Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 237 Preparing to Form the Core in Haiyuan City
Two months later.

This time, Xuan Yin Pavilion did not alert anyone, and its disciples continued to do what they were supposed to do.

However, Fairy Ni Chang, who is now the sect leader of Xuan Yin Pavilion, led Lin Chang'an into a house of earth fire.

"This place is connected to the Earth Fire. Many disciples of my Xuan Yin Pavilion use the Earth Fire to refine pills, and this deepest Earth Fire Chamber is surrounded by array formations and restrictions..."

With the introduction of Fairy Ni Chang, Lin Chang'an entered the scorching house of earth and fire.

At the same time, a third-tier alchemy furnace is in the center, connected by eight iron chains.

This third-tier alchemy furnace is integrated with the array barrier.

"This is the jade token for entering the House of Earthly Fire."

"Thank you, fellow Taoist."

After leaving behind a jade pendant and offering a blessing, the Fairy of Rainbow Robes turned and left.

After looking around, Lin Chang'an finally felt relieved after setting up his Blood Fiend Crimson Sun Formation.

"Although there are restrictive formations here, we must still be wary of others."

Just then, seemingly sensing the heat, the phoenix in the spirit beast pouch showed some unusual behavior.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an immediately released the Phoenix Bird.

As soon as the phoenix appeared, it excitedly circled once. This place was extremely rich in fire element, which was its favorite spot.

"Alright, you protect me now. I'm going to refine the Crystal Condensation Pill."

"Yes, Master," the phoenix chirped crisply, flapping its wings as it greedily absorbed the earth fire spiritual energy.

With the array formation and the third-tier spirit pet Phoenix Bird protecting him, Lin Chang'an finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Then, he took out the materials needed to refine the Crystallization Pill from his storage bag one by one.

[Tier 3 Low-Grade Alchemist (Proficient 3/500)]

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly as he reviewed Master Jiang's alchemy notes once more.

"Let's begin refining the pills!"

Holding his breath and concentrating, Lin Chang'an took a deep breath, first circulating his magic power to familiarize himself with the alchemy furnace, and then following the instructions on the alchemy formula and his own skills.

One by one, spiritual herbs and fruits were placed inside.

Refining third-tier pills requires a certain level of willpower from the alchemist.

It requires complete concentration for more than a month; the slightest negligence could lead to irreparable damage.

Lin Chang'an, with his exceptional talent, used the power of the earth fire to slowly melt the third-tier materials.

Time passed, one month later.

Inside the house of earth fire, the phoenix roamed leisurely, occasionally swallowing the earth fire that shot out from below, its eyes half-closed, seemingly enjoying itself immensely.

This is much better than being in a ghostly place.

Although spirits are also his food source, he doesn't naturally like living in such yin-rich places every day.

More importantly, although Lin Chang'an's magic power allows him to continue cultivating, the best place for him to cultivate is still the place with the most abundant fire spiritual energy.

At this moment, Lin Chang'an, standing in front of the alchemy furnace, calmly gazed at it.

"Dan Cheng!"

With a soft voice, the lid of the alchemy furnace opened instantly, and two pills shimmering with spiritual light slowly flew out from the flames.

"These are Crystal Condensation Pills! And two of them are top-quality!"

As the two red pills floating in the air gradually cooled and turned into crystals, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but show excitement.

Having planned to form his core for so long, these two high-quality Crystallization Pills are enough to increase his chances of forming his core by more than 30%.

After carefully placing it into the jade bottle, Lin Chang'an put it into a storage bag he kept close to his body to prevent detection.

"It's finally done."

Lin Chang'an also breathed a long sigh of relief.

Everything went smoothly, without the many setbacks that others experienced.

……

Outside the House of Earthly Fire, where Fairy Rainbow had been waiting, Lin Chang'an finally emerged.

"Fellow Daoist He..."

He was about to say something, but then he saw Lin Chang'an, disguised as a fake Core Formation cultivator surnamed He, come out looking dejected, as if he had failed.

"Thank you, Fairy Ni Chang. These are the spirit stones and jade tokens for this rental."

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

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt chuckled and put the jade token and spirit stones away.

After all, Xuan Yin Pavilion isn't a charity; renting out cave dwellings also requires charging spirit stones.

However, Lin Chang'an took this opportunity to inquire whether this Fairy Ni Chang had any connections to get to the spirit ship in Haiyuan City.

"I've heard your business is doing quite well. Do you know if you have any connections with these spirit ships?"

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirts sighed softly and said:

"Fellow Daoist He, the waters around Five Dragon Island have become increasingly chaotic in recent years, with several accidents already occurring. Now, our merchant ships..."

The implication was a veiled rejection.

Even some powerful forces would not allow newly recruited retainers or advisors to be involved in matters concerning merchant ships.

These are truly turbulent times.

"I see."

Although Lin Chang'an already knew, he still sighed helplessly.

It's impossible to leave on the merchant ships of these powerful forces right now; it seems the only option is to find this special spirit ship.

Afterwards, Lin Chang'an bowed to the fairy in the rainbow-colored dress and bid her farewell, since his status as a fake Core Formation cultivator was questionable.

This time, however, no one was watching them.

This also made Lin Chang'an secretly ponder, it seems that the Long family is really too busy to take care of themselves.

……

A few days later, after gathering some information, Lin Chang'an prepared to leave Five Dragons Island.

"I never expected that the tickets for the funeral boat would be so expensive!"

In the past few days, he has been using his real identity to gather information in various places on Wulong Island.

With the waters around Five Dragon Island in turmoil, there are too many independent cultivators like him looking for a peaceful place to cultivate, and prices have already gone up.

Tickets were extremely hard to come by, which made Lin Chang'an frown. It seemed he would have to try to find some local family connections, such as the Lu family.

"However, before leaving, we should still dispose of the materials from this third-tier Azure Crocodile Turtle!"

He wouldn't feel at ease as long as this material was in his storage bag.

Unbeknownst to him, Lin Chang'an had already arrived at the edge of the market. He then patted his storage bag, and the gourd-shaped flying magical artifact landed.

He went straight outside.

……

A few months later.

Traces of what appear to be third-tier demonic beasts, the Azure Crocodile Turtle, were discovered on several islands in the Tongtian Mist Sea, along with traces of blood.

For a moment, many cultivators were envious. Even True Core cultivators were moved by the sight of an injured third-tier demon beast.

Many cultivators formed demon-hunting teams, secretly trying to find out the whereabouts of the injured third-tier Azure Crocodile Turtle.

Bibo Island.

"Have you heard? A third-tier Azure Crocodile Turtle has recently been discovered, and many Pseudo-Core cultivators have joined forces to form a demon-hunting team."

"Based on the traces at the scene, this third-tier Jade Alligator Turtle was definitely seriously injured."

Lin Chang'an, who was mingling in the crowd, smiled slightly after seeing this scene.

All of this was, of course, his doing. With a level three tortoise shell, it was too easy for him to leave any trace at the scene.

To ensure the plan's perfection, he even threw the remaining flesh and blood of the Jade Crocodile Turtle into the sea for these monsters to devour.

This creates the illusion for the cultivators that the third-tier demon beast is seriously injured.

"The next step is to sell these third-tier tortoise shells."

Lin Chang'an squinted and headed straight for his destination, wearing a bamboo hat.

Twenty years have passed since this incident, and the Long family is currently the target of public criticism, making this the best time to make a move.

Besides, the Demon Beast Sea is teeming with demon beasts; every year, one or two demon beasts must be slaughtered.

There had been rumors about jade turtle materials before, but he was worried that someone was trying to bait him, so he kept them hidden.

This time, he released the information himself, so at least before anyone could react, he quickly disposed of the goods, and there was no danger.

Based on the experience of these demon-hunting teams, they would know it was fake after tracking it for a while.

Therefore, he was exploiting an information gap!
As soon as he entered the shop, Lin Chang'an, disguised as a cultivator, exuded a terrifying aura of bloodlust, especially under the influence of the aura emanating from a fake Core Formation cultivator.

This caused countless Foundation Establishment cultivators to respectfully retreat to both sides.

"Oh, this fellow Daoist looks unfamiliar." The moment a fake Core Formation cultivator entered the shop, this Fatty Lei came out.

However, upon discovering that the person was an unfamiliar cultivator, he stepped forward with a smile and invited this fellow cultivator to enter the back room.

After entering the back room, Lin Chang'an didn't waste any words and said in a hoarse voice:
"I've heard that Fellow Daoist Lei accepts all kinds of treasures here, so I've come uninvited."

"No problem, no problem. As long as you can provide a treasure, the price is not an issue."

With a casual pat on his storage bag, Lin Chang'an revealed a massive tortoise shell in the spacious room.

Upon seeing this, Fatty Lei's eyes widened in disbelief. "This is a Tier 3 Azure Crocodile Turtle!?"

He never doubted the fact that the genius of the Long family had died twenty years ago.

After all, too much time had passed, and hunting monsters in the Monster Sea Abyss was perfectly normal.

Recalling the rumors about the alligator snapping turtle from a while ago, Fatty Lei couldn't help but exclaim:
"I never expected that the Jade Crocodile Turtle would be killed by you, fellow Daoist. You are truly amazing. Please bring out the demon core and other resources as well."

Under Fatty Lei's expectant gaze, Lin Chang'an only took out two sharp claws, one in front and one behind, and nothing else.

"Fellow?"

Seeing that Fatty Lei was pretending to be confused, Lin Chang'an said in a hoarse voice:

"I hunted with two other fellow Daoists, and this was the only thing we got."

Upon hearing this, Fatty Lei's eyes flashed with a sly glint as he suddenly understood.

“Fellow Daoist, you are aware of the recent turmoil, and according to the rules, this price can only be given to you…”

Just as Fatty Lei stretched out his finger, indicating 70%, Lin Chang'an did not hesitate at all and directly put away the monster resources.

"Fellow Daoist, wait a moment! The price can be discussed."

“Fellow Daoist Lei, third-tier demon beast materials, especially this tortoise shell, are excellent materials for refining magic weapons. I think we can get a good price for it at Five Dragon Island.”

"Fellow Daoist, don't be in such a hurry."

"I'll only exchange, not buy! If you have any high-grade spiritual liquid, then let's exchange."

After a struggle between the two, Fatty Lei reluctantly handed over more than 10,000 mid-grade spirit stones, as well as a large amount of high-grade spirit liquid.

Lin Chang'an hadn't expected to have such an unexpected gain.

The other party has so much spiritual liquid.

This spiritual liquid is the main source for irrigating and nurturing one's own spiritual plant.

He hadn't forgotten this great opportunity he had.

Moreover, carrying a large number of spirit stones makes it easy for specialized spirit beasts to detect.

That's why he trades spiritual items.

After the transaction was completed, Lin Chang'an left the shop.

While this Fatty Lei squinted at the materials he had just acquired, his mind was wandering to other things.

"Many cultivators are currently searching for the whereabouts of the third-tier Azure Crocodile Turtle, and this information can be sold for another sum of spirit stones."

Thinking of this, Fatty Lei's chubby face broke into a wide grin.

However, Fatty Lei was unaware that this monster material was a hot potato.

Lin Chang'an was also retaliating for his previous collusion with other cultivators.

Moreover, if you run a black market and get scammed, you can only blame yourself for the loss.

His third-tier tortoise shell is worth this price anywhere.

……

Jade Spirit Island.

"Haha, it's been many years since we last met, Fellow Daoist Lin. Your arrival today is truly an honor."

Lin Chang'an naturally came to visit the local tyrant Lu family. Wasn't he here to use the connections he had made back then?

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

With a broad smile, Lu Yujian invited him into the clan.

It's not surprising that there are so many cultivators like Lin Chang'an who practice asceticism and have gone into hiding because of the turmoil.

Only those with large and powerful families like theirs cannot easily extricate themselves from this situation.

"Greetings, Patriarch Lu."

Madam Lu also greeted her with a smile and a cupped hand.

After all, they had known each other for decades, and they also considered Lin Chang'an to be an ascetic.

Of course, they had a vague idea of ​​what was going on when Lin Chang'an suddenly came to visit them.

When a Foundation Establishment cultivator comes to visit, the Lu family naturally cannot be impolite.

When the spirit wine and spirit meat were served, Lin Chang'an couldn't refuse their hospitality. Since he had also come to ask for help, he raised his wine cup in a toast.

As for why he valued the Lu family, one reason was that the Lu family, as local powerful figures, naturally had connections far beyond what he could achieve.

Secondly, Lu Yushu had become a disciple of a Golden Core cultivator in the Azure Sea Palace, so his words carried weight.

After three rounds of drinking.

After putting down his wine glass, Lin Chang'an frankly stated the purpose of his visit.

“Patriarch Lu, this sea area has become increasingly chaotic lately. I have come here today hoping to use Madam Lu’s connections to purchase a ticket to Haiyuan City.”

After Lin Chang'an said this, Madam Lu revealed an expression of certainty; she had vaguely guessed it before.

"I'm not afraid of being laughed at by Patriarch Lu, but I'm just a rogue cultivator who has worked hard to get to where I am today. I would be unwilling to give up without taking a chance."

Lin Chang'an seemed intent on going to Haiyuan City to seek an opportunity to form his core, so the two of them didn't suspect anything.

After all, it is already difficult for a rogue cultivator to reach the late stage of Foundation Establishment, let alone Core Formation!

"Sea Abyss City!"

Madam Lu pondered for a moment, then explained, "The waters around Five Dragon Island are in a remote area, far from the mainland. Only powerful forces have merchant ships there."

However, recent turmoil has seen numerous appearances of cultivators at the Core Formation stage. I've heard that some time ago, even the pseudo-Core Formation cultivators of the Duanmu family were attacked and killed.

Hearing the danger described by Madam Lu, Lin Chang'an knew perfectly well what was going on. He simply nodded and said:
"Therefore, after much thought, I have decided to visit Patriarch Lu."

Lu Yujian, standing to the side, looked at Lin Chang'an with envy. He had only just reached the threshold of the late Foundation Establishment stage, while this fellow Daoist Lin was already planning to form the Core Formation.

However, seeing his mother's hesitant and evasive manner, Lu Yujian blurted out:
“Mother, isn’t my eldest brother in Haiyuan City also starting to prepare for Core Formation? We can go together on the way.”

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed in Lin Chang'an's eyes, and at the same time, he recalled Lu Yushu from back then.

This person, who became a disciple of the Core Formation cultivator Master Tan, was full of youthful vigor back then. Who would have thought that in such a short time, he would already be preparing to form his Core.

Having someone to guide you makes a difference compared to being a lone cultivator, which made Lin Chang'an somewhat envious.

"Don't worry, Patriarch Lu, I will make sure you don't have any trouble with the arrangements this time."

Lin Chang'an bowed his head, hoping to get help from others; he couldn't just rely on words.

You have to show some sincerity.

Mrs. Lu shook her head helplessly at her outspoken son.

She originally wanted to explain how difficult it was so that this person would remember her kindness.

"However, Fellow Daoist Lin, my Lu family did trade three tickets a few days ago, but a spirit ship that crosses the seas only makes one trip every three years."

The next trip won't be until next year. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Lin is in a hurry?

"No rush, next year is just right."

Lin Chang'an nodded without hesitation, which made Madam Lu secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

It seems that this Fellow Daoist Lin is not someone who has committed a crime and is here to run away, otherwise he would not be so calm and composed.

Lin Chang'an then took out four thousand mid-grade spirit stones to trade for the boat ticket, as well as the guarantee from the Lu family.

Now, when Hu Jin recalls that the boat ticket cost only 800 mid-grade spirit stones when he left, he grits his teeth and says it's a rip-off.

As a result, when it was his turn, the price had already risen to three thousand mid-grade spirit stones.

As for the extra thousand spirit stones, Lin Chang'an smiled and clasped his hands in thanks, but the pain in his eyes did not escape the notice of the two men.

After all, even a normal late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator would feel the pinch of spending so many spirit stones.

Besides, people need to be greased; connections aren't something you can use for nothing.

Madam Lu sighed softly at Lin Chang'an's attitude. Originally, she wouldn't have minded accepting less as a favor.

After all, with her late Foundation Establishment cultivation level, she was still a second-tier high-grade talisman master, making her worthy of the Lu family's favor.

The problem is that over the years, the Lu family has been secretly collecting Core Formation spiritual items, and they are using all their resources to try to produce a Core Formation cultivator.

The Lu family has weathered many storms and is now truly impoverished!
She also needs to bribe officials at various levels to find someone to buy tickets.

Previously, her Lu family had only purchased two copies, but this was because they received a letter from Lu Yushu of Haiyuan City, who said that he would prepare to form his core within the next year or two.

Therefore, she decided to go there herself.

This is the Lu family's hope, and also their future.

　I can't take it anymore. My temperature has been fluctuating around 39°C. It's probably the flu. I have a fever that lasted all day, and I feel dizzy.

　　I will only be updating for two days. I hope my fellow cultivators will understand. I will resume updating as soon as I recover.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)