Chapter 313: The Ghost Disaster Is Also an Opportunity
Celestial Spring Peak.
After returning, Lin Chang’an sat inside the pavilion. When he saw the Voice-recording Talisman left outside his cave abode, the worry in his heart finally dissipated.
“As long as nothing happened, that’s good.”
Looking at the jade talisman left by Yun Yao, Lin Chang’an could not help but let out a sigh of relief. The tense expression on his face also eased considerably.
“Brother Lin, I was responsible for receiving support at the outer perimeter of the Secret Realm. I never expected that I would luckily escape disaster. Now the Secret Realm has already turned into a Ghost Domain. Even the number of Third-rank Sinister Spirits is quite large…”
In the recording, Yun Yao’s voice clearly carried the relief of surviving a calamity. At the same time, she reminded Lin Chang’an not to easily go there.
At the end, Yun Yao even let out a somewhat schadenfreude-filled cold laugh. It was obvious that the demonic sect had suffered heavy losses this time. Even the Mystic Yin Ancestor had been injured.
“A mid-stage Nascent Soul Shape-shifting Sinister Spirit Beast King!”
After reading the more detailed intelligence, Lin Chang’an could not help but feel shocked.
At the same time, this exposed many suspicious points.
Back then, the Sinister Soul Sect possessed two Nascent Soul cultivators and even had them within their own sect. How exactly did the sect still end up destroyed?
A single Fourth-rank mid-stage Sinister Spirit Beast King was not enough strength to accomplish that.
“However, these matters are no longer something I can get involved in. Right now the Secret Realm has turned into a Ghost Domain, and the casualties were so severe. The border situation will likely remain tense for quite some time.”
Although he did not understand the schemes of those Nascent Soul experts, according to the intelligence obtained from Yun Yao, several Nascent Soul old demons had suffered considerable losses.
“For the time being, it’s best to honestly remain in my cave abode and cultivate in seclusion.”
Regarding what had happened in the Secret Realm, Lin Chang’an secretly felt fortunate. Fortunately, he possessed several skills and did not lack ordinary cultivation resources.
Otherwise, just like other ordinary Core Formation cultivators, he might not have been able to resist taking the risk.
Wealth could be sought amidst danger, but it could also be lost amidst danger.
No one could claim that their luck would remain good forever.
“Master, the information on the island has already been investigated.”
At that moment, the Sword Attendant returned from outside. With a solemn expression, she began reporting the current situation outside.
“Right now countless foreign cultivators on the island are in panic, especially those whose relatives and friends perished here. There are also many cultivators who came to explore the Secret Realm preparing to leave…”
After listening to the Sword Attendant’s report, Lin Chang’an could not help but nod secretly.
The Secret Realm had become a Ghost Domain. The temptation that had attracted these foreign cultivators was gone, so naturally the countless cultivators gathered here would choose to leave.
This actually had one benefit: Five Dragon Island would gradually return to its previous calm instead of the current chaotic turmoil.
There were also disadvantages.
The income sources of the major factions on Five Dragon Island over the past years would likely be cut in half.
Especially during his previous mission guarding merchant ships, he clearly knew how many resources Xuanyin Pavilion had purchased this time.
“For so many years everyone has become accustomed to earning Spirit Stones this way. Once that income disappears, the conflicts long suppressed among the major factions will likely resurface.”
The Four Seas Merchant Guild, the Long Clan, and Xuanyin Pavilion had only set aside their grievances because there were too many foreign cultivators and because their interests aligned.
“However, I cannot interfere in the struggles of these major forces. It’s better to focus on cultivation.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head. He neither had the ability nor the desire to interfere in such turbulent circumstances.
Instead, he might as well digest the gains from his trip to Sea Abyss City.
“During this trip to Sea Abyss City I purchased quite a lot of materials. With them, I can refine more than ten bottles of mid-grade Third-rank pills.”
【Mid-grade Third-rank Alchemist (Proficient 353/1000)】
Looking at his progress in alchemy, Lin Chang’an revealed a satisfied smile.
With his current level as a mid-grade Third-rank alchemist, combined with the pills he would refine this time, breaking through to the Mid Core Formation stage would not be far away.
…
While Lin Chang’an cultivated peacefully in his cave abode and secretly had his avatar Alchemist Wen refine pills for him, the turmoil caused by the Secret Realm turning into a Ghost Domain continued.
The Nascent Soul Shape-shifting Sinister Spirit Beast King trapped within the Ghost Domain was connected to the Yin Vein of Sinister Soul Island and could not leave.
However, it could command lower-rank Sinister Spirits.
Soon nearly a hundred Core Formation-level Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings led countless low-level Sinister Spirit ghosts, rampaging through nearby sea regions and gathering living souls to strengthen themselves.
Several surrounding sea regions were affected, including Five Dragon Island, Star Pole Island, and even the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
The Sinister Spirit ghosts broke through Spiritual Islands, slaughtering cultivators and mortals alike.
For a time, fear spread everywhere.
Originally, after the Secret Realm shattered, many goods had become unsellable.
Yet because of the ghost disaster, the market suddenly became lively again.
…
Five Dragon Island.
“Elder, the ghost disaster has erupted. The sea region within a hundred li around Sinister Soul Island is now completely covered in ghostly aura, forming a Ghost Domain. Panic is spreading throughout the surrounding sea regions.”
After the Enforcement Hall of Bihai Palace conducted investigations and reported the intelligence, everyone present had extremely solemn expressions.
Although the Shape-shifting Sinister Spirit Beast King on Sinister Soul Island could not leave, its impact on the surrounding sea regions was still significant.
Among the five people respectfully reporting below, one of them was Hu Jin.
The Sixth Elder seated at the head, however, remained calm.
“Your concerns are not unreasonable. But your vision is somewhat shallow. This so-called ghost disaster does not require Bihai Palace to waste its strength. There are naturally people who will resolve the trouble for us.”
The five people looked at one another, confusion evident in their expressions.
The Sixth Elder was in an unusually good mood and waved his hand as he explained.
“In the cultivation world, ghost-controlling and puppet-refining techniques are not exclusive to the Sinister Soul Sect. There are also those Ghost Cultivators hiding deep within the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
These people are all watching eagerly.
In truth, nothing in the cultivation world is truly useless.
Although Sinister Spirits are useless to most cultivators, to certain cultivators they are extremely valuable.”
With a calm expression, the Sixth Elder thought of the arrangements already made by the Second Palace Master.
Soon, various ghost-controlling and puppet-refining secret techniques and cultivation methods would spread throughout the surrounding sea regions.
A ghost disaster was called a disaster because hunting Sinister Spirits brought little reward for great effort. Most cultivators avoided them.
Everyone only cared about protecting their own interests, which allowed the disaster to expand.
However, if these Sinister Spirits became as attractive as demon beasts…
Then Bihai Palace would not even need to act. Countless cultivators would naturally hunt them in the surrounding sea regions.
“Ghost disaster? Hmph… they are merely cultivation resources on the path of cultivation.”
The Sixth Elder smiled faintly.
“Sixth Elder is wise!”
Just as the five people revealed expressions of admiration, the short figure of Master Tan appeared outside the hall.
Immediately the five tactfully lowered their heads, cupped their hands in salute, and slowly withdrew.
The Sixth Elder also noticed the figure outside.
Master Tan had a short stature, upturned nostrils, and only a sparse tuft of yellow hair on his head.
“This subordinate Tan Hai greets the Sixth Elder!”
Others believed Master Tan was merely a sycophant.
Yet whenever he faced the Sixth Elder, his expression was solemn. He did not dare waste the favor granted through his elder sister.
Looking at the rigid Master Tan, the Sixth Elder revealed a rare hint of satisfaction.
Though his appearance was lacking, his dedication was admirable.
His actions over the years were far better than most others.
“Reporting to the Sixth Elder, this subordinate discovered a mid-grade Third-rank Formation Master on Five Dragon Island. He may possibly assist the Sixth Elder.”
Hearing this report, the Sixth Elder let out a surprised sound and showed rare curiosity.
Formation Masters were difficult to find.
Especially Third-rank ones.
“A mid-grade Third-rank Formation Master… rare indeed. If the formation masters within the sea palace could move freely, I would not have spent so many years searching.”
Master Tan respectfully unfolded a jade slip.
A light projection appeared, revealing a portrait.
The person shown was Lin Chang’an.
“Lin Chang’an, formerly a drifting cultivator of Yue Kingdom… met Su Miaoyin, the daughter of Elder Lu, in Tianxuan City. His talent in the path of formations was discovered…”
As Master Tan continued his introduction, the Sixth Elder stroked his long beard. Then he seemed to recall something and revealed a look of realization.
“I remember now. This is the junior who formed his Core in Haiyuan City.
I did not expect that a casual chess piece placed back then would become an unexpected gain.
Reforging the Core and cultivating anew—quite bold.
Core Formation at one hundred thirty-nine years old. Suspected to have already mastered Third-rank formation techniques before forming his Core.
At one hundred ninety years old, he comprehended the mid-grade Third-rank level in formations.”
The Sixth Elder nodded slightly.
Although Lin Chang’an’s cultivation level was somewhat lacking, his talent in formations was indeed impressive.
“In that case, this person has hope of reaching the high-grade Third-rank Formation Master level within a hundred years.”
Hearing these words, Master Tan secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
He had finally accomplished something significant for his elder sister before the Sixth Elder.
“Reporting to the Sixth Elder, judging from Lin’s cultivation journey, his determination is extremely strong. Combined with his talent in formations, he absolutely has hope of reaching high-grade Third-rank within a hundred years, before that place opens.”
Master Tan spoke excitedly.
For years he had helped his sister earn Spirit Stones through the merchant guild, but those were trivial matters.
Helping the Sixth Elder with something important was what truly mattered.
“That place? It seems you know quite a lot.”
The Sixth Elder suddenly glanced meaningfully at him.
Master Tan’s face instantly turned pale.
“This subordinate deserves death!”
“Enough. I have spent the last hundred years searching for Third-rank Formation Masters. It was bound to attract attention.”
The Sixth Elder waved his hand indifferently.
However, when he looked again at Lin Chang’an’s information, he shook his head.
“These wandering cultivators… even after discovering their talent in formations, they waste time drawing talismans for petty profits. A complete waste of their talent.”
According to the intelligence records, Lin Chang’an was a mid-grade Third-rank Formation Master.
Meanwhile Xuanyin Pavilion had secretly collected Third-rank talisman materials, suggesting Lin Chang’an’s Talisman Path had also reached the Third-rank level.
Master Tan understood this.
It was not that Lin Chang’an wanted to waste his talent.
It was simply that wandering cultivators had a difficult life.
“His cultivation level is still somewhat weak. That place requires greater strength.”
The Sixth Elder shook his head.
Among wandering cultivators, finding a Third-rank Formation Master whose strength also matched was extremely rare.
In all these years he had only found three suitable candidates.
The others were like Lin Chang’an—only possessing potential.
To enter that Secret Realm, at least five high-grade Third-rank Formation Masters were required.
And their strength had to be sufficient.
“Hopefully he will not disappoint me.”
The Sixth Elder waved his hand casually, and a bundle of jade slips flew out of his storage pouch.
“Since you found him, you will handle this matter.”
“Many thanks, Sixth Elder!”
Holding the jade slips, Master Tan revealed an excited expression.
If this matter succeeded and Lin Chang’an advanced to high-grade Third-rank Formation Master within a hundred years, who would dare mock his sister in the future?
…
【Lifespan: 193 / 607】
【Realm: Early Core Formation (77/100)】
Outside, wind and snow howled.
Yet within Celestial Spring Peak, the spirit plants radiated powerful vitality.
The Azure-Horned Ox lazily lay inside the cold pool, constantly absorbing the spiritual energy rising from the bottom and strands of demonic energy for cultivation.
Inside the cave abode, Lin Chang’an was holding his breath in concentration.
With a Spirit Brush in hand, he moved it across Third-rank talisman paper like a dragon flying and phoenix dancing.
In a single continuous motion, the final stroke landed.
At the center of the talisman appeared an ancient character “Armor”.
Spiritual light instantly burst forth.
“Mid-grade Third-rank Spirit Armor Talisman!”
Looking at his masterpiece, Lin Chang’an revealed a satisfied smile.
Once activated, the talisman would form an extremely sturdy mana shield in front of him.
【Mid-grade Third-rank Talisman Master (Proficient 298/1000)】
After setting down the Spirit Brush, Lin Chang’an nodded with satisfaction at his progress in the Talisman Path.
At that moment, a stream of light flashed inside the cave abode.
It was his avatar Alchemist Wen returning from the Earthfire Cavern.
Twelve bottles of pills were neatly placed on the table.
They were the pills refined using the Earthfire Chamber borrowed from Xuanyin Pavilion.
“These twelve bottles of mid-grade Third-rank pills are enough to help me break through to the Mid Core Formation stage soon.”
Looking at the pills, Lin Chang’an nodded secretly.
Previously, because of the Secret Realm situation, he had urgently wanted to increase his strength for safety.
Now that the Secret Realm had turned into a Ghost Domain, it might not necessarily be safe either.
In the cultivation world, strength was everything.
Improving one’s strength was never a loss.
“For these pills, my entire savings are almost gone.”
After returning from Sea Abyss City, Lin Chang’an had rarely been this poor.
All his wealth combined amounted to less than two thousand Mid-grade Spirit Stones.
“The materials for Ice Marrow Jade Liquid Spirit Wine can be slowly gathered by the people below. With these pills assisting me now, I will enter seclusion and strive to break through to Mid Core Formation within ten years.”
Just as Lin Chang’an looked at the twelve bottles of pills and prepared for closed-door cultivation, a familiar figure suddenly appeared outside the cave abode.
“Fellow Daoist Lin.”
Master Tan.
After sensing the cultivator’s aura outside his cave abode, Lin Chang’an was stunned.
Why had this person come from Sea Abyss City?
Previously when he visited Sea Abyss City, he had planned to pay a visit, but Master Tan had been away.
Unexpectedly, he had now come to Five Dragon Island.
Quite a rare guest.
Since this person had connections and Lin Chang’an had earned quite a few Spirit Stones through the merchant guild over the years, he naturally had to receive him well.
…
Celestial Spring Peak.
“Fellow Daoist Tan, last year when I visited Sea Abyss City I intended to visit you, but you were not at your cave abode. I never expected you would be on Five Dragon Island.”
After opening the formation, Lin Chang’an revealed a slightly apologetic expression, as though he felt guilty for not knowing his guest was on the island.
However, Master Tan waved his hand dismissively and laughed.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, this time is a tremendous opportunity for you!”
Opportunity!
And a tremendous one at that!?
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang’an instantly became alert.
He looked at the other party in astonishment.
This routine felt strangely familiar.
Back in Bamboo Mountain Marketplace, Fellow Daoist Ge had used the exact same line to lure him out of the marketplace.