Chapter 271: Seek out Fairy of Rainbow Skirt to Prepare for Core Reforging
Fog Sea of Tongtian.
On an island shrouded in mist and dense with sinister Qi, the formation barrier cloaked everything, rendering the place utterly silent—no one could tell what was happening.
Third-rank Grand Formation · Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation
Now in Lin Chang’an’s hands, this formation had been upgraded with new materials and could exert the power of a mid-grade third-rank formation.
Inside the formation, the Sword Attendant was panting heavily, yet still formed hand seals to manipulate sword gleams and strike at the surrounding sinister spirits.
“Moo!”
The Azure-Horned Ox bellowed furiously. Working in tandem with the Sword Attendant, they cleared away the sinister spirits from the surroundings.
On a distant cliff, Lin Chang’an observed this scene and couldn’t help but sigh emotionally:
“Though it’s not the first time I’ve witnessed it, the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body really defies logic. No wonder it’s said to rival the Heavenly Spirit Root as one of the Three Great Sword Cultivation Physiques.”
His sword cultivation progressed at lightning speed, and even among those of the same realm, Lin Chang’an could clearly sense that the sword gleams released by this Heavenly Spirit Sword Body were thirty percent more powerful than his own.
He nodded inwardly. It had been nearly a year since he arrived at the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
【Lifespan: 152/600】
【Cultivation Level: Early Core Formation (9/100)】
He had witnessed the Sword Attendant’s growth firsthand. The sword gleams filled with baleful energy would cause backlash even to him.
But in the hands of one with the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body, it was as fluid and effortless as casting a normal spell.
Even her combat techniques were as if she had been born for the sword path.
“So this is what it means to be a genius!”
If he didn’t possess the even greater potential of the Regenerative Body, Lin Chang’an would have been green with envy.
“Master.”
At that moment, a golden flash shimmered and rippled through the air, piercing the barrier and landing lightly on his shoulder.
The Wind-Chirp Bird chirped excitedly as it placed a low-grade third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core into Lin Chang’an’s palm.
“Not bad. Another low-grade third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core.”
Lin Chang’an nodded with satisfaction. This time, he had learned his lesson—he would not leave a single trace of the Wind-Chirp Bird.
Under his meticulous control, the Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation had been set up with both inner and outer barriers.
The inner formation barrier trapped and killed the Sinister Spirit Beast King while also concealing all signs of activity—even the Sword Attendant had no idea what went on inside.
The outer barrier was used to trap and slay ordinary sinister spirits.
Thus, although the Sword Attendant followed Lin Chang’an in hunting sinister spirits and collecting Core Formation spirit items, she was completely unaware of what occurred within the inner barrier.
Only Lin Chang’an knew that after each battle ended, he would use the formation to completely erase any trace or aura of the Wind-Chirp Bird’s presence.
“Master, this is all the Blackwater Liquid we managed to gather inside.”
Right after, the Wind-Chirp Bird spat out a jade bottle, which contained only a small amount of Blackwater Liquid. Even so, Lin Chang’an nodded in satisfaction.
“Having any at all is good enough.”
Turning his gaze to the distant battle, Lin Chang’an nodded repeatedly.
As the skirmish came to an end, the Azure-Horned Ox snorted loudly, its bloodshot eyes glaring at the vanishing sinister spirits with ferocity.
Though the danger had passed, the beast’s instinctive vigilance kept it alert.
The Sword Attendant, still catching her breath, gripped her longsword and coldly scanned the surroundings.
“Not bad. Over this past year, you’ve finally become a true Foundation Establishment cultivator.”
A flash of green light, and Lin Chang’an appeared atop the Azure-Horned Ox’s back. The ox let out a joyful moo, clearly pleased.
As for the Sword Attendant, she respectfully sheathed her sword and cupped her hands.
“Sword Attendant has achieved all this thanks to Master.”
Lin Chang’an nodded slightly. After reaching Foundation Establishment, the Sword Attendant’s bloodline had awakened—only to immediately collapse, falling from the peak into the abyss.
So although she was a Foundation Establishment cultivator, she was unfamiliar with many basic techniques and combat methods of her realm.
After all, no one would train a cultivator treated as merchandise in battle experience.
“We’ve been out for a year. Time to head back.”
Lin Chang’an chuckled. This past year had yielded tremendous harvests, far beyond what he had once imagined.
After all, he was just a Foundation Establishment cultivator back then—but now, he had reached the Core Formation Realm.
He also possessed two pseudo-core avatars, a third-rank Wind-Chirp Bird, a mid-grade third-rank grand formation, and an acute perception that let him avoid Heaven-calamity Winds in the Fog Sea of Tongtian while searching for Yin Vein Spiritual Springs.
In just one year, he had gathered enough Blackwater Liquid needed for Core Formation.
“This time alone, I’ve gathered three whole portions of Blackwater Liquid, along with several low-grade third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Cores—more than enough for the upcoming Core Reforging preparation.”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes gleamed. He had not forgotten his current top priority.
With his current cultivation, hard work yielded diminishing returns.
In the path of cultivation, every second counted. Though it might seem he was wasting time preparing for Core Reforging now...
Once successful, his cultivation speed would multiply exponentially.
With that in mind, Lin Chang’an waved his hand, instantly collecting all formations into his storage pouch. At the same time, the sinister spirits outside the barrier seemed to sense something.
Without the suppressing aura of the powerful Sinister Spirit Beast King, they aimlessly drifted toward the Yin Vein Spiritual Spring at the center of the island.
“Going home, huh.” The Sword Attendant’s pupils shimmered slightly. At that moment, she found herself missing Celestial Spring Peak, and for the first time, she felt a faint sense of belonging.
Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an calmly rode the Azure-Horned Ox, while the Sword Attendant flew on her sword, both gradually disappearing from the grayish island.
…
Long Clan.
“Fellow Daoist Long, the Northern Dipper Two Forms Formation is now complete.”
After returning from the Fog Sea of Tongtian, Lin Chang’an first spent a few months resting in his cave abode and sorting through his spoils. Only then did he bring the formation plate and flags to the Long Clan.
He spent half a month there, not only setting up the formation but also repairing the array on the third-rank spirit ship.
“Thank you for your hard work, Fellow Daoist Lin.”
Seeing Lin Chang’an looking worn out, Long Jie nodded to himself.
This Fellow Daoist Lin was quite the impatient sort. To think he completed everything in just over a year.
Lin Chang’an, on the other hand, felt helpless—he was clearly full of energy, yet had to put on this act of exhaustion.
If not for the allure of spirit mines, he wouldn’t have rushed like this.
Both sides left satisfied from the exchange. After a warm reception, Lin Chang’an finally rode off atop the Azure-Horned Ox with a content smile.
Even the Azure-Horned Ox licked its lips in delight, its expression full of satisfaction. This time, it had more than its fill of spirit fruits and herbs.
As for managing the spirit mine, that was easy to handle—he simply instructed the Sword Attendant to take charge.
Then he selected people from various families as well as the Lu Clan, even summoning some from Xuanyin Pavilion, to form a mining team composed of cultivators with inferior spiritual roots.
Having cultivators from various factions participate also served to deter embezzlement.
Corruption existed in the mortal world, and it was no different in the world of cultivation.
Now that Lin Chang’an was a Core Formation cultivator, there were countless members of minor clans vying to manage his cave abode.
…
Six months later, in the Earthfire Chamber of Xuanyin Pavilion.
Inside the cave abode, the Earthfire lit up the cavern, its intense heat saturating the air.
Yet under this terrifyingly scorching aura, several fire-attribute spirit herbs and spirit fruits had been planted around the chamber.
Under the thick concentration of fire spiritual energy, they were thriving vigorously.
It was clear that in recent years, Xuanyin Pavilion’s foundation had been gradually recovering.
At the center of the Earthfire, a mid-grade third-rank alchemy furnace shimmered with a crimson glow.
Standing before the furnace was none other than Lin Chang’an—or rather, Xuanyin Pavilion’s Third-rank Alchemist Wen.
“The materials for the Crystal Condensing Pill are finally all gathered.”
The firelight illuminated Lin Chang’an’s face. His eyes flickered as he repeatedly double-checked every aspect of his plan for any omissions.
The materials for the Crystal Condensing Pill had naturally been exchanged using Sinister Spirit Demon Cores, some through secret dealings, others with the help of Xuanyin Pavilion’s network.
“As for gathering the materials for the Crystal Condensing Pill, Xuanyin Pavilion might have guessed a few things.”
So what if it was for Core Reforging?
If it were a Foundation Establishment cultivator, perhaps they couldn’t safeguard these materials—but for a Core Formation cultivator, it was different. Especially one backed by Xuanyin Pavilion.
“It’s only because I possess this third-rank skill. If I were an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, preparation wouldn’t be this easy.”
Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly. The success of this endeavor was largely due to his third-rank skills and the backing of Xuanyin Pavilion.
For an ordinary Core Formation family, the Core Formation cultivator would represent the safety of the entire clan. They wouldn’t dare take such risks lightly. That led to a particular phenomenon—
There existed a group of Core Formation cultivators who had weak strength, inferior magical artifacts, and didn’t dare to engage in combat.
Some, due to the lack of cultivation resources, devoted most of their time to studying skills—but few ever reached the third rank.
They lived impoverished lives, and planning for a Core Formation spiritual item for the next generation required exhausting effort.
“Once the Crystal Condensing Pills are refined, I’ll begin the Core Reforging.”
Lin Chang’an pondered silently. His current plan differed from before. Previously, he had relied solely on the Spirit-Mending Pill.
“If I undergo Core Reforging using the identity of Alchemist Wen, the pseudo-core cultivation of the avatar will be impossible to conceal—I’ll definitely expose myself.”
After all, if he attempted Core Reforging, the quality would naturally be high and would draw attention. If it turned out he was only a pseudo-core cultivator, it wouldn’t make sense.
Unless his main body’s cultivation surged, the avatar’s strength wouldn’t increase in sync.
“Seems I’ll have to undergo Core Reforging using my true body. But the risk isn’t that great—after all, my public cultivation is still a low-grade True Core, and striving for Immortal Golden Core aligns with a diligent cultivator’s nature.”
“If an ordinary cultivator had this opportunity, they would also strive for the Immortal Golden Core during Core Reforging.”
After all, in the Core Reforging Secret Technique, the process of reverting the core to liquid essence went against the natural order.
For the cultivator’s body, the meridians, dantian, internal organs, and bone marrow would all suffer impact. The damage resembled an invisible wind, seeping into the organs and blood.
It left behind many internal injuries.
The cultivator’s vitality would be severely depleted. Thus, most cultivators only had one chance to attempt Core Reforging in their lifetime.
“But I’m different. With the Regenerative Body, I don’t fear such injuries. Therefore, I can safely attempt Core Reforging twice.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an nodded to himself. If he could avoid risks, he would.
“So what if it wastes more resources? Safety outweighs everything.”
Based on fragmented memories from Blood Fiend True Lord, the Core Reforging Secret Technique, and the texts he had studied in Xuanyin Pavilion, he had a certain degree of confidence.
“With two rounds of Core Reforging, using an upper-grade True Core to strive for the Immortal Golden Core—plus the assistance of pure demonic qi—I have a ninety percent chance.”
If he tried to achieve Immortal Golden Core in one attempt, he would only have a thirty to forty percent chance—that was far too risky.
Moreover, if he failed to achieve the Immortal Golden Core in one try and then settled for an upper-grade True Core afterward, the quality would drop.
A few days later.
As the furnace opened, multicolored light shimmered. Two premium-grade Crystal Condensing Pills floated up slowly. Lin Chang’an smiled with satisfaction.
“With these two pills, the upcoming Core Reforging will go much more smoothly.”
…
Half a month later, Lin Chang’an made a rare visit to Xuanyin Pavilion—to the main peak cultivated by Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, you’re truly going to undergo Core Reforging?”
Upon Lin Chang’an’s arrival, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was still somewhat puzzled. But once he spoke, her phoenix-like eyes widened in surprise.
She had anticipated that Alchemist Wen might undergo Core Reforging—but never expected Lin Chang’an, a guest elder who had already formed a True Core, to be planning it as well.
She seemed to understand something—why he hadn’t forged a life-bound magical artifact these years. He had been focusing on this matter all along.
Seeing her surprised expression, Lin Chang’an shook his head and sighed softly:
“I have cultivated diligently for over a hundred years. Though I’ve formed a True Core, it’s only a low-grade one. I’m truly unwilling to see my path stop here.”
Lin Chang’an had thoroughly thought this through before coming to find Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.
As his cultivation grew rapidly in the future, people would inevitably become suspicious. Better to let everyone know now.
Moreover, during Core Reforging, there might be Golden Core Phenomena—who knew if someone might try to sabotage him?
As for heading to Sea Abyss City—that would only end with him selling himself completely to Bihai Palace.
To the outside world, he had always been a diligent cultivator, even after reaching Core Formation. So attempting Core Reforging now wouldn’t seem strange.
“Fellow Daoist Lin’s resolve is admirable—I am truly impressed!”
This time, even Fairy of Rainbow Skirt couldn’t help the brilliance in her beautiful eyes, revealing genuine admiration.
To reach this stage as a rogue cultivator, and even after forming a core, to not indulge in pleasures and continue to live a life of self-restraint—it was truly inspiring.
She had harbored doubts before, but now those doubts were completely gone, replaced by deep respect.
In the world of cultivation, forming a True Core was already a great achievement—yet few dared to go further and risk Core Reforging.
Thinking of this, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt felt a twinge of shame. Though she possessed the Heavenly Spirit Root, her cultivation had been somewhat neglected due to her responsibilities in the sect.
Compared to Lin Chang’an’s resolve, she felt truly lacking.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, are you certain of your decision?”
After a long silence, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt finally spoke softly.
This time, facing this guest elder, she no longer viewed him as just a low-grade True Core cultivator but regarded him as an equal.
“Back then, I was fortunate enough to inherit the legacy of Blood Fiend True Lord, which included a secret technique for Core Reforging. I am fully prepared.”
With firm eyes, Lin Chang’an radiated an aura of unwavering resolve—as though he would gladly die upon attaining the Dao.
“In that case, when the time comes, I will personally bring two Core Formation cultivators from the sect to guard you during your Core Reforging.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt nodded resolutely, while Lin Chang’an cupped his hands with gratitude.
“Our Xuanyin Pavilion also possesses a fragmentary method for Core Reforging, which Fellow Daoist may reference.”
After some thought, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also sought to further win him over and strengthen their relationship.
After all, unless one had extremely poor luck, failing in Core Reforging typically only resulted in a one-realm drop at worst.
In most cases, cultivators retained their original level.
Moreover, Lin Chang’an was a third-rank formation master. If they could fully recruit him into Xuanyin Pavilion, it would be a win with no downside.
“In that case, I thank you, Fellow Daoist.”
This time, Lin Chang’an did not refuse. After all, no one would reject something that could increase their odds.
“As a token of appreciation, I will write out a copy of the Core Reforging Secret Technique I obtained from Blood Fiend True Lord’s ruins and present it to you.”
Delighted, Lin Chang’an also offered a gift in return.