Turning the Tide

Dawn clouds parted, and the sun climbed above the branches.

Shen Yun slowly woke, stretched lazily, then got up and arranged his clothes.

Meditation could replace sleep, but he had never deliberately changed his habits.

Tension and relaxation, the way of both scholar and warrior.

His understanding of cultivation was to Follow the Heart; rushing for success was not the way.

After leaving the inn, Shen Yun bought several gift boxes and selected a few fine talismans to place inside.

"Today, I'm visiting Sister Qianluo. I wonder whether Marquis of Courage Manor has changed."

Shen Yun headed toward the center of Tianshun City, and the mansions along the way grew ever more luxurious.

Being close to the imperial palace, their residents were either wealthy or noble, mostly princes, dukes, and aristocrats.

Following his memories, he arrived at Marquis of Courage Manor. A squad of Black Armor Guards stood watch at the entrance, and they noticed Shen Yun.

"Who goes there?"

A guard blocked the entrance, one hand gripping his sword hilt. His gaze was bright, and spiritual energy faintly circulated with every breath.

Shen Yun's expression did not change as he calmly said, "I am from the Canglang Shen Family. I was invited here for a visit."

The moment he spoke, a guard immediately entered to report his arrival. A Moment Later, Lin Qianluo came gracefully forward in splendid robes.

"If you hadn't come soon, Yun, I would have gone to the Shen Family to pick you up myself." Lin Qianluo smiled sweetly as she took Shen Yun into the manor. "You didn't run into any trouble on the way, did you?"

Shen Yun shook his head and said warmly, "It has been a year since we last met. Sister Qianluo has become even more radiant."

Lin Qianluo's eyes and brows were brimming with amusement. "Your mouth is still as sweet as ever, Yun. If that fool had even half your tact, I wouldn't dislike him so much."

Shen Yun smiled, understanding that she meant Zhou Ziyou. He asked, "What has Brother Zhou been doing lately?"

"Him? He should still be receiving guests from all sides. That's enough to make him suffer." Lin Qianluo smiled in undisguised delight at his misfortune. "Enough about him. My father and mother have been waiting for you for a long time."

Shen Yun followed her into the main residence. Seeing two familiar figures, he immediately saluted them. "Uncle, Aunt."

The Marquis of Courage looked young, with thick brows, large eyes, sharply defined features, and the calm, unhurried bearing of a refined general.

The Marchioness was dignified and graceful, dressed in a pale-red White Bird Palace Gown. A gentle smile rested on her beautiful, flower-like face.

"Worthy nephew Yun, you're here. Come, take a seat."

The Marquis of Courage spoke gently, appreciation in his bright eyes. "I heard all about it. You seized first place in the Shen Family competition in one stroke. Ping Sheng has a fine son."

The Marchioness pulled Shen Yun to sit beside her and said warmly, "In the blink of an eye, little Yun has grown so much. Since you're visiting your aunt this time, you must stay a few more days."

After exchanging pleasantries with smiles for a while, Shen Yun brought out the gifts he had prepared.

The Marchioness feigned displeasure. "Why bring gifts when you're visiting your aunt? If you do this again, I'll have to scold you."

Lin Qianluo blinked and said cheerfully, "Mother, you don't know this yet, do you? Yun is a Talisman Master. He refined all these talismans himself."

The Marquis of Courage's Gleam in the Eyes brightened slightly before he asked, "Could it be that worthy nephew Yun intends to participate in the Talisman Dao Competition?"

Shen Yun shook his head. "I won't go make a fool of myself."

People feared fame as pigs feared growing fat. He had absolutely no interest in something that brought no benefits.

The Marchioness smiled. "You haven't visited in a long time. Qianluo should take you around."

Lin Qianluo rose to her feet and said lightly, "Come on, Yun. There happens to be a Talisman Dao Competition today. Let's go watch it together."

"Then Uncle, Aunt, please excuse me for now."

Shen Yun had originally planned to look for the Five Elements Primordial Chaos Method first, but there was no need to rush over a short while.

The competition venue was at Xuanwu Plaza in the north of the city. From far away, they could already hear the clamor of the crowd.

After passing through the long Glazed Walkway, a vast circular open-air arena came into view.

The spectator stands had forty-nine levels. There were no fewer than ten thousand people visible to the naked eye, yet it did not seem crowded in the slightest.

Lin Qianluo took out a Gold Card, and a staff member immediately stepped forward to guide them.

They reached the Second Layer platform, where the spacious VIP Seats offered an exceptionally broad view, with the competition grounds right before their eyes.

The moment they took their seats, attendants served tea and drinks. The competition had just begun, and Shen Yun immediately spotted Shangguan Nian ahead.

"She really is here." Shen Yun watched for a moment and could not help nodding. "A First-grade Lightning Talisman. Her talisman arts have improved again."

Five Elements Talismans were the most common, because they matched the spiritual energy attributes of Cultivators and were therefore easier to refine.

Talismans of wind, lightning, light, and the like, however, were much more difficult. Only those with absolute confidence in their talisman arts would dare refine a Lightning Talisman during a competition.

As Shen Yun watched the competition, he caught sight of Shen Wude not far away. By coincidence, Shen Wude looked over as well.

"Big Brother came too?" Shen Wude strode like the wind, his trademark smile on his face. "There are really plenty of fools with too much money in the capital. I sold everything in one morning."

Lin Qianluo sized him up with interest and asked curiously, "Is he one of Yun's clansmen? How should I address him?"

Hearing her words, Shen Wude beamed. "So you're Big Brother's sister. A pleasure, a pleasure. My humble name is Wude. Just call me Fatty."

Lin Qianluo was amused by his comical expression and ordered someone to arrange a seat for him.

Shen Wude looked thoroughly pleased with himself. Praise poured from his mouth, flattering Lin Qianluo until she felt a little embarrassed.

Shen Yun shot him a warning look, and only then did he lower his banners and beat his drums, not daring to continue his glib nonsense.

Only then did Shen Yun look toward the arena and notice Ye Chen, who was dressed in rough hemp clothes. He was somewhat surprised. Why is he here too?

Noticing Shen Yun's gaze, Shen Wude chuckled. "This Ye Chen is a dark horse. The odds for him to win the championship have already reached one to twenty."

At this point, he suddenly lowered his voice. "I heard the champion can join the Tianlan Talisman Master Guild. I figure Ye Chen wants to make a name for himself in one burst and turn his life around."

Shen Yun felt that this was more like it and immediately said, "Place five hundred Medium-grade Spirit Stones on him to win."

"Wait, Big Brother, you can bet like that?"

Shen Wude was a little dumbfounded and quickly tried to persuade him. "There are two great experts competing this time. There's no need to mention Shangguan Nian, and the Second Prince is said to have successfully refined top-grade talismans. How could Ye Chen possibly be his match...?"

Shen Yun remained unmoved and said calmly, "It's fine. Just do as I say."

Lin Qianluo found it amusing and said with interest, "Place a bet for me too. The same as Yun's will do."

After accepting the Spirit Stones, Shen Wude remained doubtful, unable to understand where Shen Yun's confidence came from.

"I want to see what's really going on."

Shen Wude widened his eyes like a goldfish in a water jar, trying to discern the mystery within.

At the center of the arena stood a tall, handsome man with the elegance of jade trees facing the wind. He wore a golden Python Robe, with a dragon-patterned jade pendant hanging from his waist. His gaze looked down upon all beneath it as though it carried Heavenly Might. He was none other than Second Prince Zhou Xingyu of Great Zhou.

His expression was calm, and he possessed an unhurried air. His brush never paused in the slightest, as though aided by the gods.

Just five minutes had passed, and he had already written more than half of it. Merely seeing part of the runes made it clear that this talisman was no ordinary item.

You want to join the Talisman Master Guild and overturn the Ye Family's case? What wishful thinking. I will crush your hopes with my own hands.

Zhou Xingyu smiled playfully, his eyes full of mockery, like a cat toying with a mouse.

The Ye Family had already been reduced to ashes in his hands. Could one fish that had slipped through the net still overturn Heaven?

If you must blame someone, blame yourself for offending Brother Dongjun. In your next life, remember to keep your eyes open.

Zhou Xingyu's gaze turned deep. If Ye Chen had not meddled, the Ninth Princess would already have been betrothed to Shangguan Dongjun.

Now that the Ye Family was gone, the Ninth Princess naturally could not marry Ye Chen. Everything had returned to the proper track once more.

Brother Dongjun will become a true disciple sooner or later. With his full support, the position of Crown Prince will surely fall into my hands.

Thoughts flashed through Zhou Xingyu's mind as he divided his attention in two. With the final stroke, golden light flashed repeatedly across the talisman paper, and its sharp aura seemed capable of tearing apart the sky.

"Top-grade Golden Needle Talisman. Not bad."

Zhou Xingyu withdrew his hand and stood tall, his gaze becoming three parts sharper, filling the surrounding competitors with awe.

Shangguan Nian slowly lifted her brush. Lightning flickered across her talisman paper, its aura supremely yang and rigid, vast and majestic. Yet it was slightly sluggish, lacking that perfectly harmonious, freely flowing quality.

"High-grade Lightning Talisman. Still a little short."

She let out a long breath. After Shen Yun's guidance, her talisman arts had advanced by leaps and bounds. She was only one step from the threshold of refining top-grade talismans.

The audience feasted their eyes and began discussing excitedly.

"As expected of His Highness the Second Prince. It seems the rumors of him refining top-grade spirit talismans were not without basis."

"His Highness is not even thirty years old. It is hard to imagine what heights he will reach in the future."

"What a pity for Shangguan Nian. A High-grade Lightning Talisman is already excellent. In previous years, it would have been enough to claim first place, but one mountain is always higher than the next."

"..."

With the appearance of the Top-grade Golden Needle Talisman, there was no longer any suspense over the result.

Shen Wude sighed deeply. "The overall situation is settled. Those Spirit Stones have gone down the drain."

His face was solemn, but inwardly he was delighted. He had already placed all the Spirit Stones he had swindled today on Zhou Xingyu, and it now appeared that victory was secure.

Lin Qianluo felt a little dejected and muttered softly, "I never thought Yun could have a time when he misjudged someone."

From beginning to end, Shen Yun's expression did not change. He merely examined Ye Chen quietly.

"There are two minutes remaining until the end of the competition."

An announcement rang out across the venue.

Zhou Xingyu watched Ye Chen, who was bent over drawing with all his focus, and sneered inwardly. How could Ninth Sister possibly take a fancy to such trash? It truly defies all reason.

He began resting with his eyes closed, quietly waiting for the competition to end.

Suddenly, an enormous wave of noise erupted from the crowd.

"My heavens, that's a Top-grade Wind-walking Talisman!"

Zhou Xingyu abruptly opened his eyes and looked at Ye Chen in disbelief. A plain and unadorned spirit talisman floated in the air, green spiritual energy swirling around the talisman paper and filling it with a light, nimble aura.

"That's impossible!"

Under Zhou Xingyu's disbelieving gaze, Ye Chen slowly raised his head and revealed the smile of a victor.

Wash your necks and wait. I won't let a single person who framed the Ye Family go.

Ye Chen stood with his hands behind his back, his mocking gaze stabbing at Zhou Xingyu's nerves like Stinging Pain.

In an instant, cheers drowned out Xuanwu Plaza.

"What a turn of events! Ye Chen actually won! It's unbelievable!"

"He's five years younger than the Second Prince. What terrifying talent."

"One climax after another. This is the most exciting Talisman Dao Competition I've ever watched."

"..."

In the VIP Seats, Shen Wude suddenly began wailing, "It's over, it's all over! Why did I bet on the Second Prince? I regret it, ah!!!"

A fat man weighing more than two hundred jin howled and wept, a sight too miserable to behold.

Lin Qianluo was still stunned. Once she came back to her senses, she cheered, "Yun, we won!"

Shen Yun smiled and gave Ye Chen a meaningful look.

"It seems the Cultivation World truly does have such a thing as Fortune. This is becoming more and more interesting."

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