Chapter 316: Ten Years! Mid Core Formation
Time flowed like shifting stars, and in the blink of an eye, ten years had hurried past.
During these ten years, the Five Dragon Island Sea Region gradually returned to its former calm, though many more cultivators had begun hunting Sinister Spirits.
The marketplaces also saw a rise in trade materials related to Sinister Spirits and puppets.
Celestial Spring Peak.
【Lifespan: 203/702】
【Realm: Mid Core Formation (2/100)】
Inside the Earthfire Cavern, as a powerful and surging aura swept through the surroundings, Lin Chang’an—who had been sitting cross-legged cultivating atop the Fusang Divine Tree—slowly opened his eyes.
“Mid Core Formation… it truly cannot be compared with the early stage.”
During the ninth year of his secluded cultivation, he had finally broken through the bottleneck and smoothly advanced into the Mid Core Formation Realm.
During this period, several bottles of pills, along with the Core Formation cultivation insights gifted by the Sixth Elder, had played crucial roles.
His lifespan had also reached seven hundred years, something that absolutely surpassed cultivators of the same realm.
“The quality of a Golden Core determines the magnitude of one’s potential. Even an Immortal Golden Core does not mean there are no bottlenecks.”
The bottleneck from early Core Formation to mid stage, although he had assistance from external resources, was not particularly difficult for him.
Now, feeling the surging mana within his body and the more rounded and solid Golden Core in his dantian, Lin Chang’an could not help but reveal a satisfied smile.
“After reaching Mid Core Formation, maintaining roughly two experience points per year means I only need about fifty years to cultivate to the peak of Mid Core Formation.”
In other words, before that Secret Realm opened, he was still confident he could break through to the late Core Formation stage.
“Ten years of seclusion—Mid Core Formation cultivation, and even body refinement has reached the perfected late Second-rank. Just half a step remains before entering Third-rank body refinement.”
In terms of body cultivation, his progress had not slowed at all. If he maintained this pace, he could completely catch up in the later stages.
“As expected of the Golden Core cultivation insights summarized by a Nascent Soul cultivator.”
Floating before Lin Chang’an was a bundle of jade slips containing the cultivation insights that the Sixth Elder had summarized after reaching the Nascent Soul Realm.
To stand at the Nascent Soul Realm and look back to summarize the Golden Core stage was like becoming a giant and then looking back at the path one had walked.
Many twists and turns had been clearly marked, making it completely different from the insights written by cultivators merely at the peak of Core Formation.
This single set of cultivation insights had benefited him immensely.
“And this Third-rank High-grade Formation Inheritance of Bihai Palace…”
“As expected of the number one power in the Beast Sea Abyss. I thought having several dozen grand formations recorded in detail would already be impressive.”
“But it actually contains more than a hundred grand formations, including records of how dozens of ancient formations were improved, and even many fragmented records of ancient formations.”
As he transformed into a streak of light from the Fusang Divine Tree and descended to the formation platform below, ten bundles of jade slips were laid out before him, each recording various formation inheritances in detail.
Lin Chang’an could not help but cherish them dearly.
The formation inheritance he had sought for many years without success was, in the hands of these great powers, merely a drop in the ocean of their vast foundation.
【Mid-grade Third-rank Formation Master (Proficient 489/1000)】
Looking at his own comprehension in formations, Lin Chang’an nodded slightly.
“If it were only to reach High-grade Third-rank Formation Master, with my current progress it would take at most forty years. But I cannot lower my vigilance just because the goal is achievable.”
In the cultivation world, only strength granted the initiative.
The deeper his comprehension of the Path of Formations became, the more beneficial it would be for him, and it could even increase his chances of survival within the Secret Realm.
“Based on the time calculation, the Secret Realm should open when I am around two hundred and eighty years old.”
Although the Secret Realm opened once every three hundred years, when combined with the cycles of the heavens and the operation of the Secret Realm barrier, it could only be said to occur roughly every three hundred years.
“That leaves me nearly eighty years of cultivation time.”
Standing before the formation platform, Lin Chang’an stroked his chin and fell into thought.
Within these eighty years, he had to raise his strength to the fullest.
His cultivation must enter the late Core Formation stage—only then would it be safer.
He also needed to refine some specialized magical artifacts designed to counter the dangers within the Secret Realm.
“Ghost Wind, Astral Wind, Poisonous Mist, Extreme Cold, Blazing Flame… these calamity-like dangers.”
“Poisonous mist does not threaten me, and Extreme Cold and Blazing Flame are not much of a problem either. But preparations are still necessary.”
After all, although his physique was not afraid of poisonous mist, he still needed to conceal this fact.
As for Extreme Cold and Blazing Flame, they were mitigated by his Life-bound Magical Artifact—the Extreme Yang fire capable of resisting both.
“Thinking about it now… I truly have many things to accomplish within these eighty years.”
Lin Chang’an could not help but reveal a wry smile.
But he had no choice.
The Beast Sea Abyss Secret Realm only appeared once every three hundred years.
If he missed this opportunity and wanted to obtain Nascent Soul Breakthrough Spirit Items, he would have to wait another three hundred years.
“Although I am not afraid of Poisonous Mist, Extreme Cold, or Blazing Flame, there is still a limit to what I can endure.”
“It is best if no one discovers it. Every hidden trump card a cultivator possesses increases their chance of survival.”
Just as Lin Chang’an was planning his cultivation schedule for the next eighty years, the cry of the Wind-Chirp Bird came from the Fusang Divine Tree.
“Master, the bottles used to store and seal demonic energy are no longer enough.”
The crisp voice echoed through the cavern. Lin Chang’an raised his head and looked toward several formation cores surrounding the Fusang Divine Tree.
The sealed jade bottles there were indeed almost full.
Seeing this, he showed a helpless expression.
There were simply too many things he needed to do—and this was already with the help of three avatars.
Otherwise, he absolutely would not have the energy to handle so much.
“I’ll have to purchase some high-grade Yin-attribute spiritual jade again.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head helplessly.
Still, seeing that more than one-fifth of the Fusang Divine Tree had already begun to emit a faint golden glow was good news.
Eight Sun-Piercing Divine Swords had already completed their purification.
As the spiritual essence of the Fusang Divine Tree continued to recover, its speed in purifying demonic energy was also increasing.
“Fortunately, Treasure Pavilion has granted me certain privileges. Almost all high-grade materials within the Third Rank are open to me.”
Working for Bihai Palace certainly brought many benefits.
For instance, this hidden advantage—Celestial Spring Peak had almost become his personal domain.
Even when the hundred-year term ended, he would still remain the master here.
“Cultivate well. Within fifty years, you must break through to the late Third Rank!”
Looking at the Wind-Chirp Bird resting among piles of glittering spirit stones atop the Fusang Divine Tree, Lin Chang’an directly issued an order.
“Master!”
The Wind-Chirp Bird widened its eyes and stared at its master.
Too cruel to birds!
But Lin Chang’an ignored it.
He himself needed to break through to late Core Formation before entering the Secret Realm, so the Wind-Chirp Bird naturally could not slack off either.
By then, it would become another of his trump cards.
……
Celestial Spring Peak, inside the pavilion.
After ten years of secluded cultivation, the feeling after a breakthrough was somewhat different.
The spiritual plants throughout the peak seemed even more vibrant with life, and even the peach tree beside the pavilion had grown thicker and stronger.
“Master!”
The Sword Attendant respectfully stepped forward, carefully pouring freshly brewed spirit tea with increasingly practiced movements.
Perhaps due to the effects of the Beauty-Preserving Pill, or perhaps because of her human-beast hybrid bloodline, her appearance had not changed in the slightest over the years.
Her cool face still carried a hint of baby fat, yet as her cultivation improved, the once-dull heterochromatic pupils in her eyes had grown increasingly clear and bright.
“Your cultivation progress is good. It seems you have not been slacking these years.”
Seeing his loyal Sword Attendant, Lin Chang’an nodded with a satisfied smile.
Hearing this praise, the Sword Attendant immediately cupped her hands respectfully and spoke with firm determination.
“Master, this servant will surely form her Golden Core as soon as possible!”
Seeing her stubborn seriousness, Lin Chang’an chuckled and shook his head.
He had long grown accustomed to this girl’s earnest nature.
However, the talent of the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body truly inspired envy.
When she first followed him, she had only just entered early Foundation Establishment.
Yet after less than sixty years of cultivation, she had already reached the near-perfect late Foundation Establishment stage.
“It seems that within ten years, you will be able to attempt Core Formation.”
Lin Chang’an took a sip of spirit tea and spoke approvingly.
For the Sword Attendant to form her Golden Core, he was eight or nine tenths confident.
After all, her talent was obvious.
Moreover, over the years he had constantly used Xuantian mana to soothe the bloodline within her body.
At the same time, he had been purifying her body.
Although she did not possess the effortless breakthrough of a Heavenly Spirit Root, the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body combined with the sword cultivation method he specialized in gave her a high probability of success.
“To form a Golden Core before the age of one hundred—if she were in the major sects, she would certainly be regarded as a Nascent Soul seed.”
Hearing her master’s praise, the Sword Attendant felt excitement surge within her heart.
At the same time, her determination to form her Golden Core as soon as possible grew even stronger.
Deep in her heart, she even held a small private wish—
If she could someday reach the Nascent Soul Realm, she would be able to accompany her master for much longer.
Lin Chang’an then sat leisurely in the pavilion.
After ten years of bitter cultivation, he finally relaxed, admiring the mountain scenery while listening to the Sword Attendant’s reports.
“Master, recently due to the Ghost Domain, merchant ships in the surrounding seas have been forced to change routes. As a result, cultivator robbers have begun gathering and frequently plundering in this region…”
“As for the situation on Five Dragon Island, the Long Clan remains low-profile. However, their merchant guilds and cultivators outside are still being retaliated against by old enemies.”
Hearing about the Long Clan’s situation, Lin Chang’an shook his head.
When the Long Clan rose to power in the past, they had offended far too many people.
And the lifespan of cultivators far exceeded that of mortals.
Resources that had once seemed trivial to the Long Clan were, for low-rank cultivators and Drifting Cultivators, almost equivalent to obstructing their path of cultivation.
The Long Clan would likely spend the next hundred years repaying the karma of the past—unless another genius arose within the clan.
“And the Four Seas Merchant Guild—these years they have frequently competed for business. Two years ago many cultivators of Xuanyin Pavilion openly accused them of secretly colluding with cultivator robbers…”
When mentioning Xuanyin Pavilion, the Sword Attendant’s heart remained completely calm.
From beginning to end, she had never regarded herself as a cultivator of Xuanyin Pavilion.
In her eyes, there was only one master.
“Once external threats disappear, internal conflicts of interest are inevitable.”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an shook his head.
This had long been expected—rather, things had simply returned to normal.
“Master, Zhou Bingxuan has become the disciple of Core Formation Senior Liu Ruyu. Her cultivation speed has not been slow these years, and the Zhou Family has many disciples assisting her.”
“Li Tianmo was injured five years ago during a battle, and Shen Zhuang…”
Listening to the situation of these juniors of old acquaintances, Lin Chang’an calmly shook his head.
He had already helped them as much as he could.
Their current development was already quite good.
How far they could go would depend on their own fortunes.
“I wonder how Yun Yao has been these past six months.”
Lin Chang’an sipped his spirit tea, his thoughts drifting to Yun Yao.
Over the years, each time she returned, she would secretly come here to meet him.
However, Yun Yao carried responsibilities within the Mystic Yin Divine Sect.
She also needed to frequently travel outside to capture high-rank Sinister Spirits to nourish the flame of the Mystic Yin Spiritual Flame within her body.
“The Water Yin Demonic Art is extremely Yin-cold. These years Yun Yao has cultivated near the Ghost Domain, and her cultivation progress has not been slow.”
After the spiritual land of the Sinister Soul Sect had appeared, the dense spiritual energy there had turned the surrounding region into a cultivation holy land.
Even though the neighboring Ghost Domain was filled with danger, many cultivators practicing Yin-attribute techniques still took the risk of establishing cave abodes nearby.
“Master, this is the spirit stone revenue from the past two years.”
Finally, the Sword Attendant respectfully produced three account books along with three Spirit Stone Pouches.
When Lin Chang’an saw the revenue for the past two years, the corners of his mouth twitched.
For an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, it might have been decent.
There were profits from Lu’s merchant ships, the spirit stones he received as a guest elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, and portions from ventures he had invested in—along with some businesses under Celestial Spring Peak.
Especially after he had visited the Sixth Elder ten years ago, the Five Dragon Island branch no longer had to submit any spirit stones.
Even a mosquito’s leg was still meat.
However, these years of cultivation had consumed enormous resources.
“Fourteen thousand mid-grade spirit stones.”
Adding together the three major sources of income, he averaged seven to eight thousand mid-grade spirit stones per year.
For a typical Core Formation clan, that would be considered quite wealthy.
But for Lin Chang’an, this was the first time since forming his Golden Core that he had felt so poor.
“Before entering seclusion I made a trip to Sea Abyss City. Nearly all my accumulated spirit stones were spent, and these years of cultivation expenses…”
After calculating everything, Lin Chang’an silently shook his head.
It seemed he would need to hunt a few Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings to earn some spirit stones.
After all, he had far too many things to do, and each required large amounts of spirit stones.
“I must first earn some spirit stones.”
“Other matters can wait, but the jade bottles used to store demonic energy cannot.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an glanced again at the Sword Attendant.
She would soon need to prepare for Core Formation as well.
Although he already had Blackwater Liquid, having an additional Crystal Condensing Pill would be safer.
Just as Lin Chang’an was deciding whether to hunt Sinister Spirit Beast Kings in the Fog Sea of Tongtian or around the Ghost Domain—
Suddenly, outside the cave abode, Lu Yushu arrived in great urgency requesting an audience.
……
Celestial Spring Peak.
“Fellow Daoist Lin has finally come out of seclusion.”
After Lin Chang’an emerged, the giant stone outside Celestial Spring Peak—indicating his closed-door cultivation—had been turned around.
Naturally, it meant that his seclusion had ended.
“Fellow Daoist Lu.”
As the formation opened, Lin Chang’an greeted him with a smile.
But Lu Yushu’s face looked almost as if he were about to cry.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, you’ve finally come out! Our spirit ship was attacked by a Ghost Calamity in the sea near the Ghost Domain. Now it’s trapped on a nearby island…”
Lu Yushu had just come from Xuanyin Pavilion.
This time he had invited a Core Formation cultivator and dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators from the sect.
They had been about to depart when they happened to pass Celestial Spring Peak and saw that Lin Chang’an had ended his seclusion.
“Ghost Calamity!”
Lin Chang’an frowned.
The loss of cargo from the spirit ship would be minor—losing the ship itself would be the true disaster.
Although Lu Yushu’s wording was somewhat deliberate, one thing was true: it was indeed their spirit ship.
Otherwise, Lin Chang’an would not have received half of the annual spirit stone profits.
But why had a Ghost Calamity suddenly erupted?
According to reason, the region around the Ghost Domain had been relatively calm these years.
If it was only a small-scale Ghost Calamity outbreak, it would still be manageable.