Chapter 190: The Difficulty of Core Formation
The sun and moon passed swiftly.
In the blink of an eye, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance had already established itself here, and Lin Chang’an had adapted to life in this place.
Facing sea beasts long-term, as well as various natural disasters.
【Lifespan: 93/253】
【Realm: Foundation Establishment Middle Stage (90/100)】
Inside the cave abode, as Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes and looked at his cultivation, he could not help but reveal a satisfied smile.
“Old Hu has been in seclusion for a year now, he should be close to breaking through. But I can’t fall behind either. I must strive to break through within ten years.”
The further cultivation progressed, the harder breakthroughs became, especially the bottleneck at the late Foundation Establishment stage.
Moreover, the path of cultivation could not be rushed. Lin Chang’an, though calm in expression, felt helpless as well.
The problem of his spiritual root aptitude—although he possessed the pill formula for the Heaven-Mending Pill—was beyond his means for now. At present, he could only wait until after Core Formation to plan for improving his spiritual root.
As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he was still far from having that ability.
“Still, cultivating here is much faster than back in Tianxuan City. Not only is the spiritual energy richer, but more importantly, the price of demon-beast meat here is cheap, which is of great benefit to cultivation.”
Although he had only been on Yuling Island for two years, with his cultivation increasing by three points each year, he could clearly feel subtle changes.
They just had not yet manifested fully.
It was not that this island’s spiritual energy was denser than Tianxuan City’s, but rather that Tianxuan City supplied countless cultivators for cultivation, whereas here, there were only a handful of Foundation Establishment cultivators.
And of course, another point was that the densest spiritual energy areas of this island were occupied by Foundation Establishment cultivators like him, whereas in Tianxuan City, the three spirit peaks with the densest energy were far out of his reach.
【Second-rank High-grade Talisman Master (Grandmaster 3465/5000)】
【Second-rank High-grade Alchemist (Grandmaster 969/5000)】
【Second-rank Mid-grade Formation Master (Proficient 286/1000)】
Looking at the progress of his arts, Lin Chang’an nodded in satisfaction.
“As a Second-rank High-grade Talisman Master, in about ten years I should be able to break through to the third rank. At that time, I can begin crafting Talisman Treasures. For anyone below Core Formation, I’ll have no worries about self-preservation.”
After all, he still had a magical treasure on him. Since his current cultivation could not unleash its power anyway, it was better to wait until his arts advanced, then craft a talisman treasure or two for protection.
One year ago, when he parted from Yun Yao, she had given him a jade slip containing some of Lihuo Palace’s inherited collections.
Among them were insights on talismans and formations, which had benefited him greatly in this period.
“It seems that in the rebellion against Lihuo Palace last time, Yun Yao and her companions played no small role.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly. Although Yun Yao had not spoken of it, he could imagine the dangers involved.
When they parted a year ago, Yun Yao had secretly sent him a voice-transmission, and he had replied.
He had vaguely said that perhaps in about ten years he could hope to reach the third rank in his arts, and then craft talisman treasures.
Given the friendship they had built over the years, trust between them was possible. Helping Yun Yao craft a talisman treasure or two could assist her in reaching Core Formation sooner.
It was also paving the road ahead for himself.
“But the Sea Abyss of Beasts is rich in resources. Even materials for quasi–third-rank talisman paper are often available in the marketplace of Five Dragon Island.”
This reflected the abundance of the Sea Abyss of Beasts. High-level demon beasts were scarce inland, making their materials even rarer.
But here in the Sea Abyss of Beasts, demon beasts were the most plentiful resource, which led to various ways of utilizing them.
For example, in talisman drawing, artifact refining, and pill alchemy, the Sea Abyss of Beasts emphasized using demon beast materials, whereas some cultivation sects inland relied more on other natural treasures.
“Furthermore, this place is full of all sorts of people. Selling talismans and pills here is very easy.”
For him, this was an excellent advantage.
Take the marketplace of Five Dragon Island—every year, countless rogue cultivators came to hunt demon beasts in the outer seas, creating an endless flow of cultivators passing through.
His wares were but a drop in the ocean.
“If I need Core Formation spiritual items, or materials like third-rank demon cores, then going to Abyss City would be safer.”
But those were still distant matters. Besides, going alone to Abyss City would be dangerous.
Over these years, he had already resolved: unless he had a talisman treasure at hand or had broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage, he would never travel alone for thousands of miles to Abyss City.
After all, his talisman treasure only had one use.
And for now, the resources on Five Dragon Island were sufficient for his cultivation needs.
“But I should go to the marketplace, sell some talismans and pills, and purchase cultivation materials, as well as a quasi–third-rank spirit brush and alchemy furnace.”
Back in Tianxuan City, these were strategic materials, tightly controlled.
But here, there were far fewer restrictions.
Having integrated into this place over the past two years, and with his skills, it was indeed time to replace his tools with better ones.
It happened to coincide with the grand marketplace event of Five Dragon Island, held once every ten years.
However, he feared the spirit stones in his storage pouch would only be enough for one purchase.
Lin Chang’an slowly stood up, tidied his cave abode, and walked outside.
…
Outside the cave abode, although the location had changed, the Azure-Horned Bull still lazily lounged in the pool, basking in the sun.
One drawback of the outer seas was the weather, which changed suddenly.
As Lin Chang’an walked out, a streak of golden light flashed, and the Wind-Chirp Bird appeared on his shoulder.
Since swallowing that quasi–third-rank demon core, the Wind-Chirp Bird had successfully advanced to the late Second-rank half a year ago.
Its feathers radiated scorching heat, which made Lin Chang’an nod in satisfaction.
“At last, you didn’t let me raise you in vain.”
The Wind-Chirp Bird was highly intelligent. Upon hearing his words, it proudly raised its neck, nodding repeatedly in arrogance.
As if to say, it was now a late Second-rank spirit beast, with great strength.
“Enough. Against cultivators you might be useful, but when it comes to hunting sea beasts, your fire nature is easily restrained.”
Lin Chang’an had to curb the bird’s pride, otherwise it would become conceited.
The Wind-Chirp Bird immediately glared in dissatisfaction, chirping noisily as if protesting, then flew directly to its nest.
There it picked up a palm-sized fish scale and pecked through it effortlessly, leaving neat holes before his eyes.
Seeing this, Lin Chang’an was speechless. A bird this clever was not necessarily a good thing.
Those fish scales had been left from a sea beast attack half a year ago.
The Wind-Chirp Bird could pierce them with ease, which proved it had the ability to break the defenses of Second-rank demon beasts.
“Alright, I acknowledge your strength. When we encounter powerful enemies or demon beasts in the future, I’ll let you take the brunt.”
But no matter how clever, the bird could not outwit humans.
Hearing this, the bird froze, as if realizing it had been tricked.
“Moo!”
The Azure-Horned Bull then lazily walked out of the pool, glancing enviously at the Wind-Chirp Bird, before coming to Lin Chang’an’s side with a flattering call.
“Alright, both of you will come with me to the marketplace.”
After putting away the two beasts, Lin Chang’an departed the cave abode.
Amidst the beautiful scenery, fields of spirit crops stretched out, where some low-level cultivators of the three clans at the second or third layer of Qi Refining toiled diligently.
When they saw Lin Chang’an, they respectfully saluted from afar.
“These are cultivators with inferior spiritual roots, also known as false spiritual roots. Their path is even harder than mine. By comparison, my low-grade spiritual root isn’t bad at all.”
Seeing them, Lin Chang’an sighed. He could not belittle himself.
At the very least, he was far stronger than these with false roots.
Coming to the outskirts of Yuling Island, Lin Chang’an mused that the Sea Abyss of Beasts was unlike his previous cultivation grounds—having a flying vessel would indeed be convenient for travel.
“Senior Lin, be more cautious when traveling lately.”
By chance, he encountered a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator of the Li Clan, who respectfully saluted upon seeing him.
“Cautious? Could it be that cultivator robbers have caused trouble again?”
That word “again” had become something Lin Chang’an was unconsciously used to, with helplessness in his expression.
The outer seas truly never had a moment’s peace.
Sea beasts, natural disasters, and robber cultivators—never-ending.
“Senior Lin, it concerns the Lu Family on Yuling Island. Back then, the Lu Family had forcefully settled on Yuling Island, dominating in every way. But later, they rashly offended many people and made countless enemies, and were forced to flee…”
Seeing the other’s awkward look, Lin Chang’an understood inwardly.
This Lu Family was forced to flee, and it was likely inseparable from the three great clans.
But these grudges had nothing to do with him.
After all, he had no family, and there would be no conflict of interest with the three great clans here.
Lin Chang’an nodded slightly, understanding the other party’s kind reminder.
He then rode his flying sword away. After flying dozens of miles outside Yuling Island, Lin Chang’an secretly sensed that no one was following him, then changed his appearance.
Not only did he use the Bloodthirsty Poison Vine to alter his mana aura, but he also concealed his presence to avoid detection.
The next moment, however, Lin Chang’an actually put away his flying sword and dove straight into the seawater.
【Water Escape Technique (Supreme)】
Entering the deep sea, Lin Chang’an’s eyes glimmered with spiritual light. Although his divine sense could probe, his Spirit Eye allowed him to see much farther.
Especially into the darkness below.
He had begun cultivating the Water Escape Technique back in Tianxuan City, and indeed it proved useful here in the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
“As expected, only with prior preparation can one avoid being caught off guard.”
Underwater, he could breathe through his skin. With the Water Escape Technique circulating, his speed was hardly any slower than on land.
At the same time, he could clearly see all kinds of strange fish.
“In this way, even fighting underwater, my combat strength will not weaken much.”
Nodding secretly to himself, Lin Chang’an sped toward Five Dragon Island.
…
Five Dragon Island.
At the once-in-a-decade grand event, cultivators swarmed Five Dragon Island. Aside from major merchant guilds, there were also cultivators from nearby seas who hunted sea demons.
In the massive marketplace, each cultivator exuded killing intent, all with an air of being difficult to provoke.
Lin Chang’an disguised himself as a brutish thug, also releasing his own baleful aura. With his mid–Foundation Establishment cultivation, he was not considered weak in the marketplace.
When he saw the countless merchant guild flags, along with banners of various sects of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, he secretly nodded.
“The Seven Kingdoms Alliance has indeed taken root here in the past two years. But wanting true unity is not easy.”
Some sects, seeing the power of Bihai Palace, were tempted to remain here, while others, such as Xuanyin Pavilion…
Rumors had spread that Xuanyin Pavilion was the weakest within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, and that profit distribution was unfair.
“In the world of cultivation, strength ultimately speaks. Even great sects are no exception.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head. Matters like these were not his concern.
Besides, his purpose in attending this marketplace event was to purchase a high-grade spirit brush and alchemy furnace. If possible, buying a flying artifact would be best.
“An ordinary Second-rank High-grade Talisman Master, without affecting cultivation and after deducting costs, can earn more than thirty mid-grade spirit stones a month—nearly four hundred in a year.”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered. That meant a cultivator with Second-rank High-grade skill could earn the equivalent of one ordinary spirit artifact per year.
But he earned ten times that.
Over four thousand mid-grade spirit stones a year.
For a rogue cultivator, this was immense wealth.
Yet Second-rank High-grade mastery was rare. Many rogue cultivators, in pursuit of opportunities, would hunt demon beasts or join factions.
“According to the information I gathered, a Third-rank Low-grade Demon Core costs about fifty thousand mid-grade spirit stones. For higher quality cores, most are traded item for item.”
Walking through the marketplace streets, Lin Chang’an pondered deeply.
Though he earned well, a single Third-rank Low-grade Demon Core would take him thirteen years of savings—three of them nearly forty years.
And that calculation excluded expenses on cultivation methods, not to mention Core Formation spiritual items.
More importantly, he still needed spirit stones for daily cultivation expenses.
As for Core Formation spiritual items, their prices varied depending on quality, but the lowest still cost twenty to thirty thousand mid-grade spirit stones.
Yet low-quality Core Formation spiritual items had abysmal success rates.
Ordinary cultivators with Second-rank High-grade skills could save four thousand spirit stones every ten years. In forty or fifty years, plus some income from spirit fields or elsewhere, they could barely afford a single attempt.
“Now I’m ninety-three. If I relied on buying with spirit stones, I wouldn’t have enough even in a hundred years. And even if I managed, at two hundred years of age, how could I possibly form a core?”
At first glance, it seemed he earned plenty. But upon careful calculation, it was not so at all.
Otherwise, why would sects and great clans, despite raking in wealth through merchant guilds, still struggle and groan when providing for their disciples’ Core Formation?
“So, if I want Core Formation, I must rely on myself!”
Lin Chang’an nodded firmly. After all, Core Formation was also tied to one’s spiritual root aptitude.
Unlike Yun Yao, who possessed a top-grade spiritual root.
With his low-grade root, if he failed to fully cultivate the Three-turn Core Condensation Art, his chance of success was too slim.
“If it’s up to myself, then I can only depend on the Third-rank Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation and talisman treasures.”
Thus, over these years, besides raising his talisman skills to the third rank to produce talisman treasures,
he also needed to slowly seek opportunities to repair and complete this formation.
Fortunately, he already possessed the main formation plate and formation flags.
“This is not urgent. Step by step. Even if it can’t be fully restored, as long as it’s repaired to Third-rank Low-grade, there’s still a chance.”
There was also Yun Yao. He had never hoped she would simply hand him a Core Formation spiritual item. But if she succeeded in Core Formation herself…
With another Core Formation cultivator assisting, his chances would rise greatly.
Just then, a disturbance broke out ahead.
“Damn it! So what if you’re from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance? This is the Sea Abyss of Beasts, not your backwater homeland! When traveling abroad, you’d best be careful!”
“You—!”
“You what? If we kill you, we can just go elsewhere to make a living. The Sea Abyss is vast. Do you think we fear you?”
Lin Chang’an glanced over, then sighed and shook his head.
In this place, rogue cultivators would not be indulged as they were in the Seven Kingdoms.
Even if you had a Core Formation cultivator backing you, so what? If they killed you and fled, would your sect’s Core Formation cultivator really risk thousands of miles to pursue a robber?
In the Sea Abyss of Beasts, not to mention Third-rank demon beasts, countless Core Formation cultivators perished every year.
It was even said that some Core Formation cultivators themselves became robber cultivators.
“First I’ll purchase some materials, then wait for the Five Dragon Island auction to begin.”
Pressing down the brim of his bamboo hat, Lin Chang’an blended into the crowd and disappeared.