Chapter 126: 『Secret Art of Yin-Yang Joint Strike』
Inside the cave abode.
“Brother Lin, this is the original version of the sword technique I obtained.”
Yun Yao awkwardly took out the original sword technique, leaving Lin Chang’an speechless.
As expected, Yun Yao had held something back at the auction, and this sword technique just happened to perfectly complete the one he had.
At the very least, the missing Meridian-Protection technique was now acquired.
“Brother Lin, this is the opportunity I mentioned, known only to the two of us. In twenty or thirty years, we’ll join forces and share the treasures left behind by that Core Formation cultivator.”
If what Yun Yao said was true and only the two of them knew about it, then the danger was significantly reduced.
Fortune moves the heart.
However, Lin Chang’an still calculated inwardly. With twenty to thirty years, he would definitely break through to mid-stage Foundation Establishment, greatly increasing his power of self-preservation.
It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Yun Yao, but opportunities for Core Formation often turned husbands and fathers against each other.
“I know Brother Lin has concerns.”
At this moment, Yun Yao’s expression was calm. She gently brushed her hair behind her ear and said softly:
“But I never want to feel again what it’s like to have my life held in another’s hands. Although I’m only mid-stage Foundation Establishment, Brother Lin, you must understand—fortune waits for no one, and it’s best to plan ahead.
I’m determined to obtain the Core Formation treasure. If Brother Lin helps me, aside from that treasure, everything else can be chosen by you. And if I do succeed in forming a core, I will spare no effort to help you form your core as well.”
Yun Yao’s expression was firm this time, even suggesting they swear a Dao Heart Oath together.
Although in the cultivation world, Dao Heart Oaths weren’t extremely binding, they could still cause complications during breakthroughs.
So most cultivators avoided swearing such oaths if they could.
Moreover, Yun Yao sounded sincere. Lin Chang’an pondered silently.
He was indeed some distance away from Core Formation, and judging by Yun Yao’s current state, the Demonic Sect must be riddled with danger.
Seeing Lin Chang’an’s hesitation, Yun Yao took a deep breath. Her face flushed slightly, but she still gritted her teeth and said:
“If Brother Lin is willing to help me, I am willing to help you reach mid-stage Foundation Establishment within ten years.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang’an was somewhat surprised. Break through to mid-stage Foundation Establishment?
Yun Yao didn’t know he had secretly been supplementing with pills, so his cultivation progress wasn’t slow.
Given his aptitude, for Yun Yao to have the confidence to help him reach that stage in ten years was remarkable.
“I want to know—why does Fellow Daoist Yun insist on involving me?”
Friendship was one thing, but when it came to opportunities, he needed clarity.
Faced with Lin Chang’an’s question, Yun Yao didn’t hesitate and directly explained:
“The location of this late-stage Core Formation cultivator’s death is within a region filled with thick poison miasma, surrounded by a colony of Second-rank venomous scorpions. I have little chance of succeeding alone.
Although I don’t know all of Brother Lin’s means, you were able to hunt five Second-rank spirit beasts in the Yunwu Mountain Range without injury. That’s far better than me risking my life alone.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly.
So that’s the reason—colonies of Second-rank Spirit Insects, the venomous scorpions, were indeed tricky. No wonder Yun Yao was willing to share this information.
You should know that encountering colonies of Second-rank beasts would make even False Core cultivators retreat.
There was also the matter of the restriction-breaking talisman—if such a talisman were purchased openly, it would easily attract unwanted attention. Yun Yao was being very cautious.
“I have a 『Yin-Yang Joint Strike Secret Art』. If you and I work together, and either of us breaks our oath during the exploration, the surrounding poisonous insects will be our grave.”
Yun Yao had already made such detailed preparations for this opportunity, clearly planning for a long time.
Lin Chang’an was aware of such dual techniques—some Dao Companions or sect family disciples, trained from a young age in mutual trust, could use Yin-Yang Joint Strike to unleash power far beyond their cultivation.
Based on Yun Yao’s intel, if they successfully entered the fallen cultivator’s secret realm and divided the loot—
They would still need to escape the venomous scorpion swarm afterward.
Even if they turned against each other, that could only happen after escaping.
By then, the treasure would already be in hand.
At this thought, Lin Chang’an mused silently. It looked like he needed to prepare some escape methods as well.
“Fellow Daoist Yun, I appreciate your sincerity. However, in twenty or thirty years, who can say what the future holds? Let us observe further before making a final decision.”
As tempting as the opportunity was, one had to live to enjoy it.
Seeing Lin Chang’an’s agreement, Yun Yao smiled faintly and nodded:
“Of course. No one knows what the future holds. If the secret realm is discovered before then, I naturally won’t bring it up again.”
In the cultivation world, many places where cultivators died were found by others purely by coincidence—these became known as secret opportunities.
And with so many cultivators exploring the Yunwu Mountain Range, who knew what would happen twenty or thirty years later?
If someone else discovered it, the danger would certainly multiply.
What gave Lin Chang’an a bit of confidence was that the secret realm lay within the poison miasma zone of the Yunwu Mountain Range.
Although his cultivation was inferior to Yun Yao’s, in terms of terrain, he might have a slight edge.
After finishing their discussion, the two resumed their usual casual chatting.
Before leaving, Yun Yao left behind a cultivation method, saying she would return in three months to help him raise his cultivation.
However, as she left, for some unknown reason, Yun Yao’s steps seemed rather hurried.
Yet Lin Chang’an’s thoughts were already focused on the Core Formation opportunity she spoke of.
……
“A late-stage Core Formation cultivator’s place of death, verified through bloodline resonance—it doesn’t seem fake.”
If it had been someone else, no matter how persuasive they sounded, he wouldn’t have been tempted—who knew if it was a trap?
But Yun Yao’s background made Lin Chang’an shake his head quietly.
After Yun Yao departed, Lin Chang’an sat in the cave abode, weighing the pros and cons.
With his current cultivation speed, in twenty or thirty years, he’d likely reach mid-stage Foundation Establishment and be nearing a hundred years old.
Although he was still a way off from Core Formation, he should start preparing early.
“It’s not impossible. Putting aside Yun Yao’s character—for me, with mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, even if something happens, I should still be able to escape, right?”
At this thought, Lin Chang’an nodded to himself and resolved to focus on escape tools—whether magical artifacts or spells.
“If I miss this chance, I’ll still have to take risks to seek a Core Formation treasure in the future. At least Yun Yao is trustworthy, and the place is within a poison miasma zone.
In that environment, I may not be that much weaker than Yun Yao.”
Although Yun Yao clearly wanted the Core Formation treasure, the legacy of a late-stage Core Formation cultivator was too valuable—even a single share would be a tremendous fortune.
It could be used to barter for other Core Formation treasures or anything else he desired.
More importantly, while finding a Core Formation treasure was one issue, the real problem for Foundation Establishment cultivators was their lifespan.
Many cultivators who reached late Foundation Establishment grew old and weak, and even when they finally found a treasure, they could do nothing but weep in regret.
Missing the prime time for Core Formation meant even more danger if attempted forcefully.
“If I skip this chance, by the time I’m a hundred years old, I’ll still be scrambling for resources, and may not even gather enough materials before late Foundation Establishment.
If I miss that perfect timing, won’t all my talent be wasted?”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an made a silent decision. There were still twenty to thirty years to prepare—no rush.
If you reach too early, misfortune follows; if you delay too long, disaster strikes. Other legendary chances may be out of reach, but this Core Formation opportunity was right in front of him.
In twenty to thirty years, if the situation changes, he would reassess.
“No matter what the future holds, increasing my strength is never wrong.”
So Lin Chang’an stopped dwelling on it and chose to focus on cultivation, revealing a relaxed smile.
However, when he opened the jade slip Yun Yao left behind, his expression suddenly turned surprised.
『Yin-Yang Dual Cultivation Joint Strike Secret Art』
“This……”
It turned out to be a profound dual cultivation joint strike secret art. In essence, it wasn’t merely about physical union.
Rather, it allowed two people to merge their spiritual energy through a secret technique, accelerating cultivation as an unparalleled method.
In truth, dual cultivation was originally a righteous method. Unfortunately, some cultivators in history found it too slow, and some with wicked intentions corrupted it into Yin-harvesting techniques.
It eventually became associated with demonic arts.
This method contained a high-level joint strike technique. In battle, the two cultivators could merge their mana and unleash power far beyond ordinary spells.
Some powerful sects even had techniques for forming arrays with several members, capable of resisting those a realm above them for extended periods.
“Joint strike arts are truly profound. If two late Foundation Establishment cultivators used it, they could unleash a blow comparable to a False Core cultivator.”
“No wonder Yun Yao was confident she could help me break through to mid-stage Foundation Establishment.”
At this moment, seeing the genuine dual cultivation secret art recorded on the jade slip, Lin Chang’an suddenly understood.
No wonder Yun Yao had acted strangely when she first mentioned it, even seeming a bit rushed when she left.
So that was the reason.
Although this was a proper dual cultivation secret art, it required both parties to completely let down their guard and merge their mana—this was something generally only done between husband and wife Dao Companions,
or those of the same sect or clan who had grown up together.
As for exposing his Evergreen Art mana, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but shake his head. In the world of cultivation, powerful techniques were as numerous as stars.
Yun Yao’s Water Yin Demonic Art alone was already a top-tier demonic cultivation method.
His own cultivation method, while strong, drew more upon the power of his Life-bound Spirit Plant.
Now, that spirit plant was half-dead, and his cultivation was wood-attribute, so a slightly stronger life force aura in his mana was perfectly normal.
“With that, Yun Yao won’t be able to hide her cultivation from me either.”
Thinking this, Lin Chang’an nodded to himself. Then he composed his thoughts—while the dual cultivation secret art was important, his daily cultivation couldn’t be neglected.
Afterward, Lin Chang’an resumed his daily routine of cultivation, Drawing Talismans, and secretly purchasing spirit herbs and fruits at the marketplace to use for future alchemy.
It had to be said—using pills to assist cultivation really was fast.
……
Three months later.
【Lifespan: 65/217】
【Realm: Early Foundation Establishment (58/100)】
Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes, revealing a look of satisfaction at his cultivation progress.
“With the help of pills, eight experience points per year. Even if the minor breakthrough stages get harder near the end, breaking through after age seventy shouldn’t be a problem. This speed of advancement is already decent.”
As for whether people might notice that his cultivation was progressing quickly?
Lin Chang’an snorted in disdain. In the eyes of Many Treasures Pavilion, with the way he risked his life hunting demon beasts, if his cultivation still didn’t advance—
He might as well just settle down and enjoy his twilight years.
As for those ignorant of the truth, if they couldn’t even sense the faint baleful energy he deliberately released, then it only showed their strength was pitiful.
They deserved to muddle through life stuck at early Foundation Establishment.
“I just wonder how much this dual cultivation secret art can boost my cultivation.”
Thinking of Yun Yao’s cultivation, Lin Chang’an began to calculate silently.
“Early Foundation Establishment is still manageable, but it gets harder the further you go. Yun Yao began cultivating earlier than me, has high-grade spiritual roots, and practices a top-tier demonic art.
Even so, she still needs to cultivate this art with me to boost her progress. That just shows how difficult it gets the further you go.”
Dual cultivation secret arts benefited both parties.
It was just that Lin Chang’an, with his lower cultivation, would likely benefit more in the beginning.
While Lin Chang’an waited for Yun Yao’s arrival, a Voice-recording Talisman suddenly appeared outside the formation.
As Lin Chang’an reached out and grabbed it, Yun Yao’s voice slowly emerged from the talisman.
“Come at night? This dual cultivation secret art isn’t even indecent!”
Upon hearing Yun Yao say she could only come at night, Lin Chang’an was left speechless.
They were cultivating a proper, righteous dual cultivation secret art—not some crooked or depraved technique.
“If that’s the case, I’ll go meet with Old Hu first. He seems to have gotten something good again lately.”
Thinking this, Lin Chang’an shook his head, then raised his hand to store the Green-Horned Ox in his Spirit Beast Pouch, and walked out of the training grounds toward the marketplace trading zone in the city.
As he stepped out, he happened to run into Chen Wen and Chen Feng, who were also leaving from Chen Qing’s training ground.
The two brothers greeted him respectfully. Lin Chang’an simply nodded calmly in return and continued on his way.
But in his heart, he sighed inwardly—Chen Qing had truly given up cultivation, allowing his descendants to use the Foundation Establishment training ground.
Lin Chang’an didn’t judge this. In the world of cultivation, it was all too common.
After all, most cultivators didn’t have Lin Chang’an’s talent or opportunities.
Managing to reach Foundation Establishment was already the end of the road for them. With nothing left to hope for on the Dao, they either spent their remaining years indulging in pleasures,
or supporting their clan and raising children.
……
Juxian Tower.
“Aiyo, Fellow Daoist Lin, your seclusion this time was really long—Old Hu missed you terribly!”
The rugged-looking Old Hu came forward and gave him a big bear hug, then burst out laughing.
Faced with this overly enthusiastic greeting, Lin Chang’an smiled and shook his head—he was long used to it, but still joked:
“Old Hu, if you dragged me out of seclusion just to drink, that’s not going to cut it.”
“Don’t worry, Brother Lin. This feast today is on me.”
Old Hu laughed heartily, ordering a table full of top-grade spirit wine and spirit meat, bringing a broad smile to Lin Chang’an’s face.
It looked like Old Hu really had something good this time.
“Brother Lin, take a look at this.”
Impatient, Old Hu excitedly pulled something out of his Storage Pouch, and Lin Chang’an immediately brightened.
“A mid-stage Second-rank wood-attribute Demon Core.”
Now that was a rare treasure.
At the same time, he felt some quiet gratitude. He hadn’t expected that Old Hu would take his casual mention seriously the last time they met.
He couldn’t help but feel that this old friend was truly worth having.
Old Hu’s full name was Hu Jin. He was nearly ninety years old now and a seasoned mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Among Foundation Establishment demon-hunters, he was quite famous and extremely powerful.
He had climbed his way to success purely on his own—a classic example of a successful Drifting Cultivator.
“Old Hu, thank you.”
There was no need for empty words between men—just those two simple ones.
Old Hu laughed and casually tossed the Second-rank Demon Core over, waving it off:
“I told you this feast was on you today.”
“Don’t worry. Not just today—any time you come to Juxian Tower, it’s on me.”
“Let’s not go that far. I, Old Hu, am not that thick-skinned.”
The two men shared hearty laughter over wine and meat. One was a Talisman Master, the other a demon-hunting Foundation Establishment cultivator—no conflicts of interest between them.
So their conversation flowed freely.
However, sharp-eyed Old Hu still noticed the faint blood-baleful aura on Lin Chang’an. But he pretended not to see it, laughing and drinking as if nothing was wrong.
Lin Chang’an simply smiled and nodded, not mentioning it either.
They both knew—between friends, some things didn’t need to be said.
Still, out of concern, Old Hu swirled his wine and said:
“Brother Lin, be careful when entering or leaving Tianxuan City lately. A lot of fellow Daoists have been getting ambushed recently—not just those preparing to reach Foundation Establishment,
but also those who just made the breakthrough. It’s definitely someone familiar doing it—how else could they be so accurate?”
After hearing Old Hu’s warning, Lin Chang’an nodded solemnly.
“Thank you. I’ll be careful.”
Since even someone as experienced as Old Hu brought it up, it must be serious. Lin Chang’an naturally took it to heart.