Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 167 The tiger has no intention of harming people, but people have the heart to harm the tiger.

Inside the cave.

"Uncle Lin, do you think we can achieve Foundation Establishment?"

Compared to the pragmatic Shen Fan, who had never considered this issue, Wei Yingying was somewhat anxious and uncertain.

Lin Chang'an shook his head. Who dared to speak out about this?

"Countless cultivators have fallen before reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, including some with superior spiritual roots."

However, you are at the peak of your abilities. Be patient and hone your skills for two years, and you should have a good chance of achieving Foundation Establishment.

Hearing Lin Chang'an's words of comfort, Wei Yingying gave a forced smile.

The fact that the couple was able to attempt Foundation Establishment once, relying on their parents' resources, was already an immense stroke of luck; many cultivators planned their own paths.

Shen Fan, being kind and gentle, didn't think too much about it, while Wei Yingying felt some pressure and her heart was heavy.

She recalled her father's words: if she failed to establish her foundation, but Shen Fan succeeded, she would only have a lifespan of a hundred years, and the difference between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators would gradually diminish.

She should focus on being a good wife and mother, and perhaps arrange for him to take in several concubines, lest...

Upon thinking about this, Wei Yingying couldn't help but reveal a determined look in her eyes. No way!
Absolutely not!

Lin Chang'an shook his head and watched the three leave.

"Foundation Establishment, you are already fortunate to have reached this age."

At his age, he was still struggling every day for a few ounces of spirit crystals and only able to eat one meal of demon beast meat a month.

Although Shen Fan and Wei Yingying grew up in Tianxuan City, they had a more superior cultivation environment and more opportunities.

However, those cultivators who emerged from resource-scarce ravines were even more determined.

Once a cultivator reaches the Foundation Establishment stage, their combat power far surpasses that of other cultivators at the same level.

It can only be said that each has its advantages and disadvantages.

"However, you are young and have more opportunities, which we used to envy."

Lin Chang'an shook his head. Even if one fails to reach the Foundation Establishment stage at forty, what difference does it make? At that age, most people still have nothing.

They've all been working their way up to sixty, it's a do-or-die situation, it's all or nothing.

"Moo!"

Just then, the Green Horned Ox emerged from the pool and rubbed against his clothes.

However, the second-tier magic robe was impervious to water and fire, leaving not a single mark.

Lin Chang'an shook his head with a smile and said, "You really are being sold out by this bird and you're still laughing."

The Green Horned Ox was clearly bored, and seeing that no one was around, it wanted him to release the Phoenix Bird.

With a simple gesture, the spirit beast pouch hidden in his sleeve flashed with golden light.

The palm-sized, golden phoenix was chirping excitedly, radiating the aura of a mid-stage second-tier spirit beast.

The phoenix that flew out first landed on the horn of the green-horned ox, chirped excitedly twice as if to express its gratitude, and then flew to Lin Chang'an's shoulder.

Spreading its wings, fanning itself, and patting its shoulders, its obsequiousness was on full display.

"Alright, here's your spirit fruit."

The Green Horned Ox had already enjoyed the spiritual herbs and fruits brought by the Zhou family, so the Phoenix Bird was naturally very envious.

With a wave of his hand, Lin Chang'an took out the fire-attribute spiritual fruit that he had purchased outside, which was the favorite food of the Phoenix Bird.

However, at that moment, a transmission talisman suddenly flashed, causing Lin Chang'an to squint.

"What's this guy surnamed Qin up to now?"

However, Lin Chang'an remained calm and did not reply directly, instead deciding to give the other party the cold shoulder for two days.

Anyway, now it's the other party who needs his help.

However, after waiting for a long time without a reply, Qin Feng actually contacted other cultivators through the sound transmission talisman.

Lin Chang'an, inside the cave, was speechless as he watched the communication talisman continue to flash.

These are all contact methods he left when he traded with the other party under different identities.

……

At the foot of Tianxuan Peak, in a private room of a restaurant.

Lin Chang'an, disguised as the old apothecary, looked displeased.

"Fellow Daoist, what is the matter that you are contacting me in such a hurry? I have already made it clear that we have run out of pills and we still need to supply the markets in the eastern district..."

Seeing that Elder Yao's cultivation had been disturbed and that he looked displeased, Qin Feng quickly stood up and apologized.

As a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator and the head of a family, he has done his utmost for the Qin family.

Everything he did was for the family, not for personal gain.

Unfortunately, through this period of contact, Lin Chang'an discovered that this person had the desire to explore, but lacked the ability to do so.

In the world of cultivation, strength ultimately prevails, not intrigue and trickery.

This time, however, they fell short.

"Fellow Daoist, I truly do not know."

Seeing Qin Feng's sincere attitude, Lin Chang'an, who was pretending to be an old apothecary, finally put aside his strange temper and raised his wine cup, saying:

"Fellow Daoist Qin, please don't be offended. It's just that we have a lot of business with the East District Market, and we can't afford to miss our cultivation time, so we are a little dissatisfied."

"I see."

Qin Feng suddenly realized something, but he had grasped the important information in the other party's words.

"There's been a lot of trading in the East District market lately!"

For a moment, Qin Feng felt that this was an opportunity that had been delivered to his doorstep.

But without revealing his true feelings, he offered compliments with a smile, and the two began to chat over drinks.

After a while, having eaten and drunk their fill, and having made quite a bit of money from Qin Feng at high prices during this period, even the eccentric old doctor felt a little embarrassed.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, it's not that we're unwilling to trade with you more, it's just that we don't have any extra."

Lin Chang'an, disguised as the old apothecary, sighed as Qin Feng smiled and nodded, but inwardly he cursed these cowardly cowards for being too greedy.

During this period, the resources they acquired at high prices yielded almost no profit; they relied entirely on these to attract cultivators.

This stabilized the market, attracted some cultivators, and earned them some spirit stones.

Otherwise, if they acquire properties at prices 50% or even 10% higher than the market price without making a profit, they're out of their minds.

"Fellow Daoist, did you say before that there was a big deal in the Eastern District?"

Qin Feng was curious, but Yao Lao had no reason to hide this from him; after all, it was something that couldn't be kept secret from someone who wanted to find out.
"Indeed, the Seven Nations Chamber of Commerce has recently been purchasing a considerable amount of supplies, and the East District Market has already reached an agreement with us on this matter..."

As the old doctor's voice grew hoarse, Qin Feng's eyes instantly turned red.

It seems like only people with the surname Lin and Hu get all the good things.

"Such a big deal, won't it make the East District Market go crazy!"

This made Qin Feng envious, and he immediately brought up their plan to poach people with high rewards, even mentioning that a merchant guild in their market wanted to purchase a batch of materials.

However, Lin Chang'an, disguised as the old doctor, felt a surge of anger upon hearing this.

Well, normally business is all about skill, but he just wanted to teach this person a lesson by secretly playing these tricks.

Who would have thought that the tiger had no intention of harming people, but people had the intention of harming the tiger.

This guy surnamed Qin is incredibly greedy.

Then don't blame him for being ruthless.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, I'm truly sorry, but I'm afraid I won't be able to trade with you for the next six months. The prices offered to us by the Eastern District Market are quite high..."

"Fellow Daoist Yao, please don't do this."

Upon hearing this, Qin Feng's expression changed drastically.

He was already jealous of this deal in the East District Market, but then this rogue cultivator told him that there wouldn't be any transactions for at least six months.

How could their newly established market town in the western district possibly survive? "Fellow Daoist, we are willing to pay a high price, even for this transaction..."

However, Lin Chang'an, pretending to be an old apothecary, shook his head and directly rejected the other party's so-called temptation.

After all, one is a full meal, and the other is a full meal every day. Everyone knows which to choose.

However, Qin Feng gritted his teeth and said:

"Fellow Daoist, as you know, our West District Market has just begun to show some promise, and we've already contacted several chambers of commerce to prepare for a large-scale purchase of supplies..."

At this moment, Qin Feng looked troubled, but secretly he was determined.

He was aware of the numerous chambers of commerce among the seven nations and their recent large-scale procurement of materials, but he simply lacked the capital to do so before.

But right now, seeing that the East District is about to make a fortune, it's natural to be envious.

Instead of taking this opportunity, we should teach those surnamed Lin and Hu a lesson, and at the same time, even if we don't get any personal gain, we should still recruit these people.

"Fellow Daoist, we are willing to offer a high price..."

“Fellow Daoist Qin, we have been trading with the Eastern District Market for several years, and the relationship is extremely stable. You are making us break our promise with just one high price.”

At this point, Lin Chang'an, disguised as the old apothecary, shook his head.

It's clear that although they are independent cultivators, they won't sacrifice long-term interests for short-term gains.

"Fellow Daoist, to put it bluntly, it doesn't matter who you trade with. How much can you earn by trading with the East District? Although our West District Market is a latecomer."

But it is precisely because of this that there is greater room for maneuver. If you agree, our Western District will not profit from this shipment; we only wish to establish a friendship with you.

After Qin Feng had said all that, Lin Chang'an, who was pretending to be the old apothecary, was in a dilemma.

“But…we’ve already collected deposits from the East District Market…”

"We'll pay double! No! Triple!"

Finally, under the lure of great profit, Lin Chang'an, who was disguised as the old apothecary, was clearly swayed, but did not make up his mind.

This, on the contrary, left Qin Feng with no doubt whatsoever; this was the normal reaction.

The two chatted for a long time afterward, and Qin Feng didn't rush for an answer, but instead kept promising generous benefits.

But words are no proof, and Qin Feng naturally knew this, so he smiled and nodded, promising to send a generous gift in a few days.

After Qin Feng left, the old doctor sitting in the restaurant revealed a cold glint on his face.

"Since you're so ruthless, don't blame me for not leaving you a way out either."

……

West District Market.

When Qin Feng hurriedly returned and gathered everyone, he shared the information he had gathered and his thoughts.

Upon hearing this, the Foundation Establishment cultivators all displayed different expressions.

"It's no secret that the Seven Kingdoms Chamber of Commerce is making large-scale purchases in Immortal City. The bigger problem now is that we don't have enough resources."

"If you ask me, Fellow Daoist Qin is right. What do you mean by eating in a bad manner? Which cultivator didn't get to where they are by eating people?"

“That’s right. We can contact the Seven Nations Chamber of Commerce. Even if we don’t make a single penny this time, as long as we can complete this deal, if we ruin the transaction in the East District Market, the other party will be ruined.”

"In this way, I'm afraid we'll offend those six Foundation Establishment cultivators in the East District."

"Offend people? Haven't we offended enough people along the way?"

Faced with the prospect of profit, some Foundation Establishment cultivators worried about offending the East District Black Market, while others were tempted.

When the benefits are large enough, they can bewitch people.

Seeing that most people were somewhat interested, Qin Feng nodded solemnly and said:

"Gentlemen, if this deal succeeds, we can poach all the skilled cultivators from the East District. If the East District fails in this transaction, our West District can replace the East District's market."

You've all seen the profits the East District has generated recently. What are your thoughts?

Although Qin Feng was very tempted, this West District Market didn't belong to him alone; he had to drag everyone else down with him.

As the cultivators exchanged bewildered glances, an elderly Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Qin family frowned and said with concern:
“Patriarch, this matter is too radical. I have heard that the Eastern District Market has a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, and that Master Lin has quite a few connections in Tianxuan City.”

"Elder Qin, we are now at a critical juncture. If we miss this opportunity, our Western District will be half-dead. How can we rise again?"

Qin Feng remained calm, seemingly suggesting that he would make the suggestion himself, and that everyone should express their opinion on the matter.

"If you all agree, then we will not make a single penny from this transaction; in fact, we will have to offer substantial profits to entice this group of people."

Of course, if you disagree, we'll continue developing slowly and watch others earn spirit stones.

Risk and reward are directly proportional.

None of them were fools; their eyes gleamed.

Several things, that is, to poach people, disrupt transactions in the East District Market, and completely offend the other party.

Although it seems to them that this deal will not only fail to generate profit for them, but will also result in significant losses, everyone can see that if it goes through, they will replace the East District.

There are only a few black markets in Tianxuan City, and the East District is undoubtedly the most coveted.

"Just as Fellow Daoist Qin said, we need to offer great benefits to win over these people. I, Old Xing, am willing to go all out."

"That's right. If we continue to develop at this slow pace, hanging on like a raging torrent, it will be incredibly frustrating."

"Dry!"

One by one, tempted by the potential benefits, they were all swayed.

After that, the ten people took out spirit stones and materials again, preparing to recruit these skilled cultivators.

Even if they don't have enough spirit stones and resources, they will take out some of their most treasured items.

……

Meanwhile, in the black market of the East District.

Lin Chang'an was sitting upright in the pavilion, holding a jade slip containing his insights into array formations, sipping spiritual tea, and savoring the experience.

Old Hu, however, walked over with a frown on his face, looking deep in thought.

"Brother Lin, where did you find these people in the West District? I've heard recently that they have quite a few high-level talents among them."

Even before I arrived, I encountered that man surnamed Qin negotiating with a merchant guild from the Kingdom of Shayun at a restaurant. With their meager resources in the Western District, could they possibly afford to take on such a large sum?

Seeing Lao Hu's suspicion, Lin Chang'an glanced at Lao Hu and couldn't help but shake his head with a smile.

"Old Hu, there have been too many cultivators coming to Tianxuan City lately. Who knows what will happen? Besides, the Qin family is a well-established Foundation Establishment family."

"Our ancestors included cultivators in the late Foundation Establishment stage, so it's normal for us to have some connections."

After listening to Lin Chang'an's explanation, Lao Hu shook his head and stopped thinking about it. On the contrary, their business in the East District was getting better and better.

However, the welfare period is only for this short time.

Once all the resources obtained from the beast tide have been consumed, things will return to normal.

"It's all thanks to Brother Lin's magnanimity. I, Lao Hu, have to learn from that mindset."

Old Hu laughed loudly, which made Lin Chang'an shake his head.

The incomplete knowledge of array formations in his hand was given to him by that person surnamed Qin.

However, it wasn't used to win over the so-called "Old Master Yao," but rather another so-called "sophistry" persona.

He's made quite a bit of money using his dozen or so identities these past few days.

Various lavish gifts were presented, but in the end, two of the eighteen people refused, and the other sixteen reluctantly agreed.

However, they made exorbitant demands, requesting a batch of materials.

They also have to repay five times the deposit previously paid in the East District.

Although Qin Feng and the others felt the pinch, they knew that as long as they recruited this group of people and disrupted the transactions in the East District, their West District could quickly take over with this batch of goods.

The better days are yet to come.

　I've reached 50 words. I'm organizing my thoughts and will be updating only for two days. After that, I'll resume normal updates. I hope you all understand.

　　[Taking leave, only two days of updates! Not a break from updates, just two days of single updates!]

　　
　
(End of this chapter)