Chapter 206: Xuantian Spirit Body
Under the moonlight, after watching Yun Yao’s departing figure fade from sight, Lin Chang’an let out a light sigh.
“Have they all already started preparing for Core Formation? It seems I must also hasten my pace.”
At this moment, Lin Chang’an’s eyes gleamed with determination. He lowered his head and saw in his palm a treasure that could be touched but not seen.
It was the treasure Yun Yao had left behind before she departed—the very Hidden Spirit Gauze that she had once used within the Secret Realm.
“This treasure holds greater practical value for me.”
He caressed the gauze, thin as cicada wings and invisible to the eye, which even possessed a degree of resistance against divine sense probing.
Were it not for his powerful divine sense and the fact that the treasure was so close at hand, even he would have found it nearly impossible to detect.
Looking at the treasure, Lin Chang’an secretly nodded.
Clearly, Yun Yao had known his cultivation method granted him extraordinary advantages in breath concealment.
But that advantage could only be used to launch ambushes—if a strike failed, his presence would be exposed.
However, if paired with this treasure, he could kill unseen.
It could fully bring out his strengths—transforming him into a cultivator whose breath concealment was unparalleled, and who could also turn invisible.
“Yun Yao is truly generous.”
This favor, he engraved in his heart.
“But what matters even more is this cultivation method. I never expected that I would actually complete the full set.”
After storing the treasure away, Lin Chang’an gazed solemnly at the secret manual before him. He had now assembled all three volumes.
The Art of Spell Refinement, the Art of Body Refinement, and finally, this last volume—the Art of Spirit Refinement.
“So that’s how it is. The three volumes can be cultivated together or separately, without compulsion. But if one wishes to increase the chances of forming the so-called Nascent Soul, then one must cultivate this divine ability—refine the ‘Xuantian Spirit Body’…”
Staring at the complete cultivation method, Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered.
It was well known that within the cultivation world, aside from Spiritual Roots, there also existed various Spirit Bodies. Most Spirit Bodies were innate, though some required awakening later in life.
Yet, certain brilliant ancestors had created cultivation methods to forge Spirit Bodies after birth, allowing them to stand shoulder to shoulder with the most gifted prodigies.
“The Xuantian Spirit Body requires the legendary Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine as one’s life-bound Spirit Plant in order to cultivate…”
Reading this, Lin Chang’an was both shocked and delighted. Delighted, because wasn’t this Xuantian Spirit Root precisely the vine root he had acquired before?
Shocked, because this cultivation method’s secret was also known by the Palace of Blazing Fire.
“No wonder the Palace of Blazing Fire clashed with Five Dragon Island. Likely, they had long known that the Wang Clan intended to gift what they gained from the Secret Realm to Five Dragon Island…”
A flood of thoughts surged through Lin Chang’an’s mind. The Palace of Blazing Fire and Five Dragon Island were already at odds. As for the vine root, it was now in his possession, and he had hidden his tracks flawlessly.
There was not the slightest flaw.
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but feel a shiver of dread.
“This matter must never be revealed.”
Yet, as he studied the complete method, his heart trembled—worthy indeed of being an ancient cultivation method.
Especially the Art of Spirit Refinement, which enhanced a cultivator’s divine sense and control.
Each of the three volumes alone could rank among the top-tier methods of the cultivation world.
Particularly the Art of Spirit Refinement—for in the cultivation world, such methods were exceedingly rare, and those who mastered them were invariably mysterious and formidable.
“Still, no matter how it is said, this cultivation method seems to wholly revolve around the so-called ‘Xuantian Spirit Body’, as though it was built entirely to emphasize the importance of the life-bound Spirit Plant.
If one did not possess this so-called Xuantian Spirit Root as their life-bound Spirit Plant, the method’s effects would be greatly diminished.”
After reading the complete method, Lin Chang’an’s expression shifted.
The strength of the cultivation method depended entirely upon the life-bound Spirit Plant.
That was why, whether it was that female cultivator of Five Dragon Island or Huang Shaohai, though both had cultivated the method, their Regenerative Bodies were still inferior to his.
He even felt as though the ancient cultivator who created this method had done so precisely for this Xuantian Spirit Root.
Though he did not know the details, such a heaven-shaking opportunity had ultimately fallen into his hands.
With the Xuantian Spirit Root in his grasp, he could cultivate it and unleash the method’s full potential.
“In the end, during the Secret Realm struggle at the Yunwu Mountain Range, when all the factions fought desperately, who would have thought that I would emerge with the greatest fortune? Truly, snatching an opportunity means little—the true fortune lies in transforming it into strength.”
The Palace of Blazing Fire, the Wang Clan, Five Dragon Island—they all had it, yet none could cultivate the true method.
No one would have imagined that a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator had obtained the greatest fortune of all—already having refined the Xuantian Spirit Root.
“In the Secret Realm struggle, though I did not even enter, I became the greatest victor.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but smile.
Although cultivating the Xuantian Spirit Body was difficult at first, the mere fact that it could increase the chance of forming a Nascent Soul was enough to make countless Core Formation cultivators envious.
For even in ancient times, forming a Nascent Soul was a sky-high barrier.
“I must not grow careless. My cultivation path has only just begun. Only by first condensing a Golden Core will I possess an infinite future.”
No cultivator could ever resist the temptation of forming a Nascent Soul!
……
Over the next few months, Lin Chang’an began cultivating the complete method.
Unlike the Art of Body Refinement, the Art of Spirit Refinement required vast resources, forcing him to cultivate it only in passing.
Yet, for him, entering into the Art of Spirit Refinement felt unexpectedly easy.
Lin Chang’an faintly sensed that this was related to his life-bound Spirit Plant enhancing his divine sense.
One day within his cave abode, Lin Chang’an sat with his eyes closed, while before him, a flying needle danced nimbly, flickering like flowers in bloom.
“In just a few short months, my divine sense has already strengthened a little. More importantly, my sense of control has improved.”
As Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes, he felt an entirely new sensation.
He realized that it was not simply that his divine sense had increased slightly—but that his control over it had become more delicate.
If before, with the same divine sense, he could only wield seventy or eighty percent of its strength, now he could fully unleash all of it.
“Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine!”
Feeling the life-bound Spirit Plant he had refined within his dantian, Lin Chang’an could not help but feel joy.
At last, he understood that his life-bound Spirit Plant, the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine, worked hand in hand with this cultivation method.
“The stronger one’s control over divine sense, the greater the improvement—whether in drawing talismans, refining pills, or manipulating magical artifacts in battle.”
This increase in control over divine sense had indeed elevated his combat strength.
Brimming with joy, Lin Chang’an rose and, as usual, checked the changes in his talisman paper.
“The talisman paper has already absorbed the aura of this magical treasure. In another two months, I should be able to craft a Talisman Treasure.”
The more life-saving methods he had, the more at ease he felt.
He then resumed his usual routine of drawing talismans, refining pills, and studying formation insights.
At times, he would play with his two Spirit Pets. The Wind-Chirp Bird’s talent was undeniable, while after years of nurturing, the Azure-Horned Bull’s aura had finally neared a bottleneck.
He estimated that with a few more years of polishing, it too could advance to the late stage of the Second Rank.
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but feel satisfied.
With two late Second-rank Spirit Pets, plus his own strength, even an ordinary False Core cultivator might not possess such resources.
【Second-rank High-grade Alchemist (Grandmaster 2791/5000)】
【Second-rank Mid-grade Formation Master (Proficient 969/1000)】
Looking at his skill levels in alchemy and formations, Lin Chang’an also nodded with satisfaction.
With another decade or so, he could break through to the Third Rank in alchemy and refine Third-rank Pills, thereby accelerating his cultivation speed.
As for his understanding of formations, he could wield them with even greater power. Together with a Talisman Treasure at his side, he might even have a chance to hunt some weaker—or attribute-countered—Third-rank Demon Beasts.
“Before the age of one hundred and fifty, I must prepare the necessary spirit item for Core Formation!” Lin Chang’an secretly nodded.
After one hundred and fifty, the body’s functions would begin to decline, and for ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators, the success rate of Core Formation would sharply decrease.
Of course, in the cultivation world, nothing was absolute.
Cultivators who practiced wood- or water-element techniques, as well as those who cultivated longevity methods, often enjoyed longer lifespans than their peers.
If one maintained their body well, delaying the decline by a decade or two was not difficult.
“Though I can sense that this method will likely also greatly slow bodily decline, it would still be best to form my Core before one hundred and fifty.”
Lin Chang’an brooded deeply. After all, without fortuitous encounters, what aged cultivator could easily form a Core?
Besides, he had his own considerations.
What if! What if he truly failed at Core Formation? He would still have another chance.
……
Time flowed by.
Hu Jin had also delivered the modified spirit artifact.
Originally, Lin Chang’an had intended to use this Flying Vessel, but during his last trip to the Fog Sea of Tongtian, someone had given him a gourd-shaped flying artifact of no lesser quality.
Naturally, Lin Chang’an chose the gourd.
After all, this Flying Vessel was tied to Five Dragon Island, and he did not wish to invite calamity from carelessness.
He had long secretly regretted killing Wang Lin at Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace with a magical artifact, thinking that with thousands of miles between them and so many years passed, nothing would happen.
Yet when he later tried to sell it here, he had actually run into the Wang Clan.
Had it not been for his good fortune, coupled with the Wang Clan’s weak power, they might very well have discovered some traces.
“Any artifact of that female cultivator from Five Dragon Island must be kept hidden, even if it gathers dust. It must never fall into others’ hands.”
Lin Chang’an secretly nodded, even resolving that once he learned the craft of artifact refinement, he would use these to practice.
Anything connected to his cultivation fortune must be handled with utmost caution.
But just as he prepared to continue cultivating, the Lu Clan on the island suddenly sent an invitation.
“Lu Yushu, the genius of the Lu Clan, has returned!”
Holding the invitation, Lin Chang’an froze, recalling the intelligence he had on this person.
As far as he knew, before the Lu Clan’s upheaval years ago, they had already used connections to send their most gifted youth, Lu Yushu, to Bihai Palace.
“At the age of eighty, already at late Foundation Establishment. Truly an extraordinary talent.”
Lin Chang’an could not help but feel envy. He had cultivated arduously for so many years and only at the age of a hundred had he broken through to late Foundation Establishment, yet this person, at only eighty, had already reached the same stage.
Far too young!
“These years, during every festival, the Lu Clan has never failed to send me gifts. It seems I too must not neglect propriety this time.”
Shaking his head, Lin Chang’an recalled that when he had continually received gifts from the Lu Clan, he had expected this day to come.
The Lu Clan had vast holdings, and sooner or later there would be joyous occasions or banquets requiring reciprocal gifts.
Such was the way of mutual courtesy.
Lin Chang’an ultimately decided to send two Second-rank High-grade Talismans in return. It was no small gift.
Moreover, for him, giving talismans not only suited his identity but was also the most economical choice.
……
On Yuling Island, silver frost blanketed the land as goose-feather snow fell.
Yet within the Lu Clan, joy overflowed.
Their most talented member, Lu Yushu, had returned home to visit. Moreover, news spread that he had become the disciple of a Core Formation Elder serving as Guest Elder at Bihai Palace.
For the Lu Clan, this was monumental news.
Word quickly spread that Lu Yushu was both a Core Formation seed and a disciple of Bihai Palace, sparking envy among many.
This banquet attracted not only the island’s residents but also families and Foundation Establishment cultivators from surrounding islands.
That day, the Lu Clan hung red silk, their halls brimming with festivity.
The celebration banquet was hosted with the utmost grandeur.
Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin entered the Lu Clan, presented their gifts, and were respectfully shown to their seats by Lu Clan’s attendants.
The tables overflowed with fresh Spirit Fruits, rare Spirit Wines, Spirit Meats, and Spirit Teas that flowed like water.
No sooner had they sat down than Hu Jin muttered through a voice transmission:
“I heard the Core Formation cultivator whom Lu Yushu apprenticed under has personally come. Otherwise, the Lu Clan would never make such an extravagant display.”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an understood. No wonder the Lu Clan had gone to such lengths.
It was not for themselves, but to honor this Core Formation cultivator.
“With a Core Formation elder’s protection, they cannot be compared to us drifting cultivators.”
While Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin conversed, the Wen Couple and the body-refining cultivator Fang Tie also arrived one after another.
“Daoist Lin.”
“Daoist Wen…”
Since the five of them were island neighbors, it was natural for them to be seated together.
Upon meeting, all five greeted one another with broad smiles.
The Wen Couple looked the picture of affection, while Fang Tie remained his usual silent and taciturn self.
“Congratulations, Daoist Wen.”
As they sat down, they naturally noticed that Lady Wen had broken through to late Foundation Establishment.
In response to the congratulations, the beautiful woman returned their smiles politely.
“This was thanks to Fellow Daoist Fang’s invitation. Without that one exchange of resources, I might have had to wait much longer for this breakthrough.”
“Yes, yes, we owe much to Fellow Daoist Fang.” Daoist Wen’s face was full of joy at his wife’s breakthrough.
It was clear their affection was genuine.
Yet at the banquet table, although Lin Chang’an smiled and congratulated them, inwardly he felt a trace of oddness.
An affectionate couple?
With his keen senses, he detected traces of Fang Tie’s aura on Lady Wen.
Glancing calmly at the taciturn, honest-looking Fang Tie, Lin Chang’an silently shook his head.
Truly, one cannot judge a book by its cover, nor measure the sea with a bucket.
Who would have thought that this quiet, reclusive Fang Tie was the true “neighboring husband”?
Cough cough!
But such matters had nothing to do with him.
He had no interest in meddling in their private affairs.
“In truth, the Lu Clan has long occupied such a large spiritual land, and many covet it. This banquet also serves to deter petty schemers.”
With many gathered at the wine table, intelligence naturally flowed freely.
Lin Chang’an listened and pondered.
Previously, three clans had occupied this land. Now that the Lu Clan had reclaimed it, if they were in their peak state, there would be no issue. But at present, it was clear they were borrowing the Core Formation elder’s might to intimidate rivals.
Still, would a Core Formation cultivator really go so far just for a disciple?
He shook his head. In any case, these matters were unrelated to him. Why should he care?
What he needed now was to refine a Talisman Treasure and begin preparing the spirit item for Core Formation.