Chapter 253: On the Theory of Xuantian Destiny
Celestial Spring Peak.
Over the course of six years, Lin Chang’an had planted spirit plants in many areas of Celestial Spring Peak—after all, he didn’t want to waste such a spiritual land.
Even the pool had been stocked with spiritual fish, and he had recruited several handmaidens to manage the spiritual mountain.
These handmaidens all came from nearby allied families, and one was even from the Lu Clan.
Each possessed a delicate appearance, youthful and beautiful, and their cultivation had reached the late-stage of Qi Refinement.
As for what these families had in mind, Lin Chang’an knew even with his eyes closed.
Nothing more than currying favor—if fortunate enough to be accepted as concubines, their families’ ties with him would become even closer.
After all, a Core Formation cultivator already had the power to influence the rise and fall of their clans.
“They’re called ‘free’ handmaidens, but cultivating here is far better than anything they could get back in their own clans.”
Within the pavilion of his cave abode, Lin Chang’an gazed at the diligent handmaidens working below the mountain with a calm expression.
Though his cave abode had a Spirit Gathering Formation, the entire mountain was filled with spiritual energy—more than sufficient for late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators.
Even Foundation Establishment cultivators would find the spiritual energy at the foot of the mountain rare and abundant.
Still, as the Core Formation True Person of the main peak, surrounded by many families, Lin Chang’an—though focused on cultivation—was not ignorant of worldly affairs.
He didn’t intend to act blind and deaf, allowing all the nearby families to be pulled under the banners of other forces.
Just a single gesture from him could reassure these families, and these handmaidens could also bring intelligence from their respective clans.
Making it easier for him to stay informed of the surroundings—after all, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement.
“moo!”
The Azure-Horned Ox lazily ambled over, lowering its head and tugging at his pants in a flattering manner.
This scene made Lin Chang’an chuckle.
“Other Core Formation cultivators have people to manage their abodes—too bad I’ve got too many secrets. Better to stay cautious than regret later.”
He gently patted his storage pouch, and three spirit fruits appeared. The Azure-Horned Ox let out delighted moos upon seeing them.
“You silly ox.”
Seeing its fawning expression, Lin Chang’an rarely showed a smile and shook his head.
Perhaps it had become a habit—or maybe the mana he cultivated with his Life-bound Spirit Plant, the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine, had some benefit for it. Over the years, the ox had constantly sought to please him.
Even the Wind-Chirp Bird was affected, though comparatively, the Azure-Horned Ox had followed him the longest, and thus received the most nurturing from his mana.
“If mana refined through the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine has this kind of feedback effect, could there be other hidden wonders?”
Lin Chang’an secretly speculated; after all, the instincts of demon beasts were far stronger than those of human cultivators.
Coupled with some of his theories over the years, and certain old legends...
“Could the elusive theory of Xuantian destiny actually be real?”
He grew suspicious.
In the world of cultivation, it was said that items born alongside the opening of realms—those which only true immortals could obtain—were worthy of the title “Xuantian.”
And Xuantian items were often said to carry elusive destiny.
Indeed, his luck had been quite good over the years, without encountering major disasters.
“Even the three parts of this cultivation method came into my hands smoothly.”
However, at this point, Lin Chang’an could only shake his head. The time had been too short, and the idea of destiny was simply too vague to grasp.
At most, destiny only made a cultivator’s path a bit smoother—if he ever grew blindly arrogant, disaster would surely follow.
How many geniuses and giants had risen through adversity, only to fall from grace at their peak?
“Better to be safe than sorry. Caution never hurts.”
With this thought, Lin Chang’an shook his head and rose, walking into the depths of the cave abode.
…
Meanwhile, the Azure-Horned Ox basked in the mana filled with Xuantian aura. Though uninjured, its instincts told it this mana greatly benefited it.
As Lin Chang’an entered the cave, he passed through layer upon layer of formations and arrived at the deepest chamber. There, he opened a stone-wall barrier and immediately transformed into a streak of green light that shot downward.
The light flew swiftly through the darkness until it reached a subterranean magma cave.
At the center, a massive Fusang Divine Tree had taken root in the lava—not only unharmed, it was greedily absorbing the fire spiritual energy from the earth’s core.
From its dim trunk, strands of black qi were occasionally forced out, which were then sealed by surrounding formation barriers into jade bottles at the formation nodes.
“Just what has the Fusang Divine Tree experienced? And what is this black qi? It clings like maggots to flesh—so hard to remove.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head—there were simply too many secrets in the cultivation world.
The stronger one became, the more insignificant one felt.
There were too many mysteries in this world, impossible to resist the allure.
At this moment, the Wind-Chirp Bird lazily crouched atop the Fusang Divine Tree, clearly enjoying its presence.
Upon seeing its master arrive in person, it chirped several times in delight.
“All right, you better protect this Fusang Divine Tree well.”
Lin Chang’an smiled and shook his head. Beside the tree sat one of his avatars, currently cross-legged before a pill furnace, concentrating on alchemy.
“This Divine Power of External Avatars is really convenient. They can practice arts and skills in my place, freeing up my time.”
Lin Chang’an sighed. For now, this was already a boon—but once the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine grew stronger, perhaps even the avatar could accelerate his own cultivation.
“If avatars can learn arts, there’s no reason they can’t also hasten cultivation.”
He pondered silently—perhaps it was because the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine hadn’t matured enough yet.
If a single avatar could double his cultivation speed, that would be a true blessing.
【Third-rank Low-grade Talisman Master (Proficiency 321/500)】
【Third-rank Low-grade Alchemist (Proficiency 189/500)】
【Third-rank Low-grade Formation Master (Proficiency 23/500)】
【First-rank High-grade Artifact Refiner (Grandmaster 23/5000)】
Looking at the progress of his four major cultivation arts, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but reveal a satisfied smile.
“With an additional avatar, the results are truly different.”
Forty-three years ago, his first third-rank art had been talisman crafting—at his rate of progress, it shouldn’t have taken this long.
“It’s not just the scarcity of third-rank talisman papers—more importantly, I lack third-rank inheritances.”
And for alchemy, if third-rank pill materials were easy to gather, he wouldn’t have had to start preparing Spirit-Mending Pills right after reaching early Core Formation.
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered. Now that he had this External Avatar, which could assist in improving his skills, it seemed he could cultivate all four major arts of cultivation.
As for any delays, once a technique reached the third rank, progress relied mainly on comprehending various cultivation insights.
Using the previous method—double-pronged effort by focusing on talisman drawing to raise proficiency—was no longer practical.
Moreover, third-rank technique inheritances were each more precious than the last, and not easily acquired. Therefore, cultivating all four arts simultaneously wouldn’t hinder his progress—
Instead, it would be the most efficient way to utilize his current advantage.
“If only I had deeper foundations… if I had even a single fourth-rank inheritance, I’d naturally focus on one art.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an sighed helplessly. Life as a drifting cultivator was tough—everything had to be done personally, and all resources had to be fought for.
“If I could obtain the other two Mysterious Sky Withered Leaves, could I form two more External Avatars?”
At the thought of having three Avatars, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement.
“If the chance arises, I must retrieve the other two Withered Leaves.”
Ever since he began nurturing the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine, he had realized how difficult it was.
Up until now, he had only revived a single green leaf. As for making the vine sprout again—who knew how long that would take.
Hence, acquiring the other two Withered Leaves was the best option.
“But one bite at a time—no need to rush. With the trade fair imminent, I should first gather materials for the Spirit-Mending Pill.”
Improving spiritual roots and Golden Core quality to boost cultivation speed was the key. After all, strength was supreme in the cultivation world—not just skills.
No matter how advanced the arts, they were still auxiliary.
If he had Nascent Soul strength now, he would’ve long taken back his treasures.
With that thought, Lin Chang’an nodded silently. First, strengthen himself—only with power could he seize what he wanted.
“Pill complete!”
As the Avatar finished refining a batch of pills, Lin Chang’an’s true body smiled. With a wave of his hand, the Avatar turned back into a leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine and was reabsorbed into his body.
The Avatar and the main body were one and the same, their divine sense and thoughts interconnected.
This was different from a Second Nascent Soul. A Second Nascent Soul could be considered another self and required the main body to deliberately transfer intent.
Rumor had it that in the cultivation world, Second Nascent Souls had betrayed and devoured their masters before. This problem didn’t exist with the External Avatar.
However, it also lacked the complete freedom and flexibility of a Second Nascent Soul.
……
Outside Celestial Spring Peak.
“Daoist Lin.”
Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu of Xuanyin Pavilion—both newly advanced Core Formation cultivators—smiled warmly and cupped their hands toward Lin Chang’an.
This time, the three of them were heading together to the Five Dragon Island trade event.
“Daoist Xu, Fairy Liu.”
Lin Chang’an also greeted the two with a smile. Whether he liked them or not, addressing female cultivators as “Fairy” never offended.
The three of them represented Xuanyin Pavilion this time—three Core Formation cultivators together carried no small deterrent force.
But Xu Lingfeng glanced toward Chihuo Peak with dissatisfaction, frowning:
“Such airs from this Daoist Wen—we invite him to a Core Formation trade gathering and he doesn’t even show up.”
Xu Lingfeng, clearly the number two Core Formation cultivator in Xuanyin Pavilion now, carried visible pride between his brows.
Which made sense—Xuanyin Pavilion now had Bihai Palace as its backer.
Within the sect, aside from the Pavilion Master Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, his strength and potential ranked the highest. A little pride was to be expected.
It was like spending over a hundred years cultivating to finally reach Core Formation—wouldn’t one indulge a little?
“Senior Brother Xu, Alchemist Wen already said he’s currently refining a batch of pills.”
Liu Ruyu glanced at her senior brother coldly, her tone noticeably blunt.
Clearly, the two didn’t get along.
As a half-outsider, Lin Chang’an acted as though he hadn’t noticed and smiled as he nodded:
“That Daoist Wen has quite the eccentric temper—just get used to it. But he is reliable when it comes to trust.”
Seeing Lin Chang’an’s confident demeanor, neither doubted him.
After all, in their eyes, this Talisman Master Lin had refined the Crystal Condensing Pills.
And in the Fog Sea of Tongtian, with just False Core strength, he hadn’t seized anything by force. Lin Chang’an benefiting from this was only natural.
“I wonder what treasure Daoist Lin hopes to trade for this time? If Junior Sister Liu or I have it, we wouldn’t want an outsider to benefit instead.”
Xu Lingfeng asked curiously—not with ill intent. After all, internal trades were better than letting strangers profit.
The matter with Alchemist Wen was just a side episode. In the eyes of Golden Core cultivators, False Core cultivators had little future—very few ever reforged their core and started anew.
If not for his third-rank alchemy skills, a mere False Core cultivator had no right to stand as their equal.
Facing Xu Lingfeng’s curiosity and faint goodwill, Lin Chang’an did not conceal the truth. He sighed lightly and said:
“I owe Daoist Wen a favor from before. I need to find him a mid-grade third-rank Demon Core.”
Mid-grade third-rank Demon Core!
Both Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu were visibly shocked.
Liu Ruyu looked at Lin Chang’an awkwardly. A mid-grade third-rank Demon Core was worth at least 150,000 mid-grade spirit stones—add a little more, and it could even be exchanged for an ordinary third-rank mid-grade magic treasure.
Even with Xuanyin Pavilion’s resources, since their Core Formation, they were both preparing to craft their Life-bound Artifacts.
Thus, a mid-grade third-rank Demon Core was a hefty price even for them.
“Daoist Lin… your character is truly admirable.”
Liu Ruyu couldn’t help but show a look of admiration—Lin Chang’an’s willingness to repay this favor showed he was a trustworthy man.
Lin Chang’an remained calm. In the outside world, your identity was something you crafted for yourself.
“Daoist Lin, such honor.”
Even Xu Lingfeng blushed slightly, offering a compliment he didn’t fully mean.
After all, he didn’t have a mid-grade third-rank Demon Core to give. If he had, he’d already have traded it for precious materials to refine his Life-bound Artifact.
“In that case, let’s be on our way.”
Liu Ruyu, the Core Formation cultivator, looked at Lin Chang’an with a hint of apology.
Whether due to her lower-grade Core or some other reason, she lacked Xu Lingfeng’s arrogance.
The three transformed into escape lights and headed toward the most bustling marketplace on Five Dragon Island.
……
It had to be said—Core Formation cultivators’ escape lights were fast.
Before reaching Core Formation, cultivators relied on riding magical tools to fly. In fights with flying demon beasts, they often couldn’t keep up.
But Core Formation escape lights completely made up for that weakness.
“We’re here!”
Moments later, three streaks of escape light descended from the sky into the bustling Five Dragon Island marketplace, drawing countless admiring and respectful gazes from other cultivators.
This sensation made Lin Chang’an sigh—it was only Core Formation cultivators who had the privilege of flying directly overhead.
Back when he was Foundation Establishment, he wouldn’t have dared fly over a marketplace—he’d be seen as provoking others.
“Welcome, True Persons.”
As the three arrived at a tavern, Foundation Establishment cultivators who had long awaited them respectfully bowed.
The trio nodded calmly and walked in.
Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators belonged to completely different levels.
Xu Lingfeng walked ahead of the others, clearly taking on the role of Xuanyin Pavilion’s number two figure.
Behind him, Lin Chang’an remained calm—he didn’t mind at all.
He had no problem letting others take the spotlight.
Upon entering, seeing more than twenty False Core cultivators already present, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly.
Hopefully, this trade fair would yield the mid-grade third-rank Demon Core he needed.
If not, he would have to hunt one down himself.
Thanks to Daoist ‘Book Friend 20250721014211006’ for the reward of 460 spirit stones.