Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 256 Another Piece of Mysterious Heavenly Withered Leaf Falls [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

The Long family.

Five Dragon Island has five main peaks with spiritual veins, and the Dragon family still occupies two of them, even though the Dragon family has reduced its power.

The Xuan Yin Pavilion actually occupies one spiritual vein, while the other is controlled by numerous forces. Lin Chang'an occupies the main peak, followed by the Lu family, as well as some other families and the Xuan Yin Pavilion's forces.

It will take a long time for the various forces to fully digest this spiritual vein.

The last spiritual vein was a joint effort by the two major Core Formation families in the region, and according to Master Tan, it seemed that they also had connections with the people around the Fifth Elder of the Azure Sea Palace.

"It seems that the higher-ups don't want to see a powerful and unified Five Dragons Island, otherwise they wouldn't have kept the Dragon family around."

As Lin Chang'an analyzed the situation along the way, he couldn't help but shake his head inwardly; he had no desire to get involved in the power struggle between these forces.

However, the current stable situation on Five Dragons Island is actually to his advantage.

After all, no one wants a turbulent and chaotic cultivation environment.

"Fellow Daoists, the Patriarch failed to break through to the Nascent Soul stage and is currently in seclusion to heal his injuries. He is unable to personally entertain you three. Please forgive him."

Upon entering the Long family compound, the middle-aged, burly man who was now in charge spoke with a smile on his face, but his tone also subtly revealed a sense of dominance.

Although everyone belongs to the Golden Core realm, these realms are still divided into different levels.

The Long family had once tried to reach the Nascent Soul stage, and although they failed, their foundation remained.

In particular, the appearance of the other two Golden Core cultivators from the Long family fully revealed their strength.

"You're too polite, Fellow Daoist Long."

Faced with the Long family, which subtly exuded an air of dominance, even Xu Lingfeng, who was inherently arrogant, had no choice but to bow his head.

After all, the Long family had dominated Five Dragons Island for a century, and their power still remained.

However, after the Long family had just vaguely revealed their powerful foundation, they turned around and softened their tone with a smile, showing the goodwill of the Long family now.

Although Liu Ruyu is a woman and doesn't usually express her opinions, she caught Lin Chang'an's attention on such an important matter.

"Xu Lingfeng may seem tough, but he actually lacks a sense of the big picture, while Liu Ruyu does have a sense of the big picture."

Faced with the Long family's veiled sarcasm, the conversation shifted to the merchant ships from Haiyuan City.

Seeing this, Lin Chang'an nodded to himself. Sure enough, women are born to act.

However, he always felt that something was wrong with Xu Lingfeng. It was only natural for the sect's prodigies to be arrogant after reaching the Core Formation stage, just like him. Didn't he also feel like he could do whatever he wanted after reaching the Core Formation stage?

As a result, the news about the phoenix bird brought by Yun Yao directly led him to start another low-key journey.

But Lin Chang'an narrowed his eyes at Xu Lingfeng. Since he formed his core, his senses had become much stronger, and he could even sense some emotional fluctuations.

Previously at the trade fair, and just now, Xu Lingfeng seemed to be in a very stable emotional state, unlike his outward appearance.

"However, this is an internal matter of the Xuan Yin Pavilion, and I don't want to get involved. It might just cause me trouble."

Lin Chang'an shook his head inwardly, wondering if it was just a performance by Xuan Yin Pavilion for outsiders.

"Come, fellow Daoists, please have a taste of my Long family's spiritual tea."

The three Golden Core cultivators from the Long family greeted the three Golden Core cultivators from the Xuan Yin Pavilion with smiles on their faces, but their hearts were filled with a sense of frustration and helplessness.

The Long family may seem powerful, but their previous actions were too arrogant, causing them to lose their powerful backers.

Meanwhile, Xuan Yin Pavilion, along with two other entities that had aligned themselves with Haiyuan City, saw their fortunes rise and fall over time, leaving them feeling melancholy.

The world of cultivation is truly a place where one person finishes their act and another takes the stage.

However, at present, everyone needs a stable situation, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, there will be no turmoil for more than a hundred years.

After all, the major powers aren't fools; everyone wants profits, but causing themselves too much loss is unwise.

It might really turn into a situation where the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.

Nobody wants to be someone else's stepping stone.

"Good tea."

Since arriving at the Long family, Lin Chang'an has felt refreshed and invigorated. The Long family used to be unapproachable, but now they have to greet him with a smile.

This is the impact of strength.

"I'm glad you like it, Fellow Daoist Lin."

Looking at Lin Chang'an, the burly Golden Core cultivator from the Long family sighed inwardly. He never expected that the actions of the spirit ship back then would actually create a hidden danger for the family.

If it were an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, they would naturally not take it to heart, but a third-tier array master.

Nobody wants to offend anyone unless it's absolutely necessary.

The Long family's invitation to Xuan Yin Pavilion is a testament to their sincerity.

"By the way, before Fellow Daoist Lin formed his core, he traveled to Haiyuan City on my Long family's spirit ship. However, he encountered a calamity cultivator on the way, resulting in considerable losses. This is the fault of my Long family."

After talking for a while, a Core Formation cultivator from the Long family seemed to have thought of something and suddenly turned to Lin Chang'an with an apologetic smile.

Lin Chang'an remained calm; if he were a lone cultivator, he naturally wouldn't say anything.

But right now he also has someone behind him, who is also a guest elder of the Xuan Yin Pavilion. The Xuan Yin Pavilion needs him, a third-level array master, and he sometimes needs the Xuan Yin Pavilion as well.

"You're too polite, Fellow Daoist Long."

"This matter is indeed the fault of my Long family."

In front of Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu, the burly Core Formation cultivator from the Long family made no attempt to hide his intention to befriend and win over the other party, his face beaming with smiles.

Finally, he even mentioned making up for what happened last time.

"In that case, I really must thank Fellow Daoist Long."

Lin Chang'an smiled calmly. Why wouldn't he take the benefits that were offered for free?

As for grudges?
It's very simple; as long as he gets what he needs, he doesn't mind just laughing it off.

After all, he still needed the Long family to draw the attention of the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect and the Li Huo Palace regarding the Phoenix Cry Bird.

In front of Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu, both members of the Xuan Yin Pavilion, the Long family directly invited Lin Chang'an to the treasure vault, showing no restraint whatsoever.

However, Lin Chang'an had already sent a telepathic message to the two of them before they came, so the two of them were naturally aware of the feud between Lin Chang'an and the Long family.

……

As the Core Formation cultivator from the Long family clapped his hands with a broad smile, nine maids from the Long family, who were prepared beforehand, slowly entered, carrying jade boxes.

After the nine late-stage Qi Refining maids entered, and as the jade boxes were opened one after another, Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu, the two Golden Core cultivators from the Xuan Yin Pavilion, couldn't help but be shocked.

"Are all nine of these a cultivation technique for the Golden Core stage with wood attribute?"

Lin Chang'an was also shocked by the Long family's move and couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement.

Even the Xuan Yin Pavilion probably doesn't have the resources to produce nine wood-attribute Golden Core realm cultivation techniques at once.

Currently, the Long family still has five Golden Core cultivators, including the former Lord of Dragon Island, who is said to have failed to break through to the Nascent Soul stage and is recuperating in the clan due to serious injuries.

Even when severely injured, a cultivator at the peak of the late Core Formation stage is not to be underestimated.

Next, Lin Chang'an released his divine sense and, under everyone's gaze, he began to examine the nine different cultivation techniques without any concealment.

Each cultivation technique has restrictions; only the first part can be seen, but one can still get a general understanding of the technique's properties.

"This wood-attribute cultivation method produces pure and harmonious magical power, with average strength in all aspects, but it can harmonize the five elements, strengthen the foundation, and prolong life. It is a method for longevity."

"This technique is not good at combat. Although its magical power is mediocre, it is exceptionally pure. It is easy to cultivate and practice, and it is relatively easy to break through the bottleneck."

After reading through five wood-attribute cultivation techniques, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but frown.

Surprisingly, most of them do not significantly increase a cultivator's combat power; they can be considered the weakest techniques among cultivators of the same level.

This type of technique, while having obvious drawbacks and lacking even powerful supernatural abilities, also has advantages, namely that it is relatively easier to break through bottlenecks.

Finally, when I reached the seventh cultivation technique, I saw one that was more effective against those with stronger combat abilities.

"This technique has a long-lasting effect among cultivators of the same level, and its magical power far surpasses that of other cultivators of the same level. In addition, it also has two special escape techniques..."

However, when he reached the ninth and final cultivation technique, Lin Chang'an finally saw the technique he had longed for, but he was somewhat disappointed. The jade slip clearly recorded one refining method and one body-refining technique.

"This cultivation technique was obtained by my Long family in a secret realm. It is a rare technique that combines physical and magical cultivation..."

Upon hearing the Long family's introduction, Lin Chang'an's expression hardened. Only at the Golden Core stage?
"It seems that the Nascent Soul Realm cultivation techniques have been hidden by the Long family."

That's understandable; if it were him, he wouldn't be able to tell everything to outsiders either.

Is this the technique he needs? No!

He was craving the withered leaves of the Mysterious Immortal Vine.

The jade slip in front of us was clearly copied by the Long family, and it's even unclear whether there were any hidden techniques left behind.

After reading the last cultivation technique, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but show a look of disappointment.

Upon seeing this scene, the burly cultivator from the Long family clenched his fist, while Liu Ruyu and Xu Lingfeng exchanged a glance and then smiled.

It seems that this Fellow Daoist Lin is simply trying to take advantage of the situation to gain a huge benefit; otherwise, he wouldn't be so greedy.

For Lin Chang'an, what he wanted was the withered leaves of the Xuan Tian Immortal Vine.

The other party recorded it on a jade slip, so it's clear that the original is still in the Long family.

Just as Lin Chang'an was deep in thought, a figure appeared, causing his natal spiritual plant to tremble.

The newcomer was a cultivator who bore a striking resemblance to Long Changfeng, though he appeared more composed.

Upon seeing this person arrive, the burly Core Formation cultivator from the Long family burst into laughter and said to Lin Chang'an:

"Fellow Daoist Lin, here is the mid-grade third-tier water-attribute demon core you need."

Following the direction of the finger, the Long family cultivator who entered respectfully and slowly opened the jade box in his hand.

As the jade box was opened, a golden demon core radiating a powerful aura appeared before them.

Judging from its quality and size, it is indeed a mid-grade third-tier demon core.

"Long Changqing, the elder brother of Long Changfeng, the former genius of the Long family, is actually a potential Core Formation seed of the Long family."

Based on his previous inquiries into the Long family, Lin Chang'an instantly identified the man.

Mid-Foundation Establishment? No! This person should possess a hidden treasure, so he should be at the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage.

With his powerful senses, Lin Chang'an immediately discerned the depth of this person's cultivation level.

However, he sensed a familiar aura within this person's storage bag, coupled with the pulsation of his natal spiritual plant.

"As expected, how could I be the only one who could discover the secret of this withered leaf?" Lin Chang'an thought to himself, secretly alarmed.

Good news! He finally found the withered leaves of the Mysterious Heavenly Vine in the Long family's possession.

Bad news: this item is actually in the hands of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Long family. It seems the Long family has also discovered the secret of this withered leaf.

Countless thoughts flashed through Lin Chang'an's mind. He sighed inwardly. It seemed that the Long family wanted this person to switch to this cultivation method after he formed his core.

After all, a normal Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn't easily switch cultivation methods; the safest approach is to break through to a higher realm before switching to another cultivation method.

The Long family would definitely protect a seed of Core Formation. Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but frown slightly.

If given the chance, he would naturally not mind taking back his treasure from a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But there's no need to take too much risk, since the Xuan Tian spiritual root is right here with me.

At worst, he can just spend more time cultivating them; sooner or later he will cultivate a second, third, or even more.

Moreover, his current priority is to improve the quality of his spiritual root and golden core so that he can keep up with the pace and hopefully reach the Nascent Soul stage. This is the most important thing.

"I have noted down the aura of this person's magical power."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an glanced at the man without making a sound.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, this water-attribute third-grade mid-level demon core was obtained by my Long family after much effort."

Long Changqing, on the other hand, wore a humble smile, seemingly a junior member of the Long family who was not highly regarded.

After Lin Chang'an figured it out, he looked at the demon core and immediately showed a satisfied smile.

Upon seeing this, the burly man from the Long family smiled and turned to look at Liu Ruyu and Xu Lingfeng.

After all, Lin Chang'an is now a guest elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion, so it can be said that this is a misunderstanding between the Long family and Xuan Yin Pavilion.

"Fellow Daoist Lin!"

After exchanging a secret message with Lin Chang'an, Liu Ruyu, Xu Lingfeng, and Lin Chang'an all smiled and nodded to the Long family.

The Long family also smiled. Although the loss of a mid-grade third-tier demon core was a bit painful, it was still worth it to be able to let the matter drop for now.

"Come, come, fellow Daoists, please."

The Long family then hosted a banquet, and the two sides chatted happily, agreeing to many cooperative business deals.

At the same time, the Long family specially instructed Long Changqing, a junior member, to respectfully entertain everyone, making it seem as if Long Changqing would be the person in charge of some of the Long family's future industries.

This is a good opportunity to get to know some of the Golden Core cultivators from the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

This makes sense, since in a powerful family, those with good talent need to work hard to cultivate, while those with slightly less talent can get involved in the family business earlier.

Only Lin Chang'an, after witnessing this scene, secretly sighed that the Long family was indeed quite cautious these days.

As for the matter of trading demon cores, not a word was mentioned.

Lin Chang'an was well aware of this, and the two sides tacitly let the matter of the spirit ship pass by.

But he thought to himself, "It's good to let bygones be bygones, including the Phoenix Bird taking the blame."

At the banquet, the Long family and Xuan Yin Pavilion had a pleasant conversation.

The banquet was over.

Inside the Long family's main hall, three Core Formation cultivators sat together, their smiles fading away.

"Damn it! When our Long family was powerful, what were those lowly maids from Xuan Yin Pavilion worth!"

"Alright, these are turbulent times. What we need to do now is stabilize the current situation and give the family more time."

Finally, the three looked at Long Changqing, who was now the most promising new generation member of the Long family to achieve the Core Formation.

"Changqing, how are your preparations going?"

Facing the three elders, Long Changqing bowed firmly and said:

"Changqing will not let down the family's upbringing. After forming his core, he will switch to cultivating this ancient technique."

"it is good!"

After exchanging glances, the three of them also showed solemn expressions.

With a firm gaze, Long Changqing thought of his genius younger brother, and his heart was filled with complex emotions.

If it weren't for his genius younger brother's accident, he wouldn't have become the clan's first Core Formation seed.

"Brother, don't worry, the family still has me. The Long family will not decline!"

……

Lin Chang'an, who returned as a beam of light, was extremely satisfied.

The materials for the Spirit Replenishing Pill have been almost collected; all that's missing is a mid-grade, third-tier demon core with a metal attribute.

Moreover, this time they unexpectedly discovered the whereabouts of another withered leaf of the Mysterious Heavenly Vine at the Long family's residence, so overall, this trip to the Long family was worthwhile.

"I have noted down this person's magical aura. Given the opportunity, I may be able to obtain this item."

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered as he couldn't help but think of the current situation. The Long family was in a weak position and was being watched by many forces.

Achieving Core Formation in the next generation may not be so easy.

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(End of this chapter)