Chapter 274: Dividing the Spoils! Two Years of Time
Ever since Lin Chang’an, the Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, successfully reforged his core and attained the path of the Upper-grade Golden Core, his name had resounded throughout the Five Dragon Island Sea Region.
Many people began digging into Lin Chang’an’s background.
A rootless grassroots cultivator with no backing, achieving such success purely as a rogue cultivator—he was simply a paragon of perseverance, earning admiration and respect.
At the same time, Lin Chang’an cultivated the Killing Origin Sword Art, and dared to continue practicing this method even after forming his core. This alone left people astonished and impressed.
Naturally, some also vaguely guessed certain truths.
For example, the missing Blood Fiend True Lord was likely the source of Lin Chang’an’s inheritance.
Tianquan Peak.
“Fellow Daoist Lin’s cave abode here is truly a delightful place. Sometimes, I truly envy Fellow Daoist Lin’s carefree nature.”
Inside a pavilion, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, clad in a light cyan dress, held a cup of spirit tea with both hands. Looking at the serene cultivation environment, she couldn’t help but speak with a trace of envy in her tone.
Beside her, Lin Chang’an, who had emerged from seclusion after a year of recuperation, chuckled and waved his hand upon hearing her words:
“You flatter me, Fellow Daoist. I merely have a spiritual land to cultivate in, nothing more.”
The vast spiritual peak housed only a few cultivators tasked with maintenance, and within the cave abode, he was accompanied only by a spirit pet and a maidservant—truly a life of solitude.
Even Fairy of Rainbow Skirt secretly admired him. A year, ten years—such solitude could be feigned—but even after over a hundred years and forming his core, he still risked core reforging.
That was not something that could be faked.
“Fellow Daoist Lin may not know this yet, but outside, there are already rumors circulating that you’ve inherited the legacy of the Blood Fiend True Lord.”
Ever since Lin Chang’an had emerged from seclusion last time and unleashed a terrifying sword gleam, slaying the veteran Golden Core cultivator Zheng Hu, his fame had skyrocketed, naturally leading many to speculate.
Lin Chang’an did not shy away. He simply nodded and said:
“For rogue cultivators like us, how could we attain the path of the Golden Core without a bit of fortune?”
Proving the Golden Core path with a low-grade spiritual root was already legendary. Therefore, Lin Chang’an did not conceal his inheritance—after all, some cultivation methods were far too conspicuous to hide.
By doing so, outsiders would not overthink things.
At the same time, revealing part of his strength served as an effective deterrent.
“Indeed.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt lightly nodded. Most of the rumors outside were just speculation from lesser cultivators; those of their Golden Core-level forces knew more clearly.
For instance, that Golden Core cultivator who had come from Bihai Palace’s Law Enforcement Hall last time had not bothered to conceal anything.
Thus, everyone now knew the Blood Fiend True Lord’s legacy had been obtained by two people, and it likely included methods or spiritual items to cleanse one’s spiritual root.
At their cultivation realm, such secret arts or spiritual items were no longer unattainable.
In fact, the vast majority of secret arts came with a price or extremely demanding conditions.
For instance, after reforging his core, Lin Chang’an hadn’t even had the time to exchange pleasantries with the many visiting fellow cultivators before entering seclusion again.
Everyone understood this, and even found it reasonable.
After all, having just reforged his core, and then hastily slaying a cultivator of the same level—if he remained unscathed, then that would be the real anomaly.
Only after a year did Lin Chang’an finally emerge from seclusion.
“Fellow Daoist, last time was too rushed. By the time you had finished entertaining other guests, you had already gone into seclusion. This is Zheng Hu’s storage pouch and magical artifact.”
While sipping her spirit tea, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt lowered her lashes, seemingly enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.
Then she gently set down her teacup, and her Sword Attendant respectfully stepped forward to refill it.
“You’re too kind, Fellow Daoist.”
Lin Chang’an was momentarily stunned but soon smiled. This intention to win him over was quite obvious.
Back then, to make the act more convincing, he hadn’t even collected Zheng Hu’s spoils. This further convinced many people of the backlash from his cultivation method.
After all, everyone knew that although the Killing Origin Sword Art was powerful, its drawbacks made countless cultivators fear it like a plague.
Exposing some strength appropriately was also a way to hide his trump cards.
Zheng Hu, this Golden Core cultivator, had only one magical artifact—the bronze bell from before. However, there were quite a few resources in his storage pouch.
With a sweep of his divine sense, Lin Chang’an smiled and cupped his hands:
“Without Fellow Daoist’s protection, my core reforging wouldn’t have gone so smoothly. And Zheng Hu was entirely stopped thanks to you—how could I dare to take more?”
In other words, this battle loot should rightly belong to Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, who protected him and intercepted the opponent.
Lin Chang’an truly meant it. If their initial relationship with Xuanyin Pavilion had merely been cooperative, now there was some sentiment involved.
“Since Fellow Daoist is being so courteous, then I shall gladly accept.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was not one to be pretentious. With a slight smile, she waved her jade hand and collected the magical artifact into her storage pouch, leaving behind Zheng Hu’s storage pouch.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, there are only some resources in this pouch.”
Compared to the magical artifact, the resources in the storage pouch were indeed not much—worth around ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones at best.
Thus, Lin Chang’an did not hesitate and readily accepted the pouch with a slight nod.
After all, it was still a source of income.
Lin Chang’an then inquired about Zheng Hu’s background. Upon learning that the man was originally a cultivator from the Star Pole Island Sea Region, who had come here after offending someone, he felt somewhat disappointed.
He had hoped to eliminate the roots, but it seemed that would not be possible for now.
After all, with the sea regions separated, he, merely in the early Golden Core stage, was not yet arrogant enough to cross seas to kill enemies.
If an opportunity arose in the future, he wouldn’t mind doing so.
However, he mentally noted this debt with the Four Seas Merchant Guild.
Afterward, the two of them continued drinking tea and discussing the Dao in the pavilion, exchanging insights on cultivation and chatting about the strange and wondrous events of the cultivation world.
As a rogue cultivator, Lin Chang’an had firsthand experience with peculiar spirit beasts and perilous environments.
Every time he spoke, it made Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s phoenix eyes gleam with interest.
After all, she came from a noble background. She had rarely done things like venturing deep into the Cloudmist Mountain Range or the Sea Abyss of Beasts to hunt spirit beasts.
After forming her core, she had been burdened with the responsibility of reviving her sect and was constantly engaged in power struggles with major forces.
This also explained her weariness and preference for such peaceful places.
Similarly, with her background and the deep foundation accumulated by Xuanyin Pavilion, Lin Chang’an gained much from her.
Such as certain secret arts and spells—these were far beyond what Lin Chang’an could make up for with fragmentary memories.
“To think such bizarre cultivation methods exist in the world of cultivation.”
“With your current level, Fellow Daoist Lin, you can begin studying the Five Elements Escape Techniques.”
The Five Elements Escape Techniques could only be cultivated at the Golden Core level.
Though they sounded simple, they were easy to learn but difficult to master. Most cultivators only grasped the basics.
“These are insights on the Five Elements Escape Techniques passed down from the Golden Core elders of my sect over generations. Perhaps they’ll be of help to you.”
When Fairy of Rainbow Skirt presented the jade slip, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but feel a headache.
Sometimes, these favors were too hot to hold.
There was no love without reason—clearly, she wanted to deepen their relationship and bind him more tightly to Xuanyin Pavilion.
A third-rank formation master who had now become a cultivator with an Upper-grade Golden Core—his potential was immense.
Any one of these qualities made him worth drawing in.
Not to mention, Lin Chang’an’s steadfast Dao heart and lack of desire for power made Fairy of Rainbow Skirt admire him even more.
“In that case, thank you, Fellow Daoist.”
In the end, Lin Chang’an accepted the goodwill. One reason was that he did need the Five Elements Escape Techniques at the moment.
The other reason—he was already a Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion. Taking something from one’s own sect was perfectly reasonable.
“Besides, I won’t remain a low-grade third-rank formation master forever. Once I improve, I’ll be of even greater help to Xuanyin Pavilion.”
With this thought, Lin Chang’an accepted the jade slip with a clear conscience.
…
Time flew, and another year passed.
With Lin Chang’an announcing his emergence from seclusion, many major clans came to visit and offer congratulations during that year.
Lin Chang’an had his Sword Attendant record all the families that brought gifts and the value of each one.
In the future, when those families celebrated joyous events, he would naturally need to reciprocate.
Such was the custom of reciprocal courtesy.
【Lifespan: 154/600】
【Realm: Early Golden Core (12/100)】
“With a top-grade spiritual root and the potential of an Upper-grade Golden Core, the feeling of cultivating is indeed much more relaxed.”
Inside the cave abode, as Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes and looked at his current cultivation, he fell into deep thought.
Three experience points gained in two years. At this rate, he would need less than sixty years to break through.
Recalling how, right after forming his core, it had taken two years to gain just one point of experience—requiring two hundred years in total—he couldn’t help but fall silent at this moment.
“No wonder the path of cultivation is so arduous. It’s also no surprise that so many Golden Core cultivators choose to stop advancing and instead focus on expanding their lineage and making plans for future generations.”
At this moment, Lin Chang’an truly felt a deep sense of resonance.
It was like finally forming one’s core, brimming with ambition—only to find after a hundred years of bitter cultivation that progress was as sluggish as trudging through mud. That pride would gradually be worn away.
And then, upon glancing at one’s remaining lifespan, most cultivators would find their sharp edge completely dulled.
This was also why among Golden Core cultivators, the early-stage and Pseudo Core cultivators were abundant, mid-stage cultivators were already considered elites, and late-stage cultivators were rare and top-tier.
“Fortunately, I’ve broken through that barrier.”
This experience of ascending step by step to the mountaintop—he had tasted the hardships along the way.
“I can feel it now—every step of cultivation brings a refreshing clarity, as though even encountering bottlenecks in the early Golden Core stage wouldn’t be too difficult.”
Such a sensation had never existed before, making Lin Chang’an silently sigh with emotion.
“Next, I must cultivate steadily and diligently, without the slightest carelessness.”
With that thought, Lin Chang’an began analyzing his current strength.
Though only in the early Golden Core stage, thanks to the Killing Origin Sword Art and his mid-stage divine sense enabling the use of the ‘Sword Shadow at Will’ divine ability...
His strength already rivaled the mid Golden Core stage.
“Of course, that’s only in comparison to ordinary mid-stage Golden Core cultivators. Some veteran and powerful mid-stage cultivators naturally possess their own trump cards.”
Golden Core cultivators, with their long lifespans, could master countless techniques.
He had his own fortuitous encounters—but how many of those who reached the mid Golden Core stage didn’t?
Magical artifacts, divine abilities, cultivation methods—there were too many means of enhancing strength. He would need to remain cautious in the future.
Last time with Zheng Hu, it was both a vendetta and a situation where Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had tested his strength. Only then had Lin Chang’an struck decisively.
“Just as Fairy of Rainbow Skirt said, Golden Core cultivators should begin cultivating in the Five Elements Escape Techniques. And then, there’s also the matter of the Azure-Horned Ox.”
With that thought, Lin Chang’an frowned slightly, then stepped out of the cave abode.
“Master!”
Outside the cave abode, the Sword Attendant respectfully cupped her hands, making Lin Chang’an nod with satisfaction.
These past years, the Sword Attendant had managed Tianquan Peak in perfect order, and he had noticed.
“This dumb ox!”
Just as he felt pleased with the Sword Attendant, he turned his head and saw the Azure-Horned Ox sleeping soundly in the pool, head sticking out of the water.
Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but fume internally, yet felt helpless at the same time.
This spirit beast’s bloodline mutation was equivalent to an evolution of its lineage—but unlike the Wind-Chirp Bird’s rebirth by fire.
Thus, it could only rely on the Azure-Horned Ox itself.
This ox had followed him since the Qi Refinement stage as a little calf. Over the years, it had simply grown used to its ways.
…
Inside the pavilion.
“Master, here is this year’s profit from the purple copper spiritual ore…”
Amid the lingering fragrance of spirit tea, Lin Chang’an lazily stretched, a rare moment of relaxation as he sat at the stone table, sipping spirit tea and listening to the Sword Attendant’s report.
“Mm, not bad. Seems the past two years’ profits have been quite good.”
After hearing the report, Lin Chang’an nodded in satisfaction.
With such stable income, if he had a family clan, it would be enough to foster growth and strength.
“Hand this list over to Many Treasures Pavilion and the Lu Clan. The materials listed are not urgent—have them collect them gradually.”
“Yes, Master!”
Lin Chang’an handed over a prepared materials list, and the Sword Attendant respectfully received it with both hands.
With a gentle wave of his hand, the Sword Attendant knowingly and respectfully withdrew from the pavilion, then soared off on her sword to carry out her task.
Once she had left, Lin Chang’an slowly took out a letter.
“This Mystic Yin Divine Sect sure has a wide network of spies.”
This letter had been sent by Yun Yao to congratulate him on his successful core reforging.
It arrived two months after his core reforging, factoring in the time taken back and forth—and Yun Yao still had to avoid letting others find out she sent it.
The contents were very simple—one part congratulated him on his bright future, and the other warned him of the dangers post-core reforging.
The main point: stabilizing the Golden Core was of utmost importance.
The other part was a veiled reminder that the Sea Abyss of Beasts was as restless as ever. If not this region in turmoil today, it would be another tomorrow.
Golden Core cultivators falling in battle was not uncommon—it was a kind warning for him not to grow arrogant.
Reading the letter, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile. Perhaps only Yun Yao in the entire cultivation world truly cared about him.
“I wonder how Yun Yao has been these years. A pity—after forming one’s core, everyone has their own path to walk.”
He had no way to contact Yun Yao—it had always been Yun Yao reaching out to him.
Over the years, he had owed Yun Yao no small amount of favor.
“I should reply to Old Hu’s letter first, lest he start nagging again.”
The Core Reforging Secret Technique had been obtained in the Blood Fiend True Lord’s cave abode relic—everyone had copied it, so it wasn’t unfamiliar.
It’s just that the secret technique was extremely risky—most cultivators wouldn’t consider using it.
If not for the refined demonic qi he had that could aid core reforging, he wouldn’t have bothered dusting off that forgotten technique.
After writing the letter, Lin Chang’an took a small sip of spirit tea, sinking into silent thought.
“Next, it’s time to prepare for refining my Life-bound Magic Treasure.”
Over the past few years, his plans had been disrupted by matters concerning the Spirit-Mending Pill and core reforging.
But it hadn’t caused too much delay—after all, refining his Life-bound Magic Treasure wasn’t something that could be done in a day or two.
“Refining a complete set of magical artifacts also requires supporting formations during the process. The materials I’ve listed, in outsiders’ eyes, are merely for formation plates—no one will suspect anything.”
He was a third-rank formation master. Collecting materials for formation plates—what could be more reasonable?
The materials he asked the Sword Attendant to gather from the Lu Clan and Many Treasures Pavilion were exactly for this formation plate.
“It’s thanks to this unique ancient refining method. Otherwise, I wouldn’t dare recklessly begin preparing for a Life-bound Magic Treasure right now.”
Many refining techniques from ancient times differed vastly from those of the present.
Especially the one he obtained from the Long Clan—from another fragment of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Leaf—together, they clearly recorded a method unlike any he had heard before.
“This refining method is remarkably similar in principle to the ritual cultivation of Life-bound Spirit Plants. Only with the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine can such a secret art be used.
I truly wonder—what kind of mighty cultivator could have created such a technique?”
This couldn’t help but make Lin Chang’an sigh with awe. Such a method was simply beyond the grasp of ordinary cultivators.
It must have been the work of either a legendary Nascent Soul cultivator—or even an immortal.