Chapter 145: The Great Dao Is Merciless Yet Sentimental
Top floor of Juxian Tower.
“Congratulations to Fairy Yun on your breakthrough.”
“Congratulations, Fairy Yun.”
The six people gathered together, each with smiling faces as they offered blessings. Although they were not that familiar with one another,
the binding of black market interests meant that in the grand scheme, if one prospered, all prospered, and if one suffered loss, all suffered loss.
Yun Yao’s face was hidden under a black veil as she nodded indifferently. This could be considered a minor celebration.
Lin Chang’an also felt a surge of emotion. Though the six of them were bound together by interests, at this moment the atmosphere was still harmonious.
After a feast of wine to celebrate, everyone was filled with joy.
They had all tasted the benefits of the black market, so naturally, none wished for anything to go wrong.
In fact, because Yun Yao had reached the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, everyone even took out half of their respective profits at the banquet table.
After all, the deterrent force of a late Foundation Establishment cultivator was worth that price.
Friendship was friendship, but everyone wished to do this for the long term. When it came to interests, it was better to make clear distinctions.
All of them had lived decades as drifting cultivators. No one felt reluctant or thought they could avoid contributing.
“Daoist Lin, tomorrow night I will come to your cave abode.”
But just before leaving, Yun Yao’s indifferent words instantly made the atmosphere turn slightly strange.
Old Hu’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at Lin Chang’an, as if to say, Lin brother, you’ve managed to live off a woman now?
Lin Chang’an, however, calmly glanced at everyone, showing not the slightest trace of embarrassment. He cupped his hands and said, “Alright.”
That single response made everyone’s teeth ache with sourness.
“This Daoist Yun really leaves no gaps in what she does.”
Only Lin Chang’an muttered in his heart, knowing that Yun Yao had done this deliberately.
After all, their group had joined together purely for the sake of interests in running a black market. There was little true unity.
Now that Yun Yao had broken through to Late Foundation Establishment, the balance of strength between the two sides had shifted.
On their side, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu were at Mid Foundation Establishment, while Old Jia was only at Early Foundation Establishment.
Once there was such a disparity in strength, it was easy for different thoughts to arise, leaving openings for exploitation.
But Yun Yao’s deliberate words allowed everyone to secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
Though it made their gazes toward them a bit strange, in terms of the long-term stability of the black market, it was beneficial.
……
Inside the cave abode.
“This Yun Yao… even after breaking through to Foundation Establishment she showed not the slightest satisfaction, but remained so cautious. I truly wonder what she has experienced to shape her personality like this.”
Upon returning, Lin Chang’an shook his head. He recalled how, when he had first reached Foundation Establishment, and again when he broke through to Mid Foundation Establishment, he had worn a satisfied expression.
Compared to Yun Yao, the difference was striking.
“No wonder she advanced so quickly. I absolutely cannot allow myself to grow complacent in the future either.”
Lin Chang’an secretly resolved that this was something he needed to learn from Yun Yao.
Then he summoned his Life-bound Spirit Plant. The corpse of that Early Foundation Establishment cultivator from Vajra Sect had fallen into his hands, and he began extracting memories.
Among the spoils from their previous battle, the possessions of the Mid Foundation Establishment cultivator naturally went to Yun Yao, while the belongings of the Early Foundation Establishment cultivator were split between him and Old Hu.
“Shayun Kingdom really has a fierce atmosphere. No wonder it is called one of the Seven Robber Nations. They truly are poor.”
After a while, Lin Chang’an retrieved his Life-bound Spirit Plant and slowly opened his eyes, rubbing his brow with a shake of his head.
He had gained some understanding of Vajra Sect and Shayun Kingdom.
Shayun Kingdom was the most resource-poor among the Seven Kingdoms, possessing only a single Golden Core Sect, which was Vajra Sect.
Yet Vajra Sect itself was rejected by the cultivation forces of the other six kingdoms.
“No wonder Yun Yao acted so decisively. In the end, it was simply bullying.”
But that feeling was, indeed, quite pleasant.
At this moment, Lin Chang’an’s face carried a broad smile. To kill someone without needing to fear reprisal—who would not find that satisfying?
“Still, these body cultivators do have their strengths. Unfortunately, these two were of limited aptitude. This time they had come to Yue Kingdom only to seek resources for their clan.
It really was true they had not been instigated by anyone else. They simply had not expected to truly act so ruthlessly.”
After examining the memories, Lin Chang’an’s expression turned a little odd. Thinking carefully, it seemed indeed the case.
Normally, they would utter a few threats, then leave.
Who would have thought they would instead run straight into Yun Yao’s blade? Truly unlucky.
With Tianxuan City in turmoil now, and the black market needing to establish authority, Vajra Sect—already the least liked of the Seven Kingdoms—was the perfect example to make.
“Indeed. In the future, when out in the world, if I can endure then I must endure. Never can I gamble on a moment’s temper, lest I lose my life in vain.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head. As for the misfortune of those two, he felt no sorrow.
Such was the cultivation world.
“This body cultivation method, Vajra Art, is most famously practiced by the demonic giant of the Sea Abyss of Beasts, the Nascent Soul cultivator Jin Kaishan. It is said to have originated from an ancient sect’s method from ten thousand years ago.”
Facing the temptation of this body cultivation technique, Lin Chang’an sighed in regret. He had no such resources at present.
Even cultivating his main path already consumed more time and resources than he could afford. If he were to cultivate a body art as well, it would only hinder his progress.
“Ordinary dual-cultivators usually only turn to such methods when their cultivation has stagnated, stuck at a bottleneck, and with no hope of breaking through in this lifetime. Only then do they add another art to increase their strength. I still have no need for that now.”
Moreover, this Vajra Art was incomplete and greatly flawed.
The true complete ancient Vajra Art had long been lost. It was rumored that Jin Kaishan, that demonic Nascent Soul cultivator of the Sea Abyss of Beasts, might have obtained the full version.
Lin Chang’an thought back to the cultivation world knowledge he had accumulated over the years, then smiled and shook his head.
Such things were far too distant for him. What he needed to do now was to pour all his energy into raising his cultivation, breaking through to Late Foundation Establishment as soon as possible, and then planning for the spiritual items needed for Core Formation.
“I wonder whether that Mid Foundation Establishment cultivator’s memories contain more information.”
After some contemplation, Lin Chang’an gave up on the temptation.
That was his own secret. If he were to ask Yun Yao for more, it would only arouse suspicion—after all, he was not cultivating that type of demonic technique.
He then raised his hand in a wave. The Phantom Mask slowly fastened onto the cultivator’s face. The next instant, fine tendrils of Bloodthirsty Poison Vine pierced into the flesh.
A horrifying sound echoed. Before half an incense stick of time had passed, only a tattered robe remained.
The corpse had been devoured completely.
“Bloodthirsty Poison Vine… it really lives up to its name.”
With a wave of his hand, Lin Chang’an cleaned the mask and placed it back on his face. The aura around him began to shift, transforming into one identical to the aura of the recently deceased cultivator from Vajra Sect.
“Up until now, this mask can mimic the auras of Huang Shaohai, Alchemist Song, and this Vajra Sect cultivator.”
Lin Chang’an was extremely satisfied with the mask formed from the Bloodthirsty Poison Vine.
Still, he thought it best to use the identity of Alchemist Song sparingly, and Huang Shaohai’s aura only when doing shady business.
The situation in Yue Kingdom remained turbulent, and neighboring kingdoms were also restless.
Ultimately, it was because the Seven Kingdoms were in a remote, spirit-poor region, with limited resources. Once the great sects grew to a certain point, conflict became inevitable.
To leave the Seven Kingdoms, there were only two paths. One was to cross through the Yunwu Mountain Range.
But it was said that in the depths of Yunwu Mountain Range, there lay Poison Miasma that even Nascent Soul cultivators dreaded.
The second was to cross the vast Wanli Desert bordering Shayun Kingdom. Though it too was home to unique poisonous insects and demon beasts, overall it was far safer than Yunwu Mountain Range.
But that land was even more barren—poorer than the Seven Kingdoms themselves.
The Seven Kingdoms’ geographical position could indeed be considered uniquely fortunate, isolated on the fringes.
……
Time flew like a white steed passing a gap. Beast tides became increasingly frequent, and some even discovered several Late Second-rank demon beasts at the edges of Yunwu Mountain Range.
“Brother Lin, Tianxuan City has transported a batch of rare materials from the Sea Abyss of Beasts. They have now publicly announced that all demon beast materials can be exchanged.
At the same time, Xuanyin Pavilion has gradually opened up high-grade resources such as pills, talismans, magical artifacts, and cultivation methods…”
In a pavilion, Yun Yao, valiant and graceful, spoke solemnly. Lin Chang’an furrowed his brows slightly.
“So urgent?”
The move was far too obvious. To put it plainly, Xuanyin Pavilion and Tianxuan City had joined forces, using the power of cultivators from the Seven Kingdoms to quell this beast tide as swiftly as possible.
They even went so far as to open high-level resources, while Master Lu spared no effort, transporting a batch of rare goods from the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
This not only demonstrated Master Lu’s connections as the foremost rogue cultivator, but also indirectly revealed that Master Lu seemed a little hollow inside despite his front.
“In troubled times, let’s hope Master Lu can hold on for a few more decades.”
At this, even Lin Chang’an felt a heavy weight in his heart at Yue Kingdom’s situation.
“Let’s not dwell on this. We only need to handle our own matters properly.”
The two sat together in the pavilion, chatting about the affairs of Lu Qingqing, Shen Lie, Erniu, and Wei Buyi over the years.
“With Wei Yingying around, Shen Fan will never suffer losses. These years he hasn’t delayed his cultivation either—he’s already broken through to Late Qi Refining…”
“Then Qingqing is truly blessed.”
“Indeed. Wei Buyi may be getting old, but every time he sees Shen Lie he still glares at him without giving a good face.”
At this, Lin Chang’an could not help but burst out laughing.
Back then, Wei Buyi and Erniu were constantly at odds. Who would have thought that in their later years, it would turn into a rivalry with Shen Lie instead?
But Shen Lie had gained the bigger advantage. Always smiling, he left Wei Buyi fuming with nowhere to vent.
“As for Erniu… the Zhou Family has many branches, so naturally he hasn’t been able to obtain many resources. Two years ago, Zhou Yifan even secretly joined a Demon-Hunting Squad, something Erniu has always worried about…”
When speaking of their old companions, both Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao were full of sighs and emotions.
Some things brought them joy for their companions, while others left them regretful for those who had stopped along the path.
In their cups of spirit tea reflected their unchanged faces. In the end, Yun Yao looked toward Tianxuan City, shook her head, and left.
In the pavilion, watching Yun Yao depart, Lin Chang’an smiled as he released the Wind-Chirp Bird from his Spirit Beast Pouch.
The bird immediately perched on his shoulder, wearing a fawning expression, which made Lin Chang’an shake his head.
“Alright, behave yourself for now. We won’t be going outside for the time being.”
The Wind-Chirp Bird loved to eat the poisonous insects of Yunwu Mountain Range. No matter how fine the spiritual fruits he fed it, they could never compare to a Second-rank Spirit Insect.
Only the Green-Horned Ox mooed loudly, as if mocking the Wind-Chirp Bird.
……
Another year’s spring breeze swept past, and Tianxuan City flourished with vitality.
【Lifespan: 76/246】
【Realm: Mid Foundation Establishment (15/100)】
From atop Juxian Tower, Lin Chang’an looked at the familiar scenery outside. At the roadside stalls, new faces had appeared.
“The cultivators who came from Bamboo Mountain Marketplace back then have already been gradually replaced by a new generation.”
Tianxuan City had nearly thirty years of history now. Back then, the families of cultivators from various marketplaces had migrated here. Some had prospered, while others had perished in the long river of cultivation history.
The cultivators who came from Bamboo Mountain Marketplace naturally formed cliques, most choosing to live close together.
Thus, Juxian Tower had also been established here.
Decades of storms and rains had passed. Many familiar faces from the old stalls had long since been replaced.
Yet faintly, some people still bore traces of the familiar features of the past.
“Brother Lin.”
As the group arrived at the private room, their once familiar and affectionate smiles now carried a faint layer of respect.
The gap between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment, along with Lin Chang’an’s rising status, had elevated him above them.
Though they were all accomplished in Qi Refining, none could escape the erosion of time—the gray at the temples, the deepening wrinkles on their faces.
This brought a sigh to Lin Chang’an’s heart. Such was the price of the loneliness of cultivation.
Shen Lie was the first to cough lightly, as though he wished to speak. But before he could, Li Erniu drew a deep breath and cupped his hands.
“Brother Lin, for you to come despite your busy affairs, Erniu thanks you.”
“Erniu, you speak too gravely.”
Though they had drifted apart on the path of cultivation, their old bond was still genuine.
Lin Chang’an smiled lightly and nodded. He naturally knew the purpose of this gathering.
“Erniu, there’s no need for courtesy. I’ve already heard from Shen Lie that you wish to prepare Foundation Establishment for Yifan.”
At this, everyone’s expressions turned grave.
Erniu looked particularly aged and haggard. Hearing these words, he stood up and cupped his hands to the group.
“These years, Yifan never says much, but as his father I’ve seen everything. Again and again he brushed against death, each time covered in wounds.
As a father, I’ve failed. In my youth, I lacked the resolve to cultivate. Now, it is my son who has suffered for it…”
His face was filled with guilt, leaving everyone exchanging glances.
“I’ve saved some over the years. Today, I lower my old face to ask to borrow from all of you…”
Erniu’s face reddened with shame. To prepare Foundation Establishment for his son was not the same as when Yun Yao or Lin Chang’an had attempted it.
The bond between them would inevitably fade in the next generation, hence he could only ask for loans.
“You’re only trying to extinguish Yifan’s thoughts early, so he can live an ordinary life in peace.”
No one understood Erniu better than Wei Buyi, who cut straight to his true intention.
Erniu did not argue. Instead, he sighed in helplessness.
Such was a parent’s heart. He did not expect his son to become a Foundation Establishment cultivator—he only wished to let Zhou Yifan try, so he could give up without regret.
That way, he would no longer worry.
“I have some spirit stones here. But let’s be clear—I’ll also need to prepare for my daughter’s Foundation Establishment in the future.”
Wei Buyi glared as he spoke. Though it was aimed at Erniu, it was also a reminder to Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing.
Shen Lie gave a helpless sigh, while Lu Qingqing only smiled and said, “Rest assured, I watched Yingying grow up.”
Watching this scene, Lin Chang’an seemed to gain some insight. The Great Dao might be merciless, but it still had sentiment.
This was how they had come along back then. For parents to feel pain for their children was only natural.
Just as Lin Chang’an was about to speak, Erniu’s second son suddenly burst in excitedly.
“What are you doing, barging in like this!”
By now Erniu’s second son had grown up, yet his face was filled with excitement as he said,
“Father, big brother has returned! Mother told me to call you back quickly. And if Uncle Lin is here, you must bring Uncle Lin as well.”