Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique

Chapter 80: Chapter 78: Departure

The talisman paper is palm-sized but very sturdy; otherwise, paper made from common spirit plants would not withstand much Spiritual Power, directly affecting the talisman’s potency.

Ji An counted the smooth and resilient talisman paper, the smile on his lips never fading.

After seven or eight days of effort, all the talisman grass was made into talisman paper.

The improvement in the quality of talisman grass directly increased the number of middle-grade talisman papers, also boosting the overall output of talisman paper.

Previously, one acre of talisman grass could produce about two hundred sheets of talisman paper, with less than thirty percent reaching the level of middle-grade talisman paper.

Now, one acre of talisman grass produces around two hundred and fifty sheets of talisman paper, with middle-grade talisman paper making up sixty percent.

This greatly surpasses other spirit farmers’ levels, reaching a brand-new tier.

At this moment, he truly confirmed that he could quickly accumulate enough crystal stones to exchange for Foundation Establishment Pills solely through talisman making.

Ji An put down the talisman paper in his hand, calculating in his mind.

With roughly two thousand one hundred sheets of middle-grade talisman paper, without affecting the improvement of cultivation and planting, he can draw at most forty talismans a day.

To consume all this middle-grade talisman paper would require over fifty days.

Calculating a success rate of sixty percent, he could craft over twelve hundred talismans.

He suddenly thought of a very practical problem: he could only craft Geng Metal Talismans and Water Curtain Talismans, which, although good in quality, were not the best-selling talismans.

Many cultivators buy them primarily because the talismans they prefer are sold out, and they buy spares; this is evident from Chen Moxuan’s team’s purchase volume, where they made their choice after witnessing the talismans’ power.

Previously, he didn’t craft many, but now suddenly having so many talismans flooding the market, how much can Wei Songnian’s channel possibly absorb?

Thinking of this, Ji An couldn’t help having a slight headache.

Now that all the talisman grass is made into talisman paper, with nothing else to do, he left the Spirit-Seeking Rat to guard the courtyard and took off on the talisman bird, heading to Jade Water Marketplace.

…

Wei Songnian saw the newcomer and, carefully sensing the Spiritual Pressure emitted from the other’s body, raised his eyebrows and smiled:

“It’s only been a few dozen days, and Junior Brother is already Ninth-Layer Qi Refining. Congratulations.

Ah… Seeing junior brother advance so gallantly makes me feel inadequate.”

A quality customer’s cultivation improvement is certainly a good thing.

Improved cultivation at least means faster removal of Pill Poison, enabling more pill sales.

“Senior Brother reached Ninth-Layer Qi Refining two years ago; I can only glimpse Senior Brother’s silhouette from afar.”

Ji An felt no sense of accomplishment; his advancement to the current Realm consumed far more crystal stones than his counterpart.

The two exchanged commercial compliments, and Ji An spoke again:

“Senior Brother, how many Geng Metal Talismans and Water Curtain Talismans can you consume in two months?”

Wei Songnian did not understand the reason for this sudden question, but meticulously calculated before answering:

“Water Curtain Talismans are consumed more, with approximately two hundred sold in two months, while Geng Metal Talismans only sell one hundred thirty or so.”

He paused and added:

“Now that Junior Brother is Ninth-Layer Qi Refining, with more Magical Power, are you planning to increase the quantity of talismans you refine?”

This is a good thing; the talismans now have a stable client base, and previous supply never reached saturation.

Ji An’s heart sank immediately, smiling bitterly:

“Yes, I plan to draw several dozen talismans a day.”

Wei Songnian’s eyes widened, instantly understanding Ji An’s intent, revealing an apologetic expression:

“If Junior Brother crafted Golden Armor Talismans or Flame Bursting Talismans at a quality matching Water Curtain Talismans, selling five hundred a month wouldn’t be a problem.

But Geng Metal Talismans and Water Curtain Talismans are simply not mainstream.”

Ji An pondered for a moment before asking solemnly:

“Senior Brother, do you have contacts in all the marketplaces within the sect?”

The sect, in addition to existing trade points, has opened four strongholds among the mountains.

If he has business connections at all locations, it means the talismans crafted can’t be absorbed within the sect’s radiation range, so external sales become necessary.

“Not daring to claim contact with all marketplaces; I exchange goods with acquainted friends, and Junior Brother’s talismans are sold in most marketplaces within the sect’s jurisdiction.

Of course, I’m less in touch with shops.

Yet even shops have limited acquisition volumes for Geng Metal Talismans and Water Curtain Talismans.”

“If Junior Brother wishes to sell these two talisman types in large volumes, he must explore markets outside the sect. Cyan Cloud Immortal City is the best choice.

In a few days, the sect just happens to have a flying ship making a cargo trip to Cyan Cloud Immortal City, if Junior Brother has time, it’s worth going.

Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until next month.”

Ji An asked:

“How long does a round trip on the sect’s flying ship take? Is it possible to buy a ticket to board?”

“Only three days, departing in the morning, arriving in the evening, staying a day before returning, although in a rush timeframe.

A one-way trip costs three Spirit Stones, and five Spirit Stones cover round-trip travel.”

Wei Songnian explained with a laugh.

It turns out the Spirit Stones for disciples riding the flying ship are pocketed by the steward managing the ship; as long as Spirit Stones are paid, boarding is guaranteed, regardless of congestion.

Among traveling disciples, most are, like Wei Songnian, doing business.

They take the sect’s flying ship to go, and if they miss the return ship, they accompany each other via other small marketplaces.

…

Three days later, Ji An departed from the courtyard at 3:00 AM, discerning direction under faint starlight and flew southeast.

The distant mountains were cloaked in darkness; his slender figure merged into the vast night.

As the sky brightened, rosy clouds emerged, miles of bronze clouds dispersed like silent waves across the Celestial Vault, revealing silhouettes of halls with soaring eaves along the mountain contours.

Soon, a round Golden Sun rose, draping the myriad mountain valleys in a gleaming Golden Body, sunlight flooding the vista as the last shadows retreated like a swift tide.

Ji An couldn’t resist a long howl in the wind and light, answered by echoes from the distant mountains.

After half an hour of travel, nearing 5:00 AM as he reached his starting point.

Ji An lightly shook his head, resolving that once crystal stones were ample, he would indeed purchase both a flying ship and tame a Flying Tamed Beast.

No need for either-or; he wants both.

A twenty-odd zhang flying ship engraved with cloud patterns was stationed on the mountainside platform, with sparse gathering of dozens on its deck.

Ji An descended slowly beside a Foundation Establishment Cultivator leading, stepped forward, and respectfully offered salute before presenting a gray cloth bag:

“Uncle, I wish to travel on the sect’s flying ship to Cyan Cloud Immortal City.”

The cultivator donned a Profound Black Daoist Robe, face lean and aged, hair snowy, yet stood upright like a Silver Leaf Pine in the mountains.

He accepted the bag, feeling the five Spirit Stones within, and his stern expression softened slightly.

Skillfully storing the Spirit Stones into his Storage Bag, the cultivator handed over a Jade Token:

“Three days later, at 7:00 AM, the flying ship will depart from the eastern landing platform at Cyan Cloud Immortal City. Don’t miss the double hour.”