Chapter 296: Harvest
Inside the cave abode.
“Sword Spirit!”
A pitch-black object resembling a sword hilt floated at the center of the Spirit Gathering Formation. Lin Chang’an sensed it with a solemn expression.
“Normally, only Magical Artifacts belonging to Fourth-rank Nascent Soul cultivators can give birth to an Artifact Spirit, and even then it is merely a trace of Spiritual Essence. As for an Artifact Spirit whose intelligence is no different from a cultivator’s, that only exists in legends.
And this damaged Magical Artifact—even if it was not Fourth-rank at its peak, it was at least a top-tier Third-rank Magical Artifact.”
Once a Third-rank Magical Artifact gave birth to an Artifact Spirit, it would undoubtedly be the most superior among those of the same rank—extremely rare.
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but shake his head. His powerful perception clearly detected that the treasure the Sword Attendant had found was merely a trace of Spiritual Essence.
Moreover, it was already damaged.
Even so, to Core Formation cultivators, its value was still immense—no less than a Heaven and Earth Spirit Treasure.
“If this item were used to refine a sword-type Magical Artifact, its potential would be tremendous. Unfortunately, my life-bound Magical Artifact has already been completed.”
Even if it had not yet been forged, the Sun-Piercing Divine Sword could not casually incorporate other materials.
“Magical Artifact Spiritual Essence… If word of this spreads, even Late Core Formation cultivators would grow greedy.”
Thinking this, Lin Chang’an shook his head, formed hand seals, and established formation restrictions before hiding the item inside a secluded chamber.
This object could not be used for now and required long-term nurturing. It would be better to keep it for the time being, or perhaps exchange it for something he needed once his cultivation became stronger in the future.
With his current cultivation, taking this item out would only invite trouble.
Afterward, he walked to the desk outside and looked at another treasure, 《Corpse Yin Secret Method》.
This was the jade slip previously left to him by Master Tan. It recorded various secret techniques such as the Corpse Refinement Technique, Corpse Nurturing Technique, and other related methods.
“The records here are extremely detailed. There are even descriptions of the legendary Corpse King. I wonder where Fellow Daoist Li obtained this.”
With a serious expression, Lin Chang’an discovered that the jade slip’s material was extremely tough and did not seem to originate from the Beast Sea Region.
However, after carefully examining it, he shook his head.
Although the Corpse Refinement Path was also vast and profound, it likewise had many extremely strict requirements. Different spirit corpses required different environmental spirit veins, and even cultivator corpses had strict standards.
More importantly, this jade slip only recorded the Corpse Refinement Path—it seemed that half of it was missing.
“It should be missing the secret methods for cultivating human corpses.”
Lin Chang’an had heard somewhat about the Corpse Refinement Path. Cultivators who cultivated alongside refined corpses advanced extremely quickly, though it was considered sinister and belonged to the demonic path.
“No wonder that Fellow Daoist Li previously had a Third-rank Copper-armored Corpse. It must have relied on this.”
After roughly reading through it, Lin Chang’an shook his head and stored the jade slip away.
He currently had neither the time nor financial resources to nurture corpses. His own cultivation already consumed resources, and he was raising two Third-rank spirit pets while also nurturing a Sword Attendant.
Even his own life felt financially tight.
Just then, cultivators from the Long Clan arrived outside Celestial Spring Peak to pay a visit. Lin Chang’an revealed a strange smile.
…
“Our Long Clan heard that Fellow Daoist Lin personally slew that traitor Old Ghost Li…”
A Core Formation cultivator from the Long Clan came to visit, showing gratitude. Whether he truly came to give thanks or was trying to build relations through this matter was unclear.
This news had been deliberately leaked by Lin Chang’an earlier. After all, that Li-surnamed False Core cultivator had many acquaintances on Five Dragon Island and had once been wanted.
It was perfectly normal for Lin Chang’an to know him.
“Fellow Daoist Long is too polite. That person had actually set his sights on my Celestial Spring Peak.”
Lin Chang’an also put on a resentful expression and invited the other party into the Cave Abode Pavilion. He then took out the earthen-colored seal Magical Artifact.
Upon seeing the Magical Artifact, the other party immediately confirmed the thief’s identity.
“There’s no mistake. Thank you, Fellow Daoist Lin, for helping our Long Clan eliminate this villain.”
The Long Clan’s Core Formation cultivator cupped his fists gratefully toward Lin Chang’an while venting his resentment.
Afterward, he even produced the bounty for capturing the Li-surnamed False Core cultivator.
This made Lin Chang’an reveal a satisfied smile.
See? He had helped the Long Clan eliminate a traitor. Of course the Long Clan had to thank him properly.
“Fellow Daoist Long, you are far too courteous.”
After some polite refusals, Lin Chang’an accepted the bounty with a smile. After all, killing a False Core cultivator had carried considerable risk.
Later, the two sat in the pavilion drinking tea and discussing the Dao.
Lin Chang’an also recounted in detail how he had slain the man.
Only after seeing the guest off did Lin Chang’an remain alone in the pavilion, playing with the earthen-colored seal Magical Artifact obtained from the Li-surnamed False Core cultivator.
“Defensive Magical Artifacts are indeed rare.”
Previously, the remnants of the Divine Sword Sect and that Li-surnamed False Core cultivator had almost exclusively possessed offensive Magical Artifacts.
As for defensive Magical Artifacts, he had only one—the Water Spirit Pearl that Li had once given him.
“But if that’s the case, perhaps I can now legitimately bring out the Long Clan Talisman Treasure I obtained earlier?”
Thinking of the items in his Storage Pouch that could not be exposed to the light, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes. Yet after thinking for a moment, he secretly shook his head.
“Still cannot be careless. What if the Long Clan has already discovered that the events of that year were not caused by that Li-surnamed False Core cultivator? If I reveal this item, wouldn’t I be inviting trouble?”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an shook his head again.
However, Talisman Treasures were not particularly valuable to him now. If an opportunity arose in the future, it would be best to sell it somewhere else.
After all, the Long Clan of today was no longer the same as before. Moreover, with the Secret Realm causing chaos and many factions mixing together, handling such an item would not be difficult.
“After this Internal Sect Grand Competition ends, I should focus on cultivation again.”
Lin Chang’an cast these trivial matters aside. Right now, he had too many things to handle.
Talismans, formations, alchemy, artifact refinement. His life-bound spirit plant required nurturing with Spirit Liquid. His life-bound Magical Artifact still needed demonic energy purification. And his own cultivation could not be neglected.
If not for possessing the Avatar Technique, he would not dare handle so many tasks alone.
Unfortunately, he currently only had two avatars. Over the years he had also investigated information about the Palace of Blazing Fire.
However, the Palace of Blazing Fire was currently hiding within the Fog Sea of Tongtian, and he did not yet possess the strength to suppress an entire sect.
Thus, the third avatar remained something he could only long for.
…
Half a month later.
Outside the cave abode on Celestial Spring Peak, the Sword Attendant stood respectfully at the front. Behind her were the five most outstanding cultivators selected from the peak.
Of course, there were not many Xuanyin Pavilion cultivators on Celestial Spring Peak. Selecting five people had already been difficult.
“Master, for this Internal Sect Competition, Celestial Spring Peak has fourteen sect cultivators in total. Five have been selected.”
Among the five behind her were two men and three women. Shen Zhuang, Li Tianmo, and Zhou Bingxuan were among them.
Looking at the selected five, Lin Chang’an calmly nodded. He was not surprised that those three had emerged victorious.
Of course, he had not interfered.
After all, those three had Foundation Establishment cultivators among their clan elders or parents. With the resources they received after coming here, they naturally had advantages over ordinary cultivators.
In the cultivation world, ordinary cultivators were still the majority. Very few had parents who were Foundation Establishment cultivators. Even if they did, family resources were divided among many members.
It was difficult to receive resources as plentiful as these three.
Drifting cultivators were even more miserable. Even obtaining a decent Magical Artifact required painstakingly saving Spirit Stones.
“Not bad. When participating in the Internal Sect Competition, do not bring disgrace to the name of Celestial Spring Peak.”
Although Lin Chang’an did not particularly care about victory or defeat, pressure still needed to be applied.
“Yes, Elder!”
The five respectfully cupped their fists in response, not daring to overstep in the slightest.
The Sword Attendant also cupped her fists and said, “The five selected winners have each been rewarded with a Top-grade Magical Artifact according to Master’s instructions.”
For Lin Chang’an, a Top-grade Magical Artifact was nothing. It was merely a casual reward.
The five cultivators’ eyes burned with determination. In this Sect Grand Competition, the reward of a Foundation Establishment Pill held unimaginable temptation for Qi Refinement cultivators.
For some of them, this might be the only opportunity in their lifetime to obtain one.
“Let’s go.”
Seeing that the Sword Attendant had handled everything thoroughly, Lin Chang’an showed a hint of approval. With a wave of his hand, a deep and powerful bovine roar sounded behind him.
The Azure-Horned Ox stepped through the air with its four hooves. In the next moment, its body expanded with the wind, transforming into a gigantic beast three zhang in size.
With a raised hand from Lin Chang’an, everyone floated up and gently landed on the ox’s back.
“So this is a Third-rank spirit pet!”
Upon seeing the true form of the Azure-Horned Ox, the Qi Refinement cultivators were completely astonished.
Even Shen Zhuang, Li Tianmo, and Zhou Bingxuan revealed shocked expressions.
Perhaps this would be the only time in their lives that they would ride a Third-rank Demon Beast.
After reaching the Core Formation Realm, cultivators could fly through the air using escape light. Likewise, once Demon Beasts reached the Third-rank, they could also master flight.
The Azure-Horned Ox raised its head and gave a deep roar. Wind gathered beneath its hooves as it strode through the sky toward the Xuanyin Pavilion sect residence.
Below, countless cultivators on Celestial Spring Peak watched the scene with envy.
This was the prestige of a Core Formation cultivator.
“This silly ox.”
Standing alone at the ox’s head, Lin Chang’an shook his head with a smile. It seemed the Azure-Horned Ox had been cooped up too long and was now happily letting loose.
“Master!”
At that moment, the Sword Attendant respectfully stepped behind him, causing the other five to show envious expressions.
Only the Sword Attendant could stand beside Elder Lin at the ox’s head. The others remained at the tail.
Yet the sensation of soaring through heaven and earth stirred a bold ambition within them. At that moment, they felt that perhaps the Golden Core Great Dao was not entirely unattainable.
For the expressions of the five Qi Refinement cultivators behind him, Lin Chang’an understood well.
When he first flew on a sword, he too had felt boundless pride, as though the heavens and earth lay beneath his feet.
Turning to the Sword Attendant behind him, Lin Chang’an transmitted his voice:
“Five Dragon Island has not been peaceful recently. Killing and treasure robbery are frequent. If you leave Celestial Spring Peak in the future, bring the Azure-Horned Ox with you.”
This was spoken to the Sword Attendant, but also meant for the Azure-Horned Ox.
Hearing this, the beast immediately gave a joyful roar, which satisfied Lin Chang’an.
Spirit pets also had emotions. Normally, a Third-rank spirit pet would never allow other cultivators to stand on its head—especially low-rank cultivators.
That was why the other five stood at the tail.
Even with Lin Chang’an’s command, the Azure-Horned Ox had only grudgingly allowed them onto its tail. Otherwise, it would have thrown a tantrum.
But toward the Sword Attendant, the ox clearly felt affection.
After all, before it had broken through to Third-rank—when it was still a Second-rank Demon Beast—the Sword Attendant had taken care of it for a long time.
Seeing the ox agree, the Sword Attendant looked at Lin Chang’an with complex emotions in her eyes.
“Thank you, Master!”
Being protected by her master’s Third-rank spirit pet was not treatment an ordinary maid or concubine could receive.
“Alright. After returning this time, leave trivial matters to others and focus on cultivation. Do not endanger yourself for external possessions.”
As the wind moved his hair, Lin Chang’an spoke calmly. A rare smile appeared on the Sword Attendant’s usually cold face, and she nodded firmly.
“Yes, Master!”
Lin Chang’an nodded calmly.
Last time, the Sword Attendant had already used up all the Talisman Treasures. Now that he had reached the Core Formation Realm, he did not wish to weaken his Magical Artifacts by refining them into Talisman Treasures.
Besides, the ox was usually idle anyway. Letting it roam outside occasionally was fine.
…
“Look! We’ve arrived.”
“So fast.”
High in the sky, the majestic Azure-Horned Ox galloped through the air. Before long, the silhouette of Xuanyin Pavilion appeared ahead.
From afar, the sect lay hidden within deep valleys and forests. Spiritual mist swirled around it, and with the rising sun, mountain mists formed a vast sea of clouds.
It looked like a true immortal paradise.
【Xuanyin Pavilion】
Outside the sect stood a massive stone engraved with the sect’s name.
As an elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, Lin Chang’an naturally did not need to enter from the mountain foot like ordinary disciples.
“Moo!”
With the ox’s deep roar echoing, respectful voices sounded from afar.
“Welcome, Elder Lin!”
As the formation slowly opened, the enormous Azure-Horned Ox raised its head proudly and strode into Xuanyin Pavilion.
The five disciples riding on its back respectfully cupped their fists toward the brothers and uncles bowing below.
Standing atop a Third-rank Demon Beast filled them with pride and ambition.
Lin Chang’an, however, merely nodded calmly at the welcoming cultivators.
Whether Qi Refinement or Foundation Establishment cultivators, none dared feel dissatisfied. Instead, they thought it completely natural.
“Fellow Daoist Lin.”
A gentle voice sounded.
Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded in greeting. The Azure-Horned Ox roared softly and slowly descended.
As it landed, the five disciples gently floated down into the sect.
The massive ox also shrank back to its normal size.
“You five remain here in the sect and prepare properly.”
After giving the five instructions, Lin Chang’an took the Sword Attendant and the Azure-Horned Ox toward the inner sect.
“Yes, Elder!”
The five bowed respectfully, watching him leave.
Only after Lin Chang’an’s Core Formation figure disappeared did the surrounding disciples gather curiously.
“Junior Sister Zhou, you came too.”
“Senior Sister Mei…”
Some were acquaintances, others strangers, but all greeted each other with smiles.
Many looked enviously at the five, knowing well how rich the spiritual energy was for cultivation on Celestial Spring Peak.
“I heard the Sect Master asked Alchemist Wen to refine many Foundation Establishment Pills this time. Whoever wins the competition can obtain one.”
“A Foundation Establishment Pill! Heavens… I wonder if I’ll ever have the chance to reach Foundation Establishment.”
Some were envious, some resentful, but one fact remained—
Most cultivators were ordinary.
And the Foundation Establishment Pill was a treasure that most ordinary cultivators would never obtain in their entire lifetime.