Three and a half years later.
Under the governance of Li Huo Palace and Profound Sound Pavilion, Cyan Bamboo Mountain Market has become one of the most prosperous markets under the two major sects.
Inside the secret chamber.
The mana fluctuations on Lin Chang'an's body have completely improved compared to two years ago.
"Qi Refining Sixth Layer, almost there!"
As the robust mana circulated, Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes.
[Name: Lin Chang'an]
[Life Span: 44/106]
[Realm: Qi Refining Fifth Layer (89/100)]
[Cultivation Technique: Chang Chun Skill (Grandmaster: 1890/5000)]
[Skills: Golden Light Talisman (Grandmaster 139/5000), Divine Movement Talisman (Mastery 987/1000), Flying Sword Talisman (Grandmaster 873/5000)]
[Spells: Fire Bomb Technique (Mastery 893/1000), Breath Concealment Technique (Grandmaster 236/5000), Invisibility Technique (Grandmaster 85/5000), Exorcism Technique (Mastery 963/1000)...]
Looking at his attributes panel, Lin Chang'an looked down at the three Spirit Stones in his palm which had already lost their spirituality.
"Three years have passed, and with sufficient cultivation resources, the speed of cultivation has far exceeded expectations."
With a wave of his hand, the three Spirit Stones had turned into powder, and at this moment, Lin Chang'an revealed a satisfied smile.
Indeed, apart from cultivation resources, as the proficiency of the Chang Chun Skill increased, the speed of cultivation became increasingly fast.
"My cultivation is just one step away from breaking through to Qi Refining Sixth Layer. During these three years, the Talisman Painting skill was the first to break through. According to the Immortal Cultivation Realm, I now possess the ability to produce Tier One Upper Grade Talismans."
As his cultivation made significant progress, his lifespan increased to 106, which means that he has cultivated for three years, not only without wasting time but instead gained several years.
"No wonder so many people are obsessed with cultivation. This matter of lifespan alone is enough to drive countless people crazy."
Over these years of exploration, he managed to figure out the four levels of entry, proficiency, mastery, and grandmaster, corresponding to the comprehension of cultivation techniques and skills.
Entry corresponds to beginner, proficiency corresponds to middle stage (Lower Grade), mastery corresponds to middle stage (Middle Grade), and grandmaster corresponds to later stage (Upper Grade).
"In understanding the Chang Chun Skill, I rely entirely on Old Lu's notes; otherwise, my cultivation wouldn't be so fast."
Lin Chang'an sighed, and of course, the progress in cultivation these years was quite good, mainly due to the ample Spirit Stone resources.
Possibly because of the harmony with Chang Chun Skill, the progress in the spells of Breath Concealment Technique and Invisibility Technique was surprisingly not slow either.
Stepping out of the courtyard.
Lin Chang'an passed by the back mountain of the market, where a jug of wine had been added in front of an earthen grave.
Three years ago, when Old He was brought back by him to wait for his grandson, after waiting for three days, he slept into this mound and never opened his eyes again; similarly, he died without seeing his grandson.
And this grave, with two Spirit Crystals spent, Old He was buried here, along with the clothes and crown burial of his grandson He Yan.
...
Gathering Immortals Tower.
"Brother Lin, Little Junior Sister and the others have arrived."
Li Erniu, who arrived first, saw Lin Chang'an's figure at the door and came forward to greet him.
"Erniu."
Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded as he saw him.
"I didn't expect Little Junior Sister to have opened the Gathering Immortals Tower from Qingshui Bay here."
Li Erniu said with emotion; this Gathering Immortals Tower was originally a property of Old Lu before he passed, and now in Lu Qingqing's hands, it has flourished and expanded.
However, after saying this, Li Erniu secretly whispered, "Brother Lin, this time Little Junior Sister is taking the lead, but the purpose is still for the Commandery Princess's Foundation Establishment matter. What do you think?"
This time's gathering, earlier Little Junior Sister Lu Qingqing had tactfully mentioned in private that Yun Yao had been preparing for Foundation Establishment for years and was now at a critical juncture.
The purpose is self-evident.
So Erniu asked this question.
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an nodded without revealing any expression:
"Erniu, you have seen these past two years, the rampant Tribulation Cultivators, the war atmosphere is growing stronger. As a Loose Cultivator, if Mr. Yun can establish his foundation, it might give me more retreat options."
Lin Chang'an's meaning was already clear; he wanted to bet on Yun Yao.
If successful, there would be a Foundation Establishment Cultivator as a backer in these turbulent times, which would be better than struggling alone.
Li Erniu heavily nodded his head upon hearing this.
"Actually, after being familiar for years, the Commandery Princess has never been arrogant due to her cultivation status, never looking down on us. But Brother Lin, you know my situation; I can only afford to contribute thirty Spirit Stones at most."
When Erniu mentioned he had to take out thirty Spirit Stones, Lin Chang'an was a bit surprised; this probably wasn't just Erniu's personal savings, was it?
Li Erniu's eyes showed obvious evasiveness, while Lin Chang'an simply smiled and shook his head.
This Erniu really has his own thoughts.
Lin Chang'an nodded, "Do what you can."
Possibly to avoid misunderstanding, Li Erniu awkwardly scratched his head, whispering to explain:
"Brother Lin, I want to let Yifan help the Commandery Princess manage the business."
Li Erniu wasn't greedy, never thinking of having his son join Li Huo Palace; he just wanted to find a retreat for his child.
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an was filled with emotion; Erniu truly is a father now.
"I was wondering where you, Erniu, got so many Spirit Stones."
Li Erniu scratched his head and awkwardly smiled, as this was a decision made jointly with his wife.
Even though his wife is surnamed Zhou, the child is still their own flesh and blood; this mother is also doing her best to pave the way for the child.
Supporting is also betting.
"Erniu, actually your choice is not bad. Although Zhou Family has a big enterprise, the resources able to be allocated might not be much; these years, the Commandery Princess's businesses are doing well."
Lin Chang'an sighed; Little Marquis Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing have managed the businesses well for years, acquiring no shortage of cultivation resources.
Once Yun Yao establishes her foundation, naturally manpower is needed as the water rises, and Zhou Yifan, although not yet ten, but in terms of relations, it's better sooner than later.
"Over these years, within the family, they all say Brother Lin you have talent in the Talisman field, far better than mine."
Li Erniu couldn't help but be envious; Talisman Masters not only earn more but are also stable.
Lin Chang'an smiled and said nothing, not responding.
...
While the two were talking, they had already walked into Gathering Immortals Tower.
"You two have really picked the right time, Qingqing just brewed some tea."
The Little Marquis Shen Lie was even steadier than before, with a cheerful smile, he gestured towards Little Junior Sister Lu Qingqing inside the room.
"Brother Lin, Brother Li, you've come at the right time. Sister Yun will arrive later, and you can taste this freshly picked Cloud Mountain Tea."
Lu Qingqing, in a blue robe, had matured a lot compared to three years ago; her once tidy black hair was now combed into a bun, less playful and more mature.
"Please, have a seat." Beside him, Shen Lie also had a radiant face, welcoming as a couple.
This scene made Lin Chang'an envy them; Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing got married last year.
He isn't jealous; he's just slightly frustrated at the reason he was always bypassed.
Amidst the four people's laughter, they also spoke of Wei Buyi.
Although he had come to Cyan Bamboo Mountain Market too, Wei Buyi did not join the chamber of commerce; instead, he married a widow cultivator, inheriting a family business.
Life has become increasingly comfortable.
"Sorry to keep fellow Daoists waiting."
Half an hour later, the dusty Yun Yao finally arrived.
Clad in a white skirt and tight outfit, with a cold demeanor, her beautiful face showed a hint of apology, though her brows carried an undeniable weariness.