Gu Chuanfei took a close look and immediately gasped in surprise.
"A second-grade Calm Heart Talisman! Did you draw this?"
Lu An nodded. After thoroughly mastering the Calm Heart Talisman and gaining insights into talismanic spiritual light, his proficiency had greatly increased. Now, drawing second-grade talismans was much faster than before.
However, he hadn't continued to upgrade the Calm Heart Talisman but had focused on creating other second-grade talismans. He anticipated that absorbing all the spiritual light from second-grade talismans would further enhance his talismanic skills.
Gu Chuanfei examined the talisman carefully. After a long while, he shook his head, regretfully.
"Unfortunately, it's only a second-grade lower-quality talisman. It's not of great use."
The Calm Heart Talisman was an advanced version of the Clear Heart Talisman and was much more effective. It was typically used by Foundation Establishment cultivators when breaking through, but if it reached top quality or perfection, it could even be useful to Core Formation cultivators.
Though its enhancement might not be as significant as the advancement from Foundation Establishment to Core Formation, it was still better than nothing.
The difficulty of advancing after Core Formation was vastly greater than during Foundation Establishment. Some cultivators, even after five hundred years, could not advance to mid-Core Formation, let alone become Nascent Soul cultivators. The immense amount of true essence and the high demands on the soul made it extremely time-consuming to break through, and the bottlenecks were much more stubborn.
If a high-grade Calm Heart Talisman were available, it would make breaking through easier, but that was all.
Lu An's expression became serious, and he said.
"A lower-quality Calm Heart Talisman might not be useful to you, but I am confident I can improve it to top quality or even perfection."
"Is that true?"
"Of course. It's just that second-grade talismans take more time compared to first-grade ones. I wonder if this item is worth your effort?"
Gu Chuanfei thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled and asked.
"Little friend, if you can provide this talisman, the Fang family can also offer something. If they provide a better deal, wouldn't you worry that I might back out?"
Lu An smiled slightly and replied indifferently.
"Then it depends on whether Senior wants a one-time deal or a long-term alliance with me."
Gu Chuanfei was deep in thought. Indeed, as Lu An had said, the Fang family would only trade with him once, and after achieving their goal, they would not care about him anymore. Even though he was a Core Formation cultivator, the Fang family had two Core Formation cultivators and had no need to be overly concerned about his face.
However, Lu An was different. He was only at the Qi Refining stage and was easier to control. Moreover, Lu An's talismanic skills were extraordinary. Given time, he might not be inferior to the Fang family. Thus, if he wanted ongoing support for talismans, Lu An was his only choice.
After considering this, Gu Chuanfei nodded.
"Alright, I agree. But let's be clear that this is only within the limits of my capabilities."
"If it exceeds my capabilities, I won't be able to help further."
Lu An nodded in agreement, as if he had anticipated this response.
"That is understood. However, one person isn't enough. Please also help me introduce me to the County Guard."
"Alright, after I advance to Core Formation, I should visit him anyway. It's just right to go together now."
They discussed some details and then arrived at the County Guard's residence.
"Please announce our visit. Gu Chuanfei from the Gathering Source Pavilion seeks an audience."
The guard at the gate hesitated when he heard the name of the Gathering Source Pavilion but eventually shook his head.
"The County Guard is in closed-door cultivation and is not seeing anyone. Please go back."
At this moment, an elderly man with white hair walked out of the residence and scolded the guard.
"Are you blind? This is Senior Gu. Let him in quickly!"
Lu An looked closely and recognized the old man. It was Elder Mu, the Foundation Establishment cultivator who had hosted the auction in the southern part of the city.
Elder Mu walked slowly up to Gu Chuanfei and bowed slightly.
"Greetings, Senior. The County Guard has noticed your arrival and sent me to greet you."
"The guards here are ignorant. I hope you won't take offense."
Despite Elder Mu's high status, he still showed respect to Gu Chuanfei, demonstrating the position of a Core Formation cultivator.
Lu An was deeply impressed and felt even more determined in his pursuit of the Dao.
The guard at the gate, now visibly frightened, was unable to speak coherently.
Elder Mu was referred to as 'Senior'? Could it be that he is a Core Formation cultivator?
The guard felt a chill and thought he might lose his head the next moment.
Fortunately, Gu Chuanfei did not bother with such a minor character and instead smiled at Elder Mu.
"This friend's cultivation is outstanding, only a step away from Core Formation. We should address each other as peers."
In the cultivation world, seniority was based on cultivation level rather than age. Foundation Establishment cultivators would naturally see Core Formation cultivators as their seniors. However, it was not unusual for those with similar levels to regard each other as peers.
Elder Mu, however, did not agree and shook his head slowly.
"Although it's only a step away, it's like a chasm that has blocked me for decades."
"Now my lifespan is dwindling, and I'm getting older and weaker. The chance of reaching Core Formation is getting lower. It seems unlikely in this lifetime."
Gu Chuanfei, understanding the situation, offered polite consolation.
"Brother Mu, good people are bound to have good fortune. I believe you'll be fine."
Elder Mu did not say more and led the two of them to the County Guard's residence.
Soon, they arrived in front of a thatched cottage. Lu An was surprised. The County Guard's residence was grand, but deep within it was a dilapidated thatched hut.
Did the County Guard live here?
This was indeed an interesting person.
"County Guard, the guests have arrived."
Elder Mu bowed respectfully to the thatched hut.
After a moment, a burly middle-aged man walked out.
This man was more robust than Ying Chang and had a more defined, sharp appearance, giving an imposing impression.
"Please, no need for formalities. Didn't I tell you before that there's no need for such gestures between us?"
The County Guard quickly helped Elder Mu up, complaining.
Elder Mu shook his head and calmly replied.
"Courtesy must not be disregarded."
The County Guard, knowing Elder Mu's character, did not insist further and looked somewhat resigned.
Lu An was intrigued to learn that Elder Mu was the County Guard's teacher, which explained his high level of respect. Personal strength was one reason, but the relationship with the County Guard was also significant.
Gu Chuanfei stepped forward and said.
"Gu Chuanfei from the Gathering Source Pavilion, greetings to you."
The County Guard returned the greeting and looked very pleased.
"Guxian County has always had only one Core Formation cultivator, and now there is another. This is truly a cause for celebration."
"Now, even if we face a minor beast tide in the future, we should be well-prepared."
He gave a slight nod to Lu An, treating him as Gu Chuanfei's junior.
Upon hearing this, Gu Chuanfei's brow furrowed.
"Is there a sign of a beast tide in Yongning County as well?"
Lu An's eyes flashed with curiosity. Beast tide?
He did not ask further and listened to the conversation.
The County Guard shook his head and smiled.
"A few months ago, a large beast tide occurred in Guangtong County of the Wei Kingdom. Almost all the people in the county perished, becoming food for the monsters."
"Although the county guard was at the Nascent Soul stage, he died under the siege of the three great Demon Emperors. Even the Nascent Soul cultivator could not escape."
"However, the Wei Kingdom is very far from our Qi Kingdom, with the Han and Zhao kingdoms in between. So, there is no need to worry too much."
Gu Chuanfei remained silent, and it was Lu An who spoke up.
"County Guard, how are beast tides formed?"