Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 158 Beast Tide, Bargaining [Happy Holidays]

"Blood Fiend Crimson Sun Formation!"

After Yun Yao left, Lin Chang'an fell into deep thought.

One should always be wary of others; Yun Yao's caution was justified.

He also needed to make preparations, not to guard against Yun Yao, but because this third-tier formation was extremely dangerous, and it was always better to be more prepared.

[Tier 1 High-Grade Array Master (Grandmaster 4965/5000)]

Seeing that his understanding of formations was almost at the edge of the second level, Lin Chang'an nodded to himself.

"It seems that we should take advantage of the current turbulent situation in Yue Kingdom, when many resources are open to the outside world, and find an opportunity to purchase a set of second-tier formation inheritance."

Second-order formation inheritance is not usually available, but right now, not only is the Yue Kingdom in turmoil, but countless forces in the surrounding neighboring countries are also secretly watching.

Those who are secretly stirring up trouble will naturally reveal some things.

Even the internal wars within Yue have brought countless families to the brink of extinction. The traditions that were usually cherished are no longer so valuable in the chaos of war.

"Upgrading the formation to the second tier will greatly help in exploring the cave ruins."

It seems that he really needs to put the formation technique on his agenda for the foreseeable future.

"There are also water-attribute spells. Huang Shaohai was quite knowledgeable in my memory before, and he had some basic spells of the five elements, so there is no need to buy them again."

However, it's advisable to prepare some water-attribute or yin-type spiritual items whenever possible.

Lin Chang'an pondered these things carefully. Although they were all related to exploring the cave ruins in the future, they would also be of great help to his own future.

After all, if he wanted to form his core, given the poverty of the Seven Kingdoms, he would really need to make a trip to the Demon Beast Sea Abyss.

It's really necessary to learn some water-attribute spells beforehand, especially water escape techniques and water shield techniques.

Moreover, his wood-attribute cultivation technique makes it easier for him to learn water-attribute spells.

[Water Shield Technique +32 (Beginner 63/100)]

Water Release Technique +21 (Beginner 52/100)

Inside the cave courtyard, as waves splashed everywhere, the Green Horned Ox, lying in the pool, looked puzzled. Did its master also like playing in the water?

The phoenix chirped and twittered, clearly indicating that it didn't like water.

As Lin Chang'an watched his proficiency with the spells steadily increase, a smile spread across his face.

"These basic spells are easier to learn."

These basic spells consume little mana and are extremely easy to learn, making them very quick to master.

Unlike the Greatsword Technique, this is already considered a minor supernatural power, and an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator would exhaust their mana after releasing it two or three times.

It's simply impossible to achieve such rapid upgrades of basic spells.

……

Several months later, the terrifying aura of a third-tier demonic beast emanated from the Cloud Mist Mountains, causing panic among the people of Tianxuan City.

"Brother Lin, something terrible has happened! I heard that two third-tier demonic beasts have been spotted in the Cloud Mist Mountains..."

On this day, Old Hu also looked solemn. A third-tier demon beast was on a completely different level.

Even a Core Formation cultivator wouldn't want to face this third-tier demonic beast.

"Is the news reliable?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an frowned. If it were true, could Master Lu, whose lifespan was nearing its end, withstand it?
With a solemn expression, Lao Hu lowered his voice and said:
"Brother Lin, something's not right about this news. It seems like someone is deliberately spreading the information, and there might be two major sects behind it."

Looking at Lao Hu, Lin Chang'an's expression also became somewhat solemn.

Despite his seemingly carefree and easygoing nature, Old Hu is actually extremely meticulous beneath his bold and unrestrained character; otherwise, he wouldn't have survived to this day.

"But Lao Hu, you don't seem to be in a hurry at all?"

"Brother Lin, you're joking. With these third-tier demonic beasts appearing, there's nothing I, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, can do but worry."

Old Hu shook his head helplessly, poured himself a cup of spirit wine, and then said:

"Besides, Tianxuan City has a third-grade high-quality mountain-protecting formation and a third-grade late-stage Xuan Water Turtle. It's the others who are anxious."

"I, Lao Hu, have come here to ask you, Brother Lin, if you'd like to do some business."

Seeing Lao Hu coming to his place to freeload on the spirit wine, Lin Chang'an shook his head with a smile.

Indeed, if the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. If Tianxuan City really collapses, it will simply scatter like birds and beasts.

However, these independent cultivators may not have such a good place to cultivate in the future.

"Old Hu, what kind of business are you talking about?"

"Brother Lin, you really have a short memory. Have you forgotten what you said when you established the black market?"

Old Hu made a teasing face with winks, but there was a serious look in his eyes.

"Master Lu's lifespan is coming to an end, and two more third-tier demonic beasts have appeared. There has been no new Core Formation cultivators appearing for a long time. Rumors are flying all over Tianxuan City."

Many cultivators have already considered leaving the city, and some are even preparing to sell their shops and spirit fields. Of course, there are also many family cultivators who fled here because of the war, some of whom are willing to gamble on the future of Tianxuan City, and others...

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered as he listened to Lao Hu's words.

There is never a shortage of gamblers among independent cultivators.

"Fellow Daoist Yun still has some spirit stones in his hands this time. As for Old Ghost and Fellow Daoist He, these two are even more penniless than they are. They used up any resources they had for cultivation."

As you know, Lao Jia, ever since Lao Ning's accident, he's become more timid. Actually, we understand that with his descendants to worry about, he doesn't dare to take risks anymore. This time, he's just taking a small chance at most..."

Hearing Lao Hu's words, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile.

"You old Hu, after all that, you've managed to accumulate quite a few spirit stones."

In recent years, everyone has made a lot of money in the black market, but winning once in a lifetime is already a terrifying experience, and many people will not risk their entire fortune to gamble a second time.

Although very exciting.

Lin Chang'an, however, thought that the war in Yue Kingdom was a good opportunity for him.

"Old Hu, could you keep an eye out for me and see if anyone is willing to sell second-tier talisman inheritances or some formations?"

In chaotic times, traditions are worthless; strength is the only capital for survival.

When facing a crisis, many families will grit their teeth and sell some of their heritage.

This is why, after a period of chaos, countless old forces are reshuffled and new forces rise.

"Alright, Brother Lin, don't worry. We need to think this over carefully. At the very least, we should wait for the third-tier demonic beast to appear before we can buy at the bottom."

After running the black market for several years, Lao Hu has learned some business acumen.

Buying at the bottom when the market is at its worst can either leave you with a bad investment or result in a huge profit.

Lin Chang'an shook his head with a smile. These are turbulent times; things really don't stop for a moment.

……

A few days after Lao Hu left, Shen Lie, Lu Qingqing, and Wei Buyi came to visit.

One can imagine how much turmoil a third-tier demon beast can cause in people's hearts.

Inside the pavilion in the cave.

"Brother Lin."

"Brother Lin."

The four sat under the stone stool, their expressions somewhat solemn.

Finally, Lu Qingqing sighed softly and, somewhat embarrassed, cupped her hands in a gesture of respect, saying:
"Brother Lin, the Yue Kingdom is becoming increasingly turbulent, and the area outside Tianxuan City is in complete chaos. We have come here..."

Upon hearing that the three had come to gather intelligence on the situation, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh inwardly, realizing how similar this scene had been to him.

Back when they were all Qi Refining cultivators, the situation outside was turbulent, so their first thought was to ask Yun Yao, who had already reached Foundation Establishment, for information.

Ultimately, in the world of cultivation, strength still reigns supreme.

Cultivators at different levels have vastly different access to information and social circles.

"The current situation seems to be not good. Facing the joint efforts of the two major sects, Xuan Yin Pavilion is at a disadvantage in the battle, and Tian Xuan City is currently facing two major problems."

"Master Lu's lifespan is coming to an end, and the beast tide is coming..." After Lin Chang'an told them the information he knew, Shen Lie, Lu Qingqing, and Wei Buyi all looked extremely solemn.

For Lin Chang'an, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, no matter how bad the situation became, he could simply run away.

But what can Qi Refining cultivators use to run away?

After exchanging glances, the three of them finally spoke in a low voice:
"Brother Lin, the situation is tense right now, and no one knows what the future holds. Over the years, our two families have accumulated some resources and spirit stones for Fan'er and Yingying."

"Brother Lin, your cultivation is profound and your connections are extensive. I would like to trouble you to help me purchase some Foundation Establishment materials, or even Foundation Establishment Pills."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an frowned.

"As far as I know, Shen Fan and Yingying are both only thirty-four years old. Although there have been many demonic beast resources in recent years, their cultivation levels are still a bit lacking."

The two are quite talented, and with the better cultivation resources they received from a young age, their cultivation level is not bad, but it will still be a few years before they reach the Qi Refining Perfection stage.

In this respect, Li Yifan was not as fortunate as the other two. One was that Li Erniu had many offspring, and the other was that Erniu's cultivation and status were both lower in the early stages.

The resources that were secured for Li Yifan could not compare to those that came later.

"Brother Lin, you are joking. How could we dare to hope that the two of them have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage?"

Lu Qingqing gave a bitter smile, while Wei Buyi, standing beside her, shook his head with a long sigh:
“Brother Lin, we dare not gamble on whether such a good opportunity will come in the future, let alone whether we can protect these resources. It would be better to entrust them to you for safekeeping.”

It turns out that the three of them had noticed the current turmoil, and the instability of foundation-building materials was one aspect of it.

More importantly, if something unexpected were to happen to Tianxuan City, they would have the resources of spirit stones but no way to refine Foundation Establishment Pills.

Pity the parents of the world.

Lin Chang'an accepted the supplies and spirit stones handed over by the three people, his eyes flashing. This Wei Buyi, without saying a word, had actually amassed a considerable fortune for his daughter.

Apart from the main materials, all the other materials for the Foundation Building Pill have been gathered.

Lin Chang'an understood this as well, since Wei Buyi was a first-grade high-level alchemist and naturally had access to such things.

It's easier to earn spirit stones or collect related resources.

He understood why Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing were able to prepare these materials and spirit stones, after all, Juxianlou and their business in the black market were quite good.

"Since you all trust me, then once Shen Fan and Yingying have reached the completion of their cultivation, they can come to me to collect their Foundation Establishment Pills."

Lin Chang'an's words were practically a statement that he would protect the two of them as long as he could, during their attempt to establish their foundation.

"Thank you very much, Brother Lin."

"Thank you, Brother Lin."

The three were filled with regret, as this time they had almost emptied their savings.

But this day was bound to come sooner or later.

This cycle of reincarnation is common in most parts of the cultivation world.

He entrusted the unfulfilled wishes of his life to the next generation.

With their fathers providing shelter and protection, the next generation of independent cultivators will have a relatively easier time.

With the weight lifted from their hearts, the three smiled, as it was a rare opportunity for them to get together.

The four then began to chat freely.

The difference is that as the four of them get older, they see their former friends change and lament the ruthlessness of time.

Lin Chang'an is still young, while they have grown old.

……

Over the next few months, news spread like wildfire throughout Tianxuan Immortal City.

Most of the news was not good.

For example, Master Lu was seriously injured last time and his lifespan is not long, or Tianxuan City is preparing to forcibly conscript cultivators, etc.

The most outrageous thing is that Master Lu has passed away, and the Tianxuan City lineage is preparing to abandon the city and flee!
In short, the people of Tianxuan City were filled with fear and unease.

However, the bustling shops and black market created a completely opposite scene.

Meanwhile, the Yue Kingdom's Li Huo Palace and Shen Jian Sect took the opportunity to launch a major offensive, and Xuan Yin Pavilion suffered repeated defeats on the front lines, losing a considerable amount of territory.

This day.

“Brother Lin, a few days ago many cultivators discovered traces of third-tier demonic beasts. It seems this time it’s for real.”

This month it was his and Lao Hu's turn to oversee the black market, but Lao Hu brought bad news this time.

"Third-level monster!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an frowned, then shook his head and said:
"It is said that this third-tier demon beast is already quite intelligent. Although Tianxuan City is rich in spiritual energy, demon beasts are most sensitive to dangerous auras and will not easily venture into danger."

Old Hu nodded in agreement, but he couldn't help it because Master Lu's lifespan was running out.

"But other cultivators in the city don't think so. Ever since the traces of the third-tier demon beast were confirmed, the prices of spiritual fields and shops in the city have started to plummet."

However, the prices of various monster-related resources have also risen.

Old Hu sighed as he said that he was prepared to bet all his savings this time. If he lost it all, all the work he had done over the past few years would have been for nothing.

Even their black market shops have depreciated in value due to the turbulent situation.

Just as the two were discussing the situation, a Foundation Establishment cultivator suddenly came to visit them at the black market.

"Qin Feng greets the two fellow Daoists."

When he saw who it was, Old Hu grinned and said with a smile:

"Isn't this the current patriarch of the Qin family?"

At the same time, Lao Hu secretly transmitted information to him, telling him about this person.

Qin Feng, with a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level, is the current patriarch of the Qin family. He used to run a black market business; to put it bluntly, they stole other people's business here.

Although the Qin family has three Foundation Establishment cultivators, two of them are quite old. Originally, there were two Foundation Establishment cultivators in this generation, but one of them died outside.

The middle-aged man, Qin Feng, dressed in a moon-white robe, was also polite in his demeanor, and did not seem to be there to cause trouble.

After the three exchanged pleasantries, Qin Feng, who clearly had something to discuss, couldn't hold back and started the conversation first.

"I heard that Fellow Daoist Hu is buying up spirit fields and shops at high prices, and even that Master Lin is buying up talisman inheritances. It just so happens that my Qin family is preparing to relocate to Jiang Kingdom..."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu suddenly realized the other party's intention.

However, when it came to the price, Lao Hu couldn't help but widen his eyes. They said it was a high price, and you actually dared to say it was a high price?

"My Qin family has 150 acres of spirit fields, five shops, and Fellow Daoist Lin. You are also a talisman master. My Qin family has a quasi-third-level talisman master in our ancestors."

"Our Qin family is willing to sell three types of second-tier talisman inheritances..."

After the other party revealed the talisman inheritance, Lin Chang'an was somewhat tempted.

He didn't care much for the other talismans, but he was surprised to find that one of them was a rare lightning-type talisman.

Lightning is particularly effective against Yin-type evil spirits, such as the Blood Fiend Crimson Sun Formation, which is perfectly suited to countering Blood Fiend.

He doesn't need water attributes either, as he has the Ice Talisman, which is enough.

Moreover, in terms of attack, Lei is almost the strongest among those of the same level.

The Qin family is an old family with a history of over a hundred years. At its peak, the Qin family had seven Foundation Establishment cultivators at the same time.

This tradition is understandable.

"Old Qin, your price is too high. What's the situation outside right now? I don't need to explain it to you."

Old Hu could also tell that Lin Chang'an was somewhat interested, so he secretly sent a telepathic message and started to negotiate the price.

This scene prompted Lin Chang'an to cooperate seamlessly.

As the saying goes, what you save is what you earn.

They, as independent cultivators, even broke a spirit stone in half.

Moreover, the things they do are all risky.

　Wishing all fellow Daoists eternal youth and a happy Children's Day.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)