Half a month later. Inside the fortress.0

Fuzhang listened as his subordinates reported last month’s revenue. Due to the recent chaos in Dahe Market, certain low-tier talismans that could be instantly activated had become highly popular among rogue cultivators. As a result, they had made a net profit of three thousand spirit stones last month.0

However, Fuzhang was not particularly satisfied with this number. The Fu Family had over fifty cultivators, five of whom were at the ninth stage of Qi-Refining like him. The overall cost of cultivation for such a group was undeniably immense.0

More importantly, at this rate, how long would it take for him to earn a Foundation Establishment pill? If he failed to establish his foundation, the Fu Family’s so-called status as a Foundation Establishment Family would be stripped away within a decade.0

"Fortunately, we secured a share of Poshan Gang’s demonic beast trade. This will significantly reduce the costs of talisman skins and ink."0

The tanned hides of demonic beasts made excellent talisman skins. Their blood, when mixed with certain minerals, could also be refined into high-quality talisman ink. With these two sources of income, they were better off than if they had received additional territory.0

Fuzhang closed the ledger, his previously sour mood easing slightly. "I heard our shop in the inner city is doing increasingly well, with dozens of customers visiting daily. It seems the rogue cultivators of Dahe Market have come to appreciate the Fu Family’s talisman craftsmanship!0

"Since that’s the case, we should—"0

Just as he was about to issue some instructions, his third brother, Fu Jue, who oversaw the inner city shop, walked in with a tense expression.0

"Third Brother, what’s wrong? You seem flustered. That’s not like your usual calm self," Fuzhang said with a sm...0