War in the Cultivation World.
In Green Bamboo Mountain Market, deep in the rear, cultivators like Lin Chang'an did not feel the war's cruelty too keenly. At most, there were more Cultivator Bandits outside, putting a little pressure on every cultivator.
Compared to the slight unrest in the Market, the Cultivator Bandits outside ran even more rampant. Countless Rogue Cultivators squeezed their way into the Market.
Moreover, because the Two Major Sects had opened up many rare supplies and strategic resources, the Market grew increasingly prosperous.
Green Bamboo Mountain Market.
More than half a year had flashed by since the war began and cultivators were conscripted. The Market was bustling with prosperity.
"Master Lin, those above are preparing to conscript another batch of cultivators."
That day, a Sect cultivator from the Market came to visit, speaking with great politeness as he explained the current situation at the front lines.
After hearing him out, Lin Chang'an could not help asking in surprise, "Are the front lines already this tense?"
"Master Lin, you worry too much. It is merely some minor skirmishing."
The elite cultivators of the Three Great Sects had yet to enter the fray, so the true war had not begun. This was merely the initial expenditure.
"I understand. In other words, I need to provide one First-Rank High-Grade Talisman every month, or a varying number of First-Rank Mid-Grade Talismans, correct?"
Lin Chang'an immediately understood the visitor's purpose. Put plainly, it was simply a different form of conscription. Others sold their lives, while cultivators with outstanding skills like them sold their craft.
The one who had come to notify him was merely an outer disciple of Li Fire Palace, also at the Qi Refining Mid-Stage. He wore a courteous smile before Lin Chang'an.
"Master Lin, rest assured. The Sect will provide corresponding compensation."
Lin Chang'an knew full well that this so-called compensation would likely be nothing more than materials and resources to cover the costs. Still, it was better than receiving nothing at all.
"Then I understand."
Lin Chang'an responded just as courteously. Before the man left, he even gave him a Mid-Grade Talisman and learned a little more about the situation at the front.
After the man left, Lin Chang'an returned to his room, his expression gradually turning solemn.
"The war seems to be advancing a little faster."
From the war's beginning to the current second round of conscription, along with the news from the front lines, it was clear that Li Fire Palace and Mystic Sound Pavilion held the offensive. After all, it was two against one.
[Name: Lin Chang'an] [Lifespan: 46/111] [Realm: Qi Refining Sixth Layer (97/100)] [Cultivation Art: Evergreen Art (Grandmaster: 3932/5000)] [Skills: Spirit Eye (Proficient 26/500), Golden Light Talisman (Grandmaster 1956/5000), Fireball Talisman (Grandmaster 1228/5000), Flying Sword Talisman (Grandmaster 879/5000), Godly Travel Talisman (Grandmaster 121/5000)] [Spells: Wood Spirit Thorn [Perfect 2658/10000], Fireball Technique (Grandmaster 1088/5000), Breath Concealment Technique (Grandmaster 2332/5000), Invisibility Technique (Grandmaster 898/5000), Object Manipulation Technique (Grandmaster 693/5000)...]
Looking at his attributes, Lin Chang'an nodded to himself.
"In another two or three months, my cultivation can break through into the Qi Refining Late Stage. As for First-Rank High-Grade Talismans, I currently possess the Golden Light Talisman and Fireball Talisman. I have no complete inheritance for the others."
Over the past half year, under the pressure of war, Lin Chang'an had persisted in diligent cultivation, and his progress had been quite good. His other spells had improved considerably as well.
Naturally, all of this was built upon a steady, unending supply of Spirit Stones.
Especially the cultivation resources Zhou Qing had left him back then. Aside from the two precious medicinal herbs nearly four hundred years old, which he had not used, and the medicinal herbs he had no use for, nearly everything else that could aid cultivation had been exhausted.
"More than half a year has passed. These two herbs, nearly four hundred years old, should be ready to sell."
Lin Chang'an pondered in secret. Yet for the sake of caution, it would be best to first break through to the Qi Refining Late Stage, then find a chance to sell them at Gathering Immortal Pavilion.
After all, knowing oneself and knowing the enemy meant winning every battle.
Over the past half year, Gathering Immortal Pavilion and the Chamber of Commerce had expanded more and more under Yun Yao's influence. They had even hired a High-Grade Alchemist, making it the perfect place to dispose of them.
"However, Shen Lie said some time ago that Yun Yao, as one of the Market's Foundation Establishment stewards, often has to join forces with the various great Lineages to wipe out Cultivator Bandits."
At that thought, Lin Chang'an nodded inwardly.
He had to take advantage of Yun Yao's absence from the Market. He knew Gathering Immortal Pavilion inside and out, and for the moment, there were no cultivators there who could see through him or threaten him. It was perfect for concealing himself while unloading stolen goods.
Besides, this was a one-shot deal. Every lead was severed, so he was not afraid of being discovered.
Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an's mood brightened considerably.
"By doing this, I am helping Gathering Immortal Pavilion. Even if the Zhou Family discovers it, they will not suspect Gathering Immortal Pavilion. After all, it had neither the motive nor the opportunity back then, and more importantly, Gathering Immortal Pavilion has a High-Grade Alchemist."
Lin Chang'an was confident that eight or nine times out of ten, those two stalks of Spirit Grass would be refined into Medicinal Pills by that Alchemist, or exchanged by Yun Yao for Sect contribution.
The chances of the Zhou Family discovering anything were slim.
One month later.
"Big Brother Lin, I'm going to war!"
That day, Li Erniu came looking for him, a strained smile hiding the sorrow on his face.
Lin Chang'an was startled. "Er Niu, what happened?"
After asking around, Lin Chang'an learned the full story.
For the second conscription of cultivators, the Beast-Taming Zhou Family had received a summons from the Sect.
Some of the Zhou Family's less talented disciples were preparing to draw lots and answer the call, yet Li Erniu had actually stepped forward voluntarily.
"Big Brother Lin, I can hide from it once, but not twice. The situation at the front is still fairly good right now, so I might as well answer the call and go to the front lines. It is better than being part of the later batches."
Li Erniu gritted his teeth. Honest by nature, he was not stupid. He naturally knew that the later things went on, the more dangerous the situation would become.
It would be better to join early. Perhaps he could obtain some resources to improve his cultivation, and then survive on the battlefield.
Seeing Er Niu's decisiveness in a critical matter, Lin Chang'an could not help consoling him.
"Er Niu, do not be so pessimistic. You are joining the conscription as a member of a great Lineage. As long as you endure it, you should be transferred to the rear later on."
At Lin Chang'an's consolation, Li Erniu forced out a smile and nodded.
"Don't worry, Big Brother Lin. I am not really losing out. Even if something happens to me, the clan will treat my wife and child well. And if I earn military merit on the front lines, perhaps that brat Yifan can even enter a Sect."
Faced with Er Niu's optimism, Lin Chang'an sighed with feeling and took two Golden Light Talismans from his Storage Bag.
"Big Brother Lin, these are far too precious!"
They were First-Rank High-Grade Talismans, and defensive ones at that. These two alone were worth eighty or ninety Spirit Stones. Li Erniu's face immediately reddened, and he repeatedly waved his hands in refusal.
"Er Niu, take them. I am still waiting for you to come back and buy me a drink."
Lin Chang'an teased with a smile. They had known each other for twenty-six years. Perhaps this would be the last time they ever met.
Lin Chang'an was not so stingy, and besides, two Golden Light Talismans were not that important to him.
Li Erniu's face flushed red, but he did not refuse. These Talismans might just bring him back alive. So long as one could return alive, who would be willing to die on the front lines?
"Big Brother Lin, I have come to terms with it too. Back then, I was merely a farmer's son. By luck, I followed my uncle to the Royal Mansion to deliver vegetables, only to be chosen by Elder Lu to travel alongside Big Brother Lin, the Little Princess, and the Little Marquis.
These twenty-six years, I cultivated immortality, hunted demon beasts, lived in grand houses, wore Dharma Robes, and had a wife and child. This life has been a splendid one. I have no regrets."
At last, Li Erniu even gave a rare optimistic smile. Lin Chang'an also nodded lightly with a sigh.
Twenty-six years had passed. Looking back now, it all seemed like only yesterday.
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