Chapter 325 : Free-range Raising the Two-headed Tiger
Chapter 325: Free-range Raising the Two-headed Tiger
“Old Hu! You still want to search for the lairs of mid-stage and late-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings in the Fog Sea of Tongtian?”
Just as the matter of the Profound Yin Fruit had barely come to an end, Lin Chang’an unexpectedly brought up this issue again, leaving Hu Jin momentarily speechless.
“Old Hu, what are you thinking? I’m not that arrogant.”
Seeing Hu Jin’s shocked expression, Lin Chang’an chuckled irritably before explaining:
“Only the lairs of mid-stage and late-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings have a chance of growing the Sinister Spirit Flower. Moreover, this flower is extremely special and sensitive.
Once it is picked—or even if the surrounding spiritual energy shifts—it will wither in an extremely short time. It’s very difficult to preserve.”
After hearing Lin Chang’an’s explanation, Hu Jin finally understood.
“So that’s how it is. I thought you had suddenly become so bold that you even dared to target a late-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King.”
Sinister Spirits were different from ordinary demon beasts. They usually lived in groups, which made them more dangerous.
Hu Jin laughed heartily. Companion spiritual items that only grew in the lairs of special demon beasts were extremely common in the cultivation world.
This was nothing unusual. There were even rumors that a certain Nascent Soul breakthrough spiritual item could only be found in the lairs of Shape-shifting Great Demons.
“With my current strength, how could I dare think that far? I’m only looking for the spiritual flower near the lair. I never planned anything else.”
Lin Chang’an spoke calmly, not explaining too much to Hu Jin.
After all, if others found out he was hunting late-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings, wouldn’t that expose his true strength?
The reason he mentioned it to Old Hu was merely to see if anyone had clues about such places. At the very least, it could save him some searching time.
As for the Ghost Domain, Old Hu did not ask about it. That place had already been exposed as problematic before.
Unless absolutely necessary, cultivators would rather spend time and effort traveling to the Fog Sea of Tongtian than easily venture into the Ghost Domain.
“The Clear Spirit Pill requires three main ingredients. I already have the Clear Spirit Jade. If there’s news about a Nine-hundred-year Profound Yin Fruit, I’ll purchase it in Haiyuan City.
That leaves the high-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King demon core. While searching for it along the way, I can also solve my current lack of spirit stones.”
After Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin parted ways, Lin Chang’an first went to a shop belonging to the Azure Sea Palace and purchased information about the locations of several Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King lairs.
Afterward, he went to the Mystic Sound Pavilion to inquire about such lairs as well.
……
“Fellow Daoist Lin, our sect does have a sea map of the Fog Sea of Tongtian. Some cultivators previously investigated several Sinister Spirit Beast King lairs there, but they were all early-stage Third-rank.”
After hearing the request, Fairy Nishang frowned slightly before sharing the information she knew.
High-rank Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings were difficult to deal with, and the rewards were not proportional to the risk.
As for those early-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King lairs, they had only been investigated previously in order to plan for Core Formation spiritual items.
Because of this, the Mystic Sound Pavilion naturally would not waste manpower and resources exploring the deeper regions of the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
After all, the deeper one went, the denser the Yin energy became, and the greater the chance of encountering powerful Sinister Spirits.
“I see.”
“If Fellow Daoist Lin needs it, the sect’s sea map can be given to you.”
Facing Fairy Nishang’s goodwill, Lin Chang’an smiled and waved his hand before explaining what he actually needed.
After hearing that Lin Chang’an was not planning to hunt Sinister Spirit Beast Kings, Fairy Nishang instead sighed in relief.
After all, the Mystic Sound Pavilion currently had conflicts with the Four Seas Merchant Alliance. If Lin Chang’an—a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator—were to suffer an accident, it would be a huge loss to the sect.
Inside Fairy Nishang’s cave residence, the two drank tea and discussed the Dao.
Only several days later did Lin Chang’an finally depart.
And Fairy Nishang had already been at the mid-stage Core Formation realm for quite some time. It would not be surprising if she broke through soon.
……
“Master!”
Outside the cave residence at Tianquan Peak, the Sword Attendant cupped her fists respectfully while Lin Chang’an finished making preparations.
“Cultivate well.”
Once again, Lin Chang’an lightly left behind a single sentence before leaving her in the cave residence to cultivate in seclusion.
His figure disappeared from her sight.
At that moment, the Sword Attendant revealed a stubborn expression, clenching her teeth as she said in a low voice:
“Core Formation! I will definitely reach Core Formation. Then I won’t have to stay behind guarding the cave residence.”
……
Just as Lin Chang’an left Five Dragon Island, the Red Fire Sect Couple—who had just walked out of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance—also learned this news.
Their expressions instantly became somewhat unsightly.
“This Four Seas Merchant Alliance is truly cowardly.”
Originally, the two had wanted to drag the Four Seas Merchant Alliance into the matter. But who would have thought that although the alliance looked powerful, the moment they heard it involved dealing with a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator—
Without even hearing the name, everyone immediately declined.
This was also one of the flaws of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance. Everyone was willing to cooperate to earn spirit stones, but when trouble appeared for no reason, no one was willing to step forward.
“Forget it. No wonder these people can only remain like this for their entire lives.”
The middle-aged female cultivator sneered disdainfully, clearly looking down on those cowardly cultivators.
“It’s just a pity. I didn’t expect Lin Chang’an to head to the Fog Sea of Tongtian. We missed an opportunity.”
“Don’t worry, my dear. The situation in the outer sea is turbulent right now. There are plenty of greedy and bold robbery cultivators and demonic cultivators. The next time he goes to Haiyuan City, we absolutely cannot miss it.”
After exchanging glances, the Red Fire Sect Couple both revealed cold expressions.
Although the Red Fire Sect had a Nascent Soul ancestor, the two had long grown accustomed to killing and seizing while living in the outer sea.
Instead, the peaceful stability under the rule of the Azure Sea Palace made them feel somewhat uncomfortable.
In the outer sea, the Red Fire Sect’s style was classified as demonic, and there was indeed a reason for that.
……
Lin Chang’an, who had already flown into the Fog Sea of Tongtian, naturally did not know that his sudden trip had allowed him to avoid a crisis.
Three months later.
Deep within the Fog Sea of Tongtian, rumbling sounds echoed across a spiritual island.
Hidden within the fog sea, Lin Chang’an revealed a smile.
“I’ve finally found a high-rank Sinister Spirit lair.”
The Fog Sea of Tongtian was simply too vast. Since he was searching for high-rank Sinister Spirits, it naturally took time.
This was even with the advantage of his Spirit Eyes, allowing him to ignore the dense fog that obstructed Spiritual Sense.
Even with the flight speed of a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, it had still taken him three months to find this place.
“However, there are actually other cultivators on this island.”
Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes while watching the battle unfolding on the island.
On this island was a late-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King, while five Core Formation cultivators were currently fighting it.
“It seems these five people are the ones truly here for the companion item in the Sinister Spirit lair.”
The five were not fighting recklessly. Instead, they were gradually luring the Sinister Spirit Beast King away from the spiritual vein.
Inside a distant mountain wall, Lin Chang’an could clearly sense another Core Formation cultivator.
“Someone hidden inside the mountain wall. If my perception were weaker, I might have missed them. This person’s concealment technique is not inferior to mine.”
Lin Chang’an secretly nodded.
But in the next moment, the person suddenly moved, shocking him.
That cultivator was rapidly traveling through the rocks, moving with remarkable speed.
“Earth Escape Technique!”
Lin Chang’an could not help but exclaim inwardly.
Although the Five Element Escape Techniques could only begin to be cultivated after reaching the Core Formation realm, they were easy to learn but difficult to master.
Even among Nascent Soul cultivators, few were proficient in any single Five Element Escape Technique.
Yet this person was only at the early Core Formation stage, and their Earth Escape Technique was even more proficient than Lin Chang’an’s.
Or rather—this level of Earth Escape Technique simply was not something an ordinary Core Formation cultivator could master.
“Most likely a type of Earth-attributed spiritual body.”
When Lin Chang’an saw the person suddenly appear in the valley, raise a hand to collect the companion spiritual item from the Sinister Spirit Beast King’s lair, and then instantly disappear again—
He nodded inwardly.
In the cultivation world, there were countless types of spiritual bodies.
He had once read in ancient texts about an Earth Spiritual Body. There was a cultivator who, despite only being at the Foundation Establishment realm, had already reached an Earth Escape mastery comparable to ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.
Although their cultivation aptitude was average, relying on that spiritual body allowed them to wander mountains year-round. Eventually they attempted to steal from the tomb of a Corpse King—and that was where they met their end.
Moreover, not all spiritual bodies improved cultivation speed.
On the island.
“Third Sister, now that we have the item, let’s withdraw.”
They were facing three Sinister Spirit Beast Kings—one late-stage Third-rank, one mid-stage, and one early-stage.
The leader was a female cultivator. Wearing a tight red battle outfit, she decisively shouted after confirming the item had been obtained:
“Stop wasting time. Killing a Sinister Spirit Beast King isn’t worth it. Activate the joint attack formation with me, then withdraw!”
The other four shouted in unison.
The five of them joined forces, using a joint attack technique guided by a formation.
Watching from the fog sea, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes.
“It’s actually her.”
He did not recognize the others, but the female cultivator leading them—Hong Sanniang—was someone he had met once before.
Back when he traded at the marketplace of Blue Wave Island, it was also the first time he met the Sword Attendant. He had even conducted a transaction with her.
Hong Sanniang, dressed in her red battle attire, no longer showed the seductive charm she had before. Instead, she appeared calm and decisive.
Her cultivation had already reached the mid-stage Core Formation realm.
“Usually I stay on Five Dragon Island like a frog at the bottom of a well. The outside world is far more vast.”
Under Lin Chang’an’s secret observation, after the cultivator who obtained the item transformed into a streak of light and fled, the remaining five joined forces for a powerful strike, forcing the Sinister Spirit Beast King back—
Then immediately withdrew without hesitation.
Lin Chang’an could not help but praise them.
Their techniques seemed ordinary, but their combat experience and grasp of timing were extremely refined.
It was obvious they were seasoned hunters who frequently cooperated.
In the cultivation world, many cultivators with firm Dao hearts lacked high-level skills. Hunting demon beasts and taking risks was the normal path for cultivators.
Instead, someone like him—who possessed a Third-rank professional skill—was actually rare.
“They’ve gone far enough. Looks like it’s my turn now.”
After confirming the six had fled far away and could no longer be sensed, Lin Chang’an revealed a faint smile.
His luck this time was not bad. He had managed to pick up the leftovers.
The Sinister Spirit Beast King on the island had just finished a fierce battle.
“Come out. Next, leave none of the Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings on this island alive.”
Lin Chang’an patted the three spirit beast pouches at his waist.
The Phoenix Cry Bird, the Green-horned Ox, and the early-stage Third-rank Two-headed Tiger Sinister Spirit Beast King appeared.
“Roar…”
However, after appearing, the Two-headed Tiger Sinister Spirit Beast King flattened its ears, looking submissive as the weakest among them.
Seeing this, the Phoenix Cry Bird proudly nodded its head.
Over the past five years, the Two-headed Tiger Sinister Spirit Beast King had been purified. The violent aura that once surrounded it had completely disappeared.
Now, its body emitted only pure Sinister Spirit energy.
To outsiders, it would appear as if this Sinister Spirit Beast King had been born from a pure Yin spiritual vein.
Because of this, although its strength remained only at the early Third-rank stage, a trace of intelligence had already appeared in its tiger eyes.
Its intelligence had just awakened—roughly equivalent to that of a seven- or eight-year-old human child.
“Master, besides the biggest one, can I eat the rest?”
Upon seeing the Sinister Spirits on the island, the Phoenix Cry Bird instantly revealed a greedy expression.
Lin Chang’an laughed irritably.
“Enough. In the future, I’ll let you eat your fill.”
Upon hearing “in the future,” the Phoenix Cry Bird immediately looked dispirited.
Its master was too good at making empty promises.
Lin Chang’an also felt speechless, though this time he truly meant it.
Most cultivators would rather hunt demon beasts than Sinister Spirits because the rewards from demon beasts were usually greater.
But he was different.
Although hunting demon beasts had higher value, hunting Sinister Spirits allowed him to exploit elemental suppression. He could do it more safely and efficiently.
Thus Sinister Spirits were his preferred targets.
The biggest problem was simply that the Fog Sea of Tongtian was too vast, making them difficult to find.
“After this, I’ll leave the Two-headed Tiger here to roam freely. Next time I come, I won’t have to search so painstakingly.”
“Moo!”
Unlike the dispirited Phoenix Cry Bird, the Green-horned Ox let out a simple moo.
Its deep voice echoed across the island, instantly attracting the attention of the Sinister Spirits.
In the next moment, a beam of light shot from its mouth.
A Sinister Spirit Beast King roared as more than half of its body began turning to stone.
At that moment, a flash of golden light passed.
With a bang, the early-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King instantly turned into ashes.
Only then did a phoenix cry echo across the island.
The cry had not yet arrived—but the bird had.
“Trying to escape!”
Facing the mid-stage Third-rank Phoenix Cry Bird, the late-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King revealed fear and instinctively tried to flee.
Seeing this scene, Lin Chang’an sneered.
It seemed this Sinister Spirit Beast King had already begun developing intelligence.
It even knew how to run.
Lin Chang’an raised a hand.
Instantly, six sword lights appeared beside him.
With a flick of his sword fingers—
The six sword lights expanded with the wind, each transforming into a giant sword over thirty meters long, crashing forward with thunderous momentum.
“ROAR!”
The Sinister Spirit Beast King howled in pain as the six sword lights struck it.
But what awaited it next was the Phoenix Cry Bird engulfed in blazing flames.
A mid-stage Third-rank versus a late-stage Third-rank.
Under overwhelming elemental suppression, the late-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King was actually forced into a disadvantage.
It even attempted to flee.
But facing the Phoenix Cry Bird—even without Lin Chang’an’s help—it could not escape.
Aside from its flames, the Phoenix Cry Bird’s second advantage was its speed.
Among beings of the same realm, Lin Chang’an had yet to see anyone faster in flight.
Thus the late-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King could only roar unwillingly while being suppressed.
Meanwhile, in the distance, the Green-horned Ox was also showing formidable strength.
As a mutated spirit beast, its petrification divine ability allowed it to fight the mid-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King evenly.
But with the assistance of the Two-headed Tiger Sinister Spirit Beast King—
The outcome was already decided.