Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 387 Reunion with Old Friends at the Auction [Long Chapter, Requesting Monthly Tickets]

Haiyuan City.

After the spirit ship arrived at Haiyuan City, the cultivators of Xuanyin Pavilion had already made an agreement with the local merchants' association and immediately began unloading goods onto the ship at the dock.

It's clear that the Xuan Yin Pavilion's merchant ships are also taking some resources back with them this time.

"Elder Lin, take care."

At the dock, the Zhao sisters, Lingyue and Lingxing, bowed respectfully, their eyes filled with gratitude and reluctance.

They were grateful because Lin Chang'an had done them a favor, but as for feeling reluctant to part with him, it wasn't really anything special.

For the Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing sisters, who had only been at the Core Formation stage for a few decades, they now had to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the sect's last resort.

After today's farewell, with Elder Lin Chang'an gone, the two sisters will have to rely on each other when they return to Yue Kingdom.

This reluctance to part stems more from the fact that no one is there to help them, and all the pressure falls on the two of them.

"You two have good talent. Although your wood-attribute techniques are somewhat lacking in combat, the fact that Yue Kingdom is currently shrouded in poisonous miasma gives you a geographical advantage."

Furthermore, you two sisters are naturally of one mind; with your combined attack techniques, you are more than capable of rivaling an ordinary mid-stage Core Formation cultivator.

Looking at the two women, Lin Chang'an sighed with melancholy. At this moment, he vaguely saw the figure of Fairy Ni Chang in the two women.

But the two were much luckier than Fairy Ni Chang. Back then, Xuan Yin Pavilion had been defeated by a sect and was preparing to flee.

The sect only has two Core Formation cultivators left, most of its elite forces have been lost, and its only remaining master passed away within a few years.

It can be said that Xuan Yin Pavilion wandered around, and the most difficult times were all shouldered by Fairy Ni Chang alone.

The situation the two women are facing now is clearly much better.

"Over the years, I have borrowed many books from the Xuan Yin Pavilion. I also found a cultivation manual on the black market of Bibo Island. It happened to be of the wood attribute, so I made a copy of it."

Now that you two have returned to Yue, I hope this cultivation experience related to the wood element will be of use to you.

Before leaving, he realized that Xuan Yin Pavilion had indeed treated him well over the years, and he had been comfortable there. In addition, Yue Kingdom was his homeland, and he did not want war to break out in his homeland again.

After all, only when the Xuan Yin Pavilion is stable can the Yue Kingdom be at peace.

In the end, Lin Chang'an was able to fulfill his responsibilities as an elder.

"This……"

Although the younger sister is usually lively and active, she still looked at her older sister after seeing this generous gift, clearly indicating that the older sister was the one who made the decision.

Upon seeing this, the elder sister, Zhao Lingyue, took a deep breath and respectfully bowed, saying:

"Thank you, Elder Lin. We sisters will always remember this kindness."

Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded, then turned and left with his sword attendant.

It was a sad occasion, especially for these two fledglings who had always been under the protection of the Xuan Yin Pavilion. Now that they had reached the Core Formation stage, it was time for them to spread their wings and protect their former sect.

This cultivation experience of the wood attribute technique was not only based on Lin Chang'an's own perspective, but also incorporated some insights from a Nascent Soul cultivator.

If these two sisters can calm their minds and contemplate, they will definitely gain some insight.

"It can be considered an investment as well."

To say that they believed in the two of them was less accurate than to say that they believed in the Six Desires Demon Art of Fairy Ni Chang.

At the very least, these two women are not too bad in terms of character; otherwise, they would not have received such cultivation and trust from Fellow Daoist Ni Chang.

……

Stepping into the bustling Haiyuan City once again, the lively cultivators coming and going on the streets were completely different from the tense atmosphere in the outer sea.

The place is bustling and prosperous, and many cultivators have smiles on their faces.

They were like cultivators from two different worlds, rushing about like outsiders like Lin Chang'an.

"Under the rule of the Azure Sea Palace, it truly lives up to its reputation as the overlord of the Demon Beast Abyss."

Lin Chang'an was also impressed; the Azure Sea Palace was a hegemon that had remained unchanged for ten thousand years.

Apart from the two palace masters who are known to be late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, the other nine elders are all Nascent Soul cultivators.

He also has countless affiliated forces and cultivators under his command, as well as various merchant guilds and numerous sects of all sizes.

For example, Lu Zhenjun is a cultivator who joined the Bihai Palace.

"There are already seven known Nascent Soul cultivators and Nascent Soul forces affiliated with the Azure Sea Palace. Are there any hidden ones...?"

As Lin Chang'an headed towards the Sixth Elder's palace, the true essence of the Azure Sea Palace involuntarily came to mind.

"The sixteen sects of Zhenhai are not weak either, but it is difficult for them to be of one mind. In addition, the sea creatures in the outer sea are eyeing them covetously. Therefore, these top forces have all maintained a kind of restraint."

In fact, there is another neutral force operating outside the immediate vicinity. If they could unite, they would be a formidable force.

Lin Chang'an had been quite pleased with his strength before, but now, upon closer reflection, he realized that only those who had become Nascent Soul cultivators were qualified to sit at the table.

"Thinking about these things is useless. Once I become a Nascent Soul cultivator, I can occupy any spiritual vein and no one will dare to provoke me."

Lin Chang'an's eyes flashed with determination, and a moment later he came to the palace to request an audience.

In the main hall.

Upon hearing the report from the cultivators below, the Sixth Elder couldn't help but smile.

"You've just come out of seclusion and come to visit me in Haiyuan City. Not bad. Speak to me."

As the Bihai Palace cultivators respectfully descended, Lin Chang'an walked in slowly with a solemn and respectful expression.

"Lin Chang'an, a wandering cultivator from overseas, pays his respects to the Sixth Elder."

Upon seeing Lin Chang'an, the Sixth Elder let out a soft exclamation, then nodded with a satisfied smile.

"Your cultivation is at the late stage of Core Formation. It seems you are well-prepared for this trip into the secret realm."

Although many high-grade third-tier array masters have been found, most cultivators have limited energy and focus their attention on their skills, so their cultivation will naturally be neglected.

The Sixth Elder was naturally extremely satisfied with Lin Chang'an, a sword cultivator at the late Core Formation stage who was also known for his offensive prowess.

Upon hearing the Sixth Elder's praise, Lin Chang'an respectfully cupped his hands and said:

"It's all thanks to the pills bestowed by the Sixth Elder; otherwise, Lin Chang'an wouldn't have broken through to the late stage of Core Formation so quickly."

His purpose in coming to Haiyuan City last time was obvious. At this level of cultivation, sincerity is far better than hypocrisy.

Even if it's greed, it's genuine greed.

"Indeed, since you're here, I'll hand over this fragment of the secret realm map to you, saving me the trouble of giving it to you another day."

With a flick of his wrist, a fragment of a map, shimmering with spiritual light, slowly landed in Lin Chang'an's hand. The Sixth Elder nodded calmly and said:
"Once the secret realm opens, we will gather in the Starry Sea. At that time, the Grand Elder, Elder Lu, and I will personally lead you to participate in the secret realm together."

"Thank you, Sixth Elder."

Since he's here, he has to pay his respects to this powerful figure.

Regardless of whether there are any benefits or not, you can't possibly lose out.

"Since you're here, Baoguang Pavilion will be holding an internal auction soon. All the attendees will be cultivators from various forces that are allies of my Bihai Palace. If you have time, you should go and take a look."

With a flick of his wrist, a streak of light appeared, and Lin Chang'an held a beautiful, fiery red jade pendant inscribed with the number six.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an was overjoyed; indeed, it's never wrong to be overly polite.

The Nascent Soul cultivator was satisfied with just a tiny bit of his finger showing.

Lin Chang'an gratefully flattered him again.

He had heard of the high-level auctions held inside the Azure Sea Palace before; they were all attended by cultivators from the Azure Sea Palace and its affiliated forces.

Especially recently, with the turbulent situation, rumors have been circulating that high-level treasures will be auctioned at Baoguang Pavilion's internal auctions.

Although the cultivators outside knew that this was a blatant conspiracy by the Azure Sea Palace, they were still tempted by the allure of profit and some were still willing to join them.

……

After leaving the Sixth Elder's cave, Lin Chang'an, accompanied by his sword attendant, traveled all the way to the mountains of Haiyuan City.

"Master, the spiritual energy here is so rich."

Even the usually taciturn sword attendant couldn't help but sigh as they flew over layer after layer of mountains.

"These are all cave dwellings rented by the Azure Sea Palace or by Core Formation cultivators under its command, while outside cultivators can only rent those below the thirtieth floor."

Although Lin Chang'an spoke calmly, they arrived at the thirty-ninth level of the mountain range.

"Old Hu really knows how to enjoy life."

Looking at the scene, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his eye.

The sea of ​​clouds surged and flowed beneath my feet, and under the setting sun, it was dyed into a dreamy purple haze, with ever-changing light and shadow, creating a magnificent spectacle.

The mountain stream is filled with all sorts of exotic flowers and rare herbs, and spirit birds and cranes fly about.

At this moment, Lin Chang'an finally understood the meaning of the saying, "I fear both the suffering and the well-being of my fellow Daoist."

He used to think that although Hu Jin was treated well in the Enforcement Hall, it was still quite dangerous for him.

But upon seeing this place, he immediately rejected his previous idea.

Each layer of mountains in Haiyuan City is extremely vast, and countless cultivators reside there.

As Lin Chang'an's communication talisman flashed, the restrictions on a cave dwelling opened, and a familiar laugh rang out.

"Hey, Lao Lin, you've finally come out of seclusion! I, Lao Hu, thought you were going to run away because you didn't want to give your share of the money."

Amidst the echoing laughter, Hu Jin, clad in a pale gold robe, appeared dazzlingly.

The next moment, he stepped forward and gave Lin Chang'an a big hug, then laughed loudly:
"But it's alright. I knew you were the kind of person who would never let your friends suffer. You've come all this way, so you must be here to make up for this big gift."

"It's no big deal. Fairy Ni Chang from Xuan Yin Pavilion has already presented you with a generous gift. I, Old Hu, am not short of spirit stones."

Seeing Hu Jin's teasing expression, Lin Chang'an was speechless for a moment, but still raised an eyebrow and teased back:

"Is that so? It turns out that Fellow Daoist Ni Chang has already given this generous gift on my behalf. It seems I should keep this gift."

"Don't! Don't!"

Upon hearing this, King Hu, who had just been putting on an act, immediately lost his composure, his eyes widening as he waved his hands repeatedly, saying:
"Old Lin, I, Old Hu, can't compare to you. I used to run a black market in Tianxuan City, but when I came to Haiyuan City, you started doing the same thing again."

The business on Azure Wave Island, and the mining operations with the Seven Kingdoms Alliance—I, Old Hu, have been green with envy for ages. Others may not know, but I know how lucrative the black market is.”

Amidst their banter and laughter, the two had already entered Hu Jin's cave.

It has to be said that the Azure Sea Palace is really generous to its own people; the spiritual energy in this cave is even two or three times richer than that on Azure Wave Island.

In addition, the surrounding environment is ideal for planting spiritual herbs and fruits, and being in Haiyuan City, it is safe and secure.

At the same time, Lin Chang'an also met Lao Hu's Daoist partner, a sweet-looking female cultivator in the mid-stage of Core Formation.

"Greetings, sister-in-law."

"Back when we were in the Enforcement Hall, I always heard Brother Hu mention your close friend. Today, seeing you in person, it's just as Brother Hu said. No wonder you were able to captivate even Fairy Ni Chang."

The sweet-looking sister-in-law made some lighthearted jokes, which made the conversation feel natural and not at all arrogant or condescending.

Finally, inside the cave, a pot of spirit wine was set out. Hu Jin laughed heartily and sat down with Lin Chang'an for a long chat, while the sword attendant was taken away by his sister-in-law to meet her in another elegant residence.

……

After a few rounds of drinks, the sky was filled with stars.

Inside the pavilion, Hu Jin placed several plates of pastries and two jugs of fine spirit wine.

"Old Lin, after this secret realm, listen to me. Either stay far away or join the Azure Sea Palace. Whatever you do, don't go out to roam the outer sea."

After discussing other matters, Hu Jin's expression turned serious, and he began to admonish Lin Chang'an.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an secretly wondered if the Bihai Palace might be planning something big.

"Old Lin, I really don't know the specifics, but things are definitely going to get chaotic overseas."

Hu Jinneng has already done a remarkable job, and Lin Chang'an smiled upon hearing this.

"Don't worry, I certainly don't want to get involved."

"That's good. This place is indeed rich in resources, but there's one downside: it's too chaotic."

Hu Jin, who had worked in the Enforcement Hall for over a hundred years, also looked utterly helpless.

Back in Yue Kingdom, at least you had some breathing room, but here, the battles between the Jie cultivators below are practically a daily occurrence.

For the Demon Beast Abyss, only a conflict between the Azure Sea Palace and the Sixteen Sects of Zhenhai, or an invasion by the sea race, would constitute a period of turmoil.

Otherwise, they are all minor matters.

"By the way, Lao Lin, quite a few people will be going into this secret realm. Don't be fooled by the fact that they might be allies outside. Once inside, if the treasures are tempting enough, they'll start fighting immediately."

So, Old Lin, you need to be careful. After completing the Sixth Elder's task, if you really have any ideas, don't get carried away with this final step. Don't listen to the rumors outside.

Lin Chang'an was naturally aware of the rumors that Hu Jin mentioned.

The last level of this secret realm was a battlefield for Nascent Soul cultivators. However, three or four thousand years ago, during a battle between various Nascent Soul cultivators, an incident occurred in which a Core Formation cultivator managed to gain an advantage.

More importantly, this Core Formation cultivator was only at the mid-stage, which was a direct slap in the face to all the Nascent Soul cultivators.

It caused a sensation at the time, and the legend of this person still circulates in the Monster Sea Abyss to this day.

This person later condensed his Nascent Soul and became a renowned late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, even becoming the legendary number one cultivator in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss.

Unfortunately, they disappeared during the sea monster tide.

“I have certainly heard of this legendary cultivator. I’ve heard that he is skilled at controlling a kind of spirit insect, but as you said, the Demon Beast Abyss has existed for tens of thousands of years, and only one like him has ever appeared. How could I possibly be tempted by him?”

Lin Chang'an was both amused and exasperated, but he still felt heartened by his relationship with Hu Jin.

He dares to say he doesn't get a headache, it's all because he had the opportunity.

If a Core Formation cultivator is lost and confused about the future, he believes that almost every cultivator who dares to enter the secret realm would choose to take a chance in the face of such an opportunity.

In the end, the two talked a lot, and Lin Chang'an also learned that Lao Hu was in the Law Enforcement Hall, and that he had gone through several dangerous situations with this Core Formation female cultivator, and that they had developed feelings for each other over time.

Then they became Daoist partners, and now Hu Jin is at ease.

However, according to Hu Jin, he is not a freeloader; he is receiving a dowry from his ancestors, which he obtained in the secret realm.

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but feel envious upon hearing this. Back in Tianxuan City, Old Hu had often mentioned that his ancestors had almost produced a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Looking back now, what Lao Hu said was really the truth.

"Attend the auction?"

“Indeed, this exploration of the secret realm is fraught with risks. I want to see if there is any fourth-order fire-attribute demon beast blood, or earth-attribute demon core that the Green Horned Ox can use.”

He didn't need to hide it from Hu Jin, and his needs needed to be made public; there was no way to conceal them.

"There shouldn't be any major problems. As things become increasingly turbulent outside, recent auctions have featured a variety of rare treasures, attracting countless independent cultivators to join."

Hu Jin nodded solemnly upon hearing this.

Lin Chang'an also learned a lot of information from Hu Jin, information that he couldn't obtain from outside or from the Seven Nations Alliance. After all, everyone has a different identity and is in a different place, so the intelligence they receive will naturally differ.

Lin Chang'an learned from Hu Jin that there was a lot of turmoil in the outer sea, which was more serious than he had imagined. It was said that a fight between Nascent Soul forces could break out at the slightest carelessness.

"And this Xuan Yin Old Demon recently offended Master Lu. I heard that his personal disciple, Huang Tianxiao, secretly infiltrated the Ghost Realm and made a deal with the Yin Spirit Ghost King."

The Seven Nations Alliance and the Four Seas Merchant Guild haven't been keeping an eye on things all along; actually, our Azure Sea Palace has been watching too…”

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered. He didn't want to pay any attention to these Nascent Soul cultivators' fights as long as they didn't affect him.

However, if given the chance, Huang Tianxiao wouldn't mind avenging Lao Gui and He Yan.

Of course, there's also his grudge against the Huang family of Li Huo Palace.

"However, everything else is secondary right now. We must acquire the fire-attribute demon beast blood needed to craft a fourth-tier talisman and the spiritual item used by the Azure Horned Ox for its breakthrough."

Lin Chang'an pondered for a moment. He decided that once he got what he wanted from the auction, he would leave and then stay put, not causing any trouble, and quietly wait for the secret realm to open.

The two had not seen each other for many years, and spent three days drinking and discussing Taoism at the Taoist temple before Lin Chang'an took his leave with his sword attendant.

……

Two and a half months later, the Baoguangge Auction began.

During this time, Hu Jin also took Lin Chang'an to visit and get to know many fellow Daoists, and to learn a lot about the Bihai Palace.

Although it wasn't explicitly stated, Lin Chang'an could tell.

Hu Jin intended to recruit him into the Azure Sea Palace. After all, with his skills as a third-tier high-grade array master, if he were to join the Azure Sea Palace, his status would not be that of an ordinary Core Formation cultivator.

Lin Chang'an naturally understood Hu Jin's good intentions.

If he didn't have some secrets and wasn't plotting with Yun Yao, joining Bihai Palace might actually have been a good choice.

"However, the current situation is turbulent, and many cultivators are still observing whether to join the Azure Sea Palace. At least the turmoil will end."

The cultivators who joined the Azure Sea Palace at this time were all desperate fugitives.

After all, in the midst of turmoil, the Azure Sea Palace would definitely push these people to the front lines; crisis can also be an opportunity.

"Fellow Taoist, please."

Upon entering a spacious auction hall inside the Baoguang Pavilion, two elderly men with gray hair and beards greeted everyone with smiles.

Lin Chang'an could also see clearly that, in addition to the internal cultivators, countless outside cultivators were also able to enter this auction.

As he asked, the maid led them, the inner cultivators, into the private room, explaining the situation.

"Seniors, although this auction is open to these visiting cultivators, the final few treasures will only be available to internal cultivators."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an was taken aback and then fell silent.

He could already imagine the allure of the final few treasures, but the countless outside cultivators below could only watch helplessly, without even a chance to participate.

It's for them to see.

"This Bihai Palace is really blatantly using benefits to lure people in."

Lin Chang'an shook his head inwardly. Although this method was barbaric and direct, it was undeniably tempting.

The treasures are being flaunted to lure you in; join the Azure Sea Palace and you'll have a chance.

But none of this concerns him.

"At least now I'm one of them."

Lin Chang'an, inside the private room, held a cup of spiritual tea and looked at the group of cultivators below, a calm expression on his face.

……

A moment later, the auction began.

The opening scene features a Foundation Establishment level spiritual item, which is fine at first, but not very attractive to Core Formation cultivators.

However, after some rare spiritual objects appeared that could match or even increase the chances of forming a core, some core cultivators with sects or descendants also became envious.

"The Crimson Blood Fruit is known to all as having the miraculous effect of cleansing magical power. As long as a cultivator in the late Foundation Establishment stage consumes this spiritual fruit, he can cleanse his own magical power and make it more refined."

It even possesses the miraculous effect of increasing the chances of forming a Golden Core and even improving the quality of the Golden Core. The starting bid is now 80,000 mid-grade spirit stones!

At the bustling auction, Lin Chang'an was also amazed; such spiritual items were extremely rare and hard to come by.

Unfortunately, he had no descendants, so he didn't have to worry about that.

Moreover, this spiritual object only provides a slight boost, and only those cultivators with strong foundations, or those with only one or two descendants to take care of them, might be willing to grit their teeth and use it.

As the auction proceeded in full swing, the items needed by Core Formation cultivators began to be auctioned off. The Foundation Establishment cultivators who had been excitedly waiting could only watch with envy as these legendary treasures were left unseen.

"Next up is the blood of a fourth-tier fire-attribute demon beast. Whether used for cultivation, body tempering, or crafting magic weapons, it is a rare and precious spiritual item."

There are six bottles in total, each priced at two hundred high-grade spirit stones!

boom!
When the standards for trading high-grade spirit stones were introduced, even some low-level Core Formation cultivators showed expressions of shock.

Although there is only a one-word difference between high-grade and mid-grade spirit stones, their values ​​are worlds apart.

High-grade spirit stones are already considered currency for Nascent Soul cultivators, and they are even more precious to Core Formation cultivators.

Even Lin Chang'an usually couldn't bear to waste it, only using it to set up formations or to restore his magic power in dangerous situations.

"Back then, I only obtained a little over five thousand high-grade spirit stones in the Crimson Fire Treasure, which is for a Nascent Soul cultivator. In addition, I only obtained a little over one hundred high-grade spirit stones from the Blood Fiend True Man's ruins in the Cloud Mist Mountains."

Although there were some reasons such as consumption, Blood Fiend True Man was at the peak of the late Core Formation stage.

This demonstrates the rarity and value of top-grade spirit stones.

"Two hundred and ten high-grade spirit stones!"

Upon seeing the fire-attribute demon beast blood, Lin Chang'an immediately started bidding.

These are the materials he needs to make talismans.

"Two hundred and fifteen high-grade spirit stones!"

When it came to bidding for high-grade spirit stones, all the cultivators were solemn in their bidding. Lin Chang'an had not yet seen anyone so extravagant as to accumulate bids of one hundred at a time.

"Although I have quite a few high-grade spirit stones, I can't reveal them, otherwise it will easily arouse suspicion."

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered. A few hundred high-grade spirit stones wouldn't arouse suspicion, but if he could spend thousands, then there would be a problem.

In the end, Lin Chang'an acquired two bottles of fourth-tier demon beast blood for 235 and 230 yuan respectively.

"If the Phoenix Bird breaks through to the fourth rank in the future, won't it be able to earn spirit stones by selling its blood?"

Looking at the two bottles of demonic beast blood he had just received, Lin Chang'an was speechless. Who did this palm-sized jade bottle think it was?

However, he also knew that the blood of these demonic beasts had been purified, and although it was not as good as the essence blood, it was still a rare item.

Having the knowledge of a Nascent Soul cultivator like the Crimson Fire Demon, he knew this even more clearly.

These things are beneath the notice of Nascent Soul cultivators; they are used to harvest spirit stones from the cultivators below.

Things are rare.

Then various treasures appeared, including finished magical artifacts, rare materials for crafting magical artifacts, spiritual items for enhancing cultivation, and so on.

"A high-grade, third-tier breakthrough pill. Those of you who have been stuck at the mid-stage of Core Formation for many years may only need one of these pills to break through to the late-stage of Core Formation..."

"Shui Lingshan, this is a top-grade material for refining water-attribute magic weapons..."

Amidst the dazzling array of fine silks and brocades, Lin Chang'an was overwhelmed. He only bought another third-tier earth-attribute demon core, leaving the rest untouched.

"Next up is the grand finale of this auction, which can only be bid on by cultivators within my Azure Sea Palace and our allies."

The first treasure is a fourth-tier Spirit Concentration Incense, which helps in forming a Nascent Soul…

boom!
No one expected that the first treasure would be related to Nascent Soul formation. Even Lin Chang'an, who didn't care much about it, couldn't help but show a solemn expression.

"The Azure Sea Palace is quite a grand project."

Although he is planning to form a nascent soul, to be honest, he hasn't found a single clue about any spiritual object related to condensing a nascent soul.

At most, he only has the experience of the Crimson Fire Demon in condensing a Nascent Soul.

"The second treasure is a Bodhi seed. As everyone knows, Bodhi beads are treasures that even Nascent Soul True Monarchs would covet, and this Bodhi seed is no less effective."

When the nascent soul is formed, it has the effect of stabilizing the primordial spirit and calming the mind and soul; simply put, it helps to resist inner demons!

Countless cultivators stared wide-eyed at the auction, yet the scene was eerily quiet.

Only a dozen or so private rooms were offered at prices; this was the bait thrown out by Bihai Palace.

"What an extravagant tactic! Using this opportunity to showcase their strength to the outside world and to win over various forces internally, while also concealing their identities within these dozen or so private rooms."

"Only seven people had pledged allegiance to the Azure Sea Palace, but now there are so many more. Who are they?"

Sitting in the private room, Lin Chang'an saw only various schemes and plots surrounding this auction.

The outside world will definitely be suspicious, and he is even sure that after this auction, there will be a lot of rumors, which will just stir up trouble in the Sixteen Sects of Zhenhai.

How many of them then defected to the Bihai Palace?

"But none of that matters to me. It's just that these Nascent Soul artifacts are damn expensive."

Lin Chang'an stared wide-eyed, even feeling a little tempted to take the risk, since he was going to run away after leaving the secret realm anyway.

But when he saw the price, he immediately fell silent.

My heart is strong, but my will is insufficient.

He only has a little over five thousand high-grade spirit stones, not even enough for one piece.

These are often worth tens of thousands of high-grade spirit stones.

Then three more items appeared, all related to Nascent Soul formation. Many cultivators in the auction hall below stared wide-eyed, revealing greedy expressions.

"Brother Hao, I feel that joining the Bihai Palace might be a good idea for us. Fortune favors the bold. Otherwise, when will we ever have a chance? At least we should have a thought."

"Is this the true power of the number one overlord of the Demon Beast Sea Abyss?!"

"The Azure Sea Palace is truly cunning. It's clearly meant to be a reward for their so-called allies, yet they hold an auction to show it off."

"The stuff is good, but you have to be alive to get it. Are you just rushing to become cannon fodder now?"

Just as everyone was discussing it, another treasure appeared at the auction, but this time it was intelligence.

"Next is a report on the Yin Soul Sect, which involves the Profound Yin Old Demon and the Transformed Yin Spirit Beast King..."

Good heavens, even Lin Chang'an couldn't help but narrow his eyes. This Bihai Palace really wanted to stir up trouble in the outer sea.

This intelligence was clearly sold to Nascent Soul cultivators, not Core Formation cultivators.

"However, I had already heard from Fellow Daoist Ni Chang that this Xuan Yin Old Demon seems to be colluding with the Transformed Beast King, and that Huang Tianxiao also risked coming to the Ghost Realm and was besieged by the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce."

I've heard Lao Hu mention this before, so what role does Bihai Palace play in all of this?

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered. The water in this Demon Beast Abyss was getting deeper and deeper, so he should leave as soon as possible.

“Yun Yao has also written before, and I will come in the next year or two. I hope to learn from Yun Yao what kind of conspiracy there is.”

At this point, Lin Chang'an had no interest in staying here anymore. He just wanted to get back quickly, settle down, pack up, and then make his escape.

The last treasure was actually the Nascent Soul Fruit, a genuine spiritual object for forming a Nascent Soul, which caused a sensation at the scene.

After Lin Chang'an left the auction with his sword attendants, the aftermath of the auction began to spread.

"Master, it seems that the Azure Sea Palace intends to recruit forces from all sides this time."

Even the sword attendant could see it clearly, so Lin Chang'an was certainly not stupid.

"Alright, we've got what we needed this time. Let's go say goodbye to Lao Hu and then head back."

"Yes, Master!"

……

"Old Lin, take care!"

Outside Haiyuan City, Hu Jin looked solemnly at Lin Chang'an and cupped his hands in greeting. He had already settled in Bihai Palace and could no longer wander around as before.

"Old Hu, take care too."

With a serious look in his eyes, Lin Chang'an naturally noticed the changes in Hu Jin.

That initial drive seems to have gradually faded away after settling down and starting a family.

Along this journey, it seems that even Hu Jin, who has been by my side for so long, has stopped.

This made Lin Chang'an sigh inwardly; everyone has their own destiny.

Old Hu settling down and starting a family is a choice many accomplished Core Formation cultivators make.

Compared to the elusive and extremely risky Nascent Soul stage, becoming a solid Core Formation ancestor isn't so bad.

"gone."

With a relaxed smile, Lin Chang'an cupped his hands in greeting, mounted the Green Horned Ox, and headed towards the Five Dragons Island waters with his sword attendant.

As he stood silently watching the disappearing figure, Hu Jin's eyes were unfocused, and a series of memories surfaced in his mind.

"Brother Hu, you can do it too."

Just then, Hu Jin's Daoist partner seemed to have noticed something and spoke gently.

However, Hu Jin chuckled after hearing this, then shook his head and said with a laugh:
"What do you mean 'can'? Nascent Soul isn't that easy to form, and the risks are extremely high. I, Old Hu, still want to see Little Hu become a Core Formation cultivator and carry on the Hu family line."

As he said this, Hu Jin gently stroked his partner's lower abdomen.

Having offspring and not having offspring are two different things.

He suddenly didn't want to take any risks, especially since the Nascent Soul stage was a matter of life and death.

It would be better to enjoy the next few hundred years, with two or three close friends, drinking and having fun, and with a good partner to accompany you for life.

As Hu Jin returned with his Daoist partner, he glanced at the golden sunset out of the corner of his eye, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes.

Perhaps it's regret that they gave up the Path to Nascent Soul.

Who wouldn't want to pursue the Path to Nascent Soul?

Unfortunately, most Core Formation cultivators hesitated for a hundred years, ultimately gaining nothing and having no choice but to give up.

The opportunity to reach the Nascent Soul stage isn't about having a chance or not; it's that many cultivators don't even have a single clue or direction.

Lin Chang'an's unwavering resolve stemmed largely from the fact that he had a clear direction from the very beginning.

Even without anything else, he would still risk it all, relying on his Xuan Tian Spiritual Body.

　Ahem, I was supposed to take a day off today to write 4,000 words, but I made an appointment at the hospital and got the date wrong.

　　Damn, what a wasted trip! Hurry back and get back to writing. Another 8,000 words today. Waaah, I'll be taking a day off tomorrow for a single chapter.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)