I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

The information about the "exorcism talisman" that Liu Qingqing brought gave Lu Zhao a plan. He didn't rush to obtain it immediately, but instead followed Liu Qingqing's instructions to deal with the [damaged soul-summoning bell].

He found some strong liquor (a little bit shared by the bodyguards) and rooster blood (the camp didn't have any, but they happened to have hunted a wild pheasant a few days ago, so they used its blood as a substitute), soaked the Soul-Summoning Bell in it, and then used the [Refining Spirit Technique] to activate his spiritual power, carefully guiding that faint trace of pure yang energy to cleanse the bell.

The process lasted for half an hour. Lu Zhao could clearly sense that the remaining Yin energy within the bell was slowly dissipating like melting snow under the combined effect of the pure Yang object and his spiritual power. The attached coldness and filth gradually faded away. In the end, the strange patterns on the bell's surface seemed to dim a bit, turning it into a broken piece of iron, just made of a slightly different material.

[The broken summoning bell has been successfully purified! Potential negative effects have been eliminated.]

[Obtained: Fragment of Dark Iron x1 (material)]

[Refining Spirit Technique (Beginner) Experience +15.]

Having dealt with the hidden danger, Lu Zhao felt a sense of relief. This made him even more eager to learn about the "exorcism talisman" that Liu Qingqing had mentioned.

That afternoon, the escort team finished resting and prepared to continue their journey. Li Feng and Liu Qingqing sought out Master Zhao and Lu Zhao again.

"Mr. Zhao, Brother Lu, thank you for your hospitality and guidance," Li Feng said, clasping his hands in greeting. "Although this place is remote, it still retains some spiritual energy, making it a good place to recuperate. However, in these times, remoteness is not necessarily safe. You all need to be careful, especially wary of sorcerers who use evil spirits." As he spoke, he gave Lu Zhao a meaningful look, clearly having learned about the brief conversation from Liu Qingqing the previous night.

Master Zhao quickly expressed his gratitude. Lu Zhao nodded, "Chief Escort Li is right; we will be vigilant."

Liu Qingqing took over the conversation, took out a thin booklet carefully wrapped in oiled paper from her bosom, and handed it to Lu Zhao: "Brother Lu, this is the rudimentary 'Detailed Explanation of Basic Exorcism Talismans,' which records the three most basic talisman-drawing methods—'Cleansing Clothes Talisman,' 'Soothing Spirit Talisman,' and 'Exorcising Talisman (Fragment).' The required materials are mostly common items such as cinnabar, yellow paper, and animal blood containing yang energy or spirituality, which can be found in the mountains and fields. Drawing it requires concentration and calmness, infusing a trace of pure spiritual power or internal energy, which requires a high level of mental control. I think Brother Lu should be able to give it a try."

Lu Zhao solemnly accepted the item, finding it slightly heavy. He didn't immediately examine it, but instead cupped his hands again, saying, "Thank you for your generous gift, Master Liu! This item is indeed of great use to us. If there is anything Lu Zhao can do for us in the future, as long as it doesn't violate morality, I will do my utmost."

Liu Qingqing smiled and said, "Brother Lu, you flatter me. It's still several days' journey to Qingmu Town. If the journey goes smoothly, we'll rest in the town for half a month. If you'd like to see the outside world, you can come find me at the Changfeng Escort Agency in town. The agency often needs to hire skilled and daring helpers to escort short-distance goods or investigate some unconventional 'troubles.' The pay is quite generous, and it's also an opportunity to broaden your horizons."

Li Feng added, "Although Qingmu Town isn't a large city, it's backed by the 'Luoxia Mountain Range,' and is rich in medicinal herbs and furs. There are also low-level cultivators and martial artists coming and going, so its information network is quite good. If Brother Lu is interested in improving his martial arts or... other aspects, going there might be rewarding."

This is a clear invitation! Not only were talismans given, but the next steps and possible ways to make a living and improve oneself were also indicated.

Lu Zhao understood. This was both a way of repaying him for providing the information and an investment and recruitment. The other party had their eye on his potential (his ability to kill evil sorcerers) and the possible special characteristics of this valley (a slight presence of spiritual energy).

"Thank you for your guidance, Chief Escort Li and Escort Master Liu. Once things are settled here, Lu Zhao will definitely visit Qingmu Town." Lu Zhao gave an affirmative reply.

"Alright! Then we'll wait for you in Qingmu Town." Li Feng laughed heartily, said no more, and called for the bodyguards to set off.

The escort team quickly packed up and left the valley, following the path to the south pointed out by Lu Zhao, disappearing into the depths of the forest.

After seeing off the escort agency members, the valley returned to peace, but a new sense of anticipation and restlessness began to stir in Lu Zhao's heart. Holding the book "Detailed Explanation of Basic Exorcism Talismans," he couldn't wait to return to his hut.

Unfolding the booklet wrapped in oiled paper, one finds neatly copied illustrations and text in small regular script. Sure enough, it only records three basic talismans:

* Cleansing Talisman: Removes dirt and negative energy from clothing and objects.

* Calming Talisman: Wearing this talisman can calm the mind and spirit, and ward off minor mental disturbances or nightmares.

* Exorcising Talisman (Fragment): A consumable item. When activated, it can cause some damage to evil spirits, corpses, and other evil entities, but its power is limited and the success rate of drawing it is low.

The booklet begins by briefly outlining the basic principles of drawing talismans: calming the mind and concentrating the spirit, using the brush with a spiritual flow, and letting the Qi (spiritual power or internal energy) follow the talisman. There are also some requirements regarding materials, time, and environment, but they are not strict.

"This is exactly what I need!" Lu Zhao was overjoyed. Not only can it deal with evil spirits, but the process of drawing it is also an excellent training ground for mental strength and concentration! Moreover, although the "Exorcism Talisman" is incomplete, if he can successfully draw it, it will undoubtedly increase his means of dealing with ghost-like monsters.

He immediately tried to trace the diagrams and incantations in the booklet with his fingers in the air, while simultaneously activating the [Refining Spirit Technique], attaching a wisp of spiritual power to his mind.

At first, he felt nothing, but after trying it dozens of times and memorizing the diagrams and formulas, he could vaguely feel a very slight disturbance in the air where his fingertips touched.

[Having attempted to study "A Detailed Explanation of Basic Exorcism Talismans," I have gained a preliminary understanding of the art of talismans.]

[Mind control has slightly improved.]

[Specific materials must be used to create physical representations in order to gain proficiency and learn skills.]

As expected, simulation alone wasn't enough; hands-on practice was necessary. Materials… cinnabar and yellow paper were currently unavailable, but what about animal blood imbued with spiritual energy? Perhaps the blood of the wild beasts he hunted, those that had absorbed the faint spiritual energy of the valley, could be used? Could ordinary animal hides or tree bark replace yellow paper?

Lu Zhao embarked on a new endeavor. He shifted part of his exploration and hunting focus to finding potentially suitable alternative materials. The days flew by as he cultivated, experimented with talisman crafting, and built his camp.

A few days later, one evening, a young man who had gone out to investigate rushed back to the camp in a panic, bringing unsettling news: he had discovered fresh traces of human activity in a mountain hollow about ten miles southwest of the valley, as well as... ashes from burning talismans, and some scattered bone fragments engraved with strange symbols!

The marks are very fresh, no more than two days old!

Lu Zhao and Master Zhao exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes.

The sorcerer's "accomplices" may indeed exist. Moreover, they don't seem to have gone far away; they are still active in the vicinity.

The tranquility of the valley was once again shrouded in dark clouds. Lu Zhao knew that his time to leave "Wang Anju" for Qingmu Town to explore a wider world might have to be brought forward.