In the blink of an eye, two years had passed.

Since Celestial Profound City eliminated a group of Tribulation Cultivators, the security had stabilized quite a bit for the time being.

Meanwhile, something unknown happened deep within the Cloud Mist Mountain Range, causing many demon beasts to flee from the depths over the past two years.

This resulted in many cultivators encountering unfamiliar demon beasts and suffering tragic fates.

Of course, there were benefits as well, as cultivators no longer needed to take great risks by venturing deep; they could hunt demon beasts without going too far, which caused the previously high prices in Celestial Profound City to somewhat decline.

The price of the Foundation Establishment Pill fell back to around ten thousand low-grade Spirit Stones.

[Life Span: 73/245]

[Realm: Mid-stage Foundation Establishment (6/100)]

“Six points of cultivation gained in two years.”

Within the dwelling, Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes, gazing at his attribute panel.

With his low-grade Spirit Root aptitude, combined with the lack of initial speed advantage from this Ancient Cultivation Technique.

It would take only a little over thirty years to advance from mid-stage to late-stage Foundation Establishment, which was not a slow pace.

“In a little over thirty years, I’ll be just over a hundred, still in my prime. Compared to ordinary Loose Cultivators, I’m progressing quickly.”

Previously, it had taken him seventeen years to progress from early to mid-stage Foundation Establishment.

Exhaling a long breath of turbid air and reflecting on his cultivation speed, a satisfied smile spread across Lin Chang’an’s face.

Ninety percent of typical Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivators would spend their entire lives polishing their skills at the early stage.

Only ten percent could break through to the mid-stage, and even fewer among them could reach the late stage.

“Being a Loose Cultivator is hard; Laws, Wealth, Land, and lack of aptitude impose too many limitations.”

“I belong to the final ten percent who might even reach the late-stage Foundation Establishment in the future, surpassing many Foundation Establishment cultivators.”

When it came to companions, he dared not mention it; on the path of cultivation, finding friends and companions was exceedingly rare. Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an shook his head in resignation.

Being a little over a hundred years old at the late-stage Foundation Establishment means a Golden Core is within sight.

What more could one ask for?

“But the signs of a Beast Tide over the past two years are already evident; this is a celebration for strong Loose Cultivators and a disaster for the weak. With the Mountain Protection Array and Master Lu at Celestial Profound Immortal City.

Even if the Beast Tide strikes, it’s the safest place here. In the worst-case scenario of any disturbances, there’ll still be time to escape amidst the chaos…”

As an Immortal City in the Cloud Mist Mountain Range, Celestial Profound City naturally attracts demon beasts due to its Spirit Vein.

However, these concerns were no longer Lin Chang’an’s; after all, he was just a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator.

[Tier Two Middle Grade Talisman Master (Mastery 893/1000)]

[Tier Two Middle Grade Pill Master (Mastery 169/1000)]

Over the past two years, his Talisman Skills continued to improve, and in another year or two, he could advance to a Tier Two Upper Grade Talisman Master.

This was all thanks to the insights of a Quasi-Tier Three Talisman Master that Celestial Profound City awarded him after he rendered meritorious service two years ago, which facilitated his rapid progress.

Advances in his Alchemy Skills, on the other hand, were aided by the generosity of Pill Master Song, as his Lifebound Spirit Plant allowed him unique Soul Search capabilities, advancing him significantly in the Alchemy Dao.

“It’s unfortunate that Pill Master Song is only a Tier Two Middle Grade Pill Master.”

Lin Chang’an shook his head, appearing regretful; how great it would be if this old fellow were a Tier Two Upper Grade Pill Master.

Regarding the previous rewards from Celestial Profound City, Lin Chang’an was quite satisfied.

As long as he stayed in Celestial Profound City, he could receive two bottles of Tier Three Spirit Liquid each year, which, whether for aiding his cultivation or nurturing his Lifebound Spirit Plant, was a high-level resource unattainable to him otherwise.

After all, the Lifebound Spirit Plant was the foundation of his being.

“And this Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact, only the upper echelons have such good things.”

With a mere raise of his hand, a golden Copper Bell hovered in front of him.

Through Huang Shaohai’s legacy, he learned that above Spiritual Artifacts, there are Top-Grade Spiritual Artifacts.

Aside from differences in quality, Top-Grade Spiritual Artifacts primarily feature an Artifact Spirit.

“An Artifact Spirit can only withstand True Fire with at least a Quasi-Tier Three Demon Beast Essence, greatly enhancing the power of the Spiritual Artifact once integrated, and it’s already a method for refining Magical Treasures.”

The golden Copper Bell spun with a yellow dragon engraved upon it, known as the ‘Yellow Dragon Bell.’

Seeing this treasure, Lin Chang’an nodded secretly. If he had possessed this great bell back then, he wouldn’t have been so disgraced facing Huang Shaohai’s Talisman Treasure.

At the very least, it could have held up for a moment or two.

It was part of Celestial Profound City’s compensation back then.

“The pity is, Top-Grade Spiritual Artifacts have prices but no market. If I hadn’t rendered meritorious service, Celestial Profound City wouldn’t have compensated me with this item.”

Lin Chang’an lovingly toyed with it, yet soon tucked the golden small bell at his waist, ready to use it for self-defense at a moment’s notice in case of an encounter with foes.

This treasure is unparalleled in defense and also possesses the ability to trap enemies.

…

Walking out of the dwelling, he saw the Cyan-Horned Bull lazily sunbathing by the pond, having successfully advanced to Tier Two Middle Stage over the past two years.

The broken horn had regrown as well.

As Lin Chang’an emerged, the Cyan-Horned Bull suddenly glared angrily.

It turned out a streak of golden light landed on Lin Chang’an’s shoulder first. This palm-sized Phoenix Cry Bird anthropomorphically spread its wings, massaging his shoulders.

“Alright, no more fussing.”

Seeing the Cyan-Horned Bull angrily climb out from the pool mooing, Lin Chang’an smiled as he appeased it.

This Phoenix Cry Bird was adept at gauging situations, perfectly adept at winning people over.

After Lin Chang’an produced Spirit Grass and Spirit Fruit to the two spirit pets, they finally calmed down.

However, the Phoenix Cry Bird soon alighted on the horn of the Cyan-Horned Bull, chattering and even pushed its half-pecked spirit fruit over.

The initially enraged Cyan-Horned Bull, looking foolishly at the Phoenix Cry Bird, mooed a response, not only refusing the Spirit Fruit but also allocating a portion of its Spirit Grass over.

This scene rendered Lin Chang’an speechless.

“If this bird ever learns to talk, it might just sell the bull in the future.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep