Zhao Jingming

Chen Changqing thought for a moment and said, "Okay, let's find a talisman master first."

He is poor now and needs to make money.

He and Xiao Hei now have enormous appetites, needing meat at every meal, which is a considerable expense every day.

If we were to buy Qi and Blood Pills for Xiao Hei, the expenses would be even more terrifying.

However, the art of talismans is difficult, and even with the Soul-Devouring Black Lotus, it is unknown when one will be able to master it.

If one can master the basics of talismanic arts, the situation will improve somewhat.

……

In the afternoon, a light, cheerful animal call came from outside the courtyard, followed by a steady series of footsteps.

Upon hearing the commotion, Chen Changyue's face lit up with joy, and she quickly got up to go out and greet them.

Chen Changqing also put down his teacup and turned his gaze toward the courtyard gate.

A tall, slender man strode in.

The man was about thirty years old, 1.8 meters tall, with distinct facial features, a high nose bridge, and skin as smooth as jade, exuding a heroic spirit.

He wore a long robe made of silkworm silk, which was light and flowing, as if he could dance in the wind.

The robe was a deep, starry blue, embroidered with silver star patterns, each star shining brightly.

A beautifully crafted storage bag was also hanging from his waist.

The man exuded the magical power fluctuations of the sixth level of Qi Refining.

A golden leopard was also following the man.

This leopard is entirely golden, stands 1.5 meters tall, and is over 3 meters long.

This leopard looks very much like the Golden Thunder Leopard of the Golden Leopard Guard who watches over the city gate.

However, in terms of size and strength, it is far superior to Jin Leibao.

This leopard is called the Golden Thunder Leopard.

He exuded the magical aura of an eighth-level Lesser Demon.

This man was Chen Changyue's husband, the third son of the Zhao Clan's patriarch, and Zhao Jingming, the captain of the Golden Leopard Guard in Dayang County.

And his contracted spirit beast, the Golden Thunder Leopard.

As soon as Zhao Jingming entered the door, his gaze swept across the courtyard. When he saw Chen Changqing, his brows furrowed slightly, and the smile on his face faded a bit.

He didn't even glance at Chen Changqing, but walked straight to Chen Changyue and asked in a gentle tone, "Yue'er, how is everything at home today?"

Chen Changyue smiled and nodded: "Everything is fine, Jingming, you're back."

Zhao Jingming nodded slightly, then his gaze fell on Chen Changqing, and he said in a cold tone, "Why are you here?"

Years ago, the black tiger cub and the soul-fusion contract spirit beast that he bought for Chen Changyue were given to Chen Changqing by Chen Changyue.

It's one thing to give it to them, but instead of properly training the little black tiger, they spend their days eating, drinking, playing, and idling around.

This caused him a lot of trouble.

I absolutely hate it.

He felt like hitting someone whenever he saw them.

Chen Changqing stood up, a faint smile on his face, and greeted him with a cupped-hand salute: "Brother-in-law."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jingming frowned even more deeply, his tone tinged with impatience: "Oh? Here to ask for money again?"

Seeing this, Chen Changyue quickly smoothed things over, saying, "Jingming, Changqing came this time because he discovered that Wang Datou's wife is a fox demon in disguise, a fox demon with the cultivation level of the sixth level of a lesser demon, and he came specifically to inform you."

Zhao Jingming's expression softened slightly. He put down his teacup and looked sharply at Chen Changqing: "A fox demon? Are you sure?"

Chen Changqing nodded: "Xiao Hei sensed it by chance. The fox demon's cultivation level was slightly higher than that of the Iron-Beaked Rock Eagle, which was at the sixth level of the Lesser Demon Realm. Xiao Hei had seen the fox demon at the servants' quarters in the Immortal Spirit Cave."

Zhao Jingming pondered for a moment, then said calmly, "In that case, I will take some people to check it out first thing tomorrow morning. If it really is a fox demon, we will naturally not let her go."

Seeing this, Chen Changqing breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "Brother-in-law, there's another favor I need. I recently broke through to the first level of Qi Refining..."

I'd like to learn the art of talisman drawing. Could my brother-in-law recommend a talisman master for me?

The law should not be passed on lightly.

The art of talismanic magic is not to be easily passed on.

After all, teaching an apprentice might mean starving the master.

An ordinary cultivator from Dayang County apprenticed under a talisman master to learn his craft.

He had to do dirty and tiring work for his master for three years before he could start learning how to make talisman skins.

In order to learn the art of talisman drawing, one must have the master make talisman skins for free for ten years.

And this is only a chance.

Back in Dayang County, I heard about a pretty boy who had endured thirteen years of hardship before finally getting the chance to learn how to draw talismans.

However, he was threatened by his master.

Go through the back door once, and you'll get a lesson in one go.

The pretty boy gave in.

After a year, my gait became deformed, and I finally learned how to draw talismans.

To quickly learn the art of talisman drawing, I still need to rely on my brother-in-law to introduce me to a talisman master.

My brother-in-law is the third son of the Zhao Clan's patriarch, and he himself is quite talented.

He is highly respected among the younger generation of the Zhao Immortal Clan.

The talisman masters of the Zhao Immortal Clan still give Zhao Jingming some face.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Jingming frowned again, his tone tinged with disdain: "Drawing talismans? Do you know how difficult the art of drawing talismans is?"

You've only just entered the first level of Qi Refining, and your foundation isn't even solid yet, but you're already thinking about learning talismans?

Isn't that setting the bar too high?

Chen Changqing remained composed and respectfully said, "Brother-in-law, I know I am of mediocre talent, but I am willing to study hard. I hope you will grant my request."

Zhao Jingming sneered, his tone laced with sarcasm: "Hardworking? When have you ever been hardworking all these years?"

You just seduce the wives of ordinary people who work hard.

If you're truly interested, why not find a job first?

Live a peaceful and content life, and stop thinking about these unrealistic things all day.

The Zhao Immortal Clan has four talisman masters; if he were to speak, they would surely give him face.

But if someone gives him face, he will owe them a favor.

He didn't want to owe someone a favor for nothing because of Chen Changqing, that lazy good-for-nothing.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit awkward, Chen Changyue quickly interjected, "Jingming, since Changqing is willing to learn, why not give him a chance?"

"If Gou Dan really has a talent for drawing talismans, he might be able to contribute to the Zhao Immortal Clan in the future."

Zhao Jingming glanced at Chen Changyue, his tone softening slightly: "Changyue, it's not that I'm unwilling to help him, it's just that the path of a talisman master is difficult, and he may not be able to persevere."

At this moment, Xiao Wan'er also came over. She hugged Zhao Jingming's leg and said in a coquettish tone, "Daddy, please help Uncle."

That sweet, childlike voice melted Zhao Jingming's heart instantly.

Zhao Jingming picked up his daughter, kissed her, and said happily, "Alright, alright, you said you'd help your uncle, so I'll help you."

Chen Changqing respectfully thanked him, "Thank you, brother-in-law."

Zhao Jingming waved his hand, his tone tinged with impatience: "Alright, alright, I'm not giving you a chance, I just don't want to disappoint my little Wan'er."

"Let's leave this matter aside for now. You stay here for the time being, and I'll go find the talisman master tomorrow. I hope you won't disappoint your sister and my little Wan'er this time either."

Previously, some children in the clan insulted Xiao Wan'er, saying she was born to a concubine.

He was furious when he heard this and once again wanted Chen Changyue to become his concubine.

But his parents refused.

His three wives all refused.

He also needs the help of his three wives' families.

It's not good to have too much unpleasantness with my three wives.

He felt guilty towards Xiao Wan'er.

Chen Changqing said respectfully, "Brother-in-law, this time, I will definitely not let my sister and you down."

Zhao Jingming continued, "I'll find you a talisman master, but you can skip the job to avoid distractions. Once you've learned the basics of talisman making, go back to Qing Shi Town as soon as possible to practice and focus on drawing talismans diligently."