Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 379 Faded Friends [Seeking Double Monthly Tickets]

Bibo Island.

Lin Chang'an broke through to the late stage of Core Formation and repaired the Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor, leaving seclusion in high spirits.

“Master, Li Tianmo came here half a year ago. These are the letters he left behind, and these few pieces of paper are from the Yue Kingdom.”

As soon as they stepped out of the cave, the sword attendant respectfully came forward to greet them.

Lin Chang'an was taken aback upon hearing this. Li Tianmo? In his mind, the first person to come to him for Core Formation should have been Zhou Bingxuan.

After all, among the three, Zhou Bingxuan is undoubtedly the best in terms of cultivation foundation and solid roots, as well as cultivation level.

However, sitting upright in the pavilion, the sword attendant respectfully brewed some spiritual tea, and a unique aroma of tea wafted through the air.

At this moment, as Lin Chang'an looked at the letter in his hand, the aroma of tea seemed to fade slightly.

"Yifan is gone."

A hint of sadness flashed in Lin Chang'an's eyes, and he finally let out a soft sigh.

Birth, aging, sickness, and death are inevitable even for cultivators; they can only postpone the arrival of this day as their cultivation grows stronger.

In their early correspondence, Wei Yingying mentioned in her letters that Li Yifan was not in good health.

Unexpectedly, the first news I received upon emerging from seclusion this time was that the child I had watched grow up had passed away.

"Some of the hidden injuries from my youth can be treated with the pills I gave you before, but the lost vital energy cannot be restored, and I will eventually not be able to escape this day."

When Lin Chang'an learned that Li Yifan was not in good health, he had anticipated this day and specially arranged for Xuan Yin Pavilion's merchant ship to send some longevity pills back.

He was at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment and died at the age of 219.

Although the lifespan of Foundation Establishment cultivators starts at two hundred years, some cultivators who practice wood-attribute cultivation techniques can live to nearly three hundred years old.

However, in the chaotic world of cultivation, most Foundation Establishment cultivators either perish along the way or suffer from sudden internal injuries. Those who can live to be two hundred years old and die peacefully in their old age are considered quite good.

While this age may not be considered long in the cultivation world, passing away without any regrets is already a very good ending.

Lin Chang'an's somewhat sorrowful mood also silenced the sword attendant beside him, who dared not disturb him in the slightest.

Another familiar face has left.

After a while, Lin Chang'an took a sip of the spiritual tea, but for some reason, the tea tasted slightly bitter today.

Li Yifan, who was originally called Zhou Yifan, was quiet and reserved from a young age. At this moment, the scenes from that time kept flashing through his mind.

Erniu spoke with pride and excitement about his child's discovery of spiritual roots, as well as the various events that followed, and how Zhou Yifan eventually changed his surname back to Li.

"For ordinary cultivators, Li Yifan's life has been exceptionally brilliant. He rose from being the son of a live-in son-in-law to eventually establishing the Foundation Establishment family he is today."

Although I had expected it, seeing familiar faces leave one by one still inevitably evoked a range of emotions when it happened to me.

"The path of cultivation is truly ruthless."

After embarking on the path of cultivation, as one's cultivation level becomes increasingly profound, one must experience the so-called ruthlessness of the Great Dao.

One by one, familiar faces came into being, grew old, fell ill, and died.

In the end, many cultivators, as time goes by, gradually become alone.

Judging by their ages, Shen Fan and Wei Yingying, these two younger generations, are both over two hundred years old.

Having lived for over two hundred and fifty years, Lin Chang'an was already prepared for the departure of this familiar person. He then suppressed his emotions and continued to read the letters sent by Xuan Yin Pavilion.

The letters were from two years ago, and several of them came from the Yue Kingdom.

Shen Fan mentioned to Wei Yingying the news he heard from their grandson Shen Zhuang, telling him to be careful and expressing his concern. Then he talked about the current situation in Yue Kingdom.

Poisonous miasma has long shrouded this land of spiritual energy, giving rise to many venomous insects, snakes, and other monstrous beasts.

However, this high-level spiritual energy area has turned into a poisonous miasma zone, making it impossible for many high-level cultivators to cultivate here. Yue Kingdom is still dominated by the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

There is also a letter from two years ago, when Li Yifan was still alive. It seems that he sensed that his lifespan was coming to an end, and the letter contained a lot of insightful thoughts.

Some things he was obsessed with when he was young, such as the repression he felt towards the Zhou family when he was a teenager.

I never imagined that the knot in my heart that had bound me for a lifetime would be untied in the end.

As the saying goes, "A dying man's words are good," and Li Yifan's various insights before his death actually gave Lin Chang'an a lot of inspiration as well.

After all, he had watched Li Yifan grow up, so he naturally knew many of the other's inner conflicts.

"I never imagined that I would gain these insights from the younger generation."

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered, and his powerful cultivation also prevented him from sensing many situations where old age and physical limitations were beyond his reach.

Now, in Li Yifan's letter, he saw the perfect end to the life of that stubborn young man.

The last paragraph of the letter was about Li Yifan's trip to the Zhou family, returning to the Zhou family in Qingzhushan Market where he had grown up.

After visiting many familiar places in the Zhou family compound, I finally met two familiar old men from the Zhou family. We chatted and laughed heartily, which resolved the pent-up feelings in my heart that I had held for many years.

He even met someone he had once clashed with in the Zhou family. The two white-haired old men laughed heartily, and all their lifelong grudges were wiped away. They even agreed to become in-laws.

"This Zhou family daughter has quite a talent, with a cultivation level of late Qi Refining stage. She has come to Five Dragons Island to meet Li Tianmo aboard the Xuan Yin Pavilion's merchant ship."

In his letter, Li Tianmo expressed his willingness to become Daoist partners with this Zhou family girl. He also noted the turmoil in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss and prepared to attempt to form his core.

Regardless of success or failure, he was prepared to return to Clearwater Bay Market to inherit the Li family patriarchship.

Although the Li family has developed well in recent years, most of its resources have been sent to Li Tianmo.

This has resulted in the clan now having only one Foundation Establishment cultivator, who is also quite old. As a member of the Li family, Li Tianmo also has to shoulder the mission of revitalizing the clan.

"This is why many family cultivators are only allowed to go out into the world after the young people in the family have grown to a certain age."

Cultivators who grow up in their clans have a sense of belonging to their families, and sects do the same.

Otherwise, cultivators who lack a sense of belonging will naturally have very weak feelings towards their families and sects.

Such ungrateful incidents are common in the cultivation world and are not uncommon. Therefore, both sects and families are extremely cautious when it comes to nurturing future generations.

"Li Tianmo wants to try forming his core."

Lin Chang'an frowned slightly. He could understand the Li family's situation, but forming a core was not something that could be done easily.

However, everyone has their own destiny. Given Li Tianmo's current state, his mind is becoming increasingly unsettled, and the longer it drags on, the more detrimental it will be to his Core Formation.

Family and sect are a double-edged sword; they can be of great help, but they can also be a hindrance.

The same applies to independent cultivators. Although they have very few entanglements, they also lack support later on, making progress difficult in the early stages and wasting more energy and time.

Nothing in this world is absolute.

Then Lin Chang'an picked up another letter from Lao Hu. The letter contained a lot of information about how various forces were secretly stirring up trouble in the sea, and warned him to be careful.

Finally, Lin Chang'an put down the letter and the teacup in his hand.

"Let's go, it's time for us to go back to Five Dragons Island."

"Yes, Master."

The swordsman respectfully clasped his hands in greeting, while a trace of sadness appeared in the large, copper-bell-sized eyes of the Green Horned Ox in the pool.

Now that it is intelligent enough to hear human speech, it naturally knows who has left.

When Li Yifan was still a calf, he naturally became acquainted with some of his master's old friends in Qingzhu Mountain.

Even demons and beasts can experience birth, aging, sickness, and death.

……

Compared to the perpetually gloomy sky of Tongtianwuhai, the waters around Wulong Island are sunny and have four distinct seasons. After leaving Tongtianwuhai, my mood seemed to improve considerably.

Tianquan Peak.

A waterfall, resembling the Milky Way, cascades down from the cliff top, crashing into a deep pool with a roar, creating a spray of white foam, and a misty vapor spreads out.

Although the sound of water was loud, it could not drown out the cicadas chirping from among the trees. Their long, drawn-out chirps added a unique tranquility to the scene.

On Lingfeng Peak, an elegant pavilion stands by the water.

Inside the pavilion, Lin Chang'an and Fairy Ni Chang were playing chess facing each other.

The sounds of cicadas, water, and chess pieces falling on a jade plate blend together wonderfully here, composing a celestial melody far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Lin, on breaking through to the late stage of Core Formation."

After Bai Zi landed and slayed a large dragon, Fairy Ni Chang smiled and looked up at Lin Chang'an, saying with a smile.

Lin Chang'an looked at the chessboard and helplessly gave up, but he was still quite happy to receive the congratulations from the fairy in the rainbow dress.

After all, when he first entered the world of cultivation, the name of this fairy in rainbow robes was widely known throughout the Yue Kingdom.

As a result, just over two hundred years later, he caught up with him and now they are neck and neck.

"Fellow Daoist Ni Chang is too kind."

Seeing that he had lost several games in a row, Lin Chang'an was just about to have his sword servant take over for him when the fairy in the rainbow dress twitched her eye and directly changed the subject with a smile.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, have you returned to Tianquan Peak this time to plan for these juniors to reach the Core Formation stage?"

Lin Chang'an could easily see through Fairy Ni Chang's blatant attempt to change the subject, and he was speechless.

You know it's pointless to keep losing.

However, Lin Chang'an was quite open-minded about the matter of Core Formation, nodding slightly and saying:

"Yes, I've only had a few close friends along the way, and I'll do my best to help the younger generation of these old friends."

"I am aware of this disciple, Li Tianmo, but isn't this too hasty?"

"Is he in a hurry? His mind is already in turmoil. Continuing to drag things out might not be a good thing, but being in a hurry might not be a bad thing."

Lin Chang'an didn't know whether to say it was good or bad about Li Tianmo's Core Formation; he could only say it was a mixed bag.

"Although it has some impact due to family matters, it is not always a bad thing. On the contrary, it can help strengthen one's Dao heart at times."

At this point, Lin Chang'an's gaze involuntarily fell upon the elegant fairy in a long blue and white dress, revealing her delicate face and gracefully sipping tea.

Under Lin Chang'an's watchful gaze, Fairy Ni Chang remained composed and elegant, showing no discomfort whatsoever.

“Take Fellow Daoist for example. In the eyes of outsiders, the Xuan Yin Pavilion is a hindrance to your cultivation, but for you, the sect is also a testament to your Dao heart.”

Hearing Lin Chang'an's words, Fairy Ni Chang smiled slightly and nodded:

"Fellow Daoist is right. Zhou Bingxuan recently auctioned a spiritual flower with the effect of calming the mind and focusing the spirit at the market. She must be close to forming her core soon."

Lin Chang'an nodded slightly after hearing this. Based on Zhou Bingxuan's talent and cultivation, it was about right.

Just as the two were chatting, two figures arrived on swords and landed outside the cave.

"Disciples Li Tianmo and Zhou Xiuwan pay their respects to the Sect Master, Elder Lin, and Elder Qiu."

The newcomer was Li Tianmo, accompanied by Zhou Xiuwan, a female cultivator from the Zhou family who had come from the Yue Kingdom.

Despite her gentle and virtuous demeanor and the fact that she was at the ninth level of Qi Refining, she was still somewhat nervous when she suddenly saw three Core Formation cultivators.

Meanwhile, Li Tianmo gently patted the hand of the family head, who was also the wife his grandfather had chosen for him, to comfort him.

Because there were outsiders present, Li Tianmo naturally did not address his great-uncle.

Elder Qiu, whose real name is Qiu Ling'er, is a sword attendant. With her current cultivation level of mid-stage Core Formation, she also holds an elder's position in the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

"Yes, Not Bad."

Looking at the two of them, Lin Chang'an nodded in satisfaction. Li Yifan was no longer as stubborn as he had been when he was young. Now that he had become the head of the family, he also needed to plan for his descendants.

From a perspective of interests, the two neighborhoods of Clearwater Bay and Green Bamboo Mountain are adjacent, and the Zhou family is clearly extremely powerful.

A marriage alliance between the two families would naturally benefit both.

Originally, establishing a family was not Li Yifan's wish. It was only while protecting his descendants that this so-called family gradually formed. In fact, he still had some resistance to it in his heart.

Over the years, there have been hidden dangers within the Li family, which Lin Chang'an was naturally aware of. However, in his final years, Li Yifan finally let go of his obsession.

Only in his final moments did he become a true head of a Foundation Establishment family.

Originally, Li Yifan was supposed to marry a daughter of the Zhou family, but he didn't. Now, his descendants have made up for it.

"I already know about Yifan's situation. In the cultivation world, birth, aging, sickness, and death are common occurrences. Moreover, for Yifan, his life has been quite wonderful, and he doesn't have too many regrets."

When mentioning his grandfather, Li Tianmo's eyes showed some sadness, but in front of the three Core Formation cultivators, he still respectfully cupped his hands and said:

“Grand Uncle, Tianmo has few regrets. He came here to ask you to bestow upon him a Core Formation Spiritual Object. Regardless of the outcome, the Li family will repay you in due time.”

Although it was a gift from someone else, Li Tianmo wasn't foolish enough to take it for granted.

In everything, there are gains and losses.

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile after hearing this. This kid wasn't stupid; he actually knew to use repayment to rekindle the friendship and prevent it from fading away after he left.

"Alright, this is Xuan Shui Liquid, a top-grade spiritual material for Core Formation. As for whether you succeed or fail, no one can help you; you can only rely on yourself."

Lin Chang'an calmly bestowed this Core Formation spiritual object, and out of consideration for the younger generation of his old friend, he also granted it a wisp of Xuan Tian life energy.

But this is at best an added bonus; true success or failure still depends on oneself.

Seeing the precious Core Formation artifact in his hands, Li Tianmo excitedly cupped his hands and said, "Grand Uncle's great kindness will never be forgotten by Tianmo and the entire Li family."

"Alright, the spiritual energy on Tianquan Peak is abundant. I'm not usually here anyway, so you can prepare to cultivate your core in the cave you opened up halfway up the mountain. After all, Tianquan Peak has a boost of luck."

The last sentence, a joke from Lin Chang'an, was also because all the people who had formed their cores at Tianquan Peak had succeeded.

From the sword attendants to the Zhao sisters of Xuan Yin Pavilion, their Core Formation quality is not bad.

To outsiders, Tianquan Peak is naturally considered a blessed land.

Meanwhile, the fairy in flowing robes, who was standing nearby, noticed Zhou Xiuwan and chuckled softly:

"Good things come in pairs. The Zhou family is now also under the jurisdiction of my Xuan Yin Pavilion. I see that your cultivation is not bad either. It just so happens that the Xuan Yin Pavilion has recently refined a batch of Foundation Establishment Pills."

"Therefore, I bestow upon you a seed to cultivate in seclusion within the sect, striving for a breakthrough as soon as possible."

Zhou Xiuwan was already feeling a bit dizzy from following along to pay respects to the Core Formation cultivator, but she never expected that she would receive such a generous reward.

Build the foundation!

Although her grandfather had told her that the good match he had found for her would make it easy for her to achieve Foundation Establishment in the future, she still couldn't hide her excitement.

"Thank you, Sect Master, and thank you, Elders."

Zhou Xiuwan suppressed her excitement and respectfully returned the greeting to the three people, even Lin Chang'an and the sword attendant.

　I'm asking for double monthly votes! Last month I worked diligently, and even though I took some leave, I still updated over 23 words, averaging 7781 words per day.

　　It's not the best, but it's not the worst either. I hope you fellow Daoists will support me.

　　[I have photographic evidence; please vote.]

　　
　
(End of this chapter)