Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 188 Settling on Wulong Island

Over the past three days in Haiyuan City, Lin Chang'an and his companions have truly broadened their horizons.

Within the vast immortal city, countless novel things never before seen in the cultivation world were gathered.

The supplies from various countries, including spirit pets, elixirs, puppets, formations, and spirit wine, broadened his horizons.

At the same time, they were shocked by the prices of the cave dwellings rented by the monks here.

This fee is exceptionally high.

"The residences for cultivators here are mostly reserved for cultivators of the Azure Sea Palace. To put it bluntly, you can only enjoy these benefits after joining the Azure Sea Palace."

Or perhaps these descendants of the Bihai Palace cultivators have lived here for generations, and all of this is free.

However, some of the higher-level cave dwellings still require the payment of spirit stones.

"No wonder many murderous cultivators feel relaxed after entering here, because the atmosphere is really good."

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly along the way. Previously, when these outside cultivators heard the words "Demon Beast Abyss," they all turned pale.

It seems to be the epitome of fear, but the Azure Sea Palace is a haven from the wicked.

No wonder the Azure Sea Palace was able to grow so large. It protected countless cultivators who wanted to cultivate in peace. Over the generations, this accumulated into an indestructible force.

"Legend has it that this place was a desolate wasteland thousands of years ago, a world inhabited by demonic beasts. The ancestors of the Azure Sea Palace led countless cultivators to open it up and it remains so to this day."

However, countless cultivators later gathered here, gradually shaping it into its current form.

For the past three days, Yun Yao has acted as their guide, introducing them to the local customs and culture.

Old Ghost and He Yan seemed to have some mission, and they parted ways a day later.

"Here, there is almost no monopoly of the major sects that existed during the Seven Kingdoms period. As long as you have spirit stones or corresponding resources, you can exchange them for any resources you want."

At the very least, here, spiritual items that have reached the Core Formation stage, magical treasures, even third-tier demon cores, as well as inheritances such as formations and talismans, are all clearly priced…

Three days later.

Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu sighed reluctantly and chose to leave Haiyuan City.

If they had a choice, they would really like to stay here and cultivate in seclusion.

Unfortunately, joining the Azure Sea Palace had too many restrictions, so they could only settle in a new place with the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.

Lin Chang'an had thought he would part ways with Yun Yao, Lao Gui, and He Yan, but to his surprise, the three of them ended up traveling the same way.

"Old Hu, why don't you join the Azure Sea Palace?"

The treatment offered by the Azure Sea Palace was undeniably good, and many of the independent cultivators in their group were tempted and chose to join.

However, upon hearing this, Old Hu sighed deeply:
"It's not that easy. These are cultivators who have lived and multiplied here for generations, and that's why they receive such good treatment. We outsiders who have just arrived are different."

To integrate, the first thing you need to do is join the hunting fleet, and you can gradually integrate as you accumulate merits..."

Lin Chang'an nodded slightly after hearing this; this was also the reason why he did not join.

Regardless of which faction they join, they will be subject to constraints. Both of them came here to find a place to settle down and then cultivate in search of an opportunity to form their core.

Even if one wants a peaceful life, they will only choose Haiyuan City as their first choice after they have no hope of forming a core.

Moreover, he is currently only at the Foundation Establishment stage, so he cannot easily reveal his wealth.

"They've left. The Seven Kingdoms Alliance has been assigned to the waters around Five Dragon Island and Star Island, two of the seventy-two islands in the outer sea. This area is constantly attacked by sea monsters."

Don't underestimate these islands. Each island has numerous smaller islands under its jurisdiction, rich in spiritual energy, enough for several small sects to develop.

With a sigh, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu boarded the Seven Kingdoms Alliance's spirit ship.

The vastness of the open sea far exceeded their imagination.

The so-called seventy-two islands in the outer sea are simply the main islands with the richest spiritual energy and the Azure Sea Palace formation.

Under the jurisdiction of each island, countless smaller islands surround it like stars in the sky.

If you want to find an island without spending spirit stones, that's also possible. The outer sea is boundless, and there are countless unclaimed islands rich in spiritual energy, but you'll still have to face all sorts of monsters.

It is said that only a few powerful cultivators would choose to cultivate alone on an unclaimed island.

The Demon Beast Abyss is not only home to sea beasts; some birds are also extremely ferocious, since they feed on sea beasts.

……

This time, the spirit ship only flew for a month before reaching their destination.

In this perilous environment, the major powers of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance have chosen to band together for mutual support, joining forces to prepare for their new cultivation grounds.

At the same time, these forces also offered attractive conditions to recruit fellow independent cultivators, since they were from afar and could be considered fellow countrymen.

Faced with the allure of these forces, many independent cultivators chose to join.

However, most independent cultivators still chose to refuse.
After all, most of the cultivators who come here are determined to achieve the Core Formation stage.

Besides, nobody's stupid; joining these factions could easily turn you into a expendable resource.

"Brother Lin, Lao Hu, within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, you can go wherever you want, but just don't get involved with the Li Huo Palace or the Divine Sword Sect."

After disembarking from the flying boat, Yun Yao and the others seemed to receive some orders. Their expressions suddenly changed, and they secretly sent a telepathic message to each other before hurriedly leaving.

"Old Lin, what!?"

Old Hu glanced nervously at Lin Chang'an; the two of them seemed to have a vague idea of ​​what was going on.

"Damn it, this Demon Beast Abyss truly lives up to its name as the Sea of ​​Ten Thousand Demons; trouble has already arisen so soon after we arrived."

The three major sects of Yue Kingdom originally came from the Xuan Yin Divine Sect. Now that they have come to someone else's territory, how can they expect to get away with it?

As for why only the Li Huo Palace and the Divine Sword Sect were mentioned, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu had a vague idea in their minds.

Xuan Yin Pavilion had already established a connection with Bi Hai Palace, and besides, after decades of war in Yue Kingdom, Xuan Yin Pavilion was almost crippled.

"Old Lin, let's find a safe place to cultivate first."

……

Five Dragon Island.

The archipelago is like a constellation of stars, with ships frequently coming and going, and merchant ships carrying monster resources can be seen from afar.

This scene is strikingly similar to the one that occurred in Tianxuan City after the beast tide broke out.

However, this is the norm here.

Lin Chang'an, Lao Hu, and many other independent cultivators arrived at this unfamiliar island.

At the same time, I saw the ordinary people living here.

"The coexistence of immortals and mortals is completely different from our Seven Kingdoms."

Along the way, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu nodded to each other, and at the same time, they changed into the local-style robes and quickly became familiar with the local customs and culture.

Wulong Island Market.

It is also the largest market town in the area.

"Old Lin, have you noticed that the lower-level cultivators in this area seem particularly happy about the new cultivator forces?"

Along the way, they noticed some unusual things, and Lin Chang'an, holding the information jade slip he had previously purchased in Haiyuan City, said softly:

"Of course they'll be happy. This area is ravaged by sea beasts, and a large number of outside cultivators have come here, which will naturally make many people happy."

According to the jade slip, the outer sea is frequently plagued by various sea winds and gales, and the usual sea monster attacks are comparable to the beast tides they once witnessed.

If a beast tide is discovered in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss, even Golden Core cultivators will be terrified.

“Fellow immortals, is this your first time visiting this market town? We are your local guides and know the area like the back of our hand…”

Upon arriving at the market entrance, they saw many ordinary people or low-level cultivators who came forward to greet them with smiles on their faces.

Because there were many people traveling together, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu did not refuse, and the two chose a relatively clever mortal.

The young servant was quick-witted; he led the two with a beaming smile, introducing them to everything in the market.

“There are many scattered islands around our Five Dragons Island area. Each island is suitable for Foundation Establishment families to run, but it is not a good business.”

The sea monsters wreaked havoc, and every time it was the Five Dragons Island Lord who had to ask the Azure Sea Palace for help to get through it..." Good heavens.

Hearing that even ordinary people knew about this, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu couldn't help but twitch at the corners of their mouths.

Sure enough, settling down wasn't so easy.

However, for the various forces within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, if they were to truly join forces, they might be able to establish a foothold.

A crisis can also be an opportunity for development.

"The owner of Five Dragons Island is a retainer of the Azure Sea Palace. It is said that his cultivation level is already at the late Golden Core stage. And this market does not require any certificate or spirit stones."

If the two immortal masters wish to find a cultivation cave, there are caves available for rent in the market. The further out you go, the cheaper they are. Some islands even offer annual benefits..."

As the servant spoke, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu secretly communicated through telepathy.

Although they were somewhat confident, they were still secretly alarmed.

The Monster Abyss is rich in resources, but it is also fraught with endless dangers.

These sea creatures no longer require the same risks they had to take to venture deep into the Cloud and Mist Mountains when they were in the Yue Kingdom.

All you need to do is stay on the island, and every year some sea monsters or birds of prey will invade; just wait for them to come knocking.

Of course, the prerequisite is that you have the ability.

"Old Lin, you know what, there's a real human touch to this Bihai Palace. They're willing to attract cultivators to suppress sea beasts and protect mortals."

"Old Hu, don't underestimate these mortals. Each of these islands is like a small country. The ancestors of the mortals here were all cultivators, so the chances of spiritual roots being born here are very high."

Among the seven kingdoms, spiritual roots, which are rare in the mortal world, are quite common here. For some sects that want to grow stronger, developing here is undoubtedly the best place.

Moreover, Lin Chang'an looked at the sea map in his hand with a flicker in his eyes. Although it was called an island, it was actually quite large, at least from the perspective of ordinary people.

After the ordinary servant showed them around, the two men had a better understanding of the place.

Renting a cave dwelling closer to the main island is naturally safer, but the price will also increase.

After giving the mortal a few spirit crystals, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu found a restaurant.

……

"Old Lin, this is quite an eye-opener for us. This Demon Beast Abyss is so popular with cultivators, it truly has endless resources."

At the dinner table, Old Hu said with admiration, "Only by coming here in person can one realize how insignificant I was before."

There are countless arrogant Foundation Establishment cultivators here.

Lin Chang'an nodded in agreement. They had been hiding in the Yue Kingdom before, truly like frogs in a well.

Back in Tianxuan City, he was at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage and a second-tier high-grade talisman master, so his status was clearly quite high.

But every cultivator who can come here has some kind of skill.

However, it wasn't without its advantages. With so many resources available to cultivators here, it was much easier for him to secretly sell some talismans and pills.

"Old Hu, let's rent a cave here and cultivate for a few years until the situation stabilizes."

"Alright, the arrival of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance may be a cause for joy for the local mortals, but for the cultivator families rooted here, some conflicts are inevitable."

The two chatted telepathically inside the restaurant, deciding on their next steps.

As the Seven Nations Alliance was new to the region and needed to establish itself, it naturally had to engage with local powers. Where there is mutual benefit, there will inevitably be conflict.

This is inevitable.

This is also why Lin Chang'an, Lao Hu, and many other independent cultivators chose to wait and see.

Once the Seven Kingdoms Alliance has established itself, they will have plenty of opportunities to seek refuge with it or join local forces as guest advisors or retainers.

Afterwards, the two gathered some information in the restaurant and then prepared to rent a cave dwelling in exchange for some of their resources.

At the rental cave dwelling area, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu encountered many familiar faces, as well as even more unfamiliar ones.

After all, it wasn't just the seven kingdoms that came to the Demon Beast Sea Abyss.

"Master Lin, Fellow Daoist Hu, look at this island. We're all from the same hometown, and many other fellow Daoists live nearby..."

Groups of independent cultivators exchanged information in secret, and Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu's identities were also noticed by many of them.

After all, it's never a bad thing to befriend a second-tier high-grade talisman master.

Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu secretly discussed the matter and agreed to choose an island together with the other three fellow Daoists.

Of the three, two are a married couple; the man is refined and the woman is gentle and generous, and they seem to be very much in love.

The other person was a bald, burly man who grinned at Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu.

Afterwards, Lin Chang'an and Lao Hu paid the rent, which wasn't expensive and seemed more like a perfunctory payment.

However, the five of them were well aware that they had to maintain the island's grand formation normally, and that the formation needed to be activated whenever there were natural disasters such as strong winds or tsunamis.

They will need to bear the cost of the spirit stones themselves.

There are five Foundation Establishment cultivators, as well as native cultivator families on the island.

"Old Lin, this place is relatively close, and the spiritual energy is also quite good. Even if there are some sea beasts, the danger won't be too great."

Hearing Lao Hu's telepathic message, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly.

Beast tides, natural disasters, and man-made calamities—this monster abyss is unlikely to be peaceful in the future.

After getting to know each other, the five of them went off to purchase the supplies they needed.

……

"Second-tier demon cores, excellent materials for refining Foundation Establishment Pills. Those who need them should hurry."

"Second-tier superior weapon-refining inheritance, weapon-forging records of a reclusive Qingzhen monk, fair price."

"The spiritual weapon obtained by killing the traitor..."

"If second-tier sea beast larvae are properly raised, once they grow up, they can easily find spiritual treasures deep in the ocean abyss..."

Wandering through the streets of the market, Lin Chang'an was filled with emotion.

The cultivators here are truly rugged, or perhaps the resources are too abundant, causing these things, which were originally precious in their Yue Kingdom and only available at high-level trade fairs, to become so common.

As a result, it can now be seen everywhere here.

"Resources are inanimate; only when they are transformed into one's own strength are they real."

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. Resources do not represent strength, but with strength, it is not difficult to obtain resources.

At the same time, he began purchasing what he needed at the market, as well as some local items that interested him.

Although he didn't have many spirit stones, he did have quite a few talismans, which were always popular in the cultivation world for bartering.

"Right now, I should focus on my secluded cultivation and strive to break through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment before considering anything else."

Lin Chang'an nodded to himself, then suddenly stopped in front of a stall he was passing.

"A near-Tier 3 Fire Attribute Monster Core!"

“Fellow Daoist, this is a near-third-tier fire-attribute flying bird that we killed a few months ago. Its demon core ended up here with me.”

The Foundation Establishment cultivator in front of the stall spoke calmly about the origin of the treasure, while the murderous aura emanating from him revealed that his strength was not simple.

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered. He knew that he couldn't break through his current cultivation level without several years of hard work, but the Phoenix Bird had surpassed him and even the Green Horned Ox.

He is now at the peak of the mid-stage of the second tier, just one step away from breaking through.

Having a late-stage Tier 2 spirit pet would undoubtedly greatly increase his ability to protect himself.

After all, the speed of the Phoenix Bird, and its beak that can suppress protective spiritual light, make it a significant threat when attacked unexpectedly.

　Thank you to fellow Daoist 'Palace Master Mingyue' for the 100 spirit stones.

　　I'm begging for your monthly votes, fellow cultivators. We're just two votes away from making it into the monthly vote rankings.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)