Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 153 Su Miaoyin's Whereabouts [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

【Eternal Youth Skill (Proficiency: 235/500)】

【Fierce Yuan Sword Technique (Grandmaster 4965/5000)】

Inside the cultivation room, Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes, pondering the cultivation techniques and sword manuals he was practicing.

"This ancient technique perfectly embodies the characteristics of wood-attribute cultivation, which is characterized by gradual accumulation and eventual release. However, it is also too profound and becomes increasingly difficult to comprehend as one progresses."

After all, it was an ancient cultivation technique that could lead to the Nascent Soul realm, which made Lin Chang'an nod in approval.

On the contrary, another sword technique, although it injures the user before the enemy, is indeed a demonic art, and its progress is rapid.

"The progress of the Killing Yuan Sword Technique is rapid. Besides the fact that my self-healing body allows me to cultivate it without fear, the main reason is the killing over the years."

The Fiendish Sword Technique uses fiendish energy to enter the body. The fiendish energy that Lin Chang'an attracted into his body when hunting demonic beasts actually accelerated the cultivation speed of this technique.

"Now, my ordinary sword light is as powerful as that of an ordinary late-stage Foundation Establishment sword cultivator. If I use it at full power, disregarding physical damage, the power of the sword light can increase threefold."

This is only the power of the Grandmaster realm. If he breaks through this realm, the power will probably increase even further.

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an pondered silently.

"The current situation is turbulent, and one's cultivation level cannot be improved in a short time, but this sword technique can be used to seize the opportunity and break through to increase strength as soon as possible."

Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside.

"Seniors, a beast tide has appeared, and the market's formation is about to collapse."

The Zhou family's steward entered the courtyard in a panic, requesting an audience.

At this moment, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao walked out of their cultivation rooms and naturally saw that the market's array barrier was under attack.

……

Chaotic roars of beasts echoed from the outskirts of Qingzhushan Market.

Many cultivators gathered inside the array barrier, all staring in shock at the scene before them.

What can be seen is a dense horde of beasts rushing in.

That was an army composed of countless demonic beasts of all kinds!

Land monsters, flying monsters... and even some monsters that are naturally countered by their enemies.

They actually joined forces and launched an attack on Qingzhushan Market.

Outside the market, some unfortunate cultivators were overwhelmed by the beast tide before they could even get in. After only a few flashes of spells, they were swallowed up by the beast tide.

Even though some monster-hunting teams fought desperately, they were like mantises trying to stop a chariot, swept away by the beast tide and disappeared in just a few breaths.

Upon arriving and witnessing this scene, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao both became slightly serious.

Even if all of them were first-tier demonic beasts, a Foundation Establishment cultivator could be worn down by such a number.

"Brother Lin, these demonic beasts have lost their habitat in the Cloud Mist Mountains and are now frantically attacking the Green Bamboo Mountain Market, clearly treating it as their new habitat..."

It is precisely because of this that many of the monsters are natural enemies, which is why they do not kill each other.

Lin Chang'an shook his head inwardly upon seeing this scene.

Habitat! What's the difference between demonic beasts and human cultivators? They're both fighting for resources.

"Humans usually hunt monsters to obtain resources. Now that the beast tide is coming, the monsters want to occupy the human's markets with rich spiritual energy as their habitat. In the end, it's all for survival and resources."

Of course, there's also the instinct to reproduce.

"Look! Black Wind Wolves! So many Black Wind Wolves!"

"And there's the Flame Beast, a monster that's naturally adept at breathing flames..."

"And birds of prey! So many Gale Falcons..."

The dense crowd of cultivators was filled with fear. Most of the cultivators who came here were demon hunters; otherwise, they wouldn't have been stationed outside Tianxuan City.

Some experienced cultivators recognized the types of monsters in the beast tide and their expressions became panicked.

"There are also second-tier demonic beasts!"

In the distance, there were clearly many different types of second-tier demonic beasts staring intently at the Green Bamboo Mountain Market.

"We absolutely cannot sit and wait for the market to be breached. We must withstand this wave of beasts before we have a chance to break out."

"That's right, if they manage to escape, they'll only become food for the monsters..."

Some experienced cultivators shouted warnings to the cultivators in the market not to act recklessly, or they would be defeated one by one.

"Foundation Establishment Senior, as long as we join forces and hold off the first wave, these beasts will split up and won't be able to keep attacking us all at once."

That will be our chance to break through.

"Everyone, listen to my command! Prepare for defense! We absolutely cannot allow the beast tide to breach the market..."

Among the crowd, there were quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators who had come here, and they calmly began to give instructions.

The beast tide may seem terrifying at first glance, but as experienced cultivators have said, once the first wave is blocked, things will be much better afterwards.

"Brother Lin, the market is only a large-scale second-order formation. It was left over from before. We can't let the market be breached."

Even Yun Yao showed a solemn expression, and Lin Chang'an naturally understood, nodding solemnly.

"Yes, once the market's protective array is lost, the cultivators will inevitably be thrown into chaos."

At this moment, Lin Chang'an slowly raised his head and looked at the flying beasts circling overhead.

These are the demonic beasts that are most likely to confuse cultivators.

"kill!"

In an instant, the cultivators unleashed colorful spells, launching a thunderous attack on the beast tide.

Meanwhile, most of the powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators, aside from a few who calmly directed operations, were conserving their strength to keep a close watch on the second-tier demonic beasts mixed in with the beast tide.

These are the most troublesome things.

And there are also those circling in the sky.

In the face of life and death, the cultivators were incredibly united.

Once the market is breached, the cultivators will scatter and flee.

As the earth shook and mountains trembled, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao also took action from time to time, especially against the flying beasts circling overhead.

Amidst piercing screams and ambushes by Foundation Establishment cultivators, they plummeted to the ground.

Lin Chang'an raised his hand, and the sword light streaked across the sky, revealing the terrifying power of the Killing Yuan Sword Technique.

Each strike unleashed power comparable to that of a late-stage Foundation Establishment sword cultivator, causing many cultivators in the market to gaze at Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao with burning fervor.

Some wanted to become disciples, some wanted to find a powerful backer, and some Foundation Establishment cultivators wanted to approach and build a relationship with them.

There are all sorts of ideas.

……

a few days later.

"I possess a mid-grade spiritual root aptitude, and I deeply admire your illustrious reputation, senior. I am willing to serve you..."

"Senior, my granddaughter is exceptionally beautiful..."

As the beast tides were repelled wave after wave, some cultivators used various methods to curry favor with the beasts, not wanting to miss any opportunity.

The fact that someone was willing to offer up their Daoist partner left Lin Chang'an speechless. He could understand the person who gave away their granddaughter, but this person...

Upon seeing this, the Zhou family cultivator in charge of the area waved his hand dismissively, clearly annoyed:

"Go away, this is a Foundation Establishment senior, you lot shouldn't be thinking such good things."

Lin Chang'an shook his head with a smile after seeing this scene.

Not long ago, back in the Green Bamboo Mountain Market, I was also a lowly Qi Refining cultivator who had to be mindful of others' feelings.

In just a few decades, he had become a Foundation Establishment cultivator admired and envied by everyone.

"Life is only a few decades long; you'll never know how wonderful your future will be if you don't strive for it."

Lin Chang'an smiled calmly at this group of cultivators, whether they wanted to become his disciples, curry favor, or even sell their bodies.

He felt no resentment whatsoever, because he had once been one of those people. Even he himself had considered joining the Zhou family back then, but he hadn't been chosen.

These are simply different ways of survival for cultivators at the lower levels.

"Senior, these are the monster resources we collected today."

The person in charge of the Zhou family respectfully collected the monster resources that had been cleared out that day.

The lion's share goes to the Foundation Establishment cultivators.

The cultivators, long accustomed to the law of the jungle, showed no dissatisfaction whatsoever.

Like a pack of monstrous wolves, the strong always enjoy the freshest and most delicious food.

They also bear important responsibilities.

"Yes, tell everyone to be vigilant and take turns resting to recover their mana, but we must not be careless."

"Yes, senior."

Although most of these were just ordinary first-tier resources, Lin Chang'an did not refuse them, after all, they were all the result of his hard work.

There's no reason for others to benefit from this.

Looking at the exhausted cultivators who were now smiling as they received their spoils, Lin Chang'an felt as if he were seeing his former self, who had been just as happy.

"Brother Lin, what are you thinking about?"

"I was thinking back to my younger self, just like them, overjoyed for a little bit of demon beast meat, or for a low-grade spirit stone."

She treasured it like a precious gem, secretly hiding it in her arms, unable to sleep all night holding it.

Upon hearing Lin Chang'an's answer, Yun Yao was both amused and exasperated.

She was talented and joined the Li Huo Palace at a young age. She had no experience of the life at the bottom, where people would be greedy for a few spirit crystals.

Lin Chang'an jokingly remarked to Yun Yao, who couldn't empathize with his feelings:
"Perhaps it's because I'm getting old; I have some feelings about these past years."

For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he is still considered young, but for a mortal or Qi Refining cultivator, he is already seventy-six.

In a few more years, they will be in their eighties, old age.

Lin Chang'an, who has lived two lives and climbed his way up from the bottom, has even more to say about it.

"Brother Lin, it seems that this small wave of beasts has passed."

Yun Yao didn't say much, but instead started talking about the beast tide.

Lin Chang'an nodded slightly.

These demonic beasts aren't simple-minded. Since the human cultivators established the market here, it's naturally because the spiritual energy here is the most abundant.

This is also what attracts monsters.

But when these monsters realize they can't take the land, they instinctively scatter and choose other territories.

"I wonder how Tianxuan City is doing?"

Under the respectful gazes of everyone, Lin Chang'an and Yun Yao slowly walked up to the restaurant next door.

While others still need to rest wherever they can, Foundation Establishment cultivators have certain privileges.

……

In the restaurant, Yun Yao solemnly cast a soundproof spell, and then the two continued to communicate by telepathy.

"The recent beast tide has affected a wide area, and news has been somewhat blocked. However, based on previous information, Fellow Daoist Su's whereabouts are unknown. I wonder if something happened to him."

Upon learning that Su Miaoyin was missing, Master Lu of Tianxuan City flew into a rage and nearly killed a Golden Core elder of Li Huo Palace.

The Divine Sword Sect and the Li Huo Palace were so frightened that they hurriedly withdrew from the battle.

But both sides began to suspect each other, wondering if the other had already taken Su Miaoyin away.

Of course, there is another possibility: the beast tide has caused a stir, and many cultivators outside, upon learning of this news, are also greedy for this Core Formation spiritual item.

"These are truly turbulent times."

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly, but his mind was more focused on his sword technique.

With the recent beast tide, the baleful aura has become incredibly strong, and he has made good progress in his cultivation by relying on it.

With some more time, we should be able to break through.

"Let's prepare to go back in a while."

Although Tianxuan City is in turmoil, at least there is Master Lu here, and the rich spiritual energy here far surpasses that of this place.

"Yes, we'll prepare to go back in three days."

As the beast tide gradually subsided, many cultivators formed small teams and began their return journey.

Of course, although the beast tide had dispersed, most of them were scattered around, making the return to Tianxuan City far more dangerous than usual.

It was a disaster for low-level cultivators, but for high-level cultivators, it was a period of benefit after the beast tide.

Monsters roam everywhere; there's no need to risk venturing deeper into the Cloud Mist Mountains.

……

The small wave of beasts affected not only Qingzhushan Market, but also several surrounding markets, including Qingshui Bay.

Human cultivators may be most adept at internal strife, but when faced with a life-or-death crisis, they can unleash an extraordinary level of unity.

Surprisingly, none of the several markets were breached by this beast tide.

Despite this, it still caused considerable anxiety among the cultivators in the market.

Because everyone knows that this is just a small wave of beasts, and when the real beast tide comes, these small towns will face a much greater threat.

Therefore, many cultivators have already brought their families and are preparing to move to Tianxuan City or even further away.

In the past few days, some cultivators have been forming teams or paying rewards to join powerful cultivator teams to return home in Qingzhushan Market.

"Seniors, the beast tide has passed. I am deeply grateful for your life-saving grace..."

Today, the Zhou family steward, with a fawning smile on his face, respectfully offered some spirit stones.

I must say, this person really knows how to get things done.

"I thought Steward Zhou would arrange for some of his younger nephews to return to Tianxuan City," Lin Chang'an asked with a smile.

When the manager saw Lin Chang'an accept their bribe, he forced a smile.

"To be honest, senior, this place is a small place. At most, it can only attract some weak monsters. Now that the small beast tide has just passed, most of these monsters have found their own place to live."

When the massive beast tide sweeps across the land in the future, it will first greedily devour the places rich in spiritual energy. After the tide recedes, these outer beasts will each have their own territory, which will actually act as a barrier..."

Hearing what the other person said, Lin Chang'an showed an expression of appreciation.

Indeed, the beast tide is both a crisis and an opportunity, and it also serves as a shield for weak markets.

After the other party left respectfully, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh, no wonder the Zhou family was able to grow stronger step by step.

It's not just the clan leader's achievement; it's the Zhou family's ability to know when to advance and retreat, their lack of excessive greed, and their skill in making friends with cultivators from all walks of life that has brought them to where they are today.

……

Just as Lin Chang'an was getting ready, there was another person on Yun Yao's bed.

"Oh, little sister Yun is looking at her older sister like that, does she miss her older sister?"

Su Miaoyin, who usually dressed elegantly in a Taoist robe, was now lying on the bed, gazing at Yun Yao with seductive eyes.

Her jade-like fingers were still twirling and playing with her black hair, revealing a captivating and alluring quality.

Seeing this, Yun Yao revealed a murderous aura and sneered:
“Fellow Daoist Su, don’t you know how many people are looking for you outside? Or do you think I can resist this temptation?”

Su Miaoyin possesses a Core Formation spiritual object and even has a secret method from Master Lu to enhance spiritual root aptitude; these are all treasures that people would flock to.

Seeing the greedy look on Yun Yao's face, Su Miaoyin chuckled and revealed a frank smile.

"Sister Yun, those words are really hurtful."

Yun Yao sneered, her eyes filled with more fear than anything else.

(End of this chapter)