Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 178 Sword Shadow at Will [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

The struggle between the four major powers in the Yue Kingdom intensified.

Even Tianxuan City has repeatedly assembled teams of cultivators to go to the front lines to provide support.

If it weren't for the presence of a late-stage Tier 3 Xuan Water Turtle at the front lines, even with the combined forces of Tianxuan City and Xuanyin Pavilion, their high-end combat power wouldn't be able to withstand the attack.

Similarly, the two major sects, Divine Sword Sect and Li Huo Palace, were only pressing forward step by step.

After all, the number one rogue cultivator, Master Lu, is still alive. Cultivators who don't have many days left to live are the most dangerous.

What if this guy suddenly decides to do something rash and secretly appears on the battlefield, dragging one or two of their Core Formation cultivators down with him to self-destruct? Wouldn't that be a huge loss?

Therefore, the two major sects are also engaged in a war of attrition, waiting for Master Lu to die so that Su Miaoyin, the only Core Formation cultivator in Tianxuan City, will have to return to take charge.

Would she feel comfortable keeping this late-stage third-tier Xuan Shui Turtle, or giving it to someone else?

It wasn't just the Yue Kingdom; the powers of several neighboring kingdoms had also been fighting each other in recent years.

The flames of war ignited among the seven kingdoms.

However, none of this was within Lin Chang'an's control; he could only do his utmost to become stronger in this ever-changing world of cultivation.

Inside the cave.

"Sword Shadow at Will Technique! The biggest fear for other cultivators is that their meridians will be severely damaged by the backlash, but for me, I only need to stabilize the mana within my body."

Lin Chang'an sat cross-legged, his brows furrowed, and fine beads of sweat constantly seeped from his skin.

At this moment, cracks were beginning to appear in the meridians within his body under the influence of this violent magical power. If it weren't for the effect of the meridian-protecting pill, the balance maintained by this magical power would have been broken long ago.

After an unknown amount of time, the injuries within the body reached a delicate balance between rapid healing and damage.

Finally, a sword's cry echoed within the cave, radiating a powerful aura.

[Sword Shadow at Will Technique +1 (Beginner 1/100)]

"It's done!"

After six months of arduous practice, he finally mastered this supernatural power.

As Lin Chang'an opened his eyes and looked at the sword gleaming with azure light in front of him, an excited smile appeared on his face.

Sure enough, his late-stage Foundation Establishment divine sense, coupled with his profound and pure magical power that was in no way inferior to that of an ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, made him a formidable force.

Through his gradual attempts, he finally mastered this supernatural ability.

"The sword's edge can move at will, combining offense and defense."

As Lin Chang'an wished, the sword light instantly swirled around him, forming a protective barrier.

To test its defensive capabilities, Lin Chang'an even raised his hand and sent the Azure Scale Sword flying out, circling around the cave before instantly attacking him.

With a crisp clang, the top-grade magic weapon, the Azure Scale Sword, was actually knocked away.

Seeing this, Lin Chang'an exclaimed excitedly, "This defensive power is in no way inferior to a top-grade spiritual weapon!"

Then Lin Chang'an threw out five more second-tier high-grade Vajra Talismans.

In an instant, five layers of golden bell phantoms enveloped the area.

"Next, let's try attack power!"

Lin Chang'an took a deep breath, and the next moment, with a thought, the sword light protecting him instantly transformed into a streak of azure light.

The next moment, the golden bell phantom was pierced through one after another with cracking sounds, only stopping when it pierced through the third hole.

"This power!"

The fourth golden bell phantom has already developed cracks.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but show a look of shock.

As expected of a Golden Core cultivator who risked his life to obtain a divine ability in the secret realm, he had only begun to cultivate it, yet it already possessed such great power.

"With its integrated offense and defense, I can now understand why this Blood Fiend Master cherishes this divine power so much."

Lin Chang'an swallowed. He was still in the Foundation Establishment stage. If he were in the early Golden Core stage, wouldn't the three sword beams be equivalent to having three magic weapons that combined offense and defense?

The late stage of the Golden Core realm requires nine pieces.

"It is indeed powerful, but the consumption of magical power is also extremely high. Fortunately, the cultivation technique I practice has incredibly abundant magical power."

In a short while, Lin Chang'an felt that one-tenth of his magical power had been depleted, which made him secretly alarmed.

Immediately afterward, with a thought, the sword light instantly arrived in his palm, and the sensation made him smile broadly.

"It can even be used as a weapon in combat when you're unarmed, and moreover!"

The sword light instantly expanded, transforming into a sword light ten feet in size, exuding a terrifying aura.

The sword beam was extremely smooth to control in Lin Chang'an's hands.

Whether for defense or offense, it can even transform into a giant sword.

"This is a completely upgraded version of the Greatsword Technique, which can be used at will."

After finally feeling that nearly a third of his magical power had been depleted, Lin Chang'an put away the supernatural ability.

"No wonder it's called 'Sword Shadow at Will,' the word 'at will' is truly profound."

As the supernatural power dissipated, Lin Chang'an could clearly feel the injuries to his meridians rapidly repairing themselves under his self-healing body, his eyes gleaming.

"It consumes a lot of magical power and has significant side effects, but none of that matters to me. However, this is all I can do to cultivate beyond my level."

The higher one's cultivation level, the greater the difference between each minor realm.

Lin Chang'an pondered silently, realizing that his cultivation of this divine ability with his mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level was entirely due to a trick.

He used the Vein Protection Pill to balance the strength of his body's meridians, so he will need to keep some Vein Protection Pills on hand in the future.

Only when he truly breaks through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment will he be able to do so without the aid of pills or other external aids.

"However, it's all worth it. Although its power is not as great as that of a talisman, it far surpasses it in terms of both casting speed and agility."

Lin Chang'an pondered inwardly, thinking about the combat method of this supernatural power.

It can suddenly appear to ambush someone, or it can be used as a weapon to fight or launch a sneak attack when the user's magical weapon is knocked away and the enemy is lured up.

This kind of giant sword technique, which can be cast instantly and compressed to the size of an ordinary sword shadow, is exactly what he wants.

"If it's a close-range, instantaneous attack, even a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator probably wouldn't dare say they could withstand it unscathed."

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile; now he had another trump card up his sleeve.

In fact, as his strength has grown over the years, his previous methods have gradually become less effective.

Now, this supernatural power fills that gap.

"It's a pity that this kind of pill is rare, as many of the materials needed to refine it are in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh softly.

Now he can understand why the Demon Beast Abyss is also called the Sea of ​​Ten Thousand Demons. There's no other reason than that!

When Yun Yao heard that he needed this pill, her first thought was that he was practicing demonic cultivation techniques.

This shows how abundant the resources of the Demon Beast Abyss are, as it has nurtured so many demonic cultivators.

In the days that followed, Lin Chang'an resumed his daily routine of rigorous cultivation.

Drawing talismans, refining elixirs, comprehending formations, ascetic training, cultivating supernatural powers and spells, as well as digesting the experience in the memories of this Golden Core cultivator, and these jade slips.

He has too many things to do now, but fortunately, his lifespan in the Foundation Establishment stage far exceeds that of ordinary people, giving him ample time to learn slowly.

……

Time flies, and two or three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Juxianlou.

【Lifespan: 87/251】

[Realm: Mid-Foundation Establishment (45/100)]

"At eighty-seven years old, with a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level, at the current cultivation speed, he will not be able to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage until he is one hundred and ten years old."

Looking at his cultivation level, Lin Chang'an, sitting upright in the Gathering Immortals Pavilion, pondered silently.

His cultivation speed is not slow; he was able to break through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment before the age of 110, which already surpasses many people.

There are countless people in the world who spend their entire lives lingering in the early stages of Foundation Establishment.

"However, compared to Fellow Daoist Yun, Old Hu is still a bit lacking."

At this moment, he was secretly calculating in his mind the amount of low-grade demon cores needed to cultivate the Three-Turn Core Condensation Secret Technique, as well as the time required for refining them.

During this period, he also needs to prepare spiritual items for core formation, and he also needs to prepare the third-tier demon core, both of which require time.

"When you think about it this way, the time really is tight."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh. No wonder Yun Yao had started preparing for the Core Formation so early on.

Time is merciless, and the years wait for no one. "To condense a golden core, in this vast sea of ​​people, countless cultivators yearn for it but cannot achieve it."

Through the window, his gaze swept over the myriad beings of Tianxuan City.

The cultivators were always busy, some with smiles on their faces, others with numbness. No matter how they faced it, time was quietly slipping away.

"At least I'm luckier than them because I've found the direction to move forward."

In this moment of comparison, Lin Chang'an seemed to have come to a sense of relief and enlightenment, and a smile gradually appeared on his face.

"Old Lin, what are you thinking about? You suddenly look much more relaxed, and you even give off an air of nonchalance. Are you about to become an immortal?"

Suddenly, Lin Chang'an heard Lao Hu's teasing laughter. He turned around and saw Lao Hu walking towards him, laughing and waving his hand, saying:
"If only I could become an immortal, I would definitely take you, Old Hu, as my attendant outside the cave and have you refine weapons for me every day."

"Haha, Lao Lin, you're dreaming. You even want to take me, Lao Hu, under your wing."

With a hearty laugh, Lao Hu strode to the table, then dropped his joke, cupped his hands in greeting, and said:

"Congratulations, Lao Lin, on realizing your true nature."

This sudden realization is like wiping away a layer of dust from one's mind, allowing the cultivator to have a clearer understanding of themselves.

It evokes a sense of artistic conception.

Although it doesn't make much progress in cultivation, it is of great help for later cultivation.

"Old Hu, when it comes to the progress of your cultivation, I can't compare to you. I'm afraid it won't be long before you break through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment."

Lin Chang'an jokingly retorted, but the forthright and easygoing Lao Hu picked up his wine glass and shook his head in annoyance, saying:

"It's not that easy. If you want to break through, I estimate it will take at least ten years."

Despite this, Old Hu couldn't hide his smugness; this was the late stage of Foundation Establishment.

There are many Foundation Establishment cultivators, but almost 70% of them can only linger in the early Foundation Establishment stage for their entire lives.

Regardless of talent, the more important issues are the lack of sufficient cultivation resources and the individual's will to continue cultivating.

And the number of cultivators who can reach the late stage of Foundation Establishment is extremely limited.

"However, Old Lin, it seems there's a group of thieves who've been impersonating us and ruining our reputation lately. They're truly despicable."

When the recent situation at the market was mentioned, Lao Hu couldn't help but feel indignant, while Lin Chang'an just shook his head with a light laugh.

Haven't there been enough methods used by cultivators over the years? Which famous cultivator hasn't been taken care of?

Especially those cultivators who run black markets are in the eye of the storm.

While Lin Chang'an was chatting with Lao Hu, Lao Gui, He Yan, Lao Jia, and Yun Yao arrived one after another.

The six Foundation Establishment cultivators, united by their shared interests in the market, have become quite familiar with each other over the years, making this a rare gathering.

"The situation at the front lines is not good recently. Xuan Yin Pavilion and Tian Xuan City have been on the defensive, and Li Huo Palace and Shen Jian Sect have been constantly probing. I'm afraid Master Lu..."

At the dinner table, the group chatted casually, and soon the conversation turned to the current situation.

After He Yan and Lao Gui recounted what had happened, everyone's expressions became even more solemn.

"I never imagined the situation on the front lines had deteriorated to this extent."

Even the usually carefree Lao Hu sighed with melancholy upon hearing the news.

"Right now, it's a battle of attrition. If the four major forces are all too exhausted, they might still have a chance to catch their breath. Otherwise, once Master Lu leaves, Master Su will definitely have to return to oversee Tianxuan City, and then the front lines will be..."

Lin Chang'an frowned; the situation was not good.

Of the four major powers in Yue Kingdom today, the Xuan Yin Pavilion is probably the most anxious.

"That's not all. A large number of demonic beasts are migrating out of the Cloud Mist Mountains, which is clearly not right. However, the cultivators of the seven kingdoms don't care about any of that; they only care about their immediate interests..."

"Has no one gone to investigate the anomalies in the Cloud Mist Mountains?"

"How could there not be? But the Cloud Mist Mountains are filled with miasma. Even a Golden Core cultivator would lose his way if he went deep into them. How can we investigate? Right now, we can only attribute it to the abnormal movement of the miasma."

"Alas, the miasma is stirring, this is a natural disaster. According to the cultivators of the most ancient sect in Liang Kingdom among the seven kingdoms, a similar disturbance occurred in the Cloud Mist Mountains 1,700 years ago..."

As everyone exchanged information and shared the news, Lin Chang'an's heart skipped a beat when he heard about the unusual situation in the Cloud Mist Mountains.

"In the fragmented memories of this Blood Fiend True Man, there seemed to be the truth behind the anomalies of the Cloud Mist Mountains, but what exactly is it!"

Lin Chang'an pondered silently, recalling the fragmented images in his mind.

Even the Blood Fiend True Man, who was in the late stage of Core Formation, fled in terror upon seeing the spiritual spring emanating terrifying miasma, not daring to linger for even a moment.

Even in his fragmented memories, he could see with his own eyes the magic weapon of a late-stage Golden Core cultivator being visibly eroded by this erupting miasma.

"What exactly is this? Why does Blood Fiend Master harbor such deep resentment towards Master Lu?"

Lin Chang'an frowned. His fragmented memories were too few, but what impressed him most was cursing this Master Lu.

I really don't know what Master Lu did to make a late-stage Core Formation cultivator lose his composure like this.

"However, these are beyond the reach of someone as insignificant as me. I should just focus on cultivating diligently."

With a sigh in his heart, Lin Chang'an simply stopped thinking about it.

Even if there were some incredible opportunity, cultivators in the late stage of Core Formation had already failed, so he didn't want to take that huge risk.

"Fellow Daoist Yun's cultivation is profound; I suppose it won't be long before you leave the Yue Kingdom."

After everyone had chatted for a while, Old Jia looked at Yun Yao with some envy and said these words.

Old Jia was truly reluctant to see this person leave. It wasn't for any other reason, but rather because their market had been peaceful for so many years, largely due to the presence of this late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But if you want to form your core, you'll have to leave sooner or later.

"If you want to plan to create a Core Formation Spiritual Object, you must leave this place."

"Yes, the Seven Kingdoms are barren lands. Even these sects and clans have to go to the Demon Beast Sea Abyss to find spiritual objects for Core Formation if they want to form their Core."

Amidst the sighs of the crowd, Yun Yao gently shook her head and said:
"I've only recently reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment, and I still need to consolidate my cultivation."

Hearing that Yun Yao wouldn't be leaving for the time being, Old Jia secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He was really reluctant to give up the profits from the market over the years.

However, among the group, Yun Yao was already in the late Foundation Establishment stage, while Hu Jin and Lin Chang'an had steadfast Dao hearts and had been in the mid Foundation Establishment stage for many years, still persisting in their arduous cultivation.

They will probably go together to seek the opportunity to form their core.

He Yan had just broken through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Because of his cultivation of demonic techniques, he had the appearance of a mature middle-aged man, but his personality seemed to be more easygoing and he did not have much ambition.

As for the last old ghost, everyone knew him after spending so many years with him. Although they didn't know what hatred he harbored, he was silent and focused solely on cultivation.

Of the six Foundation Establishment cultivators, only Old Jia has settled down in recent years and no longer wants to fight.

"Come, I wish all my fellow Daoists longevity in the path of immortality."

However, since everyone present was a cultivator who had lived for nearly a hundred years, their temperament was naturally different from that of ordinary people. It was then that Old Jia seemed to have come to a realization, and he smiled freely, raising his wine cup to toast everyone.

On this path of pursuing immortality, his companions continue to move forward, while he, who has stopped, can only offer his blessings.

Everyone raised their glasses and smiled.

"Come on, do it!"

Amidst laughter and cheerful conversation, everyone raised their glasses in toasts to each other.

In a hundred years of life, it is already a great blessing for them to meet a few close friends on their path of cultivation.

When Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing, who had come to serve wine and meat to everyone, saw Lin Chang'an still looking as young as he did back then, they couldn't help but show envy.

Now, the couple, both nearing ninety, look at each other and see each other's aged faces, yet their faces reveal loving smiles.

"Qingqing, perhaps I regret not cultivating properly back then, but I don't regret having you, or Fan'er."

Upon hearing this, Lu Qingqing glared at her husband and whispered back:
"You shameless old man, we're both almost in our graves."

The couple immediately smiled.

Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao have their own paths to follow.

They also had their own path, the couple walked hand in hand for a hundred years, and their son also became a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

They have no regrets about the path they chose.

Shen Lie, who looked like an old man, suddenly understood and smiled. As he went down the stairs, he smiled even more brightly.

On the rooftop, Lin Chang'an, with his late-stage Foundation Establishment divine sense, naturally noticed this scene. He and Yun Yao exchanged a glance and then smiled.

At least my former companions are doing well now.

"In life, everyone has a few regrets along the way."

Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao's eyes flickered as their life experiences flashed through their minds.

Life is a mix of joys and sorrows, happiness and sadness.

Although the path of cultivation is destined to be lonely, the scenery along the way, even the regrets, is unique.

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