Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 309 Secret Realm Conspiracy
"The Nascent Soul cultivators have entered the fray!"

Back in his cave, Lin Chang'an frowned as he watched Yun Yao secretly transmit her voice to him.

"The Xuan Yin Old Demon was clearly in seclusion before, but he came out this time. It seems that this secret realm has attracted a lot of attention."

It's easy to understand if you think about it. Back then, the Yin Soul Sect's strength and foundation were no less than those of the Sixteen Sects of Zhenhai.

Or, at the time, it should have been called the Twenty-Four Sects of Zhenhai, among which was the Yinhun Sect.

Even a Nascent Soul cultivator would be tempted by the profound depth of this secret realm.

"These are truly turbulent times. Rumors of Nascent Soul cultivators making their move came three years ago, but they haven't arrived yet after three years. It's possible that these old monsters in the Nascent Soul stage are plotting something behind the scenes."

This development in the secret realm also made Lin Chang'an realize that only Nascent Soul cultivators are qualified to stir up trouble in the cultivation world.

Golden Core cultivators are only considered decent within a certain region, and can be considered respectable on a larger scale.

"Unfortunately, that level is far beyond what I can fathom."

Lin Chang'an shook his head and put those thoughts aside. Right now, all he could do was cultivate and improve his cultivation level as soon as possible.

"This harvest was quite good."

Immediately, Lin Chang'an's expression turned solemn as he took out all the items he had obtained at the trade fair.

The spirit jade, imbued with a trace of pure spiritual energy to aid cultivation, contained three near-third-tier puppets, a second-tier puppet inheritance, and some ordinary resources.

These were all acquired at his trade fair.

After all, not all Core Formation cultivators are as wealthy as him. Most of them lack a special skill and are burdened by their families and descendants, making them hesitant to take risks.

They usually live a very frugal life, and their most valuable possession is probably their natal magic weapon.

"puppet!"

Finally, Lin Chang'an's gaze fell upon the puppets. There were three humanoid puppets, one holding a bow and arrow, and the other two with their hands shaped like claws.

Under his magical activation, the three puppets seemed to come alive and slowly stood up with a series of clicks.

The three puppets seemed to have a sense of self, but their intelligence was not high; they stared blankly at Lin Chang'an.

Through divine sense and his own perception, Lin Chang'an looked at the records in the puppet inheritance and nodded secretly.

"This art of puppetry is indeed strange and unorthodox. Back in the Yue Kingdom, I heard that the Wanli Huangsha tribe, which is adjacent to the Shayun Kingdom, is famous for its puppetry."

Using the Soul-Trapping Technique, the soul is extracted from the body of a living being, and then sealed onto a puppet using the Soul-Gathering and Soul-Refining Techniques.

This was a common method of puppet making that he knew, but the Yin Soul Sect actually used Yin spirits to make puppets.

"They actually used such methods!"

Upon merely glancing at the Yin Soul Sect's second-tier puppet inheritance, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but nod in approval.

The world of cultivation is indeed vast and full of wonders. No wonder the Yin Soul Sect was once considered a demonic sect; their methods were indeed cruel.

The text even contains records of methods for creating puppets using living people.

"It's a pity, it's only a second-tier puppetry technique, which won't be of much help to me right now."

The three puppets stood bewildered to the side, while Lin Chang'an shook his head repeatedly.

Puppetry is indeed a very powerful skill; some skilled puppeteers can create hundreds of puppets of the same rank.

Imagine this: two cultivators of the same level are fighting, and the opponent suddenly brings out hundreds of puppets of the same level and combat power.

Even sword cultivators or body cultivators must avoid his sharp edge at this moment.

"However, it is not without its drawbacks. The disadvantage of puppetry is that once it is damaged, the cultivator needs to purchase materials to repair it, which will become a considerable expense in the long run."

Moreover, the spirit stones consumed in battle are considerable, and the ability to simultaneously control a large number of puppets requires a cultivator's powerful divine sense.

That's not the most important thing. Although the puppet is powerful, it is countered by techniques that affect the soul.

"In these three years, the third Xuan Tian withered leaf has also turned green again, and I have finally condensed the third external avatar. I can learn more about puppetry."

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered, revealing that he didn't want to gamble, but rather to excel.

He was truly willing but unable to do so. He had already reached the third level in all four major skills: alchemy, talisman making, array making, and weapon crafting.

At this stage, the progress of these skills has slowed down, partly due to the difficulty of passing them down and partly due to the scarcity of materials.

The days of relying on constant practice to improve his skills are over. Now he can only improve by diligently seeking out insights.

"In the end, it's still too weak. If it had a complete third-tier high-grade skill inheritance, it wouldn't be in this state."

Lin Chang'an shook his head. At this critical juncture, he had already brought out his most treasured Heavenly Fire Array, but he still hadn't managed to lure out the third-tier high-grade array inheritance he wanted.

He then raised his hand, and the consciousness of the three puppets instantly plunged into darkness, their bodies stiffening and remaining motionless.

These three puppets are of little help to him, so he will temporarily give them to the sword servant for self-defense.

After all, these are turbulent times.

Lin Chang'an then disregarded the turmoil outside and how these Core Formation cultivators were preparing.

He continued his cultivation on Tianquan Peak as always, while his three clones diligently practiced their skills on Chihuo Peak or Dihuo Cave.

The Green Horned Ox leisurely soaks in the pool every day, which is also a form of cultivation.

A month later, a powerful aura flashed through the Earthfire Cave, and the Phoenix Cry Bird finally broke through to the mid-stage of the third tier.

This gave Lin Chang'an some reassurance.

……

"I didn't expect that you, Old Ghost Xuanyin, would also emerge from seclusion."

"Hehe, so it's the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace who has graced us with his presence."

A sudden booming sound came from under the shroud of yin energy, and a terrifying aura swept down, shocking cultivators within a hundred miles.

"It's a Nascent Soul cultivator!"

"Run!"

The terrifying aftershocks of the battle caused countless cultivators to flee in panic.

In battles between Nascent Soul cultivators, if one is even slightly unlucky, the aftershocks could potentially leave them without a burial place.

"Very well! Well said, Sixth Elder, but there is something I still need to say to you. The current Bihai Palace is not the same Bihai Palace it used to be!"

In the ghostly mist, a Nascent Soul cultivator, clad in a black robe and exuding a sinister aura, clutched his chest and spoke indifferently.

On the other side, the sixth elder of the Azure Sea Palace, whose robes were also somewhat tattered, sneered:
"Old ghost, I also have something to say to you. No matter how bad Bihai Palace is, it's still easy to take you away with me."

Moreover, the sixteen sects of Zhenhai today are not the same as the twenty-four sects of Zhenhai back then!

Upon hearing this, the sinister-looking Xuan Yin Old Demon grinned and revealed a cold smile.

"Fine! Your Sixth Elder has the powerful magic treasures and supernatural abilities of the Azure Sea Palace. Today, I admit defeat. But the major forces in the outer sea are all making moves and are wondering what?"
I think I don't need to elaborate on this point! My leadership of the Xuan Yin Divine Sect is merely to earn some spirit stones for my disciples. I still hope that the two Palace Masters will emerge from seclusion soon, so that the turmoil can be quelled.”

Faced with the Xuan Yin Old Demon's sarcastic and pointed remarks, the Sixth Elder let out a cold snort with an ugly expression.

If the two palace masters were still alive, this old ghost wouldn't have dared to do that.

It seems these old guys want to use this secret realm incident to test the Azure Sea Palace once again.

……

Ever since the battle between the two Nascent Soul cultivators in the outer sea of ​​the secret realm, it has thoroughly aroused the greed of countless cultivators.

This is a secret realm that even Nascent Soul cultivators covet. Upon hearing this, some Core Formation cultivators who were still hesitating showed their determination.

Some cultivators decided to go into seclusion and stay out of this mess. But many others, whose lifespans were running out or who were stuck at a bottleneck, resolutely embarked on this journey.

When embarking on the path of cultivation, one is prepared for life and death.

Compared to many other cultivators, most would rather fight to the death than accept a peaceful passing away.

……

Tianquan Peak.

"So, the Xuan Yin Demon only came out and fought the Sixth Elder of the Azure Sea Palace once, and then went back into seclusion?"

Inside the pavilion, Lin Chang'an stared at Yun Yao in astonishment.

Since this incident, the Yin Soul Sect's secret realm has become even more turbulent, attracting countless cultivators.

Even the powerful rogue cultivators hidden deep within the Tongtian Mist Sea were drawn out.

Six months later, Yun Yao secretly came to his cave and told him that the Xuan Yin Old Demon had gone into seclusion again.

Seeing Lin Chang'an's astonishment, Yun Yao nodded.

"Indeed, after the old demon fought with the sixth elder of the Azure Sea Palace, I heard that he also discussed matters with several other Nascent Soul stage monsters, and left with a gloomy face."

Upon learning that Xuan Yin Lao Mo had suffered a setback, Yun Yao revealed a cheerful expression.

"It feels like these people are deliberately attracting cultivators here."

Lin Chang'an frowned slightly; he had a feeling that something was wrong.

"I also felt something was wrong."

Yun Yao frowned, then said in a deep voice:
"But such an opportunity is rare, especially since the Yin Soul Sect was once a famous Nascent Soul sect. I've heard that several peak Core Formation cultivators have been secretly investigating it."

Presumably, it's all for that sliver of opportunity.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh softly.

Yes, the opportunity to transform into an infant is rare and hard to come by. Even knowing it's an abyss, countless people still rush to it.

"Brother Lin, I am determined to obtain the position of Holy Maiden of the Demonic Sect this time. This is the information about the secret realm that the Demonic Sect has been responsible for investigating, as well as this restriction. I hope Brother Lin can help me."

Seeing that Yun Yao also had to risk exploring the secret realm in order to fight for that sliver of hope, Lin Chang'an shook his head helplessly.

“I’m giving it my all.”

Immediately afterwards, Yun Yao began to consult Lin Chang'an, a mid-grade third-tier array master, about the problems with the restrictions she had discovered within the secret realm.

Given the relationship between the two, it wasn't that Yun Yao was afraid of Lin Chang'an fighting for treasures after they went to the secret realm; it was simply that she wasn't just a person alone.

Her identity is that of the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect. There will be other people in the secret realm. If Lin Chang'an goes there, the information will be leaked.

Therefore, Lin Chang'an was aware of this and did his best to help Yun Yao solve the problems she encountered.

"The restriction here belongs to the Five Elements. To break it, we need to search in the northeast area..."

With a solemn expression, Lin Chang'an began to explain to Yun Yao how to break the restriction, and Yun Yao listened attentively.

"Thank you very much, Brother Lin."

Three days later, Yun Yao secretly left Tianquan Peak, leaving Lin Chang'an alone in the pavilion, frowning and deep in thought.

"The Nascent Soul has already moved, the situation is getting more and more chaotic. My current strength is clearly not enough, it seems I need to improve my strength as soon as possible."

【Lifespan: 189/607】

[Realm Level: Early Golden Core Stage (68/100)]

Looking at his own cultivation level, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but shake his head secretly.

He then turned around and entered the cave with his sword attendant to cultivate together.

Not only him, but the sword servant's strength also needs to be improved. The world outside is so chaotic. If the sword servant encounters danger outside one day, he will be in deep trouble.

……

Bihai Palace.

Inside a vast and magnificent palace, the imposing elder sat solemnly in his chair.

"Elder, the Yin Soul Sect's secret realm has already attracted the attention of many forces. Those rogue cultivators from the Outer Sea and the Tongtian Mist Sea have already emerged."

Upon hearing his subordinate's report, the elder couldn't help but reveal a mocking expression.

"The bait had barely been thrown in when a bunch of small fry came running after it. These old foxes really don't act until they see the rabbit."

The fact that so many cultivators are attracted to the secret realm is undoubtedly due to the efforts of these Nascent Soul forces.

Use these rogue cultivators as cannon fodder to test out the secret realm for them.

"Elder, the Sixth Elder previously fought a great battle against the Xuan Yin Demon, which enhanced the prestige of our Sea Palace..."

The Core Formation cultivator below respectfully reported, not forgetting to praise the Azure Sea Palace.

However, all of this seemed rather uninteresting to the elder, who waved his hand to signal his men to leave.

After the main hall was empty, the elder shook his head and sighed:

"How could this sixth brother be so short-sighted? He seems to have gained an advantage, but he was outmaneuvered by these old devils and became bait to lure rogue cultivators."

The First Elder was not at all surprised that the Sixth Elder had defeated the Xuan Yin Demon, even though both of them were cultivators at the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage.

However, the sixth brother is skilled in fire-based techniques, which are perfect counters to the Yin-attribute techniques of the Xuan Yin Old Demon.

"Xiao Liu is a bit selfish. It's only natural for him to plan for future generations, but he actually went so far as to personally get involved. He has truly disgraced my Bihai Palace."

Just then, a clear, ethereal voice suddenly echoed through the hall. Upon hearing it, the Grand Elder's face lit up with joy, and he immediately rose and knelt on one knee, saying:

"Your subordinate pays respects to the First Palace Master and the Second Palace Master!"

"Alright, we're all family, no need for such formalities."

Amidst the flickering lights, a screen of light formed, and the figures of two stunningly beautiful women slowly appeared before the Grand Elder.

"The etiquette of the Azure Sea Palace must not be abandoned, and its dignity must not be violated!"

The stern-looking elder maintained a unique bowing posture with a firm expression, a custom unique to the Great Jin royal family.

This scene caused the two exquisite figures on the screen to shake their heads in disbelief.

The Grand Elder is a good person in every way, except that he is too old-fashioned.

After all these years, they still adhere to the rigid rules of the Great Jin royal family.

Two figures appeared in the light screen. The Second Palace Master waved his hand with a gentle smile and said:

"Back then, the Yin Soul Sect provoked the majesty of my Azure Sea Palace. It just so happened that my sister was in seclusion, so I set a trap for those two old demons. I never expected that those two old demons would be so arrogant."

They actually brought that transformed Yin Soul Beast King back to the sect, and this unexpected joy led to the current situation. Now, who knows what those greedy old demons will do when they see this after the secret realm opens?

When the Second Palace Master talked about her masterpiece, she revealed a sly smile. She was even looking forward to the scene of these old ghosts encountering the transformed Yin Spirit Beast King.

"The transformed Yin Spirit Beast King!"

Upon hearing this, the elder smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, saying:

"It'll be interesting then, enough to give those old devils a run for their money."

Meanwhile, the aloof Grand Palace Master remained indifferent, showing no interest whatsoever from beginning to end.

(End of this chapter)