50: Chapter 50 Azure Cloud Talisman Paper

Time flowed quietly like a stream, and a year and a half passed in the blink of an eye.

Inside the small Chen Family courtyard, the setting sun cast a golden-orange glow over Chen Qingyuan as he lounged leisurely on a recliner.

Beside the recliner was six-year-old Chen Yanchuan. The little fellow was fanning Chen Qingyuan with great seriousness while whispering coaxingly in his ear.

"Little Uncle, Little Uncle, please tell me, how did Sun Wukong defeat the White Bone Demon three times later on?"

As soon as he said this, even Chen Yansu, who was practicing the Hui Feng Sword Technique nearby, couldn't help but slow her sword movements and quietly perk up her ears.

"Want to hear it?"

Chen Qingyuan squinted his eyes, a smile playing on his lips.

"Sure. When you can recite the 'Thousand Character Classic' from beginning to end without missing a single word, Little Uncle will tell you."

Chen Yanchuan's little face immediately scrunched up.

"Ah... reciting books again... can't you pick something else!"

"Nope, no negotiation!"

Chen Qingyuan ignored the aggrieved look he received and turned to the little girl eavesdropping nearby.

"You're the same. Once you've practiced this sword technique to the entry level, or reached the second level of Qi Refining like your brother Yanhu, Little Uncle will tell you a new story."

Chen Yansu immediately sheathed her sword and approached. She diligently massaged his shoulders, fluttering her large, watery eyes as she stared at him.

"Little Uncle, what's the new story? Is it good?"

"Whether it's good or not, you'll know once you've finished your training."

"Also, stop looking at me, okay! That little gaze... who are you trying to charm to death?"

"Oh! Little Uncle, just give me a hint..."

The little girl was instantly captivated and hugged Chen Qingyuan's neck, acting spoiled.

"Cough, cough... easy! You brat, are you trying to choke your Little Uncle to death?"

"Giggle, giggle..."

Chen Yansu laughed happily, looking smugly satisfied with her successful ploy, and pulled Chen Yanchuan aside to whisper.

However, no matter how much they laughed and played, Chen Yanhu on the other side remained completely undisturbed.

"Hoo—"

Until, he lifted his brush after drawing the final spiritual pattern on the sand table.

Chen Yanhu let out a long breath. Looking at the complete Light Body Talisman rune on the sand table, he shouted excitedly at Chen Qingyuan!

"Nine... Uncle! I... did it! I finished it in... one stroke!"

Hearing this, Chen Qingyuan flashed to his side and leaned over to inspect it.

He saw that the rune on the sand table was drawn with steady strokes and smooth lines, and his eyes lit up.

"Good lad! The rune lines are flowing and smooth. I didn't expect you to have such talent in the art of talisman making!"

"Starting tomorrow, you can officially begin making talismans!"

"Heh... heh,"

Chen Yanhu scratched his head honestly, "It's all... because Little Uncle taught me... well!"

Just then!

Big Sister-in-law Jiang Rou's gentle voice called out!

"Alright, stop practicing, everyone. Wash your hands, it's time to eat!"

"Yay!"

"Time to eat!"

...

During the day, everyone was busy with their own tasks, only returning home at dinnertime.

At this moment, the Family was gathered lively around the square table in the main hall.

The table was already set with several homemade spiritual dishes carefully prepared by Chen Qingtang—spiritual rice, spiritual meat, nothing was missing.

While eating, everyone naturally chatted about their experiences in the market or insights on cultivation!

Chen Qingyuan sat at the head of the table. His habitual gaze swept over everyone, but he noticed his sister, Chen Qingtang, glancing at him several times, appearing hesitant to speak.

"Sister, what's wrong?" Chen Qingyuan put down his bowl and chopsticks, asking gently, "Is something the matter?"

Prompted by his question, Chen Qingtang seemed to make up her mind and no longer hesitated.

"Xiao Yuan, it's about the talisman paper! I... I think I... have really succeeded!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone stopped their chopsticks and looked at her in surprise.

"For over a year, following the methods recorded in the 'secret record of cloud talismans', I have repeatedly used dozens of alternative Spiritual Plants found on the Lifeng Plain, failing many times... But this afternoon, the new talisman paper finally barely achieved the desired effect!"

As she spoke, she carefully took out a piece of talisman paper from her bosom.

The talisman paper was light yellow, tough, and full of Spiritual Qi.

She hurriedly handed the talisman paper to Chen Qingyuan.

"I've tested it briefly,"

"Although its effectiveness is still far from the ideal effect of the talisman paper made from the 'Green Grain Spiritual Plant' recorded in the Jade Slip."

"But... but compared to the green mulberry talisman paper you usually use, it has a stronger capacity to hold Spirit Ink!"

"I estimate that if used skillfully, it can increase the success rate of making talismans by at least half a percent!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qingyuan looked pleasantly surprised.

"If that's really the case, Sister, you have made a great contribution!"

He hurriedly reached out to take the talisman paper and felt it carefully in his hand!

"It is undoubtedly High Grade talisman paper!"

To verify, he took out the purple cloud brush on the spot, injected Spiritual Qi, and drew a basic rune on the talisman paper.

Sure enough, the strokes were smoother and more even!

With this kind of talisman paper in hand, it was undoubtedly a huge joyous event for Chen Qingyuan's plan and the Chen Family.

"This is a great thing, Sister!"

"With such a happy event, why were you hesitant to speak just now?"

"Is it... is there a problem with the cost?"

"That's right!"

Chen Qingtang sighed, her delicate brows slightly furrowed!

"The main material for this talisman paper is gray spotted thistle, which has to be purchased externally. If calculated based on the standard of a First Tier Low Grade talisman paper, a preliminary estimate is that making a dozen of these new talisman papers would cost nearly three Spirit Stones!"

"This... this is not much cheaper than buying mature green mulberry talisman paper directly from outside. So, I really don't know if this counts as a success..."

Her voice carried a hint of frustration and guilt.

Talisman paper production is not easy. From beginning to end, just verifying the Materials, the Family had invested nearly two hundred Spirit Stones!

Not to mention other human and material support...

Ever since Chen Qingyuan entrusted this matter to her, she had been almost forgetting to eat and sleep, just to achieve some results!

Yet she had been unable to do it for so long!

"So that's it. Sister, you are overthinking it!"

After hearing this, Chen Qingyuan laughed out loud, his tone solemn!

"This is naturally a success, and a remarkable one at that!"

"Just because the cost is high now doesn't mean it will be high in the future..."

"When we take back the Spirit Mountain in the future, we will plant it full of gray spotted thistle!"

"By then, my Chen Family will have a golden chicken that lays Spirit Stones!"

"Moreover, the benefits brought by the increase in the success rate of making talismans are far greater than the price difference of these raw Materials. We don't need to be confined to the present!"

He looked at Chen Qingtang again, his eyes full of trust and encouragement!

"Sister, I must trouble you to thoroughly master the entire production process as soon as possible and solidify it! In the future, when we make talismans ourselves, we will prioritize using the talisman paper you make!"

Big Sister-in-law Jiang Rou, who was on the side, also spoke with a smile!

"Exactly, Little Sister! Have you forgotten what your sister-in-law does?"

"I set up a stall in the West Market every day and know quite a few gatherers and Loose Cultivators."

"In the future, I will keep an eye out for you and buy the gray spotted thistle in large quantities. The price will definitely be much cheaper than buying it in small amounts from shops!"

"The cost can be reduced even further!"

Hearing these words!

Chen Qingtang nodded vigorously! Her eyes were red!

"Mm!"

Since returning home, the Family had never held any prejudice against her because of her low cultivation level or mediocre Aptitude; instead, they had supported her with all their might.

Compared to her experience at the Zhao Family, it was like the difference between heaven and earth!

"Sister, since this talisman paper was born because of your persistence, why don't you name it?"

"Ah? I get to name it?"

Looking at the expectant gazes around her, she couldn't help but speak softly!

"It is merely following the guidance of predecessors with slight improvements; it really doesn't deserve a grand name."

"Since the inspiration came from the 'secret record of cloud talismans', and I hope it can help the Chen Family's talisman Dao reach a higher level, let's call it 'Qingyun Talisman Paper',"

"It can also be a memento, symbolizing rising rapidly in the world and climbing higher step by step."