Chapter 314: The First Secret Realm of the Beast Sea Abyss
Celestial Spring Peak.
“Tán has come in advance to congratulate Fellow Daoist Lin. Who would have thought that you would suddenly reach the mid-grade Third-rank in the path of formations. My visit today is precisely to present Fellow Daoist Lin with a tremendous opportunity.”
Inside the pavilion, Lin Chang’an placed out Spirit Wine and Spirit Dishes to entertain True Master Tan.
Yet this man sat there smiling from ear to ear, constantly talking about a “tremendous opportunity.” Listening to it gave Lin Chang’an a headache.
What he feared most were these so-called opportunities mentioned by outsiders. If they were not traps, then they were filled with immense danger.
Otherwise, if it truly were such a tremendous opportunity, how could it possibly fall to him?
“Fellow Daoist Tan, you also know that Lin is merely a Drifting Cultivator with meager strength. I am truly not skilled in combat.”
Raising his wine cup, Lin Chang’an showed a look of embarrassment. Before the other party could even explain further, he directly pointed out that his strength was insufficient.
The implication was already very clear—if there truly was any opportunity, please refrain from mentioning it.
He was just a lone Drifting Cultivator who wished to cultivate peacefully and steadily.
Unexpectedly, after hearing this, True Master Tan not only showed no displeasure but instead raised his cup with a smile and drank it all in one gulp. Then he burst into laughter.
“Fellow Daoist Lin worries too much. Since Tan dared to come, I am confident that you will not refuse. Moreover, this opportunity does not require you to engage in combat. What is required is your ability in the path of formations.”
“Formations!?”
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang’an secretly sighed in relief. If it was only about formations, then it was manageable.
However, judging by the other party’s tone, they had likely discovered some Secret Realm or relic cave abode and needed his assistance.
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind. Refusing outright did not seem appropriate.
If they were inviting him to break formation restrictions at some cave abode relic, then he could simply break the formations and withdraw afterward.
He would not take any benefits at all. Surely the other party would not stop him from leaving.
With that thought, a trace of hesitation appeared on Lin Chang’an’s face. Finally, he clenched his teeth and nodded.
“If that is the case, Fellow Daoist Tan may speak freely. Lin promises not to take a single portion of the benefits. However, Lin will only be responsible for breaking formations. Whatever cave abode or relic it is, Lin will not involve himself further…”
Seeing Lin Chang’an like this, True Master Tan burst into laughter.
As expected, this Fellow Daoist Lin was extremely cautious. He would rather take no benefits than easily risk his life.
Tan could understand that. These Drifting Cultivators were cautious beyond compare.
Yet when the critical moment arrived—or when their lifespan was nearly exhausted—they were also more ruthless and desperate than anyone.
In summary, there was only one rule regarding Drifting Cultivators: do not offend them. If you do offend them, then eliminate them entirely.
Otherwise, these Drifting Cultivators were the most vindictive.
Some would even wait until their lifespan was nearly gone and they had nothing left to lose. At that point, they would come knocking on your door and commit some truly mad acts.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, rest assured. This matter does not involve Tan, but rather the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace…”
The moment True Master Tan mentioned the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace with a smile, Lin Chang’an’s expression changed repeatedly.
“I am merely a Core Formation Cultivator. Even if I have some methods in the path of formations, how could I compare with the foundation of Bihai Palace? Fellow Daoist Tan must be joking.”
The moment he heard that a Nascent Soul Cultivator was involved, Lin Chang’an’s face turned pale green.
He knew exactly how capable he was.
And with the foundation of Bihai Palace, not to mention Third-rank Formation Masters—even Fourth-rank ones certainly existed.
How could it possibly be his turn? There had to be some problem here.
Seeing Lin Chang’an’s nervous appearance, True Master Tan immediately realized the misunderstanding. Smiling, he waved his hand and began to explain.
After True Master Tan finished explaining the situation, Lin Chang’an’s expression shifted repeatedly.
“You are saying the First Secret Realm of the Beast Sea Abyss? And the Sixth Elder requires five high-grade Third-rank Formation Masters, whose strength also cannot be too weak?”
After hearing everything, Lin Chang’an felt numb.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, although this Secret Realm is known as the First Secret Realm of the Beast Sea Abyss and is indeed extremely dangerous, as long as you do not enter the final layer, the danger is not actually that great.
At that time, our Bihai Palace will also have Nascent Soul Cultivators entering to provide protection…”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an fell silent.
That was not the same thing at all.
If Nascent Soul Cultivators were providing protection, it did not mean there was no danger. On the contrary, it proved that the Secret Realm was filled with peril.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, you have already been here at Celestial Spring Peak for over fifty years now, have you not? There are not many years left before the hundred-year term.”
Noticing Lin Chang’an’s uneasy expression, True Master Tan suddenly remembered the key issue and awkwardly smiled.
He had become too carried away.
He had forgotten that Fellow Daoist Lin was not a cultivator of Bihai Palace. He was merely a Drifting Cultivator. Why would he willingly risk his life for Bihai Palace?
True Master Tan then casually changed the topic while drinking, glancing around at the beautiful scenery of Celestial Spring Peak.
Lin Chang’an naturally understood the implication.
After forming his Golden Core, he had signed a one-hundred-year Spirit Contract with Bihai Palace.
After one hundred years, Celestial Spring Peak would no longer belong to him.
“Fellow Daoist Lin possesses firm Dao Heart. You were even willing to perform Core Reforging and cultivate anew. When Tan first heard of it, I was filled with admiration. Precisely because of this, I believed that Fellow Daoist Lin would not miss this opportunity.”
“As long as Fellow Daoist Lin agrees, Bihai Palace’s records of Third-rank Formation Inheritance are extremely detailed. In addition, there are internal privileges of Bihai Palace.
You should be familiar with the Treasure Pavilion in Sea Abyss City. Some rare resources there are not accessible to outsiders…”
With a smile, True Master Tan slowly began listing the benefits.
Then he patted his Storage Pouch and took out a jade slip.
“Of course, whether Fellow Daoist Lin is willing or not, Bihai Palace still wishes to befriend you. After hearing of you, the Sixth Elder also expressed great admiration.
These two items—one is the Sixth Elder’s cultivation insights from the time he formed his Golden Core, and the other is the high-grade Third-rank Formation Inheritance you have long sought.”
After saying this, True Master Tan added with a smile:
“Furthermore, the Sixth Elder has promised that regardless of whether the Secret Realm expedition succeeds or fails, before entering the Secret Realm he will also present Fellow Daoist Lin with a set of insights on forming the Nascent Soul.”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an fell silent.
The benefits were indeed tempting.
High-grade Third-rank Formation Inheritance.
Core Formation cultivation insights from a Nascent Soul Cultivator.
And even insights on forming the Nascent Soul.
Any one of these three items would be a sect’s most guarded inheritance and would never be casually revealed.
Even many talented cultivators would find themselves tempted.
But Lin Chang’an had his own opportunities.
If he lacked formation inheritance, so be it. After all, he still had three avatars, and his speed of earning Spirit Stones was not slow.
As for Nascent Soul insights—he was only at the early Core Formation stage. Nascent Soul was still far away.
“Fellow Daoist Tan…”
Lin Chang’an hesitated.
What he hesitated over was how to refuse.
Refusing True Master Tan was easy, but behind him stood a Nascent Soul Cultivator. That made matters troublesome.
Seeing that Lin Chang’an was not tempted by the benefits, True Master Tan secretly praised him.
Such a firm Dao Heart.
But he did not believe the man would remain unmoved after the next point.
“Fellow Daoist Lin’s spiritual power is already surging. You will likely break through soon. And there are nearly one hundred years before the Secret Realm opens.
By that time, your cultivation may well advance further. When that time comes, would you not prepare for forming the Nascent Soul?”
True Master Tan spoke meaningfully.
To have the courage to perform Core Reforging and cultivate anew—and to still live like an ascetic cultivator after nearly two hundred years—this could only mean one thing.
A pursuit of the Nascent Soul path.
“Fellow Daoist Lin likely does not know the privileges of the Treasure Pavilion yet.”
At this point, True Master Tan showed a proud smile.
“The so-called Nascent Soul spirit items—our Treasure Pavilion is not without them. But they are not sold to outsiders.
And that Secret Realm—countless cultivators across the world wish to enter it, yet cannot even obtain the chance.
Now such an opportunity lies before you, and a Nascent Soul Cultivator will personally lead you in. There are Nascent Soul opportunities within the Secret Realm itself.”
True Master Tan’s words indeed stirred Lin Chang’an’s heart.
“What he says is true. The Secret Realm will only open in one hundred years. By then, even if I have not reached the late Core Formation stage, I should be close.”
Lin Chang’an fell into deep thought.
Nascent Soul spirit items were extremely difficult to obtain. Sooner or later he would have to risk his life to seek them.
This truly was an opportunity.
But the risks were equally immeasurable.
“Fellow Daoist Tan, I must admit, your words are very tempting.”
“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Lin. When the Secret Realm opened previously, you may inquire yourself. Our Bihai Palace elders also invited several Drifting Cultivators. Did they ever break their promises?
One of them is now already a quasi–Fourth-rank Formation Master. If not for his nearing lifespan limit, the Sixth Elder would not need to recruit again.”
Seeing True Master Tan’s frankness, Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly.
If there were precedents, then perhaps Bihai Palace was indeed sincere.
“May I ask, Fellow Daoist Tan? I am truly curious. If one does not enter the final layer of the Secret Realm, what exists in the outer areas that even Nascent Soul Cultivators cannot handle?”
Although Lin Chang’an did not know much about this First Secret Realm of the Beast Sea Abyss, he had heard some rumors.
The true treasures were in the inner hall, and every time it opened, blood flowed like rivers.
Seeing Lin Chang’an’s puzzled expression, True Master Tan knew that unless he explained clearly, the man would not agree.
After all, opportunities were precious, but one only had a single life.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, this is actually no great secret among the higher circles.”
After hesitating briefly, True Master Tan slowly revealed the truth.
Upon hearing it, Lin Chang’an’s expression shifted from shock to sudden realization.
Before reaching the final layer of the Secret Realm, there existed a maze.
Within that maze, yin and yang were reversed and the five elements constantly shifted. It was filled with dangers, yet also contained enormous opportunities.
Each Nascent Soul faction had its own familiar routes.
During its first two explorations, Bihai Palace discovered a formation restriction there.
At that time, the Nascent Soul Cultivators of Bihai Palace were not particularly skilled in formations and could only abandon it reluctantly—but they recorded it.
When the Secret Realm opened last time, they brought several formation cultivators. Though they only broke seventy percent of the restriction, they understood its mysteries.
This time, Bihai Palace had prepared thoroughly.
However, the current situation in the Beast Sea Abyss had become turbulent. Many of the palace’s formation masters had to guard various locations.
In addition, because of restrictions inside the Secret Realm, the Sixth Elder began searching among Drifting Cultivators for formation masters nearly one hundred years ago.
“The restrictions within the maze prevent overly powerful attacks. If such attacks erupt, one will be forcibly teleported out…”
Hearing about this restriction, Lin Chang’an finally understood.
Yet inwardly he sneered.
Formation Masters were strategic resources. Bihai Palace likely feared other factions targeting their own formation masters.
Thus they selected Drifting Cultivators.
To put it plainly—they were consumable tools.
He understood this perfectly.
But there was likely one truth: the restrictions within the maze.
Otherwise, with the divine abilities of Nascent Soul Cultivators, brute force might have sufficed.
“Fellow Daoist Lin may consider carefully. However, there is something Tan can tell you in advance.
When the Secret Realm opens next time, Bihai Palace will be led personally by the Chief Elder, the Sixth Elder, and True Lord Lu.
If you miss this opportunity, the next chance will only come after another three hundred years. And forming the Nascent Soul does not wait for anyone.”
“Oh, and even if Fellow Daoist Lin agrees, you must break through to become a high-grade Third-rank Formation Master within one hundred years. If not, even if you wish to go, you may not have the opportunity.”
True Master Tan’s meaningful smile carried an obvious implication.
If Lin Chang’an accepted the benefits but failed to reach the required level, he might end up selling himself to Bihai Palace.
Afterward, True Master Tan cupped his hands and departed.
…
Watching him leave, Lin Chang’an’s gaze flickered as he began to ponder the opportunity Tan had brought.
“What he said is true. Nascent Soul spirit items are extremely rare. If the Secret Realm opened now, I would definitely not go.
But it will open in one hundred years. If I miss this chance, where else would I find Nascent Soul spirit items?”
As far as he knew, whenever such items appeared, they inevitably triggered bloody conflicts.
The risks might not be any smaller.
“Third-rank Formation Inheritance… Nascent Soul insights… and internal resources of the Treasure Pavilion…”
Even Lin Chang’an felt tempted.
Not to mention the other promises.
As long as he did not perish, the position of Master of Celestial Spring Peak would remain his.
And there were also the Sixth Elder’s insights on Core Formation cultivation.
Each of these seemed designed to strengthen them before the Secret Realm opened.
“This matter requires careful consideration. At the very least, I must first investigate the Secret Realm.”
Lin Chang’an sighed and rubbed his brow helplessly.
What kind of situation was this?
He had just planned to enter seclusion to break through to the mid Core Formation stage.
Yet someone suddenly appeared and told him there was an opportunity to form the Nascent Soul.
Damn it!
“During the previous opening of the Secret Realm, Blood Fiend True Lord also participated. Although the memories are incomplete, every fragment reveals its danger.”
The divine ability Sword Shadow at Will that he cultivated was obtained by Blood Fiend True Lord from that Secret Realm.
Yet within those memories also existed Blood Fiend True Lord’s envy and yearning for Nascent Soul Cultivators.
Those protected by Nascent Soul experts clearly had far easier lives.
“Perhaps I should ask Yun Yao. The Mystic Yin Divine Sect likely knows far more about this Secret Realm than outside rumors.”
After all, Yun Yao had previously mentioned that Mystic Yin Ancestor was also planning to obtain treasures from this Secret Realm.
After thinking carefully, Lin Chang’an decided not to rush.
After all, the benefits offered by a Nascent Soul Cultivator were not easy to accept.
If he accepted them and then reneged, he might only have one path left—fleeing across the Beast Sea Abyss.