Chapter 219: Spirit Pet Preparing for Core Formation
Five Dragon Island, Many Treasures Pavilion.
“Greetings, Master He.”
The shopkeeper of Many Treasures Pavilion hurried out, his expression full of respect.
Lin Chang’an, disguised as an old man in black robes, gave a faint hum in acknowledgment. He was then respectfully invited to the top floor of the pavilion.
Two female Foundation Establishment cultivators served as attendants, respectfully entering to set out Spirit Fruit and Spirit Tea before withdrawing.
Witnessing this, Lin Chang’an secretly sighed. This was the influence that came with strength.
Unfortunately, at this moment, he was nothing but a fake. Or rather, his disguise as a False Core cultivator could not last long.
Now, he was merely relying on his False Core Realm divine sense, and by forcefully activating the divine ability “Sword Shadow at Will”, he temporarily possessed the aura of a False Core cultivator.
It looked effortless, yet Lin Chang’an was enduring the pain of forcefully sustaining the divine ability at every moment. Still, he had to maintain a calm and unruffled expression.
As he waited, the shopkeeper of Xuanyin Pavilion finally pushed the door open and respectfully stood aside, revealing a figure that was both familiar and unfamiliar.
When Lin Chang’an saw this person, his heart could not help but jolt—
It was her!
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, the Core Formation cultivator of Xuanyin Pavilion. He had not expected her to also be on Five Dragon Island this time.
She was dressed in resplendent palace attire, adorned with silk ribbons, her delicate brows beneath a fine veil, revealing a pair of eyes as radiant as moonlight.
Behind the white veil, her indistinctly visible beauty could not conceal her peerless and ethereal grace.
“Greetings, Fellow Daoist He.”
After receiving the voice-transmission, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had rushed over without delay. Upon meeting Lin Chang’an’s disguised form, she even revealed a smile.
“So it is Fairy of Rainbow Skirt. I have long heard of your great name.”
The old man guise of Lin Chang’an stood up with a smile and clasped his hands in return.
Though he posed as a False Core cultivator, which made him superior to Foundation Establishment cultivators like the shopkeeper, in front of a true Core Formation cultivator, a False Core one was naturally beneath.
After a round of polite exchanges, the shopkeeper tactfully excused himself, leaving only the two Core Formation cultivators to converse.
“Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, I have come today to rent one of your pavilion’s spiritual grounds.”
Lin Chang’an spoke with a smiling face, stating his purpose.
This was the very genius he had heard of when he first entered the cultivation world. Now, sitting as equals with her, he could not help but sigh at the twists of fate.
Indeed, one could only rely on oneself.
“Fellow Daoist He, you are too courteous.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also smiled warmly, her tone carrying extra enthusiasm.
Ordinarily, true Core Formation cultivators looked down upon False Core cultivators. Yet Xuanyin Pavilion had suffered greatly from years of war back in Yue Kingdom, leaving their vitality gravely damaged.
Though they had now established themselves here, things were far from as glorious as before.
Lin Chang’an naturally could hear the probing and recruiting intentions in her words.
“Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, I am but a drifting cultivator. Even in managing to condense a core, it is only a False Core…”
He gave a bitter smile, feigning envy and disappointment as he looked at her.
This was the natural sentiment of a False Core cultivator toward a true Core Formation one.
In truth, he was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator longing for the next realm.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt did not find this suspicious. She even secretly nodded, sensing his unstable aura, which indeed seemed like someone who had only recently formed a False Core.
After some courteous exchanges, she hinted at inviting him to become a Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion.
Lin Chang’an pondered for a moment, showing signs of consideration, but did not outright refuse.
After all, he currently needed something from them.
“By the way, I have yet to ask—what attribute is your spirit pet attempting to form its core? Within Xuanyin Pavilion, we still have several suitable items for demon beasts to condense their core.”
“The beast I raise is of the fire attribute. If your pavilion has Core Formation items of the Yang or fire attribute, I would be willing to purchase.”
Lin Chang’an smiled as he spoke. Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, upon hearing this, was not surprised.
Although water-attribute demon beasts were most common in the Sea Abyss, many cultivators here still raised fire-attribute spirit pets.
First, water-attribute beasts were weaker in the early stages, their offensive power low even among peers.
Second, this sea region bordered the Fog Sea of Tongtian, making fire-attribute pets rather common.
“What a coincidence. Xuanyin Pavilion does have a fire-attribute item suitable for demon beasts. Just recently, a fellow cultivator sold us one.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled as she spoke, with none of her former aloof and untouchable demeanor.
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an sneered inwardly. “Coincidence, my foot.” It was nothing but polite words to build rapport.
Meanwhile, this once-proud Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was inwardly weary.
Xuanyin Pavilion was not faring well. Her master had been gravely injured on the battlefield of Yue Kingdom and now had little lifespan remaining.
At present, the pavilion only had two Core Formation cultivators. Should one perish, the blow would be devastating, leaving their situation dire.
Otherwise, as a true Core Formation cultivator, how could she lower herself to treat a False Core cultivator with such courtesy, even personally extending recruitment?
Years of hardship had taught this exalted fairy the art of scheming.
The elegantly attired Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled gracefully as she conversed, while Lin Chang’an kept his composure.
Though his False Core status was hollow, the fragmented memories of the Blood Fiend True Lord—once a late-stage Core Formation cultivator—allowed him to speak flawlessly, whether on Daoist discussions or on the customs of the Sea Abyss.
Soon, the shopkeeper returned respectfully, bringing in two items suitable for demon beasts to condense their core.
“Fellow Daoist He, please take a look. One is the Fiery Sun Fruit, the other the Fire Spirit Stone.”
Seeing these, Lin Chang’an secretly nodded.
Unlike human cultivators, demon beasts benefitted most from items tailored to them for Core Formation.
“Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, I have here half a bottle of Blackwater Liquid. I will exchange it for this Fiery Sun Fruit.”
Lin Chang’an spoke after a moment of thought. His Wind-chirp Bird was already undergoing evolution. The greatest danger lay in failing to withstand the backlash of the Golden Flame. At this stage, additional fire attribute might not be beneficial.
On the other hand, this Yang-attribute item, with its effect of strengthening the foundation, was more suitable.
When Lin Chang’an brought out the Blackwater Liquid from his Storage Pouch, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt could not help but show surprise.
Although both were Core Formation items, it was obvious that those suited for human cultivators were far more valuable than those for beasts.
Even though it was only half a bottle, its worth was in no way inferior to the Fiery Sun Fruit.
“Blackwater Liquid.”
Both sides were satisfied with this exchange. Fairy of Rainbow Skirt inwardly thought she had made the right decision coming here.
The pavilion had been preparing resources for Core Formation. With this extra half bottle of Blackwater Liquid, they now had greater hope of producing another Core Formation cultivator.
“In that case, I must trouble Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.”
“Fellow Daoist He, you are too polite. Then let us set the date two months from now. At that time, Xuanyin Pavilion will vacate the Earthfire Chamber.”
Xuanyin Pavilion specialized in side branches of cultivation, with disciples skilled in Artifact Refinement, Alchemy, and Talisman Drawing. Thus, they were based on Fire Dragon Island within Five Dragon Island.
Five Dragon Island was vast, shaped like five dragon heads plunging into the sea.
“At that time, I will also trouble your pavilion’s grand formation.”
Lin Chang’an smiled. That Blackwater Liquid was not given away for nothing.
This time, Xuanyin Pavilion had to provide both the spiritual ground and protective formation.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt naturally understood, and with a solemn expression, clasped her hands.
“Fellow Daoist may rest assured.”
Xuanyin Pavilion was already in a precarious state. If they could not fulfill even such obligations after receiving such a treasure, it would spell their greatest crisis.
At the same time, if Fellow Daoist He’s spirit pet succeeded in breaking through, it would greatly bolster the pavilion’s reputation.
Establishing ties with a False Core cultivator who possessed a third-rank spirit pet was, in itself, an investment.
…
Leaving Xuanyin Pavilion and returning along the road, Lin Chang’an could not help but bare his teeth in pain.
It hurt so much!
Forcibly sustaining the divine ability to perfect his disguise as a False Core cultivator came at this cost.
Fortunately, his Regenerative Body was powerful, allowing him to ignore injuries.
Any other cultivator, even a true False Core one, would need a period of rest to recover.
“Squeak squeak!”
Finally, after holding itself in all the way, the Wind-chirp Bird emerged from the Spirit Beast Pouch, its eyes wide as it perched on his shoulder, chirping loudly.
“You still want both of them? Are you planning to trade your demon core for them?”
Looking at this greedy Wind-chirp Bird, it was obvious it wanted to snatch both of the spiritual items just now.
This made Lin Chang’an glare at it in annoyance.
Was it that he did not want them?
The problem was that he simply could not afford to.
“For you, bird, I even took out my own Core Formation item to trade.”
Lin Chang’an shot the bird a fierce look. If not for having a fallback—gaining a demon core even in failure, which would be worth as much as what he sacrificed—he would never have handed over his own Core Formation item.
When the Wind-chirp Bird saw its master angry, it quickly tried to please him by preening and fanning him with its wings.
With its intelligence, it naturally knew that everything at this moment was for its sake.
“Enough, let’s turn back. We’ll return to Five Dragon Island for now and rent a cave dwelling. You should prepare yourself.”
After making a roundabout detour outside, Lin Chang’an re-entered Five Dragon Island in disguise, this time with the cultivation base of late Foundation Establishment, and rented a cave dwelling for secluded cultivation.
This was for the Wind-chirp Bird to rest and adjust itself in preparation.
…
Xuanyin Pavilion.
“Master, this time I obtained Blackwater Liquid in exchange. Together with the pavilion’s own items, it will be enough for Core Formation.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had just returned, joy between her brows. Inside the cave abode sat an elder, hair silver, face aged.
It was a clear sign of nearing the end of lifespan.
“Good, good!”
Seeing the items Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had brought back, the elder of Xuanyin Pavilion finally looked relieved, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.
“In this way, I may still live to see Xuanyin Pavilion gain another Core Formation cultivator. Then the burden will not fall on you alone, Chang’er.”
The kindly woman looked at her disciple with a warm smile. She had raised her from childhood. Disciple or not, their bond was like that of mother and daughter.
“Chang’er, remember, in this cultivation world, strength always comes first. Petty schemes are but short-term gains. Do not waste your talent.”
“Master, rest assured.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt answered gravely, which made the elder sigh and shake her head.
A genius who should have soared freely had instead become shackled by Xuanyin Pavilion. Whether this was a blessing or a curse was unknown.
“If this person can be drawn in, then do so. Even if not, at least maintain good ties. Since he came seeking Xuanyin Pavilion, he must have seen our plight and will surely give his all.”
“And beware the Long Clan. Their methods are swift, domineering to the extreme.”
Hearing her master’s worries, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also frowned deeply.
“Master, surely the Long Clan wouldn’t dare act recklessly? After all, Five Dragon Island is still under Bihai Palace’s authority.”
“Never be careless. The Long Clan’s Island Lord has long treated these seas as his own domain. Do you truly think Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect had no trace of his shadow behind their downfall?”
At this point, the elder of Xuanyin Pavilion could not help but reveal a look of dread.
Back when the Seven Kingdoms Alliance first arrived, the local forces had united together.
If not for Xuanyin Pavilion’s ties with a Guest Elder of Bihai Palace, they would have long been swallowed whole by the Long Clan.
“Master, rest assured. At least on the surface, the Long Clan dare not be reckless.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s expression grew solemn. She, too, silently steeled her resolve—this matter must not go wrong.
…
Five Dragon Island, Long Clan.
“Master Li, according to reliable news, Xuanyin Pavilion has recruited a False Core cultivator. This man has a spirit pet preparing to break through to third rank…”
Master Li, one of the Long Clan’s Guest Elders, had a False Core cultivation.
Upon hearing this, a malicious smile crept across his face.
“Leave this matter to me.”
This rugged-looking Master Li had failed to form a true core and could only settle for a False Core. His heart was filled with bitterness, envious of those who succeeded.
Now, upon learning of this outsider False Core cultivator owning a spirit pet ready to advance to third rank, jealousy consumed him.
“A third-rank spirit pet—whether its demon core or its blood essence, both are great nourishment.”
With a grim smile, he turned to look at the copper-armored corpse lying within a blood coffin, its stench heavy with gore.
It was his spirit pet, also at third rank.
“Just a skulking rat, yet he dares to own a third-rank spirit pet? Whether it succeeds or not, his beast and his blood essence will serve perfectly to feed my treasure.”
With his cold laughter, the copper-armored corpse—a third-rank False Core realm existence—stood as his greatest reliance.
Among the False Core cultivators of Five Dragon Island, having a third-rank spirit pet—one was enough, and that was him.
…
The entanglement between Xuanyin Pavilion and the Long Clan of Five Dragon Island was something Lin Chang’an did not know.
Time flew swiftly. In the blink of an eye, two months had passed.
Ordinary demon beasts, after slaying the Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King, would require at least half a year of seclusion to stabilize body and mind before breaking through.
However, with Lin Chang’an’s Evergreen Power injected, his Wind-chirp Bird returned to its peak state in just a few days.
Thus, the two months of seclusion here were purely for recuperating and reaching the best condition.
“Let’s go. This time, you’d better not let me suffer a loss.”
Before leaving, Lin Chang’an even teased with a rare smile.
The Wind-chirp Bird rolled its eyes as if to say, “Master, don’t jinx it.”
Leaving the cave abode, Lin Chang’an changed his disguise once more, becoming the False Core cultivator Master He.
As agreed, he made his way into Xuanyin Pavilion’s territory.
“Fellow Daoist He.”
“Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.”
Meeting again, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt warmly invited him into the spiritual ground connected to the Earthfire.
“Fellow Daoist He, rest assured. I have already checked the formation here. No one will disturb your spirit pet’s Core Formation.”
Side by side, they entered a cave dwelling clearly renovated for this purpose.
Inside, waves of fiery heat rose, with molten lava visible below—
It was the Earthfire.
Around them was a Spirit-gathering Formation, with spiritual energy so dense it was ideal for a demon beast’s breakthrough to third rank.
Lin Chang’an looked around with satisfaction.
Yet after Fairy of Rainbow Skirt left, with cautious vigilance, he secretly laid down his own Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation within the cave abode.
Only after confirming everything was secure did Lin Chang’an release the Wind-chirp Bird.
“Third-rank spirit pet, don’t let me down.”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes gleamed. Though he spoke lightly, if anything went wrong with this Wind-chirp Bird, his losses would be catastrophic.
At the very least, venturing into the Yin Spirit convergence in the Fog Sea of Tongtian would no longer be so easy.