Since the last time Old He borrowed a talisman, it has been more than half a month without any news.
Lin Chang'an also felt a pang of concern for Old He, hoping everything would go smoothly, as he had once benefited from his kindness.
However, as Lin Chang'an sat before a table full of exquisite Golden Light Talismans, he fell silent.
[Skills: Golden Light Talisman (Mastery 8/1000), Divine Movement Talisman (Proficiency 358/500)]
"Why does the success rate of creating talismans feel a bit off?"
Lin Chang'an regarded the freshly crafted Golden Light Talisman in his hand with a peculiar expression.
"There's nothing wrong with the quality of the talisman, the success rate is fine too, but I seem to be overlooking something..."
An experienced Talisman Master, after adjusting to the optimal state, usually produces three or four exquisite talismans out of ten, which is quite normal.
But this adjustment is the biggest challenge, requiring a series of preparations like calming the mind and concentrating the spirit; managing two or three times a month is already quite good.
Moreover, this state invariably declines as mental energy is consumed.
"Could it be!"
As if realizing something, Lin Chang'an took a deep breath, his hand trembling a bit as he picked up the pen, his anxiety preventing him from concentrating fully as he plunged into action.
Swish swish!
When a light-golden exquisite Golden Light Talisman succeeded, Lin Chang'an's heart thumped violently, prompting him to continue experimenting.
Most were ordinary Golden Light Talismans, with only a few being exquisite ones.
But neglecting the usual need for calming and concentrating, he pressed on until his spiritual power was nearly exhausted before stopping.
"Huff… huff!"
At this moment, he was breathing heavily, seemingly confirming something, and eyed the panel with a mix of astonishment and delight.
"This is state locking!"
Lin Chang'an couldn't hide his excitement, smiling unconsciously as he finally understood everything.
"Even the best Talisman Master can only achieve a brief peak in their craft under calmness and concentration. Once their mental energy is depleted, they must pause to rest and recover.
But I don't need to do that at all; as long as I break through to this state, I can maintain it indefinitely."
At this moment, Lin Chang'an's face was flushed with excitement; he wanted nothing more than to burst into laughter under his covers.
State locking means that as long as his mana doesn't deplete, he can achieve optimal talisman success rates without the tedious calming and concentrating.
One word! Just go for it.
"Damn it, how many Spirit Stones have I wasted before!"
At this moment, Lin Chang'an felt a twinge of regret, realizing that his earlier caution in avoiding waste by resting after painting a few had kept him from discovering this.
Only today did he notice something amiss.
"The future is promising!"
With joy written all over his face, Lin Chang'an finally discovered the strongest talent he could rely on in the Immortal Cultivation Realm.
Once proven, forever proven!
A typical newly-advanced Talisman Master might produce four or five exquisite Golden Light Talismans a month in optimal condition, but he doesn't need to stop there; if he goes all out, he could achieve the equivalent of ten.
After all, setting aside the tedious calming and concentrating time, painting talismans also consumes mental energy and mana.
"A tenfold difference, doesn't this mean I can earn forty to fifty Spirit Stones a month!"
The thought of this made Lin Chang'an not only reveal an expression of excitement, but he had never dared to dream of so many Spirit Stones before.
"No, wait! This could easily expose my secret!"
Suddenly realizing something, Lin Chang'an felt as if cold water had been poured over him, instantly calming him down.
"Three to four exquisite Golden Light Talismans a month are within normal range; even five or six would be seen as talent after breaking through. But dozens a month would clearly be suspect!"
This would practically be announcing to others that he had fortuitous encounters.
Realizing this, Lin Chang'an took a deep breath. The Immortal Cultivation Realm is ever-changing, and having the strongest talent means being more cautious to ensure longevity.
"I can't miss the opportunity to earn Spirit Stones, but I must proceed with caution."
After taking a deep breath, Lin Chang'an set down the Spiritual Brush and sat on the bed in a meditative posture, preparing for cultivation.
However, within moments, he couldn't help but fling the blanket over his head, and his bed began to shake violently, accompanied by muffled laughter.
...
A month later, after nearly exhausting his talisman materials, Lin Chang'an arrived at the familiar True Treasure Tower to see Shopkeeper Miao.
"Tsk tsk, Mr. Lin, your craftsmanship is truly impeccable."
Seeing six exquisite Golden Light Talismans, Shopkeeper Miao's old face almost broke into a flower of joy as he traded talisman paper and cinnabar with Lin Chang'an while teasing him.
"Mr. Lin, in the Hundred Skills of Cultivation, before you break through, no matter how hard you try, you see no results. But once you break through, it's like a whole new world opens up."
"By the way, we've recently had a batch of Golden Marrow Pills come in at the shop. Why not try one? You might break through your cultivation right away."
Looking at Mr. Miao, the shopkeeper, who seemed to have cornered a fat sheep, Lin Chang'an was tempted but soon shook his head.
"Let's save up enough for the duty tax first."
"True, lately there've been many external loose cultivators at the market, waiting for the big spring cultivation recruits next year."
Mr. Miao's sales pitch was habitual, and seeing Lin Chang'an was not interested, he smiled and chatted about the recent market situation.
Lin Chang'an also noticed there were many unfamiliar faces at the market.
The Cyan Bamboo Mountain Market, under the jurisdiction of Li Huo Palace, was preparing to expand significantly, naturally attracting a large number of external loose cultivators.
Twenty years ago, when Lin Chang'an first arrived at the market, he too was enticed by the various benefits of cultivation expansion.
"I've heard the effort from above is substantial this time, releasing as many as five Foundation Establishment Pill slots."
Mr. Miao's casual remark sent a shiver down Lin Chang'an's spine.
"It's this big this time!"
This reminded him of his first market experience, with only two Foundation Establishment Pill temptations, and it was a real battlefield.
"So, be careful recently. These external loose cultivators have no rules. They don't understand that most opportunities come with life-threatening risks."
Mr. Miao cautiously advised, especially shaking his head at the mention of external loose cultivators, seeming to suggest unrest was coming to the market.
"Mr. Miao, one Golden Marrow Pill, plus a Storage Bag."
Suddenly, Lin Chang'an clutched the Spirit Stones, just earned, still warm in his hand.
Mr. Miao, seeing five Spirit Stones, beamed with joy.
Golden Marrow Pill, two Spirit Stones each; Storage Bag, three Spirit Stones.
"Alright, Mr. Lin, don't worry. This time I'll select the highest quality elixir for you and throw in a stack of Talisman paper. With your solid cultivation and the renowned slow but steady progress of the Chang Chun Skill, you'll definitely make a breakthrough."
"And here's the Storage Bag."
With Mr. Miao's face full of smiles, Lin Chang'an walked out of the shop carrying a beautifully crafted Storage Bag along with a jade bottle.
Seeing the market bustling with people, as a cool breeze blew through, recalling Mr. Miao's smiling face, Lin Chang'an seemed to understand something.
"In the market, you earn money to spend money. Don't dream of taking a penny home."
At this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but laugh and cry, but was grateful for Mr. Miao's reminder, even though it was a sales pitch for him to spend Spirit Stones.
But he knew these cultivation-enhancing elixirs have always been hot commodities, especially with so many external loose cultivators arriving at the market recently.
Walking through the market streets, observing the bustling crowds and so many unfamiliar faces, Lin Chang'an grew increasingly tense.
That intense cultivation drive twenty years ago was still vivid in his mind.
Countless loose cultivators pouring in meant not only opportunities but chaos.
"Looks like the stable atmosphere of the market is about to be disrupted."
Although external loose cultivators come from time to time, never in such numbers, not enough to disturb the market's atmosphere.
Only those with experience know what this represents, and Lin Chang'an felt a sense of urgency.
He must quickly enhance his cultivation, breakthrough to the middle stage of Qi Refining, to have the power to protect himself.
Lin Chang'an walked, silently lamenting, and unwittingly passed a resplendent pavilion.
Two large red lanterns hung at the entrance, the pinkish glow emitted an ambiguous aura, particularly in broad daylight with lights still on inside.
Two young female cultivators yawned as they exited, brightening visibly at the sight of a familiar patron.
"Oh, isn't this Mr. Lin? After you left last time, the sisters were so tipsy we couldn't stand straight the next morning. This time we'll give you a discount, come in for a cup of hot tea before leaving."
"Right, we heard Mr. Lin can now produce quality Golden Light Talismans. The days of bitter cultivation can't compare to the joys here, come enjoy with us sisters..."
The two female cultivators wore red palace gowns, as thin as cicada's wings. Perhaps just awakened, their faces carried a lazy fatigue.
With charming faces, graceful figures, and enchanting auras, they exuded tempting allure, especially brightening at the sight of Lin Chang'an.
That look, identical to Mr. Miao's.
"Ahem, today isn't convenient, another day, another day."
Lin Chang'an smiled awkwardly at this dreadful cultivation routine, with recent days of frustration leading him to drink here, a blend of work and relaxation, knowing one must unwind when needed.
But it truly wasn't convenient lately.
"Don't leave, Mr. Lin, a cup of tea won't cost you Spirit Crystals."
The voice from behind, reminiscent of a Heart Demon, but Lin Chang'an, resolute in spirit, quickly departed from there.
Now, he was eager to return home and test the Storage Bag. These alluring charms won't shake his resolve.