Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 258 Auction, Preparing for the Hunt [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

After more than twenty years of turmoil in the waters off Wulong Island, the grand market fair has finally begun again.

Merchant ships from various factions reappeared in the waters around Wulong Island, and eventually docked at the pier.

During this period, Hu Jin became a hot commodity, receiving visits from various powerful forces.

Of course, at the very least, they must be pseudo-core cultivators; foundation-building family cultivators have no right to visit them.

"Old Lin, this is the catalog for this auction. Take a look. If there's nothing you want, there's no need to participate."

Inside the pavilion, Hu Jin appeared casual, while Lin Chang'an sighed, marveling at the tremendous changes brought about by the increase in strength.

He didn't receive this treatment when he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

As a result, after reaching the Core Formation stage, all the auction catalogs were directly in his hands.

Only after truly achieving the Golden Core stage can one experience the impact of this power.

As Lin Chang'an opened the catalog and flipped through it, he frowned. Hu Jin, standing beside him, asked suspiciously:
"Old Lin, you don't actually need some kind of treasure urgently, do you?"

"No, it's just that I feel like I don't have enough spirit stones."

Lin Chang'an shook his head, not out of overthinking, but out of caution.

He had already told others that he obtained a mid-grade third-tier demon core because he owed someone a favor. If he continued, it might arouse suspicion.

"So what is it that you value so much that makes you so interested?"

Lin Chang'an didn't lie; he directly opened the catalog and pointed to three treasures.

"Inheritance of a third-tier spirit-stabilizing talisman, a third-tier low-grade spirit brush, and insights into formations."

When Lin Chang'an directly mentioned these three treasures, Hu Jin's eyes widened in shock.

"Old Lin, you're really greedy!"

Others only knew that Lin Chang'an was a third-tier array master, but the talisman masters thought he was a second-tier high-grade master.

But Hu Jinke is different. When the two of them teamed up to hunt the Tier 3 Jade Crocodile Turtle, Lin Chang'an revealed his ability to create talisman treasures.

The ability to create talisman treasures is a third-tier talisman skill.

"But Lao Lin, your talent and comprehension are just too unreasonable."

Hu Jin looked at Lin Chang'an with some envy. Lin Chang'an was a third-tier talisman master who, through his comprehension, later surpassed others and became a third-tier array master.

This level of comprehension and talent is truly something that only a few people possess.

Of course, Lin Chang'an's situation is not out of place. In the cultivation world, there are many people whose talents are buried due to the lack of resources in the early stages, and they never know their talents in their entire lives.

Some are discovered in old age.

By then it was too late; this phenomenon is all too common in the cultivation world.

Especially in the art of formations, which relies entirely on comprehension, yet formations are inaccessible to countless ordinary cultivators, burying countless geniuses.

It's perfectly normal for someone like Lin Chang'an to take things one step at a time, mastering the art of talismans, and then discovering his talent in formations during the Foundation Establishment stage, eventually surpassing others.

That makes perfect sense.

"Alright, you're the only one who knows about the techniques of third-tier talismans. I haven't told anyone else."

Looking at the goofy Lao Hu, Lin Chang'an shook his head helplessly.

There are countless geniuses in the cultivation world, and his achievements are nothing compared to these true geniuses.

Of course, that's just what he revealed.

"A third-tier spirit-stabilizing talisman is a talisman that targets the primordial spirit. It can cause a cultivator to lose control of their body, but it is mostly used against cultivators weaker than oneself and is not very practical."

At this point, Hu Jin paused, looking at Lin Chang'an with a strange expression, as if he were recalling the time when the two parted ways.

Lin Chang'an was hiding in the Tongtian Mist Sea, and considering the cultivation technique he practiced, the evil energy itself is used to suppress yin spirits.

"Of course, within the Tongtian Mist Sea, it is extremely effective against Yin spirits and similar entities, and it also has remarkable effects in sealing away spiritual objects."

Hu Jin continued speaking, and Lin Chang'an also valued this effect.

It's not very useful against cultivators of the same level, unless the opponent is seriously injured, in which case this talisman can control the opponent.

Of course, what he was thinking of was the Yin Spirit Beast King in the Tongtian Mist Sea, whose pure Yin Spirit body was a perfect match.

"Because this third-tier mind-stabilizing talisman is not very practical, even if it contains talisman-making insights, its final auction price will probably only be around ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones, and no more."

After a moment's thought, Hu Jin offered a reasonable price.

"However, this third-grade low-level spirit brush is different. It's worth at least 50,000 mid-grade spirit stones, comparable in value to an ordinary magic weapon."

As Hu Jinyue spoke, he felt that Lin Chang'an's gaze was strange, and blurted out, "Old Lin, you don't mean to ask me to take action, do you?"

Lin Chang'an nodded with a smile.

"The third-tier spirit-stabilizing talisman is not a problem, but I'm afraid I can only take one of the third-tier spirit brush and the array formation insights. I'll have to trouble you with that, Lao Hu."

Lin Chang'an currently only has a little over 60,000 mid-grade spirit stones, and that's after receiving a large number of congratulatory gifts during the previous Core Formation celebration.

And he only earned so much money in recent years through the income from the formation.

After all, since he broke through to the Core Formation stage, he didn't have any luxurious third-tier pills to take regularly, which resulted in him accumulating a lot of spirit stones.

"I knew it."

Hu Jin shook his head helplessly, and then spoke up to make his own request.

"But Lao Lin, I can't help you for nothing. In the future, when you're in the waters around Five Dragon Island, you'll have to keep an eye out for the element of metal."

"Metal of the Five Elements!?"

Lin Chang'an was also taken aback after hearing this, but then he thought that after becoming a Core Formation cultivator, there would naturally be many cultivators who would refine magic weapons.

"Alright, I'll have the Lu family and their subordinates keep an eye on things from now on."

After exchanging a glance, the two smiled.

In interpersonal relationships, especially among fellow Core Formation cultivators, there are many things that can be done by helping each other.

This is why estrangement gradually emerges after falling behind.

There's no other reason than that, given the vast difference in their cultivation levels, the things they need for daily cultivation, and even their discussions on the Dao, are completely different. Over time, this disparity will naturally become apparent.

Old Hu didn't have many spirit stones in reserve either, after all, he had only recently formed his core. Even though he was in the Azure Sea Palace, he had only refined one natal magic weapon and was still short of spirit stones.

……

a few days later.

The grand market fair on Five Dragon Island was in full swing, and the auction that night attracted many cultivators.

Many cultivators from the Tongtian Mist Sea concealed their appearances and auras as they arrived.

"Fellow Daoist Lin."

"Fellow Daoist Hu."

When they saw Lin Chang'an and Hu Jin arrive together, chatting and laughing, many Core Formation and Pseudo-Core Formation cultivators smiled and greeted them with clasped hands.

Many people secretly envied the relationship between Master Lin and Fellow Daoist Hu.

However, upon closer reflection, their friendship dates back to the Foundation Establishment stage and they have journeyed together to the Core Formation stage.

It must be said that this kind of friendship forged along the way is extremely precious in the world of cultivation.

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded in response to the greetings from the crowd.

Since Hu Jin arrived, Lin Chang'an has noticed that many people have become more respectful of him, such as Xu Lingfeng of Xuan Yin Pavilion, a rather arrogant Core Formation cultivator.

Now, whenever I see him, I give him a polite smile.

"Come, come, fellow Daoist, please."

Lin Chang'an and the group of Core Formation cultivators nodded with smiles, and everyone entered the auction hall together.

This time, Lin Chang'an was already a Core Formation cultivator, so with his changed status, he naturally didn't need to crowd around below.

Instead, they ended up sitting in a private room at the auction.

Various forces gathered, and there were also many cultivators hiding their true strength below, since some people couldn't stand the light of day.

Some people had their eyes on certain treasures and needed to conceal their identities. The Core Formation cultivators from various factions in the upper private rooms were also there because of their status; they simply couldn't easily hide their identities.

This time, the Xuan Yin Pavilion was again graced by the presence of three Core Formation cultivators: Liu Ruyu, Xu Lingfeng, and Lin Chang'an.

However, as the auction began, the atmosphere at the scene became lively.

Inside the private rooms of the Core Formation cultivators, each one calmly awaited the final, most anticipated treasure.

……

In the box.

"So, Lao Lin, how does it feel to be sitting in this private room?"

Hu Jin, standing to the side, sipped his spiritual tea with a broad smile and made some lighthearted remarks.

Lin Chang'an, however, looked rather serious when faced with Hu Jin's teasing this time.

This feeling of being high above, and the figures below, seemed to remind him of his past self.

"I feel a sense of high spirits, but also a bit melancholy, as if I saw myself once being one of the masses below."

Seeing Lin Chang'an's melancholy, Hu Jin nodded in agreement.
"Yes, when I broke through to the Core Formation stage, I also had this kind of complicated feeling about the change in my status. I was feeling great and full of vigor, but I was also a little sad about my past self."

As the two joked around, the auction below became increasingly heated.

Unfortunately, the various treasures that once attracted him now felt somewhat boring, which made Lin Chang'an sigh.

This is because I have become stronger and my social circle has changed. What was once an invaluable treasure has now become something dispensable, or even something I look down on.

"Indeed, people are the most fickle of all."

As the auction progressed, near-Tier 3 treasures finally began to appear, and even Tier 3 treasures were discovered.

"Next up is a true magical artifact. Although it is somewhat damaged, it is definitely an incomparably precious treasure."

The old man at the auction shouted excitedly, which attracted the attention of many fake Core Formation cultivators and even those who had just entered the Core Formation stage.

The magical artifact is undoubtedly precious, and although it is damaged, it can be repaired slowly if possible.

"A low-grade third-tier magic weapon. This auction is indeed quite a big deal."

Lin Chang'an, upon seeing the magical artifacts appearing below, also showed a rare hint of interest.

Despite his good family background, he currently only has one offensive magic weapon; he lacks both offensive and defensive capabilities.

Unfortunately, his top priority right now is to improve the quality of his spiritual root and golden core, and accelerate his cultivation speed.

"Thirty-three thousand mid-grade spirit stones, is there anyone else?"

"Thirty-three thousand mid-grade spirit stones...twice...sold!"

Seeing the magic treasures being sold, many Core Formation cultivators present also showed interest.

After that came various third-tier spiritual items, all of which were treasures that could attract Core Formation cultivators.

"Next up is a third-tier spirit-stabilizing talisman inheritance, which contains the insights of this third-tier talisman master. The starting bid is 10,000 mid-grade spirit stones!"

Despite the auctioneer's shouts, the scene was rather quiet.

One reason is that there are very few cultivators with third-tier skills, and the other is that the Mind-Stabilizing Talisman is relatively uncommon and not very practical.

As the treasures became less popular, the elderly man in charge was not embarrassed at all. Instead, he continued to introduce them with excitement, since many of the treasures were valuable enough.

It's not uncommon for these items to go unsold because they are unpopular.

"Ten thousand five hundred mid-grade spirit stones!"

"Eleven thousand mid-grade spirit stones!"

After a few scattered bids, someone finally opened the bidding, but Hu Jin immediately offered 11,000 mid-grade spirit stones.

Many Core Formation cultivators present naturally noticed who was bidding, since everyone in the upper private room knew who it was.

Upon seeing that it was a Core Formation cultivator from the Law Enforcement Hall of the Azure Sea Palace, even the most scheming cultivators immediately fell silent.

"11,000 mid-grade spirit stones, sold!"

With a shout, Hu Jin slowly rose with a smile on his face and cupped his hands in the air to the Core Formation cultivators in each private room.

"Thank you all for your consideration."

Hu Jin did not explain anything, and no one present was curious.

After all, for a powerful organization like the Azure Sea Palace, it's natural to need to cater to the preferences of certain individuals when making connections.

Later, Lin Chang'an also auctioned two third-tier spiritual items, which were both needed by Hu Jin. He was just auctioning them on Hu Jin's behalf.

The next item to appear, a low-grade third-tier spirit brush, is already at the level of a magic weapon, and therefore its price is almost the same as that of a magic weapon.

In the end, Hu Jin spent nearly 60,000 mid-grade spirit stones to finally acquire it.

This made Lin Chang'an feel a pang of heartache. If it weren't for the fact that he had previously sold off his unused near-third-tier spirit brush and some other items...

It seems the storage bag will truly be empty.

He had also considered that he had not yet digested the various array jade slips and insights from the Xuan Yin Pavilion, so if he had the chance now, it would be best to get a third-tier spirit brush first.

After all, it's not easy to have Lao Hu around, so this is a rare opportunity.

If he needs any array-related items in the future, he can do so openly and honestly.

Inside the private room, Lin Chang'an received the third-tier spirit brush and the inheritance of the mind-stabilizing talisman, and couldn't help but smile.

Hu Jin also received two spiritual items. After exchanging a glance, the two smiled and picked up the spiritual tea to taste.

Once their cultivation reaches a certain level, there are very few things that can attract them anymore.

"Old Lin, you're really generous, even putting your previous third-tier spiritual herbs up for auction."

When Hu Jin saw the third-tier pills at the auction, their medicinal properties diminishing, he immediately recognized them as the pills they had obtained in the secret realm.

“Old Hu, I’m an array master. I don’t usually go out on adventures. It’s a waste to keep these pills in my hands. I might as well exchange them for some spirit stones first.”

Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head. It wasn't that he wanted to sell it, but because he had a self-healing body, he had never used this kind of pill to heal injuries and restore his magical power.

Moreover, because of the long duration, the medicinal effects are diminishing every moment.

Besides, he kept a copy for himself; he only auctioned off a portion of it.

"I can refine these third-tier spiritual herbs myself, it's just that the materials are hard to come by."

Lin Chang'an muttered to himself that in recent years, relying on his status as a third-level alchemist, he had maintained his reputation for skill while also intercepting a lot of spiritual herbs or pills.

Why keep the old ones when there are new ones available?

"Next up are Core Formation Spiritual Objects!"

When the Core Formation Spiritual Object appeared, many Core Formation cultivators present showed solemn expressions.

After all, many of those present belonged to clans or sects, and Core Formation spiritual items have always been strategic resources; no one would complain about having too many of these.

Just as the Core Formation cultivators at the scene began bidding for this Core Formation spiritual item, Lin Chang'an calmly lowered his head to examine the Mind-Stabilizing Talisman jade slip.

"A third-tier spirit-stabilizing talisman might be useless to ordinary cultivators, but it's perfect for me."

With the Phoenix Bird around, hunting the Yin Spirit Beast King is simpler and safer than hunting other monsters of the same level.

Now, with an additional calming talisman as a trump card, its effectiveness against evil spirits is even greater.

“Third-tier mid-stage demonic beasts are extremely powerful. Although my strength is not bad, it is relatively safer to hunt Yin Spirit Beast Kings of the same tier.”

At this moment, Lin Chang'an was secretly pondering. The Yin attribute demon core of the Yin Spirit Beast King was quite valuable, enough to exchange for a demon core of the same level, with some left over.

It seems he still needs to find clues about the Yin Spirit Beast King's lair.

As for the auction, there weren't many treasures that would attract him anymore, or rather, he didn't have any spirit stones left in his pocket.

　It's almost the end of the month, please support me with your votes next month.

　　Starting today, I will resume updating twice a day. My father is recovering well and will be able to leave the intensive care unit in a couple of days, but it will probably take a few more days before he can be discharged.

　　After recovering well next month, I'll still need to get a stent installed. This really gave me a fright. Health is the foundation of everything, so fellow cultivators should take care to exercise while they're young.

　　The author also plans to adjust his sleep schedule and start exercising in a while.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)