Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 25 Three Years
Three and a half years later.

Under the governance of the two major sects, Li Huo Palace and Xuan Yin Pavilion, Qingzhu Mountain Market has become one of the most prosperous markets under their jurisdiction.

Inside the secret room.

The magical energy emanating from Lin Chang'an was a level higher than it had been two years ago.

"Sixth level of Qi Refining, almost there!"

With his powerful magic circulating, Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes.

Name: Lin Chang'an

【Lifespan: 44/106】

[Realm Level: Qi Refining Level 5 (89/100)]

[Technique: Everlasting Spring Technique (Grandmaster: 1890/5000)]

【技能：金光符（宗师139/5000）、神行符（精通987/1000）、飞剑符（宗师873/5000）】

【法术：火弹术（精通893/1000）、敛息术（宗师236/5000）、隐身术（宗师85/5000）、驱物术（精通963/1000）……】

Looking at his attribute panel, Lin Chang'an looked down at the three spirit stones in his palm that had lost their spirituality.

"In three years, with sufficient cultivation resources, the speed of cultivation has far exceeded expectations."

With a wave of his hand, the three spirit stones turned to dust, and Lin Chang'an revealed a satisfied smile.

Sure enough, aside from cultivation resources, as proficiency with the Changchun Gong technique increased, the cultivation speed also became faster and faster.

"My cultivation is just one step away from breaking through to the sixth level of Qi Refining. In the past three years, my talisman drawing skills have been the first to improve. According to the cultivation world, I already have the ability to create first-grade high-quality talismans."

As his cultivation progressed significantly, his lifespan increased to 106 years. In other words, he not only did not waste time in his three years of cultivation, but actually gained several years.

"No wonder so many people are obsessed with cultivating immortality; the lifespan alone is enough to drive countless people crazy."

Through years of exploration, he has figured out that there are four levels: beginner, proficient, master, and grandmaster, which correspond to the understanding of techniques and skills.

Beginner corresponds to novice, proficient corresponds to early stage (lower grade), expert corresponds to middle stage (intermediate grade), and master corresponds to late stage (higher grade).

"My understanding of Changchun Gong is entirely thanks to Elder Lu's notes; otherwise, my cultivation would not have progressed so quickly."

Lin Chang'an sighed, "Of course, I've made good progress in my cultivation over the years, but more importantly, I've relied on having plenty of spirit stone resources."

Perhaps due to the compatibility with Changchun Gong, the progress in the spells of concealing breath and invisibility was surprisingly fast.

Step out of the courtyard.

As Lin Chang'an passed by the back hill of the market, he noticed a pot of wine placed in front of an earthen grave.

Three years ago, when Old He was brought back to wait for his grandson, he waited for three days and then fell asleep on this mound of earth. He never opened his eyes again, and like Old He, he never saw his grandson again before he died.

It cost two spirit crystals for Old He to be buried here, along with a cenotaph for his grandson He Yan.

……

Juxianlou.

"Brother Lin, Junior Sister and the others have arrived."

Li Erniu, who arrived first, saw Lin Chang'an at the entrance and went to greet him.

"Erniu."

Lin Chang'an stepped forward and nodded with a smile after seeing this.

"I never expected that my junior sister would open Juxianlou Restaurant in Qingshui Bay here."

Li Erniu said with emotion that Juxianlou was originally Lu Lao's business before his death, and now it has been developed and expanded in Lu Qingqing's hands.

However, after saying this, Li Erniu secretly transmitted his voice and whispered, "Brother Lin, this time Junior Sister stepped forward, but her purpose is still for the little princess's Foundation Establishment. What do you think?"

At this gathering, junior sister Lu Qingqing had previously hinted that Yun Yao had been preparing for Foundation Establishment for several years and was now at a crucial juncture.

The purpose of this is self-evident.

That's why Erniu asked this question. Lin Chang'an, however, nodded calmly and said:
“Erniu, as you have seen in the past two years, Tribulation Cultivators are rampant, and the atmosphere of war is becoming more and more intense. I am just a rogue cultivator. If Fellow Daoist Ruoyun can establish his foundation, perhaps I will have another way out.”

Lin Chang'an's meaning was self-evident; he wanted to place his bet on Yun Yao.

Once successful, he would have a Foundation Establishment cultivator as a backer, which would be much better than struggling alone in this turbulent situation.

Li Erniu nodded heavily after hearing this.

“Actually, we’ve gotten to know each other over the years. The young princess has never been arrogant or looked down on us because of her cultivation level. However, as you know, Brother Lin, I can only afford to take out thirty spirit stones at most.”

When Lin Chang'an heard that Erniu was going to take out thirty spirit stones, he was quite surprised. This was probably more than just Erniu's personal savings.

Li Erniu's eyes were clearly evasive, but Lin Chang'an just shook his head with a smile.

This Erniu also has his own little schemes.

Lin Chang'an nodded: "Do what you can."

Seemingly afraid of misunderstanding, Li Erniu scratched his head awkwardly and lowered his voice to explain:
"Brother Lin, I'd like to ask Yifan to help the young princess manage her businesses."

Li Erniu was not greedy and never thought that his child, with his low-grade spiritual root, would join the Li Huo Palace. He just wanted to find a way out for his son.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an remarked with emotion that Erniu had become a father.

"I knew it, Erniu, where did you get so many spirit stones?"

Li Erniu scratched his head and smiled awkwardly; this was a decision he and his wife made together.

Although his wife's surname is Zhou, the child is also his own flesh and blood, and this mother is doing her best to pave the way for her child.

Supporting someone is also a form of betting.

“Erniu, actually your choice is not bad. Although the Zhou family is large and powerful, the resources that can be allocated may not be much. In recent years, the little princess’s business has also done well.”

Lin Chang'an remarked that the cultivation resources obtained by Young Marquis Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing in managing their businesses over the past few years were not bad either.

Once Yun Yao establishes her foundation, her position will rise accordingly, and she will naturally need manpower. Although Zhou Yifan is not yet ten years old, it is better to act sooner rather than later in this matter.

"Over the years, everyone in the clan has said that Brother Lin, you have a talent for talismans, much better than me."

Li Erniu couldn't help but feel envious; not only did talisman masters earn a lot, but their income was also stable.

Lin Chang'an smiled but remained silent, offering no response.

……

As the two talked, they walked up to Juxianlou.

"You two have come at just the right time. Qingqing just brewed the tea."

Young Marquis Shen Lie was more composed than before. With a gentle smile, he gestured to his junior sister Lu Qingqing inside the room.

"Brother Lin, Brother Li, you've come at the right time. Sister Yun won't be here for a while, so you can try this freshly picked Yunshan tea."

Lu Qingqing wore a blue robe and looked much more mature than she had three years ago. Her once neat black hair was now styled into an updo, making her look less playful and more mature.

"Please have a seat." Shen Lie, who was standing to the side, was also beaming, greeting her like a wife in harmony.

This scene filled Lin Chang'an with envy, as Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing had gotten married last year.

It wasn't that he was envious, but rather that he was somewhat frustrated by the reasons why he was never selected.

As the four chatted and laughed, they even started talking about Wei Buyi.

Although he also came to Qingzhushan Market, Wei Buyi did not join the merchant guild. Instead, he married a widowed cultivator and inherited a family business.

In addition, after finally becoming a mid-grade first-level alchemist a year ago, life has become increasingly comfortable.

"I apologize for keeping you all waiting."

Half an hour later, Yun Yao, looking travel-worn, finally arrived.

She wore a white dress and had a cool and aloof demeanor. Her beautiful face showed a hint of apology, but her brows revealed an undeniable weariness.

(End of this chapter)