14: Chapter 14 Senior Brother Lin Hao

"Giving up Zhang Yuan might not necessarily be a bad thing," Qin Changsheng whispered to himself, his expression gradually shifting from solemnity to determination.

An Incarnation could originally be resurrected using Spirit Stones; it only took one Spirit Stone to condense it again. Sacrificing this body and identity was merely a temporary loss, but it would allow him to completely escape Lin Hao's harassment and protect the core secrets of his true body.

But to give it up so easily would be letting Lin Hao off too lightly.

The other party coveted his Talismanic Incantations and disrupted his plans; they had to pay some price.

A bold plan quickly brewed in his mind: before the Incarnation was brought before Lin Hao and its identity fully exposed, he would proactively seek refuge with Lin Hao and use the identity of "Zhang Yuan" to thoroughly scam Lin Hao.

He would have Lin Hao provide some Spirit Stones, Talisman Brushes, and even some treasures.

Then, after returning, he would scam Overseer Hu Yuanfu once more.

Finally, he would commit suicide.

...

Before long, an extraordinarily grand hall appeared before him, causing Qin Changsheng, who was far away in the spiritual fields, to feel a jolt in his heart and a sense of astonishment.

This hall was not a standard Sect building; instead, it was constructed in the style of a secular prince's mansion, with upturned eaves and carved beams.

The hall was built from warm white jade, glowing with a soft luster in the twilight. Two stone lions stood solemnly before the hall doors, and gilded palace lanterns hung under the corridors, exuding opulence even before being lit.

"To think there's such a luxurious palace within the Outer Sect..." Qin Changsheng whispered secretly.

Although he knew Lin Hao held significant resources as the Eldest Senior Brother of the Outer Sect, he hadn't expected him to be so flamboyant as to privately build a hall of this scale. Clearly, he had a deep Foundation and no small amount of ambition within the Sect.

This also made him even more certain that he couldn't afford to linger in today's affairs; abandoning Zhang Yuan's identity and making a quick escape was the priority.

Senior Brother Wu led Zhang Yuan up the white jade steps. Four guards in black stood on either side of the hall doors, all at Qi Refining Stage 6. Their presence was steady, and their eyes were sharp as eagles, staring fixedly at Zhang Yuan with undisguised scrutiny.

Stepping into the hall, the luxury inside was even greater.

The floor was covered with a single piece of Cloud Brocade Carpet, soft and silent to walk on. The pillars were wrapped in gilded patterns, adorned with calligraphy and paintings by famous masters. Jade ornaments were placed in the corners, emitting a faint Spiritual Qi, clearly made of spirit jade.

There were no redundant furnishings in the hall, only a Pearwood bench set directly in front, with several low stools lined up on both sides.

Zhang Yuan stood in the hall, looking down helplessly, as if intimidated by the unprecedented luxury.

Senior Brother Wu walked straight to one side of the hall, bowed toward the Inner Hall, and said respectfully, "Eldest Senior Brother, the person has been brought."

A brief silence fell over the hall. Moments later, the sound of soft footsteps came from the Inner Hall, accompanied by the crisp tinkling of a maidservant's jade pendants.

A young man dressed in a brocade robe walked out slowly.

The young man had a tall stature and a handsome face, with an innate nobility between his brows. His eyes were deep, commanding respect without needing to show anger.

Although he didn't intentionally release his Pressure, the atmosphere in the entire hall grew several degrees heavier.

Beside Lin Hao followed four women in pale pink maidservant uniforms. Their steps were light and their posture gentle. They held tea cups, handkerchiefs, and incense burners, standing with heads bowed, not daring to make a sound.

Lin Hao walked over to the Pearwood bench and sat down, gesturing for a maidservant to serve tea. His gaze slowly fell on Zhang Yuan, filled with scrutiny and inquiry. "You are Zhang Yuan? The Utility Disciple who sells Fireball Talismans in the market?"

Zhang Yuan trembled and quickly bowed to the ground, his voice shaking just the right amount. "It... it is this Junior Brother. Junior Brother Zhang Yuan greets the Eldest Senior Brother."

He deliberately acted extremely humble to lull Lin Hao into a false sense of security.

Lin Hao sat upright on the Pearwood bench, his gaze falling on the kneeling Zhang Yuan. That gaze felt substantial, as if trying to see through Zhang Yuan from inside out.

"I ask you, where did those Fireball Talismans in the market come from?" Lin Hao got straight to the point, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry.

"You are just a Utility Disciple, and you don't look like you come from a family of Talisman masters. How could you have so many high-quality Fireball Talismans for sale?"

Originally, Lin Hao thought the one disrupting his Talisman business was an Inner Sect Junior Brother, or at least an Outer Sect Junior Brother.

But after investigating for a long time, he discovered it was just an ordinary Utility Disciple.

Zhang Yuan replied, "In response to the Eldest Senior Brother, those Fireball Talismans were all hand-drawn by this Junior Brother."

"Years ago, I happened to meet a Wandering Talisman Master. He didn't look down on me and taught me the basic methods of Talisman making. Although my cultivation has been low all these years, I have practiced diligently and can barely draw some usable Fireball Talismans. I only dared to sell them in the market because I was forced by livelihood."

"You drew them yourself?" A clear look of surprise flashed in Lin Hao's eyes as he leaned forward slightly.

"Oh? Do you know that even for an average Talisman master, the success rate of drawing low-grade Fireball Talismans might not even be half? You, a Utility Disciple, can actually draw high-quality Talismans in bulk?"

Zhang Yuan was well-prepared, showing a bit of bashfulness and bitterness on his face. "My cultivation is low and my Spiritual Qi is insufficient. Drawing a single Talisman takes a long time, and the success rate isn't high either. It's just that I've accumulated some stock over the years to sell."

Hearing this, the surprise in Lin Hao's eyes gradually turned to amazement, then to a hint of joy.

If he could bring this Loose Cultivator who knew Talisman making under his wing, he could not only monopolize the low-grade Talisman market but also use his Talisman-making ability to accumulate resources. Why not?

Even if Zhang Yuan's cultivation was low, as long as he had talent in Talisman making, he was a promising talent.

He waved his hand, signaling Zhang Yuan to stand up.

Once Zhang Yuan stood up awkwardly, a gentle smile appeared on Lin Hao's face, and his tone softened considerably. "You are indeed a rare Talisman Genius. It's a waste to be buried on Servant Peak. I ask you, are you willing to work for me?"

Lin Hao's proposal was exactly what Zhang Yuan wanted.

Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately bowed. "I am willing! To follow the Eldest Senior Brother is my good fortune. I will certainly do my utmost and serve the Eldest Senior Brother with all my heart!"

Seeing Zhang Yuan agree so readily, Lin Hao was overjoyed and laughed loudly. "Good! Good! He who understands the times is a wise man. You truly didn't disappoint me."

He had originally prepared many persuasive arguments, but he hadn't expected to recruit a Talisman Genius so easily. His mood became even more cheerful.

"Since you're following me, you won't have to worry about your livelihood in the future. Resources and Cultivation Techniques—I can arrange everything for you."

Zhang Yuan bowed his head in thanks. "Thank you for your kindness, Eldest Senior Brother. I am deeply grateful."

Lin Hao waved his hand dismissively. "Since you have talent in Talisman making, you are a capable person under my command. Tell me, what do you want now? As long as I can do it, I will satisfy you."

He deliberately showed off his generosity, wanting to completely win over Zhang Yuan's heart.

Zhang Yuan's heart stirred. When he looked up, his eyes held a bit of nervousness and expectation, and his tone was cautious. "Junior Brother... I have no other requests. Only that because I've been making Talismans for years, the Talisman Brush I use is already worn out. I don't even have a decent Talisman Brush!"

"I beg the Eldest Senior Brother to grant me a suitable Talisman Brush. Additionally, I long to join the Outer Sect, leave my status as a Utility Disciple behind, and peacefully follow the Eldest Senior Brother to Cultivate Talisman making. I hope the Eldest Senior Brother will fulfill this."

His requests were just right, fitting the needs of a Talisman Cultivator while showing a longing for status.

Hearing this, Lin Hao nodded readily. "What's so difficult about that?"

He turned to a maidservant beside him and ordered, "Go and fetch the Wolf-Hair Brush I bought last year and the Assessment Documents."