Chapter 10: Robbery (Part 1)

Luo Jie said with a smile, “Guo Shier, get us something to eat.” Guo Shier took out a talisman bottle and laughed, “This is freshly squeezed juice I made. Hehe, it’s really good.”
In Qin Guang City, Guo Shier had noticed that wild fruits grew in abundance there, so he collected some and used a four-talisman purification method to create high-quality juice. Talisman bottles were amazing—juice stored inside wouldn’t spoil, even developing a faint alcoholic taste over time, and they could hold a lot.
He took out three cups and poured three servings of fresh juice. Then he said, “Master, give me an ice cube.”
Luo Jie asked curiously, “What fresh juice? Here… this is an ice cube.” He casually formed an ice cube—non-offensive ice cubes were easy to create.
Guo Shier crushed the ice cube and put it in the cup, saying with a smile, “Done. It’s ready to drink.”
Eagle Demon was very curious. He had never seen juice before and said, “The color is nice. Hmm, let me try…” He took a sip, smacked his lips, then drank the rest in two gulps, saying, “One more cup. Damn… it’s so good.”
Luo Jie also took a sip and praised, “Not bad. Sour and sweet… really delicious.” His mind wasn’t on that, though. He continued, “Eagle Demon, who did you used to follow?”
Eagle Demon put down his cup and sighed deeply. “Elder, I used to be an outer disciple of the Northern Talisman Sect too.”
Luo Jie nodded. “I figured it out long ago. The talisman patterns on you are unique to our Northern Talisman Sect.”
Only then did Guo Shier understand why Luo Jie was so confident—Eagle Demon was indeed from the Northern Talisman Sect.
Eagle Demon said, “Sigh… the person I followed died in the Arctic Wasteland.”
Luo Jie asked, “Was he a talismanist or a spellcaster? How did he die?”
A hint of sadness appeared in Eagle Demon’s eyes. He said, “He was a great spellcaster, but he was too honest. We were ambushed by another squad… We found a very rare talisman tree, the famous Black Linglong Wood. Another squad wanted it too, so they pretended to be friends with us before launching a surprise attack at night. I happened to have diarrhea that day. By the time I returned, they had already fled, and all my companions… were killed.”
Luo Jie asked, “Were they fellow disciples?”
Eagle Demon replied, “Yes, all outer disciples.”
A fierce glint flashed in Luo Jie’s eyes. Eagle Demon shook his head. “Elder, that was over a hundred years ago. Besides, they’re all dead now.”

Luo Jie asked, “Did you kill them?”
Eagle Demon nodded and said, “Of course! Hehe, that’s why I’ve been wandering the grasslands for over a hundred years.”
Luo Jie was surprised and said, “So that’s why you came to the great grasslands. Kid, you’re quite good!”
Guo Shier interjected, “Uncle Eagle Demon, the people in the grasslands don’t speak highly of you.”
Eagle Demon laughed and said, “I’m a demon, after all. Hehe, in the grasslands, I hunt down those who attack their companions. As long as I encounter them, no matter who they are, I’ll kill them! Whether it’s an individual or a squad… My reputation will surely be bad, but I don’t care.”
Guo Shier knew he was provoked and nodded, “Those people do deserve to die.”
Eagle Demon laughed and said, “I’m used to it. Hehe, old man, I’m probably still on the North Talisman Gate’s wanted list.”
Luo Jie said, “I’ll cancel the warrant as soon as I get back!”
Eagle Demon looked surprised and asked, “Old man, do you believe what I say?”
Luo Jie smiled and said, “A quick check will confirm it. It’s nothing serious. Hmph, I’ve heard before that some scum turn on their own sect members. If I encounter such people, they too will die.”
Eagle Demon sighed, “The competition in the outer sects is too fierce. The inner sect is better.”
Guo Shier nodded and said, “There are also fights in the inner sect, but rarely any utterly heartless acts. Hehe, after all, the top experts are there. Anyone who wants to cause trouble has to think carefully first.”
Luo Jie said, “Eagle Demon, you’re already a Great Talisman Martial Artist. With your strength, you could actually choose someone to follow you. What are your thoughts?”
Eagle Demon was stunned. He looked at Luo Jie doubtfully and said with a wry smile, “Old man, are you joking? No master-level talisman artist would want to take me on. Hehe, if you’re willing…”
Luo Jie smiled slightly and glanced at Guo Shier. Eagle Demon wasn’t stupid; he immediately understood that Luo Jie wanted him to follow Guo Shier. After thinking for a while, Eagle Demon said, “If Shier is willing… I’m willing to follow. Alas, as I grow old, I just want a family. Shier is great; I really admire him. Moreover, he has the skills of a Great Talisman Sorcerer, which makes him worth following.”
Eagle Demon agreed readily. He was truly tired of living alone. After over a hundred years of suffering, he no longer wanted to continue such a life. Taking this opportunity to become a follower wasn’t bad either. Although Guo Shier was young, his strength was comparable to that of an adult.

Guo Shier’s heart was pounding wildly. He hadn’t expected the Eagle Demon to actually agree.
“Thank you, Uncle Eagle Demon, for your recognition. Although I’m not yet a Grand Spellcaster, heh, I believe it won’t be long before I reach that level!” he said with great confidence.
The Eagle Demon smiled and said, “I believe that. In my lifetime, I’ve never seen a child as extraordinary as you.”
Guo Shier was instantly speechless.
Luo Jie laughed heartily and said, “Shier, the Eagle Demon is a senior. Since he’s willing to follow you, don’t treat him poorly. Well, I’ll be responsible for his physical training. Once you become a Grand Spellcaster, you can take over.”
The Eagle Demon was overjoyed; his only worry had vanished.
Being followed by a Grand Spellmaster wasn’t something just anyone could accept. One needed both strength and wealth. A wandering Grand Spellmaster would most desire to follow a master-level figure, as they could help them advance further.
Luo Jie stood up and shouted, “Everyone, come here! There’s something I need to announce!”
Everyone stopped what they were doing and gathered around.
Huo Bao and the other three came to Guo Shier’s side. Huo Bao asked, “Shier, what does the old man want?” Guo Shier replied with a smile, “Baozi, just listen.”
Luo Jie said, “Brother Eagle Demon has agreed to follow Shier. Heh, this is good news.” Gasps of surprise arose, especially among the people brought by the Eagle Demon, who crowded around him, asking questions one after another. Most of these people were lone travelers or wandering Spellmasters, two of whom had just become Grand Spellmasters here.
The Eagle Demon said loudly, “Brothers, I, Eagle Demon, originally belonged to the Northern Spell Sect. Heh, I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation from Old Master Luo. I also want to settle down, so I’ve chosen to follow Shier… As you’ve all seen, Shier’s strength makes him worthy of my follow!”
Guo Shier said, “Uncles and elders…”
Everyone quieted down.
“…To have the honor of having Uncle Eagle Demon follow me is Shier’s luck, heh. Shier is still young and hopes to have an elder to care for and help him. Shier promises here that we’ll share joys and sorrows together. I will respect Uncle Eagle Demon as an elder! Uncle Eagle Demon, from now on, we’re family!”
Tears welled in the Eagle Demon’s eyes. He hadn’t expected Guo Shier to say such things. With a moved smile, he said, “Good! Now I, Eagle Demon, also have a family!”
Luo Jie wasn’t done yet and called out, “Luo Zhan, come here.”
Luo Zhan stepped forward and asked, “Old man, what’s your order?”

Luo Jie said, “You’ve also advanced to a Grand Talisman Warrior. Hehe, you’re from the Luo family and have never followed anyone before. Would you be willing to follow Guo Shier?”
Luo Zhan was a family Talisman Warrior of the Luo family and hadn’t followed anyone. In this world, the best path for a Talisman Warrior was to follow a Talisman Master or a Spellcaster; slightly less ideal was to follow a Sorcerer. As for family Talisman Warriors, their situation was usually awkward—they had countless tasks to complete and didn’t receive proper physical training. As for wandering Talisman Warriors, there was even less to say; even eating became a problem.
Luo Zhan was momentarily stunned, but he had been following and protecting Guo Shier for some time now. He felt a strong affection for the boy and admired his intelligence. He then smiled and said, “That would be great. Shier, do you want your uncle to follow you?”
Guo Shier was overjoyed. He exclaimed happily, “Of course! Uncle, please help me!” He was very familiar with Luo Zhan and also admired his calmness and composure.
Luo Zhan smiled and said, “Elder, I agree. Hehe, I get along well with Shier.”
Everyone looked at Guo Shier in disbelief. This kid was amazing—he dared to take on two Grand Talisman Warriors, which required great courage. Grand Talisman Warriors were not easy to support; the master had to take care of everything related to their food, clothing, shelter, travel, and even their physical training.
Luo Jie said, “This time, Xiao Feng and Luo Jing have also advanced. You two were trained by the family. Hehe, since you’ve advanced, I’ll give you a reward. Would you be willing to follow me?” The elder had many followers, but even more family Talisman Warriors. Xiao Feng and Luo Jing were family Talisman Warriors, not followers, and their status in the family was average. But if they followed Luo Jie, their status in the family would rise significantly.
The two were overjoyed and said, “Elder, we’re willing!”
Luo Jie nodded and said, “This is your luck, and it’s also my fortune. From now on, Da Shan will assign tasks to you.” Qi Nan Shan was Luo Jie’s chief Talisman Warrior, responsible for managing all matters related to him.
Luo Jie then said to the friends of the Eagle Demon, “I am Luo Jie, a Grand Spellcaster of the Inner Circle of the Northern Talisman Sect. Everyone should already be aware of me. On behalf of the Luo family, I invite my friends to join us. Hehe, it’s just an invitation; I won’t force anyone who doesn’t want to.” Making such an invitation was quite normal, especially when it came from a Grand Spellcaster—everyone would take it seriously.

The invitation from a family is not very attractive to the friends of the Eagle Demon. This is different from following an individual, as family affairs are numerous and competition is fierce. However, if one is a great Symbolic Martial Artist, joining a family would bring good rewards. A few Symbolic Martial Artists agreed but declined. Luo Jie did not press them, saying, “I hope that after you leave, you will keep this place’s secret and not speak of this altar. Once it’s revealed, hehe, you might not be able to enter next time… Everyone should understand this.”