Chapter 25: Three Years of Time
Three and a half years later.
Under the governance of Lihuo Palace and Xuanyin Pavilion, the Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace had become one of the most prosperous markets under the two sects.
In a secluded chamber.
Lin Chang’an’s magical strength fluctuations had advanced a full tier above what they were two years ago.
“Sixth Level of Qi Refining, almost there!”
Under the steady flow of abundant magical power, Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes.
【Name: Lin Chang’an】
【Lifespan: 44 / 106】
【Realm: Qi Refining Stage, Fifth Level (89 / 100)】
【Cultivation Method: Evergreen Art (Grandmaster: 1890 / 5000)】
【Skills: Golden Light Talisman (Grandmaster 139 / 5000), Swift Talisman (Proficient 987 / 1000), Flying Sword Talisman (Grandmaster 873 / 5000)】
【Spells: Fireball Technique (Proficient 893 / 1000), Breath Concealment (Grandmaster 236 / 5000), Invisibility Technique (Grandmaster 85 / 5000), Object Manipulation (Proficient 963 / 1000)…】
Gazing at his attribute panel, Lin Chang’an lowered his head and stared at the three spirit stones in his palm that had lost all spiritual energy.
“Three years have passed. With sufficient cultivation resources, progress surpassed expectations.”
At the wave of his hand, the three spirit stones turned to dust, and a satisfied smile appeared on Lin Chang’an’s face.
Indeed, aside from the cultivation resources, as his proficiency in Evergreen Art increased, his cultivation speed became faster too.
“One more step and I’ll break through to the sixth level of Qi Refining. In these more than three years, my talisman‑drawing skill was the first to break through. In cultivation circles, that means I now have the ability to produce first‑rank upper‑quality talismans.”
With great progress in his cultivation, his lifespan increased to 106, meaning that over the three years, not only had he not wasted time, but he had gained years.
“No wonder so many people are obsessed with cultivating immortality. Just lifespan alone drives countless people crazy.”
Over the years of exploration, he had more or less figured out that there were four levels: Beginner, Skilled, Proficient, and Grandmaster, which corresponded to one's comprehension of cultivation methods and techniques.
Beginner corresponded to Initial Learning,
Skilled to Early Stage (Low Grade),
Proficient to Middle Stage (Mid Grade),
and Grandmaster to Late Stage (High Grade).
“In terms of understanding Evergreen Art, it’s entirely thanks to Elder Lu’s handbook. Without it, I wouldn’t have progressed so fast.”
Lin Chang’an sighed, reflecting that although his cultivation had progressed well these years, it was even more important that he had ample spirit stone resources.
Perhaps due to Evergreen Art’s compatibility, his spells like Breath Concealment and Invisibility had also improved quickly.
Leaving the courtyard.
Lin Chang’an passed the back hill of the marketplace, where a humble grave mound now had a jug of wine placed upon it.
Three years ago, when he had brought Old He back and waited for his grandson, Old He lay down on this mound after three days and never opened his eyes again. He died without ever seeing his grandson.
It took two spirit crystals to bury Old He here, along with the ceremonial tomb for his grandson He Yan.
…
At Juxian Tower.
“Brother Lin, Junior Sister and the others have arrived.”
Li Erniu, who had arrived earlier, saw Lin Chang’an at the entrance and came forward to greet him.
“Erniu.”
Lin Chang’an saw him and nodded with a smile.
“I didn’t expect Junior Sister to open a Juxian Tower branch from Qingshui Bay here.”
Li Erniu said emotionally. This Juxian Tower had originally been Elder Lu’s enterprise, and now under Lu Qingqing’s management, it was flourishing.
But after saying that, Li Erniu quietly transmitted: “Brother Lin, this time Junior Sister is taking the lead, but the purpose is still about the Little County Princess’s Foundation Establishment. What do you think?”
For this gathering, earlier Junior Sister Lu Qingqing had subtly mentioned that Yun Yao had been preparing for Foundation Establishment for several years and was now at a critical moment.
The purpose of this meeting was clear.
Hence Erniu’s question.
Lin Chang’an heard this and calmly nodded.
“Erniu, as you’ve seen these past two years, cultivator robbers run rampant, and the atmosphere of war is growing ever stronger. I’m just a drifting cultivator—if Daoist Yun can establish her Foundation, perhaps we’ll have another means of retreat.”
Lin Chang’an’s intention was clear: he wanted to place his bet on Yun Yao.
Once successful, he would have a Foundation Establishment–stage cultivator as support. In these turbulent times, that would be far better than struggling alone.
Li Erniu heard this and nodded heavily.
“To be honest, over these years of familiarity, the Little County Princess has never looked down on us because of her cultivation status. But you know my situation, Brother Lin—I can only contribute at most thirty spirit stones.”
When Lin Chang’an heard that Erniu intended to put in thirty spirit stones, he was somewhat surprised. That surely wasn’t just Erniu’s personal savings.
Erniu’s gaze clearly flickered, but Lin Chang’an shook his head with a smile.
That Erniu was indeed harboring his own little plan.
Lin Chang’an nodded: “Do only what you can manage.”
Seemingly afraid of misunderstanding, Erniu awkwardly scratched his head and quietly transmitted:
“Brother Lin, I want Yifan to help the Little County Princess manage her enterprises.”
Erniu wasn’t greedy—he hadn’t thought of having his son join Lihuo Palace. He just wanted to provide a backup path for his child.
Lin Chang’an heard this and felt moved—Erniu was now a father.
“I was wondering, Erniu, where did so many spirit stones come from?”
Erniu awkwardly scratched his head and smiled. This was a decision made together with his wife.
Though his wife’s surname was Zhou, the child was theirs, and she was doing her best to pave the way for him.
Supporting her was also a form of investment.
“Erniu, really, your choice is a good one. The Zhou Family may be large and prosperous, but how many resources ultimately come your way is uncertain. And in recent years, the Little County Princess’s enterprises have done well.”
Lin Chang’an reflected that the resources the Minor Marquis Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing had managed over the years had brought substantial cultivation resources.
And once Yun Yao breaks through Foundation Establishment, everything will elevate—and more manpower will be needed. Though Zhou Yifan wasn’t yet ten, it’s better to start early given these relations.
“These years, everyone within the clan says Brother Lin, your talent in talismans far exceeds mine.”
Li Erniu couldn’t help but envy—talisman masters not only earn more but have stability.
Lin Chang’an laughed silently and did not respond.
…
While the two conversed, they had already ascended Juxian Tower.
“You two arrived just in time. Qingqing has just brewed the tea.”
The Minor Marquis Shen Lie was even more composed than before; his amicable smile and outstretched hand beckoned Junior Sister Lu Qingqing inside.
“Brother Lin, Brother Li, you’ve arrived perfectly. Sister Yun will come later, but please sample this newly picked Yunshan tea.”
Lu Qingqing, dressed in a blue robe, looked much more mature than three years ago. Her once capable black hair was arranged into an updo—three parts less playful, a few more parts grown-up.
“Please, take a seat.” Beside her, Shen Lie’s face glowed red as he followed his wife’s lead and greeted them.
This scene stirred envy in Lin Chang’an—not because he was jealous, but because he felt a bit stuck with his own consistent rejections.
Within the laughter of the four, they even spoke of Wei Buyi.
Although Wei Buyi had come to Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace, he didn’t join the merchant guilds; instead, he married a widow cultivator and inherited a family business.
His life had become increasingly prosperous.
“Thank you all for waiting.”
Half an hour later, dusty and tired, Yun Yao finally arrived.
Wearing a fitted white dress, her icy-cold aura and flower-and-moon-like beauty carried a hint of apology upon her face—but between her brows, an unmistakable fatigue was visible.