Chapter 98: The Conference Approaches

Upon hearing this, everyone's hearts stirred. Establishing a teleportation array to connect the Three Talismans Sect's headquarters and branch would greatly enhance both combat and communication capabilities.

However, this teleportation array was not like the small one in the Spirit Talisman Residence. The distance between Yongning County and Guxian County was vast, requiring a month even with Foundation Establishment flight speed. A small teleportation array could not handle this distance; only a medium-sized array would suffice.

The group exchanged glances, and Gu Chuanfei spoke first:

"I happen to know someone who can build a medium-sized teleportation array, but the cost will likely be substantial."

Old Beggar waved his hand and said:

"It's fine. This teleportation array must be built, and even if it requires more spirit stones, it must be done."

"The second issue is that the requirements for new disciples in our sect should be raised. Focus on quality over quantity."

"Our sect's morale is high right now, and it is a good time to expand our strength. These disciples represent the future of the sect and must be taken seriously!"

"Third, regarding the Core Formation families in Yongning County, we need to adopt an approach of open recruitment and covert suppression, striving to incorporate them all into the Three Talismans Sect in a short time!"

…

Old Beggar listed more than ten issues that needed to be addressed, some of which even Gu Chuanfei had not considered. They silently marveled at his foresight, acknowledging that his vision was indeed superior to their own.

Once Old Beggar finished, Lu An began discussing the precautions for the secret realm. Having been inside before, he knew more about the situation than anyone else present. Gu Chuanfei and Mo Xuan were surprised by how well Lu An knew the secret realm but refrained from asking further questions out of respect.

As the discussion came to a close, they prepared to implement the plans. Unexpectedly, Old Beggar called Mo Xuan aside and said:

"I see you are on the verge of breaking through to mid-Core Formation. Stay behind; if you have any questions, feel free to ask me. It might help you make a breakthrough."

Mo Xuan was overjoyed and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, Elder!"

He had previously received treasures from a Core Formation cultivator of the Fang family and some spoils from the Fang family patriarch, which had indeed improved his cultivation significantly. However, he was still unsure about the threshold to mid-Core Formation. Now, with direct guidance from a Nascent Soul cultivator, he hoped to make progress.

Gu Chuanfei looked at his retreating figure with admiration. However, his own cultivation was still a long way from the peak of early-Core Formation, so he missed this opportunity.

Old Beggar noticed his longing and casually said:

"When you need to break through, come and find me directly."

"Also, announce that any Core Formation cultivator joining the Three Talismans Sect may receive my guidance when breaking through."

Gu Chuanfei was pleased. With this announcement, the Three Talismans Sect's appeal would likely increase, and it was possible that more Core Formation cultivators might join.

However, Core Formation cultivators among loose practitioners are extremely rare. Although Old Beggar had previously extended invitations to those great families, their large and established households naturally would not join easily. After all, if they were to join the Three Talismans Sect as a whole, not only would they be constrained, but much of their accumulated wealth might also be confiscated.

But with the Three Talismans Sect now unstoppable, whether or not they joined was not up to them. After all, the sect was backed by Nascent Soul cultivators, which was far beyond what they could resist.

In the following days, Gu Chuanfei invited a renowned array master from Yongning County, and the construction of the teleportation array was in full swing. The Three Talismans Sect also issued its final ultimatum to the major families: join or perish.

There were no devious schemes or tricks, just a straightforward notice—this was how things were done by Nascent Soul cultivators.

The responses from the families were varied. Among them, Juyuan Pavilion was the first to submit, even apologizing for the incident involving the slot that Gu Chuanfei had lost. However, Gu Chuanfei was not moved, and Juyuan Pavilion ended up surrendering all their slots to settle the matter.

Most families still held out a glimmer of hope. The Three Talismans Sect was aggressively expanding its influence in Yongning County, treating it almost like their own territory, which certainly displeased the County Governor. However, they did not expect that the County Governor's residence was tightly shut, refusing all visitors.

In such a situation, the families had no choice but to comply, with a small portion preparing to relocate to other counties to develop.

Under these circumstances, the Three Talismans Sect's strength increased significantly in a short time. With a Nascent Soul ancestor and dozens of Core Formation cultivators, and countless other disciples, their power was greatly expanded.

One day, a piece of news ignited the entire Yongning City.

The Extreme Realm had finally opened.

Various major forces sent representatives to participate, and for some unknown reason, the Three Talismans Sect allowed the newly joined families to sell their slots for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment, making a considerable profit. Most of the Core Formation slots remained largely unchanged, with only minor adjustments.

The Three Talismans Sect did not scatter these families immediately but planned to gradually assimilate them, making them a genuine part of the sect.

Old Beggar and others knew that while the sect seemed strong, it was still like a loose collection of sand. Its foundation was shallow compared to other sects.

The Extreme Realm was bustling with activity, but none of this concerned Lu An. At this moment, he was in the hall of the Talisman Hall, chatting casually with Shangguan Yu.

"I heard that this time the hall master will personally assess the candidates to decide who will participate in the Water and Sky Conference?"

"Yes, that's right. The date of the conference is approaching, and it's not just our Talisman Hall; the Alchemy Hall, Tool Hall, and other halls are the same."

"Some families or sects with special techniques, like beast tamers and spirit insect users, will also participate in this grand event."

Lu An nodded. He had a strong interest in these unusual techniques, having never seen them before, and this was a good opportunity to learn.

He pondered for a moment and continued:

"What kind of person is the hall master of the Talisman Hall?"

"Our Talisman Hall in Yongning City is actually just a branch hall. The hall master is a third-grade talisman master, not far from the fourth grade, but their cultivation has reached the late Core Formation stage."

Lu An nodded. Since the hall master was at the threshold of fourth-grade talismans, they must be highly skilled in the path of talismans.

Seeing that Lu An did not speak, Shangguan Yu continued:

"If you manage to get a spot for the Water and Sky Conference, you will go with us to the capital, where the headquarters of our Great Qi State's Talisman Hall is located."

"It is said that the head of the headquarters has reached the fourth level of talisman mastery. If you can receive her guidance, you will surely gain a lot."

Lu An was startled. The fourth level of talisman mastery? An existence surpassing the realm of talisman techniques?

Could this person's talisman mastery be even superior to his master's?

He thought for a moment and then felt reassured. Although his master only vaguely sensed the existence of the fourth level, their cultivation had been sealed for many years, representing a complete waste. Without this matter, his master's realm might not be inferior to hers.

Shangguan Yu's eyes also showed admiration when mentioning the head of the headquarters.

"The head of the headquarters is extremely mysterious, and few have seen her true face. All that is known is that she is a woman."

"A woman?"