Movie: Get Alpha Dog at the start

Chapter 1364 Beginner to Advanced Talismans (Bonus Chapter, Please Vote!)

In the courtyard of the Foreign Affairs Hall, ten newly initiated cultivators stood in a row. The steward held a roster and assigned tasks to each of them: "Li Daoxuan, go to the Spirit Plant Garden to water the spirit herbs, from 3 AM to 5 PM every day, no slacking off; Wang Lingsu, go to the Weapon Refining Workshop to do odd jobs and assist your senior brothers in moving ore; Zhao Bin, go to the Outer Disciples' Courtyard to manage the meals..."

Apart from Qin Hao, the other nine cultivators all received specific "jobs," and their faces showed more or less helplessness—they were all experts in the Ascension Assembly, but when they came to Qingxu Sect, they became the lowest-level "Qi Refining oxen and horses."

Qin Hao understood that the hierarchy of cultivation sects was very strict. There were plenty of Qi Refining stage cultivators, and only those who broke through to Foundation Establishment could barely be considered the backbone of the sect. The fact that he wasn't assigned to miscellaneous tasks was entirely due to his reputation for "talisman-making talent".

“Junior Nephew Zhang,” a slightly chubby Qi Refining Level 10 cultivator approached Qin Hao with a smile, “My name is Sun Hao, and we’ll be fellow disciples from now on. I have acquaintances in the Spirit Plant Garden who can get some cheap Qi Gathering Grass. If you need any, I can bring it for you.”

Another female cultivator stepped forward and said, "Junior Nephew Zhang, I am skilled at refining low-grade pills. If you are short of pills, we can exchange resources."

Qin Hao smiled and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect, politely declining each offer: "Thank you all for your kindness, senior brothers and sisters. I have just joined the sect and want to familiarize myself with the environment first. I don't need these for the time being. I will trouble you all again if I need them in the future."

He knew perfectly well that these people were trying to win him over simply to take advantage of his talent for making talismans. Right now, he only wanted to focus on cultivation and improving the AI ​​database, and didn't want to get involved in too many personal relationships.

After leaving the Foreign Affairs Hall, Qin Hao followed the guiding disciple to the assigned wooden house. The roof was covered with blue tiles, and the walls were made of ordinary cedar wood. It looked somewhat simple. Inside the house, there was only a wooden bed, a desk, and a storage cabinet. There wasn't even any decent decoration.

Qin Hao didn't care; instead, he breathed a sigh of relief—the wooden house was a single room, with no other disciples living there, which made it convenient for him to make talismans and use the smart brain. It was obviously arranged for him by the sect.

For the next three days, Qin Hao did not rush to cultivate, but instead toured the entire outer area of ​​Qingxu Sect: the outer disciples' courtyard, the spirit plant garden, the weapon refining workshop, the external affairs hall, the scripture pavilion... He left his footprints in every place he could go.

As for places that cannot be visited... The main peak of Qingling Mountain is the cave dwelling of the Golden Core Ancestor. The area above the halfway point of the mountain is protected by restrictions, with Foundation Establishment cultivators standing guard at the entrance, and even getting close is not allowed; the high-level areas of the inner sect's Talisman Making Hall, Array Pavilion, and Scripture Pavilion also require "inner sect disciples" to enter.

Qin Hao secretly memorized these areas and made a plan in his mind: first improve his strength and earn enough contribution points, then go to the inner sect to explore more resources.

For the next six months, Qin Hao lived a life of going back and forth between two points—going to the low-level scripture pavilion every morning and returning to the wooden house to cultivate in the afternoon.

The Qingxu Sect's Scripture Pavilion is open to outer disciples, but it's not free. The jade slips are all protected by restrictions, allowing you to view only the first few pages of introduction and the beginning content. To unlock the complete content, you have to pay spirit stones—a complete Qi Refining stage cultivation technique costs fifty low-grade spirit stones, a set of spell incantations costs twenty, and even some tales of the cultivation world cost ten spirit stones to read in full.

For Qin Hao, these spirit stones were nothing.

"Knowledge is the primary productive force." Qin Hao stroked the jade slip in his hand, watching the AI ​​continuously absorb the contents of the ancient book and the database expand rapidly. He was very satisfied—only when the database was complete could the AI ​​deduce cultivation techniques and optimize talismans more accurately.

That morning, Qin Hao was circulating the "Sharp Metal Technique" in the wooden house.

A notification suddenly sounded in his mind from the AI: [Ding! The Sharp Metal Technique improvement progress is 100%. Improved effects: Spiritual energy absorption speed increased by 10%, meridian widening effect increased by 15%, spiritual energy purity increased by 5%, and the chance of qi deviation reduced by 20%.]

Qin Hao's previously calm face finally showed a hint of joy - previously the AI ​​could only optimize the techniques slightly, but now that the database has been expanded, not only is the deduction speed faster, but the improvement effect has also been greatly enhanced.

"With a 10% increase in spiritual energy absorption speed, my cultivation speed must be among the top of all cultivators with three spiritual roots, right?"

He tried circulating his magic power and indeed felt that his dantian absorbed spiritual energy much faster than before, and his meridians were also smoother, without the previous sluggishness.

Unfortunately, the joy was quickly overshadowed by reality—the body had previously consumed the Yellow Dragon Pill and Golden Marrow Pill like candy, but now the side effects were kicking in, and the body had developed resistance to these two pills. Even if it took them, the increase in magical power would be negligible.

"It seems I have no choice but to go back to my old ways and make money by crafting talismans to buy high-grade pills." Qin Hao shook his head helplessly. In the past six months, he had only made ten Vajra Talismans or Golden Arrow Talismans each month to complete the sect's mission. However, this had gradually disappointed the sect leader, Xuanzhen Daoist, who felt that his talent for crafting talismans was just a "flash in the pan."

"AI, in my current state, what are the chances of successfully creating a basic-level high-grade metal-attribute talisman?"

Qin Hao asked in his mind—the primary high-level talisman is one level higher than the Vajra Talisman and the Golden Arrow Talisman, with greater power and a higher market price. It is the highest-level talisman he can currently access.

[AI: Based on the host's current cultivation level (Qi Refining Level 10), talisman-making experience, and spiritual energy control precision, the initial estimate for creating "Golden罡 Talisman" and "Armor-Piercing Golden Arrow Talisman" is between 15% and 35%. Note that beginner and advanced talismans require higher standards for talisman paper, cinnabar, and talisman brushes, resulting in a significantly higher failure rate than intermediate talismans.]

Qin Hao sighed – making talismans was indeed an expensive and difficult skill. Even with the help of an AI, the success rate was still so low even after leveling up by a small amount.

Qin Hao sat at his desk, took a deep breath, laid the gold-patterned talisman paper flat on the table, and held the golden feather talisman brush in his right hand, dipping it in red cinnabar.

He first tried to make the "Golden Gang Talisman" - an advanced version of the Vajra Talisman, which has stronger defense and can also be equipped with the "Golden Gang Shield" effect, which can cover a three-foot radius around the body.

[AI: Begin analyzing the Golden Array runes. It is recommended to first draw the core array eyes. When injecting mana, maintain an output rate of 0.5 filaments per second to avoid mana overload.]

As the talisman brush touched the paper, cinnabar traced the first line—this was the "foundation" of the Golden Gang Talisman, and it had to be precise.

Qin Hao focused his mind and, following the instructions of the AI, controlled the talisman brush with his fingertips, moving it slowly and steadily. When he reached the core array eye, he infused it with a wisp of magic power, but due to the excessive output, the talisman paper suddenly glowed red, and with a "poof," it spontaneously combusted and turned to ashes.

"Failed." Qin Hao remained calm and started again with a different talisman—this was expected; with a 15% success rate, multiple attempts were necessary.

The second time, he strictly followed the AI's speed in injecting mana and successfully drew the core array eye. However, when drawing the outer defensive patterns, he failed again because the brush was dipped in too much ink, causing the patterns to become blurry. The third time, the fourth time... until the seventh time, Qin Hao finally succeeded—after the talisman paper was drawn, it shone with a faint golden light. After injecting mana, a golden shield half a zhang thick unfolded. The patterns on the shield were as dense as fish scales, nearly twice as thick as the shield of the Vajra Talisman.

[AI: The Golden Vajra Talisman's defensive test is complete. It can withstand five attacks from a high-grade magic weapon from a Qi Refining 11th level cultivator. Its defensive strength is 30% higher than the Vajra Talisman, and its duration is extended by 50%.]

Next is the "Armor-Piercing Golden Arrow Talisman"—an advanced version of the Golden Arrow Talisman, with stronger penetrating power and the added "armor-piercing" effect.

Having gained experience in making Golden Gang Talismans, Qin Hao's process went much more smoothly this time. The talisman brush moved across the talisman paper, and cinnabar outlined arrow-shaped patterns. When injecting magic power into the core array eye, he deliberately slowed down to allow the magic power to fully fuse with the metallic spirit ore powder in the cinnabar.

As the final stroke was completed, the talisman transformed into a three-inch-long golden arrow, hovering in mid-air, its tip gleaming coldly. [AI: Armor-Piercing Golden Arrow Talisman test complete. It can penetrate the mid-grade defensive magic weapon of a Qi Refining eleventh level cultivator. Its penetrating power is 25% higher than the Golden Arrow Talisman, and it also has an "armor-piercing" effect, leaving minute cracks on the magic weapon, making subsequent attacks easier to break through the defense.]

Qin Hao looked at the two beginner-level high-level talismans on the table and breathed a sigh of relief—although he had failed with eleven talismans and wasted most of the materials, he had finally succeeded.

Over the next month, with the help of the AI, he continuously adjusted the rhythm of talisman making and optimized the output of mana, stabilizing the success rate of the Golden Gang Talisman and the Armor-Piercing Golden Arrow Talisman between 40% and 50%.

It was time to hand in the talismans again, and Qin Hao arrived at the Foreign Affairs Hall carrying his storage bag.

Steward Liu took the storage bag and initially just glanced at it casually. But when he took out the first talisman and his fingertips touched the surging magical power, he was immediately stunned—the aura of this talisman was more than one level stronger than the previous Vajra Talisman!

Upon closer inspection, he saw that the patterns on the talisman were intricate and precise, gleaming with a faint golden light, clearly indicating that it was a high-level beginner talisman!

"Junior Nephew Zhang, you...you actually drew a beginner-level high-grade talisman?" Deacon Liu's voice trembled slightly. He had been in the Outer Affairs Hall for five years and had seen many Qi Refining stage talisman makers. In the entire outer sect of Qingxu Sect, only Qin Hao could draw a beginner-level high-grade talisman at the tenth level of Qi Refining!

"Uncle Liu, is there something wrong with this talisman?" Qin Hao feigned confusion, a simple smile on his face, but his eyes remained calm and unwavering.

Deacon Liu took a deep breath, suppressing his shock, and said with a wry smile, "This beginner-level high-grade talisman is not something an ordinary talisman maker can draw. I must inform my senior brother, the sect leader, before making a decision."

With that, he grabbed the storage bag and ran quickly toward Qingxu Hall, not even bothering with the subsequent inspection of the talismans.

Inside the Qingxu Hall, Daoist Xuanzhen was reviewing the sect's contribution point ledger when he saw him rush in in a panic. His brows furrowed immediately: "What's wrong? What kind of behavior is this!"

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, look at this!" Deacon Liu disregarded his manners and poured the talismans from his storage bag onto the table—ten golden talismans were neatly arranged, and a rich metallic magical power emanated from them.

Xuanzhen Daoist's displeased expression froze instantly. He picked up a talisman, infused it with magical power, and felt its power. A hint of surprise flashed in his eyes: "This is a high-level beginner talisman! Who drew it? Was it Junior Brother Chen from the Talisman Making Hall? Or Deacon Li from the outer sect?"

The junior brother Chen and steward Li he mentioned were among the few Foundation Establishment stage talisman makers in the Qingxu Sect who could draw basic and advanced talismans.

"Neither!" Deacon Liu quickly shook his head and said with a smile, "It's Junior Nephew Zhang, Junior Nephew Zhang Tie who just joined the sect half a year ago!"

“Junior Nephew Zhang? Which Junior Nephew Zhang…” Xuanzhen Daoist was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening. His eyes lit up instantly, and he flashed to Deacon Liu’s side, gripping his shoulders tightly with both hands. His tone was filled with disbelief: “Are you talking about Zhang Tie, the one who entered the sect by improving the Vajra Talisman and Golden Arrow Talisman?”

"It was him!" Deacon Liu nodded vigorously: "These ten were all handed over by him. Five Golden Qi Talismans and five Armor-Piercing Golden Arrow Talismans are all high-level beginner talismans, and they even show signs of improvement. Their power is much stronger than ordinary high-level beginner talismans!"

Xuanzhen Daoist hurriedly took out the remaining nine talismans and examined them one by one. Feeling the surging magical power within the talismans, he was so excited that his hands trembled slightly.

He abruptly released Deacon Liu and said in a deep voice, "This matter must not be known to a third party!"

"I will obey the decree of my senior brother, the sect leader!" Deacon Liu bowed and replied.

"Quickly, go and invite Junior Nephew Zhang Tie... here." Xuanzhen Daoist originally wanted to say "call him," but changed it to "invite him" before he could finish, his attitude changing instantly—a genius who could draw a beginner-level high-grade talisman at the tenth level of Qi Refining deserved his courtesy.

A quarter of an hour later, Qin Hao arrived at Qingxu Hall.

The Taoist Xuanzhen was no longer as cold as before; his face was full of smiles as he personally rose to greet him: "Junior Nephew Zhang has arrived? Please sit down, please sit down! This is some freshly brewed spiritual tea!"

"How have you been doing since you joined the sect six months ago? Have any disciples given you any trouble? Are you satisfied with your accommodations in the outer sect? If not, I'll have the outer affairs hall find you a better cave dwelling."

Qin Hao feigned fear and quickly bowed, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Master Uncle. I am doing well, my fellow disciples are taking good care of me, and I am very satisfied with my accommodations. There is no need to trouble you, Master Uncle."

His honest face, coupled with his fearful expression, made him look harmless, completely dispelling Xuanzhen Daoist's concerns—this child was not only highly talented but also humble and composed, a promising prospect.

After exchanging pleasantries, Master Xuanzhen got down to business, his tone serious: "Nephew Zhang, for now, do not tell anyone about your ability to draw basic and advanced talismans, including your fellow disciples. Do you understand?"

Qin Hao nodded and replied, "Disciple understands and will follow the instructions of Master Uncle."

"Good!" Xuanzhen Daoist nodded in satisfaction, then changed the subject: "The sect will buy all the basic and high-level talismans you make every month, and you'll get thirty low-grade spirit stones for each one. How about that? The sect will also provide all the materials needed for making talismans. Just tell the External Affairs Hall what materials you want, and they'll give you priority."

Qin Hao calculated in his mind—the market price of ordinary low-level high-grade talismans is between 20 and 50 spirit stones. His improved talismans can sell for at least 60 spirit stones, but the market demand is limited and few cultivators are willing to buy them; although the price is lower when the sect buys in bulk, the price is stable and the quantity is large, and you can also get materials for free, which is very cost-effective.

He quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Master Uncle. This disciple is willing!"

Seeing that Qin Hao agreed, Xuanzhen Daoist finally breathed a sigh of relief, a huge weight lifted from his heart.

After Qin Hao left, Daoist Xuanzhen summoned Deacon Liu again and said in a deep voice, "From now on, you shall personally procure all the materials for Junior Nephew Zhang's talisman-making and deliver them to him. No third party shall be allowed to know. If any mistakes are made, you will be held solely responsible!"

"Disciple obeys!" Deacon Liu bowed and replied, knowing in his heart that this Junior Nephew Zhang was likely to rise to prominence in the future.

After dismissing Steward Liu, Daoist Xuanzhen stood alone in the Qingxu Hall, looking at the ten beginner-level high-grade talismans on the table. Suddenly, he burst into laughter: "Finally! Finally, my Qingxu Sect has gained a talented individual! At the tenth level of Qi Refining, he can draw beginner-level high-grade talismans and even improve them. Given time, if he can draw intermediate-level talismans!"

A glint of light flashed in his eyes—the difference between a beginner-level talisman and an intermediate-level talisman, though seemingly only one word apart, was worlds apart. A beginner-level advanced talisman could at most unleash the power of a Qi Refining stage cultivator, while an intermediate-level talisman could unleash the power of a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator's attack!

In the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom, Foundation Establishment cultivators are the backbone of sects, and many cultivation families only have one or two Foundation Establishment cultivators. The only family in the entire Yue Kingdom with a Golden Core cultivator is the Yan Family Fortress.

If one could possess a large number of intermediate-level talismans, they could suddenly unleash their power during sect battles, inflicting heavy casualties on enemy Foundation Establishment cultivators. Regardless of victory or defeat, the enemy would not recover for at least a hundred years.

"By the way, this matter still needs to be reported to the sect's patriarch..." (End of this chapter)