Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique

Yuan Hong’s expression was solemn, "I originally wanted to invite you, Fellow Daoist, to hunt a big one and divide some materials. We can only look for opportunities to cooperate in the future."

He reached out and tapped on the piled-up talismans, speaking in a deep voice:

"Have you ever considered opening your own talisman shop, Fellow Daoist? I and Fellow Daoist Zhang know some demon hunting cultivators who can provide you with beast hides and essence blood as raw materials.

This way, we can gain more profits, and we can also earn more spirit stones."

Ji An gently shook his head, "Opening a shop is too energy-consuming, and operational costs are a big issue, so I’ve never considered it."

Shop rental and hiring clerks are costs, and relying solely on myself as a talisman maker can’t grow the business significantly. Cooperation with other talisman makers is necessary to diversify the shop’s talisman varieties.

For him, investing too much time and effort in earning spirit stones is not worth it.

"It’s a pity, Fellow Daoist Zhang and I are not good at business; otherwise, we would be willing to open a shop."

Yuan Hong put away the talismans, stood up, and said:

"I won’t take up any more of your time, I’ll take my leave."

...

Seeing the guest out of the Grotto Mansion, Ji An returned to the quiet chamber, sitting down with his eyes slightly narrowed.

At this point, he sensed something out of harmony. Yuan Hong and the others wanted to hunt powerful demon beasts, so why did they invite him, a talisman maker, instead of looking for familiar demon hunting cultivators first?

Could it be that they thought he could be manipulated, allowing them to give him a smaller share of the spoils?

Moreover, they said they wanted to open a shop, but they are cultivators who have traveled here. Their purpose is to comprehend the Gold Generating Water Divine Intent, and operating a shop requires building a reputation. Inevitably, they will leave.

Ji An scratched his head, sitting cross-legged on the pudun, calming his mind to gather his thoughts.

Regardless of Yuan Hong and the others’ intentions, he spent most of his time in the Immortal City, occasionally venturing out only in the surrounding areas, not worrying about them harming him.

He began to circulate the Five Elements Reincarnation Scripture, and the spiritual food eaten at lunch was first refined, spiritual qi surging towards him, inhaled into his body through his mouth and nose before flowing like water in a pipe.

The Water Element Divine Mansion was of inky depth, with cloud patterns rippling outward, like water shimmering under the moonlight.

In the dantian, the Primordial Life Fire flickered; the distinct boundary line between the red flame and the yellow flame had disappeared.

A gradient flame layer had appeared between them. If a cultivator comprehends the complete Divine Intent of Five Elements Mutual Generation, all the flame layers will merge, eventually uniting the Five Elements into one.

In the acupoints, various Dao Seeds interacted, emitting mysterious auras, blending into the spiritual qi within the Immortal Vein.

The dantian is the main ’container’ for storing magical power, but the body’s acupoints are also extremely small containers, albeit with minimal storage.

The total magical power in all acupoints might only be one percent of that in the dantian.

After five double hours, Ji An ended the cultivation technique circulation. In his opened eyes, five-colored brilliance swirled, casting brilliant colors on the rock wall.

The anomaly lasted only a moment, disappearing immediately.

Cultivation cannot continue indefinitely, as circulating the technique constantly consumes Spirit Soul strength, which is why all kinds of spiritual objects that enhance and restore the Spirit Soul are extremely precious.

During the Foundation Establishment Stage, he could cultivate efficiently for at most three and a half double hours, but now he could sustain efficient cultivation for five double hours before needing rest, or else it would be counterproductive.

...

The Grotto Mansion was utterly dark, with Zhang Le, Pei Xiu, Liuu Ruyan, and others sitting around a round table, quietly staying in the darkness. They now preferred such an environment.

The stone door was pushed open, Yuan Hong stood at the entrance, adjusting to the light inside, then walked to the table and sat down.

"You all came back quite early. Did you have any gains?"

Zhang Le responded with a hum, saying:

"Liu Rui and Liu Tao brothers agreed to hunt the Moon-Gazing Rhinoceros. Both are Fourth Transformation of Chao Origin cultivators, skilled in a combined attack technique, which is their reliance.

I’ve arranged with them to set out in three days. Hehe, we can then offer two more portions of blood food to the master."

With their combined attack technique, Liu brothers could barely contend with them, let alone cause any disturbance in front of the master.

Luiu Ruyan chuckled sweetly, "Today, we sold three puppets that conceal treasure maps. Let’s hope the buyers discover the secret soon."

The bait has been cast; it’s just a matter of when the fish will bite.

Yuan Hong sighed, speaking in a tone of disappointment:

"I invited Ji An, but he didn’t accept."

He paused, his tone becoming serious:

"During our conversation, I gathered from him that the Immortal City’s law enforcement team has begun to suspect the disappearances of cultivators and is launching an investigation."

This means they can no longer blatantly lure cultivators out of the city, or else they risk being targeted by the law enforcement team.

"Do you think the information is reliable?"

Liuu Ruyan said coldly; she hadn’t had much interaction with Ji An.

Yuan Hong was silent for a moment before saying:

"I know Ji An has very close cooperation with two shops, and his alchemy and talisman making skills are quite good. Obtaining news through shop channels should be reliable enough."

Zhang Le added, "We have been operating for three years; it’s normal for the Immortal City’s law enforcement team to become aware.

After dealing with Liu Rui’s brothers, we’ll take a break for a while."

Due to their constant extraction of Spiritual Fiends from the ruins, the Dharma Prohibition Rune around the temple’s perimeter has become increasingly dim, and the day of collapse is not far off.

Yuan Hong said gloomily:

"If you ask me, we might as well go for a few big ones. The master is still in a weak period. Drawing the attention of a Golden Core level cultivator could lead to the danger of being sealed again.