Chapter 331 : Movements of All Parties
Chapter 331: Movements of All Parties
Half a year had already passed since the incident, yet the deaths of the Red Fire Sect couple seemed not to have stirred even the slightest disturbance.
【Lifespan: 211/703】
【Realm: Mid Core Formation (18/100)】
Celestial Spring Peak.
However, as he looked at his cultivation steadily advancing, Lin Changan slightly frowned. Although his cultivation progress remained as steady as ever,
he could still sense some subtle changes.
“As cultivation realm continues to rise, the speed of improvement will grow slower and slower. Later on, there will even be bottlenecks between minor realms.”
He had not experienced this long-lost feeling for quite some time.
Thinking of this, Lin Changan could not help but sigh softly.
If cultivation were truly that easy, Bihai Palace would already have a large number of Nascent Soul cultivators under its command.
Just look at Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, once the number one genius of the Seven Kingdoms. In recent years, she had fallen from her pedestal and had been polishing her bottleneck at the mid Core Formation stage for a long time.
“Although the upheaval in Xuanyin Pavilion has also affected her cultivation.”
However, after spending these years together, that Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had openly admitted that those upheavals and influences were also trials of will she had willingly stepped into.
“I'm afraid it won’t be long before she breaks through to the late Core Formation stage.”
She had already been in seclusion for a long time.
“Master!”
Just as Lin Changan was deep in thought inside the pavilion, the Sword Attendant—who had been in seclusion for a long time—also emerged from her retreat.
As soon as she came out, she saw Lin Changan sitting alone in the pavilion. The Azure-Horned Ox in the pool lazily opened its eyes when it saw her leave seclusion, letting out a soft moo as a greeting.
“Master, you’ve returned!”
The Sword Attendant walked forward with a face full of joy, skillfully pouring tea for Lin Changan.
She had not expected that the moment she emerged from seclusion, she would run into her master.
Lin Changan looked at the Sword Attendant after this retreat. Her entire body radiated a powerful aura, and faintly there was even a sharp sword intent emanating from her.
This made him reveal a satisfied expression.
“Not bad. Your cultivation is nearly perfected. You are only one step away from Core Formation.”
Hearing Lin Changan’s praise, the Sword Attendant felt delighted in her heart and nodded firmly.
“All thanks to Master’s grace.”
Lin Changan chuckled lightly at this and did not deny it.
Without him, no matter how great the Sword Attendant’s talent was, she would never have been able to break free from the shackles of her bloodline.
However, the Sword Attendant’s current cultivation was already even stronger than when he had been preparing for Core Formation in the past.
This also reflected the difference in spiritual roots.
“Whether it’s Foundation Establishment or Core Formation, in ancient times spiritual energy was abundant and cultivation was far easier. Even without external help, it was said that cultivators could still form their core.
But now spiritual energy is thin. If a cultivator relies solely on bitter cultivation, even a talented genius would waste too much time cultivating and eventually miss the best age to break through.”
At this moment, Lin Changan could not help but feel somewhat envious of spiritual bodies like that of the Sword Attendant.
At the very least, as far as he knew, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt—who possessed a Heavenly Spirit Root—did not use a Foundation Establishment Pill when she broke through. Even her Core Formation had no bottleneck. The Core Formation spirit items she sought were mainly for improving the quality of her core.
“But my current self is not bad either.”
Thinking about how he now possessed an Earth-grade Spiritual Root, and that he would eventually cultivate the Xuantian Spirit Body in the future, Lin Changan could not help but smile.
In the cultivation world, talent was important, but changing one’s fate against the heavens still relied on opportunities.
Whether it was him or the Sword Attendant, both had relied on opportunities to change their destinies.
…
Inside the pavilion, the Sword Attendant standing beside him in service clearly had a trace of joy between her brows.
She had cultivated for so many years. It was not only because she was about to form her core.
More importantly, she had finally caught up.
“Although your talent is good, Core Formation is only the beginning. Moreover, the quality of a Golden Core is divided into many grades. You must not be careless.”
Lin Changan reminded her seriously.
After all, the greater the Sword Attendant’s potential, the more beneficial it would be for him.
“I have already prepared the Core Formation spirit items for you.”
A Premium Crystal Condensing Pill, Refined Demonic Energy, Blackwater Liquid, and also a Clear Spirit Pill.
Even Lin Changan could not help but sigh emotionally at this moment. Having someone to guide and support you was truly wonderful.
Unlike when he formed his core, when he could only rely on himself.
Refined Demonic Energy had the effect of stabilizing the Golden Core. After forming the core, the Sword Attendant would be able to stabilize it quickly, saving a great deal of effort.
As for the Clear Spirit Pill, it could allow the Sword Attendant’s divine sense to break through ahead of time. Powerful divine sense was also beneficial to Core Formation.
It could be said that although these two were not top-tier Core Formation spirit items, when combined their overall effect was not much worse than top-grade spirit items.
“There is no need to rush Core Formation. This Clear Spirit Pill can first help your divine sense break through. That way you will have greater confidence later.”
“Thank you, Master!”
The Sword Attendant was not foolish. After seeing the treasures bestowed by her master, she nodded firmly with a resolute expression.
She would definitely not disappoint her master.
Although all of this was merely part of Lin Changan’s plan for Nascent Soul.
Looking at the many Core Formation spirit items, Lin Changan could not help but calculate silently.
Combined with the Sword Attendant’s spiritual body talent, the success rate of forming an Immortal Golden Core this time was as high as seventy to eighty percent.
…
After the news that the Sword Attendant was preparing to form her core spread, not only the cultivators of Celestial Spring Peak but also many cultivators who were close to them revealed looks of envy.
Lu Yushu of the Lu Clan could not help but say with a sour expression after hearing the news:
“Fellow Daoist Lin is truly generous.”
Actually helping a concubine form her core was quite rare in the cultivation world.
In the eyes of outsiders, the Sword Attendant over the years was merely someone of exceptional beauty and with talent in the Sword Path.
A maid who had been lucky enough to become a concubine had now even obtained a Core Formation opportunity.
“Sigh, a mid Core Formation cultivation, plus being a mid-grade Third-rank Formation Master… For people like us, Core Formation spirit items are priceless treasures. But for others, they are no longer that important.”
Thinking back to when he had once formed his core earlier than Lin Changan and even felt somewhat superior at the time,
Lu Yushu could not help but laugh self-mockingly.
The gap was growing larger and larger.
As for the major clans and small sects across the Five Dragon Island Sea Region, they were even more jealous upon hearing the news.
Those with little had nothing, while those with plenty had too much.
…
Xuanyin Pavilion.
“Junior Sister Liu, if this woman successfully forms her core, Celestial Spring Peak will have two Core Formation cultivators, plus a third-rank demon beast!”
Xu Lingfeng spoke with a solemn expression.
It was not that he was overthinking things—the other side already had that level of strength.
Hearing this, Liu Ruyu—who usually had a good impression of Lin Changan—also rarely became serious.
“The Sect Master is currently in seclusion. And even if she were here, having one more Core Formation cultivator would also strengthen our Xuanyin Pavilion. We have no reason…”
Listening to Liu Ruyu’s words, Xu Lingfeng gave a bitter smile and sighed.
“Junior Sister, I’m not worried about Elder Lin. What I’m worried about is the Four Seas Merchant Guild and the Long Clan!”
The Four Seas Merchant Guild would absolutely not miss this opportunity. They would certainly sow discord and drive wedges between them.
As for the Long Clan—although it had declined—it certainly did not want to see two powerful forces rise.
Because when two powerful forces clashed intensely, the first thing they would do would be to clear away surrounding forces capable of taking advantage.
Thus, the Long Clan would prefer to see a weakened force that needed allies.
Only then could a three-way balance of power exist.
“The Four Seas Merchant Guild…”
Liu Ruyu frowned deeply.
What she thought about was the fact that their Sect Master and Elder Lin had always been close and shared a deep friendship.
If Elder Lin were to leave, the loss would be enormous.
After all, Lin Changan now possessed mid Core Formation cultivation, had a third-rank spirit pet, was a mid-grade Third-rank Formation Master, and they even secretly knew that—
this Elder Lin was also a low-grade Third-rank Talisman Master.
Thinking of this, Liu Ruyu shuddered.
No! They absolutely could not allow outsiders to drive a wedge between them and Elder Lin.
“When the Sect Master emerges from seclusion, we must explain the seriousness of this matter to her. And right now, the only one worthy of the Sect Master is Elder Lin.”
At this moment, Liu Ruyu’s thoughts once again rekindled.
Their Sect Master possessed extraordinary talent, while Elder Lin had a firm Dao heart. Both were mid Core Formation cultivators and had the potential to pursue even greater Dao paths.
The two had shared a deep friendship for many years, and she could tell their Sect Master did not reject him.
If the two could end up together, it would truly be a fine story.
Simply a match made in heaven.
“Senior Brother, do you think the Sect Master and Elder Lin…”
Liu Ruyu spoke her thoughts directly without hiding them.
Xu Lingfeng’s face immediately became extremely unpleasant.
He had admired Senior Sister for over a hundred years—everyone knew that.
But now…
Seeing Liu Ruyu’s sincere expression, clearly thinking only for the sect’s sake,
Xu Lingfeng—the iron-willed man—felt his heart bleed in pain.
With a livid expression, he forced himself to say against his will:
“If Senior Sister doesn’t mind… I have no objections!”
Hearing this, Liu Ruyu smiled.
“It’s good that Senior Brother understands. We’re not only doing this for the sect, but also for the Sect Master.”
“Ever since the great upheaval in Yue Kingdom, the Sect Master has borne the burden of the sect alone. Do you think she didn’t have better choices? Back then, could you or I have resisted the temptation of Bihai Palace’s offer?”
Liu Ruyu sighed softly.
Xu Lingfeng also fell silent.
They knew very well that over these years, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had delayed her own cultivation for the sake of the sect.
Otherwise, the genius who once amazed the Seven Kingdoms would not still be stuck at mid Core Formation after so many years.
She had completely missed the advantage granted by her Heavenly Spirit Root.
“But if Senior Sister is unwilling, we absolutely cannot pressure her with the sect!”
Thinking of Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, Xu Lingfeng immediately insisted that the sect must not force her.
However, Liu Ruyu rolled her eyes at him and retorted bluntly:
“Senior Brother, then tell me—among all the Core Formation cultivators on Five Dragon Island, besides Elder Lin, who is worthy of the Sect Master?”
“And do you even know what the Sect Master usually likes?”
Before Xu Lingfeng could respond, Liu Ruyu struck mercilessly:
“I’ll tell you. The Sect Master likes tranquility. She likes drinking tea and playing chess. She also loves the scenery of Celestial Spring Peak. Otherwise she wouldn’t go there every few days.
And whenever the Sect Master is with Elder Lin, she smiles more. Otherwise why would the spirit wine she personally brewed be given to Elder Lin?”
These sharp words echoed, leaving Xu Lingfeng pale and stunned.
Senior Sister went to Celestial Spring Peak every few days?
And she even gave that spirit wine she brewed back in Yue Kingdom… to Lin?
Back then when they formed their cores, their Senior Sister had only brought out a single jar.
She had solemnly said it was the taste of their homeland in Yue Kingdom and that they must never forget their roots.
One day they would lead Xuanyin Pavilion back to stand among the Seven Kingdoms.
“I…”
Xu Lingfeng completely broke down.
Although Liu Ruyu felt a bit sorry, she remained silent.
It was better to end his thoughts early.
It wasn’t that he was unworthy.
But in her mind, the Sect Master was both her senior sister and her teacher.
Moreover, the Sect Master looked at the two of them like juniors.
After all, after they entered Foundation Establishment, it was the Sect Master who personally taught them.
…
This time, Lin Changan did not hide the news that he was preparing the Sword Attendant’s Core Formation.
The main reason was that with his current strength, there was no need to.
Nor was he afraid of anyone foolish enough to cause trouble.
In fact, if the Core Formation were secretly concealed, others might begin to speculate wildly.
“The Sword Attendant is still so young! She’s already preparing for Core Formation?”
In Xuanyin Pavilion, Li Tianmo—whose cultivation had reached mid Foundation Establishment and was flourishing with youthful vigor—felt as if struck by lightning when he heard the news.
At this moment his face turned pale, as if he suddenly realized what he had missed over the years.
After the sect competition, once he successfully reached Foundation Establishment, cultivation conditions at Celestial Spring Peak were inferior to those of the sect.
As time passed, he went there less and less frequently.
Of course, he never forgot the proper respect he owed.
“I…”
Li Tianmo was filled with regret.
This was a Core Formation opportunity!
If he had continued to sincerely remain at Celestial Spring Peak, perhaps when he reached Foundation Establishment perfection in the future, that granduncle might also have helped him.
“Senior Sister Sword Attendant is probably only around one hundred and twenty years old at most.”
Zhou Bingxuan, standing nearby in the sect, spoke calmly.
This age was something Lin Changan had deliberately spread earlier.
Otherwise, if people discovered the Sword Attendant was preparing for Core Formation before reaching one hundred years old, she would definitely become a target.
“Although I envy her, and even feel a bit jealous, it’s understandable when you think about it. You, I, and most people simply couldn’t remain quietly at Celestial Spring Peak.”
Zhou Bingxuan was more rational despite her envy.
The experiences of the Sword Attendant when she first entered Celestial Spring Peak were no secret.
She had handled everything personally, almost having no time to cultivate, yet she never once complained.
In fact, Zhou Bingxuan did not say another thought she had—
The Sword Attendant’s entire heart belonged to Celestial Spring Peak.
Aside from that, nothing else mattered to her.
Even though others understood this, none of them could replicate her path.
Zhou Bingxuan’s words left Li Tianmo unable to refute her, even though he was unwilling to accept it.
Everyone had their own thoughts.
But how many people could devote their entire heart to a single figure the way the Sword Attendant had?
“Stop overthinking it. Haven’t you noticed that even the two elders in the sect were not surprised by Elder Lin helping the Sword Attendant form her core?”
In the end, someone like the Sword Attendant—if placed in a noble mortal household—would be a death-sworn attendant and trusted confidant.
Failing to nurture someone so loyal would be impossible.
Just that unwavering loyalty alone was enough.
Meanwhile, Shen Zhuang and Mei Ning—one with an honest personality, the other lacking talent—felt envy like any normal person.
Afterward, the two even began preparing gifts.
…
Meanwhile, when the Four Seas Merchant Guild heard the news, the two Core Formation cultivators Zhu and Liang saw things clearly.
Within the guild, everyone was willing to cooperate to earn spirit stones.
But when it came to offending people, every one of them slipped away like eels.
No one was willing to risk their lives.
“Win him over! This Formation Master Lin has been in Xuanyin Pavilion for more than seventy years. As long as we recruit him, he will become one of our guild members.”
“Exactly. It’s better for everyone to work together earning spirit stones than fighting and killing.”
Upon hearing that recruitment would be the method, everyone’s faces flushed red, like sea beasts smelling blood.
If a mid-grade Third-rank Formation Master joined the Four Seas Merchant Guild, everyone would profit even more.
Author’s note:
The author can’t hold on anymore and is going to sleep. I slept in a hospital chair last night and barely got any rest.
If there are typos or mistakes, I’ll fix them tonight after waking up. I hope fellow Daoists can understand.