Chapter 183: Talisman Inheritance · Talisman Treasure
The situation in Yue Kingdom shifted rapidly, leaving people struggling to keep up.
Xuanyin Pavilion’s defeat and retreat was already set in stone. After a year of negotiations, they finally sold all the spiritual veins under their sect’s control at a high price to Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect.
Though Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect paid a hefty price, they avoided a prolonged war. All in all, it was still profitable.
As for Tianxuan City, it found itself unable to stand firm amid this turbulent situation.
That year, Lin Chang’an was eighty-nine years old.
“Old Lin, now that Xuanyin Pavilion has sold off its spiritual veins, I heard that Tianxuan City’s True Lord Su is also in talks with Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect.”
Seeing Old Hu speak with such excitement, Lin Chang’an could understand.
“Tianxuan City’s Master Lu and the others already had roots in the Sea Abyss of Beasts. They merely returned to plan for Core Formation. Now that they are leaving, it is understandable.”
This point did not surprise Lin Chang’an.
Such life-and-death battles that led to mutual losses were ultimately decided by Core Formation cultivators.
Now that the situation was clear, Tianxuan City naturally did not wish to waste effort here. Moreover, those who should be forming cores had already formed them.
Meanwhile, Shensword Sect and Lihuo Palace, seeing Yue Kingdom’s advantageous situation, had already begun competing with each other in secret.
Of course, this competition was about who could seize more benefits.
After all, the gains from Yue Kingdom were so vast that both sects needed time to digest them.
“Times change swiftly. To think Yue Kingdom would end up in the hands of those two great sects,” Old Hu sighed deeply.
“Indeed. With Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect dividing Yue Kingdom, just the spiritual veins alone will be enough for them to absorb for a hundred years. At last, the flames of war in Yue Kingdom can truly come to rest.”
Lin Chang’an also nodded in relief. At the very least, this meant his old friends would be able to live peacefully for some time.
Although relative peace was approaching, he dared not remain in Yue Kingdom.
After all, with his Wind-Chirp Bird and years of service to Tianxuan City—
even if he was not punished, those great sects would likely compel him into service. He would no longer enjoy such freedom.
Still, Old Hu was quick to shift from solemnity back to excitement.
“Old Lin, this is actually great news for us. Whether Tianxuan City or Xuanyin Pavilion, both major powers are preparing to head to the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
Now there’s already word outside—if you join their spirit ships, the fee is only eighty percent of the usual price.”
Ever since the situation worsened, their black market had become a withering flower. Although profits remained decent, shops, spiritual fields, and such had lost their buyers.
Everyone feared that once major powers moved into Tianxuan City, all those assets would become worthless.
At this point, Old Hu naturally wanted to save wherever possible.
After all, upon reaching a new place, they would have to start over again.
“Eighty percent, hmm? That would save quite a bit of spirit stones.”
Lin Chang’an secretly nodded. He had already inquired—traveling with the merchant guilds of the Sea Abyss of Beasts was not cheap.
Though he could earn spirit stones, his long journey was solely to pursue Core Formation.
Whether for Core Formation Spirit Items or the third-rank demon cores required for the Three-turn Core Condensation Secret Method, he needed an enormous number of spirit stones.
What he earned alone was far from enough.
“And carrying too many spirit stones or resources makes one an easy target.”
Lin Chang’an thought quietly. The cultivation world was not lacking in cultivators with keen senses—once someone carried too many spirit stones, the spiritual aura around them would become overly rich.
“What must be spent, must be spent. Only keep resources within a normal range.”
Lin Chang’an’s gaze flickered. He had already decided to use this time to buy large amounts of spirit liquid to nourish his Life-bound Spirit Plant.
After all, whether pills or talismans, once he settled in the Sea Abyss of Beasts, he would have plenty of time to refine them.
Even spirit artifacts were valuable not in number, but in quality.
“Old Lin.”
At that moment, Old Hu rubbed his hands together and smiled obsequiously.
“You had ties with those two True Lords of Tianxuan City. If possible, getting aboard Tianxuan City’s ships would be far better than Xuanyin Pavilion’s.”
Seeing Old Hu’s expression, Lin Chang’an could only laugh and wave his hand.
“Old Hu, if Tianxuan City truly intends to leave, do you think they would do so in secret?”
The two great sects wanted nothing more than a stable transition.
When major powers like Tianxuan City or Xuanyin Pavilion moved, the commotion was naturally huge. If there were spirit ships available, who would mind making some extra profit?
“That’s true. Those merchant guilds can cover all the costs of the voyage just by earning these spirit stones.”
Even so, after Old Hu left, Lin Chang’an still paid a personal visit to True Lord Song Tingfeng.
After all, he had delivered many spirit stones over the years.
Maintaining connections was precisely for moments like these.
…
Tianxuan Peak.
“Daoist Lin, I understand why you came.”
When Lin Chang’an came smiling, bringing with him the black market’s recent dividends and subtly probing for information—
Song Tingfeng, now a False Core True Lord, was not distant. Instead, he sighed and nodded.
“The rumors outside were spread by us. Just as you guessed, with Xuanyin Pavilion retreating, Tianxuan City cannot hold alone.
It’s better to seize this opportunity and sell our spiritual veins at a good price.”
Indeed, upon hearing this, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly. The situation in Yue Kingdom was settled.
“However, this migration will not happen too quickly. Senior Sister Su has already purchased two massive spirit ships from Abyss City. When the time comes…”
Lin Chang’an kept smiling and expressed his desire to seek opportunities in the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
Of course, he would contribute what was due.
This was merely probing in advance.
Having received Song Tingfeng’s favorable response, Lin Chang’an finally breathed a sigh of relief.
With this, the journey would be far more secure.
After all, Tianxuan City was still a great power, far stronger than Xuanyin Pavilion at present.
Later, Lin Chang’an also took the marketplace dividends to visit Su Miaoyin and Wu Yan, both disciples of Master Lu.
…
【Lifespan: 90/252】
【Realm: Foundation Establishment Middle Stage (81/100)】
“In the blink of an eye, already ninety years old.”
Within his cave abode, Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes. Feeling the surging mana within his body, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
At this age, he could certainly break through to the late stage before a hundred.
“At present, I am still very young. I still have ample lifespan to gamble on the chance for Core Formation.”
This was one reason why Lin Chang’an had never given up.
Over the past half-year, he had purchased vast amounts of spirit liquid. The withered leaves of his Life-bound Spirit Plant, the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine, had already regained one-third of their vitality.
At that moment, Yun Yao came to visit.
“Brother Lin, this bird of yours is truly amusing.”
Seated in the pavilion, the golden Wind-Chirp Bird perched on Yun Yao’s shoulder, full of flattery.
It fanned her with its wings, patted her shoulders—though this was far from the first time, Yun Yao still could not help but smile.
“Who knew this bird could learn such shameless ways.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head helplessly. Outside the pavilion, the Azure-Horned Bull glared wide-eyed as the Wind-Chirp Bird earned spirit fruit through its antics.
Damn it! Those fruits were supposed to be mine!
“Brother Lin, Tianxuan City’s two massive spirit ships just arrived, and they brought a batch of resources as well…”
Hearing Yun Yao’s words, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly. Truly, they did not come empty-handed.
The resources on just those two ships would be enough to exchange for countless supplies in the Seven Kingdoms. Then, upon departure, they could profit yet again.
Such was the foundation of Core Formation cultivators—doing nothing, yet with one voyage of those massive spirit ships, they could earn untold spirit stones.
“Third-rank massive spirit ships possess immense power. Few would dare provoke them, lest they suffer Tianxuan City’s wrath.”
Yun Yao spoke softly. Although Tianxuan City was leaving Yue Kingdom, that did not mean their strength was lacking.
Besides Master Lu, they had one True Core, two False Cores, and two third-rank great demons. Who would risk attacking them?
“Meanwhile, many of Xuanyin Pavilion’s front-line spiritual vein outposts have already begun transferring. One third-rank and one quasi–third-rank massive spirit ship will depart in two months.
If other cultivators wish to board, they must first verify their identities, and then each must pay four hundred mid-grade spirit stones. Along the way, not only will their safety be protected, but cultivation will also remain undisturbed.”
Four hundred mid-grade spirit stones—this was nearly the price of an ordinary spirit artifact.
Do not underestimate these four hundred mid-grade spirit stones. Most early Foundation Establishment cultivators could not even afford a single spirit artifact and still relied on magical artifacts.
From this, it could be seen that these massive spirit ships were not meant for paupers.
It was not as though one could venture to the Sea Abyss of Beasts just by daring to risk one’s life.
Yet Yun Yao, seeing Lin Chang’an’s calm expression, quietly glanced at his two spirit pets.
“Each cultivator counts as one, and each spirit pet counts as well.”
“What!”
The wine in Lin Chang’an’s mouth nearly sprayed out, but when he saw Yun Yao’s gaze, he swallowed it down immediately.
“In other words, if I bring these two spirit pets aboard the massive spirit ship, it will cost me twelve hundred mid-grade spirit stones!?”
Lin Chang’an widened his eyes. For him, twelve hundred spirit stones was not too much—
but among Foundation Establishment cultivators, being able to produce even a thousand mid-grade spirit stones meant one had considerable wealth.
“That’s right. Spirit pets are included. After this news spread, many spirit pets have already begun to be sold in the marketplace.”
Good heavens.
Looking at Yun Yao’s serene expression, Lin Chang’an revealed a strange look. She had just glanced at his bird.
“Ahem, expensive is expensive, but this is a second-rank spirit pet. I can’t bear to part with it.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head. Four hundred mid-grade spirit stones could never replace a second-rank spirit pet.
“In truth, if one is willing to become a guest elder of Xuanyin Pavilion or Tianxuan City and sign a spirit contract, the fee is waived entirely.”
Yun Yao’s words were so sudden that Lin Chang’an was left speechless.
Yet Yun Yao did not recommend this. Instead, her expression grew solemn.
“Brother Lin, as far as I know, Master Lu once offended many high-level cultivators back in the Sea Abyss of Beasts. Unless absolutely necessary, I advise against doing this.
As for Xuanyin Pavilion, that is even worse. Outsiders trying to settle in always face trials. With their current foundation, it will hardly be easy.”
“I understand.”
Signing a spirit contract was essentially selling oneself. Though the restrictions were minor, when the two powers were first trying to settle, there would surely be turmoil.
In such times, those who signed spirit contracts would easily be treated as expendable.
Although he trusted his own skills, Lin Chang’an still shook his head inwardly. “A gentleman does not stand beneath a crumbling wall. Better to observe the situation first.”
“Old Lin, you haven’t seen it yet. These massive spirit ships—goodness, they’re enormous…”
Old Hu came over excitedly, but when he saw Daoist Yun was also present, he showed an awkward smile, as though he had disturbed the two.
Lin Chang’an only laughed and shook his head, then mentioned the fee of four hundred spirit stones.
Old Hu’s eyes widened instantly.
“Good heavens! Spirit pets count separately? That’s insane. Luckily I don’t keep such things.”
As he spoke, Old Hu’s gaze drifted toward the Azure-Horned Bull chewing spirit grass outside the pavilion.
As if sensing something, the Azure-Horned Bull suddenly stopped chewing and lifted its head, staring at Old Hu with a pair of bewildered eyes.
Meanwhile, the Wind-Chirp Bird, at the sound of Old Hu’s voice, instantly darted back into Lin Chang’an’s Spirit Beast Pouch.
Sometimes one more hidden card was always useful.
“Let’s go. We’d best pay the spirit stones now before the price rises.”
The two had prepared for this long, and Lin Chang’an did not hesitate. He, Old Hu, and Yun Yao headed toward Tianxuan Peak together.
…
At that moment in Tianxuan City, countless people looked in astonishment at the two massive spirit ships resting among the clouds outside the city.
“So… so huge!”
“Are these the legendary massive spirit ships said to rival third-rank great demons in power!?”
Countless drifting cultivators in the city were shocked by the sight.
Even Lin Chang’an had never seen anything so vast.
He had seen ships before in the Yunwu Mountain Range, but those of Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect were clearly a size smaller.
“Old Lin, didn’t I say so? Just look at how enormous it is.”
Many cultivators handed over their spirit stones in Tianxuan City, receiving jade tokens for passage on the ships.
After all, Tianxuan City had gathered the elite drifting cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms.
Moreover, ever since word had spread a year earlier about their overseas migration, many mid- and late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators had already gathered in Yue Kingdom.
All of them sought opportunities.
“Brother Lin, take this.”
Just as they left Tianxuan Peak, while Old Hu gazed excitedly at the ships, Yun Yao’s eyes flickered. Suddenly, a jade slip appeared in Lin Chang’an’s palm.
“This is—!”
At a single glance, Lin Chang’an’s heartbeat quickened. Yun Yao, however, remained composed, as though nothing unusual had happened.
“Talisman Inheritance of the Third Rank · Talisman Treasure”
This was actually an inheritance of talisman treasure crafting. Shocked, Lin Chang’an suppressed his turmoil and quickly stored it into his storage pouch.
“Brother Lin, before we explored the secret realm, I promised that I would do everything I could to help you form your core.
Now that you are leaving for the Sea Abyss of Beasts, who knows when we will meet again. I hope you will take care.”
Her voice echoed in his mind through a voice-transmission, leaving Lin Chang’an silent.
He knew how precious this inheritance was. It was something Yun Yao had prepared specifically for him.
Back in the relic exploration, Yun Yao had already noticed his skill in the talisman path.
Other inheritances could not compare. For Lin Chang’an, this talisman treasure inheritance was most suitable—
because he owned a magical treasure belonging to a Core Formation cultivator.
With his Foundation Establishment cultivation, he could not unleash its true power. But if he became a third-rank talisman master and used this to craft a talisman treasure—
its might would surpass that of ordinary third-rank talismans many times over.
Thus, this inheritance was far more useful to him than any other third-rank talisman.
“Thank you.”
Taking a deep breath, Lin Chang’an’s silent transmission contained only those two words.
Standing ahead with her back to him, Yun Yao’s lips curved slightly at those words, though her face remained calm and composed.
“Brother Lin, the cultivation world is ever-changing. When you arrive, secure a foothold first. Once your cultivation rises further, familiarize yourself with the Sea Abyss of Beasts before making your moves.”
Yet just as the three were about to return to their cave abodes, suddenly the sky above churned with stormy clouds. Spiritual energy between heaven and earth grew violent.
“What’s happening!”
In an instant, Tianxuan City was thrown into chaos, shocking countless cultivators.