I Live Forever In The World of Cultivation World - Chapter 23: Talisman Master Zhao Lin

Opening his eyes, He Song’s gaze immediately locked onto the paper crane in front of him.

Though made of paper, the crane contained spiritual energy. It appeared ordinary, yet there was something unusual about it.

The paper crane was a product of the Transmission Technique, one of the three foundational spells.

While genuine long-distance voice transmission was impractical, a workaround involved writing on a piece of paper, folding it into a crane, imbuing it with spiritual energy, and attaching the recipient’s aura. The crane would then swiftly find its target.

The speed of such a paper crane was astonishing, making interception nearly impossible.

Furthermore, as the crane was made from a written message, once it arrived, the content was naturally delivered.

This method effectively achieved long-distance communication.

Reaching out, He Song picked up the crane. A trace of spiritual energy flickered at his fingertip.

Sensing the spiritual energy, the once-lively paper crane instantly reverted to an ordinary, lifeless piece of paper.

In the next moment, the unfolded paper revealed written words in He Song’s hands.

“To Daoist He,

My journey is uncertain, and the outcome unpredictable. Although I wished to recommend you for my position, the higher-ups did not approve. Regrettably, I could only propose another colleague, a fellow Fourth Level Qi Refinement cultivator whom I am familiar with.

However, rest assured. This colleague, Zhao Lin, is a friend of mine. Before my departure, I urged him to look after you. His personality is much like yours—cautious—so I trust you’ll get along.

Additionally, Zhao Lin is well-versed in the art of talismans. If you have any needs, don’t hesitate to seek him out.

– Meng Guan”

He Song silently read through the note, word by word.

Meng Guan was gone.

After transferring his responsibilities and packing his belongings, Meng Guan had left Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market during the night.

As for why he departed in such a rush, without even allowing He Song and Wei Fan to host a farewell banquet, He Song had his suspicions.

The sooner he reached the Crimson Spirit Gold Mine, the sooner he could start earning spirit stones.

Parting is sorrowful. By leaving quietly, Meng Guan likely wanted to spare everyone the pain of saying goodbye.

Setting the letter down, He Song thought for a moment and ultimately decided not to discard it.

Carefully folding the paper, he placed it in his meditation room.

Without a storage bag—an advanced item beyond his current means—keeping it on him would risk damage. It was safer left in the meditation room, at least until he acquired a storage bag in the future.

Gazing out the window, He Song noted that the morning had arrived, though the sun had yet to fully rise.

A faint veil of morning mist blanketed the surroundings, hindering visibility.

Outside, the sounds of life were already stirring, as the cultivators of Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market prepared for the start of a new day.

He Song got up.

He prepared breakfast and ate, then headed to the market area to purchase some talisman ink.

With the ink in hand, He Song made his way to the residence of Zhao Lin, the person Meng Guan had mentioned in his letter.

He Song wouldn’t pass up on the connection Meng Guan had left for him.

As a Spirit Planter, He Song anticipated spending a significant amount of time working under Zhao Lin’s supervision.

Visiting Zhao Lin promptly, while the memory of Meng Guan’s influence was still fresh, would likely ensure Zhao Lin treated him with respect.

After all, Meng Guan had not only stepped aside to give Zhao Lin the position but had also personally instructed him to look after He Song.

If Zhao Lin ignored this, his reputation would suffer immediately.

Meng Guan’s cultivation had been at the sixth level of Qi Refinement when he left.

In contrast, Zhao Lin’s cultivation was at the fourth level.

Although both were in the mid-stage of Qi Refinement, one was a seasoned cultivator, while the other had only recently advanced. The gap was undeniable.

Additionally, if Zhao Lin’s character was called into question, his newly acquired position would become far less secure.

This way, Zhao Lin likely wouldn’t trouble He Song and might even take special care of him due to Meng Guan’s recommendation.

As these thoughts flitted through his mind, He Song quickened his pace, and before long, he arrived at Zhao Lin’s residence.

Like He Song, Zhao Lin also lived in one of the rental houses within the Immortal Market.

Zhao Lin’s home was not far from He Song’s—only a few minutes’ walk away.

Standing at the door, He Song knocked lightly.

Knock, knock, knock

The sound echoed in the previously silent house, followed by some faint noises inside.

After a moment, a cautious voice called out:

“Who’s there?”

Inside, Zhao Lin held several Thick Earth Talismans in his hand, his expression shifting between caution and unease.

Last night, an old friend who had always been generous to him had suddenly left, leaving behind the position of manager at the Spirit Herb Pavilion—passing the role on to Zhao Lin.

For Zhao Lin, who was previously just a minor Spirit Planter, this was a meteoric rise.

Being a Spirit Planter might count as being part of the Immortal Market’s internal staff, but it offered no real authority; at most, it was just tending fields year-round.

The role of manager at the Spirit Herb Pavilion, however, was a completely different matter.

As manager, Meng Guan had controlled the recruitment of Spirit Planters and the distribution of spiritual seeds.

Who could become a Spirit Planter?

Who could receive better spiritual seeds?

These decisions were entirely at Meng Guan’s discretion.

Now that Meng Guan had stepped down, these responsibilities naturally fell to Zhao Lin.

While the monthly stipend for the position wasn’t particularly high, the gray income associated with it far surpassed what Zhao Lin could have earned from a year of planting.

However, wherever people gathered, competition arose.

A lucrative position like Spirit Herb Pavilion manager was one many had their eyes on.

With Zhao Lin’s sudden promotion, he couldn’t help but worry about how others might feel about it.

Moreover, Zhao Lin had only recently broken through to the fourth level of Qi Refinement, and his combat strength was far from that of a true mid-stage Qi Refinement cultivator.

So when someone suddenly knocked on his door, his first instinct was to reach for his Thick Earth Talismans for protection.

“Daoist Zhao Lin, I’m He Song. Meng Guan mentioned me to you before he left last night. I’ve come to pay you a visit today. I hope you’ll grant me the honor of meeting with you,” He Song called out in a clear voice from outside.

He held the talisman ink he had brought as a gift—an essential token for their first meeting.

The connection Meng Guan had left him reassured He Song.

On his way there, he had already resolved to establish a good working relationship with Zhao Lin, knowing they’d likely be interacting closely for the foreseeable future.

Inside, the room went silent for a moment.

He Song sensed a probing gaze sweep over him from the shadows.

Then, the door opened.

“So it’s Daoist He. Meng indeed mentioned you last night. Please, come in,” Zhao Lin said, a touch of awkwardness on his face as he quickly invited He Song inside.

With the door shut behind them, they entered the house.

The room was simple, with a cluttered desk in one corner.

After settling down, the two took their respective seats—Zhao Lin taking the host’s chair and He Song sitting opposite him.

Before long, Zhao Lin brought over a cup of hot tea and placed it before He Song.

“Daoist He, you can rest assured. As Brother Meng’s friend, you’re naturally a friend of mine as well. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to let me know,” Zhao Lin said warmly, despite it being their first meeting.

His hospitality suggested that his friendship with Meng Guan had been genuine.