Chapter 125: Golden Core Opportunity
"Fellow Daoist Lin has extraordinary comprehension in the path of formations. It truly is a pity."
These past few years, due to Song Tingfeng’s involvement—as well as the tacit understanding surrounding that formation plate incident—they had grown relatively familiar.
He was often invited to discussions during trade gatherings to jointly deliberate on the Dao.
At this moment, Su Miaoyin shook her head with a somewhat regretful expression, as if to say that with Lin Changan’s talent, he ought to have been delving deeper into the path of formations.
【First-rank Premium Formation Master (Grandmaster 3/5000)】
Thanks to Song Tingfeng, conversations about cultivation frequently veered toward formation arts, and Su Miaoyin was a well-known prodigy in the field.
Through years of such immersive exposure, Lin Changan had gained profound insights.
By now, he had already become a First-rank Premium Formation Master.
"Fellow Daoist Su overpraises."
It was said that Su Miaoyin had already become a Third-rank Formation Master, a testament to her natural comprehension in the path of formations.
Among the Hundred Arts of Cultivation, the formation path emphasized comprehension even more.
With sufficient insight, sudden breakthroughs were not uncommon.
Lin Changan humbly waved his hand—he knew his own capabilities best. Whatever understanding he had in formations was truly thanks to her.
Of course, the main credit still belonged to Fellow Daoist Song.
Su Miaoyin, smiling and shaking her head, was genuinely regretful in her heart, yet she understood.
In the path of formations, not to mention Drifting Cultivators—even ordinary sect cultivator families lacked the proper foundation in this field.
Lin Changan merely adopted the mindset of "there’s no harm in learning," and in just a few short years, had reached a level comparable to Song Tingfeng.
This left Song Tingfeng somewhat stifled and helpless, only able to sigh that his own talent didn’t lie in formations.
"Fellow Daoist Lin certainly has skill."
While the two chatted idly and the topic shifted to Lin Changan’s recent demon-beast hunts, Su Miaoyin couldn't help but nod in admiration.
If a Drifting Cultivator didn’t fight for anything and only endured hardship in cultivation daily, few could ever achieve anything.
Lin Changan also nodded in agreement. "It’s mostly thanks to my Bullie, and the popularity of Detoxification Pills in Tianxuan City these past two years."
After sharing their sentiments, Lin Changan took his leave.
Su Miaoyin wasn’t surprised. For a cultivator, hunting demon beasts to acquire resources was perfectly normal.
Someone like Lin Changan, with poor aptitude, wouldn’t get far merely by cultivating day in and day out. Those who still plotted to reach Golden Core that way were the real anomalies.
How many resources could one earn just relying on a bit of crafting skill?
"Miss, these Second-rank demon beast materials carry faint traces of Baleful Energy. It appears Fellow Daoist Lin might’ve learned some demonic methods."
As Lin Changan departed, the old man surnamed Wind pointed at the purchased materials and chuckled.
Su Miaoyin, however, merely smiled calmly, unfazed by the remark.
"Any cultivator daring to take risks for a sliver of opportunity—who cares what methods they use."
Materials laced with Baleful Energy typically carried side effects. But someone like Lin Changan was too common among Drifting Cultivators.
After Su Miaoyin sighed and left, the old man surnamed Wind also let out a light sigh.
Hopefully, this Fellow Daoist Lin could walk far on his path.
……
When Lin Changan exited the Many Treasures Pavilion and returned outside his cave abode, someone had already been waiting for quite some time.
"Fellow Daoist Yun."
Upon seeing the visitor, Lin Changan was not unfamiliar. After inviting her into the cave abode, the visitor removed her black veil, revealing her true appearance.
It was none other than Yun Yao.
Lin Changan cupped his hands with a smile. The two had met occasionally over the years, exchanging thoughts on current affairs and cultivation insights.
"Brother Lin, you really are a hidden gem among Second-rank Mid-grade Talisman Masters."
Yun Yao offered a rare teasing remark, her beautiful eyes carrying a knowing look.
She had always thought Lin Changan was merely gifted in talismans—but she hadn’t expected his actual strength to be considerable as well.
Ordinary Foundation Establishment Drifting Cultivators didn’t have the means to hunt multiple Second-rank demon beasts.
Even Yun Yao had been surprised at first.
Lin Changan didn’t deny it. Instead, he sighed lightly and shook his head. "The world of cultivation is not peaceful—one must take some risks."
This struck a chord with Yun Yao. Indeed, even after reaching Foundation Establishment, she had discovered that the path ahead only grew harder.
Every step forward was like treading on thin ice.
"Alright, since Fellow Daoist Yun rarely visits, try this Spirit Wine that Yingying brought last time."
"Gladly."
After a gentle sip, a smile emerged on Yun Yao’s face.
"This is Spirit Wine from Bamboo Mountain—I haven’t tasted this in years."
Seeing this, Lin Changan chuckled and nodded.
"Then Fellow Daoist Yun must savor it well. That girl Yingying truly was thoughtful."
"Mm. Shen Lie, Qingqing, Bullie, and Wei Buyi—these past few years, they’ve all been doing quite well. To survive this long in the world of cultivation, with children thriving—that’s already a blissful life."
As they chatted in reflection, Yun Yao had been quietly watching over these old friends from afar over the years.
Seeing them now, living fulfilling lives, a smile graced her lips as well.
Her journey was far from over—this wasn’t the time to stop.
"We’ve known each other for decades. I’ve always believed in your character and heart, Brother Lin. Originally, I came to ask a favor of you.
But after seeing you slay demon beasts at Many Treasures Pavilion, I now see how unwavering your Dao heart is."
At this point, Yun Yao’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Lin Changan.
"Yun Yao has come across an opportunity—I wonder, Brother Lin!"
Opportunity!
Upon hearing this, Lin Changan’s expression grew serious.
With Yun Yao’s mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation and the wealth she occasionally displayed over the years—anything she deemed a "chance" was bound to be extraordinary.
However, cautious as ever, Lin Changan hesitated briefly before asking:
"Fellow Daoist Yun, may I ask what the favor you initially came for was?"
He did not mention the opportunity, instead inquiring about Yun Yao’s original intent.
Yun Yao, ever straightforward, smiled and, without delay, pulled out a jade slip from her Storage Pouch.
"Restriction-Breaking Talisman!"
Upon seeing its contents, Lin Changan was astonished—it was actually the inheritance of a Second-rank Restriction-Breaking Talisman.
As the name suggested, it was designed to break through formation barriers.
Although a Second-rank talisman, it was usually tightly held by large sects or clans and rarely seen outside.
After all, it was mainly used when attacking defensive formations around clan strongholds.
Because of this, the Restriction-Breaking Talisman was hard to sell and incredibly scarce.
Now that Yun Yao had taken it out—and considering her mention of an opportunity—Lin Changan couldn’t help but furrow his brows slightly.
Yun Yao, being straightforward in nature, laughed boldly and revealed her previous intent.
"There are few Second-rank Mid-grade Talisman Masters in Tianxuan City. As for Second-rank Premium ones, they’re even rarer—and I trust none of them.
Brother Lin, your talent in talismans is extraordinary. This opportunity won’t be seized in just a day or two. I believe you’ll eventually become a Second-rank Premium Talisman Master."
Hearing this, Lin Changan couldn’t help but feel a weight lifted from his heart. He sighed emotionally and said:
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Yun, for your trust."
Since Yun Yao had spoken so frankly, it was clear she hadn’t initially planned to invite him to join this opportunity.
After all, he had been just a regular Foundation Establishment Drifting Cultivator before. Her original goal was likely to exchange this Restriction-Breaking Talisman inheritance for a certain number of talismans.
But upon seeing Lin Changan’s impressive combat ability at Many Treasures Pavilion, her intentions had changed.
"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Yun, although each step as a Drifting Cultivator at Foundation Establishment is a struggle, since others can succeed in the world of cultivation, I won’t be left behind."
With matters laid bare, Lin Changan saw no need for concealment. He openly expressed his firm resolve to pursue Golden Core.
Without such aspirations, how many Foundation Establishment cultivators would dare venture into the Cloudmist Mountain Range?
Upon hearing this, Yun Yao smiled.
Having reached this point in their cultivation, they had already begun to understand the loneliness of cultivators. If one could find a like-minded and trustworthy Daoist companion on the road—it would indeed be a blessing.
The two raised their cups and drank in silence.
Next, Yun Yao took a deep breath, her expression gradually growing solemn.
"Brother Lin, do you want to form a core!"
Pfft!
Lin Changan nearly spat out the wine in his mouth, eyes wide with surprise. Although he still didn’t know what the opportunity was, wasn’t Yun Yao aiming a bit too high with her words?
He was only in the early stage of Foundation Establishment.
However, Yun Yao’s expression remained solemn as she began to speak of a secret matter.
"Brother Lin, the Mystic Yin Sect has already established itself in the Sea Abyss of Beasts—so why are they interfering with the Yue Kingdom? Have you never wondered?"
Compared to the Sea Abyss of Beasts, the resources of the Yue Kingdom were meager.
This also caused Lin Changan to furrow his brows, though this wasn’t something he was meant to concern himself with.
Yun Yao said in a low voice, "The Mystic Yin Ancestor went into seclusion a hundred years ago. It’s said he was cultivating a powerful divine ability, yet he still sent out a Lord Protector.
Apparently, the Three Major Sects of the Yue Kingdom seem to have discovered traces of the previous sect master of the Mystic Yin Demonic Sect…"
Hearing this, Lin Changan couldn't help but suck in a cold breath. The former sect master of the Mystic Yin Demonic Sect—he had been a Nascent Soul True Lord!
"Fellow Daoist Yun, if this involves secrets of a Nascent Soul cultivator, then let’s stop here."
After the initial shock, Lin Changan hurriedly collected his thoughts and stopped Yun Yao from continuing.
He was just a tiny Foundation Establishment ant—what business did he have involving himself in a Nascent Soul expert’s opportunity?
That was no different than courting death.
Seeing Lin Changan’s cautious expression, Yun Yao suddenly let out a soft laugh, then shook her head while smiling:
"Brother Lin, I’m not someone who overestimates herself. How would I dare covet an opportunity belonging to a Nascent Soul mighty figure?"
Only then did Lin Changan breathe a sigh of relief.
Sometimes, if an opportunity was too great, it wasn’t an opportunity—it was a death sentence.
"To put it plainly, the Mystic Yin Sect’s interference in the Yue Kingdom is just to prevent the sect’s secret techniques from falling into other hands. But those matters have little to do with us."
With a serious expression, Yun Yao slowly began to reveal some inside information.
"What comes next is the real focus. Before Master Lu returned, True Lord Blood Fiend, a powerful cultivator at the late stage of Golden Core, had already returned a century ago.
And this True Lord Blood Fiend vanished while searching for the traces of the Mystic Yin Sect’s former Nascent Soul cultivator."
As Yun Yao continued her explanation, Lin Changan gradually understood the entire situation.
In short, Yun Yao wasn’t foolish enough to covet the inheritance of a Nascent Soul True Lord, but the inheritance of a fallen Golden Core cultivator—that was tempting.
Especially since the higher-ups of the Three Major Sects of the Yue Kingdom—those Golden Core Elders—were likely all eyeing the Nascent Soul True Lord’s remains.
But True Lord Blood Fiend? Didn’t that name match the source of the technique he had purchased at auction? Could there be a connection?
A thousand thoughts raced through Lin Changan’s mind.
"Fellow Daoist Yun, to be honest, I’m quite tempted. But matters concerning Golden Core cultivators may not be something we, mere Foundation Establishment cultivators, can meddle in."
Though Lin Changan was moved, after thinking it over, he still chose to remain cautious.
Yun Yao, however, let out a soft laugh, gently swept her hair aside, and smiled:
"What if I told you I had confirmed information that this True Lord Blood Fiend has perished?"
"Confirmed he has perished!?"
Lin Changan was stunned. Yun Yao was so certain?
Yun Yao lightly nodded. "According to reliable information, before True Lord Blood Fiend’s return, he had traded a vial of Fourth-rank Spirit Liquid with Master Lu."
Fourth-rank Spirit Liquid, also known as Ten-thousand-year Spirit Milk, not only restored spiritual power but also extended life and healed injuries.
In that moment, Lin Changan’s heart stirred violently.
Ten-thousand-year Spirit Milk!
If his Life-bound Spirit Plant were nourished by such a treasure, who knew how much it might grow?
And if this were real, the inheritance of that Golden Core cultivator truly was irresistible.
Secret arts, resources, magical artifacts—the assets of a late Golden Core cultivator could easily be traded for one or two Golden Core spiritual items.
For Foundation Establishment cultivators like them, it was a tremendous temptation.
Even more crucially, his previously cultivated Killing Origin Sword Art might have a chance of being completed. With that in mind, Lin Changan glanced at Yun Yao with a strange expression.
"Brother Lin, this is the opportunity Yun Yao was referring to. Of course, the formation set by a Golden Core cultivator before sitting in death meditation isn’t something we can break through.
But based on my previous investigations, in another twenty or thirty years, the formation will weaken. If we join forces, it’s not impossible."
With Yun Yao’s determined gaze, countless Foundation Establishment cultivators existed—but how many truly reached Golden Core?
Had she remained ignorant, it wouldn’t matter. But now that she knew—if she didn’t strive for it, then why keep cultivating? She might as well spend the rest of her life in Tianxuan City.
"How many people know of this matter?"
Lin Changan was clearly tempted, but he remained cautious. If others were involved, the risk would undoubtedly increase.
At his question, a trace of hesitation flickered across Yun Yao’s expression. Lin Changan instinctively sensed something was wrong, but her next words left him embarrassed.
"Brother Lin, as of now, only the two of us know of this matter."
As if afraid Lin Changan wouldn’t believe her, Yun Yao fell silent and took out a formation plate exuding a strange aura from her Storage Pouch.
The plate was palm-sized, entirely blood-red, and emanated a dense resentment.
"This is a demonic artifact!"
Lin Changan was shocked. Though he had never seen one before, he had heard about them.
This formation plate was dark red all over, clearly dyed with a cultivator’s essence blood, and the resentment it exuded was undoubtedly from the souls imprisoned through demonic methods.
"Previously, I encountered a Robber Cultivator—he was a descendant of True Lord Blood Fiend. He had traveled far to the Yue Kingdom, trying to find the location through bloodline resonance.
I killed him instead, and using a secret method, I learned this information. Then I created this formation plate."
Yun Yao spoke in a quiet tone, seemingly unwilling to show her cruel and bloody side before Lin Changan.
But Lin Changan was stunned, not because of the cruelty, but because of the information Yun Yao had revealed between the lines.
Cruelty? In the world of cultivation, one without such methods would’ve long since died somewhere unknown.
Still, he wondered—did this True Lord Blood Fiend have any other direct descendants? Would that increase the danger?
As if reading his thoughts, Yun Yao put away the formation plate and said solemnly, "He was the only surviving bloodline descendant of True Lord Blood Fiend."
"Through a secret method, I learned that a hundred years ago, that descendant had just reached Foundation Establishment. Before leaving, True Lord Blood Fiend had promised to grant him a chance at Golden Core once his cultivation matured.
But the man had limited talent, only reaching mid-stage Foundation Establishment. He was probably just trying to retrieve his ancestor’s inheritance. If not for an accident, I wouldn’t have discovered it either."
However, Lin Changan’s face showed a strange expression—True Lord Blood Fiend? Then the Killing Origin Sword Art he had purchased…
"Fellow Daoist Yun, there was once a sword art of True Lord Blood Fiend at an auction—could it be…?"
"Indeed, I was the one who put it up for testing. I wanted to see if anyone was still secretly searching."
As the two locked eyes, Yun Yao also revealed a strange expression and couldn’t help but probe:
"Then that manual, could it have been you, Brother Lin?"
Lin Changan remained silent, slowly raising his hand as a trace of sword light floated around his body.
Under the green glow of the sword light, those unfamiliar with the technique wouldn’t recognize it—but since Yun Yao had acquired it, how could she not study it?
After all, it concerned the opportunity of True Lord Blood Fiend. Studying the technique would greatly aid her in the future.
This was precisely why cultivators in the world of cultivation guarded their techniques so fiercely.
Once a technique was leaked, it was easy for enemies to find weaknesses.
"Ahem, so it was you who bought it, Brother Lin."
A trace of awkwardness surfaced on Yun Yao’s face—she truly hadn’t expected it.
Lin Changan remained silent—was this fate?