Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 113 The Secret Technique is Complete

"This Fellow Daoist Song, you really can't judge a book by its cover."

After the trade fair ended and Lin Chang'an returned to his cave, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion. This Fellow Daoist Song was quite an interesting person.

Others might find him talkative, but for him, every time is an opportunity to absorb knowledge and gain experience.

"I never expected that the flowers I planted with care would not bloom, while the willows I planted unintentionally would thrive."

[Tier 1 Array Master (Beginner 3/100)]

Looking at his data panel, Lin Chang'an smiled even more after seeing the addition of a new skill, and his impression of this Fellow Daoist Song improved even more.

What a good man.

While we can temporarily set aside in-depth study of formations, we must at least be familiar with them. Having more skills means having more ways to protect ourselves.

"However, now that I have this second-tier wood-attribute crystal core, it's time to cultivate this secret technique."

Inside the cave, Lin Chang'an took out the demon core he had obtained at the trade fair.

The emerald green demon core gleamed with a wood-attribute spiritual light, which moved Lin Chang'an deeply.

Before even reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, countless Qi Refining cultivators risked their lives to venture deep into the Cloud Mist Mountains, all for this one demon core.

However, within the Foundation Establishment cultivator circle, it has now become a commodity for trade.

"It's also because Tianxuan City is a gathering place for countless resources; otherwise, the Zhou family wouldn't have been able to obtain one so easily."

Back when it was Qingzhushan Market, the circle was only so big, and there were only so many cultivators, so resources were naturally limited.

The emergence of Tianxuan City, with its high-level spiritual veins, not only attracts cultivators but also has a natural attraction for the demonic beasts within the Cloud Mist Mountains.

The gathering of cultivators and demonic beasts brought with them endless resources.

This also led to the scarcity of second-tier demonic beasts in the past, requiring people to venture deep into the Cloud Mist Mountains. As a result, now, within a radius of a thousand miles from Tianxuan City, countless second-tier demonic beasts have been eliminated.

Even now, there are still frequent incidents of demonic beasts attacking cultivators.

Ultimately, whether they are cultivators or demonic beasts, they are all after resources.

"Tianxuan City is a huge treasure trove, and the cultivators who gather here bring countless resources and opportunities."

After a slight sigh, Lin Chang'an began to calm his mind and prepare to refine the demon core with the true fire of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, following the method described in this secret technique.

The Condensing Essence Technique

While Lin Chang'an was cultivating his secret techniques in his cave, Tianxuan City was also undergoing rapid changes.

Countless rogue cultivators arrived with their families. After the news of the first wave of rogue cultivators stabilizing, the surrounding neighboring countries could no longer remain idle, as other small families of rogue cultivators who had been observing the situation were also starting to move.

After all, only a minority dare to be the first to take the risk; following the trend is the norm.

The independent cultivators from the surrounding neighboring countries are being drawn to the city of independent cultivators at an astonishing rate.

Tianxuan City has officially become a holy land for independent cultivators in this region.

……

Two months later.

【Condensing Essence Technique +8 (Beginner 79/100)】

As the demon core was refined by the Foundation Establishment cultivator's true fire, it finally transformed into a relatively round bead, which Lin Chang'an slowly swallowed.

"The Condensing Essence Technique has finally been completed."

Lin Chang'an, inside the cave, slowly opened his eyes and revealed a satisfied smile.

At this moment, he could clearly feel that the magic power was constantly being filtered through the crystal core in his dantian.

"However, in terms of the purity of the magic, it doesn't help me much."

This secret technique, capable of purifying magical power, made Lin Chang'an shake his head and sigh at this moment.

"It's either that the crystal core is of too low grade, or that the magic power cultivated by this ancient technique is inherently extremely pure."

It seems that to further purify his magic power, at least a late-stage second-tier crystal core or a third-tier spiritual object would be needed.

"However, is the ability to cleanse impurities from magic power, or the cleansing power used in refining pills, really that powerful?"

With a questioning attitude, Lin Chang'an took out a bottle of refined first-grade high-quality pills and swallowed three without hesitation.

As the three pills entered his stomach, he did not begin to directly absorb their medicinal power, but instead used the crystal core to analyze the three pills.

The powerful medicinal properties of the pill began to transform. After passing through the crystal core, the transforming magical power was indeed purified, but it was still too little.

"This is!"

Suddenly, Lin Chang'an was startled. He could clearly see with his divine sense in his dantian that a trace of black impurity was slowly appearing inside the crystal core.

This scene was very similar to the Ice Soul Pearl he had seen before, which also contained this kind of black impurity.

"Impurities in elixirs are what cultivators often refer to as 'elixirs poison'."

This discovery filled Lin Chang'an with excitement. For cultivators like Yun Yao, they might cherish even more the effect of this secret technique on purifying mana and amplifying cultivation.

But for him, he was cultivating an ancient technique, and his magical power was already extremely pure.

But the ability to wash away impurities is the most crucial.

"In this way, if I take pills to improve my cultivation in the future, I won't have to worry about the poison in the pills."

Dan poison is something that countless cultivators fear and tremble at the mere mention of it.

Even he had his worries. Taking large amounts of pills to accelerate cultivation might lead to bitter consequences that he would have to pay for in the future.

Unexpectedly, this secret method is so effective in cleansing away erysipelas.

"This is truly an unexpected bonus."

Overjoyed, Lin Chang'an smiled with satisfaction. After all, how many people in the cultivation world would be like him, preparing to rely on a large number of pills for cultivation?

"However, there is a price to pay. For ordinary cultivators, a spiritual item can last a lifetime when practicing this secret technique, but for me, it has become a consumable."

When the crystal nucleus is nearly full of impurities, a new crystal nucleus is needed to replace it.

The more impurities in the crystal nucleus, the worse the effect will be.

Even if waste is used to refine Foundation Establishment Pills, it will be unusable due to the presence of too much toxicity.

Therefore, it can only be a consumable, but Lin Chang'an still nodded in satisfaction.

Compared to that, spending a few more spirit stones is nothing.

"Now everything is ready except for the final push. Next, I need to focus on cultivation and strive to raise my alchemy skills to the second level as soon as possible."

Lin Chang'an was full of enthusiasm for the future.

……

"Fellow Daoist Lin, I am here to pay you a visit. I apologize for disturbing you."

On this day, Chen Qing from the neighboring cave came to visit with a pot of spirit wine, all smiles on his face.

Lin Chang'an naturally greeted him with a smile.

The two of them admired the beautiful scenery inside the cave in the pavilion, and could also look down on the entire Tianxuan City from a high vantage point. It has to be said that the scenery here is beautiful.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, you're too kind."

The two chatted and laughed as they discussed their cultivation experiences and some interesting anecdotes from the cultivation world.

After a few rounds of drinks, Chen Qing reluctantly bought two more Tier 2 Golden Light Talismans from him for protection.

For ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators, their family wealth is really not that abundant.

After all, not every Foundation Establishment cultivator possesses a second-tier skill. It can be said that Chen Qing represents the majority of normal Foundation Establishment cultivators; they have only made a breakthrough in strength, while other aspects remain the same.

Many cultivators, before breaking through to the next level, dare to take risks and risk their lives, and often have unexpected gains.

However, once you reach the Foundation Establishment stage, as the ancestor of the entire clan, you will be powerless to do anything about it, and sometimes you will even be confined to the clan.

However, the tribesmen could not provide much resources, leaving them in a limbo.

Therefore, many ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators are truly strapped for cash.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, sometimes I really envy you."

After putting away the talisman, Chen Qing couldn't help but say enviously, unsure whether he envied Lin Chang'an for being unburdened or for his second-tier skill.

Lin Chang'an, however, smiled and waved his hand, saying:
"Sometimes I envy you, fellow Daoist. You enjoy being called the patriarch by everyone in the clan. It's truly something to be envied by others."

Returning home in glory and triumph is something ingrained in everyone's bones.

Although Lin Chang'an had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, no one was paying attention.

Chen Qing nodded with a proud smile at this point.

Yes, ever since he achieved his foundation, he has become the most admired person in the clan. Even in the ancestral hall, his memorial tablet will be placed at the top and he will enjoy the best incense offerings.

After exchanging a few words, Chen Qing hesitated for a moment, then smiled and tentatively asked:
"Fellow Daoist Lin, we are both rogue cultivators, so I won't hide anything. I'm visiting today to inquire whether you have any spare spirit fields?"

At this point, Chen Qing then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and explained:
“Fellow Daoist Lin, I didn’t mean anything by it. It’s just that the clan has a large population. Of course, if Fellow Daoist Lin has any idle spiritual fields, I will definitely not take advantage of the rent. Let’s keep things separate.”

Lin Chang'an was quite pleased with Chen Qing's composed demeanor. If he only had a hundred acres of ordinary spiritual fields, it wouldn't be impossible for him to lease them to this fellow Daoist Chen.

pity.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, I am truly sorry, but I had already leased this spirit field to the Zhou family."

Lin Chang'an looked apologetic, but Chen Qing, upon hearing this, was not discouraged. Instead, he smiled and waved his hand, saying:
"Fellow Daoist Lin, you're too kind. I was just asking a few questions."

Chen Qing felt nothing but secret regret. He was a step too late. He had heard that Fellow Daoist Lin had two or three friends, one of whom was the son-in-law of the Zhou family.

It must have been taken by this son-in-law first.

It's because he has the backing of the Zhou family; otherwise, how could a mere Qi Refining cultivator easily lease a hundred acres of spiritual fields?

Moreover, Chen Qing believed that Lin Chang'an was using this opportunity to curry favor with the Zhou family, which he could understand.

"It seems I'll have to inquire at other fellow Daoists' caves. Fellow Daoist Lin, you are a second-tier talisman master with extensive connections. If you have any information in this regard, I hope you will let me know."

"Fellow Daoist Chen is too kind. If there is any news about spirit fields, I will definitely inform you first."

The two then laughed heartily and raised their glasses for a drink.

Before reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, Chen Qing might have been a person of unwavering will, but after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, he struggled his entire life.

Having finally become a pillar of the clan, coupled with the various trivial matters within the clan, his ambition was gradually worn down and diluted.

This is the norm for most cultivators, not just for independent cultivators.

Lin Chang'an's confidence in continuing his arduous cultivation stemmed from his talent and the opportunity presented by the ancient cultivation techniques.

As Chen Qing left, Lin Chang'an sat alone in the pavilion, gazing at the scenery of Tianxuan City, when he heard the mooing of the Green Horned Ox behind him.

"Moo!"

The majestic blue-horned ox revealed a fawning expression, which made Lin Chang'an shake his head.

"You silly ox, you're so greedy."

After taking a spirit fruit from his storage bag and tossing it over, the Green Horned Ox immediately let out a satisfied moo and began to chew happily.

Lin Chang'an glanced at Chen Qing's lively dojo nearby and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.

"Among the rogue cultivators, Fellow Daoist Chen is already a dragon among men. He has worked hard all his life, and it is only natural that he would now plan for his descendants to enjoy life. It is just unknown how long this peace in Tianxuan City can last."

Lin Chang'an shook his head and then entered the cave to begin his daily routine of cultivation, alchemy, and talisman drawing.

This habit has lasted for decades; what others see as tedious and boring cultivation, he seems to have grown accustomed to.

He was especially pleased to see the clear improvements on his attribute panel.

Cultivation can really be addictive.

……

Chen Qingdong Mansion next door.

"Chieftain, have you managed to rent one?"

"Grandpa, how did it go? How much did this Senior Lin get for his hundred acres of spirit fields?"

As soon as Chen Qing returned, the clansmen who had been waiting in the cave for a long time all showed expressions of anticipation.

However, Chen Qing shook his head and waved his hand dismissively, saying:
"Fellow Daoist Lin has already leased the spirit field to a friend, but I have also told him that he will let me know if there is any news in this regard."

The clansmen looked somewhat disappointed when they heard that they hadn't been able to rent even a single acre.

An older man, of the same generation as Chen Qing, who was in the mid-stage of Qi Refining, nodded with emotion and said:

"The clan leader has worked hard for the clan. It would be best if we could rent it, but even if we can't, these hundred acres of spirit fields are enough for our Chen family to develop steadily."

"That's right, this is a hundred acres of spirit fields, something we never even dared to dream of before."

"That's right, with only such a small amount of tax to pay each year, Master Lu truly deserves to be called the number one rogue cultivator."

Most of the clansmen were quite satisfied, but Chen Wen, being a young man, was somewhat dissatisfied and grumbled:
“Grandpa, in my opinion, this Senior Lin is probably a second-tier talisman master and looks down on our ordinary Foundation Establishment family.”

"Be careful!"

Chen Qing glared at his grandson, stopping him from complaining. It was one thing for him to say such things, but if they were to go outside, wouldn't that cause trouble?

"Grandpa, I know I was wrong."

Faced with the warning look from his grandfather, who was also the only Foundation Establishment cultivator in the clan, Chen Wen immediately lowered his head and admitted his mistake.

However, Chen Wen was still filled with dissatisfaction and even muttered to himself:
"Isn't it just because they're second-tier rune masters that they look down on people? I don't believe they can even rent out a hundred acres of spirit fields."

Chen Qing looked at everyone and shook his head to explain.

"Don't make wild guesses. Be careful with your words and actions when you're out and about in the future. This Fellow Daoist Lin has a friend who is the son-in-law of the Zhou family, the Beast Tamer..."

After listening to Chen Qing's explanation, everyone suddenly understood.

"I see."

"The Zhou family, the Beast Tamers, was once a very famous and powerful family in the Green Bamboo Mountain Market."

However, Chen Wen felt even more resentful after hearing everyone's sentiments.

"This is clearly an attempt to curry favor with the Zhou family; this person obviously looks down on my Chen family."

Thinking of this, Chen Wen made a firm resolution. He vowed that one day, after becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he would lead the Chen family to rise and become a family no less powerful than the Zhou family of Beast Taming.

He'll see if this person will act the same way again then.

"Brother, now that the clan has a hundred acres of spirit fields, let's focus on our cultivation."

Chen Feng, an honest and straightforward man, was full of enthusiasm and excitedly talked to his older brother.

"Yes, our Chen family has Wen and Feng. If they cultivate diligently, they might become the second Foundation Establishment cultivator after the clan leader."

“That’s right. With the clan leader here, there’s a chance.”

Seeing his clansmen full of energy, Chen Qing smiled with satisfaction.

The Chen family rose to prominence under his leadership.

(End of this chapter)