Chapter 35: Master and Disciple
Chen Lin had been cautious in his actions after crossing over, almost to the point of being overly self-aware.
However, cultivators' methods were too powerful, and his thinking hadn't fully adapted, which was why he kept getting into trouble.
In response to Lu Li's aggressive tone, Ye Jingyun remained calm and composed.
"What talisman? What kind of talisman?"
She pretended not to know about the Soul-Restraining Talisman and raised her eyebrow with a puzzled expression. "A dignified Young Master Yu, actually looking for my disciple to refine a talisman? This is truly surprising. Could it be that even the great Lu Yuanshan talisman master of your family can't refine it?"
"And if even talisman master Lu Yuanshan can't refine it, how could my disciple possibly do so? Are you joking, Young Master Lu?"
Lu Li furrowed his brow.
This was indeed difficult to explain.
He couldn't say that refining the Soul-Restraining Talisman required splitting one's own soul, and he couldn't ask Lu Yuanshan, his uncle, for help.
Thinking for a moment, he bypassed Ye Jingyun and directly addressed Chen Lin, "Daoist Chen, I've come to ask for your help in refining a talisman, just like last time. You don't need to deny it. As long as you can help me refine it, I'll give you whatever you want. I, Lu Li, may be a bit arrogant, but I keep my promises. Last time, I gave you a reward of fifty mid-grade spirit stones, not a single one less!"
He switched from intimidation to temptation.
Chen Lin had to admit that Lu Li had indeed given him a generous reward of fifty mid-grade spirit stones last time, which was quite conscience-clearing.
Of course, Lu Li had also killed that old talisman master with a single sword strike, a classic example of "those who submit will prosper, those who resist will perish."
To be honest, Chen Lin was tempted.
Refining the Soul-Restraining Talisman wasn't a big deal for him, and now he had a backer, so he didn't need to worry about being killed.
If Lu Li offered a good enough deal, refining the talisman once wouldn't be a problem.
Unfortunately, he couldn't make his own decisions.
Compared to gaining benefits, Ye Jingyun and Yu Yuehai's opinions of him were more important.
"Everything depends on the Master's decision!"
Chen Lin bowed to Ye Jingyun, adopting an obedient disciple's demeanor.
Since Lu Li had established their relationship as master and disciple, he naturally had to play along.
Ye Jingyun glanced at Chen Lin and said expressionlessly. "As I know, Treasure Pavilion's Wang Yuanheng's Soul-Restraining Talisman refining method causes significant damage to one's divine soul. If Young Master Lu insists on you refining it, as your master, I can't just watch you suffer. Let's see what kind of irresistible benefits Young Master Lu can offer."
Lu Li's brow furrowed even deeper.
He had originally thought Chen Lin was just a nobody, but it turned out he had a connection with this woman.
Chen Lin nodded, opened the pouch, and looked inside. Then, he hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Please, Master and Daoist Lu, wait outside. Refining this talisman requires the use of the Soul-Splitting Secret Technique, and I'm not very familiar with it. I'm afraid that if I'm distracted, it will affect the talisman's effectiveness."
This request was reasonable.
Any cultivator refining talismans or practicing alchemy would be afraid of interruptions, and Lu Li didn't say a word as he walked out.
Ye Jingyun deeply looked at Chen Lin and said, "The Soul Nourishing Pill's nourishing effect on the divine soul is limited and cannot completely compensate for the damage caused by soul-splitting. You must be cautious."
Chen Lin showed a hint of gratitude. "Thank you, Master, for reminding me. I'll be careful."
Ye Jingyun didn't say anything else and walked out of the room.
Although they had walked out, they didn't go far and didn't close the door.
Chen Lin also didn't close the door, since Lu Li wanted to monitor him.
He just didn't want to use the Soul-Splitting Secret Technique, fearing that Lu Li would discover it. This distance was sufficient.
The scene of his innate ability forcefully creating a successful talisman was also very obscure and couldn't be sensed from a distance.
After preparing the talisman paper and talisman ink, Chen Lin began to draw.
However, just as he had drawn two talisman patterns, the talisman paper suddenly burst into a black light and turned to ashes.
Lu Li's mouth twitched involuntarily outside.
Ye Jingyun, however, remained expressionless. The Soul-Restraining Talisman wasn't something she needed, so it didn't matter whether it succeeded or not.
The second attempt began.
This time, it was much better, and the talisman patterns were drawn halfway before failing.
Then came the third, fourth, and fifth attempts.
As the failures continued, Lu Li finally couldn't bear it anymore and said, "Daoist Lu, you've tried so many times. Shouldn't you use the Soul-Splitting Secret Technique now? I only have these materials."
Although the distance was too far to sense whether Chen Lin was using the Soul-Splitting Secret Technique, it could be inferred from the speed of creation.
Using the secret technique wouldn't allow for such rapid refinement.
Moreover, Chen Lin hadn't used the Soul Nourishing Pill, and if he continued to split his soul like this, he would soon become a fool.
This materials weren't something he could waste, and it pained him to see them being squandered.
Chen Lin stood up, stretched his body, and then took out some talisman paper and arranged it. He nodded at Lu Li and then sat down, taking out the Soul Nourishing Pill and swallowing it in one gulp!