Chapter 242: External Incarnation! Master Tan!
"Xuantian Spirit Body, External Incarnation..."
As his cultivation realm stabilized, Lin Changan, now a powerful Core Formation cultivator, couldn’t help but feel astonished by the divine abilities of the cultivation method he had been practicing.
The Xuantian Spirit Body was the primary focus of this cultivation method—once initiated, it would increase the chance of forming a Nascent Soul by thirty percent.
And this was just the beginning stage. Not to mention the subsequent stages like Minor Mastery. The description of the Xuantian Spirit Body was nothing short of exaggerated.
It was practically an enhanced version of the Indestructible Body—but of course, that level might only be realized after advancing to the Nascent Soul and Soul Transformation Realms.
This insight came as feedback after he broke through to the Core Formation Realm, when the life-bound spirit plant above his dantian reawakened.
However, that so-called Xuantian Spirit Body was still far from his reach. For now, it was this cultivation method’s first divine ability that drew his grave attention.
"External Incarnation!"
Only after the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine became his life-bound spirit plant could each green leaf it produced be used with this divine ability to form an incarnation, which would possess thirty percent of the original body’s strength.
With a solemn expression, Lin Changan began to activate this divine ability.
A quarter-hour... half... three-quarters...
Finally!
【External Incarnation +1 (Beginner 1/100)】
A flash of green light appeared, and a figure materialized before him—an incarnation with identical aura to his own, though its strength was somewhat lacking.
It possessed thirty percent of his early Core Formation strength, with its momentum barely stabilized at the False Core Realm.
"So this is the method of External Incarnation!"
Facing a duplicate of himself, seeing his own field of vision reflected, left him momentarily disoriented.
But soon, Lin Changan's expression turned somber, because he noticed that the incarnation's face was half-withered, like old bark.
Clearly, this was due to the leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine not yet being fully revived.
However, this incarnation, which was fully linked to his divine sense and shared his vision, seemed vaguely similar to the legendary Second Nascent Soul.
"This incarnation is formed from the leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine. If someone captures and refines it, or damages it, my life-bound spirit plant would suffer a severe loss in vitality."
Moreover, the incarnation couldn’t stray too far from the original body.
One could say this divine ability closely resembled the Second Nascent Soul—yet it remained distinctly different.
"Also, in times of mortal danger, this divine ability could be used to substitute myself during tribulation. It’s equivalent to gaining an extra life."
Lin Changan was secretly alarmed. As expected, this truly matched the prestige of an ancient cultivation method. What came before it was merely auxiliary in comparison.
Yet, within less than half a stick of incense’s time, he already felt a sense of weariness in his divine sense. With a single thought, the incarnation transformed into a streak of light and was reabsorbed into his body.
Once retracted into his life-bound spirit plant, he clearly felt the mostly rejuvenated green leaf reappear on the Immortal Vine.
"This is what a top-tier divine ability is..."
Feeling the might of this divine ability, Lin Changan couldn’t help but reveal a satisfied smile.
A few days later.
After stabilizing his cultivation realm, Lin Changan prepared to step outside.
"Breaking through to Core Formation at one hundred thirty-nine years old is neither too slow nor too fast. At most, it might provoke envy from someone who believes he got lucky with a supreme-grade Core Formation spirit item."
Rising to his feet, Lin Changan exuded a fresh vitality, like spring wind.
He took out his identity token, lifted the restriction, and walked out of his cave abode.
...
"Greetings, Master Lin."
"Congratulations to Master Lin for achieving the Dao of True Core."
Outside the cave abode, dozens of cultivators had already gathered, waiting for a long time. Each one represented their own clan, all wearing smiles as they came to offer congratulations.
Among them, even the lowest cultivation was late Foundation Establishment; several False Core cultivators had also arrived.
To his surprise, even Master Tan was present.
Among the crowd, Lu Yushu, the False Core cultivator, had eyes brimming with envy at that moment.
So this was the treatment received by a true Core Formation cultivator.
When he had formed his False Core, barely anyone had come to congratulate him.
But now that Lin Changan had formed a true Core—despite it being a low-grade golden core—so many people showed up.
"Master Lin, forming a True Core at the age of one hundred thirty-nine is truly the mark of youthful talent."
"Indeed."
While all were offering congratulations, their underlying intent was to curry favor.
These flattering words—he had never heard them as a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Even when he was plotting toward Core Formation, the best he heard was wishful thinking.
Now that he had succeeded, people were trying to recruit him as a worshipped elder, or offering their Foundation Establishment-aged female cultivators in marriage.
Lin Changan saw through it all—this bunch was clearly trying to buy his loyalty.
He had just formed his Core and hadn’t enjoyed the benefits yet—how could he possibly be willing to serve anyone else now?
Yet, Master Tan in the crowd narrowed his eyes and said with a chuckle:
"Fellow Daoist Lin, now that you’ve reached Core Formation, whether it’s cultivation or refining your life-bound magical treasure, the resources required are no small matter."
With Master Tan speaking, the others, possibly wary of the one backing him, all revealed awkward smiles.
Meanwhile, the voice transmission that Master Tan secretly sent caused Lin Changan to frown.
It seemed the other party had set his eyes on him—but truth be told, with the Five Dragon Island sea region in such chaos, he had no intention of returning there.
"Congratulations again, Master Lin, on achieving a True Core."
Meeting again, the once-proud Lu Yushu now stood before him filled with envy—and a trace of respect.
It was precisely that sliver of respect that made Lin Changan suspicious. Though False Core couldn’t compare to True Core, his attitude seemed a bit too deferential.
Still, after exchanging some pleasantries with the crowd, Lin Changan left his words vague, keeping his options open.
However, Master Tan was someone he couldn’t afford to offend—after all, he was a member of Bihai Palace.
...
In a restaurant.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, in a moment I’ll introduce you to someone you surely won’t find unfamiliar."
With Master Tan’s enthusiastic invitation, Lin Changan couldn’t refuse—after all, he had yet to sign the Spirit Contract.
Of course, he could choose not to sign, but the cost would be a Bihai Palace bounty—he’d then face pursuit across the entire Sea Abyss of Beasts.
"Could this Fellow Daoist be from Yue Kingdom?"
With some suspicion, Lin Changan had already guessed Master Tan’s intentions.
The power dynamics of the Five Dragon Island sea region were in need of reshuffling—this was a perfect opportunity for intervention.
And with Lu Clan only managing to form a False Core, they were clearly unqualified to be at the table. Meanwhile, Lin Changan, who had just formed a True Core and was a rogue cultivator—easy to control—was the ideal candidate.
If paired with Lu Clan, he could very well become Master Tan’s pawn in seizing control over the Five Dragon Island sea region.
Otherwise, why such sudden goodwill?
It all came down to profit.
"Haha, Fellow Daoist Lin is spot on."
Master Tan laughed aloud. He wasn’t afraid of rejection from Lin Changan, because what he offered was mutually beneficial.
As they entered the private room of the restaurant, Lin Changan’s heart jolted upon seeing the figure of a female cultivator in palace robes.
It was her.
"Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, Head of Xuanyin Pavilion."
Upon meeting in the private room, Lin Changan naturally feigned ignorance, pretending he had only heard of her.
"So it’s Fairy of Rainbow Skirt."
"Master Lin flatters me."
At first, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had felt some dissatisfaction—it was never pleasant to have outsiders meddle in one's sect’s affairs.
However, after gaining some understanding, she instead grew intrigued.
Meanwhile, Lin Changan’s gaze flickered in deep thought.
Around the table, Master Tan, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, and Lin Changan each harbored their own thoughts. Only Lu Yushu, the False Core cultivator, remained silent the whole time.
He was only at the table thanks to his master, Master Tan.
"So what you’re saying, Master Tan, is that you want me to help Xuanyin Pavilion suppress the Long Clan?"
Staring in astonishment at the unimpressive and short Master Tan, Lin Changan had expected him to covet the resources of the Five Dragon Island sea region—
He had considered many possibilities—but never did he expect that Master Tan truly acted wholeheartedly for Bihai Palace.
Master Tan himself also felt stifled. Why did everyone assume he harbored ill intentions?
He genuinely wanted to achieve something, to show his elder sister that he, too, could share her burdens.
"So, Fellow Daoist Lin hails from the Yue Kingdom as a rogue cultivator."
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s beautiful eyes sparkled with light. If that were the case, then he was someone they could draw in.
Coincidentally, Xuanyin Pavilion now needed such cultivators—those with clean backgrounds and no encumbrances.
She had crossed vast distances to come to Sea Abyss City precisely because of the Long Clan’s decline in the Five Dragon Island sea region. Her purpose was very clear.
To express loyalty to Bihai Palace and secure overt support within the Five Dragon Island sea region.
Facing the two of them, Lin Changan contemplated for a moment before sighing softly:
"Years ago, I had some insights into formations. It was through the power of formations that I managed to prepare two Core Formation spirit items and thus succeeded in forming my Core by sheer luck."
Since he was clearly the weakest among them, Lin Changan decided to enhance his own value by revealing some of his skills.
This also conveniently explained the origins of his Core Formation spirit items.
"Third-rank Formation Master!"
When they heard this, both Master Tan and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt couldn’t help but have their eyes light up.
If he were just an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, that was one thing—but add in the identity of a third-rank Formation Master, and his value would more than double.
And since Lin Changan dared to say it, he clearly wasn’t afraid of being investigated.
After all, he had already shown his talent in formations back in Tianxuan City.
Besides, the path of formations was different from others—purely dependent on innate talent.
Now that his skill in formations surpassed his skill in talismans, no one would doubt him; instead, they would find it reasonable and finally understand where his Core Formation spirit items came from.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, would you be willing to serve as an Elder Guest of Xuanyin Pavilion? We will certainly not treat you unfairly."
At this moment, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was truly tempted. Her beautiful eyes even revealed a passionate gleam.
"I’ve cultivated bitterly for many years and am truly not fond of conflict."
Facing both Master Tan’s objective and the recruitment by Xuanyin Pavilion, Lin Changan first increased his own value, then naturally weighed the pros and cons.
In terms of benefits, Master Tan clearly trusted the Lu Clan more—after all, they had disciples involved.
His connection with Xuanyin Pavilion was purely interest-based.
This sixth elder of Bihai Palace had merely shown a hint of dissatisfaction with the Five Dragon Island sea region, and that had triggered such upheaval below.
But that tiny dissatisfaction from a Nascent Soul cultivator was enough to prompt a complete redistribution of interests—allowing those beneath to feast.
He had to elevate his status just to get a seat at the table.
"There are only three main factions in this Five Dragon Island sea region: first is the original Long Clan, but after recent years, even their backing elders can say nothing in their defense.
The second faction is the one our Sixth Elder has chosen to support, led by Xuanyin Pavilion.
And the third is the alliance of two local clans, who have connected with the Fifth Elder."
As Master Tan laid it all out, the matter didn’t seem so complicated—just a straightforward reshuffling of benefits.
The Long Clan had to be suppressed.
With this clear breakdown, Lin Changan’s expression turned peculiar. It seemed this wasn’t just a muddy mess anymore.
Previously, he avoided the Five Dragon Island sea region because it was chaotic.
But now it all seemed very clear.
Especially with Xuanyin Pavilion and Master Tan both under the Sixth Elder’s banner.
"I wonder what Master Tan wants me to do?"
The Sea Abyss of Beasts certainly didn’t lack Core Formation cultivators. Master Tan choosing him clearly had its reasons.
Master Tan didn’t mince words and chuckled:
"My disciple’s Lu Clan is quite capable in business. My elder sister currently oversees several merchant ships under the Sixth Elder’s command. I was hoping Xuanyin Pavilion and Fellow Daoist Lin could help support them in the future..."
Well, well!
Seeing Master Tan’s expression, Lin Changan couldn’t help but find it strange.
He had seen those who lived off their sisters and drained them dry.
But it was his first time seeing someone who refused to be underestimated, striving to prove himself and expand his sister’s influence.
Even Fairy of Rainbow Skirt revealed a strange expression. So this man had been scheming for his elder sister all along.
This... actually didn’t conflict with their goals. On the contrary, it aligned perfectly.
Perhaps sensing their reactions, Master Tan said calmly:
"I was born ugly—only my sister never minded and even helped me reach Foundation Establishment. After she became the Sixth Elder’s concubine, everyone said she was just gathering Core Formation resources for me.
Everything I’m doing now is to show them—what my sister could do for me, I can do for her too!"
This deep sibling bond rendered Lin Changan silent.
Perhaps this Master Tan simply wanted his sister to be able to hold her head high—not to be mocked for merely pouring her resources into her younger brother.
"Master Tan, such sincerity—I’m truly impressed."
For cultivators at their level to still possess such deep emotions was rare and precious indeed.
Lin Changan also understood that he was likely chosen because of his clean background—unlikely to cause complications.
From start to finish, Master Tan’s trust was placed in the Lu Clan alone.
It was just that Lu Yushu had only formed a False Core and needed someone to shield him in front.
The three of them toasted and drank. In the end, their cooperation truly was a win-win situation.
Even Lin Changan began to feel tempted. After all, he had to guard the Outer Sea for Bihai Palace for a hundred years. Last time, he went to Five Dragon Island alone, without any backing.
Naturally, he didn’t want to get involved in its chaos.
But now, things were different. With someone behind him, his arrival might just mean gaining a seat at the table—which wasn’t a bad thing.
Thinking this far, Lin Changan’s eyes flickered.
Moreover, the Long Clan still possessed another withered leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine. He had spent years nurturing a single leaf, and even now, it was only mostly revived.
If he could obtain that other leaf, he might be able to cultivate two External Incarnations—doubling his insurance.
And what he had to do didn’t seem that difficult. On the surface, he would guard Five Dragon Island while cooperating with the Lu Clan to help them grow their merchant business.
Later, if he could stabilize the flow of trade ships overseen by Master Tan’s sister, that would be a solid banner to tie himself to.
"All things considered, this might be quite profitable."
Having figured it out, Lin Changan broke into a smile.
As for Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, though she already had the Sixth Elder’s approval, gaining another connection via the Sixth Elder’s favored concubine wouldn’t hurt.
Soon, the atmosphere at the table grew lively.
...
After the banquet dispersed and Master Tan left, Lu Yushu respectfully cupped his hands:
"Fellow Daoist Lin."
"Fellow Daoist Lu, no need to be so polite. In the future, both of us will be responsible for guarding a region for Bihai Palace and ensuring its peace."
Lin Changan smiled and nodded. It was obvious from the banquet that he had agreed to Master Tan’s invitation.
After all, it wasn’t like they were asking him to charge into battle.
Lu Yushu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Following his clan head’s instructions, he had strongly recommended Fellow Daoist Lin—and he understood one thing.
Working with someone familiar was far better than dealing with strangers.
Especially with someone like Lin Changan, a devoted cultivator with no messy entanglements.
Lu Yushu also seemed to sense the two had more to discuss, so he cupped his hands and excused himself.
"I didn’t expect Fellow Daoist Lin to be so talented in formations. Our Xuanyin Pavilion holds quite a few formation inheritances."
With only the two of them left in the private room, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt once again showed clear interest in recruiting him.
It wasn’t that Lin Changan himself was that attractive—it was that rogue cultivators from the same homeland with good reputations were extremely rare.
Especially those who had just formed their Core—this was the perfect time to recruit them.
Otherwise, recruiting a Core Formation cultivator from outside wouldn’t be hard—but who knew what schemes they brought with them?
There had been cases of such elders occupying power and pushing out the originals.
Faced with her recruitment, Lin Changan still hesitated. He had agreed to Master Tan’s terms because the ties weren’t deep.
Plus, it benefited him. But Xuanyin Pavilion might soon occupy a large part of the Long Clan’s spirit lands—conflict could arise.
"Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, I’ve cultivated in solitude for years, and I’m not fond of strife."
Lin Changan wore an expression that said he didn’t want to get involved in their power struggles, which actually put Fairy of Rainbow Skirt at ease.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, you jest. Xuanyin Pavilion isn’t fond of conflict either—we only want a peaceful place for our disciples to cultivate. Besides, you’re also from Yue Kingdom, so surely you understand Xuanyin Pavilion."
With a warm smile, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt found herself more and more pleased with Lin Changan.
He had a good temperament, knew his place, and just wanted to cultivate peacefully—and he was from Yue Kingdom, like her. In this foreign land, that added greatly to her sense of goodwill.