Huayun Province is a large coastal state located in the eastern part of the Great Jin Dynasty. Most of its port towns are built near the sea, and it is frequented by numerous overseas cultivators who trade various demon beast materials for inland cultivation resources. As a result, the major trading markets in this province thrive year-round, and the sects controlling these markets enjoy substantial profits, with large annual inflows of Spirit Stones. Even the smaller, more remote markets, as long as they occupy favorable locations, also generate considerable income.
Kaijiang Town is a small settlement situated just over two hundred miles from the coast. A few miles from this town stands a modest hill, barely two to three hundred zhang in height and covering an area of about ten li. Its spiritual veins are short and of poor quality, so insignificant that even slightly larger cultivation clans would not spare it a glance.
Yet, within this barely passable “spiritual mountain,” resides a minor cultivation sect called the “Heaven Talisman Sect.” This sect is practically at the lowest rung of the cultivation world, with a total membership—including the sect leader, elders, and disciples—numbering barely over a hundred. Thus, despite the meager spiritual veins, they manage to accommodate their disciples.
Despite its decline, the Heaven Talisman Sect boasts a long history. Though not an ancient sect like the Taiyi Sect or the Yinluo Sect, which trace their origins back to antiquity, tens of thousands of years ago, its founder, the Heaven Talisman True Person, once shook the entire Great Jin with his three self-created secret talismans, nearly elevating the sect to the ranks of the Ten Great Righteous Sects. At its peak, the sect boasted tens of thousands of members and dominated an entire province.
However, as the saying goes, “What rises by talismans, falls by talismans.” While the Heaven Talisman Sect excelled in talisman crafting, its core cultivation techniques were mediocre. After a few generations, the sect rapidly declined. Today, tens of thousands of years later, the sect barely clings to survival, relying on a few unique talisman techniques.
Given its fallen state, apart from a few similarly struggling minor sects, high-level cultivators rarely visit. The disciples on daily duty often find themselves idle, either meditating or chatting.
On this particular day, two Qi Condensation disciples guarding the mountain gate huddled together, sighing dejectedly.
“Senior Brother Li, is the market really going to close? Though I’ve only recently joined, I know the Sanyuan Market accounts for nearly half our sect’s income. Without it, how will we sustain ourselves?” asked a fair-faced youth of sixteen or seventeen, murmuring to his companion.
“Whether it closes isn’t up to us. The Lingfeng Sect has already issued an ultimatum to our sect leader—either merge with them or shut down within three months. It’s pure bullying!” replied the other, a slightly plump young man in his mid-twenties, sounding helpless.
“Merging the market doesn’t sound so bad?” the younger disciple said in surprise.
“Not bad? According to an uncle, after merging, we’d have no say in the market’s operations. The Lingfeng Sect would only give us a thousand Spirit Stones annually. That’s less than a third of our current income—how could that possibly suffice?” the young man snorted indignantly.
“Such a pittance? How can our sect agree? Even if Lingfeng Sect is powerful, what about Golden Glow Mountain and Bright Sun Valley? The Sanyuan Market is jointly managed by them and us. If the three sects unite, we wouldn’t need to fear Lingfeng Sect so much,” the younger disciple mused, his eyes shifting.
“Hmph, Lingfeng Sect alone isn’t much to fear. But I’ve heard the Shady Sun Sect is behind this. They’re a genuine mid-tier sect—not something our minor sect can oppose. Today, the sect leader invited the leaders of the other two sects to discuss countermeasures. Their situations are no better than ours; they won’t easily give up their market income either,” the young man explained.
“The Shady Sun Sect? That’s… truly beyond our reach. It seems our sect is in deep trouble,” the younger disciple sighed in despair. If sect income plummeted, their annual Spirit Stone allowances would shrink drastically.
“Enough. These matters aren’t for low-level disciples like us to meddle in. Let the sect leader and elders handle it. At worst, being in a sect is still better than being a rogue cultivator. Let’s just focus on guarding the gate. No more talk—if the elders hear us, they’ll dock our Spirit Stones… Huh? What’s that?” The young man sighed, then suddenly exclaimed, looking skyward.
The younger disciple followed his gaze and gasped. A streak of green light flashed in the distance, followed by a several-zhang-long emerald rainbow streaking toward them.
“Who is that senior? They’re heading straight for us!” the younger disciple cried in alarm. Though new to cultivation, he knew such speed was beyond the capabilities of their Foundation Establishment elders.
“No idea. Maybe they’re here to see the Grand Elder,” the young man muttered uncertainly.
The emerald rainbow soon reached the vicinity of White Bamboo Mountain. Spotting the two disciples, it descended abruptly, dissipating to reveal a plain-looking young man in a green robe, hands clasped behind his back.
“Is this the Heaven Talisman Sect of White Bamboo Mountain?” the man asked coolly, eyeing the faintly shimmering mountain gate behind them. It was none other than Han Li, who had vanished after the trade fair. Four months had passed since his escape from the ancient demon.
“Yes, this is White Bamboo Mountain. How may we serve you, Senior?” Though unable to gauge Han Li’s cultivation, the disciples instantly recognized him as at least a Core Formation expert. The young man hastily bowed.
“Good. I’ve brought something of great relevance to your sect and wish to speak with your leader. Inform him,” Han Li said calmly.
“At once, Senior!” The young man fumbled for a message talisman, whispered into it, and tossed it toward the gate. The talisman transformed into a streak of fire, vanishing into the barrier.
While appearing motionless, Han Li had already swept the mountain with his spiritual sense. Despite the barrier, he could vaguely discern its layout. His brow furrowed slightly.
Though he’d known the sect was small, finding only a hundred or so members and sensing just one early Core Formation cultivator confirmed its insignificance—just as the old man surnamed Yun from the Netherworld had said.
Had it not been for the location of the demon flood dragons in Huayun Province and his recent mastery of the Spirit Subduing Talisman, he’d never have come to such a place.
Moments later, yellow light flickered behind the disciples, revealing a towering mountain gate. Several cultivators emerged, their expressions shifting to shock upon seeing Han Li.
A yellow-robed elder hurried forward, bowing deeply. “This junior is Yue Zhen, leader of the Heaven Talisman Sect. We failed to greet you properly, Senior. Please forgive our oversight!”
Though only at Foundation Establishment, Yue Zhen’s experience allowed him to recognize Han Li’s overwhelming aura—akin to the Nascent Soul cultivators he’d encountered. Fear gripped him.
Such a powerful figure could annihilate their minor sect with a flick of his finger. His arrival boded uncertain fortunes.
Initially assuming a Core Formation visitor, Yue Zhen had summoned their sole elder as a precaution. Now, it seemed unnecessary.
“Relax. I’m here on someone’s behalf, with no ill intent,” Han Li chuckled at their nervousness.
“On someone’s behalf? This junior is confused. But this is no place to talk. Please, Senior, join us on the mountain for proper discussion,” Yue Zhen offered, sensing an opportunity.
“Very well. This matter requires more than a few words,” Han Li agreed after a brief pause.
“Then please, Senior, follow me.” Yue Zhen stepped aside, gesturing respectfully.
Han Li strode through the gate, the others trailing meekly behind.
White Bamboo Mountain was small, its summit sparsely built—a main hall, a few pavilions, and separate quarters for disciples. Han Li was ushered into the hall, where two non-sect cultivators in middle age sat. Sensing Han Li’s presence, they leapt up in alarm and bowed hastily.
Han Li waved dismissively and took a seat unceremoniously. The others remained standing, Yue Zhen apologizing to the outsiders, “Esteemed guests, it seems our discussion must wait.”
“Of course, Senior’s visit takes precedence.”
“Indeed. Brother Lu and I shall take our leave.”
The two bowed again to Han Li and exited.
Simultaneously, a white light flashed outside, and a white-robed elder materialized in the hall.
“Uncle Wen!” the disciples greeted with relief.
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