Chapter 156: Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation
【Lifespan: 78/247】
【Realm: Mid Foundation Establishment (21/100)】
It had been more than a year since the last Golden Core great battle.
“Recently, the beast tide’s disturbances had become increasingly severe.”
Inside the cave abode, Lin Chang’an, who was seated cross-legged cultivating, slowly opened his eyes. This visible improvement in cultivation made each of his sessions full of motivation.
Unlike many cultivators, whose patience gradually wore away in the long monotony.
After all, for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, even if one’s cultivation improved, every step required a long span of time.
“However, this quasi–third-rank talisman paper was truly too difficult. Even the experienced cultivators of Tianxuan City ultimately only produced nine sheets.”
After rising slowly, Lin Chang’an looked at the nine exquisite and smooth special talisman papers on the sandalwood table and could not help but sigh.
The hide of a quasi–third-rank demon beast required taking the softest and most resilient section, and it could not have too much damage.
Only after a year of tanning could these nine sheets of quasi–third-rank talisman paper be made.
“No wonder the price of this quasi–third-rank talisman paper was so high. Just this toughness alone was already comparable to the quality of ordinary spirit artifacts.”
Feeling the smooth texture at his fingertips, Lin Chang’an fell into deep thought.
The path of talismans was easy to learn yet hard to master. First-rank and second-rank talismans could still be mass produced, but beyond third-rank, it became difficult.
This was because the requirements for talisman paper rose abruptly, causing third-rank talisman paper to be extremely rare across the Seven Kingdoms.
【Second-rank High-grade Talisman Master (Grandmaster 489/5000)】
“Now that I am already a second-rank high-grade Talisman Master, based on the current yearly progress of one hundred sixty experience, in about twenty-eight years I should be able to break through to third-rank skill…”
Lin Chang’an pondered silently. Yet the relic cave abode that he and Yun Yao had discovered would reach its best timing in just over ten years.
It seemed he could not wait until his talisman mastery broke through.
“With this quasi–third-rank talisman paper, the Restriction-Breaking Talismans produced would have quality and power of the highest grade. Their might was twice that of ordinary second-rank high-grade talismans.”
It was just a pity that a quasi–third-rank demon beast yielded only nine sheets of talisman paper.
“Fortunately, with the beast tide intensifying recently, demon beast materials had increased. And now that I have already revealed to Fellow Daoist Su and the others my ability as a second-rank high-grade Talisman Master, it would be reasonable to purchase several more sheets of quasi–third-rank talisman paper if the opportunity arose.”
Thinking this, Lin Chang’an secretly nodded. Preparing several more powerful talismans would indeed grant him additional safety.
Next, Lin Chang’an did not hesitate. He picked up the talisman brush and began drawing on the precious quasi–third-rank talisman paper.
Swish, swish!
Vajra Talismans, Divine Speed Talismans, Ice Talismans, Restriction-Breaking Talismans—Lin Chang’an crafted them all.
Several days later, gazing at the six second-rank high-grade Restriction-Breaking Talismans on the table, Lin Chang’an revealed a satisfied smile.
“For a third-rank formation that had been operating for nearly a hundred years and was at its weakest stage, relying on Restriction-Breaking Talismans to blast open a gap was not difficult.”
Nodding in satisfaction, Lin Chang’an carefully put away the nine talismans.
At the same time, he took out three, preparing to hand them over to Yun Yao.
To the outside world, nine becoming five—such a talisman success rate was not low, enough to prove his talent.
……
Black Market.
“Brother Lin, you finally came out of seclusion. Before this, you truly kept us in the dark and made us suffer.”
It had only been three months, yet Old Hu acted as if it had been years, full of longing.
This scene left Lin Chang’an helpless, though he was already long used to Old Hu’s temperament.
“Old Hu, don’t speak nonsense. When did I ever keep anything from you?”
“Brother Lin, you as a second-rank high-grade Talisman Master, and you didn’t even say so beforehand. Had I known, I would have given you a proper celebration.”
Straightforward and hearty, Old Hu smilingly invited him to sit, personally pouring him spirit tea, and with gratitude said:
“Luckily, Brother Lin, you gave me two second-rank high-grade talismans earlier. Otherwise, I nearly couldn’t make it back the other day.”
Since a year ago, when he had revealed his status as a second-rank high-grade Talisman Master to Tianxuan City, Lin Chang’an knew he could not hide it much longer, so he might as well announce it.
Playing the pig to eat the tiger was fine, but one could not truly treat oneself as a pig.
Displaying corresponding value in normal times and gaining a certain level of treatment was necessary. As for anything exceeding that range, it could be hidden away.
His identity as a second-rank high-grade Talisman Master was sufficient to openly acquire some quasi–third-rank talisman papers or talisman insights.
Sure enough, ever since he revealed this status, many late Foundation Establishment cultivators in Tianxuan City had politely visited him.
The circle had changed, and so had the resources he accessed.
“Old Hu, you went out hunting demon beasts?”
Lin Chang’an seized upon Old Hu’s words.
Old Hu grinned and nodded. “The beast tide is worsening. Such a fine opportunity couldn’t be missed. Even Old Jia was tempted and followed me twice.”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an smiled and said:
“Old Hu, we had agreed already—if there are good things, don’t forget your own people.”
“Brother Lin, rest assured. The demon cores you need, I’ve saved for you. Likewise, Brother Lin, these second-rank high-grade talismans—you must keep two for me. I’ll pay a high price.”
Second-rank high-grade talismans were rare. Many people kept them as their life-saving trump cards and naturally would not mind having more.
The two thus exchanged resources.
Drinking tea and discussing Dao while sitting in the black market was not boring; rather, they could share cultivation experience.
“Ah, these are indeed troubled times. Master Lu’s lifespan was reaching its end. Ever since last year’s Golden Core cultivators’ battle, Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect had allied to wage war against Xuanyin Pavilion…”
As Hu Jin shook his head, he gazed at the conversations among cultivators outside.
The matter was nothing but Xuanyin Pavilion against two sects. Already the weakest in strength, it could only rally the drifting cultivators.
“High-level cultivation methods, pills, inheritances, spells—these are exactly what we drifting cultivators lack the most.”
Lin Chang’an also sighed. He was lucky to obtain this ancient cultivation method, but most drifting cultivators generally lacked proper teachings.
Whether for themselves or for passing down to descendants, there were never few among the drifting cultivators willing to risk their lives.
Thus, many responded to Xuanyin Pavilion’s call, joining under the drive of profit.
Even if they perished and their Dao extinguished, they would have no regrets.
For those cultivators with descendants, Xuanyin Pavilion promised to take them in as disciples or grant them sect protection.
And as Tianxuan City was an ally of Xuanyin Pavilion, only Master Lu’s chief disciple, the False Core cultivator Wu Yan, led a quasi–third-rank demon beast, a Gold-devouring Mouse, onto the battlefield.
The flames of war reignited in Yue Kingdom.
Tianxuan City still had to face the beast tide.
“Truly vexing indeed. Brother Lin, you too are one with steadfast heart and pursuit of the Dao. In the future, when we plan to seek Core Formation, we cannot avoid a journey into the Sea Abyss of Beasts. If the chance arises, let us go together.”
Faced with Old Hu’s enthusiastic invitation, Lin Chang’an also smiled and nodded.
The future was something no one could predict, but at least for now, this was the direction.
Still, one could see that Old Hu’s Dao heart was firm and unwavering.
“First, cultivate steadily. After exploring the secret realm more than ten years from now, raise my cultivation to late Foundation Establishment, then seek Core Formation spirit items.”
Lin Chang’an already had a plan in his heart. He only hoped that within the relic cave abode there would be Core Formation spirit items, so that he would not have to struggle so desperately.
……
Ever since it was confirmed that Xuanyin Pavilion’s Chief Elder had passed away, Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect had jointly launched war against Xuanyin Pavilion.
And Xuanyin Pavilion, in its weakened position, could only defend passively.
Among them, Shensword Sect and Lihuo Palace did not launch an all-out suppression with the absolute advantage of their Core Formation cultivators, for there was still mutual distrust between them.
This wariness toward each other gave Xuanyin Pavilion a chance to breathe.
Though weak in combat strength, Xuanyin Pavilion had the deepest foundations among Yue Kingdom’s three major sects in formations and joint strike techniques.
Relying on formations, joint strike arts, as well as countless pills and talismans, they barely managed to withstand the offensive.
Now, Xuanyin Pavilion only hoped that its ally, Tianxuan City, would soon gain one more Core Formation cultivator, so that their pressure could be greatly reduced.
Especially Tianxuan City, that holy land which drew drifting cultivators from all Seven Kingdoms.
Enticed by Xuanyin Pavilion, many of these cultivators joined its ranks.
Yet the turmoil of Yue Kingdom’s war could not affect Lin Chang’an.
At this time, he still spent each day drawing talismans, refining pills, cultivating arduously, and occasionally guarding the black market.
Because of the chaotic situation and the beast tide’s attacks, the black market’s business became increasingly prosperous, allowing them to earn immense profits.
Each of them was grinning ear to ear. To gain such cultivation resources without hunting demon beasts was simply too profitable.
……
That day.
“Top-grade spirit artifact Azure-scaled Sword, and spirit artifact Azure-scaled Armor.”
As Tianxuan City delivered the refined artifacts, Lin Chang’an could not help but smile.
In the pavilion, Yun Yao looked at the Azure-scaled Armor with a satisfied expression as well.
“Brother Lin, this armor refined from the scales of a quasi–third-rank Azure-scaled Python, when infused with spiritual power in a critical moment, can form a spiritual shield.
This shield has extremely strong defensive ability. Even a strike from an ordinary late Foundation Establishment cultivator could be blocked. Moreover, the armor’s material itself is also tough.”
The materials from the quasi–third-rank demon beast had been fully utilized. Two sets of armor had been made, one for him and one for Yun Yao.
At the same time, its serpent bones, venomous fangs, poison sac, and demon essence were used to forge a top-grade spirit artifact flying sword.
The Azure-scaled Sword gleamed with azure light, its serpent-scale patterns clear to the eye. It felt chilling to the touch, and more importantly, its blade flashed with azure brilliance, clearly carrying venom.
“Top-grade spirit artifact Azure-scaled Sword!”
At this moment, Lin Chang’an was reluctant to put it down. Raising his hand, he activated a second-rank high-grade Vajra Talisman.
In an instant, the Azure-scaled Sword transformed into a streak of azure light, piercing through with the boost of sword radiance. This made him even more satisfied.
Seeing this, Yun Yao lightly nodded and said:
“The materials of the quasi–third-rank demon beast, combined with the addition of many precious ingredients during refinement, and most importantly the main material and essence being of the same origin, have invisibly raised the quality of this artifact.
Among top-grade spirit artifacts, this one is of the highest tier. Truly, congratulations, Brother Lin.”
Facing Yun Yao’s congratulations, Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded. “I must also thank Fellow Daoist Yun.”
Just as Yun Yao said, even among top-grade spirit artifacts, there were differences. If the artifact spirit (demon beast essence) and main material were not of the same origin, the power would naturally fall short.
Top-grade spirit artifacts were treasures even to late Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Now he had the Yellow Dragon Bell for defense and trapping, and the Azure-scaled Sword for attack. His apparent wealth already surpassed that of an ordinary late Foundation Establishment cultivator.
The two were both satisfied with the harvest from a year ago. This time, Tianxuan City had refined for them without charging any fee.
While the two sat in the pavilion, drinking tea and discussing Dao, Lin Chang’an, due to their mutual trust deepening, asked the question in his heart.
“Fellow Daoist Yun, may I ask what formation this relic cave abode holds?”
Curious, Lin Chang’an thought that if he knew what formation it was, he could prepare accordingly, increasing their chance of success.
He had not asked before out of concern for being too forward. But now, since they had hunted demon beasts together and escorted Su Miaoyin, they had shared hardships.
Moreover, he already knew the location of the relic cave abode, so there was no longer any need to conceal it.
At Lin Chang’an’s inquiry, Yun Yao did not hesitate and explained.
“According to the classics I have consulted, this formation should be of the demonic path—the ‘Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation.’”
Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation!
Hearing this name, Lin Chang’an was shocked. He unconsciously recalled the intelligence he had once learned while discussing formations with Su Miaoyin and Song Tingfeng.
“Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation. Though it appeared obscure and abnormally tranquil, in truth it was a renowned killing formation…”
As Lin Chang’an recounted, Yun Yao inwardly marveled at his talent in formations.
“This formation’s greatest difficulty lies in how, within it, blood fiend energy and scarlet sun qi could continuously condense fire-element fiendish creatures imbued with baleful energy.
These creatures’ flames were no weaker than the core fire of a Core Formation cultivator.”
Yun Yao revealed all that she had researched, which made Lin Chang’an nod inwardly. Though his skill in formations was not high, he had at least heard enough from Dao discussions to learn details he did not previously know.
“No wonder Fellow Daoist Yun insisted on waiting until the formation weakened, rather than forcefully breaking it.”
At Lin Chang’an’s words, Yun Yao smiled bitterly and sighed.
“This was a formation laid down by a late Core Formation cultivator. Even if I were arrogant, I know the disparity. Naturally, I must wait until the formation waned before there would be a chance to break it.”
“Moreover, the Water Yin Demonic Art I cultivate is extremely cold and yin, perfectly restraining these fire-element creatures.”
Hearing Yun Yao, Lin Chang’an’s thoughts grew active. Whether or not they obtained the relic cave abode, they should prepare more means.
“With more than ten years until the grand formation weakened, we should, if possible, prepare some water-attribute, yin-cold means.”
Hearing Lin Chang’an, Yun Yao showed an embarrassed smile.
Previously, she had concealed the relic cave abode’s existence, simply to hold the initiative in her hands.
Lin Chang’an naturally understood. If it were him, he too would not easily expose the location of a secret realm.
Due to an accident, Lin Chang’an had already learned of the location, meaning the initiative for the secret realm was now shared between the two of them.
“In fact, regarding the Yin-Yang Joint Strike Secret Art that I cultivate with Brother Lin, I had intended, when the chance arose, to commission a set of water-attribute joint strike spirit artifacts.
Though ordinary spirit artifacts, when combined with our joint strike art, their power could far exceed that of top-grade spirit artifacts.”
Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded, not minding Yun Yao’s caution.
In this cultivation world, without such caution, one would have died countless times.
The two then discussed their research on this formation, agreeing to investigate it secretly together once every three years, checking if anyone else had discovered the relic cave abode.
And also to observe changes in the secret realm’s formation.