Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 385 Coming out of seclusion
Bibo Island Market.

After Lin Chang'an emerged from seclusion, he and his sword attendant went to the market to gather information.

After all, he had been in seclusion for more than 20 years and was unaware of many things happening outside.

Inside a restaurant.

"Reporting to Elder Lin, this is a collection of intelligence reports, both major and minor, that have occurred over the past twenty-three years."

A female cultivator from the Xuan Yin Pavilion respectfully took out an intelligence jade slip.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an nodded slightly, and the other party respectfully withdrew.

"Owner!"

Just then, the sword attendant returned from outside and respectfully reported back inside the private room.

The Seven Kingdoms Alliance is quite powerful now, and as a guest elder of the Xuan Yin Pavilion, it's not difficult for him to obtain some intelligence.

However, being cautious, he still habitually chose to integrate intelligence from multiple sources.

The Xuan Yin Pavilion, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, themselves, and the Sword Servant worked together to gather intelligence.

“Master, during our twenty-three years of seclusion, many things have happened in the outer sea, involving several Nascent Soul forces.”

Even worse, three Nascent Soul cultivators in the open sea got into a fight for unknown reasons…

Inside the private room, Lin Chang'an sipped his spiritual tea, looking at the intelligence jade slip in his hand while listening to the sword attendant's report.

After hearing about the various situations that had occurred over the years, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. Sure enough, the Demon Beast Abyss was becoming increasingly chaotic.

Even the Seven Nations Alliance has increased its defenses against merchant ship trade in recent years.

"Master, in our fifth year of seclusion, Zhou Bingxuan formed her core at Xuan Yin Peak, ultimately condensing a pseudo-core. Meanwhile, Elder Liu Ruyu of Xuan Yin Pavilion broke through to the mid-stage of Core Formation five years ago..."

First came some turmoil in the open sea, followed by developments in Wulong Island and the surrounding waters.

In particular, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance has made a lot of money from mining spirit mines in recent years, which has naturally increased its strength.

As the strongest Xuan Yin Pavilion, its strength has increased significantly, now surpassing even his guest elder and the sect leader Ni Chang.

With Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu, both mid-stage Core Formation cultivators, and three early-stage Core Formation cultivators below them, their strength can be said to be no less than that of the Long family back then.

"A pseudo-core stage, not bad at all."

Lin Chang'an wasn't too surprised to hear that Zhou Bingxuan had formed a fake core.

If true elixir were so easy to form, there wouldn't be so many fake elixir cultivators in the world.

No matter how strong the Zhou family's foundation is, can it compare to the Xuan Yin Pavilion?
Back then, neither Xu Lingfeng nor Liu Ruyu was less talented than Zhou Bingxuan, not to mention their backgrounds. As long-established Core Formation sects, their experience and insights into Core Formation far surpassed Zhou Bingxuan's.

There are even Core Formation spiritual items, which are not bad either.

The result was one mid-grade Golden Core, one low-grade Golden Core, not to mention several failures.

"There are too many factors involved in forming the core. In addition to spiritual root aptitude, cultivation level, willpower, and opportunities, there are also factors related to cultivation techniques."

In the world of cultivation, finding a high-level cultivation technique that suits one's own abilities is extremely difficult.

He was lucky to have this opportunity, and by refining his natal spiritual plant, he was able to cultivate this technique.

However, in the cultivation world, many cultivators can only cultivate a technique that suits their own attributes. As for finding a suitable or even advanced technique, that is extremely difficult.

"The Four Seas Chamber of Commerce has also developed well in recent years. Three years ago, this Island Master Meng broke through to the late stage of Core Formation. However, according to rumors on the island..."

His two Daoist partners were murdered ten years ago, which caused quite a stir at the time…

The sword attendant reported respectfully, but also showed a hint of suspicion.

The information she received from her master clearly indicated that something was amiss with these two Daoist partners at the Pseudo-Core Formation stage.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an revealed a mocking smile.

"This Meng fellow is really ruthless; he's even willing to poison his own Daoist partner."

Others may not know, but he certainly does. This person's talent is not bad, but his cultivation is still shallow. He is now eager to break through to the late stage of Core Formation. Without external help, how could he possibly do it so quickly?

"And in recent years, there's Huang Tianxiao of the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect. This person has been appearing in the Tongtian Mist Sea, and was previously besieged and attacked by Meng Xinghai and the members of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce..."

The sword attendant solemnly reported that the intelligence showed that Huang Tianxiao was exceptionally strong and had calmly retreated despite being surrounded by so many cultivators.

Lin Chang'an shook his head after hearing this; he had no time to deal with such trivial matters now.

The secret realm is about to open, and he still needs to make the best preparations for it.

[Tier 3 High-Grade Array Master (Grandmaster 3462/5000)]

"The secret realm will open in the next few years. Nowadays, even with the personal instruction of a fourth-level array master, it is impossible to break through in the art of array formation."

Looking at his progress in the art of formations over the years, Lin Chang'an pondered silently.

Since a breakthrough in formation techniques cannot be achieved in a short period of time, we can only start from other aspects.

After all, the secret realm is extremely dangerous. Even if he doesn't go to the last level and doesn't encounter this group of Nascent Soul old demons, the more strength he has, the greater his chance of finding a Nascent Soul spiritual object.

"My cultivation level is now at the late stage of Core Formation, and my body refinement is at the mid-stage of the third level, but it is impossible to break through in a short period of time."

At this moment, Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered. Since he could not improve his own strength, he could only rely on power to increase his combat strength.

He's not lacking in magical artifacts; the only remaining strengths are his spirit pets' combat power and his talismans.

[Tier 3 High-Grade Talisman Master (Grandmaster 2302/5000)]

Looking at his progress in talismans, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"What a pity, the Crimson Fire Nascent Soul level magic weapon is in my hands. If I can break through to the fourth rank, I can extract the magic weapon's power to create a Nascent Soul level talisman."

As for the damage it would cause to Nascent Soul level magic treasures, Lin Chang'an had never considered that.

No matter how good a product is, it's a waste if you can't use it yourself.

"However, there is a method in the Yin Soul Sect's heritage. Although it is impossible to make a true Nascent Soul level talisman, there is still a way to make a defective one."

Using formations to assist in creating Nascent Soul level talismans can only be used once.

"The price is that damage to Nascent Soul level magic treasures is normal, but talisman treasures can only be used as one-time consumables."

Lin Chang'an pondered to himself, thinking that although it could only have an effect once, it might save his life at a critical moment.

Unlike the Fire Spirit Orb he obtained before, although it could unleash the power of a casual strike from a Nascent Soul cultivator in the early stages, there was still a difference, with a maximum of 70-80% of its original power.

It has considerable deterrent power against ordinary Core Formation cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage.

However, with the opening of this secret realm, countless Core Formation disciples from top-tier forces have entered, and their treasures are certainly no less than his.

It's not uncommon for some Nascent Soul seedlings to be bestowed with Nascent Soul-level talismans.

"With the power of the Crimson Fire Old Demon's Nascent Soul level magic weapon, the talisman he created was enough to unleash one-third of its power, equivalent to the full-force attack of an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator."

The main reason is that this magic weapon is a sword, which is a penetrating magic weapon with extremely strong attack damage.

The Fire Spirit Orb is an area-of-effect attack.

More importantly, among the many collections left behind by the Crimson Fire Demon, there is a piece of skin shed by a fire-attribute demon beast during its tribulation of lightning, which can be used to make talisman treasures.

"As for spirit pets, the Phoenix Bird should not be exposed easily. If it is exposed, we must be prepared to silence it."

If the Demon Lord Xuan Yin knew that his spirit pets had already been cultivated to the late stage of the third tier, he would definitely not let them go.

"The Yin Spirit Two-Headed Tiger has successfully advanced to the mid-stage of the third rank, but its strength is only so far. Without decades of cultivation, it is impossible for it to make any major breakthroughs."

After careful consideration, only the Green Horned Ox remains, having been at the mid-stage of the third rank for many years, and its cultivation is now at a bottleneck.

"There are still quite a few cultivation materials left behind by the Crimson Fire Demon. If I find another high-grade third-tier earth-attribute demon core and refine two pills to enhance my cultivation, I might have a chance to break through before entering the secret realm." After thinking it over carefully, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh helplessly. He really was destined to be a busybody.

I really envy the Nascent Soul seeds cultivated by these top forces; they hardly have to worry about any cultivation resources.

They might even bestow upon him a treasure that would save his life, unlike him, who relied entirely on his own two hands.

Afterwards, Lin Chang'an and his sword attendant enjoyed a meal of spiritual wine and dishes at the restaurant, which was a way of rewarding themselves for more than twenty years of fasting.

The two then headed towards Five Dragons Island.

Currently, whether it's crafting a fourth-tier Nascent Soul level talisman or refining a great pill for the Green Horned Ox, he still lacks some resources, so he needs to make a trip to the Mysterious Sound Pavilion.

As a late-stage Core Formation cultivator, this fairy in flowing robes naturally knew many resources that were not commonly found.

"Are there rumors that this fellow Daoist Ni Chang is injured?"

Lin Chang'an was puzzled. He felt that something was wrong. He had personally witnessed the strange skills of this fellow Daoist Ni Chang.

Unless they encounter a technique that counters their own, among cultivators of the same level, even if they can't win, their escape methods are still top-notch.

……

Lin Chang'an rode the Green Horned Ox out of Bibo Island without any attempt to conceal his presence, which naturally alerted the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce.

Within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, many Core Formation cultivators revealed complex expressions.

"This fellow Daoist Lin has been in seclusion for so many years, his cultivation has probably improved quite a bit."

"I really envy this Fellow Daoist Lin. He has probably been planning for the secret realm all these years."

"Alright, what's the use of being envious? Even if we were given the chance, how many of us would dare to go into the secret realm? You go? Or you go?"

One of them snorted irritably and looked over at everyone, who then fell silent.

It wasn't that they lacked the courage to go, but rather that they feared they might never return.

Over the past few decades, sects and families have only just begun to prosper by forming alliances to mine. If something were to happen to these pillars of the sect, who knows what might happen?

Especially given the current turbulent situation, the seven-nation alliance is still sticking together to prepare for the crisis.

"Over the years, Fairy Ni Chang has also been planning to create a secret realm, but unfortunately she was seriously injured in a battle in the outer sea a few years ago, and now she can only recuperate."

Many cultivators with cultivation levels as late as the Core Formation stage, like Fairy Ni Chang, have been injured or even perished while scheming to seize fragments of the secret realm map.

They didn't doubt this much, after all, many of them had witnessed the injuries firsthand, and it would take at least ten years to recover.

To outsiders, this fairy in flowing robes had clearly lost her qualification to enter the secret realm.

……

Meng Family Cave Mansion of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce

"Out of seclusion!"

Upon hearing that Lin Chang'an and the sword attendant had emerged from seclusion, Meng Xinghai, who had entered the late stage of Core Formation, revealed a cold and stern expression.

Now he is also in the late stage of Core Formation, no longer the timid mid-stage Core Formation cultivator he once was.

"You vile woman from Xuan Yin Pavilion!"

Meng Xinghai's resentment towards Lin Chang'an stemmed more from the fact that Lin Chang'an had thwarted his plans for the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

For him, the many female cultivators of Xuan Yin Pavilion were what suited his interests.

"And Huang Tianxiao, just wait. I'll allow you to be arrogant for a while. When the blood feud of your parents comes, I will make you pay for it in blood."

While he harbored only resentment towards Lin Chang'an, Huang Tianxiao was a mortal enemy.

……

Xuanyin Peak.

The zither music was clear and melodious, and the aroma of tea filled the air. Lin Chang'an sat upright on the pavilion overlooking the Xuan Yin Pavilion sect, looking at the pale-faced fairy in the rainbow dress before him, and couldn't help but show a strange expression.

However, Lin Chang'an still pretended to be nonchalant and took a sip of spiritual tea.

"Good tea."

The sword attendant beside him nodded slightly, praising the tea ceremony of this fellow Daoist in colorful robes.

"Some of the rumors circulating outside were unavoidable."

Upon seeing Lin Chang'an, Fairy Ni Chang chuckled lightly, showing no surprise that her injuries had been seen through.

She didn't even consider hiding her plan to fake her injury.

"The secret realm has only been open for a few years now, and Fellow Daoist Lin really has the leisure to calm down and enjoy tea."

The Fairy of Rainbows chuckled lightly, not mentioning her plan to feign injury, but instead teasing Lin Chang'an.

Lin Chang'an smiled awkwardly, as if he always had something to do when he came to this fellow Daoist Ni Chang's cave.

"Fellow Daoist, to be honest, this secret realm is about to open, and I still need some resources to improve my strength. Having been in seclusion for so many years, I naturally don't have as many connections as Fellow Daoist Ni Chang..."

Lin Chang'an didn't waste any words and directly stated his purpose.

"Fourth-tier fire-attribute demon beast blood, third-tier high-grade earth-attribute demon core!"

Upon hearing what Lin Chang'an was asking for, Fairy Ni Chang's eyes twitched; these were no ordinary resources.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, you have quite the appetite. The secret realm is about to open, and these resources are extremely useful within the secret realm. They are priceless and unavailable outside."

The blood of a fourth-tier fire-attribute demon beast is not enough to lead to suspicion that Lin Chang'an used it to make talisman treasures, since there are too many other uses for it.

The earth-attribute demon core was clearly intended for the Green Horned Ox, and this could not be hidden from outsiders, so Lin Chang'an did not keep it a secret.

After all, neither of these things is something that can be done in the light of day.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, I think you should go directly to the Treasure Pavilion in Haiyuan City to see what you need. Even if there are such treasures in the surrounding seas, they won't easily enter the market these days."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an sighed helplessly. Haiyuan City was quite far away, and he naturally didn't want to bother going so far if he could get it nearby.

Besides, things are so chaotic lately, who knows what we might encounter?

"By the way, I just came out of seclusion and heard that you seemed to have participated in the encirclement and suppression of Huang Tianxiao?"

A lot happened during his years of seclusion. It seems that Lu Zhenjun had a dispute with Xuan Yin Laomo in the outer sea and suffered a loss.

Then Huang Tianxiao happened to appear in the Tongtian Mist Sea, and the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce naturally wouldn't let this opportunity pass.

However, he seriously doubted whether Lu Zhenjun had really suffered a loss.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, there are many things involved."

Without hesitation, Fairy Ni Chang slowly recounted the inside stories of many major events that had been circulating outside over the years, as well as some of the details she knew.

This is one of the reasons why high-level cultivators are more willing to befriend cultivators of the same level.

This is just some basic information; cultivators in the early stages of Core Formation only know the bare essentials.

As a veteran late-stage Core Formation cultivator, Fairy Ni Chang clearly knew a lot of inside information.

Lin Chang'an had just emerged from seclusion, and the intelligence he had gathered was all superficial.

Therefore, many cultivators, upon emerging from seclusion, immediately seek out like-minded individuals to discuss the Dao.

　Chapter Two will be updated tonight.

　　I need to take a break tomorrow. I have some family matters to attend to and will be going out, so I will only be able to update once tomorrow. I hope you all understand.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)