Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 121 Fiendish Yuan Sword Technique
After one night, Tianxuan City was covered with a layer of silver frost.

After the first auction concluded, Tianxuan City became lively once again.

Lin Chang'an returned to his cave dwelling, completely satisfied.

He also took a picture of some of the spiritual herbs used in alchemy, including the second-tier superior alchemy furnace, and even the formula for a second-tier antidote pill.

Even this sword technique can be considered a fruitful return.

The excitement in Tianxuan City began immediately after the first auction, with cultivators preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage flocking to rent secluded cultivation caves.

Of course, most cultivators were quietly preparing for the next two matches.

Lin Chang'an had no interest in seeing any of this. All he wanted to do now was return to his cave and study the demonic secret technique he had acquired at such a high price.

Inside the cave.

"The Fiendish Yuan Sword Technique, a secret art of the demonic path, is incomplete. As a result, this sword technique, once cultivated to the Golden Core stage, lacks the crucial mental cultivation method, only the operational part remains..."

As Lin Chang'an looked at the secret technique recorded on the jade slip, he became more and more alarmed.

No wonder these veteran Foundation Establishment cultivators were all tempted when they heard that it was this 300-year-old senior.

This is actually a secret technique that uses malevolent energy to enter the body and condense into an indestructible sword beam.

"When you first master it, you can unleash a sword beam with the mere raising of your hand. Its power is comparable to that of an ordinary high-grade magic weapon. If you use a demonic artifact as an aid, its power will be multiplied."

"Once you reach the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, you can cultivate the accompanying magical ability 'Greatsword Technique,' the power of which increases with your rank..."

After reading this demonic secret technique, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but be shocked. It was powerful, but the price was something that ordinary cultivators couldn't bear.

"This sword technique is different from ordinary cultivation methods. It reverses the flow of true essence and infuses the body with murderous energy. Every time this secret technique is used in battle, it injures the user before injuring the enemy. Cultivators often cannot withstand it due to their meridians and need to use it in conjunction with a meridian-protecting elixir..."

Isn't this a demonic secret technique that harms both oneself and others, killing a thousand people while losing eight hundred of one's own?

Lin Chang'an was amazed by what he saw.

"As expected of a demonic technique, it's a pity that it lacks the most important part—the mental cultivation method to protect the meridians—which makes it much more difficult to cultivate this secret art."

At the same time, Lin Chang'an took out a cultivation manual from the Yue Kingdom, which he had specifically purchased after leaving the auction.

Not only him, but many cultivators also wanted to know, since no one could guarantee what good things would appear in the next two rounds.

There is indeed a record of this Blood Fiend Sword Master.

"With this demonic sword technique, he roamed the Yue Kingdom, injuring himself before others. As the evil energy entered his body and damaged his meridians, it gradually transformed into a blood-red sword light, thus earning him the name of the Blood Fiend Sword Lord, and he was once famous."

Even in terms of prestige, the former number one rogue cultivator, Master Lu, was slightly inferior. Unfortunately, he later went to the Demon Beast Sea Abyss and disappeared without a trace.

Looking at this legend from three hundred years ago, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"The records say that this senior was able to cultivate this secret technique because he possessed a spiritual body and his physique and meridians were naturally stronger than others, but my self-healing body is not bad either."

At this moment, Lin Chang'an seemed to have found a way to utilize his self-healing abilities.

According to this secret technique, each activation causes damage to the meridians, resulting in unbearable pain over time, and it is not suitable for anyone without great perseverance to practice.

It injures oneself first, then the enemy. Cultivators who practice this secret method often become extremely mad and lose control in the end.

"Isn't this just right?"

After fully understanding this secret technique, Lin Chang'an was not surprised but delighted.

"My self-healing body seems to be most suitable for cultivating this kind of demonic technique that harms both oneself and others."

As long as it doesn't involve consuming his lifespan, or the irreversible cost of reversing Yin and Yang, he can withstand it.

"A single greatsword technique or magical ability is worth five hundred mid-grade spirit stones. This technique is worth it."

However, magical arts like supernatural powers are generally very difficult to learn.

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators have practiced for decades without success, and ultimately had no choice but to give up.

"Refining!"

After thoroughly studying this demonic secret technique, Lin Chang'an revealed a determined look.

Once he masters this secret technique, it will make up for his weakness in conventional methods.

"Self-healing body, now let me see where your limits are!"

……

After the snowstorm in Tianxuan City, a spring breeze brought forth a scene of vibrant life and renewal.

Two months later.

【Fierce Yuan Sword Technique (Proficiency 85/500)】

Inside the cave, Lin Chang'an, enduring the tearing pain coursing through his meridians, slowly opened his eyes.

"As expected of a demonic cultivation technique, the progress is indeed rapid."

The other cultivation techniques he practiced before progressed incredibly slowly, especially since they were demonic techniques. He would only reach the proficiency stage after mastering them, not the entry level.

"No wonder this technique is kept on a high shelf; it's not something an ordinary person can practice."

Rubbing his temples, feeling the pain in his body caused by the damage to his meridians from cultivation, he shook his head.

If he hadn't been able to clearly feel his self-healing body constantly healing, he really wouldn't have dared to continue cultivating.

After all, even a Foundation Establishment cultivator needs time to recover from damaged meridians. If the damage is severe, their cultivation may even regress.

"A sword's edge!"

With a wave of his hand, a streak of cyan sword light instantly left a deep mark on the cave wall, bringing a satisfied smile to Lin Chang'an's face.

"As expected, the standard features of demonic cultivation techniques are that they are easy to learn, quick to master, and powerful."

Lin Chang'an took out a mid-grade second-tier Vajra Talisman.

In an instant, the golden light talisman transformed into a shimmering golden light shield three zhang away from Lin Chang'an.

"Let me test just how strong the sword beam attack is when combined with the spiritual weapon."

Under Lin Chang'an's expectant gaze, he took out the Green Bamboo Sword, which had already been upgraded to a spiritual weapon, from his storage bag.

He activated his sword technique, and in an instant, an even sharper cyan sword light flashed out.

With a 'ding', a crisp chime echoed.

The golden light shield instantly deformed, and although it withstood the sword beam, it dimmed slightly.

Lin Chang'an then swung the weapon twice more, and finally, on the third strike, the golden light shield shattered under the strain.

"Three swords! He shattered a mid-grade second-tier Vajra Talisman with just three sword strikes!"

Seeing its power, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

The Blood Spirit Thorn, combined with the Flying Needle artifact, might be able to break through the surface with a single point, shattering everything in one strike.

However, it should be noted that flying needles are adept at suppressing protective auras, and blood spirit thorns have too many limitations.

And this is his standard attack.

"My current strength is probably enough to threaten a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator."

Lin Chang'an felt slightly comforted; the more strength he had, the more at ease he felt.

Now he has many tricks up his sleeve, plus a second-tier spirit pet, so even a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn't be able to do anything to him.

"However, the last sword beam already carried a trace of blood."

After his initial excitement, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but frown secretly.

Because of practicing this secret technique, his meridians were severely damaged and had not yet recovered, yet he was testing the power of the sword light.

Originally, the wood-attribute cultivation technique he practiced produced a light blue-green magical power, but due to damage to his internal meridians, it turned a faint blood-red color.

At this moment, he finally understood why this senior from three hundred years ago was called the Blood Fiend Sword Lord.

"I really don't know what kind of spirit this senior is, that he was able to cultivate all the way to the Golden Core Realm."

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh. There were just too many incredibly talented cultivators in the cultivation world, many of whom were legends who amazed an entire era.

His ability to successfully cultivate this secret technique was due not only to his self-healing ability but also to the exceptional purity of his magical power resulting from practicing this ancient art.

That's how I successfully completed the beginner's course.

However, even he couldn't recklessly use this sword technique in combat. If he overexerted himself, his self-healing body would deplete his life force. "Next, I need to heal my internal injuries, and then refine pills and cultivate."

……

As the spring breeze swept by, just after the second auction in Tianxuan City concluded, a piece of news broke the tranquility.

"Something terrible has happened. The Li Huo Palace announced that the Tianxuan City spiritual land was originally discovered by the Li Huo Palace and the Xuan Yin Pavilion, but it has now been stolen by True Person Lu."

A bounty has been issued, and any talisman master or alchemist under the jurisdiction of Tianxuan City is on the list.

"What! How is that possible? I'm an alchemist too!" A cultivator exclaimed in horror upon hearing this.

Instead, a cultivator on the side directly mocked, "You're overthinking it. Only those with bounties on their heads and skills at the first-tier superior level or above are qualified."

"As for you, fellow Daoist..."

The rogue cultivator blushed with embarrassment, but didn't know how to refute it.

At that moment, he didn't know whether to feel fortunate or angry.

The moment the bounty was issued, the entire Tianxuan City was in an uproar, and everyone began to discuss it.

Although Tianxuan City also came up with countermeasures.

Juxianlou.

“Brother Lin, things are in chaos outside. There’s a bounty of four thousand spirit stones on the heads of first-tier high-grade skill cultivators. Two of them would be enough to make up one Foundation Establishment Pill.”

Shen Lie looked somewhat flustered, which made Wei Buyi, who had just broken through to the first-tier high-grade skill, widen his eyes in surprise.

"Damn it, I just broke through!"

Having cultivated diligently for so many years, Wei Buyi himself had a lineage of alchemists, and his father was once a first-grade high-level alchemist.

He finally broke through to become a first-grade high-level alchemist, only to be told now that he has a bounty on his head.

It is also worth four thousand spirit stones.

He had just made a breakthrough and hadn't even had a chance to celebrate when he was doused with a bucket of cold water.

"It seems that the bounty offered by Li Huo Palace is indeed quite tempting."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an frowned. Yun Yao had told him before, so he wasn't unprepared.

"Brother Lin, with your Foundation Establishment cultivation and being a mid-grade second-tier talisman master, the bounty is a spiritual weapon, five Foundation Establishment Pills, plus a high-level cultivation technique. You can even join the Li Huo Palace and receive its protection if you hunt down a cultivator."

That's a really big reward.

It should be noted that skilled cultivators are already more wealthy than ordinary cultivators, and now with a bounty offered, isn't this blatant temptation?

"Looks like I'm worth quite a bit. The Li Huo Palace only offered a bounty on Tian Xuan City. They're ruthless."

Lin Chang'an had to admire the methods of the Li Huo Palace.

With the release of this bounty, he could already imagine the crisis within Tianxuan City.

This is clearly intended to destabilize Tianxuan City. In fact, most of the cultivators who actually received the bounty will likely join Li Huo Palace to prevent retaliation.

In this way, Li Huo Palace can gain a fighting force for free.

It seems like a bounty was given, but didn't both the person and the bounty join the Li Huo Palace?

This is a conspiracy.

This is also a drawback of independent cultivators.

Unaffiliated cultivators have always been a scattered mess. Even if this True Person Lu, relying on Tianxuan City, manages to gather them together, he cannot change their scattered nature.

This is different from cultivators from sects and families, who have been taught from childhood to regard their sects and families as their roots.

"What a troubled time."

Lin Chang'an shook his head helplessly, while Wei Buyi looked extremely uncomfortable.

The bounty offered by Tianxuan City in retaliation against the Li Huo Palace's skilled cultivators was clearly insufficient.

This is a fundamental difference.

"Brother Wei, you've just broken through to become a first-grade high-level alchemist. Fortunately, the good news hasn't spread yet."

Shen Lie turned his head and looked at Wei Buyi, speaking with lingering fear.

Originally, this was meant to celebrate Wei Buyi's breakthrough, but today the wine has taken on a different flavor.

"Brother Shen, that sounds nice!"

Wei Buyi glared at her, feeling frustrated. "Am I worried about myself? I'm worried that Tianxuan City is going to be in turmoil again."

At the dinner table, Lin Chang'an secretly shook his head. It seemed like bad news, but upon closer analysis, at least Yue Kingdom wouldn't immediately start a large-scale open war.

"Let's stabilize the situation first and see. If the situation really doesn't look good, we'll have to make plans as soon as possible."

With everyone's attention no longer on the banquet, Lin Chang'an began to think about his escape route.

Which route to take for the safest retreat? After all, carrying the bounty for even a day will attract envy in other countries.

After all, he was a second-tier mid-grade talisman master, a very fat fish in his own right.

If one were to directly pledge allegiance to one side, that side would absolutely not grant him such freedom easily.

"In the end, everything depends on strength. If I had a Golden Core now, even if I were only at the Pseudo-Core Realm, I wouldn't be in this situation."

Finally, Lin Chang'an shook his head secretly. At the same time, this news also disrupted Tianxuan City.

Although the auction in Tianxuan City was still ongoing, the city remained bustling with activity.

But the monks' attention had been largely diverted to the bounty.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators were alright, but some Qi Refining cultivators with skills all had drastic changes in expression.

……

Time flies, and the situation in the Yue Kingdom remains turbulent.

Following the bounty orders issued by Li Huo Palace and Shen Jian Sect, Tian Xuan City did indeed experience considerable turmoil.

Calamity cultivators are emerging everywhere. Yesterday they were close friends, and after going out together, they suddenly transformed into calamity cultivators.

Even new fishing methods have emerged one after another.

For example, a cultivator in the late stage of Qi Refining might discover a medicinal herb, a demonic beast, or even the ruins of a cultivator's cave, and secretly gather friends to form a team to hunt down cultivators.

When they arrived, they discovered that they were the prey themselves.

Especially skilled cultivators preparing for the Foundation Establishment stage have become highly sought after.

Because they want to establish their foundations, they need to leave the city.

Especially now that demon cores are hard to find, there's no chance of breaking through without taking risks.

Panic gripped Tianxuan City, and many cultivators were killed.

Similarly, many cultivators made a fortune and then joined the Li Huo Palace, with quite a few even reaching the Foundation Establishment stage by relying on human blood resources.

Inside the cave.

【Lifespan: 64/217】

[Realm: Early Foundation Establishment Stage (50/100)]

"Thanks to the nourishment from the wood-attribute cultivation technique, my lifespan has slowly increased by two years, and my cultivation speed is also quite good."

Three years had not left any mark on Lin Chang'an. On the contrary, as his cultivation techniques improved, his lifespan also gradually increased.

"It's normal to extend lifespan by advancing to a higher realm, and there will also be subtle improvements as one's cultivation level improves, with wood-attribute techniques being the most significant."

When Lin Chang'an thought about his lifespan, he couldn't help but sigh. This was only after his natal spiritual plant had consumed thirty years of his lifespan.

Otherwise, his lifespan would have already exceeded 250 years.

Based on the characteristics of this ancient cultivation technique, once he reaches the late stage of Foundation Establishment, his lifespan could probably reach an astonishing three hundred years.

"The spiritual herbs and fruits used for alchemy in the last two years are still relatively easy to obtain, since cultivators are never short of adventurous people. However, demon cores are becoming increasingly rare."

Looking at the dwindling supply of pills, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but frown.

(End of this chapter)