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

The day after Lu Zhao returned to Qingmu Town, a notice from the town garrison was posted in the most conspicuous place in the market.

"Notice: Today, the righteous hero Lu Zhao bravely ventured into the Dragon Pool, slaying the evil spirits entrenched in the mountains behind Li Family Village, rescuing the young boys and girls from their plight, and saving the entire village from disaster. Such a chivalrous act is truly a blessing for our Qingmu Town. The Town Government, deeply grateful for his kindness, hereby awards him fifty taels of silver and bestows upon him a 'Qingmu Token' to commemorate his merit. We hope that all the people of the town will emulate this model, watch out for each other, and jointly resist evil!"

Below the notice was a bright red seal of the town's garrison. In an instant, Lu Zhao's name, along with his deeds of "single-handedly slaying demons and eliminating evil for the people," spread like wildfire throughout the streets and alleys of Qingmu Town.

"Have you heard? It was a young man, only sixteen or seventeen years old, who single-handedly killed that child-eating monster!"

"Wow, this is incredible! Even the Imperial Advisor Wang personally delivered the Green Wood Token! This is truly remarkable!"

"That's right! I heard that even Chief Escort Li from Changfeng Escort Agency treats him with utmost respect!"

"Tsk tsk, now you're quite famous..."

In teahouses, taverns, and on every street corner, crowds were buzzing with discussion. Some were amazed, some envious, some in awe, and of course, there were also skeptical and jealous glances. But regardless, overnight, the name Lu Zhao transformed from an unknown outsider into a renowned, somewhat mysterious figure in Qingmu Town.

The dilapidated street where "Wang An Ju" was located suddenly became lively. People came in droves to chat, make friends, and inquire about news. Even some local bigwigs on South Street secretly passed on the message, indicating that if "Wang An Ju" had any problems in the future, they could just ask, and they would not dare to make things difficult for them.

Master Zhao, beaming with pride, stood ramrod straight. He already held Lu Zhao in high regard, and now regarded him as his pillar of support. With fifty taels of silver, plus the money he had saved, Lu Zhao gave thirty taels to Master Zhao to improve the living conditions of the refugees, buy winter clothes and food, and hire one or two instructors who knew martial arts to teach them some basic skills. They didn't need to become masters, but at least they could guard the house and keep them healthy.

With the remaining twenty taels, plus the proceeds from selling materials, Lu Zhao had a substantial sum of nearly thirty taels of silver. In this chaotic world, this was enough to support a small family for several years.

But he knew that this amount of money was still a drop in the ocean when it came to truly embarking on the path of cultivation.

He didn't immediately go to purchase expensive cinnabar talisman paper, nor did he rush to Qingyun Temple or Baibao Pavilion. Instead, he first went to Liu's General Store, where he spent ten taels of silver to buy a batch of high-quality cinnabar, talisman paper, and talisman brushes, and also replenished his supplies with enough realgar powder, antidote pills, and wound medicine. Then, he went to the blacksmith shop in the west of town and used the remaining money to order a fine iron short knife and a hardwood short crossbow. A woodcutter's knife is ultimately just a tool; it's fine for dealing with ordinary people or wild beasts, but it's inadequate against demons with even a little bit of magical power. The fine iron short knife is sharper and can withstand greater force and true energy (although he doesn't have any); the hardwood short crossbow doesn't have a long range, but its advantage lies in its surprise attack, which can be used for mid-range control and might be surprisingly effective against some swift-moving enemies.

"It will take three days to forge it to a satisfactory finish," Old Chen the blacksmith assured him, patting his chest. Lu Zhao left five taels of silver as a deposit.

He only had ten taels of silver left. After thinking for a moment, Lu Zhao took the "Green Wood Token" and headed towards the Qingyun Temple in the northeast corner of the town.

This time, he visited openly and honestly.

Qingyun Temple was small and its entrance was simple, with only a young Taoist boy sweeping. Upon seeing Lu Zhao, the boy looked up, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. Lu Zhao handed over the Green Wood Token, explained his purpose, and said he wished to pay his respects to Abbot Qingxu.

The young Taoist boy went in to report, and soon came out saying, "The abbot is in the quiet room. Please follow me, benefactor."

Qingyun Temple was very quiet, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle outside. Passing through a small courtyard, one arrives at a quiet room. Pushing open the door, one sees an old Taoist priest, dressed in a blue robe, with white hair and a youthful face, and clear eyes, sitting cross-legged on a futon. A cup of tea sits in front of him, and the priest is smiling at him.

"This humble Taoist priest, Qingxu, greets young friend Lu." The old Taoist's voice was gentle, carrying a calming power. A line of small characters floated above his head:

[Master Qingxu, Abbot of Qingyun Temple, Level: ??? (Qi Refining Level 3)]

As expected of a cultivator! Moreover, their level was so high that Lu Zhao couldn't detect the exact value, but their realm was displayed—Qi Refinement Level 3! This was the first time Lu Zhao had directly seen the realm of a "legitimate" cultivator in this world.

"Junior Lu Zhao greets Daoist Qingxu." Lu Zhao dared not be negligent and bowed respectfully. He could sense that this Daoist had no sinister aura whatsoever, but rather a righteous, peaceful, and approachable presence.

"Young friend, there's no need for such formalities. I've already heard about the matter of Li Family Village. Young friend, you are young and promising, with a chivalrous heart, which is truly rare. Please sit down." Master Qingxu pointed to the prayer mat beside him.

Lu Zhao sat down as instructed and got straight to the point: "Master, you flatter me. I have come here for two reasons. First, to express my gratitude for the 'Purifying Heart Talisman' and 'Exorcising Evil Talisman' you previously crafted, which have been very helpful in slaying demons and evil spirits. Second, I would like to ask you for some guidance."

"Oh?" Master Qingxu stroked his long beard, his gaze sweeping over Lu Zhao, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. Although his cultivation was not high, his eyesight was excellent, and he could see that the young man before him possessed a vitality far exceeding that of ordinary people, as well as a refined and pure inner spiritual power, making him no ordinary martial artist. This did indeed match the rumor of "talismans dispelling evil."

"Please speak freely, young friend. I will not hold back what I can do to help."

"May I ask, Master, what is the origin of the evil spirits behind Li Family Village? What kind of evil magic do they use, employing snake molts as a conduit to devour children's souls? And where does their origin lie?" Lu Zhao asked. He wanted to confirm the accuracy of the information he had deciphered from the tattered pages, and even more so, he wanted to understand whether a larger conspiracy was hidden behind it.

Upon hearing this, Master Qingxu's expression grew solemn, and he sighed softly, "What you've encountered, young friend, is likely a heretical and evil technique like 'Snake Shedding for Rebirth.' This method requires finding a strange creature containing the bloodline of a demonic snake, taking its shed skin, refining it with evil methods, and then devouring the souls of living beings, especially the pure soul power of young boys and girls, to nourish and fuse with oneself, attempting to shed one's mortal form and transform into a half-demon. This method is extremely insidious and harmful to the natural order, and has long been despised by the orthodox cultivation world. As for its origin... to my knowledge, I have not heard of any such evil cultivators in this area. Perhaps they have wandered here, or committed crimes elsewhere and are hiding here. However..."

He paused, then looked at Lu Zhao: "This matter is somewhat strange. The snake demon's soul is not easily obtained. And the lineage for refining such evil techniques rarely leaks out. Although killing this person is a meritorious deed, you should also be careful whether he has a sect or accomplices behind him. These kinds of evil cultivators are mostly vengeful and use insidious methods."

Lu Zhao felt a chill run down his spine and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Daoist Master. I will take it to heart. I have another question. May I ask you, Daoist Master, are there any places in town that can repair magical artifacts, or appraise and process...some special materials?"

He mentioned it subtly, without directly taking out the [Evil Cultivator Soul Core] and the [Black Snake Sheath].

Master Qingxu's eyes flickered slightly as he pondered, "Young friend, is what you obtained related to that evil cultivator? These kinds of items are tainted with yin and evil energy, and ordinary craftsmen should never touch them. If they're not careful, they might suffer the harm of evil energy entering their bodies. If it's ordinary material, Liu's shop in town might be able to handle it. But if it's a magical artifact or an evil object, I suggest you go to the 'Hundred Treasures Pavilion.' Its manager, surnamed Wang, used to be an apprentice at the 'Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion' in the county town. He has a keen eye and is quite knowledgeable in the art of weapon crafting and talismans, so he might be able to help. However, he has an eccentric temperament, charges exorbitant fees, and only serves those with a predestined connection or those who possess a token. If you have a Green Wood Token, young friend, you might be able to give it a try."

"Manager Wang of Baibaoge... Thank you for your guidance, Daoist." Lu Zhao noted down this information. He had been to Baibaoge once before and only thought that the goods were exquisite but expensive. He did not expect that the manager was such a person.

"Young friend," Master Qingxu said earnestly, turning to Lu Zhao, "I see that you are so young yet possess such cultivation, and what is even more commendable is your resolute character and fearlessness in the face of evil spirits. However, the path of cultivation is long and arduous, and one must not be impatient for quick results or stray from the right path. Although the methods of evil cultivation may have the ability to achieve quick results, their foundation is weak, they are against the harmony of heaven and earth, and are ultimately not the righteous path, and they harbor endless hidden dangers. I see that you seem to have a talent for talismans. If you are interested, you may come to the temple more often. Although I am not very talented, I have some knowledge of the way of talismans, and perhaps we can discuss and exchange ideas."

This is an olive branch—an offer of guidance, or even a chance to become a disciple! Lu Zhao's heart stirred. This Qingxu Daoist's aura was upright, and he was also the abbot of Qingyun Temple. If he could receive guidance from him, it would greatly benefit his understanding of orthodox cultivation, the way of talismans, and even his integration into the cultivation circle of Qingmu Town.

"I will remember your teachings, Daoist Master. If you do not mind, I will visit you often in the future to listen to your teachings," Lu Zhao replied respectfully. He did not immediately formally become a disciple, but he expressed his desire to be close to you. He knew too little about the orthodox cultivation world and dared not easily join any sect or school, but it would always be good to establish a good connection.

Master Qingxu smiled slightly, said no more, picked up his teacup, and clearly indicated that he wanted to see his guest out.

Lu Zhao tactfully rose to take his leave. As he left Qingyun Temple, he had already made up his mind. Next, he would visit Manager Wang of the "Hundred Treasures Pavilion." Whether it was repairing the [Damaged Yin Soul Bone Shield], dealing with the dangerous but valuable [Evil Cultivator Soul Core], or inquiring more about the "Snake Shedding and Rebirth" evil technique, the Black Fiend Master, and other potentially dangerous information, Manager Wang might be a key figure.

He also needed to prepare for his next move. Should he continue taking on bounty missions near Qingmu Town to accumulate resources and experience, or should he try to travel to a larger city, explore a wider world, and acquire more advanced cultivation methods? Master Qingxu's reminder also made him wary of potential avengers.

Strength remains the top priority.