Chapter 327 : The Sword Attendant Preparing for Core Formation
Chapter 327: The Sword Attendant Preparing for Core Formation
【Lifespan: 210 / 703】
【Realm: Mid Core Formation (16/100)】
This journey to the Fog Sea of Tongtian had lasted an entire year.
“Two hundred and ten years already… time truly isn’t enough.”
Seated inside the pavilion, Lin Chang’an finally relaxed for once. After all, within the Fog Sea of Tongtian, one had to remain vigilant at all times.
“Master!”
The Sword Attendant respectfully brewed tea at his side, yet the look in her eyes betrayed her thoughts.
Her gaze drifted toward the Azure-Horned Ox lounging comfortably inside the spirit pool. This time when they returned, the Two-headed Tiger was nowhere to be seen, and a trace of worry appeared between her brows.
After all, Celestial Spring Peak had always been quiet.
Five years ago, the arrival of a spirit pet had naturally drawn attention.
Moreover, the Wind-Chirp Bird usually nested inside the Earthfire Cavern, while Lin Chang’an frequently entered secluded cultivation.
That left only the Azure-Horned Ox, which lazily lay in the pool every day.
Only the Two-headed Tiger had once been somewhat irritable in temperament, bringing a bit of liveliness to Celestial Spring Peak.
Now that it had suddenly disappeared, she seemed hesitant to speak.
Lin Chang’an glanced at the Sword Attendant and could not help but reveal a satisfied expression.
“Don’t worry. That little tiger is cultivating outside. Nothing will happen to it.”
Hearing that nothing had happened, the Sword Attendant secretly sighed in relief. Yet Lin Chang’an’s next words caused her expression to become excited.
“Not bad. It seems you’ve already touched that threshold.”
Under Lin Chang’an’s bright gaze, the Sword Attendant’s face flushed slightly. She then nodded firmly and cupped her fists.
“The Sword Attendant did not disappoint Master. Half a year ago, I touched the bottleneck.”
Her current cultivation had already reached the perfected stage of Late Foundation Establishment and had even touched the bottleneck, only a single step away from Core Formation.
“A Core Formation cultivator before the age of one hundred… truly an enviable talent.”
Among the Three Great Sword Cultivation Physiques, the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body was indeed enviable.
The Sword Attendant was not yet one hundred years old, yet during this time she had experienced delays from bloodline awakening, and when she first arrived here, Lin Chang’an had not fully supported her cultivation.
If no time had been wasted in terms of talent, at least ten years could have been saved.
“Once someone with such a physique forms their core, a strand of pure Heavenly Spirit Sword Qi will gradually be nurtured within their body over time.
It can slightly increase the success rate of overcoming the Heart Demon Tribulation when advancing to the Nascent Soul Realm.”
In other words, the stronger the Sword Attendant became, the more concentrated this Heavenly Spirit Sword Qi inside her body would be.
Lin Chang’an was currently only at Mid Core Formation. By the time he prepared to form the Nascent Soul, the Sword Attendant’s cultivation progress with her talent would not lag far behind. Reaching Mid Core Formation by then would not be a problem.
However, if Lin Chang’an wished to obtain the Heavenly Spirit Sword Qi within her body, the female cultivator had to willingly cooperate and bestow it upon him through dual cultivation.
It could not be taken by force.
Moreover, granting this Heavenly Spirit Sword Qi to someone else would not affect the Sword Attendant’s own potential.
Inside the pavilion, after finishing a cup of spirit tea, Lin Chang’an slowly brought up this matter.
“The Sword Attendant’s life belongs to Master. Without Master, I could never have what I have today. If I can assist Master’s immortal path, the Sword Attendant is willing!”
After this matter that had long been buried in her heart was mentioned again, the Sword Attendant spoke firmly and solemnly without the slightest hesitation, even swearing upon her Heart Demon.
Lin Chang’an could clearly sense that her words came entirely from the heart.
But people change.
She might be willing now—but what about the future?
The human heart was the most complex thing in the world.
“Prepare well. After I return from Sea Abyss City, you will enter secluded cultivation to form your core.”
In the end, Lin Chang’an nodded lightly and chose to believe the Sword Attendant—or perhaps it was simply confidence in himself.
“What I once promised still stands. After I obtain what I need in the future, I will remove all the restrictions within your body and restore your freedom.”
At the same time, he did not forget the promise he had once made.
However, upon hearing this, the Sword Attendant’s expression changed drastically. Just as she was about to speak, Lin Chang’an chuckled and waved his hand, stopping her.
“The you of today cannot represent the you of the future.”
When a Foundation Establishment cultivator faced a lofty Core Formation cultivator, admiration and reverence were natural.
But once she herself formed a core—and with her talent being far from ordinary—the halo around him would gradually fade, while she herself would rise to a higher position.
At that time, what would the human heart be like?
Thus the human heart was the most difficult thing to fathom, whether among mortals or cultivators.
“Master…”
The Sword Attendant fell silent and did not refute him.
Over the years within the cave abode, influenced by Lin Chang’an, she often read the books inside his Cave Abode Library Pavilion.
She understood just how vast the world of cultivation truly was.
Even what was recorded in ancient texts was merely a corner of the heavens.
She had also witnessed the darkness of the cultivation world and understood the human heart no less than anyone else.
But though the human heart was unpredictable, she knew where her own heart lay.
Her silence now was a silent form of determination.
“Alright. Here are several Core Formation Insights. Study them carefully.”
Lin Chang’an smiled faintly and no longer continued the topic.
After all, the Nascent Soul Realm was still far away for him. He had merely begun planning ahead.
As for whether the Sword Attendant could form a core, he was not worried in the slightest.
Second only to Heavenly Spirit Roots, the Three Great Sword Cultivation Physiques possessed exceptional bodies with no hidden injuries. Her mana was abundant and her will firm—Core Formation was almost certain.
What he needed to do now was increase the quality of the core she would form.
The higher the quality of the Golden Core formed by the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body, the purer the Heavenly Spirit Sword Qi nurtured within.
It seemed that during this trip to Sea Abyss City, if the opportunity arose, he should see whether there were any top-grade Core Formation Spirit Items available.
“Master, rest assured. The Sword Attendant will not disappoint you.”
Holding the Core Formation Insights in her hands, the Sword Attendant’s eyes shone with determination.
Core Formation.
Only after forming her core could she continue chasing that distant figure ahead of her.
…
One month later.
“Ah! Old Lin, you’re finally back. I found out everything you asked me to investigate.”
On this day, Hu Jin arrived at Celestial Spring Peak in a loud and carefree manner, immediately asking for good wine.
Lin Chang’an smiled and brought out a jar of fine spirit wine stored within his cave abode.
Hu Jin laughed heartily, downed a cup in one gulp, and then said:
“I told you before—there’s nothing the Treasure Radiance Pavilion doesn’t have. The Profound Yin Fruit you want, the Divine Essence Fruit as well—they’ve got them all. However…”
Originally Lin Chang’an had been smiling upon hearing that the spirit fruits he needed existed. But seeing Hu Jin’s expression, he could only sigh helplessly.
“Old Hu, I only have two jars of spirit wine left in my cave abode. These were even gifts from Fairy of Rainbow Skirt due to my position as an elder of Mystic Sound Pavilion.”
Hu Jin was not the kind of person who seized what others treasured, so he raised one finger.
Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded.
“Alright. I’ll give you one jar.”
Although the spirit wine was precious, its rarity mainly came from the fact that it did not exist in the Beast Sea Abyss.
This wine had been brewed by Mystic Sound Pavilion back when they were in Yue Kingdom.
When they drank it, they felt a deep sense of nostalgia for their homeland, which was why it seemed so precious.
“Good, good. I won’t drink this wine for nothing. In Sea Abyss City I have several friends. Coincidentally, in three months there will be a trading gathering for Core Formation cultivators.
At that time we’ll go together. Let Old Lin see the foundation of the cultivators of Bihai Palace—it’s far beyond ordinary Core Formation cultivators.”
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang’an froze briefly before asking in surprise:
“Old Hu, are you going back?”
From the information implied in Hu Jin’s words, it seemed he would be leaving Five Dragon Island.
“It’s time to return.”
Looking at Lin Chang’an, Hu Jin sighed softly. Though somewhat reluctant, they were both Core Formation cultivators now, each with their own path to walk.
“Then congratulations are in order, Old Hu.”
For Hu Jin, Yue Kingdom was his homeland.
But after traveling tens of thousands of miles to the Beast Sea Abyss years ago, the Five Dragon Island Sea Region had become their second home.
Naturally, Hu Jin had developed feelings for this sea region.
Lin Chang’an understood the meaning behind Hu Jin’s sigh, yet instead he smiled and congratulated him.
“Sea Abyss City is far better than this remote sea region. Whether cultivation resources or anything else—it’s all much stronger than here.”
With Lin Chang’an’s congratulations, Hu Jin set aside his reluctance.
Soon the two continued drinking and laughing inside the pavilion.
For Hu Jin, the next time he returned to the Five Dragon Island Sea Region—no one knew when that would be.
Several days later, Lin Chang’an set out for Sea Abyss City.
This time he traveled together with Hu Jin and several Core Formation cultivators of Bihai Palace.
It also seemed to signal that the matter regarding the Sinister Soul Sect had come to an end.
Meanwhile, the Sword Attendant remained inside the cave abode in secluded cultivation, adjusting her condition to the peak while studying the Core Formation Insights.
The journey was completely smooth.
After all, he was traveling aboard a spirit ship of Bihai Palace.
Although the impending opening of the Beast Sea Abyss’s greatest secret realm had made the region somewhat chaotic recently, no one would be foolish enough to casually attack a spirit ship sailing within Bihai Palace’s territory.
…
Sea Abyss City.
“Old Lin, this is my token. With it, you can attend the trading gathering when the time comes. Don’t think too much about it.
It’s just a trading gathering organized by several Core Formation cultivators of Bihai Palace together with a group of fairly strong Core Formation rogue cultivators.”
Upon returning, Hu Jin had originally intended to warmly host Lin Chang’an.
Unexpectedly, he immediately received a mission from above.
Helpless, he handed Lin Chang’an his personal token.
Lin Chang’an cupped his fists.
“Old Hu, take care.”
“Relax. This time we’re going to the Inner Sea, not the Outer Sea.”
The two looked at each other and parted with cupped fists.
In the end, Lin Chang’an stood alone on the wide street.
Looking at the vast and magnificent Sea Abyss Immortal City, he smiled and shook his head.
“Looks like I’m alone again. But since I’m here, I should handle the main matter first.”
His gaze turned toward the most dazzling pavilion in the distance.
Treasure Radiance Pavilion.
“Fellow Daoist Lin.”
This time when Lin Chang’an arrived, the reception was completely warm and courteous. Even some internal treasures were revealed to him.
This enthusiasm made Lin Chang’an sigh inwardly.
With the privileges granted by the Sixth Elder, the change in status truly felt good.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, rest assured. We currently have four thousand-year Profound Yin Fruits. Since you are connected to the Sixth Elder, I will certainly choose the best one for you.”
“Ahem… one thousand years will suffice.”
Having just enjoyed his privileges, Lin Chang’an now smiled awkwardly.
If they brought out a fruit that was nineteen hundred years old, he might truly not be able to afford it.
The shopkeeper saw through his thoughts and smiled.
“Rest assured, Fellow Daoist. The value of these four spirit fruits is similar. The differences mainly lie in the completeness of harvesting and the quality of preservation.”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an suddenly understood.
He did not refuse this privilege.
After all, privileges unused would simply expire.
Soon the shopkeeper returned with a special jade box.
After opening the restriction, a glowing Profound Yin Fruit appeared inside.
It even retained two vibrant green leaves, showing how carefully it had been harvested and preserved.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, this fruit should be around eleven hundred years old.”
Even if he were not a Third-rank Alchemist, experienced cultivators could roughly estimate the age of spirit plants.
“Not bad. The error won’t exceed twenty years.”
Lin Chang’an smiled in satisfaction.
In the end, he paid using Sinister Spirit Demon Cores.
He was not worried about surprising anyone.
After all, many people knew he had inherited the legacy of Blood Fiend True Lord.
The Killing Origin Sword Art he cultivated was extremely effective against sinister spirits.
Sword cultivators already specialized in attack, and with attribute suppression, a Mid Core Formation cultivator like him could even suppress a late Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King in direct battle.
Hunting sinister spirits was perfectly normal.
“By the way, do you have any top-grade spirit items that assist with Core Formation?”
After completing the transaction, Lin Chang’an asked again with a hint of anticipation.
However, the Core Formation shopkeeper sighed helplessly.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, Core Formation spirit items have always been strategic resources. Especially top-grade ones—they are strictly controlled internally and usually only appear at auctions.”
Lin Chang’an immediately understood.
Simply put, although the Sixth Elder had granted him privileges, those privileges only covered various cultivation resources needed for Core Formation cultivators.
Top-grade Core Formation Spirit Items were not easily made available.
Even within Bihai Palace, such precious items likely required merit and personal connections.
When Lin Chang’an himself formed his core, both the Blackwater Liquid and the Premium Crystal Condensing Pill he refined were only considered high-quality items—not top-grade.
Top-grade Core Formation Spirit Items were usually reserved for extremely talented cultivators with the potential to form an Immortal Golden Core—Nascent Soul prospects.
After hearing this explanation, Lin Chang’an showed a trace of disappointment.
He then purchased several other materials and exchanged for some High-grade Spirit Stones before leaving.
…
After exiting Treasure Radiance Pavilion, Lin Chang’an’s expression remained calm.
He was not worried about revealing his interest in top-grade Core Formation Spirit Items.
After all, such items were extremely valuable.
Others might assume he wanted to use his temporary privileges to earn profit from resale.
Some might even think he intended to acquire them for Mystic Sound Pavilion.
Over the years, there had been many rumors outside.
Thus, the possibility that people would connect this matter to the Sword Attendant was extremely small.
“And besides, top-grade Core Formation Spirit Items also have the effect of improving the quality of the Golden Core.”
Of course, this effect would not miraculously raise an entire grade of core quality.
But within the same grade, it could significantly improve the purity and quality.
When he asked about these items earlier, most likely the shopkeeper assumed he wanted them for himself.
After all, Lin Chang’an’s public image was that of a cultivator who had dared to reforge his core and cultivate again with great determination.
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