Chapter 268: The Second Piece of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Leaf
Third floor of the Long Clan’s store.
“Fellow Daoist, do you truly have Blackwater Liquid?”
It was rare for the person in charge of this shop, Long Changqing, to personally appear—something no one could have expected.
This Foundation Establishment cultivator who managed the Long Clan’s business turned out to be a hidden Core Formation prospect of the clan.
“Fellow Daoist, how could I joke about such a matter?”
The disguised Lin Changan gave a calm smile. With a wave of his hand, a transparent jade bottle appeared.
However, the moment the jade bottle containing Blackwater Liquid was revealed, Long Changqing was momentarily stunned before a trace of disappointment flashed across his eyes.
It was indeed Blackwater Liquid, but there was only a little.
Still, this was reasonable—after all, how could an ordinary cultivator easily obtain a Core Formation Spirit Item?
Let alone that the other party was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator—rather than keeping it for himself, he had come to sell it.
“Not bad. It is indeed Blackwater Liquid.”
Though the amount was small, when accumulated, even a little bit was extremely precious to the Long Clan at this time.
Thus, Long Changqing’s expression became solemn, mentally preparing for the other party to raise the price.
Lin Changan chuckled. Of course, he still had more Blackwater Liquid, but to avoid suspicion, bringing just a little was ideal.
“Fellow Daoist Long, I am aware of my own aptitude and do not harbor any delusions of reaching Core Formation. However, I recently heard that someone from your esteemed clan is preparing to form a Core, and this Spirit Item is currently extremely rare…”
Lin Changan’s words were layered with meaning, causing Long Changqing to curse inwardly. As expected, the man had come to exploit their situation.
But there was no choice. At this moment, the Long Clan was willing to pay a higher price to obtain the Blackwater Liquid.
“Fellow Daoist, the amount of Blackwater Liquid you have is rather limited.”
“Twenty thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones!”
“Fellow Daoist, please don’t jest. That little amount of Blackwater Liquid would normally go for five to six thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones. At most, my Long Clan can offer you eight thousand.”
While they haggled, Lin Changan’s powerful perception sensed the faint aura inside Long Changqing’s storage pouch.
This was the true reason he was sincerely negotiating.
Confirming that the Mysterious Sky Withered Leaf was in the other party’s possession made things easier.
“Twelve thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones. I want them all in artifact refining materials…”
Lin Changan appeared to be someone wary that the Long Clan might tamper with the Spirit Stones, so instead he asked to exchange them all for artifact refinement materials.
Long Changqing was taken aback, surprised that the man was actually a second-rank Artifact Refiner.
If it were under normal circumstances, he would’ve sought to recruit him on behalf of the Long Clan. But now, he could only sigh in frustration.
The tiny portion of Blackwater Liquid, worth five to six thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones, was finally agreed upon at twelve thousand.
Yet once Lin Changan shifted the demand to artifact refining materials, and haggled over those as well, the actual cost increased even more.
The price had more than doubled.
Lin Changan played the role of a petty Foundation Establishment cultivator taking advantage of the situation to perfection.
This significantly lowered Long Changqing’s vigilance.
Still, both were cautious by nature. After receiving the materials, Lin Changan checked them on the spot and only stored them after confirming no issues.
Likewise, Long Changqing also changed the jade bottle he carried, his expression grave.
“Farewell!”
After fleecing the Long Clan, Lin Changan nodded hoarsely and clasped his hands in farewell, leaving swiftly and cleanly.
He didn’t need to do anything suspicious—his sole purpose was to confirm that his treasure was still there and to assess Long Changqing’s cultivation.
To avoid drawing suspicion, he conducted a genuine trade with a small portion of Blackwater Liquid.
If the treasure hadn’t been there, he would never have completed the trade. If Long Changqing had doubts later, that would be his own concern.
...
As night gradually fell—
In the bustling marketplace, the Long Clan’s shops began closing one after another. Even two False Core Cultivators appeared personally.
This made many cultivators who had hoped to exploit the situation sigh in disappointment. Though they coveted the goods, none dared act rashly.
With two False Core Cultivators escorting, a mere batch of marketplace goods wouldn’t tempt a true Core Formation Cultivator.
And for Foundation Establishment cultivators, attacking would be suicide.
Outside the marketplace, hidden within the forest with his aura suppressed, Lin Changan opened his eyes the moment he sensed Long Changqing’s presence.
“He finally came out!”
The Mysterious Sky Withered Leaf was within the opponent’s storage pouch, its aura faint and only detectable up close—so he had to keep a close eye on Long Changqing.
Within the marketplace, his avatar had already started spreading rumors the moment the Long Clan’s cultivators departed, claiming that their goods included a Core Formation Spirit Item.
Although the atmosphere grew tense, no one dared act impulsively.
“A Core Formation Spirit Item!”
Suddenly, the aura of a False Core Cultivator appeared and began pursuing the Long Clan’s cultivators, immediately stirring greed in many within the marketplace.
The avatar had merely lit the fuse—countless others in the shadows were fanning the flames.
...
On the returning Spirit Vessel carrying the Long Clan’s cultivators, a sudden wave of Core Formation aura spread, shocking everyone aboard.
“Not good! A Core Formation Cultivator!”
The two False Core Cultivators leading the group turned pale but remained composed, immediately forming hand seals to activate the vessel’s defensive formation.
But Lin Changan, in disguise, sneered. Confirming that no other Core Formation Cultivators were around, he raised his hand and summoned several talismans.
“Bad news! Quasi–third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talismans!”
This Spirit Vessel was merely a mid-grade second-rank one.
Yet Lin Changan raised nine quasi–third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talismans at once—an overwhelming display of power.
Under their eerie spiritual light, the defensive barrier of the flying vessel was instantly pierced, right before the frightened eyes of the two False Core Cultivators.
“Everyone, scatter!”
“All the goods are on this vessel. If you force us, our Long Clan’s Core Formation Cultivator is nearby and will arrive in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea!”
The two False Core Cultivators acted decisively, abandoning the vessel. Each took a group of Long Clan cultivators and split up to flee in opposite directions.
But Lin Changan only sneered and chased after one group.
Seeing this, the other Long Clan False Core Cultivator secretly sighed in relief.
As long as Long Changqing was safe, losing some goods didn’t matter.
However, just as he relaxed for a moment, a sword gleam suddenly shot out from the forest below.
In shock, this False Core Cultivator hastily activated his defensive shield.
“Not good!”
The aura of another False Core Cultivator suddenly flared, unleashing a sword gleam that forced back the Long Clan’s protector and then rushed straight for Long Changqing, who was flying on his sword.
“Changqing!”
The Long Clan’s False Core Cultivator roared in fury. He hadn’t expected another hidden False Core Cultivator—and one targeting their Core Formation prospect.
In that instant, he suspected there was a traitor within the clan.
Long Changqing, locked onto by the enemy, panicked and instantly formed a hand seal. A golden talisman emerged.
A Talisman Treasure!
“Haha! Carrying a Talisman Treasure on him—he truly is the Long Clan’s Core Formation prospect. The Mystic Yin Divine Sect didn’t deceive me!”
Lin Changan’s avatar laughed maniacally, pushing the blame onto the Mystic Yin Divine Sect.
Facing a Talisman Treasure, he remained calm—for his true body had already appeared behind Long Changqing.
“Changqing, watch out!”
Wearing a smile, Lin Changan’s true body struck with a sudden burst. Before the second False Core Cultivator could react, his light-tracing attack was already upon them.
This time, all thanks to the Avatar Technique.
And if he could retrieve that second piece of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Leaf, he’d gain yet another avatar.
“No—!”
The Long Clan’s False Core Cultivator howled in rage and attacked with all his might, but Lin Changan’s true body completely ignored the assault.
Under Long Changqing’s incredulous gaze, his mana shield and top-grade defensive magical artifact were as fragile as paper in front of a Core Formation cultivator.
“Die!”
With a thunderous boom, Lin Changan chose to take the attacks head-on.
After all, he didn’t have spare magical artifacts. Using them would easily expose his identity.
Protected by a powerful mana shield, facing magical artifacts still left him somewhat vulnerable. The shield warped and cracked under pressure, and Lin Changan let out a muffled grunt.
If not for his powerful Regenerative Body, he would have never dared to take it head-on.
“Die!”
After enduring the attack from the magical artifact, his true body lunged straight at Long Changqing. Under the latter’s terrified eyes, he lost consciousness in an instant.
The sword gleam pierced directly through his body, and Lin Changan seized his storage pouch.
The next moment, his true body and avatar turned into a streak of escape light and vanished.
The aura of the Talisman Treasure still lingered where he had been. Before fleeing, Lin Changan hadn’t forgotten to grab it as well.
Seeing this, the Long Clan’s False Core Cultivator was filled with rage.
“Madman! A complete lunatic!”
Although a False Core Cultivator couldn’t match a Core Formation Cultivator, the enemy had chosen to take a blow from his magical artifact just to kill their Core Formation prospect.
This could only mean the enemy bore a deep grudge against the Long Clan. Why else would he go to such extremes?
The brief eruption of battle sent shockwaves that alerted many Foundation Establishment cultivators lurking nearby, and their eyes turned bloodshot.
They believed a battle had broken out ahead. With Core Formation cultivators fighting, they might be able to fish in troubled waters and snatch some spoils.
In an instant, the scene descended into chaos.
Lin Changan’s avatar had already been reabsorbed into his body. His true form carried Long Changqing’s body away in a streak of light.
...
He flew directly out of Five Dragon Island, arriving at an uninhabited reef island. There, he immediately set up a formation barrier to prevent Long Clan cultivators from tracking him.
“My injuries have almost completely healed.”
Taking that blow from a False Core Cultivator’s magical artifact had left Lin Changan seriously wounded.
This time reminded him once again of the power of the Regenerative Body.
He silently resolved that upon returning, he must seriously cultivate his body refinement as well—at least enough to match his current realm.
At that point, even withstanding magical artifacts wouldn’t be out of the question.
“With this, even the Long Clan’s Core Formation cultivators won’t be able to find me.”
Lin Changan sneered. Looking at Long Changqing’s lifeless body, his expression was calm.
Given the situation back then, he had no chance to spare anyone.
“The Mysterious Sky Immortal Leaf is finally returning to its rightful owner.”
Opening the storage pouch and sensing inside, he immediately pulled out a jade box.
Sure enough, inside was a piece of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Leaf—and a surprise.
“The Long Clan actually managed to cultivate this withered leaf until it was half green.”
Delighted, Lin Changan saw that the Mysterious Sky Immortal Leaf was half verdant and half yellowed. Back when he tried to rejuvenate a single green leaf, it had cost him a fortune in resources.
On second thought, this made sense. The Long Clan had once been powerful and had the resources to nurture it.
Still, why only half? That puzzled him.
For him, such resources were a huge burden. But for the Long Clan, it shouldn't have been a big deal.
“Perhaps the clan’s decline came too abruptly.”
Shaking his head, Lin Changan knew he had already gained the greatest reward.
Full of joy, he confirmed Long Changqing’s death.
He set up another defensive formation, then began circulating his cultivation method and summoned his life-bound spirit plant.
In the next moment, the withered leaf seemed to be drawn toward the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine.
As Lin Changan operated his technique and began refining the Mysterious Sky Immortal Leaf, the attraction from the vine caused the two to begin merging.
Three days later, two leaves appeared on the stem of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine—one lush and green, full of vigorous life energy.
The other was half-withered, half-green, with noticeably weaker life essence.
“It’s done!”
Taking a deep breath, Lin Changan reabsorbed his life-bound spirit plant, also feeling a surge of nourishing power in return.
While it was just icing on the cake, he had gained another Mysterious Sky Immortal Leaf.
Not only did it enhance the richness of his life essence, more importantly, he now had another avatar—his strength had grown significantly.
Also, during the three days of refining his life-bound spirit plant, his injuries had fully healed.
“There’s also this ‘Art of Body Refinement’—I’ll need to study it once I return, and take care of the aftermath.”
After finishing his cultivation, Lin Changan dispersed the defensive formation and glanced at Long Changqing’s corpse with a gleam in his eyes.
Only now did he have time to inspect the other contents of the storage pouch.
As expected, just as he suspected—no matter how valuable, a Core Formation prospect wouldn’t carry a Core Formation Spirit Item casually.
Such items were only granted by the clan at the moment of forming the Core, and even then only at the Core Formation Land.
There was no way such treasures would be carried around.
Even the Blackwater Liquid he had used earlier as bait wasn’t here. It seemed to have been taken by the False Core Cultivators.
Lin Changan shook his head, but it was within an acceptable range of loss.
“Hopefully, there’s some useful memory.”
He extended his hand and began probing Long Changqing’s memory.
Just a shallow probe made his brows knit—there were restrictions in place.
Even in death, some of the restrictions within a cultivator’s body still remained.
Yet in the next moment, the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine displayed its might, slipping through the restrictions as if nothing was there, without triggering any alerts.
Countless fragmented memories began to flash before him.
After Long Changqing was discovered to possess a wood-type spiritual body, his clan began to cultivate him. But unfortunately, his physique was only decent.
It couldn’t compare to the top-tier Heavenly Spirit Sword Body.
The clan favored his younger brother more—a cultivator with an Earth-grade Spirit Root.
Later, within the Long Clan’s treasury, Long Changqing discovered this withered leaf from an ancient cultivation method...
Seeing this, Lin Changan couldn’t help but marvel, completely overturning his previous assumptions.
“So that’s how it is!”
Long Changqing had accidentally discovered the secret of the ancient immortal leaf and kept it hidden.
Every cultivator had their own secrets. Even within clans or sects, this was normal—such things were personal opportunities.
All previous doubts were now resolved.
This Mysterious Sky Immortal Leaf had been secretly cultivated by Long Changqing, who had found that its life aura accelerated his cultivation, mana recovery, and healing.
As the Long Clan’s Core Formation prospect, and outwardly a Foundation Establishment cultivator in charge of business, he had access to many resources—hence he was able to nurture it to this state.
“Discovered the secret, then hid it, waiting for the right moment to shine, huh?”
When Lin Changan opened his eyes and looked at Long Changqing’s corpse again, he silently nodded.
This person had been cautious—unfortunately, he had encountered Lin Changan.
If Long Changqing had reached Core Formation, he truly would have been difficult to deal with.
If he had discovered such a secret within his own clan, Lin Changan would’ve hidden it too. After all, he wasn’t the top genius.
Once he became strong, wouldn’t that still benefit the clan?
“In the cultivation world, everything revolves around profit. Even within clans and sects, people fight over resources. But the Long Clan’s matters have nothing to do with me.”
Shaking his head indifferently, Lin Changan felt completely satisfied with this operation.
Though the corpse could fetch quite a few Spirit Stones, to avoid leaving any traces, he chose to send Long Changqing off with a Fireball Technique.