Chapter 142: The Vest Identity of Alchemist Yao Lao
During the following two months.
The six of them joined forces to acquire several chaotic black market shops in the eastern district of Tianxuan City.
They established a new black market trading zone and reset unified rules.
With six Foundation Establishment cultivators in charge—four of them being at mid-stage Foundation Establishment—the local ruffians did not even dare to show dissatisfaction.
They obediently chose to comply with the new rules.
Where there was light, there would also be darkness.
The world of cultivation had too many matters that could not see the light of day, which naturally led to the growth of the black market.
With six Foundation Establishment cultivators joining hands, not to mention those backed by many late Qi Refining cultivators—even Foundation Establishment cultivators, or those related to cultivation clans, would not dare to provoke them.
The six of them had invested nearly half of their fortunes. Now, to cut off their financial path was the same as cutting off their lifeline.
Who in their right mind would risk being hated by six Foundation Establishment cultivators over such a trivial matter?
In less than three months, the eastern district’s black market was established almost imperceptibly.
Once it was built, the six of them discussed taking turns to guard it, since a black market still required a Foundation Establishment cultivator to be stationed long-term.
When the word spread that this black market housed a second-rank alchemist capable of refining Foundation Establishment Pills, it naturally attracted many people.
However, Lin Chang’an became more at ease, since he did not wish to sit in the marketplace. He was willing to give up part of his resources in exchange for others taking his place.
Among the group, Jia Datou, Ghost Three Blades, and He Yan’s eyes lit up.
After all, they had no particular crafts. Aside from cultivation, they had to study other things.
Naturally, they were eager.
…
Half a year later.
“Recently, my vest identity of Alchemist Yao Dao has officially made its debut.”
At this moment, inside his cave abode, Lin Chang’an revealed a satisfied smile.
In front of him, the alchemy furnace glowed with firelight as he refined a batch of Foundation Establishment Pills.
“One set of Foundation Establishment materials exchanged directly for two pills—for the drifting cultivators pooling resources for alchemy, this is undoubtedly the most attractive.”
It did not matter how many pills he could actually refine; he would guarantee two authentic Foundation Establishment Pills. Wasn’t that enticing enough?
After all, in pooled alchemy, the greatest fear was producing only a single pill.
“In the eyes of outsiders, this Alchemist Yao Dao would rather earn less profit than risk exposing his true identity. For this, I should actually thank the Palace of Blazing Fire.”
At this thought, Lin Chang’an sighed.
The two great sects had placed bounties on technique cultivators in Tianxuan City, forcing many cultivators to keep their heads low, hiding their identities when conducting business.
His actions were not unusual, nor would they arouse suspicion.
“The pills are done!”
As the firelight of the furnace died away, the lid opened, and three glowing, steaming Foundation Establishment Pills floated out, landing neatly in a jade bottle.
Lin Chang’an happily stored them away.
“With my talent, each batch of Foundation Establishment materials could produce three premium Foundation Establishment Pills. Unfortunately, to avoid attracting attention, I could only reduce the materials slightly and produce these three authentic pills.”
Looking at the pills in his hand, Lin Chang’an sighed.
The reduced portion of materials accumulated over time also became a considerable income for him.
No wonder many accomplished cultivators liked to foster a force of their own. Even a rogue cultivator like Master Lu was no exception.
“Relying on oneself alone, doing everything personally, wastes too much time. Unlike now.”
Over the past half year, Lin Chang’an finally experienced the benefits of fostering power.
With the black market gradually stabilizing, he could sell many shady items there.
If anyone asked questions, they would first have to face the six Foundation Establishment cultivators and the city of Tianxuan itself.
Since they opened the market for business, they were not afraid of the origins of those items.
So long as it was not an opportunity for Core Formation or some high-grade treasure, they could handle it.
For the safety of the black market and to display their background, the six of them even pooled their resources to purchase a mid-grade second-rank formation from Tianxuan City and set it up in the black market.
Whenever the market opened at night, the formation not only provided defense but also concealed the aura of cultivators, giving visitors a sense of security.
“Being able to cultivate peacefully in Tianxuan City, who in their right mind would risk hunting demon beasts?”
For the past half year, Lin Chang’an had hardly gone out hunting.
“Each batch of Foundation Establishment Pills could bring in plenty of resources, but the greatest demand was still for pills that advanced cultivation.”
Lin Chang’an pondered silently. No wonder the major powers were so keen on running marketplaces.
Indeed, risking one’s life could never compare to scheming profit with one’s head.
“However, with the beast tide in the Yunwu Mountain Range growing fiercer, and since my cultivation cannot be improved quickly for now, the best option at this stage is to master a powerful spell or divine ability.”
Thinking of the recent intelligence about the Yunwu Mountain Range, Lin Chang’an frowned.
Strength would never betray him.
“The Giant Sword Technique, when released with mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, could break through the defenses of even late second-rank demon beasts. Its drawback is the long casting time.”
【Giant Sword Technique (Proficiency 392/500)】
Looking at the proficiency of this divine ability, Lin Chang’an calculated silently.
Besides the divine ability attached to the Killing Origin Sword Art, he had also benefited from the generous Daoist Huang Shaohai, who selflessly contributed the Palace of Blazing Fire’s unique Giant Sword Technique.
These two versions of the Giant Sword Technique were, at the core, the same—only differing in execution.
“This is actually quite good. If faced with a powerful enemy, I could buy enough time to cast the version from the Killing Origin Sword Art. Its power would be twice that of the ordinary one.”
“Still, I need to practice diligently to raise the casting speed to within one or two breaths.”
He had been practicing this divine ability’s proficiency all along, but this time was different.
The beast tide was imminent, and no one could predict when it would erupt.
Moreover, with the black market thriving, he did not need to hunt demon beasts for now, so he could devote this time to practicing this divine ability.
“As for other powerful spells and divine abilities, none are as convenient as this one.”
Though Huang Shaohai had not provided him with much value in terms of crafts, the foundation of a sect disciple was indeed profound.
After carefully comparing many spells and divine abilities, Lin Chang’an found that in terms of both power and potential, the Giant Sword Technique was undoubtedly the best choice.
Even many Golden Core and Nascent Soul cultivators continued to use it.
“Not only for the current beast tide’s chaos, but also for the secret realm a decade later—if I can master this divine ability to a sufficient degree, it will give me another measure of confidence.”
Lin Chang’an continued living his dull yet fulfilling days.
Alchemy, drawing talismans, cultivating, practicing divine abilities, and in his spare time purchasing jade slips to broaden his understanding of the cultivation world.
…
【Lifespan: 74/245】
That year, Lin Chang’an was seventy-four.
Inside a shop in the eastern district black market of Tianxuan City.
This month, Old Hu was the one guarding the black market. When he saw the figure wearing a bamboo hat, he immediately broke into a hearty smile.
“Alchemist, you are truly punctual, not a moment late.”
Beside Old Hu stood two cultivators at Qi Refining Perfection, looking both nervous and excited.
“Are these the two?”
Lin Chang’an, disguised by the Phantom Mask into the aura of this Alchemist Yao Dao, could fool not only Old Hu— even a False Core cultivator without special abilities would not see through him.
“Greetings, Senior Yao!”
The two bowed respectfully, while Old Hu grinned and said:
“Daoist Yao, these are the two young friends.”
The disguised Alchemist Yao looked indifferent. He nodded slightly and spoke hoarsely:
“Since that is the case, you should understand the rules.”
“We understand! Of course we understand. These are the Foundation Establishment resources from the two of us.”
The two Qi Refining cultivators respectfully presented the Foundation Establishment resources. After Lin Chang’an checked and confirmed them, he nodded with satisfaction.
With a wave of his hand, all the resources and payment were collected into his Storage Pouch.
Under the eager gazes of the two, Lin Chang’an smiled faintly and waved his hand, bringing out six jade bottles.
Four jade bottles fell into Old Hu’s hands.
“Two authentic Foundation Establishment Pills. Examine them carefully. If there are no issues, leave through the secret passage in the shop.
As long as you two do not expose yourselves, no one will dare to lay a hand on you in the black market.”
The two cultivators at Qi Refining Perfection trembled as they looked at the Foundation Establishment Pills in the bottles, unable to hold back their excitement. “Thank you, Senior. We will never forget this kindness.”
Lin Chang’an naturally understood their excitement.
As for Old Hu, holding four Foundation Establishment Pills, he smiled broadly and cupped his hands:
“Daoist Yao, rest assured. These four Foundation Establishment Pills will be sold in the shop. Not a single one will go missing.”
This scene was also performed for the other two to witness, leaving them both shocked and filled with yearning.
The background of this black market was profound, and its power was immense.
Old Hu then waved at the two and said: “Young friends, come with me. You will leave through different exits.
One more suggestion: do not expose the Foundation Establishment Pills. The best course is to go into seclusion immediately for the breakthrough.”
“Yes! Yes, thank you, Senior.”
“Oh, right. In my shop, I also have some Foundation Establishment insights. Do you want to purchase them?”
“Ah!?” The two were stunned, but thinking how all their possessions had been spent on refining the Foundation Establishment Pills, one more insight was worth it.
Gritting their teeth, they bought the Foundation Establishment insight to increase their chances of success.
After the deal was complete, just as the disguised Alchemist Yao was about to leave, Old Hu eagerly called out.
“Hehe, Daoist Yao, do you have any second-rank pills for increasing cultivation?”
Looking at Old Hu, Lin Chang’an said with surprise: “Daoist Hu, don’t you usually avoid using pills to advance cultivation?”
“It’s not for me, it’s for a friend’s son of mine. He just reached Foundation Establishment two years ago, and his cultivation is still shallow. Recently, with the demon beasts outside causing chaos…”
Faced with Old Hu’s overly familiar attitude, Lin Chang’an could only shake his head helplessly. Yet he still raised his hand and produced three jade bottles.
“One pill per bottle. All are low-grade second-rank pills. Same price as usual.”
“Oh, Daoist Yao, with our relationship, can’t you make it cheaper?”
“The black market profits given to me by Daoist Lin were less than ten percent. Do you think I can make it cheaper?”
That hoarse retort silenced Old Hu. Inwardly, he muttered that Brother Lin truly had a black heart.
To think this second-rank mid-grade alchemist only received less than a tenth of the profits.
Still, since this alchemist did not wish to reveal himself and had not invested in their alliance, it was reasonable that he received less.
“Fine, fine. Daoist Yao, if you have more of these pills in the future, remember to save some for Old Hu.”
“Mm.”
After their transaction, Lin Chang’an, still disguised, left, while Old Hu continued guarding the black market.
With a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator seated there, no troublemakers dared stir chaos.
Those who came to the black market were ruthless outside, but inside they were the ones who best understood the meaning of rules.
Even the monthly stall fees alone, when accumulated, provided them a considerable income.
Looking at the bustling black market, Lin Chang’an was filled with emotions.
How long ago had it been, when he too came to the black market as just one among the crowd, carefully hiding his identity?
Yet in just a few short years, he had become the hidden master of the black market.
Lin Chang’an sighed. The world was unpredictable. Who could guess what achievements awaited him in the future?
One should not overestimate oneself, but neither should one underestimate one’s own worth.
“Unknowingly, I have already grown to this point.”
After that, Lin Chang’an consumed a Dust-avoiding Pill and disappeared from the black market.
The Dust-avoiding Pill could erase a cultivator’s aura. Ever since being targeted by Huang Shaohai last time, he had paid attention to this detail.
Some auras could even be sensed by special demon beasts.
But the Dust-avoiding Pill could cleanse a cultivator’s aura completely.
Since Tianxuan City’s purge of the Robber Cultivators, countless drifting cultivators had come to understand their methods, and the Dust-avoiding Pill had become a hot commodity.
…
With the demon beasts of the Yunwu Mountain Range growing increasingly violent, a few flying demon beasts had even hovered over Tianxuan City recently.
Although they were eventually slain or driven off, it shook the hearts of many.
For a time, Tianxuan City was plagued with countless rumors, spreading wildly and growing worse… the entire Immortal City became filled with fear and anxiety.
Rumors said that Master Lu of the Blackwater Turtle had reached the end of his lifespan, having not appeared for several years.
Some drifting cultivators were willing to gamble, but those with family and clans were often helpless.
Many cultivators prepared to abandon their foundations and seek paths to other places.
Though the spiritual energy elsewhere could not compare to Tianxuan City, it was at least safer.
Some dared to gamble, while others sought stability.
Inside a cave abode.
“Congratulations, Brother Lin.”
Zhou Bingyun, smiling brightly, arrived with Spirit Nourishing Pills for her spirit beast, making Lin Chang’an smile and nod in return.
“Miss Zhou, my petty black market business cannot compare to the Zhou Family’s enterprise.”
That was true. In recent years, the Zhou Family had grown rapidly, relying on their unique beast-taming banner.
They were also closely tied to Tianxuan City.
“That’s different. Brother Lin, you walked this path relying solely on yourself. Our Zhou Family relied on generations of accumulated wealth.
Then, with good fortune, we caught the tide of Tianxuan City and rose with it.”
The Zhou Family’s rise had not blinded Zhou Bingyun. She clearly understood the foundation of their current success.
Lin Chang’an felt the same way. Hadn’t he too risen by catching the eastern wind of Tianxuan City?
For many cultivators, talent, comprehension, and perseverance were only part of the equation. Sometimes, bad fortune meant that even reaching Foundation Establishment in a small marketplace was unbearably difficult.
“The Zhou Family already has five Foundation Establishment cultivators. I suppose it won’t be long before another female Foundation Establishment cultivator is added, hmm?”
Lin Chang’an looked meaningfully at Zhou Bingyun. He had watched this girl’s growth all along.
She knew when to advance and when to retreat, understood her limits. Few people had such resolve—staying at Qi Refining Perfection for years just to polish their foundation further.
“Brother Lin, you mustn’t make fun of me. Foundation Establishment is not that easy.”
Though Zhou Bingyun had a mid-grade Spirit Root, even she lacked confidence when the topic came up. Indeed, this was the true reason for her visit.