Chapter 201: The Secret of Xuantian
Fog Sea of Tongtian.
Originally, they had been planning to head out and rob merchant ships, but along the way, several Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Wang Clan aboard the vessel suddenly had their expressions change drastically.
“Chief Elder has met with an accident!”
“Damn it, Five Dragon Island wants to annihilate our Wang Clan.”
“I told you long ago, these powerful forces are the least trustworthy.”
“Damn it, what should we do now?”
“Kill! Slaughter every last one from Five Dragon Island on this ship, then we’ll hide within the Fog Sea of Tongtian!”
In an instant, a bloody stench spread from within the two massive merchant ships. Immediately afterward, the ships changed course, heading straight into the depths of the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
At this point, they no longer had the mood to rob merchant ships.
They only wanted to flee.
The Fog Sea of Tongtian was one of the most perilous sea regions in the Sea Abyss of Beasts. Thick fog shrouded this place year-round, and the mist could even bewilder one’s divine sense.
With so many dangers lurking about, this place had instead become a den for countless ruthless robber cultivators and demonic cultivators.
Later, when the Island Lord of Five Dragon Island suddenly lost contact with the Wang Clan, and then heard that the Wang Clan had denounced him for breaking faith, this Late Golden Core Island Lord flew into a rage.
“Damn it, what is going on!?”
“Island Lord, please quell your anger. Subordinates have already investigated. On the desolate island where the Wang Clan’s Chief Elder went missing, there were indeed signs of battle. According to the inspection of the scene, it was most likely the work of cultivators from the Palace of Blazing Fire.”
Hearing it was the Palace of Blazing Fire, this Late Golden Core Island Lord immediately laughed in fury.
“Good! Very good! This matter is far from over!”
The Island Lord of Five Dragon Island was furious. The mere Palace of Blazing Fire—had they not fled early, he would already have made his move.
After all, the ancient cultivation method the Wang Clan had previously offered him might not have been of much use to him, but the secret realm mentioned within was undoubtedly genuine.
Had the Palace of Blazing Fire obtained other treasures from within the secret realm?
At his current cultivation, progressing any further was exceedingly difficult, so he had long kept a close eye on the Palace of Blazing Fire.
He never expected them to plant false evidence, to entrap him first.
The Wang Clan was nothing more than a dog. If they perished, so be it. What enraged him was being deceived by the Palace of Blazing Fire!
…
Meanwhile, the true instigator behind all this—Lin Chang’an—had already returned to Yuling Island.
Inside the secluded chamber of his cave abode.
“As expected, this item shared the same origin as my life-bound spirit plant.”
As Lin Chang’an summoned his life-bound spirit plant, the withered root within the jade box immediately reacted.
Yet his expression darkened and shifted. He could clearly sense that this was indeed a root of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine, but now it had already withered.
To revive it clearly required him to overdraft his own lifespan, forcibly reversing its decline with his cultivation method.
“Let’s give it a try!”
Without much hesitation, Lin Chang’an’s eyes sharpened. The initiative lay in his hands. If reviving it cost only around ten years of lifespan, he would do it.
If ten years were not enough, he would stop, wait until Core Formation, then slowly nurture it.
After all, his life-bound spirit plant was merely a single withered leaf. Even if it were completely restored in the future, that was its limit—its potential for growth was small.
Thus, the root system was the true key to further development.
As he circulated his cultivation method, the withered leaf truly emitted a faint emerald glow. At the same time, a rootlet at the tip of the leaf slowly pierced into the withered vine root.
The instant they connected, an ancient aura echoed through the cave abode.
Though the withered vine root showed little change under the nourishment of his life essence, from a piece of dead wood it now possessed a faint trace of vitality.
“This is…!”
In Lin Chang’an’s shocked gaze, the eerie blood-sacrificial aura surrounding the vine root was gradually purified under this trace of ancient life force.
【Lifespan: 100/282】
But as nearly ten years of lifespan were about to be consumed, Lin Chang’an immediately ceased his circulation.
Dripping with sweat, he prepared to draw his life-bound spirit plant back into his body—yet a shocking scene unfolded.
The withered leaf and vine root had fused into one, and the root was absorbed into his body alongside it.
Now, within his dantian, he could clearly sense the withered Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine attached to his half-dead withered leaf.
“This feeling!”
At the instant his life-bound spirit plant entered his body, a faint ancient life aura began nourishing his whole body.
He could sense distinct changes occurring within himself.
The vine root of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine had not revived, possessing only a faint, fragile breath, seemingly on the verge of extinction at any moment.
Yet the decay had been halted.
…
Half a year later.
Within his cave abode, Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes, his aura becoming even more restrained.
“Only now can I truly say I have refined a genuine life-bound spirit plant.”
Previously, it had merely been a withered leaf. Once fully restored, that was its limit.
“The benefit is that my future potential is limitless. Reaching Nascent Soul, even Soul Transformation, might not be impossible. The drawback is that my resource consumption has just been elevated to that of a gluttonous beast.”
Lin Chang’an sighed deeply. To revive this withered vine root of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine, he had no idea how many resources would be needed.
Others always began by saving the root. He, on the other hand, had saved the leaf first, then used it to nourish the vine root.
Only after half a year did he finally complete the refinement.
“And there is also this Art of Body Refinement.”
Although he had not obtained the other withered leaf, the Chief Elder’s memories had already made everything clear to him.
“I always felt that this cultivation method’s Regenerative Body was most suitable for body refinement. As expected, they are indeed complementary.”
Lin Chang’an nodded to himself. “This Art of Body Refinement and the Regenerative Body complement each other. But surprisingly, instead of increasing Core Formation chances, this technique boosts the probability of reaching Nascent Soul!”
Reading this far left Lin Chang’an silent.
Nascent Soul?
What cultivation did he have? Merely Late Foundation Establishment!
“These… these ancient cultivators, did they not consider the problem of their descendants having inferior aptitude!?”
Lin Chang’an looked pained, even somewhat stifled.
It was said that in ancient times, spiritual energy was abundant and heavenly treasures grew everywhere. For cultivators, breakthroughs were simple. But the present was different.
“My greatest problem now is Core Formation!”
Lin Chang’an was speechless. To those ancient cultivators, Core Formation had been treated as nothing.
Foundation Establishment and Core Formation were only the groundwork. Real cultivation began at Nascent Soul.
Wasn’t this simply bullying cultivators with poor spiritual roots?
Lin Chang’an was vexed. In the future, once he formed his core, he resolved to improve his spiritual roots.
“Still, it wasn’t in vain. At least I now know which forces possess this ancient cultivation method.”
The Palace of Blazing Fire and Five Dragon Island—both were Golden Core level powers.
Lin Chang’an sighed lightly in the end. These were far beyond his reach.
He had no intention of meddling. For now, he had already seized the greatest opportunity within this ancient cultivation method.
If a chance arose in the future, he would pursue it again. For now, preparing for Core Formation was the priority.
Though this Art of Body Refinement did not directly increase his chances of Core Formation, together with his Regenerative Body, it made cultivation far more efficient.
“If I wished to further supplement body refinement, it would require enormous resources. But for preliminary cultivation, I don’t seem to lack the resources at present.”
With a strange expression, Lin Chang’an looked at the densely piled twenty-seven storage pouches before him.
Among them, four belonged respectively to the Wang Clan’s Chief Elder and the three robber cultivators who had so generously ‘gifted’ them.
Those who lived by robbery knew well to immediately use cultivation resources to enhance their own strength. Thus, they always carried all their wealth upon them.
Such cultivators were the most beloved prey of the cultivation world.
As for the Wang Clan’s Chief Elder, he had been destitute—or perhaps with his lifespan nearly ended, he had long left his years of accumulated wealth to his clan.
“But just from these magical artifacts, talismans, and pills alone, I’ve already profited. Not to mention all these resources.”
The rest were all high-grade storage pouches filled with the wealth Five Dragon Island had plundered from merchant ships this past year.
With the counting underway, the spirit herbs, spirit fruits, rare stones, and demon-beast resources piled up in dazzling variety, making Lin Chang’an unable to hold back a smile of excitement.
“To make a rough estimate, this is worth tens of thousands of mid-grade Spirit Stones!”
This nearly matched the price of a low-grade third-rank Demon Core. The thought left Lin Chang’an both shocked and tempted.
No wonder so many people loved becoming robber cultivators. With just this one harvest, he had earned the equivalent of a third-rank low-grade Demon Core. Wouldn’t that mean with a few more such ventures, he could already obtain his Core Formation Spirit Item?
Yet in the next instant, Lin Chang’an recalled the unwilling gazes of those robber cultivators at their deaths. He abruptly awoke from the thought, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.
“To think I nearly lost control to this greed.”
Lin Chang’an felt a jolt of alarm. It wasn’t that his willpower was weak, but the harvest this time was simply too great.
This was also why many cultivators, who had never once thought of becoming robber cultivators, would fall into it after one accidental robbery—or a desperate counter-kill.
The sudden fortune inflamed their inner greed. Compared to such a windfall, the meager few Spirit Stones earned through arduous cultivation seemed unbearable.
Driven by unwillingness and greed, how many could remain content with bitter cultivation?
Thus came the second time, then the third time, until eventually, they fell into ruin, truly becoming robber cultivators.
“I must not harbor such a fluke mindset. This time’s success cannot be replicated. Luck accounted for more than half of it. Even if I chose to be a robber cultivator, the storage pouches of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators would never match what I’ve earned these past months. And the risks are far too high.”
Gradually calming, Lin Chang’an reflected on his harvest.
“These resources are many, but much of it is easily traceable. I can only sell them slowly, and some must never see the light of day.”
Though he possessed tens of thousands of resources, he dared not sell them openly.
Otherwise, following the trail back to him would be far too easy.
However, the spirit herbs and spirit fruits he could use for alchemy, and the talisman paper and cinnabar for talisman crafting.
Other cultivation items he could make use of himself.
As for rare ores and other materials for artifact refinement, those would have to wait for the right opportunity to sell gradually.
“But the magical artifacts and magical tools of these four cultivators absolutely must not enter the market. If they are to be sold, it must be in other sea regions, or even in Sea Abyss City.
By then, even if discovered, no one would know through how many hands they had passed.”
Lost in such thoughts, Lin Chang’an began sorting the items within his cave abode.
…
On Yuling Island, Lin Chang’an once again resumed his daily bitter cultivation, as if nothing at all had changed.
But two months later, the Wen Couple and Fang Tie returned, somewhat battered but overjoyed.
“Old Lin, the Wen Couple happened to come find me, asking me to help repair their magical artifact. But these three had such outrageous luck.
Just look at the smiles in the brows of that Wen pair. Seems they reaped quite the harvest…”
On that day, inside his cave abode, Lin Chang’an listened to Old Hu’s voice echoing from the Voice-recording Talisman, the corner of his mouth twitching.
So he had truly been over-suspicious before.
Perhaps Fang Tie’s invitation to hunt together had not harbored ill intent.
“But, I feel no envy—and certainly no regret.”
Lin Chang’an’s expression was calm. Having gone through the baptism of resources worth tens of thousands of Spirit Stones, his heart was now firmer than ever.
Leaving aside the opportunities he had gained, he still felt no regret.
Three people, two factions—just because they had returned safely did not mean adding him into the group would have ensured his own safety.
“Fortune is mine if I obtain it, fate if I do not. Each person has their own destiny. I would rather hunt beasts alone.”
When hunting demon beasts, the greatest danger was always fellow cultivators.
Lin Chang’an chuckled lightly, sending Old Hu a calm reply before putting down the Voice-recording Talisman.
“Body refinement… Even with abundant resources, I must distinguish between priorities. For me, Core Formation is the most important. Body refinement can serve as support, but it must not hinder my cultivation.”
His eyes flickered. He knew very well what he needed most.
Dual cultivation of body and magic was indeed powerful. Even suppressing False Core cultivators was possible. But if he failed to form a core, then after two hundred years, he would be nothing but dust.
Once he formed his core, with a lifespan of five or six centuries, he would have plenty of time for body refinement.
There was no need to rush.
“With this batch of resources, I could practically cultivate idly for more than ten years.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an took a deep breath.
The other two withered leaves of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine, as well as the Art of Spirit Refinement—those could be planned for after Core Formation.
At present, he had no strength to reach that level.
“No matter how great the opportunity, one must live to enjoy it.”
With a clear mind, Lin Chang’an smiled. With his talent, potential, and current fortune—
As long as he advanced steadily, Core Formation was only the beginning. Even Nascent Soul would not be beyond reach.
“In the coming years, I will cultivate in peace. Once my talisman skills reach the third rank and I can craft Talisman Treasures, then I will plan for Core Formation.”
Lin Chang’an was exceedingly calm, aware of what he most needed now.
Neither Core Formation Spirit Items nor third-rank Demon Cores were things he could easily obtain.
But if he could wield a Talisman Treasure, combined with formations, then with his battle strength rivaling False Core cultivators, hunting a third-rank demon beast might not be impossible.
…
Time flew like an arrow.
One day, within his cave abode’s secluded chamber—
Lin Chang’an sat cross-legged in a medicinal tub, filled with spiritual liquid and various precious spirit herbs and fruits radiating spiritual energy.
His qi and blood surged throughout his body, his very skin greedily devouring and fortifying itself.
【Lifespan: 102/281】
【Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (4/100)】
When his qi and blood finally calmed, Lin Chang’an opened his eyes and felt the changes within his body, nodding inwardly.
“This Art of Body Refinement, combined with the Regenerative Body, cultivates a spiritual body known as the ‘Xuantian Spirit Body.’ Even in this initial stage, it already increases the chance of advancing to Nascent Soul.”
Truly powerful!
If such news spread, it would incite envy from countless Golden Core experts, even Nascent Soul elders.
They might not use it themselves, but could bestow it upon their disciples or descendants.
He even suspected that the Palace of Blazing Fire had obtained the Art of Spirit Refinement. Just how formidable would cultivating all three together be?
Yet Lin Chang’an only shook his head calmly. At present, he hadn’t even begun the Art of Body Refinement properly. Speculating further was pointless.
Even entry required Foundation Establishment.
Thus, this past year he had only practiced the most basic body refinement technique, steadily laying his foundation.
Once his body refinement reached second rank, he could begin training in the Art of Body Refinement.
But for now, he only maintained it without letting it interfere with his main cultivation, leaving greater focus for after Core Formation.
“But now, it is time to prepare for crafting a Talisman Treasure.”
At the thought, a smile crossed Lin Chang’an’s face.
【Third-rank Low-grade Talisman Master (Beginner 0/100)】
At long last—after nearly thirty years—his second-rank high-grade talisman craft had finally broken through to the third rank.