Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 255 The Deal with the Long Family
"Master Lin."

"Master Xu, Master Liu."

As Lin Chang'an and his two companions, representing the Xuan Yin Pavilion sect, arrived, the group of pseudo-core cultivators first rose and bowed with smiles.

His words were clearly full of respect, after all, there is a difference between a pseudo-core cultivator and a golden core cultivator.

Following closely behind were other Golden Core cultivators from the Five Dragons Island sea area, including two from the Guanglong family today.

"I've met all of you fellow Taoists."

Xu Lingfeng greeted everyone with a big smile, and Lin Chang'an nodded with a smile as well.

But seeing how much respect this group of people showed to Lin Chang'an, the guest elder, Xu Lingfeng felt a little jealous.

It's obvious that no matter how strong you, Xu Lingfeng, are, you are still just a pure Golden Core cultivator, and from the Xuan Yin Sect at that, so you're of no benefit to them.

On the other hand, we must mention Lin Chang'an, a third-tier array master.

After all, no one can guarantee that they won't have to ask someone for help in the future, whether it's for a family or sect to set up an array, or for their own personal needs.

As for array repair and such, there are currently only two near-third-tier array masters in the Five Dragons Island waters.

For a third-tier array master like Lin Chang'an, if they wanted to make a request, they would really need to visit other sea areas.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, my Tu family will pay you a visit another day. I must shamelessly ask you for some guidance."

"Fellow Daoist Tu is too kind. I am only at the Core Formation stage and often need to consult you."

Faced with the enthusiasm of the crowd, Lin Chang'an smiled modestly and nodded, for these were all connections and walking spirit stones.

However, he also knew that the reason why everyone was so enthusiastic towards him was due to his strength and the influence of being a third-tier array master.

As everyone landed, the Golden Core cultivators sat at the head of the table, while twenty-three Pseudo-Core cultivators sat below them. No one showed the slightest dissatisfaction.

As the spiritual fruits and wines were laid out, everyone went about their own business, yet all wore friendly smiles.

During this time, Lin Chang'an also saw some familiar faces, such as Fatty Lei from Bibo Island in Tongtian Wuhai, which surprised him.

After a few rounds of drinks, the trade fair began.

There wasn't much unnecessary talk, after all, the weakest cultivator here was at the False Core stage.

With their level of cultivation, unless it's an auction in a major market, there are very few treasures that can arouse their interest.

Thus, trade fairs came into being.

"I will make a fool of myself by showing off. This item is a bright moon pearl from the deep sea. Wearing it for a long time can preserve youth and it is also an excellent ingredient for making medicine."

First, a fake cultivator, with a humble smile, took out a bright pearl that shimmered with moonlight.

Upon seeing this treasure, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly, for it was a key ingredient in refining the Youth Preservation Pill.

The "Youth-Preserving Pill" is exactly what it sounds like; it only makes a cultivator appear old when their lifespan is about to end.

It has no other effects, it's just for maintaining youthful appearance, so it's not very attractive to male cultivators, but it's extremely attractive to female cultivators from some powerful forces.

The true Youth Preservation Pill is a third-tier elixir.

As for the items circulating in the market, they are merely anti-aging treasures, which at most have some effect, none of which are as effective as the third-tier anti-aging pill.

"Haha, it turns out to be this. What a pity. If it were in Haiyuan City, the price of your Bright Moon Pearl would be at least 10% higher."

Some shook their heads, while others' eyes flickered. Although they didn't need this thing, some great cultivators still had wives and concubines.

Giving it to certain people is never a bad thing.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, Senior Brother Xu, we must obtain this item!"

The first to react was Liu Ruyu. Her beautiful eyes gleamed, and while secretly communicating with them telepathically, she feigned infatuation and spoke directly:

"I'll take this item. I wonder if you'd like to exchange it for spirit stones or other spiritual items?"

There weren't many female cultivators present to begin with, and when Liu Ruyu spoke, she revealed a joyful expression, which many of those present understood immediately.

This thing doesn't hold much appeal for male cultivators, but female cultivators should never doubt their pursuit of beauty.

"It's actually Fairy Liu."

Upon seeing that the person who spoke was Liu Ruyu from the Xuan Yin Pavilion, the fake Core cultivator wore an even more obsequious smile.

"I have been in the Core Formation stage for over two hundred years. I no longer seek anything else in terms of cultivation. I only wish to make plans for future generations, so I would like to request some pills or spiritual items."

Lin Chang'an could understand this kind of planning for future generations; frankly, it was no different from ordinary people.

In his youth, he was daring and hardworking; in middle age, he achieved initial success; and in his old age, he began to worry about his descendants and started to plan again.

Meanwhile, the three from Xuan Yin Pavilion were secretly communicating through telepathy, while Lin Chang'an remained calm, looking at the two Core Formation cultivators who were also from Xuan Yin Pavilion.

“Junior sister, we have just formed our cores. Right now, what we need is to refine our natal magic weapons so that the sect can be stable, instead of wasting resources on this.”

"Senior brother, this item is useless to us, but if we give it to the Sixth Elder's beautiful concubine, it might increase support for our sect."

"Junior sister! We're already working for the Sixth Elder..."

Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu secretly began to scheme against each other. Despite the promising development of Xuan Yin Pavilion, the sect had suffered heavy losses in the war against Yue Kingdom.

They arrived at this place amidst constant turmoil. After the Grand Elder passed away, the two of them both formed their Golden Cores and consumed most of the sect's resources.

Therefore, Xuan Yin Pavilion is truly not well-off.

Lin Chang'an frowned as he looked at the two of them. Neither of them was right or wrong; one didn't want to waste resources and delay Liu Ruyu's growth.

One is wholeheartedly devoted to the sect, even if it affects their own cultivation, they are willing to do so.

"Xu Lingfeng values ​​his life, while Liu Ruyu is willing to sacrifice her own interests for the sake of the sect."

As Lin Chang'an looked at the two, Liu Ruyu smiled and took out a pill to exchange with them, which made Xu Lingfeng feel aggrieved, but there was nothing he could do.

In his mind, the Xuan Yin Pavilion consisted of only the three Golden Core cultivators, while people like Lin Chang'an were outsiders.

Naturally, improving one's own strength is the priority; how can one waste resources?

However, this time it was Liu Ruyu who used her own resources, so he could only say a few words and there was nothing he could do about it.

"Thank you, fellow Taoist."

……

As the transaction began, one cultivator after another took out their treasures or asked what treasures they wanted to exchange for.

Some need elixirs, some need magic weapons, and some need special spiritual items because of their cultivation techniques.

There were even those who wanted to exchange for Core Formation spiritual items; it can be said that every cultivator had their own needs.

"Does any of you possess mid-grade, third-tier demon cores with water or metal attributes?"

After Lin Chang'an spoke, many cultivators were surprised and stared in astonishment at Lin Chang'an, a third-tier array master.

It's true that it's better if he doesn't speak; once he does, it's astonishing.

While they were still scheming over an ordinary magic weapon, this person actually offered a mid-grade third-tier demon core.

It should be noted that the value of an ordinary magic weapon is around 50,000 to 80,000 mid-grade spirit stones, while the value of a third-grade low-grade demon core is 50,000 mid-grade spirit stones.

A third-tier mid-grade demon core is worth around 150,000 mid-grade spirit stones, which is almost enough to buy two ordinary magic treasures.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, you truly deserve to be called a third-tier array master."

Some people clicked their tongues in amazement and exclaimed, "This is the level of a highly skilled cultivator!"

When Lin Chang'an knew what he needed and brought it up, some people would be surprised, but he had considered many factors from the beginning.

After all, he was a third-tier array master, so his ability to earn spirit stones was naturally far superior to that of ordinary Core Formation cultivators.

However, Lin Chang'an still pretended to be helpless and shook his head, saying:
"Before I formed my core, I owed a favor to a fellow Daoist, so I had no choice but to exchange a mid-grade third-tier demon core with you all."

"Of course, I'm willing to compensate with a portion of the spirit stones, and I'm also willing to craft a third-tier array with the rest..."

After Lin Chang'an proposed this reward, many people were tempted.

A third-tier formation is a rare commodity. Even if you prepare the materials yourself, it is extremely difficult to find someone to craft a formation that suits you.

At the same time, Lin Chang'an also wanted to cultivate a reputation for keeping his promises in front of outsiders. After all, as a formation master, he would inevitably have to trade with many people in the future, and having a good reputation was more important than anything else.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, you are a guest elder of my Xuan Yin Pavilion!"

Upon hearing that he was to create a third-order formation for someone else, Xu Lingfeng frowned and secretly sent a telepathic message to remind Lin Chang'an.

Lin Chang'an remained calm and replied directly:
"I have already discussed this matter with Sect Master Ni Chang. Moreover, as a guest elder of your sect, I did not have any conditions restricting me from selling formations."

The conditions were that the Xuan Yin Pavilion would have priority in purchasing formations, and that formations could not be sold to hostile forces.

Lin Chang'an frowned at Xu Lingfeng. This man was truly arrogant, acting like the sect leader of Xuan Yin Pavilion as soon as he formed his core.

"Senior Brother Xu!"

Even Liu Ruyu frowned and reminded her senior brother in a rather stern tone.

Elder Lin had already stated his request: since they didn't have the resources at the moment, they couldn't stop him from trading with other cultivators.

"My Long family happens to have a mid-grade third-tier water-attribute demon core, which may meet Fellow Daoist Lin's needs."

Just then, the Core Formation cultivator from the Long family seemed to have figured something out and couldn't help but smile and speak.

In that instant, the other Core Formation cultivators fell silent. Although the Long family was not as powerful as before, they were still not people they could afford to offend.

Xuan Yin Pavilion is a rising star, but its overall strength is not as great as that of the Long family back then.

The resources in the waters around Wulong Island are limited, and they have all been divided up. Anyone who wants to expand will have to contend with others.

"Fellow Daoist Long."

Upon seeing that it was a Core Formation cultivator from the Long family, Lin Chang'an revealed a meaningful smile.

"I had long heard that a third-tier array master had come to Five Dragons Island. I was busy with matters within the clan and had not had the chance to visit him. I heard that you traveled to Haiyuan City on my Dragon family's spirit ship. It was truly fate."

Others may not know, but how could the Long family not know?

The middle-aged, robust cultivator from the Long family, who had just reached the Core Formation stage, had a hint of embarrassment in his eyes, but he still brought up the matter first.

After recruiting a third-tier array master as a guest elder at Xuan Yin Pavilion, the Long family naturally sought to find out more.

When they saw Lin Chang'an's intelligence, especially since it was on their Long family's spirit ship, they knew they had offended a third-tier array master.

According to the cultivators who escorted the spirit ship at the time, Lin Chang'an was originally on the list, but he was not arrested because he was on good terms with a certain cultivator from the Xuan Yin Divine Sect.

Thinking back to the turmoil in the Yue Kingdom, when cultivators of the Xuan Yin Divine Sect infiltrated and absorbed many people.

The intelligence Lin Chang'an had in Tianxuan City back then claimed that he had connections in both the legitimate and illegitimate worlds, so it was normal for him to have one or two friends from the Demonic Sect while running a black market.

"So there was this connection."

This middle-aged, burly man from the Long family feigned surprise, but countless thoughts flashed through his mind, ultimately contemplating the current situation of the Long family.

We can't afford to create any more complications.

Moreover, this person is merely a guest elder of the Xuan Yin Pavilion, not someone who is willing to risk their life for others. Furthermore, given the other party's usual cautious nature, it is not impossible to resolve this grudge.

Therefore, he didn't mind bringing up the matter directly to resolve the misunderstanding. Otherwise, being secretly watched by a third-tier array master would make anyone uncomfortable.

If it were the Long family back then, they wouldn't be afraid; they would simply arrange for someone to take them out.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, it was actually a misunderstanding back then. I never expected that the spirit ship would encounter the Demonic Sect. My Long family is willing to bear all the losses caused to you."

"Oh, a misunderstanding?"

With a smile on his face, Lin Chang'an and Lin Chang'an secretly communicated through telepathy.

At the same time, Lin Chang'an's eyes also flickered. He naturally had nothing to say to the Long family; their enmity was immense.

But this might be an opportunity, as the Long family still possesses a withered leaf of the Mysterious Heavenly Vine.

"Haha, my Long family has an array on a spirit ship, which was damaged in large quantities during the previous chaos of the cultivators' calamity. I'm afraid we'll have to trouble you this time, fellow Daoist."

On the surface, the middle-aged Core Formation cultivator from the Long family spoke helplessly, but in order to resolve this misunderstanding, he was prepared to bleed profusely.

"In that case, let's first check the extent of the damage to the formation, and I'm willing to make up for the rest with spirit stones."

In order to obtain this mid-grade third-tier demon core and a certain treasure from the Long family, Lin Chang'an had to feign hesitation for a moment and secretly accept the Long family's kindness.

After all, everyone here is a Core Formation cultivator, and how many people would willingly become mortal enemies? This is only human nature.

Since the Long family said they would compensate him, he naturally didn't mind getting his losses back first.

……

"Fellow Daoist Long!"

Watching Lin Chang'an make a deal with the Long family, Xu Lingfeng frowned and said.

This Core Formation cultivator from the Long family also had no desire to fight against the current Xuan Yin Pavilion.

In the cultivation world, when strength is roughly equal, it's not just about fighting and killing; there are also human relationships and social interactions.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, Fellow Daoist Liu, now that the trade fair has just ended, how about the three of you come to my Long family for a chat?"

The middle-aged Core Formation cultivator from the Long family spoke politely with a smile on his face. It was clear that this trade fair was also a signal of goodwill from the Long family to the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

Of the three major powers on Five Dragons Island, the Dragon family, though in decline, remains the strongest.

Unless someone is stupid, Xuan Yin Pavilion will not fight to the death with the Long family. It would be better for both sides to be on good terms and kick the other force out of the game first.

"In that case, we shall accept it without further ado."

This time, Liu Ruyu smiled and nodded, knowing that her sect leader did not want to start a war with other forces at the moment.

What Xuan Yin Pavilion needs right now is development.

However, to outsiders, especially spies from other forces, this scene was secretly alarming.

It seems that Wulong Island is about to enter a period of peaceful development.

The Long family needs a breather, the Xuan Yin Pavilion needs to develop, and the weakest force is even worse off, unable to defeat anyone.

In any case, none of the three major powers want to start a war right now, but it is some external forces that are most eager to stir up internal strife.

Xu Lingfeng frowned and glanced at his junior sister. Was he really such an impulsive person that he would affect the overall situation? She was actually afraid that he would cause trouble.

Liu Ruyu impatiently explained via telepathy that although this Senior Brother Xu seemed unlikely to cause trouble, his inherent arrogance might still have an impact.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, Fellow Daoist Liu."

Lin Chang'an also used telepathy to tell the two about his grievances with the Long family's spirit ship, after all, he is now a guest elder of the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

It's better to say some things out loud to avoid causing trouble for yourself.

Moreover, since Xuan Yin Pavilion intends to make peace with the Long family, it is only right that he recoup some of his losses.

Xu Lingfeng suddenly realized this, while Liu Ruyu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Core Formation cultivators, having reached this stage, often act primarily for their own benefit.

“Fellow Daoist Long, I have only recently formed my Core. The Xuan Yin Pavilion did have a few Core Formation techniques with the wood attribute, but I was not very satisfied with them.”

The Long family is unparalleled in the Five Dragons Island sea area, and its foundation is far beyond that of ordinary sects..."

Lin Chang'an smiled and transmitted his voice, the implication being clear: one mid-grade third-tier demon core was not enough; compensation was also needed.

In a short time, the Long family and Xuan Yin Pavilion began to show goodwill to each other.

Meanwhile, as the trade fair continued, Lin Chang'an's demand for a mid-grade third-tier demon core was astonishing, but then the Long family directly provided a set of top-grade third-tier materials.

Everyone then realized that although the Long family had declined, it was still the undisputed number one power on Five Dragons Island.

At a trade fair, some people are overjoyed after trading what they need, while others shake their heads in disappointment after failing to acquire what they wanted.

However, the Five Dragons Island event has only just begun; an even larger trade fair will follow after it concludes.

Therefore, the Core Formation cultivators were not too disappointed; on the contrary, many were looking forward to the Core Formation cultivator trade fair at the end of the grand event.

　Thank you all for your support.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)