Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 173 Fire-Devouring Demon Spirit
Cloud-shrouded mountains.

Under the bright moonlight, in a forest.

Of the three, Lao Hu sat alone at a distance, Lin Chang'an had a strange expression on his face, while Yun Yao coldly examined the spoils of the dead cultivator.

The cultivator who was killed earlier was actually one of the top ten Foundation Establishment cultivators in the West District Market back then.

"Old Lin, I told you before that I had found traces of this person. Who would have thought that I would run into you while secretly following him? You lied to me, you lied to me, you said you were in seclusion for cultivation..."

After all that, it turns out it was caused by the black market from back then.

Especially since Lao Hu had indeed come to see him before, Lin Chang'an felt a little embarrassed, as it seemed that it really was true.

With his mind focused on the secret realm, he naturally didn't think about causing any unforeseen complications.

If I had paid more attention back then, I might have discovered the other party's intentions much earlier.

Old Hu, on the other hand, was determined to eliminate the problem completely.

If it were Lin Chang'an, without the secret realm, he would probably have made the same choice after discovering it.

"So, Lao Hu, you discovered this person sneaking around Tianxuan City and then tracked and chased him down... You're not from the Divine Sword Sect either?"

"How could that be? This talisman was passed down from my ancestor, Old Hu. I told you before, Old Lin, that my ancestor almost produced a Nascent Soul cultivator."

Old Hu stared wide-eyed, actually suspecting that he was from the Divine Sword Sect.

Lin Chang'an fell silent for a moment. He had always thought that Lao Hu was just bragging, but he never expected that it was actually true.

It's unlikely that a Nascent Soul cultivator was ever produced there, but this talisman is real, and it's possible that a Golden Core cultivator was among their ancestors.

"And Old Lin, are you really not a cultivator from the Li Huo Palace? Did you buy this talisman from the Duobao Pavilion?"

"Does Duobaolou sell talismans?" Old Hu asked doubtfully.

"Naturally, with my connections in Tianxuan City, buying one or two talisman treasures shouldn't be too difficult."

Lin Chang'an remained calm, regardless of whether the other party believed it or not; he himself believed it anyway.

Only Yun Yao remained silent. She had always thought that she had the deepest foundation and the strongest strength, but it turned out that the other two had talisman treasures.

After exchanging information, the two sides couldn't help but look at each other in bewilderment.

"Old Hu, why did I notice that your magical aura was completely different during the previous battle?"

This was also a question in Lin Chang'an's mind: the unfavorable perception from the past had failed to work on Lao Hu this time.

"This is a treasure passed down from my Hu family ancestors. It can conceal one's magical aura and make it indistinguishable from the real thing."

After saying this, Lao Hu looked at Lin Chang'an strangely, as if to say, "Aren't you the same?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but nod in agreement. Indeed, there were countless secret techniques in the cultivation world.

"I'm different from you, Lao Hu. I only have some crude concealment methods. Relatively speaking, wood-attribute techniques have a natural concealment effect."

Lin Chang'an remained calm and did not mention the special effects of the Bloodthirsty Poison Ivy, but attributed them to the cultivation technique.

Old Hu, lacking strong perception, did not harbor much suspicion.

However, neither of them ever expected that one day they would almost end up stealing from each other while trying to cover it up.

"Old Lin, now that the misunderstanding has been cleared up, why don't we go back to Tianxuan City and talk again?"

If Old Hu hadn't secretly hidden a talisman at his fingertips, things might have been even better, with his beaming smile on his face.

Lin Chang'an was no less adept; having witnessed too much treachery and deceit in the cultivation world, all three remained secretly on guard.

Although they had a good relationship, if they had let their guard down so easily in the face of such an incredible opportunity, they would have died countless times already.

Meanwhile, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao were also secretly communicating with each other.

“Fellow Daoist Yun, Old Hu’s discovery may have been an accident, but before that, I discovered traces of other cultivators here, so this place has probably been exposed.”

Lin Chang'an frowned slightly. The bad news was that the cave ruins had been exposed.

The good news is that the other side has not yet explored the area, and the cave ruins are still intact.

Based on the information that Lao Hu was chasing this person, the other party was probably a cultivator from the Shayun Kingdom.

As for the opponent's strength and number of people, nothing is known.

……

While Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao were secretly exchanging messages, Lao Hu's eyes flickered as he considered the gains and losses.

Although they have been friends for many years, they still remain wary of each other under certain circumstances.

This shows how rare such an opportunity is.

"Although I, Old Hu, have inherited my talents, I am not very confident in planning to form my core. But I cannot miss this opportunity."

After much deliberation, Old Hu finally raised his head, glanced at Lin Chang'an, and then broke into a hearty smile.

"Old Lin, we are all Foundation Establishment cultivators who have lived for almost a hundred years. Let's be frank, this opportunity has obviously been discovered by others."

"Even if you and Fellow Daoist Yun join forces, we might not be confident of victory. How about we add me to the team?"

"you!?"

Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao exchanged a glance, their brows furrowing.

Putting aside the relationship, let's keep Lao Hu here. The other party has a talisman, and neither of them is confident.

Especially for Lin Chang'an, this talisman only has one chance to be used.

As for Lao Hu's talisman, who knows how many more times it can be used?

Old Hu also knew that if he forced himself to join in, it would only alienate others.

Who knows what might happen in this extremely dangerous secret realm?

He's just one person after all. Old Lin is fine, but this Fellow Daoist Yun is clearly from the Demonic Sect. What if Old Lin can't resist the whispers and the two of them team up to set him up...?

Thinking of this, Lao Hu gritted his teeth. Opportunities are rare, and you can't catch a wolf without risking your cub.

"Brother Lin, Fellow Daoist Yun, I, Old Hu, won't take advantage of you for nothing. What do you think of the Core Formation cultivation experience of my family's ancestors?"

Old Hu was well aware that cooperation required a foundation, and his sudden entry would naturally provoke resentment. If he simply left...

Putting aside his own unwillingness, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao would not feel at ease letting him leave.

It would be better to be open and honest and show your sincerity.

"Insights into Core Formation?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao secretly began to communicate telepathically.

For independent cultivators, insights into Core Formation are indeed invaluable.

"Old Hu, you don't actually think we don't have the corresponding insights into Core Formation, do you?"

Lin Chang'an's calm tone suggested that a single Core Formation experience was clearly insufficient.

"Old Lin, your secret realm is still floating in the sky, who knows if there are any good things inside."

Despite this, Lao Hu grumbled helplessly and revealed his hand.

Actually, he wanted to test whether Lao Lin and this fellow Daoist Yun were determined to get rid of him.

If the other party agrees to the terms merely regarding the Core Formation experience, Lao Hu will likely seek an opportunity to escape. However, if they continue to haggle, there is no sincerity in cooperating.

"Brother Lin, Fellow Daoist Yun, given our current cultivation levels, our continued pursuit is nothing more than the formation of the Core. What if I were to offer you a secret method to increase your chances of forming the Core?"

It is helpful for the secret method of forming the Golden Core!
Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao's expressions hardened. If Old Hu had said that before, they naturally wouldn't have believed it.

But right now, Lao Hu's talisman and his so-called insights into Core Formation are...

That says it all; the Hu family has a long and distinguished history.

"This secret technique was passed down from my ancestors. It can compress magical power, avoid the bottleneck of the Core Formation stage, and increase the success rate of Core Formation."

In his hoarse voice, Old Hu directly recounted the beginning of this secret method to the two of them.

Both of them were Foundation Establishment cultivators who had cultivated for nearly a hundred years, so they could naturally distinguish the authenticity of this secret technique.

Their expressions changed immediately.

"Fellow Daoist Hu, it seems you intend to rely on this secret technique to enter the cave ruins."

Of the three, Yun Yao had the highest cultivation level and naturally wanted to obtain this secret technique the most.

Seeing that the other party had softened their attitude, Lao Hu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The secret technique was dead, and it wasn't so easy to cultivate.

However, once you miss the cave ruins, you may not have the chance to do so again.

"Old Lin, Fellow Daoist Yun, you don't even know what's in this secret realm, or even if you can get your hands on it."

But as long as I, Old Hu, join in, at least we won't leave empty-handed, right?

Hearing Lao Hu's words, Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered. Lao Hu was really hiding his true intentions.

No wonder he has never given up on pursuing the path to Core Formation all these years. With such a legacy, who would be willing to give it their all?

"Using a golden core or demon core of the same attribute as one's own cultivation method as a catalyst, and then using this secret method to activate true fire for refining, can increase the chances of forming a core..."

Hearing about the profoundness of this technique, Lin Chang'an was also somewhat tempted.

Of the three present, he naturally had the worst spiritual root aptitude, and who knows what dangers awaited him as he explored the cave ruins.

As Lao Hu said, it's not uncommon in the cultivation world to return empty-handed or to find treasures that have no value.

After exchanging a glance, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao secretly communicated via telepathy.

"Brother Lin, neither of us knows what's inside this cave ruin. We might end up leaving empty-handed."

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly; this secret technique was truly effective. It meant that even before exploring the cave ruins, they already had a safety net.

It doesn’t seem to be a loss.

"Old Hu, let's agree on three rules first. The items obtained from the cave ruins will be temporarily kept by Fellow Daoist Yun until we return to Tianxuan City."

"Old Hu, how about you distribute these so-called secret methods after you've produced them?"

Upon hearing this unfair treatment, Lao Hu was not angry at all; instead, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as Old Lin and Fellow Daoist Yun want this secret technique, they cannot join forces to harm him.

This is now his best way to break the deadlock: three people on one line.

"Alright, Lao Hu owes Lao Lin a life. I believe in you, Lao Lin. No matter what you get from the secret realm this time, even if you return empty-handed."

Upon returning to Tianxuan City, this secret technique will be presented to you with both hands.

Although Lao Hu is usually carefree, he is very serious when it comes to important matters.

In the world of cultivation, he doesn't fight! How did he achieve his Core Formation?
"Let's make it clear beforehand that I discovered this cave ruins, and Brother Lin has already agreed that if there are any Core Formation spiritual items, I will choose first."

Yun Yao was also tempted, but how to allocate the money was another matter entirely.

In the cultivation world, there are too many instances of infighting caused by unequal distribution of resources.

"Alright, you can choose the Core Formation spiritual items first, but if there are any Core Formation cultivators' insights or cultivation techniques, make a copy of each. As for the rest of the treasures, we will divide them equally."

"Old Hu, that's not right of you. We've been preparing for this cave exploration for twenty years, and you've suddenly joined in and taken away a third of it..."

"Old Lin, isn't my ancestral Golden Core Formation technique worth its weight in gold?"

Old Hu's eyes widened. One thing at a time, if it's a matter of interest, then it must be fought for.

"Old Hu, your secret technique is good, but the cultivation conditions are quite demanding. A third-tier demon core, where am I supposed to find that?"

"Old Lin, at least we have a direction now. It's better than being clueless and having no method at all."

"Old Hu, your family has a distinguished lineage; your ancestors included great cultivators who almost reached the Nascent Soul stage. Do you have any other secret techniques?"

After some haggling and discussion, Old Hu's face turned green. This Old Lin was too greedy!

Even in this state, they still care about his meager savings.

"Let's see if we get anything good this time, so we don't end up disappointed..."

After a preliminary discussion, the three decided to wait a few days until the scorpion swarm calmed down before venturing deeper into the secret realm.

After all, the secret realm has already been discovered. If they delay for even one more day, their twenty years of preparation might be wasted on someone else.

"The death of this cultivator could easily alert those hiding in the shadows. We'll enter the formation in a few days to investigate."

Old Hu agreed, and the three of them then swore an oath with their Daoist hearts to temporarily join forces.

The oath of one's Dao heart may not have much binding force, but for cultivators, it is already the greatest constraint.

Especially those cultivators whose heart for seeking the Dao remains unchanged.

……

Seven days later.

After the scorpions in the miasma area calmed down, the three returned to the place.

"Old Lin, this person previously joined a family in the Shayun Kingdom. This time, it's very suspicious. There's a high chance that he's accompanied by six or seven Foundation Establishment cultivators."

"It's what you mentioned before, Lao Lin; it's probably this group that discovered traces of the secret realm."

After the three formed an alliance, Lao Hu, with his outgoing and carefree personality, started acting up again.

This left Lin Chang'an, who was standing to the side, feeling helpless.

"Old Hu, I'm surveying the formation, but you've really kept your second-tier weapon refinement a secret."

"Old Lin, you didn't know that. If you had known earlier, I, Old Hu, would have forged one or two suitable magical artifacts for you."

Old Hu kept rambling on, while Yun Yao watched the two of them calmly, her mind more focused on the secret realm.

“Fellow Daoist Yun, Old Lin, we have known each other for many years. After this exploration of the cave ruins, we will be true fellow Daoists.”

As Lao Hu's laughter echoed, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao nodded.

The words may be rough, but the principle is sound. There are many familiar fellow cultivators in the cultivation world, and the distribution of kills can be fair when hunting monsters.

However, in certain major opportunities, it is easy to become greedy and cause conflict.

If the three of them can complete their cooperation this time, then their friendship can indeed be considered as that of initially trustworthy fellow Daoists.

"This is it!"

After a long pause, Lin Chang'an's expression turned serious as he pointed into the distance.

"This is the weakest point in the formation. Let's go in from here."

Lin Chang'an took a deep breath, while Lao Hu and Yun Yao, with solemn expressions, began to stand guard on both sides.

As Lin Chang'an raised his hand, a talisman radiating spiritual light appeared.

"A near-third-tier barrier-breaking talisman!"

Upon witnessing this scene, Lao Hu couldn't help but exclaim in amazement. Indeed, one cannot underestimate the cultivators of the world. He has ancestral foundations, but Lao Lin is no less formidable.

The near-third-tier barrier-breaking talisman transformed into a beam of light, radiating a strange power that destroyed structures, instantly revealing a transparent barrier amidst the turbulent array.

boom!
The strange power was still not enough, which made Lin Chang'an frown.

"No, this is not the weakest point yet."

After the first barrier-breaking talisman was almost used up, Lin Chang'an summoned another one.

At the same time, the fluctuations in the formation attracted countless venomous scorpions.

Old Hu and Yun Yao on either side began to fend off the poisonous scorpions to buy time for Lin Chang'an.

As for the phoenix bird, he never took it out after Lao Hu joined.

Not only him, but Yun Yao's second-tier spirit pet, the Ice Dragon, is also hidden.

Finally! After consuming five near-third-tier barrier-breaking talismans, a ten-foot-long gap finally opened up in the array barrier.

"go!"

After the three figures quickly entered the formation, the gap in the barrier visibly began to heal.

……

Inside the Blood Fiend Crimson Sun Formation.

The moment he entered, a wave of heat swept over him, leaving Lao Hu looking utterly shocked.

"So this is a third-order formation?!"

Within the formation, one could see that the air was filled with intense heat, along with a strong aura of malevolence.

One after another, fiery demon spirits filled with malevolent energy danced in the air.

"Be careful not to activate this great formation, or we will all perish here."

After entering the formation, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao raised their hands and released a water shield, which instantly brought a refreshing coolness.

"you!"

Upon seeing Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao simultaneously take out a water-attribute spiritual weapon, Hu Jin exclaimed in astonishment:

"You've really been preparing for twenty years!?"

At first, Lao Hu thought it was just an excuse, but seeing how well Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao had prepared, he realized that they were quite different.

Especially the pair of spiritual weapons between the two. As a second-tier weapon refiner, he could tell at a glance that they were a set of spiritual weapons prepared for a combined attack technique.

These magical artifacts all require special customization.

"Old Hu, you don't think we're lying to you, do you?"

After entering the formation, Lin Chang'an breathed a sigh of relief and, unusually, teased Lao Hu.

Then, under the guidance of Lin Chang'an, a second-tier array master, the two began to move around according to the directions.

"If someone is in control, even a weakened third-order formation is not something that ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators like us can force our way through.

This formation has been in operation for over a hundred years, and its power has been significantly weakened. As long as we don't recklessly trigger the restrictions, we can pass through with minimal cost.

"I understand."

As the three of them moved forward, Yun Yao's Water Dragon Flag trembled, and the powerful water spirit magic directly annihilated these fire spirits.

The fire spirits spawned within the formation are all devoid of intelligence.

Old Hu also raised his hand and brandished a cold blade.

One by one, the fire-devouring demons were annihilated amidst their hissing cries.

The three of them spent more than half a month walking within this sweltering formation.

　Ahem, the image of the Fire-Eating Demon Spirit is borrowed from the anime "Mortal's Journey to Immortality".

　　I'd also like to recommend this cultivation anime to all my fellow cultivators. The plot might be a little lacking at the beginning, but it takes off from the Chaotic Star Sea onwards. Whether it's the pacing, the visuals, or the fight scenes, I personally think it's the best cultivation anime ever.

(End of this chapter)