Chapter 234: Time Flies
On an island within the Fog Sea of Tongtian where Sinister Spirits converged—
Beneath the concealment of a formation, the entire formation was engulfed in flames as countless Sinister Spirits began to dissipate.
Accompanied by the cry of the Wind-Chirp Bird, a terrifying elemental suppression emanated forth. Finally, a Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King turned to ashes with a mournful, unwilling wail.
"Finally dealt with it!"
As the Sinister Spirits were eradicated, Lin Chang’an also let out a sigh of relief. With a wave of his hand, the fire-element spiritual energy within the formation began to fade, gradually returning to its previous gloomy state.
Walking up to the spring source of the Yin Vein Spiritual Spring, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but show a pleased expression.
"This batch of Blackwater Liquid isn’t small—this trip wasn’t wasted."
Looking around at the devastation and at his own magical robe which was now somewhat tattered, Lin Chang’an let out a long sigh.
"Time really flies. I’ve unknowingly spent twenty years in the Fog Sea of Tongtian."
【Lifespan: 132/293】
【Realm: Late Foundation Establishment Stage (88/100)】
Over the years, relying on the Wind-Chirp Bird, he had hunted Sinister Spirit Beast Kings, collected Core Formation spirit items, and cultivated in this rich Yin Vein spiritual energy.
The cultivation speed of these twenty years was nothing short of fast.
"After all, the Wind-Chirp Bird is Third-rank, equivalent to having a Core Formation cultivator by my side. If my cultivation speed was still slow, I might as well give up early."
Lin Chang’an smiled and shook his head. He had to admit, with his Spirit Eye and the Wind-Chirp Bird, the Fog Sea of Tongtian felt like home.
In fact, over the years, he discovered that his powerful perception could even sense the weather changes of the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
For instance, there was one time when he had a feeling of dread and sensed something was off with the weather. He then hid on an island and set up a formation.
Sure enough, the next day brought terrifying gale winds that had him trembling with fear.
The gale winds of the Sea Abyss of Beasts—even Core Formation cultivators caught in them would shed layers if not outright perish.
At first, he and the Wind-Chirp Bird hunted Sinister Spirits, but Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings weren’t easy to find, especially on the vast ocean, and he also needed time to cultivate.
So initially, he could only slay one Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King every year or two. But as he ventured deeper, the Yin aura became denser, and unknown dangers increasingly emerged.
"Although the Wind-Chirp Bird restrains Sinister Spirits, that same extreme elemental suppression also makes it a great tonic for Sinister Spirits!"
He still remembered eight years ago when he carelessly wandered onto an island housing seven Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings.
That scene—his face turned green with fright.
Even the Wind-Chirp Bird, usually feeding on Sinister Spirit Beast Kings, widened its eyes and fled at full speed with him in tow.
They fled for over two months before finally shaking them off.
"The Wind-Chirp Bird treats Sinister Spirit Beast Kings as nourishment, but when it encounters powerful ones, they, in turn, covet the Wind-Chirp Bird’s flesh and demon core."
Over the years, he had encountered many rare demon beasts in the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
There were even terrifying ones he dared not approach—just one glance from afar and he had to flee, never daring to venture deeper.
He had also seen Second-rank mermaid-type demon beasts that could speak human tongue, their upper bodies that of alluring women, who specialized in luring and killing human cultivators.
"Zhi zhi!"
The Wind-Chirp Bird circled cautiously, and after confirming there were no other threats, it finally descended.
Its large form shrunk and landed directly on Lin Chang’an’s shoulder.
It chirped while spitting out a Third-rank low-grade Sinister Spirit Demon Core, which Lin Chang’an accepted with great satisfaction.
"Another low-grade Third-rank demon core. Well done."
Over the years, he had been collecting Core Formation spirit items. The amount of Blackwater Liquid he now had was enough for the two of them to form cores.
However, given his poor aptitude, having more wouldn’t hurt, so he kept collecting.
And there was also the Three-turn Core Condensation Art. Back on Five Dragon Island, he had traded with a Xuanyin Pavilion Elder for one Third-rank low-grade wood-attribute demon core.
Later, Yun Yao had gifted him a Third-rank mid-grade wood-attribute demon core.
And in these years, he had also exchanged Sinister Spirit Demon Cores on the black market in the Fog Sea of Tongtian for another Third-rank low-grade wood-attribute demon core.
"These three demon cores are nearly refined. I’m just one step away from completing the Three-turn Core Condensation Art."
Lin Chang’an pondered silently. His poor aptitude had led him to make so many preparations.
"All that’s left for the Crystal Condensing Pill is the main material—Sky Crystal Flower. Once I have that, I can begin refining the pill."
Two portions of Blackwater Liquid, the Three-turn Core Condensation Art, plus the materials he had gathered for the Crystal Condensing Pill—
He indeed had poor aptitude, but with such an abundance of resources, if he still couldn’t form a core, there would be no justice in the heavens.
"Moo!" Just then, the Green-Horned Ox walked over, rubbing against his pants, making Lin Chang’an chuckle.
"Alright, it’s time we head back."
The reason his cultivation had advanced so quickly over these years was mainly because he had long cultivated in this Yin Vein region.
Ordinary cultivators wouldn’t have been able to bear it. Even demon beasts like the Green-Horned Ox and Wind-Chirp Bird, with their elemental affinities, couldn’t adapt here.
But his ancient cultivation method didn’t mind the environment, and could even aid his two spirit pets in cultivating here.
"This sea is just too vast. Searching takes effort, and I can’t waste cultivation time. Otherwise, I’d have hunted far more Sinister Spirit Beast Kings."
Over the years, he had slain only eight early-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings.
As for mid-stage Third-rank, not only did he not want to take the risk, but such beings could also begin tapping into the terrifying Yin energy of the Yin Veins.
Although the Wind-Chirp Bird had elemental suppression, in a place where Sinister Spirits converged, he held neither the advantage of timing nor terrain.
That’s why Lin Chang’an only targeted early-stage Third-rank beasts. Even the Wind-Chirp Bird kept shaking its head, absolutely unwilling to risk hunting mid-stage ones.
Sure, you have elemental restraint, but the enemy has home-field advantage.
"Let’s go!"
After another sweep confirming there were no other treasures—like Phantom Stones—Lin Chang’an shook his head, then took his two spirit pets and rode the gourd into the thick mist.
…
Two months later.
Azure Wave Island.
Lin Chang’an, familiar as ever, disguised himself and entered the marketplace.
Over the years, he had grown very used to this place.
"Yo, isn’t that Fellow Daoist Ge? You finally came."
As soon as Lin Chang’an—disguised as a False Core Cultivator—stepped in, the portly Fatty Lei greeted him with a wide smile.
"Fellow Daoist Ge, I’ve got news on the Sky Crystal Flower you asked me to find."
Fatty Lei secretly sent a voice transmission, and after Lin Chang’an heard it, his expression changed slightly. Then, the two of them walked into the back room, smiling like old friends.
"Come, come, Fellow Daoist Ge, try this fresh Dragon Leaf Tea."
With a graceful smile, Fatty Lei took a sip—but spat it out immediately.
"What kind of spirit tea is this? So terrible yet so expensive."
Fatty Lei grumbled with dissatisfaction, while Lin Chang’an merely shook his head lightly and took a refined sip of the tea.
This False Core Cultivator Fatty Lei wasn’t to be underestimated—Lin Chang’an certainly didn’t believe in his seemingly forthright demeanor.
If he had been the type to trust others easily, he would’ve died who knows how many times by now.
"Fellow Daoist Lei, let’s first discuss the matter of the Sky Crystal Flower."
Lin Chang’an set down the teacup. With a calm smile, a Spirit Stone Pouch appeared on the table.
Upon seeing the pouch, Fatty Lei immediately gave a thumbs-up and laughed heartily:
"Only you, Brother Ge, are so straightforward. Not like those stingy types."
He weighed the Spirit Stone Pouch, showed a satisfied grin, then said in a low voice:
"Recently, there’s a fellow Daoist who happens to possess a Sky Crystal Flower. They’re looking to trade for materials used in refining magical treasures, or other valuable items."
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an frowned slightly.
He didn’t have many Third-rank materials.
Despite hunting Sinister Spirits over the years, life had been tight—after all, Sinister Spirits were notoriously poor.
If not for the rich spiritual energy of the Yin Vein attracting him, he wouldn’t have chosen to cultivate in desolate, uninhabited islands.
Fatty Lei seemed to have read his thoughts and squinted with a chuckle:
"It’s understandable that Fellow Daoist doesn’t carry many Third-rank spirit items since you’ve only recently formed a core. Ten days from now, this shop will host a trading gathering of five False Core Cultivators.
That fellow Daoist will be attending as well—perhaps you’ll have a chance then."
After hearing this, Lin Chang’an revealed a satisfied smile. A gathering of three to five False Core Cultivators sounded promising.
As for why Fatty Lei believed he had recently formed a core, it was because his disguise as a False Core Cultivator wasn’t flawless. The unstable aura gave the impression of a recent breakthrough.
This identity as Fellow Daoist Ge was one he’d adopted six years ago.
The two then continued to sip tea and chat. Though Fatty Lei seemed generous, he didn’t utter a single word about real intel.
However, under Lin Chang’an’s "Spirit Stone offensive," this Fellow Daoist Lei transformed into an enthusiastic informant.
He eagerly spilled the current state of affairs.
"Five Dragon Island is still a mess. The Island Lord of the Long Clan, who reached the peak of Late Core Formation, has been in seclusion ever since the upheaval twenty years ago. Some say he was heavily injured and is licking his wounds.
Others claim the Island Lord is attempting a breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage—but forming a Nascent Soul isn’t that easy. In the entire Sea Abyss of Beasts, there are many Late Core Formation cultivators, but those who truly reach Nascent Soul can be counted on one hand!"
Listening to the intel and the power struggles that had plagued Five Dragon Island all these years, Lin Chang’an noted that even the Long Clan had suffered considerable losses.
Several clans had already begun pretending obedience while secretly defying them.
"Didn’t expect things to still be this chaotic."
Shaking his head, Lin Chang’an sipped cup after cup of spirit tea under Fatty Lei’s expectant gaze.
"Fellow Daoist, this is a jade slip containing information on the various powers of Five Dragon Island."
Seeing his precious spirit tea being consumed so casually, Fatty Lei’s heart ached, and he hastily handed over the intelligence jade slip.
Only after receiving it did Lin Chang’an smile with satisfaction.
"Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Lei."
"You’re too kind, Fellow Daoist Ge."
After Lin Chang’an left, Fatty Lei looked at the teapot—only to find the spirit tea was already gone. His eyes instantly widened in shock.
"My spirit tea! Like feeding fine grain to a wild boar—utter waste!"
…
At the same time, Lin Chang’an walked calmly along the marketplace streets.
"The Core Formation spirit items are nearly complete. Once I get the Sky Crystal Flower, I can begin refining the Crystal Condensing Pill."
【Third-rank Low-grade Alchemist (Proficiency 3/500)】
Looking at his alchemical skill, Lin Chang’an smiled in satisfaction.
Over the years, without hindering his cultivation, his various skills had continued to progress steadily.
He pursued alchemy for the sake of refining the Crystal Condensing Pill—and he had put in real effort cultivating this art.
As for formations, his progress over the years had come purely from hands-on practice.
【Second-rank High-grade Formation Master (Grandmaster 3798/5000)】
Whether hunting Sinister Spirits or setting up formations to cultivate, his formation mastery had advanced rapidly through constant practice.
There was also his Talisman Mastery—
【Third-rank Low-grade Talisman Master (Proficiency 184/500)】
"Two Third-rank arts. If things continue, my formation mastery might reach Third-rank in another ten years."
Seeing his talent in the Hundred Arts of Cultivation, Lin Chang’an nodded silently.
The heavens were indeed fair. Though he was born with a Low-grade Spiritual Root, they compensated him with talent in other areas.
"Still, my alchemical skill must not be exposed. As for talismans, I’ve long been a Talisman Master—continuing to pose as a Second-rank High-grade Talisman Master is entirely plausible.
As for formations, that art depends heavily on comprehension. Back in Tianxuan City, many already knew of my talent in formations. Once I form a core, revealing it won’t be an issue."
With his eyes glinting, Lin Chang’an was already planning his future.
Publicly, he was a late bloomer with extraordinary talent in formations, eventually becoming a Third-rank Formation Master. No one would doubt it.
After all, formation mastery had always been a field that emphasized innate talent.
Moreover, becoming a Third-rank Formation Master made it far easier to amass wealth—much easier than being a Talisman Master.
"But all that’s for the future. Right now, I need to trade for the Sky Crystal Flower, refine the Crystal Condensing Pill, and head to Sea Abyss City to form my core."
He had no desire to risk forming his core here—what if someone targeted him?
Forming a core in Sea Abyss City came with conditions: successful Core Formation cultivators had to serve Bihai Palace and guard the outer seas for a hundred years.
But a hundred years—for a safe Core Formation—was worth it.
"Moreover, Bihai Palace has a good reputation among Core Formation cultivators. Most importantly, it’s safe and reliable!"
If one attempted Core Formation in the outer seas, the moment their breakthrough aura appeared, it would first attract sea-dwelling demon beasts—because to them, human cultivators were an excellent source of nourishment.
Not to mention fellow human cultivators—who wouldn’t want to seize such an opportunity? They might even steal the Core Formation spirit items.
Of course, those backed by powerful sects or clans could have guards and form their cores in safety.
But Lin Chang’an was just a drifting cultivator.
"As long as I can form my core safely, guarding a place for a hundred years won’t hinder my cultivation. And under a mighty tree, even drifting cultivators like me can find shelter—there’s plenty to gain."
"But all of this hinges on how to get to Sea Abyss City!"
At that thought, Lin Chang’an fell into contemplation.
These past years, the Five Dragon Island region had fallen into complete chaos. Spirit ships capable of crossing the sea were now rare.
As for merchant ships of major sects—forget it.
The unrest in recent years had made all sect-affiliated merchant vessels strictly prohibit outsiders aboard. Even friendly cultivators from outside the sects wouldn’t be allowed on easily.
"Sky Crystal Flower, a spirit ship that can cross seas—there’s too much I need to handle."
Not to mention what was inside his storage pouch: that Third-rank Turtle Shell, and a Talisman Treasure previously belonging to the Long Clan—items that couldn’t see the light of day, and could easily bring disaster.
"If I plan to leave by spirit ship, there will definitely be high-level cultivators aboard. If any aura leaks, it could ruin everything. For safety, I must dispose of those items before departure."
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered.
The Talisman Treasure was manageable, as he had a storage pouch with concealment and isolation effects—but the Third-rank Turtle Shell had been with him for twenty years now.
He needed to find a chance to eliminate that hidden danger.