Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 123 Times have changed
Inside the pavilion.

"Brother Lin, this is what my father asked me to bring: this year's rent for the spirit fields, as well as the materials for raising the Green Horned Ox."

Zhou Bingyun obediently took out the storage bag.

When Lin Chang'an saw these supplies, he raised an eyebrow. Prices were rising outside, but the supplies the Zhou family had given him hadn't increased in the past two years.

Furthermore, since Zhou Bingyun mentioned her father, not the Zhou family, Lin Chang'an naturally understood the meaning behind it and couldn't help but chuckle and nod.

"Please go back and thank Fellow Daoist Zhou for me."

"Brother Lin, don't worry. Although the prices of materials are rising outside, as long as our Zhou family doesn't lose money, we won't raise the price for you, Brother Lin."

After finishing her family business, Zhou Bingyun's face immediately lit up with a smile, her eyes already fixed on the Green Horned Ox that was constantly trying to curry favor with her from behind.

Lin Chang'an was speechless at the sight. Although the Green Horned Ox was shameless, it had managed to leech off quite a few resources over the years.

Of course, all of this is thanks to him.

Taking advantage of Lin Chang'an's good mood, Zhou Bingyun fed the Green Horned Ox two spiritual fruits and then humbly asked him about cultivation.

Lin Chang'an chuckled and offered his guidance, noting that the girl was intelligent and knew how to learn from the strengths of others.

Or rather, never miss any opportunity to become stronger.

Given her status, she naturally had no shortage of experience in this area, but every Foundation Establishment cultivator has their own unique insights.

“Miss Zhou, your cultivation has improved so much that you must be planning to establish your foundation in a few years.”

Zhou Bingyun had just broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refining, so naturally she couldn't escape the eyes of Lin Chang'an, a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

The usually optimistic Zhou Bingyun showed a rare hint of unease on her face when she heard about the preparations for Foundation Establishment, though she hid it very well.

"It's still a long way off. I've only just broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refining. I need to be at least at the peak of Qi Refining to have a chance. Besides, Foundation Establishment spiritual items are rare these days."

Although the Zhou family business is quite large, with so many people involved, the resources consumed are also enormous.

Hearing Zhou Bingyun's words, Lin Chang'an secretly shook his head.

He was well aware of the choices these powerful clans had made.

If given a choice, the family would naturally prefer to invest in male cultivators, since female cultivators are most prone to acting on emotions. Once they are trained, they might become entangled with outsiders.

Isn't this just letting someone else raise it?

“Miss Zhou is exceptionally talented. The Zhou family is reluctant to part with a first-grade high-level alchemist like you.”

Faced with Lin Chang'an's teasing, Zhou Bingyun smiled sweetly; she probably hoped so too.

As an alchemist, I have a preference for spirit beasts, but they are still of great use to my family.

"Thank you for your kind words, Brother Lin. I hope that I can become a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the future."

As Zhou Bingyun left, a genuine smile bloomed on her face, which made Lin Chang'an smile and nod in blessing.

Even after the figure had left, the green-horned ox continued to moo as it saw them off.

Lin Chang'an, however, sat alone in the pavilion, recalling the faint murderous aura emanating from Zhou Bingyun, and couldn't help but smile.

"It seems that this Zhou family head really loves his daughter dearly."

He was naturally aware of the internal competition within the family, especially the Foundation Establishment resources, which had always been of paramount importance.

What family disciples like Zhou Bingyun lack is the tempering of their character.

"This Zhou family head is truly a shrewd man."

Lin Chang'an smiled as he looked at the extra spirit stones in the storage bag. It was clear that this Zhou family head had openly or secretly asked him to prepare some foundation-building materials for his daughter.

If you don't use favors now, you never know when you'll need them.

The shrewdness of this Zhou family head lies in using Lin Chang'an to help prepare foundation-building materials, which is equivalent to bringing in an outside ally for Zhou Bingyun and also silencing others.

"The offspring of powerful families are truly enviable."

With Zhou Bingyun's talent and the resources provided by her clan, she has already reached the ninth level of Qi Refining at just over thirty years old.

It's likely that we'll be able to prepare for foundation building in another three to five years.

This made Lin Chang'an envious. It was too difficult for a completely poor rogue cultivator to get started, which caused him to waste a lot of time in the early stages.

By the time they've finally grown up and are able to secure a certain amount of cultivation resources, they're usually already around thirty or forty years old.

This also means that most of these independent cultivators, who have no one to rely on, are over forty or fifty years old when they manage to reach the late stage of Qi Refining.

Therefore, the age at which these independent cultivators attempt to establish their foundation is generally after fifty, and there are even quite a few who attempt it at sixty.

……

"Fairy Zhou".

As soon as Zhou Bingyun stepped out of the cave, she was spotted by Chen Wen, who had been waiting for her. He immediately came up to her with a fawning smile.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Chen."

Upon seeing the person who arrived, Zhou Bingyun gave a polite smile and nodded.

“Fairy Zhou, you must have just come out of Senior Lin’s cave. We can travel together since we’re going the same way.”

It must be said that the cultivation world has never lacked cultivators who want to take shortcuts.

Marrying the daughter of the Zhou family patriarch would save him from countless detours.

There would be immense benefits to a marriage alliance with the Zhou family.

Chen Wen knew this better than anyone else, which is why he had been more diligent in visiting people than anyone else in the past two years.

In particular, Zhou Bingyun is quite beautiful.

"I need to go back to my family to refine a batch of pills for my spirit pet, so I'll take my leave now."

With a polite smile, Zhou Bingyun bowed and took her leave.

Chen Wen, with a gentlemanly smile, politely saw Zhou Bingyun off.

After Zhou Bingyun disappeared, Chen Wen's eyes revealed a naked utilitarianism.

However, this scene was witnessed by Lin Chang'an, who was inside the pavilion within the array barrier.

“While I don’t object to this, it’s inappropriate for them to keep staring at my temple.”

Lin Chang'an's calm tone suggested that he did not object to cultivators taking shortcuts.

After all, those who manage to get things done have the skills to back it up.

But if it affects him, then that won't do.

Moreover, Chen Wen had done this time and time again, and he would never believe it if it weren't for the tacit approval of his neighbor, Chen Qing.

"In just a few years, everything has changed."

Looking back at Chen Qing in the past, with his firm will and indomitable spirit, he is now deeply involved in the development of his family and has lost all desire to strive.

She became a completely different person, meticulously planning for her descendants and her family.

This made Lin Chang'an sigh deeply. Time has passed, and many people have changed so much.

Looking back on those days, only he and Yun Yao remain steadfast in their dedication to cultivation.

If I hadn't awakened my talent and hadn't had the opportunity, perhaps I would have become a different person.

"However, Fellow Daoist Chen Qing, I hope you will take care of yourself."

At this moment, Lin Chang'an shook his head. Chen Qing, who had been staring at his cave dwelling time and time again, had not been staring at him, but had still aroused his dissatisfaction.

……

Meanwhile, inside Chen Qing's Taoist temple.

"grandfather."

When Chen Wen returned, he was filled with frustration. He had been doing this for two or three years, but Zhou Bingyun was still the same.

Zhou Bingyun's meaning was already quite clear, but some people insisted on it.

In just three short years, the once pale-faced scholar has become round-faced, and the tenacious spirit he once possessed has been replaced by a mercenary air.

"Wen'er, don't be discouraged."

Chen Qing's expression was not discouraged; instead, he encouraged her:
"This girl is the daughter of the Zhou family patriarch and has extraordinary talent, so it won't be easy for her."

The ninth level of Qi Refining, a first-grade high-level alchemist, a high-grade spiritual root, and a family background all made Chen Qing's heart flutter with excitement.

Even disregarding her status, she is of considerable value to the Chen family.

"Grandpa, is what we're doing really okay?"

Chen Feng, standing to the side, looked rather displeased. He could understand the behavior, but it was clear the other person looked down on him, and continuing like this wasn't appropriate. "What do you know!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing rarely showed a hint of anger, glared at Chen Feng, and began to scold him.

"These people from powerful clans never have to worry about resources from birth, but what about us? Your grandfather went through life and death several times to finally establish our foundation, only to be defeated by these disciples of powerful clans and sects with a single word!"

So scared they had to hide everywhere. Even if you've reached the Foundation Establishment stage, so what? My cultivation hasn't improved an inch in all these years. Do you think I, an old man, don't want to?"

As he said this, a deep sense of resentment appeared in Chen Qing's eyes.

Why should these disciples of powerful clans and sects have everything?

"Wen'er, you are the grandson that Grandpa values ​​most. You must not let Grandpa down."

"Grandpa, don't worry, Chen Wending will lead the family to rise again."

With a firm goal in mind, what is there to be ashamed of? As long as he can succeed, he can endure any amount of embarrassment.

It must be said that Chen Qing's transformation over the years has also influenced the next generation, who are now single-mindedly focused on leading the Chen family to rise again.

Just then, a sound transmission jade talisman flashed outside the formation.

"Grandpa, is this the communication jade talisman from Senior Lin next door?"

As Chen Qing waved his hand, the jade talisman entered through the array and slowly emitted Lin Chang'an's familiar voice.

However, upon hearing this voice, Chen Wen and Chen Feng's expressions changed.

The voice, which was usually familiar, sounded strange this time.

More importantly, although he said he was going into seclusion to cultivate and couldn't help with the purchase of talismans, everyone could hear the underlying meaning in his words.

"grandfather!"

Chen Qing nodded with a grim expression, then grabbed the communication jade talisman, which finally turned into dust in his palm.

"From now on, don't keep an eye on this Fellow Daoist Lin's cave dwelling."

He knew this was Lin Chang'an's warning and a clear line being drawn.

But does he regret it?

Thinking of this, Chen Qing looked at his two grandsons and gave a self-deprecating smile.

"This Fellow Daoist Lin is a mid-grade second-tier talisman master. Your grandfather is just a rogue cultivator. We are not from the same circle and I cannot reach such a high position. So you don't need to think too much about it."

"Cultivate diligently in the future. Once the Chen family rises to prominence, countless people will naturally look up to you."

Perhaps Chen Qing had considered this outcome from the very beginning.

But Lin Chang'an couldn't help him with anything, so he acquiesced to this idea.

"Yes, Grandpa."

Chen Wen and Chen Feng respectfully cupped their hands in greeting.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent cave, Lin Chang'an remained calm after having completed all of this.

The two sides are from two different worlds.

……

This trivial matter did not affect Lin Chang'an; on the contrary, he began to prepare for his secret trip to the Cloud Mist Mountains.

Although the jade token Su Miaoyin gave him previously granted him access to some high-level resources in Tianxuan City, it was limited to resources he could access through offerings.

More importantly, the number of second-order crystal cores he needed was unusually high, so he had no choice but to give up in order to avoid attracting attention.

A few days later, just as Lin Chang'an began to calmly prepare for his trip to the Cloud and Mist Mountains, Shen Fan and Wei Yingying came to visit.

"Greetings, Uncle Lin."

Seeing the two arrive with gifts, Lin Chang'an nodded with a smile.

"Yingying, you really are just like your Aunt Lu."

Lin Chang'an teased her, and Wei Yingying blushed slightly, but she still smiled freely.

"Uncle Lin, please don't make fun of me. This time when Brother Fan and I came back, we specially prepared spiritual wine and spiritual fruit for you. Brother Fan has said many good things about you along the way."

Shen Fan, standing to the side, felt his face burning from Wei Yingying's nonsense, wishing he could dig a hole in the ground and disappear into it.

However, Lin Chang'an found this scene amusing. He could just listen to this nonsense and leave it at that. She wasn't some great beauty, and Shen Fan wouldn't be interested in her.

"Uncle Lin, please have a taste."

Taking a small sip, the familiar taste made Lin Chang'an curious and ask:

"This is a unique spirit wine from Qingzhu Mountain. Did you go to Qingzhu Mountain?"

Upon hearing Lin Chang'an's words, Wei Yingying nodded with a proud smile and said:

"Uncle Lin is indeed a Foundation Establishment cultivator. He could tell right away. My father and Aunt Qing said that we still need more training, so Brother Fan and I joined the patrol team."

Then, Wei Yingying excitedly began to recount her experiences as a member of the Tianxuan City patrol team over the past six months.

Shen Fan, standing to the side, seemed unsure of what to do. After Wei Yingying gave him a look, Shen Fan awkwardly stepped forward to pour the wine.

Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head at the sight. This kid was lucky, but even luckier was that he had a good mother.

Lu Qingqing has always been intelligent and has a strong sense of the big picture.

They've probably had their eyes on this girl for a long time. Don't let Wei Yingying's cleverness fool you; experience counts.

“That’s right, cultivators can’t just work behind closed doors.”

"Uncle Lin, you have no idea how many tribulation cultivators we've encountered in the past six months. Many of them are truly despicable; they even harmed their own relatives and friends..."

As Wei Yingying chattered away, Lin Chang'an listened intently to the intelligence coming from outside.

From the moment the two entered, he sensed a chilling aura emanating from them, the aura of those who had truly weathered storms outside.

Parents everywhere have their own concerns and go to great lengths for their children.

Wei Yingying was also clever; she learned from Aunt Lu Qingqing that Lin Chang'an preferred to hear about various information from the outside world.

He then proceeded to describe the changes outside and the situation in Yue that he knew, while also interspersing his conversation with other matters.

"Brother Yifan has already broken through to the seventh level of Qi Refining, but unfortunately he has a very withdrawn personality. He can only smile when he sees Sister Bingyun. And Uncle Li has aged a lot..."

He said a lot, which made Lin Chang'an sigh with emotion.

Over the years, Li Erniu has been busy taking care of his children and holding an important position in the clan, and has long forgotten his original determination to become a ninth-level Qi Refining cultivator.

But it's good, I live a fulfilling and satisfying life.

Although Wei Buyi became a first-grade high-level alchemist, he had been secretly refining pills because of the bounty, and Yingying said that he was saving up for his dowry.

Over the years, Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing have poured all their resources into Shen Fan.

It can be said that everyone is living a fulfilling life, it's just that they are all getting old.

"They're already in their sixties, and to still be able to live comfortably is a blessing from heaven."

Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head, but Wei Yingying's account of the rumors and situations about robbing cultivators that she had heard from the patrol team made him frown secretly.

The number of people undergoing tribulation cultivation is gradually increasing, especially since many people may not have thought of becoming tribulation cultivators, but they cannot resist the temptation of suddenly discovering fellow practitioners.

I only played a temporary role, and there was no turning back.

"Cultivate diligently, especially you, girl. In the cultivation world, strength is everything. Don't let your cleverness turn into a joke."

"Uncle Lin, don't worry, I have been working hard to cultivate."

At this point, Wei Yingying proudly displayed her Qi Refining Level 4 cultivation.

Then Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head, pointing out some problems in their cultivation.

This girl is clever; she has never been impolite on her visits, and she always brings nice things with her.

Now, most of the spiritual plants inside and outside his cave were planted by this girl, who took a lot of Wei Buyi's spirit stone bag from them.

It was obvious that everything this girl did was for Shen Fan, which made Wei Buyi stare at Shen Fan every time he saw him.

Wei Yingying was overjoyed. Her purpose in coming here, besides bringing Shen Fan to get some pointers, was more about maintaining this personal relationship.

After all, the relationships of the older generation have little to do with their generation.

If you don't maintain the relationship properly, you'll just remain strangers you know.

Before leaving, Wei Yingying didn't forget to take care of all the spiritual plants in Lin Chang'an's cave, since she was a spiritual plant expert.

After everyone left, Lin Chang'an began preparing for his trip to the Cloud Mist Mountains, claiming to the outside world that he would be going into seclusion for a period of time.

(End of this chapter)