Chapter 116: Breakthrough
"Two bounties for Premium-grade First-rank Skill Cultivators, each worth nearly a Foundation Establishment Pill—how many Drifting Cultivators can resist such temptation?"
After returning to his cave abode, Lin Chang’an fell silent as he pondered the news Yun Yao had given him earlier.
This was an open scheme.
Compared to the near-death odds of hunting a Second-rank Demon Beast for a Crystalline Core, any Late-stage Qi Refining Cultivator would know which option to choose.
"Even some Foundation Establishment Drifting Cultivators might be tempted. After all, their descendants and clan members also need Foundation Establishment Pills."
A storm was brewing!
At that moment, Lin Chang’an frowned slightly. The war had not even fully erupted, yet the danger was already so intense.
It was easy to imagine how perilous it would become once a full-scale war broke out in the Yue Kingdom.
"With my current Early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, I’m still too weak. If I were to flee to another country now and get discovered...
The temptation of several Foundation Establishment Pills would stir the hearts of any Foundation Establishment Cultivator."
Just thinking about his own bounty made Lin Chang’an feel a bit tempted, let alone others.
This Palace of Blazing Fire and Divine Sword Sect truly had the audacity to challenge Master Lu head-on. Unable to defeat his spirit pet, they resorted to underhanded tricks—truly despicable.
"I must increase my strength quickly, and I also need to improve my life-saving measures."
No matter how the situation changed, strength would never deceive him. It was his only true safeguard.
"Refining Second-rank Pills to enhance cultivation, and advancing to become a Second-rank Talisman Master—both must happen as soon as possible. Only then can I access more resources."
Lin Chang’an made up his mind. If he had known earlier he’d be listed on the bounty board, he would have held back a bit.
Now that he was a Second-rank Talisman Master, he had no choice but to push forward with gritted teeth.
"Luckily, in Tianxuan City, my craftsmanship alone is enough to earn the resources I need for cultivation. There’s no need to risk venturing outside."
Thinking of this gave Lin Chang’an a bit of comfort.
Many Foundation Establishment Cultivators, such as Chen Qing, still had to go out occasionally to earn cultivation resources. Otherwise, what little their clans provided often wasn’t enough for their juniors.
Even when there was surplus, it might seem substantial for a Qi Refining Cultivator, but for Foundation Establishment Cultivators, it was far from sufficient.
"Golden Core Cultivator! Only by becoming a Golden Core Cultivator will one no longer be at the mercy of others."
In the end, the chaos in Yue Kingdom stemmed from the struggle for resources among Golden Core Cultivators. If he himself became a Golden Core Cultivator, whether he stayed or left would no longer be restricted.
"A Golden Core Cultivator, huh? Although the road ahead is still long, I’m not necessarily inferior to those so-called prodigies of the sects."
Thinking of his talent and fortuitous encounters, Lin Chang’an’s eyes revealed a trace of unwavering resolve.
His goal was to break through to Mid-stage Foundation Establishment by the age of 70, Late-stage Foundation Establishment by 100, and achieve full Foundation Establishment and prepare for Golden Core before turning 150.
By then, he wanted to see who in the entire Yue Kingdom could still control his freedom.
…
The shifting situation in Yue Kingdom was still unknown to the lower-tier cultivators of the cultivation world.
At least in Lin Chang’an’s eyes, the Drifting Cultivators of Tianxuan City were still dreaming that the Yue Kingdom situation was deadlocked, and that once Master Lu’s disciple reached Golden Core, it would establish a new major faction among the four powers.
However, the upper levels of the cultivation world, such as established Foundation Establishment clans like the Zhou Family, had already begun making preparations in secret.
Prices of certain materials within the marketplace began to rise. By the time the Drifting Cultivators noticed the issue, two months had already passed.
"Why do all the materials in the marketplace seem to be getting more expensive lately? Could it be that war is coming again?"
"How could that be? It’s only been a few years. Don’t forget, Xuanyin Pavilion just gained a new Golden Core Cultivator."
"This rise in material prices is probably related to the upcoming auction."
As Lin Chang’an walked through the streets of the marketplace, he listened to the speculations of various Drifting Cultivators and sighed inwardly.
Whether in the mortal realm or the cultivation world, it was always the lower-tier cultivators who bore the brunt.
Over the past two months, Lin Chang’an had not wasted a single moment drawing talismans, refining pills, or cultivating. He even secretly disguised himself to go out and purchase supplies.
After all, when the situation got tense, the prices of strategic resources could skyrocket in an instant.
"Tianxuan City announces the formation of a Patrol Cultivator Squad. Only Late-stage Qi Refining Cultivators are eligible to join..."
As the auction approached and the city buzzed with activity, this announcement left Lin Chang’an momentarily speechless.
He didn’t know whether to feel fortunate that he was now a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, or to reflect on the fact that he too had once been among the lowest tier.
"Haha, the Patrol Cultivator Squad! That’s Tianxuan City’s new team to patrol and subdue Demon Beasts and Robber Cultivators under their jurisdiction. The benefits are great."
"I heard they even get allocated several mu of Spirit Fields. Damn, give me another half year and I’ll definitely reach the breakthrough. I hope they’ll still be recruiting by then."
As he walked the streets and saw the excited smiles of many Drifting Cultivators, Lin Chang’an lost the mood to continue wandering. He turned around and headed back to his cave abode.
"These lower-tier cultivators… aren’t they a reflection of us ordinary Foundation Establishment Drifting Cultivators?"
Those elated smiles likely didn’t understand what they would be facing next.
On the way back to his cave abode, he happened to run into Chen Qing, who was busily going about his errands.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, have you heard? The city is forming a patrol squad. My two useless grandsons have already signed up."
Chen Qing wore a broad smile, holding a jug of Spirit Wine, and Lin Chang’an immediately understood his intention.
"Then I must congratulate you, Fellow Daoist. Two promising juniors already reached Late-stage Qi Refining by their thirties."
"Haha, not at all, not at all. They’re just a couple of unworthy juniors who’ve gotten this far thanks to the clan’s relatively abundant resources in recent years."
After offering his congratulations, Lin Chang’an saw Chen Qing beaming with pride and trying to invite him to his cave abode for celebratory drinks. Lin Chang’an, however, declined politely, citing prior obligations.
Given the current circumstances, he had no mind for drinking.
Still, seeing Chen Qing’s joyful expression—with Chen Wen and Chen Feng reaching Late-stage Qi Refining at their age—it was no surprise he was so happy.
Among Drifting Cultivators, the gap between those with and without resources was stark, especially in the early stages.
Those with resources advanced rapidly in the early cultivation stages, while those without had to cultivate arduously, hoping one day for a breakthrough in skills or a stroke of luck.
This slow and steady approach wasn’t rare in the cultivation world, but more common were those who grew quickly by relying on the resources of their forebears.
…
Inside the cave abode.
Focused and intent, Lin Chang’an gripped a Premium-grade Second-rank Spirit Brush. With mana infused into the talisman paper, the brush danced like a dragon.
"Swish!"
A faint spiritual glow shimmered. On the pale golden talisman, the converging mana-formed patterns slowly formed the character ‘Explode’ at the center.
【Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman Master +1 (Proficient 1/1000)】
With the changes shown on the attribute panel, it indicated that his talisman skills had finally broken through.
At this moment, Lin Chang’an had entered a state of realization. Only after half a moment did he return to his senses, revealing a look of sudden understanding.
"So this is what it means to be a Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman Master."
Looking at the Mid-grade Second-rank Exploding Talisman on the table, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but reveal a satisfied smile.
He had finally made the breakthrough. Two months ago, he had begun preparing, upgrading everything from the spirit brush, cinnabar, even the talisman paper to high-grade versions.
All for this very day.
"As a Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman Master, I now have a firm foothold with my skills at the trading conference held by Fellow Daoist Song."
Lin Chang’an nodded silently. Among ordinary Drifting Cultivators, as a Low-grade Second-rank Talisman Master, he was naturally held in high regard. But at the trading conference hosted by Fellow Daoist Song, he was unremarkable.
The difference of a single rank left Lin Chang’an with deep emotions.
In the end, the value of a Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman Master was simply on another level.
"A Low-grade Second-rank Talisman sells for 1 to 2 Mid-grade Spirit Stones. The price of a Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman, however, doubles, ranging from 3 to 5 Mid-grade Spirit Stones."
In other words, his talisman profits now were twice what they had been before.
Ordinary Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman Masters, without compromising cultivation, and after subtracting costs, could easily earn over a dozen Mid-grade Spirit Stones a month—over a hundred in a year.
"While not enough to shock the world, it’s certainly respectable. After all, I am a Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman Master."
More importantly, to outsiders, his talent made it highly likely he would break through to become a High-grade Second-rank Talisman Master.
For a moment, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but nod with satisfaction. He had finally secured a solid footing.
"Now, the Second-rank Talismans I can craft include Vajra Talisman, Divine Speed Talisman, Firebird Talisman, Ice Talisman, and Exploding Talisman. In terms of the Talisman Path, I am undoubtedly qualified as a Talisman Master.
But when it comes to the strength of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, I can only bully ordinary Drifting Cultivators at best. After all, the means I currently possess are still too limited."
Given the volatile situation, Lin Chang’an silently reflected on his current capabilities.
The Blood Spirit Thorn, though powerful, was best suited for sneak attacks, and only at close range. If it missed the first strike, it would be difficult to succeed again.
His ancient cultivation method, known for its vast mana reserves, still hadn’t reached the stage of overwhelming dominance due to his limited cultivation time.
"Compared to ordinary Drifting Cultivators, I’m not lacking. But compared to Foundation Establishment Cultivators from sects or great clans with inheritances, the gap in foundation is still significant."
Those Foundation Establishment Cultivators from sects or great clans cultivated advanced techniques that often came with divine abilities or powerful combat skills.
As for his ancient cultivation method, its strength lay in future potential. At present, even his life-bound spirit plant was still underdeveloped.
"In terms of pure combat strength, I’m still slightly lacking compared to Foundation Establishment Cultivators from major sects or clans. If I get the chance at the upcoming auction, I should try to acquire one or two divine techniques or spells to enhance my power."
One must know their own limitations—he certainly didn’t blindly assume he could overpower cultivators of the same realm.
Just like Yun Yao, who cultivated the Water Yin Demonic Art. Though he didn’t know the exact divine abilities it granted, every encounter with her left him sensing a chilling and dangerous aura.
It was definitely not weak.
"These Spirit Stones I’ve just accumulated... I wonder if they’ll be enough."
Originally, he had saved up a fair amount of Spirit Stones in preparation for the auction—to acquire not only a Second-rank Alchemy Furnace, but also potentially high-grade Spirit Liquid.
Who would have thought that due to the unstable situation, he would now need to prepare defensive measures in advance?
Thinking back to how hard he had cultivated before reaching Foundation Establishment—and how little had changed since—he couldn’t help but feel wronged.
Lin Chang’an quietly made up his mind: one day, once he became a Golden Core Cultivator, he would thoroughly enjoy the scenery of the cultivation world.
…
Lin Chang’an’s breakthrough to Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman Master status attracted congratulatory gifts from many cultivators of noble clans.
However, the outside world remained unaware.
Even the neighboring Chen Qing had no idea that Lin Chang’an had become a Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman Master.
After all, to an ordinary Foundation Establishment Drifting Cultivator like Chen Qing, a single Second-rank Talisman cost nearly a thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones—far too expensive.
Buying a few could already cost half the price of a Foundation Establishment Pill.
As the auction neared, Tianxuan City became increasingly lively.
At this time, in the courtyard of the cave abode—
"Do you think Brother Lin truly doesn’t have any desire? Cultivating bitterly every day—can that really become addictive?"
By the poolside, Zhou Bingyun tilted her head, teasing the Azure-Horned Bull with a stalk of Spirit Grass in her hand.
This Second-rank Spirit Beast Azure-Horned Bull, in an attempt to please the human cultivator before it, let out low, honest moos and played along.
It understood one thing very clearly—if it pleased this human cultivator, there would be more to eat next time.
One meal of Spirit Grass versus meals every day—it knew the difference.
"In the cultivation world, strength is paramount. Diligent cultivation is good, but surely one can’t cultivate like this endlessly."
Zhou Bingyun scrunched her nose. Thinking about Lin Chang’an’s usual lifestyle, she felt both admiration and confusion.
Just then, the Azure-Horned Bull let out a loud moo, splashing out of the pool and spraying her with water.
"You big water buffalo, how could you..."
At that moment, Zhou Bingyun stared in shock at the Azure-Horned Bull, which had happily trotted forward to greet a female cultivator veiled in white.
The aura she exuded made Zhou Bingyun’s expression change instantly.
"Junior Zhou Bingyun greets Senior!"
A Foundation Establishment Cultivator!
Zhou Bingyun did not dare be careless. Her every movement was orderly and respectful.
Since the other party could enter the cave abode, it was clear she had been granted permission.
The Azure-Horned Bull eagerly circled around Yun Yao, mooing continuously. Its nose was clearly detecting the scent of higher-grade Spirit Grass.
This scene made Zhou Bingyun curse inwardly—so ungrateful! She had brought top-quality Spirit Grass every time she visited.
The visitor was indeed Yun Yao. Upon seeing a female cultivator outside Lin Chang’an’s cave abode, her brow lifted slightly.
When she noticed the embroidered patterns on Zhou Bingyun’s robes, Yun Yao frowned.
"Zhou Family... is it the Beast-controlling Zhou Family?"
"Yes. Junior Zhou Bingyun. The current Zhou Family Patriarch, Zhou Renmao, is my father."
Zhou Bingyun spoke respectfully, while Yun Yao’s expression remained indifferent as she nodded slightly.
"I see. Quite talented for your age."
Zhou Bingyun remained respectful throughout. Her familiarity with Lin Chang’an was due to their acquaintance, but she never once assumed that being from the Zhou Family placed her on equal footing with a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.
She had always held deep respect for Foundation Establishment Cultivators—that was one of the reasons Lin Chang’an had appreciated her.
If she had been a frivolous female cultivator relying solely on beauty, would she have even caught his eye?
In the cultivation world, having proper respect for the strong was a basic survival principle.
After briefly observing Zhou Bingyun, Yun Yao turned her head toward the closed door of the cave abode and said softly:
"Fellow Daoist Lin, I’ve come as agreed."
The cold tone of her voice echoed outward with an icy edge—literal in this case.
Zhou Bingyun was stunned. The moment the Foundation Establishment Senior spoke, she could feel the temperature in the area drop noticeably.
So strong! This Foundation Establishment Senior was likely no weaker than her father.
"Thank you for waiting, Fellow Daoist."
As the doors opened, Lin Chang’an finally emerged. It wasn’t that he had purposely delayed—he had been drawing talismans.
"Senior Lin."
In the presence of outsiders, Zhou Bingyun bowed respectfully, and Lin Chang’an nodded lightly in response.
"These are the Mid-grade Second-rank Talismans the Zhou Family requested."
Handing over three talismans, Zhou Bingyun respectfully offered the Spirit Stone Pouch given to her by the clan.
The Zhou Family had a long-standing partnership with Lin Chang’an, and he was naturally happy to earn Spirit Stones.
The Zhou Family, too, was happy to send Zhou Bingyun.
After the transaction, Zhou Bingyun bowed and took her leave. Yet, as she departed, she cast a glance of envy at the veiled female Foundation Establishment Cultivator.
Female Foundation Establishment Cultivators were exceedingly rare in the cultivation world.
"So Brother Lin likes stronger female cultivators."
Zhou Bingyun believed that Lin Chang’an, as a Mid-grade Second-rank Talisman Master, was different from ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivators. Naturally, he would prefer someone who could walk alongside him—a fellow Foundation Establishment Cultivator.
This realization gave her a sense of clarity, and she quietly made up her mind. A female Foundation Establishment Cultivator—her talent and resources were not lacking either.