Compared to the first layer of the Qi Refining Realm, the second layer of the Qi Refining Realm seemed to merely add one more Qi cyclone inside her dantian. However, as Shi Yu circulated her spiritual energy, she discovered that the amount of spiritual energy she could now mobilize within her body was nearly double what it was before.
Along with the formation of the tenth Qi cyclone, the previously scattered nine Qi cyclones gathered together, slowly rotating around the yellow sprout as a single entity.
The spiritual presence it surged with was far stronger than before. Thus, although she had only advanced by a minor sub-realm, Shi Yu's overall strength had increased significantly.
“Now it's time to begin refining magical robes and weapons.”
If conditions permitted, she would naturally prefer to collect various heavenly materials and earthly treasures first to refine a few growable natal magic treasures.
Unfortunately, she was all alone now, unlike in the past when she never had to worry about resources. For now, she could only make do with whatever was available.
Shi Yu intended to head over to Tongyi Pavilion to see if there were any suitable spirit beast materials. She would purchase some and return to refine a piece of defensive magical clothing and a weapon, equipping herself for the time being and re-refining better ones when superior materials became available later.
She couldn't hole up in this small courtyard forever just to cultivate; she would eventually need to step outside to temper herself through real-world experience.
To buy spiritual materials, she naturally needed to prepare more funds in her pocket.
The two hundred or so spirit stones she had earned from selling over fifty Blaze Talismans last time were almost entirely spent.
“I'd better draw some more talismans to sell. Money really doesn't last.”
Even though she could earn money through means like talisman making, she still felt that earning money was like pulling silk while spending it was like flowing water. One could only imagine how arduous the process of gathering cultivation resources must be for ordinary rogue cultivators.
Shi Yu twirled the newly refined talisman pen between her slender fingers, nonchalantly mixing several dishes of talisman ink with different attributes, and began tracing source runes onto the talisman paper one by one.
The quality of the newly crafted talisman pen was remarkable. Engraved with the double restrictions of Spirit-Channelling and Durability-Enhancing, it was far easier to use than the unranked talisman pen Shi Yu had used before.
Furthermore, now that she had reached the second layer of the Qi Refining Realm, the spiritual energy in her body was considerably more abundant, making the creation of Tier-1 spirit talismans even more effortless.
Before long, a thick stack of spirit talismans was finished. Combined with those previously stored inside the Yin-Yang Fate-Tapping Bell, there were a full hundred or so.
Once she sold these spirit talismans, her spirit stones should be sufficient for the time being.
After consuming a Dew-Condensing Pill and meditating for half an hour to recover her spiritual energy, Shi Yu gathered the finished talismans, placed them into the Fate-Tapping Bell, and tidied herself up to leave. “I'll also see if I can get lucky and buy spiritual materials to refine a Spirit-Gathering array plate.”
The world's spiritual energy in Changyuan Prefecture couldn't compare to other continents or prefectures. In Shi Yu's memories, the blessed paradise where her former master, Xuanqing Immortal Venerable, resided possessed spiritual energy that was dozens of times more vibrant and abundant than here.
The Origin Realm was vast and boundless. Although she currently possessed the cultivation of the second layer of the Qi Refining Realm, she was still merely a mortal body of flesh and blood, incapable of traveling to those spirit-abundant prefectures anytime soon.
Thus, for a considerable period ahead, she would likely have to remain in this remote corner of Changyuan Prefecture.
Yet she refused to fall behind her enemies; even if the conditions weren't present, she would create them herself.
The descendants of prominent families and sects ate spiritual grain and drank spiritual dew; as a lone rogue cultivator, she would grow her own spiritual grain and buy her own spiritual dew.
Her enemies cultivated in blessed paradises overflowing with spiritual energy; if she couldn't find such a paradise, she would refine Spirit-Gathering array plates herself to construct a tiny blessed paradise of her own making.
...
Having shut herself inside her courtyard to refine artifacts for the past few days, she hadn't stepped outside once. The moment she set foot outside now, Shi Yu immediately noticed the shift in the street's atmosphere.
The cultivators coming and going were far fewer than before, and most hurried along with brisk, unstopping steps. The hems and corners of their robes were often stained with foul, bloody marks—some fresh, others dark and dried—appearing to be left behind by wounded spirit beasts.
“Is the spirit beast activity still ongoing?” Lost in thought, she turned her steps toward Tongyi Pavilion.
In the spacious shop, customers were few, giving it a somewhat quiet and desolate feel.
When Shi Yu walked in, Jiang Qihe was tallying accounts. The moment he raised his head and saw Shi Yu, his eyes lit up. Setting aside the account ledger, he quickened his pace and came up to her.
“Young Master Shi, you've finally come.”
Beneath the joy in his voice lay a distinct sense of relief.
Picking up on it, Shi Yu blinked, unsure why Jiang Qihe looked slightly terrified and anxious. “Manager Jiang, what is...?”
Jiang Qihe was indeed feeling lingering fear. After testing the Blaze Talismans Shi Yu had sold him previously, he had immediately realized that his offered price was too low.
Ordinary Blaze Talismans ranged between three to four spirit stones in price. However, the Blaze Talismans Shi Yu sold were several degrees more powerful than ordinary ones. Furthermore, items like spirit talismans were currently in high demand. Offering four spirit stones had truly been failing to appreciate her worth.
Jiang Qihe had cursed himself countlessly in his heart. Yet, without knowing Shi Yu's address, no matter how hard he searched across this vast market, he couldn't find her anywhere.
He worried that his low offer had displeased Shi Yu and that she would no longer do business with Tongyi Pavilion, naturally filling him with anxiety.
For several consecutive days, he had been burdened with anxiety, terrified that Shi Yu would never return.
Now that he finally saw her today, how could he not breathe a sigh of relief?
Jiang Qihe gave a bitter smile. “Young Master Shi, you certainly made me wait! The Blaze Talismans you sold were far more powerful than ordinary spirit talismans. Why didn't you mention it to me beforehand?”
Before Shi Yu could speak, he hurriedly retrieved a small bag of spirit stones from his mustard-seed bag and pressed it into her hand. “Please accept this quickly, Young Master. You had me living in fear for days.”
Holding the bag of spirit stones, Shi Yu was bewildered. “What is this?”
“This is the supplemental spirit stones owed to you, Young Master.”
“The price of four spirit stones per sheet that I offered for your Blaze Talismans was indeed too low. Blame me for offering a price without testing them first, causing you to suffer a loss.” Jiang Qihe closely observed Shi Yu's expression, and seeing no sign of displeasure, his suspended heart slowly settled. “Six spirit stones per sheet is what should have been given.”
Hearing him finish, Shi Yu pursed her lips into a smile. “Manager Jiang was living in fear for several days just over this?”
Jiang Qihe nodded frankly. “Tongyi Pavilion wishes to do long-term business with you, Young Master, so we naturally do not want you to feel slighted.”
“Then I won't stand on ceremony with Manager Jiang.” Shi Yu flipped her hand, storing the bag of spirit stones into the Fate-Tapping Bell.
“As it should be, as it should be.” Seeing Shi Yu accept the spirit stones, Jiang Qihe felt relieved and nodded with a smile.
Once his mind eased, Jiang Qihe finally noticed that her cultivation had actually reached the second layer of the Qi Refining Realm, leaving him inwardly shocked.
It was not long ago that he had seen Shi Yu enter the first layer of the Qi Refining Realm. How long had it been, and she was already at the second layer? This cultivation speed was truly impressive.
But before Jiang Qihe could finish being amazed, Shi Yu's next move instantly pulled his attention away.
After storing the spirit stones, Shi Yu produced a thick stack of spirit talismans, waving them before Jiang Qihe's eyes with a beaming smile. “Since Manager Jiang wants to do business, I can't let you down either.”
Breathing heavily, Jiang Qihe took the stack of spirit talismans.
Blaze Talismans, Earth Shield Talismans, Iron Skin Talismans—three types of spirit talismans, totaling over a hundred sheets.
He gave a bitter laugh, realizing he had still underestimated the talisman master behind Shi Yu.
After becoming a talisman master, in such a short amount of time, that talisman master was already able to master three entire types of Tier-1 spirit talismans.
Such learning speed was simply unheard of. What was more... just like the Blaze Talismans, the spiritual light of the source runes drawn on the other two types of spirit talismans was also a few degrees stronger than ordinary ones.
It was clear proof that the person behind Shi Yu was a deserving genius of the Talisman Dao. Surely, one day, this talisman master's grand name would echo across all of Changyuan Prefecture.
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