Chapter 29: Requirements

Chen Lin never expected that the purpose of the other party's visit was for talisman crafting.

At this moment, he had no right to refuse and could only take the jade slip into his hands.

After a long while, he moved the jade slip away from his forehead and looked at the other party with a bitter smile. "Fellow Daoist Ye, you think too highly of me. This talisman is so profound and complex; setting aside whether my magic power can support it, the mere requirement of True Fire from a cultivator is something I cannot achieve!"

True Fire was a special type of flame that only Foundation Establishment cultivators could form. Seeing this requirement, Chen Lin knew he wouldn't be able to refine it.

Furthermore, this was the first time he had seen a talisman-making method that required flame as a medium, which truly opened his eyes.

"Is it truly impossible? If it is because of the flame, I can resolve that for you, Fellow Daoist Chen," Ye Jingyun said, sounding somewhat disappointed but unwilling to give up.

"How would you resolve it?"

Chen Lin was somewhat puzzled. Could the other party actually raise his cultivation to the Foundation Establishment stage?

If that were the case, he would risk his very life to refine this talisman for her.

Ye Jingyun paced back and forth for a few steps and said leisurely, "Although the jade slip specifies that True Fire from a Foundation Establishment cultivator is needed as a medium, it is not absolute. If an Exotic Flame is used, it will also work."

"Exotic Flame? What is that?"

This was the first time Chen Lin had heard the term, and he couldn't help but feel curious.

At the same time, he felt a deep sense of his own lack of knowledge regarding cultivation.

Ye Jingyun did not mock him, but instead explained patiently, "An Exotic Flame is a special flame naturally generated between heaven and earth. They are extremely rare, so it is normal that you do not know of them. You only need to know that it can replace True Fire, and I happen to have one here."

"Ah!"

Chen Lin let out an exclamation.

Although he had not yet learned the specific details of Exotic Flames, he understood her meaning: he didn't need to worry about the source of the fire.

At this time, Ye Jingyun spoke again, "As for the issue of magic power consumption, you needn't worry either. I have plenty of Qi-Replenishing Pills. If that isn't enough, I even have higher-grade Spirit-Restoring Pills. If even that fails, I can also transfer magic power to you from the side."

"This..."

For a moment, Chen Lin truly didn't know how to refuse.

The fact that the other party had come to his door suggested she had already made all sorts of preparations; he had no reason to decline.

"Fine, then I will give it a try. But let me say this upfront: my talisman-making skills are not as high as you imagine. I have only just entered the field, so the chance of successfully refining it is very small. Don't blame me if the materials are wasted."

Since he couldn't avoid it, he might as well agree.

Failing a few times would also dampen her expectations.

"Then I thank you, Fellow Daoist," Ye Jingyun said.

To Chen Lin's surprise, the other party actually gave him a slight bow!

This startled him, and he hurriedly returned the gesture, saying flusteredly, "I wouldn't dare let Fellow Daoist Ye be so polite. It is my honor to be of assistance."

While returning the bow, Chen Lin pondered inwardly: why was she being so courteous? Was she naturally kind, or was she trying to test him?

However, his confusion did not last long. Her eyes flickered slightly as she said, "Regarding this matter, please keep it a secret for me. Do not tell Senior Brother Yu."

*Err.*

So that was it.

Chen Lin realized.

But a new doubt immediately arose. It was just refining a single talisman; given the relationship between her and Yu Yuehai, what was there to hide?

Of course, he was not foolish enough to ask. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded and said, "That is possible, but if Fellow Daoist Yu finds out and blames me, you must speak up for me!"

Seeing Chen Lin agree, Ye Jingyun revealed a satisfied smile and nodded in assent. "Naturally. You don't need to worry about that. Moreover, if you successfully refine the talisman for me, I can guarantee that Senior Brother Yu will not act against you. Even if he tries to make things difficult for you one day, I will intervene."

This was exactly what Chen Lin was waiting for. He immediately cupped his fists. "Then I thank Fellow Daoist Ye!"

Ye Jingyun tapped her storage bag, and a pile of items appeared on the table.

The most eye-catching among them was a peculiarly shaped small bottle. Chen Lin couldn't tell what material it was made of, but judging by the profound runes covering it, it was actually a magical tool.

The rest included a pure white jade box, which also appeared to be no ordinary object.

Additionally, there was a stack of talisman paper, about twenty or thirty sheets. These were not ordinary papers, but high-grade talisman paper made from demon beast hides.

Finally, there was a talisman brush.

Seeing this brush, Chen Lin's eyes lit up.

He had seen this item in the Treasure Pavilion; it was a high-end product.

The handle was crafted entirely from Cold Ice Profound Jade, and the tip featured a golden ring engraved with fine inscriptions. The bristles were reddish-brown, the natal hair from the chest of a certain second-tier fire-attribute demon beast.

According to the manager of the Treasure Pavilion, this talisman brush had the strange effect of increasing the success rate of fire-attribute talismans, which had made him envious.

Unfortunately, the price was also exorbitant, exceeding his purchasing power.

He hadn't expected it to end up in her hands.

It seemed she had prepared for a long time to refine this talisman.

Ignoring Chen Lin's surprised gaze, Ye Jingyun first picked up the peculiar small bottle, stroked it, and said softly, "Inside this bottle is the spiritual ink required for crafting: the essence blood of a second-tier Ink-Scaled蛟 (Jiao) dragon. There isn't much, but it is enough for over ten attempts."

Hearing the words "Ink-Scaled Jiao," Chen Lin's eyes flickered slightly.

One of the most important materials for refining the Azure Jiao Halberd was the soul of a Jiao dragon.

Jiao dragons were rare and powerful demon beasts. He wondered where she had obtained the essence blood and whether she also possessed a soul essence.

Of course, he would not ask at this time.

Besides the Jiao dragon soul, refining the Azure Jiao Halberd required many other rare materials; it couldn't be made immediately.

He was currently just a small fry in the middle stage of Qi Refinement; it was impossible for him to use something as high-level as a Jiao dragon soul. Asking recklessly would only increase her suspicion.

At this time, Ye Jingyun picked up the jade box and slowly opened it.

As soon as the box opened, Chen Lin felt the temperature in the room drop several degrees, and a chilling aura emanated from within.

He looked over in shock.

He found that the object causing such a spectacle was actually just a small, ink-black mass.

The object was shaped like a candle flame, but strangely, it did not rest at the bottom of the jade box; instead, it hovered, swaying gently.

"Could this be the Exotic Flame? It truly is quite extraordinary!"

There was no need to ask; this was the Exotic Flame she had mentioned. It truly opened Chen Lin's eyes.

Ye Jingyun nodded. "Correct. This is a type of Exotic Flame called the Nether-Cold Flame. Do not be fooled by the icy aura it emits; in reality, the temperature inside the flame is very high. Furthermore, it can be controlled with spiritual sense, which is quite unique."

Having said that, she took out another jade slip and handed it to Chen Lin.

Under Chen Lin's astonished gaze, she spoke: "Inside is a secret technique for establishing a spiritual connection with spiritual objects. It is easier to use and more effective than the Object Manipulation Technique. Once you have learned it, begin to contemplate the method of talisman crafting."

After a thought, she took out a dusty pouch and said to Chen Lin, "I see you do not have a storage bag yet. Once you prepare to leave this place, you should carry more supplies. I happen to have a spare one here. If you can successfully refine the talisman, consider it my reward to you!"

With that, she handed both items to Chen Lin.

Then, she turned and left.