Chapter 306: Empty-handedly Trapping the White Wolf
Celestial Spring Peak.
“Should Formation Master Lin be willing to take action, we promise that among all items obtained within the Secret Realm, Fellow Daoist Lin may choose first.”
On this day, two more Core Formation cultivators arrived, bringing treasures in hopes of exchanging them for this set of the Heavenfire Grand Formation. However, the value of their offerings still fell short.
The two even proposed that Lin Chang’an join them in exploring the Secret Realm when the time came. The formation would still belong to Lin Chang’an, and the treasures would likewise be gifted to him.
Looking at the calculations written plainly across the faces of the two before him, Lin Chang’an chuckled lightly and said:
“If Lin were to leave the mountain, it would not be impossible. But at that time, Lin would also invite the three fellow Daoists from the Enforcement Hall of Bihai Palace, as well as Core Formation fellow Daoists from the Long Clan and the Xuanyin Pavilion.
After all, the Secret Realm of the Sinister Soul Sect is filled with perilous dangers. And since I am not adept at slaughter, having a few more fellow Daoists would increase the chances of success.”
With those casual words from Lin Chang’an, the expressions of the two immediately turned awkward.
With so many additional people involved, especially those from Bihai Palace, even if there were real benefits, how could it possibly be their turn?
At once, the two understood the rejection hidden within Lin Chang’an’s words.
Afterward, they could only clasp their hands helplessly in farewell and leave. Celestial Spring Peak returned to tranquility once again.
Inside the pavilion, watching the two figures disappear, Lin Chang’an could not help but smile irritably.
“Do I really look that foolish? They even tried to drag me into their mess.”
Besides, he had no relationship with these people whatsoever. If any real treasure appeared, he would certainly be the first to be excluded.
Only a fool would wade into such muddy waters.
“Master, those people clearly had impure intentions.”
The Sword Attendant beside him revealed a trace of baleful energy. If her strength were sufficient, she would definitely have made those two pay.
Seeing the Sword Attendant’s concern for him, Lin Chang’an smiled lightly and waved his hand to reassure her.
Ever since he had listed the Mid-grade Third-rank Heavenfire Grand Formation for trade, the number of cultivators visiting over the past three years had been overwhelming.
Some were decent enough, sincerely visiting to purchase the formation, though they lacked anything that caught his interest and thus left empty-handed.
But most of them either tried to entice him with promises of profit or attempted to persuade him to explore Secret Realms together. Some even wanted to take the formation on credit first.
They were willing to sign a Spirit Contract, promising that once they obtained treasures from the Secret Realm, he would be allowed to choose first, along with countless other guarantees.
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could only shake his head.
These people truly wanted to trap a white wolf with empty hands, casting a line whether there were dates on the branch or not.
Did they really think such temptations could shake his resolve?
“The cultivation world never lacks temptations. Once your heart becomes clouded, it becomes easy to fall for them.”
After the Sword Attendant poured tea for him, Lin Chang’an spoke, instructing her to strengthen her Dao heart.
In truth, Lin Chang’an could understand.
After all, not everyone in the cultivation world possessed immense fortune like he did, with a clear direction ahead.
Those who had cultivated to the Core Formation Realm were naturally no fools. Yet every step of advancement in this realm was extremely difficult. Thus, when facing many temptations—
Even knowing the dangers involved, how many could truly give them up willingly?
Danger might be everywhere, but there was still a sliver of opportunity. If one did not go, then they would simply grow old in obscurity.
Thus, most people would rather take the gamble. At that time, it became a contest of schemes and abilities.
While one party plotted against others, others were plotting just as well.
Such was the normal state of the cultivation world.
“Thank you for Master’s guidance.”
The Sword Attendant nodded respectfully, memorizing every word Lin Chang’an spoke as a principle for her own cultivation.
Her greatest strengths were her extraordinary talent and her obedience, which made Lin Chang’an quite satisfied.
However, ever since she had broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage two years ago, the baleful energy within her body seemed to have grown even stronger.
Or rather, the shackles of her human-beast hybrid bloodline had become increasingly powerful.
“Ling’er, how have things been recently?”
When the topic turned to her own condition, a trace of unwillingness appeared in the Sword Attendant’s eyes. Yet she still lowered her head and said solemnly:
“Master, the baleful energy within this servant’s body has become increasingly violent. Its influence grows stronger. Even the slightest emotional fluctuation will trigger the baleful energy…”
Listening to her explanation, Lin Chang’an slowly placed his hand on the Sword Attendant’s lower abdomen.
As his Xuantian mana entered her body, he could directly sense the condition of the mana within her dantian.
Within the Sword Attendant’s liquid mana was mixed the baleful energy of the demon race, causing her mana to become impure.
“No wonder human-beast hybrids are called a curse. Even with the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body, the bloodline still imposes shackles.”
As Lin Chang’an frowned slightly while sensing the increasingly severe bloodline restriction, the Sword Attendant lowered her gaze. In her dim heterochromatic eyes appeared deep unwillingness and stubborn determination.
Her hands clenched tightly.
She had finally seen hope with great difficulty. Why must she fall from the peak into the abyss once again?
Core Formation!
If she could not form her Golden Core, she would never be able to help her master, nor remain by his side forever…
While Lin Chang’an examined her condition, he also sensed her low spirits.
The Sword Attendant seemed to notice as well and hurriedly lowered her head even further.
“Master, this servant is incompetent!”
Looking at the Sword Attendant asking for punishment, Lin Chang’an gently shook his head and comforted her:
“This may not necessarily be a bad thing.”
For this human-beast hybrid constitution, Lin Chang’an had already gained some understanding.
Under the control of his Xuantian mana, he could indeed allow the Sword Attendant to continue cultivating.
However, the demonic baleful energy within her body was becoming increasingly dense. His Xuantian mana purification could only treat the symptoms, not the root cause.
When the Sword Attendant heard that her physique might still have hope, her eyes lit up.
Lin Chang’an raised his hand, and a bundle of jade slips appeared upon the stone table.
“Human-beast hybrids produce impure mana due to the mutual interference of two bloodlines…”
Pointing at the ancient texts he had studied over the past two years, Lin Chang’an fell into deep thought.
The Sword Attendant’s Heavenly Spirit Sword Body was crucial for his future Nascent Soul path. Naturally, he would not abandon it.
Moreover, over these years he had witnessed her temperament and loyalty to him.
“The fusion of these two types of mana may be impure, but it could also be an opportunity. Ancient records state that during the primordial era, there were powerful human-beast hybrid cultivators who broke through their bloodline shackles, unleashing immense strength and eventually becoming Deity Transformation cultivators who ascended…”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered.
He did not know how those ancient experts solved their bloodline problems.
But the impurity of the two types of mana reminded him of the mutation process of the Azure-Horned Ox.
The awakening and fusion of bloodlines were extremely similar to the bloodlines of human-beast hybrids.
Or rather, the impure mana of human-beast hybrids existed because the fusion of their bloodlines was incomplete, thus producing the shackles of bloodline conflict.
This reminded Lin Chang’an of demonic energy.
Originally, the Azure-Horned Ox had been normal.
But after accidentally ingesting demonic energy, the dormant bloodline within it awakened and even showed signs of ancestral reversion, ultimately leading to mutation.
“It seems the function of demonic energy is greater than I imagined.”
Lin Chang’an looked at the Sword Attendant while silently contemplating.
By the same logic, if demonic energy were used to stimulate the bloodlines within her body and force them to merge, then the shackles in the Sword Attendant’s bloodline could be fundamentally resolved.
It was as though her human-beast hybrid bloodline existed in a stable but constrained state. Demonic energy could disrupt and agitate the two bloodlines.
Though the process would be extremely dangerous, his Xuantian mana could purify the violent fluctuations from the bloodline, allowing the two bloodlines to merge peacefully.
“Master!”
The Sword Attendant stood respectfully before Lin Chang’an.
A smile appeared on Lin Chang’an’s face as he gently stroked her hair.
“In the future, cultivate together with me. Perhaps there will be a chance to resolve your problem.”
“Yes, Master!”
The Sword Attendant clasped her hands excitedly. In her mind, the words of her master had never contained the possibility of doubt.
Even for a troublesome problem like a human-beast hybrid bloodline, she held not the slightest suspicion.
If Lin Chang’an said it, she believed it.
…
【Lifespan: 188 / 607】
【Realm: Early Core Formation (66 / 100)】
After long-term cleansing of his body with demonic energy and nurturing his spiritual root aptitude to the Earth-grade Spiritual Root level, his cultivation speed had increased significantly.
From the earlier growth of three experience points every two years, it had now increased to two points per year.
This made Lin Chang’an nod inwardly in satisfaction.
“At this rate of cultivation, I should break through to mid Core Formation slightly past two hundred years old.”
That was without using cultivation-enhancing pills or heaven-and-earth treasures.
Such cultivation speed also made Lin Chang’an sigh inwardly.
No wonder the prodigies of sects or the talented disciples of Nascent Soul experts cultivated so quickly.
Those people either possessed Heavenly Spirit Roots, Earth-grade Spiritual Roots, or various powerful spiritual bodies. Their cultivation speed was no slower than Heavenly Spirit Roots.
In the Beast Sea Abyss, cultivators who formed their Golden Core before one hundred years old and reached late Core Formation around two hundred years old were not unheard of.
In fact, throughout the history of the cultivation world, there were many cultivators who formed their Nascent Soul at just over two hundred years old.
As long as such people did not fall midway, they would inevitably become patriarchs of great powers, demonic overlords, or even ascend to the Deity Transformation Realm.
“Compared with those prodigies, I was far behind at first. But after all these years of catching up, my talent has finally reached their level.”
Thinking of this, determination flashed in Lin Chang’an’s eyes.
At his current cultivation speed, he would reach mid Core Formation around two hundred years old and late Core Formation around three hundred years old.
At that time, he could begin planning for Nascent Soul.
“Master!”
Inside the Earthfire Cavern, upon the enormous Fusang Divine Tree, the Wind-Chirp Bird flew down. Its body rapidly shrank, revealing a flattering expression.
“Good. You’re finally about to break through to mid third-rank.”
Stretching out a finger to tease the bird, Lin Chang’an smiled with satisfaction.
Three years had passed, and the aura of the Wind-Chirp Bird had become complete and full. This time, it truly seemed ready to break through.
However, the cunning bird noticed that its master was in a good mood today and immediately said:
“Master, give me a demon core to nourish myself. At most two months and I will definitely break through.”
What a request.
It opened its mouth asking directly for a third-rank Demon Core.
Lin Chang’an laughed helplessly.
“You really dare to ask. Do you know how expensive a third-rank Demon Core is?”
“Master, I haven’t eaten a demon core for nourishment in decades. Every day I just stay on this tree…”
Seeing the pitiful look on the Wind-Chirp Bird, Lin Chang’an shook his head helplessly.
He did not know who this bird had learned from. It truly would not act without profit.
For demon beasts, devouring demon cores to increase cultivation was the same as human cultivators seeking heaven-and-earth treasures.
“Fine. No third-rank Demon Core. But here are some spirit stones. Make do with them.”
Knowing the bird’s sly nature, Lin Chang’an understood it was merely bargaining.
Sure enough, when he took out a pouch of Spirit Stones, the Wind-Chirp Bird’s eyes immediately sparkled.
“Master, don’t worry. In two months, I will definitely break through.”
The bird excitedly grabbed a Spirit Stone and swallowed it whole.
Only demon beasts possessed the teeth and physique capable of directly devouring Spirit Stones and refining their bodies.
The remaining stones were carried back to its nest. It dumped them into a pile and then shrank its body before lying comfortably on the pile of Spirit Stones.
Though Lin Chang’an had long grown accustomed to this sight, every time he saw it he still felt a strange sense of incongruity.
He had only heard of demon beasts with dragon bloodlines liking shiny things. This was the first time he had seen a bird with the same habit.
Shaking his head, Lin Chang’an turned his attention toward the Fusang Divine Tree.
“Three years… the fourth Sun-Piercing Divine Sword has finally been purified.”
With a wave of his hand, four golden lights detached from the Fusang Divine Tree and flew before him.
The golden glow within the tree faded, and countless Spirit Stones fell like rain. The Wind-Chirp Bird simply flapped its wings and gathered them neatly again.
Lin Chang’an smiled as four ancient golden-patterned swords floated around him.
Their ancient aura carried the traces of time.
“With my current mid Core Formation divine sense, I can control at most six life-bound magical artifacts simultaneously.”
Magical artifacts were not necessarily stronger in greater numbers.
When controlling six swords, their precision would naturally be inferior to controlling three or four.
In extreme battles, even the slightest mistake could lead to defeat.
But single swords had their uses, and sets of multiple swords had their own advantages.
“Unfortunately, at least twelve life-bound magical artifacts are needed to form even a rudimentary sword formation.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head.
Still, he was extremely satisfied with his life-bound magical artifacts.
Individually they were powerful, containing the divine ability of the Golden Flame Divine Fire. When used together they could form a powerful sword formation.
More importantly, they compensated for the elemental weaknesses of his cultivation method.
“Using wood to control fire, my abilities will no longer be restrained by elemental counters.”
With a snap of his fingers, a flame appeared at his fingertip, while a mana shield formed before him.
Previously, his shield would be suppressed by metal or fire attacks, reducing its defensive power to only sixty or seventy percent.
But now, under the influence of his life-bound magical artifacts, the shield no longer feared fire or metal.
“Even ancient cultivation methods have weaknesses. The more extreme the power, the more obvious the counters.”
For example, powerful yin and demonic techniques were strongly suppressed by lightning, fire, and yang-based techniques.
“But with the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine as my life-bound spirit plant, once I cultivate the Xuantian Spirit Body, I will no longer fear elemental suppression.”
Thinking of the Xuantian Spirit Body, Lin Chang’an fell into contemplation.
The cultivation method required refining the body, mana, and spirit. Only after reaching late Core Formation in all three could this spiritual body be condensed.
Once formed, the ancient cultivation method would truly be mastered.
“The Xuantian Spirit Body has many wondrous uses. Increasing the probability of forming a Nascent Soul by thirty percent is only the most basic.”
Lin Chang’an smiled.
As for the treasures required to form the Nascent Soul—he would wait until he was stronger.
For now, he had no ability to obtain such treasures.