for him, Lin Changâan nodded with a smile, and the two chatted heartily in the private room.
Currently, of the talismans he crafts each month, one-third is sold to the Zhou familyâs commerce. After all, they had just given him face, and he couldnât truly look down on them.
He possesses the self-awareness that the special treatment from the Zhou family was more due to Yun Yao, the disciple of a Li Huo Palace Golden Core Elder, and he was merely along for the ride.
...
After Lin Changâan achieved the Tier One Upper Grade Talisman Master breakthrough, neighbors in the market, or cultivators with past acquaintance, came to congratulate.
The status of a Tier One Upper Grade Talisman Master is definitely higher than that of a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator.
Initially, Lin Changâan received each familiar person with a smile, as they all came to celebrate with gifts, as the saying goes, âone doesnât strike those who bring gifts.â"
But as it began affecting his normal cultivation, he decided to declare an external closed-door cultivation, thus reducing the lively visitors.
It wasnât a disdain for their token gifts.
Yet the peaceful days hadnât lasted long before the market experienced another turmoil.
"This is the battle of Foundation Establishment Cultivators!"
Under the huge rumbling sound, even Lin Changâan, who was painting talismans indoors, was alarmed. He went out and leapt onto the rooftop, watching the distant scene in shock.
"The marketâs great array has actually shattered!"
From afar, he could see the eastern side of the market where a huge array barrier was. Now, under the booming sound, the array barrier had a significant gap.
It was precisely because of this that the fighting within the array stirred the whole market.
"This is the might of a Foundation Establishment Cultivatorâs battle."
Lin Changâan was numbed as he thought leisure was not possible anymore.
Right when the array shattered, revealing shockwaves from the battle, several angry shouts came from the direction of the Zhou family and Profound Sound Pavilion.
"Thief!"
From the Zhou familyâs direction came an enraged shout, accompanied by a beastly roar.
Subsequently, countless people in the market saw a shocking scene, as the Zhou familyâs clan guardian spirit beast, the Profound Water Turtle, manifested.
"Thieving cultivator, stay your ground!"
From Profound Sound Pavilion came several delicate shouts, and in an instant, two Foundation Establishment Cultivators rushed towards the chaos.