Eternal Life from Talisman Painting

"This girl still keeps thinking about my family assets."

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile. Of course, the girl was just showing concern, considering the dangers lurking in the Demon Beast Abyss.

Many Foundation Establishment Cultivators have planned to achieve Core Formation, but only a tiny fraction succeed, and even returning alive is a stroke of luck.

"But considering the Li Family’s current situation, things have unexpectedly turned out well."

Lin Chang’an observed Lu Qingqing’s description of the Li Family’s situation, and couldn’t help but show a strange expression.

Back then, Erniu was keen on establishing an Immortal Cultivation Clan, but the lack of foundation made it a joke.

Yet unexpectedly, Erniu’s continual taking of concubines to produce offspring, initially seen as a burden, has now genuinely provided the clan’s foundation.

The issue was simple: after the incident of stealing Foundation Establishment materials, the Li Family split up. Naturally, Erniu had few resources to give the children born of these concubines.

This resulted in these descendants having low cultivation, yet Li Yifan being the sole Foundation Establishment Cultivator by blood, naturally drew these people to ally under Li Yifan’s lineage.

This formed the embryonic shape of a clan.

Many collateral disciples required the protection of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, gathering under Li Yifan’s lineage. In return for protection, they had to supply resources to the clan.

This created the true structure of a family, with a clear hierarchy.

Even a few of Li Yifan’s full-brothers vaguely became the elders of the main family.

"No wonder Erniu’s letters were filled with happiness; so this is why."

Lin Chang’an chuckled, shaking his head, indeed fate is full of surprises.

The saying ’a blessing in disguise’ fits perfectly; having so many children had unexpectedly laid the groundwork for a family.

No wonder Wei Buyi would feel a bit envious.

"Over a hundred years old now; I wonder if I’ll ever get to see them one last time."

After reading the last letter from Zhou Bingyun, Lin Chang’an fell silent.

In elegant handwriting, she mentioned everyone’s well-being, the peaceful situation in Yue Kingdom, and shared amusing stories from her cultivation.

But at the end, she added a note about looking forward to witnessing a Core Formation Cultivator’s grandeur someday.

With a light sigh, Lin Chang’an took out his Spiritual Brush and began replying to each letter.

Without getting sentimental, just calmly informing everyone that he’s doing well and is progressing steadily.

Moreover, his cultivation has reached the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, acknowledging the possibility of returning if things remain unattainable in a few decades.

...

"Shopkeeper, I entrust these letters to you."

After composing himself, Lin Chang’an approached the shopkeeper with a broad smile.

The shopkeeper, being a man of his word, sealed the letters with a smile and cupped his hands, saying:

"Lin Talisman Master, rest assured. But given the long journey, the caravan returns only once or twice a year, so the delivery might be delayed."

"That’s fine, as long as they can be delivered."

Being able to connect with old friends in Yue Kingdom was already a great blessing, and he didn’t have many demands.

A letter once or twice a year is enough to assure safety and well-being for each party.

Not just the Profound Sound Pavilion’s caravan, but the Seven Kingdoms Alliance caravan also carries letters back and forth, ensuring peace of mind and earning some Spirit Stones.

Such caravans frequently send letters home, as long as it’s along the way.

Only those cultivators wanted by authorities, though longing for home, avoid contact to not bring trouble to loved ones.

After leaving the Duo Bao Tower, Lin Chang’an’s cultivation hadn’t advanced, but there was a subtle change in his demeanor.

Seeing this, the shopkeeper behind shook his head with a smile, having witnessed many cultivators undergo similar changes upon receiving letters from their homeland.

...

Three days later.

A secret chamber trade meeting on Five Dragons Island.

"Old Lin, did you strike gold these past few days?"

"How so?"

Lin Chang’an looked puzzled, yet Hu Jin somehow felt that, in just three days, there seemed to be a lightness about Lin Chang’an.

"By the way, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance caravan route was cleared; it might have your letters too."

Hearing this, Hu Jin shrugged off his previous doubts.

"It finally cleared! Now I might know how the descendants of old Ning’s family are doing, and as for that bastard old Jia, who promised to endure hardships together, he just gave up."

Hu Jin spoke with apparent anger, yet deep in his eyes was a trace of remembrance.

Every cultivator has their own cherished memories.

"Alright, let’s partake in the trade meeting first."

This trade meeting, simply put, involved a dozen powerful Foundation Establishment Cultivators gathering at a designated spot in the market to trade.

With each Foundation Establishment Cultivator arriving, the secret chamber was engulfed in a faint black mist—the Array black mist that blocks Divine Sense detection.

Its purpose was to conceal the identities of the cultivators and evade Divine Sense surveillance.

Some were straightforward, not hiding their true appearance, greeting everyone with smiles.

Others wore masks or cloaks, concealing their presence, and quietly sat in a corner without uttering a word.

Once most attendees had arrived, among those facilitating the trade meeting, surprisingly Hu Jin was one of them.

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an’s face twitched. Surely, Hu Jin, with his talent, had connections everywhere.

"Fellow Daoists, since everyone is here, let’s not waste time and begin the trade."

Having lived for over a century, the attending cultivators were clear on their purpose; delaying would only breed complications.

It was better to trade and leave, and, as for matters afterward, everyone would mind their own business.

A full twenty-three Foundation Establishment Cultivators, all at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, exuding a powerful aura.