Among everyone, Erniu initially also wanted to cultivate to the Qi Refining Ninth Layer, but as more children came along, the desire gradually waned.

Meanwhile, Wei Buyi looked at his smiling daughter, and his eyes couldn’t help but reveal a hint of comfort. As long as his daughter was doing well, giving away the family assets seemed worth it.

After all, he intended to give it to his daughter, definitely not someone with the surname Shen.

Shen Lie was the happiest of all, having no hopes for Foundation Establishment, content to establish a family business, which now felt like he had achieved a fulfilling life.

“Alright, we’re of old age, let’s not let the juniors laugh at us.”

Lu Qingqing came out to smooth things over and prevent the juniors from seeing them as a joke.

From the beginning, Lu Qingqing only desired a stable life, now proving her choice wasn’t wrong.

This scene made Lin Chang’an nod contentedly, acknowledging that life is bound to have some regrets and joys.

But Lin Chang’an inadvertently glanced outside at the distant scene, where a white figure in a tavern raised a toast towards them in the void.

Soon, the corner of Lin Chang’an’s mouth lifted. Yun Yao had indeed come, though she didn’t show herself.

…

Back in the cave dwelling, Lin Chang’an gazed at his reflection in the water, feeling a slight sense of wonder.

“The marks of time haven’t shown; this is one of the temptations for cultivators.”

Previously, he hadn’t felt it, but seeing the families of the juniors Shen Fan and Wei Yingying, along with his once close friends turning gray-haired.

It made Lin Chang’an’s heart once again feel a trace of solitude on the cultivation path.

Friends who once spoke without reserve were gradually drifting apart; even Erniu and Shen Lie now carried a bit more respect in their words and actions.

He understood that as time passed, more friends would struggle to keep pace with him, slowly drifting away.

Only he hadn’t expected this day to come so soon.

Otherwise, Lu Qingqing wouldn’t have advised Wei Yingying early on to always visit during festivals, bringing Shen Fan, the honest young man.

Maintaining social connections is necessary; otherwise, the deep friendships of the previous generation will fade over time.

“You all found your paths in life; my journey has only just begun, and there’s still a long way to go.”

Lin Chang’an’s eyes gradually grew resolute, the path ahead is long, towards Golden Core Cultivator and Nascent Soul True Monarch.

He cannot squander his talents and the ancient opportunity he possesses.

In the following time, Lin Chang’an returned to his routine of cultivation, Talisman painting, and secretly refining pills, embracing the challenge.

Seeing a visible direction in improvement, this kind of diligent cultivation was actually enjoyable for him.

Unlike other Foundation Establishment cultivators, who initially cultivated hard but faltered as their cultivation stagnated and their paths ahead seemed obscure.

Many cultivators eventually lost heart and laid down their obsessions, turning to enjoyment, or spreading their branches, entrusting their regrets to the next generation.

…

[Tier Two Middle Grade Talisman Master (Proficiency 503/1000)]

In his cave dwelling, as he finished painting a Tier Two Middle Grade talisman, Lin Chang’an showed a satisfied expression.

“The progression to Tier Two Middle Grade Talisman Master is not slow; in eight years, I’ve gained half the experience, another eight years and I can break through to Tier Two Upper Grade Talisman Master.”

In less than twenty years, advancing from Tier Two Middle Grade to Tier Two Upper Grade Talisman Master, outsiders would certainly see him as gifted, a genius in this art.

“Tier Two Upper Grade Talisman Master; even in Celestial Profound City, it’s a prominent title, and unlike talent in Spirit Root, my skills won’t cause apprehension.”

With a smile on his face, Lin Chang’an chose not to hide his talent in talisman arts.

Given his poor Spirit Root qualifications, concealing his talent in talisman arts would indeed be foolish.

Only by showing appropriate value can one reach higher circles.

“Moreover, Yun Yao previously brought the Forbidden-Breaking Talisman, just a grade higher, which increases the certainty of our plans.”

The Forbidden-Breaking Talisman won’t be sold openly, as it could invite prying eyes.

“According to Yun Yao, the Secret Realm won’t open for more than twenty years, giving me enough time to advance the talisman arts to Tier Two Upper Grade.”

Though close to Tier Three, he felt he’s still lacking, but solidly settling for Tier Two Upper Grade.

“And the pill master’s skills are on the verge of breakthrough too; by then, using Tier Two Middle Grade elixirs for cultivation should allow faster progress.”

[Tier Two Low Grade Pill Master (Skill Level 97/100)]

Observing his skill progression, Lin Chang’an pondered.

Each small realm’s advancement increases in difficulty. It took five years to go from Tier Two Low Grade Talisman Master to the middle grade.

Yet, being for eight years on the Tier Two Low Grade Pill Master, not due to less effort.

Rather, being a talisman master is his visible identity, allowing him to openly discuss and gain experience at trade meetings, even purchasing runic insights.

As a pill master, needing discretion hinders faster progress.

At this moment, Lin Chang’an thought of Yun Yao’s spiritual artifact that could change appearance and even aura, showing a look of envy.

“If I had such a rare spiritual artifact, many things would become more convenient.”

Unfortunately, such rare spiritual artifacts are mostly found serendipitously.

Just then, Chen Qing’s visit echoed in the cave, which surprised Lin Chang’an.

Since distancing themselves last time, though still neighbors, there was little contact for years.

This visit, he wondered about its purpose.

Outside the cave.

“Mr. Lin.”

When the array barrier opened, seeing Chen Qing, Lin Chang’an was somewhat surprised.

Despite many years apart, Chen Qing, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, now had full gray hair and a hunched form, clearly indicating his Primordial Energy was injured, reducing his lifespan.

Otherwise, given Chen Qing’s age, he’d be considered young among Foundation Establishment cultivators, so why would he suddenly have so much gray hair.

His expression had also grown weary.

“Chen, what’s happened?”

Looking at the still-youthful Lin Chang’an, Chen Qing weakly coughed twice, unable to hide his envy, then sighed deeply.

“By unfortunate circumstance, while planning for the younger generation’s Foundation Establishment, I encountered a Tribulation Cultivator outside. Hadn’t fortune favored me, these old bones might not have returned.”

As Lin Chang’an invited Chen Qing to the pavilion, listening to Chen Qing’s words, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help feeling melancholic.

He didn’t expect Chen Wen and Chen Feng to be at Foundation Establishment age.

Chen Wen is thirty-nine years old, Chen Feng thirty-eight, both preparing for Foundation Establishment, making Lin Chang’an reflect.

Achieving Foundation Establishment at this age demands good Spirit Root qualifications, but more crucial are the cultivation resources.

Back at Cyan Bamboo Mountain Market, Zhou Tieshan had completed Qi Refining Perfection before forty.

It’s not to say Zhou Tieshan lacked talent compared to them, but rather that the resources in their cultivation locations differ.

“Mr. Chen, it’s fortunate you were able to return.”

Addressing Chen Qing, Lin Chang’an’s demeanor remained calm, as their past relationships only amounted to neighbors, not to mention presently.

Seeing Lin Chang’an’s youthful vigor, Chen Qing couldn’t help feeling envious.

Despite both being Foundation Establishment cultivators, being a Tier Two Talisman Master made all the difference.

It’s akin to comparing his Foundation Establishment clan with the Zhou family, where both lacked the foundational advantage that even more Foundation Establishment cultivators couldn’t compensate.

“Mr. Lin, my grandson has exceptional talent, previously I managed to acquire a Foundation Establishment Pill, not anticipating Wen’Er’s failure to breakthrough, though he touched upon the threshold.

I can’t bear watching my grandson miss the optimal time for Foundation Establishment, so I intended to venture into Cloud Mist Mountain Range for resources, unexpectedly getting targeted by a Tribulation Cultivator.”

Upon saying this, Chen Qing had a face full of sorrow. Though he took risks, he managed resources, for survival forced him to sacrifice the spoils.

“Even I’ve come to such a state.”

Under Chen Qing’s miserable smile, Lin Chang’an felt a sense of silence.

In the Immortal Cultivation Realm, there are many who are pitiful and tragic. He, too, tread cautiously, lacking the qualification to pity others, offering only polite sentiment.

“Mr. Chen, first focus on healing.”

Observing Lin Chang’an’s serene demeanor, Chen Qing bitterly smiled, perhaps realizing his past mistakes but not regretting them.

Faced with a shortcut, few wouldn’t try their luck?

“Mr. Lin, you know your own affairs best. My injury threatens to leave a permanent mark, even after recovery, my lifespan will be greatly reduced, but my two grandsons cannot wait.

With your Tier Two Middle Grade Talisman Master connections, I’m here hoping you might procure two Foundation Establishment Pills for me. I’m willing to pledge my Spirit Field title with you.”

Chen Qing, laughing bitterly, hadn’t expected to borrow Spirit Stones freely from Lin Chang’an, as they’re not closely related.

And upon seeing the Hundred Mu Spirit Contract, Lin Chang’an was surprised, knowing it’s the Chen family’s foundation.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep