59: National War Observations

He changed the flaming text that read 'Buy Now' to [Fire Bird Talismans are sold out; Fellow Daoists are welcome to return in seven days].

Su Ling looked at the back of the Cultivator in the bamboo hat and thought to himself.

red chain talismans were mainly used to deal with Yao Beasts with powerful physical bodies but average Spells.

Or perhaps flying Yao Beasts.

That Cultivator was only at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, yet after buying five Fire Bird Talismans, he still needed red chain talismans.

It was highly likely he needed to deal with a Peak Rank Two Yao Beast.

Whether it was Fire Bird Talismans or red chain talismans, they were both exceptionally effective against water-attribute Rank Two Yao Beasts.

Once their strength reached Rank Three, the effect became less obvious.

They were even inferior to control-type Spells of other attributes.

"But, what does that have to do with me?"

Su Ling gave a faint smile; he only needed to earn Spirit Stones and Cultivate until he reached the Core Formation Stage as soon as possible.

Although the Fire Bird Talismans were sold out, there were still many other Rank One and Rank Two Talismans.

Su Ling didn't plan on leaving either. He sat there quietly, reviewing the process of drawing Talismans while using his Immortal Eye of Treasure Appraisal to scan the stalls within his field of vision.

Thousand Star City's resources were far more abundant than those of the entire Underground World.

All kinds of cultivation resources appeared one after another.

He could also hear many strange tales from the cultivation world, or... gossip, from the nearby Cultivator stall owners!

"Hey, have you heard?"

"What?"

"It's said the City Lord has been summoning Core Formation Cultivators lately. It seems the once-in-fifty-years National War with the Zhenhai Imperial Dynasty is about to begin."

"Hiss, how many people will die this time?"

"Who knows? Anyway, it's too far away from us."

"But if one can stand out in the National War, there's even hope for Soul Transformation!"

"Keep dreaming. Who among those who dare to participate in the National War is a pushover? It's good enough just to survive; how dare you fantasize about Soul Transformation?"

"Hehe, cultivation is inherently an act of defying the heavens. Without a bit of fantasy, who would still Cultivate?"

"That's true..."

Two stall owners standing close to each other discussed in low voices.

Su Ling listened with a bewildered expression. What on earth was this 'National War'?

Occurring every fifty years and summoning Core Formation Cultivators?

Thinking of this, and seeing that the two stall owners seemed quite friendly, Su Ling simply sat a bit closer, cupped his hands, and greeted them, "Seniors..."

The two stall owners looked over at the sound, both appearing somewhat puzzled.

One sold Materials and the other sold low-rank Magical Artifacts, so they had no business conflict with Su Ling.

They glanced at each other, and one of them, an older-looking Early Core Formation Stage Cultivator, cupped his hands. "I wonder what business young friend has?"

His strength was much higher than Su Ling's, yet he showed no sign of looking down on him.

"This Junior has just arrived and takes the liberty of disturbing you..."

Su Ling showed a gentle smile and asked curiously, "I just heard you Seniors mention the 'National War.' I wonder what exactly it is..."

"Oh, you're asking about that!"

The two realized. The Core Formation Cultivator sighed softly, "Thousand Star City belongs to the Vast Sea Imperial Dynasty, one of the seven great Imperial Dynasties. Every fifty years, a National War centered on Core Formation Cultivators begins with the neighboring Zhenhai Imperial Dynasty."

"Why is that? Is there a deep-seated grudge between the two Imperial Dynasties?"

"Our strength is meager, so we aren't very clear about the specific reasons."

The Core Formation Cultivator shook his head. "However, there are rumors that this is the Imperial Dynasty's way of screening Cultivators with potential who are worth nurturing. Otherwise, why would it be held every fifty years?"

With the topic started, the other middle-aged Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivator chimed in, "In this National War, the upper Sect Azure Wave, along with other Schools and major cultivation families, will send Core Formation Disciples to participate. Even Loose Cultivators like us are allowed to join. Those who perform excellently during the National War can receive rewards from the Imperial Dynasty. Saying there's hope for Soul Transformation is definitely not a joke."

"But compared to Loose Cultivators like us, Sect Cultivators have extremely obvious advantages in Cultivation Techniques and Magical Artifacts."

Su Ling looked puzzled. "If Loose Cultivators participate, the chance of falling must be very high, right?"

"You bet!"

The middle-aged Cultivator sighed, "If one in ten survives, that's already considered good."

"In that case, why take such a big risk to participate?"

"It's all for the sake of living!"

The Core Formation Cultivator sighed slightly and explained, "Among the Loose Cultivators willing to participate, besides those who consider themselves powerful or possess special methods to increase their survival rate, there are those whose Lifespans are nearing their end and are making a desperate gamble. If they are lucky enough to obtain resources, it's not impossible to break through and promote to Nascent Soul during the war. Or if they luckily survive, the rewards they receive might increase their Lifespan or lead to a Breakthrough."

"I see."

Su Ling realized and nodded silently.

He was still young, and his talent was decent.

For now, he couldn't feel the sense of despair from having no hope of Breakthrough and waiting for his Lifespan to run out.

However, that didn't prevent him from understanding Cultivators trapped in such a situation.

Seeing Su Ling's silence, the middle-aged Cultivator thought he didn't quite believe this explanation and said with a hint of mystery, "Don't disbelieve it, young friend. There's a living example right before your eyes."

"Please enlighten me, Senior."

Su Ling was curious and cupped his hands again.

The middle-aged Cultivator chuckled and pointed to the sky. "The current City Lord of Thousand Star Island, Spirit Transformation Cultivator Li Xiuyuan, was originally a Peak Core Formation Stage Loose Cultivator whose Lifespan was nearing its end!"

"Could it be that City Lord Li, after participating in the National War..."

"Exactly. It's said that five hundred years ago, the City Lord performed excellently in that National War and was eventually recognized by the upper Sect, which took him in as a Disciple. After obtaining a Cultivation Technique that perfectly matched his Spiritual Root Aptitude, he broke through to Nascent Soul in one go. Two hundred years later, he promoted to Soul Transformation. Now, he's likely a Middle Stage or even Late Stage Soul Transformation expert. He was only appointed as the City Lord of Thousand Star City over forty years ago."

The middle-aged Cultivator explained slowly, his eyes filled with indescribable envy and hope.

"Precisely because the City Lord came from a Loose Cultivator background, the decrees he issued after taking office have been very supportive of Loose Cultivators. That's why the number of Loose Cultivators on Thousand Star Island has been increasing over the decades."

The Core Formation Cultivator said slowly, "Speaking of which, this is the first National War to be held since City Lord Li took office! The number of Loose Cultivators willing to participate will likely be much higher than before."

"With a role model leading the way, it's inevitable."

Su Ling nodded slightly; the role model effect is extremely influential no matter where it is.

After all, with Li Xiuyuan as a brilliant example, how could there be few who want to emulate him?

Not to mention others, even Su Ling couldn't help but feel moved for a moment upon hearing these deeds.

"Hehe, this old man doesn't have much Lifespan left. Perhaps I'll also take a gamble in the next National War!"

The Core Formation Cultivator smiled calmly and said while stroking his long beard.

At this moment, he was only at the Early Core Formation Stage.

If he still couldn't make a Breakthrough in another fifty years.

Rather than waiting to die in silence, it would be better to participate in the National War to fight for a glimmer of hope.

However, judging by his demeanor, he seemed to have a very clear perspective on it.

"There are still several decades. I believe you will definitely be able to break through, Senior!"

Su Ling cupped his hands and offered his sincere wishes.

"Haha, then I'll take your auspicious words!"

The Core Formation Cultivator laughed heartily and then introduced, "This old man is named Zhao Lian, and this is Fellow Daoist Wu Jincheng. Thanks to you today, our business has improved quite a bit. We don't yet know how to address you, young friend."

These words of his weren't just flattery.

Su Ling's Talismans had attracted many Loose Cultivators, which invisibly brought some customers to them as well.

"This Junior is Han Yu; greetings to you both, Seniors."

Su Ling quickly stood up and bowed, giving out the name of the 'very sincere' Senior Brother Han.

Zhao Lian and Wu Jincheng returned the gesture and laughed together, "So it's young friend Han. Since we are all setting up stalls here, it can be considered fate. Let's get to know each other better in the future."

"As it should be."