Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 341 Someone is testing us
The Baoguangge trade fair has ended.

At the trade fair, Lin Chang'an exchanged several rare materials, as well as He Yan, who had been refined into a third-tier corpse puppet.

"Senior, someone asked me to wait for you here."

As they walked out of Baoguang Pavilion, a maid with Qi Refining stage cultivation respectfully handed them a jade slip, her gaze fixed on Lin Chang'an's handsome white-clad figure.

Furthermore, with the added advantage of her status as a Core Formation cultivator, the beautiful maidservant showed admiration.

"Owner!"

The sword attendant stepped forward, took the jade slip, and then handed it to his master.

However, as the sword attendant took the jade slip, his heterochromatic eyes coldly swept over her, and instantly the Qi Refining maid felt as if she had fallen into an ice cave, sensing this terrifying aura.

His face paled instantly, and he hurriedly bowed and took his leave.

"A female cultivator who has reached the Core Formation stage!"

However, just as Lin Chang'an took the jade slip to examine it, another female cultivator suddenly appeared behind him.

The difference this time is that she is a pseudo-core cultivator, one of the two pseudo-core female cultivators that Huang Tianxiao is following.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, my young master said that everything before was a misunderstanding."

This alluring female cultivator, who had only recently acquired a core cultivation technique, moved with graceful steps, her waist and hips swaying naturally with each step, like a willow in the wind, exuding elegance and charm.

"Fellow Taoist~"

The fake Core Formation cultivator, her voice trailing off in a soft, coquettish tone, leaned forward slightly, making the exposed skin at her neckline even more alluring.

Just then, a clear, cold voice, like ice water striking jade, suddenly rang out, coldly shouting without the slightest emotion: "Insolence!"

The sword attendant stood coldly in front of his master, his icy gaze causing the fake Core Formation female cultivator to break out in a cold sweat.

"road…"

When the fake pill shifted its gaze to Lin Chang'an, it found that the man was indifferent and didn't care about it at all.

The fake Core cultivator's fawning smile froze completely. He then reluctantly withdrew his flirtatious manner, and a deep sense of resentment and envy flashed in his eyes as he looked at the sword servant.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, this is what my young master asked me to give you."

The female cultivator respectfully took out a jade slip and left it behind, then bowed respectfully and took her leave.

At this moment, Lin Chang'an looked at the two jade slips in his hand and couldn't help but smile.

"Having a powerful backer makes all the difference."

Two jade slips were delivered one after the other.

Lin Chang'an first scanned the first jade slip, which was also left behind by the ugly old man with yellow teeth.

This person quietly left halfway through the trade fair.

As he expected, the message on the jade slip was a sincere apology, but it also explained how he had caused this misunderstanding.

The letter clearly states that he did not kill his wife, but rather that she had an affair with another man and conspired to frame him, after which he fought back and killed him.

It was after this incident that he came to hate female cultivators. The jade slip revealed his tragic life, his infamy, and he eventually degenerated into a wicked cultivator whom everyone hated.

"But what does all this have to do with me!"

Lin Chang'an sneered. There are plenty of cultivators in the cultivation world who have had tragic experiences. Does he expect to go and inquire about each and every one of them?

He doesn't have that much time, just like everyone has a tragic past.

With a wave of his hand, the jade slip turned to ashes.

However, upon seeing the second jade slip, Lin Chang'an revealed a mocking smile.

"This young master of the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect is as arrogant and ruthless as ever."

The letter contained only a simple sentence, indicating the hiding place of the ugly old man with yellow teeth after he left Haiyuan City.

Whether it was genuine or a deception, he had neither the time nor the inclination to abduct and kill this person.

However, the way he spoke, with an air of superiority and a condescending attitude, was truly unpleasant.

With a wave of his hand, another jade slip also turned to ashes.

"Let's go. We've already wasted a lot of time this time."

"Yes, Master."

Lin Chang'an, accompanied by his sword attendant, left Haiyuan City without any hesitation, mounted his Green Horned Ox, and headed towards the outer sea.

He had already wasted a lot of time at the Thunder Dragon Land in the outer sea, and he didn't want someone else to get there first.

After all, if Yun Yao could discover the Thunder Flood Dragon's whereabouts, other cultivators would naturally be able to as well.

……

After Lin Chang'an left, inside Baoguang Pavilion, the alluring fake-core female cultivator who had appeared earlier respectfully approached Huang Tianxiao and reported what had happened.

Upon hearing this, Huang Tianxiao raised an eyebrow, gave a disdainful sneer, and waved his hand, saying:

"He's just a pawn kept by the Azure Sea Palace, not even a dog. There's no need to pay him any mind."

He had been somewhat interested before, but after seeing that this person had left Haiyuan City directly, giving the impression that he didn't want to cause trouble and was trying to avoid it, he became more interested.

Huang Tianxiao immediately looked down on him.

Although one must be cautious in cultivating immortality, such a cowardly person is ultimately not fit for respectability.

"How's your cultivation technique coming along, you two?"

As Huang Tianxiao's calm voice echoed, the two female cultivators who had only recently achieved the Rank 1 cultivation level turned pale, but still trembled as they spoke:

“Young Master, we have already switched to this technique, but it will take some time.”

"waste!"

Upon hearing that the two had not yet fully completed their transformation, Huang Tianxiao revealed a fierce aura between his brows, which immediately frightened the two women, turning their faces pale.

"Six months! If you still can't help me improve my cultivation after six months, then you two will become my Yin Sha Corpse Puppets."

"Young Master, spare us! We two can definitely do it!"

The two women trembled, and despite the deep sorrow in their hearts, they could only bow their heads.

Practicing this technique that allows others to absorb their essence greatly diminishes their cultivation and lifespan. If it weren't for the need to survive, why would they bow their heads?

The alluring female cultivator couldn't help but recall the scene from before, and at this moment, she felt an even greater envy for the sword servant.

Why do people have different fates? She thought that lowering herself and trying to please the young master of the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect, even if she became a concubine, would be better than just finding a Core Formation cultivator.

Little did I know, it would be a road of no return.

……

More than half a month later.

The outer sea is a sea area with many islands.

“Master, according to the mistress’s information, this thunder dragon has three nests, and we have now explored the other two nests.”

However, the island where the third nest was located contained a Xuan Shui Turtle at the early stage of the third tier.

In a market town on an island, Lin Chang'an sat in a restaurant listening to the sword attendant's report, and couldn't help but frown slightly.

A Tier 3 Initial Stage Mystic Water Turtle?
This made him frown as he looked at the market town.

The spiritual energy here is scarce, and the owner of this island is merely a pseudo-core cultivator who runs a market here to earn spirit stones to support his clan.

“Master, I heard that several Core Formation cultivators have recently come to this market, intending to hunt third-tier demons.”

As the sword attendant respectfully reported, Lin Chang'an tapped his fingers lightly on the table in deep thought.

It's not surprising that monsters would move their nests.

Especially highly intelligent monsters are well-versed in the art of having multiple burrows, and some monsters have more than a dozen burrows, making them extremely cunning.

"Could it be that we were unlucky this time and let the thunder dragon escape?"

Lin Chang'an frowned. The Soul Treasure Pavilion did have a powerful demon spirit at the late stage of the third tier, and he had vaguely probed about it before.

Although the other party phrased it tactfully, Lin Chang'an still understood.

One reason is that he is not a member of the Azure Sea Palace, and the other is that he is not yet a third-tier high-grade array master, and has not yet met the requirements of this Sixth Elder. The opening of resources has not yet reached that stage.

"The essence of a late-stage third-tier demon, especially a dragon, is extremely valuable. Even at the previous trade fair, no one was willing to part with it."

Even if he were to bring it out, under the watchful eyes of everyone, if Lin Chang'an were to offer corresponding resources in exchange, it would still arouse suspicion.

Therefore, if he misses this Thunder Dragon, it won't be so easy for him to find another late-stage third-tier dragon demon.

"Let's go take a walk in the market first."

"Yes, Master."

The two walked through the market, one in front of the other, with Lin Chang'an observing the market as well.

The streets of the market were filled with Qi Refining cultivators, and Foundation Establishment cultivators were also seen from time to time.

This scene made Lin Chang'an feel relaxed for once, as if he had returned to his old small town.

Especially the local monks, who were doing their business in front of their stalls amidst laughter and chatter.

There were also young Qi Refining cultivators traveling with female cultivators, their brows filled with tenderness.

Lin Chang'an led his sword servant around for half an hour, but didn't gain much, only some resources that were abundant in this area.

After all, there aren't many resources left that catch their eye.

"I met two fellow Taoists."

Sure enough, while Lin Chang'an and his sword attendant were browsing the shops, they selected extremely valuable items, which attracted the attention of the local market's island owner.

Upon seeing Lin Chang'an and the sword attendant, whose auras had been subdued, he, a mere pseudo-core cultivator, couldn't even discern their difference. He hurriedly stepped forward, revealing a fawning expression.

"My name is Yao Feng. I was unaware of the arrival of you two fellow Daoists. I am truly ashamed."

This Island Master Yao, who looked like an ordinary-looking middle-aged cultivator, sighed inwardly as he faced Lin Chang'an and his companion.

Normally, this impoverished place wouldn't see a Core Formation cultivator for decades, but now they're coming one after another.

He was just a mere fake cultivator, how could he dare to provoke him? He could only treat him with utmost courtesy.

"You're too kind, Island Master Yao. My sister and I came here to investigate after hearing that a third-tier demon was causing trouble here."

Lin Chang'an had already disguised himself before coming to this place.

At this moment, he was dressed in a black outfit, and he and the sword attendant beside him, dressed in dark blue and with a cold and aloof appearance, really did look like siblings.

"So, fellow Daoist, you've also come here for this beast."

The island lord Yao revealed his surprise and then invited the two of them to the Yao family's restaurant in the market to welcome them and discuss the situation of the third-tier demon.

"I will obey my elder brother's orders."

The sword attendant beside him nodded coolly, and Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded in acceptance of the other party's kindness.

"Thank you very much, fellow Daoist."

"Fellow Taoist, you're welcome."

After exchanging pleasantries, the three headed towards the Yao family's restaurant in the market.

……

Inside the restaurant.

This Island Master Yao was very polite in his words and even offered the most sumptuous spiritual wine and spiritual meat to entertain him.

"Fellow Daoists, you may not know this, but this Xuan Shui Turtle also appeared suddenly a few months ago. Some people suspect that this monster is about to lay eggs."

Three fellow Daoists had already arrived, but each of them wanted to take the treasure for themselves. I heard they had an internal conflict, which is why they didn't return..."

Island Master Yao shook his head and sighed, saying that if he weren't lacking in strength, how could he have been ranked above others?

"In other words, the Xuan Shui Turtle, a mid-stage Tier 3 Suspicious Beast, experienced a decrease in strength during its production period."

Lin Chang'an had some doubts in his heart.

Logically speaking, monsters in their breeding season should be extremely sensitive. There was a late-stage Tier 3 Thunder Dragon here before, so it abandoned this nest.

This third-tier Xuan Shui Turtle, which is about to give birth, shouldn't be lingering here.

This made Lin Chang'an frown secretly, as something seemed amiss.

Upon hearing Lin Chang'an's question, Island Master Yao smiled wryly and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect:
"My strength is meager, and I am also tied to the rise and fall of my family. I have finally managed to form a false core, so how could I dare to take any risks? I truly do not know the specific details."

However, a fellow Core Formation cultivator came here a couple of days ago to inquire about information, seemingly to find some help.

Lin Chang'an understood this point and nodded in agreement.

He had seen too many cultivators like this, who were exceptionally talented in the early stages and made rapid progress in their cultivation.

Finally, after the clan produced such a Core Formation cultivator, their progress stopped there.

During their conversation, Island Master Yao seemed to realize that Lin Chang'an had a fairly good temper, and awkwardly cupped his hands in greeting:
“Fellow Daoist, that fellow Daoist from before was quite powerful; he will likely come looking for this demonic beast soon…”

He looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated, but his meaning was already quite clear.

There was only one monster, but now that you've arrived, there are two groups.

How to divide it?
And will something unpleasant happen?

These are all things that cannot be determined.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an smiled kindly and nodded.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Yao."

The message had been delivered, and he had said everything he knew, so the island lord, Yao, breathed a sigh of relief.

That was none of his business.

He did this not out of kindness, but simply because he didn't want to get involved.

"Since someone has gotten there first, my sister and I don't want to cause any trouble, so we won't get involved."

After the banquet, Lin Chang'an appeared cautious, which did not arouse any suspicion from the other party.

Although the monsters are still alive, whoever is stronger will naturally take the title.

However, there are also some unspoken rules for hunting monsters.

For example, someone arrives here first and makes no attempt to conceal their intention to hunt.

If those who come after Lin Chang'an also want to do this, it would be best for both sides to join forces.

Otherwise, it's easy to make enemies.

Lin Chang'an naturally didn't want to cause trouble.

Core Formation cultivators are all extremely cautious, and they will only risk their lives if they encounter a spiritual object that they desperately need and that concerns their own path to cultivation.

Otherwise, those who wouldn't normally be involved would all be extremely protective of their lives, especially Core Formation cultivators.

After the banquet, Lin Chang'an left with his sword attendant, a broad smile on his face.

After watching the two leave, Yao Island Master sighed inwardly.

"Hopefully nothing goes wrong and this monster is dealt with as soon as possible so that the market can return to peace."

He was long past the age of having lofty ambitions. Having experienced so many ups and downs in the cultivation world, he now only wanted to maintain the stability and development of his family.

……

On a remote island in the open sea, the sword attendant asked with a solemn expression, "Master, do you suspect that there is something wrong with this demonic beast?"

"It doesn't matter if there are any problems or not, now we have someone to help us scout the way."

Lin Chang'an gazed into the distance with a calm smile.

Since we're already here, we might as well at least test the waters.

And he doesn't even need to lift a finger.

　Ahem, the author will be staying up late tonight to write, and will try to resume normal updates tomorrow.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)