Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 114 Second-Tier Alchemist
Two and a half years later.

Tianxuan City has clearly developed into a holy land for independent cultivators.

It attracted countless independent cultivators, making it even more prosperous than when the three parties jointly ruled.

After all, in the cultivation world, in terms of foundation and quality, rogue cultivators may not be able to compare with these sects and clans, but in terms of quantity, they are like weeds.

The scattered cultivators could not burn it all.

【Lifespan: 60/215】

[Realm: Early Foundation Establishment Stage (22/100)]

"At the age of sixty, having reached the early stage of Foundation Establishment cultivation is already quite good among independent cultivators."

Inside the cave, Lin Chang'an looked at his unchanging appearance reflected in the calm water of the teacup and sighed with emotion.

This is the charm of cultivating immortality. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, sixty years old is just the beginning, and there is a feeling of getting younger as one gets older.

"Over the years, I have underestimated the art of alchemy. Or rather, the various arts of cultivating immortality each have their own mysteries, and no art should be taken lightly."

The alchemy furnace in front of him flickered with fire. As his cultivation level gradually increased and the power of his cultivation techniques became more refined, he could now control the true fire at will.

"It's done."

Half an incense stick later, as the fire in the alchemy furnace gradually dissipated and the fragrant aroma of the pills filled the air, Lin Chang'an revealed a satisfied smile.

And the panel notification sound.

[Second-Tier Alchemist +5 (Beginner 4/100)]

"I've finally become a second-tier alchemist."

As the alchemy furnace was opened, five pills shimmering with spiritual light floated out, leaving Lin Chang'an deeply moved.

He successfully established his foundation at the age of 54, and then began to specialize in the path of alchemy. It took him more than six years to break through to the second stage.

Although he himself felt it was a bit slow, if word got out, countless people would probably be envious.

"The second-grade low-level pill is finally complete."

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but shake his head when he saw the pill still radiating heat in his palm.

I was quite confident before, and thought I could break through in a year at most, but I never expected it to become more and more difficult.

He had been working hard for quite some time to get to the final goal.

"But hard work pays off. In six years, he has improved a skill to the second level. There are probably very few people with this kind of talent in the cultivation world."

Looking at his own cultivation proficiency level, he finally no longer had to suffer through this tortoise-like cultivation speed.

"Second-tier pill, let me see what you're capable of."

After taking a deep breath, Lin Chang'an calmed his mind, swallowed a pill, and began to circulate the Qi Condensation Technique to absorb the medicinal power of the pill.

As expected of a second-tier pill, its powerful medicinal force surged within his abdomen, then was enveloped and purified by the crystal core of the Condensing Essence Technique, transforming into pure magical power.

This feeling finally made him aware of the progress in his cultivation, which he had been accustomed to for more than six years and had hardly felt.

It's still so clear.

Five days later, Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes, and the medicinal power of the second-tier pill was finally completely exhausted by him.

"This cultivation speed is a whole level higher. If I can use second-tier pills to assist my cultivation in the future, my cultivation speed will at least double."

After six years of hard work paying off, Lin Chang'an smiled.

"However, we've almost used up the main materials for refining pills. Next, we'll go and buy some more, and then start refining a large quantity to aid our cultivation."

Thanks to the rapid development of Tianxuan City's magic in recent years, Master Lu's extensive network of connections extends to neighboring countries.

The bustling market trade within Tianxuan City made it easy for him to sell his second-tier talismans.

This gave him great convenience. In the past two years, he has been practicing alchemy, drawing talismans, and even occasionally learning miscellaneous skills such as formations, without neglecting his cultivation at all.

Upon emerging from its cave, the Green Horned Ox, which had been basking in the sun in the pool, excitedly jumped out of the water when it saw its master come out.

Its enormous and majestic body exudes a sense of oppression, yet this behemoth currently displays a fawning expression.

"Moo moo."

Watching the Green Horned Ox's fawning calls, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but envy as he stroked its soft fur.

"A superior bloodline, how enviable."

As long as this Green Horned Ox eats and drinks well every day, its cultivation speed is in no way inferior to his.

The aura it's currently exuding suggests that it will likely break through to the mid-stage of the second tier in another ten years or so.

This made Lin Chang'an sigh with emotion.

"This person is really no different from a demon beast. Their spiritual roots and bloodlines are the same. Everything is predetermined from birth."

However, it is precisely because of this that both human cultivators and demon beasts are struggling against fate.

Humans cultivate themselves by creating techniques and refining elixirs to change their spiritual roots and aptitude.

Driven by instinct, demonic beasts also seek out spiritual herbs and compete for exotic fruits, thus evolving their bloodlines.

Different paths lead to the same destination: seizing the creation of heaven and earth.

"But you're lucky to have met me, your ox. An ordinary person wouldn't be willing to feed it like this."

Looking at the current development of the Green Horned Cattle, Lin Chang'an nodded in satisfaction.

In addition to the spiritual herbs and fruits that the Zhou family regularly sent to feed the Green Horned Ox, he has also learned a lot about beast taming in the past two years.

I also buy some things from time to time in the market trading area.

Otherwise, how could this cow grow so fast?

It's all made of spirit stones.

"Let's go, come with me to the market trading area."

Before leaving, Lin Chang'an had already habitually put the Green Horned Ox into his spirit beast bag. After all, having an extra second-tier spirit beast with him made him feel more at ease.

……

"Greetings, Senior Lin."

As soon as they stepped out of the cave, they ran into Chen Qing's two grandchildren, Chen Wen and Chen Feng, who lived next door.

"So it's you two young friends."

The two young men from back then have become much more composed, especially since their cultivation levels have now reached the mid-stage of Qi Refining.

"Senior Lin, pests have recently been discovered in the spirit fields, which may affect this year's harvest, so I have come to visit my grandfather."

Chen Feng, who has a rather honest and simple personality, explained his purpose with a smile on his face.

Lin Chang'an suddenly understood after hearing this.

There are all sorts of spiritual insects in the cultivation world, so it's normal for spiritual fields to have some pest infestations.

Poorer cultivators, unwilling to part with spirit stones, would stay in the spirit fields to guard against pests.

Those with slightly better circumstances would purchase some special medicines to cure the insects, or use other methods.

"I see. Then you should go and inform Fellow Daoist Chen."

Lin Chang'an nodded slightly, and then headed towards the trading market.

However, after the two entered their ancestor's cave, Chen Wen showed his dissatisfaction and grumbled:
"Chen Feng, can you stop siding with outsiders? Why did you tell him about this? The harvest from the spirit fields is bad this year. I want to see what his friend's son-in-law is going to use to continue leasing them."

It was obvious that Chen Wen still remembered that the spirit field had not been leased to them.

However, Chen Feng shook his head and said:
"Brother, what are you thinking? Senior Lin's spiritual field was leased to the Zhou family."

When this matter was mentioned, Chen Wen couldn't help but feel jealous, secretly resenting Lin Chang'an for being nothing more than a sycophant trying to curry favor with the Zhou family.

"grandfather."

Inside the cave, Chen Qing listened to the two men's reports, his brows furrowing as he finally shook his head in resignation.

Since reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, although I've started to enjoy life, I've also had more trivial matters to deal with.

Over the past two years, Chen Qing, a Foundation Establishment cultivator who once exuded a capable and austere aura, has become more easygoing, his demeanor softened by the trivialities of life. "Insect infestation, perhaps?"

"Yes, Grandpa, we can't be careless about this pest problem. After all, this is a hundred acres of spirit fields. If we are not careful, it will affect the family's development for a year."

Chen Wen spoke eagerly, after all, the family had gotten back on track in the past two years, unlike before.

If his annual income is reduced, it will also affect his cultivation resources.

"nothing."

Chen Qing, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, remained calm in the face of Chen Wen's concerns. After all, as a rogue cultivator, he had experienced too many trials and tribulations along the way.

"This trip is a good opportunity to visit the Zhou family and find that Daoist Lin friend to purchase some spirit chickens. Not only will they prevent pests, but after being raised for a year, they can also provide a lot of spirit meat for the clan."

"The Zhou family, friends of Senior Lin!?"

Upon hearing that they were going to find the son-in-law who had stolen their spiritual field, Chen Wen's face flushed with displeasure, and he frowned, saying:
“Grandpa, now that our Chen family has the foundation of spiritual fields and you, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, are here, we can just go directly to the Zhou family. Why should we lower ourselves to seek out that son-in-law?”

The Chen family still doesn't know that Lin Chang'an rented a hundred acres of top-grade spiritual land from the Zhou family; they always thought it was the son-in-law Li Erniu who had rented it because of the Zhou family.

Therefore, Chen Wen said with some dissatisfaction, believing that his grandfather was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Although the Chen family is not as good as the Zhou family, they are still both Foundation Establishment families. Shouldn't they go directly to the Zhou family?
Going to find a son-in-law who isn't even a Foundation Establishment cultivator would be beneath one's dignity.

"Brother, Grandpa naturally has his own reasons."

Seeing this, Chen Feng was also puzzled, but unlike his elder brother, he was not dissatisfied. Instead, he believed that since his strength was weak, he should focus on cultivation.

Looking at his two grandsons, whom he considered the most promising in the clan, Chen Qing, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, couldn't help but sigh slightly, a look of melancholy appearing on his face.

"You all don't understand. Do you really think that becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator means that all early Foundation Establishment cultivators are equal?"

Looking at the two of them, Chen Qing shook his head and began to explain the situation to his two grandsons.

"Even cultivators of the same cultivation level are divided into different levels. For example, a second-level talisman master like Fellow Daoist Lin is someone I can't compare to in any aspect. Do you understand?"

The profits from the talismans alone are equivalent to our entire clan's annual income.

People from different circles naturally come into contact with different things. In the eyes of the two Qi Refining cultivators, successfully establishing their foundation is proof that a rogue cultivator can turn their life around.

However, they didn't understand that even among Foundation Establishment cultivators, there were significant differences.

For example, Chen Qing felt the gap between himself and Lin Chang'an, just as Lin Chang'an felt the gap between himself and Song Tingfeng and other powerful clans.

"By the same logic, do you think that just because our Chen family has these hundred acres of ordinary spirit fields, we can become a renowned cultivation family and stand on equal footing with the old-established Zhou family of beast tamers?"

Looking at his two grandsons, Chen Qing shook his head and sighed before uttering these words.

Upon hearing this, the two seemed to have their understanding of the world turned upside down.

Chen Feng was even more bewildered, never expecting that after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, he would still have to pursue something.

However, Chen Wen frowned and said in a deep voice:
"Grandpa, the Zhou family has only developed for a few hundred years longer than us, so is the gap really that big?"

"Inheritance! Foundation! Tell me, besides this old man's bones and these hundred acres of spirit fields, what else does our Chen family have?"

Chen Qing shook his head and continued to speak of the profound heritage of the Zhou family, a long-established and powerful clan.

"The tradition of raising spirit beasts, whether it's the spirit pets sold to the public every year, or the spirit fruits, herbs, and pills needed by the spirit pets, is far beyond what we can compare to."

Not to mention the various businesses they're not good at, such as alchemy and talisman making. What you see as a hundred acres of spirit fields is nothing more than an insignificant asset in the eyes of the Zhou family.

The difference lies not only in resources, but also in accumulation.

The Zhou family earned its unique reputation for beast taming through hundreds of years of accumulation.

The Zhou family can guarantee that the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators in the family has never been interrupted for hundreds of years, but this is not the case for independent cultivation families like the Chen family.

It is already a blessing from heaven to produce even one Foundation Establishment cultivator; to produce another Foundation Establishment cultivator requires a desperate gamble.

"We rogue cultivators, who have been fortunate enough to reach the Foundation Establishment stage, bring hope to our clansmen and think we are a great Foundation Establishment cultivation clan. This might be acceptable in a small place, but here!"

At this point, Chen Qing shook his head, the difference between them was not just a little bit.

"Our so-called Foundation Establishment cultivation families are nothing but low-class. You should know that the difficulty of adding a Foundation Establishment cultivator to the family is not ordinary."

After hearing their grandfather's explanation and clearly understanding the gap between the Chen family and a true Foundation Establishment cultivator family, the two felt their faces burning with embarrassment.

Even Chen Feng had previously believed that his family was already among the top cultivation families, but he never expected to almost make a fool of himself.

"Grandpa, I understand."

Chen Wen quickly realized his mistake, and his humble and apologetic attitude made Chen Qing nod with relief.

Chen Feng, standing to the side, nodded silently. He would work hard to cultivate and strive to become the second Foundation Establishment cultivator in the clan.

"Alright, you two are the most talented in the Chen family. The future of the family will depend on you."

Chen Qing wore a proud smile, though he couldn't compare to these well-established Foundation Establishment families.

It's not as good as some, but it's better than others.

Over the years, countless Foundation Establishment cultivators have emerged in Tianxuan City, some even migrating from other countries.

The sacred fields they leased had to pay exorbitant rent.

It wasn't for the merits he had rendered to Tianxuan City that he was rewarded with; he only paid a small amount each year.

Compared to these Foundation Establishment families, he was also a cut above the rest.

As time goes by, the resources saved over the ten-year gap are enough to cultivate a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator.

Therefore, he is not bad at all.

"Alright, you all focus on your cultivation and strive to break through to the late stage of Qi Refining as soon as possible. The spirit fields will be managed by the clan members."

……

Juxianlou.

"Greetings, Uncle Lin."

Shen Fan, the son of Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing, did not inherit his parents' intelligence; instead, he exuded a genuine honesty.

Upon seeing Lin Chang'an, he also followed the custom and bowed respectfully.

The maid in Wei Buyi's household was a real little devil. As soon as she saw Lin Chang'an arrive, she went up to him and started to speak to him in a flattering and obedient manner.

“Uncle Lin, I haven’t wasted your efforts. I’ll go to your temple in a while and plant a few spirit bamboos for you to see my skills.”

"Good good."

Looking at Wei Yingying, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but chuckle and nod.

Seeing this, Shen Fan awkwardly scratched his head, unsure of what to say in gratitude. Finally, he could only echo Wei Yingying's words, saying:

“Uncle Lin, I have spirit stones. I’ll buy spirit bamboo and plant it for you with Yingying.”

Lin Chang'an was quite satisfied with the sight of the two fifteen-year-old boys and girls.

At least one thing is certain: the plan for this girl and this boy to go to the Zhou family to learn the art of spiritual cultivation wasn't in vain.

Knowing how to be grateful is better than anything else.

"You brat, how can you be so clumsy with words? I really don't know who you took after."

Shen Lie walked over and glared at his honest-looking son with a hint of annoyance.

Think about him and his wife, they were both incredibly shrewd and charming, but their son is nothing like them.

"Alright, we have Yingying here."

Lu Qingqing walked out with a smile, looking at the mischievous girl who was trying to cheer her up. Anyone could see what she was thinking.

This scene made Wei Buyi, who was walking over, turn pale.

He had originally intended to seize Elder Lu's assets, but after going around in circles, he ended up being targeted by his junior sister.

They're taking everything away, pots and all.

This is truly karma.

(End of this chapter)