Chapter 336 : Firm Dao Heart
Chapter 336: Firm Dao Heart
Celestial Spring Peak.
“Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor—this Ancient Treasure Refinement Method truly opens up an entirely different path.”
Ever since obtaining this Ancient Treasure Refinement Method, Lin Chang’an had frequently held it in his hands to study.
During the past half year, he had spent considerable effort researching these materials he had never even heard of before.
“Many things existed only in ancient times. Once exhausted, they naturally vanished into the past. Likewise, the cultivation world undergoes cycles of change—many things that exist today did not exist in the ancient era.”
Looking at the jade slip in his hand, Lin Chang’an could not help but sigh with emotion.
The more deeply one understood the Hundred Arts of Cultivation, the more one would discover the mysteries within them—so fascinating that it became impossible to extricate oneself.
As a cultivator’s cultivation grew increasingly profound, they would begin probing the many secrets of the cultivation world. The Hundred Arts of Cultivation were merely one of the methods used to explore them.
They were not merely dull tools for strengthening oneself.
“To gather the power of the Four Symbols, while also incorporating the Dao of formations—this path of Ancient Treasures truly broadened my horizons.”
Previously, he had never known that such Artifact Refinement methods even existed. Unlike ordinary refinement techniques, this was a method that pursued an extreme, single form of power.
“Unfortunately, many materials still need to be found slowly.”
Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly. During this time, he had learned quite a bit about the characteristics of those ancient materials, attempting to find modern substitutes with similar properties.
However, the difficulty of restoration was enormous.
“Even for Nascent Soul cultivators who wish to repair this Ancient Treasure, they would likely have to search through one ancient secret realm after another before having a chance to gather the materials.”
It was rumored that within the First Secret Realm of the Beast Sea Abyss, there existed countless extinct ancient materials.
Yet when Lin Chang’an thought of this, he merely sighed softly and slowly shook his head.
No matter how powerful an Ancient Treasure might be, what of it? Even if he were given a complete Ancient Treasure now, with his Golden Core Realm strength he would not be able to unleash its true power.
In comparison, when he entered the secret realm seventy years later, his first priority would be to search for Nascent Soul Formation Spirit Items rather than treasures like these magical artifacts.
“Leaving aside the other materials, just these few main components alone are already beyond the reach of ordinary cultivators.”
For the Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor, the first requirement was the refinement of a Flood Dragon Essence Soul within it. Only then could it regain its spiritual essence and become a barely usable magical artifact once more.
Next, one had to obtain the four strange pearls—Wind-Repelling Ability, Fire-Repelling Ability, Water-Repelling Ability, and Dust-Repelling Ability.
But for him, obtaining these would be extremely difficult.
Thus, he could only settle for spirit materials with similar properties.
“Similar properties… then the only option is refining demon cores of matching attributes.”
Considering the dangers within the secret realm, the importance of this defensive Ancient Treasure went without saying. If he wished to restore it, he would certainly choose the best spirit materials within his ability to obtain.
“Third-rank High-grade Demon Cores. Water and earth attributes are manageable. Fire attribute will merely be harder to find. The real difficulty is a late Third-rank Great Demon with wind attribute.”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but feel troubled.
But after pondering it carefully—
If Yun Yao had not given him this Ancient Treasure, he would still have needed to refine multiple magical artifacts to cover various needs. In comparison, that might not necessarily be easier.
It would even be more time-consuming and laborious. Having more magical artifacts did not necessarily mean greater strength.
On the other hand, if he could restore this Ancient Treasure, even unleashing only ten or twenty percent of its power would already rival the strongest Third-rank defensive magical artifacts.
“Looks like I’ll have to hunt that Thunder Flood Dragon first.”
Lin Chang’an then thought of the information Yun Yao had told him. That Thunder Flood Dragon was located in the Outer Sea, quite far away.
“A late Third-rank Thunder-attribute Flood Dragon… its strength will be troublesome. I’ll need to prepare carefully.”
Among demon beasts, Flood Dragons were already known for their strength among those of the same rank—let alone one with lightning attribute.
If he had the choice, he would prefer another attribute entirely.
After all, he did not possess any particular advantage against lightning.
“But disadvantages come with advantages as well. The drawback is that this demon beast is extremely powerful, and neither my cultivation method nor magical artifacts suppress it in attribute.
The advantage is that this Flood Dragon possesses lightning attribute. Whenever thunderclouds and torrential rain appear, it leaves the deep sea and coils within a mountain valley on the island, devouring the power of heavenly thunder.”
Of course, the Flood Dragon did not directly endure the heavenly thunder.
Instead, it relied on the terrain of the valley to weaken the thunder before absorbing it for cultivation.
“If I want to trap this Thunder Flood Dragon, then with my current methods, the only option is the Four Symbols Black Tortoise Formation.”
After thinking it through repeatedly, this defensive formation was the only suitable choice.
More importantly, he already possessed the materials needed to refine it.
“The Third-rank Giant Turtle Great Demon Essence Soul, along with its bones and Turtle Shell, obtained earlier—perfect for refining this formation.”
The materials from the late Third-rank Giant Turtle Great Demon he had slain earlier—the turtle shell, bones, and Essence Soul—were all top-tier Third-rank materials.
They would save him a tremendous amount of time.
“I must refine this formation as soon as possible, in case the Thunder Flood Dragon relocates to another lair.”
Thanks to the formation inheritance sent by the Sixth Elder in the past, as well as most of the inheritance of the Sinister Soul Sect, his comprehension in the Dao of formations had deepened considerably.
Thus Lin Chang’an began gathering materials for refining the formation.
Now that he was an elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, he naturally did not need to personally handle every task. Only the acquisition of the highest-grade materials required his own involvement.
……
Three months later.
The Sword Attendant emerged from seclusion. After forming her Golden Core, she had finally stabilized her cultivation realm completely and mastered the power of a Core Formation cultivator.
“Master, these are gifts sent by the Four Seas Merchant Guild.”
After emerging from seclusion, the Sword Attendant respectfully reported the matter. Even after becoming a Core Formation cultivator, her demeanor had not changed in the slightest.
Inside the cave abode, Lin Chang’an was studying the Four Symbols Black Tortoise Formation when he saw the gift from the Four Seas Merchant Guild and could not help but smile.
“This is quite a generous gift. It seems they are determined to recruit me.”
The gift list, along with the subtle enticement within the letter, showed considerable sincerity.
Joining the Four Seas Merchant Guild, promises of benefits, and so on.
If he intended to establish a family and expand his lineage, the conditions offered by the Four Seas Merchant Guild were indeed superior to those of Xuanyin Pavilion.
Unfortunately, his ambitions lay elsewhere.
“This generous gift requires a personal reply from me.”
Courtesy demanded reciprocity. The Four Seas Merchant Guild was attempting to recruit him with substantial benefits, and he was not someone ignorant of etiquette. Even if he declined, proper courtesy must be observed.
Standing quietly beside him in the cave abode, the Sword Attendant respectfully produced materials that had previously been obtained from Xuanyin Pavilion.
“Master, these are the materials recently gathered by Xuanyin Pavilion.”
Lin Chang’an checked them one by one.
Meanwhile, within the Earthfire Cavern, three of his avatars were concentrating on refining the formation.
The main body and avatars each had their own tasks.
“Master, the Seventy-two Outer Islands have recently been far from peaceful. As the First Secret Realm of the Beast Sea Abyss is about to open, numerous Core Formation cultivators who had been in seclusion for years have emerged.
Even some Nascent Soul old monsters once believed to have passed away in meditation have appeared again.
Furthermore, the incident that occurred near the border of the Five Dragon Island Sea Region is now widely rumored to have been a scheme by the Mystic Yin Divine Sect to frame Bihai Palace…”
Listening to the Sword Attendant’s report, Lin Chang’an raised his head with interest.
“Before the secret realm opens, all sorts of people have begun appearing. It seems some wish to muddy the waters, while others hope to profit from the chaos.
Yet the fact that disturbances are occurring across the Seventy-two Outer Islands suggests a force behind the scenes pushing all of this.”
Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes as he thought of the recent turmoil in the Beast Sea Abyss.
In truth, even from many years ago it could be seen that numerous forces in the Outer Sea had been subtly testing the hegemonic status of Bihai Palace.
But no one wanted to be the first to take the lead.
Minor skirmishes were acceptable.
Now, with the secret realm about to open and many Core Formation and Nascent Soul cultivators appearing, these hidden forces had finally been given an opportunity.
“The Beast Sea Abyss truly never has a moment of peace.”
Now that his status had changed, the information he could access had naturally changed as well.
From what he understood, after the last secret realm expedition ended, the Beast Sea Abyss had already experienced a period of turmoil.
This was also one of the reasons why the Blood Fiend True Lord had fled far away and even True Lord Lu had left.
“This time is different from before. During the previous turmoil, the two Palace Masters of Bihai Palace did not appear, which has already caused many forces to grow suspicious.
If the two Palace Masters still do not appear this time, the disturbance will likely be even greater than before.”
Lin Chang’an pondered silently.
Over the past few years, he had noticed that not only Xuanyin Pavilion but also the sects of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance had begun secretly transferring resources back to the Seven Kingdoms.
They were likely preparing in advance for the coming upheaval.
After all, he could not possibly be the only one capable of seeing what was coming.
However, turmoil also meant opportunity.
Every time chaos erupted, certain geniuses would rise.
After pondering for a while, Lin Chang’an lifted his head and looked at the Sword Attendant beside him.
“Ling’er, you are now a Core Formation cultivator as well. Things are different from before. What do you think about the current situation in the Beast Sea Abyss?”
Although the Sword Attendant held nothing back from him, as fellow Core Formation cultivators she still deserved proper respect.
“Master, the Sword Attendant does not fear turmoil.”
Within her clear heterochromatic eyes was calm indifference. The upheavals of the cultivation world had never concerned her.
It was precisely this fearless determination that allowed her, after forming her Golden Core, to condense an exceptionally powerful Sword Intent.
Seeing this, Lin Chang’an smiled.
This personality truly suited the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body.
“How is the Divine Ability I passed to you earlier progressing?”
“Master, the Sword Attendant has already mastered it.”
Dressed in dark-green combat attire, the Sword Attendant’s eyes flashed with spiritual light. With a single thought, three solid and razor-sharp Sword Gleams instantly condensed around her.
“This Sword Gleam!”
At the moment the Sword Gleams appeared, Lin Chang’an could not help but set down the formation jade slip in his hand.
“Sword Intent!”
The Divine Ability she cultivated was precisely the one he himself practiced—Sword Shadow at Will.
Back then, he knew very well how much effort it had taken him to master that Divine Ability.
Yet the Sword Attendant had grasped it within just a few months, even condensing a level of Sword Intent he had only achieved after years of bitter cultivation.
“Your talent in the Sword Path truly makes one envious.”
If judged by his own mastery of Divine Abilities, he had advanced step by step from Beginner to Skilled to Proficient.
But the Sword Attendant’s talent in the Sword Path allowed her to directly reach the Proficient level.
When she saw the approving gaze of her master, joy arose within her heart.
She had finally caught up with his footsteps.
But in the next moment, the Sword Attendant seemed to remember something. After hesitating briefly, she took out a letter from her robes.
“Master, after emerging from seclusion, the Sword Attendant discovered this letter left by the Mistress within the cave abode formation.”
“Yun Yao.”
Seeing the letter left by Yun Yao, Lin Chang’an lowered his head to read it and soon smiled.
This truly matched Yun Yao’s personality.
“Master! The Sword Attendant is willing to serve by your side for life and pursue the Great Dao.”
Now a Core Formation cultivator, the Sword Attendant’s gaze was firm and unwavering.
“If that is the case, then cultivate diligently. With your talent, the path to the Nascent Soul may not be impossible.”
“Yes, Master!”
……
Mystic Sound Peak.
“My Sect Master Senior Sister, it seems this Elder Lin is quite considerate. Otherwise, why would he deliberately spread such words?”
Liu Ruyu said happily.
Meanwhile, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, who had just emerged from seclusion, merely smiled silently while holding a cup of spirit tea.
She had already heard the news spreading outside.
The newly advanced Core Formation cultivator—the Sword Attendant—was rumored to be a concubine.
To outsiders, it seemed Lin Chang’an’s attention was focused entirely on her.
However, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt lightly blew on the spirit tea in her cup, her eyes slightly lowered, a faint smile lingering on her lips.
“Enough. I will personally go and recruit Elder Lin. You need not worry.”
She could naturally see that Liu Ruyu feared Lin Chang’an might be recruited by the Four Seas Merchant Guild.
“Senior Sister Sect Master, it’s not that I’m worrying unnecessarily. Elder Lin alone is already deeply connected. Everyone knows that Alchemist Wen of Blazing Fire Peak has a solitary personality, yet he has only one friend—Elder Lin.
Elder Lin himself is at the Mid Core Formation stage, he has a Third-rank Spirit Pet, and there is also Alchemist Wen. The connections involved are enormous.”
Liu Ruyu spoke helplessly.
If Lin Chang’an were recruited away, Xuanyin Pavilion would effectively lose half of its Core Formation cultivators.
Yet despite her long explanation, her Sect Master Senior Sister simply focused on sipping tea.
“Very well. You may leave now. I will personally visit Elder Lin. Also prepare another gift for me. Alchemist Wen’s hundred-year agreement is nearly due.
I imagine many people outside are eager to recruit such a Third-rank Alchemist.”
Her voice was gentle, like a spring breeze brushing past one’s ears. Fairy of Rainbow Skirt spoke calmly and unhurriedly.
Liu Ruyu felt puzzled about what her Sect Master Senior Sister truly meant.
However, seeing her fully focused on drinking tea, Liu Ruyu silently speculated—
Had she guessed wrong? Perhaps her Sect Master Senior Sister and Elder Lin simply shared mutual admiration as fellow Daoists.
But after Liu Ruyu bowed and withdrew, leaving the great hall empty with only Fairy of Rainbow Skirt remaining, a faint sigh echoed within.
“The cultivation world is changing rapidly. In the future, a calamity may spread throughout the entire Beast Sea Abyss.
How could I drag Daoist Lin into this turmoil now?”
Holding her cup of spirit tea, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt gazed into the distance.
It seemed she could only hope to keep Alchemist Wen instead.
As for Daoist Lin, forming a good connection would suffice. If Xuanyin Pavilion could not withstand the coming storm, perhaps he might lend them some assistance in the future.
“If one cannot reach the Nascent Soul, one remains nothing but an ant!”
At that moment, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt slowly rose.
Standing within the hall, she gazed out over the entire Xuanyin Pavilion sect, her eyes gradually becoming resolute.
Over the years, although the sect had slowed her cultivation progress, it had also tempered her will.
She had never regarded the sect as a burden.
On the path of immortality, some things must be done—and some things must not.
If even the heart is absent, what meaning is there in cultivating immortality?