Chapter 75: The Fang Family's Envoy

The examining elder showed a hint of embarrassment and said with a forced smile, "The Talisman Hall in Yongning City considers many factors for stability. My recommendation is personal. Whether it succeeds depends on the Hall's decision."

"If you participate, the Hall Master will personally assess you. As long as you pass, there should be no issues."

Indeed, Yongning City had many Second-Rank Talisman Masters, including some seasoned experts. From the elder's perspective, he wanted to recommend Lu An, but he represented the Talisman Hall and could not make unilateral decisions.

Out of gratitude, he offered this opportunity to Lu An. Once Lu An agreed, he would submit his name.

Lu An understood, realizing he had misjudged. He thanked the two elders, "Thank you for your efforts. I will not disappoint."

The elders were pleased. If Lu An got the Water and Sky Dharma Assembly spot, they, as recommenders, would also be rewarded.

"How long until the Water and Sky Dharma Assembly?"

"It's not urgent. Such grand events take time to prepare. It's still over two years away."

"However, we'll need to determine the spot in Yongning City early and then depart. So, you should prepare in advance."

"I'll notify you when the time is near."

After a brief chat, the elders left. Lu An reviewed the day's events and felt no issues, so he returned to his cultivation.

Unbeknownst to him, the examining elder's report had caused a stir.

Fang Family, Council Hall.

"Have you heard? A new Second-Rank Talisman Master from Guchang County is aiming for the Water and Sky Dharma Assembly."

"Yes, I've heard. But this person was recommended by Shangguan Yu, making it difficult to push him out."

"Shangguan Yu has been promoted to Third-Rank Talisman Master and has significant influence in the Talisman Hall."

"That's a problem. With more outsiders joining, Ke'er's chances might be reduced."

"Enough talk. We should send someone to investigate Lu An's background before deciding."

Su Family, Clan Hall.

"Lu An? Shangguan Yu actually recommended him?"

"Yes, I heard Shangguan Yu's promotion to Third-Rank was due to this person's guidance."

"Nonsense. How could a newly promoted Second-Rank Talisman Master guide Shangguan Yu?"

"This person has repeatedly opposed our Su family, causing us great shame. We cannot let him obtain this spot."

"Elders, he has Shangguan Yu backing him. It might be bad for our reputation to take action."

"No worries. Money talks. Contact Lingxiao Pavilion to deal with him discreetly."

At Lingfu Residence, the place was bustling with activity. The disciples of the Three Talismans Sect enjoyed a 20% discount, leading to a high volume of visitors.

These disciples bought mostly low-level Talismans, which Bai Sheng and others could handle. Despite help from Gu Yuer and Lu Xian, they were still a bit short-handed.

At noon, when the crowd thinned, Bai Sheng wiped his sweat and took a short break. A man in white entered Lingfu Residence and began to look around.

"The people of Guchang County seem to praise Lu An's Talismans highly. I want to see his skills for myself."

He was from the Fang Family in Yongning City, tasked with investigating Lu An's background. After traveling for over a month, he arrived here.

Upon entering the city, he heard of Lu An's fame and decided to see it for himself.

"Hmm?"

He approached the display and was astonished by the Talismans: Ice Prison Talisman, Soul Lock Talisman, Thunderflash Talisman…

"These are all from our Fang Family's True Methods?"

He was surprised but kept a neutral expression and asked Bai Sheng, "Are these Talismans created by Mr. Lu?"

Bai Sheng, proud and confident, replied, "The Second-Rank ones are made by our master. The First-Rank ones are done by us."

"Don't worry. Though we aren't as skilled as our master, we are genuine First-Rank Talisman Masters."

Bai Sheng pointed to his badge for confirmation. The Fang Family disciple's face darkened, but he didn't act immediately. Instead, he asked, "Do you have a woman with the surname Fang?"

"Do you mean Sister Fang Ling? She should be in seclusion. Are you looking for her?"

"No matter. I just asked out of curiosity. The Talismans are too expensive for me. Farewell."

He turned and left, leaving Bai Sheng confused and annoyed.

The Fang Family disciple went to a secluded spot, took out a paper crane, and reported his findings. He then performed a hand seal, making the crane fly away.

He waited until the crane was out of sight before leaving. The paper crane was a rare communication tool. Due to the distance, they used it instead of a communication jade slip.

Next, he just needed to wait for the clan to send help. Given the elders' nature, they would not let Lu An and Fang Ling, the traitor, escape.

Lu An continued to refine his Soul Hundred Refinements Method with increasing depth.

His spiritual soul issues had mostly subsided. His physical body and true Qi were continually improving under the "Extreme" nourishment.

In the backyard of Lingfu Residence, the sounds of intense fighting echoed. Lu An and Ying Chang were engaged in a fierce battle, each punch landing heavily.

Fang Ling cheered from the sidelines, privately amazed. "It's incredible how quickly Lu An's strength has grown."

"His physical strength is almost as good as my husband's Foundation Building stage physique."

"And his true Qi and spiritual consciousness are just as formidable."

"After a few months, he's become so much stronger!"

Ying Chang was increasingly alarmed. Even though he had fully released his Foundation Building power, he still couldn't suppress Lu An. Admittedly, this was without using his trump cards. If he used his best two magical treasures, Lu An would surely be no match.

Yet Lu An, at the peak of Qi Refining, required Ying Chang to use all his strength to defeat him. This was quite an embarrassment.

After over a hundred exchanges, Lu An finally leaped away.

"Master was right. After practicing the Soul Hundred Refinements Method, my physical strength has greatly increased. It's almost on par with a specialized body-refining method."

As Lu An felt his enhanced strength, Bai Sheng arrived in the backyard with a joyful expression. Seeing this, Lu An frowned and scolded, "How many times have I told you to stay calm? With such a temperament, how can you seek the Dao of Longevity?"

Bai Sheng didn't mind and shouted, "Master, Sister Qian is back!"