Chapter 310: Yunxiao Talisman Technique

Ye Zhanling hesitated briefly, then said with a wry smile, "I hope you won't laugh, Fellow Daoist Wang, but here's the situation. A low-grade second-tier Icewind Python has appeared in our Ye family's territory. This beast has harmed many mortals. I organized our clansmen to hunt it down, but unfortunately, that monstrous python is too powerful. Our Ye family suffered many casualties and still couldn't defeat that creature. I would like to ask for your help, Fellow Daoist Wang, to assist our Ye family in eradicating this monster. Our Ye family would be extremely grateful." She wouldn't have sought help from the Wang family if she hadn't been desperate.

Ningzhou has scarce beast resources, and second-tier beasts are particularly rare. The lair of that second-tier Icewind Python is near Baiyun Ridge. If this monster isn't eliminated, no one in the Ye family can sleep soundly, living in fear that the python might attack the Ye family one day.

"A low-grade second-tier Icewind Python? I'm sorry, Madam Ye, but we cannot help you with this. Please seek assistance elsewhere!"

Wang Changhao frowned and immediately refused. The Wang family had no particular relationship with the Ye family, and without any benefit, it was impossible for the Wang family to help them.

Ye Zhanling's delicate brows were tightly furrowed as she sincerely said, "Fellow Daoist Wang, please help us. Afterward, all materials from the second-tier beast will belong to your Wang family. In addition, our Ye family is willing to offer 500 spirit stones as compensation. If Fellow Daoist Wang is willing to help, and if there's ever a need for our Ye family's assistance in the future, we will certainly not decline."

If the Icewind Python were left unchecked and grew stronger, it would likely become a catastrophic disaster that the Ye family could not withstand.

Upon hearing this, Wang Changhao carefully weighed the potential gains and losses. He pondered for a while, then said, "How about this, Madam Ye? You should go back first and send someone to keep an eye on that second-tier Icewind Python. I will send someone to inform the clan. For matters like this, I must seek approval from within the clan."

Firstly, he didn't trust Ye Zhanling and wouldn't collaborate with her alone to kill the beast. Secondly, while he had hunted beasts during his Qi Condensation period, he had since been transferred back to the clan to cultivate in peace, not having engaged in combat for many years. He would be at a disadvantage if a real fight ensued. He needed to consult his family; if they were to help the Ye family, the clan would certainly send people.

Ye Zhanling wanted to say more, but seeing the serious expression on Wang Changhao's face, she could only agree with a smile.

After seeing Ye Zhanling off, Wang Changhao immediately summoned Wang Changguang and instructed him to send someone back to the family with a message. Soon, two Wang family members rode their Azure-Scaled Horses directly towards Wangjiabao.

Upon receiving Wang Changhao's letter, Wang Ruyan immediately convened the Foundation Establishment cultivators within the clan for a discussion.

"It's just a low-grade second-tier beast. I think we can help, but 500 spirit stones are too little. We need to demand more compensation. Offering only 500 spirit stones to hire our Wang family's Foundation Establishment cultivators is underestimating our Wang family too much," Wang Qingshan expressed his opinion.

"The materials from a second-tier beast can fetch quite a few spirit stones, so we can help with this. However, we shouldn't completely trust Ye Zhanling. We should send a few more people and also bring several second-tier puppet beasts to ensure everything goes smoothly," Wang Changyue suggested.

"Alright then! Qingshan and I will make the trip. Changyue and Qingqi will remain behind to guard the family. Bringing a few mid-grade second-tier puppet beasts should be fine." Wang Changyue and Wang Qingqi had no objections and agreed.

"You two keep a close watch on the family. Oh, and make sure to keep an eye on Qi Yunmin and his granddaughter. Don't let them escape, especially Qi Shanshan; the spirit fish raised by the family depend entirely on her."

"Don't worry, Sister-in-law! Qingqi and I will look after the family. You two go and return quickly."

After the discussion concluded, Wang Ruyan and Wang Qingshan departed from Wangjiabao.

***

Baiyun Ridge, Ye family.

In a quiet courtyard, Ye Zhanling sat in a stone pavilion, her brows tightly furrowed. Half a month had passed, and the Wang family still hadn't replied. For some reason, Ye Zhanling felt uneasy. To be honest, she wouldn't have sought help from the Wang family if she hadn't been truly desperate. Of course, she also hoped to use this opportunity to build a relationship with the Wang family; if they could become in-laws, that would be even better.

The Wang family had developed well over the years, occupying multiple second-tier spirit veins, and boasting numerous experts within their clan.

"Fifth Aunt, three Foundation Establishment cultivators with the surname Wang have arrived outside. They claim to be cultivators from the Qinglian Wang family." A middle-aged man walked in quickly and reported truthfully.

"Three Foundation Establishment cultivators?" Ye Zhanling's willow-like brows furrowed. This level of power could wipe out the Ye family. She pondered for a moment, then instructed, "Never mind. Whether it's a blessing or a curse, it cannot be avoided. Please invite them to the deliberation hall; I will be there shortly."

"Yes, Fifth Aunt."

Not long after, Ye Zhanling met Wang Ruyan and the other two in the deliberation hall. Besides the three of them, there were also ten Qi Condensation cultivators. Ye Zhanling was secretly astonished that the Wang family had sent three Foundation Establishment cultivators to eliminate a mere low-grade second-tier beast, indicating formidable strength.

"I am Wang Ruyan. My eighteenth brother told me that Fellow Daoist Ye wishes to enlist our Wang family's help in eliminating a low-grade second-tier beast."

Ye Zhanling nodded and sincerely replied, "That's right. I humbly ask for your assistance, Fellow Daoists. Our Ye family will be eternally grateful."

"The world bustles for profit, Fellow Daoist Ye. Let's be frank. 500 spirit stones are not enough for us to make a move. If you want our help, you must offer compensation that satisfies us." Wang Ruyan's tone was cold.

Ye Zhanling hesitated for a moment, then said, "500 spirit stones are indeed a bit low. How about 1,000 spirit stones? Our Ye family isn't wealthy, and 1,000 spirit stones are a significant sum for us. The materials from the second-tier beast can also be sold for many spirit stones."

Wang Ruyan shook her head and calmly stated, "We are not short on spirit stones. What we want are cultivation technique manuals. Your Ye family has been passed down for many years and must have collected many good things. Producing one or two cultivation techniques isn't too much to ask, is it? Please don't bring out common goods."

The Wang family had long since thoroughly investigated the details of various immortal cultivation families in Ningzhou. The Ye family only had one Foundation Establishment cultivator. While the Five Sects of Wei State didn't permit immortal cultivation families to wage war on each other, asking for some benefits was perfectly fine. Cultivation technique manuals could be copied, so this request wasn't excessive. For an immortal cultivation family to develop and grow, high-level cultivators were certainly important, but the inheritance of cultivation techniques was even more crucial.

"What? Cultivation technique manuals?" Ye Zhanling's expression turned very ugly. She hadn't expected the Wang family's appetite to be so large. If she refused Wang Ruyan's request and angered them, it was highly probable that they would eliminate the Ye family, perhaps simply by creating the illusion of a beast attack. Ye Zhanling felt utterly miserable and deeply regretted her decision.

"Cultivation technique manuals? Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoists. I'll go check the storeroom." Ye Zhanling reluctantly agreed, then stood up and left.

Less than half an hour later, she returned to the deliberation hall with a blue book in her hand. She handed the blue book to Wang Ruyan and said with a forced smile, "Fellow Daoist Wang, I searched through the entire storeroom, and this *Cloud Firmament Talisman Art* is the best manual our clan possesses. It's a talisman-making manual that records the methods for crafting various second-tier talismans."

The Ye family only had two mid-grade first-tier talisman masters, so they wouldn't feel bad about giving this *Cloud Firmament Talisman Art* to the Wang family, as they had already made a copy for themselves.