Half a month after acquiring the nameless manual, Jiang Hao had finally mastered the art of concealing his cultivation. Now, no matter how one examined him, he appeared to be a typical early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
As he continued to improve, as long as no one could see through his Hongmeng Purple Qi, no one would know the true extent of his hidden cultivation.
Inside his room, Jiang Hao let out a deep breath.
He then opened his panel to check his current status.
[Name: Jiang Hao][Age: 19][Cultivation: Mid-Foundation Establishment][Techniques: Heavenly Melody Requiem, Hongmeng Mind Scripture][Abilities: Ninefold Substitute (Unique), Daily Appraisal, Clear Mind and Pure Heart][Vitality: 35/100 (Cultivatable)][Cultivation: 38/100 (Cultivatable)][Abilities: 0/3 (Cannot acquire more abilities)]
"There’s no display for this method—it seems to truly be just a special technique."
"Advancing to early Foundation Establishment consumed roughly the same resources as advancing to mid-Foundation Establishment. I wonder if I can leap forward in one go next time."
Jiang Hao decided he would test this in the future.
In two or three months, he could attempt another breakthrough. If it went smoothly, he would reach late Foundation Establishment.
"The compensation deadline is approaching. I need to earn more spirit stones."
Now that he could completely hide his cultivation, there was nothing to fear.
Still, he was curious whether he could fool that woman. He decided to test it after his next breakthrough.
For now, he was somewhat looking forward to her return.
Of course, considering her strength and erratic temperament, he had to tread carefully. Avoiding her altogether would be the best course of action.
After a visit to the Spirit Herb Garden, Jiang Hao found a few bubbles.
[Strength +1][Strength +1][Spirit +1][Cultivation +1]
All these years of collecting bubbles, yet he had never encountered an Intelligence +1.
It was a pity—greater intelligence would help him grow stronger faster and escape his current predicament.
Fortunately, the small increments in spirit and strength were still noticeable.
Stolen novel; please report.
Given a hundred years, his spirit might surpass even the Golden Core stage—assuming he didn’t advance his cultivation.
By noon, Jiang Hao left the Spirit Herb Garden and headed to the sect market.
The market was as usual—not crowded. It was normal for this place to be relatively quiet.
Along the way, he spotted Qi Yang. Jiang Hao thought of greeting him but noticed Qi Yang’s senior brother pull him away immediately.
Watching them leave, Jiang Hao didn’t bother chasing after them.
Qi Yang seemed to have noticed him and lowered his head, appearing somewhat ashamed.
Jiang Hao instantly understood. He had been foolish. With the Tianhuan Pavilion targeting him, greeting others might drag them into trouble.
Qi Yang’s senior brother’s actions were understandable.
Pushing aside these thoughts, Jiang Hao found a stall and began selling talismans.
Most were the three usual types: Blazing Fire Talismans, Focus Talismans, and Divine Sword Talismans.
Occasionally, he could produce a Ten Thousand Swords Talisman, but the cost was too high, so he preferred to play it safe for now.
He still needed about 150 spirit stones.
At five spirit stones per talisman, he had to sell thirty talismans.
Currently, he had over fifty talismans in stock but displayed only a dozen.
Putting too many out at once would lower their perceived value.
"Once I’ve settled the compensation, I’ll start making Ten Thousand Swords Talismans. They’re powerful and valuable. Without the weight of a thousand-spirit-stone debt, I won’t have to worry as much about costs," Jiang Hao thought.
"Junior Brother, we meet again. I’ve been holding back on buying talismans just to wait for you," Cold Sweet Fairy said with a smile as she approached Jiang Hao’s stall.
"Senior Sister, do you need more Blazing Fire Talismans?" Jiang Hao asked enthusiastically.
He remembered her well; she had bought dozens of Blazing Fire Talismans before, earning him a decent profit.
Cold Sweet Fairy shook her head. "No. Do you have any Ten Thousand Swords Talismans?"
This Senior Sister favored powerful talismans. Jiang Hao regretted having to say, "I’m afraid not. They’re too difficult to make."
"In that case, give me all the Divine Sword Talismans you have," she said boldly.
"Five talismans, twenty-five spirit stones in total. For Senior Sister, it’s only twenty-two," Jiang Hao replied, handing over the talismans.
"Generous and good quality—you know how to do business," she said, handing over twenty-two spirit stones with a smile.
Her gaze carried a hint of sharpness, and her smile had a dangerous undertone.
After storing the talismans, she leaned in and asked softly, "I’ve heard that you’ve offended the Tianhuan Pavilion?"
Before Jiang Hao could respond, she continued, "Be careful, Junior Brother. The Tianhuan Pavilion is full of ambitious people who’ll stop at nothing. Don’t leave the sect unless absolutely necessary—it’s too risky. I wouldn’t want to lose my go-to talisman supplier."
Jiang Hao nodded and expressed his gratitude, giving her a few unsold Swift Talismans and Fire Talismans as a gift.
Not lingering, Cold Sweet Fairy left quickly.
Before long, Jiang Hao had another visitor—a pale-faced man in mid-Foundation Establishment.
"Jiang Hao? Junior Brother Jiang? I’ve been hearing a lot about you lately. Did you really kill Junior Sister Yunruo?" Miao Qian asked in a sarcastic tone.
Hearing this, Jiang Hao’s heart sank. Someone from the Tianhuan Pavilion.
"Coincidence, or are they deliberately looking for trouble?"
After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Hao greeted him respectfully, "What would you like to say, Senior Brother?"
"Oh, nothing much. Just came to buy something. How much are these talismans?" Miao Qian asked, picking up a Focus Talisman.
"Five spirit stones for a Focus Talisman, three for a Blazing Fire Talisman," Jiang Hao replied.
Without batting an eye, Miao Qian smiled coldly. "I’ll take them all. How much for everything?"
All of them? Jiang Hao realized the day wasn’t going to go smoothly.