Time flew, and ten days passed. Jia Ren spent this time focusing primarily on cultivation and secondarily on making Evil Warding Talismans. The Spirit Ink was consumed at an astonishing rate. A thousand portions of Evil-warding Spirit Ink were used up, leaving him with over six hundred Evil Warding Talismans.

The Evil Warding Talismans he initially crafted were of average quality, not much better than those sold at market stalls. However, after his Evil Warding Charm Art reached the Grandmaster Level, the quality of each talisman became considerably high—at least three times better than the ordinary ones sold in the market. With a threefold increase in effectiveness, a First-Tier Medium-Grade Talisman could match a First-Tier Superior-Grade Talisman.

A threefold increase was already quite astonishing, but Jia Ren wasn't content. I had anticipated that the combination of Grandmaster Level Evil Warding Talismans and Master Level Evil-warding Spirit Ink would yield talismans eight times the strength of normal ones, he thought. The actual result, however, was far below his expectations. It was as if the Evil Warding Talismans were bound by invisible shackles, limiting their potential power.

Where exactly is the problem? Jia Ren pondered. His gaze fell upon the Blank Talisman Paper. The Proficiency Level of his Evil Warding Charm Art and Evil-warding Spirit Ink were high enough. The issue, he suspected, was the Blank Talisman Paper, which was just ordinary paper bought from street stalls. A common saying held true: the amount of water a bucket can hold depends on its shortest plank. Blank Talisman Papers were typically generic, and even carefully selected ones couldn't meet Jia Ren's quality requirements.

First, I should buy a few other types of talisman paper to see if that solves the issue, Jia Ren considered. Or perhaps I should learn to make talisman paper myself and master the entire talisman production chain. Since he had decided to focus on Evil Warding Talismans, he was determined to exert all his effort to perfect them. The best way to address this quality issue, he concluded, was to take matters into his own hands.

Jia Ren left his residence but did not head towards any talisman shops. Ever since learning of the Talisman Cultivators' Association's power, he tried his best to avoid dealing with them. He intentionally visited a few stalls selling talisman paper. Most sold ordinary Blank Talisman Paper and Beast Hide Talismans, followed by rarer items like Jade Talismans and Stone Talismans.

Can Stone Talismans be used too? Jia Ren wondered. He hadn't been studying talismans for long. While his proficiency level in many talismans far surpassed that of Talisman Makers with decades of experience, his knowledge in certain fundamental areas was still at a beginner's level. He hadn't been under Talisman Master Zhang's tutelage for long. His training had focused more on practical application, so he hadn't been able to make up for the gaps in his fundamental knowledge.

"Get lost!" the stall owner snapped when Jia Ren voiced his question about Stone Talismans. Hearing such an amateur question, the stall owner couldn't be bothered to respond further.

Jia Ren then approached the stall owner with the most comprehensive selection of talisman paper, a vendor he usually frequented. He spent one Spirit Stone to have his questions answered.

"The most accessible and commonly seen is the generic Blank Talisman Paper," the stall owner began. "The differences among them are minor, and they are relatively stable, ensuring a higher success rate in Talisman Crafting. That's why they're the most popular among Talisman Makers."

"Beast Hide Talismans, compared to Blank Talisman Paper, have much less stability. Beast hides cut from different parts of the same Magical Beast vary slightly, not to mention hides from different kinds of beasts. Talisman Makers need to finely adjust their technique for each piece of paper, which significantly increases the crafting difficulty. However, Beast Hide Talismans have a higher potential ceiling, depending on the quality of the Magical Beast's hide. For example, hides from a Thunder Attribute Magical Beast are best for making Thunder Attribute talismans."

"Jade Talismans vary between low-grade and superior-grade materials. They are often made from relatively precious types of jade and are priced much higher than Blank Talisman Paper. They are commonly used for crafting high-quality talismans, and many Middle-Order Talisman Scrolls are made from jade."

"Finally, there are the rare Stone Talismans, human skin talismans, blood talismans... Each type is mostly suited for specific, special talismans."

With the Spirit Stone paving the way, the stall owner spoke at length, explaining all the details of selecting talisman paper and assessing their pros and cons. "Would you like to buy some talisman paper? Become a real Talisman Master, and you'll never have to worry about Spirit Stones again."

Sorry, but I'm already past worrying about Spirit Stones, Jia Ren thought.

"Several Talisman Masters in the Inner City are recruiting apprentices," the stall owner continued. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you shouldn't miss."

Is the Talisman Cultivators' Association still harvesting leeks? Jia Ren mused. Have they tasted profit and decided to expand their operations?

Jia Ren smiled and said, "Compared to learning Talisman Crafting, I'm quite interested in making talisman paper. Do you have any plans to teach that, fellow Daoist?"

Learning to make talisman paper? The stall owner paused, then firmly shook his head. "Making talisman paper is how I earn my living. I won't teach it." In the Cultivation World, valuable skills were closely guarded secrets, and methods for earning Spirit Stones were kept under tight wraps. Making talisman paper wasn't as prestigious as actual Talisman Crafting, but it was a skill sufficient to support the daily Spirit Stone needs of a low-level Loose Cultivator. Possessing such a craft was far better than venturing out to hunt Magical Beasts or search for treasure. For ten years at his stall, he had rejected all similar inquiries without exception.

"I'm not asking to learn for free," Jia Ren said. "How about a tuition fee of one hundred Spirit Stones?"

One hundred Spirit Stones was no small sum, and making talisman paper wasn't considered a highly advanced skill. Thousands of miles away, in the Heavenly Talisman Market City, there were even workshops dedicated to making talisman paper. By signing a ten-year contract with such a workshop, one could learn the basic methods of talisman paper production. Many Loose Cultivators were skilled in making talisman paper, leading to fierce competition. It would take years of hard work for them to earn one hundred Spirit Stones.

Faced with such a display of wealth, the stall owner caved instantly. Fearing Jia Ren might change his mind, he hurriedly replied, "I accept your proposition."

"I expect you to teach me everything without holding back," Jia Ren stated. "This includes the methods for processing both common talisman paper and Beast Hide Talisman Paper." He paid fifty Spirit Stones as a deposit, with the remainder to be paid upon satisfactory completion of the instruction.

The stall owner, no longer interested in manning his stall, led Jia Ren to his residence in the South District of the Outer City. Jia Ren once again saw the familiar sight of dirty gutters and simple stone houses. Outside the stall owner's house, beast hides were laid out to sun-dry, along with wood of some unknown type and tools for making talisman paper.

"First is the production of Blank Talisman Paper," the stall owner began, personally demonstrating. "The most commonly used materials are Green Jade Bamboo, White Silk Phoebe Nanmu, Lamp Wicking Grass, and Jade Cup Flower. These are mixed into a pulp in a ratio of three, four, two, and one, respectively. The pulp is then air-dried to create evenly sized talisman papers, which are then gently heated over a slow fire..."

The stall owner explained that while the process wasn't difficult, quality was paramount; poor quality Blank Talisman Paper wouldn't be competitive.

The second lesson was about Beast Hide Talismans, which were significantly more difficult to make compared to ordinary talisman paper. One had to meticulously remove all impurities and hair from the beast skin to ensure the Talisman Crafting process was smooth and unobstructed. Talisman Crafting was a delicate task; the slightest error could determine success or failure. The requirements for the talisman paper itself were relatively lower, the main principle being that it must allow for smooth, uninterrupted crafting.

Next were the methods for tanning and drying the beast skin. This wasn't simple air-drying; it involved soaking the skins in specially prepared solutions until the unstable magical power within them was completely erased. "Each type of beast skin retains different magical energies and properties," the stall owner explained. "The treatment must be tailored accordingly." Different types of beast skin also required different processing methods.

Learning to make Blank Talisman Paper took only half a day, but understanding Beast Hide Talismans took three full days. Jia Ren felt he had gained a preliminary grasp, but he knew he still had a long way to go to achieve mastery.

As for jade talismans and other talisman materials, the stall owner admitted he hadn't had much hands-on experience. However, based on his understanding, he suggested a few suitable materials. Thunder Attribute talismans, for instance, were best suited for purple jade, while Defense Talismans worked well with white flawless jade.

Jia Ren absorbed all this knowledge like a sponge, diligently filling the gaps in his understanding. "Thank you for your guidance," he said, genuinely grateful. He paid the remaining fifty Spirit Stones.

Now I can go back, collect materials, and start making Blank Talisman Paper to raise my Proficiency Level, he thought. Beast Hide Talismans are relatively more troublesome. I can focus on learning to make those once my Proficiency Level for Blank Talisman Paper can no longer be improved.

"Uncle Liu, why haven't you been at your stall recently? And you've moved to the Outer City, too," a somewhat familiar female voice called out. Jia Ren couldn't help but turn his head.

He saw an attractive figure in a green dress. Her face was fair and beautiful, and a striking Golden Phoenix Hairpin adorned her hanging bun.

Sister Zhang Pengpeng?

Zhang Pengpeng was not alone; a male Cultivator followed behind her.

"It's not easy living in the Inner City," Uncle Liu (the stall owner) replied to Zhang Pengpeng. "How could I afford it by just selling talisman paper?" He then said, "Here is the talisman paper you wanted," and turned to go back into his house to fetch it.

Jia Ren said to the stall owner, "We're settled then. Farewell." He had no intention of acknowledging Zhang Pengpeng. His gaze swept past the Golden Phoenix Hairpin as he turned and walked away.

"Junior brother!" Zhang Pengpeng called out.

Jia Ren's body stiffened slightly, but he did not stop, continuing to walk steadily into the distance.

The male Cultivator accompanying Zhang Pengpeng asked her, "Sister, were you calling me?" Then he couldn't help but complain, "There are plenty of stalls selling talisman paper in the Inner City. Why bother coming all the way out here just to save a few Spirit Stones? It's baffling."

Zhang Pengpeng paid no attention to her new junior brother. Her gaze remained fixed on Jia Ren's receding figure, and she couldn't look away for a long time. This man looks unfamiliar, and his demeanor and build are different, she thought. Yet, something about that fleeting glimpse of his eyes irresistibly reminds me of the incredibly talented Junior Brother Zhen. Unfortunately, the heavens envy the gifted; Junior Brother Zhen had died, and no one knew at whose hand. The Talisman Cultivators' Association had searched frantically but failed to find the culprit. The Talisman Makers who had given Jia Ren trouble were also implicated. Her father, devastated by Junior Brother Zhen's death, had lost his Essence, Energy, and Spirit, and had ceased Talisman Crafting ever since.

Did she recognize me? No, she was probably calling someone else, Jia Ren thought as he walked away. I wonder how Master Zhang is doing? He couldn't help but sigh deeply at the thought of his former mentor.

He hadn't gone far when he saw a large crowd surging like a tide in the distance.

"The Five Elements Sect has discovered a blue-green ore mine! They're recruiting miners! Four Spirit Stones per month! Young, robust Body Cultivators get priority!" Several Stewards were loudly announcing the lucrative offer, attracting many Loose Cultivators who eagerly signed up.

Such events were uncommon; miners were usually recruited only when a new ore vein was discovered. This situation wasn't much different from previous recruitments, the only change being the increased wages for miners—up from three Spirit Stones to four. Although it was just one extra Spirit Stone, for Loose Cultivators, it represented a world of difference. Consequently, an endless stream of Loose Cultivators rushed to enlist.

Jia Ren had only taken a few more steps when a thought suddenly struck him. A Spirit Stone Vein!

Could the blue-green ore be a decoy? he mused. Are they actually recruiting miners for a Spirit Stone Vein? The possibility is high! The Five Elements Sect wouldn't dare reveal they've found a Spirit Stone Vein; it would attract the covetous attention of other sects and cause unnecessary trouble. They're planning on quietly making a fortune.

Did Yang Bingzhi report the Spirit Stone Vein to the Five Elements Sect?

As this occurred to Jia Ren, he almost used a Sound Transmission Talisman to contact Yang Bingzhi but stopped himself. That would be too dangerous, he realized. A Spirit Stone Vein was a matter of immense significance. Anyone with knowledge of it would be under strict surveillance to ensure the news didn't leak. Any Sound Transmission Talismans sent or received would likely be monitored, and rashly sending one could expose him.

Our meeting is in two days anyway, he concluded. Hopefully, I'll get my answers then.

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