500,000!
That was an enormous sum of money!
Xi Mufu was stunned. The talisman paper she had drawn was worth that much?
But she had no intention of making money. She politely said, “Since it was recommended by the head of Shanqu Temple, I can give you two protective talismans. But I won’t charge you, because I’m not certain of their effectiveness.” She added, “After taking the talismans, it’s best to visit the head of Shanqu Temple and let him check on them as well.”
She suspected that the head of Shanqu Temple had sent Mr. Liu to her mainly to promote her talismans. In reality, the head could probably solve Mr. Liu’s problem himself.
Mr. Liu hadn’t expected her to offer the talismans for free, and he couldn’t help but feel deep respect. “Master Xi, you are truly noble!”
In his eyes, Xi Mufu was a highly respected master endorsed by the head of Shanqu Temple, famous even in Jingning Town. Her polite refusals were humility, and giving him the talismans for free was a magnanimous act.
Xi Mufu: “…”
Sometimes, one feels utterly helpless, and no one sees it.
Mr. Liu still insisted on giving money. “This is what I should do.”
He looked as if to say, “If Master Xi won’t take money, I won’t accept the talismans either.”
Xi Mufu replied, “…How about this: take the talismans first. If they work, then you can pay me.”
She had drawn many protective talismans but had never used one herself, so she truly didn’t know how effective they were.
“I really don’t understand mystical arts. Helping Wang Jie find her son was just a coincidence,” she repeatedly reminded him. “You must still visit the head of Shanqu Temple.”
She had been studying physiognomy with the two elders these days and noticed that Mr. Liu had a dark mark between his eyebrows, indicating trouble. But she had just begun learning, barely scratching the surface, and couldn’t assess the specifics. She feared that if Mr. Liu relied too much on her talismans and something went wrong, it would be bad.
Mr. Liu accepted the talismans solemnly. “I understand your caution. I will visit the head of Shanqu Temple again.”
Xi Mufu finally relaxed.
After Mr. Liu left, Wang Jie looked at Xi Mufu in confusion. “Xiao Fu, why are you so modest? You were the one who found my child!”
Xi Mufu: “…”
Of course, she couldn’t mention the props. She said gently, “I’ve been a bit busy recently, and don’t have time to help others. If anyone comes looking for me, please refuse on my behalf.”
Wang Jie realized that with the New Year approaching, it would indeed be busy. She immediately patted her chest and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll block them, and they can come see you after the Spring Festival!”
Xi Mufu: “…”
She hoped that by next spring, her physiognomy skills would improve.
Soon, Wang Jie also left. Xi Mufu immediately sent a message to the head of Shanqu Temple, explaining that Mr. Liu had come and expressing her concern.
The head of Shanqu Temple replied: “A week ago, he went to the cemetery to pay respects to a friend and was haunted by a restless spirit. His luck and health were affected. Only your talismans can help him.”
Xi Mufu was half in disbelief. Could her talismans really be that powerful—to counter a ghost?
“Is the head of Shanqu Temple lying to me?” she couldn’t help but complain to Ji Jiu.
Ji Jiu smiled. “He isn’t.”
Xi Mufu blinked.
Ji Jiu didn’t explain further. He only said, “I also know some physiognomy. Do you want to learn?” He paused and clarified, “The two elders will soon return to their sects for the New Year. While they’re gone, I can teach you.”
Xi Mufu: “I want to!”
As the director of the Special Administration Bureau—a figure respected even by the two elders—his mystical skills must be formidable. Being taught by him was a great honor.
Ji Jiu smiled and led the way into the courtyard.
Xi Mufu happily followed.
Qin Yi, left behind, scratched his head in puzzlement. If the Underworld Master truly wanted to teach, he could just infuse her with divine power directly. Why go through this roundabout way?
Then he thought, Xi Mufu didn’t know the Underworld Master’s true identity and was a mortal. Infusing divine power would be too shocking, so teaching her in person was indeed better.
The next day, Mr. Liu came again—but this time not alone. He brought several supermarket employees and a cart full of gifts to the incense shop’s doorstep.
“Master Xi, you’re amazing!” As soon as he saw Xi Mufu, he excitedly exclaimed, “After taking your talisman yesterday, I drove back to the city. On the way, I nearly got into another accident—but your talisman saved me!”
He briefly recounted what happened.
On his return trip yesterday, he received a call from a supplier about a delivery and rushed to a warehouse in the outskirts. Halfway there, he encountered a ‘ghostly maze.’ His heart pounded, fearing for his life—but soon, he felt the talisman in his pocket heat up. When he regained his senses, the car was back on the main road, and his body felt warm—no longer the chilling cold from before.
“Your talisman is incredible. I feel that the dirty energy attached to me is completely gone,” Mr. Liu said joyfully.
Afterward, he wanted to drive back to Jingning Town to thank Master Xi, but it had been late and he hadn’t prepared gifts. That night he packed a large pile of gifts and arrived first thing this morning.
“Did the talisman really work?” Xi Mufu asked, surprised. “Are you sure the dirty energy is gone?”
Mr. Liu said resolutely: “Yes!”
In his mind, Xi Mufu was a modest yet mysterious mystic. The talisman worked wonders, and Master Xi didn’t even flaunt it, giving it for free first. Not only skilled, but noble in character!
Xi Mufu: “…”
Mr. Liu had his employees bring the gifts inside the incense shop, then respectfully handed Xi Mufu a check. “You gave me two talismans yesterday. Here’s 1,000,000. You must accept it.”
In fact, only one talisman had been used—the other he planned to carry for protection.
Xi Mufu quickly stopped him. “No need for gifts. The talisman isn’t worth that much.”
Since the talisman was effective, she was willing to charge—but 500,000 was too much. She thought 100,000 per talisman was already generous.
Mr. Liu: “100,000? That’s too little! This talisman saved my life! Isn’t my life worth 1,000,000?!”
Xi Mufu: ?
Such reasoning existed?
Mr. Liu insisted on giving 1,000,000, emphasizing that his life was valuable.
Xi Mufu: “…”
In the end, she accepted the check, and Mr. Liu took the gifts back.
Watching him leave, she looked down at the check, still stunned.
“This… isn’t too much?” After a while, she turned to Ji Jiu. “I can’t handle this sudden wealth.”
Ji Jiu smiled faintly. “The value of a talisman is determined by the user. If he believes it’s worth it, then it is. Besides, your talisman really did save him. The spirit haunting him wasn’t particularly strong, but it had possessed him for a week, draining his luck. In a few days, he would have been in serious trouble. Your talisman saved him, and the merit imbued in it restored his vitality.”
Ordinary talismans wouldn’t have helped Mr. Liu. Only those infused with merit were effective.
Xi Mufu couldn’t help but smile.
It seemed her talismans really were quite useful.
Unbeknownst to her, Mr. Liu went to Wang Jie afterward, gave her gifts, and praised Xi Mufu’s talismans.
Wang Jie slapped her thigh: “I told you Xiao Fu is amazing!”
Thanks to Wang Jie’s promotion, Xi Mufu’s talisman papers gained fame in town.
After returning to the city, Mr. Liu also shared his near-death experience with friends. Soon, Xi Mufu’s talismans became known among wealthy circles in the city. Several business owners came to buy them. She set the price at 200,000 per talisman, and in just a few days, she earned over a million!