Chapter 33: The True Method of the One Hundred and Eight Talismans

Lu An was shocked and quickly asked:

"The Fang family? How did you encounter them?"

Fang Ling sighed, seemingly reluctant to discuss it, but eventually, Ying Chang spoke up:

"Your sister-in-law and I went to find the Qi Sea Beast. The beast's traces were extremely elusive. We searched for a long time before finding one."

"However, the beast had reached the late Foundation Establishment stage and was far beyond our ability to deal with."

"Just as we were preparing to look for another target, we suddenly discovered another group also intending to attack the beast."

Upon hearing this, Lu An inquired further:

"Was it the Fang family members?"

Ying Chang nodded and continued:

"Just as they had set up a trap and were attacking the beast, nearly finishing it off, we suddenly intervened and seized the beast."

"To our surprise, the leader of the Fang family was your sister-in-law's older brother, Fang Ke. That's how we recognized them."

"If we had known from the start, we would have avoided them, let alone confront them."

"Because of this, your sister-in-law was momentarily distracted and was struck by him, sustaining severe injuries."

Lu An's face also showed a hint of sympathy.

It was inevitable for her to be stunned by her brother, whom she hadn't seen for many years.

It was unexpected that he would be so ruthless, directly attacking her without mercy.

No wonder Fang Ling was unwilling to mention this. She must have been hurt inside as well.

"What happened afterward?"

Ying Chang exhaled and continued:

"Since the other side only had one Foundation Establishment cultivator, who could deal with the Qi Sea Beast, all their efforts relied on the formation laid by their other clan members."

"But this formation had no effect on us cultivators, so after we escaped, they did not pursue us."

"They only told your sister-in-law that their bond was severed and that she was no longer their sister."

Lu An glanced at Fang Ling and saw her eyes redden. He spoke to comfort her:

"Sister Fang, the Fang family are heartless people. If such family ties are severed, there is no need to regret it."

Fang Ling sighed deeply and said with some regret:

"My heart had already died, but seeing my brother act so mercilessly, it still pains me. It's no big deal."

"However, the Fang family will certainly not let this go easily. We probably cannot return to the Spirit Talisman Residence. Otherwise, it would implicate you, and we would feel uneasy."

"Today, we came to give you the Qi Sea Beast's beast essence and to bid farewell."

"I hope Mr. Lu will forgive us. This matter is our fault."

Lu An shook his head and said:

"Sister Fang, don't mention it. You are worried about involving me, and I understand."

"But do you really think that if you leave, I will be able to avoid this disaster?"

Ying Chang and his wife looked at each other, both revealing confusion.

"What do you mean?"

Lu An looked toward the exhibition hall and spoke slowly:

"Don't forget, the talismans I sell are derived from the True Method of the Fang family."

"If the Fang family learns of this in the future, what do you think will happen?"

The two were startled upon hearing this, realizing they had overlooked this point.

Unless Lu An also fled with them, if the Fang family found out about this place, they would surely eradicate him.

"What should we do?"

Lu An's eyes narrowed slightly as he said:

"Leaving for another place might be good, but with the rampant demon beasts outside and how much we understand them, can we really safely reach another place?"

"Brother Ying, you should know best, having gone hunting every day."

Ying Chang nodded and said, "Indeed, with the increasing number of demon beasts outside, even I would not be confident crossing to other counties."

Lu An responded, "So, instead of moving out of Gugu County immediately, it might be better for us to stay here. When the time is right or our strength has increased, we can consider going elsewhere."

"Brother Lu, the Fang family has a Core Formation ancestor. Can we hold out until then?"

A Core Formation ancestor is not something they, as mere Qi Condensation and Foundation Establishment cultivators, can confront.

Lu An waved his hand and asked the two, "Is your beast-catching location near Gugu County?"

"No, there were no traces of the Qi Sea Beast around here. We caught it near Yongning County."

"Did you reveal your whereabouts when you left?"

"No."

Lu An smiled slightly and continued, "Then this is perfect. The Fang family is far in Yongning County and won't be able to find you immediately. If I were the Fang family, I would assume you had already fled and would never think that you are hiding in Gugu County."

Ying Chang and his wife thought this over and found it reasonable. However, this was not a long-term solution, as it was only a matter of time before the Fang family discovered them.

Lu An seemed to be aware of this and continued, "Before the Fang family discovers us, I will do my best to find some external support. I have connections with the Li family, Ju Yuan Zhai, and the Divine Talisman Pavilion. If the interests are sufficient, they won't stand by idly."

"However, this alone isn't enough. If we could also gain the support of the County Guard, we would be able to rest easy in Gugu County."

The County Guard is a Core Formation cultivator. With the influence of Ju Yuan Zhai, the Divine Talisman Pavilion, and the local Li family, this force could indeed contend with the Fang family. Moreover, they wouldn't need to battle the Fang family directly; just ensuring their protection would be sufficient.

Ying Chang and his wife nodded, but wondered if the County Guard would pay any attention to them, as they were minor cultivators.

Lu An smiled slightly without explaining further. To establish a connection with the County Guard, an introduction from someone of the same cultivation level was needed, which would fall to Gu Chuanfei.

He had provided the Complete Pure Heart Talisman and had prepared for a breakthrough for years. He was confident in his chances.

However, after the introduction, the value he could offer to the County Guard was worth careful consideration.

While he was deep in thought, Fang Ling took out a jade slip from her bosom and handed it over.

"Brother Lu, since we are all in this together, I will not hold back."

"Here is the True Method of the One Hundred and Eight Talismans. You may take it."

"However, once you accept this True Method, there will be no turning back with the Fang family. Think carefully."

Lu An stood up, bowed, and nodded solemnly.

"That's fine. It's best to improve our strength as soon as possible, as water and fire cannot coexist."

In the following days, Lu An spent his days drawing talismans and guiding Bai Sheng and Zhao Wenliang in their studies.

At night, he practiced and studied the True Method of the One Hundred and Eight Talismans.

[First-Level Talismans: Ice Prison Talisman, recorded]

[Second-Level Talismans: Soul Lock Talisman, recorded]

[Second-Level Talismans: Calm Heart Talisman, recorded]

[Third-Level Talismans: Invisibility Talisman, recorded]

…

Among these, there were over ten types of second-level talismans and one third-level talisman. However, this tier was too distant for Lu An and he wouldn't be able to use it for a long time.

The more talismans he learned about, the more proficient he became in drawing them, and his completion rate for other talismans also increased rapidly.

With this, the completion rate for the first-level Minor Gathering Qi Talisman had reached 60%, and it was now classified as a low-grade talisman.

One day, Lu An looked at the freshly made Minor Gathering Qi Talisman on his desk and nodded in satisfaction.

"Let's test its effect."

He pinched the talisman between his fingers, and a flash of spiritual light appeared in his hand as a surge of true energy flowed into it.

The Minor Gathering Qi Talisman was activated, and its top began to burn slowly without any sensation of heat.

At this rate of consumption, Lu An estimated that one talisman could be used for over a week.

He eagerly pressed the talisman against his chest and began to meditate.

A thread of spiritual energy entered his body and flowed through his meridians, seeming no different from before.

"Could it be a failure in drawing?"

Just as he was wondering, the Minor Gathering Qi Talisman suddenly emitted a faint white light.

Then, the surrounding spiritual energy seemed to be drawn in and surged towards his body.

Lu An was momentarily overwhelmed by the influx of spiritual energy and quickly began to operate his technique to absorb it.

However, the spiritual energy was too violent. Even with his three spirit roots, absorbing it was somewhat strenuous.

Much of the spiritual energy overflowed from his body due to inadequate absorption, resulting in wasted energy.

After an unknown period, Lu An let out a long howl. His robes flared as a torrent of true energy erupted out.

The talisman papers in the room flew everywhere like a flurry of yellow snow, slowly descending.

When the last piece of talisman paper landed, Lu An opened his eyes wide, a gleam of brilliance flashing through them.

"Fifth Level of Qi Condensation!"