Chapter 285: Relic? Not Even a Dog Would Go!
Xuanyin Pavilion.
“Palace Master, will the cave abode relic that appeared this time truly cause such a huge disturbance?”
Naturally, relics also varied in scale. Just like when he was in Yue Kingdom—if it were the relic cave abode of Blood Fiend True Lord, it would at most attract the covetous attention of Core Formation Cultivators.
Lin Changan traveled all the way to the main peak of Xuanyin Pavilion to visit this Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.
Inside the elegant pavilion, the usually calm and composed Fairy of Rainbow Skirt rarely revealed a solemn expression as she gently nodded.
“It is very serious. Otherwise, the three major factions among us would not have set aside our grudges and chosen to cooperate first. Moreover, this matter has already alerted Bihai Palace.”
Upon hearing Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s words, Lin Changan frowned.
It had alarmed Bihai Palace?
Then the commotion this time was truly not small.
Seemingly noticing Lin Changan’s confusion, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt gently blew on the spirit tea in her hand. After taking a small sip, she began explaining the situation surrounding the appearance of this relic cave abode.
“Elder Lin, according to the survivors who witnessed the relic’s appearance, the many strange phenomena on that island and those ferocious statues…
If nothing unexpected occurred, this relic should belong to the Sinister Soul Sect from a thousand years ago.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s cool and gentle voice echoed through the pavilion. After hearing this, Lin Changan was somewhat astonished.
“Sinister Soul Sect!?”
Seeing his reaction, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt curled her lips into a faint smile. It seemed she had noticed Lin Changan’s confusion. With a slight wave of her hand, a jade slip floated out from the study on the second floor of the pavilion.
“Elder Lin truly lives like an ascetic cultivator. Usually, he only enjoys collecting various exotic beasts and strange records of the World of Cultivation, yet has somewhat neglected the turbulent history of the factions within the Beast Sea Region.”
Her words did not carry any ridicule. Rather, as someone bearing the responsibility of reviving her sect, she had gradually developed such cautious habits.
Normally cold and reserved, she also liked reading ancient texts just like Lin Changan. The difference was that she preferred studying the ten-thousand-year rise and fall of the World of Cultivation.
From such history, she sought ways to establish a stable foundation for her sect.
“Sinister Soul Sect!”
After reading the jade slip, Lin Changan suddenly understood. Yet his expression soon turned grave.
The jade slip recorded that a thousand years ago, the Sinister Soul Sect had been a great sect, with two Nascent Soul True Lords within its ranks.
However, good times did not last long. During the chaotic war in the Beast Sea Region six hundred years ago, the Sinister Soul Sect dominated an entire region. Even the sea territories of Five Dragon Island and Star Pole Island were under its rule.
But during that period of chaos, the Sinister Soul Sect suddenly disappeared in an inexplicable manner.
The entire sect vanished.
Even Sinister Soul Island disappeared along with it.
“The exact reason remains unknown, but rumors say that the two Nascent Soul experts of the Sinister Soul Sect were both towering figures of the demonic path. At the time, their cultivation was heaven-defying, already reaching the Mid Nascent Soul Realm…”
After hearing Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s explanation, Lin Changan finally understood why the three major factions of Five Dragon Island were so tense this time.
“A Nascent Soul cave abode relic that has been missing for nearly six hundred years, belonging to demonic path giants who once opposed Bihai Palace… far too many people are watching it. Even Nascent Soul cultivators may grow greedy.”
Thinking of this, Lin Changan’s expression grew solemn.
Originally, the Five Dragon Island sea region had been relatively peaceful. As a Core Formation Cultivator, he still had a place at the table.
But if Nascent Soul experts became involved, then with his current cultivation, he would probably only count as cannon fodder.
“Nascent Soul cultivators may become involved, but a Nascent Soul sect relic alone is not enough to trigger a great war.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt gently shook her head. Clearly, she possessed much more intelligence.
Lin Changan secretly nodded.
Sure enough, large factions had their advantages.
Unlike him, a rogue cultivator who had to rely on himself for everything.
Fortunately, he was now considered a Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion.
“This relic spiritual island cave abode sank beneath the sea for unknown reasons. Over the past six hundred years, its formation has long merged with the island’s spiritual vein and even connected with seabed earthfire.
If the formation is forcibly broken, it will trigger the seabed earthfire. At that time, it would become a catastrophe, and the relic would be destroyed along with it…”
After hearing this explanation, Lin Changan immediately understood.
“In other words, through mutual understanding among the major factions, Nascent Soul cultivators will not personally take action.”
“Correct. Right now the relic’s restrictions have loosened slightly, allowing only Qi Refinement cultivators to enter—but that is no different from sending them to their deaths.
Only when the restrictions allow Foundation Establishment cultivators, or even Core Formation cultivators, to enter…
That is when the true battle for the relic cave abode will begin.
And during this period, we can seize the opportunity.”
A continuous stream of cultivators would soon flood the area. As the three local factions of Five Dragon Island, this represented a tremendous business opportunity.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt saw an opportunity for sect development.
But Lin Changan saw something else—Nascent Soul cultivators would not participate.
He secretly sighed in relief.
As long as Nascent Soul cultivators did not step in, he could simply stay inside his cave abode and cultivate without going to the relic.
That should be safe enough, right?
“Palace Master’s meaning is?”
“Fellow Daoist Lin is a Third-rank Formation Master. I’m afraid people may come to visit you then.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt lowered her gaze slightly. As she spoke, she looked at the spirit tea in her hand, gently blowing away the steam, her tone subtly hinting at something.
“This humble ability of mine knows its limits.”
Lin Changan shook his head, making it clear that he had no intention of risking himself by going to the relic.
No matter how many Spirit Stones were offered, one still needed to stay alive to spend them.
He had only recently formed his Golden Core and was not particularly skilled in combat. If he went there, even if there were opportunities, how could they possibly fall to him?
Trusting other people’s persuasion?
He might as well stay home drinking tea.
Moreover, when the relic opened, Nascent Soul cultivators would certainly still be watching.
Therefore—
Relic?
Not going.
Not even a dog would go!
Absolutely not going.
Seeing Lin Changan’s firm refusal, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, Lin Changan had joined later. Although the two had gotten along well over the years, she could not make decisions for him.
Especially when it came to matters of opportunity.
“Palace Master, with such an opportunity appearing, pills, talismans, formations, and magical artifacts will surely sell well. The sect should prepare more formation materials.
Especially for the artifact refinement and formation disciples within the sect.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had no intention of taking risks either, and Lin Changan also did not want to go. The two could be said to have reached an instant agreement.
Soon, Lin Changan brought out his identity as an elder and began discussing with Fairy of Rainbow Skirt how to profit greatly from this opportunity.
As a Third-rank Formation Master, with the power of the sect behind him, he could make a huge fortune—perhaps even establish a long-term business.
He had not forgotten that he also possessed the identity of a Third-rank Alchemist.
As the situation became chaotic and more foreign cultivators arrived, countless resources would flow in.
His Qi Refinement pills and talismans could also earn Spirit Stones.
This was a heaven-sent opportunity.
If the chance arose, he could even accumulate Spirit Stones while others fought to the death inside the relic. If suitable treasures appeared, he could simply buy them.
“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Lin. I have already begun purchasing various materials. Now we are just waiting for you and Elder Wen.”
“Excellent.”
“By the way, Palace Master—my spirit beast Azure-Horned Ox has finally reached a bottleneck after years of cultivation. When it attempts its breakthrough, I may need your assistance as a protector.”
After their discussion, Lin Changan brought up his spirit beast’s breakthrough.
Upon hearing this, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt revealed a faint smile, her eyes shining with interest.
“Then I should congratulate Fellow Daoist Lin in advance.”
“You are too kind, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt. You’ve seen that lazy foolish ox before. Let’s hope everything goes smoothly.”
If Lin Changan’s spirit pet advanced to the Third Rank, it would be equivalent to Xuanyin Pavilion gaining a spirit beast with the strength of a Third-rank Core Formation Realm combatant.
Naturally, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was delighted to hear this.
As for the possibility of seizing the magpie’s nest, she was not worried at all.
First, Lin Changan himself was an ascetic cultivator. She also had absolute confidence in her own strength.
Second, both of them came from Yue Kingdom.
If Lin Changan truly wanted the position of sect master and his strength was sufficient, she would have long wished to step down and cultivate peacefully.
Since they were both from Yue Kingdom, she regarded him as one of her own.
“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Lin. At this critical time, whether it is the Long Clan or the Four Seas Merchant Guild, they know the seriousness of the situation and will not act recklessly in secret.
When the time comes, I will personally come. Junior Brother Xu and Junior Sister Liu will likely remain in the marketplace and sect.”
Seeing Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s sincerity, Lin Changan smiled and clasped his hands.
“Many thanks, Palace Master.”
It had to be said that during these decades in Xuanyin Pavilion, Lin Changan had lived quite comfortably.
First, since he also came from Yue Kingdom, there was a natural sense of kinship within the sect.
Second, he had no interest in power and never interfered with sect affairs, so conflicts rarely arose.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, this is freshly harvested Yunwu Spirit Tea.”
“Then I will gladly trouble you today.”
As the two laughed lightly, they looked like old friends who had shared many years of companionship, drinking tea and discussing the Dao together.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also held genuine admiration for Lin Changan.
A rogue cultivator who dared to reforge his Golden Core and cultivate anew.
Now possessing the potential of a High-grade True Core, along with such perseverance in bitter cultivation.
Within the entire sect, only Fellow Daoist Lin could truly discuss the Dao with her.
As for Xu Lingfeng, she knew his thoughts well, but she could only shake her head.
Having just formed his Golden Core yet already becoming complacent—truly unwise.
As for Junior Sister Liu Ruyu, she was loyal to the sect, but her talent was limited. Now she devoted all her energy to sect affairs, hoping to free Fairy of Rainbow Skirt from responsibilities so she could cultivate in peace.
……
“What? Xuanyin Pavilion has a spirit beast preparing to break through to the Third Rank soon!?”
The two Core Formation cultivators of the Four Seas Merchant Guild, Zhu and Liang, both revealed helpless expressions.
“Xuanyin Pavilion really knows how to pick the right timing.”
At such a critical moment, if internal conflict erupted, no one would be able to seize this heaven-falling fortune.
After discussion within the Four Seas Merchant Guild, the Core Formation cultivators of the Zhu Clan and Liang Clan reluctantly accepted the situation.
Sure enough, although the Four Seas Merchant Guild appeared powerful, internally it was full of mixed interests.
No one wanted to offend anyone else—everyone only wanted profits.
In the end, the Four Seas Merchant Guild reluctantly sent a gift to Xuanyin Pavilion, congratulating the upcoming breakthrough.
But deep down, they were probably hoping it would fail.
……
Long Clan.
“Clan Head, now both the Four Seas Merchant Guild and Xuanyin Pavilion are riding above us. Are we really going to miss this opportunity?”
The Long Clan cared little about whether Xuanyin Pavilion’s spirit beast succeeded in its breakthrough.
What truly concerned them was the relic cave abode.
After all, as former overlords, the Long Clan did not merely see the Spirit Stone profits in this opportunity.
They saw a chance to revive the Long Clan.
“Can our Long Clan withstand further turmoil?”
“But I’m unwilling to accept it!”
Internal arguments erupted within the Long Clan as well. In the end, they decided to draw lots among their Foundation Establishment cultivators to form a team.
Once the restrictions weakened enough to allow Foundation Establishment cultivators to enter, the Long Clan would gamble on entering.
As for when Core Formation cultivators might be allowed in, they would decide based on the situation at that time.
The Long Clan was already overwhelmed with its own issues and had no time to concern itself with Xuanyin Pavilion’s spirit beast breakthrough.
For the once-dominant Long Clan, only overwhelming strength could suppress everyone.
Even conspiracies required corresponding power.
……
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt of Xuanyin Pavilion was also clever.
When informing the two major factions, she only said that a spirit beast within the sect was breaking through, never mentioning Lin Changan.
If this had happened earlier, people might have guessed it was him—after all, he had once traded for Core Formation spirit items for spirit beasts.
But so much time had passed that many people now assumed the attempt had failed.
Celestial Spring Peak.
“These three Core Formation spirit items—make sure to seize this opportunity.”
Inside the cave abode, the Azure-Horned Ox nodded while letting out low moos. Lin Changan carefully placed the Core Formation spirit items before it.
Two of them were obtained during a previous trading gathering.
The third was naturally Blackwater Liquid.
Finally, Lin Changan even took out a bottle of purified demonic energy.
“And this bottle of demonic energy. Your bloodline mutation may be good or bad. If your mana begins crystallizing, this purified demonic energy can stabilize and reshape the Golden Core.”
Lin Changan’s expression was solemn.
What he said was indeed true.
If there were signs of mana crystallization, this purified demonic energy could assist in stabilizing the Golden Core. At worst, it would still form a False Core.
In other words, there were four Core Formation spirit items in total.
With such preparation, the breakthrough to a Third-rank great beast was almost certain.
Yet for this foolish ox, Lin Changan still looked extremely serious.
The pressure was instantly transferred onto the Azure-Horned Ox.
The ox widened its large eyes anxiously.
Seeing this, Lin Changan secretly laughed, feeling that he had finally vented some frustration.
At the same time, the pressure served as motivation.
“Alright. Your foundation is solid. This breakthrough shouldn’t be a problem. Think about those demon beasts in the outer seas—many of them don’t even have a single Core Formation spirit item.”
After applying pressure, Lin Changan began reassuring it.
“That’s right. If this stupid ox fails the breakthrough, it should go find a big cooking pot itself.”
At that moment, the Wind-Chirp Bird jumped onto Lin Changan’s shoulder and mocked the ox.
The Azure-Horned Ox glared with wide eyes and mooed angrily.
Watching his two spirit beasts quarrel as usual, Lin Changan shook his head.
“I’ve already arranged formations around the area. The Wind-Chirp Bird will guard you inside the cave abode, and I’ll be outside. Just focus on your breakthrough.”
As the stone doors slowly closed and the formation barrier sealed the cave abode, only the Azure-Horned Ox remained inside.
The ox’s bell-sized eyes glowed as white breath puffed from its nostrils.
Within the bloodline inheritance of demon beasts, even the gentlest species possessed an obsession with evolution.
“Moo!”
A powerful roar echoed throughout the cave abode for a long time.
……
Outside the cave abode.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, your place truly resembles a paradise beyond the world.”
“You flatter me, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt. Your cave abode is no worse.”
The two chatted leisurely in a pavilion while a Sword Attendant respectfully served them tea.
However, hearing this compliment, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt lowered her gaze and shook her head softly.
“My place may be good, but worldly affairs constantly intrude. The situation in the Beast Sea Region is turbulent. Otherwise, I would have long handed sect matters over to my disciples.”
If she were still in Yue Kingdom, a Core Formation cultivator like her would normally focus solely on cultivation.
But here, the situation changed too rapidly.
Xuanyin Pavilion was already walking on thin ice, forcing her to remain cautious.
“If the day ever comes when the situation stabilizes, I will surely live as freely as Fellow Daoist Lin, unbound by worldly affairs.”
“Very well. I shall look forward to that day.”
Lin Changan smiled lightly as the two drank tea and discussed the Dao within the pavilion. Even the nearby Sword Attendant benefited greatly from listening.