CHAPTER 212: CHAPTER 170: AN OLD FRIEND INVITES TO JOIN THE SHUIZE SECT

"After spending two months, I finally managed to transform this segment of Third-rank Spirit Wood into two hundred and twenty sheets of Third-rank Talisman Paper."

Xu Ping gazed at the neatly arranged stacks of talisman paper on the stone table, their surfaces gleaming with mysterious purple light, and he couldn’t help but let out a long sigh of relief.

With the Third-rank Talisman Paper successfully crafted, he could now attempt to draw Third-rank Mid-grade Talismans.

Ever since the incident involving the Cyan Profound Divine Thunder Talisman was exposed, Xu Ping had been feeling quite uneasy.

Especially now, when his reputation was soaring and spreading throughout the Wanzhe Waters, this inexplicable sense of unease grew increasingly intense.

After all, in the current situation, having too much fame was not a good thing.

Moreover, he faintly suspected that the rapid and widespread dissemination of his reputation was likely being deliberately driven by someone behind the scenes.

"The Song family?"

Xu Ping narrowed his eyes slightly, and the suspicion instantly surfaced in his mind.

After all, in the entire Wanzhe Waters, his only conflict had been with the Song family.

Furthermore, given the Song family’s influence and methods, spreading the news to all corners in a short time was not difficult.

"Good!"

A trace of murderous intent involuntarily appeared in Xu Ping’s eyes.

The Song family had long been added to his must-kill list, but currently, his strength was not powerful enough, so he could only endure for now.

"Soon!"

Xu Ping muttered under his breath, forcibly suppressing the turbulent thoughts and intense killing intent in his heart.

For now, the most important task was to focus his energy on drawing the Third-rank Mid-grade Talisman.

However, Xu Ping did not rush blindly into attempting it due to impatience.

Firstly, he practiced the Longevity Skill to adjust his state to the best peak condition before he properly prepared to draw the Third-rank Mid-grade Talisman.

Xu Ping closed his eyes, carefully recalling the Third-rank Mid-grade Talisman he intended to draw—the Golden Armor-Breaking Talisman.

This talisman was a gold-type talisman, possessing an extremely powerful attack, its might virtually equivalent to the full-force strike of a cultivator at the Middle Stage of Golden Core.

Compared to the earlier drawn Cyan Profound Divine Thunder Talisman, the difficulty of drawing the Golden Armor-Breaking Talisman was much higher.

"Let’s begin!"

After repeatedly recalling and confirming every detail of the Golden Armor-Breaking Talisman in his mind, Xu Ping slowly opened his eyes, gently unfolded the talisman paper, and picked up the talisman pen, ready to formally begin the drawing.

However, at this moment, the Divine Sense transmission of the Lake-Mouse passed through the wall and entered his mind:

"Master, someone claiming to be an old acquaintance of yours has come to visit."

"An old acquaintance?"

Xu Ping’s hand holding the talisman pen involuntarily paused, his brows furrowed tightly, "What’s the name of the visitor?"

He couldn’t recall any old acquaintances in the Wanzhe Waters.

Could it be someone deliberately inventing such an excuse just to meet him?

"He said his name is Xu Zhixuan," Lake-Mouse promptly replied.

"Xu Zhixuan?"

Xu Ping’s demeanor subtly shifted in surprise, not expecting it to be him.

At this moment, memories from the past surged like tides, pulling his thoughts back to when he had just succeeded in Foundation Establishment and joined Qiu Xuan Mountain.

Counting the years, it’s been roughly over a decade since they last met.

"Master, do you wish to see him?" Lake-Mouse inquired again via the Divine Sense transmission.

Xu Ping pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Invite him to the side hall."

After all, during their time at Qiu Xuan Mountain, their relationship was fairly amicable. Since he came, they should meet.

"Yes."

Having received the response, Lake-Mouse silently went down the mountain to prepare to welcome Xu Zhixuan.

...

A quarter of an hour later.

In the side hall.

"It’s been over a decade since we last saw each other, and now Fellow Daoist—Talisman Master Xu has soared to great heights, your reputation spreading throughout the entire Wanzhe Waters. It’s truly admirable!"

Xu Zhixuan beamed with smiles, cupped his hands, and greeted Xu Ping.

"We’ve known each other for years, Fellow Daoist Xu, no need to be so formal. Feel free to speak casually." Xu Ping replied with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhixuan’s smile grew even brighter: "Then I graciously accept your kindness."

After a few brief pleasantries, Xu Zhixuan began recounting his experiences since escaping from Qiu Xuan Immortal City over the last decade.

Xu Ping listened, occasionally nodding in acknowledgment, but when Xu Zhixuan mentioned joining Shuize Sect and becoming its Guest Minister, Xu Ping’s brow subtly furrowed.

"So, Fellow Daoist Xu has been with Shuize Sect for two or three years?" Xu Ping inquired.

"Indeed."

Xu Zhixuan nodded, then proceeded to praise Shuize Sect,

"Shuize Sect treats its Guest Ministers very generously. As an Early-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, not only is there a monthly Pill aiding in Mana enhancement, but also a handsome salary..."

At this point, Xu Ping instantly grasped the genuine purpose behind his visit.

The initial joy of meeting an old friend instantly vanished without a trace.

Xu Ping smiled faintly, timely interrupting Xu Zhixuan’s words: "It seems Fellow Daoist Xu didn’t come specifically to reminisce with an old friend, but rather to act as a spokesperson for Shuize Sect."

Xu Zhixuan’s face revealed a hint of embarrassment: "To be honest, I was indeed entrusted by the Shuize Sect elder in charge of Dragon Lion Market to invite Fellow Daoist Xu to join Shuize Sect."

"Could it be Elder Hao?"

Xu Ping’s brows furrowed tightly; to his knowledge, this Elder Hao from Shuize Sect was a Fake Pill cultivator.

"Exactly."

Xu Zhixuan quickly nodded and continued, "Elder Hao has already consulted the Sect Leader of Shuize Sect; if Fellow Daoist Xu agrees to join, a position of elder will surely be granted."