Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans...

Chapter 442: Seeking Advice from the Prefectural Government - Iced Feet and Warm Tents [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

Inside the cave dwelling of the Grand Elder of the sect.

"You mean this Lingyou Sanren? I had a past with him and we explored the Demon Abyss Forest together."

This person is cautious by nature and avoids offending anyone in his actions. As for his character...

Inside the cave, Elder Cheng, whose aura had grown even more aged, shook his palm-leaf fan and grinned.

"Those of us who have cultivated all the way to the Nascent Soul stage have left behind piles of corpses. For us, as long as our thoughts are clear, that's enough."

Lin Chang'an nodded with a smile after hearing this. Indeed, among those who have cultivated to this point, how many are qualified to talk about good character?

Inside Elder Cheng's cave dwelling, there were jade slips and ancient books everywhere.

"So, how strong is this Lingyou Sanren?"

Lin Chang'an didn't try to hide anything and immediately asked the most crucial question.

Upon hearing this, Elder Cheng gave Junior Brother Lin a meaningful look. As expected of someone who had come from a wandering cultivator background, his personality was indeed cautious.

Regardless of your character, everything should start with your abilities.

However, he did not try to persuade Lin Chang'an. After all, how much cultivation resources could a fourth-tier array master earn by just making arrays? The majority of their income came from breaking through restrictions.

This is his way, and to try to persuade him is tantamount to being an enemy who obstructs his path.

"The last time was three hundred years ago. This person's magical treasures... his supernatural abilities are adept at escaping, and his water escape technique is particularly extraordinary..."

As Elder Cheng recounted the story in detail, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly and made sure he remembered it all.

"However, Junior Brother Lin, your Profound Soul Yin Fire can be completely countered by borrowing a pure stream of Profound Ice Cold Qi from Junior Nephew Bingdie."

Even at this point, Elder Cheng, with his cheerful smile, still didn't forget to try and bring them together. Lin Chang'an was speechless at the sight, yet he felt admiration for him.

This person dedicated his entire life to the sect; at the very least, he had never experienced anything like this and could not have done it.

But that didn't diminish his admiration.

Just like petty people, evil people, and bad people, even if you can't be loyal and righteous, you still admire them from the bottom of your heart.

"So, this person's strength is just average, but his most impressive skill is his water wave escape technique."

Elder Cheng nodded with a smile after hearing this.

"However, we should not underestimate this person. After all, he is a rogue cultivator who has come all the way up. If he really wants to fight to the death, his methods will definitely be quite good. But if you go to this place, Junior Brother Lin..."

"At that time, my junior disciple Bingdie can be responsible for providing support at the border, whether it's to guard against this person or to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, given that it's located at the border between the Sima clan and the Great Qian Dynasty."

Seeing Elder Cheng's concern, Lin Chang'an nodded and gave a kind smile.

"Thank you, Senior Brother Cheng."

"We're all family, so there's no need for thanks. But we still need to be careful in our actions. It's okay if we get caught, since Daqian needs our help right now."

Elder Cheng, who originally looked old and decrepit, blushed and revealed a spirited look when talking about the Great Qian Dynasty.

"The Great Qian needs us to hold off Corpse Valley. If anything unexpected happens, Junior Brother Lin, don't worry. Speak with confidence."

If the Great Qian dares to have any objections, the three of us can simply join forces and divide up the Great Qian!

When he said this, Elder Cheng, who usually appeared to be a kind-hearted person, revealed a ruthless side typical of demonic cultivators.

Lin Chang'an nodded with a smile. Since this sect originated from the demonic path, he was not surprised by its style of doing things.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Cheng. With the complement of Senior Sister Bingdie's Xuanbing Cold Qi, the power of my supernatural ability has greatly increased. Even a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator wouldn't be able to easily capture me."

Lin Chang'an spoke with a hint of confidence, and Elder Cheng nodded with a smile.

In his view, it was only a matter of time before Junior Brother Lin and Junior Nephew Bingdie became a couple. After all, their supernatural powers complemented each other, and no Nascent Soul cultivator could resist the temptation of powerful supernatural abilities.

Not to mention, his junior apprentice Bingdie is also an absolute beauty.

"However, if Junior Brother Lin has some free time in the future, he should still work on his escape techniques. After all, as a fourth-level formation master, you will inevitably have to deal with these people in your life."

Other Nascent Soul cultivators would have to painstakingly search for cave ruins, but fourth-order array masters don't need to; they can simply wait at the sect.

Some of them have various difficult restrictions, and they want to invite these cultivators who are proficient in formations to go.

Therefore, Elder Cheng gave this reminder, and Lin Chang'an naturally understood.

"Escape techniques and supernatural abilities are not so easy to achieve."

Lin Chang'an was also helpless. If we're talking about Nascent Soul level escape techniques, he was considered fast. Plus, his endurance was super long, so he wasn't bad at all.

However, specialized advanced escape techniques are rare even in the cultivation world, and even some top Nascent Soul sects may not possess them.

Grand Elder Cheng sighed helplessly.

"It's a pity that a lot of our Spirit Control lineage's heritage was lost back then. We did have a high-level escape technique back then, but Junior Brother Lin, your mastery of the Five Elements Escape Technique is not bad."

It would be best to master one skill in the future. These Nascent Soul cultivators have all dedicated themselves to cultivation for hundreds of years, each possessing their own strengths.

He naturally wouldn't ignore Elder Cheng's kindness, but instead listened attentively to his teachings.

After asking a few more questions, Lin Chang'an noticed Elder Cheng's fatigue and then took his leave.

However, before leaving, Elder Cheng, still smiling, held a palm-leaf fan and pointed to the room full of jade slips and ancient books, jokingly saying:
"If you have any free time in the future, Junior Brother Lin, you can look through all the jade slips and ancient books here. All my life experience, what I have seen and heard are here."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Cheng."

Despite the conflict of interest, Lin Chang'an was genuinely touched by Senior Brother Cheng's openness and the way he treated people.

Unfortunately, seeing that this powerful cultivator in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm still showed signs of aging and fatigue, he sighed softly.

Nascent Soul cultivators possess powerful supernatural abilities and have roamed the cultivation world for thousands of years, yet they ultimately cannot escape the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death.

……

Inside Elder Cheng Taishang's cave, the flames of the alchemy furnace still flickered, seemingly never ceasing.

After Lin Chang'an finished his visit, he naturally went to the Ice Butterfly Fairy's cave.

The two naturally engaged in dual cultivation to heal their injuries once more.

In the sleeping hall.

"Junior Brother Lin, thank you very much."

At this moment, the two had just finished their dual cultivation. As Lin Chang'an finished his practice, a delicate jade foot casually touched his waist.

Upon seeing this scene, Lin Chang'an opened his eyes and revealed a helpless expression. Today, Senior Sister Bingdie was dressed in a rather unusual way.

Unfortunately, they only allow viewing, not eating.

"Junior Brother Lin, do you think Senior Sister looks good in this outfit today?"

The Nascent Soul True Lord, who appears aloof and superior to outsiders, was today in his own palace, while the Ice Butterfly Fairy was wearing a thin, lotus-pink embroidered bodice.

The fabric was as thin as a cicada's wing, and a silver bell chain dangled from her collarbone, tinkling softly with each breath. Her lower body was clad in a semi-transparent emerald green gauze skirt that barely covered her waist and hips.

Her right leg was bent and pressed against her abdomen, while her left leg hung loosely down the step. Her elbows rested on her knees, and her fingertips casually twirled the ends of her hair. When her eyes lazily swept over, they looked like they held half a cup of unfermented wine.

"Senior Sister Bingdie..."

Just as Lin Chang'an was about to say something, a soft, bare foot was placed in front of his knee. This senior sister, Ice Butterfly, looked weak.

"Junior brother, there seems to be a chill in my air."

He placed the cold, jade-like feet directly in his hands, and Lin Chang'an sighed helplessly. He had gotten used to it over the years.

Anyway, I'm just keeping him hooked.

"Senior sister, the cold poison in your body has been suppressed, but after so many years of accumulation, your essence has been somewhat damaged, and you need some time to recuperate."

As Lin Chang'an recounted her injuries, the Ice Butterfly Fairy held a ribbon of ice woven from her hair in her hand, her bright eyes filled with tenderness, as if gazing at the person before her.

Her eyebrows and eyes curved into crescent moons, and when her gaze shifted, she possessed both the elegance of a fairy and a touch of coquettish charm.

"Junior brother... do you think this close-fitting robe looks good on your senior sister? How about your senior sister changes you into another one next time?" Lin Chang'an was talking about his injuries, but the Ice Butterfly senior sister narrowed her eyes and spoke softly with a hint of flirtatiousness, bringing up the close-fitting robe again.

On one side of the sleeping quarters, there was a dazzling array of all kinds of close-fitting robes, each time with a different style.

Today she's alluring and charming, next she'll be a sweet and gentle maiden, then she'll be elegant and dignified in a floral palace dress, or dashing and heroic, or aloof and cold.

In short, every time is different; she's practically a witch who manipulates people's hearts.

Lin Chang'an glanced at the elaborate, close-fitting robe, gently playing with the jade-like foot in his hand, his voice carrying a heavy tone.

"I just came from Elder Cheng's place; the alchemy furnace is still lit."

With just one sentence, the atmosphere vanished completely. The allure in Ice Butterfly Fairy's eyes disappeared, and she couldn't help but roll her eyes at this Junior Brother Lin in annoyance.

Lin Chang'an was engrossed in playing with the jade foot in his hand, but a subtle smile played on his lips.

You are a witch, and he is not a righteous person either.

"Senior Uncle Cheng's lifespan is not long. Now, for the sake of the sect, he spares no effort in refining pills. He also plans to keep the news a secret after his death, and keep it a secret for as long as possible."

At this moment, Fairy Ice Butterfly also sighed softly, a trace of sadness flashing in her eyes. All she could do was cultivate diligently and strive to break through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm as soon as possible, or even become a Nascent Soul Grandmaster.

Lin Chang'an also knew that no one would make a big fuss about a Nascent Soul cultivator passing away. Everyone would keep it a secret for as long as possible.

Elder Cheng is currently frantically refining pills, occasionally revealing some of the newly refined pills to the public, making it impossible for people to guess what he's doing.

"Senior Sister Bingdie, do you remember that I had a good friend who was skilled in alchemy?"

Lin Chang'an, however, thought of his clone's expertise in alchemy and wanted to spare his senior brother Cheng from such exhaustion, so he brought up his friend.

Upon hearing this, Fairy Ice Butterfly raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "I remember, of course I remember Junior Brother Lin's close friend."

She emphasized the last four words, as all of Lin Shidi's friends, as far as she knew, were outstanding Nascent Soul female True Monarchs.

To this day, she still remembers that there was a formation prodigy far away in the Abyss Sea who sent her a magic robe.

Lin Chang'an, however, appeared completely at ease, nodding and speaking in a deep voice:
"My friend has been a third-tier high-grade alchemist for many years, and in recent years he has also been on the verge of becoming a fourth-tier alchemist. As you know, this person is not one to be seen in the light of day, and he is probably in trouble."

However, it's perfectly normal for Nascent Soul cultivators to conduct transactions privately. Just like how our Protectorate Alliance and the Demonic Path are at odds, but their private dealings have never ceased.

Lin Chang'an spoke in a serious tone, and the intelligent Ice Butterfly Fairy instantly understood, narrowing her eyes involuntarily.

"Junior brother means that we should make a deal with this person, and when someone from outside comes to ask Master Cheng to refine pills, we will rely on this person to refine the pills..."

Although the rest wasn't explicitly stated, it was quite clear.

If Elder Cheng has truly passed away, then this person can make a secret deal with him, using Elder Cheng's identity to make the outside world believe that Elder Cheng is still alive.

After all, having an additional mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, who is also a fourth-tier alchemist, would have a significant impact on a sect or power.

“That’s right. Junior brother has already spoken with this person before. The other party asked for Master Cheng’s alchemy insights and alchemy lineage.”

This person will break through to the fourth rank within a few years at most. At that time, the quality of the elixirs won't matter much; after all, outsiders will still consider it normal for a cultivator nearing the end of their lifespan and experiencing a decline in condition.

The more Bingdie listened, the more reasonable it seemed, and she nodded secretly, adding:

"We can even claim to the outside world that we secretly traded for a Longevity Fruit, which extended Uncle Cheng's lifespan by another 60 years."

At this point, the Ice Butterfly Fairy revealed a delighted smile. Although it was just a bluff, if it were to succeed, outsiders wouldn't be able to tell at all.

This shady cultivator needs to use them to obtain cultivation resources, and they also need to use this person to bluff.

It can be said that both sides benefited, achieving the best of both worlds.

Extending one's lifespan by sixty years is enough time for the sect to develop.

"I need to meet this person in person."

However, despite the advantages, as the current de facto ruler of the sect, the Ice Butterfly Fairy was not blinded by temptation.

Instead, she revealed the calmness and decisiveness of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, a far cry from her previous seductive and alluring demeanor.

If a Nascent Soul cultivator is eager to seize power, he will naturally feel dissatisfied.

Perhaps this was also a test from the Ice Butterfly Fairy, but Lin Chang'an chuckled lightly and nodded casually:

"This naturally requires you, Senior Sister, to personally intervene."

He had no intention of getting involved in the power struggles within the sect, so he was naturally happy to cooperate.

"After a while, I will arrange to meet this fellow Daoist at the market closest to our sect. Junior Brother will personally accompany Senior Sister then."

Lin Chang'an not only had no desire to vie for power, but also considered everything meticulously.

Seeing Lin Chang'an's attitude, Fairy Ice Butterfly felt somewhat ashamed, realizing that she had indeed been habitually testing him.

After all, how could someone who can become a Nascent Soul cultivator be so naive?

The combination of friendship and interests is the strongest bond in this world.

Seemingly trying to make up for the earlier probing, the Nascent Soul female True Monarch, who had just been aloof and all-powerful, suddenly lost her aura and became weak and ineffective.

"Little Brother Lin, it was Senior Sister who spoke a little too loudly just now."

Lin Chang'an was already used to the witch's ever-changing appearances and was not moved in the slightest.

Feeling the sensation of her bare feet being played with in the other's hands, the Ice Butterfly Fairy couldn't help but bite her lip, and then said in a seductive voice:
"Junior Brother Lin, is it soft? Does it feel good to touch?"

Lin Chang'an didn't even look up, simply nodding as if he hadn't quite grasped the situation, and blurted out:
"It's a pity that they're not as delicate and exquisite as Fellow Daoist Mingyue's bare feet!"

These words made Ice Butterfly Fairy's eyes widen. Good! She refused to believe it; sooner or later, she would win over this Junior Brother Lin.

He made this junior brother Lin grovel before him and massage his feet every day.

"Junior Brother Lin, Senior Sister has gained some insights and is going into seclusion to cultivate."

The tone suddenly changed, clearly indicating that they were being asked to leave.

Lin Chang'an wore a victorious smile, yet he seemed reluctant to part with the object in his hand.

"So, six months from now, Junior Brother will be going out for a trip. What about Senior Sister's Xuanbing Cold Qi?"

"I'll give it to you before I leave!" the Ice Butterfly Fairy said, barely suppressing her frustration.

"Junior brother has only recently entered the Nascent Soul stage, and he will probably need senior sister's help at that time."

"Don't worry, Senior Sister will personally go to the border!"

Finally, the Ice Butterfly Fairy gritted her teeth, and Lin Chang'an reluctantly put down the jade foot in his hand and got up.

However, in the instant he turned around, Lin Chang'an revealed a victorious smile.

Trying to fight me? In any case, he won't suffer any losses.

Ice Butterfly Fairy was somewhat frustrated. She had already sacrificed her spiritual infant, and no matter what, she would not admit defeat.

She genuinely admired this Junior Brother Lin. His Daoist heart was steadfast, and his character had remained unchanged for so many years. If he were truly opportunistic, he would have moved into her bedroom long ago.

It was something that made her both admire and feel helpless.

I admire his character, but I regret that I didn't encounter him first.

She would never admit that she was inferior to others; she would only say that others had gained an advantage by knowing her first.

If the two of them had been in the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect together, they would have long been a perfect couple in the cultivation world, both at the Nascent Soul stage.

After leaving the cave, Lin Chang'an took a deep breath, preparing for his trip to the cave ruins six months later.

And Ling'er's preparation for Nascent Soul formation also requires resources.

　感谢：‘春暖十一州’道友的6666+100灵石打赏、‘飘飘鱼鲜’道友的500灵石打赏、‘无语wuyu’道友的500灵石打赏、‘书友2021030110213822’道友的500灵石打赏、‘明月宫主’道友的100灵石打赏。

Thank you to all the fellow cultivators who have supported us.

[Friendly reminder: There will be double monthly tickets at the end of December. Fellow cultivators, if you couldn't save your monthly tickets from the beginning of the month, feel free to shower them on! Hehe.]

　
(End of this chapter)