Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Three Times the Lifespan

Chapter 53 Ways to Get Rich

"Once the great war begins, the impact will be far-reaching... The prices of all resources related to combat, healing, and survival, especially pills for restoring energy and healing, talismans for attack, defense, escape techniques, magical artifacts, puppets, and even basic spiritual materials, will inevitably skyrocket!"

"The price increase will likely far exceed expectations! I suggest that if any of you three have spare cash or recent production, you should hold off on buying and hold onto these items for now. At most... six months. Within six months, the price of these items could double! Or even more!"

Li Qingshan provided all the information in great detail, which was actually no secret among the higher-ups.

Or rather, large-scale operations and resource mobilization simply cannot be concealed from astute businessmen.

This news was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake; Yang Changsheng's pupils constricted slightly.

War profits!

Li Qingshan was pointing them in the right direction for accumulating resources in a chaotic world.

The value of this information far exceeds the priority he had just promised.

He looked at Li Qingshan and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute: "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Li! I will remember this favor."

Su Wanqing and Liu Xiaoying also nodded solemnly in thanks.

Silence fell over the private room for a moment, with only the faint sound of the waves of the lake outside the window, carrying a heavy sense of impending rain.

After a moment of silence, Liu Xiaoying turned to Yang Changsheng, her beautiful eyes filled with concern, her voice soft yet clear, and said:

"Brother Changsheng, if what Senior Brother Li said is true, a great battle is about to break out, and the Biyue Lake area... especially the outer area and the area close to the Wang family's territory, will probably not be as peaceful as before."

"You are alone in the Bingyin 73 water area. Although you have puppet guards, you are far from the market. What if a powerful enemy launches a surprise attack or the war spreads..."

"That's true." Yang Changsheng nodded, seemingly lost in thought.

In the event of a full-scale war, vast bodies of water will certainly no longer be a safe haven.

Seeing that he was somewhat moved, Liu Xiaoying paused for a moment, then continued, "I suggest that Brother Yang consider moving into the market town?"

"The market is heavily guarded by the Lu family, with a strict formation, so it is safe and secure. Moreover, the spiritual energy in the market is relatively rich, making transactions convenient and more conducive to your study of puppetry and cultivation."

"Of course, the downside is that expenses will inevitably increase significantly. Courtyard rent and daily expenses all require spirit stones, and the market is crowded and noisy..."

Her analysis was clear and logical, and it was obvious that she had already carefully considered Yang Changsheng's situation.

Yang Changsheng listened attentively, his mind racing.

Liu Xiaoying's suggestion was exactly what he wanted to hear. Having witnessed the Black Wind Pass robbery and murder and personally heard Li Qingshan's warning about the great battle, how could he naively believe that the core area of ​​the Lu family was absolutely safe?

No matter how beautiful the waters of Bishui Lake are, it is ultimately dependent on others and its goals are fixed.

His identity as a puppeteer is now enough to establish him in the market, and he longs for a space that is entirely his own and undisturbed so that he can cultivate and research puppetry in peace.

The power of the Golden Tree Mark also requires a more secluded environment to be used.

He nodded and said in a deep voice, "Xiaoying is absolutely right. That's exactly what I was thinking too. Although Biyue Lake is beautiful, the current situation is turbulent, and it's not a place of lasting peace. However..."

Yang Changsheng gave a wry smile. "The twenty-year fishing and farming contract we signed with the Lu family hasn't expired yet. It might not be easy to terminate it early. We need to think of a safer way."

However, he already had a plan in mind. He might use the threat of war as an excuse to pay a certain price to terminate the contract, under the pretext of protecting the family's more important market properties.

If all else fails, given the puppeteer value he has demonstrated, the Lu family's management might be willing to make an exception.

"The matter of the contract can be dealt with gradually. It's good that Brother Yang has a clear understanding of it."

Seeing that he had taken her words to heart, Liu Xiaoying's smile deepened.

With a flick of her wrist, two talismans brimming with spiritual energy appeared in her palm.

The talisman paper was light blue, with complex and mysterious runes that rippled like water on it, and faint sounds of tides could be heard, emanating the spiritual pressure unique to a first-grade high-level talisman.

"These are two 'Water Shadow Escape Talismans,' which are first-tier high-grade water-type escape talismans. Once activated, they can transform into water shadows and escape far away in water bodies or places with abundant water vapor. They are extremely fast and quite concealed. Brother Changsheng is in a water body, so these items may be of some use in an emergency. Please accept them."

"A top-grade, high-quality water escape talisman!"

Li Qingshan couldn't help but gasp, a hint of undisguised envy flashing in his eyes.

Such life-saving talismans are valuable even under normal circumstances, and in the impending chaos, they are even more priceless. Liu Xiaoying's intention to protect Yang Changsheng is self-evident.

Looking at the two talismans gleaming with spiritual light, Yang Changsheng felt a surge of warmth in his heart.

He did not feign reluctance, knowing full well the importance of this item at crucial moments. He reached out and took it; the talisman felt warm to the touch, as if it contained surging water-based spiritual power.

"Thank you so much, Xiaoying! This is truly a godsend... I will definitely make up for the missing talisman when I have more money."

Yang Changsheng carefully put the two precious Water Shadow Escape Talismans into the two-cubic-meter storage bag at his waist, separating it from the area where he stored the puppet core, spirit stones, and other items.

Having as many life-saving trump cards as possible is naturally a good thing, especially escape talismans that are extremely compatible with one's water control abilities.

Liu Xiaoying smiled but didn't say anything.

These two exquisite talismans were drawn by my elder brother, Liu Yushu. I used the excuse that a friend wanted to buy them, so naturally I had to pay with spirit stones.

Watching this scene, Li Qingshan felt a mix of emotions, which eventually turned into a barely audible sigh as he silently picked up his teacup and sipped his tea.

Once upon a time, Li Qingshan was the core of this small group, far surpassing others in family background, cultivation, and connections.

However, in just over three years, the situation has changed dramatically.

Su Wanqing's alchemy skills are progressing steadily with a solid foundation, while Liu Xiaoying's talent in talismanic arts is astonishing, and her beauty is unparalleled.

Yang Changsheng rose to prominence, transforming from an ordinary fisherman into a promising puppeteer.

However, he himself was stuck in a bottleneck, with a delicate position in the family. He seemed to be only slightly above Wang Ergou, who was honest and hardworking but slightly less skilled, in this small group's ecosystem.

This disparity caused him, a proud and arrogant man, to feel an indescribable bitterness in his heart.

The true core and future of the current Immortal Path Mutual Aid Association undoubtedly lies in these three individuals who have mastered the three major cultivation techniques of alchemy, talisman making, and puppetry.

I, who used to be the matchmaker, now seem to have become the dependent.

"Alright, now that the information has been exchanged and everyone has their own strategies, although the situation is difficult, we must work together. Let's have tea instead of wine, and may we help each other on our path to immortality, so that we can walk more steadily and further through these storms."

Su Wanqing took in everyone's expressions, and at the right moment refilled the teacup, her gentle voice breaking the brief silence.

"Senior Sister Su is absolutely right!"

Yang Changsheng, Liu Xiaoying, and Li Qingshan raised their glasses in response.

The tea, slightly astringent, leaves a sweet aftertaste.

"Squeak!"

Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open, and Wang Ergou, looking travel-worn, finally walked in.

His face showed undisguised fatigue, his simple coarse cloth jacket was covered in dirt, and he looked somewhat uneasy.

"Brother Changsheng, Sister Wanqing, Sister Xiaoying, Brother Qingshan, I'm sorry... I'm late." Wang Ergou rubbed his hands, his voice filled with apology.