Chapter 62: Reaping What One Sows

Elder Zhang was slightly taken aback, a look of confusion on his face.

"Lu Xianyou, what do you mean…?"

"I am preparing to participate in the second-level talisman assessment. Is that acceptable?"

Participating in a higher-level talisman assessment was rare, especially in a small place like Ancient County. Elder Zhang had not encountered such cases before.

Seeing him stunned, Lu An raised his eyebrows.

"Is there a rule against it?"

Elder Zhang came to his senses and quickly shook his head.

"It's allowed, allowed. It's just that no one from Ancient County is participating in the second-level talisman assessment this year, so the talisman hall hasn't made any preparations."

He took a deep breath and continued:

"However, I can arrange for preparations now. Which talisman would you like to be assessed on?"

There were only a few second-level talisman masters in Ancient County, mostly elders from the talisman hall and the Divine Talisman Pavilion. There were almost no newly promoted second-level talisman masters. The reason was that second-level talismans were generally only drawn by Foundation Establishment cultivators, who were already scarce, and those proficient in talisman drawing were even rarer.

Take Fang Ling, for example. Although she came from the talisman family Fang, she did not draw talismans and only had some basic knowledge about them.

Talisman drawing was difficult and time-consuming, and people often lacked sufficient time for basic cultivation, let alone dividing their focus on talismans.

However, upon learning that Lu An intended to take the second-level talisman assessment, Elder Zhang was overjoyed. If he could recommend a second-level talisman master, it would bring him more merit than just having Lu An win first place.

After all, first place was common, but a second-level talisman master was rare.

Lu An didn't put on airs and immediately chose a second-level talisman he was proficient in.

"I'll draw the Restriction Breaking Talisman."

Elder Zhang nodded and took out a communication jade slip from his storage bag to make immediate arrangements.

The group arrived at the talisman hall, where several people had already been waiting at the entrance. They were from the Su family of Yongning County.

One of the disciples saw Lu An and quietly told the leading elder:

"It's him. I found out recently that the talisman hall postponed the assessment because of this person."

The Su family elder's face darkened, and he went straight up to the group.

"I wondered why the talisman hall postponed the assessment. It turns out it's just a Qi Refining seventh-layer junior. Elder Zhang, are you disregarding my Su family?"

Elder Zhang's expression changed slightly but then relaxed as he remembered that Lu An was participating in the second-level talisman assessment.

"This is the order from the talisman hall headquarters. I have no choice."

Although he was lying, his face remained calm and his demeanor confident.

He knew that even if the talisman hall headquarters knew about this, they would support his decision.

The Su family elder scrutinized Lu An and sneered.

"Headquarters' orders? For a mere Qi Refining cultivator?"

He sneered and repeated the word "good" three times before turning and stepping into the talisman hall.

"Su Bin, when it's your turn to take the assessment, make sure to secure first place and show that person what's what."

Su Bin accepted the order but then hesitated.

"Uncle, isn't this the Lu An who tarnished Brother Pei's reputation?"

The Su family elder was momentarily stunned and then became uncertain.

Since participating in the Li family's young master competition, Su Pei had returned to the Su family in Yongning County, staying indoors all day and drinking away his sorrows. The Su family knew nothing about the situation until news from Ancient County revealed Su Pei's disgrace.

For a while, even within the Su family, Su Pei was held in contempt.

However, some people suspected that someone had manipulated the situation, with the most likely suspect being Lu An, who directly competed with Su Pei.

The Su family elder eavesdropped on Lu An's conversation and confirmed his identity, which only made his expression colder.

"Don't be so anxious. Even if he is strong, he is still just a first-level talisman master. Do as I instructed."

After the two of them communicated via voice transmission for a while, the disciple showed a hesitant expression.

"Is this a good idea?"

The Su family elder snorted coldly and said:

"What's wrong with it? Today, I'll let this Lu An taste what Su Pei experienced."

"I've secretly taken a hair from his clothes earlier. Once we enter, you should immediately activate this talisman and then sit next to Lu An."

"Remember, you must activate it right after entering; otherwise, it will be difficult to act once you're seated."

"Also, try to sit as close to Lu An as possible. Otherwise, if the talisman can't find its target, be careful it doesn't affect you instead."

The disciple nodded, his eyes showing a hint of coldness. Although they all despised Su Pei, the "dung remover," since he was from the Su family, they felt they had to avenge him. The thought of Lu An making a fool of himself excited him.

Soon after, Elder Zhang stood before everyone and announced loudly:

"The assessment begins. Please enter the hall."

Inside the examination hall, several wooden tables were set up, filled with various materials for drawing talismans.

These materials were not provided free of charge by the talisman hall but were prepared with spirit stones submitted by the participants. Without spirit stones, one could not even qualify to participate.

The young man from the Su family was the first to enter the examination hall. While others were finding their seats, he secretly activated the talisman.

He then did not hurry to take a seat but started searching for Lu An. It would be better if he could sit next to Lu An, as the talisman's effect would be more pronounced.

However, after scanning the area, he could not find Lu An.

He was alarmed and looked outside the hall.

He saw Lu An, under the guidance of Elder Zhang, heading towards the second floor.

He was immediately anxious and shouted:

"Lu An, why aren't you participating in the assessment?"

Outside, the Su family elder also furrowed his brows and questioned Elder Zhang:

"Elder Zhang, are you leading him to the second floor to cheat?"

"I warn you, if he places on the list this time, I will definitely report you to the talisman hall in Yongning County."

Elder Zhang glanced at him, displeased:

"Lu Xianyou is participating in the second-level talisman assessment, which is on the second floor. If I don't take him there, should he join you all instead?"

"Also, don't worry about cheating. The second-level assessment is significant, and there are supervisors from the talisman hall headquarters."

With that, he ignored the Su family elder and led Lu An upstairs.

The crowd below was shocked and began to discuss among themselves.

"Did I hear that correctly? A second-level talisman assessment?"

"How is that possible? He's only at the Qi Refining seventh layer."

"I've seen him before; he's the owner of Lingfu Residence!"

"Oh? Fellow Daoist, please explain in detail."

...

Hearing the discussions, Bai Sheng and Zhao Wenliang exchanged smiles, feeling a surge of pride.

"Being a teacher's disciple is really great."

"Lu An is now capable of handling things on his own."

However, while some were delighted, others were worried. The most unfortunate was the Su family disciple who had activated the talisman.

As he had just taken his seat, his face was full of terror.

After a moment's hesitation, he asked the supervising elder of the talisman hall:

"Elder, may I withdraw from the assessment?"

Others looked over, wondering if he was wasting this opportunity by withdrawing midway.

He was thinking, "I don't want to be another 'dung remover,' or I'll lose all face."

Unexpectedly, the supervising elder's face darkened as he coldly said:

"Do you think the talisman assessment is a joke? You can't participate and then withdraw just like that."