I am cautiously cultivating immortals in a strange world

Chapter 2372 Shen Xiaoyu's Fortuitous Encounter
"Fellow Daoist, these things are no ordinary items. May I ask what they are used for?"

After reading the contents of the jade slip, the shopkeeper showed surprise and couldn't help but ask some probing questions.

Chen Lin did not answer.

These are the materials for refining those three types of talismans. He didn't write them all down and mixed in other items to avoid arousing suspicion.

Over the years, he has come to value Tang Shenggu's lineage of talismans more and more.

Being the first to stick one's neck out is the worst thing you can do.

The two that are higher are "sharing life and death" and "the ship of disorder".

The materials required for the Chaotic Ship are all incredibly powerful, mostly existing only in legends and not even listed in the treasure catalog of the Azure Peak Heavenly Palace, which is enough to prove the talisman's level.

Seeing that Chen Lin remained silent.

The shopkeeper shook his head.

"It's practically impossible to gather all the materials you need, fellow Daoist. I can help look for one or two, but don't get your hopes up too high."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, shopkeeper."

Chen Lin was overjoyed.

The fact that the other party didn't directly refuse means there's a chance. As expected of the largest trading company, its foundation is unmatched by ordinary trading companies.

He's quite wealthy now, and he can buy almost anything he comes across.

Perhaps we can actually gather enough materials for a talisman.

Unfortunately.

Tang Nian was also affected by the strange rules and turned into a bird. Because his cultivation level was too low, the strange aura fluctuated strongly, which made him dare not break the seal, lest the other party be completely assimilated and turn into a strange creature.

Therefore, to obtain the detailed inheritance of the "first bird to stick its head out" tradition, one must first solve the bizarre rules.

After chatting for a while, Chen Lin got up to say goodbye.

Outside the shop.

Shen Xiaoyu looked at Chen Lin cautiously.

After hesitating for a long time, he finally mustered up the courage to speak: "Thank you, sir. We haven't caused you any trouble, have we?"

"It's alright."

Chen Lin replied casually.

Then he asked, "How did your family get here? Who else is in your family?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, there are only my father and I left in our family. My mother was only at the early stage of the Dharma Source realm, and her lifespan has long since run out."

"As for how it came about."

Shen Xiaoyu paused for a moment, then said, "It seems that my great-great-grandfather came here with a certain lord, but that lord later left, so my great-great-grandfather married and had children here, leaving behind his bloodline."

Chen Lin nodded slightly.

This kind of situation is not uncommon; he has done it before.

Most high-level rogue cultivators are homeless and move around at the slightest disturbance, so it's unlikely they can keep all their subordinates with them.

"Oh, right."

To show that she had not concealed her identity, Shen Xiaoyu added, "Our family has a genealogy that seems to originate from the Shen family of Xiyuan, but among the known forces in Xingxu, there is no place called Xiyuan."

Chen Lin's eyes flashed.

He looked the other person up and down.

"What was your grandfather's name? Was the family's naming tradition passed down in an orderly manner?"

"My grandfather's name is Shen Changting."

“There is indeed a naming order in the family genealogy, but I did not continue it. The family is gone, what’s the point of worrying about these things? Otherwise, I should be called Shen Anyu.”

Shen Xiaoyu answers every question.

suddenly.

She sensed something was wrong and looked at Chen Lin with a puzzled expression.

"Does Your Excellency know of the Shen family of Xiyuan?"

"hehe."

Chen Lin smiled.

He said slowly, "It's best not to interrupt the inheritance casually. This is the root, and you never know when it will be of great use."

He did not give a direct answer.

Even more unexpectedly, they encountered Shen Anning's clansmen here. Although they didn't know how the other party had come out in the first place, based on the known information, they should undoubtedly be from the same family.

of course.

The two families have been separated for countless generations and are now considered collateral branches. As for kinship, it is almost negligible.

He pondered for a moment.

Chen Lin said carefully, "I have some connection with the Shen family of Xiyuan. Since we are descendants of an old friend, I cannot bear to see you and your daughter in such a sorry state."

How about this?

“I’ll fund a small shop here, which you and your father can run. It doesn’t need to be profitable; you just need to help me gather information. Go back and discuss it with your father, and get back to me as soon as possible.”

"what!"

Shen Xiaoyu's mouth dropped open.

This windfall was so big it almost knocked her unconscious.

After realizing what had happened...

She nodded hurriedly, like a chick pecking at rice.

“I agree, I agree. I can do whatever you want me to do. I don’t need to consult with my father. I’m in charge of everything in our family now.”

talking.

Shen Xiaoyu was afraid that Chen Lin would change his mind.

He patted his chest vigorously and assured them, "Don't worry, sir. Although my cultivation level isn't high, I know some people in the city. Gathering information is no problem for me, and they are absolutely loyal and reliable!"

"Hahaha."

Chen Lin smiled and shook his head.

“Your current cultivation level is definitely insufficient. This has nothing to do with connections, but rather with insufficient lifespan. Perhaps by the time I come next time, your lifespan will have already run out.”

In the later stages of the Dharma Source realm, one could be a powerful overlord in the lowest level interface, but in the Star Ruins, one is insignificant and exists only at the very bottom.

Even due to the erosion of the power of the rules, lifespan will be shortened, and living for several hundred years will be considered a long life.

Speaking of this...

Shen Xiaoyu's expression darkened.

Lifespan is a fatal flaw for low-level cultivators, and there's no way to solve it. High-level life-extending treasures are extremely rare, and she simply can't obtain them.

She knew her own limitations. With her aptitude, she would never be able to break through to the next realm without a great opportunity. She couldn't even survive in the void, so she had no chance of obtaining such an opportunity.

Before long, she too will die of depression, just like her mother.

"Would you be willing to help me, sir? I'll do anything you ask."

Shen Xiaoyu's voice was barely audible.

Although she had lived for over two hundred years and was no longer a naive young girl, she still blushed a little at such a straightforward expression.

But she knew that the opportunity was right in front of her. Although she was under a lot of pressure and didn't know much about the other party, she still bit her lip and expressed her attitude.

At the same time, I secretly felt fortunate.

Fortunately, I have always maintained my innocence. If this lord takes a liking to me and takes me as his concubine, it won't be a loss, as long as I'm not his cauldron.

Chen Lin was speechless.

He said, half-laughing and half-crying, "Don't overthink it. I just need someone to gather information. You and your father wouldn't have been qualified, but since we have some connection, I'll give you a chance."

Shen Xiaoyu's face turned even redder.

He lowered his head, not daring to look up, and said while looking at his toes, "It's all up to you, sir."

"very good."

Chen Lin didn't stand on ceremony.

"From now on, you and your father will be my subordinates and will have to obey me completely. Of course, I will not treat you unfairly."

This is located in the western part of the central area of ​​the Star Ruins. The location is very important and it is worthwhile to place a Zodiac Secret Realm here, so it is necessary to make some arrangements in advance.

He paused for a moment.

Chen Lin instructed, "How about this, I happen to have some things to take care of, so I'll stay in the city for a while. Take this opportunity to improve your cultivation first, and then we can discuss other matters."

"Thank you for your guidance, sir."

After calming down, Shen Xiaoyu bowed deeply.

Then he forced a drop of essence blood from between his eyebrows and presented it to Chen Lin.

Chen Lin glanced at it.

He waved his hand.

"No need to sign a contract. As the saying goes, you can trust the people you employ. Just do your job well. If you feel uncomfortable one day, you can leave or stay as you please."

Shen Xiaoyu was stunned.

He then bowed deeply again, a different kind of light shining in his eyes.

"Let's go, let's rent a cave dwelling first and settle down before we talk about anything else."

After leaving the management office, Chen Lin once again experienced the prices in Star Ruins. A slightly better cave dwelling actually required a piece of colorful crystal every ten years!

Such a price is truly unaffordable for the average person.

The suggestion to buy the shop was a bit abrupt; without selling some valuable items, I might not have been able to afford it.

However, if one does not rent a cave dwelling or purchase a shop, one cannot stay in the city for an extended period of time; otherwise, one will have to pay exorbitant fees.

Local independent cultivators like Shen Xiaoyu, despite receiving some preferential treatment, still have to work for the city lord's mansion.

Survival is extremely difficult.

Inside the cave.

Chen Lin took out a pill and handed it to Shen Xiaoyu.

"Take this pill and use it. It should be enough to break through to the half-void realm. However, the medicinal effect is a bit too strong. You can refine it in this room. If there are any problems, I can help you suppress them."

This is a Myriad Tribulations Inquiry Pill.

But only ten kalpas.

Even so, it's not something a late-stage Dharma Source cultivator can enjoy; they could easily explode and die, requiring his assistance.

no way.

This pill was the lowest grade he could afford; other spiritual flowers and fruits were too mild and slow to take effect, and he didn't have time to waste.

"Yes!" Shen Xiaoyu quickly got into character and clasped her hands in response.

I hesitated for a moment.

She still spoke up, saying, "Sir, I want to explain to my father that I also need to resign from my job at the management office."

"Then go ahead and take care of everything before you start your cultivation, so you won't be distracted."

Chen Lin took out a storage bag.

He handed it to the other party, saying, "Here are some things I don't need. You can keep them for yourself. Even if you lose your job in the city, you'll still need to pay a stay fee. You can't do it without money."

"Ok!"

Shen Xiaoyu nodded emphatically.

Without saying anything more about gratitude, he turned and left the cave.

Chen Lin then inspected the facilities in the cave, then took out array plates and array flags, and set up several arrays to ensure that his privacy was not spied on.

He plans to practice here for a while.

According to recent information, due to the invasion of strange creatures, the forces of the Northern Region have flooded into other areas, causing chaos in various places.

Especially in the central area.

The fighting continues.

The main reason is that there are too few suitable places for cultivation in the Star Ruins, and the competition for resources and territory is inevitable, which has led to an increase in the number of people wandering in the void, making travel unsafe.

He encountered several robberies on his way here from Tiger Hill.

Fortunately, he still had some tricks up his sleeve, and he didn't encounter any dominant experts. He managed to handle everything without any major incidents, but just to be on the safe side, he still needed to improve his strength.

Otherwise, I won't feel at ease.

After the formation was set up and Shen Xiaoyu finished her business and returned, they began to cultivate together.

Time flies.

Five years have passed in the blink of an eye.

This day.

Shen Xiaoyu, who was meditating with her eyes closed, suddenly experienced a surge in her aura.

The surrounding energy surged instantly, and her body became like a giant funnel, absorbing all the surrounding energy. If it weren't for the array blocking the way, the outside world would also be affected.

"The speed is just average."

Chen Lin commented softly.

Then, with a gentle flick of the palm, the surging energy slowly subsided.

then.

He took out a piece of iridescent crystal and flicked it into Shen Xiaoyu's hand.

"No need to go to the Tribulation Platform, it's too troublesome. You can break through here. Use this item to replenish your energy, and I will guide you through the Heavenly Tribulation."

"Yes."

Shen Xiaoyu, who was originally very nervous, immediately relaxed upon hearing this.

She already knew that Chen Lin was a 'quasi-ruler' level powerhouse, and that helping her complete her tribulation was just a matter of lifting a finger.

Even inner demons can be resolved.

"Don't slack off. The path of cultivation can rely on external forces, but it cannot rely on them completely. Doing so will cause you to lose your unwavering mindset, which will be detrimental to your future cultivation."

I gave you a heads-up.

Chen Lin gently reached out and grabbed at the void.

The celestial tribulation energy that had just formed above the city was bound by an invisible hand and then pulled into the cave.

Such energy changes naturally did not escape the perception of the powerful figures within the city, but with tens of millions of cultivators in Dream City, the matter of tribulation was already commonplace.

It doesn't matter whether it's on the Tribulation Platform or not, as long as it doesn't affect the city.

Low-level cultivators don't receive much money when they undergo tribulation.

Chen Lin restrained the Heavenly Tribulation, simulating the rhythm of a semi-illusory Heavenly Tribulation, and attacked Shen Xiaoyu wave after wave, instructing her on how to deal with it.

He could have done it all at once and forced the other person to get promoted.

However, in order to make the other party more capable of growth, we will do a more detailed job. The other party has a good character, so we will focus on cultivating him. Maybe we can get a trustworthy subordinate.

The energy of the Heavenly Tribulation has been exhausted.

Shen Xiaoyu has also completed her transformation; the next challenge is the tribulation of her inner demons.

Chen Lin did not take on too much responsibility.

He handed the other person a "heart-warming bun" and then watched the whole thing unfold.

If this still fails, then it can only mean that the other party lacks the destiny to reach the Great Dao, and it is their fate.

Seeing the "Soul Buns," Chen Lin suddenly thought of Huo Jiu'er. She had mentioned that there was a gourmet paradise in Xingxu, a place where gourmets gathered. He had inquired about it, but had not found any information about the place.

Whether it's because it's too secretive or not famous enough, it's impossible to find out about it.

While pondering.

Shen Xiaoyu's breathing gradually stabilized.

He then opened his eyes.

A profound sense of mystery suddenly arose, and a faint blue mark appeared between his brows.

Chen Lin looked surprised.

He immediately asked, "It seems you also have talent. Has your talent awakened from the Shen family bloodline?"

Shen Xiaoyu nodded.

"Probably, but it's still very weak. We need to analyze it carefully to determine the effect. I don't think it will be very strong."

Chen Lin shook his head.

“There is no distinction between strong and weak talent, it just depends on how well you activate it. As far as I know, the Shen family’s bloodline talent is quite good, it just depends on whether you have fully awakened it.”

He said something.

Chen then ignored him.

He stood up and said, "Now that you have reached the half-Void Realm, your lifespan is temporarily secure, but it is far from enough. If you want to establish yourself in the Star Ruins, you must at least enter the True Realm."

"However, don't rush things."

"For the next period of time, you should focus on consolidating your cultivation. Also, keep an eye on the communications from the major merchant guilds and notify me immediately if you receive any news."

He gave me some instructions.

Chen Lin entered the secret chamber and continued his cultivation.

During these five years, he was not idle. As a large amount of colorful crystal marrow was consumed, many of the threads between him and himself were severed.

He plans to press on with his momentum.

First, sever all the lines between self and others, then use the top-grade rune spirit given by Lu Ming to see if you can completely complete the strokes of the magic character.

If successful.

You can then step into the Dominator Realm!
If one were to step into the realm of the Sovereign, many problems would be easily solved. Whether returning to the Seven Star Realm, participating in the Ascension Trial, or even facing the Fisherman of Heavenly Lake, one would have some confidence.

First, I checked on the situation of Puda and the others.

After confirming that the strange aura's influence had not worsened, Chen Lin calmed down and continued his cultivation.

Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.

During this period, Chen Lin went out several times to trade treasures with the shopkeeper and purchase other cultivation resources.

Also.

After careful consideration, he chose to leave an anchor point for the Zodiac Secret Realm in the void 100,000 miles north of the city, and then went back to the Shattered Star Ring to take a look.

After nothing changed, we returned here.

Two anchor points in the central area are enough: one is Tiger Hill, and the other is here. They are not far from anywhere and have room to maneuver.

Currently, the only usable anchor point is the Zodiac Dog, which we'll save to try it out when we return to the Seven Star Realm.

Furthermore, we cannot rely entirely on this secret realm. We should focus on mastering the runic abilities for traveling or seeking more advanced flying artifacts.

After finishing everything, Chen Lin continued his secluded cultivation.

Shen Xiaoyu also lived a secluded life.

The task of gathering information was handed over to his father, Shen Wenming.

With Chen Lin's help, Shen Wenming's cultivation level advanced from the mid-stage of the Dharma Source realm to the late stage, and he also secured a managerial position in the Jubao Trading Company, achieving a qualitative leap in his status.

time flies.

For high-level cultivators, a seclusion lasting a hundred or a thousand years is commonplace, especially when they are in good condition, they simply cannot perceive the passage of time.

Cultivation is another 'way of life'.

The feeling of growing strength is wonderful and can easily make people intoxicated, which is also one of the main reasons for the growth of inner demons.

Therefore, most cultivators will travel before going into seclusion to temper their minds.

This day.

Chen Lin, who was in the cultivation room, had a change of expression and took out a token from his sleeve.

It was the Azure Profound Token.

The once-in-a-century trade fair at Qingding Tiangong has begun.

No hesitation.

Chen Lin immediately activated the token and entered the Heavenly Palace.

His offering was not treated with any special privileges; like the other participants, he was still placed in a small room.

There was no dancing on the trading platform this time, making it very quiet.

"You're here just in time. I have a mission for you. Where are you located right now?"

Bai Lingyu's voice suddenly appeared in my mind.

Chen Lin's eyes flashed.

He immediately replied, "Reporting to you, senior, I am in Dream City in the central area. May I ask what kind of quest it is?"

"The mission information will be sent to the Azure Profound Token. Take a look in a bit. However, the location is quite far from the central area. How about this, I'll help you out this time and send you there directly after the trade fair ends."

"But you'll have to figure out your own way to teleport from now on, or use contribution points."

Bai Lingyu explained.

He added, "I'm contacting you directly because I need you to do something for me. If you have the capacity, please help me with the next person named Awen."

"Don't feel pressured. Just lend a helping hand when it matters. We won't blame you if we can't help."

"Don't worry, senior, I will do my best."

Chen Lin immediately made a guarantee.