Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 164 The Black Market Isn't So Easy to Deal With

"Two fellow Taoists!"

After being humiliated, Qin Feng's face turned somewhat ugly. His Qin family, a prestigious Foundation Establishment clan, had already lowered themselves to serve him three times.

His face turned ashen, but Qin Feng still wanted to make a final stand, gritting his teeth and saying:

"My Qin family is willing to buy it back at a price that is 60% higher. Fellow Daoists, consider this a way to establish a good relationship with my Qin family. In the future, whenever there is any trouble, my Qin family, with four Foundation Establishment cultivators, will definitely do its best to help."

When he said his last sentence, Qin Feng's words already carried a hint of threat.

In Qin Feng's eyes, rogue cultivators like Lin Chang'an and Hu Jin were nothing more than lucky gamblers, and the so-called six Foundation Establishment cultivators of the black market were nothing more than a group of people colluding for their own interests.

They are completely incomparable to those of the same clan and will never amount to anything.

Although Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu are usually easy to talk to, they both turned cold when threatened.

"Your Qin family has four Foundation Establishment cultivators. Do you think we're all Qi Refining cultivators and easy to bully?!"

Old Hu revealed his fierce glint; he had truly fought his way here.

Lin Chang'an coldly replied, "You sold off your clan's property and betrayed Tianxuan City; no one forced you to do any of this."

"If you're going to use the so-called Qin family to threaten us, then the Qin family should think carefully about the consequences of offending us!"

Instantly, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu revealed their killing intent, which frightened Qin Feng so much that his face turned pale, his lips trembled, and finally, under the murderous aura of the two mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators, he managed to force a smile.

"Fellow Daoists, you have misunderstood. I did not mean that."

……

Finally, watching Qin Feng leave dejectedly after his persistent pleading, Hu Jin revealed a solemn expression.

"Brother Lin, we need to be careful lately. Although the Qin family has fallen on hard times, it is still a Foundation Establishment clan with some foundation."

"Don't worry, Lao Hu."

Lin Chang'an remained calm. If they were all persuaded to relent by saying "Fellow Daoist," what would have been the risks they had taken?
Therefore, not only Lao Hu, but even Lao Jia, who just wanted to live a peaceful life, cursed this person as shameless after hearing about it.

As the saying goes, cutting off someone's source of income is like killing their parents.

They took such a huge risk, and the spirit stones they earned were all for their future path.

If we let them resell it at a low price, what difference would that be from obstructing our path?

This matter was also discussed with everyone, and they were all firmly opposed to it.

Afterwards, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu went to Wanbaolou in Tianxuan City to purchase several sets of second-tier high-grade magic robes.

Wanbao Tower.

"Tsk tsk, Master Lin has an extraordinary air about him. He's usually too casual. This blue robe and black gown has a bit of the style of Master Lu back then."

Just as Lin Chang'an changed into a blue robe, and Manager Feng praised him with a beaming smile, Old Hu couldn't help but feel envious.

"Manager Feng, you can't just praise Brother Lin, can you? I, Old Hu, also buy your goods quite often."

Looking at Old Hu joking around to the side, Manager Feng smiled and nodded, saying:
"Of course, Fellow Daoist Hu's light gold robe suits your temperament very well."

Seeing Old Hu looking at himself with a smug expression, Lin Chang'an shook his head. Old Hu was a burly man.

Wearing this golden robe, he actually looks a bit too conspicuous.

"Alright, Manager Feng, you really know how to say nice things. I, Old Hu, just want to hear some nice things. It's not good to dress so ostentatiously."

In the end, Lao Hu chose a moon-white robe and a gray outfit.

Lin Chang'an, on the other hand, wore a blue robe and a set of smart black clothes.

"Brother Lin, you're all dressed in black. Are you perhaps planning to become a Tribulation Cultivator? That's risky."

Faced with Lao Hu's teasing, Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded, saying:
"That's hard to say. When you encountered the black-clad robber that day, Lao Hu, remember to recognize him clearly."

The two looked at each other and burst into laughter.

True friends are hard to find, and more importantly, everyone made a fortune together, so everything is going well for them now.

……

Three months later, the Core Formation Ceremony will be held in Tianxuan City.

The city was bustling with activity, and almost all the prominent Foundation Establishment cultivators in the city had come.

Even at the celebration, representatives from the major sects and clans of the seven kingdoms traveled great distances to congratulate True Person Su of Tianxuan City on achieving the Golden Core stage.

This scene allowed Lin Chang'an and the rogue cultivators from the seven kingdoms to witness the prestige of Master Lu, proving that he truly deserved the title of the number one rogue cultivator in the seven kingdoms.

Seeing this magnificent scene, Lin Chang'an's eyes also flickered.

"Perhaps Master Lu had this kind of influence when he was at his peak, but the major sects and families of the seven kingdoms are probably after the beast tide."

Otherwise, why would so many people travel from afar? To put it bluntly, the beast tide in Tianxuan City lasted for almost a year.

The abundance of resources from the demonic beasts is arguably the greatest among the seven kingdoms.

Who wouldn't want a piece of the pie, exchanging their local resources for these cheap monster materials?

"Brother Lin, do you think this day will ever come?"

At the celebration banquet, Old Hu's expression was full of longing. Looking at the magnificent Core Formation celebration, his eyes sparkled with excitement.

Lin Chang'an, standing to the side, noticed the congratulatory gift.

"Old Hu, how many gifts do you think we'll receive at this Core Formation celebration?"

With Lin Chang'an's telepathic message, Lao Hu's thoughts were instantly diverted.

Then, looking at the mountain of congratulatory gifts, all the participants from various sects, families, and chambers of commerce had brought generous gifts.

Seeing this, Lao Hu couldn't help but show envy. He and Lin Chang'an exchanged glances and began to make their own plans.

"Brother Lin, if we ever reach the Core Formation stage, we must have a grand celebration."

Lin Chang'an nodded firmly, which made Yun Yao, who was at the same table, fall silent.

When did these two become so compatible?

Old Ghost kept his head down, but his gaze never left Li Huo Palace, his eyes filled with ruthless killing intent.

He Yan took advantage of the beast tide and, with his years of accumulation, successfully broke through to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, his face glowing with health.

Old Jia had been worried about the future, but after a new Core Formation cultivator finally appeared in Tianxuan City, he was completely relieved.

It can be said that Su Miaoyin's formation of the Golden Core means that Tianxuan City has a successor, which immediately puts people's minds at ease.

Seeing Su Miaoyin's graceful appearance after she formed her core, Lin Chang'an was filled with longing.

At the same time, during the Core Formation Ceremony, the cultivators from the seven kingdoms also saw this legendary figure who had once dominated an era, looking at Master Lu with his gray hair and aged appearance.

It's a pity, but Master Lu had a big smile on his face, as if he had a successor.

……

Although the situation in Yue Kingdom remains turbulent, Tianxuan City has finally stabilized with the arrival of a successor to Master Lu.

A large amount of monster resources appeared on the market, along with supplies brought by major merchant guilds from the seven kingdoms.

In a short time, Tianxuan City gathered various resources from the seven kingdoms, which was truly an eye-opener.

The name of this holy land for independent cultivators has spread far and wide, and it truly lives up to its name.

After the Core Formation celebration, Su Miaoyin led the third-tier Xuan Shui Turtle to the front line of Xuan Yin Pavilion to provide support.

A cultivator who has just formed his core is not scary; what is scary is the late-stage third-tier Xuan Shui Turtle he carries, as well as high-level magic treasures, which shows the wealth of this number one rogue cultivator.

Time passed, and regardless of the turbulent situation outside, at least Tianxuan City remained stable. [Lifespan: 80/248]

[Realm: Mid-Foundation Establishment (27/100)]

"At such an advanced age, in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment, with steady progress in cultivation, that's not bad."

In the black market, on a loft, Lin Chang'an looked out the window at the busy rogue cultivators and nodded in satisfaction.

At his age, his current level of cultivation is legendary among independent cultivators.

Although he cannot be compared to a legend like Master Lu, his deeds are still widely known in this small place of Qingzhushan Market.

"Brother Lin!"

Just then, Old Hu walked in, his face grim and his expression angry.

This scene left Lin Chang'an puzzled.

"Old Hu, who provoked you? This shouldn't be happening."

Recently, after the shops were sold, everyone made a fortune, and Old Hu has lost all interest in going out to hunt monsters.

With these resources, I can cultivate in peace for many years.

Not to mention the black market business.

But today, Lao Hu was full of anger. He strode over, slammed his hand on the table in a huff, and his anger was very obvious in his eyes.

"Brother Lin, I, Lao Hu, finally understand why this Qin fellow is so shameless. I was wondering why he would be so unwise, considering that his family has been passed down for over a hundred years."

It turns out this guy surnamed Qin knew all along he'd offend us; that bastard actually teamed up with others to open a black market in the West District.

As Lao Hu angrily pointed outside and spoke, Lin Chang'an, initially stunned, finally understood what was going on.

It turns out that Qin Feng, also known as the Qin family, had actually joined forces with others to set up a black market in the western district.

This explains why the other party was so unwise as to risk offending them.

As the saying goes, rivals are enemies, and the Qin family had long been preparing to do this business.

"I see."

After Lin Chang'an understood, he immediately shook his head. Doing a good job in the black market would naturally attract the envy of others.

It's normal for others to follow suit, but this will indeed take away some of their business.

"Brother Lin, am I, Lao Hu, that kind of petty person?"

At this moment, Old Hu angrily picked up the spirit tea, drank it all in one gulp, and snorted coldly:

"That Qin fellow is truly insidious and scoundrel. Luckily, we held firm and didn't let go, otherwise we would have really gotten the better of him."

"Alright, Lao Hu, in the end we all profited. And thinking about it, it makes sense. The Qin family lost their foundation in Tianxuan City, so they have to quickly find a way to make a living, otherwise, with so many people in the Qin family..."

Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head, then flicked his finger, prompting the teapot to refill Old Hu's cup of tea.

"Besides, the black market isn't so easy to navigate. Although we're not business geniuses, we're willing to take a gamble and gained an early advantage."

Who has the Qin family allied with? How many resources do they have? Their business has stabilized over the years; a mere newly opened black market can shake their foundations.

Lin Chang'an comforted him with a smile, and Lao Hu calmed down, but he still grumbled with dissatisfaction.

"It still takes your mindset, Brother Lin. But this guy surnamed Qin shouldn't be underestimated. He's invited six Foundation Establishment cultivators, known as the top ten Foundation Establishment cultivators to oversee things."

This black market is making quite a splash; it might affect us in the future.

Originally, there was nothing wrong with the Qin family running a black market, and Old Hu wasn't so domineering as to forbid others from running a black market.

Qin Fengduan was just too disgusting before.

Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head, then raised his finger and the spiritual tea flew to Old Hu's side.

"Old Hu, tell me, when the people of Tianxuan City were in turmoil, how much did we invest in this black market? Now that Tianxuan City is stable, the value of the shops has increased several times over."

"You say the Qin family recruited six Foundation Establishment cultivators? Is it really that easy to do so on the black market?"

Seeing Lin Chang'an's meaningful smile, Lao Hu gradually calmed down, and seemed to realize something, and couldn't help but show a look of sudden understanding.

He took a sip of tea, then Old Hu couldn't help but give a thumbs up and say:

"It has to be Brother Lin who has a quick mind. We're not very good at doing business, but when the six of us invested before, we were all quite wealthy."

Especially Fellow Daoist Yun and Brother Lin, the sheer amount of spirit stones they contributed back then was truly enviable. They thought they had accumulated some wealth and became complacent, but they underestimated everyone in the world.

Listening to Lao Hu's praise, Lin Chang'an smiled and waved his hand.

"To set up a black market now, the investment would be at least ten times what we had before. And even after the black market opened, how did we gain a foothold?"

This scene evoked memories for Lao Hu, causing him to nod in agreement:
"It was through our joint efforts, including Lao Jia and me, that we managed to acquire a lot of shady materials, thanks to our previous connections, as well as the help of fellow Daoists Lao Gui and He Yan. Of course, among them were fellow Daoist Yun and Brother Lin."

Brother Lin, you have extensive connections; you even managed to contact a second-tier alchemist, directly attracting quite a few second-tier talisman masters and alchemists, making a name for yourselves in the black market. And Fellow Daoist Yun is even more remarkable, managing to acquire strategic resources…”

Seeing that Lao Hu had figured it out, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile.

In reality, his so-called use of being a second-tier alchemist to attract many like-minded people was just a pretext for him to sell his talismans and pills.

But to outsiders, it was the pseudonym "Old Medicine Master" that attracted them, causing the black market to suddenly draw a lot of people.

"Then tell me, Lao Hu, although the Qin family is a century-old clan, what does it rely on? Is it because they were planning to leave Tianxuan City before?

I remember when the Qin family left, they cheated many of their old friends and acquaintances. Now, running a black market, they can only find rogue cultivators to work for."

After exchanging a glance, the two smiled.

If you don't think about it too much, it's fine. But if you think about it carefully, you'll realize that their black market has been able to get to where it is today because they have all three of the right conditions: timing, location, and people.

The man surnamed Qin, who is now involved in the black market, is the complete opposite of them, and does not belong to any of the three categories.

"If that's the case, then we not only had the perfect timing, location, and people back then, but we also had a bit of luck. I just don't know if this guy surnamed Qin has that kind of luck."

At this moment, Lao Hu couldn't help but reveal a gloating smile.

If you don't have anything to rely on, and you don't even have luck, then things will get interesting.

"Yes, just as you said, Lao Hu, the six Foundation Establishment cultivators that this Qin guy contacted seem to be quite ordinary, just there to put on a show."

It seems this time, the Qin family has emptied their coffers in the black market; it's just unknown how long they can sustain it.

Lin Chang'an calmly observed everything in a composed tone.

Do you really think the black market is that easy to exploit?
He secretly sold off most of his second-tier talismans and pills on the black market under different cultivator identities. This amounted to the equivalent of more than a dozen cultivators with second-tier skills.

This alone makes it difficult to replicate successfully.

"Brother Lin, we'd better wait and see. This Qin fellow is a real scoundrel."

Old Hu also laughed heartily and raised his teacup, feeling much more relaxed.

They are not good people, and when faced with someone who has offended them, they are naturally willing to see that person suffer.

On this point, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu had known each other for a long time, and they made no attempt to hide their gloating.

Do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

　Thank you to fellow Daoist 'Zunsheng Bajian' for the 100 spirit stones.

　　Thank you to all fellow readers for your support. This book has been available for almost a month now, and it will soon reach 500,000 words. The author has created a fan group.

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(End of this chapter)