Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 254 The Theory of Mysterious Heavenly Fortune
Tianquan Peak.

Over the course of six years, Lin Chang'an planted spiritual plants in many places on Tianquan Peak, as he did not want to waste such a spiritually rich place.

They even raised spirit fish in the pools and recruited several maids to manage the sacred mountain.

These maids all came from friendly families in the surrounding area, and one of them was even from the Lu family.

Each of them had a beautiful face, was young and pretty, and had a cultivation level of late Qi Refining stage.

As for the plans these families were thinking, Lin Chang'an knew them even with his eyes closed.

It's all about pleasing him; if you're lucky enough to be taken as a concubine, your relationship will get even closer.

After all, Core Formation cultivators can already influence the future rise and fall of their families.

"They say they're free maids, but in reality, these maids cultivate here much better than those in their families."

Inside the pavilion in the cave, Lin Chang'an gazed calmly at the maids working diligently below the mountain.

Even though his cave was equipped with a spirit-gathering array, the spiritual energy of the entire mountain was still abundant, let alone for these late-stage Qi Refining cultivators.

Even Foundation Establishment cultivators find a rare place with abundant spiritual energy when cultivating at the foot of the mountain.

However, as a Core Formation True Person on the main peak, Lin Chang'an was surrounded by numerous families. Although he was focused on cultivation, he was not ignorant of human relationships.

He didn't want to be blind and deaf, allowing all the surrounding families to be taken over by other forces.

Moreover, all he needs to do is show his attitude to reassure the surrounding families, and these maids can also bring information about their respective families.

This allows him to more easily obtain intelligence about the surrounding area, and in any case, this deal is beneficial to both parties.

"Moo!"

Green Horned Ox leisurely approached him, lowered its head, and tugged at his trouser leg with a fawning expression.

This scene made Lin Chang'an laugh.

“Other Core Formation cultivators’ cave dwellings have dedicated staff to manage them, but unfortunately I have too many secrets, so being cautious is better than anything else.”

He gently patted his storage bag, and three spirit fruits appeared. Upon seeing this, the Green Horned Ox couldn't help but moo.

"You silly ox."

Seeing the obsequious look on Qingjiao Niu's face, Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head, a rare occurrence for him.

It seems to have become a habit, or perhaps the magical power he cultivated is beneficial to the Green Horned Ox, as it has been trying to please him almost all these years.

Even the Phoenix Bird was affected by the desire to use his magical power for cultivation. However, the Green Horned Ox had been with him the longest and naturally enjoyed the most nourishment from his magical power.

"Using the Mysterious Celestial Vine as its natal spiritual plant to nourish the magical power cultivated, could it have other wondrous uses?"

Lin Chang'an also secretly guessed that the instincts of demonic beasts were obviously much stronger than those of human cultivators.

In addition, there are some speculations he has made over the years, as well as some legends.

"Could there really be such a thing as the legendary, elusive concept of destiny?"

Lin Chang'an secretly harbored suspicions.

According to legend in the cultivation world, the items that are born and nurtured during the opening of a realm are treasures that only true immortals can obtain, and thus they are given the title of Xuan Tian.

Mysterious objects often bring ethereal fortune.

It seems he's been quite lucky these past few years and hasn't encountered any major dangers.

"I even managed to obtain all three chapters of this technique."

However, after thinking about this, Lin Chang'an shook his head. It was a pity that the time was too short, and the concept of luck was too ethereal and difficult to fathom.

Moreover, the elusive fortune can at most make things a little easier for a cultivator; if he is blindly arrogant, he will also encounter crises.

In the world of cultivation, countless geniuses and giants who rose against all odds eventually met their Waterloo at their peak.

"Being careful is never a bad thing, and being cautious is never wrong."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an shook his head, then got up and walked into the cave.

……

The Green Horned Ox enjoyed the magical power within its body, which was filled with the aura of Xuan Tian. Although it was not injured, for some reason, driven by instinct, it felt that this magical power was of great help to it.

After entering the cave, Lin Chang'an passed through layers of formations to reach the deepest part. He then opened a stone wall barrier and transformed into a streak of azure light as he descended.

The light streaked through the darkness until it reached the cave of the volcano.

In the heart of the volcanic area, the enormous Fusang Divine Tree was rooted in the magma. Not only was it undamaged, it was also greedily absorbing the fire elemental energy of the volcanic fire.

From time to time, a wisp of black energy was forced out from the darkened tree trunk, and then the surrounding array barrier sealed this wisp of black energy into the jade bottle at the array's core.

"What exactly happened to the Fusang Divine Tree? And what is this black aura? It's like a maggot clinging to a bone, so difficult to remove."

Lin Chang'an shook his head; there were too many secrets in the cultivation world.

It is precisely because his cultivation level has become stronger that he feels increasingly insignificant.

Discovering the many secrets of the cultivation world is incredibly captivating.

Meanwhile, on the Fusang Divine Tree, the Phoenix Bird was lazily perched, seemingly thoroughly enjoying the Fusang Divine Tree.

Upon seeing its master, Lin Chang'an, arrive, it let out several excited cries.

"Alright, you must take good care of this Fusang Divine Tree."

Lin Chang'an shook his head with a smile, while his clone was sitting cross-legged beside the tree, guarding a pill furnace and solemnly refining pills.

"The ability to create an avatar is still the most convenient. It can completely improve various skills for me and gives me more time."

Lin Chang'an sighed, but at the same time he felt that this was still the current situation. If his natal spiritual plant, the Xuan Tian Immortal Vine, were to be cultivated and strengthened, perhaps one day, his clone could also accelerate his cultivation speed.

"Since an avatar can cultivate various skills, there's no reason why it shouldn't be able to accelerate cultivation."

Lin Chang'an pondered to himself that perhaps the cultivation of the Xuan Tian Immortal Vine was not yet up to par.

If having a clone could double his cultivation speed, that would be a godsend for him.

[Tier 3 Low-Grade Talisman Master (Proficiency 321/500)]

[Tier 3 Low-Grade Alchemist (Proficient 189/500)]

[Tier 3 Low-Grade Array Master (Proficiency 23/500)]

[Tier 1 High-Grade Refiner (Grandmaster 23/5000)]

Looking at the progress of his four cultivation techniques, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

"Having an extra clone makes all the difference."

Forty-three years ago, his first third-tier skill was Rune Mastery. Given his skill progression speed, it shouldn't have been this slow.

"It's not just that third-tier talisman paper is rare, but more importantly, there's a lack of third-tier inheritance."

As for alchemy, if the materials for third-tier pills were easy to collect, he wouldn't have started preparing for Spirit-Replenishing Pills at the early stage of Core Formation.

With a flicker in his eyes, Lin Chang'an realized that now that he had this external avatar, which could help him improve his skills, it seemed that he could cultivate all four major skills of immortal cultivation.

As for the delay, once the skill reaches the third level, most of the time it relies on constantly comprehending different cultivation insights.

It's no longer realistic to continue using the same two-pronged approach as before, constantly drawing talismans to increase proficiency.

Moreover, the inheritance of third-tier skills is more precious than the last, and they are not so easy to obtain. Therefore, cultivating four skills at the same time will not hinder his progress.

Instead, it is most effective to make the most of one's own strengths right now.

"I still lack foundation. If I had any fourth-tier skills to inherit now, I would naturally specialize in one."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an felt helpless. Being a rogue cultivator is tough. You have to do everything yourself and compete for every resource.

"If we could obtain two more Xuan Tian withered leaves, would it be possible to create two more external avatars?"

The thought of having three avatars filled Lin Chang'an with excitement.

"If I get the chance, I must retrieve the other two withered leaves." Ever since he began cultivating this Mysterious Heavenly Vine, he had sensed the difficulty involved.

So far, he has only managed to revive a single green leaf, and it's unclear when the Xuan Tian Immortal Vine will sprout again.

Therefore, obtaining two more withered leaves would be the best option.

"However, one must eat one bite at a time and not be too hasty. With the trade fair approaching, we should first gather the materials for the Spirit Replenishing Pill."

Improving the quality of one's spiritual root and golden core, and increasing cultivation speed are the key factors. Ultimately, the cultivation world is still about strength, not these techniques.

No matter how skilled one is, they are still only an assistant.

If he had the strength of a Nascent Soul cultivator, he would have already gone to retrieve his treasure.

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an nodded to himself. He should improve his strength first, because with strength he could get whatever he wanted.

"Dan Cheng!"

After the clone finished refining a batch of pills, Lin Chang'an's main body smiled, raised his hand, and the clone transformed into a Xuan Tian Immortal Vine leaf, which was directly absorbed into his body.

The clone and the original body are one person, and their consciousness and thoughts are connected.

This is different from the second nascent soul, which can be said to be another self, and the original body still needs to consciously accept the will.

There are rumors in the cultivation world that there have been instances of second Nascent Souls betraying and devouring their masters, but his avatar does not have this problem.

Similarly, there is no second nascent soul that can freely and conveniently act as another version of itself.

……

Outside Tianquan Peak.

"Fellow Daoist Lin."

Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu, the two newly promoted Core Formation cultivators from Xuanyin Pavilion, greeted Lin Chang'an with smiles and cupped their hands in greeting.

This trip can be considered as them going to Five Dragons Island together for the transaction.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, Fairy Liu."

Lin Chang'an greeted the two with a smile. Regardless of whether he liked them or not, he was sure that addressing female cultivators as "fairy" would not offend them.

These three represent the Xuan Yin Pavilion, and the presence of three Core Formation cultivators is quite intimidating.

However, Xu Lingfeng looked at the Crimson Fire Peak to the side and frowned with some dissatisfaction, saying:
"This Daoist Wen has such a high opinion of himself; he refused to attend the Core Formation cultivator trade fair that we invited him to."

Xu Lingfeng, as the second Core Formation cultivator in the Xuan Yin Pavilion, exuded arrogance between his brows.

Come to think of it, now that Xuan Yin Pavilion has Bi Hai Palace as its backer, it has a powerful backer.

Aside from the sect leader, Fairy Ni Chang, he possesses the highest strength and potential, so it's understandable that he's somewhat arrogant.

It's like you've worked hard for hundreds of years to finally achieve the Golden Core, so can't you indulge yourself a little?
"Senior Brother Xu, Alchemist Wen has already said that he is currently refining a batch of pills."

Liu Ruyu, standing to the side, glanced at her senior brother indifferently, her tone noticeably stiff.

The two clearly didn't get along.

Lin Chang'an, who was practically an outsider, acted as if he hadn't seen anything, smiling and nodding as he said:
"This Fellow Daoist Wen has a rather eccentric temper, but you'll get used to it. However, he is very trustworthy."

The two men had no doubts about Lin Chang'an's confident expression.

After all, in their eyes, the Crystal Condensation Pills of this Lin Fu Master were all made by him.

And since it was in the Tongtian Mist Sea, and someone with the strength of a fake Core Formation cultivator didn't manage to seize it by trickery or force, it's only natural that Lin Chang'an, the beneficiary, would think so.

"I wonder what treasures Fellow Daoist Lin wishes to exchange this time? If Junior Sister Liu and I have any, it would be better to avoid them benefiting others."

Xu Lingfeng asked out of curiosity. He didn't have any bad intentions, after all, it was better to obtain the needs internally than to let outsiders benefit.

The matter of Master Wendan was just an interlude. In the eyes of Golden Core cultivators, this was the limit for a Pseudo-Core cultivator in this life; very few could actually transform their core and start over.

If it weren't for their third-tier alchemy skills, mere pseudo-alchemy cultivators wouldn't even be qualified to stand on equal footing with them.

Faced with Xu Lingfeng's curiosity and a hint of goodwill, Lin Chang'an didn't hide anything and sighed softly:

"I owe Fellow Daoist Wen a favor back then, and I still need to find a mid-grade third-tier demon core for him."

Third-tier, mid-grade demon core!

Upon hearing this, Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu couldn't help but show a look of shock.

Then Liu Ruyu looked at Lin Chang'an awkwardly. A mid-grade third-tier demon core was worth 150,000 mid-grade spirit stones. With a little more, it could be exchanged for an ordinary mid-grade third-tier magic weapon.

Although the Xuan Yin Pavilion possesses a rich foundation, including magical treasures that can be inherited from previous sect elders after they reached the Core Formation stage, the two of them are currently preparing to refine their own natal magical treasures.

Therefore, a mid-grade third-tier demon core is quite expensive for them.

"Fellow Daoist Lin... your character is truly admirable."

Liu Ruyu couldn't help but show her admiration. Lin Chang'an's ability to repay this favor proved that he was a reliable person.

Lin Chang'an remained calm, for he had given himself this identity when he was away from home.

"Fellow Daoist Lin is truly virtuous."

Xu Lingfeng's face also flushed, and he gave a forced compliment.

He simply couldn't produce a mid-grade third-tier demon core. Even if he did, he would have already exchanged it for the various precious materials needed to refine his natal magic weapon.

"In that case, let's go."

Liu Ruyu, a Core Formation cultivator, glanced at him apologetically.

Whether it was because of the low quality of his Core Formation or some other reason, he didn't have Xu Lingfeng's arrogance.

The three of them then transformed into streaks of light and headed towards the most bustling market town on Five Dragons Island.

……

It must be said that the escape speed of a Core Formation cultivator is truly fast.

If, before reaching the Core Formation stage, cultivators relied on flying artifacts to fight flying demonic beasts, their agility was not up to par.

The escape light of a Core Formation cultivator completely compensates for this shortcoming.

"arrive!"

A moment later, three streaks of light descended directly from the sky into the bustling market town of Five Dragon Island, drawing countless cultivators with expressions of worship and respect.

This feeling made Lin Chang'an sigh with emotion; only Core Formation cultivators had the right to fly directly over the sky.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, I dared not fly over the market using a magical artifact, otherwise it would be considered a provocation.

"Welcome, Master."

When the three of them arrived at a restaurant, the Foundation Establishment cultivators who had been waiting outside bowed respectfully.

The three of them glanced at the Foundation Establishment cultivator, nodded calmly, and strode inside.

Core Formation cultivators and Foundation Establishment cultivators are now on completely different levels.

Xu Lingfeng walked in front of the two, looking every bit the number two figure in Xuan Yin Pavilion, their leader.

Lin Chang'an, standing behind him, was not angry at all; on the contrary, he was extremely calm.

He wouldn't stand in the way of such a good thing.

Upon entering, Lin Chang'an saw more than twenty pseudo-core cultivators who had already arrived, and sighed inwardly.

Hopefully, I can find the mid-grade third-tier demon core I need at this trade fair.

Otherwise, he would have to find a way to hunt on his own.

　Thank you to fellow Daoist 'Book Friend 20250721014211006' for the 460 spirit stones reward.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)