Chapter 42: Li Erniu Goes to War
War in the Cultivation World.
In the Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace, located far behind the frontlines, cultivators like Lin Chang’an did not feel the cruelty of war very deeply. At most, the number of Cultivator Robbers outside had increased, causing some pressure on the cultivators.
Compared to the slight turmoil in the marketplace, the Cultivator Robbers outside were far more rampant. As a result, countless Drifting Cultivators squeezed their way into the marketplace.
In fact, because the two major sects had opened up many rare materials and strategic resources, the marketplace had become even more prosperous.
Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace.
From the start of the war to the conscription of cultivators, more than half a year had passed in the blink of an eye, and the marketplace was bustling.
“Talisman Master Lin, the higher-ups are preparing to conscript cultivators again this time.”
On this day, a sect cultivator from the marketplace came to visit, speaking respectfully as he informed him about the current situation at the frontlines.
Lin Chang’an was startled upon hearing this. “Is the front that tense already?”
“Talisman Master Lin, you overthink. It's just some minor skirmishes.”
The elite cultivators of the Three Major Sects had yet to enter the field. Naturally, the real war had not started—this was merely the early-stage attrition.
“I understand. So, each month I’m to supply one High-grade Talisman or a varying number of First-rank Mid-grade Talismans, correct?”
Upon realizing the purpose of the visit, Lin Chang’an understood. Put plainly, this was just another form of conscription. Others risked their lives, while cultivators like him with exceptional skills contributed through their craft.
The visitor was merely an outer disciple from Lihuo Palace, his cultivation at the mid-stage of Qi Refining. He wore a courteous smile in front of Lin Chang’an.
“Talisman Master Lin, rest assured, the sect will provide appropriate compensation.”
Lin Chang’an understood this well. The so-called compensation likely consisted of basic materials and resources, but that was still better than receiving nothing.
“Very well, then.”
Lin Chang’an replied politely as well, and even gifted the other party a Mid-grade Talisman before he left, taking the opportunity to gather more information about the frontlines.
After the visitor departed, Lin Chang’an returned to his room, his expression gradually turning serious.
“The development of this war seems to be accelerating.”
From the beginning of the war to the second round of conscription and the information from the front, it was clear that this time Lihuo Palace and Xuanyin Pavilion were on the offensive. After all, it was two against one.
【Name: Lin Chang’an】
【Lifespan: 46/111】
【Realm: Qi Refining Stage Sixth Level (97/100)】
【Cultivation Method: Evergreen Art (Perfect: 963/10000)】
【Skills: Spiritual Eyes (Proficiency 26/500), Golden Light Talisman (Grandmaster 1956/5000), Fireball Talisman (Grandmaster 1228/5000), Flying Sword Talisman (Grandmaster 879/5000), Swift Talisman (Grandmaster 121/5000)】
【Spells: Wood Spirit Thorn (Perfect 2658/10000), Fireball (Grandmaster 1088/5000), Breath Concealment (Grandmaster 2332/5000), Invisibility Technique (Grandmaster 898/5000), Object Manipulation (Grandmaster 693/5000)……】
Looking at his attribute panel, Lin Chang’an could not help but nod to himself.
“If I cultivate for another two or three months, I should be able to break through to the Late Qi Refining Stage. As for First-rank High-grade Talismans, I currently have Grandmaster over Golden Light Talisman and Fireball Talisman. The others lack complete inheritance.”
Over the past half year, driven by the pressure of war, Lin Chang’an had persisted in arduous cultivation and had made excellent progress. His other spells had also improved significantly.
Especially in his comprehension of the Evergreen Art, his progress had been swift, thanks to the opening of resources by the major sects.
Of course, all of this was built upon the continuous supply of Spirit Stones.
Particularly the cultivation resources Zhou Qing had left him at the time—aside from two nearly four-hundred-year-old precious herbs that had not been used and other unused herbs, all the rest that could aid cultivation had been nearly depleted.
“It’s been over half a year. These two nearly four-hundred-year-old herbs should be ready to be sold.”
Lin Chang’an pondered. However, to be cautious, he planned to first break through to the Late Qi Refining Stage and then look for the right opportunity to make a move at Juxian Tower.
After all, knowing both oneself and the enemy ensured victory.
In the past half year, Juxian Tower and the Merchant Guild had expanded rapidly under Yun Yao’s influence. Especially since they had invited a High-grade Alchemist, it was the perfect time to offload the items.
“However, Shen Lie mentioned not long ago that Yun Yao, as one of the Foundation Establishment Elders of the marketplace, often had to collaborate with various families to eliminate Cultivator Robbers.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an nodded to himself.
He had to seize the opportunity when Yun Yao was not in the marketplace. He was familiar with Juxian Tower, and for now, there were no cultivators who posed a threat to him—perfect for secretly selling off the dirty goods.
Moreover, it was a one-time deal with all traces cut off. There was nothing to fear about being discovered.
At this thought, Lin Chang’an could not help but feel delighted.
“I’m doing this to help Juxian Tower. Even if the Zhou Family finds out, they won’t suspect Juxian Tower. After all, they had neither the motive nor the opportunity at the time. More importantly, Juxian Tower now has a High-grade Alchemist.”
Lin Chang’an was confident that these two spirit herbs would most likely be refined into pills by that alchemist, or perhaps exchanged by Yun Yao for sect contribution points.
The chances of the Zhou Family discovering this were very slim.
……
One month later.
“Brother Lin, I’m heading to the frontlines!”
On this day, Li Erniu came to visit, his face carrying a forced smile filled with sorrow.
Lin Chang’an was startled. “Erniu, what happened?”
After asking, Lin Chang’an learned the full story.
In the second round of cultivator conscription, the Beast-controlling Zhou Family had responded to the sect’s call.
Some of the Zhou Family’s disciples with poor aptitude were preparing to draw lots in response, but Li Erniu had actually stepped forward voluntarily.
“Brother Lin, I might dodge it once, but I can’t dodge it twice. Right now, the frontlines are still relatively stable. I figured I might as well respond and go. It’s probably better than being picked in the later batches.”
Li Erniu gritted his teeth. Though honest by nature, he was not stupid. He understood clearly that the later the stage, the more dangerous the situation.
Rather than wait, it was better to go early. With luck, he might gain some resources to improve his cultivation and increase his chances of surviving on the battlefield.
Seeing Li Erniu’s decisiveness in such a critical matter, Lin Chang’an could not help but offer comfort:
“Erniu, don’t be too pessimistic. You’re joining under the identity of a noble family member. As long as you endure, you’ll likely be transferred to the rear later on.”
Hearing Lin Chang’an’s reassurance, Li Erniu forced a smile and nodded.
“Brother Lin, don’t worry. I’m not losing much either. Even if something happens to me, the clan will take care of my wife and children. Who knows, if I gain military merit on the frontlines, maybe that rascal Yifan can even enter the sect.”
Faced with Erniu’s optimism, Lin Chang’an sighed emotionally and took out two Golden Light Talismans from his Storage Pouch.
“Brother Lin, this is too valuable!”
First-rank High-grade Talismans, and defensive ones at that. Just these two alone were worth eighty to ninety Spirit Stones. Li Erniu’s face turned red, and he waved his hands repeatedly to refuse.
“Erniu, just take them. I’m still waiting for you to come back and treat me to a drink.”
Lin Chang’an teased with a smile. The bond of twenty-six years of friendship—perhaps this would be their final meeting.
Lin Chang’an was not stingy, and besides, two Golden Light Talismans were not that important to him.
Li Erniu, blushing, did not refuse in the end. After all, these talismans could very well be his key to returning alive. Given the chance, who would want to die on the frontlines?
“Brother Lin, I’ve come to terms with it. I was just a farmer’s son. By luck, I followed my uncle to deliver vegetables to the prince’s residence, and ended up being chosen by Elder Lu. That’s how I traveled with you, the Little County Princess, and the Minor Marquis.
These twenty-six years—cultivating, hunting demon beasts, living in grand houses, wearing magical robes, having a wife and children—this life has been splendid. I have no regrets.”
In the end, Li Erniu even gave a rare optimistic smile, and Lin Chang’an also nodded lightly, moved.
Twenty-six years of time—looking back now, it all felt like it had happened just yesterday.