Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 129 Three Years
The sun and the moon are like shuttles.

Many things happened in Tianxuan City during this period. Master Lu has been in seclusion for three years. Rumors circulate that Master Lu's lifespan is nearing its end, and he is already in his twilight years.

But none of this diminishes the prosperity of Tianxuan City. After all, within the seven surrounding countries, no independent cultivator can find a place with a richer spiritual energy.

Therefore, Tianxuan City continues to attract countless independent cultivators, some of whom establish their foundations, while others disappear into the Cloud and Mist Mountains.

Only the mountains, rivers, wind, and moon remain unchanged.

【Lifespan: 69/218】

[Realm: Early Foundation Establishment Stage (94/100)]

Inside the cave, looking at his cultivation progress over the past three years, Lin Chang'an frowned slightly, then shook his head and sighed.

"The path of cultivation is indeed getting more and more difficult as you go further."

After the Foundation Establishment stage, every minor advancement in realm represents a qualitative change.

Over the past three years, he has made rapid progress in his cultivation through the use of elixirs and dual cultivation with Yun Yao. He gained 11 points in the first year, which made him very happy.

In the second year, he only gained 8 experience points, which made him realize that it wasn't that his cultivation speed was slow, but that it was becoming increasingly difficult to advance through the smaller realms.

In the third year, it only increased by 7 points. Recently, he has even noticed that this feeling is similar to when he was preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

"The last few points of experience I gained when I broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage were like a snail's pace, but they were a process of qualitative change, and it is the same now."

However, looking at his lifespan, Lin Chang'an felt somewhat gratified.

"I'm only 69 years old at the very least. Even if this minor realm advancement is a bit slow, I should be able to break through in two or three years at most. According to my cultivation speed, it's not considered slow among rogue cultivators."

He was already very content. He had reached the threshold of the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment before the age of 70, while he had only been in Foundation Establishment for a few years.

It's only been fifteen years.

"A Foundation Establishment stage cultivation level of over seventy years old is not slow."

Moreover, there are still twenty or thirty years before the secret realm reaches its weakest point, so he has plenty of time.

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an nodded to himself, knowing that there was another reason.

That means the quality of the pills he's refining is starting to fall behind his own pace.

"As my cultivation level increases, the effects of second-grade low-level pills become weaker and weaker."

A mid-grade second-tier pill to enhance cultivation requires the core of a mid-stage second-tier demon beast, although it only results in a small realm advancement.

But Lin Chang'an still didn't want to risk hunting mid-stage second-tier monsters.

"Anyway, it won't make a difference if I wait two or three years. It's not too late to wait until my cultivation level is further improved."

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. Now that he was already hunting monsters, there was no need to increase the risks just to slightly improve his cultivation speed.

After all, it's only been two or three years, and it's not like my cultivation has stagnated.

It's not too late to find a mid-stage second-tier demonic beast after his cultivation breaks through.

Of course, the fact that he hasn't broken through to the second-tier mid-grade alchemist level yet is also a reason.

……

Outside the cave, Yun Yao was feeding the Green Horned Ox with a spiritual fruit in the pavilion when she saw Lin Chang'an come out.

Dressed in white, she couldn't help but smile, and cupped her hands in greeting:

“Yun Yao underestimated Brother Lin before. I never expected that in less than five years, Brother Lin has already reached the threshold of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage. I suppose he will break through in another two or three years.”

Time seemed to have left no trace on their faces; after all, at their age, they were considered young among Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"It's all thanks to Fellow Daoist Yun's secret technique; otherwise, we wouldn't have made such rapid progress."

Lin Chang'an was genuinely impressed; there were so many things in the cultivation world that could improve one's cultivation level, and pills were just the most basic ones.

One has to admire these predecessors in the cultivation world; they were able to come up with so many methods.

Inside the pavilion.

The two sat upright at the stone table, sipping tea and discussing philosophy. They were in a superior position and could overlook the entire Tianxuan City. It was truly a pleasant experience.

However, this time, a red invitation on the stone table made Yun Yao feel somewhat melancholy.

"Time flies, time really does pass quickly."

Yun Yao sighed, and Lin Chang'an, who was standing beside her, picked up the invitation and nodded slightly:

"Yes, in the blink of an eye, Shen Fan and Yingying are actually getting married."

Lin Chang'an was also filled with emotion. Who would have thought that the little girl and the simple-minded boy from back then would now be in their twenties and about to get married?

They have gradually progressed from newcomers to cultivators to Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Looking back, it all seems like it was just yesterday.

Seeing Yun Yao's silence, Lin Chang'an knew that the little princess had actually cherished these feelings in her heart.

Unfortunately, her identity is too sensitive. She faked her death back then, and now she has an unclear relationship with the Demonic Sect.

"Brother Lin, please deliver this gift to him for me."

In the end, Yun Yao smiled freely. Since she had decided to forge ahead, she would not regret it.

When Lin Chang'an saw the jade slip Yun Yao gave him, he was stunned for a moment, then smiled. This little princess was still as stubborn as ever.

It seems he has secretly visited a few old friends over the years, otherwise he wouldn't have sent this gift.

"They were originally only twenty-four years old, but Shen Lie and Wei Buyi both considered the difficulty of Foundation Establishment and did not stop them."

If fate has decreed it, the two can certainly make a beautiful story as husband and wife; if not, a good match made in heaven is still a worthwhile life.

Lin Chang'an chuckled as he recounted the disagreements between Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing, as well as Wei Buyi, over this matter.

Before a cultivator establishes their foundation, most of them maintain a clean and virtuous lifestyle, all in order to increase their chances of success during the foundation-establishment process.

However, the relationship between Shen Fan and Wei Yingying, who were childhood sweethearts, was also noticed by both families.

Moreover, the two have seen too much along the way, and they cannot let the elusive Foundation Establishment delay this good match.

"With Fellow Daoist Yun's secret technique of dual cultivation, as long as the two of them truly join hands, it is not impossible for them to reach the Foundation Establishment stage in the future."

What Yun Yao took out was the dual cultivation secret technique they had practiced before, but it only had the Qi Refining stage chapter, which could increase the chance of Foundation Establishment by 10%.

“Brother Lin, this dual cultivation technique is not valuable; what is rare is a fellow Daoist with whom you can trust each other.”

Yun Yao shook her head. This kind of proper dual cultivation technique really requires trust, or a like-minded fellow cultivator.

Similarly, the most demanding secret techniques, such as the cultivation of malevolent energy, require finding a superior furnace or vessel.

"For them, this is the most precious gift."

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded, then put the gift into his storage bag.

Although Shen Lie, Lu Qingqing, Wei Buyi, and Erniu were unaware, Yun Yao had secretly observed her former friends.

"Brother Lin, there have been quite a few thieves outside using the name of the Demonic Sect lately. Be careful when you go out."

After taking a sip of spiritual tea, Yun Yao revealed a solemn expression and spoke of the recent turmoil outside.

She also mentioned that she had important matters to attend to during the next three months and would not be coming.

As the teacup was set down, Yun Yao's figure had already disappeared from the pavilion.

"Moo!"

Only the Green Horned Ox watched the more generous cultivator reluctantly leave, hoping that he would come sooner next time.

Lin Chang'an, however, couldn't help but secretly envy Yun Yao's method of changing her appearance before leaving.

"These magical artifacts that can change one's appearance and even possess aura abilities are truly enviable."

This kind of magical artifact is extremely rare and can only be encountered by chance.

You could say he's useless, but he's completely ineffective in combat.

However, the value of someone who needs to use it far exceeds that of a magical artifact.

"But now that you've given me this gift, what should I, as your elder, give in return?"

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but shake his head. Yun Yao was quite straightforward, dumping all the headaches on him. He decided to give up on thinking about it and wait until the wedding banquet in half a month.

……

Half a month later.

On this day, Juxianlou was filled with joy and a grand banquet was held. However, one person wore a very forced smile.

On this joyous day, the man's expression was so telling.

But everyone was all smiles, seemingly oblivious to the man's ugly face.

“Brother Wei, we’re family, so let’s not stand on ceremony. From now on, Fan’er will call you Father.”

With a broad smile, Shen Lie stepped forward, put his arm around Wei Buyi's neck, and spoke, his breath reeking of alcohol.

Compared to the happy Shen Lie, Wei Buyi glared with bloodshot eyes and fiercely downed a glass of wine.

"Damn it, Shen Lie, you and Lu Qingqing are definitely seeking revenge for what happened to me back then. Now you've succeeded. All the family business I've built up over my entire life will end up being owned by the Shen family."

Wei Buyi felt incredibly wronged; his daughter, whom he had raised for so many years, had been kidnapped so quickly.

"Dad, drink less today."

Suddenly, Wei Yingying's voice came, and Wei Buyi, who was still a little annoyed, turned his head and a smile appeared on his face the instant he did so.

"Yingying, your father is just happy, so you should drink less."

It has to be said that Wei Buyi is incredibly devoted to his daughter.

At the banquet, all the guests were all smiles, especially when the Foundation Establishment cultivator Lin Chang'an arrived, everyone exclaimed in surprise.

Although I already knew that there was a Foundation Establishment cultivator behind this Gathering Immortals Pavilion, who was also a second-tier talisman master.

But for many of them, it was the first time they had ever seen it.

In the cultivation world, the strong are respected. After Lin Chang'an appeared, everyone present stood up without hesitation to show their respect.

"I've met senior."

"Ah."

Lin Chang'an rarely showed a smile to everyone and nodded slightly. Although everyone knew that the smile was not out of politeness, but to give face to the host today.

But for a Foundation Establishment cultivator who is a second-tier talisman master to smile at them so politely is something to brag about when they get back.

"Brother Lin."

"Senior Brother Lin."

Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing were both in their sixties, and the years had left deep marks on their faces, with gray hair growing at their temples.

When they looked at Lin Chang'an again, whose face remained unchanged and whose black hair was still the same, the two were filled with emotion.

"Congratulations."

Looking at the two of them, as well as Yu Guang and Wei Buyi who was reluctant to part with his daughter, Lin Chang'an smiled and cupped his hands in congratulations.

"Haha, Brother Lin, I must come and share in the joy of this wedding today."

Unexpectedly, on this joyous occasion, Hu Jin also came. With a rugged smile on his face, the other guests bowed and addressed him as their senior.

As for this Foundation Establishment cultivator, Shen Lie, Wei Buyi, and Lu Qingqing did not dare to be negligent and stepped forward to address him as a senior.

"Congratulations. I'm just a rough guy, so please forgive me for not knowing how to say nice things."

Seeing Lao Hu's appearance, Lin Chang'an smiled and stepped forward to cup his hands in greeting.

In the end, Lu Qingqing stepped forward and invited Lin Chang'an and Hu Jin to the top floor.

However, none of the guests downstairs were dissatisfied, after all, these were two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

One is a second-tier talisman master, and the other is a well-known Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Over the years, Shen Lie has built up a lot of connections through his business, but now many people look at him differently.

The fact that these two Foundation Establishment cultivators are here today shows that Shen Lie's influence is greater than they realize.

"Brother Shen, you are truly a man of great talent."

Congratulations, Brother Shen and Brother Wei.

"Come on, let's drink."

At the lively wedding banquet, Shen Lie was all smiles as he toasted the guests.

But Shen Lie even dragged Wei Buyi along to offer a toast.

Although Wei Buyi felt aggrieved, he had to give his daughter face in front of outsiders, so he couldn't help but show a hearty smile. Outsiders had no idea what he was really thinking.

Compared to the bustling atmosphere below, the top floor is much quieter.

The elegant wine table is surrounded by soundproof barriers, and you can also enjoy a commanding view of the surrounding streets.

"Old Hu, are you injured?"

When no one else was around, Lin Chang'an poured Hu Jin a cup of spiritual wine, but then noticed something unusual about Hu's right arm.

When this matter was mentioned, Hu Jin grinned and waved his hand, saying:

"Old Hu is incredibly lucky. He encountered the Demon of the Calamity and Poison outside, but he actually came back alive."

The Demonic Cultivator!

Upon hearing this name, Lin Chang'an was startled, for this Tribulation Cultivator had become quite famous in recent years.

He initially used the name "Ghost Three Knives," but after someone escaped, they said that he was covered in poison, so he adopted that name.

"Brother Lin, you must be careful when you go out in the future. There's no way that the calamity cultivator is in the city."

Hu Jin's expression turned serious as he spoke.

"Don't let Lao Hu's rough and careless appearance fool you, he's actually quite cautious when he's out and about. This time, the three of us chose our routes on the spot, and yet we still managed to run into each other."

I suspect this person is very likely a cultivator from within the city, secretly watching their prey.

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly at Lao Hu's reminder.

"Thank you, I will be more careful in the future."

Old Hu clearly knew that he occasionally went hunting monsters, which is why he reminded him.

"However, this poison is really potent. The three of us will probably need to recuperate for a while and lay low for a bit."

Beneath Lao Hu's rugged smile, he seemed unconcerned.

As for the other two cultivators mentioned by Lao Hu, Lin Chang'an had met them before. They were both rogue cultivators and usually worked as ascetic cultivators like him.

If it weren't for ambition, who would risk their life to hunt monsters every now and then?

Isn't it all for cultivation resources?

"Old Hu, I have a bottle of second-tier antidote pills here. Take it for self-defense."

"It still has to be you, Brother Lin. If there are any more wood-attribute crystal cores in the future, I will definitely save them for you within my capabilities. Anyway, I, Old Hu, am all alone and don't need Tianxuan City to take care of my descendants."

With a hearty laugh, Lao Hu raised his glass and clinked it against Lin Chang'an's.

Lin Chang'an nodded with a smile. Old Hu may look rough, but he is actually quite wise.

He never pries into your private affairs, and since he doesn't bring it up, Lao Hu doesn't mention inviting him to join the monster hunting.

He is reliable in terms of character; at least as far as he knows, Old Hu has been hunting demonic beasts year-round since the Qi Refining stage.

There was never any dispute caused by greed for spoils.

"Brother Lin, besides reminding you, I also want to ask you to purchase some talismans."

"Don't worry, I still have some talismans in stock."

Lin Chang'an smiled and offered a toast. The two chatted in the restaurant about the rampant calamities outside, the good fortune of some cultivators in the market, and the deaths of others.

(End of this chapter)