Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 314 The Ghostly Disaster is Also an Opportunity [Seeking Monthly Tickets]

Tianquan Peak.

After returning, Lin Chang'an sat in the pavilion and looked at the sound-recording jade talisman left outside his cave. His worries finally dissipated.

"It's okay."

Looking at the jade talisman left by Yun Yao, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and the tense expression on his face relaxed a lot.

“Brother Lin, I was responsible for providing backup at the outer perimeter of the secret realm. I never expected to escape unscathed. Now, this secret realm has been turned into a ghostly wasteland, with quite a few even third-tier Yin spirits…”

In the recorded message, Yun Yao's voice clearly conveyed a sense of relief at surviving a disaster, while also reminding Lin Chang'an not to go to this place lightly.

At the same time, Yun Yao gave a gloating sneer, clearly indicating that the Demonic Sect had suffered heavy losses this time, with even the Xuan Yin Old Demon being injured.

"A transformed Yin Spirit Beast King at the mid-Nascent Soul stage!"

Lin Chang'an looked at the more detailed intelligence and couldn't help but be secretly shocked.

It also exposed many doubts, namely, how did the Yin Soul Sect, which had two Nascent Soul cultivators and was still within its own sect, disappear?

One mid-stage fourth-tier Yin Spirit Beast King alone is not enough.

"However, these are no longer my business. The secret realm has now turned into a ghostly place, and the casualties are so heavy. The border situation will probably be tense for some time."

Although he didn't understand the specifics of these Nascent Soul experts' schemes, the information he received from Yun Yao indicated that several Nascent Soul elders had suffered significant losses.

"For the time being, it's best to stay in your cave and cultivate in seclusion."

He was secretly relieved about what happened in the secret realm, as he was fortunate to have several skills and no shortage of ordinary cultivation materials.

Otherwise, he might have taken the risk, just like any other Core Formation cultivator.

Wealth and honor are found in danger, but also lost in danger.

No one can say that their luck will last forever.

"Master, we have gathered information about the island."

Just then, the sword attendant returned from outside and began to report on the current situation outside with a solemn expression.

"Currently, countless outside cultivators on the island are filled with anxiety, especially those whose relatives and friends have perished here, and countless cultivators who came to explore the secret realm are preparing to leave..."

After listening to the sword attendant's report, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly.

This secret realm has become a ghost town, and the allure that attracted these outsiders is gone. Naturally, the countless cultivators who gathered here will choose to leave.

This has one advantage: Five Dragons Island will return to its former peace and tranquility, instead of the current turmoil and chaos.

There are downsides too, namely that the financial resources of the major powers on Five Dragons Island in recent years will likely be cut in half.

Especially since he had previously overseen the merchant ships' voyages, he was well aware of how much material Xuan Yin Pavilion had acquired this time.

"Over the years, we've gotten used to earning spirit stones this way. Suddenly, the old conflicts that have been building up between the major powers will probably resurface."

The reason why the Sihai Chamber of Commerce, the Long family, and the Xuan Yin Pavilion put aside their prejudices was because there were too many outside cultivators and they were driven by their own interests.

"However, I cannot stop these major powers from fighting each other, so I should just focus on my cultivation."

Lin Chang'an shook his head. He couldn't and didn't want to deal with the turbulent situation. He might as well focus on the gains he had made on his trip to Haiyuan City.

"We purchased a lot of materials in Haiyuan City this time, enough to refine more than a dozen bottles of mid-grade third-tier pills."

[Tier 3 Mid-Grade Alchemist (Proficiency 353/1000)]

Looking at his progress in alchemy, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but show a satisfied expression.

With the addition of the pills refined this time, a mid-grade third-level alchemist like myself will not be far from breaking through to the mid-stage of Core Formation.

……

Just as Lin Chang'an was peacefully cultivating in his cave, secretly refining pills for himself using his clone, Wen Danshi, the turmoil of the secret realm turning into a ghostly realm was still ongoing.

The Nascent Soul transformed into the Yin Spirit Beast King, trapped in the Ghost Realm, is connected to the Yin Vein of Xuanhun Island and cannot leave, but it can still command low-level Yin Spirits.

In a short time, nearly a hundred third-tier Yin Spirit Beast Kings at the Core Formation stage, along with a group of low-level Yin Spirits, were extensively collecting living souls in the surrounding seas to strengthen themselves.

Several neighboring sea areas were affected, including Wulong Island, Xingji Island, and the Tongtian Wuhai.

The evil spirits and demons breached the spirit island, slaughtering all the cultivators and mortals on it, causing widespread panic.

Originally, the destruction of the secret realm led to a large number of unsold products, but due to the influence of the ghost disaster, things have become lively again.

……

Five Dragon Island.

"Elder, now that the ghost calamity has broken out, the sea area within a hundred miles around Yin Soul Island is shrouded in ghost energy, and it has become a ghost realm. People in the surrounding sea area are in a state of panic."

After the Enforcement Hall of Bihai Palace investigated and reported the information they had gathered, everyone's expressions became extremely solemn.

Although the Yin Spirit Beast King that has transformed into its true form cannot emerge from Yin Soul Island, its impact on the surrounding sea area is still considerable.

The five men respectfully reported, one of whom was Hu Jin.

The Sixth Elder, seated at the head of the table, remained calm and composed.

"Your concerns as juniors are not without merit, but your vision is rather limited. Why should we waste the strength of my Azure Sea Palace on this so-called ghost disaster? There are always people who can solve our problems."

The five people looked at each other, their expressions revealing confusion.

The Sixth Elder, unusually in a good mood, waved his hand and began to explain to the younger generation.

"The method of controlling ghosts and refining puppets in the cultivation world is not only found in the Yin Soul Sect, but also in the group of ghost cultivators who hide deep in the Tongtian Mist Sea and cannot be seen in the light."

Everyone's watching with bated breath. Ultimately, nothing in the cultivation world is useless. Even though Yin spirits are useless to most cultivators, they're incredibly precious in the eyes of some.

The Sixth Elder's calm expression revealed that the Second Palace Master had already arranged this matter.

Before long, some secret techniques and methods for controlling ghosts and refining puppets will spread to the surrounding sea areas.

The reason why the ghost disaster is called a calamity is because hunting ghosts is a thankless task, and most cultivators avoid it.

Everyone sweeps the snow in front of their own door, which is what led to the ghostly disaster.

However, if these evil spirits are as attractive as demonic beasts, countless cultivators will naturally hunt them in the surrounding area without the need for the Azure Sea Palace to intervene.

"Ghostly calamity!? Hmph, it's nothing more than provisions on the path of cultivation."

Thinking of this, the Sixth Elder smiled calmly.

"Sixth Elder is wise!"

Just as the five men showed their admiration, Tan Zhenren's short figure appeared outside the hall. The five men immediately bowed their heads and slowly retreated.

The Sixth Elder also saw Tan Zhenren outside the hall, a short man with flared nostrils and only a sparse tuft of yellow hair on his head.

"Your subordinate, Tan Hai, greets the Sixth Elder!"

Everyone thought that Master Tan was a sycophant, but little did they know that every time Master Tan faced the Sixth Elder, he had a solemn expression and dared not waste his sister's kindness.

Looking at the stern-looking Master Tan, the Sixth Elder rarely showed a hint of satisfaction. Although his appearance was not good, he was good at what he did.

His actions over the years have been far better than those of others.

"Reporting to the Sixth Elder, I have discovered a mid-grade third-tier array master on Five Dragons Island. He may be able to help you in the future."

Upon hearing Master Tan's report, the Sixth Elder let out a soft exclamation, revealing a rare expression of curiosity.

These formation masters are hard to find, especially third-tier ones.

"A mid-grade third-tier array master, truly rare. If array masters within the Sea Palace weren't forbidden from being moved lightly, I wouldn't have been searching for so many years." Master Tan respectfully unfolded the jade slip, and under the illumination of a light screen, the portrait of Lin Chang'an was revealed.

"Lin Chang'an, originally a rogue cultivator from the Yue Kingdom... met Elder Lu's daughter, Su Miaoyin, in Tianxuan City and discovered her talent in the art of formations..."

As Master Tan introduced the situation, the Sixth Elder stroked his long beard, then seemed to realize something and showed a look of sudden understanding.

"I remember now. Back then, a junior who formed his core in Haiyuan City unexpectedly turned out to be a real gain. It takes real courage to transform his core and start over."

He reached the Core Formation stage at 139, and it's suspected that he had already mastered third-tier formation techniques before that. At 190, he reached the mid-tier third-tier in the art of formations.

The Sixth Elder rarely nodded in agreement with Lin Chang'an's information.

Although his cultivation level is a bit lacking, his talent in formations is actually quite good.

"In that case, this person is likely to break through to become a third-tier high-grade array master within a hundred years."

Hearing the Sixth Elder's words, Master Tan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He had finally helped his sister accomplish a great thing in front of the Sixth Elder.

"Reporting to the Sixth Elder, from the moment this True Person Lin embarked on the path of cultivation, one can see how steadfast his heart is in cultivation, coupled with his talent in formations."

"There's a very good chance I can break through to a high-grade third-tier array master within a hundred years, before that place opens, thus helping the Sixth Elder."

Master Tan spoke excitedly, saying that although he had helped his sister earn a lot of spirit stones in the Chamber of Commerce over the years, these were all minor achievements.

The important thing is to be able to help with the matters that the Sixth Elder is concerned about.

"That place! It seems you know quite a bit about it."

However, the Sixth Elder glanced at him meaningfully the next moment, which immediately made Master Tan's face turn pale. He hurriedly cupped his hands and said:
"Subordinates deserve to die!"

"Alright, I've been searching for a third-tier array master for the past hundred years, and I'm afraid that someone with ulterior motives has already taken notice of me."

The Sixth Elder was not angry that his purpose had been exposed. Instead, he casually waved his hand. However, when he looked at Lin Chang'an's information again, he shook his head.

"These rogue cultivators have clearly discovered their talent in formations, but they waste time drawing talismans for some petty gains, which is a complete waste of their talent."

The intelligence clearly states that Lin Chang'an is a mid-grade third-tier array master, but the Xuan Yin Pavilion has been secretly collecting materials for third-tier talismans, suggesting that Lin Chang'an's talisman skills have also broken through to the third tier.

Master Tan could understand this point. It wasn't that Fellow Daoist Lin wanted to waste his talent; it was just that it was difficult for a rogue cultivator.

"It's just that my cultivation level is a bit weak; it's not enough for that place."

Thinking of this, the Sixth Elder shook his head.

Among these rogue cultivators, there are indeed few who are third-tier array masters with comparable strength. He has only found three suitable candidates over the years.

The rest are like Lin Chang'an; they have the potential but haven't reached the required standard yet.

To get to that secret realm, you'd need at least five high-grade third-tier array masters, and their strength would have to be just right.

"I hope it won't disappoint this old man."

Then the Sixth Elder casually waved his hand, and a bundle of jade slips flew out of his storage bag.

"Since you're the one who found this person, then you're in charge of handling him."

"Thank you, Sixth Elder!"

Looking at the jade slip in his hand, Master Tan couldn't help but show his excitement.

If this matter is accomplished, as long as Lin Chang'an strives to break through to the third-tier high-grade level in the art of formations within a hundred years, who will dare to laugh at his sister in the future?

……

【Lifespan: 193/607】

[Realm Level: Early Golden Core Stage (77/100)]

Despite the howling wind and snow outside, the various spiritual plants inside Tianquan Peak exude a powerful vitality.

The Green Horned Ox lay lazily in the cold pool, constantly absorbing the spiritual energy and wisps of demonic energy emanating from the bottom of the pool as it cultivated.

Meanwhile, inside the cave, Lin Chang'an was holding his breath and concentrating, his spirit brush dancing across the third-tier talisman paper.

In one swift motion, as the final stroke landed, an ancient character '甲' (jia) appeared in the center of the talisman, and then the talisman emitted a rich spiritual light.

"A mid-grade, third-tier spirit armor talisman!"

Looking at his masterpiece, Lin Chang'an showed a satisfied expression. As long as he cast this talisman, he could form an incomparably hard magical shield in front of him.

[Tier 3 Mid-Grade Talisman Master (Proficiency 298/1000)]

As Lin Chang'an put down the spirit brush, he looked at his progress in talismans and nodded in satisfaction.

At this moment, inside the cave, a stream of light flashed, and it was the clone of Wen Danshi who passed through the Earth Fire Cave and appeared directly in front of him.

Twelve bottles of pills were neatly arranged on the table, a masterpiece made by refining pills in the Earth Fire House borrowed from the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

"These twelve bottles of mid-grade third-tier pills are enough to help me break through to the mid-stage of Core Formation as soon as possible."

Looking at these pills, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. Although he had previously wanted to improve his strength as quickly as possible because of the secret realm, he still had a guarantee.

Now that the secret realm has turned into a ghostly place, it may no longer be safe.

In the world of cultivation, strength is everything; in short, improving one's strength is never a loss.

"I've almost emptied my savings to buy these pills."

After returning from his trip to Haiyuan City, Lin Chang'an is now unusually poor, with less than two thousand mid-grade spirit stones in total.

"Have the people below slowly collect the materials needed for the Ice Marrow Jade Liquid Spirit Wine. Now that we have these pills to help us, I will go into seclusion and strive to break through to the mid-stage of Core Formation within ten years."

Just as Lin Chang'an was looking at the twelve bottles of pills and preparing to go into seclusion, a familiar figure suddenly appeared outside the cave.

"Fellow Daoist Lin."

Master Tan!
Lin Chang'an was taken aback after sensing the presence of cultivators outside the cave.

Why did this person come from Haiyuan City? He had considered visiting him when he went to Haiyuan City before, but this person was out.

Unexpectedly, I ended up on Five Dragons Island; what a rare sight!

Faced with this person who had connections and who had earned a lot of spirit stones through the Chamber of Commerce over the years, Lin Chang'an naturally wanted to treat him well.

……

Tianquan Peak.

“Fellow Daoist Tan, last year I went to Haiyuan City intending to visit you, but you were not in your cave. I never expected you to be on Five Dragons Island.”

Upon activating the formation, Lin Chang'an revealed a look of shame, as if he had been unaware that the other party was on Five Dragons Island, and that he, as the host, had failed to provide them with proper hospitality.

However, the short-statured Master Tan waved his hand dismissively and laughed loudly as he looked at him:

"Fellow Daoist Lin, this is an immense opportunity for you!"

Opportunity!

Is it still incredibly big?!
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an tensed up instantly, staring at the other party in astonishment. This tactic seemed somewhat familiar.

Back in the Qingzhushan market, wasn't this the same tactic that Fellow Daoist Ge used to lure him out of the market?

　The previous chapter has been revised so that the protagonist purchased a high-grade third-tier spirit brush, rather than the spirit brush material.

　　There's also the foreshadowing of the Sixth Elder, whose search for a third-tier array master was mentioned when the protagonist had just formed his core.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)