Qin Lu’s new residence in the Inner City was functionally identical to his old quarters in Wuji Market.

The layout followed the traditional north-south orientation, ensuring auspicious geomancy. The servants’ quarters were clustered in the south wing near the main gate, bustling with activity. This time, however, Qin Lu made a slight adjustment: Feng Xi was assigned a private room in the backyard, separating her from the ordinary laborers.

Once settled, Qin Lu calmed his restless mind. He made a quick trip to procure high-grade talisman materials, then locked his gates and committed himself to the grind.

Meditation. Talisman crafting. Meditation. Spell practice. Meditation. Sword drills.

His days dissolved into a rhythmic cycle of depleting and restoring spiritual energy. He moved through the hours with the mechanical precision of a clock, his focus absolute.

Over ten days vanished in a blink.

Finally, Qin Lu gathered the stack of finished talismans and stepped out of his courtyard.

During his seclusion, he had dispatched Steward Chen to gather intelligence. The steward’s reports painted a clear picture of White Jade Market’s power structure. More than ten Foundation Establishment factions controlled the city’s commerce, their influence woven into every shop and stall like a complex web.

Qin Lu had zero interest in their politics.

His goal was simple: find a buyer, secure a long-term contract for his [Golden Light Talismans], and return to his cultivation.

Adhering to the principle that “big brands are trustworthy,” he headed straight for the largest talisman emporium in the city.

The banner above the entrance fluttered in the wind, emblazoned with three bold characters: Yuan Ke Ge—Pavilion of Predestined Guests.

Qin Lu stepped inside.

“Greetings, Senior. Welcome to Yuan Ke Ge,” a bright-eyed female cultivator chirped, approaching him with a practiced smile. “What sort of talismans are you looking for today?”

Qin Lu scanned the opulent interior before meeting her gaze. “I’m not buying. Does your establishment purchase stock?”

“We certainly do. May I ask what grade of talisman Senior refines?”

“First-grade superior. [Golden Light Talisman].”

The attendant’s eyes lit up. First-grade superior stock was high-value merchandise. A successful acquisition meant a fat commission.

“Senior, please follow me.”

She led him past the browsing customers to a private viewing room in the back, ensuring discretion.

Qin Lu waited comfortably, sipping the tea provided. Moments later, the door opened, and a woman glided in.

She was striking—a blaze of red silk and confidence. Her dress was cut low, revealing a generous expanse of pale skin, and her figure was undeniably fiery.

“I am Hua Yishi, a manager here at Yuan Ke Ge,” she introduced herself, her voice smooth as honey. “I hear Fellow Daoist Qin has premium [Golden Light Talismans] for sale. May I inspect the goods?”

“Naturally.”

Qin Lu flicked his wrist. A single yellow talisman appeared in his palm, humming with a faint, steady spiritual rhythm. He handed it over.

Hua Yishi took it, her casual demeanor vanishing the moment her fingers touched the paper. She brought it close to her eyes, scrutinizing the brushwork and the flow of spiritual ink.

Surprise flickered across her face, followed by genuine delight. The quality was far beyond the standard fare.

“Fellow Daoist Qin,” she said, looking up with new respect. “May I test its defensive limits?”

“Be my guest.”

With Qin Lu’s nod, Hua Yishi produced a small, delicate paper umbrella from her storage bag—a testing artifact. She activated the talisman.

A sphere of golden light erupted, forming a solid, shimmering barrier that floated in the center of the room.

Hua Yishi raised the paper umbrella, pointing its tip at the shield. Spiritual energy surged, gathering at the umbrella’s point until it glowed with blinding intensity.

BANG!

A beam of white energy slammed into the golden shield. The impact was heavy, the sound reverberating in the small room. The golden barrier shuddered violently, rippling under the stress.

But it held.

As the attack faded, the ripples smoothed out, and the shield returned to its pristine, unblemished state.

“This…” Hua Yishi stared at the floating gold, dumbfounded. “Seventy percent power from the [Green Bone Umbrella] failed to breach it?”

She was stunned. In her years of appraising, she had never seen a first-grade [Golden Light Talisman] withstand such force. This level of defense was typically the domain of the second-grade [Golden Kang Talisman].

She looked at Qin Lu, her gaze calculating. This man is no ordinary loose cultivator.

Qin Lu met her stare with calm, practiced sincerity. “Manager Hua, does your shop wish to acquire these?”

“Absolutely!” Hua Yishi didn’t hesitate. “We will take every single one you can produce. Unlimited quantity.”

“Manager Hua is generous,” Qin Lu said, pausing for effect. “However… there is the matter of price.”

“Name it,” she said, her tone bold.

Qin Lu smiled internally. “I use only the finest materials for these. The crafting process is exhaustive. I believe fourteen Spirit Stones per talisman is fair.”

Hua Yishi’s smile stiffened. “Fourteen? Fellow Daoist Qin, the market rate for a standard Golden Light Talisman is eleven. You’re asking for a premium of three stones…”

“And you’ve seen the quality,” Qin Lu countered smoothly. “Standard talismans don’t stop a Green Bone Umbrella.”

“True, but—”

“I can also guarantee a stable supply,” Qin Lu interrupted gently. “Five talismans a day, minimum. Consistent quality.”

Hua Yishi hesitated. “Volume is attractive, certainly. But the unit price is steep. Perhaps we can meet in the middle…”

They haggled back and forth, the air thick with the polite tension of commerce.

Finally, they struck a deal.

Yuan Ke Ge would purchase Qin Lu’s [Golden Light Talismans] at thirteen Spirit Stones plus two catties of gold per unit.

The deal sealed, Qin Lu immediately offloaded his stockpile. He walked out of the shop seven hundred Spirit Stones richer.

He declined Hua Yishi’s invitation for a celebratory banquet, citing pressing matters.

Leaving the bustle of the market behind, Qin Lu headed for the city gates.

His [Finger Flick Technique] was on the verge of a breakthrough. It was time to find a quiet patch of wilderness and see what his new power could really do.