Old Hu was grinning broadly, while Yun Yao looked at everyone with a cold expression and nodded:

“I want the essence of this Quasi-Tier Three Demon Beast.”

No one had any objections to this, but they all looked at Lin Chang’an.

Even though Lin Chang’an’s sudden support played a crucial role, they had already injured this beast a few days earlier, and today they all contributed to the effort together.

Looking at everyone, Lin Chang’an also knew that the most critical aspect of whether a team could continue long-term was the distribution of the spoils.

“Fellow Daoists, today I was fortunate enough to benefit from your efforts, but cutting off the wings and seriously injuring the beast was a critical contribution on my part too.

This Quasi-Tier Three Crystal Core is rare, so how about I give you all a few more Tier Two Upper Grade Talismans for it?”

Lin Chang’an smiled amiably, but he was absolutely clear about claiming his rightful spoils.

In the Immortal Cultivation Realm, if you don’t even dare to fight for your own share, how can you talk about cultivation?

Of course, if anyone needed the crystal core, they could still obtain it by offering materials, Spirit Stones, or something everyone agreed on.

Lin Chang’an’s contribution, along with the addition of some Tier Two Talismans, changed the situation.

“Tier Two Upper Grade Talismans, these are lifesaving items.”

Upon hearing this, one of the Foundation Establishment cultivators’ eyes lit up instantly, as these were much more valuable than Spirit Stones and other Demon Beast materials.

Amidst the turbulent times of the Beast Tide, Tier Two Upper Grade Talismans were almost unavailable for purchase and highly scarce.

“Truly, Talisman Master Lin is generous.”

“Indeed, it’s always Old Lin who knows how to handle these things.”

Even Old Hu couldn’t help but grin; these were of much greater value to the cultivators hunting demon beasts.

Next came the distribution of the spoils, and even if divided among everyone, the value of a Quasi-Tier Three Demon Beast was so immense that everyone was beaming with joy.

These allocations were, of course, based on the effort and cultivation level of each participant.

“Fellow Daoists, if there are suitable materials, I am willing to exchange Spirit Stones or Talismans.”

After the distribution of the spoils, Lin Chang’an smiled, preparing to exchange for what he needed.

This was also common among many cultivators; for example, Old Hu wanted to exchange with others for materials needed in Artifact Refining.

“The hide of this Quasi-Tier Three Firebird is not sufficient for leather armor, but if tanned into talisman paper, it holds good value. I am willing to trade a Tier Two Upper Grade Talisman for it.”

“Indeed, this hide is insufficient for toughness, but its feathers are excellent materials for Artifact Refining. Old Hu is willing to trade…”

Amidst the haggling exchanges, everyone wore smiles on their faces.

However, the lower cultivation members, Zhou Bingyun, Li Yifan, and He Yan, looked on with some envy.

Being in the early stages of Foundation Establishment, their contribution was smaller, and they only received a small amount.

But they did receive a fair share of other Tier Two Demon Beast materials.

“Old Hu, judging by your momentum, you might not take long to breakthrough.”

With Lin Chang’an escorting the supplies, the group began to chat leisurely.

Hu Jin’s energy was evident, showing clear progress in cultivation.

But Old Hu waved his hand and said, “There’s still a way to go before the late stage of Foundation Establishment, it’s not that fast.”

Still, Old Hu couldn’t hide his smile, thanks to the abundant resources from the Beast Tide.

The key was to survive.

According to historical records from the Seven Kingdoms, after a Beast Tide, all surviving cultivators would experience a burst of power.

The number of breakthroughs to Foundation Establishment reached unprecedented levels.

Though this prosperity was filled with danger, that’s the Immortal Cultivation Realm.

The celebration of the victors, the lamentations of the losers’ families.

After escorting the supplies, Lin Chang’an returned to Celestial Profound City.

…

Back at the cave abode.

As soon as the Phoenix Cry Bird was released, it chirped incessantly,

with its eyes fixed intently on his Storage Bag.

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an laughed and scolded, “You clever bird, if I didn’t need you for future explorations into the cave abode ruins, I would never give you this Quasi-Tier Three Demon Core.”

The Phoenix Cry Bird, a Bird of Ultimate Yang, was born in Essence Fire, enjoyed eating poisonous insects, and was adept at subduing malicious spirits and ghosts.

It was precisely because it also had a restraining effect on the Blood Evil Qi that Yun Yao mentioned, that Lin Chang’an was willing to be so generous.

Otherwise, a Quasi-Tier Three Demon Core, whether used in refining advanced Elixirs or Artifact Refining, was a precious resource that he wouldn’t easily give away.

“Lucky you.”

Lin Chang’an reluctantly took out the Quasi-Tier Three Demon Core, and the Phoenix Cry Bird showed a happy expression.

It even humanely perched on Lin Chang’an’s shoulder, pounding his shoulders and fanning air with its wings, behaving ingratiatingly.

The sight made the Cyan-Horned Bull nearby widen its eyes in disdain, mooing repeatedly, clearly annoyed by the bird.

“Alright, take it.”

The Phoenix Cry Bird’s intelligence appeared almost equal to a normal cultivator’s; it just couldn’t talk yet.

Upon obtaining the Quasi-Tier Three Demon Beast Crystal Core, the Phoenix Cry Bird excitedly flew to a nearby rockery.

Under Lin Chang’an’s astonished gaze, its beak, glowing golden and sparking, began to peck out indentations in the incredibly hard Quasi-Tier Three Crystal Core.

The fragmented crystal core was then swallowed whole by the Phoenix Cry Bird.

Witnessing this, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but marvel silently.

“No wonder it attracted even the Zhou Family’s interest as an Exotic Beast.”

He recalled when this bird turned into a beam of golden light, repeatedly piercing his mana shields with its beak like an armor-piercing weapon.

“But all this is for the cave abode ruins, for Core Formation!”

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an nodded to himself. The Phoenix Cry Bird was already at the peak of Tier Two’s early stage, just one step from breakthrough.

Once it digested this Quasi-Tier Three Demon Core, it wouldn’t be long before it could break through, even increasing its strength significantly.

“Currently, I’ve prepared extensively for the cave abode ruins.”

The Thunder Shock Talisman, Phoenix Cry Bird, and some basic Water Attribute Spells he cultivated were all for the sake of the ruins.

“A Tier Three Blood Slaughter Red Sun Array at its peak is certainly beyond me as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but with its diminished power over nearly a hundred years, it might just be manageable to plot against.”

Lin Chang’an pondered quietly, leaving the Cyan-Horned Bull and Phoenix Cry Bird outside the cave abode, while he entered alone.

“Despite six months of the Beast Tide, I’ve gathered numerous Demon Beast materials, especially demon cores, but the scarcity of Spirit Grass and Spirit Fruit has caused prices to skyrocket, indicating a constant need for resources.”

Shaking his head, Lin Chang’an noted that the impact of the Beast Tide made it difficult for many cultivators to delve into the Cloud Mist Mountain Range in search of Spirit Grass and Spirit Fruit, naturally driving the prices up.

Fortunately, as challenging as finding demon cores was, this pales in comparison; neighboring associations from other countries seized this chance to profit in Celestial Profound City.

“I truly wonder how long this Beast Tide will last. Although considerable Demon Beast materials were amassed, including extensive stockpiling by Spirit Fields and shops, Old Hu and the others are starting to feel the burden; there just aren’t enough Spirit Stones for continued purchasing.”

They initially thought the Beast Tide would last no more than three to five months, but nobody expected it to continue for half a year without end.

“Ah, these are turbulent times. Although the Beast Tide in Celestial Profound City seems mighty, in truth, it is weak internally; many family cultivators are selling off their assets.”

Ultimately, it’s because many cultivators feel disheartened due to the delayed appearance of Core Formation cultivators in Celestial Profound City, compounded by the unstable situation in the Yue Kingdom.

They needed to consider much more, and selling their assets now, combined with the yield from this half-year Beast Tide, could offset their losses in full.

They are merely waiting for the Beast Tide to subside before relocating some families elsewhere.

The situation at the frontline, particularly in the Profound Sound Pavilion, appears grim.

If the Profound Sound Pavilion falls, even if a Core Formation cultivator emerges in Celestial Profound City, it would be hard to support it alone.

“Seeking advantages and avoiding dangers is instinctual, whether for cultivators or demon beasts, so it’s no wonder that there’s a current surge in fickleness. Just hope this time doesn’t end badly for everyone involved.”

Lin Chang’an sighed helplessly. The investment had become increasingly vast.

Initially, they felt little concern, but as the Beast Tide intensified, they ended up investing so much in Spirit Fields and shops.

Currently, they saw no return whatsoever.

Within Celestial Profound City, the large family cultivators who had also seized the opportunity to hoard goods stopped buying.

Now, the prices of Spirit Fields and shops in Celestial Profound City continued to fall, but there were no buyers.

Many did not lack Spirit Stones; they simply feared the risks involved.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep