Chapter 220: Third-rank Great Demon
Several days later.
In the spiritual land of Xuanyin Pavilion, an aura appeared, making the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s eyes flash with a cold light.
“Haha, I had heard earlier that a fellow Daoist came here to attempt a breakthrough. I didn’t expect that this old man would still arrive a step too late.”
“Master Li, you jest.”
As the Guest Elder Master Li of Five Dragon Island arrived, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also put on a false smile to greet him.
Beneath their superficial pleasantries, Master Li made no effort to conceal his arrogance. Even in front of the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, a Core Formation cultivator, he showed not the slightest courtesy.
It was true that he was merely a False Core cultivator, but with the backing of Five Dragon Island, coupled with his possession of a third-rank spirit pet, he had the confidence to place himself on equal footing with early Core Formation cultivators.
At this time, however, inside the Earthfire Cave Abode, Lin Chang’an remained completely unaware of the tensions between Xuanyin Pavilion and Five Dragon Island.
He was fully focused on watching the Wind-chirp Bird’s breakthrough.
First, it had swallowed the third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core he obtained earlier. For the Wind-chirp Bird, which was at a critical juncture, such a great supplement directly accelerated its evolution.
Lin Chang’an sat cross-legged several zhang away, standing guard as protector.
Flames surrounded the Wind-chirp Bird’s entire body, making it impossible to approach. The violent aura it emitted—especially that wisp of golden flame—made even Lin Chang’an feel the threat of death.
“Let’s hope everything goes smoothly!”
Amidst the terrifying aura, the Wind-chirp Bird let out a painful cry, yet it still persevered.
…
Several days later.
Outside the cave abode, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth grew restless, manifesting the phenomenon of Core Formation.
Dark clouds rolled in, yet under the convergence of fire attribute energy, they were dyed a fiery red.
A powerful demonic aura spread outward, astonishing the cultivators stationed nearby Xuanyin Pavilion.
“It has begun.”
In a side hall outside the cave, Master Li and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt were drinking tea and discussing the Dao. Suddenly sensing this aura, both of them looked up in unison.
“Judging from the phenomenon of Core Formation, that fellow Daoist’s spirit pet has an extremely strong fire attribute. Its bloodline seems of no low grade.”
Though Master Li spoke casually, a deep jealousy flashed within his eyes.
Such a grand display… how could a mere rogue cultivator be worthy of possessing a third-rank spirit pet? It was only fitting to become food for his Copper-armored Corpse.
And as for this False Core cultivator—should he be foolish, Master Li would not mind feeding him to the Copper-armored Corpse as well.
The aura in the sky grew increasingly terrifying. Days later, it had already condensed into a fearsome sea of fiery clouds, making Master Li’s face darken further.
Could it be that this person’s spirit pet possessed an Earth-grade bloodline?
As for whether he had prepared a high-grade or even supreme-grade Core Formation spirit item, Master Li absolutely did not believe it.
A False Core cultivator, who had yet to even step into true Core Formation himself, could not possibly afford such extravagant treasures for his spirit pet.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also furrowed her brows slightly.
“This Daoist He’s spirit pet’s aura is magnificent. If it truly advances successfully, winning him over would be no worse than having another Core Formation cultivator.”
It seemed the terms offered to this Daoist He would need to be raised—at least equal to the treatment of a true Core Formation cultivator.
In the cultivation world, status often followed the strength of one’s spirit pet.
…
Inside the cave abode.
After consuming the Core Formation spirit item, the Wind-chirp Bird’s body became enveloped by crimson flames.
In the end, the flames condensed into a giant egg, one zhang tall.
It gleamed like molten lava, with threads of golden patterns crisscrossing its surface like pulsing veins of light.
“Something feels wrong!”
Standing guard nearby, Lin Chang’an could clearly sense the Wind-chirp Bird’s current state.
From within the egg came waves of pain and weakness. It seemed the evolution during its metamorphosis was not going smoothly.
“This is bad. The Wind-chirp Bird may be unable to complete its transformation.”
Lin Chang’an’s expression turned grim. Though his preparations had been thorough, giving an ordinary bloodline spirit pet at least a sixty to seventy percent chance of success—
Considering the Wind-chirp Bird’s bloodline, however, his efforts were still insufficient.
Especially since this was no ordinary beast—it was the extremely rare Golden Flame Divine Bird, for which evolution was a life-or-death ordeal.
“For the Wind-chirp Bird, Core Formation is more than forming a demon core. It is also a bloodline evolution… akin to rebirth by fire.”
Such dual difficulty naturally made the process incredibly perilous.
From within the egg came agonized cries, along with the Wind-chirp Bird’s desperate pleas through divine sense, making Lin Chang’an’s brows knit tightly.
“This rebirth by fire… it must rely on its own strength. From outside…”
At that instant, a thought struck Lin Chang’an. He rushed forward and placed his palm upon the egg.
Instantly, the terrifying heat scorched his flesh, making his hand sizzle with smoke.
Yet as Lin Chang’an channeled his life-infused spiritual power into the egg, the Wind-chirp Bird’s consciousness immediately radiated with yearning.
“It works!”
Lin Chang’an let out a silent breath of relief. If it had only been about Core Formation, his life-infused spiritual power would have had little effect.
But for a demon beast undergoing bloodline rebirth, it was nothing short of a life-saving elixir.
As the vibrant life energy poured in, the Wind-chirp Bird’s vitality surged anew, enduring its trial by fire.
“In that case, I’ll go all out!”
His gaze hardened. Retreating several zhang back, Lin Chang’an quickly set up a formation barrier.
He then sat cross-legged, operating his cultivation method. From his dantian emerged the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine.
Guided by his control, his spiritual power flowed through the vine. A wisp of pure green light, brimming with life essence, streamed into the egg.
This life energy was even more concentrated and pure.
Moreover, the formation barrier he set carried a spirit-gathering effect.
Holding spirit stones in his hands, he absorbed their energy, hastening his recovery.
Thus, the Wind-chirp Bird’s life force grew increasingly vigorous.
One could faintly glimpse within the egg a bird reborn amidst fire.
Day after day passed, and the aura of Core Formation became more and more fearsome.
Lin Chang’an could clearly sense it—the Wind-chirp Bird had reached its most critical moment: condensing its demon core!
“Demonic power crystallized! Next is the quality of its core.”
The Wind-chirp Bird, as an extraordinary beast, already had a noble bloodline—comparable to the spiritual body among humans.
But this was no ordinary bird—it was the exceedingly rare Golden Flame Divine Bird, its bloodline even higher by a level.
Heaven was fair. If it granted you defying talent, it would likewise grant matching tribulations.
At the instant its inner power crystallized, Lin Chang’an felt the terrifying aura.
“This isn’t an ordinary demon core!”
Drawing in a deep breath, he silently rejoiced at his earlier preparations.
He slapped his storage pouch, and several upper-grade spirit stones floated out, revolving around the egg within the spirit-gathering formation.
Immediately, their pure energy was extracted, transforming into streams of spiritual light, absorbed by the egg.
Upper-grade spirit stones were incomparably precious—even for Core Formation cultivators. Otherwise, how could Blood Fiend True Lord, a late Core Formation cultivator, have been left with just over a hundred pieces?
Back then, during the secret realm expedition, Lin Chang’an had obtained forty-three upper-grade spirit stones. Now was the perfect moment to use them.
With such pure energy, the Wind-chirp Bird required less absorption of ambient spiritual energy.
Yet even so, the Core Formation phenomenon outside still made Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s beautiful eyes shine, while Master Li grew ever more envious.
Such momentum—could it be that this person’s spirit pet was about to condense a mid-grade True Core?
Just as human cultivators had grades of cores, so too did demon beasts.
But those outside could only guess. None of them truly knew what was happening within.
…
Inside the egg, light flickered as the Wind-chirp Bird’s evolving form gradually took shape.
At the same time, its demon core began to solidify.
“An upper-grade Golden Core! No—this is… an Immortal Golden Core!”
Through his perception, Lin Chang’an realized that the nascent demon core’s quality was still steadily rising within the sea of fire.
At that instant, Lin Chang’an felt numb all over, and at the same time, incomparably envious.
He was actually jealous of his own spirit pet’s bloodline.
On second thought, though, it was understandable. With the bloodline of a Golden Flame Divine Bird, it would have been strange if it condensed anything less than a supreme-grade core.
“However, the greater the potential of the spirit pet, the more advantageous it is for me.”
Lin Chang’an’s emotions surged with excitement, and he could not help but reveal a smile.
Although it was not his own Core Formation, the higher the Wind-chirp Bird’s core quality, the greater the assistance it would provide him in the future.
“But my upper-grade spirit stones!”
Seeing that nearly twenty upper-grade spirit stones had been consumed, Lin Chang’an felt his heart ache terribly.
At that moment, a phoenix cry came from within the egg, startling him. He knew the Wind-chirp Bird was about to break out.
This was the final step!
Rebirth by fire!
Clear metallic clanging sounds echoed continuously, yet the eggshell remained intact.
At the same time, a weak and pleading consciousness reached him, telling him that the Wind-chirp Bird was far too exhausted.
“Push a little further!”
Gritting his teeth, Lin Chang’an grabbed another upper-grade spirit stone to restore his spiritual power.
Then, he poured his energy madly into the egg.
With this torrential influx of life-infused spiritual power, the weakened Wind-chirp Bird rapidly recovered during its rebirth by fire.
Both its strength and spiritual power revived.
As the days passed, finally, after half a month—
A crisp sound resounded. Lin Chang’an’s eyes widened as he saw a crack appear in the egg.
In that instant, a faint golden flame seeped out. The moment it touched the surrounding formation barrier, it instantly burned a hole through.
Lin Chang’an’s pupils shrank, a trace of fear flashing across his face.
Thankfully, he had kept his distance and had not forcibly intervened. Otherwise, just a touch of that flame might have reduced him to ashes.
The crack spread wider and wider, the raging golden flames inside burning through more of the barrier, forcing Lin Chang’an to hurriedly retract his life-bound spirit plant.
He retreated over ten zhang away.
Finally!
With a sharp sound and a piercing cry, a dazzling golden fire phoenix burst from the egg.
The cave abode’s temperature surged instantly. Thrilled at its rebirth, the Wind-chirp Bird dove directly into the magma below.
…
Outside, the terrifying phenomenon of Core Formation radiated with brilliant light. Clearly, the breakthrough had succeeded.
Countless Xuanyin Pavilion cultivators watched with envy.
Even though it was a demon beast’s Core Formation, it was still enough to stir their jealousy.
Master Li, however, revealed outright envy upon seeing this.
“This aura… even if it’s not an upper-grade Golden Core, it’s at least a high mid-grade one!”
At that moment, his eyes turned red. His Copper-armored Corpse, though decent, had only a lower-grade Golden Core, its potential limited.
Still, even that had raised his own status considerably.
All these years, he had joined Five Dragon Island, engaging in shameful deeds, only for the secret Core Formation art they had promised.
But now—why was it that they were both False Core cultivators, yet his spirit pet could condense a high mid-grade core while his own had only a lower-grade one?
“Damn it!”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, on the other hand, abandoned all previous hesitation. This Daoist He absolutely had to be won over. Even if he could not be recruited, he had to be befriended.
If he were drawn into Xuanyin Pavilion, it would be equivalent to gaining two Core Formation combat powers at once.
Moreover, demon beasts had long lifespans. Even if Daoist He perished one day amidst the ever-changing tides of the cultivation world—
His spirit pet would still remain within Xuanyin Pavilion.
…
Inside the cave abode.
“Haha, it has finally succeeded.”
Lin Chang’an’s face was full of smiles. The Wind-chirp Bird, having advanced to third rank, looked completely different from before.
Its wings stretched wide, its body spanning three zhang, covered in resplendent golden feathers that shone brilliantly.
Compared to its former palm-sized form, the difference was heaven and earth.
As a third-rank great demon, it now possessed basic divine abilities. After letting out a long cry, the Wind-chirp Bird shrank its form, returning to its previous small size and landing on his shoulder.
“Chirp chirp!”
Excited after its evolution, the Wind-chirp Bird rubbed affectionately against its master, still showing its fawning nature.
If it had once harbored its own thoughts, after this rebirth by fire it understood one thing clearly.
Its master—must never be abandoned!
Each evolution was a life-and-death trial, and it had learned that lesson well.
Better to eat one full meal than starve forever—it knew which to choose.
“You bird, I feel like your thoughts aren’t pure.”
The bond between man and bird was deep. Naturally, Lin Chang’an could sense its emotions.
He laughed teasingly, but in truth, the bird’s feathers had indeed become softer than before.
Even in its shrunken form, it now looked far more radiant.
“You wasteful thing, all of this is treasure.”
Heart aching, Lin Chang’an hurried forward to collect the shattered eggshell.
The crimson shell lined with golden patterns was undoubtedly a treasure.
Such quality was likely a supreme spirit item even among third rank. Whether for artifact refinement or other uses, it was an unparalleled material.
“Fortunately, I had upper-grade spirit stones. Otherwise, the Core Formation phenomenon could not have been concealed. At that time, an exceptional Golden Core spirit pet would have drawn endless attention.”
Avoiding such danger, Lin Chang’an let out a silent breath of relief.
Compared to the loss of twenty upper-grade spirit stones, it was all worth it.
Man and bird then rested within the cave abode, recovering their strength.
After some hesitation, Lin Chang’an even took out that Blood Fiend artifact.
“Counting my luck, I still cannot use this treasure yet.”
Third-rank spirit pets could also wield artifacts, just like human cultivators. Once refined, they could use them.
However, artifacts were so precious that cultivators themselves often lacked enough, let alone sparing them for their pets.
Once the man and bird had fully adjusted themselves, they finally stepped out of the cave abode.
…
“Congratulations, Daoist He. Your spirit beast has advanced to third rank.”
No sooner had they emerged than Fairy of Rainbow Skirt approached with several Xuanyin Pavilion disciples to offer congratulations.
Lin Chang’an, disguised as Daoist He, smiled faintly and nodded.
“Congratulations, Daoist He!” The few young, beautiful disciples of Xuanyin Pavilion also bowed respectfully.
At this scene, Lin Chang’an understood without even opening his eyes—the sugar-coated bullets had arrived.
Clearly, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt wanted to recruit him.
As for offering female cultivators as concubines, such things required no force. Just a single word, and there would be plenty of willing volunteers within the sect.
A False Core cultivator with a third-rank great demon—for many female cultivators, that was already far beyond their reach.
“Hoho, so this is Daoist He?”
Watching Xuanyin Pavilion’s recruitment efforts, Master Li revealed a proud and condescending smile, stepping forward with his own attempt at recruitment.
But his words carried a lofty arrogance.