A Loose Cultivator's Path to Longevity

”Elder Lü, regarding the certification, may I ask what tier of Talismans you’ve mastered?” Mei Xiang asked curiously. From what she knew, even Foundation Establishment Talisman Makers often only knew how to make Tier One Talismans.

”Only Tier Two Flying Talismans,” Lü Zhong said directly, feeling there was no need to hide it.

”You can make Tier Two Talismans!” Mei Xiang exclaimed in surprise.

The way she looked at Lü Zhong instantly changed.

He was so young, yet he not only had Foundation Establishment Cultivation but had also mastered Tier Two Talismans.

Given enough time, he might even have a sliver of hope of reaching Core Formation.

Other ideas began to form in Mei Xiang’s mind. Unfortunately, she could also clearly sense that this Elder Lü, who seemed so easy to talk to, had no intention of taking her as a concubine.

Her spirits fell slightly, but Mei Xiang returned to her duties. ”In that case, Elder, you can apply for certification as a Tier Two Talisman Maker,” she reminded him. ”Later, after you’re certified, I will go handle the application for the tax exemption. That way, you can enjoy the benefits immediately, and the extra Spirit Stones you paid yesterday will be refunded right away.”

The Beast Vehicle continued on its way. During the ride, Mei Xiang hinted more than once at her desire to become his concubine.

This was the ideal outcome that many Hyacinth Female Cultivators ultimately sought.

Whether it was a man with multiple wives or a woman with multiple husbands, the Cultivation Realm was ultimately a place where strength reigned supreme. Becoming someone’s concubine or consort to obtain cultivation resources was a common occurrence in Lingyue Immortal City.

At worst, once one’s cultivation became profound, they could just take a few concubines or male consorts of their own to make up for it.

If one truly relied on themselves for everything, the Immortal Path was destined to be rugged and difficult.

Without a powerful background or astonishing aptitude, and without some heaven-defying opportunity, most cultivators were destined to live a life of mediocrity, silently shouting ’never underestimate a poor youth’ all the way to their graves.

By the time the Beast Vehicle stopped, Mei Xiang, knowing she had no chance, had no choice but to dismiss her unrealistic ideas.

She bustled about and quickly helped Lü Zhong complete the procedures for his certification.

After drawing a Flying Talisman on the spot, Lü Zhong smoothly passed the certification. He was now a certified Tier Two Talisman Maker—or, as they were commonly called in Lingyue Immortal City, a Senior Talisman Maker.

After filling out another form, Lü Zhong received a small Jade Talisman. As long as he replenished its Spiritual Qi from time to time, it would have a calming and focusing effect. He could also wear it as an ornament on his waist, letting outsiders know at a glance that this was a Tier Two Talisman Maker who had joined the Talisman Master Guild.

He chatted for a while with a Foundation Establishment Steward from the Guild and learned about some of its practical uses.

Essentially, all Guilds offered services similar to that of a broker.

For a fee of Spirit Stones, the Guild staff would take action to find suitable candidates for the employer. For example, in the Talisman Master Guild, if someone wanted to learn a new Talisman, they could post a special commission specifying the Talisman they wished to learn. The Guild would then send people to communicate and find a Talisman Maker willing to teach it.

’This Guild could be incredibly useful if I use it well!’ Lü Zhong mused. ’Once things have stabilized, I’ll post a few commissions myself to learn some more practical and profitable Talismans. That should enhance my ability to deal with risks.’

Just then, footsteps approached.

”Elder, I’ve finished on my end as well.” A panting Mei Xiang walked over. She handed him a bag of Spirit Stones—the refund calculated by the Taxation Department based on the tax exemption he received after becoming a Guild Talisman Maker.

”Good. On to the next place.”

”Yes,” Mei Xiang replied softly, her cheeks slightly flushed.

...

The two of them continued without stopping and soon arrived at the Grand Market.

The Grand Market was originally called the Human Market. However, a True Monarch from the Lingyue Sect once found the name inappropriate. He decreed that a few strokes be added to the written character for ”human,” which transformed it into the character for ”grand.” From then on, the Human Market came to be called the Grand Market.

The Grand Market was divided into several districts. There were areas for hiring labor, which served the various workshops, large and small. There were also areas specifically for selling slaves, whose origins were many and varied. Lü Zhong was heading to the Immortal Fate District, a place specifically set up to introduce concubines.

In the Immortal Fate District, cultivators of all kinds were on display, waiting to be chosen. There were men and women, young and old, able to cater to nearly every preference. It was quite an eye-opener for Lü Zhong. He had no strange tastes, however, and went directly to the pavilion run by the Jade Flower Sect, planning to select one or two of their concubines.

Compared to the concubines raised by other factions, the quality of those from the Jade Flower Sect was undoubtedly much higher. Not only were their looks and figures top-notch, but they were all proficient in arts like playing the zither and flute. One could even find those who had cultivated Furnace Cauldron Techniques in the thick registry.

Lü Zhong hadn’t expected it to be so convenient. ’Well, this saves me some trouble,’ he thought.

While looking at the portraits and detailed information of the concubines in the registry, he asked the Steward in the pavilion, ”How can I take one of them with me?”

The Jade Flower Sect Steward was a gracefully aged woman who still possessed a certain charm. Hearing his question, she smiled and said:

”Since you are a certified Tier Two Talisman Maker, Fellow Daoist, the financial verification can be waived. You may proceed directly to the matchmaking phase. Once you have chosen a suitable candidate, if that female disciple also agrees to meet, the two of you can begin negotiating terms and conditions. After all benefits and obligations have been agreed upon, I can record the arrangement. Once you and your chosen concubine sign the Spirit Contract, you may take her with you.”

’So that’s how it works...’

’It’s a bit like matchmaking,’ Lü Zhong thought.