Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 405 Six Years Later, Heading to White Wall City [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

Time flies, and six years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Lin Chang'an settled down in the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect and maintained a low-key cultivation habit.

To outsiders, this scene didn't seem unusual. After all, how many young late-stage Core Formation cultivators would be willing to risk their Nascent Soul stage without actually reaching it?

However, because Lin Chang'an pretended to practice demonic techniques, some rumors have circulated within the sect over the years.

Labeled as 'Elder Xiao the Ascetic' and 'Elder Xiao the Demonic Cultivator', Elder Xiao is especially known among the cultivators of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect for his expertise in corpse refining.

【Lifespan: 294/875】

[Realm Level: Late Golden Core (68/100)]

Inside the cave, Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes. A layer of cold frost had formed around the cave, confirming the rumors that he cultivated the Yin-cold demonic cultivation technique.

"The speed at which the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators refine the Frost Flame is indeed incomparable to that of those at the Core Formation Realm."

In addition to crafting corpse puppets for the sect over the years, and his practice of using yin and cold demonic techniques, he also openly exchanged a lot of ice crystals and cold energy within the sect for cultivation.

This is also one of the reasons for accelerating the refining speed of the Frost Flame.

"It has been twelve years since I left the Demon Beast Sea Abyss."

Upon waking from seclusion, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but look towards the direction of the Demon Beast Sea Abyss, and then let out a long sigh, realizing that he had lost contact with these old friends.

However, Yun Yao's soul lamp was stable, proving that there was no danger.

"If my cultivation progresses steadily, reaching the peak of the late Core Formation stage in about fifty years shouldn't be a problem, but this Profound Heaven Spiritual Body!"

Looking at his cultivation progress, Lin Chang'an fell into deep thought.

His progress in the late stage of Core Formation was still so stable, which was due not only to his talent but also to the abundant resources he had accumulated over the years.

However, the Xuan Tian Spiritual Body requires the cultivation of the three chapters—Dharma, Body, and Spirit—to the late stage of Core Formation.

Of the three, his spiritual sense even surpassed the Nascent Soul realm, but his body refinement, due to the short cultivation time, has always been the weakest of the three.

Body tempering is different from other techniques; it requires persistent effort and consumes a great deal of resources.

"Back then, I broke through to the third level of Body Refinement at the age of 212, and then broke through to the middle stage of the third level at the age of 255. If this cultivation speed were to get out..."

Actually, he's not much worse than those geniuses from those sects.

Now he can clearly feel that he has been in the middle stage of the third level of body refinement for many years. If he continues to cultivate diligently step by step, it will only take another 10 or 20 years of hard work. There is no rush.

However, apart from increasing the chances of forming a Nascent Soul, the other effects of the Mysterious Heaven Spirit Body were somewhat tempting to him.

"Fellow Daoist, is the Mysterious Heavenly Spiritual Body you speak of truly so effective?"

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but stand up and look at the scroll hanging inside the cave.

The red-clad, remnant soul in the scroll emitted a languid sound, as if it had just awakened from a deep sleep.

"Don't even think about achieving the Great Perfection of your Spirit Body now; it's too far away for you. But I can tell you with certainty that you only need to begin condensing your Spirit Body."

The circulation of magical power is almost endless. If one breaks through to the Nascent Soul Realm, this self-healing body can even advance to an indestructible body, with all sorts of wonders…”

Hearing the other party boast about the Mysterious Heavenly Spiritual Body again, Lin Chang'an was speechless for a moment, and waved his hand, saying:
"I'm referring to the hidden and concealed supernatural abilities of the Xuan Tian Spirit Body. Are they really as miraculous as you describe?"

Once the Xuan Tian Spirit Body is formed, according to the other party, my combat power will increase again. I am afraid that even if I am not the number one person below the Nascent Soul stage, I will be not much worse.

But he knew all of this; what truly captivated him was the hidden supernatural power of the Xuan Tian Spirit Body.

"That's it!?"

The remnant soul in red within the scroll was speechless. Everyone else was focused on powerful divine abilities, but you were focused on this sneaky one. You're a disgrace to the name Xuan Tian.

However, Lin Chang'an nodded calmly and said:

"Fellow Daoist is an ancient cultivator, so you naturally have no shortage of various cultivation resources. However, I need to be cautious in order to plan for this Nascent Soul spiritual object, so I dare not be careless in the slightest."

Hearing this, the remnant soul in red couldn't help but frown slightly, as if something came to mind, but then he had a headache and finally put it aside for the time being.

"Don't worry, even if the Xuan Tian Spirit Body is initially formed, it has its own hidden and concealing abilities, which even a Nascent Soul cultivator will not be able to detect in the slightest."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an fell into deep thought.

It's not that he's cowardly, but rather that he needs to be prepared for the worst.

After all, even Nascent Soul cultivators would be tempted by such a Nascent Soul spiritual object.

Now that he has no powerful backing, even though he has joined the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, he is still just a guest elder from outside the sect. Therefore, he needs to prepare for the worst.

"Having condensed the Xuan Tian Spiritual Body, my combat power has increased once again. Although I cannot match a Nascent Soul cultivator, I can rely on my various supernatural abilities to escape and then conceal my presence."

Only then will we truly possess the power to fight against Nascent Soul cultivators.

Although this fighting force has the potential to escape.

But in the thousands of years of cultivation, how many Core Formation cultivators have managed to escape from Nascent Soul cultivators?
When facing a Nascent Soul cultivator, his Ice Lotus Frost Flame is actually his trump card, but although it is powerful, a Nascent Soul cultivator will not stand still and let him hit him.

"Body tempering! A body tempering spiritual item that helps break through to the late stage of the third tier is extremely rare."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but look towards the outside of the cave.

If it's the White Wall City Auction of the Guardian Alliance, there should be no shortage of such spiritual items; even Nascent Soul spiritual items might be available here.

White Wall City is named after the Nascent Soul Grandmaster White Wall Sword Saint from the Southern Region.

Three hundred years ago, the six sects of the demonic path intended to unify the Southern Region, but as a result, countless neutral forces and independent cultivators formed an alliance to establish the Protectorate Alliance.

And this White Wall Sword Saint is the leader of the Protectorate Alliance.

Sects like Daqian, Wanduzong, and Shishan Valley were once members of the Protectorate Alliance, but without external pressure, they naturally fell apart again.

However, White Wall City's status is unshakeable, and it is also a sacred place in the hearts of countless independent cultivators in the Southern Region.

In the past three hundred years, there was once a rogue cultivator in the late stage of Core Formation who obtained a Nascent Soul spiritual object in White Wall City and was fortunate enough to advance to the Nascent Soul stage.

The condition is that if the six sects of the Demonic Path invade again in the future, they must join the battlefield as members of the Protectorate Alliance.

Upon arriving in the Southern Region and hearing about this, Lin Chang'an considered it briefly and then gave up on joining White Wall City.

These conditions seem like freedom, but in reality, they mean selling one's entire life to the Protectorate Alliance. After all, he has a long road ahead of him and doesn't want to fight to the death for other forces.

……

"My...Young Master!"

Stepping out of the cave, one sees a sword attendant sitting cross-legged in front of the waterfall, dressed in black and holding two black swords, seemingly comprehending the divine power of swordsmanship.

However, upon seeing Lin Chang'an emerge from seclusion, a smile involuntarily appeared on the sword servant's cold face. But when he spoke, he habitually wanted to address his master.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an nodded in satisfaction.

“Not bad. Even as a sword cultivator in the late stage of Core Formation, I can feel the sharpness and brilliance of your sword intent.”

It's obvious that the sword servant hasn't been idle these past few years, and has finally broken through the bottleneck, entering the late stage of Core Formation.

The Sword Servant is only 178 years old now. He broke through to the late stage of Core Formation before he turned 180. As long as nothing unexpected happens, he will definitely be able to try to break through to the Nascent Soul stage before he turns 300.

If this were placed in a Nascent Soul sect, it would be the top choice for a Nascent Soul seed.

In the last three hundred years, within the sphere of influence of the Protectorate Alliance, only this Ice Butterfly True Monarch has broken through to the Nascent Soul stage at over two hundred years old.

"It's all thanks to the young master for giving me so many cultivation resources; otherwise, I wouldn't be where I am today."

The swordsman stepped forward and bowed respectfully, fully aware of how far he had come.

"Young master, this is freshly brewed spiritual tea."

Lin Chang'an, dressed in black, sat upright in the pavilion, but to avoid arousing suspicion, he had changed many of his previous habits.

For example, sitting posture and the posture for drinking tea.

Listening to the sword attendant report on the recent situation, Lin Chang'an chuckled and played with the teacup in his hand, his posture slightly tilted, which was in line with the unruly personality of a rogue cultivator of the demonic path.

He was dressed in black with golden flame patterns embroidered on his clothes, and his eyes were slightly bloodshot, as if he had been affected by evil energy while practicing demonic arts.

"Young Master, according to the latest intelligence, the outer sea of ​​the Demon Beast Abyss is turbulent, but the Azure Sea Palace seems to remain unaffected..."

Although the Demon Beast Abyss is far from here, these top forces still have trade relations with it, and thus bring some intelligence.

However, a round trip would take several years, and the information reported by the sword attendant now is at least several years old.

"It didn't descend into chaos? That's somewhat surprising."

Lin Chang'an was somewhat taken aback upon hearing this. Logically speaking, the situation before the opening of the secret realm seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

Surprisingly, things didn't get chaotic. After a moment of surprise, he was actually quite pleased.

After all, whether it's Lao Hu, Ni Chang, or Xuan Yin Ge, the Bi Hai Palace hasn't experienced any turmoil, so naturally, the dangers they face are relatively much smaller.

Even if the Demon Beast Abyss is at peace, he will not go back.

Not only does he possess the Cold Flame, but he also has so many resources from the Xuan Yin Demonic Sect on him. What if a little bit of news leaks out when he sells them?

Then he's finished.

In truth, any valuable assets he possesses are things that cannot be made public.

"However, it's also good news. It's been twelve years. Trade between the two sides has continued, and some materials have been gradually sold off without arousing suspicion."

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. It wasn't that he was being cautious, but many of the resources were unique to the Demon Beast Sea Abyss, and their sudden appearance in large quantities could easily arouse suspicion.

He didn't want to cause trouble for himself.

Moreover, what he lacks now is a spiritual object for Nascent Soul formation and high-level materials for body refinement.

"Recently, among the four major powers, the Great Qian has won over and appeased many small and medium-sized forces, while the Sima family has established connections with multiple forces through marriage alliances..."

Listening to the sword attendant's report, it was clear that while the four major powers appeared to be at peace, their private struggles never ceased.

Lin Chang'an nodded in agreement. The reason he chose this place was because he saw that the four major powers had just experienced turmoil and would not be at war again in the short term.

"Also..."

At this point, the sword attendant paused, glanced at Lin Chang'an, lowered his voice, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:

"Some families from the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect have sent letters saying that there are suitable young female cultivators in their families who can be taken as concubines if the master is interested."

Lin Chang'an chuckled softly upon hearing this.

Sure enough, as one's strength increases, the treatment changes.

Now, with him and his sword attendant, two cultivators at the late Core Formation stage, even in the long-established Ten Thousand Poisons Sect, apart from the two Supreme Elders, they are a formidable force.

He is also a top-tier expert, and one of the very few in the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

These so-called "concubines" are all just a way to curry favor with a powerful patron.

"Don't bother."

Lin Chang'an waved his hand casually. He had cultivated all the way to where he was now, and he didn't want to find anyone to hold him back.

Unless it's a genius like a sword servant, who can also be of help to oneself.

Otherwise, he wouldn't want to waste his energy training some low-level cultivators.

……

The main hall of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

"Changfeng, these are five Yin Sha Corpse Puppets crafted by Elder Xiao of the sect. Although they are only at the mid-stage of the third rank, when they work together, their strength is not inferior to that of a late-stage Core Formation cultivator."

The sect's Grand Elder, Cheng Qingsong, handed the five corpse puppets to his disciple with a look of satisfaction on his face.

This Teng Changfeng is also the most promising seed for Nascent Soul formation in the sect. He has been nurtured for many years, and he and Fairy Bingdie were once fellow disciples.

"Thank you, Master."

Teng Changfeng was handsome, and after receiving this protective measure, he couldn't help but show his gratitude.

"Alright, my lifespan is nearing its end. I'm afraid I'll have to entrust this sect to Bingdie and you in the future."

Upon hearing the words "Ice Butterfly," Teng Changfeng couldn't help but show a hint of excitement on his face.

This scene naturally did not escape the eyes of his master, but after a moment's hesitation, the Supreme Elder Cheng Qingsong said quietly:
"Back then, in order to conceal Ice Butterfly's talent, she kept a low profile and even went so far as to spread rumors of a marriage agreement with your Teng family. However, all of this was in preparation for secretly forming her Nascent Soul..."

The Nascent Soul seed of any faction is a target of hostile forces, so each faction will try every means to hide it.

Before she formed her Nascent Soul, this Ice Butterfly Fairy was virtually unknown and kept extremely hidden. It was only because the commotion she caused when she formed her Nascent Soul was so great, with the celestial phenomenon of breaking out of the cocoon and becoming a butterfly, coupled with the leak of information by an insider.

This is why the fact that True Monarch Ice Butterfly used the ancient and wondrous Ice Silkworm as his natal spirit Gu became common knowledge, given his already strong talent.

As a result, the presence of a natal spirit Gu to strengthen the spirit body naturally attracted the attention of hostile forces who plotted against it.

"Master, this disciple understands."

Seeing the admonishing look in his master's eyes, Teng Changfeng showed a hint of embarrassment.

Upon seeing this, Cheng Qingsong chuckled and waved his hand, saying:
"The previous methods were all hidden and don't matter. If you can successfully form your Nascent Soul and become the third Supreme Elder in the sect..."

When he said this, Cheng Qingsong didn't say much, but his meaningful look said it all.

At that time, there will only be two young Nascent Soul cultivators left in the sect, and you will definitely have to support each other and move forward together.

Whether you can achieve your goals depends on your own efforts.

After all, in the cultivation world, strength is paramount. He was merely the senior uncle of this Ice Butterfly niece, not her master, so there were some things he couldn't force to bring together.

"Alright, go and make some preparations. The White Wall City Auction will be held in a few months, and there will definitely be some of the main ingredients for the Nascent Soul Pill at that time."

I only hope you won't disappoint your master, and even more so, you won't disappoint the sect.

Seeing that his master was preparing protective measures and materials for him to form his Nascent Soul, Teng Changfeng was filled with gratitude.

"Okay, let's go down."

With Elder Cheng Da waving his hand, Teng Changfeng respectfully took his leave.

Inside the imposing hall, Elder Cheng couldn't help but show a hint of embarrassment on his face.

"Nephew, please don't blame your uncle."

As the conversation unfolded in the void, the figure of True Monarch Ice Butterfly slowly appeared behind the main hall. "My senior uncle is truly a good master."

Ice Butterfly True Monarch walked out slowly with a calm expression, clearly somewhat dissatisfied with his senior master using him to motivate his disciple.

Although she could understand that in order to form a Nascent Soul, besides having a firm Dao heart, a strong belief was even more important.

Belief is a double-edged sword; it can give inner demons an opportunity to take hold, but it can also be a sharp blade to overcome obstacles.

However, what Ice Butterfly True Monarch was most dissatisfied with was that this senior uncle had let down his master.

According to what she learned from her master, this Master Cheng had a loving partner when he was forming his core, but he later perished in a tragedy.

Back then, my master and my senior master were the only two Nascent Soul cultivators in the sect, and they were also brought together by the former Supreme Elder.

As a result, after the former Supreme Elder passed away, this Uncle-Master Cheng missed his deceased wife and never remarried. His own master passed away with regrets.

It would be one thing if the two had no feelings for each other, but they did, and yet things have turned out this way.

What's wrong with a Nascent Soul cultivator marrying several wives? This is also the reason for Bingdie's dissatisfaction.

“Nephew, your master only wanted to strengthen this boy’s resolve; he had no other intentions.”

As if it were a cycle, this time it was his turn. The Grand Elder Cheng stroked his white beard awkwardly, but inwardly he sighed. At this moment, he could finally understand the feelings of his master back then.

"Uncle-Master means well, I understand, but I'm afraid it might become an obsession for Junior Brother Teng in the future. It would be better to prepare more for this White Wall City auction."

Bingdie didn't want to talk about the past of these elders, so she waved her hand and talked about the current situation.

However, when the White Wall City Auction was mentioned, Elder Cheng showed an unprecedentedly solemn expression.

"The path to Nascent Soul has blocked countless geniuses and heroes throughout history. Changfeng has his own destiny. If he fails, it is the will of Heaven."

"At least you, my junior disciple, are here in the sect, but the more important reason for going to the auction is to gather some information."

"information!?"

This made Ice Butterfly True Monarch look puzzled, as it was the first time she had ever seen this Senior Uncle Cheng look so solemn.

"News about the Insect Demon!"

"what!"

When the Insect Demon was mentioned, Ice Butterfly True Monarch's expression changed, revealing shock.

Due to health reasons, she often secluded herself, and therefore was not well-informed about some news.

"That's right, it's that insect demon that caused our sect such a terrible tragedy!"

When mentioning this insect demon, Elder Cheng was filled with resentment.

The Spirit Control Sect, once one of the six major sects of the demonic path, was based on their insect control lineage and supplemented by beast control. Their insect control lineage possessed hundreds of ancient spirit insects, making them unprecedentedly powerful.

Then this insect demon appeared out of nowhere, coveting their Spirit Control lineage's secret insect-controlling techniques. It infiltrated the sect and stole countless of their secret techniques.

Furthermore, it devoured countless strange insects that had been passed down for tens of thousands of years, and killed several Nascent Soul cultivators from their lineage.

This led to the loss of power for the Spirit Master lineage, which was eventually driven out by the Beast Master lineage and established the Spirit Beast Sect, one of the six major sects of the demonic path.

After that, their lineage of Spirit Control suffered many hardships and wandered far and wide. Now, the cultivation world has long forgotten the glory of their lineage and instead thinks that they only know how to use some low-class poisonous insects.

"I only recently learned of this news. It's about the discovery of the Insect Demon's successor in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss. These Nascent Soul stage monsters have been keeping it a secret for so many years before letting us know."

"The Soul-Devouring Insects have appeared!"

Upon hearing this, the Ice Butterfly Fairy's expression turned extremely solemn, and she recalled the most ferocious and brutal spirit insect recorded in the cultivation world.

It is ranked first on the list of ferocious insects.

"Our Spirit Control lineage has countless Spirit Control techniques, but lacks these ancient spirit insects, which has led to us now being confined to a corner of the Southern Region, where we are bullied by others."

Elder Cheng was extremely frustrated. It was as if they had inherited many powerful secret techniques and cultivation methods, but they lacked the corresponding ancient spirit insects, which meant they could only watch their sect grow weaker day by day.

"So what if they have appeared? We are no longer the sect that has the ability to continue to devour and evolve the Soul-Devouring Insects, and that possesses hundreds of ancient and wondrous insects."

Bingdie shook her head with a wry smile, but Elder Cheng, the Grand Elder, disagreed, instead saying with a solemn expression:

"No! This might be an opportunity for us. According to the information we obtained from the Demon Beast Abyss, this Spirit Devouring Insect is still an immature form."

I heard that several were captured and sealed away. If I have the chance on my trip to White Wall City, I'd like to capture one or two Spirit Devouring Insects. Even if I can't cultivate them directly, I can try to see if I can cultivate other powerful spirit insects.”

"After all, this Soul-Devouring Insect was cultivated by the Insect Demon through a fortuitous opportunity, not born naturally."

Nowadays, various ancient spirit insects have almost disappeared from the cultivation world, which is also the reason for the decline of their lineage.

But since they can cultivate spirit-devouring insects, they might also be able to cultivate some spirit insects using this method.

We don't aspire to be on par with the Spirit Devouring Insects, but at least we can cultivate one or two powerful spirit insects to enhance the sect's strength.

"I understand. I will personally lead the team this time."

Upon hearing this, Ice Butterfly True Monarch nodded, but inwardly he disagreed.

If strange insects were so easy to cultivate, their lineage wouldn't have become weaker over the past few thousand years. Rather than clinging to their past glory, they should have slowly developed and found a new path.

This is also a clash between old and new ideas as time goes by.

……

Lin Chang'an had been planning to attend the White Wall City auction, but he never expected to be summoned by True Monarch Ice Butterfly.

Inside the imposing hall, although it wasn't his first time here, Lin Chang'an still secretly observed the strange carvings every time he came.

Normally, the walls and stone pillars are carved with all sorts of majestic and ferocious beasts, but the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect is decorated with all sorts of strange and unusual insects that I have never seen before.

However, considering that the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect is skilled in controlling insects, it's understandable.

"Greetings, Supreme Elder."

Upon entering the main hall, Lin Chang'an respectfully bowed. He had been a member of the sect for twelve years, and this was the first time he had ever met this Ice Butterfly True Monarch.

The renowned Ice Butterfly True Monarch, famous throughout the cultivation world, sat calmly at the head of the table, his figure graceful, adorned with an ice fork and a high, cloud-like bun.

The palace dress, with its snow-white inner lining but draped with a fiery red shawl, gave the impression of a crimson flower blooming on an icy plain.

With his powerful senses, Lin Chang'an could clearly feel that the Ice Butterfly True Monarch seemed to be emanating a chill from his body, which was emanating from him uncontrollably.

The thought of such a proud child being wounded, with his branches broken and a hint of illness in his eyes, creates a morbid beauty that evokes a sense of pity.

"You're too kind, Master Xiao. I've been in seclusion healing my injuries all these years, and this is the first time I've met you, Master Xiao."

Since the news of her injury had already spread, there was no need to hide it. Therefore, the Ice Butterfly Fairy was quite generous and chuckled lightly.

With a wave of her slender hand, the brewed spiritual tea flew over.

Lin Chang'an, who had landed below the main hall, looked at the two thrones above that represented Nascent Soul cultivators and couldn't help but feel envious. He knew he would sit on them sooner or later.

"Thank you, Elder."

Taking a sip of the spiritual tea, Lin Chang'an raised an eyebrow; the tea's fire-attribute spiritual energy was rather strong.

Considering some rumors, it seems that it might be true that this Ice Butterfly True Monarch often needs this fire-attribute spiritual object to suppress the backlash of cold energy within his body.

"I almost forgot, Master Xiao also cultivates a cold and yin-type technique, so this spiritual tea is not quite to his liking."

The seemingly apologetic smile was also a testament to the powerful confidence of a Nascent Soul cultivator, who had no need to consider the feelings of lower-level cultivators.

"You're too kind, Elder. This kind of Yin-cold cultivation technique is a bit extreme, and I often adjust it myself."

Lin Chang'an's words were impeccable, but he was secretly suspicious of why this True Monarch, who was usually in seclusion, would suddenly summon him.

Could it be that my embezzlement of the ice crystals formed from the True Lord's magical power over the years has been discovered?

That shouldn't be the case. Which skilled cultivator wouldn't embezzle some of the material costs?

Moreover, he could actually use these things when refining corpses; it's just that he used the icy power of the Frost Flame to exchange for these ice crystals to put into his storage bag.

Ultimately, it's about fair trade.

The materials were obtained by exchanging one's own possessions, and the five Yin Sha Corpse Puppets have already been delivered. It wouldn't be right to bring up old grievances so soon after receiving the goods.

While Lin Chang'an was lost in thought, the Ice Butterfly True Monarch didn't think so much. Instead, he put down his teacup and chuckled:

"I've heard that Master Xiao is currently searching for some high-level body-tempering spiritual items. Is he interested in going to White Wall City?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an did not hesitate and readily nodded in agreement.

"I have a Yin Sha Corpse Puppet that is already at the peak of the mid-stage of the third rank, just one step away from breaking through to the late stage. Therefore, I have been looking for some suitable spiritual objects to enhance it."

He needed to find a spiritual object to break through his body-refining technique, so he naturally needed a good excuse.

Improving one's own corpse puppet is equivalent to giving one's spirit pet a breakthrough, genuinely increasing one's combat power, which would not arouse any doubt.

Moreover, the materials used for the corpse puppets are mostly of extremely violent attributes, so most people wouldn't suspect that he would use them personally.

"Our sect plans to participate in the White Wall City auction. If True Person Xiao doesn't mind, why don't we travel together? That way, we can look out for each other."

Then the Ice Butterfly True Monarch spoke, and Lin Chang'an suddenly realized what it was about. He had thought they were going to bring up old grievances.

"The area around here is still a bit unsettled, especially since Master Xiao joined the sect, which naturally attracts some hostile forces."

Ice Butterfly True Monarch also considered that it was not easy for the sect to have such a skilled cultivator who could directly increase the sect's combat power, so naturally he was reluctant to let anything happen to him easily.

"I was somewhat worried about this matter before, but I really have to thank the elder."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an immediately smiled.

With a Nascent Soul True Monarch accompanying him, his safety was extremely high. More importantly, he also understood the implied meaning in those words.

This Nascent Soul True Monarch will personally introduce him into the circle of the Protectorate Alliance.

After all, he was planning to acquire a Nascent Soul artifact. Although White Wall City possessed such an artifact, he would never easily sell it to outsiders.

Cultivators also have their own circles, and the Dao Protection Alliance is one such circle. These strategic resources that can directly increase the number of Nascent Soul cultivators can only be consumed within their own circle.

Otherwise, if the highest bidder wins, wouldn't both the righteous and the demonic paths be taking up the spoils?

This is also why Lin Chang'an wanted to join a faction before.

With the Ice Butterfly Fairy endorsing him, he's considered one of their own and can naturally enter this circle.

……

One month later, outside the gates of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

An exquisitely crafted flying boat slowly docked. This time, the Ice Butterfly True Monarch personally led the team, which included Lin Chang'an and dozens of Foundation Establishment disciples from the sect.

Looking at the goods and materials loaded on the flying boat, Lin Chang'an understood that this trip to Baibi City would also be an excellent trading venue.

Many of the resources produced by the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect can be sold for a good price, and they can also purchase other resources.

"Set off."

With a command from Ice Butterfly True Monarch, the flying boat slowly entered the clouds and headed towards White Wall City.

"White Wall City is the number one immortal city in our Guardian Alliance."

"That's right. It's rumored that the Nascent Soul True Monarch of White Wall City is known as the number one sword saint in the Southern Region, and his swordsmanship is divine."

"But something seems off about our direction?"

"What are you thinking? Now that we are allied with Daqian, we will naturally pass through Daqian first on our way to Baibi City, and then we will meet up before heading to Baibi City together."

Upon hearing these discussions, Lin Chang'an on the ship couldn't help but analyze the current situation with a flicker in his eyes. However, he thought that these Nascent Soul stage monsters were really cunning.

The fact that the Grand Elder didn't go out but instead sent out the injured Ice Butterfly True Monarch was practically telling outsiders that the Grand Elder of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect was probably not in good health.

At this point, who would dare to offend the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect?

After all, if a dying Nascent Soul cultivator were to go mad and self-destruct in your sect or family, no one could withstand it.

Moreover, where there are people, there is conflict. Corpse Valley and the Sima Clan are both forces that naturally hope something will happen to the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

However, Da Qian absolutely did not want this, since the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect could at least help him share some of the pressure.

After showing weakness, the people who least want you to falter are your allies.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao's corpse puppetry skills are truly impressive, probably not much worse than the corpse refining techniques of Corpse Valley."

Among the Core Formation cultivators traveling with him was the handsome Teng Changfeng, who couldn't help but smile when he saw Lin Chang'an.

However, this look in his eyes vaguely suggested that he was looking down on his own sect for having such skilled cultivators, which made Lin Chang'an feel helpless.

He really thinks he's a Nascent Soul cultivator from a sect. His words and actions seem friendly, but he's actually placing himself in a higher position.

He was doing the work of a Nascent Soul cultivator, appeasing and winning over the guest elders within the sect.

But since they have powerful backers and are major clients, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile and cup his hands in greeting:
"Fellow Daoist Teng is joking. I am merely picking up scraps from others' work. How can I compare to the Corpse Valley?"

At first, Teng Changfeng was somewhat wary of this handsome but slightly sinister outsider, thinking that he was another outsider who coveted the sect's senior sister, Bingdie.

It wasn't that he was overthinking things, but rather that ever since True Monarch Ice Butterfly's essence was damaged, many cultivators in the Southern Region had other ideas.

Even the Great Qian Dynasty was interested in winning over Bingdie, wanting to become her Daoist partner and a reliable ally.

But everyone knew Sima's true intentions; back then, everyone was wary and cautious of the Sima clan's schemes.

Many powerful Core Formation families, or cultivators with a high-level skill that can directly enhance their sect's combat power, have also had this idea.

Winning the heart of a beautiful woman and also gaining access to a Nascent Soul level sect is naturally the dream of many.

These Golden Core cultivators were not delusional; rather, the Ice Butterfly True Monarch, whose very essence was damaged, would not choose overly powerful cultivators if he did not want his power to fall into the hands of others and his sect to be lost to another.

The fact that the Sima clan almost succeeded in usurping the throne is still fresh in everyone's memory.

They are not without hope.

However, after seeing that this fellow Daoist Lin had a Daoist partner who was in the late stage of Core Formation, Teng Changfeng became much less wary.

　Thank you to fellow Daoist 'Book Friend 20241127979' for the 100 spirit stones reward, and thank you to all the fellow Daoists who have supported me.

　　It's almost the end of the month, so I'm asking all my fellow cultivators for your monthly votes to help the protagonist achieve Nascent Soul formation next month.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)