Chapter 209: The Targeted Wind-chirp Bird
Yuling Island.
On the way back, some people hunted second-rank demon beasts and returned with a full harvest, while others came back empty-handed, looking enviously at their peers.
However, after returning, the Lu Clan gave each person a generous reward. Even Master Tan kept his word, dividing the flesh of the third-rank demon beast among them.
For a time, everyone was overjoyed, especially those who had returned empty-handed, who no longer looked envious of others.
Just receiving a share of this third-rank demon beast’s flesh was already worth the entire trip.
“Old Lin, once we return, I’ll start preparing the resources for a formation plate…”
After leaving the Lu Clan, quite a few cultivators were stirred with eagerness. Two or three Foundation Establishment cultivators even grouped together, preparing to go hunt demon beasts.
Hu Jin was, of course, tempted. Yet Lin Chang’an immediately poured cold water over him.
“Old Hu, let alone a third-rank demon beast, even a second-rank one isn’t so easy to find—unless you discover their lair and lie in ambush in advance.
Otherwise, these demon beasts have extremely high intelligence. Once they sense danger, they’ll hide deep in the sea and won’t come out. Hunting sea beasts is the hardest of all.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head. The sea was vast, but in the water, most cultivators were at a disadvantage.
Especially since most sea beasts lived in groups. Their leaders were not only powerful but also highly intelligent.
Of course, this still did not stop human cultivators, who had all sorts of specialized magical artifacts, traps, and lures at their disposal.
But all of this required preparation in advance.
“The Abyss of Beasts has many demon beasts. Most live in the water, while those ranking second in number are the ferocious birds in the skies. Only a few beasts linger on barren islands.”
Old Hu shook his head helplessly. Yet this time, they had also witnessed the power of a third-rank formation.
Lin Chang’an was somewhat tempted too. After parting from the others, he claimed he would go into seclusion. In truth, he secretly left Yuling Island.
Alone, disguised, he set out toward the outer seas.
…
Outer Seas.
“As I thought, my earlier sense wasn’t wrong.”
Back at the island where the incident had occurred, Lin Chang’an’s face lit with excitement.
He didn’t know whether it was due to cultivating the complete version of an ancient cultivation art, or because he had refined the entire Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine.
But he found that his perception ability had greatly increased, especially when tracking residual mana.
“This trace of mana, though faint, I can still sense it. If I had delayed another seven or eight days, I would have lost it completely.”
With eyes gleaming, Lin Chang’an flew on his gourd. Though it looked aimless, he was in fact following the lingering mana traces left in the air by the Roc-beasts.
“I’ve heard some powerful cultivation methods also have divine abilities that can sense lingering mana to track others.
But those divine abilities usually last only ten days at most. Yet I can sense it for over a month and a half.”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered as he thought. The flock he tracked had recently been through a great battle. Only eight wounded second-rank beasts remained, along with one quasi–third-rank beast and two third-rank beast cubs.
That made him waver with desire.
He had also wanted to test his new perception in the outer seas.
What was more, he discovered that his heightened sense could detect demon beasts hiding in the sea or on islands.
Did this not mean that the hardest part of outer-sea beast hunting—finding them—was no longer an obstacle for him?
“Chirp! Chirp!”
The Wind-chirp Bird finally came out to stretch its wings, excitedly circling around Lin Chang’an and calling out. This earned it an exasperated glare.
“You—already late in second-rank, and still only palm-sized! If your body were just a bit bigger, I wouldn’t need to ride this gourd for flying.”
Lin Chang’an glared at the bird fiercely.
It could have saved him the cost of buying a flying artifact. Riding—or rather, standing—on a bird to fly would surely be better than this gourd.
But the Wind-chirp Bird widened its eyes, hurriedly patted his shoulders and fanned with its wings, even showing a human-like expression that clearly meant, “This little body can’t carry you.”
“Alright then, go track it down. This time, it’s up to you.”
With a cold snort, Lin Chang’an urged his gourd to speed ahead, following the almost-vanished trace of mana.
…
Several days later.
On a desolate island, Lin Chang’an finally sensed the Roc-beasts.
“As expected, the flock fled here.”
Though far away, he stayed low near the sea’s surface to avoid being discovered, his eyes fixed on the distance.
Even with his Spirit Eye, he couldn’t see that far.
As for divine sense? Not only was such range uncertain, but using it would only alert the beasts.
After all, demon beasts were extremely sensitive to divine sense.
“Three have gone out to hunt. The rest remain on the island. Perfect—wipe them out in one sweep.”
With a grave look, Lin Chang’an took out the Hidden Spirit Gauze gifted by Yun Yao. Draping it over himself, his figure vanished completely. Even the Wind-chirp Bird on his shoulder tilted its head curiously.
Then, under Breath Concealment, his presence nearly disappeared.
“After cultivating the Art of Spirit Refinement, this technique has grown much stronger.”
That cultivation art already enhanced perception and concealment. Now, with the complete version and the power of his life-bound spirit plant—the Mysterious Sky Spirit Root—his ability was even greater.
Now, once hidden, even a Golden Core cultivator might overlook him unless probing carefully.
“Even a third-rank beast cannot stay on guard at all times.”
Lin Chang’an smiled faintly. Of course, he wasn’t foolish. This time, he was only facing a quasi–third-rank beast.
“Now, let’s see the power of this formation.”
Remembering Master Tan’s formation, his heart burned hot.
Once back, he must accumulate materials and, when the chance arose, forge both auxiliary formation plates and flags into third-rank level.
With a full set of third-rank formations, whether for hunting demon beasts or protecting himself, his strength would leap forward.
On the island.
Inside a cliffside cave carved by sharp beaks, a gray-feathered female quasi–third-rank Roc-beast lowered its head, tearing flesh to feed two fledglings.
Meanwhile, on the reefed edge of the island, a figure silently crept closer.
With Hidden Spirit Gauze and his enhanced Breath Concealment, Lin Chang’an gave off no aura at all.
The beasts on guard detected nothing.
Thus, Lin Chang’an began placing formation plates and flags around the nest.
Half an hour later, the arrangement was complete.
To avoid notice, he had not used mana at all.
“At last—done.”
Holding the master plate, Lin Chang’an looked up at the two circling birds in the sky, his eyes narrowing.
The hunters had returned, carrying sea fish.
“Well, at least they had a meal first. I’d say I’m being merciful.”
With a silent thought, he pinched a seal. At once, spiritual energy burst forth from the master plate.
The surrounding flags shook violently, releasing dazzling light.
The sudden change instantly alarmed the Roc-beasts.
With sharp, piercing cries, they attacked frantically.
But it was already too late.
A scarlet barrier rose around the nest, sealing it completely.
Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation—Activate!
Immediately, terrifying fire-aspect spiritual energy condensed, forming blazing Fire-devouring Demon Spirits.
Though only five appeared, each exuded the aura of late-stage second rank. Within the formation, as long as fire-aspect energy flowed, they could reform endlessly.
The Roc-beasts shrieked and smashed against the barrier with their beaks and claws.
“Their intelligence is this high?”
Lin Chang’an was astonished. The Roc-beasts’ sharpest and toughest parts were their beaks and talons.
If allowed to continue striking, they might truly carve open a crack.
After all—piercing a point could shatter the whole.
“Can’t let these vicious birds keep attacking the formation, go!”
As Lin Chang’an controlled the formation, five Fire-devouring Demon Spirits instantly ignited with blazing flames, rushing forward and clashing with the Roc-beasts.
“Go!”
At the same time, under Lin Chang’an’s command, the Wind-chirp Bird streaked forth in a flash of golden lightning.
With its small yet agile body and the advantage of terrain, its attacks were razor-sharp.
Almost every strike tore away a piece of flesh from the enemy.
After all, the Wind-chirp Bird was the very essence of fire, belonging to the class of Exotic Beasts by bloodline.
This was akin to human cultivators who, beyond ordinary spiritual roots, also possessed various spirit bodies.
And the Wind-chirp Bird was comparable to such spirit bodies among cultivators.
Gifted by nature, and with the aid of the formation, its strength was multiplied.
“Moo!”
The Green-horned Ox appeared by his side. Watching the Wind-chirp Bird display such might, its eyes burned with battle spirit.
Yet Lin Chang’an calmed it.
“Wait and watch carefully. Any beast that falls, then you strike.”
On land, the Green-horned Ox’s strength was immense. But against aerial beasts, it would be unwise.
Under the formation’s shroud, the Roc-beasts truly lived up to their name as ferocious birds. In their frenzied struggle, they tore apart the Fire-devouring Demon Spirits.
Yet, with the formation powered by plentiful spirit stones, the shattered spirits immediately reformed.
As long as the formation stood and spirit stones were supplied, the spirits could revive endlessly.
Of course, Lin Chang’an would not squander spirit stones recklessly. He controlled his flying-needle artifact to strike, each ambush dealing heavy blows to the beasts.
…
Two hours later.
The piercing screeches within the formation vanished. Inside the nest, only two fledglings remained, completely unaware, clearly just fed.
As Lin Chang’an’s footsteps sounded, the fledglings instinctively huddled together.
“Quasi–third-rank demon beasts truly are troublesome.”
Nodding to himself, Lin Chang’an collected the bird’s essence soul and demon core as spoils.
Gazing at the two fledglings in the nest, he smiled.
“Two third-rank beast cubs—these will fetch a fine price.”
As for pity?
Human cultivators slew beasts for cores and cultivation resources, while beasts devoured humans for nourishment.
It was simply the law of survival.
Besides, he intended to find them a master who could provide food and shelter.
That was far better than living wild overseas, exposed to the elements.
“This too is your fortune.”
Smiling with satisfaction, Lin Chang’an drew out a Spirit Beast Pouch he had prepared long ago.
After feeding each fledgling a pill to lull them into sleep, he placed them into the pouch.
He had been ready for this.
“Eight second-rank beasts, one quasi–third-rank, and two third-rank cubs—this harvest is no small gain.”
After cleaning the battlefield, a smile crossed Lin Chang’an’s face.
This haul alone was worth six or seven thousand mid-grade spirit stones.
The essence soul of a quasi–third-rank beast was a material for forging top-grade artifacts, usually worth about two thousand spirit stones.
Added to the demon core, feathers, and other parts, the value was easily over another thousand.
“The difference between second-rank and quasi–third-rank is vast, even for half a step.”
Shaking his head, Lin Chang’an thought of the two direct-bloodline cubs of third-rank beasts—their price would be no small matter.
Of course, he knew this opportunity came largely from luck. Normally, such chances were rare.
After clearing the battlefield and resting to restore mana, Lin Chang’an finally dismissed the formation, then mounted his gourd and departed.
On his return, he continued testing his perception.
“The Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation is powerful, but its limitations are too great—it works only on land. Yet in the Abyss of Beasts, the densest numbers are in the sea.”
He brooded silently.
As a second-rank mid-grade formation master, he needed to commission new formation plates, or perhaps purchase one at auction—preferably one of the water attribute.
…
On an island.
“There’s no mistake. This is my son’s spirit beast, the Wind-chirp Bird’s aura. I’d recognize it anywhere!”
Huang Yuntian’s face twisted with rage as he stared at the battlefield traces and gripped the artifact in his hand.
This artifact had been crafted when capturing and taming the Wind-chirp Bird, containing its blood and mana imprint. Within range, it would resonate.
He had never expected, while passing through the outer seas, that it would suddenly react.
Now, with hair graying and his body shrouded in blood fiend energy, his cultivation had reached the False Core Realm.
“M-my lord… judging from the traces, the man left no more than half a day ago…”
“What are you dawdling for? After him!”
Huang Yuntian roared with fury. It was not only vengeance for his son but the value of the Wind-chirp Bird itself.
To their Palace of Blazing Fire, the bird was of immense importance.
“Damn it! Now that we hide within the Fog Sea of Tongtian, we desperately need treasures of extreme yin and utmost yang.
This Wind-chirp Bird is the bane of sinister spirits.
By this aura, it has likely reached quasi–third-rank already. Born of fire essence, such an Exotic Beast must not fall into another’s hands!”
With eyes blazing, Huang Yuntian shot off as a streak of light to hunt the thief.
Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an was unhurried on his journey. The Wind-chirp Bird flitted excitedly, darting everywhere.
It snatched sea fish, left scratches on reefs, and swept over barren isles to hunt prey.
Once, they even encountered sinister spirits at sea. The Wind-chirp Bird’s eyes lit up, and it eagerly devoured them—finding them even tastier than beast flesh.
Yet Lin Chang’an remained unaware he was already being tracked.
Upon entering the waters of Five Dragon Island, however, he put the Wind-chirp Bird away and concealed his aura before proceeding.
An hour later, where his presence had vanished, a streak of light arrived.
“Damn! That thief is this cautious?”
The artifact’s resonance had ceased. Clearly, the target had used aura-concealing methods. Rage burned in Huang Yuntian.
“Five Dragon Island—he must be a cultivator from the Yue Kingdom. I will find you and avenge my son!”
…
Fog Sea of Tongtian.
On an island cloaked in formations, plundered merchant ships entered the mist and vanished.
“You said—a bird of utmost yang, born from pure fire, feeding on poisonous insects, and countering sinister spirits—the Wind-chirp Bird!?”
In his cave, Huang Tianxiao, already condensed into a true core, erupted in shock and fury upon hearing the report.
“Forgive me, Young Lord!”
“Damn it!”
Seeing Huang Yuntian plead, Huang Tianxiao was furious, but he knew it wasn’t his fault.
Who could have guessed the Palace of Blazing Fire would be forced into hiding here?
“Since the thief was in the waters of Five Dragon Island, and such a beast is no ordinary spirit pet…
To raise it to quasi–third-rank is no easy feat.
Moreover, if the man is from Yue Kingdom, it will be easier to trace him. He killed one of my Huang Clan, and stole our Exotic Beast—he cannot be spared!”
With a cold glint in his eyes, Huang Tianxiao thought: with such a beast, the Fog Sea of Tongtian’s perilous grounds would become open paths.
Those sinister spirits gathered where spiritual energy was richest—many treasures lay within.
“Investigate every Foundation Establishment cultivator from Yue Kingdom. Only those at Foundation Establishment could keep such a beast!”
“Yes, my lord!”
“Do not alarm him. Since he is cautious, trace his purchases of beast-rearing materials. Watch Five Dragon Island’s marketplace—sooner or later, he will expose himself.”
With eyes gleaming cold, Huang Tianxiao knew that a third-rank Exotic Beast that countered sinister spirits would be a great boon both to him and the Huang Clan.
Huang Yuntian’s expression was resolute as well. It was not only for the sect but to avenge his son.
The seas of Five Dragon Island were vast, but few cultivators came from Yue Kingdom. Counting the Three Major Sects, there were only a few hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators.
With careful searching, clues would emerge.