Chapter 95: Full Coffers, Second-Tier in Sight!

Half an hour later.

Inside a mountain cave.

“This flying dagger seems to be a top-tier Artifact.”

“No wonder its power is so astonishing. It pierced through my Artifact shield and broke through three layers of golden light shield!”

Lu Changsheng was holding a strangely shaped blood-colored flying blade, examining it closely.

At that time, he felt that this flying dagger was unusual.

He guessed it might be a top-tier Artifact or some rare treasure.

Now, upon closer inspection, he was almost certain it was a top-tier Artifact.

A single top-tier Artifact is worth a thousand Spirit Stones.

However, Lu Changsheng didn’t plan to sell this flying dagger.

He intended to keep it for self-defense.

It would give him one more attack method.

Even though he had many talismans, he seldom used Artifacts.

But having more means was certainly advantageous.

Once he acquired new equipment and couldn’t use it anymore, he could sell it any time.

Artifacts don’t usually depreciate much in value.

Lu Changsheng continued to sort through his spoils.

“One, two, three.”

“Tsk, these eight Artifacts should be high-grade, indeed, to do a good job, one must first sharpen their tools!”

“As a robbery cultivator, having plenty of Artifacts and methods is a must!”

“And these robes and boots, they seem to be mid-tier Artifacts but suffered severe damage from the Golden Light Brick’s attack.”

“This black cloud is probably also a top-tier Artifact, and it combines flight and defense.”

“Unfortunately, it too is damaged, otherwise, I could keep it for myself. I wonder how much it can sell for now.”

Looking at these Artifacts, Lu Changsheng felt both pain and joy.

After all, his gains were indeed substantial.

But seeing many Artifacts damaged by the Golden Light Brick and their value dropping significantly, made him heartache.

For instance, out of the eight high-grade Artifacts, two were worn out, and three were damaged.

As for the robes and boots on the five people, they were severely damaged, almost to the point of being scrapped.

A quarter of an hour later.

Lu Changsheng finished sorting through the five people’s storage bags.

A total of 639 Spirit Stones.

Two top-tier Artifacts!

Eight high-grade Artifacts!

Thirteen mid-tier Artifacts!

Three flying Artifacts!

One set of formation tools!

Several talismans!

Several pills!

A pile of materials and miscellaneous junk.

“I don’t know the level or formation of this set of formation tools, but it seems to be at least mid-tier.”

“When I reach Jiulong Market, I can have someone appraise them. If they’re good, I might keep them for myself.”

“Even with many damaged Artifacts, the value is at least four to five thousand Spirit Stones.”

“Adding this set of formation tools and these pills, talismans, and materials, the total value is six to seven thousand Spirit Stones.”

Lu Changsheng looked at these things with a face full of joy.

He felt that the notorious Kou Clan’s Five Fiends surely had a bad name, having robbed many cultivators.

Otherwise, they couldn’t possibly be so wealthy.

After organizing the spoils, Lu Changsheng purified everything with a High-Grade Purification Talisman to ensure there were no issues.

He also destroyed unknown suspicious items and buried them.

“Including the Second-Tier Beast Taming inheritance, Profound Yin True Water, and the Heavenly Heart Lotus, the total value of these Foundation Establishment spirit materials exceeds ten thousand Spirit Stones.”

“And the cost was only two Talisman Treasure attacks, six top-tier talismans, nineteen high-grade talismans, and twenty mid-tier talismans.”

“No wonder so many people become robbery cultivators; killing and looting can be quite addictive.”

After taking a deep breath and slowly exhaling, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but sigh.

At this moment, he even thought of making money by fishing.

But the moment he had the idea, he immediately extinguished it.

If you walk by the river often, your shoes will get wet!

If he could just settle down, marry, and have children, the future would be promising.

Why take risks doing such things?

Doing it when it happens is one thing.

Actively pursuing it is unacceptable.

After all, once started, there is no turning back.

As a Talisman Master, his income was already enviable to countless cultivators.

But it couldn’t compare to the quick money gained by robbery cultivators.

Once experienced, who could settle for earning Spirit Stones through labor?

At this moment, Lu Changsheng understood the mindset of those hunting demon beasts and exploring secret realms.

Having become accustomed to quick money, settling down without skills was too hard!

“When I reach Jiulong Market, I should dispose of these things quickly.”

“That way, my Second-Tier talismans and puppets should be within reach.”

Lu Changsheng’s eyes gleamed with joy.

With Second-Tier talismans and puppets, he could defend himself even against great Foundation Establishment cultivators!

Thinking of the youth leaving again, Lu Changsheng disguised himself with the Ever-changing Mask and turned into a dark-skinned young man.

Then he put on a gray robe, mounted the Iron Feather Eagle, and headed to Jiulong Market.

“If possible, I should get a better flying mount.”

Lu Changsheng thought as he looked at the Iron Feather Eagle beneath him.

In the past, having a flying mount was wonderful.

But now, with his lifestyle and vision improved, the Iron Feather Eagle seemed a bit lacking.

Apart from traveling, it wasn’t very useful.

In danger earlier, he had to use a talisman to protect the Iron Feather Eagle.

When the movement was a bit large, it would become frightened and uncontrollable.

If pursued, relying on the Iron Feather Eagle made escape difficult.

If the system could provide a flying pet, that would solve the problem.

Lu Changsheng thought.

Getting a flying pet beast through the system would be ideal.

After all, a system-drawn pet would likely have a Heaven-Tier bloodline.

“But if it’s just a hatchling, raising it wouldn’t be easy.”

“Too rare a pet beast might draw attention when riding it.”

He thought of his Nine Abyss Mastiff raised at home and shook his head.

Without strength, even a rare pet beast is risky to show.

His Nine Abyss Mastiff raised in the Lu Family for nearly four years had already shown its potential.

In another three to five years, it would be clear it wasn’t an ordinary spirit beast, with a high bloodline tier.

“Then I’ll have to carry the Nine Abyss Mastiff in a Spirit Pet Bag.”

“Or, as I thought before, release it in a mountain range to grow on its own.”

Lu Changsheng thought.

Letting it go worried him about possible dangers.

The Nine Abyss Mastiff’s power was only at the First-Tier early-stage demon beast level.

Not particularly strong.

Thinking of the Second-Tier Beast Taming inheritance, he retrieved the Jade Slip to see its contents.

Searching for ways to help the Nine Abyss Mastiff grow.

“Purple Gold Mouse, High-Tier bloodline spirit beast, fed with metal attribute materials and ‘Metal Spirit Rice’ at a seven-to-three ratio.”

“Green Scaled Snake, High-Tier bloodline spirit beast, with eggs soaked in ‘Jade Green Liquid’, ‘Cyan Spirit Wood’, and First-Tier spirit water.”

“Blazing Firebird, High-Tier bloodline spirit beast.”

The Jade Slip contained much information about spirit beasts.

It detailed how to nurture, train, and educate them to become spirit pets, encouraging quick growth.

In the end, it included a technique called “Beast Taming Art.”

It enabled communication with spirit pets and imprinting a master-servant contract on them.

“Though it lacks specific methods for raising the Nine Abyss Mastiff, it confirms the saying: three parts training, seven parts feeding!”

“It’s about nurturing spirit beasts with minimal cost for optimal growth.”

He felt disappointed after reading the Jade Slip.

He sought the Beast Taming inheritance not to become a Beast Tamer himself.

System-drawn pets were better than what he could raise.

His intent was to see if it could help with the Nine Abyss Mastiff.

But after reading, he reached a conclusion, and naturally felt disappointed.

Even without the Jade Slip, he knew feeding the Nine Abyss Mastiff demon meat would surely speed growth.

“Perhaps I should really release the Nine Abyss Mastiff.”

“Or try letting it roam for a while to see the effects.”

“Otherwise, growing like this is too slow.”

Thinking of the Nine Abyss Mastiff’s estimated century to Second-Tier growth speed, Lu Changsheng leaned more towards releasing it.

After all, the worst outcome was losing the pet.

It was bearable, right?

“Once I obtain Second-Tier talismans and puppets, I can find suitable places to release the Nine Abyss Mastiff.”

“Then observe its survival ability.”

Lu Changsheng thought.

A day later.

Approaching Jiulong Market, Lu Changsheng switched the Iron Feather Eagle for a flying Artifact.

In disguise, he flew to Jiulong Market and got a temporary identity token to enter.

Of course, this disguise was for easier fencing.

The loot from the Kou Clan’s Five Fiends was not something to expose.

It could attract unwanted attention.

So caution was warranted.

Lu Changsheng planned to sell the goods quickly for Spirit Stones.

Otherwise, selling pieces over years was the safest method.

But with Spirit Stones, he could make Second-Tier talismans and puppets.

With stronger cards, his risk management would greatly improve. The risk seemed acceptable.

In town, Lu Changsheng went to a large Artifact shop.

“Fellow Daoist, what Artifact do you seek?”

A graceful female assistant approached.

“Is the Shopkeeper available? I have second-hand Artifacts to sell.”

Lu Changsheng said expressionlessly.

Soon, the Shopkeeper arrived smiling to assist. Lu Changsheng displayed part of what he planned to sell.

He didn’t show everything at once.

Just the black cloud Artifact and two high-grade Artifacts, along with damaged robes and boots.

“Fellow Daoist, this top-tier Artifact is severely damaged. Both the exterior and internal restriction are faulty. We can offer 820 Spirit Stones.”

“These high-grade Artifacts are in decent condition with wear; we offer 760 Spirit Stones.”

“The robes and boots are heavily damaged, practically scrap, totaling 260 Spirit Stones.”

The Shopkeeper saw these were likely stolen and offered low prices.

“Fixed price, 2,200 Spirit Stones.”

Even eager to sell, Lu Changsheng wouldn’t concede easily.

“Fellow Daoist, that’s quite high.”

“Honestly, these goods seem questionable in origin; we’ll need to refurbish them for resale.”

The Shopkeeper feigned a difficult expression.

“Farewell.”

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng pretended to leave.

“2,000 Spirit Stones, Fellow Daoist, that’s our best offer.”

“These items won’t fetch high prices elsewhere either.”

The Shopkeeper persuaded.

“Fine, your price.”

Lu Changsheng knew the logic, felt the price acceptable, and didn’t haggle.

They completed the transaction.

After leaving, the Shopkeeper squinted and touched his chin: “This Black Blood Cloud should belong to the leader of the notorious five. Is it now in this person’s hands?”

“However, what difference does it make? If the five fell to this person, only a great Foundation Establishment cultivator could catch him.”

“This information alone is worth quite a sum.”

The Shopkeeper smiled and headed upstairs.

After leaving the shop, Lu Changsheng found an inn to check his Spirit Stones.

“Greed sometimes leads to underhanded tactics.”

After using a Purification Talisman, he noticed faint black smoke from three Spirit Stones.

Clearly tampered with.

There might be other issues besides what the talisman detected.

But Lu Changsheng wasn’t concerned, disguised himself, changed attire, and headed to Cloud Peak Trading Company.

Spending these Spirit Stones meant no further worries.

“Fellow Daoist, what are you looking for? May I assist?”

Arriving at Cloud Peak Trading Company, a charming female cultivator in a qipao approached with a smile.

“I need a top-tier Artifact talisman pen.”

Lu Changsheng stated directly.

At this, the female cultivator was slightly stunned, eyes flashing, and her smile broadened.

“Please, sit.”

Inviting Lu Changsheng to sit, she poured tea.

Then she squatted beside, the tight qipao accentuating her curves.

“For convenience, our company has created a booklet of illustrations for our most precious Artifacts.”

“If anything interests you, I’ll bring the actual item.”

“Look at this Red Glint Talisman Pen—our best-selling top-tier talisman pen.”

The female cultivator handed over an antique jade booklet, turning to the talisman pen page, and touched a pen image.

A three-dimensional image of a red talisman pen hovered above the jade booklet.

Additional information was displayed beside it.

Red Glint Talisman Pen: Made with the neck fur of a Second-Tier demonic beast, the Cyan-Eye Golden Lion. The barrel combines celestial wood and scarlet gold essence.

Lu Changsheng nodded slightly.

He had visited Cloud Peak Trading Company before.

He knew its success was not solely due to support from Azure Cloud Sect.

Their shopping experience, service, and product quality were remarkable.

He glanced at the price: 1,600 Spirit Stones.

He was silently impressed.

Remembering his cost price purchase of a mid-tier Artifact talisman pen for seventy percent of the regular price.

Cloud Peak Trading Company likely had even higher profit margins.

Unfortunately, Lu Family Talisman Shop didn’t carry top-tier talisman pens.

Even if it did, buying from there was awkward.

“Alas, expensive but worth it.”

“It lasts long and will eventually pay for itself.”

Lu Changsheng sighed slightly.

Knowing some expenses were unavoidable.

Searching other shops might save a little, but wasted time and trouble were not guaranteed.

He flipped through other top-tier talisman pens in the booklet.

The cheapest was 1,400 Spirit Stones, the most expensive 2,000.

He picked five different top-tier talisman pens to view.

Simple handling made Lu Changsheng choose the 1,600 Spirit Stone Red Glint Talisman Pen.

“Do you have materials for drawing Second-Tier talismans here?”

Lu Changsheng continued.

With Spirit Stones in hand, he wanted to buy everything needed.

“Certainly.”

“In our market, what you need is available at Cloud Peak Trading Company.”

“If not here, it’s nowhere else.”

The female cultivator replied confidently.

Taking out another jade booklet with Second-Tier talisman materials listed.

Drawing Second-Tier talismans required more complexity than First-Tier.

Different talismans needed matching demonic beast hides and spiritual materials for paper and ink.

Otherwise, success rates suffered.

Lu Changsheng examined the Second-Tier materials in the booklet.

Choices were limited.

Materials were sold in tens.

He bought thirty sets.

Spending 780 Spirit Stones total.

This averaged to 26 Spirit Stones per Second-Tier talisman.

Not counting talisman pen wear.

However, with scarce Second-Tier materials elsewhere, gathering them himself was bothersome.

Convenience required paying extra at Cloud Peak Trading Company.

Buying here at least ensured genuine products and no issues.

“Fellow Daoist, it’s 2,380 Spirit Stones total.”

The female cultivator smiled.

Then pausing, her voice sweetened, “Fellow Daoist, purchasing Second-Tier materials suggests you’re accomplished in Talisman Making.”

“Are you interested in becoming an honorary member of Cloud Peak Trading Company?”

“If you become an honorary member, you’ll have internal pricing on future purchases.”

“And any materials needed, we can help gather.”

She suggested sweetly.

“Oh?”

Lu Changsheng raised an eyebrow, “What are your standards for ‘accomplished’?”

“For talisman making, you should consistently create top-tier First-Tier talismans.”

The female cultivator replied with a smile.

“What’s the honorary member benefit?”

Lu Changsheng asked.

“If interested, I’ll call a manager for a detailed discussion.”

Her eyes lit up.

“No need, just asking casually.”

“I can barely make top-tier talismans now.”

“Buying Second-Tier materials is to stabilize top-tier creation.”

Lu Changsheng said, waving his hand.

Since he was disguised, joining as an honorary member was impossible.

Becoming one required identity verification.

Once verified, his identity and skills as a First-Tier Talisman Master become undeniable.

“Understood. If interested, you’re always welcome at Cloud Peak Trading Company.”

She remained smiling.

“Mm.”

Lu Changsheng paid for the talisman pen and materials and left Cloud Peak Trading Company.

“Alas, money comes quickly but goes just as fast.”

Reflecting on this spending, his heart ached slightly.

Never had he used so much money at once.

When he first arrived at the Lu Family, he earned two Spirit Stones monthly.

Now, spending over two thousand Spirit Stones at once—equivalent to a century’s earnings.

“Next, dispose of remaining Artifacts and materials and see if it’s possible to gather materials for a Second-Tier puppet.”

Taking a deep breath, he continued his routine, busy as a bee.

Selling surplus Artifacts, unused pills, and materials at a discount.

With the money, he returned to Cloud Peak Trading Company buying needed materials.

PS: I slept late yesterday and woke early, felt dazed till after lunch, still have a headache. No second chapter today, apologize.