Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 277 Powerful Privileges [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

Wulong Island Market.

Lin Chang'an, accompanied by his sword attendant, arrived at the auction.

As for the auction items, which were mostly for cultivators at the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages, he naturally had no interest in participating.

He came here mainly for the trading fair for Core Formation cultivators.

"Master Lin, please have a seat."

Seats were already prepared in the spacious hall on the top floor of the attic.

Lin Chang'an sat down in a seat with his sword attendant. One by one, maids offered him spiritual tea, spiritual wine, and spiritual fruit, which were all accepted by Leng Mei's sword attendant.

Then the sword attendant knelt respectfully to the side to serve wine and peel spirit fruit.

Enjoying himself immensely, Lin Chang'an calmly addressed the maids coming and going:

"Go and get a report on the situation in the Demon Beast Abyss."

"Please wait a moment, Master." The maid dared not be negligent. She bowed respectfully and slowly retreated to retrieve a report on the turbulent situation in Haiyuan.

If a Foundation Establishment cultivator wanted this, it would cost at least several hundred spirit stones to buy.

However, as a Core Formation cultivator, the difference in social circles means that what Foundation Establishment cultivators cherish is no longer of interest to Core Formation cultivators.

Just after the maid brought over a piece of information, the other cultivators, both those at the Pseudo-Core Formation and Core Formation stages, arrived one after another.

"Fellow Daoist Lin."

"Master Lin."

As each cultivator entered, Lin Chang'an smiled kindly and greeted them with clasped hands.

Then the Core Formation and Pseudo-Core Formation cultivators took their seats, waiting for the trade fair to begin.

This trade fair was jointly organized by the Sihai Chamber of Commerce, the Long family, and the Xuanyin Pavilion.

While waiting, Lin Chang'an looked down at the intelligence in his hand.

Although we have learned some information from Lao Hu's telepathic messages, it is still not comprehensive enough.

He still needs to pay attention to both the turbulent situation and his own safety.

If it's just localized turmoil, then even a Core Formation cultivator like him can be considered high-end combat power.

If the Nascent Soul realm is in turmoil, then once implicated, Core Formation cultivators are nothing more than slightly stronger ants.

That's why he attaches great importance to it.

"The two palace masters of Bihai Palace have been in seclusion for nearly two hundred years, and they did not even show up for their grand nine-hundredth birthday celebration."

Lin Chang'an looked at the situation intelligence of the Demon Beast Sea Abyss in his hand and couldn't help but ponder.

The two palace masters of Bihai Palace were already powerful experts in the late Nascent Soul stage, yet they still made the same remarks as before.

Some say the two palace masters are preparing to break through to the Nascent Soul stage, while others say they have suffered severe damage to their vital energy due to cultivation mishap.

Some say that the two palace masters fought with others in their early years, overdrawing their lifespans, and that their lifespans are now nearing their end.

There are various explanations, but the two palace masters who are powerful in the Demon Beast Abyss have not shown their faces for a long time, while the situation in the Inner Sea is a little better.

In the various sea areas of the open ocean, it is clear that many forces are already stirring and have begun to test the waters.

"It seems that the Demon Beast Abyss will be difficult to settle down for a while. Although the waters around Five Dragon Island are relatively peaceful, we still need to be prepared at all times."

Looking at this intelligence report, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but shake his head secretly.

Although the Demon Beast Sea Abyss is turbulent every day, the turmoil within the Nascent Soul realm is completely different from the turmoil below.

……

"Thank you all for your presence. This is the catalog of items for the auction. You are all welcome to take a look. If you see anything you like, just give the order to your staff."

There are three seats at the head of the main hall, representing the Sihai Chamber of Commerce, the Long family, and the Xuan Yin Pavilion, which are in charge of the trade fair.

This time, it was Liu Ruyu from Xuanyin Pavilion who came. When she saw Lin Chang'an, she nodded in acknowledgment, and Lin Chang'an also nodded with a light smile.

Although the three forces may have some underhanded dealings behind the scenes, none of them would complain about earning too many spirit stones openly.

The Five Dragons Island Market celebrates its anniversary every ten years, while normally it holds a Core Formation cultivator trade fair and auction every three years, with the three markets taking turns hosting the event.

This time, it was the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce that was in charge. The person representing the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce was a new Core Formation cultivator, who was waving his hand with a big smile on his face.

One after another, well-trained and graceful female cultivators in the late stage of Qi Refining entered the arena.

These seemingly noble late-stage Qi Refining female cultivators, however, unabashedly displayed their charm in front of Core Formation cultivators.

She longed to become a concubine of a Core Formation cultivator.

"Come, fellow Daoists, drink this fine wine first. Let's rest for a while before discussing the deal."

The Four Seas Chamber of Commerce truly lives up to its reputation for wealth and power. With a lavish laugh, the spiritual fruits and wines served are all rare treasures.

If a Core Formation or Pseudo-Core Formation cultivator takes a liking to her, the maidservant will simply accompany her, drinking and making merry.

Meanwhile, in the center of the banquet, female cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage danced gracefully to the accompaniment of beautiful musical instruments.

"I will serve my master!"

A beautiful female cultivator walked slowly towards them, her eyes fixed on them. She had just bowed respectfully, preparing to present the auction catalog, when...

The sword attendant beside him gave a cold look, took the illustration from the other's hand, and coldly uttered a sentence.

Seeing this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile without saying a word. Sometimes, having a thoughtful maid is really nice.

A Core Formation cultivator standing nearby, upon witnessing this scene, couldn't help but chuckle:

"Fellow Daoist Lin is truly witty, even bringing his beautiful concubine along."

Lin Chang'an did not refute these words, but instead nodded with a light laugh:
“Fellow Daoist Feng, sometimes it’s more fulfilling to raise them yourself, and of course, they’re more reliable.”

It may seem like a joke, but isn't it also a subtle satire of the maids and female cultivators dancing at the Four Seas Merchant Guild's banquet?

They were all members of various families within the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce, clearly trying to win over the crowd.

Many of the fake Core Formation cultivators present were just putting on an act, though some were genuinely interested, since they had all reached Core Formation and it was perfectly normal for them to enjoy themselves.

Some didn't want to cause trouble or offend the Sihai Chamber of Commerce.

But as a True Core cultivator, especially one with powerful backers, one is naturally not afraid of these things.

Thus, a scene could be observed at this banquet: pseudo-core cultivators were enjoying the service of maids on both sides, while most true core cultivators calmly watched the foundation-building female cultivators in the room.

If a True Core cultivator were to seek a concubine, he would choose a Foundation Establishment female cultivator from the field; how could he possibly be interested in these Qi Refining female cultivators?

"Master." The sword attendant knelt respectfully beside a table and presented the auction catalog in his hand.

However, seeing the sword servant's engorged earlobes, clearly affected by what he had just said, Lin Chang'an chuckled lightly.

"There are quite a few good items at this auction."

Upon opening the auction catalog, Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered. Although he was not obsessed with power, he was well aware of the power struggles involved.

After all, he was a guest elder of the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

The auction is held every three years and is hosted by the three major powers in turn. This time, the auction hosted by the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce is clearly a big spender.

Who would have thought that the auction that had just begun downstairs, with these low-level cultivators excitedly bidding, was happening at the same time?

At the upper level of the Core Formation cultivators' trade fair, all the valuable items from the auction have been compiled into an illustrated guide, and every Core Formation cultivator has a copy.

In other words, anyone present who wants something can directly pay spirit stones to get it from the auction.

This item will naturally not appear at auction again.

This is the status that comes with strength in the cultivation world.

……

"Come on, let's have a drink."

"Tianjing Zhenren is indeed as powerful as ever."

The trading fair for Core Formation cultivators is also a stage for fame and fortune. Friends chat and laugh together, while some take the opportunity to befriend other cultivators. "How about this top-grade spiritual artifact?"

The sword servant was taken aback, watching as his master chuckled as he opened the encyclopedia and pointed to a beautifully crafted inner armor.

This is a top-grade spiritual artifact. In times of crisis, it can activate a layer of golden defensive shield, capable of withstanding an attack from a pseudo-core cultivator.

"Owner……"

After the sword attendant reacted, her neck turned pink, while Lin Chang'an calmly nodded and raised his hand.

The illustrated guide had already fallen into the hands of a maid who was waiting to serve her at any moment.

"Take a picture of this item."

"Please wait a moment, Master."

Many of the maids present stared wide-eyed. How many Core Formation cultivators would be willing to give a top-grade spiritual weapon to a maid or subordinate?

Even the Foundation Establishment female cultivators dancing on the scene were all eager to show off their figures in front of this generous Core Formation cultivator.

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Lin is truly generous."

Not to mention these female cultivators, even many fake Core Formation and Core Formation cultivators cast their gazes, some with envy and others with sighs.

This is the advantage of independent cultivators: resources are concentrated, and there is no need to consider the development of descendants or family.

Meanwhile, a Core Formation cultivator couldn't help but exclaim with envy, "A third-tier array master, that's truly a luxury!"

Despite their lofty and aloof status, Core Formation cultivators often lead very frugal lives.

After all, they themselves need a lot of resources for cultivation, and they also have to take care of their families, descendants, and sects, so the resources are simply not enough.

Lin Chang'an is also a third-tier array master, which is a symbol of wealth in itself.

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded to everyone, while feeling a surge of emotion in his heart.

The reason why cultivators keep cultivating, besides pursuing the path to immortality, is to enjoy the privileges corresponding to their strength.

Without the lure of privilege, where would cultivators get so much motivation?

The power to decide the life and death of lower-level cultivators is a privilege that comes with strength.

Besides Lin Chang'an, many other cultivators also selected the spiritual items they liked and sent their maids to fetch them.

After all, many cultivators have families, descendants, and sects.

No auction is needed; you can take it directly at the reserve price.

Therefore, each Core Formation cultivator can only take one or two spiritual items at most, otherwise they will offend the power of this side and suffer losses instead.

……

As the drinks flowed in succession, the Core Formation cultivator from the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce, who was in charge of this trade fair, laughed heartily:
"Fellow Daoists, we have plenty of fine wine here, but I dare not delay your important business. I would not be able to bear the blame if you were to complain."

The mid-stage Core Formation cultivator from the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce lightened the mood with a joking remark.

"Let's begin the transaction. Afterwards, if any fellow Daoist wishes to stay and savor the fine wines of my Four Seas Merchant Guild, there will be plenty, plenty!"

This hearty laughter also signaled the start of today's trading session.

"In that case, the trade fair will begin."

As the announcement was made, the beautiful female cultivators who had been dancing in the center of the arena revealed a hint of disappointment.

But no one dared to act rashly. They all bowed respectfully to the crowd and slowly retreated.

These Foundation Establishment female cultivators are all treasures of the Four Seas Merchant Guild, so they can't just serve people casually. Otherwise, the Four Seas Merchant Guild might use them to win over a certain cultivator in the future.

Upon closer inspection, it turned out that this female cultivator was the one who accompanied a certain fellow Daoist last time. In this way, the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce would not only fail to win her over, but would also offend someone.

As the trade fair began, a pseudo-core cultivator bowed to the crowd and said, "I will presume to offer my humble opinion as a starting point."

Immediately, the fake Core cultivator raised his hand, and several pieces of demon beast resources appeared from his storage bag.

"These are the materials for a third-tier early-stage demonic beast. My strength is too weak, and I only received these scraps. If any fellow Daoist is interested, please feel free to take them."

"I only wish to exchange some spirit wood resources..."

The first to appear was a Core Formation cultivator who practiced wood-attribute techniques, which piqued Lin Chang'an's curiosity.

Upon seeing the results, he was speechless. He realized he had indeed placed too much importance on these cultivators.

What this person said was actually true. At first glance, the materials from a third-tier early-stage demon beast seemed extremely valuable, but upon closer inspection, they turned out to be just scraps.

He naturally wouldn't consider it a good material, but for ordinary cultivators at the Pseudo-Core or Core Formation stages, it was already an excellent material, whether for refining weapons or anything else.

"Fellow Daoist, I have a piece of near-third-tier spirit wood here..."

The trade fair was in full swing, which shocked many of the low-level female cultivators who were serving nearby.

These advanced materials were so rare that they had hardly ever even heard of them in their entire lives, let alone seen them.

However, these female cultivators at the Qi Refining stage, while excited, were also very clear about one thing: most of them were there to accompany these high-level cultivators.

The one truly qualified to become a concubine of a Core Formation cultivator is the Foundation Establishment female cultivator who danced in the arena just now.

These Foundation Establishment female cultivators are all pure and virgin virgins, not to be given away easily, but for marriage alliances.

"I have a precious pearl here..."

The Five Dragons Island market has been turbulent for many years, and it has only stabilized in the last few years. This auction made Lin Chang'an nod in approval, and at the same time, he noticed some details.

"One is that high-level cultivators have accumulated a lot of precious resources, and the other is that demonic beasts have obviously accumulated more resources. This reflects that many Core Formation cultivators have also keenly noticed the turbulent situation."

Therefore, many Core Formation cultivators have begun to risk hunting demonic beasts to increase their strength.

After looking around for a while, Lin Chang'an also considered his own needs.

The crafting of the natal magic weapon will take some time, and the materials are not lacking, but it's time to prepare the spiritual item for the Green Horned Ox to break through to the third rank.

"I have a demon core of a third-tier early-stage Yin Spirit Beast King here, and I would like to exchange it for one or two superior earth-attribute demon beast core-forming spiritual items."

boom!
As Lin Chang'an spoke calmly, a third-tier demon core appeared with a wave of his hand, shocking many pseudo-core cultivators present.

This demon core was naturally obtained by him and his sword servant during a hunt in the Tongtian Mist Sea.

Hunting third-tier demonic beasts is nothing special for a Core Formation cultivator, but those who can obtain demon cores, a major resource, are almost all powerful individuals.

The fact that Lin Chang'an could casually produce a third-tier demon core had already caught the attention of many Core Formation cultivators, but what shocked everyone was the item Lin Chang'an traded.

A Core Formation Spiritual Object from an Earth-attribute Monster.

Many people have already made the connection to Lin Chang'an's spirit pet mount.

Many Core Formation cultivators present had already guessed that Lin Chang'an possessed the Yin Spirit Beast King's demon core.

The Killing Yuan Sword Technique is designed to counter Yin spirits, and in addition, the protective array of Lin Chang'an's cave is also of the fire attribute.

Hunting the Yin Spirit Beast King is naturally much easier than hunting ordinary demonic beasts. Although the profits will be reduced accordingly, it is still profitable overall.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Lin! You'll probably have another Tier 3 spirit pet soon."

"Yes, a third-tier spirit pet is extremely rare."

Faced with everyone's compliments, Lin Chang'an smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Then I'll take your kind words."

Although everyone knows that breakthroughs are difficult, the financial resources required to prepare materials for a spirit pet to break through to the third tier are extraordinary.

Some unfamiliar cultivators, after secretly learning that Lin Chang'an was a third-tier array master, all showed expressions of envy.

That's not surprising.

The reason Lin Chang'an made it public was because the Green Horned Ox was his openly known spirit pet, and it couldn't be hidden at all.

It would be better to make it public, which would make it easier to prepare the spiritual items.

More importantly, no one would have thought that Lin Chang'an, a third-level alchemist, already had a third-level spirit pet, so how could he possibly raise another one?

He hadn't forgotten that the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect had been secretly investigating the whereabouts of the Phoenix Cry Bird, which had caused the Long family a great deal of trouble.

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(End of this chapter)