Chapter 160 : The Investment Grows Larger

Chapter 160: The Investment Grows Larger

“Old Lin, quick, help me!”

In his urgency, Old Hu shouted aloud, while Lin Changan had already begun forming hand seals from afar, casting a spell.

【Giant Sword Technique】

With the top-grade spirit artifact, the Azure-scaled Sword, as the medium, this time the Giant Sword Technique was even more powerful.

A giant sword, several zhang long, spun above his head, radiating an extremely dazzling light.

The quasi–third-rank demon beast, the Firebird, seemed to sense the threat and instinctively let out a sharp screech.

In the next instant—whoosh!

The giant sword transformed into a streak of light.

The Firebird hovering in the sky let out a piercing wail as one of its wings was directly severed, scalding hot blood spraying everywhere.

The Firebird wailed as it began to fall.

Seizing the opportunity, not only did Old Hu have no intention of kicking someone when they were down, but he instead shouted in alarm, “Don’t engage in close combat!”

Though this type of avian demon beast would lose much of its combat ability after its wings were clipped, a desperate struggle from a cornered beast was still extremely dangerous.

However, just as Old Hu retreated to gain distance, Yun Yao, her face veiled in black gauze, wasn’t about to let the opportunity slip by. Her cultivation method was of the cold-yin attribute, perfectly countering this fire-type demon beast.

With a lift of her hand, a silver spear emitting frost transformed into an ice dragon that roared and charged forth.

The demon beast wailed and fell with a crash. With the lead beast slain, the remaining demon beasts fell into disarray.

The eight Foundation Establishment cultivators began leveraging the power of the formation to slaughter the demon beasts.

The Green-Horned Ox was especially fierce. It couldn’t reach the ones in the sky, but those that fell were immediately rammed by the wild bull.

Even a late second-rank demon beast found it difficult to withstand such a sudden blow.

Moreover, these beasts weren’t the type to fight to the death stubbornly. Once the leading quasi–third-rank beast fell into the encirclement and perished, the rest scattered like birds and beasts.

“Haha, Old Lin, you sure had this hidden deep. That sword light was really something.”

After the great battle, the somewhat disheveled Old Hu wiped the blood from his body and turned to Lin Changan with an excited look.

He truly hadn’t expected Old Lin to be so fierce.

No wonder he could live off a late Foundation Establishment cultivator—turns out he had real skills.

“Old Hu, don’t say it like that. The main reason was that this quasi–third-rank demon beast was already injured and had been fighting with you all for a while, heavily exhausted. I just took advantage of the timing to land a sneak attack.”

Lin Changan waved his hand with a smile, and the gazes of the other Foundation Establishment cultivators toward him subtly changed.

He Yan was especially impressed, never imagining that his Uncle Lin, who was known for his talent in talismans, would be this powerful in combat too.

Beside him, Ghost Three Blades silently marveled. Recalling the blood-red sword light earlier, something clicked in his mind.

“You brat He Yan, no wonder your Uncle Lin could get this far with a mere low-grade spiritual root. Daring to cultivate that life-risking Killing Origin Sword Art—if he weren’t strong, then there’d be no justice in this world.”

Ghost Three Blades had seen much and knew even more. He recognized the origin of Lin Changan’s sword technique.

He Yan was startled at first, then secretly filled with admiration.

Indeed, for rogue cultivators like them, if they didn’t gamble everything, they’d never get anywhere.

“Uncle Lin.”

Li Yifan was also astonished. The uncle he’d always known for talismans turned out to have such overwhelming power.

“All right, everyone, clean up the battlefield quickly. Don’t give the demon beasts a chance to counterattack.”

“Right. Old Lin, let’s catch up later.”

Everyone rushed to tidy up the battlefield. As the one with the highest cultivation among them, Yun Yao, veiled and calm, issued the orders.

Yun Yao naturally concealed her identity from outsiders, but with her late Foundation Establishment cultivation, she had become the de facto leader among them.

“He Yan, quickly send a message to Tianxuan City. Inform them this base has been attacked by a quasi–third-rank demon beast, and the formation is damaged and needs repair.”

“Yes!”

The formations guarding these cultivator outposts were all under the responsibility of Tianxuan City.

Otherwise, ordinary cultivators wouldn’t have access to formations, let alone know how to repair them when damaged.

Only powers like Tianxuan City and Xuanyin Pavilion had that kind of foundation.

“Haha, a complete corpse of a quasi–third-rank demon beast—Old Hu has never seen one before. It’s just a pity... no demon core condensation.”

“Old Hu, keep dreaming. Demon core condensation is rare even among quasi–third-rank demon beasts.”

Soon after, everyone gathered around. The Foundation Establishment cultivators were seated together, while nearly a hundred Qi Refining cultivators surrounded them.

Shen Lie and Wei Buyi looked toward their children, faces full of emotion.

Facing his father’s instructions, Shen Fan nodded honestly, while Wei Yingying looked at her father with a beaming, ingratiating smile, chattering away with concern.

Many felt envious at the sight—some had long lost their loved ones and could only recall them in memories.

“Come now, Brother Lin really contributed this time. That second-rank Firebird—he severed its wing, and then his own spirit beast finished it off.

Even though we all contributed, the biggest share should go to Brother Lin.”

The loot from several second-rank demon beasts was distributed with smiles, but everyone’s eyes remained fixed on the corpse of the quasi–third-rank beast.

That was the true prize.

Even Zhou Bingyun stared hungrily at it.

If not for the beast tide, most Foundation Establishment cultivators would never have the chance to slay a quasi–third-rank demon beast in their lifetime.

These creatures weren’t just rare—they came with too many variables. But now, within a formation, they could be lured and slain. The geographical advantage was immense.

“This quasi–third-rank demon beast—let’s stick to the usual rules. Fellow Daoist Yun did the most—first injured it heavily, then played a major role in its kill…”

Old Hu chuckled heartily, and Yun Yao coldly surveyed the group before nodding.

“I want the essence soul of this quasi–third-rank demon beast.”

No one objected, but all turned to look at Lin Changan.

Though Lin Changan’s sudden support had been crucial, they had already wounded the beast days earlier and had all pitched in for the final kill.

Seeing their expressions, Lin Changan understood that for a squad to survive long-term, fair loot distribution was key.

“Fellow Daoists, I was indeed lucky today, fortunate to benefit from your efforts. However, severing the wing and heavily injuring the beast was a pivotal contribution on my part.

This quasi–third-rank crystalline core is quite rare. I propose to keep it and in exchange, offer a few second-rank high-grade talismans to everyone.”

Lin Changan smiled warmly, but he wouldn’t give up what was rightfully his.

In the world of cultivation, if one didn’t even dare to claim what one earned, how could one dream of becoming immortal?

Of course, if someone truly needed the crystalline core, then offering enough materials or spirit stones to satisfy the group would also be acceptable.

Lin Changan’s contribution alone might not have justified keeping the core, but once he added a few high-grade second-rank talismans, it became a different matter.

“Second-rank high-grade talismans—now those are life-saving treasures.”

One of the Foundation Establishment cultivators instantly brightened. These were far more valuable than spirit stones or demon beast materials.

Given the chaos of the beast tide, second-rank high-grade talismans were rare and in huge demand.

“As expected of Talisman Master Lin—generous.”

“Old Lin never disappoints.”

Even Old Hu couldn’t help grinning. For cultivators who hunted demon beasts, this was far more valuable.

Next came the division of spoils. The value of a quasi–third-rank demon beast was immense—even divided among them all, everyone was grinning from ear to ear.

Of course, distribution was based on contribution and cultivation level.

“Fellow Daoists, if you have any materials I need, I’m willing to trade with spirit stones or talismans.”

Once the loot was divided, Lin Changan smiled and began preparing to barter for the resources he needed.

This was a common practice among cultivators. For instance, Old Hu also wanted to trade for materials needed in artifact refinement.

“The skin of this quasi–third-rank Firebird isn’t tough enough for armor, but if tanned into talisman paper, it’ll be worth something. I’m willing to trade second-rank high-grade talismans for it.”

“Yes, yes, the skin’s toughness isn’t great, but the feathers are excellent crafting materials. I, Old Hu, am willing to offer…”

After some haggling among the Foundation Establishment cultivators, everyone wore satisfied smiles.

Only Zhou Bingyun, Li Yifan, and He Yan looked on a little enviously.

As early Foundation Establishment cultivators, their contributions were small and they received only scraps.

Still, they did get a decent share of the second-rank demon beast materials.

“Old Hu, you seem full of energy. Looks like you’ll be breaking through soon.”

After Lin Changan had delivered the supplies, everyone began chatting leisurely.

But Hu Jin’s aura was surging—his cultivation had clearly advanced.

Upon hearing this, Old Hu waved his hand and said, “Still a ways off from the late Foundation Establishment. It's not that fast.”

However, the smile on Old Hu’s face couldn’t be concealed. The beast tide brought abundant resources—

—provided one could survive.

According to historical records of the Seven Kingdoms, every time after a beast tide, all cultivators who survived would usher in a period of explosive growth in power.

The number of breakthroughs into Foundation Establishment also reached historical highs.

Although this wealth came with immense danger—such was the world of cultivation.

A victor's celebration, and the wails of a loser's kin.

After delivering the supplies, Lin Changan returned to Tianxuan City.

…

Upon returning to his cave abode—

As soon as the Wind-Chirp Bird was released, it began chirping noisily.

But its intent was clear—it had its eyes on his storage pouch.

Seeing this, Lin Changan laughed and cursed, “You sly bird. If it weren’t for the need to explore the relic cave abode with your help later, there’s no way I’d give you this quasi–third-rank demon core.”

The Wind-Chirp Bird, a pure yang species, born in refined fire, favored feeding on poison insects, and was especially effective against yin ghosts and malevolent souls.

Even against the Blood Fiend Energy Yun Yao mentioned, it could suppress it to some extent—thus Lin Changan was willing to part with it.

Otherwise, a quasi–third-rank demon core—whether used for refining high-grade pills or crafting artifacts—was a valuable resource. There’s no way he’d hand it over to this bird so easily.

“Consider it your lucky day.”

As Lin Changan reluctantly took out the quasi–third-rank demon core, the Wind-Chirp Bird immediately revealed a look of joy.

It even perched human-like on Lin Changan’s shoulder, massaging with its claws and flapping its wings to fan him—clearly trying to curry favor.

The scene made the nearby Green-Horned Ox widen its eyes and moo in protest. It clearly despised this annoying bird.

“All right, take it.”

The Wind-Chirp Bird’s intelligence already seemed no less than that of an average cultivator—just lacking speech for now.

Once it got hold of the quasi–third-rank demon core, the Wind-Chirp Bird ecstatically grabbed it and flew onto a nearby ornamental rock.

Under Lin Changan’s amazed gaze, its golden-glowing beak sparked as it began pecking away at the incredibly hard core, chipping off pieces with each strike.

The shattered core fragments were swallowed one by one by the Wind-Chirp Bird.

Witnessing this, Lin Changan couldn’t help but marvel internally.

“No wonder even the Zhou Family couldn’t resist desiring such an exotic beast.”

He couldn’t help but recall how this bird, turning into a golden flash back then, had used its beak like an armor-piercing weapon to repeatedly break through his mana shields.

“But all of this is for the relic cave abode… for Core Formation!”

With that thought, Lin Changan nodded to himself. The Wind-Chirp Bird was already at the peak of early second rank—just one step away from a breakthrough.

Once it finished digesting this quasi–third-rank demon core, it likely wouldn’t take long to break through—and even have a significant boost in strength.

“Truly, so much has been prepared for this relic cave abode.”

The Thunderclap Talisman, the Wind-Chirp Bird, and even the water attribute spells he had practiced—all had been in preparation for the ruins.

“The Third-rank Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation—at its peak, I wouldn’t stand a chance as a Foundation Establishment cultivator. But with a century of decline, its power is at its lowest. That’s enough to make a move.”

After pondering for a moment, Lin Changan left the Green-Horned Ox and Wind-Chirp Bird outside the cave and went in alone.

“This half-year of beast tides has yielded plenty of demon beast materials. I’m not worried about demon cores anymore. But due to the beast tide, spiritual herbs and fruits have become scarce and are rising in price—everywhere demands resources.”

Lin Changan shook his head. Because of the beast tide, many cultivators couldn’t venture deep into the Cloudmist Mountain Range to gather spiritual herbs and fruits, naturally driving prices up.

Fortunately, this shortage still wasn’t as bad as demon cores. Merchant guilds from neighboring kingdoms had seized the opportunity and made a fortune in Tianxuan City.

“Who knows how long this beast tide will continue… Although we’ve stockpiled plenty of demon beast materials—even spirit fields and shops—we’ve pooled a lot.”

“But after six months of this, even Old Hu is starting to buckle. Most of us don’t have the spirit stones to keep buying anymore.”

At first, they had thought this beast tide would last three to five months at most. No one had expected it to drag on for half a year with no end in sight.

“Alas, truly troubled times. Though the beast tide rages on in Tianxuan City, it’s all a façade—many clan cultivators are selling off their assets.”

At the heart of it, many cultivators had lost confidence due to Tianxuan City’s failure to produce a single Core Formation cultivator, compounded by the turbulent situation in Yue Kingdom.

After all, they had broader concerns. Selling off assets now, coupled with the harvest from six months of beast tide, would be enough to recoup losses.

Once the beast tide ended, some families were already preparing to relocate.

Especially since on the frontlines, the situation for Xuanyin Pavilion wasn’t looking good.

If Xuanyin Pavilion were to fall back, even if Tianxuan City produced a Core Formation cultivator, it wouldn’t be enough to hold the line alone.

“To seek fortune and avoid misfortune—whether cultivator or beast—that's instinct. No wonder everyone’s getting restless. I just hope this investment doesn’t all go down the drain.”

Lin Changan sighed helplessly—this investment was getting bigger and bigger.

At first, it didn’t feel like much. But as the beast tide worsened, they’d poured more and more into spirit fields and shops.

Now, there wasn’t even a sliver of profit in sight.

In Tianxuan City, the same big clan cultivators who’d stockpiled resources like them had already stopped buying.

Now, prices for spirit fields and shops in Tianxuan City kept dropping—but no one was buying.

Not because they lacked spirit stones, but because they didn’t dare anymore.