Chapter 277: Remnants of the Divine Sword Sect!
“Low-grade Third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core of a Sinister Spirit Beast King, exchanged for a superior Earth-attribute Demon Beast Core Formation Spirit Item!”
As soon as Lin Chang’an took out this treasure, the group of Core Formation cultivators present were all shocked.
Whether it was the treasure he displayed or the item he wanted in exchange, both were exceptionally precious to Core Formation cultivators.
Facing the astonishment and congratulations of the crowd, Lin Chang’an sighed softly and said:
“This Azure-Horned Ox has followed me since the Qi Refinement stage. This time, it is also for the sake of continuing to walk this path together.”
A Third-rank spirit pet was indeed extremely tempting, but hearing Lin Chang’an’s sigh, many people present felt the same sentiment.
Especially some elderly Core Formation cultivators who had family descendants—their expressions revealed a trace of gloom.
Others only saw the glory of Core Formation cultivators, but how many could see the loneliness behind it?
Watching wives and children grow old one by one, yet these so-called sky-soaring Core Formation cultivators could do nothing.
The closest people gradually left them. The remaining relatives and clansmen, because of differences in strength, mixed family affection with利益. This caused the temperament of countless cultivators to become strange.
For wandering cultivators like Lin Chang’an, raising a spirit pet while traveling the cultivation path was very common in the world of cultivation.
“A superior Demon Beast Core Formation Spirit Item is not easy to find.”
The Core Formation cultivator from the Four Seas Merchant Guild responsible for this trading gathering had a somewhat stiff smile on his face. After all, Lin Chang’an was a Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion.
This almost counted as indirectly strengthening Xuanyin Pavilion, so he naturally disliked it.
Many Core Formation cultivators present who intended to trade also considered this point. Thus, very few spoke openly, but several secretly contacted Lin Chang’an through voice transmission.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, I have a…”
“Fellow Daoist Lin, I possess an eight-hundred-year Stone Spirit Fruit…”
Three people contacted him.
In the end, Lin Chang’an only took interest in two of them, but the value of their exchange items was clearly insufficient.
After some voice transmissions, one of them reached a deal with him—he would invite Lin Chang’an to personally refine a set of Third-rank formations for concealment and trapping.
The formation materials would be provided half by the other party, while Lin Chang’an would supply the other half.
Such formations were clearly not meant for mountain protection. Most likely they were used for hunting demon beasts.
This kind of fellow Daoist was exactly the type Lin Chang’an liked to associate with.
Formations were not a one-time deal.
For those who hunted demon beasts using formations, the formations were often damaged and required repair—meaning they would frequently return to him. That was the real continuous source of income.
As for the other transaction, the exchange was some rare materials.
After hearing what the other party needed, Lin Chang’an thought for a moment before nodding in agreement.
Gathering those materials alone would be extremely difficult for him.
But now he was still a Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion.
Collecting rare materials was beneficial to Xuanyin Pavilion as well.
Xuanyin Pavilion even hoped that elders like him would require more high-grade materials every year. In this way, their merchant guild could grow stronger.
The secret voice transmissions only lasted a brief moment.
After Lin Chang’an secretly spoke with Liu Ruyu through voice transmission, he did not hide it. A smile appeared on his face, and with a wave of his hand he withdrew the treasure.
“Fellow Daoists, if anyone is interested in my Low-grade Third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core, cultivation materials or rare formation materials are all acceptable.”
With Lin Chang’an showing such a satisfied smile, it was obvious that a deal had already been reached secretly, though the demon core itself had not yet been traded away.
The Core Formation cultivators present naturally understood this situation.
Some people conducted secret voice-transmission trades in order to avoid offending others.
When the Core Formation cultivator from the Four Seas Merchant Guild saw this scene, although he felt somewhat frustrated, he could do nothing about it.
“Next, I shall embarrass myself by presenting something. This treasure cannot compare to Formation Master Lin’s, but it is still a rare item…”
Soon another Core Formation cultivator took out his treasure, hoping to exchange it for what he needed.
Some people were delighted, while others were disappointed.
After all, the items required by Core Formation cultivators were extremely rare. Sometimes even if something was valuable, it might not be exchangeable for the desired item.
Just when Lin Chang’an thought that this trading gathering probably had nothing he needed, he was leisurely enjoying wine poured by his Sword Attendant while she peeled spirit fruits for him.
At that moment, a Core Formation cultivator unexpectedly took out something that caught his attention.
“I possess an inheritance of an ancient cultivator’s Third-rank formation, the ‘Heavenfire Grand Formation’. Although somewhat incomplete, it also includes a jade slip containing formation insights.
With these insights, restoring and improving this ancient formation should not be difficult.
In exchange, I wish to obtain two Core Formation Spirit Items.”
Ancient cultivator formations sounded impressive.
But once people heard it was incomplete, many cultivators shook their heads.
Many ancient cultivator items were indeed powerful, but their practicality was inferior to modern ones.
This was because many materials had already gone extinct.
For magical artifacts or formations left behind by ancient cultivators, once damaged, they were extremely difficult to repair.
Thus situations like this arose.
Of course there were exceptions.
But clearly, the formation here was not one of them.
Even Lin Chang’an, who felt somewhat tempted, shook his head and said:
“Fellow Daoist, so-called restoration often cannot reproduce the true power of ancient formations.”
There were many formation masters present, but Lin Chang’an was the only Third-rank Formation Master.
After he spoke, many others also shook their heads.
It was not that they wanted to flatter him.
Simply finding replacement materials would already be extremely troublesome, not to mention whether the original power could even be reproduced.
This was why many cultivators had little interest in these incomplete treasures left by ancient cultivators.
The same applied to alchemy and artifact refinement.
Ancient legacies often lacked materials, forcing later cultivators to rely on experience to search for substitutes and gradually improve them.
As a result, the final effects often differed.
“May I take a look?”
Lin Chang’an was still somewhat interested.
After all, this was the first time he had seen a formation left by ancient cultivators.
Even if nothing came of it, expanding his knowledge would still be worthwhile. The formation insights alone might significantly improve his own formation skills.
“Formation Master Lin, please.”
Seeing that it was Lin Chang’an, the Core Formation cultivator smiled.
With a wave of his hand, the jade slip, the incomplete formation plate, and formation flags floated over.
Naturally the jade slip was sealed and only the first portion could be viewed.
But for formation masters, that was already enough.
Especially with the incomplete formation plate and formation flags present.
“Indeed… this truly is a formation of ancient cultivators.”
After a brief inspection, Lin Chang’an immediately noticed that the refining methods and several materials used were things unheard of in the current world of cultivation.
However, the Heavenfire Grand Formation was extremely powerful.
Once deployed, fireballs would descend from the sky.
Each strike possessed the power of a Core Formation cultivator’s attack.
Moreover, it could attack not only inside the formation but also targets outside the formation within its range.
Although it was merely a Third-rank formation, its flexibility surpassed most modern formations.
If perfected and restored to its peak power, the descending meteor fireballs could even unleash attacks comparable to an ordinary strike from a Nascent Soul cultivator.
After a long moment, Lin Chang’an sighed and placed the item back into the box before shaking his head.
“The formation is indeed ancient, but it is incomplete.
Several materials required for restoration are nearly extinct in the cultivation world.
Finding substitutes would be extremely difficult.
If Fellow Daoist is willing, I can offer fifty thousand Mid-grade Spirit Stones.”
With a wave of Lin Chang’an’s hand, the item floated back.
The Core Formation cultivator’s expression changed repeatedly after hearing this.
Other Core Formation cultivators interested in formations also examined it one after another.
But in the end, all of them shook their heads.
“I’ve heard Fire Scale Stone only exists in Great Jin. Too difficult to obtain.”
“Not just Fire Scale Stone. These formation flags require a material called Flame Spirit Wood. I’ve never even heard of it. How could it be repaired?”
“What a pity. Among everyone here, probably only Formation Master Lin has the ability to repair it.”
As the cultivators shook their heads one after another, the Core Formation cultivator holding the ancient formation felt helpless.
He was not a formation master and could not judge its value.
But after hearing so many opinions, its value was probably just that.
Originally he had hoped to exchange it for two Core Formation Spirit Items for his descendants.
But now it seemed that fifty thousand Spirit Stones was roughly equivalent to one such item.
“Formation Master Lin, I am willing to trade.”
“Good.”
Lin Chang’an did not hesitate.
Sometimes high-level cultivator trading gatherings were exactly like this.
Both sides simply looked at whether there was demand—there was no such thing as who profited or lost.
“Congratulations, Formation Master Lin.”
“Yes, it seems Formation Master Lin’s skill breakthrough is not far away.”
Facing the compliments of the crowd, Lin Chang’an smiled and cupped his hands in response, but he did not explain much.
If he could comprehend something from it, it would not be a loss.
If he could repair it, then it would naturally be a profit.
But all of this required his own time investment and the cost of trial and error.
The treasures that appeared afterward did not interest Lin Chang’an, but the trading gathering remained lively.
“Everyone, I have a section of Third-rank spirit wood and some materials from a Third-rank demon beast. I wish to exchange them for healing spirit items.”
At this moment, a female cultivator wearing a cloak raised her hand and spoke in a hoarse voice.
Several valuable materials appeared, attracting interest from many people.
But when they heard what she wanted in exchange, many became helpless again.
Healing items were treasures for Core Formation cultivators.
Just as Lin Chang’an was enjoying the privilege of being seated among Core Formation cultivators—
the Sword Attendant peeling grapes beside him suddenly turned pale.
Lin Chang’an also seemed to sense something.
But with so many Core Formation cultivators present, he remained calm.
He chuckled softly and casually pulled the Sword Attendant into his arms.
“Master!”
Seeing Lin Chang’an’s gaze, although her face was pale, the Sword Attendant was intelligent and instantly understood his intention.
She fed the grape in her hand into Lin Chang’an’s mouth, hiding her panic and fear.
To outsiders, everything appeared perfectly normal.
Even Liu Ruyu of Xuanyin Pavilion did not notice anything unusual.
After all, with Lin Chang’an’s current identity and strength, having only a single concubine was practically the model of an ascetic cultivator.
“Looks like the Sword Attendant recognizes that person.”
With warm fragrance in his arms, Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered as he thought.
The Sword Attendant gradually calmed down.
The fear in her heart faded, but her pretty face turned red.
Lin Chang’an’s hand rested on her full chest, yet his expression remained calm.
But the Sword Attendant felt an indescribable sensation.
Her eyes revealed shyness and a trace of inexplicable emotion.
“Fellow Daoist, I have two healing pills…”
The trading continued.
Various strange treasures appeared.
One Core Formation cultivator even wanted to exchange for a young cultivator with outstanding spiritual roots in order to seize his body.
This greatly broadened Lin Chang’an’s horizons.
Many treasures he had only seen in illustrated manuals before—this was the first time seeing them in reality.
There was also an interesting episode.
A cultivator with a sinister aura secretly contacted Lin Chang’an, wanting to exchange for his Third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core.
Unfortunately, the items offered were not things Lin Chang’an needed.
The other party could only feel regret.
However, he secretly transmitted his voice again, saying he would visit Lin Chang’an in the future.
Clearly he had not given up.
Lin Chang’an simply smiled and nodded.
Having demand was naturally good.
…
Within the Five Dragon Island Marketplace, the auction ended amidst great noise.
Countless cultivators walked out with glowing faces.
“This trip really broadened my horizons. Even something as rare as Heavenly Wonder Flower appeared.”
“Not just that! Didn’t you see someone actually bought that set of top-grade flying needle spirit artifacts?”
“And that spirit beast…”
Cultivators excitedly discussed with one another.
As countless cultivators poured out after the auction, the marketplace became even livelier.
At the top floor of the auction hall, streaks of escape light shot into the sky.
Many cultivators below watched with envy.
“When will we be able to fly like that?”
“Wake up. Those are all Core Formation seniors.”
The Core Formation cultivators’ trading gathering had also ended.
Most cultivators departed through escape light.
Some cultivators, clearly intending to cooperate with the Four Seas Merchant Guild, stayed behind.
Naturally the Four Seas Merchant Guild was eager to recruit more like-minded cultivators.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, the Four Seas Gathering has truly developed quickly.”
After leaving the pavilion, Lin Chang’an flew back toward the cave abode together with Liu Ruyu.
The Xuanyin Pavilion Core Formation cultivator Liu Ruyu clearly looked worried.
Lin Chang’an naturally understood why, but he shook his head.
“Fairy Liu worries too much. Although the Four Seas Merchant Guild seems to be developing rapidly, in reality it is mostly a union of interests among major clans.
Joint business for profit is fine.
But when it comes to life-and-death combat, how many cultivator clans would truly dare to fight? After all, many clans only have a single False Core cultivator.”
This was the difference between the Four Seas Merchant Guild and powers like Xuanyin Pavilion or the Long Clan.
If Xuanyin Pavilion or the Long Clan faced danger, the entire sect or clan would unite in battle.
But if the Four Seas Merchant Guild faced danger, the first thing they would consider would be protecting their own interests and withdrawing in time.
“The real backbone of the Four Seas Merchant Guild is still the Zhu Clan, the Liang Clan, and another clan from the Star Pole Sea.
But even among them there are divisions of利益.”
Hearing Lin Chang’an’s explanation, Liu Ruyu naturally understood this as well.
However, the Five Dragon Island sea region only had so many利益.
Every portion taken by the Four Seas Merchant Guild meant less for them.
After Liu Ruyu expressed her worries, Lin Chang’an also shook his head.
There was no solution to that.
This was precisely the advantage of the Four Seas Merchant Guild.
“But we are not without advantages. Although the Seven Kingdoms are considered poor lands, many materials there are rare items in this region.”
The two chatted while flying.
Behind them, the Sword Attendant followed closely, supported by Lin Chang’an’s flight technique.
…
Tianquan Peak.
By the time they returned, the sky was filled with stars.
Entering the cave abode, Lin Chang’an saw the still-sleeping Azure-Horned Ox and could not help shaking his head.
“You foolish creature truly has foolish luck.”
Before the Wind-Chirp Bird broke through to the Third rank, it had hunted and gathered resources on its own.
When it broke through, it had been a life-and-death struggle.
As for Lin Chang’an himself, he had schemed and worked for decades to achieve Core Formation.
Yet when it came to the Azure-Horned Ox—
it simply lay there sleeping every day, waiting for its master to arrange the Core Formation Spirit Item.
It truly was the earlier breakthrough helping the later one.
A perfect case of effortless victory.
“Master!”
The Sword Attendant stood respectfully behind him, holding the top-grade spirit artifact inner armor obtained at the trading gathering.
“With your current cultivation, wielding a top-grade spirit artifact would easily attract covetous eyes.
But this inner armor hides its brilliance. When danger appears, it can protect you.”
Lin Chang’an had clearly thought this through carefully.
Upon hearing this, the Sword Attendant nodded heavily, her baby-faced cheeks puffing slightly.
Her heart was faintly touched.
“Thank you, Master!”
“Enough. At the auction earlier, did you recognize that female cultivator?”
At the auction, a False Core female cultivator had spoken hoarsely, wanting to exchange materials for healing pills.
At that moment, the Sword Attendant had turned pale and even trembled.
Lin Chang’an had immediately noticed something was wrong.
But with so many Core Formation cultivators present, voice transmission was risky.
With the Sword Attendant only at the Foundation Establishment stage, the conversation might have been overheard.
After all, Lin Chang’an was only at the early Core Formation stage, even if his spiritual sense was comparable to the mid Core Formation stage.
“Master… she is from the Divine Sword Sect! She was the one who sold me…”
When mentioning this person, the Sword Attendant’s face turned pale.
But her eyes could not hide the hatred within.
Lin Chang’an immediately understood.
So she was one of the remnants of the Divine Sword Sect.
He naturally knew the Sword Attendant’s past.
“A False Core cultivator seeking healing pills… could it be that a Core Formation elder of the Divine Sword Sect has been severely injured?”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered.
He seemed to have just obtained an interesting piece of information.
Back in the Yue Kingdom, the Divine Sword Sect and Lihuo Palace had jointly issued a bounty against him.
He had not forgotten that.