Chapter 343 : Ancient Treasure · Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor
Chapter 343: Ancient Treasure · Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor
Celestial Spring Peak.
Ever since returning to Celestial Spring Peak for half a year, Lin Chang’an had not rushed to enter seclusion to refine magical artifacts. Instead, he had attended two trading gatherings in the marketplace.
Using the Demon Core of the Sinister Spirit Beast King to exchange for materials, he appeared exactly like someone who had just returned from the Fog Sea of Tongtian, perfectly clearing himself of suspicion.
At this moment, Lin Chang’an gazed at the peach blossoms blooming once again and could not help but fall into a brief daze.
The figure beneath the peach blossoms last year—he wondered how she was now.
“Master.”
At that moment, a streak of Escape Light flashed. The Sword Attendant appeared behind Celestial Spring Peak and respectfully came forward to report.
“This is the recent intelligence from the Outer Seas.”
Looking at the jade slip handed over by the Sword Attendant, Lin Chang’an read it for a moment. The strange expression on his face grew increasingly pronounced.
“It seems that last time I actually helped Fellow Daoist Huang make a name for himself. Now the title of ‘Number One Below the Nascent Soul Realm’ has truly spread far and wide.”
Within this jade slip intelligence, aside from the unrest in various sea regions of the Outer Seas, the most famous matter concerned Huang Tianxiao.
Ever since gaining fame for hunting a Thunder Flood Dragon in the Outer Seas, the title of Number One Below the Nascent Soul Realm had spread everywhere.
He even suspected that many forces were pushing this behind the scenes, not merely Bihai Palace.
Among Core Formation Cultivators, probably very few actually wanted such empty fame.
In fact, quite a number of powerful Core Formation Cultivators secretly scoffed at Huang Tianxiao or were dissatisfied with him, yet outwardly they instead helped fuel the rumors.
As a result, in merely half a year, the title of Number One Below the Nascent Soul Realm had already resounded throughout the Beast Sea Abyss.
“Presumably Fellow Daoist Huang must be extremely pleased as well. After all, the Beast Sea Abyss hasn’t produced such a talented person in quite some time.”
At this moment, Lin Chang’an even revealed a somewhat gloating smile.
He dared say that Huang Tianxiao must currently be suffering in silence.
You could claim it wasn’t you—but would anyone outside believe that?
Especially the soul attack similar to Soul-Capturing Mystic Sound used at the time. That kind of soul technique affecting dozens of Foundation Establishment Cultivators at once was impossible to fake.
“Master, it is said that after we left, traces of activity from another Third-rank Demon Beast appeared on that island, but later vanished without a trace.”
At that moment, the Sword Attendant respectfully reported again. Upon hearing this, the smile on Lin Chang’an’s face deepened even further.
If it were a blood relative of that Thunder Flood Dragon, then things would become even more interesting.
At this moment, he was even somewhat looking forward to it. If that Flood Dragon about to take human form could successfully break through to the Fourth Rank, it would certainly cause considerable trouble for the Mystic Yin Divine Sect.
The more the Mystic Yin Ancestor was restrained, the safer Yun Yao would be.
As for who exactly had done it—no matter what, Huang Tianxiao would never suspect him.
All traces of battle on the island had been destroyed. The traces he left behind resembled the methods of cultivators from the Palace of Blazing Fire.
Moreover, neither the strength of a Late Golden Core Cultivator nor mastery of soul attack techniques were abilities he had ever revealed publicly.
At present, the suspects in Huang Tianxiao’s mind—or even the Mystic Yin Ancestor’s—were probably several old rivals or perhaps Bihai Palace itself.
In his excellent mood, Lin Chang’an leisurely savored this year’s Spirit Tea.
【Lifespan: 213 / 785】
【Realm: Mid Core Formation (22 / 100)】
His cultivation progressed steadily. The jar of Spirit Wine brewed from a Third-rank High-grade Demon Core would soon be ready, and when the time came, his cultivation would advance another step.
“This is the Dragon Clan cultivation method obtained from that Thunder Flood Dragon. You may read it in your spare time, though it does not suit you.”
Lin Chang’an handed a bundle of sorted jade slips to the Sword Attendant. After receiving them, she respectfully cupped her fists.
“Many thanks, Master.”
The jade slips recorded Dragon Clan inheritance techniques. Lin Chang’an had already looked through them—demonic clan cultivation methods differed greatly from human ones.
Even for a human-beast hybrid like the Sword Attendant, cultivating Dragon Clan techniques was not suitable.
However, because she possessed Dragon Clan blood within her body, some Dragon Clan divine abilities might still be suitable for her to learn.
Especially since this Thunder Flood Dragon possessed lightning attributes, and the Sword Attendant had also awakened lightning-based divine abilities.
Thinking of the power of the Water Gang Divine Thunder back then, Lin Chang’an still felt lingering fear.
If not for the Lightning Absorption Pearl, he would have died or at least been severely injured.
However, when looking at the Sword Attendant, Lin Chang’an pondered. Though he did not understand much about human-beast hybrids, years of observation had still given him some insight.
“Divine abilities are important, but right now cultivation is everything. Only when your cultivation rises will practicing divine abilities yield twice the result with half the effort.”
In the end, the Sword Attendant was still too weak. Dragon Clan divine abilities had extremely harsh requirements, making them very difficult to cultivate at her current level.
“Master, rest assured.”
Facing her master’s concern, the Sword Attendant rarely revealed a faint smile.
Lin Chang’an shook his head with a smile, though the Dragon Clan inheritance still had some useful aspects.
But the harvest from last time had been tremendous. Not only had he obtained the Flood Dragon Essence Soul needed to repair the Ancient Treasure Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor, he had also gathered materials for the Sword Attendant’s Life-bound Magical Artifact.
Moreover, the Thunder Flood Dragon’s “gift” far exceeded what he had originally planned—it consisted directly of top-tier materials.
“Ling’er, these bottles of pills will replenish your vitality and blood. After I exit seclusion this time, I will begin refining your Life-bound Magical Artifact.”
“Yes, Master!”
Upon hearing that her master would refine her Life-bound Magical Artifact, the Sword Attendant’s expression immediately became resolute.
Her Life-bound Magical Artifact was unique and required careful preparation. Otherwise, it could seriously damage her vitality and even cause her realm to decline.
Soon after, Celestial Spring Peak entered seclusion to the outside world. Everyone was already accustomed to this.
Only Core Formation Cultivators whose potential was exhausted or who lacked resources would indulge in pleasure or risk venturing to the Outer Seas to hunt Demon Beasts.
…
Earthfire Cavern.
“The harvest from last time truly wasn’t small.”
Within the scorching cavern, Lin Chang’an took out all the spoils from hunting the Thunder Flood Dragon.
A crystalline Flood Dragon skeleton, already dismantled, appeared inside the cave—over twenty zhang long.
The Late Third-rank Demon Core, dense dark-purple dragon scales, sharp dragon claws, resilient dragon tendons, and collected blood essence and flesh had all been carefully preserved.
“This flesh is not only top-tier material for alchemy, but also a spirit treasure that replenishes vitality and strengthens cultivation.”
It could be said that every single part of a Flood Dragon’s body was a top-grade material.
Even the dragon’s eyes could be used for refining magical artifacts.
That was why, among Demon Beasts of the same rank, those with Dragon Clan bloodlines possessed the highest value. The purer the bloodline, the greater the value multiplied.
“Especially this Thunder Flood Dragon’s spatial pouch—an exclusive storage pouch for Demon Beasts. It’s extremely tough and hidden within the body.”
After inventorying the items, Lin Chang’an could not help but sigh. As expected of a Dragon Clan bloodline—its collection of treasures was enormous, many of which he had never seen before.
Most were spirit items from the deep sea.
“Exotic flowers and herbs, spirit ores, Spirit Stones, and even more than a dozen Storage Pouches belonging to Core Formation Cultivators… the harvest really isn’t small.”
In other words, before being slain, this Thunder Flood Dragon had already devoured more than ten Core Formation Cultivators.
Just as Demon Beast flesh was highly nourishing for human cultivators, human cultivators were equally nourishing for Demon Beasts.
However, comparatively speaking, human cultivators had frail bodies, so their Golden Cores were of even greater value.
“Killing and plundering really is the fastest way to obtain resources.”
Originally, after his trip to Sea Abyss City, the Spirit Stones in his storage pouch had nearly been depleted. But after hunting a Thunder Flood Dragon, he had instantly become wealthy.
Looking at the abundant materials—especially many damaged magical artifacts—Lin Chang’an felt some emotion, though his gaze remained extremely calm.
Years of experience and mental tempering ensured that desire would never easily overwhelm his rationality.
Robber Cultivators might reap great rewards, but the risks were far too high.
Fortune could be found in danger—but also lost in danger.
He not only understood this truth, but had witnessed countless such examples firsthand.
“Master!”
Perched atop the Fusang Divine Tree, the Wind-Chirp Bird stared eagerly at the pile of Thunder Flood Dragon treasures.
Seeing this, Lin Chang’an laughed and scolded,
“You greedy bird. All of these materials have uses. But since you worked hard earlier, I’ll personally refine a magical artifact–grade bird’s nest for you.”
The Wind-Chirp Bird nodded excitedly.
Lin Chang’an then organized the harvest before finally taking out the dim spirit armor.
“Next, according to the refinement method of this Ancient Treasure, I’ll first repair it with these low-grade materials.”
Looking at the jade slip Yun Yao had given him, Lin Chang’an frowned before sighing.
If he strictly followed the materials listed in the jade slip, he would only be able to gather them after reaching the Nascent Soul Realm.
For now, he could only settle for a second-best solution.
“Next, let me see the elegance of the legendary Ancient Treasure.”
After confirming the refining method once more, Lin Chang’an took a deep breath and slowly began placing the prepared materials one by one.
If this Ancient Treasure could be repaired—even just partially—it would become his strongest defensive treasure.
It was also crucial to his safety within the Beast Sea Abyss’s greatest Secret Realm.
“Refinement begins!”
With a solemn expression, Lin Chang’an placed the Ancient Treasure Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor before the formation platform. Earthfire and his True Flame ignited simultaneously.
Because the armor already had a foundation, repairing it was not too difficult.
Otherwise, the base materials of such an Ancient Treasure alone would have been impossible for him to collect.
…
Time passed.
Three months later.
Within the sea of flames, the armor had already begun to emit faint spiritual light. Now it had reached the most critical step.
The jade bottle sealing the Essence Soul had also been opened.
Inside was the illusory Essence Soul of the Thunder Flood Dragon, though a Tranquil Spirit Talisman was still attached to it.
Although the Flood Dragon could not move, its soul curses were incessant.
Especially after seeing the current situation—it knew it could not escape this calamity. Begging for mercy would not save it from this despicable human.
“Despicable human! Just you wait—I curse you to die miserably!”
“Lowly human! You dare refine me into a magical artifact? One day you will suffer the Dragon Clan’s revenge—AH!”
“Damn human! Give me a quick death—AH…”
The moment the Essence Soul touched the blazing armor, the Thunder Flood Dragon’s soul emitted agonizing screams.
The surrounding formation protected it—otherwise Lin Chang’an’s True Flame and the Earthfire alone would have completely annihilated the soul.
“Go ahead and curse. Soon you’ll never have the chance again.”
Lin Chang’an’s expression remained calm, without the slightest anger.
After all, the dragon had generously donated its wealth—and now even its Essence Soul was helping repair the Ancient Treasure. What harm was there in letting it curse a few times?
“Human… I refuse to accept this…”
Amid unwilling roars, Lin Chang’an continued forming hand seals.
Finally, the armor shone with spiritual light as the Essence Soul gradually fused into it.
The next moment, the armor burst forth with the distinctive radiance of a magical artifact.
“Success!”
As the flames faded, the pale golden Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor slowly floated in the air, surrounded by spiritual light.
It no longer looked dull as before.
Lin Chang’an raised his hand, summoning the Sun-Piercing Divine Sword.
The flying sword struck toward the armor.
Instantly, a pale golden defensive barrier appeared around the armor.
Amid the piercing clash, the barrier merely rippled twice.
Lin Chang’an’s eyes lit up.
Increasing his mana, he unleashed a Giant Sword strike.
The golden barrier emitted a sharp sound.
Though the barrier dimmed slightly, it did not shatter.
“Truly worthy of a legendary Ancient Treasure!”
Delighted, Lin Chang’an withdrew the Sun-Piercing Divine Sword and examined the armor floating before him.
“Even with only preliminary repairs, its defense already rivals a Third-rank High-grade Defensive Magical Artifact. If I gather the power of the Four Symbols at the Third Rank, its defensive power will increase further.”
At that point, even if it could not compare with Nascent Soul magical artifacts, it would still rank among the top within the Third-rank Core Formation level.
The power did not come solely from the Late Third-rank Thunder Flood Dragon Essence Soul—the armor itself had never been shattered.
“The materials used in this armor have practically vanished from the cultivation world. Refining another set would be extremely difficult.”
Caressing the armor, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly.
One could only imagine the splendor of the cultivation world during ancient times.
With a flash of light, the armor equipped itself onto his body.
The dense golden scales fit closely, with unknown beast patterns engraved on the shoulder guards and chest plate.
With a mere thought, the armor could release golden light to form a defensive mana barrier.
If the power of the Four Symbols were fully assembled, according to the jade slip, the Four Symbols power would circulate endlessly, automatically absorbing spiritual energy and protecting its master in moments of danger.
“With this treasure, my offense and defense are now complete. I’ll no longer be as cautious as before.”
If he could gather the Four Symbols power and fight the Thunder Flood Dragon again, Lin Chang’an was confident he could confront it head-on without falling into disadvantage.
Having this armor gave him far greater peace of mind.
“Next are these dragon scales and dragon bones. They can be used to refine several excellent inner armors.”
His gaze fell again upon the sorted dragon scales.
All of them were top-grade resources.
Taking a deep breath, Lin Chang’an directly split into three avatars.
He would let the avatars refine the magical artifacts.
As for himself, he still had something more important to do—assist the Sword Attendant in extracting the Spirit Bone Blood Essence, allowing the refinement of a Life-bound Magical Artifact perfectly suited to her bloodline.