Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 179 The conspiracy begins

Tianxuan City.

Since the last time Yao Daoren's true identity was exposed, Lin Chang'an has been known as Mu Daoren for the past few years.

"Fellow Daoist, this is merely a second-tier low-grade crystal core."

"Fellow Daoist Mu! Senior Mu! I'd like to add some more."

Wandering through his own market (black market), Lin Chang'an, disguised as the Wooden Taoist, calmly took out second-tier pills to exchange for the materials he needed for cultivation.

He was already used to this kind of thing.

However, when he saw the near-third-tier cultivation-enhancing pills again in the market, he couldn't help but show a hint of interest.

Since their exploration of the secret realm ended three years ago, the Fu family has been resentful and has revealed the matter of the ruins.

Naturally, many cultivators secretly went to investigate.

After the cave ruins were confirmed, everyone knew that someone must have secretly taken the treasure.

Therefore, over the past three years, some people have occasionally used these near-third-tier pills or spiritual items to exchange for equivalent third-tier items while fishing.

After all, there are many things to digest after exploring the ruins. If even one or two items enter the market, there will be traces to follow.

What these people didn't know was that Lin Chang'an and the other two didn't lack cultivation resources, so they wouldn't easily take such a big risk.

"It seems these people are still not giving up and want to wait for those secretly exploring the ruins to slip up."

Lin Chang'an pondered silently, but he still walked over with a smile, pretending to be the Wooden Taoist.

"Fellow Daoist, how about I exchange your near-third-grade pill for spirit stones and two second-grade high-quality crystal cores?"

However, the person wearing the bamboo hat glanced silently at Lin Chang'an before speaking in a hoarse voice:
"Fellow Daoist, I only wish to exchange for something of equal value."

In the end, Lin Chang'an shook his head regretfully and left.

After changing identities along the way, he finally returned to his cave.

……

"Moo!"

After being released, the green-horned ox bellowed excitedly and headed straight for the pool.

After the golden phoenix appeared, it circled once and landed on his shoulder, pleasingly combing his hair and fanning his shoulders.

He's gotten used to it over the years; this bird is truly a bird spirit.

"Over the years, you've eaten so much of my food that your cultivation is almost surpassed by the Phoenix Bird."

Upon seeing the Green Horned Ox lying lazily in the pool, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but shake his head.

As expected of a rare and exotic spirit beast, the Phoenix Bird's cultivation has already caught up with that of the Green Horned Ox in just over a decade.

"Moo!"

Seemingly sensing the contrast with its owner, the Green Horned Ox let out a pitiful moo.

It also wants to become stronger, but the problem is that its superior bloodline is no match for the evil bird's alien bloodline.

"Alright, don't fall behind."

Lin Chang'an stroked the fur of the Green Horned Ox and shook his head.

As I get older, I've become increasingly sentimental.

Perhaps it was seeing old friends like Erniu and Shen Lie growing old that moved him.

"Focus on your cultivation and don't disturb me."

After giving the two beasts some instructions, Lin Chang'an headed into the cave.

After passing the outer pavilions, we entered the hidden cave dwelling.

As the stone door to the secret chamber opened, a second-grade high-quality pill furnace was revealed inside.

"With these materials, we can refine several batches of second-grade high-quality pills."

As Lin Chang'an began to categorize the collected materials one by one, especially some spiritual fruits and herbs, he specially sealed them using special methods to preserve their spiritual properties.

[Second-Tier High-Grade Alchemist (Grandmaster 2/5000)]

"A second-grade, high-quality pill to enhance cultivation, I wonder how much it will speed up my cultivation."

Lin Chang'an pondered silently. He had just broken through to the second-tier high-grade alchemist not long ago, and had been collecting materials to refine second-tier high-grade pills.

"With my mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation, if I take a second-grade high-quality pill to enhance my cultivation, it will definitely greatly accelerate my cultivation speed. Of course, a near-third-grade pill would be even better."

Lin Chang'an shook his head when he thought about the near-third-tier pills, or even third-tier items, that occasionally appeared in the market in recent years.

He wasn't sure if he was being overly sensitive, but he always felt that these people's intentions were too obvious, that they were clearly targeting him.

"It's just a pity that these third-tier pills have lost much of their spiritual essence."

Looking at the several bottles of third-tier pills in his hand, Lin Chang'an felt a pang of heartache.

These are all top-grade healing and mana-restoring pills of the third tier, but they are wasting their potential by putting them in their hands.

When you suggested exchanging them with someone outside, not only him, but even Lao Hu didn't hesitate for a second. These things absolutely cannot be leaked.

If even the slightest hint of it leaks out, it will only bring trouble upon oneself.

The allure of the cave ruins in the Cloud Mist Mountains is irresistible even to Golden Core cultivators.

Therefore, they would rather keep these pills in their storage bags and let their medicinal properties continue to dissipate than take them out to exchange.

"Sigh, if only there were pills to improve cultivation, but they're all for healing injuries and restoring mana."

Although such pills are life-saving artifacts in critical moments, not to mention him, even Old Hu has been cultivating peacefully in Tianxuan City for the past few years.

The income from the market is enough for them to cultivate in peace.

"For safety's sake, let's keep it stored away."

Lin Chang'an shook his head and put the two bottles of pills into his storage bag.

The three of them kept everything they obtained in the secret realm hidden away, afraid that even the slightest word would leak out.

This has led to them feeling that any slight movement in Tianxuan City is directed at them.

"In recent years, other skills have also made good progress."

[Tier 2 High-Grade Talisman Master (Grandmaster 2003/5000)]

[Tier 2 Low-Grade Array Master (Proficiency 463/500)]

"My talisman skills have been steadily improving, and I should be able to break through to the third rank in another ten years or so. As for array masters, their improvement has been quite rapid in the last three years, thanks in large part to the inheritance of these third-rank array techniques."

It can be said that the last time they reaped the rewards from the cave ruins, they made a fortune.

"What a pity, what I need now is to improve my cultivation level as quickly as possible."

Finally, Lin Chang'an shook his head, sat cross-legged in front of the alchemy furnace, and began to concentrate on refining this second-grade high-quality pill.

As each spiritual herb and fruit floated into the alchemy furnace, its essence was slowly refined by his true fire. With his rich and experienced wisdom, the essence was then fused together to finally form a spiritual pill.

Time flew by, and half a month later, as the first rays of moonlight pierced through the array, the intense heat of the scorching red-hot alchemy furnace slowly dissipated.

"Dancheng."

This alchemy process had been repeated countless times, and Lin Chang'an remained calm, having long since become accustomed to it.

Unlike other alchemists who are nervous and anxious when refining pills, fearing that they might produce a bad pill and ruin this batch of valuable materials.

"With my talent for proving myself forever, as long as there is no external interference, I can always maintain my best condition."

With a confident smile, Lin Chang'an slowly raised his hand, and the alchemy furnace was activated.

Thirteen fragrant pills, radiating spiritual light, slowly floated into a pre-prepared jade bottle. One of them landed directly in Lin Chang'an's hand. Without hesitation, Lin Chang'an swallowed it and then sat cross-legged to cultivate.

……

Lin Chang'an didn't know how much time had passed until the effects of the medicine wore off, at which point he slowly opened his eyes and began to reflect on his progress in cultivation.

"The medicinal power of the second-grade high-quality pill is much stronger than that of the previous second-grade mid-quality pill, but it is still limited."

Lin Chang'an frowned. If he had wanted to break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage before, it would probably have been before he turned 110.

With the aid of second-grade high-quality pills, cultivation can be accelerated by up to five or six years.

"It's still not enough. If we could have quasi-third-tier pills, or even third-tier pills, that would be great."

Those who are family know their own situation. His own spiritual root aptitude is poor, so if he wants to prepare for Core Formation, then the spiritual items he needs to prepare for Core Formation must be of good quality.

Otherwise, the chances of achieving the Golden Core stage are even lower.

Moreover, the preparation for Core Formation also takes time.

"Old Hu recently mentioned this matter, saying that the Seven Kingdoms are barren and their cultivation progresses slowly, and they intend to go to the Demon Beast Sea Abyss."

Lin Chang'an pondered to himself. It wasn't Lao Hu's fault; he had personally experienced the difference between them.

Just like the Qingzhushan Market and Tianxuan City back then, these two cultivation grounds were worlds apart.

After arriving in Tianxuan City, you'll see that even Li Yifan and Shen Fan started trying to establish their foundation around the age of forty.

It can be said that Tianxuan City accelerated their cultivation progress by at least a decade.

This refers to the "land" element among the four elements of cultivation: method, land, wealth, and companion.

"I've heard Yun Yao and Fellow Daoist Song mention the Demon Beast Abyss before; its spiritual energy is far superior to that of the Seven Kingdoms."

However, they also constantly face sea monsters and bandits, leading to endless chaos and lurking dangers.

Although Lin Chang'an was somewhat tempted, he considered that his lifespan was 251 years, and that it could even increase again after he broke through to the late Foundation Establishment stage.

He then lost that impulse.

"Once I reach the late Foundation Establishment stage, my lifespan will be at least 270 or 280 years. The key is to proceed steadily and surely. I will have to go to the Demon Beast Abyss sooner or later, but I should wait until my cultivation breaks through to the late Foundation Establishment stage."

Lin Chang'an pondered for a moment, then realized there was another reason. He had also asked Yun Yao, who advised against going alone, as the place was extremely dangerous.

"Instead of going to the Demon Beast Sea Abyss with Lao Hu and looking out for each other, it would be better to find some near-third-tier pills to speed up our cultivation."

……

While Lin Chang'an was cultivating, this was happening on the outskirts of the Cloud Mist Mountain Range.

Two figures flew low across the sky on their swords, swiftly traversing the mountains and forests.

"Brother Fan, we'll be in Tianxuan City soon!"

Shen Fan and Wei Yingying looked somewhat disheveled, and there was still a hint of menacing aura about them.

At this moment, a Foundation Establishment cultivator was chasing after them from behind.

"Damn it, leave behind the monster's core!"

"Fellow Daoist, the other resources from the demon beasts have already been left to you. Don't push your luck too far!"

"Insolence! This monster was severely injured by me a few days ago during my pursuit. You two little thieves not only stole my spoils but also injured my nephew..."

They descended one after the other, while the Foundation Establishment cultivators chasing behind them were filled with anger.

Although both are early Foundation Establishment cultivators, it is obvious that Shen Fan has only recently broken through to this realm and is almost at the bottom among his peers.

Since they had already obtained the crystal core for refining the Foundation Establishment Pill, Shen Fan naturally wouldn't cause any more trouble.

What's more, there's Wei Yingying, who immediately grabbed Shen Fan and ran away.

"Brother Fan, go that way, there's a group of demon beasts over there."

With her quick wit, Wei Yingying and Shen Fan lured the enemy into the territory of the monsters.

Sure enough, the cultivators behind were held back.

"Two petty thieves! This isn't over!"

An angry roar came from behind, and Wei Yingying finally breathed a sigh of relief. Then, she and Shen Fan didn't dare to delay for a moment and headed straight for Tianxuan City.

As Wei Yingying and the others left, a series of mournful howls of demonic beasts suddenly echoed from the jungle behind them, before quickly fading away.

"It seems they've escaped."

At this moment, the Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Gu behind him had a calm and cold smile on his face, showing no trace of his previous anger and frustration.

At the same time, a figure appeared in the woods.

"Heh heh, Brother Gu is indeed quite cunning, even scheming against his own nephew."

A figure slowly emerged, and as his true face was revealed beneath the bamboo hat, it turned out to be Qin Feng, who had disappeared for several years.

When the West District Black Market collapsed, Qin Feng left Tianxuan City in a fit of madness and tears, and was never heard from again. Unexpectedly, he became a Tribulation Cultivator.

However, upon seeing this person, the cultivator surnamed Gu immediately sneered:

“My good brother is too old-fashioned. What’s the use of holding onto Tianxuan City? Master Lu is just a sunset glow now. He doesn’t know how to adapt at all. I just want to leave a way out for the Gu family.”

Upon hearing this, Qin Feng maintained a smile on his face, but inwardly he was filled with contempt.

If he hadn't known what this person was doing in secret, he might have actually believed him.

They appear virtuous but are nothing more than selfish and self-serving individuals.

Unlike him, although he engages in treacherous cultivation activities, it is all for the sake of reviving his family.

"But are you sure the plan will succeed if you release this person?"

Faced with the question from the cultivator surnamed Gu, a flash of hatred appeared in Qin Feng's eyes, followed by a cold laugh:

"This person is a descendant of that second-tier high-grade forest talisman master in the East District Market. You just need to go back and provoke your good older brother, and proceed according to the plan."

With us joining forces, along with elite disciples of the Li Huo Palace, we'll ambush them. No matter how many Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Eastern Black Market come, they'll be wiped out. Do you think that won't cause trouble?

Under Qin Feng's hateful gaze, they were not afraid at all, since only Master Lu was rarely seen in Tianxuan City.

If unrest occurs in the East District black market, it will become the fuse that ignites other methods they have deployed in Tianxuan City.

The rogue cultivators who forged the golden age of Tianxuan City will be the culprits who brought it all down.

This Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Gu wasn't stupid either, and he said in a deep voice:

"This move is probably Li Huo Palace trying to test Lu Zhenren."

"What does it matter? We have already pledged allegiance to the Li Huo Palace, and Fellow Daoist Huang has promised that our two families can move under the Li Huo Palace after this matter."

Upon hearing that they would be able to take their clansmen away after this, the Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Gu nodded silently.

Qin Feng, on the other hand, remained calm. Over the years, he had used bribery and framing to win over many cultivators for the Li Huo Palace, all in order to revitalize the Qin family.

He wanted to prove that he was not a disgrace to the Qin family!

The Qin family will eventually regain its ancestral glory under his leadership.

"uncle!"

Just then, after hearing his nephew's voice from afar, the cultivator surnamed Gu snorted coldly. As Qin Feng disappeared, his expression turned worried.

"Nephew!"

This Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Gu was no longer as composed as before; he looked disheveled and injured.

Meanwhile, Shen Fan and Wei Yingying, who had returned to Tianxuan City earlier, did not go home to heal their injuries, but instead went straight to Lin Chang'an's cave.

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