From Paper Craftsman to World-Suppressing Immortal

When Zhang Zhixuan first learned talismans, he copied them blindly. After finishing the first talisman, the [All Trades: Taoist] was indeed activated.

[All Trades: Taoist Priest]

[Level: Lv1 (2/100)]

[Rank: 0]

【Exorcism and Suppression Lv1 (Permanent Passive, Upgradeable): By focusing on cultivation and dedicating oneself to the Tao, one is protected by the incense offerings of the Three Pure Ones, and all evil cannot invade. The talismans created deal 30% more damage to all demons and monsters】

[Upgrade to the next level to unlock skills.]

"It's here! It really is here! This is what I've been waiting for!" Zhang Zhixuan's joy was palpable. Just then, the Book of a Hundred Trades suddenly underwent a change that Zhang Zhixuan had not anticipated.

【Paper Maker】

[Level: Lv2 (1/100)]

[Rank: 0]

【Paper Manipulation Lv2 (Permanent Passive, Upgradeable): A special technique developed through years of experience making paper offerings, increasing the efficiency and quality of all paper products by 45%】

[Unlock Skill: Paper Soldier Manipulation (Beginner), creates paper soldiers for you to command. At your current level, you can command a maximum of 2 paper soldiers.]

[Upgrade to the next level to unlock new skills]

Zhang Zhixuan stared blankly at the page that suddenly appeared: "What does this mean?"

Then his gaze fell on the second-level paper manipulation technique: a special technique he had come up with through years of making paper offerings, which increased the efficiency of making all paper products by 45% and the quality by 20%.

"I get it! The paper craftsman's passive skill increases the efficiency of making all paper products by 45% and the quality by 20%. Does that mean the Taoist's yellow paper talismans also receive a bonus...?"

"Are there mutually reinforcing synergies between different industries?" Thinking this, Zhang Zhixuan glanced at the yellow talisman paper on the table and immediately made up his mind: "Let's try again!"

Then, Zhang Zhixuan took out another yellow talisman and laid it out.

Pei Shouzhen stood quietly to the side, occasionally offering Zhang Zhixuan words of advice and guidance, repeatedly and patiently saying, "The most important thing in drawing talismans is maintaining a calm state of mind, especially for beginners. You must avoid arrogance and impatience and keep your mind as still as water before you can draw the talismans in one go..."

"Even my master spent two full years practicing the basic four talismans before he mastered them. The influence of this is not only a matter of talent and hard work, but also requires some opportunity and comprehension..."

Pei Shouzhen spoke slowly and deliberately, afraid that the complexity of the four basic talismans he taught might severely damage Zhang Zhixuan's confidence and even negatively impact his future cultivation.

In reality, Zhang Zhixuan had completely ignored what he was saying and was fully focused on the second talisman in front of him.

Seeing that Zhang Zhixuan was preparing to draw a second one, Pei Shouzhen shut up at the right time and stood quietly to the side watching carefully.

Zhang Zhixuan held his breath and focused his mind, and put pen to paper again. Although this time it was not as light and swift as Pei Shouzhen's, connecting all directions and completing it in one go, it was still much better than the first one.

As the talisman was finished, the paper of the wind-summoning talisman trembled slightly, and the surrounding airflow surged spontaneously. Upon seeing this, Pei Shouzhen's face, which resembled that of a door god, suddenly became quite interesting.

"This Wind Summoning Talisman... is complete..."

At the same time, a notification flashed in Zhang Zhixuan's eyes from the Book of Trades: [Complete a basic talisman, Taoist proficiency +2]

"Layman Zhang, this..."

Pei Shouzhen was filled with disbelief. Just then, Zhang Zhixuan took out a third sheet of yellow talisman paper and began to draw the talisman.

Soon, after the third one came the fourth, fifth, sixth...

Zhang Zhixuan drew faster and faster, and became more and more skilled. When he drew his twentieth drawing, he completed a Wind Summoning Talisman that was completely comparable to Pei Shouzhen's.

Pei Shouzhen picked up the Wind Summoning Talisman in astonishment, then picked up his own. Comparing the two, Pei Shouzhen unconsciously frowned and relaxed, muttering to himself, "Unbelievable, unbelievable..."

"Master Pei, you just said that your master has been practicing for a long time?"

"Two years..."

"So how long have I been practicing...?"

Pei Shouzhen remained silent for a long time before finally managing to squeeze out a reply: "Two..."

"Two years..."

"Two..."

Pei Shouzhen held two Wind-Summoning Talismans in his hands, looking somewhat lost. His towering body stood frozen in place, and his door-god-like face even carried a hint of self-doubt. He had cultivated for decades and had seen countless geniuses of the Xuanmen, but he had never seen anyone who, in the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, could go from an outsider who couldn't even hold a talisman brush steadily to drawing talismans comparable to those of orthodox disciples of Longhu Mountain.

This is not cultivation; this is clearly innate Daoist talent, a prodigy born for the Xuanmen!

"Master Pei, my talent is insufficient, but I have made up for it with good fortune. I hope you will forgive my shortcomings." Zhang Zhixuan composed himself, cupped his hands in greeting, and spoke with great humility.

Pei Shouzhen came to his senses, sighed, and laughed, "Layman Zhang, there's no need to be modest. Such comprehension is rare indeed. You've already mastered most of the Wind Talisman. Don't neglect the Fire, Thunder, and Lightning Talismans either. Study and practice diligently, and avoid arrogance and impatience. In addition, I will teach you the Taoist method of breathing exercises to combine with the four talismans. With diligent practice in the future, you will surely achieve something."

"Many thanks to the Daoist Master for imparting the Dao; such kindness cannot be expressed in words!"

"You're too kind, layman. Now that you've mastered the four basic talismans, I must continue with the case at hand. I plan to ask Captain Lu of the Patrol Division about the animal skin map I found on the sorcerer. He's been around Tianjin for years, so he should know what that special mark is."

"Alright, since that's the case, I don't intend to stay in Jincheng any longer. I will set off back to Wuliu Town today. When you are ready to go to Panlong Mountain with your fellow disciples, you can call me if needed."

"The green hills remain unchanged, the clear waters flow on; farewell!"

The two parted ways for the time being and went their separate ways.

Before leaving Jincheng, Zhang Zhixuan went to Guihoutang to get some materials and temporarily made two paper puppet soldiers to carry with him. Then he went out of the city, found a mule cart, and embarked on the road back to Chengwuliu Town.

When Zhang Zhixuan returned to his home in Wuliu Town, it was already late at night. He lit an oil lamp and took out the silver dollars that he had been hiding in his basket.

After taking stock, he had a clear idea of ​​the situation.

Zhang Zhixuan set aside thirty silver dollars and planned to go find Liu San the next day to repay the debt. It is only right to pay back debts. Even if he committed sins in his previous life, Zhang Zhixuan would still settle a karmic debt for him.

He then set aside another twenty silver dollars, intending to visit his uncle's house another day. He couldn't forget the kindness and affection he had shown his uncle, especially since his uncle had helped him out many times. Now, it was time to let the old man know that Zhang Zhixuan was no longer the spendthrift he once was.

Zhang Zhixuan continued working on the unfinished paper-making tasks, hoping to complete more and level up his [Paper Maker] skill.

That night, Zhang Zhixuan kept busy until he was very sleepy before putting down his paperwork and going to bed.

I slept soundly and without dreams. When I opened my eyes again, it was already bright daylight outside.

After washing himself thoroughly, Zhang Zhixuan carried a basket and paper puppets on his back, along with thirty silver dollars, and prepared to go find Liu San to repay his debt.

Passing by a breakfast stall, Zhang Zhixuan ordered a bowl of hot wontons for breakfast.

As I was eating, a piercing bark suddenly came from behind me, followed by the sound of a table being overturned and plates and bowls smashing to the ground. Then came an arrogant, domineering shout: "Damn it, I'm doing you a favor by eating at your lousy stall, and you dare ask for money? Don't you even know who I am?"

Zhang Zhixuan turned around and saw that the man who overturned the stall was a man in his forties, short and stocky, with three thugs behind him and a big black dog on a leash. It was truly a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road. It was none other than his creditor, Liu San.