Xu Wendong encounters Ye Qiu again at a talisman shop, leading to a confrontation when she accuses him of following her. Her bodyguards attack, but the shop owner intervenes. After the tension subsides, Xu Wendong proceeds to purchase basic materials for talisman crafting, asserting that intent and skill are more important than expensive supplies, much to Ye Qiu's annoyance. He then begins to draw a talisman.
{p} Gripping a wolf-hair brush, Xu Wendong’s fingertip lightly grazed the Talisman Paper, commencing his intricate creation.{p} His demeanor was one of intense concentration, his movements fluid yet possessing a powerful, rhythmic cadence as cinnabar, guided by his hand, gradually traced the profound and ancient patterns of the runes.{p} Initially, the inscribed lines appeared somewhat lackluster and coarse.{p} However, with the slow infusion of his Soul Force, the runes upon the Talisman Paper seemed to awaken, emitting a subtle luminescence. This faint glow, while not blinding, exuded an aura of deep antiquity and mystery, captivating the attention of all observers.{p} Ye Qiu, who had initially harbored clear disdain, found herself inexplicably drawn to the spectacle unfolding, her gaze fixed with disbelief.{p} Despite possessing no deep understanding of the nuances of talisman crafting, she could clearly perceive that Xu Wendong’s actions were far from pedestrian. {p} This realization caused a ripple of unease within her; she had pegged Xu Wendong as a dissolute individual, never imagining he possessed such arcane abilities.{p} The two formidable bodyguards positioned behind her had also retreated to the periphery, their prior arrogance completely dissolved. Their eyes were riveted to the Talisman Paper held by Xu Wendong, a palpable sense of apprehension beginning to brew within them.{p} They had come to understand that Xu Wendong was no ordinary man, and they felt a surge of relief that he had not retaliated when they had attempted to apprehend him. Had he chosen to act, they suspected the consequences would have been dire.{p} Meanwhile, Lin Yiren observed the proceedings from the side, her awareness of Xu Wendong’s true capabilities unwavering. Her eyes were filled with profound trust and a hopeful anticipation.{p} As the runes gradually materialized, beads of perspiration surfaced on Xu Wendong’s brow. His expression grew increasingly absorbed, as if the entirety of existence had narrowed down to only himself and the Talisman Paper within his grasp.{p} A potent Spiritual Power surged relentlessly within him, channeling through his arm and seemingly inexhaustibly flowing into the Talisman Paper.{p} At long last, the inaugural talisman was brought to completion.{p} Instantly, the Talisman Paper blazed with a brilliant light, and a formidable spiritual waveform radiated outward, emanating from its center.{p} A sensation of an invisible force sweeping across their bodies washed over everyone present, instilling a profound sense of inexplicable solace.{p} Gao Cheng’s countenance was alight with immense delight and admiration. He understood that this seemingly mundane Talisman Paper had been imbued with extraordinary potency by Xu Wendong’s masterful touch—an accomplishment far beyond the reach of typical talisman masters.{p} Xu Wendong wasted no time, immediately commencing the inscription of the second talisman.{p} His technique displayed an enhanced proficiency, and his speed saw a slight increase. This time, the luminescence of the runes was notably brighter, and the spiritual fluctuations emanating from it were even more pronounced.{p} The very air surrounding them seemed to be stirred by this potent force, accompanied by a faint, howling resonance.{p} All of Ye Qiu’s earlier disdain had long since evaporated, supplanted by a deep and abiding shock. Her gaze now held a distinct trace of both awe and fervent curiosity.{p} By the time Xu Wendong had finished inscribing the fifth talisman, the entire establishment was bathed in the ethereal glow of the runes.{p} The interweaving threads of light coalesced, painting a magnificent and enigmatic tableau.{p} Gao Cheng’s employees ceased their tasks, converging around the spectacle with expressions of profound amazement.{p} While they had borne witness to numerous peculiar occurrences along this famed Antique Street, the feat of fabricating such a potent talisman from common materials, as Xu Wendong was doing, was utterly unprecedented.{p} Xu Wendong drew in a deep breath, continuing to dedicate himself entirely to the art of talisman creation.{p} He was acutely aware that to establish his reputation on this bustling Antique Street, these talismans had to possess an undeniable impact.{p} Each completed talisman represented not only a testament to his formidable power but also served as a crucial cornerstone for his future sustenance.{p} With the final stroke’s completion, the tenth talisman was successfully realized.{p} At this precise moment, the shop was illuminated with such intensity that it verged on being blinding. The powerful spiritual fluctuations seemed poised to breach the very roof, soaring towards the heavens.{p} Following a considerable interval, the resplendent light gradually subsided.{p} Xu Wendong gently placed down the wolf-hair brush, releasing a lengthy exhalation.{p} Although his countenance bore the marks of his exertion, his eyes shone with an unmistakable sense of accomplishment.{p} "Young friend, your mastery of talismans is genuinely miraculous!"{p} Gao Cheng struggled to contain his palpable excitement, his voice imbued with a tremor as he continued, "I have traversed this Antique Street for many years, encountering countless peculiar individuals and witnessing myriad strange events, yet I have never laid eyes upon such sublime and exquisite talisman artistry."{p} Xu Wendong responded with a blend of humility and politeness, "Boss Gao, your generous praise humbles me. I merely possess a rudimentary understanding of the fundamentals; how could I possibly merit such high esteem?"{p} Having conveyed this, he strategically steered the conversation toward the core matter at hand: "These are ten amulets. I kindly request Boss Gao to examine them thoroughly. May I inquire about the price you are willing to offer?"{p} Upon hearing this, Gao Cheng hastily recomposed himself, meticulously scrutinizing the ten amulets before him with a solemn and focused expression.{p} The runes meticulously inscribed upon the Talisman Paper were both clear and fluid, appearing as if they had absorbed the profound essence of time itself. Their inherent subtlety and depth far surpassed that of ordinary amulets commonly found in the marketplace.
Despite utilizing the most basic materials for this creation—the Talisman Paper, Cinnabar, and a wolf-hair brush—Gao Cheng, a seasoned veteran in this profession, recognized that for a genuine talisman master, such external components were merely supplementary. The true essence lay in the caster's personal skill and spiritual power.
"To be candid, young friend, as old as I am, I've been immersed in this craft for years, and never before have I encountered such ancient and enigmatic runes. Their worth is truly immeasurable..." Gao Cheng paused briefly, his eyes glinting with a discerning gaze, and proposed, "One million per piece, how does that sound to you, young friend?"
Xu Wendong responded with unhesitating delight, "It's a deal!"
The offered price of one million per piece was, in fact, several times greater than his initial expectations, presenting an unforeseen and substantial gain.
Witnessing this, Gao Cheng was visibly thrilled, his countenance beaming with eager smiles. He inquired courteously, "Excellent, please furnish a bank account number, and I shall arrange for immediate transfer, ensuring your peace of mind."
Without a moment's hesitation, Xu Wendong provided Lin Yiren's bank account details.
Currently residing with his sister-in-law, financial matters were of mutual concern.
A few moments later, Lin Yiren's phone vibrated with an incoming message notification, confirming the successful transfer of ten million.
A considerable burden was lifted from Xu Wendong's shoulders; with this sum, their immediate survival was secured, and sufficient capital was available for subsequent endeavors.
"Young friend, apart from amulets, are you skilled in the creation of other talisman types?" Gao Cheng inquired, his curiosity piqued, his gaze fixed upon Xu Wendong as though attempting to unravel his secrets.
Xu Wendong's lips curved into a confident smirk, and he replied softly, "As long as Boss Gao can name a specific type of talisman, I can draft it."
He held back a silent declaration: even for talismans whose names Boss Gao had never encountered or could not articulate, he was assured of his ability to create them.
After all, his proficiency in talisman crafting vastly exceeded ordinary comprehension.
To put it plainly, these were skills he had mastered ages ago!
Upon hearing this bold claim, Gao Cheng could not help but harbor skepticism.
He was well aware of the vast array of talismans in existence, numbering well over a hundred distinct forms.
Furthermore, the drafting methodology for each talisman type varied significantly, with complexity escalating exponentially according to its level.
Even though Xu Wendong had just demonstrated mastery in producing an astounding amulet, the notion of him being proficient in all talisman types seemed utterly improbable to Gao Cheng!
