Competition for the Talisman Brush

The ragged old man and the elegant young man were utterly astonished, their hearts shaken, as they gazed upon the talisman brush with eyes shimmering with awe and obsession. 

In the realm of cultivation, there existed numerous precious items beyond mere magical artifacts, talismans, and rare materials. Among these, the talisman brush was a type of magical tool, akin to the cauldron of an alchemist. The worth of a quality talisman brush rivaled that of spiritual tools or magical treasures, significantly increasing the success rate of talisman crafting—a potent temptation for any talisman maker.

The Ziqing Hair Brush was considered a relatively rare talisman brush within the world of cultivation, a coveted treasure in the eyes of low-tier talisman makers.

*Whoosh!*

Yang Fan smiled slightly, causing the talisman brush in his hand to vanish as if by magic, leaving the grandfather and grandson momentarily stunned, their eyes betraying hints of regret and lingering desire.

The elegant young man nearly lost his composure, his expression dazed as he failed to comprehend what had just happened. He could only swallow hard as he witnessed Yang Fan retract the brush.

*Cough, cough…* The ragged old man cleared his throat, lowering his voice, "Esteemed young master, are you perhaps a talisman maker as well?"

"No, I have some knowledge of medicine and alchemy, but I am utterly unversed in talisman crafting," Yang Fan replied, shaking his head. He was being truthful here; he indeed had no talent for talisman creation. 

"Then what about this talisman brush?" The old man's eyes lit up, and the young man halted his actions, both gazing at Yang Fan with palpable tension.

"It's merely something I stumbled upon. It holds no real value," Yang Fan said with a smile.

What he referred to as a mere stumble was far from simple. When Yang Fan had embodied the demonic stone, Qianhan, he had slain countless cultivators. Among these was the recent encounter near the Yang Family Fort and aboard the Skyward Boat, where he had faced several cultivators at the Spirit Gathering stage. Each time he defeated an enemy, he made sure to collect the spoils of war.

As for the Ziqing Hair Brush, Yang Fan himself couldn't recall its exact origin. His interest in talisman crafting was nonexistent, and had he not encountered this grandfather-grandson duo, he might well have forgotten it altogether.

Upon hearing Yang Fan's words, the ragged old man regarded him with newfound contemplation before shouting to the crowd, "Good people, we're closing up for today! We'll return another day!"

With that, he turned to the elegant young man, saying, "Yun'er, pack up!"

"Yes, Grandpa!" The young man replied, excitement evident as he promptly began to tidy their stall.

"This esteemed young master, let us change venues to discuss further," the old man suggested with a smile.

A short while later, Yang Fan followed the grandfather and grandson through the maze-like alleys of Kyoto, navigating twists and turns until they arrived at a secluded bamboo grove.

A glance was all it took for Yang Fan to perceive the hidden illusion array surrounding the grove.

"Please, young master. This is a gathering place for cultivators in Kyoto, where spiritual stones and tools are exchanged. The owner here is someone quite formidable and provides guarantees for transactions," the old man explained with a smile, sharing tidbits along the way that hinted Yang Fan was a newcomer to Kyoto.

"Elder Cheng frequents this place?" Yang Fan asked curiously.

Through their conversation, he had managed to grasp the basics of their identities. The ragged old man was surnamed Cheng, commonly referred to as Elder Cheng or Cheng Laoxian by his peers; his grandson was named Cheng Yunfei, a novice cultivator in the early stages of Qi Refinement who had been on this path for four or five years. He displayed remarkable talent in crafting and drawing talismans.

"Haha, I'm a regular here at 'Cuiwei Residence,'" Elder Cheng replied with a laugh, stepping ahead into the bamboo grove, his form suddenly becoming blurry before vanishing entirely.

Yang Fan exchanged a smile with Cheng Yunfei and stepped into the grove. In an instant, the scene transformed into an ancient and elegant pavilion, where individuals were gathered in lively discussion: old Daoists, aged monks, refined scholars, middle-aged ladies, and youthful maidens.

Upon entering, Elder Cheng was immediately greeted by several cultivators.

"Ha! I said Elder Cheng, weren't you and your grandson selling talismans in the street? How come you're back so soon today?" quipped a black-faced elder seated in a corner of the teahouse, his voice elongated.

"Hmph, Black Old Ghost, the moment I step in, your ravenous mouth starts yapping," Elder Cheng retorted, his expression slightly darkening. He chose to ignore the elder and smiled at Yang Fan, saying, "Yang Daoist, let's sit over here."

The trio settled at an empty tea table, and soon a fair young girl served tea and snacks.

Yang Fan surveyed the cultivators in 'Cuiwei Residence,' noting that most were Qi Refinement practitioners, with only a few at the Spirit Gathering stage.

"May I inquire, Yang Daoist, are you willing to trade the 'Ziqing Hair Brush' you possess?" Elder Cheng promptly broached the subject, appearing somewhat eager. He understood that Yang Fan had approached him with intentions of his own; otherwise, he wouldn't have displayed such a treasure before them.

"Since I'm not a talisman maker, this 'Ziqing Hair Brush' is of no use to me. I'd be willing to trade it for a mere hundred spiritual stones," Yang Fan said nonchalantly.

"A hundred spiritual stones? Are you truly willing to part with it?" Elder Cheng's disbelief was palpable; this felt too fortuitous and simple to him. 

A hundred spiritual stones were astoundingly low! A talisman brush as precious as the Ziqing Hair Brush would generally see its owner demanding a steep price from a talisman maker, with many cultivators willing to pay even one or two hundred spiritual stones to acquire it.

Yang Fan let out a slow breath, stating, "As I am new to Kyoto, I find myself in need of guidance—"

Hearing this, Elder Cheng's brows knitted in thought, asking, "What do you mean…"

"I am a physician, new to Kyoto, seeking a position. In the future, I may even establish a medical clinic in the realm of cultivation," Yang Fan replied at a leisurely pace.

"You're a physician?" Elder Cheng's expression shifted, pondering, "A good physician is in dire demand in Kyoto, both in the mundane world and among cultivators, often sought after by powerful factions, enjoying a superior status."

"If you truly have some skill in medicine, this matter should be quite simple. However, if not…" Elder Cheng trailed off, scrutinizing Yang Fan with renewed attention, his implication clear.

In the realm of medicine, skill was one aspect; experience and background mattered greatly as well. Elder Cheng clearly harbored doubts regarding Yang Fan's abilities—given his youth, how could his medical skills be anything remarkable?

Yang Fan was not taken aback; Elder Cheng's thoughts represented the mindset of the majority.

"A physician?" Cheng Yunfei, seated nearby, also expressed a hint of skepticism in his clear gaze.

"You needn't worry about that, Elder Cheng. In the realm of medicine, I dare say I am not inferior to anyone at my level," Yang Fan replied with an air of calm assurance, exuding an aura that inspired confidence.

"Very well, Daoist, your self-assurance indicates you may possess some genuine skills," Elder Cheng remarked, his eyes gleaming with newfound respect.

Shortly after, Elder Cheng fell into contemplation while the anxious Cheng Yunfei piped up, "Elder, have you come to a decision?"

Moments later, Yang Fan smiled, producing the Ziqing Hair Brush from his storage pouch. Its black handle with golden edges and purple-blue bristles exuded a faint aura of spiritual energy.

"**Ziqing Hair Brush!**"

A collective gasp arose among the nearby cultivators, each of whom were cultivators themselves, many possessing considerable knowledge.

Before long, several cultivators approached to admire it, their expressions a blend of astonishment and greed as they looked at the talisman brush in Yang Fan's hand.

"Esteemed Daoist, how much for that talisman brush? I offer a hundred and twenty spiritual stones; will you sell?" A withered old man in a red robe stepped forward, speaking casually.

"Master Xu?" Upon seeing this person, Elder Cheng's countenance changed dramatically, and the two locked eyes, tension sparking between them.

Yang Fan glanced sideways, recognizing that the Master Xu Elder Cheng mentioned was a fully realized Qi Refinement practitioner, clearly displaying eagerness as he fixated on Yang Fan.

"Apologies, but I'm preparing to trade this talisman brush to Elder Cheng," Yang Fan replied, shaking his head.

Elder Cheng, hearing this, felt a surge of elation, a smug smile creeping onto his face as he nodded, "Master Xu, as you know, it's first come, first served. This 'Ziqing Hair Brush' is rightfully mine today."

With that, he promptly retrieved a pile of spiritual stones from his storage pouch, turning to Yang Fan and saying, "Yang the Physician, here are one hundred and twenty spiritual stones, as we previously agreed."

"A hundred and twenty spiritual stones?" Yang Fan was about to respond when Master Xu coldly interjected, "I'll offer one hundred and fifty spiritual stones."

*One hundred and fifty

 spiritual stones!*

Yang Fan's heart trembled, the offer far more substantial than his initial expectation. However, this transaction had long been set in motion; he had no intention of giving up now. 

"Master Xu, I am unwilling to change my mind. Elder Cheng and I have come to an agreement," Yang Fan stated firmly, standing resolute against the unexpected turn of events.

"Hmph!" Master Xu let out a disdainful snort, his expression twisting in anger, "I won't let you off that easily. I have no interest in your 'Ziqing Hair Brush.' If Elder Cheng seeks to bargain with you, let him know that I possess a valuable treasure worthy of your attention!" 

Yang Fan felt momentarily flustered, turning to Elder Cheng, who nodded slightly, hinting for Yang Fan to wait and see.

"*Hehe*, what kind of valuable treasure do you possess?" Elder Cheng sneered, disdain swirling in his eyes. 

Elder Cheng's words weren't idle; the Ziqing Hair Brush was highly coveted among talisman makers. As for Master Xu's treasure, even if it was valuable, it probably wouldn't hold a candle to the brush. 

A subtle smile emerged on Master Xu's face as he fished out a small purple wooden box from his storage pouch.

"Behold this!" he exclaimed, presenting it for all to see. "A *secret talisman array,* said to enhance the success rate of talisman crafting by twenty percent! It is truly a rare find! I'm willing to part with it for your Ziqing Hair Brush!" 

His expression exuded an air of pride, believing his offer to be overwhelming.

Elder Cheng's expression shifted slightly at the mention of the secret talisman array, but he soon suppressed his emotions, glancing at Yang Fan.

"Yang the Physician, what do you think? How about it?" Elder Cheng inquired, seeking Yang Fan's approval.

Yang Fan could sense the weight of the situation as he scrutinized the small box in Master Xu's hand. 

"Excuse me, but might I inspect the talisman array?" Yang Fan asked, his tone calm yet assertive.

"Certainly!" Master Xu nodded, clearly confident as he handed the box to Yang Fan.

As Yang Fan took the box, he could feel a surge of magical energy radiating from within. 

"Just how many talismans can be crafted using this array?" Yang Fan probed, glancing at Master Xu.

"Normally, a single array can last for ten or so talismans. A few specific conditions may enhance this, possibly yielding up to fifteen talismans. In the realm of talisman crafting, this array is considered quite rare!" Master Xu replied, pride spilling over.

At that moment, Yang Fan nodded, releasing a faint smile as he concluded, "In that case, I'm afraid I have to decline this exchange."

Master Xu's smile flickered, clearly taken aback, and Elder Cheng's brow furrowed in confusion, "Why would you refuse?"

"Because," Yang Fan explained, his expression turning serious, "I've recently acquired some spiritual stones, and I am in need of assistance with a few medicinal pills. The 'Ziqing Hair Brush' is a mere tool for me, but these spiritual stones can yield immense benefits. A treasure of equal worth should warrant a fair exchange; otherwise, I will have to search for something more valuable!"

His words were articulated firmly and without hesitation. 

Yang Fan knew that a secret talisman array, even one with a respectable enhancement rate, could only yield a limited quantity of talismans. In contrast, he had several medicinal pills he needed to create, significantly amplifying his needs. 

*If they didn't possess something valuable enough to impress him, he'd much rather hold onto the Ziqing Hair Brush!* 

The exchange hung delicately in the air, the tension palpable.

"Hmm, Yang the Physician is indeed perceptive. Let me ponder this matter further." Master Xu's gaze turned intense as he gazed thoughtfully at Yang Fan. 

After a moment of contemplation, Elder Cheng offered, "If you truly seek something valuable, I happen to know several talisman makers possessing other treasures, many quite formidable. Perhaps you might find what you seek among them!"

Yang Fan smiled, appreciating Elder Cheng's astuteness.

"Well then, allow me to return to my stall and see what treasures I might find. Once I gather them, I'll be sure to share them with you, Yang the Physician!" 

In the end, Yang Fan's resolve prevailed, leading to Elder Cheng and Cheng Yunfei providing him with valuable information on prospective talisman makers who could serve his needs. 

In less than a quarter hour, the three were deep in conversation, their discussions buzzing with excitement as Yang Fan shared his past experiences and future ambitions.

"Yang the Physician, if you truly possess the skills you claim, I may be able to introduce you to a few influential figures in Kyoto who can assist in establishing your clinic," Elder Cheng suggested, a hint of enthusiasm in his eyes.

Yang Fan chuckled, feeling a surge of hope.