Chapter 41: The Assassin Organization
Shi Zhi looked around the Spirit Talisman Residence and was secretly astonished. He hadn't expected such a well-equipped talisman store in this small market. Each counter was filled with talismans of various grades, from low-grade to high-grade. However, he did not see any top-grade or perfected talismans.
He knew from the lecture that Lu An had the ability to draw such talismans. The reason for not selling them was probably their great value.
Bai Sheng furrowed his brow and asked:
"Master is currently in closed-door meditation. May I ask what you need him for?"
Shi Zhi retracted his gaze and said seriously:
"Please inform him that I have urgent matters to discuss."
With that, he bowed slightly to Bai Sheng, showing considerable respect.
Bai Sheng hesitated for a moment, seeing Shi Zhi's appearance, which suggested there was indeed an important matter. He didn't want to delay it. Master was currently fighting with Brother Ying; perhaps the fight could be interrupted for a while.
Thinking of this, Bai Sheng said:
"Please wait here. I will go ask Master. Whether he sees you or not will be at his discretion."
"Of course, just inform him."
"Wenliang, keep an eye on the shop. I'll be right back."
With that, he gave Zhao Wenliang a glance and headed towards the back courtyard.
Zhao Wenliang understood, his eyes fixed on Shi Zhi, afraid he might do something untoward.
Bai Sheng left the main hall, and not long after, he heard the sounds of a fight followed by Fang Ling's admiring voice.
"Lu An, you're really skilled. I think Brother Ying is almost unable to keep up with you."
Lu An jumped aside, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and gasped:
"Brother Ying is letting me win. He hasn't used his weapon; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to resist."
Fang Ling's eyes showed a hint of approval. Lu An was modest and calm, a good candidate for cultivation. However, she didn't quite agree with what he said. Brother Ying wasn't using his weapon because it had already reached the level of a magic treasure, which Lu An couldn't withstand, so it wouldn't be a real test of skill.
If it were an ordinary spiritual weapon, the outcome might be different. Moreover, Lu An still hadn't used his talisman skills, so the result was uncertain.
Brother Ying also approached and praised Lu An:
"Lu An, your talent for combat is extremely high. Among the people I know, you rank in the top three."
"But practicing with me is ultimately theoretical. Real-life combat is different, with an opponent's aura and ruthlessness being completely different."
"So I suggest you find an opportunity to experience real battles. I'll accompany you to ensure your safety."
Lu An considered this for a moment and clasped his fists.
"Thank you, Brother Ying. I had the same intention, but the war with the Li family is about to end, and I have an appointment with Li Ziyou. I may not be able to leave immediately."
"Once I've dealt with that matter, we'll set off for Mount Mangdang. How about that?"
Brother Ying smiled slightly and said:
"As long as I'm here at the Spirit Talisman Residence enjoying the hospitality, your word is final."
Lu An couldn't help but smile and then noticed Bai Sheng standing aside.
"Is there something you need?"
"Master, Shi Zhi from the Spirit Talisman Sect is here to see you."
Lu An's heart stirred. Had the scheme to sow discord between Shi Zhi and the Second Elder had an effect?
Shi Zhi didn't wait long before Lu An arrived in the main hall.
"Greetings, Mr. Lu. I greatly benefited from your lecture that day. Your skill in talismans is truly admirable."
Lu An waved his hand and said:
"There's no need for flattery. Just state your purpose."
Shi Zhi's face showed a moment of embarrassment but quickly disappeared.
"Mr. Lu, I have urgent news to report. I'm not sure if…"
He glanced at Bai Sheng and Zhao Wenliang in the hall and didn't continue.
"You two, please leave. I need to discuss something with Daoist Shi."
Bai Sheng and Zhao Wenliang bowed and withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the hall.
At this point, Shi Zhi created a soundproof barrier and said:
"Mr. Lu, I have received reliable information that the Second Elder is planning to take action against you."
Lu An's eyebrows rose. So it's finally coming to a head?
But instead of saying more about it, he asked:
"Why are you telling me this?"
Shi Zhi, aware of Lu An's mistrust, quickly explained:
"On that day, the Second Elder treated me as a scapegoat. I won't go into details, but afterward, the Sect Master seemed to have reprimanded him. He was upset and vented his anger on me, blaming me for failing in my duties. Please look."
With that, he rolled up his sleeves to reveal his arms, covered in whip marks, with flesh torn and bruised. There wasn't a single unscathed spot.
Not yet finished, he pulled open his collar to reveal his chest, which bore two seared iron brands, the surface charred and deeply disturbing.
"If you still don't believe me, I'm willing to swear a heavenly oath. I only ask that you avenge me and relieve my resentment."
His eyes were fierce, and his voice was grim.
Lu An was internally astonished. He hadn't expected the Second Elder to be so brutal.
As for whether this was a feigned weakness, he wasn't too concerned. With the Second Elder's background, if he wanted to take action against him, it wouldn't be this complicated.
However, one thing he still didn't understand was how Shi Zhi knew about this matter.
He pondered for a moment and then said:
"It's not that I don't trust you, but this matter is too serious. If you don't explain clearly, I'm afraid I can't easily believe it."
Shi Zhi showed a hint of distress and said slowly:
"I understand. I've made things difficult for you before, so it's natural for you not to trust me."
"But I assure you, I am not lying. You are now an honorary elder of the Spirit Talisman Sect. The Second Elder can't act personally, so he sent a junior brother to delegate this task to the Lingxiao Sect, and I heard he paid a considerable sum."
"The Lingxiao Sect is a well-known assassination organization. They take money and complete the job, regardless of the target."
"But the Second Elder didn't expect that the junior brother he sent is like a brother to me, a friend I grew up with. He was unhappy when he saw me being punished, but he didn't dare to refuse the task due to the Second Elder's pressure. He could only inform me after delegating the task to the Lingxiao Sect."
Lu An nodded slowly after hearing this. It made sense, but he had never heard of the Lingxiao Sect.
"Alright, I'll ask Brother Ying later to see if they know anything about them."
He thought for a moment and then said:
"I understand the situation now. Take this talisman; it might save your life in a critical moment."
Shi Zhi took the talisman and his expression changed slightly.
"A top-grade Concealment Talisman!"
He was somewhat incredulous. He had only met Lu An by chance and had even offended him before. He hadn't expected Lu An to disregard past grievances and give him such a precious talisman.
It might really save his life in a crisis.
He was moved and bowed deeply, not rising immediately.
Lu An helped him up and instructed:
"Go back and act as if nothing happened. I have my ways of dealing with this."
"Also, if you have time, you might want to get closer to Shen Mi. I intend to support him for the position of the talisman master."
"When the time comes, I hope you will stand behind him."
Shi Zhi was astonished, even more so than when he received the top-grade Concealment Talisman.
"The position of the talisman master? Shen Mi?"
He was deeply unsettled. Reflecting on it, he felt his abilities were no less than Shen Mi's. But now, Shen Mi was getting support from Mr. Lu, showing that Lu An treated his own people well. If he followed Lu An closely, he might also receive help in the future.
He made up his mind and then thought of something, speaking slowly:
"Mr. Lu, if Shen Mi wants to take the position of the talisman master, there is one person to watch out for."
"Who?"
"The Spirit Talisman Sect's eldest disciple!"