Chapter 211: Lady Wen’s Invitation
"Never expected that this bird I got back then would have such an impressive origin."
Inside the private room of the tavern, Lin Chang’an wasn’t sure whether to feel pleased or worried.
What pleased him was that he owned a spirit pet with boundless potential—normally something to be happy about.
But according to the records, every evolution was a brush with death, and the spiritual materials required for evolution were all far beyond his reach.
"These spiritual items that aid the Wind-Chirp Bird’s evolution are all on par with Core Formation spirit items used by demon beasts."
Lin Chang’an furrowed his brows tightly. This creature truly wasn’t something an ordinary cultivator could afford to raise.
"This type of evolution is different from the typical demon beast’s demon core condensation."
At this thought, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but reveal a strange expression.
It seemed that even if the Wind-Chirp Bird failed its evolution, there was still a high chance it would leave behind a rare yang-attribute demon core.
Most demon beasts only needed to condense their demon core for evolution—only a rare few required further transformation.
However, yang-attribute demon cores were considered rare treasures and could easily be exchanged for a high-grade Core Formation spiritual item.
"Chirp chirp!"
Right after, the Wind-Chirp Bird poked its head out of the spirit pouch inside the private room, curiously observing its master who had unexpectedly let it out in this place.
It was even rarer to see its master smiling—and he even pushed a cup of spirit wine toward it.
"Drink. Who knows, you might not get another chance in the future."
With Lin Chang’an’s oddly-toned remark, the Wind-Chirp Bird, whose intelligence still lagged behind that of humans, stared at the spirit wine with gleaming eyes, immediately revealing a greedy expression.
Then, with excitement, it hopped onto the edge of the table and eagerly began gulping down the spirit wine.
Witnessing this scene, Lin Chang’an secretly sighed.
He could only do his utmost—do all he could and leave the rest to fate.
If the evolution succeeded, it wouldn’t take long before he possessed a third-rank spirit beast.
By then, obtaining a Core Formation spiritual item would be significantly easier.
Thus, the Wind-Chirp Bird’s breakthrough would be of tremendous help to him.
"According to the records, during its evolution, the Wind-Chirp Bird needs heavy nourishment, and the evolution must occur in a place rich in fire-attribute energy."
He didn’t have the means to gather the required spiritual materials for evolution, but finding an evolution site—he could manage that.
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes and looked toward the central area of Five Dragon Island where the cave abodes for rent were located.
"Five Dragon Island happens to have an Earthfire Vein. There are cave abodes specifically rented out for cultivation and pill refinement. I can rent one to help the Wind-Chirp Bird evolve."
As Lin Chang’an’s thoughts flickered, pondering the matter of the Wind-Chirp Bird’s evolution...
Judging by the bird’s current condition, it would still take several years to be ready—no rush.
While he was deep in thought, the bird had already finished an entire pot of spirit wine.
Then, excitedly, it leapt onto his shoulder and began another round of massaging and fanning to curry favor.
This scene brought a smile to Lin Chang’an’s face as he gently stroked the sleek feathers.
"After decades of cultivation, you and that bull have been my rare companions. But don’t worry—if you die, your yang-attribute demon core will still be quite valuable."
Hearing Lin Chang’an’s words, the Wind-Chirp Bird’s eyes widened in shock—Demon core!?
Lin Chang’an chuckled and shook his head, but just then, two auras suddenly appeared outside the door.
"Foundation Establishment cultivators!"
Lin Chang’an’s expression tensed. With his sharp senses, he instantly noticed them. The Wind-Chirp Bird immediately darted back into the spirit pouch.
……
The private room’s door was pushed open. Two Foundation Establishment cultivators, exuding a baleful aura, entered and smiled upon seeing him.
"Drifting cultivator Lin Chang’an of Yue Kingdom, Fellow Daoist Lin, yes?"
Realizing they were here for him, Lin Chang’an instantly felt a jolt of tension and rapidly recalled everything he’d done recently.
He quickly reviewed all the people he might’ve offended.
"May I ask what brings you two Fellow Daoists here?"
Seeing they were clearly here for him, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help feeling uneasy.
After all, he had quite a few secrets.
Be it the matter with the Roc-beast or the incident involving killing a Wang Clan elder to seize the Xuantian Spirit Root—both involved Core Formation cultivators.
He had even prepared to flee to another sea region under a new identity if necessary.
"So you are indeed Fellow Daoist Lin."
The two Foundation Establishment cultivators were momentarily stunned by Lin Chang’an’s cautious demeanor.
But then they recalled that despite this man’s timid appearance, according to prior intel, he had once operated a black market.
Could someone like that really be as cowardly as he seemed?
Thinking of this, the two of them reined in their arrogance, then smiled and cupped their fists.
"We brothers just happened to spot Fellow Daoist Lin at the marketplace and came to greet you. We also wanted to ask you about something."
"Yes, yes. Back when you co-hosted a marketplace in Tianxuan City with fellow cultivators, your connections were impressive—we’ve long admired that."
After entering, the two called the waiter to bring another pot of spirit wine and even paid for all the food and drinks on the table, appearing very sincere.
They didn’t seem like they were here to cause trouble.
"Fellow Daoists, feel free to speak your mind."
"It’s nothing much, really. We just wanted to ask you something."
"Yes, yes. Among the fellow Daoists who came from Yue Kingdom, do you happen to know if any of them had a fire-attribute, bird-type spirit pet?"
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang’an was slightly startled, then secretly let out a breath of relief.
So it wasn’t about him. Damn, gave him a scare.
"A fire-attribute, bird-type spirit pet?"
"Exactly. Word is that someone from the Palace of Blazing Fire in Yue Kingdom—someone from the direct Huang lineage—was killed, and their spirit beast was taken.
At first, it wasn’t a big deal, but recently the Palace of Blazing Fire discovered that the robber had escaped to our sea region. Now they’ve even issued a bounty..."
Although the Palace of Blazing Fire was made up of robber cultivators, it was not uncommon for them to post bounties in secret.
"The Palace of Blazing Fire?"
After hearing this, Lin Chang’an cursed inwardly. What were they involving him in this for? Nearly scared him out of his wits.
"Fellow Daoists, I truly haven’t heard of this matter."
Lin Chang’an recalled some past intel and shook his head. But just as disappointment appeared on their faces, a thought suddenly struck him.
Killing a direct descendant of the Huang lineage of the Palace of Blazing Fire—and stealing their spirit pet?
Seemed like something he’d done. But since when was Huang Shaohai so valuable? That was ages ago.
Back then, even the Palace of Blazing Fire didn’t raise a fuss in Yue Kingdom. Why bring it up now?
"Wait a second!"
Spirit pet! And tying it with the fact that the Palace of Blazing Fire was now hiding in the Fog Sea of Tongtian...
And the intel he had just gathered about the Wind-Chirp Bird...
All of it suddenly connected in his mind—Lin Chang’an was struck with realization.
"Even an ordinary exotic Wind-Chirp Bird is a rare find. Moreover, this bird specializes in countering sinister spirits and ghostly remnants—and those are abundant in the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
Rumor has it that where such ghostly mists gather, spiritual energy is dense and treasures can be found..."
To an ordinary drifting cultivator—or even to himself—raising a third-rank spirit pet might be extremely difficult.
But to a sect like the Palace of Blazing Fire, with all their resources, raising a third-rank exotic beast was merely a matter of greater cost.
And it was said that many ancient cultivators’ cave abodes were hidden within the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
"I’ve been targeted!"
Lin Chang’an’s heart tensed. While he had been cautious about most things, ever since arriving in the Sea Abyss of Beasts, he hadn’t hidden the Wind-Chirp Bird as carefully.
Clearly, he had unintentionally exposed some traces.
"Fellow Daoists, is there perhaps more to this story?"
Having pieced everything together in an instant, Lin Chang’an concealed his emotions and looked curiously at the two men, raising his cup to chat with them.
The two clearly didn’t want to casually provoke a second-rank high-grade Talisman Master, so they began speaking openly.
"It’s nothing really. Just happened to spot Fellow Daoist Lin and wanted to ask. After all, the Palace of Blazing Fire has offered quite a generous bounty this time."
"I see. Still, you must know, among drifting cultivators, it’s rare to find anyone raising spirit pets. Even flying-type spirit pets are uncommon..."
Lin Chang’an shook his head and, in the end, gave nothing away.
But the two truly were there to gather information—and to befriend him and buy talismans as well.
After the banquet, Lin Chang’an completed a few talisman transactions and made acquaintances with two Foundation Establishment cultivators.
……
Only after the two left did Lin Chang’an step out of the tavern. He couldn’t help but curse inwardly. This tavern actually allowed anyone to barge into private rooms—he’d never come back again.
Then, using his real identity, Lin Chang’an arrived at the Many Treasures Pavilion run by Xuanyin Pavilion.
"Yo, isn’t this Talisman Master Lin?"
"Shopkeeper."
Lin Chang’an smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, then brought out a standard quantity of talismans for trade, without forgetting to probe for information.
"Talisman Master Lin, don’t try to pry information out of me. This concerns classified intelligence. I can’t say too much."
Seeing the other party’s apologetic smile, Lin Chang’an sighed helplessly and directly said:
"Alright, who doesn’t know your guilds peddle all sorts of intelligence? Give me the intel on the Palace of Blazing Fire, and also some on why bounties have suddenly appeared in the marketplace recently."
"You got it."
Sure enough, when Spirit Stones paved the way—everything was available.
The plump shopkeeper, watching Lin Chang’an so decisively hand over the Spirit Stones, smiled and teased:
"It’s not that hard to guess, actually. The Palace of Blazing Fire likely just wants to scare the snake out of hiding. There are only so many Foundation Establishment cultivators who came from Yue Kingdom.
It’s easy to tell if someone runs."
When he mentioned the Palace of Blazing Fire, the shopkeeper of Xuanyin Pavilion showed a hint of gloating.
After all, back in Yue Kingdom, the Palace of Blazing Fire and Xuanyin Pavilion had clashed for decades. The grudge between them was no small matter.
Lin Chang’an received the intel, which was clearly recorded on a jade slip—especially the profiles of some high-level cultivators.
"Huang Tianxiao formed a core within the sect in Yue Kingdom. Suspected to possess an upper-grade Golden Core, extremely powerful, the most promising young genius of the Palace of Blazing Fire."
"Huang Yuntian formed a False Core through secret techniques..."
What caught Lin Chang’an’s eye most was the last entry.
"The deceased was his son, Huang Shaohai, who disappeared within the Tianxuan City territory of Yue Kingdom. It’s suspected that Huang Yuntian is seeking personal revenge..."
Even the theory that the Palace of Blazing Fire was intentionally rattling the snake was included.
"Exotic beasts like the Wind-Chirp Bird, along with some highly talented spirit pets, would typically have soul lantern formations equivalent to those used by Foundation Establishment cultivators..."
Upon reading this, Lin Chang’an’s heart tightened.
Could the Wind-Chirp Bird have left behind something like a soul lantern?
These items, imbued with a cultivator’s or spirit pet’s spiritual imprint, could be used to track within a certain range.
The enemy had discovered the Wind-Chirp Bird—and likely, the one who killed Huang Shaohai.
Without showing any emotion, Lin Chang’an put away the intel and said irritably:
"So that’s how it is—no wonder it’s making everyone so jittery."
"Isn’t that the truth?"
The shopkeeper grinned, while Lin Chang’an casually shook his head, pretending to regret spending Spirit Stones on this.
"Should’ve just bought some intel on Core Formation spirit items instead."
"Talisman Master Lin, you really think that would’ve been enough Spirit Stones? If such info were that cheap, it’d definitely come with extreme danger."
Lin Chang’an cupped his hands and excused himself.
Yet, once in the marketplace streets, Lin Chang’an discreetly went to purchase a spirit disk used for tracking spiritual imprints.
"Still, my Evergreen spiritual power inherently has a breath-concealing effect."
Especially his life-bound spirit plant. The reason his spiritual power carried such strong vitality and concealment was entirely due to the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine.
"Let’s test it. How close can I get before the tracker fails?"
Not just the Wind-Chirp Bird—if he were exposed, he’d also have Huang Yuntian seeking revenge for his son’s death.
After leaving Five Dragon Island, in the vast sea, Lin Chang’an summoned the Wind-Chirp Bird and began sensing it using the same spiritual tracking disk.
This test allowed Lin Chang’an to breathe a sigh of relief.
After infusing his Evergreen spiritual power into the Wind-Chirp Bird’s body, the tracking disk’s indicator dimmed.
"This way, I can avoid being detected."
Seeing this, a smile appeared on Lin Chang’an’s face.
With the immediate threat neutralized, he finally relaxed—luckily, he had discovered it early.
Otherwise, if someone had used the tracker to find his cave abode, it would’ve been disastrous.
After all, he couldn’t be feeding the Wind-Chirp Bird his spiritual power every day just to mask its aura.
……
Having narrowly avoided a crisis, Lin Chang’an leisurely returned to Yuling Island.
He happened to run into two younger generation members of the Lu Clan—Lu Yushu and Lu Yujian.
When he saw Lin Chang’an, sword fanatic Lu Yujian’s eyes immediately lit up.
"Senior Lin… Fellow Daoist Lin."
He almost blurted out "senior" again.
Lin Chang’an smiled and cupped his hands in greeting when he saw them.
However, Lu Yushu’s gaze was filled with a provocative glint.
Or rather, Lu Yushu had returned this time deeply irritated by the rumors he’d overheard.
That the Lu Clan had only come back thanks to Lady Lu’s various "methods".
Naturally, he wanted to send a warning to several male cultivators on the island.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, I’ve long heard of your prowess in the way of the sword. Would you care to offer me some pointers?"
Facing this proud disciple of a Golden Core True Person, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but chuckle. He could see clearly that Lu Yushu still carried the pride of the Lu Clan.
Or rather, had never moved past it.
"Fellow Daoist Lu jests. What insights can a drifting cultivator like me have? I merely fight with reckless courage…"
Lin Chang’an smiled wryly, his expression calm, not interested in proving superiority.
Beside him, Lu Yujian showed an apologetic look.
"My apologies, Fellow Daoist Lin."
He even secretly used voice transmission to his elder brother. Though he didn’t understand social intricacies, after weathering the Lu Clan’s hardships, he had learned one thing—never casually make enemies.
Lu Yushu, for his part, harbored no ill intentions. It was just pride acting up again. He was, after all, a disciple under a Core Formation cultivator—a heaven’s favored child.
It was merely a passing episode.
However, upon returning to his cave abode, Lin Chang’an received an unexpected voice-transmission talisman.
He was stunned upon hearing it.
It was from Lady Wen.
She had invited him to her humble abode for a chat—subtly hinting she had leads on a Core Formation spirit item.
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered, his heart stirred.
After all, at their level of cultivation, nothing was more tempting than a Core Formation spirit item.