Gathering Immortals Tower, Celestial Private Room.
This time, without Wei Buyi, the atmosphere was very harmonious.
Although Yun Yao had reached Qi Refining Ninth Level Great Perfection, when it came to the art of conversation, Little Junior Sister Lu Qingqing was unmatched.
Under the hosting of Little Junior Sister Lu Qingqing, they enjoyed tea and discussed the Dao, exchanged cultivation insights, and shared experiences, all in a relaxed and pleasant manner.
Especially in the area of practicing spells, Yun Yao was the one guiding them, seemingly tapping into her strengths.
As the sun set, the evening glow poured through the windows into the room, Yun Yao finally brought up the main topic of this gathering.
"My four fellow Daoists, I have something to ask of you, having invited you through Little Junior Sister."
When discussing the matter of Foundation Establishment, Yun Yao's expression was sincere.
"Little... Mr. Yun, we are all aware of your preparations for Foundation Establishment, do feel free to speak."
Straightforward Li Erniu spoke up directly and cheerfully.
Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing nodded in agreement as well.
Even Lin Chang'an smiled and nodded, indicating that their presence said it all.
Yun Yao took a deep breath; although the Immortal Cultivation Realm was fraught with treachery, the fact that they could still gather together after all these years was indeed precious.
Then, with an extremely sincere gaze, Yun Yao recounted in detail the efforts in preparing for Foundation Establishment.
"Over the years, I have repeatedly ventured deep into the Cloud Mist Mountain Range to hunt demon beasts and search for spirit grass. Along with the accumulation from the commerce association, things are more or less ready, except for the most crucial Foundation Establishment main material.
The demon core of a Tier Two water attribute demon beast is extremely rare, practically priceless, and requires venturing into the depths of the Cloud Mist Mountain Range."
As Yun Yao's clear voice echoed, although spoken lightly, everyone could hear the inherent risks.
Especially with Yun Yao's weary expression and the faintly visible eerie scar on her snowy neck, it was evident the perils she spoke of regarding her multiple ventures into the Cloud Mist Mountain Range.
At present, Yun Yao was facing a major difficulty as she lacked a good defensive magical artifact; she almost lost her life last time, which is why she hoped to purchase a high-grade defensive magical artifact this time.
"The commerce association can currently spare only five hundred spirit stones; more would affect the business."
Lu Qingqing solemnly presented the commerce association's account books, affirming her determination to support Yun Yao from the beginning.
"Aside from the commerce association, we, as a couple, still have some savings."
Shen Lie also nodded earnestly, as the market had been unstable in recent years, and whenever spirit stones came around, people would prioritize using them to enhance their strength.
Not much could be saved.
Nevertheless, Shen Lie and Lu Qingqing had managed their resources wisely over the years, perhaps due to a sense of guilt from three years ago, bringing out nearly two hundred spirit stones, virtually their entire savings.
"Mr. Yun, I have thirty spirit stones here."
Compared to the spirit stones brought out by Shen Lie and his wife, Erniu's thirty spirit stones might not seem much, but it surprised everyone.
Everyone was well aware of Erniu's situation after all.
The next moment, Erniu awkwardly scratched his head, cupping his hands as he spoke directly:
"My boy, Yifan, though not very talented, is earnest. If suitable, I'd like him to help out at the commerce association in the future."
Li Erniu did not hide his intentions, which brought smiles to everyone's faces.
Yun Yao solemnly nodded, "Let Yifan follow Qingqing and Shen Lie for now, in matters of both cultivation and business, they are competent to guide him."
Having achieved his intentions, Li Erniu instantly beamed with a smile.
Lastly, Lin Chang'an nodded gently.
"Mr. Yun, I have some savings, though not much, but I do have a hundred spirit stones."
Upon hearing Lin Chang'an could readily provide a hundred spirit stones, Li Erniu exclaimed:
"This Talisman Master really earns well."
At this moment, even Li Erniu felt a bit envious; despite being at the Qi Refining mid-stage, the difference in earning capabilities was unmistakable.
Lin Chang'an, however, jestingly remarked, "I've already introduced Yifan to the basics of talismans. If he has the talent in the future, even without me, the Zhou Family will naturally nurture him."
A hundred spirit stones, even Shen Lie felt a bit amazed.
The couple managed to have this much solely due to years of business, along with some old savings.
However, when Lin Chang'an took out a spirit stone bag, accompanied by the crisp sound of spirit stones, Lu Qingqing's earlobes twitched slightly, her eyes flickering with a strange light.
"Thank you, Mr. Lin."
Watching everyone's assistance, especially Lin Chang'an contributing a hundred spirit stones, Yun Yao's expression became resolute, choosing not to say too much in the way of sentimental words.
And Lin Chang'an jestingly remarked, "I also have two Golden Light Talismans; I hope the next time we meet, Mr. Yun will already be a Foundation Establishment cultivator, providing us with a solid backing."
Upon hearing this, everyone extended their congratulations in advance.
Yun Yao, too, rarely showed a smile, cupping her hands towards everyone.
In the Immortal Cultivation Realm, the aspect of auspiciousness is emphasized as well.
...
Finally, everyone bid farewell, as the market had been unstable over the past two years.
Outside the Gathering Immortals Tower, watching the departing figures, Shen Lie couldn't help but click his tongue:
"No wonder Erniu mentioned that the Zhou Family holds Mr. Lin's talisman skills in high regard; with these kinds of resources, there's no comparison."
Beside him, Lu Qingqing rolled her eyes at her husband.
"Do you really think that bag contains just one hundred spirit stones?"
"What do you mean?" Shen Lie looked at his wife, puzzled, while Lu Qingqing pointed to her own ears, exasperated.
"These ears of mine, having helped grandfather with accounts at the Gathering Immortals Tower since childhood, let me gauge the approximate number of spirit stones, spirit crystals, from the faint collision sounds."
Lastly, Lu Qingqing glanced at the distant disappearing figure, her thoughts unknown, but upon turning to see her chosen husband, Shen Lie, she shook her head with a smile.
If given a chance, she would choose the same again, as self-awareness and risk aversion were lessons her grandfather taught her.
"I estimate there were about one hundred twenty spirit stones."
When Lu Qingqing stated this, Shen Lie couldn't help but click his tongue.
"No wonder they say among the Hundred Skills of Cultivation, once one is initiated, the ways to earn spirit stones far surpass those of fellow cultivators at the same stage; why don't we have that talent?"
Shen Lie, slightly envious, finally looked at his wife, Lu Qingqing, whispering, "Shall we have a gifted child?"
"Get out of here." Lu Qingqing glared, but her earlobes were burning.
She hadn't told the truth; she internally estimated that the spirit stones Lin Chang'an lent Yun Yao were probably around one hundred fifty.
...
However, at this moment, at the upper floor of the Gathering Immortals Tower.
"One hundred eighty-three spirit stones!"
Yun Yao was a bit amazed, "Can Talisman Masters earn this much?" Moreover, she had observed Lin Chang'an's cultivation in recent years.
However, upon seeing the two talismans within the spirit stone bag, Yun Yao's eyes flickered with a touch of surprise.
It was precisely these two talismans, sandwiched in the middle, that led Lu Qingqing to misjudge with her hearing.
"These are Tier One Intermediate Top-Grade Golden Light Talismans!"
The more radiant Golden Light Talismans washed Yun Yao with shock and understanding.
Tier One Intermediate Top-Grade Golden Light Talismans, infinitely close to top-grade talismans, would be life-saving in critical moments for her.
This equated to Yun Yao having two one-time defensive magical artifacts.
"Tier One Upper-Grade Talisman Master, so this is it!"
At this moment, Yun Yao's eyes glowed with realization.
...
Meanwhile, on his way back, Lin Chang'an was secretly calculating in his mind.
"Complete Tier One Talisman heritage, the Li Huo Palace and Profound Sound Pavilion simply do not sell it externally."
In addition, with the increasingly tense situation outside and his cultivation level, if he wished to secure himself in chaotic times, he needed to find a solid backing.
The Zhou Family and Wang Family, he didn't even consider.
Yun Yao was his best choice.
In the circles of Qi Refining cultivators, things that were rare beyond compare differed in the circles of Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"With Yun Yao's position in the Li Huo Palace, obtaining a complete heritage of the Tier One Golden Light Talisman wouldn't be difficult."
Lin Chang'an calculated in his mind the top-grade talisman heritage he needed.
Even if it failed, given Yun Yao's age and temperament, she would definitely attempt a breakthrough to Foundation Establishment. At that point, to shorten the preparation time, she would require this Tier One Upper-Grade Talisman Master.
If successful, having Yun Yao, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, as backing, his personal safety would be assured, along with channels for top-grade talismans.
Therefore, to Yun Yao, he was even more important now.
Yun Yao might gain immensely, but he would definitely not lose.
"With Yun Yao being backed by Li Huo Palace, if my cultivation increases a bit more, perhaps I'll have the chance to leave here and find a safe and stable place to continue cultivating."
Lin Chang'an pondered secretly, knowing he was now a person with limitless possibilities, why risk his life?
As if it were some Thousand-Year Elixir, not even a Foundation Establishment Pill.