Shen Hao stepped up to the talisman stall, his gaze carefully sweeping over the dazzling array of talismans laid out before him. On the yellow paper, all manner of profound runes had been drawn in cinnabar—some danced like flames, some stood firm as shields, and some streaked across like lightning, all emitting faint fluctuations of spiritual energy.
The stall carried a rather complete selection of talismans. Offensive talismans included Fireball Talismans and Thunderstorm Talismans, which could instantly unleash flames and lightning with considerable power. Defensive talismans included Iron Armor Talismans and Shield Talismans, capable of forming protective barriers over the body to withstand enemy attacks. There were also auxiliary talismans such as Swiftness Talismans and Stealth Talismans, each with its own marvelous use. However, these were all low-grade talismans with limited power. Their advantages lay in their low prices and simple operation, making them highly suitable for Qi Refining Stage cultivators.
"Young friend, you look unfamiliar. Is this your first time at this old man's stall?" Seeing how seriously Shen Hao was examining the wares, the White-haired Old Man spoke with a smile, his eyes carrying a hint of appreciation. "These talismans of mine were all drawn by hand. The materials are solid, and their power is thirty percent greater than those mass-produced talismans in the Market. What talismans would you like to buy, young friend?"
Shen Hao's gaze swept around the stall before finally settling on two talismans. One bore a wind rune—the Swiftness Talisman. The other bore a shield rune—the Iron Armor Talisman mentioned by that disciple earlier. Pointing at the two kinds of talismans, he asked in a low voice, "Senior, how much are these two?"
The White-haired Old Man stroked his beard and said with a beaming smile, "Young friend, you have a good eye. This Swiftness Talisman can increase a cultivator's speed by thirty percent for half an hour. At critical moments, it can be used either for pursuit or escape. One costs one Mid-grade Spirit Stone. This Iron Armor Talisman forms a layer of sturdy iron armor over the body to block attacks, and its defensive effect is quite good. One costs two Mid-grade Spirit Stones."
The Swiftness Talisman could boost his speed for a short time, perfectly complementing his Flowing Cloud Steps and making his movements even more ethereal. The Iron Armor Talisman could strengthen his defenses and make up for the weakness of his physical body's defenses, giving him another layer of protection in actual combat. Both types of talismans were extremely practical for him.
Shen Hao nodded without the slightest hesitation. He took out ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones from his Storage Pouch and placed them on the stall. "Senior, I want five Swiftness Talismans and two Iron Armor Talismans."
The White-haired Old Man was briefly stunned. Clearly, he had not expected this young disciple to spend so readily. Then the smile on his face grew even broader. "Young friend, you are certainly straightforward. This old man likes doing business with people like you." He deftly took a small jade box from beneath the stall and carefully placed the seven talismans inside. Then he pulled another talisman bearing a concealment rune from his robes and placed it in the jade box as well. "This Stealth Talisman is a small token of this old man's regard, a gift for you. It can conceal a cultivator's aura for half an hour. Whether infiltrating an enemy camp or evading pursuit, it can work wonders."
Shen Hao accepted the jade box, finding it faintly cool to the touch. When he opened it, eight talismans lay neatly within, their runes flickering with a faint spiritual glow. He bowed to the White-haired Old Man and said sincerely, "Thank you, Senior, for your generous gift." The Stealth Talisman was worth even more than a Swiftness Talisman, so the old man's gesture had truly caught him by surprise.
The White-haired Old Man waved his hand and smiled. "It was merely a small effort. If you need anything in the future, feel free to come to this old man's stall."
After thanking the old man, Shen Hao bid farewell to Zhang Shan, who was still selecting Body Tempering Pills, then turned and headed toward his residence. He hurried along the way and soon returned to his dwelling on Qingyun Peak. Closing the door behind him, he eagerly placed the jade box on the stone table, opened the lid, and took out a Swiftness Talisman.
Following the method recorded on the talisman, he slowly injected a thread of spiritual energy into it. In an instant, the Swiftness Talisman transformed into a streak of cyan light and, with a whoosh, adhered to his calf. A warm current spread from his lower leg and instantly coursed through his entire body. Shen Hao felt his legs become lighter than ever, as though he were stepping on a ball of cotton, while even his center of gravity seemed to turn weightless and drifting.
A thought stirred in his mind, and he launched into Flowing Cloud Steps, his body shooting several zhang away in an instant. His speed had increased by more than a full thirty percent. He darted back and forth through the room, his figure flickering like a ghost, while even the afterimages he left behind became more illusory and difficult to catch. What an amazing Swiftness Talisman! Shen Hao silently praised, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. With the Swiftness Talisman stacked with Flowing Cloud Steps, his speed was now enough to rival that of a cultivator at the Late Qi Refining Fourth Layer.
He picked up an Iron Armor Talisman and injected a thread of spiritual energy into it as well. The Iron Armor Talisman transformed into a streak of golden light and attached itself to his chest. In the blink of an eye, a thin layer of golden iron armor spread out from the talisman, covering his chest and back. The armor's surface gleamed with metallic luster and radiated a heavy, solid defensive aura.
Shen Hao tightened his grip on the Flying Sword in his hand and lightly stabbed at the iron armor over his chest. With a crisp clang of metal striking metal, the Flying Sword was firmly bounced away. Only a faint white mark remained on the iron armor, and it vanished at once. This defensive effect really is impressive. Shen Hao was overjoyed. With this Iron Armor Talisman, even if he faced the full-force strike of a cultivator at the Late Qi Refining Fourth Layer, he could still withstand it to some extent.
He carefully stored the remaining talismans in his Storage Pouch, his face full of gratification. With these talismans at his side, his strength had risen by quite a bit once more. The competition in the Inner Sect Grand Competition would certainly be exceptionally fierce. The more methods he prepared, the greater his chances of victory. He raised his head and looked out the window, his gaze sharp as an eagle's, his heart already brimming with anticipation.
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