Chapter 223: Robber Cultivators Attack the Island
In the blink of an eye, another year had passed.
The case of a False Core Cultivator wanted by Five Dragon Island, known to possess a third-rank fire-attribute Spirit Pet, had caused quite a stir in the beginning.
However, as time went on, it gradually faded from attention.
Some said that this False Core senior had long since fled and would never stay behind to fight to the death.
Others claimed he had already been slain by a Golden Core Cultivator of Five Dragon Island.
Speculations abounded, but without exception, Five Dragon Island remained as overbearing as ever in daring to issue a public bounty on a Golden Core Cultivator.
【Lifespan: 111/286】
【Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (25/100)】
Within Hu Jin’s cave abode, Lin Changan looked at his cultivation realm and couldn’t help but nod inwardly.
He had been somewhat slack over the past year, though he had also been preparing for the future.
“Look at this Formation Plate I forged. Not to brag, but Old Lin, with your talent in formations and your skill in talismans, paired with my artifact crafting methods, didn’t we just produce this quasi–third-rank Formation Plate?”
Sweating profusely, Hu Jin smiled broadly as he took out a Formation Plate.
Lin Changan’s expression grew serious upon seeing this. He immediately picked up his brush and began inscribing formation patterns on the plate.
The Dao of Formations was vast and profound. Although he was proficient in it, when it came to forging, it still had to be combined with artifact refinement.
Yet artifact refinement alone was not enough. Carving arrays on Formation Plates and Formation Flags required the operation of a Formation Master. With Lin Changan’s skill in third-rank talismans, this was akin to adding wings to a tiger.
This made it evident why formations were rare even in market towns, and why some minor sects and clans lacked the heritage to craft them at all.
“It’s nearly done. This set of formations is complete.”
With the final stroke falling, the Formation Plate glowed with spiritual light. Several other Formation Plates and Formation Flags lay within the cave abode as well.
All were products of their joint effort.
【Second-rank High-grade Formation Master (Grandmaster 598/5000)】
He had broken through to a second-rank high-grade Formation Master three and a half years ago. This time was a rare opportunity to collaborate with Old Hu.
Hu Jin had provided the third-rank material Formation Plate, along with the main plate and its forging, while Lin Changan had handled the inscription of patterns on the auxiliary plates and flags.
“Old Lin, this quasi–third-rank Formation Plate was something I barely managed to get my hands on at the Fog Sea of Tongtian auction. Though damaged, only the main plate remained.
Still, it’s all thanks to you, Old Lin. Otherwise, repairing it wouldn’t have been so simple.”
Seeing the fully restored formation, Hu Jin grinned from ear to ear.
Now with a complete version of a quasi–third-rank formation, he had gained another trump card to keep in reserve.
“Old Hu, you’re being too polite. I’ve also learned quite a bit during this time.”
Lin Changan nodded with a smile, not being falsely modest. This Maze-Walking Five Elements Formation Plate had indeed deepened his understanding.
More importantly:
【First-rank Low-grade Artifact Refiner (Skilled 367/500)】
Looking at his insights into artifact refinement, Lin Changan felt the trip had not been in vain.
Hu Jin, meanwhile, laughed carelessly.
As for displaying his artifact refinement skills directly in front of Lin Changan, he didn’t mind in the slightest.
In fact, since the two were collaborating to refine Formation Plates and Flags, he had to let Lin Changan understand some of the techniques and methods.
That was why Lin Changan, in such a short time, had actually stepped into artifact refinement and was already close to breaking through to mid first-rank.
“Though cultivators live far longer than mortals, our energy is still limited. Old Lin, with your talent in formations, it’s truly a pity you didn’t join a major sect.”
Hu Jin sighed with regret. Even in major sects, Formation Masters were rare talents.
This craft depended purely on innate talent.
Artifact refinement, talisman drawing, and pill refining could all be honed through practice.
But with formations, either one could do it, or they couldn’t.
“All right, Old Hu. This Maze-Walking Five Elements Formation focuses on confusion—essentially a pure Trapping Formation.”
Lin Changan waved his hand with a smile, indicating that their work was finally done.
Even though he hadn’t put in too much effort, his talent had naturally led him to become an Artifact Refiner.
“Don’t worry, Old Lin. When we join forces with these two formations, even a third-rank demon beast will be skinned alive if not outright killed.”
Hu Jin looked at the Formation Plate and Flags in his hand with a resolute expression.
He had cultivated bitterly for many years, all in preparation for Core Formation.
“I was careless last time. That injured third-rank demon beast escaped, but rest assured, Old Lin—my clan’s tracking techniques are unmatched.
That beast, previously wounded in a territorial dispute, is gravely injured. And based on my observations, it’s aged and feeble. It won’t be long before it seeks out a weaker sea region...”
Speaking of this, Hu Jin’s face lit up with excitement. After years of tracking, he had finally found a suitable target.
He wasn’t about to lose it now.
Lin Changan didn’t ask too much about Old Hu’s secret technique. After hearing him out, he simply frowned and nodded solemnly.
“All right. Let me know if you find its whereabouts.”
With a lead on a severely wounded and aged third-rank demon beast, he naturally didn’t mind working with Old Hu.
Though he already had the Wind-Chirp Bird, a third-rank Spirit Pet, he had never considered hunting fully healthy demon beasts, especially aquatic ones.
After all, water countered fire!
At most, he had only thought about targeting Sinister Spirits with extreme elemental restraint.
In comparison, the value of a demon beast was much higher. Beyond the Demon Core, its scales, flesh, tendons, and claws often rivaled or even surpassed the core in value.
Besides, in recent years, his pursuit of Sinister Spirits had left his supply of Spirit Stones tight.
“Rest assured. Just like aging human cultivators, this demon beast will seek a relatively safe place to lick its wounds.”
Hu Jin grinned broadly. This time, he was determined to succeed.
Lin Changan nodded in thought. This was a hunter’s instinct among cultivators.
Always prioritize the aged, injured, and weak demon beasts.
...
After leaving Hu Jin’s cave abode, Lin Changan strolled across Yuling Island, watching the busy mortals and low-level cultivators. A wave of emotion washed over him.
He had once been like them, and now, step by step, he was already planning for Core Formation.
“If I were still under forty, I probably wouldn’t even dare imagine having a third-rank Spirit Pet.”
Lin Changan chuckled and shook his head. As he made his way toward his own cave abode, he encountered many familiar faces and overheard many hushed conversations among low-level cultivators.
“Sigh, those Robber Cultivators attacked Sulfur Island again. I heard the Three Great Clans’ savings of hundreds of years were completely looted.”
“You’re telling me! Those Robber Cultivators are getting way too arrogant. What are the patrol teams on Five Dragon Island even doing?”
“Shhh! Keep your voice down! You dare speak ill of Five Dragon Island?”
Hearing the conversations, Lin Changan couldn’t help but frown.
He had heard of Spirit Serpent Island being wiped out, and now trouble was erupting again.
“Greetings, Senior Lin.”
As Lin Changan appeared, two Lu Clan Qi Refining cultivators immediately bowed respectfully.
Lin Changan nodded indifferently and asked, “Were you two just speaking about recent Robber Cultivator attacks?”
The two did not dare hide anything and respectfully explained the recent events in detail.
“Senior Lin, the Robber Cultivators have been rampant lately. It’s said many are seeking revenge on Five Dragon Island.”
“And the patrol cultivators of Five Dragon Island are stretched thin, unable to assist in time. Foundation Establishment cultivators on each island are planning to form an alliance for mutual support, to avoid being overwhelmed...”
Listening to them, Lin Changan sighed inwardly. He wondered how many of these Robber Cultivators were colluding with Five Dragon Island.
And how many were simply opportunists seizing the chaos.
He wasn’t surprised in the least.
Once chaos erupted, Drifting Cultivators became the biggest hidden threat. With greed in their hearts, many sought to profit from the turmoil.
“Fellow Daoist Lin.”
At that moment, Lu Yujian happened to arrive, respectfully cupping his hands.
“I had learned you were visiting Fellow Daoist Hu’s cave abode and wanted to bring this invitation over.”
Lu Yujian handed over an invitation. Upon inspection, Lin Changan realized it was indeed related to the matter of Robber Cultivators.
It spoke of shared prosperity and mutual ruin, how these Robber Cultivators were not to be trusted, and urged everyone to unite in defense.
“I see.”
Lin Changan did not refuse the Lu Clan’s proposal to form a united defense.
Seeing that a Foundation Establishment cultivator from their clan had arrived, the two Qi Refining cultivators bowed and withdrew respectfully.
Once outsiders were gone, Lu Yujian’s expression turned somewhat indignant and he said—
“Fellow Daoist Lin, this Five Dragon Island patrol team is clearly just going through the motions. Some even say this incident is nothing more than Five Dragon Island using the chaos to eliminate dissenters.
They’ve grown used to their domineering ways. Do they really think they can stir up such a storm and not fear the consequences? If things spiral out of control, they won’t be able to explain themselves to Bihai Palace.”
Low-level cultivators might not be aware, but as Foundation Establishment cultivators, their perspective and circle were naturally different, and so too was what they could see.
Lin Changan did not doubt the words. After all, what he could perceive, others certainly could as well.
But the world of cultivation was not a mortal kingdom—everything was dictated by strength.
Thus, the commotion caused by Five Dragon Island, as long as it did not escalate into utter chaos, wouldn’t even warrant a glance from those above.
After all, a Nascent Soul cultivator could quell everything with a mere wave of their hand.
“Perhaps the Island Lord of Five Dragon Island has enough confidence,” Lin Changan muttered, shaking his head. He frowned at the chaos brought about by the Robber Cultivators.
He certainly didn’t want these matters interfering with his Core Formation preparations.
“Fellow Daoist Lin!”
Lu Yujian hesitated for a moment, then lowered his voice and sent a voice-transmission:
“My mother mentioned that it seems the remnants of the Three Clans are also using this opportunity to stir up trouble. Although Fellow Daoist Lin never offended them in the past, it's still best to be cautious when traveling.”
Facing the sincere Lu Yujian, Lin Changan’s impression of him improved considerably. He nodded gratefully.
“Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for the warning. I will indeed be careful.”
He had no intention of involving himself in the enmity between the Lu Clan and the Three Clans, but as Lu Yujian said—
Sometimes trouble found you whether you sought it or not.
After chatting for a while and getting an overview of the recent unrest, Lin Changan clasped his hands in farewell with a smile.
...
However, upon returning to his cave abode, a low-grade spiritual root spirit farmer elder with only Second Level of Qi Refinement had the audacity to visit.
“Junior pays respects to Senior.”
The elder trembled as he respectfully knelt with a full kowtow. Lin Changan’s expression remained indifferent. He showed no kindness just because the man was old.
In terms of age, he himself had lived over a hundred years—far older than the elder before him.
“If Lin is not mistaken, you should be one of the spirit farmers responsible for the Spirit Fields, correct?”
His cold voice echoed as the elder nodded respectfully.
“Junior is Li Shan, originally surnamed Feng. I was expelled from the Feng Clan after committing a crime and luckily escaped that disaster. But a few days ago, someone from the Feng Clan came to my residence and left this letter.”
The elder trembled and kept his head low.
“Feng Clan!”
Lin Changan’s eyes flickered as he read the letter—it really was those Three Clans coming to settle scores.
The contents were simple: the Three Clans declared their hatred for the Lu Clan as irreconcilable. If Fellow Daoist aided them, they were willing to pay a high price.
If he refused, they hoped he would at least stay out of it.
After reading the letter, Lin Changan’s brows knit in annoyance.
Would this nonsense never end? All he wanted was to prepare for Core Formation in peace, yet vexing matters just kept coming.
“That’s enough.”
With an impatient wave, he dismissed the spirit farmer, who left with his head still bowed.
“The Three Clans! The Lu Clan must already know about this. They’re using the exact same method as last time!”
With a flash in his eyes, Lin Changan publicly announced that he was entering seclusion cultivation—an unmistakable declaration that he wanted nothing to do with the matter.
He also sent a voice-transmission to Hu Jin, advising caution.
Soon after, Hu Jin’s cave abode also issued a statement that he was heading out to hunt demon beasts—clearly a move to avoid entanglement.
Seeing this, Lin Changan chuckled and shook his head. It looked like he needed to pack up and disappear for a while too.
He wasn’t going to clean up this mess.
If the Robber Cultivators dared take over Yuling Island, then he’d truly be impressed.
...
Half a month later.
In the waters near Yuling Island, a massive spirit ship moved slowly.
“Heh heh, Lu Clan! The Three Clans have returned!”
At the bow of the ship, the surviving cultivators of the Three Clans revealed eyes full of hatred. They had come for revenge.
Back when they had fled in disgrace, they were later taken in and had become infamous Robber Cultivators.
Though they vaguely knew the ones backing them were likely cultivators from Five Dragon Island, this was their only chance.
“Listen up. Tonight, we attack Yuling Island. Just like before—looting is the main goal. The Lu Clan has built up quite a fortune over the years.”
Onboard, the three leading Robber Cultivators—each at Late Foundation Establishment—looked coldly toward the distant island.
“Leader, we Three Clans know Yuling Island well. On the island...”
The cultivators of the Three Clans respectfully reported every detail of the island’s situation.
“Who would’ve thought that little Yuling Island has both a second-rank high-grade Talisman Master and Artifact Refiner? If we can capture them, they’d fetch a high price.”
“Third Brother, those two aren’t weak. Capturing them alive won’t be easy.”
“Enough. Tonight we’ve also arranged to work with that guy surnamed Tie again. Just like back on Spirit Serpent Island.”
On the spirit ship, bloodthirsty smiles spread among the cultivators. As Robber Cultivators, this had become routine.
Though death always loomed, the rewards were far greater than any they could earn through bitter cultivation.
Onboard were three Late Foundation Establishment cultivators leading the charge, six other Foundation Establishment cultivators, and over sixty cultivators at the late Qi Refinement stage.
Their force now outmatched the Lu Clan’s current strength.
Even so, they had made meticulous preparations.
“Boss, Fellow Daoist Rong sent a voice-transmission. He said after this job, we should lay low in the Fog Sea of Tongtian for a while.”
Before the hunt had even begun, such a message had arrived, causing the leading Robber Cultivator to frown.
The reason they could act so boldly here was, of course, their collusion with Five Dragon Island cultivators.
Clearly, this was an order for them to lay low for a while.
“Damn it. Send word to the guy named Tie. Tell him once this job is done, we’re lying low for a while. Might as well pillage the whole of Yuling Island.”
“Yes!”
Meanwhile, on an island a hundred miles from Yuling Island, a well-mannered cultivator named Rong Qing—one of the patrol cultivators responsible for maintaining order in Five Dragon Island’s sea territory—calmly looked at the voice-transmission talisman in his hand.
“A bunch of filthy rats. Once I’ve gathered enough resources for Core Formation, you’ll all become stepping stones for me.”
Just then, a jade talisman from the Long Clan suddenly lit up. A light and arrogant voice echoed in his ears.
With just one dismissive phrase, someone declared they were heading to the Outer Sea to hunt demon beasts—and just like that, they could command people at will.
Rong Qing’s face contorted with jealousy and hatred.
Why did the Long Clan have such abundant resources? His parents had sacrificed their lives for the Long Clan, and now it was all just a cruel joke.
“Yes, Young Master. Your subordinate obeys.”
Rong Qing replied respectfully through the voice-transmission talisman, but his eyes burned with deep resentment.
He felt his parents had died in vain—and he himself was filled with unwillingness!
...
Under the night sky, two spirit ships emerged from the sea fog.
The roar of mana echoed through the night.
The immense disturbance immediately threw the entire island into panic.
Especially within the Lu Clan’s territory, where all formation defenses were fully activated.
Inside his cave abode, Lin Changan watched the scene unfold, his eyes brimming with killing intent.
“Anyone who dares interrupt my Core Formation preparations—must die!”
He had just been getting ready to head to the Fog Sea of Tongtian to gather Core Formation resources.
But now Robber Cultivators were attacking the island, and that made him furious.