"Master Zhuo, what do you mean?"
asked the stout, red-faced elder.
"These low-cost talismans, though crafted cleverly, demonstrate the remarkable skills of that unknown Talisman Master, whose ability is no less than mine."
Master Zhuo slowly said, "But forcibly embedding Array Runes into low-tier Spirit Jade requires more effort than normal talisman making.
So I truly donât understand why a distinguished Talisman Master would engage in such a thankless endeavor.
This really lowers oneâs status!"
At this point, a hint of disdain appeared on Master Zhuoâs face.
In his opinion, the Talisman Master from the Treasure Tower was degrading himself and lowering the standing of Talisman Masters!
The red-faced elder, however, had a different reaction, his expression shifting subtly.
He believed that this Talisman Master was the very thing major businesses like theirs desired.
Someone willing to expend their effort to craft low-cost talismans for the businessâs profit.
Such a Talisman Master is incredibly hard to find.
Regrettably, most Talisman Masters carry airs and uphold their status, unwilling to lower themselves so.
The red-faced elder glanced slyly at Master Zhuo but kept his thoughts to himself.
"Then, Master Zhuo, according to you, how should we overcome this crisis?
In these last two days, our customer visits at Wanxiang Pavilion have dropped dramatically.
Not only are talismans not selling, but sales of Magical Treasures and Elixirs have also greatly declined.
In the short term, it might seem insignificant, but if Treasure Tower continues this way,
it could severely impact us at Wanxiang Pavilion."
"Actually, from my view, Wanxiang Pavilion should not panic or lose its footing,"
Master Zhuo shook his head.
"Crafting these low-cost talismans in such a way demands extremely high talisman-making skills and only a Talisman Master can achieve it.
Moreover, this method requires even more effort from the Talisman Maker.
The quantity of low-tier talismans released by Treasure Tower must have been planned long in advance.
However, one personâs production cannot satisfy such a large customer base.
Therefore, Treasure Tower wonât be able to support the current situation for long.
I think it wonât take long before theyâll need to increase prices or reduce the supply of these talismans.
Itâs impossible to maintain this level of frenzy forever."
"So, Masterâs meaning is that we donât need to do much now; just wait and see?"
The red-faced elder pondered.
"Correct," Master Zhuo nodded.
"If thatâs the case, weâll follow Master Zhuoâs advice and observe the changes for now."
The red-faced elder agreed with Master Zhuoâs judgment.
After all, he is a renowned Talisman Master, one of the top five in the entire Little Cang Realm.
In the field of talismans, there are very few with more authority than him.
However, even deciding to observe doesnât mean they will do nothing.
The red-faced elder thought for a moment and addressed the middle-aged man with the Jade Fan in hand:
"Steward Shen, find a way to investigate the origins of this new Talisman Master at Treasure Tower."
The red-faced elder was greatly intrigued by this suddenly emergent Talisman Master.
A master willing to put aside pride and expend effort to produce so many low-tier talismans to help Treasure Tower capture the market.
This appears extraordinarily valuable to the red-faced elder.
"Yes, Vice Tower Master," the fair-faced middle-aged Steward Shen replied respectfully.
"Once you uncover the identity of this Talisman Master, please also inform me. I too am curious about this colleague,"
Master Zhuo said as he played with a talisman, a peculiar expression in his eyes.
The new talismans from Treasure Tower had an astonishing crafting method.
They differed greatly from the schools he knew of.
He wanted to know what the origins of this mysterious Talisman Master were.
While Wanxiang Pavilion decided to wait and see, another top trading house in Canglan City, Qianji Workshop, made a different decision.
"We must ascertain what plan Treasure Towerâs people have with these moves.
Surely, they canât be giving away Spirit Stones without a reason?
Also, find out who crafted these talismans and bring them to me!
In a monthâs time, it will be the three-year periodic accounting day.
If we canât handle things by then, the inspection by the higher ups will hold us accountable!"
In Qianji Workshop, a middle-aged man in fancy clothing issued a string of orders.
After his subordinates went out, he gazed at the talismans laid out before him, his face clouded with uncertainty.
He was already troubled by the upcoming accounting day,
and at this juncture, Treasure Tower pulls such a stunt.
Should the inspecting dignitary see the desolate state of Qianji Workshop, his position as head could come to an end.
"Damn her, stirring up trouble now!" The richly dressed manâs eyes gleamed with coldness.
Besides Wanxiang Pavilion and Qianji Workshop, other factions in the city also started moving.
Treasure Towerâs actions caused ripples in the long-peaceful Canglan City, with undercurrents starting to flow.
Lu Qing, the instigator of all this turmoil, was unaware of these happenings.