Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 340 The Secret of He Yan's Death
Baoguang Pavilion.

On this day, a number of Core Formation cultivators arrived one after another, which surprised some Qi Refining cultivators.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators clearly knew more, and as they looked at these streaks of light, besides bowing respectfully, they felt mostly envy.

Inside the trading hall, dragons and phoenixes were carved and painted, and the chairs for Golden Core cultivators were made of precious spiritual wood.

Upon entering the main hall, one can clearly feel a rich spiritual energy, creating a sense of depth and mystery.

"How extravagant! Even these tables and chairs are made of third-grade spirit wood."

Leaning against a large, comfortable ebony chair carved with cloud patterns, Lin Chang'an casually surveyed the surroundings.

The surrounding walls are made of thick bluestone, and several ink paintings with profound artistic conception are hung on the walls, as well as some array flags and array plates containing restrictive fluctuations, which serve as decoration.

"This is not a simple decoration, but a barrier to separate the inside from the outside and prevent prying eyes."

As a third-tier array master, Lin Chang'an naturally discovered that these seemingly ordinary decorations actually contained restrictive fluctuations.

The tables and chairs of the Core Formation cultivators were not arranged neatly, but rather placed in an orderly fashion around the central jade platform, forming a semi-enclosed structure.

It's clearly being prepared for the trade fair.

“Master…Young Master”

As the fragrance of the spiritual tea wafted through the air, a sword attendant respectfully served tea to the side.

When traveling, if a female swordswoman addresses someone as her master, it can easily cause trouble. It's best to keep a low profile.

The term "young master" is most often associated with a concubine or a Daoist companion.

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded as he watched the cultivators arriving one after another.

Even though we don't know each other, we should still show proper etiquette.

"sit."

With his arm around the sword attendant's slender waist, Lin Chang'an secretly observed that there were quite a few Core Formation cultivators present this time.

One by one, beautiful maids served spiritual tea and fruits. Some Core Formation cultivators enjoyed the tea with smiles on their faces, while others had cold expressions, giving off an impression that strangers should not approach.

However, many of the cultivators who came this time were from outside the region.

Despite his mid-stage Core Formation cultivation, he sat in an inconspicuous position in the middle.

“Master, someone previously purchased information from Baoguang Pavilion. This time, many sects and independent cultivators from the outer seas will be present for the transaction.”

The sword attendant hadn't been idle these past few days, secretly gathering intelligence, and was now nestled in Lin Chang'an's arms.

As she peeled a crystal-clear grape and fed it to Lin Chang'an, she secretly transmitted her thoughts.

Lin Chang'an lightly sucked on his jade-like finger, looking like a playboy, and nodded with a light laugh.

After all, few of the cultivators present maintained a normal demeanor, or rather, most of them were pretending to minimize the threat.

Just then, a sound came from inside the hall.

"Look, the disciples of the Xuan Yin Old Demon have arrived."

"It turned out to be him!"

"Hmph, evil and crooked ways."

Wearing a tall crown and a dazzling dark purple robe, Huang Tianxiao slowly entered the main hall, his attire being extremely magnificent.

He was accompanied by two female cultivators who were at the rank of Pseudo-Core Formation, and they took their seats in the most conspicuous positions in the front row.

Behind him followed an ugly old man with yellow teeth, who had a fawning expression on his face.

Many people sneered upon seeing this person.

"Who do we have here? It's just this yellow-toothed dog."

"I heard that this Yellow-Toothed Dog was once a handsome man, but he plotted against his Daoist partner, which led to him being cursed and turning him into this ugly creature."

"Spells! Heh heh, that's because you don't know the inside story. This person was after his former Daoist partner's inheritance, but unfortunately he only obtained an incomplete technique. As a result, the deeper he cultivated, the more he gradually turned into this."

"Second brother, others may laugh at us, but our cultivation is shallow, and we are in the outer sea. We should be careful."

Amidst the sarcasm and ridicule of the crowd, Lin Chang'an also learned about this person's information.

This person is also a cruel and evil cultivator in the open sea, who eats the flesh, blood, and bones of female cultivators to alleviate the pain of the curses in his body.

With his cultivation at the peak of the mid-stage Core Formation realm, he had always wanted to break the curse, but the cost of high-level spiritual items was too high, and major powers didn't even want them.

The Xuan Yin Demonic Sect is a major sect of demonic cultivation, and perhaps it has other methods to break this technique, which is why the current situation exists.

A dignified mid-stage Core Formation cultivator was now fawning over Huang Tianxiao, causing many cultivators to shake their heads in disbelief.

However, after Huang Tianxiao sat down, a cultivator dressed in black robes standing next to him immediately mocked him:

"Even the Xuan Yin Ancestor didn't have such an arrogant attitude. Fellow Daoist is truly presumptuous."

"Haha, I'm afraid this Fellow Daoist Huang is indulging in his last moments, after all, who knows when he'll be turned into a corpse puppet by his own ancestor."

Although the disciples of the Xuan Yin Old Demon were strong enough, there were a few people present who were not afraid of them and instead teased and mocked each other.

A cold glint flashed in Huang Tianxiao's eyes, followed by a sneer and a mocking laugh:
"Fellow Daoist of the Xianxia Sect, I heard that you went out with your senior sister, but you were the only one who fled back in disarray. I wonder what happened to you that made you abandon even your once beloved senior sister?"

"you!"

Amidst their sarcastic remarks, the group was mostly exposing each other's shortcomings.

Judging from this situation, it is clear that there is considerable friction between these major powers in the outer seas.

However, this time they were in Haiyuan City.

The other cultivators ignored the sarcastic remarks of these Nascent Soul cultivators from the outer seas, some even pretending not to see anything, and turned to tease the maids beside them.

Others were focused intently on their wine glasses, as if they could see flowers in the wine itself.

Without exception, nobody wanted to get involved in these matters.

"Fellow Daoists, you have been waiting for a long time."

Just then, two streaks of light flashed, and a pair of elderly men who looked about 70% alike appeared.

"Two late-stage Core Formation cultivators!"

In an inconspicuous location, Lin Chang'an instantly sensed through his perception that the two old men were not simple cultivators, and his expression immediately hardened.

"Those with grudges, get out of Haiyuan City and settle your scores! Don't put on a show for me here!"

If an elderly man who looks older has a kind and gentle face, then an elderly man with gray hair has a face full of hostility.

He showed absolutely no mercy, coldly interrupting the group.

For a moment, these people felt extremely aggrieved, but when they lowered their heads, their eyes revealed a calm expression.

Seeing this scene and recalling the old man's words, Lin Chang'an seemed to understand something.

"It seems that many forces in the outer seas have joined forces. The previous struggles were just a show for others, but who would have thought that the Azure Sea Palace would not give them any face at all."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile and began to play with the sword attendant's jade-like hand.

"In the face of true strength, any tricks and schemes are nothing but a joke."

"Yes, Master, the sword servant understands."

Although the sword attendant standing to the side was burning with embarrassment, he was also moved by the current situation.

The master's words seemed to be referring to himself as well; he was not strong enough and needed to cover it up with her.

"Hehe, fellow Daoists, this is a rare grand event in Haiyuan City recently, with so many fellow Daoists here. Baoguang Pavilion is hosting this trade fair on behalf of Bibihai Palace."

The old man on the jade platform chuckled and uttered a series of high-sounding words.

But to everyone else, it sounded like a warning. "I'll just offer my humble opinion as a starting point."

This demonstrates their formidable strength and foundation, requiring no further courtesy. The numerous Core Formation cultivators present not only showed no dissatisfaction but also secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

At the very least, this avoids getting involved in the power struggles between these major forces, which is the best outcome for them.

"I have pills and monster materials here. Fellow Daoists, feel free to trade if you need anything. Of course, it would be best if you had any rare items from the outer seas."

Seven spiritual items floated on the jade platform, including elixirs, demon cores, and precious materials such as the horn of a demon beast.

"This is the horn of a narwhal, extremely rare, and a valuable material for crafting magical artifacts."

"I have a high-grade third-tier spiritual item here, which I would like to exchange for this bottle of pills to enhance your cultivation."

"I'm here……"

As the transaction began, the scene became lively, and everyone seemed to have forgotten what had happened before.

Everyone was looking forward to the trade fair with great anticipation.

Everyone hopes to gain something.

Lin Chang'an was overjoyed to see the wide variety of items at the trade fair, many of which were spiritual objects he had never seen before.

"Although I hunt Yin spirits by relying on the Tongtian Mist Sea and don't lack spirit stones and materials for cultivation, I don't really have many rare and precious treasures on me."

Only cultivators who frequently venture out to the open sea to hunt monsters and search for ancient ruins and caves would possess so many rare and wondrous items.

This is also Lin Chang'an's weakness; whenever he needs something, he can only buy it at the trade fair or from shops.

Amidst the bustling sounds of the trade fair, cultivators who had acquired the treasures they needed couldn't help but beam with joy.

After all, many of the spiritual items needed by Golden Core cultivators are extremely difficult to buy with spirit stones.

The only option is to barter.

During this time, Lin Chang'an also acquired several rare materials, which could be used for both crafting magic weapons and forming arrays.

Just as Lin Chang'an was nodding to himself, thinking that the trip had been worthwhile, he never expected that the next item in the transaction would cause his expression to change.

"I, Huang, have a third-tier early-stage corpse puppet here. You all must be familiar with the Yin Sha Corpse Refining Method of my Xuan Yin Divine Sect."

As Huang Tianxiao's cold voice echoed, a hideous corpse puppet appeared on the jade platform, exuding a terrifying aura of yin energy.

This scene caused many cultivators to gasp in astonishment, and many even showed expressions of excitement.

"This Yin Sha Corpse is different from ordinary corpse puppets. Not only is it indestructible and incredibly strong, but it can also continuously improve itself by consuming essence and blood. Its greatest advantage is that it will not backfire!"

"As we all know, raising a third-tier spirit pet is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and may even result in the pet devouring its master. But this Yin Sha Corpse is different; it's perfect from the start..."

As the crowd discussed the matter, a sense of sadness welled up in Lin Chang'an's heart, but his face remained unmoved as he gazed intently at the item being traded.

A corpse puppet with the combat power of a third tier is far more valuable than the materials of a third tier demon beast.

"Young Master Huang, I have a spiritual herb here that is 1,500 years old..."

"Fellow Daoist, I have here..."

A third-tier early-stage corpse puppet is quite attractive to cultivators in the early or middle stages of Core Formation, as it is equivalent to having an extra combatant.

However, the late-stage Core Formation cultivator showed no interest whatsoever, watching the scene with an indifferent expression.

This shows the difference between the late stage and the early stage of Core Formation.

Although Yin Sha Corpse Puppets can be cultivated, those who have reached their level of cultivation would not waste time and resources to slowly cultivate them.

Moreover, without the secret techniques of the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect, continuing to cultivate them would be much less effective.

However, at that moment, Lin Chang'an felt a gaze coming from the person at the table next to Huang Tianxiao.

“Fellow Daoist, would you be willing to provide me with this concubine as a furnace? If so, my young master is willing to trade two third-tier corpse puppets for it.”

The old man, with his yellow teeth and sinister expression, grinned and let out an ugly laugh, but he was aware that the matter had been discussed telepathically.

Looking at this petite beauty, he couldn't help but lick his lips.

After handing the matter over to the young master, this female cultivator eventually became worthless, and he could then slowly consume her.

However, Lin Chang'an's expression changed upon hearing this. The sword attendant beside him also heard the telepathic message, and his hands clenched tightly, revealing a murderous aura between his brows.

However, Lin Chang'an didn't even glance at this person, and instead calmly focused his gaze on Huang Tianxiao.

"Fellow Daoist Huang, I have a mid-grade third-tier Yin Spirit Demon Core here. I wonder if we can exchange it?"

Swish!
At this moment, many people quieted down. Although they didn't know what the two had said in their telepathic communication, they were in front of so many cultivators of the same level.

It's impossible to avoid knowing who is transmitting the message.

"interesting."

Ignored, the ugly old man with yellow teeth next to him suddenly revealed a murderous aura, while Huang Tianxiao smiled contemptuously.

"Boy! You!"

However, before the old man with yellow teeth could finish his threatening words, the old man from Bihai Palace who was presiding over the trade fair burst into hearty laughter.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Lin. The Sixth Elder has spoken highly of you."

Upon hearing this, many cultivators present exchanged glances, their expressions shifting before finally settling on the yellow-toothed old man, some even displaying expressions of anticipation.

"My cultivation is so meager, how could I possibly deserve the Sixth Elder's praise?"

With this back-and-forth, it became clear to everyone that Lin Chang'an also had powerful connections.

Sure enough, the old man with yellow teeth's expression changed at this moment, revealing an embarrassed look. He couldn't help but turn to ask Huang Tianxiao, who was standing to the side, for help.

However, Huang Tianxiao didn't take this clown seriously at all. Instead, after realizing the misunderstanding, he chuckled and cupped his hands in greeting:
"Since you desire this puppet, why not bestow it upon you?"

However, Lin Chang'an smiled politely and, with a flick of his wrist, sent over a mid-grade third-tier Yin Spirit Demon Core.

Only the ugly old man with yellow teeth secretly conveyed his apology.

Lin Chang'an, however, remained calm. The moment this person spoke, he knew that he had been dragged onto the chessboard by this fool.

He had no way to avoid it. If he remained silent, the two above him would speak up and take this opportunity to demonstrate the authority of the Azure Sea Palace.

Therefore, it would be better to strike first and reveal your background.

Regardless of his motives, Huang Tianxiao would never invite trouble for the sake of a notorious evil cultivator.

Sure enough, Huang Tianxiao remained indifferent, not even glancing at the yellow-toothed old man beside him.

At this moment, many cultivators revealed mocking smiles.

"Heh heh, this yellow-toothed dog has kicked a hornet's nest."

"Tsk tsk, this guy has finally met his end."

At this moment, the ugly old cultivator with yellow teeth looked at this scene with an ugly and embarrassed expression. In the end, he retreated in a sorry state and hid in the corner of the last row to take a seat.

Surrounded by cultivators in the early stages of Core Formation, none dared to provoke this person, and the matter was dropped for the time being.

"Owner!"

The sword attendant respectfully brought over the small corpse tablet and the blood-red coffin containing the corpse puppet. Lin Chang'an nodded calmly.

Old Huang was just a minor incident.

As the trade fair continued, he stroked the coffin in his hand, and with strands of special magic power, he began to probe the fragmented memories on He Yan's corpse.

Fragmented memories flashed by, especially the image of He Yan's agonizing screams before his death, which made the coldness in Lin Chang'an's eyes grow even stronger.

"Huang Tianxiao! The Xuan Yin Demonic Sect!"

(End of this chapter)