He thought for a while, then slowly nodded.
"Well, maybe I need to take a break first," he sighed.
Wei Xin also nodded with a gentle smile. "Don't be hasty, Xiao Lan. Rushing ahead can lead to cracks in your foundation."
They continued chatting casually, letting the mood lighten. As the soft breeze rustled the leaves overhead, Wei Xin's tone subtly shifted.
"I actually came here today to ask you something," she said, glancing at him with calm eyes, "but you've already answered my question."
He frowned, a bit confused.
She continued without hesitation. "The Li Family has been keeping an eye on you. They're considering inviting you to become a guest Talisman Master. In fact, they may even attempt to tie you to them through marriage."
Lan Rui was visibly startled. "Marriage? The Li Family? But… they already have so many talented Talisman Masters. I heard they have over a dozen High Grade First Rank masters. Why would someone like me draw their attention?"
Wei Xin smiled knowingly. "Do you remember what you bought at their shop recently?"
He blinked. "The First Rank Jade Spirit Bamboo?"
She nodded. "Exactly. That's the reason."
"Hah? Just that?" His confusion deepened.
Wei Xin chuckled softly before explaining. "As you already know, ordinary First Rank talismans can be drawn using regular talisman paper."
"Even the high grade talisman can be drawn by using ordinary talisman paper. Only certain advanced talismans such as those with mutated elemental properties or special types like Sword Talismans require other materials like the Jade Spirit Bamboo."
"The fact that you purchased such material implies you're already attempting to craft these complex talismans," she continued. "And given your youth, that makes you an exceptional talent in their eyes."
She paused briefly, letting her words settle before continuing.
"More importantly, you're a Loose Cultivator with no background, no faction, no known ties. That makes you a blank slate and you reach this level by your own effort and talent alone. Someone like you, given enough resources and backing, might surpass even their own prodigies."
Lan Rui's eyes widened at the implications. He knew all too well the truth of his situation. Without the panel, his talent would barely be worth mentioning. It was only through tireless effort and guidance from the panel that he reached this level.
Wei Xin continued calmly. "Right now, they're investigating you. Checking your background, seeing if you've made any enemies, whether you've broken market rules. If everything looks clean, they'll make a move."
He glanced at her seriously. "What do you think about this, Sis Wei?"
She folded her arms, expression thoughtful. "From a general standpoint, it's a great opportunity for you. You'd gain backing, status, and most importantly, access to resources you couldn't dream of as a Loose Cultivator."
Then her voice softened with sincerity. "But from my personal perspective… I think you should wait."
He looked puzzled.
"I'm not trying to hold you back," she said gently, reading the confusion in his eyes. "I'm worried. The Li Family is extremely competitive. There are nearly a hundred Mid Grade Talisman Masters vying for resources and recognition."
She paused, then added with a faint smile, "When I joined them, there were very few herbalists in the clan. Only one, really, who caught my attention, and he was already old. As a young and somewhat gifted herbalist, I stood out easily. I was treated better than some mediocre young masters."
"When I reached High Grade, my status rose to that of an Elder, and even the Patriarch began treating me with genuine respect."
She turned her gaze back to Lan Rui. "But your case is different. You'd be entering an already saturated field. Without the credentials or power of a High Grade Talisman Master, you might not survive the political pressure. Even with my influence, I can't protect you from internal clan dynamics. It would be like slapping the Li Family in the face."
Lan Rui slowly nodded. After reflecting on her words, he said, "Alright. I'll follow your advice. I'll wait until I truly reach High Grade Talisman Master before considering their offer. How long do you think it'll take before they act?"
Wei Xin's expression grew solemn. "A week or two, most likely. But don't expect them to send anyone. The Li Family is proud, more so than even the Mu or Feng Family. They'll wait until you walk into their shop again. Only then will they approach you."
"They desire talent, but they're not desperate for it. With over a dozen High Grade Talisman Masters and now two Foundation Establishment cultivators, they're the strongest local power. They can afford to be picky."
Their conversation continued, delving deeper into the Li Family's inner workings, its notable figures, factional lines, and key players.
"Sister Wei," he asked suddenly, "who do you think will be chosen to consume the Foundation Establishment Pill?"
Wei Xin's gaze turned thoughtful. "There are several viable candidates. The First Young Master, the Eleventh Elder which the youngest among them and of course, the current Patriarch. There are others, but they pale in comparison."
Lan Rui tilted his head. "Wouldn't the Patriarch take it? Isn't he the strongest?"
Wei Xin shook her head slightly. "It's not just about strength. The current Patriarch has made great sacrifices for the clan. Years ago, when the Ancestor acquired a Foundation Establishment Pill from outside of the Cloud Market, it should have gone to him. But he chose to forgo it."
She took a breath before continuing. "At that time, the clan was unstable. If he went into seclusion to cultivate, the Li Family might've crumbled. So he gave the pill up, allowing the current First young master of that time to take it instead."
"That young master is now one of the clan's two Ancestors," she said quietly. "And he's loyal to the Patriarch, having received his blessing."
She looked at Lan Rui meaningfully. "So if the Patriarch wanted the new pill, no one would dare oppose him. But he's nearing sixty now and his window is closing. I'm not sure if he'll take it… or let the younger generation compete."
Lan Rui nodded slowly. The weight of power and sacrifice in a great clan was not something he had considered in detail before.
The Foundation Establishment Pill, it wasn't just a rare medicine. It was a sacred opportunity for those wishing to ascend in the Dao. Even the elite of the great sects would fight over it.
Pills, unlike ordinary products, are categorized by their quality into five distinct levels:Lesser, Low, Middle,High, and Perfect grade.
A Lesser Grade pill is essentially considered a failure. The impurity, often referred to as "poison dan" within such a pill is alarmingly high, rendering it almost useless and dangerous for consumption.
No cultivator in their right mind would willingly ingest a Lesser Grade pill unless absolutely desperate.
In the open market, most medicinal pills are sold starting from Low Grade up to High Grade. However, this applies mainly to common pills.
When it comes to rare and highly sought-after medicines such as the Foundation Establishment Pill, they are not found casually on the shelves. Instead, they are exclusively available through auctions, where competition is fierce.
Moreover, even at auctions, the Foundation Establishment Pills available typically do not exceed Low Grade in quality.
The few Middle Grade and High Grade versions that exist are reserved for internal use by powerful clans or sects, never making their way into public sales.
As for Perfect Grade pills... achieving that is almost a myth. Even a Third Rank Alchemist, refining a mere First Rank Pill, would have less than a one percent chance of producing a Perfect Grade result.
Such pills are regarded as priceless treasures and are often fought over even among the elites.
Despite its "Low Grade" classification, a Foundation Establishment Pill can still significantly aid a cultivator.
Consuming one grants approximately a 20 percent chance of successfully breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, a rate that in the eyes of countless cultivators, is nothing short of life-changing.
For the Patriarch to resist that temptation, to delay his own breakthrough for the sake of the clan…
He truly was a worthy of that position.
.....