"Brother Lin, I think the Commandery Princess is quite nice, she didn't look down on us."
After leaving Qingshui Bay, the two of them rode on the Spiritual Steeds borrowed from the Zhou Family. This time, they were in no rush, instead taking a leisurely journey.
"Nice person?"
Seeing Erniu's admiration, Lin Chang'an was speechless. This little girl has grown up and gotten smarter; she's not as simple as she looks.
Just as they arrived, rumors spread in the Market about so many people coming. Is this normal?
From a purely beneficial perspective, Yun Yao gained reputation and fame this time.
How many spots for the Foundation Establishment Pill does the Sect have? Setting aside those with background, heritage, and connections, how many are left?
Even among those with top-grade Spirit Roots, Yun Yao doesn't hold an advantage.
Reputation and fame may not be important, but it's better than doing nothing at all.
Of course, he's speaking from a point of interest; from Yun Yao's attitude towards them, it wasn't just insincere politeness.
"Isn't it nice that she didn't look down on us? Once Mr. Yun establishes his foundation, we might benefit from it too."
Lin Chang'an changed the subject, smiling as he talked about the benefits once Yun Yao reaches Foundation Establishment.
Listening to this, Erniu couldn't help but show a look of longing, sighing, "A Foundation Establishment Cultivator, even in the Zhou Family, I've only seen from a distance."
"But in the future, we can't call her the Commandery Princess anymore."
Li Erniu sighed as the image of the Commandery Princess in his memory gradually faded, replaced by the heroic figure of Yun Yao, a Qi Refining Ninth Layer cultivator.
Upon hearing Erniu's sigh, Lin Chang'an also shook his head with a light smile, riding the Spiritual Steed while looking down at the Chang Chun Skill notes in his hand again.
This was a record of Elder Lu's experiences with the Chang Chun Skill as a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator.
[Chang Chun Skill +10 (Mastery: 23/1000)]
As the experience enhancement appeared in his mind, new insights dawned on Lin Chang'an, making him feel enlightened.
"So, the proficiency of a cultivation technique can be quickly improved through the experiences of seniors. If that's the case, the same can be applied to Talisman-making Skill."
It's like exploring and practicing by oneself little by little, compared to suddenly having a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator's notes guiding you on what to do.
Naturally, the latter makes cultivation easier and faster.
The biggest gain this time was this gift from Lu Qingqing in the name of Elder Lu before they left.
The gift to Li Erniu was a Bedroom Secret Technique "Wandering Dragon Playing Pearl" that Elder Lu had once obtained by chance during his lifetime.
However, Li Erniu's was the original version, while the notes he had were a hand-copied version by Lu Qingqing, with a faint fragrance of orchid.
"It seems this Little Junior Sister is also a meticulous person."
Lin Chang'an gave a light laugh; although he didn't know what was given to Shen Lie and Yun Yao, he and Erniu had grown very fond of this Little Junior Sister they hadn't interacted much with.
Not only the four of them, but even Wei Buyi, who didn't participate in the plan, might be fondly remembering this Little Junior Sister.
Lin Chang'an shook his head, and after stepping out of the Market's safety zone, he tucked the notes into his Storage Bag.
After all, they were outside; it's better to be cautious.
"Brother Lin, is that a Storage Bag?"
Li Erniu looked enviously at Lin Chang'an's Storage Bag; he'd seen one before, but three Spirit Stones was too expensive.
It's not that he couldn't afford it, but those three Spirit Stones would be better spent on cultivation.
Seeing Erniu's envious eyes, Lin Chang'an smiled and encouraged him:
"Erniu, don't worry. You'll have one eventually."
"Brother Lin, don't joke around. With those three Spirit Stones, I'd rather buy dozens of pounds of high-quality Demon Beast Meat for cultivation."
Li Erniu waved his hands repeatedly; he didn't have the talent for Talisman Painting.
Among the Qi Refining Fourth Layer cultivators, those with a technical skill and ordinary cultivators differ significantly.
Once he can paint Tier One Middle Grade Talismans, one Talisman can sell for more than three Spirit Stones. Excluding costs, earning more than ten Lower Grade Spirit Stones a month isn't hard.
As for someone like Li Erniu, lacking in skills, with some good luck like marrying into the Beast Taming Zhou Family, he still gets a few Spirit Stones monthly under family arrangements.
But most cultivators can only take risks to venture out and hunt Demon Beasts, living a life where danger constantly trades for cultivation resources.
Of course, with high risks, there's a chance for high rewards.
...
Among the mountains, the two rode towards Cyan Bamboo Mountain Market.
The Zhou Family being renowned for Beast Taming naturally has its reasons.
These Spiritual Steeds can travel a thousand miles a day and cross water and mountains with ease.
Traveling to Qingshui Bay was done with day and night efforts, taking only three days; this return trip was much slower.
They were still a day away from Cyan Bamboo Mountain Market.
"Erniu!"
When they traveled through a forest, Lin Chang'an seemed to notice something, frowning and speaking up.
"Brother Lin!"
The tacit understanding they had upon entering the Immortal Cultivation Realm together hadn't been forgotten. Li Erniu's hand had already reached his broadsword.
"Recently, more loose cultivators have been appearing outside the Market. This place is less than a day's journey from the Market, it's a dangerous terrain, suitable for ambush."
"Ambush!"
Li Erniu frowned and then spoke in a deep voice:
"Brother Lin, should we take a detour for safety?"
Lin Chang'an nodded without hesitation and turned his horse.
"Erniu, take these two top-grade Golden Light Talismans and the Divine Movement Talisman."
"Alright."
Li Erniu took the Talismans without any hesitation.
...
"What's happening? Why did those two kids suddenly turn back?"
At this time, a few cultivators hiding on both sides of the distant forest looked at each other.
The leader, a tough guy with a face full of evil energy, showed a look of resentment.
"It doesn't matter; they're just two early-stage Qi Refining. Clearly, they're loose cultivators from outside trying to take their chances here."
"The boss is right, this damn life is too hard; getting some Spirit Crystals would mean Demon Beast meat to eat."
In the forest, six figures quickly chased in the direction of Lin Chang'an and Li Erniu.
As they were about to catch up in a forest area, their excitement swelled, but the leader with an evil aura suddenly had narrowed pupils.
In the distance, it was clear that the two Spiritual Steeds were carrying two cloaked grassmen temporarily tied with branches.
"Oh no, it's a trap!"
At this moment, an ear-piercing whistling sound suddenly came from behind, accompanied by scorching heat.
When the tribulation cultivators glanced back, their frightened eyes reflected more than a dozen lantern-sized flames.
"A group of loose cultivators from outside dares to cause trouble here in Cyan Bamboo Mountain!"
Using the Spiritual Horse Grassman to lure the tribulation cultivators for an ambush, Li Erniu shouted angrily to intimidate them.
"Impossible! You're in the middle stage of Qi Refining!"
The head of the tribulation cultivators, the rough guy, was the first to react and also the first to flee, only to meet Erniu wielding a broadsword.
In the instant of their clash, the tribulation cultivator's eyes widened.
Damn it!
Why would a Qi Refining Fourth Layer disguise as a beginner?
At this moment, a large tree next to them suddenly flashed with a green light.
"Ambush! Damn it!"
The leader of the tribulation cultivators was terrified; how could these two's tactics be more skillful than those of the tribulation cultivators?
It was Lin Chang'an, who had used the Invisibility Technique to disguise himself with the color of the trees. As soon as he launched his attack, the spell ceased to be in effect.