Three Years of Time

Three and a half years later.

Under the governance of the Two Major Sects, Li Fire Palace and Mystic Sound Pavilion, Green Bamboo Mountain Market had become one of the most prosperous markets under their rule.

Inside the secret chamber.

The fluctuations of Lin Chang'an's magical power had risen by an entire level compared to two years ago.

"Qi Refining Sixth Layer—I'm close!"

With his abundant magical power circulating, Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes.

[Name: Lin Chang'an]

[Lifespan: 44/106]

[Realm: Qi Refining Fifth Layer (89/100)]

[Technique: Evergreen Art (Grandmaster: 1890/5000)]

[Skills: Golden Light Talisman (Grandmaster 139/5000), Godly Travel Talisman (Proficient 987/1000), Flying Sword Talisman (Grandmaster 873/5000)]

[Spells: Fireball Technique (Proficient 893/1000), Breath Concealment Technique (Grandmaster 236/5000), Invisibility Technique (Grandmaster 85/5000), Object Manipulation Technique (Proficient 963/1000)...]

Looking at his Attribute Panel, Lin Chang'an lowered his head to look at the three Spirit Stones in his palm, their spirituality already drained away.

"Three years have passed. With sufficient cultivation resources, my cultivation speed has far exceeded expectations."

With a lift of his hand, the three Spirit Stones crumbled into powder. Lin Chang'an revealed a satisfied smile.

"I'm only one step away from breaking through to the Qi Refining Sixth Layer. Yet over these past three years, it was my talisman-drawing skill that broke through first. By the standards of the Cultivation World, I now have the ability to create first-rank high-grade talismans."

As his cultivation advanced by leaps and bounds, even his lifespan had increased to 106 years. In other words, after cultivating for three years, not only had he not wasted time—he had actually earned several more years.

"No wonder so many people cling stubbornly to cultivation. Lifespan alone is enough to drive countless people mad."

After years of exploration, he had more or less figured it out. The four levels—Beginner, Skilled, Proficient, and Grandmaster—corresponded to one's comprehension of cultivation techniques and arts.

Beginner corresponded to initial learning, Skilled to the early stage (low-grade), Proficient to the middle stage (mid-grade), and Grandmaster to the late stage (high-grade).

"My comprehension of the Evergreen Art relied entirely on Elder Lu's handwritten notes. Otherwise, my cultivation would not have progressed so quickly."

Lin Chang'an sighed with emotion. Of course, while his cultivation had progressed well over the years, the more important reason was his ample supply of Spirit Stones.

Perhaps because it suited the Evergreen Art, the Breath Concealment Technique and Invisibility Technique had progressed quite well too.

He walked out of the courtyard.

Passing the market's rear mountain, Lin Chang'an placed a jug of wine before a simple earthen grave.

Three years ago, when he had brought Old Man He back to wait for his grandson, the old man had waited for three days before sleeping beneath this mound of earth, never opening his eyes again. Even at death, he had not waited for his grandson.

This grave had cost two Spirit Crystals. Old Man He was buried here, along with a memorial grave containing the clothes of his grandson, He Yan.

Gathering Immortal Pavilion.

"Big Brother Lin, Junior Sister and the others have already arrived."

Li Erniu, who had arrived ahead of him, spotted Lin Chang'an at the entrance and stepped forward to greet him.

"Er Niu."

Seeing him, Lin Chang'an walked over and nodded with a smile.

"I never expected Junior Sister to open Clearwater Bay's Gathering Immortal Pavilion here."

Li Erniu spoke with emotion. Gathering Immortal Pavilion had originally been Elder Lu's property when he was alive, and now in Lu Qingqing's hands, it had truly flourished and expanded.

Yet after saying this, Li Erniu secretly transmitted his voice in a low whisper. "Big Brother Lin, Junior Sister has taken the lead this time, but her true purpose is still the Little Princess's Foundation Establishment. What do you think?"

At this gathering, Junior Sister Lu Qingqing had previously hinted in private that Yun Yao had been preparing for Foundation Establishment for years and was now at a critical juncture.

The purpose of this gathering was self-evident.

That was why Er Niu had asked.

Yet after hearing this, Lin Chang'an merely nodded without changing expression.

"Er Niu, you've seen it these past two years as well. Cultivator Bandits run rampant, and the scent of war is growing thicker by the day. I'm just a Rogue Cultivator. If Fellow Daoist Yun can achieve Foundation Establishment, perhaps it will give us another path of retreat."

Lin Chang'an's meaning was already plain enough. He wanted to place his bet on Yun Yao.

If she succeeded, he would have a Foundation Establishment cultivator to rely on. In these turbulent times, that would be far better than struggling alone.

Hearing this, Li Erniu nodded heavily.

"Over the years, the Little Princess has never acted arrogantly because of her cultivation or status, nor has she looked down on us. But you know my circumstances, Big Brother Lin. At most, I can contribute thirty Spirit Stones."

When he heard Er Niu was going to contribute thirty Spirit Stones, even Lin Chang'an was surprised. This was likely not merely Er Niu's personal savings.

Li Erniu's gaze clearly shifted away, but Lin Chang'an only smiled and shook his head.

This Er Niu had his own little schemes now.

Lin Chang'an nodded. "Just do what you can."

Perhaps afraid of being misunderstood, Li Erniu scratched his head awkwardly and explained through a low voice transmission.

"Big Brother Lin, I want Yifan to be able to help the Little Princess manage some of her businesses."

Li Erniu was not greedy. He had never imagined that his low-grade Spiritual Root son could enter Li Fire Palace. He merely wanted to find a path of retreat for his son.

Hearing this, Lin Chang'an sighed with emotion. Er Niu had truly become a father.

"I was wondering where you got so many Spirit Stones, Er Niu."

Li Erniu scratched his head and smiled awkwardly. This was a decision he and his wife had made together.

Although his wife's surname was Zhou, the child was still her own flesh and blood. This mother was also doing everything she could to pave the way for her child.

Offering support was also placing a bet.

"Er Niu, your choice is actually not bad. Though the Zhou Family is wealthy and powerful, the resources that reach your hands may not be much. The Little Princess's businesses have done quite well these past years too."

Lin Chang'an sighed. The businesses managed by Little Marquis Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing over the past few years had also brought in no small amount of cultivation resources.

Once Yun Yao achieved Foundation Establishment, the tide would rise and lift all boats. She would naturally need more people. Though Zhou Yifan was not yet ten years old, when it came to connections, the sooner the better.

"The clan has been saying these past years that you have talent in talismans, Big Brother Lin. You're far better at it than I am."

Li Erniu could not help feeling deeply envious. Talisman Masters not only earned a great deal, but their income was stable as well.

Lin Chang'an merely smiled without speaking and did not respond.

As the two talked, they had already gone upstairs into Gathering Immortal Pavilion.

"You two came at just the right time. Qingqing has just brewed some Green Mountain Tea."

Little Marquis Shen Lie was more composed than before. Beneath his easygoing smile, he gestured toward Junior Sister Lu Qingqing in the room.

"Big Brother Lin, Big Brother Li, you came at the perfect time. Sister Yun won't arrive until later, so you can try this freshly picked Cloud Mountain Tea."

Lu Qingqing wore a blue robe and was far more mature than she had been three years ago. Her once capable black hair had been arranged into a coiled bun, losing three parts of its playfulness and gaining several parts of maturity.

"Please, sit quickly." Shen Lie stood nearby, his face glowing with happiness as he and his wife welcomed them in perfect harmony.

The sight filled Lin Chang'an with envy. Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing had married last year.

It was not that he begrudged them. He was simply somewhat depressed by the reason he had been passed over every single time.

As the four chatted and laughed, they also spoke of Wei Yiyi.

Although he had also come to Green Bamboo Mountain Market, Wei Yiyi had not joined the Chamber of Commerce. Instead, he had married a widowed cultivator and inherited a family business.

Then, after finally becoming a first-rank mid-grade alchemist a year ago, his days had grown increasingly comfortable.

"My fellow Daoists, I have kept you waiting."

Half an hour later, the travel-worn Yun Yao finally arrived.

She wore a white dress suited for movement. Her cool temperament and flower-like, jade-like face carried a trace of apology, but between her brows lay an exhaustion she could not conceal.