After Xu Hong'an explained the basic situation of the Tianshi world for quite some time, Lin Wan finally understood it.
"So, nearly all Tianshi have registered with the Tianshi Association and have Tianshi licenses?" Lin Wan frowned and asked.
“What will happen if I don’t apply for it? Will I be forced to do so?”
“Well…”
Xu Hong'an had never been asked such a bizarre question in all his years of cultivation. After pondering for a moment, he hesitantly replied.
“There isn’t a clear regulation stating that a Tianshi must obtain a Tianshi license. However, generally, once people can channel energy into their bodies, they willingly apply for it.”
Not just willingly; the younger generation often rushes to get it. Delaying obtaining a license is a loss for them.
However, seeing Lin Wan's nonchalant demeanor, Xu Hong'an felt embarrassed to elaborate further. He continued to explain,
“I suggest you apply. Once you join the association, you can use points to purchase talismans, techniques, and other valuable items from the association’s store. These are hard to come by elsewhere.”
In addition, based on the level of the Tianshi license, the association also provides monthly subsidies to each Tianshi, which include both money and points.
Noticing Lin Wan still frowning in thought, Xu Hong'an bit his lip, hesitated for a moment, and then cautiously revealed something that shocked Lin Wan.
“Moreover, in recent years, activities to eliminate feudal superstitions have been quite deep-rooted. In our line of work, if we take on commissions and make too much noise, it’s inevitable that we will be seen. If someone reports us to the police, it can be troublesome without a Tianshi license.”
At Lin Wan’s incredulous gaze, Xu Hong'an steeled himself and said,
“That’s right. Strictly speaking, the tasks you helped Boss Wang with were all conducted without a license. If the enforcers of the Tianshi Association find out, it will require an investigation.”
Seeing Lin Wan's wide eyes filled with disbelief, Xu Hong'an known for his strictness in the family, kindly reassured him,
“It’s okay. As long as you don’t say anything, and we don’t say anything, and Boss Wang doesn’t say anything, how would the enforcers know?”
“Besides, the enforcers only come to check to prevent swindlers from using the Tianshi title to deceive others and harm societal morals. The Tianshi Association is quite lenient towards those with real skills.”
“I see…”
Lin Wan furrowed his brow and thought for a while before suddenly looking up and asking Xu Hongan, “What’s the current strength of the Tianshi community?”
Xu Hong'an was momentarily stunned, and his tone became somewhat proud as he explained,
“Most of the Tianshi in the current community are at the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages. There are only about thirty people at the Golden Core stage in the open Tianshi community, and I’m one of them.”
“The Golden Core stage is your highest combat power?!”
Lin Wan was taken aback.
He knew that modern cultivators might not have it easy due to the depletion of spiritual energy, but he never expected the situation to be this dire!
Seeing Lin Wan’s shocked expression, Xu Hongan suddenly felt a twinge of shame.
He cleared his throat and hurriedly continued,
“Not at all! To my knowledge, that couple from the Luo family broke through to the Nascent Soul stage a few years ago. There should also be Nascent Soul experts in the Tianshi Association, but they’ve just never shown themselves.”
The Nascent Soul stage isn’t particularly glorious either…
Seeing Xu Hong'an’s stubborn expression as he worked to maintain the reputation of the cultivation community, Lin Wan didn’t want to continue deflating his spirits. Instead, he began to ponder the Tianshi
Association's matters.
If that’s the case, joining wouldn’t be a bad idea. If there wasn’t a strong fighter among them, even if he accidentally exposed something, he wouldn’t have to worry about personal safety…
After coming to this conclusion, Lin Wan made up his mind.
“How do I join the Tianshi Association?”
Xu Hong'an initially thought the matter was settled, but unexpectedly, Lin Wan agreed in the end.
Successfully bringing a powerful individual into the Tianshi Association would be a considerable reward for Xu Hong'an.
With this in mind, Xu Hong'an informed Lin Wan about the recruitment system of the Tianshi Association and happily said, “Master, should I help you with the process?”
Seeing Xu Hongan’s cheerful smile, Lin Wan recalled his previous contempt and arrogance and gently declined.
“No need. Just tell me how to join; I can apply myself.”
Hearing this, Xu Hong'an, who had been mentally planning how to spend the rewards, was suddenly taken aback.
He looked at Lin Wan’s indifferent face and, after a moment of dazedness, realized that his previous attitude had offended the young man.
Once he understood this, Xu Hong'an was filled with endless regret.
Why did he have to be so careless with his words?!
The flying rewards were secondary. With that young man’s displayed skills, he was at least of the Golden Core stage!
Having offended such a rare powerful individual, Xu Hongan regretted so much he wished he could go back and slap his previous self awake.
“Earlier, we didn’t recognize your greatness. You…”
Taking advantage of Lin Wan’s ignorance about the specific process, Xu Hong'an intended to make amends. However, he was interrupted by Wang Youqian.
“Xiao Wan, Uncle knows how to join. Just let me know when you want to go, and I’ll take you there!”
“Then I’ll trouble Uncle Wang.”
Xu Hong'an opened his mouth, watching as Lin Wan finalized everything during their conversation, but he couldn’t find the words to say.
After discussing everything with Lin Wan, Wang Youqian looked at the three people still squatting on their floor and spoke in a somewhat unfriendly tone.
“Do you guys have anything else? We’re about to eat.”
Faced with Wang Youqian's polite yet obvious hint to leave, the trio wanted to stay a little longer but found no suitable reason and had to leave the Wang family villa reluctantly.
—
Leaving the villa area, the trio stood there, exchanging glances, momentarily unsure of what to do next.
Just then, Xu Hong'an's phone suddenly rang.
"What? The formation on the food truck is malfunctioning?!"
Hearing this, Xu Shan and Xia Wenzhu exchanged worried glances.
After finishing the call with a frown, Xu Hong'an looked at the two younger ones, his tone tinged with undeniable disappointment and anxiety.
"The previous wealth gathering formation has encountered problems; we need to return quickly."
Upon hearing this, Xu Shan nodded solemnly.
In terms of studying and practicing formations, talent was of utmost importance.
In both families, only she and Xu Hong'an had a relatively high level of expertise in formations, while the others merely had a basic understanding. Faced with a suddenly malfunctioning formation, everyone felt at a loss.
"We won't gain anything by staying here any longer. Let's go back to Beijing!"
After a moment of contemplation, Xu Hong'an sighed.
Since it was impossible to ease the relationship with Lin Wan in the short term, it was best to concentrate on protecting what they already had.
Taking a deep look back at the direction of Lin Wan, Xu Hong'an led Xu Shan and the others toward the high-speed train station.
---
Just as Luo Zihan walked out of Lin'an West Station, she encountered a strange plea for help.
"Uh."
She reached down to support a little boy who had bumped into her leg, looking at the blood on his face with a frown. "Little brother, are you okay? Where are your parents?"
"Wah, sister, mommy, mommy was eaten!"
Clinging to Luo Zihan's leg, the little boy cried pitifully.
Tears streamed down his face, washing away the dirt, which he then smeared back on with his tiny, dirty hands, turning his little face into a mess.
Wiping away a trace of demonic energy that clung to the boy, Luo Zihan bent down to pick him up, her handsome face now serious.
"Come, tell me where you just ran from! I’ll help you get revenge for your mother!"
"Over there."
As if frightened, the little boy huddled in her arms, shivering, and then timidly pointed in a direction with his chubby little finger.
That way…
The subway station was located on the outskirts of the city, and the direction the boy pointed led even further away from the urban area into desolation.
Taking two seconds to assess her abilities and the possible level of demonic creatures that could appear, Luo Zihan adjusted the boy in her arms and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Don't be afraid; sister will take you to get revenge for your mommy!"
"Okay!"
Seeing this, the boy in her arms relaxed his anxious gaze and beamed a big smile at her.
Holding the little boy, Luo Zihan hurried toward that direction.
It was just a small eighteenth-tier city; with such a lack of spiritual energy, how could there be any formidable demonic creatures?
Having just advanced to the Golden Core stage, Luo Zihan suppressed her inner unease and ran toward the indicated spot.
Since fate had led her here, she might as well eliminate the evil!
Meanwhile, in a basement on the outskirts of the capital,
A mirror formed from black mist silently hovered in mid-air, displaying the scene of Luo Zihan on the other side.
To avoid detection, the man in black robes kept the perspective distant, showing only a vague black dot running.
"Yes, that's it, get a little closer, just a bit more, almost there, just one more step…"
A twisted smile appeared on his face, his tone filled with malice and impatience.
"Just go to my little treasure; once I eat you, my little treasure will definitely grow much bigger!"
"When my little darling devours all the flesh of Lin'an, and completely grows up, then let's see who will dare to speak against me! Who will defy me again!!"
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