Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 125 Fiery Killing Aura
Tianxuan City.

Finally returning to the immortal city he had been away from for so long, the sudden commotion around him actually brought a smile to Lin Chang'an's face, who was dressed in disguise.

"Sure enough, even Foundation Establishment cultivators don't like being away from the cultivator community for long periods of time; they prefer this kind of lively atmosphere."

Perhaps some people like solitude and quiet, but they can't really stay alone for a lifetime. They just like their own sanctuary to be undisturbed.

He didn't disturb anyone along the way. After all, there were so many Foundation Establishment cultivators in Tianxuan City, who would have the time to stare at him?

After successfully returning to his cave dwelling and training ground, Lin Chang'an released the Green Horned Ox from his spirit beast pouch.

"Moo!"

At first, the Green Horned Ox was wary of its surroundings, but it gradually relaxed after discovering that it was in a comfortable cave.

Although the large bump on its head was almost invisible, it was still extremely painful to touch, so the Green Horned Ox carefully lay down in the pool.

Although it was still basking in the sun, its nimble ears, which twitched from time to time, clearly indicated that it still retained a degree of vigilance.

Seeing this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but nod in satisfaction.

"It seems that this trip to the Cloud Mist Mountains has awakened the beastly instincts within this ox."

They had been too comfortable before. Although the Green Horned Ox was well-fed, it still lacked the vigilance of wild monsters.

"But after working so hard for so long, it's good to relax a bit."

After years of arduous cultivation, Lin Chang'an rarely showed a relaxed expression. He entered the cave and took a rare two-day break to relax.

However, after only two days, he resumed his daily cultivation without daring to slack off in the slightest.

After all, his spiritual root aptitude was poor and he reached the Foundation Establishment stage late. If he hadn't awakened his talent and obtained this ancient opportunity, he wouldn't have reached where he is today.

Therefore, we must not waste this tremendous opportunity.

Otherwise, if he hadn't even achieved the Core Formation stage despite having such a fortuitous opportunity, wouldn't he have wasted his life?

……

Inside the cave.

Under the true fire of the Foundation Establishment cultivator, a purple-patterned bronze furnace emitted bursts of light, and at the same time, the alchemical liquid inside the furnace mixed together and emitted a faint fragrance.

"It's done."

Lin Chang'an, who was sitting cross-legged in front of the alchemy furnace, slowly withdrew the true fire, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

"The Evergreen Technique has a long and deep energy channel, making it most suitable for alchemy that requires continuous energy expenditure."

As the alchemy furnace was opened, seventeen pills shimmering with spiritual light were placed into jade bottles, leaving Lin Chang'an with several bottles of pills in front of him.

"These pills are enough for my cultivation for a year."

Lin Chang'an was extremely satisfied at this moment. Although it was hard work, the results were still good.

"Besides the cultivation technique, my greatest reliance for this trip to the Cloud Mist Mountains is this sword technique and the Spirit Eye."

The spiritual eye, capable of seeing through fog and stone, was like a divine intervention deep within the miasma-filled Cloud and Mist Mountains.

Whether it's venomous insects lurking in the shadows and launching sneak attacks, or detecting dangers in the distance, it plays a crucial role.

"And now I understand the power of this sword technique, which explains why this person is called the Blood Fiend Sword Lord."

The more damage this sword technique inflicts on the body, the more crimson the sword's light becomes, and its power actually increases exponentially.

At this moment, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh, "Indeed, practice is the only truth."

As he raised his hand, a cyan sword light swirled around him. The next moment, he forcefully accelerated the activation of this secret technique. As his internal meridians were injured, the cyan sword light began to turn red.

At the same time, its power is twice as strong as before.

"Truly worthy of being called a demonic cultivation technique that injures the enemy a thousand while harming oneself eight hundred."

As the sword light dissipated, a satisfied smile appeared on Lin Chang'an's face.

【Fierce Yuan Sword Technique (Proficiency 982/1000)】

At the same time, as long as one is not afraid of the side effects, progress in demonic cultivation techniques is always quite fast.

This trip to the Cloud and Mist Mountains has allowed me to discover my self-healing abilities. If I have the opportunity in the future, I should try to find more demonic cultivation techniques.

"Of course, those that consume lifespan or reverse yin and yang, turning a man into a woman, are not acceptable."

With his Evergreen Technique and the nourishment from his natal spiritual plant, his self-healing body is powerful, but not yet strong enough to recover from this injury.

【Spiritual Eye (Grandmaster 232/5000)】

"And the Spirit Eye, we should exchange for more Spirit Liquid this time, as both the Spirit Eye and the Natal Spirit Plant need these for cultivation."

Lin Chang'an then got up, cleaned the cave and the jade bottle of medicinal scent, and then put them into his storage bag.

……

"Have you heard? Our Tianxuan City's Master Lu has also issued bounties for the talented disciples and skilled cultivators of the Li Huo Palace."

"Bounties? These sects' geniuses have been on the bounty list for ages, but how many have actually succeeded?"

On the streets of Tianxuan City, countless cultivators were talking about the current turbulent situation. A gaunt late-stage Qi Refining cultivator shook his head and sighed, not optimistic about the bounty offered by Tianxuan City.

"That's true. The three major sects of Yue Kingdom have long been at odds, and they'll seize any opportunity to exploit each other. But what about us rogue cultivators?"
Even if you manage to kill these sect disciples, what then? Do you have powerful backers? Or do you believe someone can stop the retaliation for you?

One of the fellow cultivators, unconvinced, glared and said, "Then why is it that the bounty notices for us rogue cultivators cause such panic?"

The gaunt cultivator sighed helplessly, revealing the bitterness in his heart.

"Because we rogue cultivators have cheap lives, we just die and that's it, and we're the ones who kill each other."

And they even have the chance to join a major sect, which is something they'd love to do. But have you ever seen how many sect cultivators actually want to defect?

"You said there's a reward, but would these people give up being proper disciples of a sect to become rogue cultivators?"

As Lin Chang'an walked through Tianxuan City, he heard the discussions of a group of cultivators, which made him nod in approval.

The words may be rough, but the principle is sound. How many disciples of a sect would be so foolish as to defect and become rogue cultivators? Perhaps some would risk everything for a chance to form their core.

But the opportunity to establish a foundation? If you're listed as a traitor on the sect's traitor list, you'll be hunted down for generations to come.

The risks and rewards are completely disproportionate.

Unlike independent cultivators, who can receive bounties and join sects, there are countless people who would love to do so.

"This Master Lu is over five hundred years old, and his strength has begun to decline. He is already considered to be of advanced age among Golden Core cultivators."

After thinking about the information about this Master Lu, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but shake his head secretly.

Normally, a Golden Core cultivator can live for five or six hundred years without any problem, but for those who have fought their way up, especially rogue cultivators, living to six hundred years old is already considered a long life.

"However, these are still too far away for me. I can only hope that Master Lu can live for a few more decades."

Immediately, Lin Chang'an composed himself and headed towards the Wanbaolou in Tianxuan City.

……

Tianxuan Peak.

“Master, recently there have been rampant robbery and plundering outside, and rumors are spreading everywhere. Although things are still stable inside the city, the situation outside is clearly becoming more and more chaotic.”

With a solemn expression, Su Miaoyin recounted the intelligence from outside, yet there was no trace of worry in her eyes. Instead, she subtly glanced at Master Lu above.

This Master Lu, dressed in a green robe and appearing as a gaunt old man, revealed a mocking sneer upon hearing these words.

"If you want to test me, you'd better weigh your own worth first."

At this point, Master Lu seemed to have thought of something, and couldn't help but reveal a malicious smile.

"People are ignorant. They only know that Golden Core cultivators can live for five or six hundred years, but they do not know how vast the cultivation world is. There are secret techniques, pills, and cultivation methods that can prolong life."

Even that formation, I've witnessed before, possesses the heaven-defying ability to prolong lifespan.

As he said this, Master Lu sneered inwardly. He had once obtained a secret method for prolonging life through tortoise breathing, and practicing this method regularly could greatly extend his lifespan.

Based on his current lifespan, he can live for at least eight hundred years.

No one knew that this 500-year-old man was still in his prime.

"Master, what's next?"

Su Miaoyin frowned. She didn't know what her adoptive father was thinking, nor did she want to care. She just wanted to cultivate peacefully.

But sometimes you have to face these things.

"Next, naturally, I will go into seclusion because I was injured before and I am over five hundred years old. I want to live a few more years, so I will go into seclusion first."

"My dear daughter, you should prepare yourself well too. Next time, we'll go fishing for a big catch together. We have to give these people some hope, right?"

Lu Zhenren's mocking smile left Su Miaoyin speechless.

"Master, is your return to Yue Kingdom this time truly to help me achieve the Core Formation?"

Finally, Su Miaoyin couldn't help but raise her head, look at her adoptive father, and ask the question that had been bothering her.

She could never figure out what she was really planning.

Under that direct gaze, Master Lu glared and puffed out his chest, saying, "Of course!"

"it is good!"

Without any hesitation, Su Miaoyin turned and left.

However, Master Lu, stroking his beard, watched the departing figure and muttered to himself:

"My dear daughter, I didn't lie to you. It's just that helping you achieve the Core Formation is only part of the plan."

……

Wanbao Tower.

"Second-order centipede shell, double-tailed venomous scorpion, dark green insect venom sac... Fellow Daoist Lin, you have truly broadened my horizons."

When the Foundation Establishment elder surnamed Feng saw the pile of second-tier demon beast resources, he couldn't help but show a look of surprise.

The materials of five second-tier demonic beasts are nothing special; he had even seen the materials of third-tier demonic beasts while following Master Lu.

The reason for the surprise was simply because Lin Chang'an was a cautious cultivator who usually relied on drawing talismans for arduous cultivation.

"Old Feng, you must be joking."

Faced with the emotional value offered by this old man, Lin Chang'an shook his head helplessly. He would believe it if it were a Qi Refining cultivator, but how old is this old man?

In the Demon Beast Sea Abyss, what storms and waves haven't we seen?

Seeing Lin Chang'an's expression, Feng Lao chuckled, a rare occurrence for him.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, this is what a true cultivator is. Before, you only relied on drawing talismans to cultivate diligently. Perhaps your resources were better than those of ordinary rogue cultivators, but the difference was still limited."

After reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, every step is fraught with peril. If we, as rogue cultivators, lack even the courage to fight, how can we pursue the path of immortality, let alone attempt to break through to the Core Formation stage?

Beneath Feng Lao's hearty smile, the weariness in his eyes suggested he had experienced far too much.

Lin Chang'an nodded in agreement.

"Yes, a single adventure can be equivalent to several years of gains. No wonder everyone says that cultivation and hunting demonic beasts are addictive for cultivators."

The allure of sudden wealth, with people getting used to it, makes them unwilling to continue earning spirit stones by honestly drawing talismans and refining elixirs.

Even Lin Chang'an, with his exceptional talent and the vast wealth he had amassed both openly and secretly, was still tempted; one can only imagine the allure of others.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, we at Wanbaolou will accept all your materials. Would you like to exchange them for treasures or spirit stones?"

"Replace one defensive magical artifact with the rest of cultivation resources."

Lin Chang'an did not hesitate at all, or rather, he never thought of hiding before he even started hunting the monsters.

Sometimes, a cultivator cannot simply hide their strength; they must reveal it when the time is right.

He also hoped to use these demon beast resources to exchange for some high-level resources that only Tianxuan City and the three major sects possessed.

He can't help but show it off, even if he doesn't want to.

Moreover, as a rogue cultivator, his aptitude was low, which would be a good way to conceal his future improvement in cultivation.

If you're envious, then go for it and risk your life.

"A defensive magical artifact? This Xuan Iron Flying Shield has amazing defense, which is perfect for you, fellow Daoist."

Looking at the heavy shield, Lin Chang'an nodded to himself. With this, he now had a defensive magical artifact, greatly enhancing his safety.

"Exchange six bottles of second-grade high-quality spirit liquid for me, and..."

With the jade token given to him by Su Miaoyin, he can exchange it for many high-level strategic resources that are not open to the public in Tianxuan City.

Of course, this is only relative; some valuable internal resources will naturally not be easily leaked to the outside world.

"It even contains fiery and malevolent energy!"

When Lin Chang'an saw that the resources he had exchanged included fiery baleful energy, he was startled.

Old Feng nodded with a smile on his face and said:
"There was a fissure in the ground on the previous Li Huo Peak, which connected to the earth fire and naturally contained some fiery evil energy from time to time."

This fiery aura is an excellent treasure for both body tempering and weapon forging; it can even greatly enhance the power of some cultivation techniques.

It's not uncommon for cultivators to use malevolent energy in the cultivation world, so Elder Feng wasn't surprised.

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. He had already witnessed the power of the Blood Fiend Sword Technique, which could be used to assist in his cultivation.

"Give me two bottles of Fiery Bane."

After exchanging for a bunch of cultivation resources, Lin Chang'an sighed, no wonder Old Hu would return penniless again after each time he came back with a full load.

Now he finally understands.

This sudden windfall would cause cultivators to spend it all recklessly, converting it all into cultivation resources.

Once their cultivation resources are nearly exhausted, they will naturally want to make a quick buck again.

This is a vicious cycle: if independent cultivators don't fight, they simply won't have any resources.

Wealth and honor are found in danger, but also lost in danger.

This still couldn't stop the cultivators' advance, since they had no chance at all if they didn't fight.

If we give it our all, we might just be able to carve out a future.

In the past five hundred years, the most outstanding person in the Yue Kingdom has been none other than the current Lord of Tianxuan City, Master Lu.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Feng."

After exchanging the items, the old man surnamed Feng left with a smile, without asking about the demon core.

After all, demon cores have a wide range of uses, and some Foundation Establishment cultivators often use them to assist their cultivation.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Lin."

Just as Lin Chang'an had exchanged a bunch of cultivation supplies and was about to put them away, Su Miaoyin happened to appear and saw this scene, and couldn't help but smile and cup her hands in greeting.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Su."

Upon seeing the person who had arrived, Lin Chang'an smiled and returned the greeting with a cupped hand.

The black-clad female cultivator beside Fellow Daoist Su exchanged a subtle glance with him, and both of them revealed strange expressions.

Yun Yao!

(End of this chapter)