Chapter 266: Planning for Core Reforging
Half a year later.
Celestial Spring Peak.
"To think this black qi possesses such miraculous effects—it’s practically a legendary heaven-and-earth spiritual item, no less effective than the mythical Ten-thousand-year Spirit Milk."
Inside the secluded cave abode, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but reveal an excited smile.
After half a year of relentless trials, he had finally uncovered the various wondrous effects of this Mysterious Black Qi.
First, it had exceptional benefits for body refinement.
Second, long-term nourishment with it refined the body, cleansing the Spiritual Root and improving one’s physique.
Third, although it didn’t have the miraculous instant mana recovery effects of Ten-thousand-year Spirit Milk, it did share one completely identical ability.
That was the ability to stabilize and reshape the Golden Core.
"Stabilizing and reshaping the Golden Core—this is the most important spiritual item mentioned in the Core Reforging secret technique."
At this moment, Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered. The Core Reforging secret technique, which he had previously deemed too risky and abandoned, now seemed viable with minimized risks.
In the world of cultivation, the greatest danger in Core Reforging lay in liquefying the Golden Core and then reshaping it.
These two steps were extremely critical, but if one could endure through them, the liquefied core would transform into a high-quality liquid mana.
So long as the Golden Core could be rapidly reformed, it was generally accepted that the new core would be of superior quality.
This was why many False Core cultivators—and even numerous True Core cultivators—were willing to take the risk of attempting Core Reforging in pursuit of immortality.
"However, during Core Reforging, if too much time is taken after liquefying the Golden Core, there’s an equal risk that the new core’s quality could decline."
There were even cultivators who, unable to withstand the strain, failed to reform their cores after liquefaction and fell back to the Foundation Establishment Realm—it wasn’t unheard of.
Yet now, this Mysterious Black Qi—or rather, the enhanced form of demonic qi—perfectly resolved this issue.
"If this is indeed demonic qi, then in the legendary Demon Realm, its quality must at least be on par with the Ten-thousand-year Spirit Milk—perhaps even greater."
Lin Chang’an’s gaze flickered. One must know, this demonic qi had corroded even the Fusang Divine Tree that naturally restrained it. With such mutual restraint, the qi’s quality could only have declined.
And yet, even degraded, this demonic qi still held such miraculous effects—it was truly shocking.
Among spiritual items used in Core Reforging, the Ten-thousand-year Spirit Milk was unanimously considered the best in the world of cultivation.
And now, this purified Black Qi possessed the same properties.
"In other words, I need to completely rework my cultivation plan."
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile—this was a heaven-sent opportunity.
He had originally planned to cultivate until the mid-stage of the Golden Core Realm, while having the Wind-Chirp Bird reach mid third-rank, and raising an Azure-Horned Ox to third-rank as well.
With such a team, he could then go hunt demon beasts and gather resources for higher-tier Spirit-Mending Pills, thus enhancing both his Spiritual Root and Golden Core quality to top-grade.
Now, that was no longer necessary—he had found a better path.
The Core Reforging secret technique he had obtained from the Blood Fiend True Lord’s relic site could now be put to use.
"In that case, I should start planning the Core Reforging instead. Unlike Spirit-Mending Pills, reforging the core is akin to forming a new Golden Core entirely, and a phenomenon will surely occur."
After the excitement faded, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but consider that, aside from its internal dangers, the Core Reforging technique came with external risks as well.
If he reforged his core and a mid-grade Golden Core phenomenon occurred, that might still be acceptable. But what if it was an upper-grade—or even an Immortal Golden Core!?
At this thought, Lin Chang’an felt another headache coming on. Clearly, this Core Reforging technique required meticulous planning.
"For the first time, I can use my avatar—Alchemist Wen’s identity—as a cover. After all, this persona was created specifically to gather resources and scheme toward Core Reforging."
Everyone knew that, and for a False Core cultivator to plan for reforging was perfectly normal. As a third-rank alchemist gathering rare Golden Core items, it would raise no suspicion.
But this was only Lin Chang’an’s current plan. As he continued to reflect, he realized the risks associated with the technique. If possible, it would be best to have no ties to himself at all.
"Step by step—I can’t form an Immortal Golden Core that easily. Core Reforging is equivalent to reforming a core anew."
This Black Qi was, at most, a top-tier auxiliary spiritual item for the process. He would still need to prepare the necessary Golden Core materials.
Though it meant he had to plan for vast resources again, Lin Chang’an’s mood was undoubtedly elated.
If he could enhance the quality of his Golden Core early, it would be immensely beneficial to his cultivation path.
Moreover, the Mysterious Black Qi also had the power to cleanse Spiritual Roots and improve the physical body, meaning that long-term cultivation with it would not only hasten his body refinement...
It would also improve his Spiritual Root aptitude.
"If the Spiritual Root aptitude steadily improves, and the Core quality can be enhanced through the Core Reforging secret technique, this is essentially a variant of the Heaven-Mending Pill!"
At that thought, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but laugh joyfully within his cave abode.
In the world of cultivation, what did cultivators need most to progress farther? Time—without question!
For instance, top-tier Spirit Body cultivators had great future potential, but if they planned to form the Nascent Soul only by their 300s or 400s...
Should they fail, their vitality would be severely damaged, and the remaining lifespan might not be enough for a second attempt.
This was precisely why Heavenly Spirit Root cultivators were so desirable.
Heavenly Spirit Root cultivators faced no bottlenecks, allowing them to form their core at the fastest pace.
With sufficient resources and fast cultivation, some could begin preparing for Nascent Soul at just over 200, under 300 years old.
In larger sects, even if such cultivators failed once at that age and suffered vitality loss, they’d still have time to recover and attempt again.
"Many naturally gifted legendary cultivators created divine abilities and cultivation methods that even Nascent Soul experts praised, but ultimately couldn’t form the Nascent Soul due to lifespan issues."
There was even a legend of a peerless genius who self-created cultivation methods all the way to becoming a Nascent Soul expert.
He had also delved deeply into puppet techniques, reaching incredible heights, but in doing so, he became too distracted, wasting precious cultivation time.
In the end, he discovered that his remaining lifespan was no longer enough to reach the Soul Formation Realm.
Many top cultivators shook their heads in regret, saying that had he focused just slightly less on side pursuits, or lived one or two centuries longer, he would have surely ascended.
It showed just how heaven-defying his talent was.
"If I can improve both my Spiritual Root and Golden Core quality in advance, that would undoubtedly accelerate my cultivation speed and grant me ample time to aim for higher realms."
At this thought, Lin Chang’an’s eyes gleamed even more intensely, determination showing between his brows.
His cultivation method already granted him a bonus to lifespan.
He could even sense that, if he reached the late stage of the Golden Core Realm, his lifespan might extend to a terrifying eight hundred years.
With that, he would have far more chances to impact the Nascent Soul Realm.
"Core Reforging!"
With a resolute gaze, Lin Chang’an had already decided on his next course of action.
Cultivation could not be delayed, and with his current level of cultivation, it had become much easier to plan for Golden Core spirit items.
And the most difficult and important spiritual item required for Core Reforging—he now had the Mysterious Black Qi as a substitute.
……
「Congratulations to Master on advancing your cultivation.」
Sensing something unusual from the cave abode, the Sword Attendant respectfully stood at the entrance—just as Lin Chang’an stepped out from within.
Greeted by the sight of the ever-pleasing Sword Attendant, she bowed with utmost respect.
Although only at the Foundation Establishment Realm and unable to discern a Core Formation cultivator’s condition, she could still glean something from Lin Chang’an’s complexion and bearing.
Hearing her words, Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded lightly, making no effort to conceal his joy.
「Not bad. It seems you haven’t been neglecting your cultivation lately.」
At this moment, looking at this Sword Attendant whose cheeks still bore traces of baby fat and who exuded a ferocious cuteness, he found her all the more pleasing to the eye.
Lin Chang’an casually slapped his storage pouch, and a jade slip floated before her. The Sword Attendant respectfully received it with both hands.
「Study this secret art carefully—it will be useful in the future.」
When the Sword Attendant lowered her head and saw what the jade slip contained, her grip tightened slightly.
《Yin-Yang Joint Strike Secret Art》
This was the very dual cultivation technique he had once cultivated together with Yun Yao.
As for asking her opinion? This was the world of cultivation, where the strong preyed on the weak. He might not force others—but the Sword Attendant was someone he had purchased.
She was his personal possession, not an outsider.
Having lived for over a hundred years, he was long accustomed to the ways of the cultivation world—and he even enjoyed the benefits that came with strength.
When I was a weed, a mere ant—why were you people allowed to stand high above?
Now that I stand above, just you weeds, you ants? Everything he had now was earned through his own efforts—those who sought something for nothing were courting death!
When the Sword Attendant saw this dual cultivation technique, her fingers turned pale. At first, she thought it was one of those furnace-based techniques.
But with a sweep of her divine sense, her heterochromatic eyes wavered slightly.
This was not one of those cruel demonic furnace-type techniques.
She had been mentally prepared—she had even thought about one day becoming Lin Chang’an’s furnace—but upon seeing such a proper dual cultivation method, she couldn’t help but feel moved.
「Thank you, Master!」
When she raised her head again, she had returned to normal—but her brows now carried an indescribable vitality and warmth.
Lin Chang’an habitually made his way to the pavilion, and the Sword Attendant adeptly prepared some spirit tea.
After ending his seclusion, sipping a pot of spirit tea while seated in the pavilion, overlooking the heavens and earth—observing the myriad of living beings below, and the countless low-level cultivators scurrying about...
...gave rise to a certain profound feeling.
「Not bad. Your skill has improved.」
Lin Chang’an offered a calm compliment, and the Sword Attendant's face flushed lightly, even revealing a rare smile.
Unintentionally, Lin Chang’an also noticed the change in her.
The distance at which they stood from each other—this time, was clearly a bit closer. It indicated a newfound trust between them.
「Has anything major occurred recently?」
After taking a gentle sip of the spirit tea, Lin Chang’an asked habitually. After all, wasn’t that what his subordinates were for?
「Reporting to Master, recently, things on Five Dragon Island have been unsettled. Word has it that the Long Clan’s new generation of cultivators is preparing to form their Golden Cores...」
Lin Chang’an first let out a soft 「Hm?」, but when he heard it involved the Long Clan, he suddenly understood.
Well then, no wonder.
Though everyone wished for peace, no one wanted to see the Long Clan grow stronger.
At present, the Long Clan might appear low-profile, but ultimately, their strength was still the greatest on Five Dragon Island.
So not to mention outsiders—even the Xuanyin Pavilion and the other two major clans—none of them wanted to see the Long Clan remain strong.
「Golden Core formation, huh... Looks like this time all factions may find rare unity.」
The external forces wished for turmoil on Five Dragon Island. The Long Clan had made countless enemies over the years, and all those enemies wanted to see them fall.
Internally, there were powers like the Xuanyin Pavilion and the two other great clans. This time, it seemed the Long Clan would indeed face some turbulence.
「No one knows who leaked the full information on the Long Clan’s Core Formation talents. Now, all three of the Long Clan’s promising cultivators have already been targeted.」
「Three people!」
Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes. After hearing the intel on the trio, he silently shook his head.
No mention of Long Changqing? Or was the Long Clan hiding other Golden Core prospects?
At least four Golden Core prospects in the new generation—this alone demonstrated how terrifying the Long Clan’s foundation was. No wonder even the Xuanyin Pavilion and the other two great clans were wary.
Anyone would be.
……
Xuanyin Pavilion.
「Elder Lin, the Long Clan’s new generation is preparing to form Golden Cores, and there are actually three Golden Core geniuses. Truly worthy of being the Long Clan.」
On this day, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt of the Xuanyin Pavilion made a rare visit to his cave abode. The two sat in the pavilion.
Already at the mid-stage of the Golden Core Realm, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt gently blew on her tea before smiling softly as she spoke.
Lin Chang’an was no fool—how could he not pick up the hidden meaning in her words? He merely nodded with a grave expression.
「The Long Clan’s foundation is indeed frighteningly strong. If they produce another two or three Core Formation cultivators, they will have successors. It will be hard for them to decline.」
This Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had come here partly to hint that the Long Clan now stood isolated—no one wished for their success.
There was fear that the Long Clan might promise some benefits to rogue cultivators, secretly securing their support.
After all, in the world of cultivation—unless it was a blood feud—under the pressure of absolute profit, those fighting to the death one moment could be sipping tea together the next.
「Back then, when I boarded a spirit vessel to Sea Abyss City, had I not had some connections, I’d have ended up as fodder for the Mystic Yin Divine Sect.
It was only because the Long Clan’s power was overwhelming that I chose to laugh it off.」
In front of this Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, Lin Chang’an spoke frankly, taking the opportunity to make a point.
If the Xuanyin Pavilion had been strong enough, why would he have ever considered making peace with the Long Clan?
This elegant and otherworldly Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, clad in a pale blue dress with flowing hair and a celestial aura, simply smiled and nodded in response.
Not the least bit embarrassed—upon realizing that Elder Lin still held resentment toward the Long Clan, she even smiled more openly.
「Elder Lin, Xuanyin Pavilion is just getting started. Meanwhile, the Long Clan is already buffeted by storms. If they can’t withstand this round, their fall is only a matter of time.」
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled as she spoke, stating a simple fact.
As the head of a sect, she knew very well—no matter how powerful a clan or sect was, if its foundation was consumed, it couldn’t last long.
If the Long Clan made it through this, fine. But if they failed—how much foundation did they have left to burn?
Decline was inevitable.
Her Xuanyin Pavilion had merely been lucky. When their sect’s foundation had almost dried up, the opportunity came, and they boarded the Bihai Palace’s ship.
It was thanks to years of accumulated heritage that they had talents like Liu Ruyu and Xu Lingfeng.
Their sect had once possessed five Golden Core prospects—yet in the end, only two succeeded. That alone spoke volumes about the difficulty of forming a core.
Lin Chang’an also took this opportunity to probe how much this Master of the Xuanyin Pavilion knew—and how many people were watching the Long Clan.
After all, he too had been quietly monitoring them.
He didn’t care for the rest—what he wanted was the Mysterious Sky Withered Leaf in Long Changqing’s possession.
If an opportunity arose, he still wanted to reclaim that treasure.
This was the perfect chance. By then, all the Long Clan’s Core Formation cultivators would be watched.
No matter how powerful Long Changqing was, he was still only a Foundation Establishment cultivator. If he reached Core Formation, it would be much harder to scheme against him.
Of course, Lin Chang’an wouldn’t be blinded by immediate profit.
Only after confirming that the Long Clan’s Core Formation cultivators—especially their Island Lord—were being restrained and preoccupied, would Lin Chang’an consider making his move in secret.