Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 217 A Letter from Yue
Five Dragon Island.

"Old Lin, don't worry. These fellow Daoists have agreed to hold a trade fair in this secret room three days from now."

After arriving at Five Dragons Island with Hu Jin, Hu Jin spoke with a big smile.

Lin Chang'an said he would go to the market first, and the two parted ways, agreeing to meet again at the trade fair three days later.

"After this trade fair, we will explore the place where spirits gather and prepare more resources."

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly and began selling talismans in exchange for his own resources on the vast market streets of Wulong Island.

As for pills, Lin Chang'an is currently using all the pills he refines to enhance his own strength, so how could they easily flow out into the outside world?

[Second-Tier High-Grade Alchemist (Grandmaster 3311/5000)]

Looking at his alchemy skills, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. Based on his previous experience, it took him nearly thirty years to break through from the second-grade high-level to the third-grade level in talisman-making.

Of course, the effects of the talisman manual were indispensable, but he had roughly figured it out.

With my current alchemy skills, I should be able to break through to the third level in about fifteen years. At that time, I will be able to collect spiritual herbs that can help me form a core and refine them using my own skills.

"However, the materials for Core Formation are scarce, and not only are they difficult to collect, but they are also more likely to attract the attention of those with ulterior motives."

Lin Chang'an sighed inwardly. The local people were fierce and there were too many thieves here. If one was not careful, one could easily be targeted.

We must act with caution, because if he knew that a rogue cultivator was secretly collecting Core Formation spiritual items, he would be tempted too.

After all, the risks involved in collecting these materials are considerable, and it also takes a lot of time.

Since there are risks involved anyway, it's better to take a shortcut and risk it once.

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an shook his head secretly, then disguised his identity and exchanged the talismans he had accumulated for spirit stones and cultivation supplies.

The biggest advantage of this Demon Beast Abyss is the abundance of cultivators. Even though it's just a remote area in the outer sea, no one would pay any attention to his few talismans.

There are too many Foundation Establishment cultivators.

It can be said that the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators in the local area is less than one-third. The majority of them are Foundation Establishment cultivators from other spiritually barren places who have traveled thousands of miles to seek Foundation Establishment.

This is also the root of the chaos.

As they grow older, many Foundation Establishment cultivators grit their teeth and choose to become Tribulation Cultivators, quickly accumulating resources or transforming them into resources for others.

Duobao Tower.

"Master Lin, you have quite a lot of talismans this time."

Through legitimate channels, Lin Chang'an revealed his true identity and arrived at the Treasure Pavilion of Xuan Yin Pavilion.

The shopkeeper was also surprised; it was clear that there were quite a few talismans this time.

Lin Chang'an sighed helplessly, "I only realized after breaking through that my spiritual root aptitude is poor and my cultivation is slow, so I plan to go into seclusion for a while."

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper sighed deeply and remarked:
"Yes, where do so many geniuses come from in the cultivation world? Most of them have to persevere in their arduous cultivation to have even a sliver of a chance to rise above others."

"By the way, recently my Xuan Yin Pavilion has joined forces with many chambers of commerce of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and finally opened up a channel to go back. Fellow Daoist Lin, the letter you entrusted to me many years ago has been delivered. This is the reply."

"Get through!"

The shopkeeper handed over a wooden box with the words "Rogue Cultivator Lin Chang'an" written on the seal.

The Seven Kingdoms Alliance came from afar, but its roots are still in the Seven Kingdoms; otherwise, it wouldn't have left some foundation to guard its territory.

As they gradually establish themselves here, they will naturally join forces to open up channels, since many of the cultivators who came with them also want to know about the situation in their hometown.

In particular, the cultivators of these sects and clans, while being nurtured, will also develop their beliefs in their sects and families.

Lin Chang'an opened the wooden box, and there were five letters inside.

Letters from Shen Lie, Lu Qingqing and her husband, Li Erniu, Wei Buyi, and Zhou Bingyun.

Following them were Li Yifan, and the younger generation, including Shen Fan and Wei Yingying.

……

The manager of Duobaolou did not disturb him, allowing Lin Chang'an to sit quietly at the table to the side, looking at the letters that were more than half a year old.

"Unbeknownst to me, seventeen years have passed since I left the Kingdom of Yue."

A look of reminiscence appeared in Lin Chang'an's eyes. The past events were still vivid in his mind as if they happened yesterday, but he had been gone for so long.

In the letter, Li Erniu said that he was doing well and that he was told to take good care of himself. At the same time, he also subtly mentioned that if things did not go well, he could return as a Foundation Establishment Ancestor.

Faced with Erniu's concern, Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head.

"Everyone has their own ambitions. If I hadn't had these opportunities, I might have chosen to go back. What a pity!"

Lin Chang'an shook his head inwardly. With such an opportunity before him, who in the cultivation world would be willing to give it up?

Desire is the instinct of all living beings.

There was also a letter from Wei Buyi. After expressing his concern, he suddenly changed his tone and said in a sarcastic way that Erniu had been powerless and had no interest in taking a concubine in recent years.

The letters between Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing, the husband and wife, were similar in meaning, but they focused more on the changes in the political landscape of the former Yue Kingdom.

As miasma spread, many high-level spiritual vein cultivators could no longer live there, and with most of the elites from the seven kingdoms leaving, things became relatively peaceful.

They were enjoying themselves at Repulse Bay Market, but Lu Qingqing mentioned that Yingying had given birth to two children, both of whom had spiritual roots, but the specifics could only be determined after they turned ten.

Next came the younger generation's blessings and well wishes, including Li Yifan's and Shen Fan's blessing quotes, which were clearly written by Wei Yingying.

Given Shen Fan's personality, he would never say something so witty.

Wei Yingying's letter was full of sweet words, and in the end she even said that if things didn't work out, she should come back and that they would be willing to take care of him in his old age.

"This girl is still eyeing my fortune."

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile when he saw this. Of course, the girl was also concerned, after all, the Demon Beast Sea Abyss was full of dangers.

Countless Foundation Establishment cultivators attempt to form their Core, but only a tiny fraction succeed, and those who do are considered lucky to return alive.

"However, the current situation of the Li family can be described as an unexpected blessing."

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but show a strange expression when he saw Lu Qingqing's description of the Li family's situation.

Erniu was determined to establish a cultivation family, but his lack of foundation made him a laughing stock.

Unexpectedly, what seemed like a burden when Erniu took concubines and had children has now become the foundation for establishing his family.

The matter is simple. Ever since the incident of stealing the Foundation Establishment technique occurred, the Li family has split up, and Erniu naturally doesn't have many resources to give to the children born to these concubines.

This resulted in these descendants having low cultivation levels, but since Li Yifan was the only Foundation Establishment cultivator in his bloodline, these people naturally preferred to attach themselves to Li Yifan's lineage.

This resulted in the formation of the prototype of a family.

There are many collateral disciples, but they need the protection of Foundation Establishment cultivators and rely on Li Yifan's lineage. While providing protection, it is natural to collect resources from these collateral disciples.

This forms a true family model with a clear distinction between primary and secondary members.

Even Li Yifan's younger brothers, who shared the same father and mother, had become elders of the main family lineage.

"No wonder Erniu's letters exuded happiness; now I understand."

Lin Chang'an shook his head with a smile, thinking how ironic fate could be.

What seems like a misfortune may actually be a blessing in disguise. Erniu's many children have indeed laid a solid foundation for the family business.

No wonder Wei Buyi felt sour.

"They're already over a hundred years old. I don't know if I'll ever have the chance to see them one last time in this lifetime."

After reading the last letter from Zhou Bingyun, Lin Chang'an fell silent.

Her neat handwriting simply stated that everyone was doing well, the situation in Yue Kingdom was peaceful, and she shared many interesting stories about her cultivation journey.

She only mentioned at the end that she would look forward to seeing the magnificence of a Core Formation cultivator in the future.

Lin Chang'an sighed softly, then took out his spirit pen and began replying to each letter. There was no sentimentality; everyone was already a hundred years old. He simply and calmly told them that he was doing well and taking things one step at a time.

Moreover, his cultivation level is already at the late Foundation Establishment stage. If things become unmanageable in a few decades, he really will have to go back.

……

"Shopkeeper, I'm really sorry to trouble you with this letter."

After calming down, Lin Chang'an approached the shopkeeper with a big smile.

The shopkeeper, who was also doing business for spirit stones, couldn't help but affix the seal in front of him, laughing and cupping his hands in greeting:
"Master Lin, don't worry. However, the mountains are high and the roads are long. The Chamber of Commerce only goes back once every year or two, so this letter will probably be delayed."

"It's alright, as long as it gets delivered."

Being able to reconnect with his old friend from Yue was already a great blessing, yet he still had so many requests.

A letter every year or two, just to let each other know we're safe, is enough.

Not only the Xuan Yin Pavilion's merchant guild, but also the Seven Kingdoms Alliance's merchant guild, would travel back and forth, delivering letters along the way. This not only reassured people's hearts but also earned them a sum of spirit stones.

It was even common for these chambers of commerce to send letters back to their hometowns along the way.

Only some wanted cultivators, though missing their hometowns, were afraid of causing trouble for their families, so they didn't contact them.

After leaving Duobaolou, Lin Chang'an's cultivation level did not improve, but his expression changed slightly.

Seeing this, the shopkeeper behind him shook his head with a smile. Many cultivators had heard of this change after receiving letters from their homeland.

……

Three days later.

A secret trading meeting on Wulong Island.

"Old Lin, have you managed to snag some bargains these past few days?"

"how?"

Lin Chang'an looked puzzled, but Hu Jin didn't know why, he always felt that only three days had passed.

Lin Chang'an looked more relaxed.

"By the way, the trade channels with the Seven Nations Alliance have been opened, and I guess there are still letters from you there."

Upon hearing this, Hu Jin immediately put aside his previous doubts.

"We've finally broken through. I wonder how the descendants of the Ning family are doing, and what about that bastard Lao Jia? He promised to cultivate together, but he just gave up like that."

Hu Jin spoke fiercely, but deep in his eyes were memories.

Every cultivator has their own cherished memories.

"Alright, let's attend the trade fair first."

To put it simply, this trade fair was a meeting where a dozen or so powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators agreed to conduct transactions in a certain area of ​​the market.

As Foundation Establishment cultivators arrived, a faint black mist filled the secret chamber—a formation-based black mist designed to block divine sense from probing.

This was all to conceal the identities of the cultivators and to avoid being detected by divine sense.

Some people openly and unabashedly revealed their true faces, greeting everyone with smiles and clasped hands.

Some people wore masks or cloaks to conceal their presence, and sat down in a corner without saying a word.

As most of the attendees arrived, Hu Jin was surprisingly among those who had joined hands with the group at the trade fair.

Lin Chang'an's eyes twitched at the sight. Sure enough, Old Hu's talent was such that he had a wide network of connections wherever he went.

"Fellow Daoists, now that you've all arrived, I'm sure you don't want to waste any more time, so let's begin the transaction."

Everyone here is a cultivator who has lived for over a hundred years, and they all know very well the purpose of their visit. Delay could lead to unforeseen changes.

It would be better if everyone left after the transaction, and then each person could take care of what happens afterward.

There were a total of twenty-three Foundation Establishment cultivators, all of them in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, each exuding a powerful aura.

Even if not all of them aspire to the Golden Core stage, they are still powerful enough to plan for their clansmen or future generations.

"The same old rules apply. Fellow Daoists, come one by one, take out your treasures, or propose what you need. If the price is right, we will make a transaction."

Among the crowd, Lin Chang'an was also wearing a bamboo hat, concealing his identity. However, remembering what Hu Jin had said earlier—that there were people in this group who had needs—he couldn't help but let out a hoarse laugh first.

"I heard that some fellow cultivators needed barrier-breaking talismans. I do have a few near-third-tier barrier-breaking talismans here, and I would like to exchange them for fire and yang attribute spiritual items that can help spirit pets break through."

After Lin Chang'an spoke, many people in the crowd nodded secretly.

I didn't expect to find something good right from the start.

This near-third-tier barrier-breaking talisman is rare, and the Demon Beast Abyss is not like the small place of the Seven Kingdoms. Whether it's robbing and looting or searching for the cave dwellings of deceased cultivators, there are simply too many of them.

"Fire and yang attribute spiritual items are in high demand in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss. After all, everyone knows that places where yin spirits gather often have core-forming spiritual items."

Some people's eyes flickered, while others were tempted.

The last female cultivator pondered for a moment, then raised her hand and took out a demon core from her storage bag.

"I have a near-third-tier fire-attribute demon core here. Would you mind exchanging it for four near-third-tier barrier-breaking talismans?"

Logically speaking, a near-third-tier demon core is quite valuable, but the success rate of near-third-tier talismans is also low. Moreover, in barter, the value is only appropriate if both parties agree.

Finally, Lin Chang'an shook his head and said, "Fellow Daoist, four near-third-tier barrier-breaking talismans seem a bit insufficient."

"I'll add some more spirit stones."

The first transaction went smoothly, and eventually the other cultivators also took out their treasures or things they didn't need to exchange for what they needed at the moment.

It can be said that there is a wide variety of things.

There was even a rare puppeteer, a puppet of the second tier with the cultivation level of the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, which made Lin Chang'an very curious.

Although many people are envious, this puppet is different from a spirit pet. If it is slightly damaged, it's not a matter of how much it costs, but rather that they simply don't know how to repair it.

"I have a spiritual herb here, which is one of the materials for refining the Crystal Condensation Pill. Although it is not a main material, it is still extremely precious. I would like to exchange it for a near-third-tier pill to improve my cultivation."

After someone produced one of the materials for the Crystal Condensation Pill, many Foundation Establishment cultivators became interested.

Crystal Condensation Pill is one of the top-grade pills that can help with Core Formation.

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered; although he was somewhat tempted, he ultimately shook his head secretly.

These auxiliary materials are precious, but not hard to find; they can be collected gradually.

What he needs right now is to explore the places where Yin spirits gather and find the Yin vein spiritual springs, which will not only accelerate his cultivation, but more importantly, allow him to collect spiritual items for Core Formation.

It can also help the Phoenix Bird evolve, achieving three benefits in one go.

If there were any spiritual objects that could help the Phoenix Bird evolve, he would take them.

"I have a piece of third-tier spirit wood here, which I would like to exchange..."

As the trade fair continued, some people sought elixirs, while others sought cultivation techniques; it could be said that each cultivator had different needs.

However, at this trade fair, which is attended by cultivators in the late Foundation Establishment stage, one thing will be noticed: most of the transactions are bartering rather than exchanging spirit stones.

With a broad smile, Hu Jin obtained several pieces of rare metal in exchange.

Just as Lin Chang'an felt he needed to communicate more with like-minded people, a cultivator wearing a cloak raised his hand and released a dark red coffin from his spirit beast pouch.

Everyone gasped in shock.

　Thank you all for your support. Those who are interested can join the group.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)