Chapter 326 : Sinister Spirit Ship
Chapter 326: Sinister Spirit Ship
“Master.”
The Wind-Chirp Bird approached with great joy, carrying a late Third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core in its beak.
However, Lin Chang’an saw through the bird’s little scheme at once and laughed irritably:
“There’s still another one, isn’t there!?”
“Master!”
Seeing its little trick exposed, the Wind-Chirp Bird put on a pitiful and aggrieved expression before reluctantly spitting out another demon core from its mouth — a low-grade Third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core.
Originally, it had thought that once its master saw the late Third-rank demon core, he would not pay attention to the lower-grade one.
“Moo!”
At this moment, the Azure-Horned Ox also walked over with the Two-headed Tiger. After seeing the Wind-Chirp Bird caught red-handed while trying to be sneaky, the Azure-Horned Ox let out a gloating moo.
“You stupid ox!”
The Wind-Chirp Bird glared at the Azure-Horned Ox, but the ox completely ignored it. It went straight to Lin Chang’an and showed a flattering expression, then directly spat out a mid Third-rank demon core from its mouth.
Only the Two-headed Tiger stood at the back with its tail tucked. Its pair of copper-bell-sized tiger eyes instinctively showed fear when it saw the Wind-Chirp Bird.
As if it had seen its natural enemy.
“This harvest is not bad.”
Looking at the Yin Vein Spiritual Spring in this place, Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered as if he were contemplating something.
“The spiritual energy here is abundant. Otherwise, it would not have been occupied by that late Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King. Moreover, the accompanying treasures here, as well as the spirit items in the spiritual spring, have already been taken away.”
In other words, in the eyes of that group just now, aside from the Sinister Spirit Beast King — which had little value among the same rank and was extremely dangerous — there was nothing else worth taking here.
“This place is already deep within the Fog Sea of Tongtian, and the yin energy is extremely dense. It is actually an excellent place for cultivation.”
At this thought, Lin Chang’an’s gaze fell on the Two-headed Tiger spirit pet.
At present he had three spirit pets, but Celestial Spring Peak together with Chihuo Peak clearly had somewhat insufficient spiritual energy.
After all, he himself was in the mid Core Formation Realm, the Wind-Chirp Bird was mid Third-rank, and the Azure-Horned Ox was early Third-rank.
With another Third-rank Two-headed Tiger, the spiritual energy in recent years was clearly not as abundant as before.
“In the future, you will stay here.”
Lin Chang’an stepped forward and stroked the Two-headed Tiger Sinister Spirit Beast King. The tiger head, whose intelligence had already awakened, showed an affectionate expression and narrowed its eyes while enjoying the touch.
Lin Chang’an had gradually purified it over a long period, slowly awakening its intelligence. Instinctively, it felt closer to him.
“Alright. Besides, Celestial Spring Peak is not suitable for your cultivation. Here the yin energy is dense, and your cultivation will be twice as effective with half the effort. Moreover, I have a task for you.”
With a raise of his hand, a formation set appeared from his Storage Pouch.
Sharp formation flags shot into the ground one after another around the island’s spirit vein, restraining the spiritual energy at the center of the island.
From the outside, the originally yin-energy-rich island suddenly appeared much thinner in aura.
“In this way, no one will set their eyes on this island, and with the formation protecting it, you can retreat if something goes wrong.”
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered. Allowing the Two-headed Tiger to roam freely had long been part of his plan.
First, cultivating in a place rich in yin energy within the Fog Sea of Tongtian would accelerate its cultivation speed.
Second, it could occasionally familiarize itself with the surrounding sea region.
To put it plainly, it would search for the dens of other Sinister Spirit Beast Kings. When he returned in the future, he would not need to waste time searching one by one.
The Two-headed Tiger could lead the way, saving him a great deal of time.
A win–win situation.
Moreover, inside the treasure within the Two-headed Tiger’s body there was still a strand of his Spiritual Sense. Its ability to sense danger and avoid it was quite good.
Thus it would not easily encounter danger.
“Roar…”
Through the connection of Spiritual Sense, the Two-headed Tiger understood that its master was going to let it roam freely. It immediately showed reluctance.
For it, its intelligence had only awakened a few years ago — similar to the intelligence of a domestic dog raised by humans.
Naturally, it was unwilling to leave its home and master.
“Alright. If you encounter danger and get injured, hide here. If that still doesn’t work, then hide yourself elsewhere.”
To comfort the Two-headed Tiger, and because he did not want to lose this guide tiger he had spent considerable effort nurturing, Lin Chang’an hesitated for a moment before taking out another treasure from his Storage Pouch.
Magical Artifact · Water Spirit Pearl
A low-grade Third-rank defensive magical artifact. This was originally the treasure that the cultivator surnamed Li had given him in exchange for the Third-rank Copper-armored Corpse.
“Alright. I’ll give this water-attribute magical artifact to you.”
Water and yin attributes were compatible and would not conflict. The Wind-Chirp Bird beside them widened its eyes — its master had actually given a magical artifact to a sinister spirit.
Even they did not have one yet.
“Alright, you two stop staring. Once the Two-headed Tiger familiarizes itself with this sea region and discovers more than a dozen sinister spirit beast dens, your magical artifacts — and even cultivation resources — will come.”
Lin Chang’an said in a comforting tone.
The Wind-Chirp Bird’s eyes immediately shone with excitement. At this moment it seemed to understand its master’s intention.
If they searched themselves, it would take time and effort.
But the Two-headed Tiger was different.
It was itself a sinister spirit. In the Fog Sea of Tongtian, it was like returning home. Searching for spirit islands rich in yin energy was almost driven by instinct.
Acting as a guide tiger meant that in the future they would not have to search blindly in the vast sea.
“Do your job well.”
The next moment, when the Wind-Chirp Bird looked at the Two-headed Tiger again, the gaze in its bird eyes had turned into clear satisfaction.
It even landed on the tiger, stretched out a wing, and patted its tiger head — as if accepting a little subordinate.
This frightened the Two-headed Tiger. It never expected that this terrifying bird would show such a gentle aura toward it.
“Moo moo!”
Meanwhile, the Azure-Horned Ox stepped forward reluctantly and rubbed against the tiger’s fur, seemingly unwilling to part.
“Awoo…”
The Two-headed Tiger also rubbed against the Azure-Horned Ox, as if saying farewell.
However, when Lin Chang’an saw this scene, the corners of his eyes twitched.
If he could not sense the foolish ox’s thoughts, he might really have believed it.
This ox clearly felt that its little companion was gone, and from now on it would be the only one left to be bullied by the Wind-Chirp Bird.
Previously there had at least been the Two-headed Tiger.
“Alright. Although the magical artifact inside your body contains a strand of my Spiritual Sense, your intelligence has already awakened. I will generally not control you with that strand of Spiritual Sense.”
If it had been the previous Sinister Spirit Beast King, whose intelligence was muddled, he would naturally rely on that strand of Spiritual Sense to control it.
But now things were different.
Its intelligence had just awakened. If he still controlled it in that way, the spirit pet might instinctively resist.
Therefore, this strand of Spiritual Sense in the coming days would only warn it of danger and record the explored sea regions.
“Roar!”
When Lin Chang’an left the island, a reluctant tiger roar came from behind him, causing him to sigh softly.
Although it had only been an ordinary sinister spirit at the beginning and he had not paid much attention to it, over the past five years he had purified it daily.
The Two-headed Tiger sinister spirit was now like a pet he had raised — growing from a muddled newborn intelligence to its current state.
Just like a guard dog raised in a mortal household.
Naturally, there was some reluctance to part.
“Stupid tiger, remember to secretly eat one or two sinister spirit demon cores if you get the chance. That way your strength will grow faster.”
Even the Wind-Chirp Bird, before leaving, did not forget to instruct the Two-headed Tiger on how to quickly improve its strength.
The Azure-Horned Ox, meanwhile, let out a low moo.
At the quiet Celestial Spring Peak, the three spirit pets had been each other’s only companions.
“Don’t worry. Here its cultivation speed will be faster.”
Looking at his two other spirit pets, Lin Chang’an comforted them.
“Besides, when we come again next time, the more Sinister Spirit Beast King dens we discover, the more demon cores we’ll obtain. At that time, both you and the Two-headed Tiger will grow faster.”
Under Lin Chang’an’s grand promise, the Wind-Chirp Bird’s eyes shone brightly.
……
After that, Lin Chang’an did not immediately return. Instead, he chose to continue venturing deeper.
As for this place, it was naturally left for the Two-headed Tiger to slowly explore.
As he went deeper, late Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast Kings were hard to find, but early and mid Third-rank ones became relatively easier.
However, danger also increased.
Various gigantic sea beasts frequently appeared in the cold ocean.
Some even took advantage of heavy rain to hide within the clouds.
It had to be said that this deep expedition truly broadened Lin Chang’an’s horizons.
Half a year later, when he was preparing to return, he unexpectedly encountered a Sinister Spirit Ship.
“Master, look!”
The Wind-Chirp Bird on his shoulder widened its eyes — a rare sight — while Lin Chang’an also revealed a shocked expression.
Within the hazy clouds and mist, a spirit ship filled with sinister energy slowly sailed across the sea.
“A Sinister Spirit Ship!”
The moment he saw it, related information immediately surfaced in Lin Chang’an’s mind.
According to legend, within the Fog Sea of Tongtian there were many robbery cultivator spirit ships that lived by plundering.
Some cultivators, after offending powerful enemies or for other reasons, had no choice but to hide deep within the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
However, aside from sinister spirits and sea beasts, the most terrifying thing in the Fog Sea of Tongtian was natural disasters.
Sometimes, robbery cultivator ships would encounter disasters and sink into the sea.
Under immense resentment and suitable conditions, after lying dormant for hundreds of years, they would transform into Sinister Spirit Ships and rise to the surface again.
The sinister spirits on the ship were the cultivators who had once been aboard it.
After death, their unwilling resentment transformed them into sinister spirits.
“This rare thing actually let me run into it!”
As the saying goes, if you stand by the river often, eventually your shoes will get wet. Today, Lin Chang’an could be considered lucky.
“It is said that Sinister Spirit Ships are reborn in endless resentment. The sinister spirits aboard them retain their greatest desires from life and will continue plundering everywhere.”
In other words, every Sinister Spirit Ship contained considerable resources.
“Judging from the aura, the strongest one is only a mid Third-rank sinister spirit.”
After sensing from afar, Lin Chang’an revealed a smile.
For ordinary merchant ships this might be a disaster.
Even ordinary cultivators did not want to encounter such a thing.
Because of the curse, the sinister spirits were bound to the ship and could not leave it.
But correspondingly, the Sinister Spirit Ship possessed extremely powerful formation defenses.
“What a coincidence. I am a Third-rank Formation Master. No one understands the weaknesses of formations better than formation masters. Moreover, I also have another identity — a Third-rank Talisman Master.”
With a smile on his face, Lin Chang’an took several mid-grade Third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talismans from his Storage Pouch.
On the Sinister Spirit Ship sailing through the waves, the floating figures were all humanoid sinister spirits.
Each had a ferocious face, with nothing but endless greed in their pupils.
Their throats emitted hoarse sounds.
Hidden in the clouds, Lin Chang’an followed the ship for two days before finally completely observing the formations on the vessel.
At this moment, he could not help but sigh with emotion.
Reading more books truly never deceived.
Whether it was information about Sinister Spirit Ships or knowledge of formations, everything came from his continuous learning over the years.
“The weakest point of the formation defense on this spirit ship is on the left side.”
Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes with a smile.
The Third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talismans in his palm immediately turned into streaks of golden light and shot through the clouds toward the Sinister Spirit Ship.
“Roar!”
When Lin Chang’an launched the attack, he naturally exposed himself. The sinister spirits on the ship immediately roared ferociously.
“Moo!”
But the next moment, amid towering waves, the Azure-Horned Ox — now transformed into a ten-zhang body — leapt out from the sea.
Its sharp horns rammed directly into the bottom of the ship.
Boom!
The Restriction-Breaking Talismans continuously struck the weak point of the formation.
Crack, crack!
The formation instantly shattered.
The next moment, with a resonant phoenix cry, the golden Wind-Chirp Bird pierced through the barrier and rushed onto the Sinister Spirit Ship.
Boom!
At the same time, the ship’s formation launched an attack.
But due to the shaking hull, the attack fell into the sea, exploding into towering waves.
The Sinister Spirit Ship and the sinister spirits aboard it were one entity.
Once the ship was damaged, the strength of the sinister spirits would weaken.
This battle had almost no suspense.
The Sinister Spirit Ship’s strongest attack had not even been unleashed before Lin Chang’an destroyed it.
The Wind-Chirp Bird flew joyfully. Its wings, spanning ten zhang, burned with blazing flames.
In a single flash, all the sinister spirits below screamed and turned into ashes.
Flames also ignited across the ship.
The mid Third-rank humanoid sinister spirit roared in anger and unwillingness before being swallowed by the Wind-Chirp Bird.
……
Moments later, on the cold sea surface, the spirit ship that emitted black smoke rapidly decayed after losing its spiritual essence.
“This spirit ship is like a magical artifact. Once it loses its spiritual essence, it becomes completely useless.”
Standing on the deck, Lin Chang’an sighed.
No wonder most cultivators in the Beast Sea Abyss disliked dealing with sinister spirits.
There was simply too little loot.
Like this ship — now it was completely worthless.
“Master.”
The Wind-Chirp Bird shrank to palm size and landed on his shoulder, then spat out a mid Third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core.
However, Lin Chang’an waved his hand.
“That’s your reward.”
The Wind-Chirp Bird widened its eyes in surprise.
Was its master suddenly so generous?
Lin Chang’an rolled his eyes at it.
The main reason was that this demon core was unusual.
It had originally been a Golden Core of a Core Formation cultivator before death, which later transformed into a demon core after becoming a sinister spirit.
In other words, experienced people could identify it at a glance.
If he took it out, people would immediately know what he had encountered in the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
“And who knows whose robbery ship this was. It’s better not to cause trouble.”
Lin Chang’an then began looting the ship.
Although the items looked dazzling, in reality they were all low-grade resources, leaving him speechless.
This time he had hardly gained anything.
If not for the Third-rank demon core, he would have lost out.
“It seems this ship has only recently appeared and hasn’t plundered much. Even the cultivator’s magical artifacts from life have been corroded and ruined.”
Lin Chang’an sighed, but still collected everything.
Indeed, books could not always be fully trusted.
Thinking carefully, it made sense.
These robbery cultivators hiding deep within the Fog Sea of Tongtian would never accumulate resources.
If they had resources, they would use them to improve their strength first.
After death, they would naturally be extremely poor.
As for the records in ancient texts, those referred to infamous Sinister Spirit Ships that had roamed for thousands of years.
Their leaders even possessed Fourth-rank Nascent Soul Realm cultivation.
Naturally, those would accumulate great wealth.
The one he encountered was merely a small fry.
“Counting the time, it’s about time to return.”
“The merchant ship of Bihai Palace should have returned. Hopefully it brings back good news.”
After cleaning up the battlefield and erasing traces, Lin Chang’an put away his two spirit pets and turned into a streak of light heading toward the Five Dragon Island Sea Region.
Meanwhile, the decayed Sinister Spirit Ship, no longer controlled by his mana, slowly sank into the deep sea.
This time it had completely lost all spiritual essence.
It would never surface again, only rot slowly beneath the sea and disappear into the passage of time.
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