bayedsolid Chapter 327 Feint Appearance
Chapter 327 Feint Appearance
After completing the transaction, Lin Changsheng stayed at the 'South China Immortal Workshop' for another half day.
During this period, news of Lin Fushi's arrival at the Hua Nan Immortal Market and his initiative to sell talismans spread widely in the vicinity.
Among these, the story of Lin Fushi's noble character, gentle temperament, and kind-hearted behavior was also told.
As a renowned third-tier talisman master, this Lin talisman master not only lacked the arrogance of a high-level craftsman, but also treated every cultivator equally.
Even Qi Condensation cultivators have the opportunity to buy high-quality talismans at affordable prices from him.
For those low-level cultivators, this is almost equivalent to a small opportunity.
In a short time, a large number of independent cultivators came to 'South China Immortal Workshop', drawn by its reputation.
Within just a few days, Master Lin's reputation spread far and wide in the surrounding area.
Before his departure, the monks stationed here, including Yu Xuan, took the initiative to see him off.
"Senior Lin is of pure and virtuous character, truly the best I have ever seen in my life. He is simply a model of a high-level cultivator."
Looking at the gentle and unassuming man in white before him, Yu Xuan felt a deep sense of admiration.
"Fellow Daoist Yu, you flatter me. I merely possess rudimentary skills, which I use to acquire some cultivation resources."
Lin Changsheng politely clasped his hands in greeting, and then said:
"Fortunately, I have managed to raise enough spirit stones in your area. I am about to travel to another country to participate in an auction of talisman materials. Farewell, and until we meet again!"
"Please make yourself at home, Master Lin. I wish you all the best!"
Yu Xuan was moved and clasped his hands in a fist salute as well.
Not long after, Lin Changsheng left the 'South China Immortal Workshop' for about several hundred miles and suddenly landed on a low hilltop.
In no time, a dark glint of light shot out.
A burly, ferocious-looking man suddenly changed direction at an extremely fast speed and flew towards the western part of Yue Kingdom.
"Such a high-profile appearance, if someone really has ill intentions and is targeting me, they probably won't let this opportunity pass."
Lin Changsheng, who transformed into the villain Zhang Meng, did not escape along the route that was advertised.
Instead, they headed directly towards the Wanfeng Mountains.
……
The following days.
Many cultivators still gathered in the 'South China Immortal Workshop' and did not disperse for a long time.
Many cultivators who came seeking his guidance were greatly disappointed upon learning of Lin Changsheng's departure.
Many shrewd merchants and shops seized this rare opportunity to vigorously promote their own goods.
These cultivators who had come from afar thought, since they had already come all this way and hadn't managed to catch up with Master Lin's talisman skills, they might as well buy some here, so that their trip wouldn't be in vain.
Some daring smugglers even hung banners with the words "Master Lin Changsheng" or "Apprentice to Lin Changsheng" to sell talismans.
It was clearly a fake sales pitch, but it unexpectedly became very popular and the business was booming.
Upon seeing this scene, many people quickly imitated it and followed suit to earn spirit stones. As a result, in the following days, most shops and stalls selling talismans displayed signs related to 'Lin Changsheng'.
Not long after Lin Changsheng left.
Suddenly, a young man in a Taoist robe with wooden wings on his back descended from the sky above 'Hua Nan Immortal Workshop'.
It was none other than the True Lord Kuimu, who had just chased them here!
"This is the territory of 'True Monarch Hua,' so we really can't be too casual here."
Kui Mu Zhenjun extended his divine sense, surveyed the market, and a hint of hesitation appeared on his face.
Before long, a young man dressed in a Taoist robe, exuding an aura of internal energy, met Yu Xuan, the cultivator stationed here.
"Senior, I am Yu Xuan, the steward of Shangqing Palace stationed here. I was unaware of your arrival and have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive my lack of hospitality."
Faced with this unexpected Golden Core cultivator, Yu Xuan greeted him politely, neither servile nor arrogant.
At the same time, he also felt a strange sensation in his heart.
What's going on at 'Hua Nan Immortal Workshop' these past two days? They haven't had a Golden Core cultivator for so many years, and suddenly they've welcomed two in such a short time.
"There is no need for excessive formalities with you, sir."
"My surname is Mu. I am not a cultivator from Yue Kingdom. I was just passing through this place and heard that there is a famous talisman master named Lin in the 'South China Immortal Market'. I came here to pay my respects and also to purchase some talismans."
"I wonder if Steward Yu could help with the introduction?"
The young man in the Taoist robe waved his hand, seemingly very curious about 'Master Lin'.
"I thought Master Mu looked unfamiliar, but it turns out he's not a cultivator from my Yue Kingdom."
Yu Xuan looked like he understood, and then said:
"It's just that Master Mu came at the wrong time. Master Lin has already gathered enough spirit stones and left this place."
Yu Xuan shook his head and responded.
Seeing that even a Golden Core cultivator was chasing after Master Lin to buy his talismans, but the timing was wrong and the opportunity was missed.
As a fake Core Formation cultivator, he was fortunate to have the opportunity to purchase a talisman personally drawn by Master Lin.
"Already left? That's a real shame."
The Taoist master, dressed in a Taoist robe, looked somewhat regretful, but he was still unwilling to give up and pressed on with further questions:
"Does Steward Yu know the whereabouts of that Lin Fu Master?"
The Taoist priest, dressed in a Taoist robe, appeared casual, yet subtly expressed a hint of expectation, seemingly genuinely admiring Master Lin's craftsmanship.
When Yu Xuan met this Master Mu, although he was not as easy to get along with as Master Lin, he did not deliberately put on the airs of an ordinary Golden Core cultivator. Instead, he seemed to be genuinely looking to purchase talismans.
After a moment's hesitation, he finally spoke:
"To be honest, Master Lin did mention before he left that he would be leaving the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom."
Yu Xuan recalled Lin Changsheng's words before he left and told them truthfully.
"Leave Yue?"
"Could you please reveal Master Lin's whereabouts, Steward Yu?"
"To be honest, I urgently need to find a third-tier talisman master with an excellent reputation, reliable character, and superb skills to discuss cooperation. If Steward Yu can help me contact Talisman Master Lin himself, that would be the best. I will definitely repay this favor."
Wearing a Taoist robe, Master Mu smiled and spoke seemingly sincerely.
Upon hearing this, Yu Xuan's expression changed, and his heart began to race slightly.
The favors bestowed by a Golden Core cultivator are extremely rare even in the entire cultivation world of Yue Kingdom.
Although he was a pseudo-core cultivator and his lifespan was running out, this favor was of little use to him.
However, Yu Xuan also had his own children and descendants in the Shangqing Palace.
However, most of his descendants were of mediocre talent.
In terms of achievements, no one has yet surpassed him, the fake alchemist steward.
The reason why he, at such an advanced age, did not retire to a sect but instead spent many years in this remote immortal dwelling was to accumulate more resources for his descendants before his death.
If one could gain the favor of this Master Mu, it might be an opportunity for future generations.
"Since Master Mu has said so, he must have an urgent need."
At this point, Yu Xuan feigned some hesitation and confusion before saying:
"I do have some connection with Master Lin, but if Master Mu were to ask others, they might not know."
"Before Master Lin left that day, he mentioned to me that he would be going to a nearby cultivation country to participate in an auction of talisman-making materials. Perhaps Master Mu could start from this point and visit and inquire about it."
"That's all I have to say. As for Master Lin's specific whereabouts, I really shouldn't reveal too much. If Master Mu encounters Master Lin in the future, please don't mention what I said today."
As he spoke, Yu Xuan feigned a dilemma, and finally offered a word of advice.
"Participating in an auction of talisman-making materials in a neighboring cultivation kingdom..."
"Thank you for providing such important information, Steward Yu. I will keep it a secret and will not reveal a single word to anyone, so as not to put you in a difficult position."
Upon receiving the news, a strange glint appeared in the eyes of the Taoist priest, who was dressed in a Taoist robe. He looked at Yu Xuan again, a slight smile appearing on his lips.
"It's nothing to worry about. As long as it helps Master Mu, that's enough. As for the favors and thanks you mentioned earlier, just take them as a joke."
Yu Xuan waved his hand, as if he had only done a trivial thing, but in fact he was implying something.
"Hehe, Steward Yu, there's no need to worry. I always keep my word. As long as my name still exists in the cultivation world, I will never forget this favor."
Master Mu looked at Yu Xuan with a half-smile and made a promise.
Under such a meaningful gaze, Yu Xuan couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
He just happened to have a deal with Master Lin, and the other party mentioned it casually before leaving.
This is the art of language.
Given Lin Fushi's kind nature, even if he knew about this, he probably wouldn't blame him.
……
More than ten days later.
Eastern part of the Wanfeng Mountains.
Five or six young disciples dressed in the robes of the Yuling Sect were using their respective skills to work together to deal with a 'quasi-second-tier' ice lizard.
Although the ferocious giant lizard had just laid its eggs and was slightly weak, its tough hide was still not something that could be broken by ordinary first-level techniques.
Among them, a nimble young disciple secretly made hand seals, and his movements suddenly became much faster.
He leaped back and forth through the crowd, using his fellow disciples as cover, and suddenly struck, hitting the relatively soft abdomen of the 'quasi-second-tier' ice lizard with unparalleled precision, causing considerable injury.
As time went on, the wounds of the 'quasi-second-tier' lizard became more and more serious, and it was eventually worn down to death by these Qi Condensation disciples of the Spirit Control Sect.
"I never imagined that we, as Qi Condensation cultivators, would one day personally slay a 'quasi-second-tier' demonic beast."
"Thanks to Junior Brother Wang Zhen's quick thinking and reflexes, he severely injured this 'quasi-second-tier' ice lizard. Otherwise, we might not have been able to kill this monster successfully."
“Indeed, Junior Brother Wang Zhen seems to have changed quite a bit in recent years. Not only has his cultivation level improved rapidly, but his fighting skills have also undergone a complete transformation compared to a few years ago.”
"I heard that the sect's newly promoted genius Golden Core elder has taken a liking to Junior Brother Wang Zhen's talent in controlling ghosts and has offered him some guidance. Perhaps in a few years, he will be taken as a personal disciple..."
The younger generation of disciples from the Spirit Control Sect gathered around the corpse of the 'quasi-second-tier' ice lizard, discussing amongst themselves.
They were greatly amazed by Wang Zhen's outstanding performance in the previous battle.
Afterwards, the group dissected the 'quasi-second-tier' ice lizard's corpse and divided it according to their original agreement.
Wang Zhen was extremely meticulous, carefully collecting almost every bit of flesh and blood without wasting a single drop.
“Junior Brother Wang Zhen, although this Ice Lizard is a ‘quasi-second-tier’ demon beast, it is only because it has inherited the power of ice-attribute divine abilities that it surpasses the power of ordinary first-tier beasts. Its flesh and blood have not truly entered the second-tier category, so its value is limited.”
Seeing Wang Zhen meticulously collecting materials from the demon beasts, an inner disciple wearing a top-tier first-order magic robe couldn't help but offer a reminder.
"Junior brother comes from a secular background and his family is not well-off. He cannot compare with the senior brothers and sisters who are 'children of the immortal sect'. He should be more frugal."
Wang Zhen explained with a smile, but his words seemed to betray a hint of inferiority.
Upon hearing this, the remaining disciples politely said things like, "We are all fellow disciples," and "There is no distinction between high and low, noble and lowly."
But each of them inevitably harbored a sense of superiority.
About half an hour later, after everyone had finished dividing up the 'quasi-second-tier' ice lizards, they began their return journey.
Half a day later, Wang Zhen in the group paused, a strange look appearing in his eyes.
"Fellow senior brothers and sisters, I suddenly remembered that there is a magical artifact that was lost earlier, and I need to go and find it."
Wang Zhen, looking anxious yet apologetic, explained to everyone.
Upon hearing this, the other disciples of the Spirit Control Sect exchanged glances, frowned, and muttered to themselves, "Troublesome."
They had traveled most of the way and were about to return to their sect, but at this critical juncture, no one was willing to turn back again.
"What kind of magic weapon is it? If it's not important, let's just forget about it. After all, the sect mission we completed this time is enough to forge a top-notch magic weapon for each of us. If we delay the delivery of the mission because of an old magic weapon belonging to our junior brother, it would probably be a loss."
“What you say is absolutely right, senior brother. The mission is important. Why don’t you senior brothers and sisters go back first to hand in the mission, and I will go alone to retrieve the lost magic weapon before returning to the sect?”
"That's fine. We'll deliver the task on behalf of our junior brother to avoid delays and wasting our time."
After leaving Wang Zhen behind, the disciples of the Imperial Spirit Sect returned to their sect.
……
A few hours later.
Wang Zhen arrived at the eastern part of the Wanfeng Mountains, panting heavily.
Before its magic power was exhausted, it landed on a remote, low hilltop.
He used his divine sense to sense the surroundings, but there was no one there.
Wang Zhen couldn't help but frown inwardly.
Just then, a rough voice suddenly came from behind.
"The little guy is good; he didn't keep us waiting long."
Upon hearing this, Wang Zhen's expression changed drastically, and he quickly turned around to look behind him.
Where there had been no one before, a burly, grotesque man with a ferocious face was now standing behind them.
At that moment, the thug was looking at him with a sinister grin.
"Junior Wang Zhen pays his respects to Master Zhang Meng and thanks Master Zhang Meng for the opportunity he bestowed upon him back then!"
After recognizing the person who had come, Wang Zhen suppressed his wildly pounding heart and respectfully paid his respects.
"I didn't expect that you, a young man, could still remember my voice."
The grotesque man's face showed a look of satisfaction, and he nodded with interest.
Before letting Wang Zhen and Shi Ying go, Lin Changsheng had a sudden urge and secretly taught the boy a secret technique of the Ghost Valley Sect through telepathy.
I happened to be near the Wanfeng Mountains when I sensed that familiar fluctuation of secret technique, which is why I came to investigate.
"I will never forget the kindness of Master Zhang Meng in bestowing upon me the cultivation technique."
"If you, sir, have any request, I will gladly serve you like a dog or a horse."
Wang Zhen appeared respectful and expressed his stance directly.