Chapter 270: The Miserable State of the Long Clan
“Repairing a third-rank merchant vessel and two formations, and the Long Clan actually offers a strip of Purple Copper Spirit Ore as payment.”
Inside the pavilion, looking at the Long Clan’s offer, Lin Chang’an had to admit—he was tempted.
A strip of Purple Copper Spirit Ore—this meant long-term profits, essentially opening another stream of income.
“However, before anything else, I should inform the Master of Xuanyin Pavilion.”
After pondering for a moment, Lin Chang’an retrieved a voice-transmission talisman from his storage pouch and contacted the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt of Xuanyin Pavilion regarding the matter.
He was, after all, a guest elder of Xuanyin Pavilion. Matters involving dealings with other major powers were best reported to the sect.
Any unnecessary trouble—better avoided if possible.
Less than one incense stick’s time later, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt responded. Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile upon hearing the reply.
“Indeed, just as I expected. The Long Clan gave up what they couldn’t protect, and the various major factions wouldn’t dare press them too hard.
After all, if pushed too far, the Long Clan still had the means to drag one of them down. And if the Long Clan truly fell, no single faction would be able to monopolize the gains.”
It could very well spiral into chaos.
With a light chuckle, Lin Chang’an gently waved his hand. The Sword Attendant behind him naturally understood and respectfully cupped his hands:
“Master, I shall send someone to reply to the Long Clan at once.”
……
A few days later, Lin Chang’an arrived once again at the Long Clan’s territory.
Compared to his previous visit, the clan clearly appeared more desolate. Many of the clan members wore expressions tinged with sorrow and anxiety.
“Having Fellow Daoist Lin visit truly brings honor to our humble Long Clan.”
Receiving him was the familiar burly man, Long Jie, who now wore an overly courteous smile.
Back when the Long Clan was in its prime, how glorious it had been. Yet now, to invite a third-rank Formation Master required such humility.
Truly, the affairs of the world were ever-changing.
“Fellow Daoist Long, you’re too polite.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Long Jie led him to a massive spirit vessel.
Lin Chang’an examined it carefully, then frowned:
“This spirit vessel has suffered severe damage. Over seventy to eighty percent of the formation is destroyed. Repairing it will be difficult and require a great amount of precious materials.”
Upon hearing this, Long Jie sighed deeply and cupped his hands:
“Even so, we must trouble Fellow Daoist Lin.”
These words cemented the Long Clan’s resolve to proceed with repairs.
This massive spirit vessel was the Long Clan’s only third-rank spirit ship remaining, and it was crucial for their trade and commerce.
It bore the weight of the clan’s economic lifeline.
Seeing their determination, Lin Chang’an nodded slightly—after all, he wasn’t working for free.
“In that case, I’ll restore the formation according to the vessel’s original design. That will reduce the difficulty and also save a fair amount of materials.”
To completely redesign a formation would practically be starting from scratch, resulting in greater cost. Long Jie’s earlier expression had already hinted at his intent.
Following the principle of customer satisfaction, Lin Chang’an naturally aimed to fulfill that intent—especially since the compensation was quite to his liking.
Upon hearing this, Long Jie showed a grateful smile and cupped his hands: “If that’s the case, we’ll have to trouble Fellow Daoist Lin indeed.”
“You’re too kind. Let’s proceed to the other two locations.”
“Please!”
The two Foundation Establishment cultivators flew by escape light and soon arrived at two other spiritual lands. Lin Chang’an looked upon the devastated mountain range and couldn’t help but be secretly alarmed.
The spiritual energy here was so dense that even Core Formation cultivators could train with it.
Yet now it lay in ruins. It was clear that during the Core Formation process, they had been heavily attacked by outsiders, leading to the current miserable state.
Likewise, upon arriving and seeing what was once a fairyland-like spiritual land now reduced to this, a trace of sorrow flickered in Long Jie’s eyes.
“It’s embarrassing to say, but back when our Long Clan was at its peak, those Formation Masters and Alchemists were all very respectful. And now…”
At this point, Long Jie revealed a bitter smile and shook his head.
“Now when we try to reach out to old acquaintances, they either avoid us or give excuses.”
Lin Chang’an listened in silence, offering no comment—he simply listened quietly.
Only after Long Jie snapped out of his daze did he offer an apologetic smile.
“Please forgive me, Fellow Daoist Lin.”
“No need to apologize. The cultivation world has always been like this. Even those Nascent Soul clans—how many fall after just a thousand years?”
Lin Chang’an shook his head, then began inspecting the state of the two formations.
The result was worse than expected—both formations were practically destroyed.
For now, they were barely using some second-rank formations as a stopgap.
If it were just a small cave abode, they could simply purchase a formation.
But for something on this scale—connecting mountain ranges and centered on peaks—a Formation Master was absolutely required on-site.
After all, a formation of this magnitude couldn’t be powered by spirit stones alone. The formation plates and flags had to be placed precisely in the most spiritually potent locations.
Only then could the Mountain-protecting Grand Formation exert its full power.
“Fellow Daoist Long, these two mountain formations are beyond repair. There’s no need to try. I have two sets of third-rank formations available.
One is the ‘Five Elements Maze Formation,’ focused on defense and confusion, but lacking in offensive capability. The other is the ‘Big Dipper Dual Polarity Formation’!”
At the mention of the Big Dipper Dual Polarity Formation, Lin Chang’an paused, then pointed at the two spiritual mountains and spoke solemnly:
“This formation excels at sealing and defense. It harnesses the power of Yin and Yang to suppress enemy cultivation. Its defensive power surpasses that of the Five Elements Formation—but the downside is the materials required…”
When it came to taking payment, Lin Chang’an was serious. Though he had previous grievances with the Long Clan, this concerned his reputation.
If he accepted such heavy compensation only to become the butt of jokes—it would damage his name and future earnings.
He had studied third-rank formations extensively through ancient texts in Xuanyin Pavilion over the years.
The Five Elements Maze Formation was based on a formation previously used by Old Hu, while the Big Dipper Dual Polarity Formation was something he had genuinely learned from Xuanyin Pavilion.
“Big Dipper Dual Polarity Formation!”
Long Jie’s expression turned solemn. Even someone not well-versed in formations could sense the difference between the two.
The Five Elements Maze Formation could only protect a single mountain.
But the Big Dipper Dual Polarity Formation linked two mountains together into a much stronger whole.
“What materials are needed for the Big Dipper Dual Polarity Formation?”
“It requires Yin and Yang…”
As Lin Chang’an slowly listed the required materials, Long Jie’s face grew more serious. In the past, it might have been nothing—but now…
Yet when Lin Chang’an clarified that materials came in varying grades, and that the power of the formation would depend on the quality of the formation plates and flags—
Long Jie’s expression shifted several times. After brief hesitation, he finally gritted his teeth and declared:
“In that case, I must trouble Fellow Daoist Lin to set up the Big Dipper Dual Polarity Formation.”
Hearing the Long Clan’s choice, Lin Chang’an nodded slightly, very satisfied.
He favored the Big Dipper Dual Polarity Formation for two reasons: one, it was a great opportunity to practice and test its true power.
And two—naturally, it required many rare and valuable materials, giving him a chance to skim a portion.
This wasn’t personal greed. In formations, alchemy, and artifact refinement, it was standard to take extra when the client supplied the materials.
After all, formation setup involved wastage—it couldn’t come out of the practitioner’s pocket.
Thus, most Formation Masters would ask for ten to twenty percent more in materials.
That’s one reason these three arts were so lucrative.
The Talisman Path, by comparison, was harder to skim from. Though powerful in later stages, it simply didn’t offer as much “fat.”
Still, all four major cultivation arts had their own pros and cons—none superior to the others.
“The materials will be delivered to your cave abode shortly, Fellow Daoist.”
“Good.”
After a detailed discussion, they agreed to complete the setup within two years.
Lin Chang’an also stayed as a guest, witnessing firsthand the rise and fall of a once-mighty clan.
Of course, the hidden formations deep in the Long Clan’s territory were not something easily revealed.
And it wasn’t as if the Long Clan had no one who understood formations—they simply lacked a third-rank Formation Master.
Moreover, the formation flags and plates also needed to be refined.
If a formation was discovered to contain hidden traps left by the creator, the one to suffer would be none other than the creator.
Once his reputation was ruined, his identity as a Formation Master would be as good as scrapped.
Even planting auxiliary formation-linked spirit herbs and spiritual wood throughout the mountains would cause subtle changes to the original formation.
Even Lin Chang’an, who had crafted the formation himself, would be facing something relatively unfamiliar.
Lin Chang’an silently shook his head—he still held to this level of professional ethics.
Later, the Long Clan took him to inspect the strip of Purple Copper Spirit Ore, which left Lin Chang’an very satisfied.
Slow and steady income.
……
Tianquan Peak.
“Took on a major commission—there’ll be plenty to keep me busy for a while.”
Looking at the resources delivered by the Long Clan, Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly.
If it were an ordinary third-rank Formation Master, even with all the materials ready, it would still take over a year to complete.
But he now had two avatars, and with Permanent Certification, which allowed him to maintain a peak state, he could finish in two to three months at most.
“Deliver these materials to Xuanyin Pavilion. The jade slips specify how they should be refined.”
“Yes, Master!”
After Lin Chang’an took out several storage pouches and jade slips, the Sword Attendant respectfully received them and left at once.
Since the formation required the crafting of formation plates and flags, it involved artifact refinement. Not wanting to expose himself, he could only rely on Xuanyin Pavilion.
“External Avatars, huh!”
With a calm expression, Lin Chang’an formed a hand seal to activate the divine ability. Instantly, two streaks of green light flickered.
【External Avatar (Proficiency 32/500)】
One green light transformed into a figure identical to Lin Chang’an, while the other had half its face resembling withered tree bark, and its aura was noticeably weaker.
“Truly worthy of being a top-tier divine ability from ancient times.”
Every time he activated it, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but marvel at how heaven-defying this divine ability was.
“Though the avatars only have thirty percent of my strength, they can assist in alchemy, talisman crafting, and formation setup. That alone makes them incredibly powerful.”
It was akin to having two second Nascent Souls. In times of crisis, they could even take a tribulation on his behalf.
Completely different from illusion-based substitutes—these were real.
And without the independence-risk of a second Nascent Soul.
It was precisely due to having an extra avatar that he now had more time to cultivate his various arts.
The only drawback was—they couldn’t stray too far from the main body.
“So many things I want to accomplish.”
Alchemy, formations, talismans, artifact refinement… thinking this far, Lin Chang’an sighed softly. With a thought, the two avatars turned into green light and returned to his body.
“Next, I’ll enter seclusion to prepare for formation crafting, but I should also go hunt in the Fog Sea of Tongtian.”
After all, hunting the Sinister Spirit Beast King yielded excellent rewards.
Not only could he collect Blackwater Liquid, a Core Formation Spirit Item, but also obtain demon cores. Besides the Wind-Chirp Bird, both his Killing Origin Sword Art and Tranquil Spirit Talisman countered the Sinister Spirit Beast King.
He was practically the only one capable—other cultivators would rather hunt demon beasts than provoke the Sinister Spirit Beast King.
After all, the Fog Sea of Tongtian was filled with danger, and more importantly, the value of sinister spirits was low.
“Right now, not only do I need Core Formation Spirit Items—so does the Azure-Horned Ox.”
With a glint in his eye, Lin Chang’an mused—just cultivating wouldn’t suffice for the Sword Attendant. Cultivating the Killing Origin Sword Art required live combat.
And this also helped train the Sword Attendant—truly a win on all fronts.
More importantly, after the recent turmoil in the waters around Five Dragon Island, even the Nascent Soul cultivators of Bihai Palace had taken notice. Rumor had it that even the Mystic Yin Divine Sect had recently withdrawn from the area.
So, heading to the Fog Sea of Tongtian was now very safe.
Others feared the fog sea—but he had the Spiritual Eye. He could sense the erratic and deadly Heaven-calamity Winds. And he had counters to the difficult Sinister Spirit Beast King.
“With the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body, and having cultivated the extremely powerful Killing Origin Sword Art, I wonder just how strong I am now.”
Thinking this, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes.
At the same time, he was genuinely short on spirit stones.
……
Three months later.
“Finally finished the formation engravings!”
Inside his cave abode, Lin Chang’an wiped his forehead and revealed a satisfied smile.
Thanks to the cooperative efforts of his two avatars, progress had been rapid.
“But now’s not the time to deliver to the Long Clan—better to seize the moment and head for the Fog Sea of Tongtian.”
Looking at the array of formation flags and plates inside the cave abode, Lin Chang’an waved his hand, and the somewhat disordered items arranged themselves neatly.
Then, he began preparing for his departure.
Before that, his avatar, Alchemist Wen, had refined a batch of pills for someone and then claimed to be heading out to purchase spirit herbs.
He couldn’t be in seclusion forever.
As for Lin Chang’an himself—everyone in Xuanyin Pavilion knew he had taken on a major commission from the Long Clan. So much so that the sect had mobilized every artifact refiner.
In the Earthfire Chamber, they refined batch after batch of materials to produce the rough prototypes of formation plates and flags.
At a time like this, no one would disturb him.
Inside the Earthfire Cavern.
“Moo!”
Still groggy, the Azure-Horned Ox was woken up by Lin Chang’an. Its bull eyes were full of confusion—a scene that left Lin Chang’an speechless.
“You silly ox, let’s go.”
Before departing, he even brought along the Wind-Chirp Bird. Though it couldn’t be exposed easily, it was still a trump card.
What good was it sitting at home?
……
“Master!”
The Sword Attendant, already prepared, stood respectfully with a treasured sword on her back.
“Alright, this time we depart in stealth. Wear this defensive magical artifact.”
“Yes, Master!”
Looking at the inner-armor defensive magical artifact, the Sword Attendant didn’t question or hesitate. She simply obeyed and acted.
This too was a product of Lin Chang’an’s second-rank artifact refinement skills.
And her obedient response was exactly what Lin Chang’an appreciated most—he nodded in satisfaction.
In the next moment, under his spell, the two silently left Tianquan Peak.
From start to finish, the Sword Attendant never knew his trump cards. She didn’t know about the Wind-Chirp Bird, nor about Alchemist Wen’s identity.
Nor would she ask. Nor would she pry.
All she would do—was seize every moment to cultivate.
Thanks to: ‘Xia Liang ii’ Daoist friend for the reward of 100 spirit stones.
Thanks to all supporting Daoist friends—please consider voting for monthly and recommendation tickets.