Chapter 115: Yun Yao Return
Fengle Auction House.
"Second-rank High-grade Spirit Brush, this type of item isn't sold to outsiders, but Brother Lin is not an outsider, so of course it's available to you."
"Actually, Brother Lin, you can even use the jade token that Senior Sister Su gave you at the Treasure Pavilion."
Listening to Song Tingfeng’s words, Lin Chang’an also felt emotional. Huang Shaohai truly was a good man.
"Old Wind, go get a few High-grade Spirit Brushes for Brother Lin."
While the two had a friendly relationship, business was business—Lin Chang’an had always kept this distinction clear.
He was also self-aware. To Song Tingfeng, a disciple of Master Lu, he was merely a friend who was easy to talk to.
Their relationship wasn’t that deep yet.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, these three Spirit Brushes are all premium items among second-rank."
As the three Spirit Brushes were placed on the table, Lin Chang’an couldn't help but examine them closely.
Meanwhile, Song Tingfeng leisurely sipped tea with a light smile, not interfering in the transaction.
The entire time, it was this Foundation Establishment cultivator surnamed Wind who introduced them to Lin Chang’an with a smiling face.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, you’re an expert in drawing talismans, this old man won’t embarrass himself."
"Not at all, Old Wind, you're experienced. I’m just a novice—I wouldn’t dare act presumptuous."
Lin Chang’an waved his hand with a smile. He wasn’t being modest—it was true. He could clearly sense that this elder surnamed Wind had a higher cultivation level than him.
He was likely at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Moreover, he was someone who had survived the Sea Abyss of Beasts—his experience was far superior.
He truly didn’t dare to act arrogantly.
"Old Wind, I’ll take this Spirit Brush."
In the end, Lin Chang’an chose a gilded Spirit Brush—it wasn’t an attribute-specific one.
Spirit Brushes were actually of two types: attribute-specific, which enhanced certain types of talismans and made them easier to succeed.
But the talismans he could draw were rather mixed, so he had ruled out attribute-specific brushes altogether.
"Old Wind, please get me three more bottles of high-grade Special Cinnabar."
"Alright then, one second-rank High-grade Spirit Brush is three hundred and thirty Mid-grade Spirit Stones. Three bottles of second-rank High-grade Special Cinnabar, ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones per bottle. That’s three hundred and sixty Mid-grade Spirit Stones total.
But since Fellow Daoist Lin has the young lady’s jade token, you're one of us—make it an even three hundred and fifty."
With the elder Foundation Establishment cultivator’s smiling nod, Lin Chang’an didn’t haggle. He simply retrieved three hundred and fifty Spirit Stones from his Storage Pouch and handed them over.
Self-awareness was a virtue. He certainly didn’t think he was important enough to demand a discount otherwise.
Just as the transaction finished, two figures descended the stairs, making Lin Chang’an’s heart skip a beat.
"Senior Sister."
"Fairy Miaoyin."
Walking down the stairs was Su Miaoyin, wearing a rare smile. At her side was a female Foundation Establishment cultivator whose face was covered with a black veil.
Lin Chang’an’s heart pounded—this familiar mana fluctuation... Yun Yao!
Why was she here!?
While countless thoughts swirled through Lin Chang’an’s mind, the veiled female Foundation Establishment cultivator following behind Su Miaoyin gave a slight nod and cupped her hands:
"Fellow Daoist Su, I shall take my leave now."
Su Miaoyin nodded with a soft smile, acting as if they were well acquainted.
From beginning to end, Lin Chang’an maintained the appearance of not knowing anything, while the veiled female cultivator cast him a meaningful glance before leaving.
"Fellow Daoist Lin."
After seeing the guest off, Su Miaoyin flicked her Horsetail Whisk, turned to her talkative junior brother, and shook her head slightly. However, when she looked at Lin Chang’an, her gaze was filled with appreciation.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, your comprehension truly is astounding. In the Talisman Path, you’ll probably be able to draw second-rank Mid-grade Talismans soon."
Seeing the Spirit Brush Lin Chang’an had just purchased, the sharp-minded Su Miaoyin instantly understood and smiled in congratulations.
Lin Chang’an waved politely and said, "It's thanks to this skill. Otherwise, cultivation would be even more difficult."
Among a hundred second-rank Low-grade Talisman Masters, only a handful could break through to Mid-grade.
Thus, being a second-rank Talisman Master really did elevate Lin Chang’an’s standing.
Not to mention his aptitude—in the eyes of others, although his spiritual root wasn’t great, his talent in the Talisman Path was undeniable.
……
Finally, after leaving the chatterbox Song Tingfeng, Lin Chang’an walked along the marketplace streets and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Second-rank High-grade Spirit Brush—finally in hand. It won’t be long before my identity as a second-rank Mid-grade Talisman Master spreads among the upper circle of Tianxuan City."
A second-rank Talisman Master was important, but Lin Chang’an himself held even greater value.
What he displayed—his potential—meant he could very well become a second-rank High-grade Talisman Master in the future.
Second-rank High-grade Talisman Masters were extremely rare, even within Tianxuan City.
Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Lin Chang’an’s face.
"The potential of a second-rank High-grade Talisman Master... at the very least, it could earn the respect and high-level resources within this circle."
Over the past two years, Lin Chang’an had attended a few trade fairs, but he had always been unremarkable. The advanced resources were obviously still beyond his reach.
Unless he could offer rare spirit items, Spirit Stone transactions were mostly done between cultivators of equal status.
It wasn’t just about oneself—it was also about building connections for one’s clan.
"High-grade Spiritual Liquid, cultivation-related spirit items, and even the latest news on the upheaval in the cultivation world of Yue Kingdom—these are all things I need."
It wasn’t ambition—it was reality. Different circles offered access to different resources, especially firsthand information from Yue Kingdom.
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an made a firm decision to focus on breaking through in the Talisman Path after returning—everything else could wait.
"But that veiled female cultivator’s mana... there’s no mistake! Yun Yao has returned?"
It had been nearly three years since they last parted.
As Lin Chang’an walked the streets of the marketplace, lost in thought, a familiar voice transmission rang in his ears.
"Brother Lin, it’s been a while."
Just seven short words echoed, halting Lin Chang’an in his tracks. He slowly looked up to see, by the window of Juxian Tower—
A familiar silhouette in white and flowing attire raised a wine cup from above in a distant toast.
"Daoist Yun."
A smile spread across Lin Chang’an’s face. In all these years in the cultivation world, he could count his true friends on one hand.
However, Erniu, Shen Lie, Wei Buyi—they had already fallen behind on this path.
Often, he felt the solitude of the cultivation journey.
As he entered Juxian Tower, Shen Lie hadn’t yet realized who the upstairs guest was and instead reminded him:
"Brother Lin, today a distinguished guest has come to the top floor, asking to buy two second-rank Talismans."
Because the person backing Juxian Tower was a second-rank Talisman Master, many cultivators visited in advance to reserve Talismans.
Buying Talismans was one thing—more importantly, it was a chance to befriend a Talisman Master, which most Foundation Establishment cultivators desired.
Similarly, Lin Chang’an was happy to befriend Foundation Establishment cultivators. Beyond expanding his network, discussing Dao and broadening his horizons were also important.
Especially those who frequently bought second-rank Talismans—they were often adventurers who hunted Demon Beasts.
Such cultivators had both rich insight and experience. Sometimes, they even carried rare items he needed.
The cultivation world wasn’t all fighting and killing—it was also about connections and human interactions.
"I see. Then let’s not disturb the guest."
After reminding Shen Lie, Lin Chang’an took a pot of premium Spirit Wine and headed for the top floor.
Since Yun Yao didn’t want her identity revealed, naturally he wouldn’t speak of it.
……
Inside the private room.
"Daoist Yun, it’s been years. I didn’t expect you to return."
Carrying a pot of Spirit Wine into the private room, Lin Chang’an casually cast a soundproofing spell over it.
The familiar voice made Yun Yao, who had been gazing out at a familiar scene, look back. When she saw Lin Chang’an’s cautious action, she couldn’t help but smile sweetly:
"Brother Lin, you’re still so cautious."
The two didn’t say much. After sitting down, the familiar fragrance of Spirit Wine wafted in the air, and Yun Yao closed her eyes slightly, lost in memories.
"This scent… I really missed it."
"Yes, this is the unique Spirit Wine from Bamboo Mountain Marketplace."
Lin Chang’an also nodded with a sigh.
Soon after, the two raised their cups and drank them dry, falling into silence.
A moment passed.
"I went to see Qingqing, Shen Lie, Wei Buyi, and Erniu. They’ve all grown old."
With a complex expression, Yun Yao spoke faintly.
Lin Chang’an nodded wistfully upon hearing her words, and began to recount everyone’s situation over the years.
"Yes, over the years Erniu no longer insisted on the hard cultivation path he once followed, and instead began focusing on raising his children—after all, he has two young ones."
"Yifan, that child, has his own mind and decent talent—stronger than Erniu. Shen Fan, that child..."
The two spoke in low voices within the private room. Most of the time, it was Lin Chang’an narrating the changes that had taken place in Tianxuan City over the past three years, while Yun Yao quietly listened.
"These past few years I went to the Outer Seas, admired the sights of the Sea Abyss of Beasts, and also went to the Holy Island of the Xuanyin Divine Sect..."
Yun Yao recounted her three years of experience with calm detachment, yet Lin Chang’an’s heart pounded violently.
He had long suspected that Yun Yao's defection from the Palace of Blazing Fire might be connected to the Demonic Sect—but he hadn’t expected it to be true.
At this moment, he recalled the time in Bamboo Mountain Marketplace, when he asked Yun Yao to slay Fellow Daoist Ge. Yun Yao calmly took out several demonic magical artifacts.
Lin Chang’an fell silent. Fortunately, it had been Yun Yao—if it were someone else, he might’ve been labeled a remnant of the Demonic Sect along with her.
"This time, your return is for...?"
The Outer Seas—also known as the Chaotic Demonic Sea—was not only resource-rich but also perilous beyond measure.
"Brother Lin, haven’t you already guessed?"
Faced with Lin Chang’an’s inquiry, Yun Yao sighed softly, causing his expression to darken.
"Could it be that war is about to break out again?"
Just a few years of peace, and now it would start again—Lin Chang’an tensed up.
This time, it wasn’t like before. Tianxuan City was the frontline. If war broke out, the danger would be immense.
"In truth, the war in Yue Kingdom has never ceased. You just haven’t seen the hidden dangers, Brother Lin."
Yun Yao shook her head. This time, she didn’t plan to hide anything—nor was there a need to.
"This time, Protector Xiang has already allied with Master Lu. In twenty years, Fellow Daoist Su will prepare for Golden Core. At that time, the fires of war in Yue Kingdom will surely ignite. The so-called stability these past few years was merely the scheme of the Palace of Blazing Fire and the Divine Sword Sect..."
When she mentioned the Palace of Blazing Fire, a chill flickered in Yun Yao’s eyes.
After hearing Yun Yao’s revelations, Lin Chang’an’s face was filled with shock.
"Daoist Yun, are you saying that the Palace of Blazing Fire and the Divine Sword Sect have been waiting for the right moment all along?"
"That’s right. The Chief Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion is gravely injured and won’t recover. Master Lu’s peak is also fading. Naturally, the two major sects are in no rush..."
Listening to Yun Yao's information, Lin Chang’an fell into silence.
The news about the Chief Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion being gravely injured—this wasn’t something he had access to.
Without Yun Yao, he truly wouldn’t have known.
That meant the Palace of Blazing Fire and the Divine Sword Sect were both at their peak. While Xuanyin Pavilion had produced Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, a Golden Core cultivator with a Heaven and Earth Spirit Root two years ago—
No matter how talented, it was impossible to make great strides in cultivation within just a few decades.
That meant Xuanyin Pavilion currently had three Golden Core cultivators. The strongest was severely injured. The remaining two were the weakest, and their ally Master Lu’s strength was declining.
"Didn’t expect the situation to be this dire."
Frowning, Lin Chang’an realized he needed to cultivate urgently.
Twenty years might seem long to ordinary cultivators, but to Foundation Establishment cultivators, it was truly nothing.
"Not only that, Brother Lin—your current status is very dangerous."
Suddenly, Yun Yao’s warning confused Lin Chang’an. How did this situation involve him?
Yun Yao sighed, then said firmly:
"I just received news—the Palace of Blazing Fire and the Divine Sword Sect have joined forces and are about to issue a bounty. All first-rank High-grade cultivators of the Cultivation Arts of All Kinds in Tianxuan City and Xuanyin Pavilion are on the list."
"First-rank High-grade Talisman, Pill, and Artifact Masters… the reward is three thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones. For someone like Brother Lin, a second-rank Low-grade Talisman Master, the reward is three Foundation Establishment Pills plus one Foundation Establishment Cultivation Method."
Yun Yao’s words immediately changed Lin Chang’an’s expression.
What a ruthless move.
The two major sects were clearly trying to incite internal chaos within Tianxuan City.
Master Lu had just drawn the rogue cultivators to his side using Tianxuan City. Now the two major sects were using this ploy—turning rogue cultivators against one another.
Lin Chang’an could already foresee it—once this bounty was announced, the first ones tempted would be the rogue cultivators.
"But I think it won’t be long before Brother Lin’s bounty goes even higher."
Suddenly, Yun Yao laughed and teased, making Lin Chang’an speechless. He had just boasted about preparing to break through to second-rank Mid-grade Talisman Master.
Now it felt like he had bragged too early.
"Still, I usually cultivate within Tianxuan City."
To say he wasn’t worried would be a lie. How many second-rank Mid-grade Talisman Masters were there in the entire Tianxuan City?
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an furrowed his brow tightly. If the situation turned chaotic and he wanted to escape to another country, he’d likely be targeted.
Those two sects were truly vicious—this was practically cutting off all his escape routes.
As Lin Chang’an pondered, Yun Yao’s eyes flickered with hesitation before she forced a calm expression and said casually:
"Earlier I searched for Fellow Daoist Su in vain. Coincidentally, I have a matter I hope Brother Lin can assist with."
Yun Yao retrieved a jade slip from her Storage Pouch, and on it were written three characters: ‘Exploding Talisman’.
"This is the second-rank Exploding Talisman inheritance."
Lin Chang’an was slightly surprised upon seeing it. Though second-rank Talisman inheritances were rare, they weren’t so rare that Yun Yao would fail to get help from Fellow Daoist Su.
Even if this Exploding Talisman was relatively uncommon.
Yet when Lin Chang’an opened the jade slip with confusion, he found the front part to be a normal Talisman inheritance—while the back contained an unorthodox method—
To draw the Exploding Talisman directly onto a cultivator’s body!
"Kh-kh!"
At that moment, Lin Chang’an choked, while Yun Yao looked calmly out the window.
Only her earlobes were burning red.
It was only now that Lin Chang’an realized—no wonder Yun Yao had failed to enlist Fellow Daoist Su’s help. As far as he knew, there wasn’t a single female second-rank Talisman Master in Tianxuan City.
Female cultivators were rare enough, let alone one who had risen to such heights.
"Kh-kh, Daoist Yun, your unwavering Dao heart—I admire it."
In the next moment, Lin Chang’an cupped his hands respectfully, admiring Yun Yao’s resolve.
Yun Yao simply nodded slightly, exuding an air of unshakable composure.