Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 144 Chess Saint Lu Zhenren

"Foundation Pill!?"

Inside the cave, Lin Chang'an was puzzled as he watched Zhou Bingyun take out the materials she wanted to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill.

“Miss Zhou, with your aptitude and the Zhou family’s current connections, obtaining the Foundation Establishment Pill shouldn’t be difficult.”

Especially considering the Zhou family's development over the years, with Zhou Bingyun's qualifications, he didn't believe the Zhou family would be so stingy as to waste a Foundation Establishment Pill or two.

However, only family members know their own situation, and Zhou Bingyun let out a rare sigh of helplessness.

“Brother Lin, the Zhou family has grown up, and everyone needs a lot of cultivation resources, especially the second-tier spirit beasts that my Zhou family raises, which consume a lot of resources.”

It looks glamorous on the outside, but the clan prepared two Foundation Establishment Pills for me this time. I only used the ones I secretly saved up, just in case…”

Good guy!
This scene made Lin Chang'an look strange. He wondered where the girl learned her cautious personality.

With his low-grade spiritual root aptitude, he has a 95% chance of succeeding with three Foundation Establishment Pills.

As a result, you, with your superior spiritual root, should tell him that you also need to prepare three!

However, this girl wasn't telling the truth.

"Brother Lin, I heard that there is a second-level alchemist in your black market who can exchange resources for Foundation Establishment Pills. I think I can get one with these resources."

Zhou Bingyun said with a smile that Foundation Establishment Pills are a strategic resource, and since they can be obtained through simple spirit stones, she naturally didn't want to owe anyone a favor.

"These resources, which are beneficial to spirit beasts, are indeed valuable enough."

Lin Chang'an nodded slightly. Since he was running a black market and opening his doors to do business, he would naturally accept all comers.

He could guess a bit about the Zhou family's intentions; they wanted to befriend them, since the six Foundation Establishment experts in the black market were now a force to be reckoned with.

In addition, there are the Foundation Establishment Pills left over after Zhou Bingyun's breakthrough, which are valuable resources for the family.

No matter what you do, you won't lose out.

"However, the Zhou family's resources over the years shouldn't be this bad..."

Suddenly, Lin Chang'an thought of the Zhou family's clan-guarding spirit beast, the Xuan Shui Turtle, and seemed to understand something.

Over the years, the Zhou family has probably invested most of its resources in this clan-guarding spirit beast.

Some families, lacking exceptionally talented cultivators, are prone to periods of weakness. It would be better to focus on cultivating a clan-guarding spirit beast whose lifespan far exceeds that of a cultivator.

This explains everything; no wonder the Zhou family has been so stingy all these years.

"Alright, if Miss Zhou has any more materials in this area in the future, the black market will buy them all."

Lin Chang'an smiled and cupped his hands in greeting. Regardless of the circumstances, if the Zhou family wanted to be on good terms, he would do the same.

After all, the Zhou family's actions over the years have not been bad.

"Thank you very much, Brother Lin."

Zhou Bingyun nodded with a smile. The Foundation Establishment Pill was genuine, and the strategic resources she was planning for the family were also genuine.

Of course, the most important point is the family's guardian spirit beast.

Zhou Bingyun felt helpless. Originally, her eldest brother's Feng Linggen was the most talented in the Zhou family in the past hundred years, but unfortunately, he was unlucky.

The Zhou family's interests are now intertwined with those of Tianxuan City. A few years ago, they even acquired a secret technique that could help the clan's guardian spirit beast break through to the quasi-third rank.

Although this secret technique has great drawbacks, from then on, the clan's guardian spirit beast, like a pseudo-core cultivator, will no longer be able to improve its cultivation.

If successful, a spirit tortoise with a lifespan of over a thousand years can ensure the Zhou family's prosperity for over a thousand years.

That's why she came to find Lin Chang'an. In fact, the clan's resources are really tight, and she is wholeheartedly dedicated to the development of the clan.

"I suppose when we meet again, we will address each other as fellow Daoists, and Miss Zhou will become the first female Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Zhou family."

Zhou Bingyun nodded modestly in response to Lin Chang'an's blessing.

Afterwards, Zhou Bingyun took the opportunity to ask Lin Chang'an for some more insights on Foundation Establishment, and Lin Chang'an naturally did not hesitate to share his knowledge.

Based on his observation, this Miss Zhou has a very solid foundation and is also a top-grade spiritual root. The chance of her breaking through with a Foundation Establishment Pill is about 60% to 70%.

……

The sun and the moon are like shuttles.

Despite the chaos and rumors circulating outside, as long as Master Lu remains alive, Tianxuan City will not experience any major upheavals.

As the monsters in the Cloud Mist Mountains stirred, countless cultivators from the surrounding seven kingdoms flocked to the city, making Tianxuan City exceptionally prosperous.

Although it caused some chaos, their black market also became extremely popular, allowing them to earn a lot of spirit stones.

These outside cultivators came specifically for the demonic beasts; if a beast tide appears, they can simply leave.

Some cultivators even secretly hoped that something would happen in Tianxuan City, so that they could make a fortune in the chaos.

Six months later, Zhou Bingyun successfully established her foundation. At the foundation-establishing banquet of the Zhou family, Lin Chang'an also presented her with a gift.

Meanwhile, all six Foundation Establishment cultivators from the black market were present, as the Zhou family had cooperated extensively with the black market over the past six months.

【Lifespan: 75/245】

[Realm: Mid-Foundation Establishment (12/100)]

Inside the cave, Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes and smiled with satisfaction as he looked at his cultivation level.

"At seventy-five years old, his cultivation is still steadily improving. If outsiders knew this, they would be the envy of countless people."

Then Lin Chang'an slowly stood up, and the Green Bamboo Sword in his hand suddenly appeared above the cave.

With his magic power continuously flowing in, within just two breaths, the Green Bamboo Sword hovering above his head suddenly burst forth with dazzling light.

It transformed into a giant sword radiating azure light, several dozen feet in size, exuding an incomparably terrifying aura.

Greatsword Technique

As Lin Chang'an raised his hand and waved it, the giant sword instantly shot straight toward the nine layers of golden light shield below the cave.

"Click... click..."

The nine-layered golden light barrier was pierced through with almost no resistance, and the giant sword even penetrated three-tenths of an inch into the cave.

Such terrifying power stirred up clouds of dust, but Lin Chang'an's eyes shone brightly as he couldn't help but marvel.

"Even a level 9, second-grade high-quality defensive talisman couldn't stop it; what terrifying power!"

Greatsword Technique (Mastery 283/1000)

Once you break through to mastery, the Greatsword Technique only requires two breaths to activate.

As Lin Chang'an waved his hand, the light of the azure giant sword dissipated, and the Green Bamboo Sword flew back into his palm. Looking at the messy cave, he couldn't help but smile.

"Fortunately, it's a spiritual artifact. A magic artifact at the Qi Refining stage simply couldn't withstand this magical power. It does consume a lot of magical power, but it's just right for me."

Lin Chang'an secretly analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of this supernatural ability.

The cultivation technique he practiced was known for its abundant magical power and strong recovery ability, so he wasn't worried about the consumption of magical power.

"This supernatural power takes two breaths to activate and makes a huge commotion. Unless you trap or attract the enemy, it is easy to dodge."

However, it's an excellent target for some large, monstrous beasts.

If activated with the Killing Yuan Sword Technique, its power can be doubled.

"However, we should also thank Li Huo Palace for their generosity."

Lin Chang'an waved his hand to clear the dust from the cave, and a jade slip appeared in his palm. He then carefully recorded the information with a spiritual pen.

This jade slip also contains the insights he gained from the Li Huo Palace, which Huang Shaohai had generously gifted him, and he has recorded them all in detail.

However, he has now added some of his own unique insights.

[Tier 2 High-Grade Talisman Master (Grandmaster 11/5000)]

The nine high-grade defensive talismans that his greatsword technique pierced just now were a result of his breakthrough in talisman-making skills.

"A second-tier high-grade talisman master, if word gets out, my value will probably increase even more."

After recording, Lin Chang'an put away the jade slip with a smile on his face.

Second-tier high-grade talisman masters are among the most numerous in the entire Tianxuan City.

"However, it's best not to easily reveal my identity as a second-tier high-grade talisman master. With cultivators from the seven kingdoms gathering around and full of hidden talents, even if some second-tier high-grade talismans are leaked out, they won't attract attention."

At this moment, Lin Chang'an was also filled with emotion. In just a few decades, he had actually come to this point. It was truly a twist of fate.

"With my current strength, I might as well go to the place where the Golden Core cultivators mentioned by Yun Yao fell in the future."

At this moment, Lin Chang'an also gained more confidence. He had a wealth of resources, including a talisman treasure, which was more abundant than that of ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

As Yun Yao aptly put it, although Core Formation is a distant goal, it's still important to prepare early rather than waiting to miss the opportunity.

Once I've completed my Foundation Establishment, searching for Core Formation resources would be like a headless fly, and it would also be risky.

Just then, a familiar voice came from outside the cave.

……

"Uncle Lin, this is this month's share of the market revenue." He Yan, the grandson of the former Old He, was now full of humility in front of Lin Chang'an.

Looking at He Yan, Lin Chang'an felt a little embarrassed. He had thought the kid was gone and that He Yan had taken the Foundation Establishment Pill.

“He Yan, we are now both Foundation Establishment cultivators, so we can address each other as fellow Daoist.”

"Uncle Lin, you're too kind. I was arrogant and ignorant back then. It's already magnanimous of you not to hold it against me."

Over the years, He Yan has experienced something that has made him extremely composed. Although he is a member of the Demonic Sect, he speaks in a very low-key manner.

No one could tell that he was a member of the Xuan Yin Divine Sect.

In Yun Yao's words, those who are blindly arrogant and conceited are long dead. Of course, one should be as arrogant as possible towards enemies.

It's an enemy anyway.

Even though I can't beat them, I still feel arrogant and comfortable.

"If Old He knew you'd end up like this, he'd be smiling in his grave."

Lin Chang'an nodded with a smile, not hiding the matter of the Foundation Establishment Pill.

After all, the chances of him being able to visit Old He's grave are still quite high.

Therefore, when he made profits from the black market, he had the idea of ​​giving He Yan this Foundation Establishment Pill.

After all, there's no need to make an enemy of a Foundation Establishment cultivator over a mere Foundation Establishment Pill.

But in He Yan's words, this was Uncle Lin's opportunity; if he wasn't fortunate enough to seize it and turn it into strength, that was his problem.

"You've had your share of hardships these past few years, haven't you?"

While the two chatted in the pavilion, He Yan always referred to himself as the junior.

"Uncle Lin, this Xuan Yin Divine Sect is actually quite suitable for me. Many people say it's a demonic path, but there are actually many pitiful people like me in it."

And there aren't many complicated procedures; if you have the ability, you can take it; if you don't, you can bury yourself in hard work and study.

Beneath He Yan's frank smile, there was no trace of rejection towards the Xuan Yin Divine Sect.

Although the Demonic Sect's methods are somewhat cruel, they truly reward those who have merit and talent.

Lin Chang'an nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of感慨 (gan3kai3, a complex emotion encompassing both admiration and awe). Although Foundation Establishment cultivators were soldiers in the Xuan Yin Divine Sect, they were still better off than rogue cultivators outside.

Take him for example, he has to fight for everything himself.

He Yan, backed by the Xuan Yin Divine Sect, can be trained as long as he has the ability to prove himself.

However, he wasn't greedy. He had already had enough good fortune. He just needed to digest it slowly, accumulate strength, and then unleash it. Good days were ahead.

"However, Uncle Lin, cultivators from the seven kingdoms have gathered to hunt demonic beasts, and recently they have discovered many cultivators who have established their foundations using the method of seizing foundations. Senior Yun suggests that it would be better to have two cultivators suppress the market during this period."

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an frowned. With Master Lu in seclusion, all sorts of strange and monstrous things have suddenly appeared.

"As far as I know, the method of seizing the foundation is a demonic technique, using cruel secret methods to build the foundation."

"Indeed, this method of seizing a foundation, although it consumes some lifespan, is a shortcut for many rogue cultivators."

Elderly or severely injured Foundation Establishment cultivators are all targets.

"I understand now. Everyone should be careful these days. Oh, and I have some spiritual fruits that the Zhou family gave me. You can take some with you."

Before leaving, Lin Chang'an casually took out some spiritual fruits needed by his spirit pets.

He Yan accepted it respectfully with a smile on his face.

The two did not become enemies because of that Foundation Establishment Pill; on the contrary, it brought them closer.

The spirit beast pouch at He Yan's waist clearly indicates that he is also keeping a spirit beast.

After all, he benefited from receiving a high-quality Foundation Establishment Pill.

Watching He Yan leave, Lin Chang'an gazed at the bustling scene of Tianxuan City and couldn't help but sigh with emotion.

"A storm is brewing; it's uncertain how long this calm will last."

The beast tide grew increasingly large, and Master Lu, in seclusion, was unaware of the situation. Meanwhile, the Li Huo Palace and the Divine Sword Sect of the Yue Kingdom joined forces, eyeing the situation with predatory intent.

The Grand Elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion is probably nearing his end, so we need to tighten our defenses.

Currently, Tianxuan City is only held up by a pseudo-core cultivator, and if anything goes wrong...

The building is about to collapse.

"I wonder how Fellow Daoist Su's preparations for Core Formation are going."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but turn his head and look in the direction of Tianxuan Peak.

……

At the border between Li Huo Palace and Shen Jian Sect, in a market town.

"Although this old tortoise is well hidden, my spirit beast is extremely sensitive to auras from the last battle, and this old thing's aura of decline cannot be concealed!"

Elder Huang, the strongest Golden Core cultivator of Li Huo Palace, spoke calmly and authoritatively without anger.

"Master Lu is, after all, a rogue cultivator. Although he has had some fortuitous encounters, he has already damaged his vital energy in several major battles. Yet he has lived for nearly six hundred years, which is quite long."

Upon hearing this, the Golden Core elder of the Divine Sword Sect nodded slightly.

“I passed by the Xuan Yin Pavilion sect before I came here, and my spirit beast could no longer detect that old man’s aura.”

After Elder Huang of the Li Huo Palace uttered these words, the elders of the Divine Sword Sect's eyes immediately lit up.

"Fellow Daoist, are you saying that the Xuan Yin Pavilion currently only has two Golden Core cultivators?"

"Although the Heavenly Spirit Root talent is strong, she is still just a young girl who has not yet grown up. Don't you think it's a bit too much for the Yue Kingdom to have four major powers?"

Both of them revealed a greedy look, as they were very tempted by the resources of the Yue Kingdom.

"This time, you and I will join forces to first stir up a beast tide to test this old turtle. If it is as we expect, then we will hold back the Xuan Yin Pavilion and destroy this old turtle first. The Xuan Yin Pavilion alone will not be able to achieve anything."

"Alright, this old tortoise has lived for so many years, it's better to test it first."

……

Tianxuan Peak.

Everyone thought that Master Lu was nearing the end of his life, but at this moment he was sitting cross-legged on the back of a tortoise, holding a fishing rod and fishing for spirit fish in the spiritual spring.

"It didn't bite again!?"

Seeing that the fish basket was empty, Master Lu couldn't help but grin, glare, and blow his beard.

“Yin’er, before I embarked on the path of cultivation, I was a fisherman. I was good at netting fish, but I wasn’t good at fishing…”

Meanwhile, there is a chessboard on the turtle's back, where it is playing chess with Su Miaoyin while fishing.

But upon hearing Master Lu's excuse, Su Miaoyin didn't even raise an eyebrow. With a flick of her fishing rod, a plump spirit fish splashed into the fish basket.

By this time, the fish basket was already full, making Master Lu's eyes almost red with envy.

“Master, fishing requires patience, but I heard that the Grand Elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion has passed away.”

"Really? Then the people outside can't wait any longer. But to catch a big fish, you have to use heavy bait."

"Then is the heavy bait that Master mentioned me?" Su Miaoyin's indifferent tone echoed, without even glancing at her cheap master, before she uttered a single word.

On the chessboard, the large dragon formation was complete, and Master Lu, that terrible chess player, had lost the entire game.

Upon seeing this, Master Lu stroked his beard and shook his head, but smiled nonchalantly.

"My dear daughter, who in Tianxuan City can compare to you? Take advantage of the beast tide to see how many people have ill intentions."

These fools behind the scenes all think they're playing chess, but they don't realize the real victory or defeat lies outside the chessboard.

Before Master Lu could finish speaking, Su Miaoyin picked up the fish basket and turned to leave.

"My dear daughter, let's stop playing chess and go fishing together!"

"This basket is enough for my earth dragon beast to eat."

"What a waste! This spirit fish is a great tonic even for Foundation Establishment cultivators..."

Watching the departing figure, Master Lu smacked his lips awkwardly and muttered:

"This girl is just like you, so stubborn."

After letting out a soft sigh, Master Lu, dressed in green, shook his head, grabbed the chessboard beside him, and hurled it into the spiritual spring with a thud.

With a gurgling sound, the two large fish flipped over and floated to the surface.

Meanwhile, the other spirit fish in the spirit spring were so frightened that they trembled and hid at the bottom of the water.

Only the third-tier Xuan Shui Turtle yawned boredly and lazily watched this scene.

Seeing this, Master Lu put down his fishing rod with satisfaction and grabbed the two spirit fish that had turned belly up in mid-air.

"But I, the true master, am most skilled at determining victory or defeat outside the chessboard. Playing chess? Who in their right mind would do that behind the scenes?"

(End of this chapter)