"Recently, many people have been showing signs of excessive sleepiness. Could it be that the Reverse Lifespan Talisman has started to absorb the lifespans of ordinary people?"
Lan Ting shook her head. "That's not the case. Lifespan is the essence of life; it can't be easily shaken. From what you've described, people have only started showing signs of sleepiness in the last few days. This is just the beginning. It will take at least half a month before it truly begins to absorb lifespans."
"The process of officially absorbing lifespans is very long and hard to notice."
"But there is a way to forcibly activate the Reverse Lifespan Talisman."
"What method?" Lu Yang asked eagerly.
Lan Ting said seriously, "Using the Reverse Lifespan Talisman as a focal point, you can set up a Reverse Lifespan Formation. By using human blood as a catalyst, you won't have to wait half a month; you can activate the formation and use the lifespans of ordinary people to enhance your own cultivation!"
In fact, the Reverse Lifespan Talisman and the Reverse Lifespan Formation are quite obscure pieces of knowledge. Only a few books mention them, and since the Reverse Lifespan Talisman is considered a wicked technique, the books that record it are banned. Even knowledgeable experts in formations might have only heard of the name but not recognize the symbol of the talisman.
Lan Ting, coming from the Moon Laurel Immortal Palace, has the qualifications to access these banned texts. She claims not to have deep knowledge of formations, but the information she has shown is far beyond what such a claim would suggest.
Lan Ting continued, "However, the person who wrote the Reverse Lifespan Talisman probably wouldn't set up the Reverse Lifespan Formation. Before the formation is activated, there won't even be signs of sleepiness; it's much more hidden. But it could also be that the formation is still being arranged and isn't complete yet."
Meng Jingzhou and Man Gu, who were listening nearby, also realized the problem. The entire Yanjiang County is experiencing signs of sleepiness, indicating that the Reverse Lifespan Talisman is hidden all over the county!
The hidden individuals have grand plans!
"Once the Reverse Lifespan Formation is activated, what level can the caster reach?"
Lan Ting shook her head. "It's hard to say. It depends on how much lifespan the formation can absorb; we can't tell yet."
"Let's go check the Big Stone Bridge; there might be something there!" Lu Yang called to the others.
On the west side of Yanjiang County, there is a large river called the Hidden Dragon River. The flow is gentle in this section, making it a popular spot for people to enjoy themselves. This is one of the main attractions of Yanjiang County, and the name "Yanjiang" comes from this river.
The "Big Stone Bridge" mentioned by Lu Zhi, who attempted a burglary, is located here.
At this time, it was deep night, and there was no one around the Hidden Dragon River. The four of them searched the Big Stone Bridge thoroughly but found no new Reverse Lifespan Talismans.
"Indeed, the other party isn't foolish; they wouldn't place two Reverse Lifespan Talismans in one spot."
The next morning, Captain Wei went to see Chief Fang Qingyun.
"Little Wei, what brings you here?"
"Master, have you noticed that the people of Yanjiang County have been going to bed early and having trouble waking up in the morning?"
Fang Qingyun nodded. "Yes, I've noticed. I think it might be due to the rising cost of living without an increase in income, putting pressure on people's lives. They work hard during the day to earn money."
Captain Wei rubbed his forehead in distress, carefully choosing his words. "Master, I know you want a promotion and have been reading social economics books to prepare for it, but have you considered that you might not be suited for development work?"
"Speak plainly; don't beat around the bush!"
"Well, last night, some concerned citizens caught a burglar. According to the thief, he accidentally got hold of a talisman that causes sleepiness, affecting anyone within a fifty-meter radius."
Captain Wei took out the talisman from a sealed box. The seal had a restraining effect, and he found that the sleep-inducing talisman had no effect on him but worked excellently on ordinary people; everyone on night duty with him had fallen asleep.
He had no choice but to lock the talisman back in the box.
"Do you recognize this thing?"
Fang Qingyun examined it for a moment and shook his head. "Governor Li is knowledgeable; he might know."
When the two found Governor Li, he was deeply focused on his official duties.
They admired Governor Li, who, as a Gold Core cultivator, had been in Yanjiang County for twenty years. The county hadn't changed at all, but whenever higher-ups visited or Governor Li reported to them, Yanjiang County always presented its best side, as if it had undergone a tremendous transformation over the past twenty years.
"Governor Li, I have something to report!" Fang Qingyun said.
Governor Li put down his brush and gestured for them to sit.
Captain Wei reported the events of the previous night and presented the talisman for Governor Li to see.
Governor Li narrowed his eyes, letting out a soft sound as if recalling something, and fell into deep thought. After a few minutes, he said, "If my memory serves me right, this is the Reverse Lifespan Talisman?"
"Thirty years ago, while I was in Poyang County working against demonic practices, a colleague introduced me to this kind of talisman, saying it was the Reverse Lifespan Talisman, which can absorb people's lifespans and convert them into cultivation. It is undoubtedly a demonic method."
Governor Li said solemnly, "With the Spring Festival approaching, many people from other counties will come to visit, including both ordinary folks and cultivators. The Spring Festival is the most prominent event in Yanjiang County; we can't afford any mistakes. You must capture the demonic practitioner who is posting these talismans before the festival starts!"
"These demonic practitioners are utterly lawless, showing no respect for the court!"
"Chief Fang, you must pay special attention to this matter. If the Reverse Lifespan Talisman gains traction, it will lead to endless troubles!"
Then Governor Li changed the subject, "Of course, if you catch the mastermind, it will be a significant achievement, and I will report it to the higher-ups. If possible, it would be best if you could break through in your cultivation; that would make your promotion a sure thing."
"Understood!"
"You're dismissed; I have a meeting to attend shortly."
The next day, Lu Yang and the others wanted to continue searching for the location of the Reverse Lifespan Talismans based on their clues. Just as they were about to leave, Master Chu sent someone to call Lu Yang over.
Lu Yang was puzzled as to why Master Chu only called for him. He felt a sense of caution, sensing something was off.
Master Chu sat in a jade chair, propping his head with his hand, wearing a mask. His voice was hoarse: "I heard you caught a thief last night and found a yellow talisman that induces sleep?"
Lu Yang respectfully replied, "Yes, I suspect the yellow talisman is a tool of our demonic faction. I want to find the person who wrote the talisman to eliminate them and learn how to create such talismans!"
Master Chu waved his hand. "While it's important to maintain good relations with the government, this time is different. The authorities will investigate this matter vigorously, and with Gold Core cultivators involved, it will soon come to light. You shouldn't get involved further to avoid exposing your identity and getting caught up in it."
"It's just a talisman that induces sleep; it's not worth the risk."
Lu Yang felt a shock. Master Chu knew about last night's events this morning, and he even knew that Gold Core cultivators would be involved—something Lu Yang himself was unaware of.
The Yanjiang faction has planted an undercover agent in the government!
(End of Chapter)