Eternal Life from Talisman Painting-Chapter 45: Erniu Is Coming Back
[Name: Lin Chang’an]
[Life Span: 46/115]
[Realm: Qi Refining Seventh Layer (1/100)]
[Cultivation Technique: Chang Chun Skill (Perfect: 1236/10000)]
[Skills: Spiritual Eye (Proficient 26/500), Golden Light Talisman (Grandmaster 1956/5000), Fire Bomb Talisman (Grandmaster 1228/5000) Flying Sword Talisman (Grandmaster 879/5000), Divine Movement Talisman (Grandmaster 121/5000)]
[Spell: Wood Spirit Spike [Perfect 2688/10000], Fire Bomb Technique (Grandmaster 1088/5000), Breath Concealment Technique (Grandmaster 2332/5000), Invisibility Technique (Grandmaster 898/5000), Exorcism Technique (Grandmaster 693/5000)...]
Looking at his own attributes, especially after the breakthrough in his cultivation, with a few more years added to his life span, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile.
"The life-extending effects of the Chang Chun Skill are truly extraordinary. Even at the late-stage Qi Refining, I have over a hundred years of life span. Perhaps my years of fighting when I was young have affected this; otherwise, it could have been higher."
Not only in the Mortal Realm, but even when he first entered the Immortal Cultivation Realm, he spent the first few years in the Demon Hunting Squad.
"More importantly, I now possess two top-grade magical artifacts. Ordinary late-stage Qi Refining cultivators don’t have such wealth."
This undoubtedly gave him a sense of security.
"The biggest advantage of Treasure Armor Magical Artifacts is that they are worn on the body at all times, providing defense even against sudden attacks."
Recalling his encounter with Zhou Qing, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, thinking how kind he was. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
Not only did he give him so many resources, but he also taught him a lesson: Having defensive magical artifacts is useless if you can’t bring them out in time.
"With the Wood Spirit Spike paired with a top-grade magical artifact, I wonder how strong its power will be."
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an’s face showed curiosity. With a wave of his hand, an upper-grade Golden Light Talisman appeared on the pitted stone wall.
[Wood Spirit Spike]
Poof!
With a flash of green light, another tiny hole appeared in the stone wall, but the light from the Golden Light Talisman slowly dimmed and gradually dissipated.
"The upper-grade Golden Light Talisman was easily penetrated!"
Lin Chang’an’s pupils contracted, having clearly seen the defense of the Golden Light Talisman being pierced through in an instant with hardly any resistance.
"Although the advantage of the top-grade magical artifact played a role, the more important factor is the power of this spell."
Flying Needle Class magical artifacts inherently counter Protective Spiritual Light.
In his joy, Lin Chang’an found that the combination of the magical artifact and this spell was incredibly powerful.
It means that if he successfully ambushes a cultivator of the same realm at close range, he could instantly kill them.
"No wonder this spell is honored with the title ’Minor Divine Technique’ and shines brilliantly during the Qi Refining stage."
At this moment, Lin Chang’an felt a great sense of security, especially since the world outside was becoming increasingly chaotic.
Even the previously damaged three Flying Needle Class magical artifacts weren’t abandoned by him. After all, there’s one genuine top-grade magical artifact, and keeping a few extras brings peace of mind.
Outside, wind and snow howled, covering the entire Yue Kingdom with a layer of silver frost.
Lin Chang’an returned to his daily routine of cultivation and Talisman Painting while secretly continuing to practice the Wood Spirit Spike spell.
At the moment, most of his combat power is supported by this spell, so naturally, he must practice diligently.
Moreover, this spell consumes little, allowing him to practice it hundreds of times a day without using much mana.
However, it took a toll on his fingers, turning them red and swollen daily, requiring frequent applications of Spirit Liquid to reduce the swelling.
...
After the harsh winter, spring arrived, and everything came back to life.
They were situated in the rear, and as for the situation on the frontline, the only information received was good news; it seemed things were going well, with a momentum of the Two Major Sects joining forces to swallow the Divine Sword Sect.
However, experienced cultivators would only scoff at such news.
The main forces of the Three Major Sects hadn’t even entered the stage, and despite numerous good news from the frontline, no actual progress had been made, indicating the real situation.
Meanwhile, the market was in increasing chaos as the release of various resources triggered a surge of loose cultivators, and the chaotic situation gave rise to many Tribulation Cultivators.
That year, Lin Chang’an turned 47.
Gathering Immortals Tower.
"Erniu is coming back?"
When Yun Yao returned for a small gathering at the Gathering Immortals Tower, she brought a piece of news that left Lin Chang’an astonished.
How could anyone return so quickly with a war on the frontline?
Not only him, but also Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing looked equally puzzled.
This time, Yun Yao’s return, whether due to her cultivation progress or success in tracking down Tribulation Cultivators, allowed Lin Chang’an, who had cultivated the Chang Chun Skill to the Perfect Realm, to faintly sense a hint of a cold aura.
"Not only Erniu, but seven people from the Zhou Family are also coming back, thanks to the Zhou Family’s patriarch."
Even Yun Yao, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, rarely smiled when talking about Erniu’s return from the frontline, slowly explaining to everyone.
It turned out that during the last recruitment, the Zhou Family’s patriarch secretly followed, but remained hidden on the frontline, unknown even to the Zhou Family members.
Finally, seizing an opportunity, the Zhou Family patriarch—whose life span was nearly exhausted—appeared on the battlefield and, in a surprise attack, self-detonated with two Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the Divine Sword Sect.
While recounting this story, Yun Yao appeared nostalgic and remarked:
"Aware of his limited life span and paving the way for the Zhou Family, the two Foundation Establishment Pills couldn’t reward their contributions enough.
Thus, the Two Major Sects decided to grant the Zhou Family one Foundation Establishment quota and two spots for direct entry into the Sect as disciples."
Upon hearing this, everyone understood, realizing that Erniu and the others returning was due to the Zhou Family patriarch’s sacrifice.
Even if both Foundation Establishment Pills failed, they would ensure your success in establishing the foundation.
However, Lin Chang’an realized clearly that this was Li Huo Palace and Profound Sound Pavilion setting an example, bringing back the Zhou Family cultivators for promotion.
Encouraging more cultivators to follow suit.
"That means the Zhou Family’s Foundation Establishment seed can go to either of the Two Major Sects to get a Foundation Establishment Pill and choose to retreat there."
Hearing this, Shen Lie couldn’t help but envy: "The Zhou Family’s old patriarch is truly turning the tide."
"Such virtue deserves our admiration," even Lin Chang’an nodded in respect.
There were many Foundation Establishment cultivators with limited life spans, but few made such a decisive move.
Of course, opportunities did not arise often, and the Zhou Family patriarch picked a good moment.
"It seems that the Zhou Family isn’t far from producing its third Foundation Establishment Cultivator."
Lin Chang’an commented, admiring but not begrudging them.
After all, it was exchanged for life.
It also made him reflect quietly. Erniu was driven by family, and the Zhou Family patriarch gave his life to pave the way for descendants.
This weight made him deeply contemplative.
"The Immortal Cultivation Realm is ever-changing; my journey is long ahead, and now is not the time to stop."
Just then, after Yun Yao announced Erniu’s imminent return, she turned and offered a gentle smile to him.
"Mr. Lin, congratulations on reaching the Qi Refining Seventh Layer, with Foundation Establishment within reach."
Suddenly, he realized and could only smile, raising a glass.
"I’ll take Mr. Yun’s words as a good omen."
Previously when Lin Chang’an made his breakthrough, Yun Yao wasn’t in the market, so extending congratulations now was natural.
"Come, let’s all congratulate Brother Lin on his breakthrough."
Shen Lie actively created an enthusiastic atmosphere with a hearty smile.
The prospect of Foundation Establishment! If Lin Chang’an were an ordinary late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, it would be difficult.
But with his status as a Tier One top-grade Talisman Master, Lin Chang’an might really have a chance to try once.
In the private room, they discussed the strange events and news of the Immortal Cultivation Realm, while Yun Yao shared her cultivation insights and Foundation Establishment experience.
Lin Chang’an listened intently, and everyone knew why.
Having worked hard for twenty-seven years, Lin Chang’an did not relax after reaching the late-stage Qi Refining. Instead, he genuinely aimed to touch the elusive Foundation Establishment.
"Mr. Lin, this is a cultivation insight from a senior in our Sect who practiced the Chang Chun Skill and organized this Jade Scroll after achieving Foundation Establishment."
When dispersing, Yun Yao gifted a Jade Scroll as a congratulatory gift for Lin Chang’an reaching the late-stage Qi Refining, which deeply moved him.
He knew clearly that if he were satisfied with the status quo, this Jade Scroll wouldn’t be gifted. Yun Yao recognized his earnest pursuit of the path, which is why she gave it.
He knew his low-grade Spirit Root posed challenges for Foundation Establishment, but the initial investment from everyone was also why Yun Yao remembered.
Witnessing this, Shen Lie seemed to gain a bit of fighting spirit too.
Regarding cultivation resources, he wasn’t lacking compared to a top-grade Talisman Master, and though Foundation Establishment was distant, he could certainly strive for late-stage Qi Refining.
