Over three months!
If word of this got out, it would surely cause a huge uproar.
Therefore, during their conversation, Li Chang'an claimed that he had received his Talismanic Inheritance many years ago.
"My aptitude is poor, nothing compared to Daoist Liu's. I can only rely on time to slowly grind away."
"Daoist Li, why must you sell yourself short?"
Liu Yue gave a gentle smile.
The two then began to chat about the Path of Talismans and Seals.
During their talk, the level of Talisman Art Li Chang'an displayed was merely that of an ordinary Low Grade Talisman Master.
After talking for about a quarter of an hour, they had become somewhat acquainted.
A bit of trust had formed between them.
Just then, whether intentionally or not, Liu Yue suddenly mentioned the grade of their inheritances.
"Unfortunately, I only received a Tier One Low Grade inheritance, so I can't advance any further."
She sighed softly, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.
A trace of sorrow appeared on her lovely face, a truly pitiable sight.
Li Chang'an sighed with emotion as well and blurted out:
"Indeed. Inheritances are hard to come by. Obtaining a Low Grade one is already the greatest fortune of my life!"
His face was filled with melancholy, as if he too were worried about finding a Middle Grade inheritance.
Hearing this, Liu Yue lowered her beautiful eyes, a flicker of imperceptible disappointment in their depths.
The reason she had been willing to talk with Li Chang'an for so long was to probe him, not simply to discuss Talisman Art.
However, Li Chang'an had noticed this long ago.
During their earlier conversation, he had seemed relaxed but was, in fact, on high alert the entire time.
The temptation of a Tier One Middle Grade inheritance was simply too great. He wouldn't dare reveal it without the means to protect himself.
'I have to at least break through to the Middle Stage of Qi Refining before I can reveal my Tier One Middle Grade skills.'
Li Chang'an constantly reminded himself that he could not let his guard down.
In the conversation that followed, Liu Yue seemed unchanged, but a faint, almost imperceptible distance had grown between them.
Afterward, Chu Daniu introduced Li Chang'an to several other Talisman Masters.
As expected, they were all Tier One Low Grade Talisman Masters with very ordinary skills.
Not a single one of them could compare to Liu Yue.
These few people were reasonably polite to Li Chang'an.
"This must be your first time here, Daoist Li? You must come more often in the future!"
"On the Path of Talismans and Seals, you can't just lock yourself away and reinvent the wheel. We must exchange ideas more often…"
Of course, this politeness was only superficial.
After all, they were both peers and competitors.
One more Low Grade Talisman Master in the Marketplace meant one more person to compete with for their livelihood.
However, these men were quite enthusiastic toward Liu Yue.
This was not only because Liu Yue could create High-quality Talismans, but also because she was young and beautiful, and still without a Daoist partner.
A Talisman Master with the surname Wu praised, "Daoist Liu, you've mastered the skill of making High-quality Talismans in just three years of Talisman Painting. It truly puts me to shame!"
"Daoist Wu, you flatter me."
Liu Yue smiled humbly, her eyes captivating.
The others also chimed in with their praise.
Li Chang'an sat to the side, a smile on his face, but he felt quite bored inside.
This so-called gathering of peers was nothing special.
They were all Low Grade artisans; they couldn't help him much.
Just then, Chu Daniu suddenly whispered a reminder, "Brother Li, Elder Luo Kun is here! He's an expert at the Middle Stage of Qi Refining and possesses a Tier One Middle Grade Talismanic Inheritance!"
"Oh?"
Li Chang'an was taken aback and followed Chu Daniu's gaze.
He soon saw an old man with a ruddy, date-colored face and a full head of white hair and a white beard.
He looked to be over sixty, and his power surpassed everyone present. He certainly deserved to be called 'Elder.'
'Strange. Among the Middle Grade Talisman Masters in the Marketplace, I don't recall there being an Elder Luo.'
Li Chang'an had previously investigated the Middle Grade Talisman Masters in the Marketplace.
At the time, the Divination had not yet given him a sign, so he was still worrying about a Tier One Middle Grade Talismanic Inheritance and had even considered finding a Middle Grade Talisman Master to take him as an apprentice.
Chu Daniu immediately explained.
"Although Elder Luo has a Middle Grade inheritance, his skills have not yet broken through. He can currently create High-quality versions of Low Grade Talismans with a very high success rate."
"I see."
Li Chang'an instantly understood.
He was still a Tier One Low Grade Talisman Master.
But he possessed the inheritance, after all.
As long as his talent wasn't too poor, a breakthrough was only a matter of time!
"Brother Li, Elder Luo has no children and has not taken any disciples. You have to seize this opportunity!"
Chu Daniu whispered.
If he could get on this elder's good side, he might have a chance to obtain the Talismanic Inheritance he held!
The other Talisman Masters present were thinking the exact same thing.
"Elder Luo!"
Liu Yue's eyes lit up, and she immediately rose to greet him.
The others did the same.
Each of them wore a fawning smile and a respectful expression.
Luo Kun's expression was neutral as he gave a slight nod.
"My young friends, have you all been well?"
"Thank you for your concern, Elder Luo!"
Liu Yue spoke with a charming smile, her voice taking on a delicate, soft quality.
She also edged, intentionally or not, a little closer to Luo Kun.
She, who had kept a certain distance from everyone before, was now like a completely different person, looking as if she wanted nothing more than to press right up against him.
Soon, Luo Kun came and sat down before the group.
His aged gaze swept over Li Chang'an.
"This young friend looks unfamiliar. Is this your first time here?"
"This junior, Li Chang'an, greets you, Elder."
Li Chang'an stood and bowed with his hands clasped.
"It is indeed my first time here."
"No need for formalities. Sit."
"Yes."
Li Chang'an sat back down.
Next, Luo Kun, adopting the air of an elder, had everyone voice their questions about their Talisman skills.
He, in turn, would be responsible for answering their questions and clearing up their doubts.
"Elder Luo, I happen to have a question."
Liu Yue blinked her beautiful eyes and described a point of confusion she had with Talisman Painting.
The other Talisman Masters also began to speak up.
The questions they asked were all very simple.
It seemed like they were asking questions, but in reality, they were using the opportunity to praise Elder Luo as much as they could, hoping to be noticed by him.
"Elder Luo's Talisman Art is truly masterful! A question that has puzzled this junior for days was solved with just a single word of your guidance!"
The Talisman Master with the surname Wu was full of gratitude.
Luo Kun's eyes narrowed slightly, as if he were thoroughly enjoying the compliments.
A scene like this made Li Chang'an feel even more bored.
This kind of peer exchange was a complete waste of time!
He couldn't be bothered to ask a question, so he simply ignored the others' voices and began to ponder his own Path of Talismans and Seals.
But Chu Daniu watched this, growing secretly anxious.
'Why hasn't Brother Li asked a question yet? This is a rare opportunity for exchange!'
He couldn't help but regret not giving Li Chang'an a few more words of advice beforehand.
A moment later, he noticed Luo Kun's gaze sweep over Li Chang'an, his brow furrowing.
Chu Daniu's heart sank.
He knew that Li Chang'an had most likely blown his chance!
The others, however, were secretly delighted.
'That Li Chang'an is so clueless about social etiquette!'
They knew very well that they now had one less competitor!
About an hour later, the gathering came to an end.
Everyone said their goodbyes.
Li Chang'an left with Chu Daniu.
On the way back, Chu Daniu couldn't help but sigh.
"Brother Li, why didn't you ask any questions?"
Li Chang'an just smiled, unconcerned.
"I suddenly had a moment of insight and got lost in my own thoughts. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings."
"Oh, so that's what happened. Sigh…"
Chu Daniu couldn't help but feel it was a pity.
Such a rare opportunity, gone just like that!