The sparring between the two was intense, and even Fang Ling occasionally came by to watch and offer comments. Although she had limited combat experience, being from a prominent family gave her significant insights. Whenever Ying Chang couldn't explain something clearly, she would provide a few words that made Lu An understand immediately.
As a result, Lu An's practical combat experience improved rapidly. Just a few days prior, he could fight to a standstill with Ying Chang, who had suppressed his cultivation level, in over a hundred exchanges. Now, he even seemed to have the upper hand.
Ying Chang was immensely shocked. This was still under the condition that Lu An had not used his talismans. If Lu An used those talismans, Ying Chang might have no means to counter him.
It's worth noting that despite focusing on his own training, Lu An did not neglect his guidance to Bai Sheng and the others. Every day, he would spend half an hour answering their questions. With his expertise in talismans, a few pointers from him often led to great revelations for them. Consequently, their skills in talismans improved significantly.
One day, as Lu An was engaged in a fierce sparring session with Ying Chang, Bai Sheng came to the courtyard. "Sir, Shen Mi wishes to see you."
Lu An, upon hearing this, quickly stepped forward, forced Ying Chang back with a palm, then used two Water Bullet Techniques to create distance before approaching Bai Sheng.
"Good, have Brother Shen wait a moment. I'll change my clothes and go meet him."
In the Spirit Talisman Society's Reception Room
Shen Mi was pacing back and forth. Today, he was not here to learn talismans but to arrange for Lu An to accompany him to the Spirit Talisman Society's lecture, which had been scheduled. Although it was called a lecture, it was essentially an invitation for Lu An to explain new talisman techniques—a name meant to sound impressive.
However, despite the invitation from the Spirit Talisman Society, Lu An had offended the Second Elder recently, and Shen Mi doubted that the Second Elder would let it go easily.
"Better be cautious," Shen Mi thought to himself, unaware that Lu An had already arrived beside him.
"What are you thinking so intently about?"
Hearing this, Shen Mi came back to his senses. "Nothing. Sir, the lecture date at the Spirit Talisman Society is set for tomorrow. I wonder if—"
Lu An waved his hand and smiled. "Since I have already agreed, I won't go back on my word. Give me an hour, and I will come tomorrow."
Shen Mi hesitated for a moment before saying, "Sir, our Sect Master would like to invite you to come today. What do you think?"
Lu An frowned. Sect Master? If he remembered correctly, they had no prior interactions. What could be the reason for the invitation?
He pondered for a moment, with no clear idea. "What is this about?"
Shen Mi, not daring to delay, quickly replied, "It's just to discuss the way of talismans."
Lu An, hearing this, felt a sense of doubt. The name of the Spirit Talisman Society's Sect Master was well-known to him, and he was skeptical about why such a high-ranking person would want to discuss talisman techniques with a mere novice like himself.
"Who is the Sect Master, and what is he like?"
"The Sect Master is named Bai Yao. He usually keeps a low profile, so I don't know much about his personality," Shen Mi answered.
Lu An frowned. Regardless of the purpose, it was the first invitation from such a high-ranking person, and it was not appropriate to refuse outright.
He pondered for a moment before standing up. "Lead the way."
The two arrived at the Spirit Talisman Society within the city. The gatekeeper hurriedly welcomed them.
"Senior Brother Shen."
Shen Mi nodded and asked, "Is the teleportation array ready?"
The gatekeeper, with a respectful demeanor, replied, "It's ready and can be activated at any time."
Shen Mi showed a satisfied expression and turned to Lu An. "Sir, please follow me."
The gatekeeper was somewhat surprised. Who could be worthy of being addressed so respectfully by the third senior brother of the Spirit Talisman Society?
Although Shen Mi was not well-regarded within the Spirit Talisman Society, his status still commanded respect. The gatekeeper was merely a lowly servant and could not help but be deferential. He did not expect that the young man behind Shen Mi would be of even greater significance.
Lu An frowned slightly and asked, "Do we need to use the teleportation array to go?"
Shen Mi looked momentarily taken aback but then explained, "The Spirit Talisman Society in the city is just a place where we sell talismans. The lecture cannot be held here."
"We need to travel west out of the city. It takes a day to reach our sect's branch. Given the time constraints, we prepared this teleportation array."
"Rest assured, I, Shen Mi, guarantee the safety of this array with my Daoist principles."
This was a serious assurance; no one would make light of their Daoist principles. Although it was not a heavenly oath, violating it would likely lead to future heart demons.
Lu An nodded and stepped into the teleportation array with him.
The array consumed a considerable amount of resources for each use and was typically reserved for urgent matters.
However, Shen Mi was not concerned, as he had obtained authorization from the Sect Master and did not mind the expense.
A flash of white light, and the two disappeared from sight.
The gatekeeper stared blankly at the teleportation array, still pondering Lu An's identity.
Outside Gugu County, in the branch of the Spirit Talisman Sect, two figures appeared abruptly.
A disciple on duty near the teleportation array was about to inquire when he suddenly recognized Shen Mi and saluted respectfully. "Greetings, Third Senior Brother."
Shen Mi waved his hand dismissively and said to Lu An, "Sir, this is the Spirit Talisman Sect."
Lu An looked around, taking in the beautiful scenery with misty clouds, resembling a fairyland. The perimeter of the sect was surrounded by a fluctuating protective array, likely the Spirit Talisman Sect's protective formation.
"I've heard that the headquarters of the Spirit Talisman Sect is in Yongning County. I didn't expect the branch to be so picturesque as well."
"That large array must be your sect's protective formation. What level is it?"
Shen Mi felt a sense of pride as Lu An praised the Spirit Talisman Sect. He raised his head slightly and pointed to the array, saying:
"This formation is a Third-Level Xuanwu Array. Once activated, its defensive power is astonishing. Even a Core Formation cultivator would find it difficult to break through."
Lu An nodded slightly. The Spirit Talisman Sect truly lived up to its reputation as a prestigious sect, with impressive capabilities.
However, the disciples on guard on either side were murmuring among themselves. "Where did this country bumpkin come from, with such a lack of insight?"
But they naturally did not dare to voice these thoughts and maintained a respectful appearance.
"Sir, let us proceed to meet the Sect Master."
The Sect Master of the Spirit Talisman Society was the leader of this branch of the Spirit Talisman Sect. The title "Sect Master" was more commonly used due to the higher recognition of the Spirit Talisman Society. This person wielded significant power within the Spirit Talisman Sect, with only the Grand Elder being able to match him.
Just as the two were about to leave, a group of disciples approached from a distance and blocked their path.
A man in black robes stepped forward and said with a hint of mockery, "I wondered who was using the teleportation array. It turns out to be Third Senior Brother. Do you know how many resources it takes to use it once? Does the sect's resources grow on trees?"
Shen Mi's expression darkened, and he whispered to Lu An, "This person is my Fifth Junior Brother, named Shi Zhi. He works in the Law Enforcement Team and is from the Second Elder's faction."
Lu An understood now why this person spoke so unpleasantly; he was arranged by the Second Elder. He sneered inwardly but did not show it, waiting to see what this person intended.
Shen Mi stepped forward and said coldly, "Mr. Lu is an Honorary Elder of the sect and was personally invited by the Sect Master to give a lecture. You should step aside immediately."
However, Shi Zhi completely ignored him and countered, "Honorary Elder? Until the Sect Master formally bestows that title, it doesn't count."
"As for the lecture, I haven't heard about it. Do you have any proof?"
"If not, using the teleportation array and wasting sect resources casually, the Law Enforcement Team must deal with it according to the rules."
Shen Mi was furious and was about to argue, but Lu An stopped him. He secretly winked at Shen Mi and then pretended to be angry.
"Since the Second Elder is not welcoming, I'll leave."
With that, he turned and walked away from the sect without a second glance.