Eternal Life from Talisman Painting-Chapter 331 - 196: Gathering Intelligence

"In recent years, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance has been in name only. Initially, it was because it couldn’t find its footing. Once it stabilized, endless conflicts over interests began."

When mentioning the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, Old Hu’s face was full of melancholy and helplessness. After all, they were fellow cultivators who came from the same hometown.

"Profound Sound Pavilion was the weakest, but surprisingly, it managed to join Five Dragons Island early on through connections, so its development has been quite decent.

As for the Divine Sword Sect, it was unfortunate. Not sure who they offended, but three years ago, their sect was broken. Now, the Divine Sword Sect is long gone..."

Listening to Old Hu’s account, Lin Chang’an’s heart trembled with shock.

He didn’t expect that within a mere six years of seclusion, so much had happened.

But on further thought, it made sense. After all, with the arrival of the Seven Kingdoms, stabilizing naturally required going through some ordeals.

"The most infuriating would be the Li Huo Palace. Oh, and even the Vajra Sect followed Li Huo Palace into hiding in the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea, becoming tribulation cultivators..." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Upon hearing about the Vajra Sect, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but nod silently. This sect had always been adept at looting, and coming to the Demon Beast Abyss was like returning home.

"Right, Old Hu, how are the fellow cultivators on our island? And the Lu Family?"

"The Lu Family is quite good. For now, it seems they’re focused on development and avoid unnecessary trouble, with five Foundation Establishment cultivators on the island, all quite strong.

However, I heard that before the Lu Family faced hardships, their most talented member joined Sea Abyss City, and it’s said they’ve long since established their Foundation..."

Lin Chang’an nodded silently, listening to Old Hu’s analysis.

"So, the Wen couple remains as they were, still a loving couple, and the most accomplished cultivator, Mr. Fang, is rarely seen."

Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered, his thoughts unknown.

As for other tribulation cultivators or any cultivator finding a stroke of luck, Lin Chang’an simply smiled it off, though he kept it in mind.

"Right, recently, that Mr. Fang might come looking for you, Old Lin."

"Looking for me?"

Lin Chang’an looked puzzled, yet before Old Hu could explain further,

sure enough, the silent Mr. Fang, who had come with them to Jade Spirit Island and secretly contacted the Lu Family’s late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, came to visit.

...

"Congratulations, Mr. Lin, on your cultivation progress."

This late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator Fang Tie came bearing gifts to congratulate him, though his words were stiff, indicating he wasn’t good at socializing,

but since he brought gifts and came to congratulate him, Lin Chang’an naturally wore a smiling face.

About his previous secret dealings with the Lu Family, one might say everyone has their choices. Perhaps the temptation offered by Lady Lu back then was quite substantial.

This late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator was tempted.

"Mr. Fang, since we’re both on Jade Spirit Island, we should keep in touch more often in the future."

On the side, Old Hu, with his naturally friendly demeanor, said with a wide smile while secretly conveying Mr. Fang’s intentions to him.

Lin Chang’an secretly came to a realization.

"Mr. Lin, I visited the Wen couple and Mr. Hu earlier. This time, I’ve discovered a quasi-tier three demon beast cave.

This demon beast consists of two, male and female. If not, I wouldn’t be at a loss. From my observations and estimations, these demon beasts have probably laid eggs..."

Understanding the late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator Fang Tie’s intention, Lin Chang’an feigned a look of sudden realization.

"A quasi-tier three demon beast cave!"

Yet internally, Lin Chang’an glanced at Old Hu, as he was unaware of the specific situation due to his long seclusion.

This unassuming, somewhat taciturn cultivator Fang Tie had a hint of embarrassment in his expression.

As if he was saying, if he could handle it alone, he wouldn’t invite anyone for help.

"The Wen couple has already agreed. What about you, Mr. Lin?"

After grasping the situation, Lin Chang’an pondered deeply.

If he’s to prepare for Core Formation, relying solely on his skills for Spirit Stones won’t suffice.

And as mentioned, with two quasi-tier three demon beasts, their group of five should handle it easily, with three late-stage Foundation Establishment and two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Adding some tactics, the risk seems low.

After thinking for a moment, Lin Chang’an politely declined:

"Mr. Fang, I’ve just made a breakthrough, and I need some time to consolidate it. I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed."

To Lin Chang’an’s refusal, Mr. Fang was momentarily stunned, but he didn’t seem troubled, instead smiling broadly and nodding.

"No problem, Mr. Lin, since you’ve just advanced, you indeed need to consolidate your cultivation."

Then the three engaged in some discussion, and Mr. Fang, whose personality seemed consistent, would get excited only when speaking about cultivation matters.

Whenever they talked about interesting incidents, he appeared exceedingly awkward.

After the other left, Old Hu looked confused.

"Old Lin, why didn’t you go?"

"Nonsense, I’ve just advanced; shouldn’t I stabilize my cultivation now rather than risk my life? Besides, how do five people split two quasi-tier three demon beasts and their eggs?"

Under Lin Chang’an’s calm demeanor, the risk seemed low, but in reality, he didn’t want to take that risk.

Going with three cultivators he had no trust in was the biggest risk itself.

Moreover, how do five people split? This is the biggest issue in the Immortal Cultivation Realm and the reason for most casualties.

Also, while two quasi-tier three demon beasts seem weak, they are most ferocious during the incubation period.

Could there be a trap? Have others discovered it? These are all potential risks.

If Yun Yao or He Yan invited him, there would at least be a bit of foundational trust, and perhaps he would consider it.