Several days later, in a quiet room within the Blood-Clad Pavilion.
Fairy Feixia had already drifted away, while Lü Yang sat upright on a futon, beginning to study the talismanic inheritance he had obtained from his previous discussion with her.
As for romantic love, Lü Yang never cared for it. He knew very well that in the Holy Sect, there was no true affection, only the exchange of interests.
The life-saving grace was one thing; another was that he was in charge of the market. Even a Great Perfection of Qi Refining cultivator could do nothing to him, so Fairy Feixia needed his help.
There was yet another reason: dual cultivation allowed for faster "discussion."
After all, the Holy Sect possessed the Yin-Yang Great Joyful Ode, a dual cultivation technique that allowed for the direct absorption of knowledge, making physical interaction far more convenient than verbal communication.
However, it was utterly impossible for Fairy Feixia to use these past few days of interaction to ask him for any further benefits. He had, after all, taught her formations during this time.
A clear exchange of goods and services—perfectly fair!
"Talismanic Arts," as one of the hundred arts of cultivation, were quite popular. After several days of in-depth exchange, Lü Yang had gained a deeper understanding.
In his view, talismans were essentially temporary, miniature formations. Although their power was far inferior to a formal array, they were convenient to carry, required no support from earth veins or spiritual energy, had no geographical restrictions, and could be activated simply by the user injecting mana.
Lü Yang focused his mind and looked at the panel of the [Hundred Lifetimes Book].
[Golden Light Talisman (Beginner), Five Thunder Talisman (Beginner), Sword Qi Talisman (Beginner), Returning Wind and Reverting Flame Talisman (Beginner)]
Fairy Feixia had passed on four talismanic arts to him. Among them, the Golden Light, Five Thunder, and Sword Qi Talismans were relatively common, their rank no higher than the ninth grade.
Only the last one, the Returning Wind and Reverting Flame Talisman, was a seventh-grade treasure.
This talisman could imprint and preserve a cultivator's state at a specific moment. When needed, it could be activated to allow the cultivator to return to their peak condition for a short time.
For example, if one had just survived a fierce battle, covered in wounds with less than ten percent of their magic power remaining, using this talisman would instantly restore them to full health and peak magic power. Although the aftermath might worsen their injuries, it was a critical life-saving measure.
Fairy Feixia had managed to escape back to the market thanks to this very talisman.
Her willingness to teach this life-saving technique showed that, while she had her own motives for the exchange, she still held a degree of sincerity.
Of course, the effects of the Returning Wind and Reverting Flame Talisman could not be stacked. Due to its exceptional potency, its cooldown was also long; it could only be used once every three months.
"Heaven is round, earth is square, laws are in nine chapters. Now I write, all spirits submit."
Several talisman papers floated in the air. Lü Yang formed hand seals with one hand and used his magic power to write on the papers with the other. Occasionally, his control would falter, destroying a talisman.
Yet, he would quickly draw in a new one to replace it.
After a long while, Lü Yang finally finished. Four shimmering talismans, each with different colors and inscriptions, floated before him.
"It's done!"
Lü Yang first put away the most precious Returning Wind and Reverting Flame Talisman, then took the remaining three into his hand, examining them intently. Suddenly, an idea struck him.
"Unlike the Reverting Flame Talisman, these Golden Light, Five Thunder, and Sword Qi Talismans are relatively conventional. They don't require extremely advanced skill to make. With the right materials and enough refinement, they could be mass-produced. The only problem is finding enough people to draw them for free."
Fortunately, Lü Yang never worried about such things.
It just so happened that the banner spirits within the Myriad Spirits Banner were idle all day. He could pass on the art of talisman drawing to them, giving them something to do.
He could even save money this way. After all, hiring disciples of the Holy Sect to draw talismans would require wages.
As for the banner spirits... He was already doing them a favor by offering them work. Asking for wages? Don't blame him for "laying off staff" then!
Stepping out of the meditation room, Yun Miaoqing, who had been waiting outside, brought Lü Yang some unexpected news.
"Zhao Xuhe?"
Lü Yang raised an eyebrow, wondering why this Senior Brother Zhao would suddenly seek him out, especially given the wariness in their last conversation.
Seeing his frown, Yun Miaoqing said softly, "If you don't wish to see him, Brother, should I send him away?"
"No need." Lü Yang smiled slightly. "Let's meet him."
Soon, Zhao Xuhe was led to the reception room of the Blood-Clad Pavilion. Lü Yang observed him discreetly for a moment before entering.
"Senior Brother Zhao! I've missed you so much!"
Lü Yang laughed heartily, embracing Zhao Xuhe as soon as he entered. "To tell you the truth, that fight with the Divine Martial Sect's true disciple a while back, even though I killed him, left me seriously injured. It took me ages to recover. My apologies for making you wait!"
"No, no," Zhao Xuhe smiled awkwardly, though inwardly he was seething. He had seen Fairy Feixia walk out of the Blood-Clad Pavilion!
However, his Dao heart was firm, and he quickly shook off the negativity.
"Junior Brother Lü, I've come to ask you for a favor."
Zhao Xuhe went straight to the point, his voice low. "Do you know about the Witch Ghost Secret Realm? News of it has been spreading widely lately."
"Of course I know," Lü Yang nodded.
Zhao Xuhe pressed on. "To be frank, junior brother, I actually have some clues about the Witch Ghost Secret Realm. It might be related to a Foundation Establishment opportunity!"
"Oh."
Lü Yang's calm response stunned Zhao Xuhe.
This isn't right.
In his mind, a Foundation Establishment opportunity was a monumental event. Shouldn't Lü Yang be eagerly pressing him for details the moment he heard?
Little did he know, Lü Yang's mindset was utterly composed.
He had only learned of the Witch Ghost Secret Realm after refining Ouyang Haoze's spirit. It was definitely a closely guarded secret back then.
But now? The entire Skull Mountain was buzzing about it. It seemed as if anyone who found the secret realm could successfully establish their Foundation, even a mortal.
"When the aunties in the neighborhood start discussing stocks, it's time to leave the market."
Was a secret everyone knew still a secret? This was just a trap waiting to harvest the naïve!
Lü Yang saw it clearly. The more the Witch Ghost Secret Realm was hyped, with "opportunities everywhere," the more determined he became not to leave the market.
With that thought, Lü Yang immediately shook his head. "My apologies, Senior Brother. I'm not interested in the secret realm."
"This..." Zhao Xuhe's mouth hung open. He hurriedly advised, "Junior Brother, the path of cultivation is arduous. A person only lives once. How can you retreat at this crucial moment?"
"The Ancient Witch Ghost Path was a major sect of the demonic way. Though eventually destroyed by the Jade Pivot Sword Pavilion, a centipede dies but never falls down. There must still be good things inside. Perhaps a Foundation Establishment treasure! Doesn't Junior Brother feel tempted? You must know, opportunities in this life are rare. Miss it, and it's gone forever!"
'Opportunities in this life are rare. That's you.'
'I'm different. If it doesn't work this life, I'll try again next time.'
Lü Yang thought to himself, but on the surface, he firmly shook his head. "My mind is made up. You should know: what is yours will be yours; what is not, cannot be forced."
Zhao Xuhe stood speechless.
There was nothing he could do. He had said so much, yet Lü Yang still refused to leave the mountain. He could only curse the damned turtle in his heart.
"Since that's the case, forget it."
"However, I have another transaction I'd like to discuss with you, Junior Brother."
Zhao Xuhe gritted his teeth, turning to his second plan, his expression pained. "I possess a secret technique that can increase the success rate of Foundation Establishment."
"I wish to use it as collateral to borrow 30,000 contribution points from you, Junior Brother."
"A Foundation Establishment secret technique?"
Upon hearing this, Lü Yang, who had originally intended to see him off, suddenly brightened up. He found Zhao Xuhe incredibly pleasing to the eye—this man was truly his lucky star.
The Substitute Puppet, the Nine Transformations Dragon Art, the Skull Mountain Market... and now, a Foundation Establishment secret technique!
Every opportunity he had relied on so far was backed by his beloved Senior Brother Zhao. He owed his current success entirely to him!