Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 143 The Disguised Medicine Master

The next two months.

The six men joined forces to acquire some chaotic black market shops in the eastern district of Tianxuan City.

A new black market trading area was established, and unified rules were set.

With six Foundation Establishment cultivators, four of whom were in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, the local bullies didn't even dare to voice their dissatisfaction.

They respectfully chose to abide by the new rules.

Where there is light, there is also darkness.

There are too many shady things in the cultivation world, which has led to the proliferation of the black market.

With six Foundation Establishment cultivators joining forces, not to mention that many of these people are in the late Qi Refining stage, even Foundation Establishment cultivators, and some cultivators with family connections, would not dare to offend them.

The six men had staked almost all of their wealth on this, and cutting off their source of income was tantamount to cutting off their own livelihood.

For such a trivial matter, to be resented by six Foundation Establishment cultivators—who's out of their mind?

In less than three months, the black market in the East District was established without anyone noticing.

After the black market was established, the six people discussed taking turns to oversee it, since the black market still needed a Foundation Establishment cultivator to be in charge for a long time.

After word spread that there was a second-tier alchemist in this black market who could refine Foundation Establishment Pills, it attracted quite a few people.

However, Lin Chang'an was free from all this because he did not want to be in charge of the market and was willing to contribute some resources to have someone else take his place.

Among the crowd, Lao Jia, Gui Sandao, and He Yan had their eyes shining.

After all, they didn't have any special skills; besides cultivating, they also had to study other things.

Of course I'd like to.

……

half year later.

"Recently, my identity as an alchemist and medicine master has officially made its debut."

At this moment, Lin Chang'an, inside the cave, revealed a satisfied smile.

The alchemy furnace in front of him flickered with fire, refining a batch of Foundation Establishment Pills.

"Exchanging one Foundation Establishment material for two Foundation Establishment Pills is undoubtedly the most attractive option for some independent cultivators who crowdfund pill refining."

Regardless of how many pills I can refine, I'll guarantee you at least two genuine Foundation Establishment Pills. Tell me, isn't that amazing?

After all, the biggest concern when crowdfunding to refine pills is that only one pill will be produced.

"In the eyes of outsiders, this alchemist, Yao Daoren, would rather earn less than take the risk of exposure. He should thank Li Huo Palace for this."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

The two major sects offered bounties to skilled cultivators in Tianxuan City, which led many cultivators to hide their identities and act covertly.

His behavior was not unusual and did not arouse suspicion.

"The pill is done!"

As the flames in the alchemy furnace dissipated and the furnace was opened, three Foundation Establishment Pills, shimmering with spiritual light and burning hot, slowly floated out and landed in jade bottles.

Lin Chang'an put it away with satisfaction.

"With my talent, each set of Foundation Establishment materials can be refined into three high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills. Unfortunately, in order to avoid attracting attention, I can only reduce the amount of materials and refine these three genuine Foundation Establishment Pills."

Looking at the Foundation Establishment Pill in his hand, Lin Chang'an was filled with emotion.

The materials he cut off, though small, added up to a considerable income for him.

No wonder some accomplished cultivators like to cultivate a force, even the rogue cultivator Master Lu is no exception.

"Relying on yourself and having to do everything yourself is too time-consuming, unlike now."

In the past six months, Lin Chang'an has finally come to appreciate the benefits of cultivating power.

As the black market gradually stabilized, he was able to sell many shady items on his black market.

As for any questions, we'll have to ask those six Foundation Establishment cultivators and the Tianxuan City behind them first.

Since they've opened their doors to do business, they're not afraid that your products are of dubious origin.

As long as it's not a chance to form a golden core or a high-level treasure, they can handle it.

To ensure the safety of the black market and to showcase their background, the six of them pooled their money to purchase a mid-grade second-tier formation in Tianxuan City and set it up in the black market.

Every night when the black market opens, the formation not only provides defense but also conceals the aura of cultivators, giving those who come here a sense of security.

"Who would be crazy enough to risk hunting monsters if they could cultivate peacefully in Tianxuan City?"

In the past six months, Lin Chang'an hasn't gone out to hunt monsters much.

“Each Foundation Establishment Pill can yield a lot of resources, but the most needed pills are those that enhance cultivation.”

Lin Chang'an secretly pondered, no wonder all the major powers were so keen on managing the market.

Those who risk their lives to make money obviously can't think straight.

"However, the beast tide in the Cloud Mist Mountains is getting worse and worse. My cultivation level can't be improved in a short time. Right now, it's best to master a powerful spell or magic ability."

Thinking about the recent intelligence from the Cloud Mist Mountains, Lin Chang'an frowned.

Strength will never lie to you, no matter what.

"The Greatsword Technique, when unleashed by a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, possesses the ability to break through the defenses of late-stage second-tier demonic beasts, but the casting time is rather long."

Greatsword Technique (Proficiency 392/500)

Looking at his proficiency with this supernatural spell, Lin Chang'an secretly made plans.

Besides the Greatsword Technique that comes with the Fiend Yuan Sword Art, there is also the generous Fellow Daoist Huang Shaohai, who selflessly offered the Greatsword Technique unique to the Li Huo Palace.

These two greatsword techniques are essentially the same; they are just used in different ways.

"That's not bad. If we encounter a powerful enemy, we can buy enough time to use the Greatsword Technique of the Fiend Yuan Sword Art, which is twice as powerful as the ordinary one."

"However, I still need to practice more to try to increase the release speed to one or two breaths."

He had actually been practicing this supernatural ability all along, but this time was different.

With the beast tide imminent, no one can say for sure when it will erupt.

Moreover, with the black market booming right now, he doesn't need to hunt monsters for the time being, so he can use that time to cultivate this supernatural ability.

"Other powerful spells and supernatural abilities are indeed not as convenient as this."

Although Huang Shaohai did not provide him with any technical value, the sect cultivators still had a solid foundation.

After carefully examining many spells and magical abilities, he found that, in terms of both power and potential, the Greatsword Technique was undoubtedly the most suitable.

The Greatsword Technique is still used by many Golden Core cultivators and even those who have reached the Nascent Soul stage.

"It's not just the current turmoil caused by the beast tide, but also the secret realm more than ten years from now. Mastering this supernatural power to a certain extent will give us a greater chance of success."

Lin Chang'an then continued living a monotonous yet enjoyable life.

He practiced alchemy, talisman drawing, cultivation, and supernatural spells, and also bought jade slips to increase his understanding of the cultivation world.

……

【Lifespan: 74/245】

That year, Lin Chang'an was seventy-four years old.

Inside a shop in the black market of the eastern district of Tianxuan City.

When Lao Hu, who was in charge of the black market this month, saw the figure wearing a straw hat, he immediately showed a hearty smile.

"Alchemist, you are always on time, not a moment too late."

Beside Lao Hu were two cultivators at the peak of Qi Refining, who were clearly both apprehensive and excited.

"Are these the two?" Lin Chang'an used the illusion mask to disguise himself as the magic power aura of this medicine Daoist. Not to mention Old Hu, even a fake Core Formation cultivator without special abilities would not be able to see through it.

"Greetings, Senior Medicine Master!"

The two men bowed respectfully, while Old Hu grinned and laughed loudly:
"Fellow Daoist Yao, these are the two young friends."

Lin Chang'an, disguised as a Taoist herbalist, nodded calmly and spoke in a hoarse voice:

"In that case, you should know the rules."

"We understand! Of course we understand, these are the foundation materials for both of us."

The two Qi Refining cultivators respectfully took out the Foundation Establishment materials, and after Lin Chang'an checked them and confirmed that everything was correct, they nodded in satisfaction.

He then waved his hand, and all the foundation-building materials and expenses were put into his storage bag.

Under the eager gazes of the two cultivators, Lin Chang'an smiled calmly and produced six jade bottles with a wave of his hand.

Four of the jade bottles ended up in Lao Hu's hands.

"Two genuine Foundation Establishment Pills. Examine them carefully. If they are correct, leave through the shop's secret passage and head to the black market."

As long as the two of you remain hidden, no one will dare to make a move.

The two cultivators, who had reached the peak of Qi Refining, couldn't help but tremble as they looked at the Foundation Establishment Pill in the jade bottle. They said excitedly, "Thank you, senior. We will definitely remember this."

Lin Chang'an naturally understood the excited expressions of the two Qi Refining cultivators.

Looking at the four Foundation Establishment Pills in his hand, Old Hu smiled broadly and cupped his hands in greeting:
"Fellow Daoist Yao, rest assured, these four Foundation Establishment Pills are right here in the shop. They will be sold without a penny less."

This scene was also performed for the other two people, who were also shocked and eager at the same time.

This black market has powerful connections and immense influence.

Then Old Hu waved to the two of them and said, "Young friends, come with me. You will exit from different entrances."

However, I have a suggestion for you: don't reveal your Foundation Establishment Pills; it's best to go into seclusion and break through as soon as possible.

"Yes! Yes, thank you, senior."

"By the way, my shop has some Foundation Establishment tips here. Would you like to buy them?"

"Huh!?" The two were stunned, but then they remembered that they had invested all their savings in refining Foundation Establishment Pills, and all they got was a Foundation Establishment experience manual.

Without pausing for a moment, he bought the Foundation Building Manual to increase his chances of breaking through.

As the business was completed, Lin Chang'an, disguised as a Taoist priest, was about to turn and leave when Old Hu eagerly called him back.

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Yao, do you have any second-tier pills here to enhance cultivation?"

Looking at Old Hu, Lin Chang'an asked in astonishment, "Fellow Daoist Hu, don't you usually not use pills to improve your cultivation?"

"It's not me, Lao Hu Yong, but the son of my friend. He just reached the Foundation Establishment stage less than two years ago, so his cultivation is a bit shallow. Aren't there a lot of disturbances from the demonic beasts outside lately?"

Faced with Lao Hu's overly familiar manner towards everyone, Lin Chang'an shook his head speechlessly, but then three jade bottles appeared in his hand.

"One jade bottle and one pill, both are second-grade low-level pills, the price is the same as always."

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Yao, given our relationship, could you give me a discount?"

"That Fellow Daoist Lin from the black market only gave me less than 10% of the profits. Do you think it's fair to say it's cheaper?"

The medicine doctor's hoarse question left Old Hu speechless, and he thought to himself, "Brother Lin is really ruthless."

This second-tier mid-grade alchemist only offered less than 10% of the profits.

However, this Taoist medicine practitioner did not want to show his face or invest in their partnership, so it's normal that he didn't get a 10% share.

"Alright, alright, Fellow Daoist Yao, if you ever have this kind of pill in the future, remember to save some for me, Old Hu."

"Ah."

After the transaction, Lin Chang'an, disguised as a Taoist priest, left, while Lao Hu remained in the black market to oversee the operation.

A cultivator at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment dares not allow any petty thieves to cause trouble in the black market.

The cultivators who come to the black market may be mostly vicious people outside, but they are also the ones who understand the meaning of rules the most.

The monthly stall fees alone can add up to a considerable income for them.

Looking at the bustling black market, Lin Chang'an felt a deep sense of melancholy.

Once upon a time, he was just one of the many ordinary people in the black market, carefully concealing his identity.

In just a few years, he found himself behind the scenes controlling a black market.

This made Lin Chang'an sigh with emotion. Life is unpredictable, and who could have imagined his future achievements?

One should not be too arrogant, but neither should one underestimate oneself.

"Without realizing it, I have grown to this point."

Immediately after taking a Dust-Avoiding Pill, Lin Chang'an disappeared from the black market.

The Dust-Avoiding Pill can eliminate the aura within a cultivator's body, a detail he noticed after being targeted by Huang Shaohai last time.

Some auras can only be sensed by certain special demonic beasts.

However, the Dust-Avoiding Pill can cleanse a cultivator's own aura.

Since the last time Tianxuan City wiped out the traitorous cultivators, countless rogue cultivators have learned about the methods of the traitorous cultivators, and the Dust-Avoiding Pill has become very popular.

……

As the monsters in the Cloud Mist Mountains became more and more frequent, there were even a few flying monsters hovering over Tianxuan City some time ago.

Although they were eventually killed or scared away, they still shook people's hearts.

In an instant, rumors spread like wildfire throughout Tianxuan City, escalating rapidly... and the entire immortal city became filled with panic.
It is said that the lifespan of the True Man Lu Xuangui is coming to an end, and he has not shown his face for several years.

Some independent cultivators are willing to take a gamble, but cultivators with family matters and clans are often helpless.

Countless cultivators are preparing to abandon their foundations and seek a way to go elsewhere.

Although the spiritual energy here cannot compare to that of Tianxuan City, it is generally more stable.

Some are willing to take risks, while others seek stability.

Inside the cave.

"Congratulations, Brother Lin."

Zhou Bingyun arrived with a big smile, carrying spirit-feeding pills for feeding spirit pets, which made Lin Chang'an nod with a smile.

“Miss Zhou, my shady black market business is nothing compared to the Zhou family’s fortune.”

That's the truth. In recent years, the Zhou family has developed very rapidly thanks to its unique beast-taming reputation.

It is also closely connected with Tianxuan City.

"That's different. Brother Lin, you got here all by yourself, while our Zhou family relied on the wealth accumulated by our ancestors over generations."

Then, by sheer luck, they arrived in Tianxuan City, and thus were able to rise with the wind.

The Zhou family's growth did not go to Zhou Bingyun's head; instead, she remained calm and knew exactly what the Zhou family had relied on to achieve its current success.

Lin Chang'an could empathize with this, as he too had caught the wave of Tianxuan City's rise to prominence.

Many cultivators are like this. Aptitude, comprehension, and perseverance are all factors, but sometimes, when luck is against them, even in a small market town, it is extremely difficult to achieve Foundation Establishment.

"The Zhou family already has five Foundation Establishment cultivators, and it shouldn't be long before another female Foundation Establishment cultivator is added."

Lin Chang'an looked at Zhou Bingyun meaningfully; he had watched this girl all along.

Knowing when to advance and retreat, and understanding boundaries, is a quality that ordinary people don't possess. After reaching the Qi Refining Perfection Realm, one needs to hone their skills for several more years.

"Brother Lin, please don't make fun of me. Foundation Establishment is not that simple."

Although Zhou Bingyun possessed a superior spiritual root, she was still uncertain about the matter, which was why she had come here.

(End of this chapter)