Chapter 155: Master Lu, Heaven-Mending Pill!
After the wind and snow passed, Tianxuan City brimmed with vitality. At the same time, the beast tide within the Cloudmist Mountain Range grew increasingly restless.
Many cultivators, even without venturing deep, were already able to encounter some Second-rank Demon Beasts.
There were even unlucky ones who had stumbled into a Quasi–third-rank Demon Beast.
On the eve of the beast tide, it was undoubtedly a rare grand event for Tianxuan City.
Cultivators from the Seven Kingdoms gathered, each of them eager and ready.
In the past, to track down a single Second-rank Demon Beast, even an experienced Demon-Hunting Squad would need several months.
Now, without needing to delve deeply into the Cloudmist Mountain Range, many unknown dangers were avoided. This was the fundamental reason.
The beast tide once again brought prosperity to Tianxuan City. Every month, the number of cultivators breaking through to Foundation Establishment exceeded that of the past.
【Lifespan: 77/246】
“Seventy-seven years old… it is a pity that beneath this grand event of Tianxuan City, hidden dangers lurked.”
Walking out of the Daoist Hall, Lin Chang’an secretly sighed. If only this Master Lu were younger.
The previous battle between Core Formation cultivators had confirmed that Master Lu was aged and declining. His lifespan, most likely, was only a few decades left.
“This Daoist Su… by rights, her cultivation should have long reached Foundation Establishment Great Perfection. Why has she still not formed a core? Could it really be as the rumors say—that she is using a secret art to enhance her spiritual root aptitude?”
On his way towards Tianxuan Peak, Lin Chang’an pondered silently.
Core Formation was divided into False Core and True Core. The difference between the two was vast.
If one formed a False Core, without great fortune, one would remain stuck there for life, with no potential to speak of.
But a True Core—its quality determined one’s future prospects.
It was said that Golden Cores were divided into upper, middle, and lower grades, with an even higher realm above them: the Immortal Golden Core.
“According to legend, the Immortal Golden Core could even aid in forming a Nascent Soul. In the world of cultivation, those who successfully formed a Nascent Soul were invariably ones with an upper-grade or Immortal Golden Core.”
As for lower- or middle-grade Golden Cores, only through rare opportunities could their quality be raised, thereby granting a chance to form a Nascent Soul.
The process of Core Formation was still within the scope of Foundation Establishment, and thus the spiritual root played the greatest role.
At this thought, Lin Chang’an frowned inwardly.
Although Core Formation was still far away for him, just as Yun Yao once said, “Only those who prepare beforehand can grasp the opportunity. How could one wait until the moment arrives and then scramble without measures?”
With a Low-grade Spiritual Root, even forming a False Core was not easy. Forming a Low-grade True Core was almost the limit.
“The world of cultivation is not without secret arts and pills to enhance spiritual root and Golden Core quality, but such things are not for me to consider.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an’s expression turned firm.
For now, his goal was to cultivate to the Late Foundation Establishment stage, and then prepare the required spirit items for Core Formation.
Even if it were only a False Core, he must form it first. Only then would he have enough lifespan and strength to pursue opportunities to improve his spiritual root and Golden Core quality.
…
At Tianxuan Peak.
“Brother Lin.”
“Daoist Yun.”
Upon arriving, Lin Chang’an encountered Yun Yao, who had also come. The two exchanged a glance and both smiled.
No matter what, last time they had made the correct choice. The benefits were now coming their way.
Yet seeing the situation after so long, it seemed Master Lu’s condition was even more severe than they had imagined.
“Daoist Lin, Sister Yun.”
Meeting again, Su Miaoyin, dressed in a grey Daoist robe, greeted them with a smile, personally stepping out to welcome them.
Perhaps because of the previous incident, Lin Chang’an could clearly feel that Su Miaoyin held a greater trust towards him.
After all, despite the temptation of a Core Formation Spirit Item, he had not betrayed her to the two great sects for his own gain.
Anyone in her place would naturally place more trust in him.
“Daoist Su.”
Lin Chang’an cupped his hands politely, though inwardly he sighed with relief.
If it were not for his cultivation method being so sharp in perception, how many people could have resisted such temptation?
Of course, Su Miaoyin did not know this. At that moment, she lightly raised her horsetail whisk, smiling warmly as she led them into the highest Daoist Hall on Tianxuan Peak.
“This place is my master’s cultivation hall…”
As soon as they entered, they felt the dense spiritual energy within. Especially that pool of Spiritual Spring outside, which made Lin Chang’an’s eyes burn with desire.
If his Life-bound Spirit Plant could absorb this, even restoring entire leaves would not be difficult.
Noticing the longing in his eyes, Su Miaoyin pointed at the pool with a smile.
“This is a spring born of a spiritual vein. When this secret realm was discovered, many Spiritual Fish already lived within it, each possessing marvelous effects for nourishing the body.
When Daoist Lin and Sister Yun leave later, take two with you.”
Faced with such generosity, Lin Chang’an smiled broadly and did not feign modesty. He cupped his hands and said, “Many thanks, Daoist Su.”
By contrast, Yun Yao, still remembering Su Miaoyin’s previous test, could not resist a sarcastic remark:
“Sister Su, why do I recall someone saying that if I helped her, she would tell me the secret art to enhance Master Lu’s spiritual root aptitude?”
Hearing this, Su Miaoyin’s expression remained calm. Just as she smiled lightly, ready to reply, a deep and aged yet resonant voice echoed from within the hall.
“Enhance spiritual root aptitude? This old man does indeed have something.”
At once, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao composed themselves. Led by Su Miaoyin, they stepped into the grand hall.
This was the first time Lin Chang’an had seen, at such close distance, the legendary rogue cultivator of the Seven Kingdoms.
“Greetings to Master Lu.”
Neither dared to show the slightest disrespect, for before them stood a true Core Formation cultivator.
“Hehe, the two of you have rendered great service to Tianxuan City. There is no need for so much formality.”
Master Lu smiled casually, giving Lin Chang’an the chance to carefully study this legendary cultivator.
He wore a blue robe, his face lean, long brows and beard white, resembling a scholarly elder.
His eyes shone brightly, and a transcendent aura surrounded him.
“I heard earlier that you two wished for a secret art to enhance spiritual root aptitude?”
Though his body exuded the twilight of age, his expression carried an optimistic ease, as he teased the two juniors with a smile.
Even Yun Yao grew solemn, bowing respectfully. “I would not dare. This junior was merely joking with Sister Su…”
Before she could finish saying “joking,” Master Lu waved his hand casually. A jade slip floated before them.
“There is no secret art for enhancing spiritual root aptitude. But a pill formula, that I have.”
Master Lu smiled as he spoke. “The world says that I, with a Low-grade Spiritual Root, was able to reach this stage due to a great fortune.
That is not false. In my youth, I once stumbled upon an ancient cultivator’s cave abode and inherited his legacy.”
Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao were dumbfounded as they stared at the jade slip before them, shock written across their faces.
A pill formula to enhance spiritual root aptitude? Just like that, it was theirs?
Yet as they examined it, silence fell over them.
Especially Lin Chang’an, who could not help feeling speechless.
The ancient pill formula was genuine, but the difficulty was simply too great.
“The ancient wondrous pill ‘Heaven-Mending Pill,’ using a Transformation-stage Great Demon’s core as the guide, combined with dozens of precious spirit herbs, could be refined.
Among them, three kinds of spirit herbs have already been lost. I spent a century of painstaking research to find substitutes, thus creating an inferior version—the Spirit-Mending Pill…”
As Master Lu spoke with a look of wistful remembrance, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao dared not interrupt.
Still, as Lin Chang’an studied the Spirit-Mending Pill formula, he inwardly marveled at Master Lu’s brilliance.
The Heaven-Mending Pill required a Demon Core from a Transformation-stage Great Demon—either two of opposite yin-yang, or five of the five elements. If a cultivator refined and consumed it, their spiritual root aptitude could be elevated to the level of Heavenly Spirit Root.
But Master Lu had improved it so that, with a Third-rank Demon Core, one could refine the weaker Spirit-Mending Pill, though the effect would be diminished.
“No wonder the rumors said Master Lu was injured while hunting a Third-rank Great Demon at the Sea Abyss of Beasts.”
Lin Chang’an mused silently. It seemed Master Lu had done so to refine the Spirit-Mending Pill for his daughter, even at great risk.
Though such things were far out of reach for him now, who could say what the future held? Lin Chang’an etched the formula firmly into his memory, and Yun Yao did the same.
Even if they could not use it, remembering it would cost nothing.
“Many thanks, Master Lu.”
Both bowed respectfully. Yet Master Lu, without the slightest airs, chuckled and began answering their cultivation doubts.
He was a genuine veteran Core Formation cultivator. Naturally, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao would not waste such an opportunity.
Faces full of joy, they asked one question after another.
Three days later.
Master Lu already revealed signs of fatigue. Watching this, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly. It seemed Master Lu’s condition was indeed unfavorable.
So short a time.
But it was worth it.
【Eternal Evergreen Art (Proficiency: 312/500)】
Seeing the proficiency of his ancient cultivation method increase by nearly one hundred, Lin Chang’an was overjoyed.
Indeed, having the guidance of a great master was completely different from not having one.
“Many thanks, Master Lu.”
It was not only Lin Chang’an—Yun Yao, too, had benefited greatly. She rose and bowed respectfully.
Just for today’s instruction on cultivation, they had profited immensely.
Seeing this, Su Miaoyin respectfully escorted the two of them out.
“Daoist Lin, Sister Yun, my master is weary. Please come with me.”
The two then bade farewell to Master Lu with due respect and followed Su Miaoyin to a side hall.
“Daoist Lin, I heard from Sister Yun that earlier you two hunted a Quasi–third-rank Demon Beast, preparing to refine a supreme-grade Spirit Artifact. As it happens, Tianxuan City has an artifact refiner…”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an was naturally overjoyed and cupped his hands in thanks.
“Many thanks, Daoist Su.”
But Su Miaoyin only smiled and shook her head. Then, she gave him several bottles of Third-rank Spirit Liquid.
Turning to Yun Yao, she presented her with a spirit item radiating chilling yin energy.
That aura was clearly from a Third-rank Spirit Item.
“Sister Yun, your cultivation method is perilous. Take this Third-rank Spirit Item.”
“Many thanks, Daoist Su.”
Yun Yao solemnly accepted it. For her, this heavy gift was of great assistance.
Afterwards, Su Miaoyin showed them around the entirety of Tianxuan Peak. Finally, before the Spiritual Lake, they sipped tea and discussed the Dao, exchanging cultivation insights and tales of the cultivation world.
Lin Chang’an, in particular, carefully inquired about the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
Before they departed, Su Miaoyin gave them several more bottles of Spirit Liquid and three plump Spiritual Fish.
…
Drifting back to his cave abode, Lin Chang’an finally took a deep breath to calm himself.
“To think I actually met a Core Formation cultivator face to face? But today was truly worth it!”
Excited, he shut the cave’s entrance, set up restrictions, and took out the day’s gains.
The Spirit-Mending Pill formula, ten bottles of Third-rank Spirit Liquid, three Spiritual Fish, and—most precious of all—guidance from a Core Formation cultivator.
Especially the Third-rank Spirit Liquid. If he could, he would have liked to trade them for Third-rank Demon Cores. But though both were Third-rank, the difference in value was like heaven and earth.
Demon Cores were far more valuable.
“This formula must be recorded and kept. It may be useful one day.”
Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly. He lacked the ability now, but that did not mean he would not need it after Core Formation.
“And this Third-rank Spirit Liquid… this Daoist Su is truly thoughtful.”
He sighed inwardly. With his Low-grade Spiritual Root, the Third-rank Spirit Liquid was the best auxiliary treasure for cultivation.
“Now I am a Low-grade Second-rank Talisman Master and a Mid-grade Second-rank Alchemist. There are too many things I want to do. But after this, I truly have gained insight into the Dao of Formations.
Whether for the cave abode relic in a decade or to strengthen myself, if I have the chance, I must not neglect the Dao of Formations.”
Lin Chang’an pondered deeply. He recalled how, back in the Cloudmist Mountain Range, the Third-rank Four Symbols Black Tortoise Formation, arranged by Su Miaoyin at Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, had even withstood the attack of a Core Formation cultivator.
It had left him astonished.
In formations, he did not demand much. As long as he could break through to Second-rank in a decade, that would already add to his strength.
“Next, it is time for my Life-bound Spirit Plant to enjoy this Spirit Liquid.”
Sitting cross-legged, Lin Chang’an circulated his cultivation method, summoning his Life-bound Spirit Plant, and let it slowly absorb the Third-rank Spirit Liquid.
The withered leaves of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine, nourished by the abundant High-grade Spirit Liquid, showed faint green threads along their veins, gradually reviving.
At the same time, a profound aura began to flow back, enhancing the strength of his Regenerative Body and slightly altering his divine sense.
…
Meanwhile, at Tianxuan Peak.
The once weary and aged Master Lu now sat by the Spiritual Lake, full of energy, casually casting his fishing rod.
“Master, they have already left.”
After Su Miaoyin’s report, Master Lu smiled and nodded.
“That girl Yun is not bad—her heart is steadfast. But that boy… when he entered my hall, his eyes nearly bulged out, as though he wanted to drink my Spiritual Spring dry.”
At that thought, Master Lu could not help but laugh, reminded of his younger self.
“Rogue cultivators… truly poor indeed.”
Beside him, Su Miaoyin felt the same. Had she not once fought bitterly for the smallest resource as well?
“This time, we removed those of divided loyalties. The ones left must be properly used. And remember—the world of cultivation has never been about winning in a single moment of pride.
You are fortunate, having your father to shield you. This time, when you form your core, you must condense an Immortal Golden Core. Otherwise, the road forward will be infinitely more difficult.”
At this, Master Lu’s expression grew solemn.
Back then, when he inherited this legacy, he had obtained a Heaven-Mending Pill. Only then did his spiritual root transform.
But his daughter had no Heaven-Mending Pill. She could only rely on the inferior Spirit-Mending Pill he had developed.
Now, Su Miaoyin’s spiritual root had already been tempered nearly to the level of Earth-grade Spiritual Root. With further refinement, her chances of condensing an Immortal Golden Core were thirty percent.
For an Upper-grade Golden Core, sixty percent.
“Forming a core quickly does not make one a genius. Only walking far on the path matters.”
Hearing the profound meaning in Master Lu’s tone, Su Miaoyin naturally understood. Otherwise, she would not have spent so many years in polishing her foundation.
“Yes, Master!”