Just a Useful Pawn in the Stain Sect-Chapter 45: Lucky Star

A few days later, in a quiet chamber of the Blood Robe Tower.

Fairy Feixia had already taken her leave. Lü Yang sat upright on his meditation mat, studying the inheritance of Talisman Art he had obtained from their earlier exchange.

As for romance, Lü Yang never gave it much space in his heart.

He knew well that within the Stain Sect there was no such thing as true love. Everything boiled down to mutual interests. After all, he managed the marketplace. Even Final-phase Qi Refiners could do little against him. Fairy Feixia needed his help.

Besides, cultivation advanced more quickly through direct exchange with the help pf the Essence Exchange Cultivation Art— far more efficient than polite conversation.

But if Fairy Feixia hoped to leverage the dual-cultivation to demand additional benefits, she could forget it. He had also shared Array Skills with her as the payment for her Art.

Fair and clean.

"Talisman Art..."

After several days of deep immersion, Lü Yang’s understanding had taken shape.

He focused his intent on the Centome panel:

[Golden Light Talisman (elementary), Thunder Talisman (elementary), Sword Qi Talisman (elementary), Refreshing Talisman (elementary)]

Fairy Feixia had passed down four types. The first three — Golden Light, Thunder, and Sword Qi — were common Ninth-Grade talismans.

Only the Refreshing Talisman was a Seventh-Grade grand talisman.

It could imprint a cultivator’s peak state, then restore them to that condition for a brief period. After a brutal battle, when one was injured and spent, one could use it to instantly return to full strength — though the backlash would worsen injuries afterward by a third. But for a decisive moment, it could turn fate around.

It was this very talisman that had allowed Fairy Feixia to flee back to the marketplace alive.

For her to willingly pass on such a life-saving treasure meant that, intentions aside, she did show sincerity in their deal.

Of course, Refreshing Talismans could not stack, and their cooldown was long — three months between uses.

"Heaven round and earth square, law decreed as I write, all beings submit..."

Sheets of talisman paper hovered before him. Lü Yang formed seals with his off-hand while directing magical power with the other, characters burning themselves into paper. Now and then, a sheet burst into ashes under unstable power — quickly replaced by another.

Time slipped by. At last, four talismans shone with light before him, each with its own hue and pattern.

"Done."

He put away the precious Refreshing Talisman first, then examined the other three. A thought struck him.

The Golden Light, Thunder, and Sword Qi Talismans were straightforward — no advanced Talisman Art required. With the right materials, they could be mass-produced. The issue, of course, was finding workers willing to draw talismans for free...

Fortunately, that was never a problem for Lü Yang.

The Myriad-Soul Banner spirits spent their days idle anyway. Teaching them to draw talismans would keep them busy — and save him money.

Hiring Stain Sect disciples required payment.

But the Banner Spirits? Payment? They should count themselves blessed not to be culled!

...

Leaving the chamber, Lü Yang found Yun Miaqing waiting outside. She brought surprising news.

"Zhao Xuhe?"

Lü Yang raised a brow. Why would Senior Brother Zhao suddenly come looking for him, especially after being so wary in their last conversation?

Seeing Lü Yang frown, Yun Miaqing whispered, "If Brother Daoist does not wish to meet him, I can dismiss him."

"No need." Lü Yang smiled faintly. "I’ll see him."

Soon, Zhao Xuhe was shown into the Blood Robe Tower’s guest hall. Lü Yang entered after confirming nothing was amiss.

"Senior Brother Zhao! I’ve missed you!"

Lü Yang rushed forward and gave him a fervent embrace. "You wouldn’t believe it — I fought the Divine Martial Sect’s direct disciple not long ago. Killed him, yes, but was gravely injured and needed time to recover. I feared I’d kept Senior Brother waiting."

"N-No, no..."

Zhao Xuhe smiled stiffly, resentment simmering in his chest — he had just seen Fairy Feixia leave this tower!

But with a firm Dao Heart, he quickly smothered his jealousy.

"Junior Brother Lü, I came today with a request."

He got straight to the point. "Are you aware of the Wu Ghost Secret Realm? The rumors have spread everywhere recently."

"Of course," Lü Yang replied calmly.

Zhao Xuhe seized the opening. "I possess certain leads regarding this Secret Realm — related to Foundation Establishment fortunes!"

"Oh."

Lü Yang’s indifferent response left Zhao Xuhe stunned. That wasn’t right. Foundation Establishment was a major turning point — shouldn’t Lü Yang be begging for details?

If only he knew — Lü Yang was calm only because he already knew about the Secret Realm, courtesy of turning Ouyang Haize into a Banner Spirit.

But now?

Everyone was spreading rumors of opportunities within. Even mortals acted as though stepping inside would guarantee Foundation Establishment.

When even street vendors are talking stocks, the bubble is about to burst.

A "secret" everyone knows no longer holds treasure — only traps.

The more the Wu Ghost Secret Realm was hyped, the more determined Lü Yang was to remain within the safety of the marketplace.

"I’m afraid you’ve come in vain," Lü Yang said with a polite shake of his head. "I’m not interested in Secret Realms."

"This..." Zhao Xuhe stared blankly, then hurried to persuade, "Junior Brother, cultivation is harsh and life is fleeting! How can you cower at a crucial moment?"

"The Ancient Wu Ghost Sect was once a great Demon Dao sect. Though destroyed by the Celestial Sword Pavilion, a centipede does not die even when cut into pieces. There must be treasures, perhaps Foundation Establishment treasures! Are you truly unmoved? Opportunities, once missed, never return!"

That’s for you to chase, Lü Yang thought.

As for me? If this life fails, I’ll just live another.

He maintained the same unwavering expression. "If a chance is truly meant for me, it will come to me. I do not force what is not mine."

Silence. Zhao Xuhe could only curse the stubborn old tortoise in his heart.

"...Very well," he said at last, exhaling heavily. "Then let us move to the second matter."

He clenched his teeth. "I possess a secret technique that increases the chance of Foundation Establishment."

"I want to use it as collateral to borrow thirty thousand Contribution Points from Junior Brother."

"Foundation Establishment Secret Technique?"

This time, Lü Yang’s eyes brightened. His view of Zhao Xuhe suddenly transformed. This man... was his lucky star!

Death-Warding Skeleton, Ninefold Dragon Metamorphosis, Skull Mountain marketplace...

And now a Foundation Establishment-boosting secret?

Every major stroke of fortune thus far had involved this Senior Brother.

How indispensable.