Chapter 287: Mutated Demon Beast ‘Petrification’
“Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Lin.”
“Fellow Daoist Lin, joyous congratulations.”
After the Core Formation Heavenly Phenomenon dispersed, Celestial Spring Peak instantly became lively.
The various factions within the Five Dragon Island Sea Region all sent cultivators to offer their congratulations.
The Long Clan, the Four Seas Merchant Guild, and even Xuanyin Pavilion personally delivered congratulatory gifts, celebrating the breakthrough of a spirit pet belonging to one of the sect’s elders into the Third-rank.
Lin Changan also seized this opportunity to collect another large wave of congratulatory gifts, causing him to smile broadly.
At the same time, he did not forget to have the Sword Attendant record the list carefully. In the future, favors would still have to be returned.
Of course, those who did not come were also recorded by him. He would need to remain somewhat wary of them in the future.
Sometimes it was not necessarily because he himself had provoked them. After joining Xuanyin Pavilion, and with the merchant ships and business dealings he had with the Lu Clan, it was inevitable that he would offend certain people.
Or become implicated by association.
“Elder Granduncle is truly imposing. Almost all the Core Formation and False Core factions with reputations on Five Dragon Island have sent people here.”
Although Shen Zhuang was honest, he was not ignorant. While responsible for receiving these guests, he could not help but feel astonished.
Meanwhile, Li Tianmo, who once believed himself to be extremely knowledgeable, discovered after arriving here that none of his knowledge seemed useful.
Or rather, he and Shen Zhuang were standing at the same starting line.
Zhou Bingxuan, however, clearly surpassed the two in both etiquette and experience. During the reception, her conduct was refined and proper, even earning a rare nod of approval from the Sword Attendant.
After all, the Zhou Family’s several hundred years of inherited foundation was far beyond what the family established by Li Yifan less than a hundred years after reaching Foundation Establishment could possess.
Such foundation did not come from resources.
Rather, it came from generations of teachings and upbringing passed down from one generation to the next.
Drifting cultivators had their strengths, and family clans had their advantages.
Each had its pros and cons.
In the end, strength was what truly mattered.
……
After the excitement at Celestial Spring Peak passed, it returned to its usual calm.
After all, everyone’s attention was currently focused on the Secret Realm.
A demon beast that had just broken through to the Third-rank did not possess enough prestige to warrant such attention.
Their respectful treatment had all been given for the sake of Lin Changan.
“These cultivators truly gave generous congratulatory gifts this time.”
Inside the pavilion, Lin Changan looked at the gift list handed over by the Sword Attendant and could not help but smile.
He was not surprised that the gifts had become more valuable.
“It seems that with the sudden appearance of the Secret Realm, my status as a Third-rank Formation Master has also risen considerably.”
Many cultivators who came to congratulate him wore smiling faces while attempting to discuss formation matters.
Some even tried to invite him to explore the Secret Realm together, but Lin Changan rejected them outright.
Within relic secret realms, there would inevitably be dangerous formations and restrictions. Naturally, a Third-rank Formation Master like him was highly sought after.
“These people appear sincere, but if the treasure were ordinary, perhaps it could still be divided evenly. But if a great treasure appeared, they would inevitably turn against each other.”
Lin Changan shook his head.
Through this celebration, he also clearly released his stance to the outside world.
If anyone wished to invite him to explore the Secret Realm together, that was out of the question.
However, if someone explored the Secret Realm and encountered difficult formations or restrictions, they could come to him.
He could customize formation-breaking methods for them.
They could also consult him regarding the methods of breaking formations.
There were even many cultivators who, seeing the increasingly chaotic situation, began ordering powerful defensive formations for self-protection.
This caused Liu Ruyu, who had come here, to smile brightly.
The artifact refiners and formation masters within the sect now had a large quantity of materials to refine.
Not only could they earn Spirit Stones, they could also refine their skills.
This was the true foundation of a sect.
“A relic Secret Realm… it seems that over the next several decades, the consumption of talismans, magical artifacts, formations, pills, and similar items will increase drastically.”
Lin Changan’s eyes flickered.
As more cultivators gathered, chaos would naturally follow.
“It seems that I must find a Third-rank Talisman Inheritance soon, preferably a Third-rank Restriction-breaking Talisman.”
When exploring secret realms, restriction-breaking talismans were indispensable.
Comparatively speaking, alchemy and artifact crafting both required extensive material preparation.
Formation work was even more complicated and time-consuming.
Although these three professions were extremely profitable, they all required significant time and effort.
Talismans, however, had the advantage of speed and convenience.
“If this had happened before, materials might have become scarce. But now that Five Dragon Island, Star Pole Island, and even cultivators from the Fog Sea of Tongtian are gathering here, resources will naturally follow.”
“For me, this is also an opportunity to quickly improve my skills.”
“Third-rank techniques… it seems that for now I can only contact Old Hu.”
Thinking of this, Lin Changan narrowed his eyes slightly.
Old Hu knew that he could create Talisman Treasures.
Therefore, through his connections, obtaining a Third-rank Restriction-breaking Talisman should not be difficult.
Even if Old Hu revealed his information to Bihai Palace, Lin Changan would not lose much.
After all, even before forming his Golden Core, he had already been a famous Second-rank High-grade Talisman Master.
The reason he was now renowned for formations was entirely due to his extraordinary talent.
If his talisman skills improved again, it would not be strange.
It would fall within reasonable expectations.
In truth, contacting Yun Yao would have been the best choice.
Unfortunately, she could not be reached.
“Perhaps with some luck, I might even obtain other Third-rank inheritances during this opportunity.”
This Secret Realm had alarmed Nascent Soul factions.
In the eyes of those factions, such inheritances were not extremely precious.
“Now it seems that the turmoil caused by this Secret Realm might actually be a good thing for me.”
Thinking of this, Lin Changan revealed a somewhat strange smile.
……
At that moment, the Cave Abode door opened, and heavy hoofbeats sounded.
After its breakthrough, the Azure-Horned Ox slowly walked out of the Cave Abode.
“Mo!”
The moment it came out and saw Lin Changan, the Azure-Horned Ox revealed a flattering expression, wagging its tail excitedly as it rushed over.
After advancing to the Third-rank, the Azure-Horned Ox had reached nearly thirty meters in length, resembling a gigantic beast.
However, Third-rank great demons already possessed the ability to alter their body size.
Thus, the Azure-Horned Ox quickly shrank back to its usual size.
Its dark green fur shone brightly, and its muscular body contained terrifying explosive power.
After all, the Azure-Horned Ox was naturally known for its strength.
“Mo! Mo!”
Seeing that the Azure-Horned Ox still behaved like the same glutton as before, Lin Changan shook his head helplessly and took out two Spirit Fruits from his Storage Pouch.
“You are now a Third-rank great demon. Within Xuanyin Pavilion, you will also receive a special stipend.”
This was one of the rare advantages of joining a sect.
However, when the Sword Attendant saw the Azure-Horned Ox come out, she first looked delighted, then lowered her head and quietly attempted to withdraw.
Lin Changan casually waved his hand.
“Stay. You are not an outsider.”
Those words caused the Sword Attendant to freeze momentarily before revealing a deeply moved expression and bowing respectfully.
“Thank you, Master!”
After a Third-rank great demon’s breakthrough, certain abilities would change.
As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, the Sword Attendant naturally understood the need to avoid sensitive matters.
However, Lin Changan knew that the Azure-Horned Ox would appear publicly in the future, so there was no need to hide anything from her.
“Mo!”
Upon seeing the Sword Attendant, the Azure-Horned Ox also happily let out a moo.
Unlike the Wind-Chirp Bird, the Azure-Horned Ox had not gained the ability to speak human language after its breakthrough.
Not all demon beasts could speak before achieving full transformation.
“Alright. Let me see your abilities after the breakthrough.”
Lin Changan signaled with his eyes, and the Sword Attendant immediately understood.
“Excuse me!”
The Sword Attendant cupped her fists respectfully.
This respect came not only from their relationship, but also from a Foundation Establishment cultivator toward a Third-rank Golden Core great demon.
The Azure-Horned Ox stomped its hooves, suddenly floating into the air without wind, and appeared on the open ground outside the pavilion.
The Sword Attendant decisively drew the sword in her hand.
In an instant, dazzling sword gleams burst forth, and countless sharp sword gleams surged forward like a violent storm.
Seeing this, Lin Changan nodded inwardly.
The Sword Attendant’s comprehension of the Sword Path had grown stronger.
Within the Killing Origin Sword Art, the sword gleams gradually turned blood-red due to powerful backlash.
But because of the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body, the Sword Attendant could control the violent sword baleful energy as easily as moving her arm.
Thus the sword gleams she produced were purer and clearer.
Amid the dense sounds of sword gleams striking—
the Azure-Horned Ox merely snorted calmly.
“What powerful defense!”
The Sword Attendant’s expression turned solemn.
She knew the difference between Foundation Establishment and Golden Core realms.
But she had not expected that even while standing still and taking the attack head-on, the Azure-Horned Ox would remain completely unharmed.
Divine Ability · Giant Sword Technique
Suddenly forming a hand seal, the Sword Attendant summoned a massive sword above her head.
Lin Changan could not help but smile.
“This strike would force even a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator to avoid it.”
He nodded inwardly.
The Heavenly Spirit Sword Body truly deserved its reputation as one of the Three Great Sword Cultivation Physiques.
But he also noticed a weakness in the Sword Attendant.
“Mo!”
Facing the attack, the Azure-Horned Ox did not dodge.
It calmly endured the strike.
When the giant sword shattered, the shockwave spread outward, threatening to damage the Cave Abode.
Lin Changan lightly waved his hand.
An invisible force instantly erased the aftermath.
“Master…”
The Sword Attendant retreated with a somewhat ashamed expression.
Lin Changan, however, had already noticed something.
Looking at the smug Azure-Horned Ox, he revealed a dangerous smile.
“Defense, is it? Let me see just how tough your hide really is.”
As a earth-attribute demon beast, the Azure-Horned Ox naturally specialized in defense.
But it had just relied purely on its physical body to block the attack.
That seemed somewhat unusual.
“Mo! Mo!”
As Lin Changan suddenly made his move, the Azure-Horned Ox widened its eyes in panic.
Divine Ability · Sword Shadow at Will
With a wave of his hand, six terrifying sword gleams shot forward.
Each sword gleam possessed the power of a Mid-grade Third-rank Magical Artifact.
The Azure-Horned Ox immediately activated its Protective Spiritual Light.
Its originally earth-yellow barrier now carried faint golden radiance.
Its defensive power had clearly increased drastically.
Facing the six sword gleams, the Azure-Horned Ox roared and suddenly fired a pale white beam from its mouth.
The beam instantly collided with the incoming sword gleams.
“This is—!”
Lin Changan’s pupils shrank.
With his Spiritual Eye, he immediately noticed something strange.
Three sword gleams suddenly became solid stone before collapsing.
This was petrification.
The other three sword gleams struck the Azure-Horned Ox’s protective barrier but were completely blocked.
“That is a earth-attribute mutated divine ability — Petrification!”
Lin Changan immediately revealed a delighted expression.
This Azure-Horned Ox had not wasted his resources.
It had truly completed a mutation.
“Mo!”
The sword gleams slowly dispersed.
Fragments of stone fell from the sky.
Those stones were the petrified remnants of the sword gleams.
“Success—and it is not a useless ability.”
Every mutated spirit beast was unique.
Mutations varied in quality.
Some abilities were extraordinarily powerful and could accomplish feats impossible for ordinary spells.
For example, certain powerful ice-attribute demon beasts might mutate and awaken fire abilities instead.
Such mismatches could actually weaken them.
Some mutations were even completely useless.
“Mo! Mo!”
The Azure-Horned Ox wagged its tail proudly, as if asking whether it had disappointed its master.
Lin Changan laughed and nodded.
“Not bad. You did not waste all the resources I invested. It may not be the most powerful mutation, but for you it is the most suitable.”
Petrification was still an earth-attribute mutation.
“Your defense has increased drastically, and even your strength has improved. Your attack methods are no longer single-minded. Petrification can also weaken incoming attacks.”
Lin Changan analyzed the situation carefully.
Earth attributes naturally specialized in defense.
With Petrification mutation, the defensive power doubled.
At present, the Azure-Horned Ox’s defensive strength could rival turtle-type demon beasts famous for their defense.
As for attacks—
it could first weaken enemies with petrification, then crush them with its tremendous strength.
“Petrification… truly an excellent ability.”
Lin Changan stroked the Azure-Horned Ox with satisfaction.
For this foolish ox, it was essentially a complete enhancement.
Several hundred years ago, in the Beast Sea Region, a demonic giant once possessed a petrified mutated demon beast known as the Three-Eyed Spirit Leopard.
Such mutated demon beasts often far exceeded their peers in strength.
“Use your petrification ability again. Let me feel its power.”
Lin Changan activated a Mana Shield.
The Azure-Horned Ox lowered its head and fired another beam.
The shield visibly began turning into stone.
However, as Lin Changan poured more mana into it, the petrification slowed and eventually stopped.
“In other words, cultivators can resist petrification with powerful mana, but that consumes more energy.”
“Excellent.”
The Azure-Horned Ox excitedly wagged its tail.
Now that it had reached the Third-rank, it could eat Spirit Fruits and Spirit Herbs for hundreds more years.
Sensing its thoughts, Lin Changan felt speechless.
This ox truly had very small ambitions.
The Sword Attendant looked shocked.
It was her first time witnessing such power.
“This is Petrification. It is a earth-attribute mutation. Some cultivators also possess similar mutated spiritual roots, although they are rare.
When demon beasts mutate based on their original attributes, the amplification is even greater.”
Lin Changan calmly explained.
He had already noticed the Sword Attendant’s lack of knowledge in this area.
After all, he intended to cultivate her carefully.
Understanding the wider cultivation world was necessary.
“This is the Cave Abode token. From now on, you may freely enter the library inside the Cave Abode.
There are many Sword Path insights, along with records of strange events in the cultivation world that I have compiled.”
“Thank you, Master!”
Holding the jade token, the Sword Attendant nodded solemnly.