Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 203 The Difficulty of Crafting Talismans

"The Inheritance of Talisman Crafting".

Lin Chang'an walked out of the cave with a rare sense of ease, sat in the pavilion, felt the changes in the world, and enjoyed the sea breeze.

Holding the third-tier talisman, the talisman treasure inheritance jade slip that Yun Yao had left him, Lin Chang'an ventured deep inside.

When I only had second-tier skills, it felt one way, but now that I've broken through to third-tier skills, it feels completely different.

"Third-tier talismans require even greater difficulty, demanding extreme control and consuming energy and mana during their creation, which are beyond the capacity of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators."

Fortunately, my magical power is abundant, allowing me to maintain peak performance continuously. This prevents the mistakes that often occur when crafting third-tier runes due to the depletion of energy and magical power.

Holding the jade slip, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. If first- and second-tier talismans were still within the normal range for cultivators, then third-tier talismans were clearly a level higher.

Third-tier talismans are extremely powerful, therefore the requirements for the talisman paper are extremely stringent.

"The talisman paper is made from third-tier animal hide and also has the condition of matching attributes; you can't use talisman paper with conflicting attributes..."

For example, if he were to draw a third-tier fire-type talisman, and if he used talisman paper tanned from the hide of a water-attribute demon beast, the success rate would be pitifully low.

Even if successful, its power will be greatly reduced, thus wasting this excellent material.

Furthermore, if he wants to draw a third-tier fire-type talisman, then if there is no fire-attribute talisman paper, the effect of the wood-attribute talisman paper is no worse than that of the fire-attribute talisman paper.

"Attributes are mutually reinforcing and mutually restraining, and their changes are unpredictable."

Lin Chang'an was deeply moved when he saw this.

Ice-attribute talismans, water-attribute talismans, and other non-specific attributes such as wind and thunder are all within the Yin-Yang and Five Elements framework.

Moreover, although most of the talismans are taken from the hides of demonic beasts, the Demonic Beast Sea Abyss happens to have an abundance of this resource.

In the cultivation world, normally speaking, talismans are mostly made from various precious spiritual woods.

The spirit wood also has many attributes.

"But in the end, third-tier talisman paper is precious, whether it is from third-tier demonic beasts, third-tier spirit wood, or even third-tier cinnabar."

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an sighed helplessly. In the cultivation world, one can never escape the word 'wealth'.

Everything requires resources.

"The grade of this Blood Fiend True Man's magic weapon has dropped from the top grade of the third tier to the middle grade of the third tier."

As Lin Chang'an raised his hand, the blood-red longsword that had been placed inside the spirit-gathering array in the cave instantly flew over and landed in his palm.

The Blood Fiend Sword is entirely crimson, exuding a strong aura of malevolence.

However, upon seeing the dim spiritual light, Lin Chang'an shook his head with regret.

"It's a pity that the magic treasures of this Blood Fiend True Man were corroded deep in the Cloud Mist Mountains, resulting in a great loss of their spiritual power."

With my current abilities, there's simply no way to restore it.

Even if he did have one, he wouldn't waste the resources to restore a magic weapon that he doesn't need right now.

Right now, he can use the Spirit Gathering Array, which allows the magic weapon to repair itself, which is already quite good.

Magical artifacts all possess self-repairing capabilities, but this repair process is extremely slow, and most Golden Core cultivators rely on various rare and precious materials for repair.

"A talisman is a magical artifact that contains a portion of the power of a Core Formation cultivator's magic weapon, and is also known as a 'pseudo-magical artifact'."

As for the magic weapon itself, it will draw away some of its energy, greatly reducing its spiritual power, and it will take several years to several decades to recover.

Even frequently extracting energy to create magical artifacts can cause permanent damage to those artifacts.

Looking at the magic weapon 'Blood Fiend Sword' in his palm, Lin Chang'an shook his head.

He wasn't too upset about damaging the magic weapon's spiritual power, since it was now just a relatively hard and sharp spiritual artifact in his hands.

Since it cannot unleash its full power, it would be better to create one or two talismans as a last resort for survival.

For him now, everything is in preparation for forming his core. He would not hesitate to damage his magic weapon, even if it was permanently damaged, as long as it would allow him to form his core.

"Let's gather the materials to make the talisman first. After all, I'm still uneasy about keeping the Crimson Sun Sword, which can only be used once, as a last resort."

With that thought in mind, Lin Chang'an slowly got up, tidied himself up briefly, took his two spirit pets with him, and then prepared to go out.

……

After cultivating for a long time, Lin Chang'an felt quite spirited when he returned to Five Dragons Island.

He knew that this confidence came from his third-tier talisman skills.

"It's a pity that talismans are common in the early stages, but they become quite precious once you reach the third tier."

The first and second tier talismans are better, as there are large quantities available.

This leads to the common use of talismans by cultivators during the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages, but things change once they reach the third stage.

The talisman paper itself is extremely valuable for third-tier talismans, and the materials used to make third-tier talisman paper are not only precious but also have many uses, which results in third-tier talismans being very rare on the market.

"Not to mention that I don't have any other third-tier talisman skills yet, even if I did, I wouldn't dare to reveal them easily."

Walking on the streets of Wulong Island Market, Lin Chang'an was deep in thought.

A rogue cultivator in the late Foundation Establishment stage who possesses the skills of a third-tier talisman master is likely to attract trouble.

No major power or sect will let it go.

So although his skills have improved, he really can't get his hands on a third-tier talisman inheritance right now.

His only third-tier talisman was a talisman treasure inheritance given to him by Yun Yao.

"At the very least, with my current skills, it will be easier to create second-tier talismans again, which is also an advantage."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an smiled.

After learning the literary and martial arts, he sold them to the imperial family.

If he encounters difficulties in forming his core in the future, he wouldn't mind using this third-tier skill as a stepping stone to join a powerful force. He believes that the Azure Sea Palace wouldn't be stingy with a core-forming spiritual item.

It can be said that his breakthrough in skills also gave him another way out.

"Master Lin, it's been a long time."

"Yes, I've recently had some insights and am in seclusion on the island. But why do I feel like things are a bit tense in the market lately?"

Having come all the way to Xuan Yin Ge to open Duo Bao Lou, the manager, also from the Yue Kingdom, was quite pleased to see fellow countrymen.

Seeing the confusion on Lin Chang'an's face, he had no doubts. After all, he already knew about this person back in Tianxuan City of Yue Kingdom.

He was truly a person who practiced asceticism.

"Master Lin, you may not know this, but a group of notorious thieves who have been wreaking havoc in the waters of our Five Dragons Island have offended our island lord."

Last year, after hearing that they were being hunted down, this group of traitors had no choice but to flee to the Tongtian Mist Sea. However, these traitors were still unwilling to give up, and even said that they had always been fighting for the Five Dragons Island...

The shopkeeper, with a gloating sneer, secretly sent a telepathic message to Lin Chang'an.

"And those cultivators from the Blazing Fire Palace, I've heard they've committed countless sins..."

Lin Chang'an suddenly realized that after he heard this, the Wang family defected last year, which led to the conflict between Li Huo Palace and Wu Long Island.

However, he did save the Wang family. Without him, Five Dragons Island would have discarded this shady knife sooner or later.

Therefore, he felt at ease receiving something from the Wang family for saving his life.

"So many major events have happened in this period of time?"

"That's right, this place is really chaotic, and the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, each with its own agenda, has long been a dead letter."

As the shopkeeper shook his head and sighed, a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes. After all, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance had been full of vigor at the beginning, thinking they could make a name for themselves.

Lin Chang'an also shook his head secretly. It wasn't that the Seven Kingdoms Alliance was incompetent, but rather that the Sea Abyss was too vast, and the forces stationed by the Seven Kingdoms Alliance were divided, making it impossible to form an effective alliance.

Furthermore, the Demon Beast Abyss is a place where numerous and intertwined forces exist, making it naturally difficult for everyone to unite as one.

Lin Chang'an's conversation with the shopkeeper was like that of an old acquaintance. Putting aside their shared hometown, Lin Chang'an's status as a second-tier high-grade talisman master was also something the shopkeeper was willing to befriend.

"I never imagined that so much would have happened in just over a year."

Lin Chang'an shook his head, and the shopkeeper nodded helplessly. Who could argue with that? But for the cultivators here, it seemed to be commonplace.

Lin Chang'an then took out the talismans he was selling and exchanged them for cultivation materials.

"Master Lin, your skills are getting more and more exquisite. You might break through to the third level one day."

"Shopkeeper, it's not as easy as you say. If I really broke through to the third level, I would have joined the Azure Sea Palace long ago. At the very least, it wouldn't be difficult to exchange for a Core Formation spiritual item."

Lin Chang'an said with a wry smile, "There are many second-tier high-grade talisman masters, but those who can break through to the third tier are extremely rare."

The shopkeeper naturally knew that this was just a polite remark.

"Master Lin, here are the second-grade high-quality talisman paper, cinnabar, and some cultivation materials you requested."

After the materials Lin Chang'an needed were brought out, Lin Chang'an nodded in satisfaction.

After casually storing the supplies in his storage bag, Lin Chang'an lowered his voice and whispered:
"Shopkeeper, do you have any leather armor made from third-tier demonic beasts? I only need a small piece."

"Master Lin, what's going on?"

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper stared at Lin Chang'an in astonishment, as if he had guessed something.

Lin Chang'an's face hardened with determination as he lowered his voice and said:
"Shopkeeper, I have cultivated for so long that I would be unwilling to give up without taking a chance in this life. However, hunting demons in the outer sea is too dangerous, so I naturally want to plan a defensive inner armor first."

He certainly couldn't openly seek out third-tier talisman paper, otherwise he would inevitably attract attention.

It's not unusual for a second-tier high-grade talisman master to find a third-tier talisman paper and try to create a high-quality talisman.

However, third-tier talisman paper is different; it would be too wasteful for a second-tier high-grade talisman master to use it.

He naturally wouldn't take that risk, so he came up with a very reasonable reason.

They crafted inner armor and prepared for a monster hunt in the outer seas.

"Hey!"

The shopkeeper looked at him with a complex mix of emotions, including envy.

Yes, having cultivated to this level, who would be content without giving it their all?

"Third-tier demon beast leather armor? There really isn't any."

The shopkeeper wore a wry smile, while Lin Chang'an looked on in disbelief.

"Manager, your Xuan Yin Pavilion has such a big business, how can you not have any business?"

Xuan Yin Pavilion has always had trade relations with Five Dragons Island. He believes that there are no Tier 3 demon cores, but there should be some Tier 3 leather armor.

"Master Lin, there really isn't any."

Despite saying this, the shopkeeper also revealed a soliciting look, his implication being clear: such treasures could only circulate internally.

Lin Chang'an pondered for a moment, then sighed and shook his head.

Upon seeing this, the shopkeeper could only sigh helplessly.

"There's no other way. If you want to find Master Lin, you can only wait for the auction held once every ten years on Five Dragon Island. It might appear there, but it's not available at other times."

Such resources are mostly found in the powerful markets of those few sea areas, such as Sea Abyss City and Tongtian Mist Sea.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an sighed helplessly.

"I was thinking of finding some third-tier demon beast hide armor. I have a friend who is skilled in weapon crafting. I can make an inner armor for him, which will provide an extra layer of protection."

He has a good friend named Hu Jin, whose weapon-forging skills are exceptional, that much is true.

Therefore, no one would doubt it.

In the end, Lin Chang'an left somewhat disappointed. This inner armor, made of third-tier materials, had extremely high defensive capabilities, although it did not have the diverse power of a spiritual weapon.

But wearing it provides an extra layer of protection for your life.

……

Walking along the streets of the market, Lin Chang'an inquired at several shops, but without exception, none of them had it.

Or rather, they all subtly hinted at a recruitment effort.

"Such precious materials will not be easily released."

After all, he was still unable to access the circles above. Transactions among Golden Core cultivators often involved precious third-tier spiritual items, used for bartering.

At this moment, he found a restaurant, sat down on the third floor by the window, took a sip of spiritual tea and pondered in silence.

These powerful forces do exist, but they won't give it to him easily.

The previous shops had already given very clear hints.

"They simply covet my second-tier high-grade talisman master skills. Only by joining them will they provide such precious resources."

Lin Chang'an shook his head. He really didn't want to join these forces unless absolutely necessary.

Small factions are constantly fluctuating; who knows when they might disappear?

Even if you go to a powerful organization, you'll just be at their mercy.

He has many secrets about him, so he won't easily join any faction.

"As for Haiyuan City, let alone third-tier animal hides, even third-tier demon cores are available, but the journey is long and involves crossing several seas, which is too risky. So the closest option is the Tongtian Mist Sea."

Thinking about this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but ponder the risks involved.

The Tongtian Mist Sea is an extremely vast sea area, perpetually shrouded in thick fog, teeming with countless monstrous beasts.

It is a treasure trove for countless rogue cultivators to hunt demonic beasts, and also an excellent hiding place for countless tribulation cultivators, demonic cultivators, and wanted cultivators.

This sea area is rich in islands and spiritual energy. The reason why it has not been targeted by any major forces is mainly due to the three major dangers in this sea area.

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but open the information about the Tongtian Mist Sea that he had purchased from Duobaolou.

"Three major dangers of disorder have made this place an ominous place."

Firstly, there is the unpredictable and erratic wind (罡风). Once caught in this wind, one's soul will be destroyed and bones will be corroded. Even Core Formation cultivators fear it like a tiger.

Secondly, this place is shrouded in fog all year round. Under this unique geographical advantage, countless evil spirits and fierce creatures have been born. Their whereabouts are mysterious. If you are unlucky enough to encounter one, you can only say you are unlucky.

Thirdly, the beast tides and giant waves. The monsters here are even more ferocious. Sometimes, led by high-level monsters, they cause beast tides and take advantage of the strange celestial phenomena and giant waves to attack the islands where human cultivators live.

Looking at the information about the Tongtian Mist Sea on the jade slip, Lin Chang'an's eyes twitched.

"This place is indeed extremely dangerous."

This also means that only desperate criminals and cultivators would go to this place. Unless they are forced into a corner, who would hide in this place?

"However, according to Duobaolou's intelligence, wherever there are cultivators, there will naturally be trade. There are several relatively stable markets on the edge of Tongtian Wuhai."

These markets have countless resources from demonic beasts; not to mention a small portion of third-tier demonic beast hides, even third-tier demonic cores are occasionally found.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but take a deep breath. It seemed that if he wanted to create a talisman, he really had to make the trip.

However, although he was confident in his abilities, he was still easily targeted when he was alone, so it was best to find someone to accompany him.

"Although Xuan Yin Pavilion has regular caravans, there are many treacherous cultivators coming and going. Especially in recent years, with the atmosphere of fear and unease, no one in these caravans is willing to take the risk of carrying others."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an sighed. This was all caused by Five Dragons Island's secret actions, which affected him.

It seems the only option is to go back to the island and find Lao Hu.

With two late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, along with talismanic treasures and his two spirit pets, aside from his advantage in formations, he could hold his own against even a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator.

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(End of this chapter)