Chapter 129: Mortgaging the Spirit Field
Night fell.
Shen Lie was no fool, Hu Jin had clearly come only for Lin Chang’an’s sake, and did not truly feel he owed a favor.
But Old Hu was a straightforward man, and the congratulatory gift he sent was not cheap.
This made Shen Lie hurriedly decline, but in the end he could only turn it into words of gratitude.
“This Old Hu.”
Watching Old Hu’s actions, Lin Chang’an felt warmth in his heart, for this Old Hu was generous with his hand, yet still kept to his bottom line in conduct.
At this wedding banquet, Li Erniu also brought his entire family, and it was rare for them to gather again.
The younger generation sat together at one table.
However, seeing Li Erniu’s hair gone white with age, the marks of the years made Lin Chang’an feel a wave of emotion.
In the end, when the banquet dispersed, only their two tables remained.
“Fan’er, Yingying, aren’t you going to toast your Uncle Lin?”
Shen Fan in a red robe, and Wei Yingying, both raised their cups respectfully, and this sight made Li Erniu terribly envious.
Back then he had also taken a liking to this girl, but unfortunately his son had not lived up to expectations.
“Uncle Lin.”
As the two juniors toasted, Lin Chang’an chuckled softly and nodded, then took out the customary gift of a senior.
However, when Lin Chang’an produced the gift, Shen Lie, Lu Qingqing, and Wei Buyi all hurriedly waved their hands and said:
“Brother Lin, this is far too valuable.”
It turned out Lin Chang’an was giving two high-grade magical artifacts—one was the Phosphorescent Green Needle he had bought in the marketplace, the other was the Blackiron Shield once gifted to him by Talisman Master Ge.
But Lin Chang’an only smiled and shook his head, saying: “These Phosphorescent Green Needles and Blackiron Shield were protective artifacts from when I was in the Qi Refining stage, but I no longer have use for them now.”
“I only hope you two will never forget the grace of your parents’ upbringing, and that with these cultivation insights, you will cultivate diligently in the future.”
Seeing such a generous gift, Shen Fan and Wei Yingying earnestly bowed in gratitude.
“Thank you, Uncle Lin.”
Wei Yingying also cultivated the Evergreen Art, and years ago he had already taught her the Wood Spirit Thorn spell that Yun Yao had once gifted him.
Now, paired with these high-grade magical artifacts, it could be considered a proper defensive method.
As for Yun Yao’s gift, he had concealed it under the excuse of cultivation insights.
That girl was extremely clever, and once she discovered it, she would definitely keep silent.
“Thank you, Uncle Lin.”
Wei Yingying pulled Shen Fan and bowed gratefully; to Lin Chang’an it may have been nothing, but to the two of them it was an enormous gift.
“Thank you, Uncle Lin.”
The honest Shen Fan solemnly nodded in thanks, engraving Uncle Lin’s great kindness into his heart, and he vowed that if given the chance in the future, he would repay it.
Afterwards, Lin Chang’an smiled as he drank with the others, while the juniors stayed at another table.
The matter of Yun Yao involved too much.
Everyone lived peacefully now, and knowing too many things was not necessarily a blessing.
Sometimes ignorance was a kind of happiness.
“Brother Lin, I truly admire you. Among the few of us, aside from the Little County Princess, only you have formed Foundation.”
After drinking too much, Li Erniu could not help but sigh, but when the Little County Princess was mentioned, everyone’s expressions dimmed slightly.
Over the years, no news had ever come from the Lihuo Palace regarding Yun Yao, only rumors that she had perished.
“Come, come, I believe Sister Yun, being blessed with fortune, must have encountered some great chance, and is only delayed from returning for now.”
In the end, Lu Qingqing smiled and shifted the topic, and everyone sighed over the experiences of these years.
Knowing he had spoken wrongly, Li Erniu looked at them with shame, downed three cups in a row, and finally sat down.
Time flew swiftly.
From their first meeting in youth, to later weathering storms in the world of cultivation together, unconsciously nearly fifty years had already passed.
Everyone had grown old, their temples streaked with white hair, especially Wei Buyi, who had injured his vital energy years ago, making him appear even older.
Yet as they drank together, Lin Chang’an’s heart was filled with countless emotions.
The regrets left unfulfilled by their fathers, they all hoped the next generation would carry forward.
“To think that Zhou Yifan is already this grown.”
At the banquet, Lin Chang’an sighed with emotion.
Zhou Yifan was already thirty-four years old, and had just broken through to the Eighth Level of Qi Refinement.
Although Li Erniu lived well in the Zhou Family, the matter of Foundation Establishment still weighed heavily on him, but comparatively, Zhou Yifan was very self-driven.
According to Erniu, Zhou Yifan had already joined a Demon-Hunting Squad.
Thirty-four years old and at the Eighth Level of Qi Refinement, this made Lin Chang’an sigh deeply.
Though part of it was due to his mid-grade spiritual root, more importantly it was because Tianxuan City was utterly different from their former Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace.
Whether in spiritual energy or in resources, they were not at all on the same level.
To use a mortal-world comparison, their old Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace was like a poor mountain village, where only a handful of Foundation Establishment cultivators had emerged over the years.
But Tianxuan City was like the imperial capital.
Foundation Establishment cultivators there were over a dozen every single year.
That was why scattered cultivators across the land, even knowing Tianxuan City was turbulent and unstable, still flocked there in madness.
For nothing else but that—Tianxuan City’s spiritual energy was so dense that not just the Yue Kingdom, but even across the Seven Great Kingdoms, only major sects or Core Formation clans could enjoy such places.
“If back then we had cultivated in a place with spiritual energy like Tianxuan City, perhaps our fates would have been different.”
On the drinking table, Li Erniu, drunk and tipsy, voiced the words in his heart.
This also shifted Wei Buyi’s mood of becoming a lonely old man today, but as the two had always been at odds, Wei Buyi glared at him and retorted:
“Keep dreaming. Do you still feel unreconciled, as if you never tried for Foundation Establishment?”
“What! Foundation Establishment I dare not dream of, but can’t I at least think of the Ninth Level of Qi Refinement? Today is Yingying’s joyous wedding day, I won’t stoop to your level.”
These two men, already nearly seventy years old, bickering at the wine table, made everyone shake their heads.
Back then, among them, Erniu had indeed dreamed of reaching the Ninth Level of Qi Refinement, but as children multiplied, that ambition had gradually faded away.
Meanwhile, watching his smiling daughter, the corners of Wei Buyi’s eyes showed a trace of comfort.
As long as his daughter lived well, giving away his family wealth was worth it.
After all, it was meant for his daughter, and absolutely not for that surname Shen.
Shen Lie, on the other hand, was the happiest of all.
He had never dreamed of Foundation Establishment, only of building a family enterprise, and now his life was fulfilled.
“Enough, we’re all at such an age, don’t let the juniors laugh at us.”
Finally, Lu Qingqing smoothed things over, lest the younger generation truly see them make a joke of themselves.
From the very beginning, Lu Qingqing had only wanted to live a peaceful life, and now it was proven that her choice had not been wrong.
This scene made Lin Chang’an nod in comfort, for life always had its share of regrets and joys.
Yet when Lin Chang’an’s gaze swept casually past the outside view, he saw in the distance, within a tavern, a figure in white raising a cup to him across the void.
At once, the corner of Lin Chang’an’s mouth curved slightly—Yun Yao had indeed come, only she did not show herself.
……
Back in his cave abode, Lin Chang’an looked at his reflection upon the water, and could not help but sigh softly.
“Time leaves no marks upon the face—this too is one of the temptations of cultivation.”
He had not thought much of it before, but this time, after seeing the younger generation—Shen Fan and Wei Yingying marry—and seeing his old companions with white hair,
Lin Chang’an once again felt a trace of loneliness upon the cultivation path.
Friends who had once shared everything were now gradually drifting away.
With the passage of time, even Erniu and Shen Lie had added a hint of respect in their words and demeanor.
He also knew that as time went on, more and more friends would no longer keep pace with his footsteps, and would slowly drift apart.
He had never thought that this day would arrive so soon.
Otherwise, Lu Qingqing would not have long ago instructed Wei Yingying, telling her to bring along that honest boy Shen Fan to pay visits during the new year and festivals.
Human relationships needed tending.
Otherwise, no matter how deep the friendship of the previous generation, it would gradually fade with time.
“You all have found your lives. My road is only just beginning, and still stretches far ahead.”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes grew firm.
The road was long, leading to Core Formation cultivators and Nascent Soul True Lords.
He could not betray his own talent, nor the ancient opportunity he had obtained.
In the days that followed, Lin Chang’an once again returned to his usual routine of cultivating, drawing talismans, and secretly refining pills in arduous seclusion.
Being able to see steady progress forward, such bitter cultivation was in fact something he enjoyed.
Unlike other Foundation Establishment cultivators, who also began with bitter cultivation, but as the years passed, with their progress halted, they could see no road ahead.
This made countless cultivators gradually lose heart, letting go of their obsessions, turning instead to enjoyment, or raising children, entrusting their unfulfilled regrets to the next generation.
……
【Second-rank Mid-grade Talisman Master (Proficient 503/1000)】
Inside the cave abode, as a Second-rank Mid-grade talisman was completed, Lin Chang’an revealed a satisfied expression.
“The speed of advancing as a Second-rank Mid-grade Talisman Master is not slow. In eight years I’ve already gained half the experience. In another eight years I’ll break through to Second-rank High-grade.”
To rise from Mid-grade to High-grade within less than twenty years—outsiders would definitely consider his comprehension in the Talisman Path far from poor, even a genius.
“A Second-rank High-grade Talisman Master is someone who can be counted among the best in Tianxuan City, and talent in the crafts is far less envied than talent in spiritual roots.”
With a smiling face, Lin Chang’an felt no need to conceal his talent in the Talisman Path.
After all, his spiritual root aptitude was already poor.
If he were to also hide his gift in talismans, then he would truly be no better than a swine.
Only by displaying suitable value could he step into higher circles.
“More importantly, the Restriction-Breaking Talismans that Yun Yao brought—one grade higher, giving greater certainty.”
Such talismans, he would never sell outside, for they would easily draw covetous eyes.
“According to Yun Yao, the secret realm will open in over twenty years. That is enough time for me to reach Second-rank High-grade in the Talisman Path.”
As for quasi-Third-rank, he estimated he was still lacking, but Second-rank High-grade was solidly within reach.
“And my alchemy skill is also close to breaking through. By then, with Second-rank Mid-grade pills to aid cultivation, I should be able to advance even faster.”
【Second-rank Low-grade Alchemist (Skilled 97/100)】
Looking at his skill progress, Lin Chang’an pondered silently.
Each small realm of advancement grew harder.
Back then, it took him five years to progress from Low-grade to Mid-grade as a Second-rank Talisman Master.
But as a Second-rank Low-grade Alchemist, even after eight years he had not yet broken through.
This was not because he had put little effort into alchemy.
It was because the Talisman Master identity was his public face.
He could openly discuss and trade with other talisman masters at gatherings, gaining experience and sometimes even buying talisman insights.
But as for alchemy, it had to be hidden, so naturally the speed of improvement was slower.
At this thought, Lin Chang’an could not help recalling that spirit artifact Yun Yao had, which could alter appearance and even aura, and his heart revealed a trace of envy.
“If I too had such a rare spirit artifact, many things would become far more convenient.”
Unfortunately, such rare spirit artifacts could only be chanced upon, never sought.
At that moment, a voice of request for entry from Chen Qing came from outside the cave, startling Lin Chang’an.
Ever since they had drifted apart, though still neighbors, they had not interacted in many years.
Why he had come this time, Lin Chang’an did not know.
Outside the cave.
“Fellow Daoist Lin.”
As the formation barrier opened, upon seeing Chen Qing, Lin Chang’an was surprised.
After years without meeting, this Foundation Establishment cultivator Chen Qing had turned completely gray-haired, his figure hunched, clearly suffering damage to his vital energy, his lifespan greatly reduced.
Otherwise, by Chen Qing’s age, he should still be counted young among Foundation Establishment cultivators—how could he have suddenly grown so white-haired?
Even his expression was much withered.
“Fellow Daoist Chen, what happened to you?”
Looking at the still-youthful Lin Chang’an, Chen Qing coughed weakly twice, his face unable to hide envy, then waved his hand with a long sigh.
“Unlucky fortune. While preparing for my junior’s Foundation Establishment, I encountered robber cultivators outside. If not for luck, this old life would have ended there.”
After Lin Chang’an invited Chen Qing into the pavilion, hearing his words filled him with complicated feelings.
He had not expected that Chen Wen and Chen Feng were already of age to attempt Foundation Establishment.
Chen Wen was thirty-nine this year, Chen Feng thirty-eight.
Both at this age were preparing for Foundation Establishment, which left Lin Chang’an sighing.
To attempt Foundation Establishment at this age required not only good spiritual roots, but more importantly, abundant cultivation resources.
Back then in Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace, Zhou Tieshan of the Zhou Family had also reached Qi Refining Perfection before the age of forty.
This was not because Zhou Tieshan’s talent was inferior to the two, but rather because the cultivation resources of their environments were vastly different.
“Fellow Daoist Chen, it is already fortune enough that you returned alive.”
Facing Chen Qing, Lin Chang’an’s expression remained calm, for their bond had only ever been that of neighbors, nothing more—let alone now.
Seeing Lin Chang’an still in his prime, Chen Qing could not help his envy.
Though both were Foundation Establishment cultivators, a Second-rank Talisman Master’s status created a wide gulf.
Just like his own Foundation Establishment family—compared with the Zhou Family, the missing depth of heritage could never be made up by one or two Foundation Establishment cultivators.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, my grandson’s talent is excellent. I labored to prepare a Foundation Establishment Pill, but Wen’er failed to break through, though he touched the threshold.
I could not bear to see my grandson miss this best time, so I ventured into the Yunwu Mountain Range to gather resources.
I managed to acquire some with difficulty, yet before I returned, I was targeted by robber cultivators.”
At this, Chen Qing’s face turned even more grief-stricken.
He had clearly risked his life to obtain resources, yet in the end, to survive, he had to cut them off and abandon them.
“Even I have ended up in this state.”
Beneath Chen Qing’s wretched smile, Lin Chang’an fell into silence.
The world of cultivation was full of pitiful, sorrowful figures.
Even he had to tread with utmost caution.
How could he afford to pity others?
He could only offer a perfunctory word of comfort.
“Fellow Daoist Chen, heal your wounds first.”
Seeing Lin Chang’an’s calm demeanor, Chen Qing gave a bitter smile.
Perhaps he had erred in the past, but he did not regret it.
After all, when a shortcut lay before you, how many would resign themselves not to try?
“Fellow Daoist Lin, a family knows its own matters. This time I damaged my vital energy. Even if I recover, it will leave a hidden illness, and my lifespan will be reduced.
But my two grandsons cannot wait.
Fellow Daoist, as a Second-rank Mid-grade Talisman Master, you have broad connections.
Today I shamelessly come to ask you to help me purchase two Foundation Establishment Pills.
I am willing to mortgage the deed to my Spirit Field here with you.”
With a bitter smile, Chen Qing did not hope to borrow Spirit Stones freely from Lin Chang’an, since they were not kin.
Yet upon seeing this deed of a hundred mu Spirit Field, Lin Chang’an was shocked.
This was the Chen Family’s very foundation.