Eternal Life from Talisman Painting

No matter the outcome, he must prepare to return to the Qingshui Bay Market to inherit the position of the Li Family Patriarch.

Although the Li clan has developed well over the years, most of the resources have been sent to Li Tianmo.

As a result, there is currently only one relatively old Foundation Establishment Cultivator in the clan. Li Tianmo, as a member of the Li family, still has the mission to revitalize the family.

"That is why many family cultivators are only allowed to be sent out after growing to a certain age within the clan."

Cultivators who grow up in the clan from a young age have a sense of belonging to the family, and the Sect does the same.

Otherwise, cultivators who do not have a sense of belonging naturally feel little affection for the family and the Sect.

Such incidents of ungratefulness in the Immortal Cultivation Realm happen from time to time and are nothing unusual. Therefore, both Sects and families are extremely cautious in nurturing their successors.

"Li Tianmo wants to attempt Core Formation."

Lin Chang’an frowned slightly. He could understand the Li family’s situation, but forming a core is not that easy.

However, everyone has their destiny. With Li Tianmo’s current state of mind growing more restless, the longer he delays, the more unfavorable it becomes for core formation.

Family and Sect are double-edged swords. They can provide great assistance but also pose constraints.

The same applies to a Loose Cultivator. While they have fewer ties, they lack support later, making the early stages extremely challenging, requiring more effort and time.

Nothing in the world is absolute.

Later, Lin Chang’an received another letter from Old Hu, containing much information about the undercurrents stirred up by major forces in the turbulent sea region, reminding him to be cautious.

Finally, Lin Chang’an set down the letter and also put down his teacup.

"Let’s go, we should be heading back to Five Dragons Island."

"Yes, Master."

The Sword Servant respectfully clasped his fists, and even the Cyan-Horned Bull in the pond had a trace of sadness in its large, copper bell-like eyes.

Having developed enough intelligence to understand human speech, it naturally knew who was leaving.

Li Yifan, back when it was still a calf at Cyan Bamboo Mountain, was naturally familiar with some of its master’s old friends.

Birth, aging, illness, and death—Demon Beasts can also understand this.

...

Compared to the eternally overcast skies of the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea, the Five Dragons Island Sea Region is sunny and distinct across the four seasons.

Leaving the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea lifted his spirits considerably.

Celestial Spring Peak.

A silvery waterfall cascaded from the cliff top, crashing into a deep pool below with a thunderous noise, creating a spray of mist that permeated the air.

Though the water’s roar was loud, it couldn’t drown out the endless cicada sounds emanating from the trees, adding a distinctive tranquility.

On the Spirit Peak, an elegant pavilion was built by the water.

Inside the pavilion, Lin Chang’an sat opposite Fairy Ni Chang, both engrossed in a game of Go.

The harmony of cicada chirps, water sounds, and the crisp clicks of stones on the jade board blended in a symphony of immortal Dao resonance, far removed from worldly distractions.

"Congratulations, Mr. Lin, on advancing to the Core Formation Late Stage."

As the white stone landed, slashing through a dragon on the board, Fairy Ni Chang smiled, lifting her gaze to Lin Chang’an, her words tinged with a smile.

Facing the board, Lin Chang’an conceded defeat with a hint of helplessness, but he was quite pleased by the congratulations from Fairy Ni Chang.

After all, when he first entered the Immortal Cultivation Realm, the prestigious title of this Fairy Ni Chang was well-known throughout the Yue Kingdom.

Yet, after just over two hundred years, he had managed to catch up, standing on equal footing now.

"Mr. Ni Chang is too kind."

Seeing that he’d lost several games in a row, Lin Chang’an was just about to have his Sword Servant play a few games for him when Fairy Ni Chang’s eyes twinkled, and she cheerfully changed the subject.

"Mr. Lin, coming back to Celestial Spring Peak this time, are you planning to help these juniors with their Core Formation?"

Lin Chang’an could see right through Fairy Ni Chang’s blatant topic change, feeling a bit speechless.

You also know losing repeatedly isn’t fun, huh?

However, when it came to core formation matters, Lin Chang’an was quite nonchalant, nodding lightly:

"Indeed, along this journey, there are only a few good friends worth lending a hand to help with their descendants."

"I am aware of Li Tianmo, but isn’t he being too hasty?"

"Too hasty? His mind is already unsettled, and further delay may not be a good thing; haste may not necessarily be harmful."

Regarding Li Tianmo’s core formation, Lin Chang’an wasn’t sure whether to consider it good or bad, only that it could go either way.

"Although family matters have some impact, sometimes it might not all be negative; instead, it can help strengthen one’s Dao heart at times."

As he said this, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but glance at Fairy Ni Chang, who was dressed in a flowing blue-and-white long skirt, her delicate face poised elegantly while sipping tea.

Under Lin Chang’an’s gaze, Fairy Ni Chang remained composed and graceful, showing no discomfort.

"Just like you, Mr. Ni Chang, this Profound Sound Pavilion may seem like a burden on your cultivation in the eyes of outsiders, yet to you, it certainly upholds your Dao heart."

Hearing Lin Chang’an’s words, Fairy Ni Chang chuckled gently, nodding:

"Your words are true; Zhou Bingxuan, that girl, recently auctioned a Spirit Flower useful for concentration at the Market, and she’ll likely form her core soon."

Lin Chang’an nodded lightly, acknowledging that with Zhou Bingxuan’s talent and cultivation, that seemed about right.

As the two casually chatted, two figures arrived using sword control, landing outside the cave dwelling.

"Disciple Li Tianmo and Zhou Xiu’an pay respects to the Sect Leader, Elder Lin, and Elder Qiu."

The arrivals were Li Tianmo and, accompanying him, the female cultivator Zhou Xiu’an from the Zhou Family in the Yue Kingdom.

She, with a Qi Refining Ninth Layer cultivation and a gentle, elegant demeanor, was a bit nervous upon suddenly seeing three Core Formation Cultivators.