Mortal Cultivator: Lin Tianzun

Chapter 42: The forbidden land is closed and gambling begins, and a farce of fighting for profit occurs
Time flowed by like a gurgling stream, slipping away silently and unnoticed. In a flash, the sun was high in the sky, its blazing rays pouring down.

At this moment, the passage to the forbidden area was like a calm lake, with ripples appearing without any warning. The water patterns were like ink, slowly spreading out in circles.

Then, the passage began to slowly shrink, its edges constantly gathering inward like a tide, and the speed became increasingly faster, until finally, it completely disappeared, as if it had never existed in this world, leaving only an empty space, which aroused everyone's thoughts.

Everyone's gaze remained glued to the spot where the forbidden passage had just vanished, their expressions filled with melancholy and confusion. They whispered among themselves, their brows furrowed, as if countless doubts lingered in their hearts.

Just at this moment, a burly and strong monk strode out from the crowd in Huadaowu with steady and powerful steps.

The man's beard was thick and wiry, each strand like a steel needle, unrestrained and unbridled, as if to demonstrate his unruly and heroic spirit. An invisible yet profound aura enveloped him, sending a chill down the spine of those who saw him. His face revealed him to be only in his early thirties, yet he possessed a restrained aura, a faint surge of spiritual energy surging through him. Clearly, he was a true master of the Jindan stage.

His gaze swept around like a sharp blade, his feet firmly planted, and then he suddenly spoke, his voice booming like a bell, instantly piercing through the clamor of the crowd and exploding clearly in everyone's ears: "Since the passage is closed, let's follow the old rules and count the spiritual herbs we harvested on the spot!"

His words were so resounding that they left no room for doubt. For a moment, the surrounding noise suddenly weakened a bit, and everyone turned their eyes to him, with some expressions of approval, some of them of waiting, and the atmosphere changed.

The several Jindan stage cultivators at the scene only exchanged glances and understood each other. They nodded imperceptibly and reached a tacit understanding in an instant without words.

Then, from the orderly ranks of the Yanyue Sect, a middle-aged man emerged with steady steps. He wore a white robe, the satin fabric gleaming with a soft sheen. The hems of his robe swayed gently in the breeze, his every move revealing an air of elegance and freedom.

A calm and reserved aura lingered around him, like a deep, tranquil mountain pool, bottomless and tranquil. Hanging from his waist was a jade pendant of ancient style, its texture gentle and delicate, its runes shimmering, a faint aura silently highlighting his extraordinary status.

He stood straight, like a towering pine tree, and walked calmly to the front of the group. He raised his eyes and slowly scanned the area, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's. He possessed the majesty and insight unique to a Jindan-stage cultivator, as if he could see through people's hearts. Everyone fell silent under his gaze, and the scene instantly fell silent, with only the sound of a gentle breeze.

"Since that's the case, we will lead the charge!" The voice of the middle-aged Jindan cultivator from the Yanyue Sect was like a deep bell, each word laced with unquestionable authority. The command struck like a hammer. As soon as the words fell, several Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Yanyue Sect's ranks sprang into action like arrows from a bow.

Among the crowd, a thin cultivator in the Foundation Establishment stage carefully took out a snow-white spiritual pet from his arms.

This spiritual pet is none other than the extremely rare "Sniffing Rat". Its fur is fluffy and soft, spotlessly white, and gleams slightly silver in the sunlight, as pure as the first snow in winter. Its pair of eyes are like two crystal rubies, emitting a lively light. They spin around from time to time, curiously looking at everything around it, as if it is full of curiosity about everything in the world.

The Spirit-Sniffing Rat curled up obediently in the monk's arms, twitching its nose from time to time, sniffing the lingering scent of spiritual medicine in the air. It looked so adorable. The Foundation Establishment cultivator held the rat steady with both hands and stood respectfully by, waiting only for the command to drive the Spirit-Sniffing Rat on its journey to find the medicine.

"Wait!" A resounding bell-like shout suddenly erupted without warning, instantly disrupting the previously orderly rhythm of the scene. The call came so suddenly that everyone was startled. Subconsciously, they looked in the direction of the sound, only to see a cultivator in a deep blue Taoist robe striding out from the Qingxu Sect's camp.

He looked to be in his forties, with a gaunt face and distinct features. There was an otherworldly aura between his eyebrows and eyes, just like an immortal far away from the world, exuding an indescribable immortal aura.

Her black hair was piled high on her head, tied with a jade hairpin of simple shape. The texture of the hairpin was delicate and exquisite, as if telling the long story of time.

Above the Taoist bun, strands of white hair were faintly visible, gleaming silver in the sunlight. Each strand of white hair seemed to carry an unknown past, adding a bit of vicissitudes and depth to his whole person after years of precipitation.

"I wonder if you fellow Taoists are interested in a round of bet?" He raised the corner of his mouth slightly, with a meaningful, almost imperceptible smile on his face. His eyes were like a materialized sharp blade, sweeping over the Jindan stage cultivators present one by one like an eagle.

These light words were full of provocation, yet concealed a certainty of confidence. Like a heavy stone dropped into a previously calm lake, these words instantly raised the tension, and the air was filled with the smell of gunpowder.

Everyone looked at each other, their eyes full of surprise and suspicion, but also a hint of uncontrollable curiosity, as if they were all guessing what kind of deep meaning was hidden behind this sudden gambling game.

"Oh? I wonder how this gambling game is played?" A middle-aged man from Tianque Castle asked in a deep voice. His voice was low and mellow, like the ringing of a bronze bell, resonating in the air with circles of echoes.

He is also a strong man in the Jindan stage, wrapped in a black tights. The fabric of the tights is extremely exquisite, and dark patterns are faintly visible on the fabric, as if a mysterious power is flowing in it, as if it hides endless mysteries, which is very imaginative.

Judging from his appearance, he appeared to be no more than thirty or forty years old. His facial features were as hard as iron, as if carved by a knife or an axe. His eyes, sharp as an eagle, scrutinized the Qingxu Sect cultivator who had proposed the bet, as if he could see through him. The powerful aura he emanated from his body, like an invisible barrier, spread outward in all directions. He was no less powerful than any of the other powerful warriors present, inspiring awe in the hearts of the people.

When the other Jindan stage cultivators present heard the question raised by the middle-aged man from Tianque Castle, a hint of interest flashed in their eyes for a moment. The light flashed by, just like a meteor across the night sky, disappearing in a flash, but revealing their inner curiosity.

Then, they all showed interested expressions on their faces. Some of them raised the corners of their mouths slightly, revealing a meaningful smile; some slightly raised their eyebrows, their eyes full of eagerness to try; others whispered to each other, discussing in a low voice with the people around them, and from time to time cast inquiring glances at the monk from Qingxu Sect who proposed the bet. The atmosphere on the scene became more and more heated, and everyone was looking forward to the specific rules of the bet, as if a fierce competition was about to begin. Seeing everyone's reactions, the Jindan stage monk from Qingxu Sect smiled even more, and that smile was full of the determination to win. He folded his hands across his chest, looking leisurely, and then talked freely: "This bet will be based on the spiritual medicines picked by the disciples of the major sects in the forbidden area. What do you think?
"Let's see which sect's disciples have gathered the most valuable spiritual herbs. The winner will naturally be the winner of this bet." He held his head high, chest puffed out, his gaze confidently sweeping across everyone's faces, as if he could already see himself secure victory, his demeanor brimming with undeniable pride.

"The rules are set, but what's the appropriate stake?" someone in the crowd asked, unable to contain themselves. The words, like a pebble dropped into a lake, ignited a flurry of discussion. The other Jindan-stage cultivators also looked eager to try, their eyes gleaming with genuine anticipation, as if they were already in the middle of a fierce contest.

Everyone was talking at once, putting forward their own ideas. Some suggested using rare magic weapons as bets, while others thought that mid-level spirit stones would be more appropriate. The atmosphere on the scene was instantly pushed to a climax. Everyone was looking forward to finalizing an exciting and fair betting plan, and the air was filled with a mixture of excitement and tension.

A Jindan-stage cultivator from the Qingxu Sect flashed a confident smile, breaking the clamor of the gambling stakes. With a relaxed expression and a hint of pride in his tone, he slowly spoke, "Since I initiated this bet, I'll reveal my stake first."

I'm sure you all know that our sect has always had profound attainments in the art of talisman making." As he finished speaking, he flicked his wrist lightly, and his palm flipped like flowing water, revealing two bright yellow talisman papers.

The material of this talisman paper is extremely unique, seemingly otherworldly. In the sunlight, it emits a faint, gentle glow that ripples like water. The runes painted on it resemble nimble snakes, slithering across the surface. Every stroke exudes a mysterious and powerful aura, as if ready to break free from the paper's constraints and unleash boundless power in the next moment.

"These two are mid-level to high-level talismans. One is called the 'Heavenly Thunder Talisman,' and the other the 'Earth Escape Talisman.'" He presented them calmly and methodically, his pride evident in his words. "As you all know, these talismans are incredibly rare in the market. In terms of value alone, these two talismans combined are worth approximately two thousand spirit stones."

After saying this, he raised his head slightly and scanned everyone with a burning gaze, his eyes full of an undisguised invitation to a fight, "I wonder, fellow Taoists, who is interested in participating in this gambling game?" His eyes seemed to be announcing to everyone that he was ready to meet all challenges, and his tone revealed a domineering attitude that could not be refused.

"Then count me in!" Chen Minghui responded loudly, his words revealing an undisguised boldness. With quick and decisive movements, he reached into his pocket and slowly pulled out a silvery-white piece of iron.

As soon as the iron appeared, wisps of spiritual energy lingered around it like light smoke. Although the light was restrained, it faintly exuded a sense of luxury. Everyone looked closely and realized that it was actually a piece of "silver essence."

In the world of cultivation, "Silver Essence" is a precious material used to refine magical treasures. It's extremely rare and highly sought after by cultivators of all stripes. Its value is so high, it's worth roughly three thousand spirit stones. Chen Minghui's generous gift instantly captured everyone's attention, with many eyes flashing with amazement and envy.

Chen Minghui appeared calm on the surface, but deep down he was beaming with joy. This bet was truly an unexpected gain. He had carefully planned many strategies. He even sent his family's three most talented disciples, who had reached the thirteenth level of Qi training, to the forbidden area to collect spiritual herbs.

Comparing the gains of other sects with his deliberate calculations, Chen Minghui became more and more certain that he would win this bet and that all the precious gambling money would be in his pocket soon. Thinking of this, a barely perceptible sense of pride flashed in his eyes.

"Count me in!" "Count me in too!" In an instant, the atmosphere on the scene was completely ignited, and the remaining few Jindan stage cultivators could not hold back and joined the gambling game one after another.

A middle-aged man in black from Tianque Fort raised his hand and tossed out a small, exquisite talisman. Lightning flashed around it, and the runes twisted as if alive. It was the "Thunderbolt Talisman," capable of instantly unleashing a powerful lightning strike. Its power was extraordinary and its value was immense. As the runes flickered, it seemed as if ray of lightning lay dormant within, ready to erupt at any moment, drawing a wave of astonishment from the crowd.

The middle-aged cultivator from the Moon-Shattering Sect pulled a lustrous stone emitting a soft blue light from his storage ring. It turned out to be the "Cold Star Stone," a top-grade material for refining water-based magical weapons. This drew murmurs of astonishment from the crowd. The stone shimmered with a faint blue light in the sunlight, as if imbued with boundless water-based spiritual energy, drawing awe.

The bearded man from Huadaowu chuckled and spread his palm. Three elixirs, shimmering with multicolored light, lay quietly in his palm, their fragrance radiating. They were the rare "Spirit Gathering and Barrier Removal Pills," eliciting a captivating aroma that could help break through bottlenecks. The multicolored light shone, emitting a bewitching aroma, as if proclaiming their extraordinary efficacy, evoking a yearning for them.

Suddenly, a vast array of rare and precious items filled the ground. These priceless items carried the confidence and expectations of each sect, adding to the thrill of the gambling game centered around the elixir. Each treasure emanated a unique light, as if in silent competition, foreshadowing the intensity of the gambling game.

The Jindan stage cultivator from the Qingxu Sect glanced at the crowd and was secretly delighted to see everyone's enthusiasm. He said, "Since so many Daoists are eager to join this gambling game, the gambling method needs to be changed.

We're no longer simply comparing which sect has gathered the most spiritual herbs. Instead, we'll use the value of the herbs as the sole criterion. The sect with the most valuable spiritual herbs will win the bet. In the end, the winner takes all! After all, the stakes are so high, it's difficult to distribute them properly otherwise."

His words were concise and powerful, his eyes gleaming with a keen glint, as if he were confident in the achievements of his disciples. This proposal heightened the tension within the gambling room. Everyone secretly assessed their own disciples' achievements, and an invisible battle quietly unfolded within their hearts. Everyone was weighing the pros and cons, pondering the outcome of the gambling game. A tense and exciting atmosphere permeated the room.

"Okay, no problem," several Jindan-stage cultivators responded, their voices filled with decisiveness and boldness. Their eyes met, and invisible sparks seemed to fly between them. This bet on the sect's elixir instantly heightened their competitive spirit.

Each of them is eager for victory, and they seem to be eager to see the final result. Which disciple will be the first to pick the spiritual herbs in this forbidden area and pocket the generous gambling money? Everything is full of unknowns and suspense.

Lin Fan couldn't help but roll his eyes inwardly, muttering to himself. He'd assumed that by the time they reached the Core Formation stage, these seniors would have transcended the mundane, their hearts as calm as water. But this gambling scene was truly astonishing. Their eyes bulged, their faces flushed with anger, their faces scrambling over a tiny sliver of prize money. The gambling was so intense, they no longer looked like immortals.

This truly exemplifies the old saying: even those who cultivate immortality are, after all, still flesh and blood, with deeply ingrained emotions and desires that cannot be completely severed. Whether it's fame and fortune, or the drive for victory, they are fully manifested in them, no different from ordinary mortals. Lin Fan, observing the scene before him, felt a wave of helplessness. He shook his head and stood silently by, watching this farcical gambling game unfold.

(End of this chapter)