Chapter 332 : Third-rank Body Refinement
Chapter 332: Third-rank Body Refinement
Earthfire Cavern.
At this moment, the surrounding formation barrier light curtain flickered with spiritual light.
The Wind-Chirp Bird that usually liked to stay perched on the Fusang Divine Tree was acting unusually today, standing guard around the barrier.
At the center of the formation, Lin Chang’an sat cross-legged. His entire body was burning hot and crimson, while terrifying waves of aura continuously spread from him.
This was a pure manifestation of abundant vitality and blood essence. Wave after wave surged outward, accompanied by rhythmic thumping heartbeats.
“Breaking through to Third-rank Body Refinement will happen today!”
During the past half year, he had tempered his body using the blood essence of a late Third-rank Great Demon. His body refinement had already reached the limit of the Second Rank.
Inside the barrier, after Lin Chang’an spoke in a low voice, the power of vitality and blood within his body began to boil.
The Core Formation of body cultivators differed from others—it was a process in which the flesh itself underwent a qualitative transformation.
There would not be overly grand heavenly phenomena. Or rather, the phenomena of body cultivators at this level mostly originated from the aura released by their blood essence.
However, Lin Chang’an had already set up formations inside his cave abode, preventing even a trace of his vitality from leaking out.
Furthermore, body cultivation breakthroughs required a massive amount of spiritual energy. At this moment, within the surrounding Spirit Gathering Formation, dozens of premium-grade Spirit Stones were shining with spiritual light, filling the barrier with dense spiritual energy.
Outside the formation, there was almost no disturbance at all.
Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an, who was in the midst of breaking through, frowned tightly.
Every time the Mysterious Sky mana inside his body surged through him, every particle within his flesh seemed to boil.
Expansion! Pain!
Immediately afterward, the life aura emitted by his Life-bound Spirit Plant gradually soothed the pain.
The sensation was almost unbearable.
As time passed, Lin Chang’an’s flesh—including his tendons and bones—was being tempered from the inside out like steel forged through countless hammer strikes.
Every muscle in his body contained immense power. With even the slightest movement, explosive force surged within him.
At last, a faint layer of golden light condensed on the surface of his body.
This was what body cultivators commonly called the Golden Body.
However, his Third-rank body refinement was still insufficient to support a true Golden Body manifestation. At most, it merely condensed a layer of protective spiritual light around his body.
“Break!”
His voice was not loud, yet it echoed through the entire cave abode like thunder.
Inside Lin Chang’an’s body, the Golden Core in his dantian became noticeably more solid and gained an additional layer of golden radiance.
This breakthrough did not produce major disturbances, largely because Lin Chang’an had prepared thoroughly.
The blood essence of the late Third-rank Great Demon that he had consumed was now transforming into terrifying energy, continuously replenishing his vitality and blood after the breakthrough.
Within the Spirit Gathering Formation, dozens of premium-grade Spirit Stones flashed endlessly as dense spiritual energy poured into Lin Chang’an’s body, stabilizing his new realm.
Only inside the barrier could one feel it—
Waves of overwhelming vitality and blood aura surged from Lin Chang’an’s body one after another.
This terrifying pressure was comparable to that of a Third-rank Great Demon.
Three days later!
“Third-rank body refinement… finally broken through!”
As Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes and felt the immense power within his body, a smile appeared on his face.
When he moved slightly, the stone cushion beneath him could not withstand the leaking force.
Crack—crack—crack!
It shattered into countless fragments.
“This kind of power… truly intoxicating.”
Lin Chang’an slowly stood up. Feeling the seemingly endless strength within his body, a surge of heroic confidence rose in his heart, almost giving him the illusion that no one in the world could rival him.
Of course, he knew this was merely the illusion that often followed a breakthrough.
“This sensation!”
He carefully felt the transformation inside his body.
His bones and tendons were as tough as thousand-year ancient vines, while his body resembled ironwood—dense and unyielding like metal.
Veins coiled beneath his skin like powerful dragons and serpents.
In the next moment, he took a deep breath.
The terrifying vitality and blood aura that had previously resembled that of a Third-rank Great Demon instantly vanished, completely concealed.
“Worthy of being an Ancient Cultivation Method.”
He could clearly sense the difference.
Although he had reached the same Third-rank Body Refinement level as others, this method was entirely different from ordinary techniques.
Ordinary Third-rank body refinement possessed great rigidity but insufficient flexibility.
This cultivation method, however, contained its power inwardly—his body was nearly indestructible while remaining extremely resilient.
“After the Art of Spell Refinement, the Art of Body Refinement, and the Art of Spirit Refinement have all broken through to the Third Rank, the three now complement one another.”
“I can clearly feel that my Regenerative Body has grown even stronger.”
With a thought, the Sun-Piercing Divine Sword appeared in his hand.
He reversed his grip and slashed across his own palm.
A dull sound like a blunt blade scraping cowhide rang out.
The blood from the wound coagulated instead of flowing, and the injury visibly healed at an astonishing speed.
“Then what about this?”
Lin Chang’an snapped his fingers.
A wisp of Heavenly Yang Spirit Fire appeared in his palm.
Under the burning of the spiritual flame, the natural healing ability was temporarily suppressed. Yet Lin Chang’an could clearly feel that his Regenerative Body was accelerating the healing process by consuming the mana within his body.
“Not only physical recovery… even mana control and recovery have improved significantly.”
At that moment, Lin Chang’an’s mind stirred.
Several sword gleams appeared within the cave abode.
The sword gleams shimmered with spiritual light. After circling once inside the cave abode, they suddenly shot toward him.
Yet these extremely sharp sword gleams were stopped a full ten feet away from his body by his mana shield, erupting into dazzling sparks of spiritual light.
“My mana shield is stronger than before as well.”
The mana barrier then dispersed.
Lin Chang’an simply raised his hand and blocked in front of him.
The razor-sharp sword gleam was directly caught in his palm.
“It seems this breakthrough brought a complete qualitative transformation in overall strength.”
Even Lin Chang’an had not expected such a dramatic overall improvement after his body refinement reached the Third Rank.
Or rather—
When this cultivation method reached the Third Rank in all three aspects, it produced a true qualitative transformation.
“Mid Core Formation realm, late Third-rank spiritual sense, and Third-rank body refinement!”
Feeling the immense strength within him, Lin Chang’an could not help but burst into hearty laughter.
“With my current strength, even without revealing some of my hidden trump cards, I can confront a late Core Formation cultivator head-on.”
“Even against some veteran Core Formation cultivators, I would not fall far behind!”
After familiarizing himself with his newfound power, Lin Chang’an raised his hand and removed the surrounding barrier.
After all, premium-grade Spirit Stones were extremely precious. Even Core Formation cultivators could not bear to waste them easily.
“Master!”
The Wind-Chirp Bird that had been guarding him excitedly landed on Lin Chang’an’s shoulder. With its keen senses, it could clearly feel the powerful aura emanating from its master.
“How does it feel?”
Lin Chang’an did not conceal anything from his spirit pet.
After all, demon beasts possessed much sharper instincts when it came to danger and aura.
Hearing the question, the Wind-Chirp Bird tilted its lively head before chirping clearly.
“Master feels very dangerous… but without the violent aura that demon beasts usually have…”
But while the bird was speaking, Lin Chang’an smiled confidently.
As he restrained his aura, the Wind-Chirp Bird suddenly froze in shock.
“Master… I can’t feel that surging vitality anymore. Your aura is still dropping…”
By the end of its words, the bird’s eyes had widened in disbelief.
Among demon beasts, some naturally possessed innate concealment abilities.
But those were innate divine abilities.
Human cultivation techniques merely imitated them, making it extremely difficult to reach the level of a demon beast’s natural abilities.
“With my current concealment ability, no one below the Nascent Soul Realm will be able to see through me.”
Thinking of Nascent Soul cultivators, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly.
The gap between such major realms was not easily crossed.
“I’m still too weak. If I were stronger, perhaps even Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn’t discover me so long as I didn’t release my aura.”
Of course, that only applied to concealing his true strength.
As for provoking a Nascent Soul cultivator—
He would not even dare to consider it.
“By the way, Master. Sword Attendant emerged from seclusion half a month ago.”
Hearing the report, Lin Chang’an nodded.
After cleaning up the traces around him, he transformed into a streak of escaping light and flew upward toward the cave abode above.
…
Celestial Spring Peak.
“Master!”
After emerging from seclusion upon consuming the Clear Spirit Powder, Sword Attendant now gave off an aura of sharpness and brilliance.
With his powerful perception, Lin Chang’an could clearly sense that her soul had become extremely solid, which surprised him.
“The Heavenly Spirit Sword Body truly lives up to its reputation—one of the Three Great Sword Cultivation Physiques comparable to a Heavenly Spirit Root. What an enviable talent.”
Among cultivators of the same realm, those who cultivated special spiritual-sense techniques would possess far more solid souls than ordinary cultivators.
The benefits were obvious.
Their souls were tougher, granting stronger resistance against soul-based attacks.
Furthermore, their ability to manipulate objects with spiritual sense would also become significantly stronger.
However, Sword Attendant’s special physique achieved nearly the same level of soul solidity even without cultivating such techniques.
Of course, not every spiritual physique possessed this advantage.
Sword cultivation physiques were simply more inclined toward it.
“Very good. Your spiritual sense has already broken through.”
“In that case, during the Core Formation process, you can at least save ten percent of your strength to improve the quality of your Golden Core.”
Hearing Lin Chang’an’s praise, Sword Attendant cupped her hands respectfully.
“Sword Attendant will definitely not disappoint Master.”
Lin Chang’an nodded in satisfaction.
After spending so much effort nurturing her, she had not disappointed his expectations.
“How are the preparations?”
“Master, Sword Attendant is fully prepared.”
Her gaze was resolute, and her aura steady and powerful. Clearly, she had already adjusted herself to her peak condition during this period.
Both physically and mentally.
“In that case, prepare to begin Core Formation.”
“The longer you delay, the greater the risk of unexpected changes.”
Lin Chang’an understood this truth all too well.
No matter how talented one was, if they had not formed a Golden Core, they were still merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Who knew what accidents might occur?
Thus once preparations were complete, hesitation was pointless.
Only by transforming talent into true strength could a cultivator stand firmly.
Next, Lin Chang’an took out several Core Formation spirit items.
Sword Attendant’s eyes flickered as waves stirred within her heart.
“Master… I…”
She had known her master would prepare Core Formation spirit items for her.
But she had never expected this many.
Two Premium Crystal Condensing Pills.
Blackwater Liquid.
And a bottle of top-grade spirit item used to stabilize the Golden Core—refined Demonic Energy.
Every preparation Lin Chang’an had made was aimed at helping her condense an Immortal Golden Core.
“Go to the cave abode where I cultivate in seclusion. Everything has already been prepared.”
“Yes, Master!”
Sword Attendant carefully stored the Core Formation spirit items before nodding solemnly.
Lin Chang’an watched until she entered the cave abode before sighing softly.
“I hope you won’t disappoint me.”
At the same time, he took out a Voice-transmission Talisman and informed several Core Formation cultivators—Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, Liu Ruyu, and Xu Lingfeng of Xuanyin Pavilion.
After all, he was an elder of Xuanyin Pavilion. It was only proper to inform them.
…
As Sword Attendant entered seclusion to prepare for Core Formation, many cultivators appeared outside Celestial Spring Peak.
Some came to watch the excitement.
Others hoped to use this opportunity to build connections with Lin Chang’an.
Inside Celestial Spring Peak, the formation was activated.
Lin Chang’an calmly sat in the pavilion, personally standing guard.
The visitors outside were mostly Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment cultivators.
If Sword Attendant succeeded in forming her Golden Core, Core Formation cultivators would naturally come to offer congratulations.
If she failed, no one would come to touch bad luck.
“Sword Attendant Senior Sister has already entered seclusion.”
“Ah… I envy Senior Sister so much.”
Outside Celestial Spring Peak, Li Tianmo—who had matured greatly over the years—had gradually shed his youthful sharpness. Now he resembled a refined middle-aged cultivator.
As he looked toward the peak, his eyes were filled with envy—and a trace of regret.
Beside him, Zhou Bingxuan was also filled with envy.
But she understood that such an opportunity was not something everyone could obtain.
“I wonder if we’ll ever reach that day.”
No Foundation Establishment cultivator could resist imagining themselves becoming a Core Formation cultivator.
Her own cultivation had already reached the middle stage of Foundation Establishment.
But even reaching the late stage would not guarantee success.
Core Formation spirit items were simply too difficult for low-rank cultivators to obtain.
“Senior Sister Zhou… do you think we could visit Elder Granduncle Lin in the future?”
After hesitating, Li Tianmo finally voiced the thought in his heart.
Zhou Bingxuan fell silent.
Compared to her, Li Tianmo and Shen Zhuang had much closer ties with Elder Lin.
Perhaps they truly had such an opportunity.
Even Shen Zhuang—who was usually straightforward and quiet—immediately understood the meaning behind those words.
If they ever reached the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage and lacked sufficient Core Formation spirit items…
Could they ask this Elder Granduncle Lin for help?
“If that day really comes, I will definitely visit Elder Granduncle Lin!”
To everyone’s surprise, the first to speak was Shen Zhuang.
Li Tianmo and Zhou Bingxuan stared at him in astonishment.
The usually modest Shen Zhuang had shown the greatest determination in this matter.
After all, lowering one’s pride to make such a request could risk offending Elder Lin.
It might even destroy the relationship between them.
Yet Shen Zhuang only smiled calmly.
“My grandmother once said that ignoring personal connections is foolish.”
“And if you never try… what if you miss the greatest opportunity of your life?”
There was another sentence he did not speak aloud.
Relationships would naturally fade over time.
Sometimes asking for help was itself a form of maintaining those ties.
Even if it failed, he would have no regrets.
After all—
Opportunity! Opportunity!
If one did not dare to seek it or fight for it, how could they ever hope to form a Golden Core?
“Haha… I didn’t expect Brother Shen to enlighten me today.”
Li Tianmo suddenly seemed to understand something and smiled with embarrassment as he cupped his hands toward Shen Zhuang.
Meanwhile, Zhou Bingxuan silently watched them with a hint of envy.
After all, the two of them were descendants of close friends of Elder Lin.
Her relationship with him was far more distant.
“It’s starting!”
Suddenly someone shouted.
After nine days with the mountain protection formation activated, the spiritual energy fluctuations of Core Formation finally appeared from Celestial Spring Peak.
For a moment, countless people stared in shock and excitement.
Perhaps they would never achieve Core Formation in their entire lives.
But that did not stop them from yearning for it.