Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 198 Meeting an Old Acquaintance in a Foreign Land, Specializing in Scamming Acquaintances
Are you sure this person is wealthy?

"Fellow Daoist, this person is a second-tier high-grade talisman master. He once joined forces with several Foundation Establishment cultivators to run a black market. Tell me, how wealthy is he!"

Inside the teahouse, three Foundation Establishment cultivators whispered among themselves after seeing Lin Chang'an enter a shop.

"Hiss! Are you crazy? If this person dares to run a black market, he must have some tricks up his sleeve. I don't want to go and die."

One of the refined-looking, pale-faced cultivators, upon hearing the news about Lin Chang'an, immediately turned grim and let out a cold snort.

Those who dare to run a black market are few and far between.

The gaunt old Taoist priest standing to the side said coldly, "If you are unwilling, no one will force you. But I was once a cultivator in Tianxuan City and am quite familiar with this person. I have been buying talismans from him for a long time..."

Hearing the old Taoist's words, another beautiful and tall female cultivator in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage revealed a seductive smile.

"Alright, fellow Daoists, let's stop arguing. Let's test the waters first. If it works, the three of us can join forces. What can a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator do, no matter how ruthless he is!"

As she said this, the beautiful and tall female cultivator clenched her fist fiercely, as if she were about to crush it.

“Very well, I have a past with this person, so I may test him out with you, Fairy.”

Although Lin Chang'an had broken through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, he still kept his aura at the mid stage of Foundation Establishment when he went out.

Some cultivators specifically target those in the late Foundation Establishment stage because these cultivators, as long as they are not too old, usually prepare materials for Core Formation and are generally quite wealthy.

Although intercepting a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator is very risky, it is undoubtedly a shortcut compared to planning to form the Core Formation.

While others hoard materials for Core Formation, he only needs to take risks. Perhaps the other party has been preparing for decades, only to end up benefiting someone else.

……

"Fellow Daoist, here are the materials you requested."

Inside the shop, after watching the other party collect all the materials he needed, Lin Chang'an smiled with satisfaction, nodded slightly, and then took out a second-tier talisman to pay the bill.

After all, it's hard to haggle when paying with spirit stones, but talismans can be exchanged for other items. I can't say how much, but it's easy to get a discount of a few spirit stones.

It's not that he's stingy; it's just that he's so poor right now, preparing for Core Formation, that he'd even break a single grain of spirit sand in half.

However, at that moment, a familiar voice suddenly rang out.

"Master Lin Fu?"

He initially looked unrecognizable, but once he confirmed it was indeed Lin Chang'an, the gaunt old Taoist priest immediately showed excitement.

"It really is you, Master Lin."

"You are Fellow Daoist Guan!"

Lin Chang'an was also taken aback, but then he understood. The Seven Kingdoms Alliance had brought countless rogue cultivators with them, so it was not surprising that they would run into acquaintances on Five Dragon Island.

This old Taoist priest Guan was an acquaintance of mine back in Tianxuan City. We met several times at the trade fair, and I later regularly obtained many talismans from him.

"Haha, meeting an old friend in a foreign land is truly a joyous occasion."

Beneath Guan Laodao's excited smile, he seemed genuinely happy to have encountered an acquaintance.

"Master Lin, you have no idea how many fellow cultivators went their separate ways after we arrived here..."

Listening to Guan Laodao's words, Lin Chang'an was filled with emotion.

Yes, those fellow Daoists who used to meet frequently in Tianxuan City have all gone their separate ways in the blink of an eye, and many of them have even met with misfortune.

"Fellow Daoists, I apologize for disturbing you."

Just as the two were chatting after their long separation, a gentle voice suddenly rang out.

A tall female cultivator in a purple dress walked over with a smile, exuding a fragrance like orchids and musk, interrupting the conversation between the two, but her gaze was fixed on Lin Chang'an.

"I wonder who this fairy is?"

Lin Chang'an hesitated, seemingly realizing he didn't recognize this fairy.

The beautiful and tall female cultivator in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage chuckled and nodded, saying:

"I apologize for bothering you two. I noticed this fellow Daoist used a second-tier talisman in the transaction earlier. Are you a second-tier talisman master? My clan is currently lacking a talisman master to serve as an enshrined member. I wonder if you could..."

Listening to the female cultivator's words and seeing her staring intently at him, Lin Chang'an suddenly realized that she was another family cultivator trying to win him over.

However, he smiled and refused. In the past, when he traded or even sold talismans, many people had tried to win him over.

This is not unusual.

"In that case, I'll take my leave of you."

Watching the female cultivator leave politely, Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded. However, when he looked at the old Taoist Guan beside him, who was all smiles and inviting him to a gathering at a restaurant, he was surprised to find that Guan was also there.

He smiled and nodded in agreement, but in his heart he murmured, "This Fellow Daoist Guan seems to have ill intentions."

He didn't see through the problem between the two, but with his powerful perception, he sensed something was wrong after the female cultivator came to him.

There was a trace of the female cultivator's magical power on Guan Laodao's body, though it was very weak, and he only noticed it when she walked right up to him.

However, he knew that this faint aura of magic could only be left behind if soundproofing or sound transmission techniques were used together for a very short period of time.

Even he could only sense it at close range.

But one thing is obvious: the two used to be familiar with each other, but now they act like they don't know each other at all.

Even a dog wouldn't believe there are no ghosts.

Since we've been targeted, let's take a look first, otherwise it won't be easy to shake off.

……

Inside the restaurant.

"Come, Fellow Daoist Lin, it is truly fate that we meet here. Today, this old Daoist must shamelessly ask Fellow Daoist Lin to buy a few more second-grade high-quality talismans."

Inside the private room, Master Guan ordered a table full of food and drinks, and with a big smile on his face, he personally poured wine for Lin Chang'an.

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded, accepting the invitation without any qualms.

"Fellow Daoist Guan, you're too kind."

After exchanging toasts, the two began to talk about their experiences over the past few years and where they had settled down.

Guan Laodao, with a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation level, is also a talisman master, but his skills are clearly stuck at the first-tier stage, and he mainly hunts demonic beasts.

After arriving here, they often went out to sea with others for adventure and hunting.

Hearing about Guan Laodao's experiences, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but admire him.

"Fellow Daoist Guan is still as impressive as ever. He will surely break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage soon, and then we can look forward to Core Formation."

Isn't all the praise among fellow cultivators about someone nearing the Core Formation stage?

Of course, everyone knows that this is just a common blessing like "Wishing you wealth and prosperity," but in reality, how many people actually become wealthy?

"Alas, I can't compare to Fellow Daoist Lin. This old Daoist's health is such that once I break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage and accumulate some resources, I'll return to Yue Kingdom. Then, hehe..."

With a broad smile, Master Guan said that he would also have descendants and return to his small town to become a local patriarch.

Given the current situation in the Seven Kingdoms, if Master Guan can break through to the late Foundation Establishment stage, he could truly become a powerful patriarch.

After all, this person is only a little over 130 years old. He just looks older because of his cultivation techniques and the fact that he hunted monsters when he was young.

After returning, there will be over a hundred years of good days ahead, enough time to have many descendants, and with a bit of luck, the foundation of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator could easily produce one or two Foundation Establishment offspring.

Lin Chang'an then smiled and talked about how he had settled on Jade Spirit Island and continued his daily routine of drawing talismans and cultivating asceticism, just like always.

However, upon hearing that he was with Hu Jin, Guan Laodao's expression flashed with surprise, before he chuckled and said:
"Fellow Daoist Lin, since Fellow Daoist Hu is also here, why don't we all get together? It would be a rare opportunity to meet again in the future."

Finally, after Lin Chang'an smiled and waved his hand to explain that Hu Jin was still on Jade Spirit Island, the old Taoist priest secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The two met at the restaurant and inevitably had a long chat. Of course, Guan Laodao seized the opportunity to purchase talismans from Lin Chang'an. "Fellow Daoist Guan, you've ordered quite a lot."

"Alas, Fellow Daoist Lin, as you know, this place is fraught with danger, far more so than the Cloud Mist Mountains."

Lin Chang'an feigned a wry smile and said that he had almost exhausted all his resources and really didn't have any extra talismans left.

Finally, this fellow Daoist Guan gave up, and then explained helplessly:

"Fellow Daoist Lin, the old Daoist and the other fellow Daoists have discovered a beast's nest and want to explore it. Naturally, we need to make some preparations."

Lin Chang'an understood after hearing this; it all made perfect sense.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, I might need to bring a few fellow Daoists to visit Jade Spirit Island in the future, and I'll have to trouble you."

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded, saying, "Welcome."

After all, it's a good thing that people are bringing customers to buy talismans.

……

As soon as Master Guan left, Lin Chang'an sat upright in the private room, watching his disappearing figure through the window, the smile on his face gradually fading.

"Fellow Daoist Guan, it seems you really have your eye on me."

When you're away from home and meet an old friend in a foreign land, most of the time it turns out that the old friend will betray you.

"You're quite cautious to buy so many of my talismans."

Lin Chang'an took a small sip of the wine. The wine and meat were not poisonous, and everything seemed perfectly normal. He then left.

If one didn't discover that they were acquainted with this female cultivator, most people would never guess that it was to drain his talismans and weaken his strength.

"However, there's no rush. Take your time. I have plenty of time."

Sensing the almost imperceptible scent on his clothes, Lin Chang'an sneered.

The female cultivator's fragrance seemed easy to clean, but in reality, a trace remained. This was not the scent of magic, so he couldn't sense it.

"It really is all thanks to the Zhou family's record of exotic beasts back then."

Lin Chang'an took out a bundle of jade slips from his storage bag. Looking at the neat handwriting on the jade slips, he realized that Zhou Bingyun had given them to him.

"found it."

The Spirit Insect Ranking lists the 'Jade Crystal Peak' spirit insects, which live in groups and feed on flower nectar. These insects are extremely poisonous and are rumored to be abundant in the Demon Beast Abyss region. Many insect cultivation families raise them, as the Jade Crystal Honey they cultivate is highly valuable and has anti-aging effects…

Looking at the information recorded here, especially the neat line of small print that marked his own experience and insights.

This is the finest of the Jade Crystal Honey varieties. The Jade Crystal Honey has miraculous effects on preserving youth; even a small amount can be detected by the queen bee within several dozen days…

“I remember when we were at the Tianxuan City auction, Zhou Bingyun said with envy that many female cultivators would use this to apply to their faces, as it has the effect of preserving youth.”

If he hadn't met him before, and hadn't clearly been familiar with this old Taoist priest, he would have almost overlooked him.

The last trace of his aura is this jade crystal honey.

"No wonder Bingyun knows so much about such an obscure spirit insect; it must be because of its anti-aging effects."

Lin Chang'an shook his head. Originally intended to aid cultivation, it had become several times more valuable after being targeted by female cultivators.

He cultivated a wood-attribute technique, which naturally had the effect of preserving youth, so he never paid much attention to it.

Even in the cultivation world where strength is paramount, the vast majority of cultivators would not use their precious resources on preserving youth; only a few female cultivators would do so.

……

Lin Chang'an continued shopping for five days before disguising himself and leaving Wulong Island.

"This valiant and extraordinary fellow Daoist has finally left. If he hadn't left, I wouldn't have been able to track down his aura."

The beautiful, tall female cultivator patted her chest and gazed in the direction where Lin Chang'an had disappeared, a hint of greed in her beautiful eyes.

"Hmph, lust is a double-edged sword. This is a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator. Be careful."

The pale-faced scholar spoke in a deep voice, while the female cultivator beside him giggled and licked her lips.

"I like this kind of forceful approach. Lust is a knife above one's head, but in the end, it will become a soft knife."

Then, the beautiful and tall female cultivator giggled seductively, causing a hint of fear to appear in the eyes of the pale-faced scholar beside her.

This female cultivator is a cult member of the poison sect.

If we really go for it, we'll suffer too, becoming food for the enemy.

"Alright, Old Daoist Guan has been waiting impatiently for a long time. I'll send him a telepathic message and tell him to wait ahead. When the three of us join forces, he'll be nothing more than a mere mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator."

After the pale-faced scholar nodded slightly, the beautiful female cultivator summoned a jade crystal queen bee the size of a fist, and the two followed the queen bee all the way.

……

On the sea, Lin Chang'an flew on his sword, feeling the sea breeze, and couldn't help but squint his eyes, revealing a look of intoxication.

"After being in seclusion for so long, it's a pity to finally get out and experience the feeling of soaring through the vast sky."

Lin Chang'an shook his head, regretting that someone had to disturb his refined mood when he was in such a good mood.

A streak of light shot past them at breakneck speed, and the beautiful female cultivator on the flying boat giggled sweetly:

"My flying boat is extremely fast, and it is not much inferior to a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator who is skilled in speed."

Meanwhile, another pale-faced scholar on the flying boat felt a mixture of envy and disdain. What kind of flying boat is yours? It was obtained by harming a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator two years ago.

They talk a good game, but they sing a better game.

Meanwhile, Lin Chang'an, who was far away, was on his way back when he happened to run into Guan Laodao.

"Master Lin? What's this?"

"I was careless. I was planning to go hunting demonic beasts with a few fellow Daoists, but I never expected to encounter a calamity cultivator halfway there. It's all thanks to your talisman, Fellow Daoist Lin, otherwise..."

The two met by sheer coincidence, especially since Old Guan was holding her arm, looking as if he had just escaped with his life.

"It's good that Fellow Daoist Guan is alright."

Lin Chang'an feigned concern, but inwardly he sighed, "A friend in need of a friend, and so meticulously at that. It seems this isn't the first time they've done this."

It would be impossible for an ordinary cultivator not to be careless after going through this.

"Hehe, but this old Taoist isn't one to be trifled with either; these two Tribulation cultivators didn't fare well either."

Old Guan gave a ruthless smile, then pretended to be unharmed.

"Fellow Daoist Guan, seeing that you are injured, why don't you come back to the island with me to recuperate?"

The other party was good at acting, but Lin Chang'an was even better, with a sincere expression on his face.

The old Taoist priest, wanting to arouse suspicion, smiled and waved his hand.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, we happen to be going the same way, but I'll visit you another day."

The way Old Daoist Guan acts—familiar with you yet secretly wary—perfectly matches the mindset of a normally injured cultivator.

After all, we're familiar with each other, but not to that extent yet.

Traveling together for a while, one can take the opportunity to recover their magical power, which will not arouse any suspicion.

As expected, Lin Chang'an seemed to have lowered his guard considerably, and Guan Laodao also showed an awkward smile, as if he was embarrassed by his own caution.

Neither of them said anything, and they kept a distance from each other while traveling together.

　I humbly request your support with your monthly votes, fellow cultivators!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)