Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 224 Raiding Cultivators and Attacking the Island
Time flies, and another year has passed in the blink of an eye.

The fact that a fake Core Formation cultivator wanted by Five Dragons Island possessed a third-tier fire-attribute spirit pet initially caused quite a stir.

But as time went by, it gradually faded away.

Some people say that this fake alchemist has already escaped, so why would he stay and fight to the death?

Some people say he has been killed by a Core Formation cultivator from Five Dragons Island.

Opinions vary, but without exception, Five Dragons Island remains as domineering as ever in openly offering a bounty on a Core Formation cultivator.

【Lifespan: 111/286】

[Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (25/100)]

Inside Hu Jin's cave, Lin Chang'an looked at his cultivation level and nodded to himself.

He's been a bit lax lately, but he's preparing for the future.

"Look at the array plate I forged. I'm not bragging, but with your array talent, Old Lin, combined with your talisman skills and my crafting techniques, this near-third-tier array plate is a piece of cake."

Sweating profusely, Hu Jin took out an array plate with a broad smile.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an's expression turned solemn, and he picked up his brush and began to inscribe array patterns on the array plate.

The art of formations is profound and complex. Although he is proficient in it, when it comes to forging, he still needs to combine it with weapon crafting.

But simply refining the artifacts wasn't enough. The inscription of array plates and array flags required the manipulation of an array master, and Lin Chang'an's third-tier talisman skills were like adding wings to a tiger when used for inscription.

This shows why formations are rare in the market, and even some small sects and families do not have this kind of foundation.

"That's about it, this formation is complete."

As the last stroke was made, the array plate shimmered with spiritual light, and at this time there were still several array plates and array flags inside the cave.

These are all masterpieces created by their collaboration.

[Second-Tier High-Grade Array Master (Grandmaster 598/5000)]

He had broken through to the second-tier high-grade array master three and a half years ago, and this time it was a rare opportunity to cooperate with Lao Hu.

Hu Jin provided the Tier 3 material array plate, as well as the main array plate and forging. He was responsible for engraving array patterns on the secondary array plate and array flags.

"Old Lin, this near-third-tier array plate was something I managed to get at an auction in the Tongtian Mist Sea, even though it's incomplete and only has this main array plate."

But thanks to you, Lao Lin, otherwise repairing it wouldn't have been so simple.

Looking at the finally repaired and perfected formation, Hu Jin couldn't help but grin.

He also gained an extra trump card in a complete version of a near-third-order formation.

"Old Hu, you're too kind. I've learned a lot during this time."

Lin Chang'an nodded with a smile. He wasn't being hypocritical; this set of Mysterious Five Elements Array Plates had indeed given him a lot of insights.

Of course, there's one more important point.

[Tier 1 Low-Grade Refiner (Proficiency 367/500)]

Looking at his understanding of weapon crafting, Lin Chang'an felt that the trip had been worthwhile.

Hu Jin, on the other hand, laughed heartily, completely unconcerned.

As for directly demonstrating his weapon-refining skills in front of Lin Chang'an, he didn't care at all.

Since the two of them were working together to refine the array plates and array flags, he also had to let Lin Chang'an know some of his insights and techniques in refining weapons.

That's why Lin Chang'an was able to master the basics of weapon crafting in such a short period of time, and was even close to breaking through to the middle level of the first rank.

"Even though a cultivator's lifespan far exceeds that of ordinary people, in the end, their energy is still limited. Old Lin, it's a real loss that you didn't join a major sect because of your talent in formations."

Hu Jin looked regretful. Even in major sects, array masters are rare talents.

This thing is purely dependent on talent.

The three arts of weapon crafting, talisman drawing, and alchemy can be mastered through practice, allowing one to gradually refine and improve their skills.

But when it comes to formations, you either know them or you don't.

"Alright, Lao Hu, this Bewildering Five Elements Formation is mainly for deception; to put it bluntly, it's a pure trapping formation."

Lin Chang'an smiled and waved his hand, indicating that this period of time was finally over.

Although he didn't take it too seriously, his talent led him directly to become a weapon refiner.

"Don't worry, Lao Lin. When the two of us join forces, even a third-tier demon beast will be badly injured if it doesn't die from these two formations."

Hu Jin looked at the array plate and array flags in his palm, and a look of determination appeared on his face.

He has cultivated diligently for so many years and prepared for so long, all in preparation for forming his core.

"I was careless last time and lost track of that injured third-tier demon beast. But don't worry, Lao Lin, I have my family's tracking techniques."

This beast was severely injured in a territorial dispute, and based on my observation, it is old and frail; it won't be long before it finds a weaker sea area..."

When Hu Jin mentioned this, his face was full of excitement. After tracking for so many years, he had finally found a suitable prey.

We can't lose them.

Lin Chang'an didn't ask too many questions about Lao Hu's unique methods. After listening, he frowned, spoke in a deep voice, and then nodded:
"Okay, we'll talk about it if we find any clues."

There was a trail of an injured and elderly third-tier demon beast, so he naturally didn't mind cooperating with Lao Hu.

Although he already had a third-tier spirit pet, the Phoenix Crying Bird, he never thought of hunting those monsters in their prime, especially those in the water.

After all, water overcomes fire!
At most, he wanted to use the extreme elemental advantage to find some evil spirits.

In comparison, a demon beast is more valuable. Apart from the demon core, its scales, flesh, tendons, claws, etc., can sometimes be worth as much as the demon core.

Moreover, he has been searching for spirits for the past few years, and his spirit stones are relatively scarce.

"Don't worry, this demon beast is just like a human cultivator. When it is old and seriously injured, it will only find a relatively safe place to lick its wounds."

With a broad smile, Hu Jin was determined to win this time.

Lin Chang'an nodded in thought; this was also an instinct of cultivators when hunting.

Prioritize searching for old, seriously injured, or weak monsters.

……

After leaving Hu Jin Cave, Lin Chang'an walked on Jade Spirit Island, looking at the busy mortals and low-level cultivators, and felt a sense of emotion.

He was the same way back then, and now, step by step, he has unexpectedly begun to plan for Core Formation.

"If I were still under forty, I probably wouldn't have dared to imagine that I would own a third-tier spirit pet."

Lin Chang'an shook his head and chuckled. As he headed towards his cave, he encountered many acquaintances along the way and overheard many low-level cultivators talking in hushed tones.

"Alas, the bandits recently attacked Iwo Jima again, and I heard that the savings of the three major families accumulated over hundreds of years have been completely looted."

"Who says otherwise? This Jie Xiu is too arrogant. What are the patrol teams on Five Dragon Island doing!"

"Shh! Keep your voice down, how dare you speak so arrogantly about Five Dragons Island!"

Listening to the conversation of these cultivators, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but frown.

He had heard before that Spirit Serpent Island had been destroyed, and now something had happened again.

"Greetings, Senior Lin."

When Lin Chang'an appeared, the two Qi Refining cultivators from the Lu family hurriedly bowed respectfully.

Lin Chang'an nodded calmly and asked, "What were you two talking about earlier regarding the recent Tribulation Cultivators?"

The two dared not conceal anything and respectfully recounted the recent events in detail.

"Senior Lin, recently the Tribulation Cultivators have been rampant, and I heard that many of them are seeking revenge against the Tribulation Cultivators of Five Dragons Island."

"As for the patrolling cultivators on Five Dragons Island, their numbers are insufficient to provide timely assistance. We Foundation Establishment cultivators from various islands are prepared to join forces and support each other to prevent our territory from being breached..."

Listening to their conversation, Lin Chang'an sighed inwardly, wondering how many of these cultivators were actually colluding with Five Dragons Island.

And how many people are taking advantage of the chaos?

He wasn't surprised at all by this.

Once the situation becomes turbulent, independent cultivators will be the biggest hidden danger, since many independent cultivators will secretly try to make a fortune due to human greed.

"Fellow Daoist Lin."

Just then, Lu Yujian arrived and respectfully bowed, saying:
"I knew that Fellow Daoist Lin was a guest at Fellow Daoist Hu's cave, and I was thinking of sending this invitation over."

Lu Yujian handed over an invitation, and Lin Chang'an saw that it was also for the matter of the Tribulation Cultivator.

They said that their fates were intertwined, and that they would share both glory and ruin. These cultivators were untrustworthy, so we should still join forces to defend against them.

"I see."

Lin Chang'an did not reject the Lu family's suggestion to join forces.

Upon seeing the Foundation Establishment cultivator from their clan arrive, the two Qi Refining cultivators respectfully bowed and departed. Once no one else was around, Lu Yujian, somewhat annoyed, said:

“Fellow Daoist Lin, the patrol team of Five Dragon Island is obviously just going through the motions. Some people even say that this is just a way for Five Dragon Island to eliminate dissidents.”

The Five Dragons Island is used to acting domineeringly; aren't they afraid of causing a huge uproar? Then they won't be able to explain themselves to the Azure Sea Palace.

Some lower-level cultivators may not know this, but as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, the level and circle are different, so naturally they will see different things.

Lin Chang'an had no doubts after hearing this, since he could discover that Five Dragons Island's actions could not possibly have escaped the notice of others.

However, the world of cultivation is not a mortal realm; everything is determined by strength.

Therefore, unless there is major chaos, the higher-ups will not even glance at the commotion on Five Dragons Island.

Because a Nascent Soul cultivator can quell everything with a mere flick of their wrist.

"Perhaps this Dragon Island Master has enough confidence."

Lin Chang'an shook his head, frowning at the sudden appearance of the calamity cultivators.

He didn't want to let the tribulation cultivator delay his preparations for forming his core.

"Fellow Daoist Lin!"

Lu Yujian hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and transmitted the message:
"My mother said that it seems that the remnants of those three clans have also taken this opportunity to cause trouble. Although Fellow Daoist Lin did not offend these three clans, you should still be careful when you go out."

Faced with the sincere Lu Yujian, Lin Chang'an's goodwill towards him increased, and he nodded in gratitude.

"Thank you for your advice, fellow Daoist. I will certainly be careful."

He didn't want to get involved in the feud between the Lu family and the three clans, but just as Lu Yujian had said.

Sometimes, he can't just hide from things whenever he wants.

The two then chatted for a while. After learning about the recent turmoil, Lin Chang'an smiled and bowed to take his leave.

……

However, when Lin Chang'an returned to his cave, an old man with a pseudo (inferior) spiritual root and a cultivation level of only the second level of Qi Refining actually dared to come and visit.

"This humble one pays his respects to the senior."

The old man trembled as he respectfully performed the deepest kneeling bow. Lin Chang'an stared at him coldly, showing no kindness despite the fact that the man was an old man.

In terms of age, he is over a hundred years old, which is older than the other person.

"If I remember correctly, you should be one of the spirit farmers in charge of the spirit fields."

The old man nodded respectfully as the indifferent voice echoed.

"I am Li Shan, originally surnamed Feng. I was expelled from the Feng family for committing a crime and was lucky enough to escape disaster. However, a few days ago, someone from the Feng family came to my residence and left this letter."

The old man trembled and lowered his head very low.

"The Feng family!"

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered after reading the letter; it turned out that these three clans really had come seeking revenge.

The letter contained very simple information: the three clans and the Lu family were sworn enemies, and if fellow Daoist were to help them, the three clans were willing to pay a high price.

If you are unwilling, I hope you will stand aside and not get involved in this matter.

After reading the letter, Lin Chang'an's brows furrowed with annoyance.

Is this ever going to end? He just wanted to prepare the resources for Core Formation in peace, but these troublesome things just never seem to end.

"okay."

Lin Chang'an waved his hand impatiently, and the spirit farmer left respectfully with his head bowed.

"Three clans! I'm afraid the Lu family already knows about this. It's exactly the same method they used last time!"

With a flicker in his eyes, Lin Chang'an directly announced to the public that he was going into seclusion to cultivate, which was also a declaration that he did not want to get involved in this matter.

At the same time, he sent a telepathic message to Hu Jin, also as a reminder and warning.

For a time, Hu Jin's cave on the island also claimed that he was going out to hunt monsters, directly wanting to avoid getting involved in this matter.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head. It seemed he also needed to pack up and leave in a while.

He has no intention of dealing with this mess.

If this cultivator dares to occupy Jade Spirit Island, then I will admire him.

……

Half a month later.

Near Jade Spirit Island, a huge spirit ship slowly moved.

"Hehe, the Lu family! Our three clans have returned!"

At the bow of the ship, the surviving cultivators of the three races revealed hateful eyes; they wanted revenge.

After their initial humiliating escape, they were later recruited and became the infamous Jiexiu.

Although they vaguely knew that the person behind this was probably a cultivator from Five Dragons Island, this was their only chance.

"Listen up, everyone. Tonight's attack on Jade Spirit Island will be the same as always: looting is the main objective. The Lu family has amassed a considerable fortune over the years."

On the spirit ship, the three leading cultivators were all in the late Foundation Establishment stage, their expressions indifferent as they gazed at the distant island.

"Chief, our three clans are familiar with Jade Spirit Island, on the island..."

The cultivators from the three races respectfully reported the situation on the island in great detail.

"I never expected that there would be a second-tier high-grade talisman master and a second-tier high-grade weapon refiner on such a small island as Jade Spirit. If we could catch them, we could definitely sell them for a good price."

"Third brother, these two are quite powerful, capturing them alive won't be easy."

"Alright, we also contacted that guy surnamed Tie tonight. Let's join forces again, just like we did on Ling Snake Island back then."

On the spirit ship, the cultivators revealed bloodthirsty smiles; as cultivators of the Tribulation stage, they were already used to this routine.

Although death is a constant companion, the rewards are equally plentiful, far exceeding the spirit stones they earn through arduous cultivation.

On this spirit ship, the three leaders were at the late Foundation Establishment stage, along with six other Foundation Establishment cultivators and more than sixty Qi Refining stage cultivators.

It can be said that this force is already stronger than the Lu family is today.

Even so, this group of bandits still made meticulous plans.

"Boss, Fellow Daoist Rong sent a message telling us to hide back in the Tongtian Mist Sea after we finish this job."

The fact that the hunt hadn't even begun yet when they received such a telepathic message caused the leading cultivator to frown.

The reason they can run rampant here is naturally because they are in cahoots with the cultivators of Five Dragons Island.

This is clearly meant to give them some peace and quiet.

"Damn it, send a telepathic message to that guy surnamed Tie and tell them we need to keep quiet for a while after we finish this job. We might as well plunder the entire Jade Spirit Island."

"Yes!"

Meanwhile, on an island a hundred miles away from Jade Spirit Island, Rong Qing, a refined and cultured cultivator patrolling the waters of Five Dragons Island, calmly looked at the communication talisman in his hand.

“A bunch of trash. Once I have enough materials to form a Core Formation, you will all become my stepping stones.”

However, at that moment, the jade talisman of the Long family suddenly emitted a sound, and a frivolous and arrogant voice echoed directly in his ears.

With just such a casual remark, they were able to assign tasks to people who were preparing to hunt monsters in the open sea.

This made Rong Qing show a look of jealousy and resentment.

Why is it that the Long family has so many resources, while his parents sacrificed their lives for the Long family, and now it all seems like a joke?

"Yes, young master, I obey."

Rong Qing replied respectfully through the communication talisman, but his eyes revealed a deep sense of resentment.

He felt sorry for his parents, and even more so for himself!

……

As night fell, two spirit ships emerged from the sea fog.

Immediately afterwards, the roar of magical power resounded through the night sky.

This enormous commotion instantly terrified all the cultivators on the island.

In particular, the Lu family's ancestral lands were fully activated with their formations.

Meanwhile, Lin Chang'an, who was inside the cave, saw this scene and his eyes revealed a fierce aura.

"Anyone who dares to disturb my preparations for Core Formation shall die!"

He had originally planned to pack up and go to the Tongtian Mist Sea to collect Core Formation spiritual items, but then the bandit cultivators attacked the island, which infuriated him.

　I humbly request your support with monthly votes, fellow cultivators!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)