Eternal Life from Talisman Painting

Earthfire Cave.

Under the glow of the fire, multiple array discs surrounded the area.

"The Four Symbols Xuanwu Array that I originally obtained on Li Huo Island has now been refined anew, and its quality has reached Tier Three Upper Grade."

With solemn expressions, three external incarnations worked together, as two of them reforged the array discs while the third crafted the array flags, with clearly defined roles.

The giant turtle shell from a Tier Three Late Stage Giant Turtle Demon, which is considered Tier Three Top Grade Material for crafting a magical treasure,

has now been extravagantly integrated into the array flags and discs, greatly enhancing the array’s defense.

There were even vital energies and other materials used, demonstrating Lin Chang’an’s costly investment for this array.

While the three external incarnations were focused on refining the array at a critical moment, the main body was in a pavilion, using tea to make friends.

...

Celestial Spring Peak.

"Congratulations to Fairy Ni Chang for advancing your cultivation; the Nascent Soul stage is within reach."

When Fairy Ni Chang came to visit, Lin Chang’an noticed the aura of enhanced mana from her recent progress.

In response to Lin Chang’an’s congratulations, Fairy Ni Chang gave a gentle laugh.

"If I hadn’t known that many factions were visiting Mr. Lin lately, I wouldn’t have rushed over so eagerly."

The implication was that she wished to stabilize her breakthrough before visiting.

Faced with Fairy Ni Chang’s straightforwardness, Lin Chang’an smiled and waved his hand.

"Mr. Ni Chang, you’re joking."

Fairy Ni Chang looked at the sword servant beside her and, with a smile, folded her hands and said, "Congratulations, Mr. Lin."

"Sect Leader, you’re too kind!"

The sword servant also nodded courteously in response.

While the two were in the pavilion, although the sword servant served by the side, Fairy Ni Chang declined the tea pouring in good humor.

Previously, she accepted since the sword servant was a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

Now that they are both Core Formation Cultivators, the first cup of Spirit Tea is acceptable since she is a guest.

Continuing to be served, however, would lack propriety.

"Mr. Lin, how about a game of strategy with me?"

When Lin Chang’an heard this, he was momentarily speechless.

Fairy Ni Chang, on the other hand, was intrigued, her expression relaxed with a smile.

On the stone table’s chessboard, black and white pieces began to fall continuously.

Meanwhile, the two sipped tea and discussed the turbulent events of Five Dragons Island and the Demon Beast Abyss during this period.

"I heard that Mr. Lin was collecting materials to refine an array. The sect happens to have some high-level resources."

"In these turbulent times, holding onto some high-level resources might be useful."

"I also heard that the Four Seas Commerce Association has been trying to integrate with Mr. Lin recently, leading to various opinions within the sect."

While conversing easily, both were focused on the chessboard.

Given their familiarity, if Lin Chang’an were to leave, he would naturally notify the Profound Sound Pavilion in advance.

As the black and white pieces fell continually, Lin Chang’an, despite his cultivated mindset, did not see the need to suppress his emotions over a win or loss.

Losing caused dissatisfaction, winning brought joy; these were normal emotions.

If one were to suppress such feelings forcibly, it would be a loss.

The true cultivation of the mind lies in the control of one’s desires and emotions.

Simply put, it’s the rational control over desires, remaining unaffected despite immense joy or sorrow.

For example, facing several defeats in the game, Lin Chang’an, though dissatisfied, could only think about honing his skills to win in the future.

If one’s cultivation were to repress desires, the direction of cultivation would be towards lifelessness.

"Mr. Lin, it seems you’re losing another round."

As the white piece landed, Fairy Ni Chang revealed a rare, relaxed smile, as she enjoyed visiting Celestial Spring Peak whenever she had worries.

The serene environment combined with a kindred Taoist friend allowing her to win games naturally brought happiness.

As Fairy Ni Chang chuckled, she inadvertently glanced at the sword servant.

Though familiar, the sword servant is now a Core Formation Cultivator; yet, serving at her side, she truly couldn’t detect any trace of dissatisfaction.

The cultivation technique she practiced was incredibly sensitive to emotional perception.

"Almost forgot, the Spirit Wine Mr. Ni Chang sent before is unforgettable; I’ve brewed two vats over the years."

"Today, Mr. Ni Chang should taste some."

Playfully speaking, as Lin Chang’an stood, he gently patted the sword servant’s shoulder, softly saying:

"Ling’Er, play a couple of rounds for me."

"Yes, Master!"

The sword servant solemnly nodded, but seeing this, Fairy Ni Chang’s gaze flickered, wanting to voice her retention, yet Lin Chang’an had already transformed into escape light and entered the cave mansion.

"Mr. Ni Chang, please!"

Sitting in Lin Chang’an’s place, the sword servant’s cold gaze made Fairy Ni Chang, despite her winning streak, somewhat uneasy.

"Very well, please."

Nevertheless, Lin Chang’an had fled.

As the black and white pieces kept falling, Fairy Ni Chang’s expression grew solemn, eventually deepening as the situation on the chessboard changed dramatically.

Unbeknownst to her, Lin Chang’an had returned, observing the game where Fairy Ni Chang was being thoroughly defeated, revealing satisfaction.

Though it wasn’t the first encounter, the sword servant’s talent was evident not only in Sword Dao but also in strategy games.

He realized that Fairy Ni Chang was an inept player, merely relying on her experience to frequently defeat him.

After playing several rounds, Fairy Ni Chang set down her piece and looked at the Spirit Wine Lin Chang’an brought, changing the topic with a light laugh:

"I never expected Mr. Lin to also master the art of brewing Spirit Wine."