Urban Romantic Divine Doctor Chapter 1655 - 1652: A Narrow Path for Enemies

It was incredibly surprising for Xu Wendong to discover just how small the world truly was. He certainly hadn't anticipated encountering the same woman from the mall again in this very location. The circumstances, however, were quite different this time. She was accompanied by two imposing middle-aged men, both clad in black suits and sporting sunglasses, their every movement exuding a formidable presence.

Coincidentally, Ye Qiu also spotted Xu Wendong, and her expression immediately soured. She was firmly convinced that he was tailing her. This thought fueled a surge of anger within her, distorting her usually radiant face with vexation. She let out a fierce cry, "You scoundrel, how dare you follow me here?"

A wry smile touched Xu Wendong's lips. "Beauty, would you believe me if I told you this was all a misunderstanding?" he quickly added, "I'm actually here to purchase talisman paper, not to follow you."

However, Ye Qiu, blinded by her rage, refused to entertain his explanation. Her eyebrows shot up sharply, and she scoffed, "Hmph! You expect me to believe such a flimsy excuse? Don't think I'm unaware of your true intentions!" With that, she gestured to the bodyguards positioned behind her.

These guards, burly and muscular, understood her command instantly. They advanced on Xu Wendong like ravenous wolves on their prey, their movements sharp and aggressive. Punches whistled through the air, threatening to engulf Xu Wendong entirely.

Internally frustrated, Xu Wendong swiftly sidestepped, evading a direct blow from one of the bodyguards. He seized the man's wrist, twisting it expertly to subdue him. Just as the tension reached its peak and the situation teetered on the edge of explosion, the owner of the talisman shop emerged.

The proprietor appeared to be in his fifties, dressed in a traditional black Tang suit. He possessed a kind face, complemented by wise and steady eyes. Stepping forward decisively, he placed himself between Xu Wendong and the attackers, raising his voice to declare, "Stop this at once! No disturbances in my establishment!"

Though his voice wasn't particularly loud, it held an unmistakable air of command. The bodyguards abruptly halted their advance, glancing towards Ye Qiu for further direction.

Ye Qiu was taken aback slightly. Despite her reluctance, she understood the need for restraint when on another's property. Biting her lip, she conceded, "I'll grant Uncle Gao some face today. But if I encounter you again, I won't be so lenient!"

Gao Cheng, beaming, inquired cordially, "Miss Ye, what brings you to our humble shop today? Is there anything you require?" He treated her with the utmost respect, his politeness unwavering.

Ye Qiu cleared her throat delicately, masking her slight embarrassment. Adopting a calm facade, she replied, "Oh, I was merely wandering about." She couldn't bring herself to admit that Xu Wendong's unsettling warning had prompted her visit, leading her to seek talismans for protection. To confess such a thing openly would be a public humiliation, a severe loss of face.

Gao Cheng maintained his pleasant smile. "Miss Ye, please feel free to browse. If anything catches your eye, do inform us," he said courteously. He then turned his attention to Xu Wendong and Lin Yiren, his expression shifting to a warm yet shrewd professional smile characteristic of a businessman. "And what can I do for you two?"

As a cultivator himself, Gao Cheng had not yet attained the venerable Golden Core stage, but he was firmly rooted in the late stages of Foundation Establishment. His cultivation base was not to be trifled with. His keen eyes immediately discerned that Xu Wendong and Lin Yiren were far from ordinary. Lin Yiren, in particular, seemed veiled in an unseen aura. Despite her best efforts to suppress the potent presence of a Golden Core expert, a discerning observer could still detect a subtle, awe-inspiring pressure – daunting yet elusive.

Xu Wendong’s gaze swept across the array of glittering talismans displayed before him. He then politely inquired, "Do you happen to have talisman paper and wolf-hair brushes available?"

"Certainly, we do," Gao Cheng responded with a smile. "Our establishment offers more than ten varieties of talisman paper and wolf-hair brushes, each meticulously chosen for its exceptional quality."

He continued, "Furthermore, we boast the finest cinnabar, possessing a vibrant hue and a delicate texture – truly a rare find." After a brief pause, his eyes sparkled with interest. "Are you perhaps skilled in the art of talisman crafting?"

He elaborated, "If that is the case, our shop would be delighted to purchase your creations at a premium rate, or assist you in selling them. We can ensure your masterpieces find appreciative collectors, thereby securing substantial rewards for you."

Xu Wendong's eyes brightened at this. He hadn't anticipated the shop providing such comprehensive services, which could potentially save him considerable effort. Regaining his composure, he stated, "In that case, please have Boss Gao prepare ten sheets of common talisman paper, an ordinary wolf-hair brush, and the lowest-grade cinnabar!" His tone was steady, exuding an air of confident assurance.

With a cold snort, Ye Qiu’s lips curved into a derisive smile. "Hmph, playing mystical, are we? Everyone knows that only the finest talisman paper, coupled with prime wolf-hair brushes and genuine cinnabar, can forge superior talismans."

"This is common knowledge in talisman crafting."

"Yet, you choose the opposite, opting for the cheapest materials. Are you so destitute you can’t even afford decent supplies?"

Her gaze, brimming with disdain and contempt, swept over Xu Wendong as if he were a buffoon making a spectacle of himself.

Xu Wendong remained collected, his eyes devoid of any annoyance. "Miss, you misunderstand."

"In your view, only costly materials yield extraordinary talismans. However, the Dao of Talismans prioritizes the caster’s intent and the subtle integration of spiritual power, not mere dependence on external resources."

"Prime materials undoubtedly bolster a talisman, but without skill on the caster’s part, even holding rare treasures is a waste."

"As someone outside this path, how can you possibly comprehend it?"

Infuriated by Xu Wendong’s composed response, Ye Qiu’s face flushed crimson, her chest heaving, yet she was left speechless.

Gao Cheng’s gentle gaze shifted to Xu Wendong, his eyes alight with admiration. "Your words hold great truth; in the art of talismans, while materials matter, the caster’s mastery is paramount."

With that, he turned and instructed the staff to promptly gather the items Xu Wendong required.

Before long,

The ordinary talisman paper, the wolf-hair brush, and the most basic cinnabar were presented on the table by the staff.

Xu Wendong approached, his fingers lightly grasping the wolf-hair brush, twirling it to feel the handle’s texture and flexibility.

Next, he steeped the brush in the cinnabar, slowly gathering the pigment at its tip. Although the lowest-grade cinnabar appeared somewhat lusterless, it did nothing to disturb his intense focus.

He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes for a moment of meditation. Upon opening them, his eyes seemed to shimmer with a starlit glow.

Before the assembled crowd, he commenced the drawing of a talisman...