Talismans?
Mo Hua glanced at the talismans in his hand, discovering there were three of them, all made of jade. Two had red patterns inscribed with "Flame Talisman," and the other had a gold pattern inscribed with "Golden Sword Talisman."
"Are these talismans very expensive?" Mo Hua asked.
Old Zhao nodded, "They are quite expensive and hard to come by. These talismans have the power of a ninth-layer Qi refining spell, with significant destructive power. They are regulated by the Dao Court and not available through ordinary channels."
"That's too valuable. I can't accept them."
"Take them for self-defense. We'll feel more at ease." Old Zhao patted Mo Hua's shoulder, not allowing him to refuse. "Alright, go home early. I'll deal with these scoundrels."
"Yes, thank you, Uncle Zhao."
Mo Hua accepted the talismans and walked home.
Behind him came the wails of the Qian family cultivators, but Mo Hua ignored them.
Once home, Mo Hua examined the three talismans.
He knew the basic use of talismans but had never used them due to their cost.
Using talismans was simple: inject spiritual power to activate the talisman, and it would automatically form a spell.
Most talismans were single-use but packed a powerful punch.
There were few restrictions on using talismans. As long as one was within the same realm, regardless of spiritual root attribute, cultivation method, or the amount of spiritual power, one could activate the talisman.
Due to their minimal restrictions and great power, the Dao Court regulated powerful talismans.
Unregulated use of talismans, especially when stockpiled, could pose a significant threat to the security of the cultivation world.
Thus, it was challenging for most cultivators to obtain high-quality talismans.
Mo Hua wondered how the Qian family had acquired these talismans. They had really spared no expense.
Why do they hate me so much? Mo Hua thought. He had only drawn a few arrays, yet they were targeting him instead of Elder Yu, who was in the Foundation Building stage. Were they just bullying the weak?
Qian Shunzhi and his companions were beaten black and blue and thrown to the Dao Court.
Qian Hong spent some spirit stones to bail them out.
This time, Elder Yu did not extort them, intending to bring the matter to the Dao Court to expose the Qian family's schemes. This would make Qian Hong more cautious about crossing the Dao Court's line.
Hidden conflicts were acceptable, but overt strife was not.
In Tongxian City, everyone had to adhere to the Dao Court's laws.
Qian Hong did not give up. He bribed or hired cultivators from outside the city to make further attempts.
However, Elder Yu protected Mo Hua well.
As soon as these cultivators appeared in the south of the city, they were quickly discovered and subdued if they attempted any action.
Then, as usual, they were beaten up and thrown to the Dao Court.
The more Qian Hong wanted to kill Mo Hua, the more determined Elder Yu was to protect him, not allowing a single hair on his head to be harmed.
Qian Hong was frustrated; all his plans failed.
The demon hunters, who often hunted in Dahei Mountain, were more alert and sensitive to killing intent than ordinary cultivators. Their teamwork was more coordinated, their moves faster, and their strikes deadlier.
Moreover, this was their territory. If a demon hunter was vigilant, even a foreign fly couldn't escape detection, let alone a ninth-layer Qi refiner.
"Should we let Foundation Building cultivators handle it?"
Qian Hong frowned.
One wouldn't be enough, at least two.
One to hold off Yu Changlin, and another to secretly strike, breaking through the demon hunters' defenses to kill the young array master.
But who in the Qian family would take such a risk?
Everyone was scheming for their own benefits, and as the head of the family, he didn't want to dirty his hands either.
Violating Dao laws and murdering cultivators was a serious crime. If no one pursued it, nothing would happen. But if someone did, it could lead to severe consequences, even death.
Qian Hong sighed.
For now, hiring Qi refining cultivators was the best option. If they succeeded, it would be a one-time solution. If not, it would only cost some spirit stones.
If all else failed, Foundation Building cultivators would have to intervene.
In the long run, the threat posed by a genius array master could not be underestimated.
The Qian family knew about Mo Hua, and so did Master Luo.
Previously, he had only suspected, but now that he knew, his feelings were complicated.
How could it be such a coincidence?
He was also curious if a first-grade array master, just over ten years old, could truly possess such extraordinary talent.
Master Luo wanted to see for himself.
He found Mr. Feng.
Mr. Feng had been refining pills and saving people in Tongxian City for over a hundred years. He had interacted with many cultivators, from wandering cultivators to family cultivators, regardless of their wealth or status. Master Luo was no exception.
Master Luo's grandson had once been critically ill and was saved by Mr. Feng.
As a token of gratitude, Master Luo had personally drawn a composite array for Mr. Feng's pill furnace.
Although the array was exquisite, it was not a first-grade array.
Mr. Feng was discussing a pill recipe with other alchemists in the Dan Hall when he heard of Master Luo's visit.
Mr. Feng pondered for a moment and had someone invite Master Luo to the guest hall for tea.
The guest hall was specifically for receiving visitors. High walls separated it from the Dan Hall, preventing any view of the interior.
Some arrays were painted on the walls to obscure spiritual sense. Although they couldn't completely block it, unless one's spiritual sense was very strong, they couldn't detect anything crucial.
Master Luo walked to the guest hall, sighing inwardly.
"This is indeed the work of a first-grade array master."
In the guest hall, the two exchanged pleasantries before Mr. Feng asked, "What brings you here, Master Luo?"
Master Luo hesitated for a while before speaking, "I wish to meet the 'young array master.'"
"Mo Hua?"
Master Luo nodded, "Yes, that's the name."
Mr. Feng frowned, "Just to meet?"
"To be honest, I have studied arrays for many years and have never seen such a talented array master. I am both amazed and curious, so I wish to meet him," Master Luo said.
"This has nothing to do with the Qian family?"
"Nothing to do with the Qian family!"
Mr. Feng remained silent.
Master Luo earnestly requested, "I hope you can introduce us."
After a moment of hesitation, Mr. Feng said, "Alright, when Mo Hua comes to the Dan Hall, you can meet him. Please wait a while."
Master Luo was delighted, "Thank you, Mr. Feng."
They sat in the guest hall, drinking tea and chatting about past events.
After two cups of tea, Master Luo began to feel a bit anxious. Then he heard light footsteps approaching. Looking up, he saw a child entering, dressed plainly but with a cute appearance.
The child's face was fair, eyes lively, and pupils like stars.
Master Luo's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
There was a faint light in the child's spiritual sea, indicating a full sea of consciousness and an extraordinary spiritual sense.
Master Luo became mostly convinced.