Eternal Life from Talisman Painting-Chapter 35: Dark Clouds Over the Market

The Zhou Family encountered such a big event that it couldn’t be concealed.

In less than a day, the entire story spread throughout the market.

The Wang Family.

"Well, well! That old fox Zhou, truly devious!"

Upon learning of the situation, the Wang Family’s Grand Elder felt a mix of astonishment and excitement. Astonishment because the Zhou Family had been hiding a Wind Spirit Root talent, and they almost succeeded in forming an alliance through marriage with a Foundation Establishment Clan associated with the Profound Sound Pavilion.

Excitement because the Zhou Family’s efforts failed; not only did they lose the Foundation Establishment Pill and the marriage alliance, but even their Wind Spirit Root genius was gone.

"Heh, heh, old fox Zhou, it seems the Zhou Family was not destined to enjoy such blessings."

The sinister smile on the Wang Family’s Grand Elder’s face hid the reality that the alliance between the Wang and Zhou families was forced by external pressure, and yet the Zhou Family planned to leave the Wang Family to deal with the consequences on their own.

Now, he was interested to see how the Zhou Family would navigate this crisis.

...

The Zhou Family.

"Father, Feng’Er!"

The Zhou Family Patriarch, Zhou Renmao, was filled with sorrow. This was his most promising son, a genius nurtured with the entire clan’s resources, now just gone like that.

"Those demonic cultivators, that group of Tribulation Cultivators! They’ve gone too far."

The Zhou Family Ancestor, despite his age, turned livid with rage at this turn of events.

"Father!"

The Zhou Family suffered significant losses; their Wind Spirit Root genius was gone, the Foundation Establishment Pill was gone, and even their painstakingly established external alliances vanished.

"It’s not the worst moment yet. As the head of the family, your priority should be to stabilize the clan’s morale."

The cold snort from the Zhou Family Ancestor was laden with a sense of death, leaving Zhou Renmao filled with anxiety.

"While my old bones can still hold out for another twenty or thirty years, the relationship with the Profound Sound Pavilion cannot be severed. Immediately gather the clan’s resources and bring those two Tier Two Spirit Beast Black Wind Wolf cubs with you."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Family Patriarch Zhou Renmao took a deep breath, suppressing his distress as he replied firmly:

"Father, I understand. Two Tier Two Spirit Beast cubs, along with the clan’s resources, should make it possible to obtain two more Foundation Establishment Pills from the Profound Sound Pavilion. Even without Feng’Er, our Zhou Family still has Tieshan!"

Zhou Tieshan, the most powerful of the Zhou Family’s young generation, was already at the Qi Refining Perfection Realm before the age of forty.

Originally, their plan was for the Zhou Family’s Wind Spirit Root to marry a daughter from the Foundation Establishment Great Clan of the Profound Sound Pavilion, thereby forming a marriage alliance between the two Foundation Establishment Clans.

Then they would prepare for Zhou Tieshan’s Foundation Establishment, leading to the Zhou Family’s rise.

No one expected it to end up as a pipe dream now.

"I hope Tieshan can successfully reach Foundation Establishment."

The Zhou Family Ancestor looked extremely solemn, now pinning all hopes on Zhou Tieshan.

If it were the previous Wind Spirit Root, a Foundation Establishment Pill would almost guarantee success, but Zhou Tieshan only had a Top-grade Spirit Root, with only a fifty percent chance.

"Father, don’t worry. With Tieshan’s aptitude, one Foundation Establishment Pill might be enough."

Zhou Family Patriarch Zhou Renmao said reassuringly, even though for a family like theirs, procuring three Foundation Establishment Pills at once was financially crippling.

Moreover, the current situation had caused the price of various Foundation Establishment materials to skyrocket.

"Hopefully it will be so. From today, have Tieshan make preparations, staying within the clan."

"Understood."

The Zhou Family had already suffered one mishap; a second one was absolutely unacceptable.

...

Amidst the undercurrents in the market, Lin Chang’an hid at home, diligently practicing Talisman Painting every day.

[Golden Light Talisman +1 (Grandmaster 183/5000)]

As a complex and exquisite light golden talisman on the desk was completed, Lin Chang’an smiled with satisfaction.

"No wonder it’s a Tier One Upper Grade Talisman, although it’s more intricate, the income in Spirit Stones is quite considerable."

Benefiting from the recent market turmoil, this defensive talisman saw its price increase significantly, previously sold for forty Spirit Stones, now fetching forty-five outside.

"A single defensive Golden Light Talisman for forty-five Spirit Stones, not even the cultivators from great clans would dare to use it casually."

Lin Chang’an sighed wistfully, although the rising talisman market was favorable, it indicated worsening circumstances.

However, thanks to his craft, he was able to bring in a substantial number of Spirit Stones monthly, keeping up his rapid cultivation pace.

Still, he didn’t dare to push too far.

"It’s a pity to guard a Treasure Mountain in vain."

Lin Chang’an secretly sighed. As for the Tier One Upper Grade Talismans, he could only secretly sell a few to avoid detection.

Most of his sales consisted of Tier One Middle Grade Talismans, although the quantities were large, the disparity became stark after getting several dozen Spirit Stones per Talisman, compared to just a few Stones per Talisman.

Such disparity left him feeling quite vexed.

"At this stage, I need to acquire another Tier One Upper Grade Talisman."

Lin Chang’an frowned, as obtaining a Tier One Upper Grade Talisman wasn’t easy since these were within the Sects and great clans.

"Better to play it safe and wait until my cultivation reaches late-stage Qi Refining to attempt."

For caution’s sake, he decided against being too greedy.

After all, some things are not worth risking one’s life to attain.

...

"Brother Lin, a major incident occurred in the clan."

Half a month later, Li Erniu conveyed the recent trials of the Zhou Family with a look of helplessness, as if he already considered himself a member of the Zhou Family.

Witnessing this, Lin Chang’an could only sigh inwardly. No wonder the Zhou Family chose the honest Erniu over them at the beginning.

Temperament!

Erniu’s naive and ambitionless disposition, solely focused on living peacefully, made him the optimal choice.

"Erniu, it’s okay, the Zhou Family is still an established Foundation Establishment Clan with deep roots."

In response to Lin Chang’an’s consolation, Li Erniu forced a smile and nodded.

"Sigh, the clan is currently preparing to gather resources for Foundation Establishment Pills; many are watching the market. Hope all goes well."

Observing Erniu, Lin Chang’an shook his head, then took out a talisman from his Storage Bag.

"Erniu, given these turbulent times, take this talisman for your protection."

"Brother Lin, this is too valuable!"

Li Erniu’s face changed, quickly raising his hand to decline. A Tier One Upper Grade Talisman was worth forty Spirit Stones, and even emptying his savings wouldn’t suffice.

While at the same time, Li Erniu looked at Lin Chang’an with some envy.

"Being a Tier One Upper Grade Talisman Master, Brother Lin, it’s certain you’ll become a late-stage Qi Refining Great Cultivator."

Even Li Erniu understood that the ability of a Tier One Upper Grade Talisman Master to earn Spirit Stones was enough to boost Lin Chang’an’s cultivation level.

"Consider it a loan from me."

Lin Chang’an shook his head, adding a whisper about not wanting Erniu’s family to worry, as Li Erniu awkwardly accepted it.

The Tier One Upper Grade Talisman in Li Erniu’s hand felt like a hot iron, making him quite uncomfortable.

"Erniu, the Zhou Family has been kind to me; I’ll ensure my future talismans get traded with their shops."

Lin Chang’an changed the subject to converse with Li Erniu.

At the same time, he sighed inwardly, asking if reputation truly mattered.

If needed, it’s useful; if not, it’s worthless.

Like Yun Yao, if she looked down on everyone in her usual cold manner, no one would have invested in her Foundation Establishment preparations.

Similarly, Lin Chang’an’s approach, although insignificant to the Zhou Family, would likely improve his standing with many in the market once news spread.

Small deeds can occasionally drive larger fortunes.

To put it directly, when late-stage Qi Refining cultivators visit seeking talismans, who might they choose?

Even when purchasing cultivation resources from the Zhou Family’s shop, whether they offer discounts or not, at least one could expect top-grade goods.

Such intangible prestige still resides within people’s hearts.

"Brother Lin, I’ll take my leave now. Be careful; I heard there have been multiple conflicts lately between disciples of the Li Huo Palace and the Divine Sword Sect."

Before leaving, Li Erniu cautiously mentioned, and Lin Chang’an nodded with a solemn expression.