Lin Chang’an pondered for a moment and then gave up on the temptation.

This was his secret, after all, and asking Yun Yao for more would easily arouse suspicion, especially since he wasn’t cultivating this kind of Evil Skill.

Then Lin Chang’an waved his hand, and the Phantom Mask slowly clamped onto the cultivator’s cheek. In the next moment, the fine Poison Vines pierced into the flesh and blood.

With terrifying sounds echoing, in less than the time it takes to burn half an incense stick, only a tattered Dharma Robe remained.

The body was devoured completely.

“Bloodthirsty Poison Vine, it truly lives up to its name.”

He cleaned the mask with a wave of his hand and then put it on his face. The aura on Lin Chang’an’s body began to gradually transform, becoming identical to that of the deceased Vajra Sect cultivator.

“So far, this mask can mimic the aura of Huang Shaohai, Pill Master Song, and this Vajra Sect cultivator.”

Lin Chang’an was extremely satisfied with the function of this mask transformed from the Bloodthirsty Poison Vine.

However, it was best to use the aura of Pill Master Song sparingly, and Huang Shaohai’s aura should be used for shady activities.

The situation in the Yue Kingdom continued to be turbulent, and the neighboring countries were also unsettled.

In the end, it was because the Seven Kingdoms were remote and resource-poor, with limited resources for the major sects to develop. Conflict was inevitable.

And there were only two ways to leave the Seven Kingdoms. One was to cross the Cloud Mist Mountain Range.

But rumors said that deep within the Cloud Mist Mountain Range, there was a poisonous miasma that even Nascent Soul cultivators feared.

Second, to traverse the vast desert bordering the Sha Yun Kingdom. Although unique poisonous insect demon beasts also appeared there, it was generally much safer than the Cloud Mist Mountain Range.

However, that place was even more barren, poorer than the Seven Great Kingdoms.

The Seven Kingdoms had a relatively favorable geographic position, set apart in a secluded corner.

…

Time flew by like a white steed passing a gap; the Beast Tide unrest became more frequent, and more Tier Two Late Stage demon beasts were discovered on the outskirts of the Cloud Mist Mountain Range.

“Brother Lin, Celestial Profound City has transported a batch of rare materials from the Demon Beast Abyss, and they’ve now officially announced that demon beast materials can be exchanged for them.

At the same time, the Profound Sound Pavilion has gradually opened access to elixirs, talismans, magical artifacts, cultivation techniques, and other high-level resources…”

In the pavilion, looking at the determined expression of Yun Yao, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but frown slightly.

“Is it truly that urgent?”

This move was too obvious. To put it bluntly, the Profound Sound Pavilion and Celestial Profound City were joining forces, using the power of these Seven Countries Cultivators to eliminate the current Beast Tide unrest as quickly as possible.

They were even willing to open up some high-level resources, and this Master Lu didn’t hesitate to transport a batch of rare materials from the Demon Beast Abyss for the Seven Kingdoms.

Although this demonstrated Master Lu’s connections as the foremost loose cultivator, it also indirectly proved that this Master Lu seemed somewhat strong on the outside but weak inside.

“It’s a troubled time; I hope Master Lu can hold on for a few more decades.”

Faced with the situation in the Yue Kingdom, Lin Chang’an was secretly solemn.

“Enough of this talk, we just need to take care of our own affairs.”

Subsequently, in the pavilion, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao talked about the situations of Lu Qingqing, Shen Lie, Erniu, and Wei Buyi over the years.

“With that girl Wei Yingying around, Shen Fan won’t be at a loss. These years, he hasn’t neglected his cultivation and has already broken through to the late-stage Qi Refining…”

“Qingqing is truly blessed.”

“Indeed, although Wei Buyi is older, every time he sees Shen Lie, he shows a mean face, glaring angrily.”

Upon mentioning this, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Back then, Wei Buyi and Erniu were incompatible, yet in the latter half of life, he’s ended up at odds with Shen Lie instead.

But Shen Lie had gained much from this, always smiling, leaving Wei Buyi with no outlet for his anger.

“It’s about Erniu; after all, the Zhou Family has extensive connections, so naturally, not much can be allocated. A few years ago, Zhou Yifan secretly joined the Demon Hunting Squad, which has always worried Erniu…”

When talking about former companions, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao in the pavilion were filled with nostalgia and emotions.

There were joys for former companions, and regrets for those who stopped along the way.

The Spirit Tea in their cups reflected their unchanged appearances, with Yun Yao finally gazing at the scene of Celestial Profound City before shaking her head and leaving.

In the pavilion, watching Yun Yao leave, Lin Chang’an released the Phoenix Cry Bird from the Spirit Beast Bag with a smile.

As soon as the Phoenix Cry Bird emerged, it eagerly landed on his shoulder, displaying a pleasing demeanor that made Lin Chang’an shake his head.

“Alright, stay put during this period, and don’t head outside for now.”

The Phoenix Cry Bird loved eating poisonous insects from the Cloud Mist Mountain Range the most, even though the Spirit Fruit he usually provided couldn’t compare to a Tier Two Spirit Insect.

Only the Cyan-Horned Bull mooed, seemingly mocking the Phoenix Cry Bird.

…

Another year’s spring breeze swept through, bringing vitality to Celestial Profound City.

[Life Span: 76/246]

[Realm: Mid-stage Foundation Establishment (15/100)]

On top of the Gathering Immortals Tower, Lin Chang’an looked at the familiar scenery outside, noting the new faces at the roadside stalls, filled with emotion.

“The cultivators from the Cyan Bamboo Mountain Workshop back then have been gradually replaced by a new generation.”

Celestial Profound City had been established for almost thirty years. Back then, the cultivator families from various markets migrated here. Some developed and thrived, while others faded into the long river of history of the Immortal Cultivation Realm.

The cultivators from Cyan Bamboo Mountain Workshop naturally banded together and mostly chose to live in one area.

The Gathering Immortals Tower was also naturally established there.

Through decades of ups and downs, many familiar faces at the stalls had been replaced.

Yet, one could still vaguely see some people with once familiar faces.

“Brother Lin.”

As the people in the private room gathered, the once familiar and friendly smiles now carried a subtle sense of respect.

The gap between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment realms, and Lin Chang’an’s elevated status.

Though they all had achievements in Qi Refining, they still couldn’t stop the erosion of time, evidenced by the gray hair at the temples and mature wrinkles on the faces.

This made Lin Chang’an sigh inwardly, understanding this was the lonely price of cultivation.

Shen Lie was the first to clear his throat, trying to say something, but Li Erniu inhaled deeply and cupped his hand in salute:

“Brother Lin, thank you for coming amidst your busy schedule.”

“Erniu, it’s not as serious as you say.”

Although their paths had diverged on the cultivation journey, their past friendship was truly genuine.

Lin Chang’an waved his hand with a slight smile, naturally aware of the purpose of this gathering.

“Erniu, no need for formalities. I heard from Shen Lie before that you want to prepare for Yifan’s Foundation Establishment.”

Upon mentioning this, everyone’s expressions turned somewhat grave.

Erniu appeared considerably aged and gaunt, and upon hearing this, he stood up, cupping his hands to everyone.

“These years, Yifan hasn’t said much, but as a father, I’ve seen him go through life and death, each time scarred.”

“I’ve failed as a father, not having a firm Dao heart in my youth, making my child suffer now…”

Erniu spoke with a face full of remorse, leaving everyone exchanging glances.

“I’ve saved a bit over the years, and today I’m here to put on an old face, hoping to borrow some from everyone…”

Erniu’s face flushed slightly; preparing for his child’s Foundation Establishment was different from Yun Yao and Lin Chang’an in the past.

After all, their friendship with this next generation naturally faded, so it’s more about borrowing.

“You’re clearly trying to nip Yifan’s thoughts in the bud, so he can settle down.”

No one knew Erniu better than Wei Buyi, who hit the nail on the head.

Erniu didn’t defend himself, his expression full of helpless sighs.

Poor parents’ hearts worldwide; Erniu didn’t hope for his child to become a Foundation Establishment cultivator. He just wanted Zhou Yifan to try so he could give up.

That way, he wouldn’t have to worry anymore.

“I have some Spirit Stones, but we must make an agreement; I’m planning for my girl’s Foundation Establishment in the future.”

Wei Buyi glared, seemingly speaking to Erniu but also making it clear to Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing.

This made Shen Lie helpless, while Lu Qingqing smiled and nodded:

“Don’t worry, I watched little Yingying grow up.”

Witnessing this scene, Lin Chang’an seemed to have an epiphany: the Dao is emotionless yet not without feeling.

They had been through this before, and as parents, it’s only natural to feel for one’s children.

As Lin Chang’an was about to speak, Erniu’s second son suddenly burst in excitedly.

“What are you doing! So reckless!”

Erniu’s second son had grown up and now spoke with excited expression:

“Father, our elder brother is back! Mother told me to tell you to come home quickly, and if Uncle Lin is here, to make sure to invite Uncle Lin too.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep