Chapter 305: If the Sect Master and Elder Lin Become Dao Companions
“Are you saying that the restrictions of the Secret Realm of the Sinister Soul Sect have now weakened to the point that even Late Foundation Establishment cultivators can enter?”
After walking out of his cave abode, Lin Chang’an listened to Hu Jin’s intelligence and could not help revealing a grave expression.
Hu Jin, standing beside him, sighed helplessly and said:
“Otherwise, why would we be in such a hurry? Over the years, the massive influx of cultivators entering and wearing down the restrictions has caused them to grow increasingly fragile. Before long, even Core Formation cultivators may be able to enter.”
The Secret Realm of the Sinister Soul Sect had already become a land without an owner. After so many years, the restrictions had naturally begun to develop flaws.
On top of that, countless cultivators had rushed in one after another over the years, inevitably causing further wear and damage.
Although everyone had long expected this day to come, no one thought it would arrive so quickly.
“Once Core Formation cultivators personally enter the fray, that will likely mark the true beginning of turmoil.”
The difference between the Foundation Establishment Realm and the Core Formation Realm was only a single realm, yet the power between the two was completely incomparable.
“Not only that!”
Looking at Lin Chang’an, Hu Jin revealed a solemn expression and disclosed a shocking piece of news.
“The Sixth Elder will probably come personally.”
“A Nascent Soul cultivator!”
Lin Chang’an’s expression changed. Sure enough, the earlier minor disturbances were not even worth the attention of Nascent Soul cultivators.
Now that the restrictions had weakened and the time to harvest the gains was approaching, those Nascent Soul old monsters could no longer sit still.
No, once he returned he would announce that he was entering seclusion. He absolutely could not involve himself in this secret realm.
Lin Chang’an’s expression changed repeatedly. Hu Jin naturally saw everything. As old friends for many years, how could he not know what Lin Chang’an was thinking?
“Relax, Old Lin. Right now those Nascent Soul cultivators are all watching the number-one secret realm of the Beast Sea Abyss. That place will open in less than a hundred years.
Those Nascent Soul old monsters won’t tear each other apart over the Secret Realm of the Sinister Soul Sect. That place is where Nascent Soul cultivators truly fight for their lives.”
Old Hu spoke solemnly while pointing toward the direction of the outer sea.
Seeing this, Lin Chang’an’s expression shifted.
“The number-one secret realm of the Beast Sea Abyss!”
Lin Chang’an felt inwardly shocked. That secret realm was extremely famous within the Beast Sea Abyss.
It opened once every three hundred years, and each time it did, it brought about bloody storms and turbulent upheaval.
For example, his divine ability Sword Shadow at Will had originally been obtained by the Blood Fiend True Lord from that very secret realm.
According to the fragmented memories left behind by that Blood Fiend True Lord, Lin Chang’an knew just how dangerous that place was. Even cultivators at the peak of the Golden Core Realm could perish if they were careless.
Every time the secret realm opened, even Nascent Soul cultivators had fallen there. One could imagine the level of risk involved.
“So in other words, the Secret Realm of the Sinister Soul Sect isn’t important enough to make the Nascent Soul cultivators fall out with each other, right?”
Lin Chang’an came to an understanding and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as Nascent Soul cultivators did not personally step into the arena, Core Formation cultivators would be the top tier of combat power.
As long as he did not risk exploring the secret realm and simply cultivated peacefully in his cave abode on Five Dragon Island, he would remain perfectly safe.
“Alright, Old Lin, I actually envy you.”
Hu Jin revealed a face full of envy. Although he relied on Bihai Palace and obtained resources that countless people envied, he no longer possessed the carefree freedom he had when he was a drifting cultivator.
“Old Hu, be careful.”
Lin Chang’an could not help sighing softly. He realized that Hu Jin might very well be ordered to explore the secret realm.
At this moment, the advantages of being a drifting cultivator became evident.
“Ha! I, Old Hu, possess heaven-defying cultivation and extraordinary ability. Here’s the Third-rank High-grade Sinister Spirit Jade for you this time. To be honest, this thing was also obtained inside the secret realm.”
Seeing the payment in his hands, Lin Chang’an could not help laughing bitterly.
Old Hu was still the same as always—unchanged in the slightest.
Afterward, the two cupped their fists and parted ways. Although Lin Chang’an had no intention of strolling around the marketplace, he also needed to take this opportunity to handle some of his own affairs.
Thus, Lin Chang’an did not immediately return to his cave abode. Instead, he brought his Sword Attendant to Many Treasures Pavilion on the surface, appearing as if he had come to purchase items needed for cultivation.
However, secretly, two avatars quietly appeared in the marketplace.
……
While Lin Chang’an was on the top floor of Many Treasures Pavilion, two False Core cultivators arrived downstairs one after another.
Both had full and steady auras, clearly cultivators who had stepped into the False Core Realm many years ago.
“Greetings, Seniors.”
“Enough. My junior brother and I dislike wasting words. We heard that your Xuanyin Pavilion possesses abundant resources. This time we came specifically to purchase some.”
The two False Core cultivators looked gloomy, their auras extremely similar—clearly disciples of the same sect.
The shopkeeper who received them was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator. How could he dare be careless? He immediately greeted them with an attentive smile.
“Third-rank Tranquil Spirit Talismans, Fire Dragon Talismans—both effective against sinister spirits and malicious ghosts. And these Spirit Armor Talismans.
Right now, which Core Formation cultivator planning to explore the secret realm would not want these three types of talismans?”
Lin Chang’an’s two avatars, disguised, spoke with arrogant composure.
The shopkeeper’s smile widened immediately.
“Seniors, rest assured. Our Xuanyin Pavilion can absolutely purchase all of them—every last one!”
Although Core Formation cultivators could not yet enter the Secret Realm of the Sinister Soul Sect, many had already begun preparing in advance.
Third-rank talismans specialized in suppressing sinister spirits and defensive talismans like these were guaranteed to be extremely popular.
“Exchange everything my junior brother and I provide into materials for talisman drawing and artifact refinement…”
Their exchange of resources only further confirmed the identity of sect cultivators.
After all, ordinary cultivators would not exchange such large quantities for talisman and artifact-refining materials.
Over the years, Lin Chang’an had been selling talismans and artifact-refined items through his avatars in exactly this way. Even if someone tried to track them, they would eventually lose the trail, as though they had appeared out of thin air.
Even if suspicions arose, no one could possibly suspect him.
Especially with so many foreign cultivators around.
……
“Elder Lin, two False Core seniors just came downstairs and sold quite a number of talismans—entirely Third-rank talismans meant for the secret realm.”
After completing the large transaction, the shopkeeper happily went upstairs to report the matter to Lin Chang’an, the sect’s Guest Elder.
Lin Chang’an showed slight surprise before nodding.
“That is not unusual. In recent years many foreign cultivators have arrived. Although most came for the secret realm, quite a few also came hoping to sell materials and exchange them for resources they need.”
At this point Lin Chang’an added thoughtfully:
“However, judging from what you said, the two exchanged large amounts of talisman and artifact-refining materials. They are likely from some sect. You must absolutely not offend them lightly.”
“Yes, yes.”
With this coordinated exchange and Lin Chang’an’s presence, the existence of the avatars was perfectly concealed.
Lin Chang’an was extremely satisfied with this. Ever since gaining the divine ability of avatars, selling resources had become far easier.
After all, with his exceptional talent, he could produce quite a large number of talismans.
Especially now that his cultivation had improved, the strength of his two avatars had stabilized in the False Core Realm, no longer appearing like newly advanced cultivators with unstable foundations.
“By the way, have you received any news about the item I asked you to gather?”
Lin Chang’an took a sip of spirit tea before raising his head to ask.
The shopkeeper smiled bitterly and cupped his fists.
“Elder Lin, you are making things difficult for this humble one. What you seek is a Third-rank Formation Inheritance. We have posted the request for nearly ten years now, yet no one has even inquired about it.”
Ten years ago, Lin Chang’an had already posted a request in Many Treasures Pavilion under his identity as a Third-rank Formation Master.
Hearing there was still no news, Lin Chang’an did not appear disappointed. Instead he sneered.
“These people refuse to act until they see the rabbit. This time, post another message for me.
Say that I have refined a set of the Heavenfire Grand Formation.
Third-rank Mid-grade. Each drop of heavenfire possesses the power of a Late Core Formation cultivator’s strike and can also attack enemies outside the formation.”
Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper’s face changed drastically.
“T-Third-rank Mid-grade! Elder Lin, you’ve made another breakthrough!”
Third-rank Formation Masters were already rare. Third-rank Mid-grade Formation Masters were even rarer.
Lin Chang’an’s statement essentially revealed that his formation mastery had now reached the Third-rank Mid-grade level.
“These past years, relying on the sect’s formation insights and the ancient formation Heavenfire Grand Formation insights I obtained at that trading gathering long ago, I fortunately managed to break through.”
Lin Chang’an spoke calmly, as if his years of study had naturally led to greater understanding.
He had even recreated this ancient formation. Although it had been modified somewhat, its power remained quite impressive.
Formations like the Heavenfire Grand Formation, which could launch attacks outward, were already highly sought after. On top of that, it was particularly effective against sinister spirits.
For Core Formation cultivators planning to explore the secret realm, its appeal was undeniable.
“Elder Lin, rest assured. This humble one will release the news immediately.”
Seeing the shopkeeper’s excitement, Lin Chang’an smiled faintly and nodded.
A Third-rank Mid-grade Formation Master—there were only a few across the surrounding seas.
Although many foreign cultivators had arrived over the years, including Third-rank Formation Masters and even some Third-rank Mid-grade ones, there was still a difference.
One was an outsider.
The other was an elder of Xuanyin Pavilion who possessed local assets.
Anyone would know which one was more reliable.
Choosing Lin Chang’an meant that if the formation was damaged later, repairs would also be convenient.
“A Third-rank Formation Inheritance… I hope this time won’t disappoint me.”
Lin Chang’an sighed softly.
There was actually a good chance such an inheritance existed within the secret realm.
After all, the Sinister Soul Sect had once been a Nascent Soul-level great sect. Let alone Third-rank formation inheritances—even Fourth-rank ones might exist.
Although Lin Chang’an had no intention of risking exploration of the secret realm himself, he could purchase what others obtained.
After all, inheritance of cultivation arts was precious, but for some drifting cultivators who could not use them, the value was limited.
Selling such items to large sects also carried great risk. Powerful cultivators only needed to suspect that one had obtained treasures in the secret realm to justify killing them.
Thus, Lin Chang’an—this Core Formation cultivator who usually resided on Celestial Spring Peak—was actually a good buyer.
A direct transaction could be completed instantly, after which the seller could immediately flee.
“Sigh, being a drifting cultivator really is troublesome.”
Setting down his spirit tea, Lin Chang’an shook his head.
Even though he was technically a Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, he was essentially no different from a drifting cultivator.
For a sect like Xuanyin Pavilion, the help they could provide him was already quite limited.
“Once that Fairy of Rainbow Skirt leaves seclusion, she will likely come to visit as well.”
A Third-rank Mid-grade Formation Master was definitely worth Xuanyin Pavilion investing more resources into.
Even if they could not bind him fully to the sect, they would still treat him extremely well.
“Perhaps I can use this opportunity to test the truth about the secret realm in Cloudmist Mountain Range of Yue Kingdom.”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered.
What secrets did the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine secret realm truly contain?
Only Xuanyin Pavilion and the Palace of Blazing Fire knew.
The Wang Clan had merely picked up a lucky opportunity. The two great sects were the ones who truly understood the secret realm—especially Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.
He had heard that she had personally participated back then.
……
Five Dragon Island Marketplace.
Once Xuanyin Pavilion’s Many Treasures Pavilion released the news that a Third-rank Mid-grade Grand Formation was available for trade, countless Core Formation cultivators were immediately stirred.
Third-rank formations were usually consumed internally by major factions and rarely sold externally.
The description of the Heavenfire Grand Formation particularly attracted those Core Formation cultivators who wished to take a gamble in the secret realm.
Lin Chang’an’s move had truly struck at the core of their desires.
However, once they saw the exchange conditions proposed by Lin Chang’an, most cultivators sighed helplessly.
Indeed—there was no such thing as free gain in this world.
Meanwhile, the instigator behind everything had already returned to his cave abode.
……
Celestial Spring Peak, inside the Earthfire Cavern.
“By now the outside world should have taken notice. Those with treasures will naturally come to visit. Those without can only sigh helplessly.”
Lin Chang’an remained calm.
As a noble Formation Master, he simply needed to wait for people to come to him.
Even if they did not bring the specific items he requested, anyone wishing to visit him would still need to present something that could tempt him.
“However, what I must do now is refine jade bottles to seal demonic energy.”
Lin Chang’an tapped his Storage Pouch, and a piece of pitch-black Sinister Spirit Jade appeared before him, radiating dense Yin energy.
Jade-type spiritual materials were difficult to refine and required extremely precise control of pill fire.
Lin Chang’an took a deep breath. The next moment, strands of pill fire slowly flowed from his mouth and began refining the spirit jade.
Meanwhile, his two avatars worked simultaneously.
One stood before the formation platform forming hand seals to control the earthfire, while the other melted additional materials.
With two avatars assisting him, the refining speed increased dramatically.
Three days later.
On the formation platform, three masses of spirit jade had softened. With the addition of materials and various hand seals, three bottles gradually took shape.
These were neither magical artifacts nor magical weapons—merely containers.
Thus, the process did not require excessive complexity.
Sometimes, the more something returned to simplicity, the more practical it became.
“Finally finished.”
As the red-hot jade bottles cooled and revealed their original appearance, Lin Chang’an smiled with satisfaction.
The three jade bottles were entirely black, radiating dense Yin energy.
Exquisite formation runes were carved upon their surfaces.
“Master!”
The Wind-Chirp Bird perched upon the dark Fusang Divine Tree immediately revealed excitement upon seeing the completed bottles.
At last the annoying demonic energy could be cleared again.
“Alright. Next we continue removing the demonic energy.”
Lin Chang’an’s expression turned serious as he waved his hand, placing the three jade bottles at the Formation Core.
Three Sun-Piercing Divine Swords flew from his sleeve, transforming into golden light and merging with the Fusang Divine Tree.
Amid the joyful cries of the Wind-Chirp Bird, the speed of cleansing the black demonic energy increased noticeably.
The demonic energy flowed through the formation and slowly entered the jade bottles, where it was sealed.
……
While Lin Chang’an entered seclusion to cultivate, news about the Third-rank Mid-grade Formation Master spread rapidly.
Main Peak of Xuanyin Pavilion.
“Sect Master, what is Elder Lin planning?”
Liu Ruyu hesitated before asking.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, seated at the head position, sighed gently and shook her head.
“Earlier, Fellow Daoist Lin already transmitted a message to me. Do you know how many resources are required to support a Third-rank Mid-grade Formation Master?”
If he had merely been a newly advanced Third-rank Formation Master, Xuanyin Pavilion could still support him with its foundation.
But Lin Chang’an was now a Third-rank Mid-grade Formation Master, and Xuanyin Pavilion did not even possess a Third-rank High-grade Formation Inheritance.
Therefore, Lin Chang’an trading externally was entirely reasonable.
“Sect Master, I’m just worried that once the hundred-year term ends, Elder Lin may leave.”
Liu Ruyu sighed.
A Third-rank Formation Master with a Third-rank Early-stage spirit pet—if Lin Chang’an departed, Xuanyin Pavilion’s losses would be considerable.
“One hundred years…”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s gaze shifted.
When she had first invited Lin Chang’an, the agreement had been for exactly one hundred years.
After that, Lin Chang’an would be free.
At that time, Xuanyin Pavilion might have nothing capable of keeping him.
“Sect Master…”
Liu Ruyu hesitated again before raising her head toward her sect master and senior sister.
“There might still be an opportunity. Over the years, you and Elder Lin have had very pleasant discussions and often visit Celestial Spring Peak to discuss the Dao.
Both you and Elder Lin possess firm Dao hearts. If by chance you became Dao companions, perhaps you could support each other along the path.”
In the cultivation world, such Dao companion partnerships for mutual cultivation were not uncommon.
Thus Liu Ruyu spoke cautiously.
“And with Elder Lin’s status—”
Before she could finish, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt glared at her, startling Liu Ruyu into silence.
However, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s ears had already turned slightly red.