"12 years old, a support-type soul master, Martial Soul: Talisman, Rank 11!"
"No problem. Based on your qualifications, you're eligible to apply to our Tianbao Academy!"
At the enrollment desk for Tianbao Academy, an intermediate soul master academy, Gu Ziyi quickly received approval from the admissions officer after presenting his primary academy graduation certificate.
This was just a standard intermediate academy with relatively simple admission requirements, making it a perfect fit for Gu Ziyi.
"Alright, teacher. How much is the enrollment fee?"
Gu Ziyi didn't bother scouting for other academies and decided to enroll at Tianbao Academy. He directly inquired about the enrollment cost, knowing that most schools charged around ten gold soul coins.
"Ten gold soul coins. Are you applying early?"
As expected, the fee was precisely ten gold soul coins, as confirmed by the admissions officer.
"No, I'll come back to register on the official enrollment day."
Gu Ziyi quickly shook his head, as he didn't have enough gold soul coins on hand.
After leaving Tianbao Academy, Gu Ziyi hired a carriage and headed straight for the nearest Soul Beast Forest.
Of course, he wasn't heading to a wild forest but a tamed Soul Beast Forest managed by the Spirit Hall, which was commonly used by novice soul masters for hunting.
"With more than a month left, I should have enough time to earn ten gold soul coins!"
Sitting in the carriage, Gu Ziyi pondered. At the same time, he occasionally conjured Talisman of Clarity scrolls.
Indeed, Gu Ziyi planned to sell talismans at the forest entrance.
This location was frequented by soul masters forming teams to hunt, as well as professional squads offering hunting services.
The talismans Gu Ziyi created typically lasted two days after production, making the forest entrance the ideal marketplace.
Once activated, each Talisman of Clarity provided ten minutes of effects. Although he could imbue them with more soul power for extended duration, Gu Ziyi deemed it unnecessary—the standard effect sufficed.
The lively atmosphere at the Soul Beast Forest was evident long before Gu Ziyi reached the entrance.
"Looking for an agility-type or support-type soul master to complete the team!"
"Our group needs a strong attack-type soul master!"
"Professional teams available to help newbies hunt soul beasts. Affordable rates!"
After scouting the area, Gu Ziyi selected a strategic spot, laid out a mat, and set up a sign:
"Selling Talismans! Only 1 silver soul coin each! Honest business for everyone!"
"Effects of the Talisman: Relieve tension, granting a strong and calm mindset akin to a Titled Douluo! Also neutralizes mental anomalies, provides immunity to psychic attacks, and lasts 10 minutes."
Gu Ziyi deliberately omitted mentioning the talisman's usefulness in cultivation. He assumed no one would waste such an item on training without knowing its effects, thus minimizing the risk of discovery.
"Talismans? What are those?"
"Some kind of support tool?"
"Relieve tension? Like a Titled Douluo's mindset? Are you kidding me?"
"Never heard of such a support item before..."
"One silver soul coin per talisman? That's pricey!"
Curiosity surrounded Gu Ziyi's stall as onlookers began discussing.
"Guaranteed quality, honest trade!"
"I can only make ten talismans a day. Once sold out, that's it!"
Gu Ziyi stood up, emphasizing the limited supply to pique interest. In truth, his soul power only allowed him to create about ten talismans per day. As long as they sold, ten was more than enough—he needed time to train, too.
"Cut the nonsense! Here's one silver soul coin. Let me try one!"
A burly man tossed a coin onto the mat, snatched up a talisman, and looked at Gu Ziyi.
"How do I use this?"
"Just channel your soul power and slap it onto yourself," Gu Ziyi explained.
"Let's give it a shot!"
Without hesitation, the man activated the Talisman of Clarity, slapping it onto his chest.
Buzz!
A faint yellow glow enveloped him before the talisman vanished.
"Mm..."
The man's demeanor transformed instantly. His rough and impatient aura turned calm and composed, with a refined and steady gaze.
"It definitely feels different. How long can this talisman be stored?"
"Two days," Gu Ziyi replied.
"Give me five more!"
Having experienced the effect firsthand, the man immediately placed a larger order. Preparing for his next mission, he recognized the talisman's value in battle.
"Alright, please wait a moment!"
Delighted, Gu Ziyi began creating more talismans on the spot.
Meanwhile, at the base of the Clear Sky Sect...
Two young women cast one last glance at the sect behind them before walking away resolutely.
"Are we really running away, cousin?" one of them hesitantly asked while glancing back nervously.
"Of course! I don't want to stay in the sect any longer!" replied Tang Yuehua without hesitation.
Born with a mutated martial soul that left her unable to cultivate, Tang Yuehua, despite being the sect leader's daughter, often faced judgmental stares.
Accompanying her was Bai Lu, her slightly older cousin and the daughter of her uncle, Bai He. Both sought a new life away from the sect's confines.