Eternal Life from Talisman Painting-Chapter 170 - 132: At the Age of Seventy

Inside the pavilion.

"Lin brothers, you are straightforward. Old Hu knows the rules; one thing at a time, I and Old Jia are willing to exchange spirit stones or resources for the token needed by Old Ning's descendant."

Hu Jin, feeling sorrowful, selected the token needed by another fellow cultivator's descendant from his storage bag before returning the bag.

He also took away two spiritual artifacts belonging to this cultivator surnamed Ning; the defensive armor was severely damaged, and the attack weapon was also somewhat broken.

"Brother Lin, Old Ning fought for his life this time, also preparing for his descendant's Foundation Establishment and saved both me and Old Jia."

Therefore, Old Jia and I plan to help this junior in establishing their foundation. I will take these two spiritual artifacts first and return them after the junior establishes their foundation, so they have the power to protect themselves."

Old Hu brought out the resources and spirit stones prepared by himself and Old Jia, all exchanged at market price.

Lin Chang'an did not suffer a loss. Instead, seeing Old Hu and the not-so-familiar Jia surnamed Foundation Establishment cultivator so deeply committed, he couldn't help but praise:

"Old Hu, you and Jia are truly noble."

"Noble my foot, who would want this, who let us owe Old Ning a life debt, otherwise, who would bother."

Even though Old Hu was grumbling, the sadness in his eyes was undeniable.

They had only three friends left from the Qi Refining Squad, and now not even one.

This scene reminded Lin Chang'an of Erniu and the others, causing him to sigh inwardly.

They were considered lucky; Erniu and the others weren't obsessed with hunting demons, otherwise, how could one often walk by the river and not get their shoes wet.

Among them, besides Yun Yao, only he reached Foundation Establishment, but everyone is still alive, which is already a blessing.

And for the trio of Old Hu, the bond formed along the way is enviable, yet also melancholic.

"Old Hu, let me offer you a toast!"

"Alright, I'll also toast to Brother Lin's life-saving grace."

The two started a lively conversation in the pavilion, especially regarding Old Hu's recent demon-hunting, which left Lin Chang'an rather puzzled.

"Brother Lin, no boasting here, but us three came through mountains of corpses and seas of blood. We admit we're no match for those sect disciples from big families.

But when it comes to being cautious, we absolutely don't dare to let our guard down. Yet, these tribulation cultivators are like bloodhounds, and they managed to track us down."

Old Hu was also rather frustrated; he and Old Jia had repeatedly deliberated the events upon returning, still unable to pinpoint where the oversight lay.

Finally, they could only attribute it to bad luck, falling into the ambush of tribulation cultivators.

But this reason seemed somewhat far-fetched.

"Old Hu, the means within the Immortal Cultivation Realm are ever-changing and hard to guard against. It's best to be careful these days."

Lin Chang'an also frowned, as not identifying the problem was the most troubling.

Cultivators like Old Hu, relying on hunting demon beasts to exchange for cultivation resources, are numerous, but these elusive tribulation cultivators are a real problem.

"However, I have already reported this incident to Celestial Profound City. I hear Master Lu's disciple, Friend Song, personally leads the team in searching for these tribulation cultivators outside Celestial Profound City."

Upon hearing Old Hu's words, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but frown.

As long as the tribulation cultivators aren't eradicated, they won't have a peaceful day.

"Where did the flaw appear exactly!?"

Utilizing strong perception to confirm once again that there was no special aura on Old Hu, Lin Chang'an shook his head helplessly.

Indeed, it was a tumultuous time.

Afterward, Old Hu didn't stay long, as he still needed to handle the family affairs of the late cultivator Ning, and thus hurried away, saying he would properly express his gratitude when there was a chance in the future.

This left Lin Chang'an feeling sentimental, for having such a close friend in the Immortal Cultivation Realm, this late friend Ning could also rest in peace.

At least the descendants have some protection.

Actually, there weren't many resources in the storage bag of this deceased Friend Ning, for cultivators hunting demon beasts often wouldn't bring their entire fortune.

Apart from some for self-defense, these resources are normally used either for cultivation to turn into strength or left for future generations.

Seldom do people take their entire wealth when hunting demon beasts.

This point left Lin Chang'an with an odd expression, seemingly like he was the fat sheep carrying all his possessions every time he went out.

However, with unrest outside, Lin Chang'an continued cultivation that others found tedious, yet he enjoyed tremendously.

Due to the significant gains this time, Lin Chang'an wasn't planning to go out anytime soon, partly to avoid the tribulation cultivators' attention.

...

In cultivation, days and nights blend together, and in a blink of an eye, another year passes.

On this day.

[Lifespan: 70/219]

[Realm: Early-stage Foundation Establishment (97/100)]

"The age of seventy, at the peak of the early-stage Foundation Establishment, just one step from breaking through to the mid-stage Foundation Establishment."

Cross-legged in his cave, Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes, revealing a satisfied smile.

Given his age and aptitude, achieving this cultivation level was already commendable.

Especially considering his cultivation speed was not slow.

"As a Tier Two Middle Grade Talisman Master, who trots with Tier Two Demon Beasts to exchange for cultivation resources, if my cultivation speed can't be improved, then I might as well enjoy the rest of my life."

Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head; this was how it should be.

If so many resources are provided and cultivation speed still can't keep up, that would indeed be problematic.

"Those Foundation Establishment cultivators from large clans, although speedy in early-stage cultivation relying on family resources, many succeed due to the family as well as fail due to it, restrained as the family foundation post-Foundation Establishment, generally avoid taking risks."

Contemplating this, Lin Chang'an shook his head inwardly, for a loose cultivator like Old Hu, without ties, his greatest advantage was the courage to take risks.

In contrast, Foundation Establishment cultivators from established family backgrounds often have more power than will, and don't dare to take risks post-Foundation, causing their late-stage cultivation speed to slow.