Cultivating Immortality Through a Hundred Lifetimes: I Possess the Heavenly Book of Merit

Yu Yan walked through the main hall and headed towards the area for Buddhist artifacts.

The display cases in the ritual implements section were even larger, and contained even more items. Swords, spears, halberds, axes, hooks, forks, and various other unusual weapons gleamed eerily in the spiritual light.

Yu Yan wasn't particularly interested in these things. He had sword array talismans, which were not only easy to use but could also be continuously upgraded in rank, and their power was considerable, which was sufficient for his needs for the time being.

What he needs is a defensive artifact.

After navigating the murky waters of the Lin family, he understood one thing more clearly: no matter what your schemes are, self-preservation must be your top priority.

Next time you encounter someone like Lin Shi, be wary of underhanded tactics and avoid being caught off guard.

He stopped in front of the counter and scanned the items inside.

The Heart-Protecting Mirror, a mid-grade first-tier magic artifact, can withstand a full-force attack from a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator. It is priced at 800 spirit stones.

The protective jade pendant is a first-grade high-quality magic artifact. It can automatically activate a defensive shield that lasts for half an incense stick's time and can withstand a powerful attack from a ninth-level Qi Refining cultivator. It is priced at 1,500 spirit stones.

Golden Silk Soft Armor, a first-grade superior magic weapon, worn close to the body, making it difficult to be harmed by swords and blades, priced at 3,500 spirit stones.

Yu Yan looked at each item one by one, and finally pointed to the jade pendant.

"Let me take a look at this."

The shopkeeper quickly took out the jade pendant and handed it over with both hands. Yu Yan took it and probed it with his spiritual energy, sensing the restrictions inside. The workmanship was exquisite, and the restrictions were complete; it was indeed a good item.

"Is there anything better?" he asked.

The waiter lowered his voice, "Senior, the next level up is the second-tier magic artifact, but it's not on the counter. If you're interested, I can take you to a private room and have the manager get it for you personally."

A second-tier magical artifact.

Even if a cultivator of his level possessed a second-tier magic weapon, he wouldn't be able to wield it, given the significant difference in cultivation level; buying it would be a waste.

Yu Yan thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"Don't rush the second-tier ones. I'll take this jade pendant. Also, get me a defensive formation, still of high quality, the kind that I can carry around and set up quickly."

"Yes, yes, yes!" The shop assistant nodded repeatedly, turned around and took out a palm-sized round plate from the cabinet.

"A first-grade superior Xuan Turtle Formation. With this formation plate, setting up the formation only takes three breaths, covering an area of ​​three zhang in radius, and can withstand a full-force attack from a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator for one hour. Price: 4,000 spirit stones."

Yu Yan took the array plate and examined it from all angles. The array plate was engraved with intricate patterns using spirit runes, and a mid-grade spirit stone was inlaid at its core, allowing the spiritual energy to flow smoothly.

"Yes, are there any more spirit-gathering arrays?"

Qi Gathering Pills are used for breakthroughs at crucial moments; for regular cultivation, a Spirit Gathering Array is still necessary.

"Of course, a mid-grade first-tier item costs two thousand spirit stones, and a high-grade first-tier item costs three thousand eight hundred spirit stones."

So expensive?

Yu Yan considered it for a moment and realized that if he bought everything, he wouldn't have enough spirit stones.

After hesitating for a moment, he tossed the jade pendant to the shop assistant.

"Never mind, I didn't bring many spirit stones with me this time. No, I mean I don't have enough spirit stones on me, so I'll just leave this jade pendant."

"That's all." He placed the two array plates and the pills on the counter. "Settle the bill."

The waiter quickly tapped the abacus a few times.

"The Spirit Gathering Array costs 3,800 low-grade spirit stones, the Xuan Turtle Array plate costs 4,000, totaling 7,500 spirit stones. Adding the previous Spirit Gathering Pill's 3,000 spirit stones, the total is 10,500 low-grade spirit stones. I'll round down the remaining 500 spirit stones; I'll pass. Senior, what do you think…?"

Yu Yan nodded, counted out 10,000 spirit stones from his storage bag, piled them on the counter, and felt a slight pang of regret.

Did this general store even check how many spirit stones he had in his storage bag? He's spent them all in one go.

Although some of the ten thousand spirit stones were given to Deli, Zhou Yan still insisted on giving his share, so that the two of them could share the burden.

With his previous savings, he still had 10,000 spirit stones, and even some left over.

But before it could even warm up in my hands, it was completely drained like water.

The shopkeeper's eyes widened in astonishment. So many spirit stones, piled up like a small mountain. He quickly called for help to count them, while he diligently helped Yu Yan pack the items.

"Senior, is there anything else you need? Would you like to take a look at some talismans? We just received a batch of top-quality talisman paper and talisman brushes, all made by renowned masters."

Yu Yan had originally planned to leave, but upon hearing this, he stopped in his tracks.

The talisman itself doesn't matter, but a talisman pen is still needed.

He definitely needs this. In the past, talismans were drawn with fingers, which was convenient when needed, but the power was somewhat reduced. If he had a good talisman brush, along with high-quality talisman paper and cinnabar, the power of the talisman he drew could increase by at least 30%.

"Take me to see it."

The shopkeeper was overjoyed and quickly led Yu Yan towards the talisman area.

The counter in the talisman section was filled with all kinds of talisman paper.

The cheapest yellow paper costs one spirit stone per sheet; slightly better blue paper costs three spirit stones per sheet; the best jade paper costs ten spirit stones per sheet, as thin as a cicada's wing and translucent with spiritual energy.

Wow, that's really expensive.

Yu Yan clicked his tongue in amazement.

Even a simple piece of yellow paper costs one spirit stone.

In the end, due to being short of money, I didn't buy a single talisman.

He still felt it was more cost-effective to buy this thing in Baicao Lane.

After all, there is competition there, which is not friendly to the stall owners, but very beneficial to the customers.

Finally, there's the talisman brush.

The shop assistant took out a brocade box from the top shelf of the cabinet, opened it, and inside lay three talisman pens.

"Senior, look, this one is made of wolf hair, strong and powerful, suitable for drawing offensive talismans; this one is made of sheep hair, soft and delicate, suitable for drawing defensive talismans; this one is a mixed hair one, combining strength and softness, suitable for drawing anything. They are all made by famous craftsmen, with the handle made of century-old spiritual bamboo and the bristles taken from spiritual beasts, so they will last for decades without breaking."

Yu Yan picked up each one and examined it. He didn't know much about talisman brushes; he used to just use them as long as they worked. Although he knew some of the tricks of the trade, it was all just theoretical and didn't really count.

He picked up the mixed-hair talisman brush and weighed it in his hand. The brush handle was warm and smooth, comfortable to hold, and the tip was full and trembled slightly, as if it had a spirit.

"This one will do." He put down the talisman brush. "What's the price?"

The waiter held up one finger. "One thousand spirit stones."

Yu Yan raised an eyebrow. A single pen cost a thousand spirit stones, more expensive than he had imagined.

I can't afford it, I really can't afford it.

He thought that with nearly 10,000 low-grade spirit stones, he could turn the tables and become the master, but he didn't expect to spend all of it on just a few things.

I'd better forget about this talisman brush.

You can draw with your hands.

The Spirit Gathering Pills will last him a while, the defensive array plate can save his life in critical moments, and the Spirit Gathering Array Plate itself is fine. His next step is to find a quiet place to cultivate in seclusion and improve his cultivation level.

He walked out of the department store; the sun was shining brightly outside, warming him comfortably.

The streets were still bustling with people. Yu Yan stood at the door, took a deep breath, and felt much more relaxed.

Yes, I spent 10,000 spirit stones. Not only am I much more relaxed, but I also feel quite empty.

Although the Lin family's troubles are not completely over, and although that brat Lin Shi may come knocking again, at least now he can catch his breath.

He walked along the street, through the crowds, past shops, and finally stopped at a fork in the road.

To the left is the Taoist temple where he and Zhou Yan rented.

Turn right, and you'll find the road out of the Immortal City.

Yu Yan stood at the intersection, a storage bag in his hand.

This was given to me by Zhou Yan when we parted ways.

Inside were the snake demon's corpse and Lin Xiao's skull.

Zhou Yan is probably still living a life of debauchery at the Pleasure House.

But she couldn't wait for him any longer.

The sooner you begin your secluded cultivation, the better; there's no time to waste.

"Brother Zhou, let's say goodbye now."

Yu Yan took a step and gradually disappeared into the crowd.

On the path of cultivation, be careful.