Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 117 Breakthrough
"The bounty for two first-tier high-grade skill cultivators is worth about the same as a Foundation Establishment Pill. How many rogue cultivators can resist such a temptation?"

After returning to his cave, he fell silent as he thought about the message Yun Yao had given him.

This is a conspiracy.

Compared to the near-death experience of hunting second-tier monsters for crystal cores, anyone would know what a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator would choose.

"I'm afraid some Foundation Establishment cultivators will be tempted, after all, their descendants and clansmen also need Foundation Establishment Pills."

Storm is coming!

At this moment, Lin Chang'an frowned secretly. The war had not even fully broken out yet, but it was already so dangerous.

One can imagine how dangerous it would be if a full-scale war broke out in the Yue Kingdom.

"My current cultivation level at the early stage of Foundation Establishment is still too weak. If I were to sneak into other countries at this time, I would be in danger of being discovered."

The temptation of a few Foundation Establishment Pills would tempt even a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Even Lin Chang'an couldn't help but feel tempted by the thought of his bounty, let alone outsiders.

The Fire Palace and the Divine Sword Sect should really go and fight Master Lu! They can't beat his spirit pets, so they resort to dirty tricks behind his back. That's despicable.

"We must improve our strength as soon as possible, and we also need to have ways to protect ourselves."

No matter the situation, strength will never deceive you, and it is your only guarantee.

"To refine second-tier pills and improve cultivation, I must also break through to the second-tier talisman master level as soon as possible so that I can access more resources."

Lin Chang'an secretly decided that if he had known earlier that he would be on the bounty list, he would not have boasted about it.

As a result, now that he's a second-tier rune master, he really has to bite the bullet and go for it.

"Fortunately, I can earn the resources needed for cultivation in Tianxuan City with my skills, so I don't have to go out and risk my life."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an felt somewhat comforted.

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators outside, like Chen Qing, sometimes have to go out to earn some cultivation resources, otherwise the family's resources are often not enough for the people below.

Even if there is a surplus, that little bit might be a considerable sum for a Qi Refining cultivator, but it is simply not enough for a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"Core Formation cultivators! Only by becoming a Core Formation cultivator can one escape the constraints of their own destiny."

Ultimately, the situation in Yue Kingdom is still a struggle for resources among Golden Core cultivators. If he were also a Core Formation cultivator, his decision to stay or leave would no longer be restricted.

"As for Core Formation cultivators, although there is still a long way to go, I am not necessarily inferior to those sect prodigies now."

Thinking of his talent and opportunities, a determined look appeared in Lin Chang'an's eyes.

Strive to break through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment at age 70, to the late-stage of Foundation Establishment at age 100, and to complete Foundation Establishment and form the Core Formation before age 150.

Then he'll see who in the entire Yue Kingdom can control his freedom.

……

The turmoil in the Yue Kingdom is currently unknown to the lower and middle levels of the cultivation world.

At least in Lin Chang'an's eyes, the rogue cultivators of Tianxuan City were still dreaming that the situation in Yue Kingdom was in a stalemate, and that once Master Lu's disciple reached the Core Formation stage, it would become one of the four major powers.

However, the upper echelons of the cultivation world, such as the established Foundation Establishment families like the Zhou family, have already begun making preparations in secret.

The prices of some materials in the market began to rise, and by the time the independent cultivators realized the problem, it was already two months later.

"The prices of materials in the market seem to have gone up recently. Could it be that another war is about to break out?"

"How is that possible? It's only been a few years. You know, Xuan Yin Pavilion has only gained one Core Formation cultivator."

"The recent increase in material prices is probably related to the auction."

Lin Chang'an walked along the streets of the market, listening to the various speculations of the rogue cultivators, and sighed inwardly.

Whether in the mortal world or the world of cultivation, it is always the lower-level cultivators who ultimately bear the brunt of everything.

For the past two months, Lin Chang'an has been drawing talismans, refining pills, and cultivating without a moment's delay. He has even secretly disguised himself to go on shopping sprees.

After all, the prices of these strategic materials can rise at any time if the situation becomes tense.

"Tianxuan City has announced the formation of patrolling cultivator squads, and only cultivators at the late Qi Refining stage are eligible to join..."

With the auction about to take place, amidst a scene of prosperity, Lin Chang'an fell silent upon witnessing Tianxuan City's actions.

He didn't know whether to be glad that he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator or to feel regretful that he was once one of the lower-level cultivators.

"Haha, the patrolling cultivator squad, this is a squad established by Tianxuan City to patrol the demonic beasts and treacherous cultivators under its jurisdiction, the treatment is quite good."

"I heard we can get a few acres of spirit fields. Damn it, I'm sure I'll be able to break through in another six months. I hope they'll still be recruiting then."

Walking down the street, seeing the excited smiles of the rogue cultivators, Lin Chang'an lost the desire to continue strolling and turned back towards his cave.

“Aren’t these low-level cultivators a true reflection of us ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators?”

These rogue cultivators, with their excited smiles, probably have no idea what they're about to face.

On their way back to their cave, they ran into Chen Qing, who was busy next door.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, have you heard that patrol teams are being formed in the city? My two good-for-nothing grandsons have already signed up."

Seeing Chen Qing's smiling face and the pot of spirit wine in his hand, Lin Chang'an finally understood what he meant.

"In that case, congratulations, fellow Daoist! Two outstanding young talents have emerged from the younger generation. They are only thirty years old, yet they have already broken through to the late stage of Qi Refining."

"Haha, not at all, they're just two good-for-nothing juniors. They've only gotten to where they are today because the clan's resources have been more abundant in recent years."

Lin Chang'an cupped his hands in congratulations, which made Chen Qing's face glow with joy. He smiled and invited him to his cave for a celebratory drink, but Chen Qing politely declined, saying he had something to do.

Given the current situation, he had no interest in drinking.

However, Chen Qing had a big smile on his face. With two young juniors, Chen Wen and Chen Feng, at this age, they were able to break through to the late stage of Qi Refining.

No wonder they're happy.

Among independent cultivators, the difference between those with resources and those without is quite obvious, especially in the early stages.

Cultivators with resources make extraordinary progress in their early cultivation, while those without resources can only cultivate diligently, perhaps one day achieving a breakthrough in their skills or receiving a windfall.

While the phenomenon of "accumulating knowledge and experience before unleashing it" is not uncommon in the cultivation world, many more people rely on their parents' resources to grow up early.

……

Inside the cave.

With focused concentration, Lin Chang'an held a second-grade high-quality spirit brush, and with a flourish of his brush, he channeled his magic power into the talisman paper.

"Shh!"

A faint spiritual light flickered, and on the pale golden talisman, the runes of gathered magic power slowly converged in the center area to form the character 'Explode'.

[Tier 2 Mid-Grade Rune Master +1 (Proficiency 1/1000)]

The changes on the attribute panel indicated that his talisman skills had finally broken through.

Lin Chang'an was deeply immersed in enlightenment at this moment, and it took him a long time to come back to his senses and show a look of sudden realization.

"So this is what a mid-grade second-tier talisman master is like."

Looking at the second-tier mid-grade explosive talisman on the table, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

He finally broke through. You should know that he started preparing two months ago, replacing his spirit brush, cinnabar, and even talisman paper with high-grade ones.

This is the day we've been waiting for.

"A second-tier mid-grade talisman master, this skill will be enough to establish a firm foothold in the future trade fairs held with Fellow Daoist Song."

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. Among ordinary rogue cultivators, he, a second-level low-grade talisman master, was naturally high and mighty, but at the trade fair held by Fellow Daoist Song, he was nothing special.

The difference of just one level filled Lin Chang'an with deep emotion.

Ultimately, it comes down to the difference in the prestige of a mid-grade second-tier talisman master.

"A second-tier low-grade talisman costs between 1 and 2 mid-grade spirit stones, so the price of a second-tier mid-grade talisman would double, between 3 and 5 mid-grade spirit stones."

It can be said that his current income from talismans is twice what it was before. An ordinary mid-grade second-tier talisman master, without affecting his cultivation, can easily earn a dozen or so mid-grade spirit stones per month, and over a hundred per year, after deducting costs.

"While I wouldn't say it's shocking, it's certainly not to be underestimated. After all, he's a mid-grade second-tier talisman master."

More importantly, his talent is such that, in the eyes of outsiders, he is very likely to break through and become a second-tier high-grade talisman master.

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but nod, now he felt he had a firm foothold.

"Currently, I know the following second-tier talismans: Vajra Talisman, Swiftness Talisman, Firebird Talisman, Frost Talisman, and Explosion Talisman. It can be said that I am not lacking in talisman skills, and I am undoubtedly qualified as a talisman master."

However, among Foundation Establishment cultivators, I can only bully ordinary rogue cultivators; after all, I still have too few methods at my disposal.”

Considering the turbulent situation, Lin Chang'an secretly pondered his current methods.

The Blood Spirit Thorn, though incredibly powerful, excels at surprise attacks, especially at close range. If it misses its first strike, it's difficult to land another.

Although the ancient cultivation method he practiced was known for its profound magical power, he had not practiced it for long enough to achieve a complete domination.

"Compared to ordinary rogue cultivators, they are not bad, but compared to cultivators from major sects and clans with established lineages, the difference in their foundation is still significant."

The Foundation Establishment cultivators of these powerful sects all practice advanced cultivation techniques that come with supernatural abilities and methods for defeating enemies.

The ancient cultivation technique he practices is strong in the future, but his current cultivation of his natal spiritual plant is still lacking.

"Compared to the Foundation Establishment cultivators of these major sects and clans, I am still lacking in pure combat strength. If I have the chance at this auction, I should try to acquire one or two supernatural abilities or techniques to increase my own strength."

He knew his own situation best and wouldn't blindly assume that he could easily crush other cultivators of the same level.

Just like Yun Yao's Gui Water Demon Art, although he didn't understand what supernatural abilities it came with, he could always feel a chilling and dangerous aura.

It's definitely not weak.

"I don't know if the spirit stones I've just accumulated will be enough."

He had accumulated a lot of spirit stones, intending to see if there were any high-grade spirit liquids available at the auction, in addition to second-tier alchemy furnaces.

Unexpectedly, the situation is now turbulent, and he must prepare some protective measures in advance.

Thinking back to how desperately he cultivated before reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, and how he continued to do so afterward, he felt a surge of emotion.

This is absolutely outrageous!

Lin Chang'an secretly resolved that one day, when he became a Core Formation cultivator, he would thoroughly enjoy and experience the scenery of the cultivation world.

……

Lin Chang'an broke through to become a mid-grade second-tier talisman master, and many powerful clans sent him congratulatory gifts.

However, the outside world has no idea about it.

Even Chen Qing, the neighbor next door, was unaware that Lin Chang'an had become a mid-grade second-tier talisman master.

After all, for an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator like Chen Qing, a second-tier talisman costing nearly a thousand low-grade spirit stones is simply unaffordable.

If you buy a few more, you'll have enough to cover half the price of a Foundation Establishment Pill.

As the auction drew near, Tianxuan City became increasingly lively.

Meanwhile, inside the cave courtyard...

"Do you really think Brother Lin doesn't want to at all? Is this daily arduous training really addictive?"

Beside the pool, Zhou Bingyun tilted her head, holding a spirit herb in her hand, teasing the Green Horned Ox.

And this second-tier spirit beast, the Green Horned Ox, actually mooed in a憨厚 (honest and simple) manner to cooperate with the human cultivator in front of it, all in an attempt to please him.

It knew perfectly well that if it pleased this human cultivator, it would get to eat again next time.

It clearly distinguishes between a single meal of spiritual herbs and meals of spiritual herbs.

“In the cultivation world, strength is paramount. Diligent cultivation is certainly good, but one cannot cultivate indefinitely.”

Zhou Bingyun wrinkled her nose, thinking about Lin Chang'an's daily life, feeling both admiration and some confusion.

Just then, the Green Horned Ox suddenly mooed and splashed out of the pool, splashing water all over her.

"You big water buffalo, how come..."

At this moment, Zhou Bingyun stared in astonishment at the Green Horned Ox, which was eagerly welcoming a female cultivator with a white veil covering her face.

The aura it emitted instantly changed Zhou Bingyun's expression.

"Junior Zhou Bingyun greets Senior!"

Foundation-building monk!

At this moment, Zhou Bingyun dared not be careless in the slightest, and her behavior was very measured and orderly.

The fact that the other party was able to enter the cave clearly indicates that they were permitted to do so.

Meanwhile, the Green Horned Ox fawned around Yun Yao, constantly mooing, its nose clearly catching the scent of a more valuable spiritual herb.

Seeing this, Zhou Bingyun cursed inwardly, thinking, "They're so ungrateful! All those times I brought them the best spiritual herbs."

The newcomer was Yun Yao. At this moment, she raised an eyebrow when she saw that there was a female cultivator outside Lin Chang'an's cave.

When Yun Yao saw the embroidery patterns on Zhou Bingyun's body, she couldn't help but frown.

"The Zhou family, is it the Zhou family of Beast Taming?"

"Yes, I am Zhou Bingyun. The current head of the Zhou family, Zhou Renmao, is my father."

Zhou Bingyun spoke respectfully, and Yun Yao nodded calmly.

"I see, quite talented for such a young age."

Zhou Bingyun was very respectful throughout. She had been familiar with Lin Chang'an before, but she never really thought that she could be on equal footing with Foundation Establishment cultivators just because of the Zhou family.

The fact that Lin Chang'an always held a deep respect for Foundation Establishment cultivators was what he admired most about them.

Otherwise, would a frivolous female cultivator who relies on her beauty really catch his eye?
In the world of cultivation, one must have sufficient respect for the strong; this is a basic rule for survival.

However, after sizing up the other party, Yun Yao turned her head and whispered into the tightly closed cave:
"Fellow Daoist Lin, I have come to pay my respects as agreed."

The clear, cold voice echoed, yet carried a chilling undertone—this was exactly what the words meant.

Zhou Bingyun was secretly alarmed. After this Foundation Establishment senior spoke, she could clearly feel the temperature around her drop.

Amazing! This Foundation Establishment senior is probably no weaker than her father.

"I've kept you waiting, fellow Daoist."

As the gate opened, Lin Chang'an finally emerged. It wasn't that he deliberately delayed; he was actually drawing talismans.

"Senior Lin."

In front of outsiders, Zhou Bingyun bowed respectfully, which made Lin Chang'an nod slightly.

"This is the second-tier mid-grade talisman that the Zhou family needs."

After handing over the three talismans, Zhou Bingyun also respectfully handed over the spirit stone bag that the clan had given her.

The Zhou family and Lin Chang'an have a long-term cooperative relationship, so Lin Chang'an is naturally happy to earn spirit stones.

The Zhou family was happy to arrange for Zhou Bingyun to go.

After the transaction, Zhou Bingyun respectfully took her leave, but before leaving, she glanced enviously at the veiled female Foundation Establishment senior.

Female Foundation Establishment cultivators are extremely rare in the cultivation world.

"So Brother Lin prefers stronger female cultivators."

Zhou Bingyun even believed that Lin Chang'an, as a second-tier mid-grade talisman master, was different from ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators, and naturally preferred Foundation Establishment cultivators who could walk together with him.

This realization made her suddenly understand, and she secretly made up her mind: a female Foundation Establishment cultivator! Her talent and resources were not bad either.

(End of this chapter)