CHAPTER 85: CHAPTER 85: FIVE POISONS ORDER

This transaction went smoothly, and both parties got what they needed.

The relationship between Shen Xuan and Tang Renhao advanced further.

"I must thank Senior Tang once more. With this, I can join Daoist Friend Wen in attending the auction for Foundation Establishment Spiritual Objects!"

"Oh, could it be that Talisman Master Shen is also planning for Foundation Establishment?"

"Senior Tang, to be honest, I have to try for Foundation Establishment. What if I succeed?"

"Haha, Talisman Master Shen is sure to succeed!"

Shen Xuan took the opportunity to bring up the matter of procuring Water Attribute Demon Beast Essence Blood.

Tang Renhao agreed readily.

"Talisman Master Shen, rest assured! If we hunt any excellent Water Attribute Demon Beasts, the essence blood will be prioritized for you!"

"Thank you very much, Senior Tang!"

Shen Xuan smiled: "My talismans will likewise be prioritized for Senior Tang!"

The two reached a mutual understanding, both pleased.

Tang Renhao’s circle of friends gained a talented Talisman Master.

Shen Xuan befriended a Foundation Establishment Demon Hunter, thus opening a channel for purchasing Demon Beast Essence Blood.

"I have some matters to attend to at home, so I won’t disturb you further."

Shen Xuan found an excuse and took his leave.

Zhao Chunsheng and Wen Zijian also bid farewell.

"This person is unfathomable!"

Tang Renhao watched Shen Xuan leave, contemplating silently.

Three months ago, during the siege of the Silver Hook Sea Snake in the East Sea, Shen Xuan’s performance was outstanding.

He had mastered three Water Techniques.

Now he is also a talented Talisman Master.

This made him suspect that Shen Xuan might be the reincarnation of some powerful cultivator.

Fortunately, Shen Xuan was just a loose cultivator and had no conflict of interest with him.

During the siege of the Silver Hook Sea Snake, he even helped him once.

As for the mere task of procuring Water Attribute Demon Beast Essence Blood, to him, it was a trivial matter.

What he valued was Shen Xuan’s potential in talisman making.

Since he could create Tier Two Poison Talismans, it was likely he could create more Tier Two talismans in the future.

"It’s a pity. At seventy-six, he just broke through to the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation. It would take at least until his eighties to reach the Consummation of Qi Cultivation!"

"At such an age, hoping for success in Foundation Establishment is almost impossible!"

...

Shen Xuan returned home.

He entered the Practice Room.

He closed his eyes, sat quietly, and reviewed today’s gains and losses.

He invested two thousand Spirit Stones in Wen Zijian, controlled by a loan Spirit Contract, making it a manageable risk.

Wen Zijian counted as one of his few trustworthy friends.

Given how Wen would instinctively rush forward to shield Shen Xuan from the Silver Hook Sea Snake, Shen Xuan was willing to help him once.

As for the former companion Zhao Chunsheng, his cultivation realm couldn’t keep up with Shen Xuan’s pace, and he would inevitably fade from his circle.

For safety, Shen Xuan would minimize contact with Foundation Establishment Cultivators until he reached Foundation Establishment himself.

And Tang Renhao, being one of the leaders of the Yunyuan Immortal City’s Demon Hunters and a Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivator, was an excellent partner.

Shen Xuan’s recent goal was to acquire Demon Beast Essence Blood, enhance spirit root talent, cultivate, make talismans, auction Foundation Establishment Spiritual Objects, and strategize for a Foundation Establishment Pill.

After re-evaluating, Shen Xuan felt clear-minded and ought to celebrate!

He and his wife, Ding Yuyao, had a rather spirited friendly match.

The two were well acquainted, with no secrets between them long ago.

Ding Yuyao coordinated with him seamlessly.

At times, just a look or a gentle tap would convey Shen Xuan’s intention.

This made Shen Xuan extremely satisfied with the quality of the friendly match.

"Indeed, the ’Jade Maiden Scripture’ still proves quite useful!"

"As expected, there’s a reason the villain preferences lie with married women!"

"Indeed, the relationship between men and women can only be deepened through dual cultivation!"

...

Shen Xuan resumed his daily life.

The Bishui Sect’s auction only released the news initially.

It would still be a year before the actual auction took place.

By then, Silver Hook Island’s Island Protection Array would be truly complete.

Shen Xuan redecorated the Practice Room and Talisman Making Room.

He added an extra layer of array restrictions outside.

Even a Foundation Establishment Cultivator would find it challenging to get in.

Afterward, he replaced his Talisman Brush.

Named the Flood Dragon Brush.

It was said to be made from materials from a Tier Three Flood Dragon Snake.

Its grade reached Top Grade Tier One.

Its price was a whopping one thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones!

Only slightly cheaper than a flying sword of the same tier.

Shen Xuan purchased it without hesitation.

He was currently making the Water Escape Talisman and the Rejuvenation Talisman.

The success rate of high-quality talismans increased significantly.

What he wanted to make even more was the Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman.

It sold at a high price, with thick profits.

Unfortunately, he had run out of Silver Hook Sea Snake Essence Blood.

Currently, his premium Water Escape Talismans and Rejuvenation Talismans were prominently displayed in Zhao Chunsheng’s shop.

His home bore a "No Visitors" sign to ward off cultivators.

However, that day, an unexpected guest arrived at his home.

"Elder Zhu?"

The black-robed cultivator before him removed his hat, emitting a faint toxic scent.

This person was none other than Elder Zhu of the Five Poison Sect, with whom he had once collaborated in hunting the Silver Hook Sea Snake.

This was indeed a Sect Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

Shen Xuan dared not be negligent.

"Talisman Master Shen, after three months of separation, I didn’t expect..."

Elder Zhu glanced toward the interior of the residence, indicating they speak inside.

Shen Xuan quickly invited him in.

After some polite exchanges, Elder Zhu got to the point.

"I have a talisman here, and would ask Talisman Master Shen to take a look."

Elder Zhu took out a talisman.

Without even looking, Shen Xuan sensed that the talisman was precisely one he had personally crafted — the Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman.

Indeed, seeing it confirmed so.

"This is my Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman."

Shen Xuan was just a Talisman Master.

Even if the Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman caused some trouble, it wouldn’t reflect on him.

"Wonderful! I wonder if Talisman Master Shen is interested in taking on a talisman-making order from the Five Poison Sect?"

Take an order?

Shen Xuan was slightly surprised.

He glanced at the sitting Elder Zhu opposite him.

With an immunity to poison, Shen Xuan wasn’t afraid of Elder Zhu’s challenges.

That was why he calmly admitted ownership of the talisman.

"Don’t overthink, Talisman Master Shen. Our Five Poison Sect cultivators focus on body refining with poison. This Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman, I’ve tried, and it has great benefits for our cultivation techniques."

Shen Xuan remained expressionless.

Previously, he had heard that demon hunters under Tang Renhao would use the Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman to intimidate other teams during conflicts.

Outside the Immortal City, when cultivator teams are evenly matched, they usually don’t engage in battle lightly.

Negotiations often split the spoils, resolving disputes.

At such times, the demon hunter team wielding the Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman would have the upper hand.

Ordinary Qi Cultivation Cultivators had an innate fear of Silver Hook Poison.

Though it contained merely twenty percent of the power of a Tier Two Silver Hook Sea Snake, it was enough to poison a Late Stage Qi Cultivation Cultivator.

Even with timely administration of a Middle Grade Detoxification Pill, the poison could not be rapidly neutralized.

It was quite damaging to the Dao Foundation and internal organs.

This was Shen Xuan’s unique Poison Talisman.

In Yunyuan Immortal City, only he could make it.

Unfortunately...

"I’m sorry, Elder Zhu. To make the Silver Hook Snake Poison Talisman, I need the essence blood of a Tier Two Silver Hook Sea Snake to create Beast Blood Cinnabar. I don’t have any at hand."

Elder Zhu smiled.

"Talisman Master Shen, the Five Poison Sect lacks many things, but our supply of venomous insect and beast essence blood is more than ample!"

Shen Xuan was mildly surprised.

He realized he had underestimated the Five Poison Sect!

For venomous demon beast essence blood, there was no closer sect than the Five Poison Sect!

Last time, during the hunt of the Silver Hook Sea Snake, Elder Zhu had opted for the more valuable demon core and poisonous fang over the essence blood.

He pulled out a storage pouch and offered it to Shen Xuan.

A quick sweep with Divine Sense revealed it contained Silver Hook Sea Snake Essence Blood!