Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 170 Preparing for the Cave Ruins
Years are like a shuttle.

Three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

However, the situation in Yue Kingdom became increasingly tense. Faced with the joint offensive of Li Huo Palace and Shen Jian Sect, Xuan Yin Pavilion suffered heavy losses and lost many spiritual veins.

【Lifespan: 83/249】

[Realm: Mid-Foundation Establishment (33/100)]

Inside the cave, Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes, looked at his progress in cultivation, and couldn't help but smile.

"At eighty-three years old, such visible progress in cultivation is truly addictive."

Lin Chang'an sighed, realizing that he could better understand why many determined cultivators gradually lose patience as time goes by.

There's no other reason than that after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, every step becomes extremely difficult, giving the impression that one's cultivation has stagnated.

"Judging by the time, Shen Lie and the others must have been waiting for quite a while."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an slowly stood up, overwhelmed with emotion.

Shen Fan and Yingying, the two juniors, are almost forty years old. In the past few years, they have been honing their foundations and have begun to prepare for the Foundation Establishment stage.

Outside the cave, Shen Lie, Lu Qingqing, Wei Buyi, and others had been waiting for a long time.

"Junior Sister, what are you worried about? With Brother Lin escorting them all the way, Yingying and Fan will definitely succeed in establishing their foundations."

Even Li Erniu came, although everyone was over eighty years old and had a full head of white hair.

But Li Erniu has clearly been living a more comfortable life these past few years. With a rosy complexion and a plump, wealthy appearance, he looks quite prosperous.

Wei Buyi, who had spent his entire life arguing with Li Erniu, leaned on a pair of magical iron crutches and couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, saying:
"You think everyone is like you, old and still taking concubines?"

After being rebuked like that, Li Erniu's eyes widened. His ruddy complexion contrasted sharply with Wei Buyi's thin and frail appearance, who was leaning on a cane.

"Hey, Wei Buyi, why are you pretending to be lame? You're always on a cane. It's only because Yingying is so sweet-talking that I wouldn't have come. Otherwise, with your old face, I wouldn't have come."

As the two distinguished elders, Wei Buyi and Li Erniu, bickered, Lu Qingqing, watching from the side, shook her head helplessly.

These two men fought each other their entire lives.

Shen Lie was clearly distracted today, and even when he looked at Li Erniu, a hint of envy appeared on his face.

Although they have lived well over the years, they have accumulated Foundation Establishment Pills over a lifetime, draining the savings of two generations, in order to make it possible to attempt Foundation Establishment.

"Sigh, I'm still a little worried about Qingqing."

Shen Lie has experienced both highs and lows in business, but he has never felt so uneasy as he does today.

The beautiful Lu Qingqing of yesteryear now has a head of white hair, but you can still see the beauty of her youth in her eyes.

"Alright, at least we've done enough."

Lu Qingqing concealed her worries, put on a casual smile, and comforted her husband.

Just then, ripples appeared on the array barrier, and Lin Chang'an walked out of the cave.

"Brother Lin."

"Brother Lin."

Looking at the crowd that had been waiting for a long time, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but shake his head and say, "I came out early because I was afraid you would arrive too soon."

Shen Lie and the others gave an awkward smile; this was what it meant to be a parent.

Upon seeing this, Li Erniu chuckled and teased, "Brother Lin, I told them long ago to rest assured, but they just couldn't sit still."

"Who are you talking about? Back when Yifan was building his foundation, you couldn't sit still either."

Wei Buyi retorted angrily, and looking at the marks left by the passage of time on everyone, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

"Alright, don't let the two younger ones laugh at us later."

Lin Chang'an joked with a smile, while Lu Qingqing said that in order to avoid affecting their mentality, the two of them were in seclusion in their cave to adjust.

……

At the foot of Tianxuan Peak.

Every time I came to the secluded cave, I could always see anxious people waiting outside.

He has parents, a wife and children, relatives, or perhaps a lover.

The concerned and worried looks in each person's eyes reflected the importance of Foundation Establishment for cultivators.

Many people looked envious when they saw Lin Chang'an and his group arrive.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators personally escorted them; these were all people with powerful backgrounds.

"Uncle Lin."

According to the appointed time, the two of them came out of the cave ahead of schedule.

With his thick eyebrows and big eyes, Shen Fan's expression was honest yet his gaze was resolute. He looked more mature and composed than before.

Wei Yingying, the mischievous girl from back then, is now almost forty years old. She stepped forward with a smile and bowed to Lin Chang'an and the others one by one.

Upon seeing the two, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. Shen Fan had a solid foundation, and Wei Yingying was no less impressive; both possessed mid-grade spiritual roots.

They are about the same in terms of aptitude; the rest depends on their individual foundations and temperament.

"How are the preparations going?"

When asked by Lin Chang'an's men, Shen Fan respectfully cupped his hands and said, "Uncle Lin, I am prepared. Even if I fail, I will have no regrets."

Upon hearing this, Wei Yingying, who was standing to the side, immediately spat twice.

"Don't say anything unlucky. This time we're renting the cave where Uncle Lin once secluded himself to cultivate his foundation. Everything will be fine."

"Ah."

Looking at Wei Yingying and Shen Fan, everyone felt gratified, at least they had watched the two of them grow up.

In the cruel world of cultivation, having a supportive partner by their side brings them peace of mind.

"Well, in that case, let's prepare to establish our foundation."

Lin Chang'an nodded slightly. Three years ago, he had already given the two of them some insights into Foundation Establishment. He hoped that the two of them would succeed.

He then took out a jade bottle containing Foundation Establishment Pills from his storage bag.

"Remember to get into the best state, and the two of you should use your dual cultivation techniques together to increase your chances of Foundation Establishment."

When Lin Chang'an handed the Foundation Establishment Pills to the two, he gave them some advice as an elder, but the second half of his words was transmitted in secret.

Upon hearing about this dual cultivation technique, the two, despite being quite old, couldn't help feeling embarrassed.

When they got married, Uncle Lin's gift was quite expensive, but he was just too embarrassed to say so.

"Thank you, Uncle Lin."

The two accepted the Foundation Establishment Pill and nodded solemnly.

Under the expectant and encouraging gaze of their parents and relatives, Shen Fan and Wei Yingying nodded firmly.

They are lucky to have the help of their parents and elders, allowing them to attempt foundation building at this age.

As the two entered the secluded cave, a hint of reminiscence appeared in the eyes of Shen Lie and Wei Buyi.

They didn't have this opportunity back then, but at least they didn't let their descendants follow in their footsteps.

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. He hoped the two of them could seize the opportunity with two high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills.

Just after entering the secluded cave.

When the couple were alone, Wei Yingying smiled and took the jade bottle. Upon opening it, she couldn't help but show a look of surprise.

"Premium Foundation Building Pill!"

"Yingying, you mustn't be rude."

Shen Fan kept a straight face, while Wei Yingying glanced at the medicine bottle, a sly glint in her eyes, and secretly slipped in a pill.

"Brother Fan, Uncle Lin is so kind to us. He gave us three high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills. Let's prepare to break through together!"

Honest Shen Fan didn't think that much, or rather, he never imagined that Yingying would scheme against him. Instead, upon hearing about the three high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills, he couldn't help but show a solemn expression.

"Uncle Lin has helped us so much."

Although their parents provided foundation-building materials, the value was only two genuine foundation-building pills.

Upon seeing this, Wei Yingying smiled sweetly. If Shen Fan had been on guard even slightly, he wouldn't have missed it.

But it is precisely because of this that she has no regrets.

"Brother Fan, two high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills will definitely help you successfully establish your foundation."

Under Wei Yingying's resolute gaze, she carefully concealed the Bigu Pill. She was prepared to postpone her breakthrough; it would be best if Shen Fan could break through with just one Foundation Establishment Pill. If not, she would have an excuse to take the pill later.

Outside the cave, after the two went into seclusion, Shen Lie, Lu Qingqing, and Wei Buyi showed anxious expressions.

This scene moved Li Erniu deeply; he had once been just like that himself.

Lin Chang'an seemed to sense something, and nodded calmly at everyone, saying:
"Don't worry, I see that Yingying and Shen Fan have solid foundations, they will definitely be fine."

Even so, the parents could only nod and smile in response, but they couldn't stop worrying in their hearts.

This made Lin Chang'an sigh inwardly, wondering if anyone would still care about him when he formed his core in the future.

……

Restaurant.

From an elegant private room, one could see the figures of the crowd in the distance.

"Fellow Daoist Yun, it seems you've been here for quite some time."

As Lin Chang'an entered the private room, Yun Yao, dressed in white, gazed at the familiar figure in the distance, her beautiful eyes seemingly filled with various memories.

"Yes, we arrived a long time ago and saw Qingqing and the others. They've all gotten old."

Yun Yao let out a long, melancholy sigh, which made Lin Chang'an shake his head. Yun Yao's refusal to acknowledge him was also to protect everyone.

The two sat upright at the table, gazing at the scene in the distance, and looking at the clear spirit wine in their cups. Yun Yao couldn't help but reveal a complicated smile.

"Brother Lin, the path of cultivating immortality is truly full of all sorts of experiences."

After drinking a cup of wine, Yun Yao couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile.

"Just like now, the path of cultivation, once stopped, will lead to a gradual decline. The only difference is when we will stop."

Separated by just a window, it seemed like an insurmountable chasm between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment.

Shen Lie, Lu Qingqing, Wei Buyi, and Li Erniu, all with white hair, began to drift further and further apart the moment they stopped.

Looking at them again, they still retain their charm.

"Everyone has their own path, and for them, isn't that a fulfilling life?"

Lin Chang'an smiled and raised his glass, indicating to Shen Lie, Li Erniu, and the others that their lives seemed quite fulfilling at the moment.

Although there are some regrets, who doesn't have a few regrets in their life?

"I hope these two juniors can reach the Foundation Establishment stage."

After exchanging a glance, the two smiled and then put aside their other thoughts.

They still have a long way to go.

……

The two then began to discuss the current situation.

"Brother Lin, something seems amiss deep within the Cloud Mist Mountains lately."

Three years have passed, and the period of benefits brought by the beast tide is long gone.

Tianxuan City gradually returned to normal, although their black market business was also greatly affected, but this was beyond human control.

Or rather, things are only now normal.

"Something's not right!?" Lin Chang'an frowned slightly after hearing this; he had heard some rumors as well.

"Fellow Daoist Yun, are you saying that after the beast tide, there have been frequent instances of demonic beasts venturing out to seize territory from the depths of the Cloud Mist Mountains?"

Normally, after the beast tide passes, things will calm down.

Looking at Lin Chang'an, Yun Yao nodded solemnly and said:

"Moreover, it seems that recently it has been discovered that not only Yue Kingdom, but all of the seven kingdoms except Shayun Kingdom have noticed the restlessness of the monsters in the Cloud Mist Mountains."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an's expression hardened. Of the seven kingdoms, only the Shayun Kingdom was adjacent to the vast yellow sands, while the other six kingdoms were connected to the Cloud and Mist Mountains.

But upon hearing Yun Yao's words, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but frown.

"Fellow Daoist Yun, could it be a large-scale beast tide?"

Faced with Lin Chang'an's doubts, Yun Yao simply shook her head.

"Impossible. There must be a problem deep within the Cloud Mist Mountains. According to our Xuan Yin Divine Sect's in-depth investigation, the miasma deep inside has become even more concentrated."

Even our sect's Golden Core cultivator, Protector Xiang, returned after a thorough investigation, only to be tainted by a trace of the poisonous miasma.

Upon hearing these words, Lin Chang'an's expression hardened.

Even Golden Core cultivators were tainted by a trace of poisonous miasma, which gives you an idea of ​​the danger involved.

"So, Fellow Daoist Yun, are you worried about the ruins of the cave dwelling?"

These major events have little to do with them, minor cultivators, but what could make Yun Yao so serious is probably only related to the opportunity to form her core.

“Indeed, many cultivators have been exploring in depth recently. What worries me is that the cave ruins will be discovered.”

As she spoke, Yun Yao's expression turned solemn, and she took out two large, light blue flags from her storage bag.

"The Water Dragon Flag, when used in pairs, can unleash the power of a top-grade spiritual weapon. I exchanged it for a near-third-tier spirit essence that I obtained during the beast tide three years ago."

At this moment, Lin Chang'an finally understood Yun Yao's meaning.

To avoid any unforeseen complications, Yun Yao decided to test the cave ruins ahead of time.

Looking at this pair of rare, complete, top-quality spiritual artifacts, it's clear they were prepared for a combined attack technique.

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but nod in approval; Yun Yao was indeed well-prepared.

"We should conduct a preliminary reconnaissance and make some preparations in advance."

Even with its power greatly diminished, the third-order grand formation of this cave ruins is not something a Foundation Establishment cultivator can easily enter.

Therefore, if Lin Chang'an, with a solemn expression, were to enter prematurely, the risks would relatively increase.

“Brother Lin, Yun Yao is not such an unwise person.”

Seeing Lin Chang'an's worry, Yun Yao couldn't help but smile and shake her head.

Even the best opportunities are not guaranteed; you need to be alive to seize them.

"I knew before that Brother Lin was quite talented in the art of formations. Let's make some preparations first, and then secretly explore this cave ruins."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an glanced at Yun Yao without leaving a trace, while Yun Yao smiled back at him.

Over the years, he has collected insights into formations and has not kept his observations of formations a secret from Yun Yao and others.

After all, he hadn't hidden his talent at all when he was trying to learn formations from Song Tingfeng and Su Miaoyin.

Years ago, Su Miaoyin often lamented that his talent in array formations far surpassed that in talismans, which was a pity.

If someone were to inquire about this, his talent in array formations would be no secret.

"As for array formations, if possible, I would like to trouble Fellow Daoist Yun to help find one or two magical artifacts or spiritual tools to detect the attributes of array formations, so that we can avoid being noticed."

After all, if he secretly purchased such magical artifacts, it would be easy for others to notice, while Yun Yao had more ways to get things done.

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded, directly revealing his strength in the art of formations.

After all, he was going to explore the cave ruins with Yun Yao, and he had no intention of hiding his knowledge of formations.

"Magic artifacts and spiritual tools for probing formations!"

Yun Yao couldn't help but show a hint of surprise in her beautiful eyes. Although she knew that this Brother Lin had a talent for array formations.

But I didn't expect them to be so confident.

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded, saying, "I have gained quite a bit of insight over the years, and I have just barely broken through to the second level in the art of formations."

Second-tier array master!
"Brother Lin, you've kept this from Yun Yao for so long."

Yun Yao couldn't help but show a look of joy. This would greatly increase the chances of exploring the cave ruins.

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded, showing no fear of revealing his talent in formations, since this area emphasizes comprehension.

With such poor spiritual roots, if he didn't have any outstanding qualities and continued to grow, anyone would be suspicious.

　Thank you all for your support. Starting today, I will resume updating twice a day.

　　Fellow Daoists, rest assured, I have been a full-time author for over three years and have never missed an update. Even when I had writer's block, had other commitments, or even when I was in trouble, I always managed to get through at least one update.

　　So don't worry about missing updates; at most, I'll only post a couple of days at a time to get back on track.

　　Fellow Daoists, please feel free to continue reading.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)