Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 161 The investment is getting bigger and bigger

"Old Lin, please help me!"

In his desperation, Lao Hu shouted, while Lin Chang'an, in the distance, began to form hand seals and activate his magic.

Greatsword Technique

Using the top-grade spiritual weapon, the Azure Scale Sword, as its vessel, this giant sword technique is even more powerful.

The giant sword, which was over ten feet long, hovered overhead, emitting an extremely dazzling light.

The near-third-tier demonic beast, the firebird, seemed to sense the threat and instinctively let out a sharp cry.

The next moment, whoosh!
The giant sword transformed into a stream of light.

The firebird, a near-third-tier demonic beast, hovering in the sky, let out a piercing cry as one of its wings was severed, its scalding blood splattering everywhere.

And the firebird, with a mournful cry, began to fall.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Lao Hu not only had no intention of kicking someone when they were down, but instead shouted in alarm, "Don't engage in close combat!"

Although these birds of prey lose a great deal of fighting power after their wings are broken and they land, their desperate struggle is still the most dangerous.

However, just as Lao Hu took the opportunity to retreat, Yun Yao, whose face was covered by a black veil, would not let this good opportunity pass. She cultivated a cold and yin technique, which was just right to restrain this fire-type demon beast.

With a wave of his hand, a silver spear radiating a chilling aura transformed into an ice dragon, roaring as it charged forward.

The monster cried out in despair, and with its leader crashing to the ground, it lost all composure after losing its leader bird.

The eight Foundation Establishment cultivators then used the power of the formation to annihilate the demonic beasts.

The Green Horned Buffalo is exceptionally fierce; it can't hit those flying in the air, but those falling down are directly rammed by the buffalo.

Even a late-stage second-tier demon beast would not fare well if it were caught off guard by such a heavy blow.

Moreover, this monster was not stubborn and would fight to the death. After the leading near-third-tier monster cried out and fell into the encirclement, the monster dispersed like birds and beasts.

"Haha, Old Lin, you've been hiding this really well. That sword light is truly amazing."

After the battle, the somewhat disheveled Old Hu wiped the blood off his body and turned to Lin Chang'an with an excited look.

He truly hadn't expected Old Lin to be so formidable.

No wonder he was able to live off a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator; it turns out he had real skills.

"Old Hu, don't say that. The main reason is that this near-third-tier demon beast was already injured, and it had been fighting with you for so long, so it was exhausted. I also benefited from the surprise attack."

Lin Chang'an smiled and waved his hand, while the other Foundation Establishment cultivators looked at him differently.

He Yan was even more amazed, never expecting that his Uncle Lin was not only talented in talismans, but also so powerful.

Meanwhile, Gui Sandao, standing to the side, was secretly amazed, recalling the blood-red sword light from earlier, and seemed to have realized something.

"He Yan, no wonder your Uncle Lin, with only a low-grade spiritual root, has managed to get to where he is today and dares to cultivate this life-threatening Fiend Yuan Sword Technique. If he weren't strong, it would truly be an injustice."

Gui Sandao had a lot of experience and knowledge, and he was able to see the origin of Lin Chang'an's sword technique.

Upon hearing this, He Yan was immediately taken aback, and then secretly admired him.

Yes, for independent cultivators like them, there's no chance of making it big without putting in the effort.

"Uncle Lin."

Li Yifan was also shocked to see that his uncle, who was famous as a talisman master, was so powerful.

"Alright, everyone hurry up and clean up the battlefield, don't give the monsters a chance to launch a sneak attack."

"That's right, Lao Lin, let's catch up later."

Everyone quickly cleaned up the battlefield, while Yun Yao, who had the highest cultivation level among them and wore a black veil, calmly gave orders.

Yun Yao naturally concealed her identity from the outside world, and her late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation level confirmed her as their leader.

"He Yan, quickly send a message to Tianxuan City, telling them that the stronghold here has been attacked by a near-third-tier demonic beast, and the formation has been damaged and needs to be repaired."

"Yes!"

The array formations of these cultivator strongholds are all the responsibility of Tianxuan City.

Otherwise, ordinary cultivators wouldn't be able to obtain arrays, let alone repair them after they've been damaged.

Only forces like Tianxuan City and Xuanyin Pavilion have this kind of foundation.

"Haha, a near-third-tier demon beast. This is the first time I've ever seen a complete corpse. It's just a pity that it's not a demon core transformation pill."

"Old Hu, you're just dreaming. Demon Core Transformation Pill? That stuff is extremely rare even among quasi-third-tier demon beasts."

The group then sat together, with Foundation Establishment cultivators in one group and nearly a hundred Qi Refining cultivators in the other.

Shen Lie and Wei Buyi were among those who visited their children with great excitement.

Faced with his father's instructions, Shen Fan nodded honestly, while Wei Yingying looked at her father with a flattering smile, asking him about his well-being.

Many people felt envious watching this scene, as many of them had already lost someone important and could only remember them in their memories.

"Come on, Brother Lin, you really put in a lot of effort this time. Not to mention this second-tier firebird, Brother Lin cut it down, and then it was killed by his own spirit pet."

Although everyone contributed, the lion's share still goes to Lao Lin.

First came the materials from several second-tier demonic beasts, and everyone began to divide them up with smiles on their faces, but no one's eyes left the corpse of the near-third-tier demonic beast.

This is the real issue.

Even Zhou Bingyun stared intently at the near-third-tier demonic beast.

Without the beast tide, these Foundation Establishment cultivators might not be able to hunt down even a near-third-tier demonic beast in their entire lives.

Not only are these things hard to find, but there are also too many unpredictable changes. Unlike now, they can lure and kill monsters within the formation, which means they have a great advantage in terms of terrain.

"This near-third-tier demonic beast is still handled according to the old rules. Fellow Daoist Yun contributed the most, first severely injuring the beast, and then killing the one who contributed the most..."

Beneath Old Hu's carefree smile, Yun Yao coldly observed the crowd and nodded, saying:

"I want the essence of this near-third-tier demonic beast."

No one had any objections to this, but they all looked at Lin Chang'an.

Although Lin Chang'an's sudden support played a crucial role, they had injured this beast a few days ago and had also worked together today.

Looking at everyone, Lin Chang'an knew that the distribution of spoils was the most crucial factor in whether a small team could go far.

"Fellow Daoists, I am fortunate to have met you all today, and I am also fortunate to have benefited from your good fortune. However, I played a key role in severing the wings and severely injuring the demon beast."

This near-third-tier crystal core is rare. How about I give you all a few more high-grade second-tier talismans as well?

Lin Chang'an had a friendly smile on his face, but he would never hesitate to take what was rightfully his.

This has always been the case in the cultivation world: if you don't even dare to fight for what's yours, what kind of cultivation is that?

Of course, if anyone needs this crystal core, then it is acceptable to provide materials and spirit stones that satisfy everyone, provided that everyone agrees.

Lin Chang'an's contribution alone is not enough to claim the crystal core, but if some second-tier talismans are added, it will be a different story.

"A second-tier high-grade talisman, this is a life-saving treasure."

Upon hearing this, one of the Foundation Establishment cultivators' eyes lit up immediately, for this was far superior to spirit stones and other demonic beast resources.

During this turbulent period of the beast tide, second-tier high-grade talismans are almost impossible to find and are extremely scarce.

"As expected of Master Lin, so generous."

"It has to be Old Lin again."

Even Old Hu couldn't help but grin. For cultivators like them who hunted demonic beasts, this was even more valuable. Next, everyone began to divide the spoils. A near-third-tier demonic beast was extremely valuable, and even though it was divided among everyone, they were all beaming with joy.

Of course, this all depends on the amount of effort exerted and the level of cultivation.

"Fellow Daoists, if you have suitable materials, I am willing to exchange them with spirit stones or talismans."

After everyone had divided up the spoils, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile and began preparing to exchange them for what he needed.

This is something many cultivators would do; for example, Lao Hu also wanted to exchange some items needed for refining weapons with everyone.

"The hide of this near-third-tier firebird is not tough enough to make leather armor, but it would be quite valuable if tanned into talisman paper. I am willing to exchange it for a second-tier high-grade talisman."

"Yes, yes, the skin isn't tough enough, but the feathers are excellent material for refining weapons. I, Old Hu, am willing to take them..."

After the Foundation Establishment cultivators exchanged some bargaining, everyone had smiles on their faces.

Only Zhou Bingyun, Li Yifan, and He Yan, whose cultivation levels were low, felt somewhat envious.

In the early stages of Foundation Establishment, their contributions were minimal, and they received only a few scattered rewards.

However, they did receive a considerable amount of other second-tier monster resources.

"Old Hu, you're getting good momentum. I'm afraid it won't be long before you break through."

After Lin Chang'an escorted the supplies, everyone chatted together.

Hu Jin's aura was surging, clearly indicating that he had made progress in his cultivation.

Upon hearing this, Old Hu waved his hand and said, "There's still a long way to go before reaching the late stage of Foundation Establishment. It won't happen that quickly."

However, Lao Hu couldn't hide the smile on his face; the resources of the beast tide were too abundant.

The premise is that you can survive.

Historical records from the Seven Kingdoms state that after every beast tide, all the surviving cultivators will experience a period of explosive growth in strength.

The number of Foundation Establishment breakthroughs is also the highest ever.

Although this wealth and power are fraught with danger, this is the world of cultivation.

The victors revel, while the families of the defeated weep.

After escorting them, Lin Chang'an returned to Tianxuan City.

……

After returning to the cave.

As soon as the phoenix was released, it began to chirp and chatter.

But their purpose was extremely clear: to target his storage bag.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an laughed and scolded, "You bird are quite shrewd. If it weren't for the fact that we would need you to explore the cave ruins in the future, I would never have given you this near-third-tier demon core."

The Phoenix Bird, a bird of supreme yang, is born from pure fire. It delights in eating poisonous insects and is especially effective against yin ghosts and fierce spirits.

Lin Chang'an was willing to part with the bloodthirsty aura that Yun Yao mentioned, as it also had a restraining effect.

Otherwise, a near-third-tier demon core would be a precious resource, whether for refining high-level pills or forging weapons, and he wouldn't have given it to this bird so easily.

"It's an advantage for you."

As Lin Chang'an reluctantly took out the near-third-tier demon core, the Phoenix Bird immediately showed a look of joy upon seeing this.

It even stood on Lin Chang'an's shoulder in a human-like manner, massaging his shoulder and fanning him with its wings, looking like it was trying to please him.

The green-horned ox, watching this scene, widened its eyes and mooed, as if it hated this stinky bird the most.

"Alright, take it."

The intelligence of this phoenix bird seems to be no less than that of a normal cultivator; it just can't speak yet.

After obtaining the near-third-tier demon beast core, the Phoenix Cry Bird excitedly grabbed it and flew to the artificial hill next to it.

Then, under Lin Chang'an's astonished gaze, the golden beak, sparks flying, actually pecked a notch into the incredibly hard quasi-third-order crystal core, bite by bite.

The shattered crystal core was swallowed by the phoenix bird as it looked up.

Seeing this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but marvel.

"No wonder it's a beast that even the Zhou family couldn't resist."

At this moment, he couldn't help but think of the bird that had once transformed into golden light, its beak acting like an armor-piercing weapon, directly piercing through several of his magical shields.

"However, all of this is for the cave ruins and for forming the Golden Core!"

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an nodded to himself. This Phoenix Bird was already at the peak of the early stage of the second tier, just one step away from breaking through.

Once I digest this near-third-tier demon core, I'll probably be able to break through soon, and my strength might even increase dramatically.

"They've really made a lot of preparations for this cave ruin."

The Thunderstrike Talisman, the Phoenix Cry Bird, and some basic water-attribute spells he cultivated were all preparations for the ruins.

"The third-tier Blood Fiend Crimson Sun Formation, in its prime, was naturally beyond the reach of a Foundation Establishment cultivator like myself. However, after nearly a hundred years of depletion, the formation's power has been reduced to its lowest level, enough to make some plans."

Lin Chang'an pondered for a moment, then left the Green Horned Ox and the Phoenix Bird outside the cave and went in alone.

"However, we have collected quite a lot of monster resources during the past six months of the beast tide, especially monster cores, which are no longer a problem, but this is also due to the beast tide."

These spiritual herbs and fruits are scarce and their prices are starting to rise; resources are needed everywhere.

Lin Chang'an shook his head. Due to the influence of the beast tide, many cultivators were unable to venture deep into the Cloud Mist Mountains to search for spiritual herbs and fruits, which naturally led to price increases.

Fortunately, nothing is more difficult than obtaining a demon core. Merchants from neighboring countries took this opportunity to come to Tianxuan City and make a lot of money.

"I really don't know how long this beast tide will last. Although we have accumulated a lot of demon beast resources, even spirit fields and shops have joined forces to hoard a lot."

But after half a year, even Old Hu is starting to feel the strain; nobody has many spirit stones left to continue buying.

They originally thought this wave of beast tide would only last three to five months, but unexpectedly, it has been half a year and it still hasn't subsided.

"Alas, these are truly troubled times. Although the beast tide in Tianxuan City is at its peak, it is now outwardly strong but inwardly weak, and many family cultivators are selling off their assets."

Ultimately, many cultivators have lost confidence in Tianxuan City's continued absence of Core Formation cultivators, coupled with the turbulent situation in Yue Kingdom.

After all, they have more to consider. Selling off their assets now, along with the gains from the beast tide over the past six months, is enough to make up for the losses.

Once the beast tide ends, some families will migrate away.

After all, the situation for Xuan Yin Pavilion on the main battlefield is not good.

Once the Xuan Yin Pavilion is defeated, even if Tian Xuan City produces a Core Formation cultivator, it will be too late to hold the city together.

"Seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune is an instinct for both cultivators and demon beasts. It's no wonder that they're feeling unsettled these days. They just hope that this time they won't lose everything."

Lin Chang'an also sighed helplessly; the investment was getting bigger and bigger.

At first, they didn't think much of it, but as the beast tide intensified, it caused them to lose so many spirit fields and shops.

There's no profit in sight right now.

Within Tianxuan City, the powerful clan cultivators who had previously taken the opportunity to hoard goods, just like them, have all begun to stop buying them.

Nowadays, the prices of spirit fields and shops in Tianxuan City have been dropping again and again, and there are no buyers left.

Many of them don't lack spirit stones, but rather they dare not.

　Thank you all for your support.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)