Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Three Times the Lifespan

Chapter 52 Change of Circumstances

"Thank you for your concern, Brother Changsheng. I'm doing well. Although studying talismans is tedious, I've made some progress and can barely be considered a true first-tier low-grade talisman master."

Liu Xiaoying's eyes dimmed slightly, but she then smiled and spoke softly.

Her father is currently in seclusion, pursuing the perfect Foundation Establishment realm. After he succeeds, the Liu family will leave Biyue Lake and the Southern Region's cultivation world, heading to a place millions of miles away.

By then, the two would have little chance of seeing each other again.

"Oh? Congratulations, Xiaoying. The art of talisman making is exquisite and profound. For you to have reached such a level at such a young age is truly admirable, both in terms of talent and perseverance."

Yang Changsheng was genuinely happy for her. Cultivating immortality could lead to divine abilities, and mastering even one would open up limitless possibilities.

The long lifespan of an immortal being means that countless people around them will fall behind, and the fact that the girl can go further is a beautiful sight.

He paused for a moment, then said frankly, "It's quite a coincidence that I've had some opportunities these past few months. I've gained some insights into puppetry and can barely be considered a low-grade puppeteer."

A flicker of surprise crossed Liu Xiaoying's eyes, which quickly transformed into overwhelming joy: "A puppeteer? Brother Changsheng, you...you're really...amazing!"

She knew all too well the preciousness of the puppeteer's legacy and the difficulty of mastering it. The hardships Yang Changsheng endured to rise from a fisherman to this point were unimaginable.

Most importantly, if the other party continues to hone this skill, they may be able to successfully establish their foundation, and who knows, they might even have a chance to leave the Southern Region in the future.

The two exchanged a smile, which conveyed a sense of mutual appreciation and a desire to progress together.

As they spoke, they arrived at the door of the Tingchao Private Room.

Liu Xiaoying gently pushed open the door, and the elegant and tranquil decor came into view. The lakeside windows were open, and a gentle breeze carrying moisture drifted in.

Inside the private room, Su Wanqing, dressed in a snow-white long dress, sat in the main seat, her temperament still elegant and refined, like a secluded orchid in a valley.

Hearing the door open, she looked up and her gaze quickly swept over Yang Changsheng and Liu Xiaoying, who were walking in side by side.

Su Wanqing understood immediately and smiled gently, "Changsheng, Xiaoying, you've arrived. Please have a seat."

In the instant his gaze swept across them, Yang Changsheng keenly caught a subtle scrutiny that was different from usual. It seemed to be something more than just familiarity, or perhaps it was just an illusion.

Li Qingshan also stood up, still dressed as a young master from a prominent family, with a fair and handsome face, holding a jade folding fan in his hand, and a warm jade pendant hanging at his waist.

Two years have passed, and he has lost some of his former high spirits and gained more composure, even a hint of melancholy.

His cultivation level has reached the fifth level of Qi Refining, and he is just one step away from the sixth level. However, it is unknown how long it will take for him to refine his skills.

Those with low-grade spiritual roots have extremely slow cultivation speeds, and even with ample elixirs, progress is still difficult.

Not to mention that a mid-grade Marrow Cleansing Pill costs twenty spirit stones, and even among the direct descendants of immortal cultivation families, very few can afford it.

"Brother Yang, Junior Sister Liu... We've been waiting for you to arrive."

Li Qingshan smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, his voice gentle, but there was a hint of complexity in the depths of his eyes.

According to what Su Wanqing just said, one of them is already a puppeteer capable of creating first-tier puppets, with unlimited potential.

The other one is not only stunningly beautiful now, but also has an astonishing cultivation speed and has become a formal talisman master.

But I feel like I'm stuck in the same place.

The four sat down again, and Su Wanqing brewed tea with her delicate hands, the aroma wafting through the air.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the conversation naturally turned to their recent situations.

"To be honest, it's me, as the elder brother, who should congratulate you all on this small gathering. Brother Yang has achieved success as a puppeteer, Junior Sister Liu has made great progress in the art of talismans, and Senior Sister Su has made steady progress in the art of alchemy. You have all found a solid foundation for your lives. Only I..."

Li Qingshan gently shook his folding fan and spoke first, his tone tinged with self-deprecation and helplessness.

He sighed. He had been stuck at the bottleneck of the fifth level of Qi Refining for several years. In addition, the clan's resources were now being allocated more favorably to a few newly promoted disciples with mid-grade spiritual roots.

These old guard are probably going to be washed ashore.

The three of them remained silent, listening quietly without offering any opinions.

"Fellow Daoists, I am shamelessly asking for your help today. Those who have mastered all the arts of cultivation are even more precious in this chaotic world. If you three ever have any pills, talismans, or finished puppets that you need to sell in the future, I hope you will give priority to my channels."

"My Li family has connections in several surrounding markets, and we will do our best to secure the fairest price for the three of you. We will never let you suffer a loss, as if we were... fellow disciples."

Li Qingshan looked at Yang Changsheng, Liu Xiaoying, and Su Wanqing, his eyes sincere with a hint of pleading.

His words were sincere, and his posture was quite humble, clearly indicating that his situation within the family was indeed unfavorable, and he urgently needed to expand his resources and influence.

Yang Changsheng, Liu Xiaoying, and Su Wanqing exchanged a glance.

Su Wanqing nodded slightly, and Liu Xiaoying also nodded gently.

Yang Changsheng pondered for a moment before speaking, "Senior Brother Li, you flatter me. The mutual aid meeting is meant to help each other. Senior Brother has the channels, and we have the output. It's a good thing to exchange what we have. As long as the price is fair, we will give priority to Senior Brother's services, which is perfectly fine."

This statement was perfectly worded, giving Li Qingshan face, agreeing to the priority, and clarifying the premise of fair pricing, ensuring that he wouldn't suffer a loss.

Of course, the most important thing is that there is profit to be made. You can sell puppets directly in the shop and buy them back at 80% of the market price, while selling them to other cultivators can get you around 90%.

However, due to the lack of good distribution channels and the small volume of shipments, no choice was made.

Upon hearing this, Li Qingshan smiled with relief and cupped his hands, saying, "Thank you all! Brother Yang is very kind and straightforward; I am deeply grateful! I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

After saying that, he picked up a teacup and toasted the three of them with tea instead of wine.

Setting down his teacup, Li Qingshan's expression turned solemn. He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, making sure only the four people in the private room could hear him: "Since the three of you trust your foolish brother, there is something even more important that I dare not conceal. It is also a way of repaying your trust."

His gaze swept over the three men, lingering for a moment on Yang Changsheng's face, before he said, "According to top-secret information I obtained through special channels, the Lu family's higher-ups are furious. A counterattack has been planned, and this is no small matter. A full-scale retaliation against the Chixiao Royal Family will commence within the first month at the earliest, and no later than three months! This is not a minor skirmish, but... a war of all-out effort!"

"What?" Liu Xiaoying gasped softly, covering her mouth.

Su Wanqing frowned slightly, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the rim of the cup.

Yang Changsheng was also greatly shocked. Although he had already guessed the escalation of the conflict from the martial law imposed by the Lu family and the atmosphere in the market, the weight of the words "all-out battle" still exceeded his expectations.

Unexpectedly, Li Qingshan was able to discover such a core decision. This special channel is probably not simple.

He remained expressionless, only asking in a deep voice, "Senior Brother Li, is the information confirmed?"

"Eight or nine out of ten!" Li Qingshan said decisively, his expression very serious.

This time, the Lu family suffered a hidden loss, losing fishermen and farmers, and losing face. More importantly, their proud daughter, Lu Qianxue, was about to reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

The Wang family's plan serves two purposes: first, to weaken the Lu family's foundation; and second, to delay or even disrupt Lu Qianxue's foundation-building process.

The Lu family patriarch was furious and determined to break the Wang family's claws, and to ensure the Lu family's stability for the next few decades, clearing obstacles for Lu Qianxue's successful foundation building and completely establishing the four foundation-building families' pattern.

This battle is unavoidable!