Cultivation begins in Qingfeng Market.

During a year of arduous training, Lin Zhao's skills steadily improved.

Under his grandfather's careful guidance, his success rate in drawing Gengjin sword qi talismans has stabilized at 60%.

In terms of swordsmanship, although he has not fully condensed his own sword energy, he can barely simulate the first move of the "Qingxuan Sword Art", "Severing Flow", by using the Gengjin sword energy talisman he personally drew and which was connected with his mind.

Using the newly acquired first-grade superior magic weapon "Azure Edge Sword", he unleashed a powerful slash, and golden sword energy surged forth. It had briefly severed the stream below the cave, and the strength of the sword energy was truly terrifying.

He did not slack off in his physical training, and his body's strength was completely stabilized. His use of physical strength became more and more exquisite and harmonious.

After his cultivation level was completely stabilized, Lin Zhao once again went to his grandfather's cave to seek further instruction.

After more than a year of frequent visits, he was no longer as reserved as he had been at the beginning when facing his grandfather, and his demeanor became more composed.

The grandfather scanned him with his divine sense, observing his deep and solid aura and firm foundation. He nodded slightly and said gently, "Sixth level of Qi Refining, solid spiritual power, not bad. What are your plans next?"

Lin Zhao's eyes were clear and bright, and his posture was as upright as a pine tree. He replied in a loud voice, "Grandfather, at this stage of cultivation, regular meditation and cultivation will make the improvement very slow."

I want to venture out and gain experience, join a demon-hunting team, and hone my skills in real combat. Having always been under the protection of my family, I've rarely seen true hardship or faced life-or-death trials. My ambition is to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, and I need to personally experience the tempering of blood and fire.

"Yes, not arrogant or impatient, and with such ambition, very good." A hint of satisfaction flashed in his grandfather's eyes: "Since you've made up your mind, then go. Go and see the truly vast world, with endless opportunities and risks. There, you'll see more and grow faster."

He pondered for a moment, then took out two talismans from his sleeve, each radiating a spiritual light and bearing exceptionally complex and profound runes. The talismans were shimmering with iridescent light: "These two [Splitting Light and Shadow Talismans] are true life-saving items. They can save your life in a critical moment. Remember to use them with caution."

Then, the grandfather took out two magical artifacts from his storage bag. They were two fist-sized pearls, one red and one blue. As soon as they appeared, the spiritual energy in the cave rippled slightly.

The red pearl was blazing hot, as if it contained an inextinguishable flame. Flowing fire patterns were faintly visible on its surface, and the surrounding air was slightly distorted due to the high temperature. The blue pearl, on the other hand, was agile and graceful, surrounded by wisps of wind visible to the naked eye, and emitted a clear and melodious sound.

"This is..." Lin Zhao's pupils contracted slightly, and he immediately recognized that these were the Fire Element Pearl and Wind Element Pearl in Zhao Bo's hands!

The grandfather held the two beads in his palm and said solemnly, "Your eldest uncle has already given you the Earth and Water beads to help you in your cultivation. Today, I will also give you the Fire and Wind beads."

He looked intently at Lin Zhao, his tone grave: "Each of the Four Elements Pearls individually is a high-grade first-tier magic weapon, but when all four are gathered together and activated using a specific method, they can form the 'Four Elements Formation,' covering an area of ​​100 meters in radius. This not only traps and imprisons enemies..."

Furthermore, the four beads can be combined into one to unleash a powerful strike! Its power is no less than that of any top-grade magic weapon in the Qi Refining stage!

Even against a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, this formation gives you a fighting chance, or at least the opportunity to escape unscathed.

Lin Zhao was deeply shaken. He knew what the Four Elements Pearls meant to his uncle and Uncle Zhao, and he understood the immense trust and commitment his family had placed in him by entrusting him with this complete set of magical artifacts. This was not only a powerful treasure, but also a symbol of their hopes and entrustment.

"Grandfather, this is too precious! Uncle Zhao..." Lin Zhao subconsciously wanted to refuse.

His grandfather raised his hand to interrupt him, his tone calm but unquestionable: "I have already discussed this matter with your Uncle Zhao and your eldest uncle, and they have no objections. The future of the Lin family ultimately depends on you, the younger generation."

You possess a calm and composed nature, and your talent and perseverance are both exceptional, making you worthy of your family's dedicated cultivation. These four beads, in your hands, can play a greater role, protecting you on your path to enlightenment.

He slowly pushed the two floating, shimmering fire and wind beads in front of Lin Zhao, his eyes filled with expectation: "Take them. The journey is fraught with danger. Having more trump cards means more hope and a greater chance of reaching the Great Dao. I hope you can go further and see the sights that we old folks have never seen."

Looking at the two surging spiritual energy orbs before him, and then at his grandfather's earnest gaze, Lin Zhao no longer hesitated. He solemnly extended his hands and accepted the Fire Element Orb and the Wind Element Orb. The orbs felt warm in his hands and cool in his, their immense spiritual energy subtly resonating with the other two spiritual orbs within his body.

"I will live up to the expectations of my grandfather and the family!" Lin Zhao gripped the precious pearl tightly, feeling the immense power contained within it. His voice was deep yet firm and powerful, as if he were making a vow.

A relieved smile appeared on Grandfather's face. He waved his hand, his tone becoming more relaxed: "Go, and remember, be cautious in everything you do, and prioritize your own safety."

Carrying the Four Elements Pearls, a set of top-grade magical artifacts, and the two [Splitting Light and Shadow Talismans], Lin Zhao bid farewell to his grandfather, and then to his mother and brother in turn, before embarking on his journey to Qingfeng Market.

After passing the array detection of the market, Lin Zhao stepped into Qingfeng Market again, and a smell mixed with the fragrance of spiritual herbs, the rust of magical artifacts and the aroma of everyday life hit him.

He looked up and saw that the market area was bustling with people, and various spiritual halos flowed between the stalls, filling the air with a vibrant energy. He even saw several teams of law enforcement cultivators patrolling and maintaining order.

He walked through the bustling crowd and entered the inner district. Many shops in the inner district had been renovated and looked brand new. He went straight to the Lin family's talisman shop. The shop had obviously been renovated and expanded. The storefront was more spacious and bright. The shelves were full of talismans. Customers came and went from time to time. The business was much more prosperous than before he left.

As soon as he stepped into the shop, Lin's father, who was at the counter, looked up as if sensing something. Seeing Lin Zhao, who was travel-worn but possessed an inner radiance, his eyes instantly lit up with joy. "Zhao'er!"

Lin's father strode out from behind the counter, looked Lin Zhao up and down, and felt his stable Qi Refining Level 6 aura. His face was full of satisfaction. "Good, good, good! Your grandfather sent a message a few days ago saying that your cultivation has greatly improved. I didn't quite believe it, but I didn't expect your cultivation to improve so quickly."

At this moment, a soft sound came from the backyard, and Lin Xuan and Zhao Ziming walked out side by side. Lin Xuan was dressed in a moon-white outfit, and the jade hairpin in her hair flowed with a watery luster. Her spiritual energy was condensed as if it were solid, and her cultivation had reached the fifth level of the Refinement Realm. It was clear that managing the affairs of the market had helped her grow a lot. She smiled and said, "You're finally back. My uncle has been talking about you these past few days."

During dinner, everyone sat around a round table made of spirit-infused wood. Lin Zhao asked in surprise, "The market seems much more vibrant and lively now."

Lin Xuan nodded and smiled, "Liu Yifeng escaped. No matter what the reason was, the Liu family is to blame. After returning, he was reprimanded by the market owner. The struggle between the three major forces has temporarily subsided. In addition, the battle on the plain wiped out the bandits in the vicinity. As a result, the market has become much more peaceful and has regained its vitality."

Lin's father said, "Most importantly, there is the attitude passed down from the market lord. He is very dissatisfied with the market fighting and there are even rumors that he plans to support a new Foundation Establishment cultivator. He may release information about Foundation Establishment Pills."