Chapter 11: Major Affairs of the Lingfu Pavilion

"Finally, I've hit the third level of Qi Refining!"

Feeling the considerably stronger magical power within his body, Xiao Zhangqing let a smile appear on his face.

This breakthrough, besides the years of accumulation from his previous incarnation, also owes an indispensable credit to the half‑month of Great Achievement-level Changchun Gong.

The cultivation over this half month was almost more effective than a whole year's arduous practice! This is because the spiritual energy in the Peng Hu Qu is too weak.

If I were in a place with abundant spiritual energy, the breakthrough time might even be halved! "In that case, the mid‑stage of Qi Refining won't be far off. After I move to a Ding-level Cave Dwelling, in at most a few months I can breakthrough again and shed the status of a low‑level Qi Refining novice."

Xiao Zhangqing calculated his cultivation progress.

Becoming a mid‑stage Qi Refining cultivator, although still at the bottom in Nanshan Fang, at least his standing has risen a bit.

Especially for the current Xiao Zhangqing, it is of great help.

The most obvious is the rise in cultivation; both magical power and Soul Transformation have increased, so the number of talismans he draws each day will also grow!

Next month, his salary will rise accordingly!

For a Symbol Master, the daily amount of Talisman Scripts one can draw depends not only on the skill level of the talisman technique but also on cultivation.

"In the first half of the month I couldn't directly display the minor attainment of the six basic Talisman Scripts; I had to conceal my skill, deliberately raising the failure rate on the Demon-breaking Talisman, Fireball Talisman, and Protection Talisman. If I go by my previous work efficiency, next month's salary, even if it exceeds the guaranteed 20 Low‑grade Spirit Stones, probably won't be much—maybe just two or three more."

"Taking advantage of this breakthrough, I can reasonably boost the success rate and give the bosses a little 'shock'."

During the earlier probation 'defense', Xiao Zhangqing, before the manager Hong Jiantao, only displayed his mastery of the first three basic Talisman Scripts; the latter three were not confidently presented.

After half a month of diligent study, coinciding with his breakthrough, his talisman technique improved; it was reasonable, and it also allowed the manager to see his rapid progress, raising his potential assessment again.

After all, Xiao Zhangqing's earlier concealment of skill wasn't to appear mediocre, but to avoid a sudden, inexplicable leap that would be hard to explain.

His goal isn't satisfied by merely becoming a Formal Member of Lingfu Pavilion; he wants to climb step by step, become an Exclusive Lingfu Pavilion Symbol Master, and even higher.

The higher the rank, the greater the authority and the more resources obtained.

Persistently hiding one's skill only narrows the path, eventually blocking oneself.

……

Another half month later.

Quietly, Xiao Zhangqing has now been a confirmed Formal Member of Lingfu Pavilion for a full month.

Today is the day salaries are distributed.

If nothing goes wrong, he can receive 29 Low‑grade Spirit Stones today! After breaking through to Qi Refining third layer, the boost in magical power and Soul Transformation already raised his daily talisman output by twenty percent, and by deliberately improving the success rates of the last three basic Talisman Scripts, his earnings for the latter half of the month surged straight upward.

He surpassed the guaranteed amount, reaching nearly 30 Low‑grade Spirit Stones.

Originally, Xiao Zhangqing thought his rapid progress would make people take notice, garnering attention and perhaps even being earmarked early as a key seed for Exclusive Symbol Master cultivation.

In reality, Lingfu Pavilion's attention to him was quite limited.

Because during this half month, Lingfu Pavilion experienced two even more important events.

The first, and the most exhilarating, was that Lu Qiu, the Pavilion's top-tier Exclusive Symbol Master, successfully crafted a Second-rank Talisman Script—Wind and Thunder Talisman!

Creating a Second-rank Talisman Script means that the Symbol Master has been promoted to Second-rank Talisman Master! Even if the success rate is still low, he is genuinely a Second-rank Talisman Master.

Success rate is simply a matter of intensified practice; proficiency will gradually rise. Like Xiao Zhangqing, Lu Qiu joined Lingfu Pavilion midway and is not a direct disciple of the sect behind the Pavilion.

The difference is that Lu Qiu's talent on the Talisman Path is truly extraordinary; he quickly stood out upon entering Lingfu Pavilion, was confirmed immediately, and received cultivation from manager Hong Jiantao.

In less than three short years, he made two successive jumps, going from a completely clueless Scattered Cultivator to an entry‑level Exclusive Symbol Master of Lingfu Pavilion!

Now, Lu Qiu has been with Lingfu Pavilion for fourteen years; his cultivation has risen from Qi Refining fourth level to Qi Refining ninth level, and his talisman technique is already on par with manager Hong Jiantao, making him one of the Pavilion's 'star' Symbol Masters.

Although many had long predicted that Lu Qiu's talent would eventually make him a Second-rank Talisman Master, the speed was still somewhat fast.

Becoming a Second-rank Talisman Master is, for a Scattered Cultivator, akin to a carp leaping over the dragon gate!

Strategically, a Second-rank Talisman Master—or any Second-rank 'technician'—is far more significant than an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator! Even within the Core Formation sect, Second-rank Talisman Masters are prized gems.

Thus, after Lu Qiu became a Second-rank Talisman Master, the modest Nanshan Fang could no longer accommodate this 'Jiaolong'; the Luoxia Sect behind Lingfu Pavilion, upon hearing the news, immediately dispatched a Foundation Establishment elder to Nanshan Fang to request his return to the sect.

Besides the sect‑sent elder, the Foundation cultivators and Foundation families of Nanshan Fang, who usually stand on cloud‑high pedestals, sent gifts to congratulate and invited Lu Qiu to a banquet.

The second event involved another somewhat famous 'talent Symbol Master' of Lingfu Pavilion, who, without prior entry, successfully drew a First-rank Talisman Script, advancing to become an Exclusive Symbol Master of the Pavilion.

Being promoted to First-rank Symbol Master makes one a big figure within the Qi Refining realm, but in the eyes of the sect and the Foundation cultivators of Nanshan Fang, it doesn't cause much stir.

The reason this matter caused amazement and a sensation in Lingfu Pavilion is because there were additional conditions.

The cultivator who advanced to First-rank Symbol Master is a beautiful female cultivator with flower‑like features and moon‑like beauty.

Her name is Jiang Jiyue; she has a very good, approachable personality, and whether dealing with the Pavilion's Exclusive Symbol Masters or temporary laborers, she is equally pleasant and easy to talk to.

After Jiang Jiyue broke through to First-rank Symbol Master, she treated everyone in the Pavilion to a spirit drink, including temporary workers, with no one left out—over sixty cultivators in total.

Xiao Zhangqing also got a share, sipping a cup.

That banquet cost him dozens of Low‑grade Spirit Stones.

Therefore, for Lingfu Pavilion, especially the low‑level temporary workers, Jiang Jiyue becoming a First-rank Symbol Master made them happier than Lu Qiu becoming a Second-rank Symbol Master.

After all, Lu Qiu's promotion to Second-rank Symbol Master doesn't affect them; it's a matter for the upper echelons.

Jiang Jiyue's breakthrough benefits everyone.

With these two major events, Xiao Zhangqing's modest display of brilliance is considered nothing and is easily eclipsed.

"Why do I feel a slight sense of loss?"

Xiao Zhangqing doesn't necessarily have to be in the spotlight.

He had prepared to be summoned again by manager Hong Jiantao to be asked why his progress was so rapid; he had already thought out responses and excuses, but was simply ignored.

Manager Hong Jiantao probably didn't have the energy to notice him.

It left him with a slight sense of disappointment.

However, thinking of the imminent salary payout, Xiao Zhangqing's mood brightened again.

No rush, no rush…

Once the Spirit Stones are in hand, he'll move, find a third piece of equipment! As his cultivation and talisman technique rise, he'll eventually enjoy the same treatment that Lu Qiu and Jiang Jiyue receive.

(End of Chapter)