Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 165 Chen Sheng Establishes Foundation, Cultivation Family (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

"Liu Zhuo?!"

"Is he Liu Ping's father?"

By candlelight, Song Ming looked at Zhao Xian and asked in a solemn voice.

"It was his father!"

"Not only that, Zhao Ze, the thief who sought refuge in Xiangting, is also my uncle!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly, then added a sentence.

The pavilion chief is in charge of the affairs of the pavilion, while the thief is the pavilion chief's henchman. The two working together are enough to control the power of the pavilion.

"If that's the case, perhaps these two can be ordered to keep a close watch on the Yan family!" Song Ming nodded, pondered for a while, and then said in a low voice.

"That's the only way!"

Chen Yuancheng and Zhao Xian exchanged a glance and nodded helplessly.

Since neither of them were officials in Wohu Township, they needed others to handle their affairs.

It was late at night, and the three of them discussed things in private for a long time before finally going their separate ways.

In the following days, Zhao Xian, Chen Yuancheng, and Song Ming went to the Xu and Yan families for banquets.

As for the matter discussed that night, Zhao Xian also took the time to summon Liu Zhuo and Zhao Ze and told them the whole story.

Upon hearing this, the two understood that once they knew about this matter, there would be no turning back, so they both complied with Zhao Xian's instructions.

With the help of these two, every move of the Yan family will be under the watchful eyes of Zhao Xian and Chen Yuancheng!

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhao Xian then led Song Ming and Cao Quan away from Wohu Township and returned to Xixiang.

After returning to Xixiang, Zhao Xianfu bid farewell to Zhu Shen, the head of Xixiang Township, and then led the local people to the next township to be stationed.

Liu Ping, however, did not accompany Zhao Xian to the next township to be stationed.

He was kept by Zhao Xian and put in charge of the estate and ranch affairs.

The manor now has about two hundred people. To make things easier for Liu Ping, Zhao Xian specially left a group of Daoist priests to serve Liu Ping.

As for the demon hunters who had stayed in Xixiang for two months, they also had no choice but to leave their secluded paradise.

Two months have passed, and Zhao Ji, Zhao Cheng, and other Daoist priests have also won over the women from wealthy families.

The days of luxury and extravagance are now a thing of the past.

Willows sway gently, grass grows tall and orioles fly.

As the sun sets in the west and the moon rises in the east, summer has arrived in the blink of an eye.

Nankou Township, rural dwellings.

Under the trees in the side courtyard, several people, their chests and backs bare, vigorously fanned themselves with palm-leaf fans to cool off.

"Brother, why is it getting hotter and hotter!"

"I've never felt this hot before!"

One of the burly young men looked up at the blazing sun and immediately began to complain.

"June weather, isn't it just this hot!"

The young scholar sitting under the tree immediately replied without looking up.

"Brother, how come you're not sweating at all!"

The boy leaned closer to take a look, and then asked with considerable surprise.

"My fire-elemental magic is already incredibly hot; what can a little heat do to me!"

Upon hearing the boy's surprise, the young scholar looked up and replied with a smile.

"Alright, stop complaining!"

"You just want a cooling talisman from me!"

At this point, the young scholar looked at the four people in front of him with a smile.

Upon hearing this, the four of them simply chuckled, clearly realizing that their thoughts had been exposed!

"Take it, take it!"

The young scholar didn't stand on ceremony and immediately took out a dozen yellow talismans, each about half a foot long, from his sleeve and handed them to the boy in front of him.

"So many?!"

The boy happily accepted the yellow talisman and exclaimed in surprise.

"One for each of you four, and send the rest to Song Jun and the other two!"

"what!"

Upon hearing this, the boy looked distressed, as the talisman he had just obtained flew away again.

"Ah Zhong has already entered the Bone Refining stage, while the three of you are still stuck at the Tendon Refining Perfection stage. Don't let the hot weather delay your cultivation!"

Seeing the boy's worried expression, the young scholar offered another word of advice.

"Understood, elder brother!"

Apart from the blond-haired boy, the other three boys responded listlessly.

"Go and bring out my desk; I'll draw a few more cooling talismans!"

A moment later, under the shade of the tree, a straw mat, a table, and writing implements were all prepared.

Taking a deep breath to calm his mind, Zhao Xian opened the wooden box on the table and took out a blank yellow talisman.

Immediately, it was carefully unfolded and placed on the table.

He then took out a spirit ink made from demon blood, cinnabar, and spirit stone powder, poured it onto the inkstone, and then took out a crystal-clear talisman brush that resembled a green bamboo joint.

This talisman brush is a low-grade magic artifact with a magical restriction attached. The soft bristles at the tip are made from the hair of a demon wolf, making it extremely smooth to use.

The magical power, nourished by the magical restrictions on the bamboo-jointed pen shaft, is then transmitted to the pen tip, becoming even purer and gentler.

In particular, gentleness is especially important for cultivators like Zhao Xian who practice fire magic.

As everyone knows, fire-attribute spiritual power is the most fierce and explosive!

The art of talisman making is profound and complex. The talismans that Zhao Xian currently possesses are merely low-grade Yellow-rank spirit talismans.

These low-grade Yellow Rank talismans are mostly everyday talismans with no offensive power, such as cooling talismans, dust-repelling talismans, and dust-avoiding talismans.

However, even these life-saving talismans are quite difficult for ordinary late-stage Qi Refining cultivators to successfully create.

A single talisman requires two low-grade spirit stones, and an ounce of spirit ink requires three low-grade spirit stones.

If you make twelve at a time, even if you succeed halfway through, that's only six spirit talismans.

As for talismans like the Cooling Talisman, they are sold in the market for one low-grade spirit stone each.

A late-stage Qi Refining cultivator can only earn one or two low-grade spirit stones after working hard for most of the day.

That's putting it optimistically. Moreover, most late-stage Qi Refining cultivators have a success rate of less than 50% when it comes to making talismans, at most around 30% or 40%.

Ultimately, without a solid financial foundation, it's better to go hunting monsters in the Cloud Ridge than to cultivate any of the various arts.

With a light touch of spiritual ink, Zhao Xian picked up the brush, and with a slight thought, a stream of magical power flowed into the talisman brush. He then began to slowly write talismans on the yellow talisman.

Before long, with the final stroke completed, Zhao Xian let out a long sigh of relief and a smile appeared on his face. A cooling talisman was thus successfully created.

Basic Runecrafting Proficiency +1!

Feeling the spiritual power contained within the talisman, Zhao Xian chuckled softly and carefully placed the talisman into another sealed wooden box.

This wooden box is also a talisman, engraved with spirit-sealing runes, which can better preserve the spiritual power of the items inside.

Next, he took out a blank yellow talisman, unfolded it, and laid it on the table.

Keep drawing the symbols!

A moment later, Zhao Xian had used up a dozen talismans.

Twelve yellow talismans were used to make eight cooling talismans, and four were wasted.

Not bad at all!

With his followers serving him, Zhao Xian's only cost in making talismans was purchasing the yellow talismans; as for the spirit ink, he refined it himself.

Demon blood is readily available, cinnabar can be bought at the market, and spirit stone powder can be made at home.

As for refining spirit ink, there's no need for magical artifacts like alchemy furnaces or weapon-refining furnaces; an iron pot is all you need!

As for why they're so expensive in the market!

Who knows!

Since Zhao Hong and Huang Zhong and the other three accidentally obtained a copy of "Essentials of Talisman Making" from someone else while selling cooling talismans in the market, Zhao Xian has studied it every day as if it were a priceless treasure.

Compared to the "Introduction to Talisman Making" that Zhao Xian bought at Yunlan Pavilion, this "Essentials of Talisman Making" contains much more detailed information.

Much more profound.

It not only explains hundreds of talismans, but also the manufacturing processes of various spirit inks and talisman paper.

This single book alone could become the foundation of a small cultivation clan's heritage!

It was precisely because of this book, "The Essentials of Talisman Making," that Zhao Xian's talisman-making skills improved significantly.

Moreover, with the help of a cheat code, it shouldn't be long before this low-grade yellow spirit talisman has a 90% success rate!

As for the origin of this "Essentials of Talisman Making", Zhao Xiancai didn't bother to ask.

With the cooling talisman complete, Zhao Xianwei closed his eyes and carefully sensed the magical power within his body, which was still more than half full.

Immediately, he took out another dozen talisman papers, preparing to draw talismans to ward off dust.

Before they knew it, a dozen talismans had been used up, and the spiritual ink in the inkstone had dried up.

"call!"

With a long sigh, Zhao Xian looked at the table, where six talismans gleaming with a faint spiritual light came into view.

"I made another six dollars!"

With a light laugh, Zhao Xian began to tidy up all the talisman-making tools on the table.

After tidying up, his gaze fell upon the spirit-sealing wooden box.

Zhao Xian opened the wooden box, took out all the talismans, and counted them carefully.

"Seventy-two sheets!"

"Once we've collected one hundred, we'll have Zhao Hong and the others take them to the market to sell!"

While pondering, Zhao Xian also put the spirit wood box into his storage bag.

"One hundred low-grade spirit stones, that's roughly enough for the monthly salary of my subordinates!"

"After working hard for half a month, there's not a single thing left!"

With a chuckle, Zhao Xian shook his head and prepared to return to the hall to rest.

Unexpectedly, several figures suddenly entered the courtyard.

"what?"

Upon seeing the visitor, Zhao Xian showed a hint of surprise, then laughed loudly, "Acong, instead of enjoying yourself with Lord Chen in the county, what brings you here today?"

The visitor was none other than Chen Yuancheng's attendant, Wang Cong!

"Wang Cong pays his respects to the Lord of Zhao!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Cong smiled slightly and stepped forward to offer a bow.

Seeing the sweat beading on his forehead and his travel-worn appearance, Zhao Xian knew he must have rushed over. Without saying much, he took out a cooling talisman from his sleeve.

With a flick of his finger, the talisman landed on Wang Cong.

In an instant, the summer heat dissipated, and a cool breeze surrounded Wang Cong.

"Oh, Zhao Jun has already mastered the art of talisman making?"

Wang Cong served as an official in the county under Chen Yuancheng, and naturally saw many such talismans, so he was not surprised. However, he was quite curious that Zhao Xian knew how to make talismans.

"Haha, I only know the basics!"

Zhao Xian waved his hand and then walked towards the hall, with Wang Cong and Mu Chun following closely behind.

Upon entering the hall, Zhao Xian sat upright in the main seat. Wang Cong immediately took out an invitation from his own body, his expression solemn, and presented it to Zhao Xian with both hands.

"Chen Shenggong, the former bandit chief of the county, has successfully laid the foundation for his cultivation. We cordially invite Lord Zhao to attend the foundation-building ceremony!"

"Has Master Chen laid the foundation for the Dao?!"

Upon hearing Wang Cong's words, Zhao Xian also showed a hint of shock on his face!

It had only been half a year since Chen Sheng resigned from his official post, yet he had already laid the foundation for his Dao!

From then on, he was worlds apart from Qi Refining cultivators like Zhao Xian!

Upon seeing this, Mu Chun immediately stepped forward, took the invitation, and presented it to Zhao Xian.

Upon opening the booklet, Zhao Xian immediately examined it closely.

June 18th!

"The ancestral home of the Chen clan, Cloud Mist Mountain!"

After a moment, Zhao Xian gently closed the invitation, looked at Wang Cong, and smiled slightly: "Please inform Lord Chen that I will certainly arrive on time!"

"Wang Cong will certainly report this truthfully!"

Wang Cong bowed respectfully and prepared to leave.

"Nankou Township is quite far from the county seat, Acong. Why don't you rest for a while, have lunch, and then head back?"

"Thank you, Mr. Zhao!"

Immediately, Mu Chun led Wang Cong away.

Zhao Xian, however, unfolded his robe and stared intently.

"Daoji!"

After an unknown amount of time, a sigh came from the main hall.

Upon learning of Chen Sheng's foundation-building achievement, Zhao Xian was also filled with melancholy.

The Chen family has a profound heritage, with generations of Foundation Establishment cultivators passing down their skills, including a Core Formation True Person among their ancestors.

Born into such a powerful family, as long as one has good talent, there is a three-tenths chance of reaching the Foundation Establishment stage.

For a country bumpkin like Zhao Xian, establishing a foundation is extremely difficult!

The Wu family of Xixiang, for example, is a family that has existed for a hundred years, yet they do not possess a single true technique above the Xuan level.

The Profound Rank True Method represents the method of Foundation Establishment. Without the Profound Rank True Method, how can one establish a foundation?

Fortunately, the county magistrate was kind and bestowed upon him the "Blazing Sun True Method." Although it was only the most ordinary low-grade Xuan-level True Method, it still gave Zhao Xian the ambition to establish his foundation!

The "True Method of Blazing Sun" can forge a seventh-grade Blazing Sun Dao Foundation, an eighth-grade Red Sun Dao Foundation, and a ninth-grade Blazing Flame Dao Foundation.

There are nine grades of Dao Foundation, with grade one being the highest and grade nine being the lowest.

A seventh-grade Blazing Sun Dao Foundation is naturally stronger than a ninth-grade Blazing Flame Dao Foundation.

However, if one wants even the slightest chance of entering the Core Formation stage, one must at least forge a sixth-grade Dao Foundation!

This is also the world-shaking difference between a low-grade Xuan-level true technique and a mid-grade Xuan-level true technique.

"The True Method of Primordial Yang!"

Zhao Xian murmured something to himself, and before he knew it, he had already thought of this true Dharma.

This was also the only mid-grade Xuan-level true technique he knew.

"This technique must have been passed down within the Yunlan Sect!"

Recalling the "Six Yang Technique," a mid-grade Yellow Rank cultivation method that Chen Yuancheng had once taught him, Zhao Xian secretly pondered, "Perhaps the Chen family also possesses the 'Yuan Yang True Method'!"

"But how can I obtain this cultivation technique?"

Zhao Xian also fell into deep thought.

There's nothing about their own family that the Chen clan would value, so obtaining the "Yuan Yang True Method" is truly a bit of a challenge.

"Never mind! There's always a way out!"

"Right now, I'm only at the seventh level of Qi Refining. To reach the ninth level of Qi Refining, it will take at least five years!"

"We'll talk about it then!"

Suppressing the turbulent thoughts in his heart, Zhao Xian took out a scroll of green bamboo slips from his sleeve and began to study it carefully.

As Zhao Xian's mastery of talisman-making deepened, he also gradually gained some understanding of the Daoist scriptures.

Talismans are composed of Taoist script, which is used to explain the great principles of heaven and earth!

In Zhao Xian's view, the more profound one's understanding of Daoist texts becomes, the further one can go in the art of talisman making!

Of course, this is not Zhao Xian's opinion alone; the book "Essentials of Talisman Making" also contains this view.

Clearly, this is common knowledge in the cultivation world!

"June 18th, Foundation Establishment Ceremony!"

"There are still more than ten days left, so we need to make good preparations!"

While he was pondering, Wang Congye finished his lunch and came to say goodbye.

Zhao Xian then took out another letter and asked him to help deliver it to his younger sister and others who were studying at the county school.

After Wang Cong left, Zhao Xian began preparing congratulatory gifts.

After much thought, I decided to find some spiritual items to send over.

If we really can't find it, then we can only offer two mid-grade spirit stones as a congratulatory gift.

More than ten days passed in the blink of an eye.

June 18th has arrived in the blink of an eye.

On this day, the area at the foot of Yunwu Mountain, northwest of the county town, was quite lively.

The number of cultivators coming and going was endless.

"Da da da!"

.

The thunderous sound of hooves echoed, and in the blink of an eye, several riders had reached the foot of the mountain.

Immediately afterwards, several figures dismounted and led their horses toward the mountain gate.

"Greetings, fellow Daoist!"

Upon seeing the three approach, a young cultivator immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"Greetings, fellow Daoist!"

Upon seeing this, the young cultivator at the head of the group immediately returned the greeting.

"Zhao Xian from Wohu Township has come to offer his congratulations to the Fourth Elder on his successful foundation-building!"

Zhao Xian took out the gift from his bosom and immediately presented it.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, please!"

The young cultivator opened the invitation, glanced at it, then put it away and handed it to Zhao Xian, saying with a smile.

As for the two robust young men behind him, the young cultivator did not ask them any questions.

Clearly, these two teenagers must be Zhao Daoist's attendants.

A servant led the horses away, and Zhao Xian and his two companions followed behind one of the servants, heading deeper into the mountain gate.

The three of them stepped into the mountain gate and immediately felt the scene before them change.

The once lush and verdant mountains and forests have been transformed into neat and uniform spiritual fields.

The fields are filled with the faint fragrance of rice.

Seeing the surprise in the three people's eyes, the servant explained directly, "Senior, Cloud Mist Mountain is protected by a great protective formation!"

'

"Normally, it presents itself to outside cultivators as a scene of lush mountains and forests."

"This spiritual field before us has very little spiritual energy; it's planted entirely with crescent-shaped rice!"

"Further ahead lies a high-grade spirit field, where low-grade Yellow Rank Jade Pearl Rice is grown!"

"Further up, there are even rarer mid-grade spirit fields, and high-grade spirit fields!"

"What we cultivate are mostly rare and precious medicinal herbs!"

"Thank you for informing me, young friend!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian immediately smiled and nodded, then continued to look around at the scenery.

I thought it was a celestial paradise, filled with exotic flowers and rare herbs, and teeming with rare and exotic animals, but it turned out to be just like a farm in the mortal world.

Huang Zhong and Zhao Duan behind him were quite interested, constantly scanning back and forth.

As for why Zhao Xian brought the two of them here to participate in the celebration.

That's because, of the four teenagers, only the two of them are now first-rate martial artists who have entered the bone-refining stage.

Third-rate and second-rate martial artists are simply not worthy of being mentioned, while first-rate martial artists can barely be compared with Qi Refining cultivators!

After all, top-notch martial artists are extremely rare.

Following the mountain path, the group unknowingly arrived at an open space, which was clearly the venue for today's Foundation Establishment Ceremony.

In Rongtai County, although Zhao Xian was a high-ranking official with a position of great power, his cultivation level was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

Zhao Xian was naturally not allowed to sit in the front row, and was arranged to sit in a corner by the servant.

Zhao Xian wasn't dissatisfied, after all, he was no different from the rogue cultivators who came to congratulate him!

He sat upright in his seat, with Huang Zhong and Zhao Duan behind him, and the other cultivators who came to offer their congratulations on his left and right.

"Young friend, you seem somewhat unfamiliar. May I ask where you cultivate?"

Suddenly, the white-haired old man in the seat on the right bowed to Zhao Xian and asked with a smile.

"Zhao Xian of Wohu Township greets fellow Daoist!"

Zhao Xian was not at all reserved and immediately returned the greeting to the white-haired old man, smiling as he spoke.

"Zhao Xian?!"

"Are you perhaps a county sergeant?"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's name, the white-haired old cultivator did not react at all. Instead, the middle-aged scholar in the seat on the left asked with great surprise.

"That's me!"

Zhao Xian nodded.

"We, these reclusive cultivators from the countryside, have also heard of your name, fellow Daoist!"

"I am Chen Mo from Beiguo Township. Greetings, fellow Daoist!"

The middle-aged scholar in the seat on the left immediately bowed and replied with a smile.

"I am Bai Miao, a resident of the county town. I greet Fellow Daoist Zhao!"

Upon hearing this, the white-haired old cultivator immediately smiled at Zhao Xian.

After exchanging pleasantries, the three of them began to chat enthusiastically.

The three men's casual conversation drew in several other cultivators who joined in.

These cultivators came from various places, including the county town, the countryside, and even places outside Rongtai County.

All of them were Qi Refining cultivators, and their cultivation levels were all above the late stage of Qi Refining, so they naturally considered themselves to be people in the cultivation world.

However, while chatting with Zhao Xian, the others also spoke with a degree of caution.

Although Zhao Xian looks young, he is a highly sought-after official in Rongtai County, a young and promising man.

He also commands a demon-hunting team of dozens of people, who hunt down demons and eliminate bandits, and their numerous battles are of great significance.

Today, at this celebration, everyone can address each other as fellow Daoists.

But once they leave Yunwu Mountain, who wouldn't address Zhao Xian as "Lord Military Officer"?

The coexistence of immortals and mortals, and the interplay between transcending and entering the world, is inherently complex.

A moment later, as one important figure after another entered the venue, the voices of the people talking gradually quieted down until they fell silent.

"Huh?!"

Looking at the tall figure walking into the venue, Zhao Xian also showed a hint of surprise.

The visitor was Xu Dekun from the Xu family of Wohu Township.

Immediately, Zhao Xian realized that, both morally and logically, Xu Dekun should also come to congratulate Chen Sheng.

"The Xu family from Wohu Township has also arrived!"

As Xu Dekun walked into the venue, Chen Mo on the left immediately spoke in a low voice.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, shouldn't the Xu family be here?"

Zhao Xian asked out of curiosity.

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's question, Chen Mo realized he had spoken out of turn, but seeing the curiosity on Zhao Xian's face, he immediately lowered his voice: "The Xu family has been declining in recent years!"

"Among the numerous cultivation families in Rongtai County, only a handful have maintained a continuous lineage of Foundation Establishment cultivators from generation to generation!"

"The rest of the families are just hovering around the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment levels!"

"The Xu family is probably going to fall to this level too!"

Seeing that Zhao Xian seemed confused, Chen Mo immediately lowered his voice and continued to explain to Zhao Xian in detail.

After Chen Mo's explanation, Zhao Xian gained a deeper understanding of the cultivation families in Rongtai County.

In the past, Zhao Xian only considered these families from an official perspective, but now Chen Mo is giving Zhao Xian a new introduction in terms of cultivation realm.

Among the many families practicing Taoism in Rongtai County, the Chen, Liu, and Zhu families are the most prominent.

These three families all have several Foundation Establishment cultivators, followed by the Xu, He, and Lu families, which each have only one Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Further down are the cultivation families at the Qi Refining level. There are many more of these families, most of whom live in the county town and the surrounding villages.

After all, these Qi Refining cultivators also need to eat, and the area around the county town is fertile and has been developed for hundreds of years, so it is naturally not considered a remote area.

Places like Wohu Township and Shahe Township can already be described as impoverished and desolate!

As for what constitutes a cultivation family, it is sufficient that there are Qi Refining cultivators in three generations.

If they could also manage some spirit fields and cultivate various arts, they would become quite famous in the county!