Eternal Life from Talisman Painting

The Bibo Island incident has concluded.

No one expected that the Meng couple would play both sides.

They gave the island and their family business to True Monarch Lu, ensuring the safety of their descendants, and even found a Nascent Soul backer for their son.

They also sold off the resisting Core Formation cultivators on the island to the Chihuo Old Demon.

Though many secretly despised and cursed the Meng couple’s tactics, they couldn’t deny the fact that they wiped out all lingering threats they left behind.

After all, given the situation of the Meng couple, if they really turned into ghouls, their descendants and clansmen wouldn’t have been able to hold onto Bibo Island.

It was just unexpected that this couple made the choice so decisively.

As parents, they used themselves as bait and entered the game.

Yet, what intrigued countless cultivators more was the Chihuo Old Demon saying that something happened with Master Lu in the Outer Sea; what exactly was it?

However, after revealing this big incident, the Chihuo Old Demon returned and went into seclusion.

Many began to suspect that perhaps the so-called incident gave this Chihuo Old Demon more involvement than he could handle, hence his silence.

Meanwhile, some of True Monarch Lu’s past deeds also surfaced, causing many to be cautiously wary of simple-looking cultivators who might unexpectedly betray them someday.

...

Bibo Island.

"Master, within this year, the Bibo Island Market’s operations have expanded several times over compared to before, especially with ample supplies from Sea Abyss City..."

Time is the least valuable commodity in the Immortal Cultivation Realm; in just one year, the Bibo Island Market seemed like it never went through such upheaval.

The black market glows brightly at night, filled with hustle and bustle.

On a Spirit Peak on the island, Lin Chang’an looked down at the market below.

The Sword Servant reported respectfully by his side.

[Lifespan: 227/790]

[Realm: Golden Core Middle Stage (58/100)]

Seeing that his lifespan had almost reached eight hundred, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile. The Sword Servant’s report further delighted him.

The profits from the Bibo Island Market were gratifying.

"Not bad. Previously, this black market relied solely on the Outer Sea; though there were secret dealings with a few commerce associations, none could compare to the Bihai Palace."

Now, with True Monarch Lu’s identity as an Honored Guest Elder of the Bihai Palace, it’s possible to openly receive resources from various sea territories.

Not to mention, there’s also the resources from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and the Profound Sound Pavilion.

Nowadays, Bibo Island is rich in resources and well-connected, so naturally, the market profits have multiplied as expected.

"Master, and throughout this year at the Five Dragon Island Market, the Four Seas Commerce Association has shrunk, with many families selling their assets to the Profound Sound Pavilion in secret..."

Listening to this, Lin Chang’an showed a peculiar smile.

This time, perhaps the timing was just too perfect.

The Secret Realm is about to open, causing turmoil in various sea territories; it’s unknown how many cultivators, avoiding chaos or stirring up trouble, have escaped to the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea.

With more cultivators, demand naturally increases, enabling the black market in the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea to profit even more.

Yet at this critical juncture, the Four Seas Commerce Association had an incident earlier, leading to severe losses, and they haven’t recovered even now.

As a result, at the Five Dragon Island Market, the Profound Sound Pavilion managed to break through, gradually overshadowing the Four Seas Commerce Association and the Long Family.

Particularly because the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, tied by interests during this turmoil, no one wants to act recklessly, so even if the Four Seas Commerce Association wanted to divide and conquer, there’s no opportunity amid the current situation.

"Crisis and opportunity are indeed two sides of the same coin."

Without this turbulent crisis, how could there be such chances?

"Master, here’s the recent income from the market."

Finally, the Sword Servant took out three bulging Storage Bags. Upon seeing them, Lin Chang’an gave a calm smile and only took one Storage Bag lightly.

"This place is different from Five Dragon Island; you may encounter crisis at any time. If you come across something you like, or something useful for cultivation, don’t be stingy."

In the Immortal Cultivation Realm, spiritual objects are as plentiful as cattle. With the Bibo Island black market’s business growing, who knows when you might stumble upon some strange spiritual object by sheer luck.

With Spirit Stones in hand, one naturally has confidence.

However, looking at the Storage Bag in hand, the Sword Servant bowed his head and spoke solemnly: "Master, both the Sect Leader and the current market include my share of salary; the cultivation resources you usually provide are also substantial."

As a Core Formation cultivator stationed on Bibo Island, the Sword Servant naturally enjoys the salary of a Core Formation cultivator.

The Profound Sound Pavilion has long been issuing one as well.

Hearing this, Lin Chang’an waved his hand casually.

"That’s the reward for your strength."

Nowadays, Lin Chang’an’s income sources are numerous; the black market is just one part.

He’s more interested in using the black market to deal with some questionable items.

"Ling’er, the black market is becoming increasingly prosperous, which is a prelude to the coming turmoil, so cultivate well."

Just as Lin Chang’an was instructing the Sword Servant to cultivate diligently, outside the cave dwelling came a familiar visitor.

"Mr. Lin, that person surnamed Meng went to visit the Senior Sister again. Who doesn’t know his intentions..."

The visitor turned out to be Elder Xu Lingfeng from the Profound Sound Pavilion, expressing great indignation.

Lin Chang’an was somewhat speechless; back then, you weren’t like this.

Guarding against him like guarding against a thief, yet now, visiting frequently, behaving like I’d rather favor friends than foreigners.

At this moment, Lin Chang’an wanted to say that he still preferred the rebellious Xu Lingfeng back then, rather than the current nagging fellow cultivator frequently visiting.

"Mr. Xu, have some tea."

Lin Chang’an reluctantly brewed a cup of Spirit Tea and pushed it to him, but the indignant Xu Lingfeng continued to complain and vent against that person surnamed Meng mentioned in his talking.