Chapter 6: Protection Fees

Hahaha! The cultivator with the surname Yan laughed heartily without any restraint, and then leisurely said, "What do we want? Can't you tell? Or do you think we came here just to chat with you?" This remark immediately provoked unrestrained laughter from several cultivators around, and the cultivator with the surname Yan sneered coldly before continuing, "To be honest, I find you very displeasing, extremely displeasing! Hmph! You are the first one to dare to ask me for compensation in the Symbol Refining Hall. Now, I give you two choices: first, die; second, like this bastard, from now on follow me and pay two spirit stones every month, and I will ensure your safety in the Symbol Refining Hall!"

After listening to Wu Yan's words, the cultivators with the surname Yan were already drenched in cold sweat. At this moment, everyone understood that the red bead was likely something Wu Yan intended to use to perish together with those pursuing him. Although the name "Earth Fire Thunder" sounded unfamiliar, even ancient monsters in the Transformation Stage would not dare to claim they understood all cultivation items in the cultivation world. Let alone these low-level cultivators still in the Qi Refining Stage. At this moment, the cultivator with the surname Yan had completely abandoned the thought of forcing Wu Yan to provide evidence or making things difficult for him. Watching Wu Yan, who was closest to him, playfully tossing the red bead up and down with a smile that was not quite a smile, his heart began to race in sync with the bead's motion. This was the first time he felt the footsteps of death so close to him. He exerted great effort to ensure that his voice did not betray any hint of fear as he said, "Uh... this... I certainly believe you. Oh, that’s what I mean. We won’t interfere in your matters with those people, but... you also shouldn’t involve us in this. That’s it, we’ll leave now."

"Brother Wu, I am truly sorry. If it weren't for me..." Wang Gu's voice came softly from the side, seemingly filled with guilt

Taking a deep breath, Wu Yan gradually calmed down from his initial panic. Regretting now was of no use, and as for fleeing, it was not even worth considering. With his pitiful attack power, he would likely become a corpse within a single round.

After confirming that no one would disturb him for the time being, Wu Yan immediately set up two restrictions at the entrance of the stone house. He then began preparing to create talismans. According to the introduction in the jade slip, the so-called talismans are merely seals that encapsulate unreleased spells using a spirit-sealing array, allowing them to be released anytime and anywhere as needed. Due to the loss of magical power during the sealing process, the power of a talisman is approximately eighty percent of the original spell's power. Nevertheless, the role of talismans in battle is still quite significant, as a cultivator can only continuously release a dozen spells at most. In contrast, with talismans, one can release a dozen or even dozens of them at once against an enemy, effectively attacking the enemy with multiple spells simultaneously. In this way, how could one not achieve victory?

At this point, Wu Yan deliberately paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over the slightly changed faces of the few people opposite him. He then sighed and said, "Originally, this Earth Fire Thunder was prepared for those in the Artifact Refining Hall. However, if you all wish to experience it first, that is also acceptable. I wonder if you are all ready for this?"

As he watched the figures of the cultivators with the surname Yan disappear, Wu Yan lowered his head to examine the red bead in his hand, and then smiled faintly. This so-called Earth Fire Thunder was merely a rather useless magical artifact he had crafted during his time in the Artifact Refining Hall. It possessed no offensive power; its only function was to ward off the cold and provide warmth. Sometimes, he also used it to resist the scorching flames during the refining process. However, he had not expected it to intimidate these people. Now, he no longer needed to pay the monthly protection fee of one spirit stone. Even if the cultivator with the surname Yan doubted the story he had fabricated, they would not dare to act recklessly, as they needed to ascertain whether the Earth Fire Thunder in their hands was real or fake. But to confirm this, they would have to risk a dangerous situation that could lead to mutual destruction, creating an inextricable deadlock.

After resting for a moment, he began the final step in creating the talisman, which involved using cinnabar and the blood of an ice attribute spirit beast as a medium to draw a water attribute sealing array on a blank talisman paper. He then activated it with his own magical power while simultaneously releasing the corresponding spell. If the sealing array could seal the released spell, then the talisman would be successfully created

It is precisely for this reason that in the realm of cultivation, both sects and families strictly control the matter of talisman crafting. After all, no one wishes for their enemies or potential adversaries to possess such means. Of course, this method is clearly futile, as anyone with sufficient capability will naturally seek ways to increase the number of talismans in their possession. Consequently, this leads to the situation where the prices of talismans remain high, with advanced cultivators unable to use them all, while low-level cultivators find it impossible to purchase them.

"Is this the same old routine? Are you collecting protection fees?" After hearing those two conditions, Wu Yan's expression remained unchanged, but he felt a sense of relief in his heart. What he lacked the most now was time. As long as he was given a buffer period to produce those two types of talismans, he would no longer be completely defenseless in situations like today. "Two spirit stones? Isn't that too much?" You must know that I just came from the Artifact Refining Hall, and I can hardly complete my monthly tasks. Moreover, even if I give you two spirit stones, you cannot guarantee my safety, as I have also offended a group of people in the Artifact Refining Hall. They might come looking for trouble at any moment. If you can protect me when they arrive, I am willing to offer three spirit stones."

However, Wu Yan's good mood did not last long. After returning to his stone house, he was surrounded by several people led by a stern-looking cultivator with the surname Yan. To his surprise, Wang Gu was also pitifully caught in the middle. Given the aggressive demeanor of the group, it was clear they had been waiting for a long time. However, since he had gone to the Starry Canyon, they had brought Wang Gu along as well. It seemed that this fellow must have suffered a lot; otherwise, he wouldn't have had such a bitter smile upon seeing Wu Yan.

What do you want?" Wu Yan said calmly, staring at the cultivator with the surname Yan.

"It’s nothing, you don’t need to blame yourself. I am currently in a position where I have more debts than worries. On the contrary, it’s you; try not to come looking for me in the future. My enemies do not require protection money. Alright, go back! In the future, keep your distance from those with the surname Yan." Wu Yan patted Wang Gu on the shoulder, offering a few words of comfort before sending him away. Although the so-called enemies of Wu Yan did not actually exist, he was unwilling to clarify this to Wang Gu. Instead, using this excuse to send him away was a good choice, as Wu Yan was still engaged in some activities that were not entirely above board.

Taking a deep breath, Wu Yan began to carefully memorize the drawing of the spirit-sealing array contained in the jade slip. Since the majority of spells in the cultivation world are related to the five elements, this spirit-sealing array is also divided into five types: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Of course, this is merely the most basic spirit-sealing array, capable of sealing only low to mid-level spells. However, despite being the most basic spirit-sealing array, it remains exceedingly complex. Wu Yan spent a full three days before he could memorize the first water attribute spirit-sealing array.

Upon hearing Wu Yan's suggestion, the monk surnamed Yan's expression shifted slightly, yet he did not express his stance. Just as everyone fell into silence, a green-faced monk suddenly spoke up: "No! Brother Yan, if we let this kid speak carelessly, we will lose a spirit stone. If this gets out, it will also tarnish your reputation, Brother! Moreover, how can we know if he is lying? At the very least, we should present sufficient evidence!"

"It cannot be said that there is any exploitation," Wu Yan's tone remained calm. "You are not a fool, and I am not someone who will sit idly by. If you do not agree with my suggestion, that is fine, as long as you promise that your people will no longer trouble me from now on, I can give you a spirit stone every month."

"Do you need evidence?" Wu Yan suddenly revealed a strange smile on his face, "To be honest, I have no evidence to prove that everything I say is true, but I do have something that I wonder if it counts as evidence?" After saying this, Wu Yan waved his hand and took out a red orb the size of an egg from his storage bag. Ignoring the puzzled expressions of the people across from him, he continued, "This is a ground fire thunder that I accidentally obtained a few years ago. Although its power is not as great as our sect's Qingyang Thunder, it should not be underestimated. I estimate that if it were to be detonated, no one within a radius of ten zhang would be able to escape." Ignoring the puzzled expressions of the people across from him, he continued, "This is a ground fire thunder that I accidentally obtained a few years ago. Although its power is not as great as our sect's Qingyang Thunder, it should not be underestimated. I estimate that if it were to be detonated, no one within a radius of ten zhang would be able to escape."

"Do you want to take advantage of us?" The slender-eyed monk with the surname Yan turned his eyes and then sneered coldly