Chapter 241 The best talisman
"How can I make an exception? If the required amount of pills cannot be handed over, my junior brother must make up the difference."
Ye Changqing frowned deeply; the requirements for the alchemy task were the most stringent.
After the outbreak of war, the consumption of various elixirs will be the most severe, so it is necessary to store as many elixirs as possible.
Therefore, alchemists who are not skilled enough are not qualified to accept alchemy tasks.
These are extraordinary times, and the medicinal herbs must be delivered to high-level alchemists.
There's a chance!
Ji An raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled:
"Senior brother, how about this: I'll buy enough pills for you directly, and then you can take on the refining task."
I promise I won't make things difficult for my senior brother, what do you think?
While others would accept the task first and then refine the pills, he did the opposite, submitting the pills directly before refining them.
What are you after?
Ye Changqing was puzzled. Everyone else was taking on missions to earn contribution points, but this guy was doing it by using purchased pills to complete missions, which was bound to be a loss for him.
"To increase refining experience!"
Ji An refilled the other person's glass and continued:
"I think it's worth it to exchange spirit stones for experience and time."
He discovered that having a strong divine sense was very helpful for alchemy. As long as he had a constant supply of resources to practice with, his alchemy skills would improve very quickly.
Besides, as his refining experience increases, he will inevitably be able to gradually meet the sect's requirements.
Ye Changqing pondered for a moment and said:
"If the pills are handed over first, it's not impossible, but only genuine pills meet the requirements."
What kind of elixir crafting quest do you want to accept?
Regardless of the method used, as long as the task is completed according to the rules, it's fine.
As for how to accomplish it, he doesn't need to worry about that.
What kind of pills do early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators who practice fire-elemental techniques take?
Ji An considered that there were the most cultivators of this type in the cultivation world, making it easier to purchase the relevant pills.
"Yan Yang Dan" (炎阳丹).
"Then let's choose the Blazing Sun Pill. I'll ask someone to buy a batch from several immortal cities first, and then I'll take over the pill refining task from my senior brother depending on the situation."
A question flashed through Ye Changqing's mind, and he asked in a deep voice:
"When did you start learning alchemy, junior brother?"
To refine Foundation Establishment stage pills so quietly is quite fast.
As far as he knew, the other party definitely hadn't started learning alchemy six months ago.
Ji An responded with a smile:
"It's been more than two months, and I've recently started trying to refine Ginseng Essence Pills, but I've found that the medicinal materials are in very short supply."
"Prepare now so that you can find the necessary ingredients when you need to refine Foundation Establishment stage pills."
He planned to ask someone to send a message to Wei Songnian, asking him to buy as many Yan Yang Dan pills as possible.
Pills for the early stages of Foundation Establishment can be purchased with spirit stones, and you should be able to buy quite a few, even at a premium.
It's unclear how long it will take for the price of pills to drop after the demon calamity ends.
"To be able to refine the Ginseng Essence Pill in two months, you must have a good talent for alchemy."
Ji An grinned. He was able to do this mainly because of his powerful spiritual abilities.
After the matter was settled, Xia Yuhan and her sister immediately set out lunch.
Ji An dismissed the maids, and the two ate and chatted.
They discussed the situation at Mingfeng Mountain, the sect's countermeasures, and the opening of the secret realm two years later.
"Senior brother, something's not right."
"Now that the sect has entered a state of war, the number of talisman-making tasks I've been assigned hasn't increased much."
After the outbreak of war, talismans are definitely a rapidly consumed commodity. There is no reason for alchemists to be busy while talisman makers are idle.
He now receives five talisman soldiers, ten top-grade explosive talismans, and two hundred high-grade explosive flame talismans each month, which is more than half less than the final amount he received.
Ye Changqing grinned and said:
"Now the sect has adjusted the rules for obtaining contribution points, and talisman makers can obtain 25% more contribution points."
Therefore, other talisman makers eagerly went to the Diligent Work Hall to accept tasks.
You don't go to the Hall of Diligence often, so other people take all the tasks.
"If I hadn't saved some for you, you would only have been able to accept the quest to create talisman soldiers."
An increase of 20% in contribution points is a significant amount.
"I see."
Ji An nodded slightly. It was good that there weren't so many talisman-making tasks, as he had more time to refine pills and strengthen his body while improving his cultivation.
After a hearty meal and a few cups of spiritual tea, Ye Changqing stood up and said:
"From now on, I'm afraid I'll have very little time to leave the Diligent Work Hall."
"Junior brother, if you have anything new here, remember to send me some."
The affairs of the Diligent Work Hall began to become more demanding, and someone would have to guard it at all times from now on.
"The second-tier Tianyuan pear tree is already bearing fruit. I will send some to my senior brother when they are ripe."
"Very good," Ye Changqing laughed a few times and drove away in his flying shuttle.
Ji An watched as the other person flew further and further away until they slowly disappeared from sight.
He took out a communication talisman sword and entered the information.
"Senior Brother Liu, please pass on a message to Junior Brother Wei Songnian: please help me purchase a batch of Flaming Sun Pills, about five hundred in total."
Tell him the spirit stones will be deducted from the spirit wine transaction.
He raised his hand, and the talisman sword drew a silver arc in the air before flying eastward.
Stone house for making talismans.
Xia Yuhan neatly arranged the various materials and said softly:
"Uncle-Master, that's enough."
Ji An put down the teacup filled with jade dew and golden buds, and the tea in the cup rippled.
He picked up the talisman brush and began to draw a high-grade talisman soldier.
His powerful divine sense allowed him to precisely control the output of his magic power; spiritual energy pulsed within his talisman brush, and streams of talismanic lines flowed forth.
His entire movement was fluid and graceful, possessing a unique beauty.
A moment later, the golden light on the talisman suddenly shone brightly for a moment, then its brilliance subsided.
The superior-grade talisman weapon is complete.
Ji An's lips curled up slightly, and he nodded in satisfaction; the feel of the touch just now was exceptionally good.
He handed over the talisman pen, saying:
"Clean it thoroughly."
The experience I've accumulated over the years is enough; it's time to take out my treasured materials and try drawing top-tier talisman soldiers.
Xia Yuhan took the talisman brush, took out the Autumn Toad Leaf Jade Wash, and went out.
The brush washer is carved into the shape of an inwardly curled paulownia leaf dragged by a broken branch, with an autumn toad perched on the leaf, and the traces of insects gnawing on the leaf's edges are clearly visible.
The water used for the brush washer was cold spring water that had just been drawn from the spring, and its spiritual energy had not yet dissipated.
After washing the talisman brush, Xia Yuhan held both ends of the brush with both hands and brought it into the house.
Ji An took the talisman brush, dipped it in the talisman ink, took a deep breath, and began to draw talisman soldiers on the animal hide.
He had already thought through how to draw top-grade talisman soldiers countless times, and he had practiced dozens of times with low-grade talisman ink, so his technique was not awkward at all.
Ji An was completely absorbed in drawing, and when he reached the end, he subconsciously held his breath.
As the last stroke extended across the animal hide, it floated gently, gleaming with golden light.
The phenomenon lasted for a few breaths, then the light gradually dimmed, the animal hide fell onto the table, and all the phenomena disappeared.
"Haha, it's done."
Ji An held the animal hide in both hands as if it were a precious treasure.
He was very pleased with himself after his success.
"Congratulations, Martial Uncle, on obtaining the precious talisman!"
Xia Yuhan smiled, this talisman soldier was so different from others, she had never seen such a sight before.
Needless to say, my uncle's skill in drawing talisman soldiers has improved again.
"Indeed, congratulations are in order. Tonight at dinner, each of you will be rewarded with a jar of the finest mulberry wine."
Ji An channeled his magic power into the talisman, and the golden runes emitted a pale blue spiritual light.
After nurturing it for a while, he put the talisman into his storage bag, then rolled up his sleeves and began drawing again.
Good luck doesn't last forever; the second attempt to draw the talisman soldier failed.
He persevered and drew it a third time, which was successful.
I felt tired and had a slight headache.
Ji An finished making the talisman soldiers and now needs to rest and recover his depleted spiritual energy.
He picked up the teacup and took a sip of the spiritual tea.
Based on experience, one cultivation session tonight should be enough to fully restore my spiritual consciousness.
Time flows like a river, never to return; two months have passed in the blink of an eye.
A bustling scene unfolded on Crimson Flame Peak; the season for brewing mulberry wine had arrived.
Du Huaiyuan explained how to select medicinal herbs and what precautions to take when brewing wine.
These are his strengths, and he speaks about them with great expertise.
Xia Yuhan's eyes flashed with admiration as she said:
"Uncle-Master Du, your idea is brilliant! You must be the strongest brewer in the sect, right?"
Du Huaiyuan nodded proudly and patted his chest, saying:
"Based on my observation, that is indeed the case."
There are not many brewers in the sect, only a dozen or so if you count carefully.
Only three people are capable of brewing second-tier spirit wine, and he is the only one who is a brewer at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage.
The admiration in Xia Yuhan's eyes deepened.
Du Huaiyuan was very pleased with this look and nodded, saying:
"Yes, the fresh mulberries have been picked, and I'm going to get to work."
"Yuhan, if you want to hear about winemaking, I can tell you."
Xia Yuhan nodded emphatically and smiled gently:
"Thank you, Uncle-Master. I'm just glad you don't find me annoying."
Du Huaiyuan waved his hand gently:
"Haha, no way, I'm glad you're willing to listen. See you tonight."
After saying that, he turned and entered the winery with a hint of reluctance.
Xia Yuhan's eyes were deep and unfathomable. In a few more years, she would be able to establish her foundation. She had no idea what kind of life she would lead after leaving Crimson Flame Peak.
However, if one could find a cultivator to perform the dual cultivation ritual, things might be much easier.
She suddenly had a thought: what would happen if Senior Brother Du were willing to accept her after she reached Foundation Establishment?
A fire-feathered crane lingered outside Crimson Flame Peak for a while before slowly entering it.
On the back of the crane, Teng Zhiyuan looked at the radiant spiritual plant and nodded slightly.
He took a few deep breaths, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, for he could smell the rich aroma of wine!
As a seasoned drinker, I can tell the quality of a drink just by its aroma.
Teng Zhiyuan looked at the winery with blue smoke rising from the pool, laughed loudly, and urged his beast to descend towards the winery.
The Fire-feathered Crane descended from the sky with a deep and oppressive cry, displaying its power and majesty.
"Gah!"
At the edge of the cold pool, gray-feathered sand geese let out defiant cries and took flight from the water.
It flew to the vicinity of the Firefeather Crane, sensed the powerful demonic aura emanating from it, and immediately fled in panic, plunging headfirst into the pool.
This firebird is not to be trifled with; it's actually a mid-Foundation Establishment stage demon bird!
Huang Xuan stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:
"Excuse me, sir/madam, may I ask who you are?"
Inside the sect, the cultivators all wore standard Daoist robes, making them easy to identify.
"Refiner Teng Zhiyuan, looking for Junior Brother Ji An, is this Crimson Flame Peak?"
"Please come with me, Uncle-Master. Let's wait in the living room for a while and have some spiritual tea."
"No need for spirit tea, but if you'd like a cup of spirit wine."
Teng Zhiyuan laughed and said, "The tea is too weak; of course, it's not as fragrant as the spirit wine."
He drank two jars of pine nut wine, and Ji An came to the living room.
"Senior brother, it's been several months since we last met, hasn't it?"
"It's been almost three months. I just finished my mission at the Transmission Hall yesterday, and I'm here uninvited to bother you, Junior Brother."
"Haha, it's an honor to have Senior Brother at Crimson Flame Peak. We can't even keep up with welcoming you."
Ji An transmitted his voice:
"Bring out two jars of second-grade pine nut wine."
Huang Xuan nodded slightly and walked out of the living room.
"I have two things to ask you today. First, I want to ask if you still have any second-tier sword bamboo leaves for sale here, junior brother."
Teng Zhiyuan said that for weapon refiners, golden leaves are a rarer spiritual material than black earth.
"I can sell two jin to my senior brother today."
Currently, there are 39 second-tier Xuan Ye Sword Bamboo plants in Crimson Flame Peak, which can produce an extra pound of bamboo leaves each month.
"Great! What spiritual item did Junior Brother exchange for this time? Was it Xuanhuang Soil again?"
Teng Zhiyuan clapped his hands and laughed, saying that he had only asked the question casually.
Ji An nodded slightly:
"Hmm, it's still Xuanhuang soil."
Azure Dragon Wood, Dark Yellow Soil, and Flowing Spiritual Water—these spiritual objects will accompany him for many years until he breaks through to the Chaoyuan stage.
Therefore, we still need to continuously purchase Xuanhuang soil.
Huang Xuan brought out the spirit wine, broke the seal, and filled the guest's cup.
Ji An said, "Go and fetch two more catties of second-grade gold leaves."
"Yes," Huang Xuan replied with his head bowed, and left again.
Teng Zhiyuan took a swig of his drink and smiled with satisfaction.
"A very pure pine nut wine, the taste is fantastic!"
He drank the spirit wine in his cup in one gulp and then said:
"As for the second thing, I want to inform my junior brother that in two months, at the Wuji Hall on Chaoyang Peak, Uncle-Master Lin Jiuxiao will explain the path of cultivation. Be sure to attend."
The specific time for the lecture will be notified to the junior disciples three days in advance.
After the master's lecture, a trade fair will be held as usual.
Junior brother, if you plan to sell or buy second-tier spirit items, you should be prepared.
The fact that they were serving second-grade pine nut wine to their guests made him feel even better about Ji An.
"Thank you for informing me, senior brother. What kinds of items will be appearing at the trade fair?"
Ji An understood that this trade fair was likely a circle for late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators from various sects.
"Everything is available, including pills for late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, all kinds of puppets, various second-tier spiritual objects, high-level secret techniques, and so on."
If my junior brother has enough second-tier bamboo leaves, he won't have trouble buying what he wants.
As he spoke, Teng Zhiyuan filled his glass with wine and then drank it all in one gulp.
Wei Songnian took out a storage bag and an account book, and solemnly said:
"Senior brother, I have successfully completed my mission. Here are five hundred Flame Sun Pills."
The pills are priced at 35 spirit stones each, which is 3 spirit stones more expensive than a few years ago. This batch of pills cost 175 mid-grade spirit stones.
The funds received for the spirit wine amounted to 8,500 spirit stones during this period, leaving a shortfall of 9,000 spirit stones.
The Wei family has recently stockpiled a large amount of supplies, and 9,000 spirit stones have tied up a significant amount of working capital.
He planned to borrow some spirit stones, thinking that the more supplies he stockpiled when the demon calamity broke out, the more he would earn.
(End of this chapter)
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