My dreams can simulate the future.

Chapter 16 Seeking refuge with the Garrison Command

The Spirit Armor Forging Technique is a cultivation method that condenses blood and qi into a suit of armor, which is usually stored in the lower dantian. By constantly absorbing and releasing the power of blood and qi, the level of blood and qi power can be slowly increased.

It can also be integrated into the physical body, guiding qi and blood to nourish the body.

During combat, it can be summoned to envelop the physical body. Upon reaching mastery, it can completely withstand attacks from magical artifacts of the same rank.

Most importantly, this technique can be cultivated up to the Foundation Establishment stage, and can also cultivate a special blood armor foundation.

"For ordinary independent cultivators, this technique is not bad for foundation building. It's just a pity that my strength lies in my spiritual sense, not my physical body. Cultivating this technique to improve physical strength is fine, but making it my main focus is not very reliable."

After tidying up, Jiang Chen threw the corpse next to the stove and conjured a fireball in his hand.

With a flick of his finger, the fireball landed on the bull's corpse. In a matter of moments, the body was burned to ashes.

Although we escaped this time, the gang that's been eyeing Grandpa will never let this go.

This time they sent a Qi Refining Level 6 cultivator to kill me; next time they might send a Qi Refining Level 4 cultivator. With my own abilities, I'm simply not qualified to survive.

"We can't delay seeking refuge with the garrison command any longer. Given that gang's power, I have no chance of survival if I don't join them. Temporarily losing my freedom is better than losing my life."

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Meanwhile, the scholar hid in a dark alley near the Jiang family's courtyard, waiting for the bull for more than a quarter of an hour, but he never saw him come out.

Upon seeing that the defensive formation of the Jiang family courtyard had been restored, he was horrified: 'Damn it, the formation has been restored; the bull is most likely dead inside.'

He immediately took out the jade pendant, which was the size of an infant's palm, infused it with his divine sense and magical power, and sent the message out.

This item is a [Communication Jade Talisman]. It is usually made in pairs at the same time, allowing communication between the two within a hundred miles without the risk of being intercepted.

The crafting of this kind of communication jade talisman is extremely difficult, and it is very difficult for ordinary rogue cultivators to obtain it.

In addition, there is another type of communication jade talisman that independent cultivators can obtain. It contains information, a location is set, and the talisman flies there automatically to deliver the message.

These jade talismans are easily intercepted, so independent cultivators are not very willing to use them.

Before long, the scholar's jade token received another message.

After reading the message, he sighed inwardly, "Brother Man Niu, I'm truly sorry."

After saying that, he went alone to the southwest corner of the market.

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The next morning, Jiang Cheng was washing up in the courtyard when Hou Ming's head popped out from behind the courtyard wall.

He asked softly, "Brother Chen, there was quite a commotion in your yard last night, is everything alright?"

Jiang Chen waved his hand: "It was just a thief who broke in, but I've already dealt with him. Don't worry."

Hou Ming glanced at the broken window: "Then I'm relieved. If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know."

After saying that, he finally felt relieved and withdrew his head.

After washing up, Jiang Chen, who hadn't slept all night, hurriedly left the courtyard and headed towards the garrison headquarters.

The town's headquarters is located in the middle of the market, near the crossroads. The main gate is on the north side of East Street. It is a courtyard with three entrances and three exits.

When Jiang Chen arrived at the gate, he explained his purpose to the gatekeeper, and someone led him to a spacious house in the east courtyard.

Inside the room, a refined-looking middle-aged monk was seen handling official business at his desk.

This person possesses a powerful aura, indicating a cultivation level at least at the peak of Qi Refining.

Upon seeing Jiang Chen enter, he smiled and said, "Jiang Chen, right? Your grandfather has some reputation in the market."

I've known your grandfather for a long time. My name is Zhao Changzhou, and I'm the head of all arts and crafts at the Garrison Command.

"I am in charge of registering cultivators proficient in all arts of cultivation, as well as managing their applications to join the Garrison Command."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen dared not be negligent and immediately bowed in respect.

"Greetings, Steward. Some time ago, I was fortunate enough to create a mid-grade first-rank talisman, and I have come to the Garrison Command to register it."

Zhao Changzhou smiled and said, "To be able to draw a mid-grade first-rank talisman at such a young age, and to be so humble, is truly impressive."

According to the rules set by Garrison Commander Chen, you will be given ten chances. Successfully drawing a mid-grade first-rank talisman will be considered a success.

"You can use your own talisman brush, but the talisman paper and ink must be from my garrison."

Guided by a waiter, he arrived at a quiet room in the backyard, where talisman paper and ink had already been prepared.

Jiang Chen immediately took out his talisman brush and began to draw the Fire Rain Talisman, which he was most familiar with.

An hour passed, and three Fire Rain Talismans were drawn from ten talisman papers, one of which was a high-quality talisman.

After it was completed, the waiter brought three finished talismans to the main house.

Zhao Changzhou took the talisman and examined it carefully.

He then looked at Jiang Chen: "You've only recently broken through to the fourth level of Qi Refining, yet your talisman-making rate has already reached 30%, and you've even managed to draw a high-quality talisman. It's clear you have good talent and extremely solid fundamentals."

"Now the sect has established a new rule: rogue cultivators whose skills in alchemy, artifact crafting, talisman formations, etc., reach the mid-level of the first rank can join our Garrison Command..."

Zhao Changzhou carefully explained the benefits of joining the garrison command. Judging from his eager appearance, he should be able to gain quite a few advantages from having cultivators join him.

After he finished speaking, Jiang Chen immediately bowed and said, "This junior is willing to serve under the Garrison Command."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Changzhou stroked his long beard, his face beaming with smiles.

"Alright, from now on we're family. From now on, you'll be working in my Golden Cauldron Sect's businesses."

This year, the sect also introduced new rules: those who have worked in the sect's industries for ten years, whose skills in alchemy, artifact crafting, talisman formation, etc., have reached the high-level of the first rank, and are under sixty years old, can join the Golden Cauldron Sect and become outer disciples.

"With your talent, it won't take you more than a few years to become a high-level first-grade talisman master. As the steward of the garrison, I can recommend talent to the sect. At that time, I will recommend you to join the sect."

Zhao Changzhou was willing to extend goodwill, whether it was genuine or a ploy to win people over, and Jiang Chen accepted it willingly.

"Thank you for your guidance, Steward."

Zhao Changzhou smiled slightly, then took out a blank piece of animal skin paper, wrote and drew on it, and then handed it to the servant next to him.

"Jiang Chen made three talismans from ten talisman papers, which meets the standard set by the town garrison commander. From now on, he will be a certified talisman master in Black Stone Mountain Market. Take this to the file and make sure there are no mistakes."

The waiter bowed and left the main house with the document.

Zhao Changzhou took out a token and engraved Jiang Chen's name on the back.

"This is your token. I've already told you the rules. If you encounter danger in the future, you can use this token to call for help, and a patrol will come to your aid within a hundred breaths."

Jiang Chen took the token. He saw that the token was no different in shape from that of the patrol guard. The front was decorated with a golden tripod, and the back was written with a line of small characters: Jiang Chen, a talisman master under the command of the Black Stone Mountain Market Town Guard.

"Rest assured, sir, I will strictly abide by the rules of the garrison."

Then, Zhao Changzhou took out a piece of animal skin paper: "This is the house deed. You are now entitled to the treatment of a patrol guard. This is a superior residence issued to you. You can go and take it over at any time."

Jiang Chen accepted the house deed and bowed again, saying, "Thank you, Steward."

After acquiring his new identity, Jiang Chen did not linger at the garrison headquarters and soon took his leave.

Watching him leave, Zhao Changzhou smiled and said, "This kid has a good temperament. He just went through a life-or-death experience last night, and he still performed so well in the assessment today."

With such a mindset, one's talent in the art of talismans is also quite good. Even if one's cultivation talent is not good, there is still a chance to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm in the future.

"There are too many useless people in the patrol team. The rats have been running rampant for fifteen minutes, and no one has bothered to clean them up. If this isn't dealt with, our garrison will lose all face!"