Chapter 359 ·The Cultivation World Fears Power, Not Virtue
Chapter 359: The Cultivation World Fears Power, Not Virtue
Bibo Island, Trading Gathering Hall.
As cultivators gradually arrived one after another, and finally with Su Miaoyin personally attending on behalf of the Nascent Soul cultivator True Lord Lu, the atmosphere instantly became lively.
“Fellow Daoists, this time Song has brought ten sets of Core Formation spirit items from Sea Abyss City. Of course, additional ones will also appear at the marketplace auction later. Any Daoist in need may exchange using corresponding demon cores or Spirit Stones…”
Song Tingfeng smiled broadly while hosting the Trading Gathering. Right from the start, he threw out ten sets of Core Formation spirit items to heat up the atmosphere.
Core Formation spirit items were naturally rare treasures to lower-level Core Formation cultivators.
Combined with the current turbulent situation, not only ordinary cultivators—even Xuanyin Pavilion itself would never complain about having too few.
“Daoist, I am willing to exchange Spirit Stones.”
“Daoist…”
When the crowd saw that neither the Seven Kingdoms Alliance nor the Meng Clan had acted, the other cultivators attending today immediately understood that this was their opportunity and began bidding one after another.
“As expected of the prestige of a Nascent Soul cultivator. The resources brought from Sea Abyss City this time are mainly to attract more cultivators to come. This is also beneficial for Bibo Island.”
Sitting below, Lin Chang’an did not find this strange at all.
Half of the Core Formation cultivators attending the Trading Gathering had concealed their identities.
Some wore cloaks, others masks.
Many even emitted a baleful aura from their bodies, making it obvious they were not to be trifled with.
“Daoist Lin, there have been more and more cultivators in the Fog Sea of Tongtian recently. Many Core Formation cultivators from other sea regions have arrived this time.”
While the Trading Gathering continued, groups of two or three friends secretly communicated through voice transmission.
Lin Chang’an and the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt discussed the situation at the venue while simultaneously analyzing the current turbulence.
“I have here a Third-rank demon beast egg. There’s no need to explain its value, I presume? I wish to exchange it for one or two suitable magical artifacts.”
“Iron Red Coral, a high-grade spirit material from the depths of the Outer Sea. Incomparably sturdy, absolutely first-rate material for refining magical artifacts.”
“A thousand-year great medicine. This old man risked his life obtaining it from a Third-rank great demon’s nest…”
As the Trading Gathering proceeded, all sorts of precious demon cores, spirit fruits, and other resources appeared one after another, leaving many low-level Core Formation cultivators utterly dazzled.
However, seeing this scene, Lin Chang’an slightly frowned.
The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt beside him seemed to sense something and transmitted her voice:
“Daoist Lin, do you feel these are all rather ordinary items?”
Lin Chang’an froze for a moment before smiling.
“Daoist Rainbow Skirt, it seems our horizons have truly become somewhat too high.”
It was not that these treasures were unimpressive.
Rather, as his strength increased, these items were no longer as rare to him as when he had first entered Core Formation.
The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt deeply understood this feeling as well.
Back when she had just entered Core Formation and faced the sect’s circumstances, these treasures had all been exceedingly precious.
But over the years, as Xuanyin Pavilion developed and her cultivation reached late Core Formation, many things were no longer quite so valuable in her eyes.
As for Lin Chang’an, as a Third-rank Formation Master without descendants burdening him, and possessing a Mid Third-rank spirit pet, his overall strength was already not inferior to late Core Formation cultivators.
Naturally, he would feel this way as well.
However, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt merely felt these treasures were of little use to her personally, though they remained highly beneficial to the sect.
As for Lin Chang’an, he was not merely a Third-rank Formation Master, which caused the value of these items to fall even lower in his eyes.
During the lively Trading Gathering, Lin Chang’an only exchanged for a few spirit herbs and spirit fruits. He had little interest in anything else.
“I wonder if any fellow Daoists possess Wind-attribute demon cores? Lin is willing to exchange a complete Third-rank formation for one. If it is a high-grade demon core, Lin is also willing to add more compensation.”
At the Trading Gathering, Lin Chang’an spoke slowly with the mindset of trying his luck regardless of the outcome, instantly drawing considerable shock from the crowd.
“Third-rank Wind-attribute demon cores? Their value nowadays is extraordinary.”
“More than extraordinary. Wind-attribute demon beasts are already rare to begin with. With the Secret Realm about to open, they are even harder to obtain.”
“This is Formation Master Lin. I heard he even possesses a Mid Third-rank spirit pet. His overall strength and status are not inferior to late Core Formation great cultivators.”
As many people whispered among themselves, some were shocked while others looked around thoughtfully.
After all, Lin Chang’an was certainly not the only one planning for the Secret Realm.
However, after waiting for a long time without anyone speaking up, Lin Chang’an secretly sighed.
Wind-attribute demon cores were truly difficult to obtain.
Not to mention Third-rank late-stage ones—even lower-grade ones would suffice for now. At the very least, he needed to secure something first.
After all, one bird in hand was worth more than a thousand in the forest.
If all else failed, he could only make do.
It would simply weaken the power of the ancient treasure somewhat.
Yet just as Lin Chang’an was feeling disappointed, Su Miaoyin, seated at the head position, suddenly laughed softly.
“I heard previously that Daoist Lin had an agreement with Sixth Elder. It seems Daoist Lin now possesses considerable confidence. Miaoyin happens to have a Mid Third-rank Wind-attribute demon core here.”
As Su Miaoyin spoke, all the Core Formation cultivators present became filled with envy. Some were secretly astonished at how close Lin Chang’an appeared to be with True Lord Lu’s disciple.
After all, such familiar wording—and even referring to herself as ‘Miaoyin’—was certainly not the relationship of mere acquaintances.
Seeing this unexpected delight, Lin Chang’an immediately smiled.
As for exposing his formation talent, he did not mind at all.
If one spoke of formation talent, the real monster was the woman before him.
At best, he merely counted as naturally talented.
“Daoist Su flatters me. I am merely preparing in advance. As for the Dao of formations, how would I dare embarrass myself before Daoist Su?”
Lin Chang’an cupped his hands while simultaneously patting his Storage Pouch and sending over the formation set he had prepared for exchange.
He truly was not being modest.
Back in Tianxuan City, Su Miaoyin’s formation talent had already reached Third-rank.
Rumor had it that over the years, she had already become a Quasi-fourth-rank Formation Master.
Su Miaoyin’s eyes flickered.
After merely sweeping her gaze across the formation set, brilliance immediately appeared in her eyes before she smiled.
“I already knew back then that Daoist Lin possessed extraordinary talent in formations. I never expected you to have researched formations to such a level now.
I fear you are not far from reaching High-grade Third-rank.”
Lin Chang’an modestly cupped his hands.
This formation set had been created before he broke through to Third-rank Formation Master, so naturally it was only one final step away.
Yet many times, it was precisely that final step that trapped cultivators for their entire lives.
At this moment, as the two conversed, Su Miaoyin meaningfully glanced toward Song Tingfeng beside her.
Instantly, Song Tingfeng became awkward and speechless.
Lin Chang’an naturally understood the situation as well, and the corners of his eyes twitched slightly.
Could it be that Fellow Daoist Song’s formation mastery still remained at the same level as back then?
One had to know that his own foundation in formations had originally been generously introduced to him by Song Tingfeng.
Yet after freeloading on those lessons, he had now become a Third-rank Formation Grandmaster while the other party remained stuck in place.
“Daoist Lin, back then Senior Sister often praised your talent in formations. She even frequently lamented that if Daoist Lin had been born into a sect or great clan, you might have long since become a Formation Grandmaster.
Who could have expected that over a hundred years later, Senior Sister Su’s judgment would prove completely correct?”
Song Tingfeng solemnly praised him repeatedly, clearly implying that Lin Chang’an was a genius in formations, someone ordinary people naturally could not compare with.
Lin Chang’an modestly smiled and cupped his hands.
Their familiar interaction caused many present to look at them thoughtfully, clearly pondering various matters.
Especially Meng Xinghai, the newly accepted disciple of True Lord Lu.
Seeing this scene, he sneered inwardly.
Excellent.
He already knew that apprentices accepted purely for利益 were merely seeking a backer.
How could they compare to trusted disciples personally taught since childhood?
Right in front of him, they openly displayed their closeness with the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
But they truly underestimated Meng Xinghai.
What did the mere family business of Bibo Island amount to?
His ambitions lay at a much higher level.
“I have here two bottles of high-grade healing pills. I wish to exchange them for materials used in refining magical artifacts, preferably Metal-attribute.”
As the Trading Gathering continued, Lin Chang’an calmly stored the demon core into his Storage Pouch.
Now that his strength had increased, his backbone had naturally become firmer.
Rather than resisting today’s display of his connections and foundation, he instead felt no discomfort at all.
Concealing one’s abilities meant hiding things that would provoke greed and bring disaster.
With his current strength, remaining too low-profile would instead cause others to think he was easy to bully.
People fear power, not virtue.
The cultivation world was no different.
If he maintained only the image of a good person and bitter cultivator, even visiting cultivators would attempt to cheat and exploit him.
He was indeed a bitter cultivator, but he was also a Third-rank Formation Master.
Furthermore, he was now secretly preparing to mine spirit mines together with the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
At such a time, displaying some sharpness instead allowed him to easily obtain the benefits he deserved while avoiding unnecessary trouble.
Indeed, after Lin Chang’an first displayed his foundation and then revealed his friendship with the two disciples of True Lord Lu, the other Core Formation cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance looked at him with an additional measure of reverence.
One could easily imagine that regarding the future division of profits from the spirit mines, there would be no need for him to say anything.
The people below would naturally handle matters properly.
“I have here a thousand-year Dragon Blood Fruit…”
As Meng Xinghai produced a spirit fruit, Lin Chang’an immediately smiled.
“Daoist Meng, this spirit fruit is of tremendous help to my spirit pet. Lin is willing to exchange demon cores for it.”
When they saw that the one speaking was Lin Chang’an, several Core Formation cultivators who originally had thoughts of competing all revealed friendly smiles.
Unless absolutely necessary, no one wished to foolishly compete against him.
“Oh? Since it is something Daoist Lin needs, Meng originally intended to keep two hidden. It seems I can no longer conceal them.”
Seeing that it was Lin Chang’an, Meng Xinghai immediately smiled and raised his hand, causing two additional spirit fruits to appear.
A full three thousand-year Dragon Blood Fruits instantly caused many people to gasp in admiration.
Lin Chang’an was likewise somewhat surprised.
He had not expected the other party to possess three of them.
This was naturally excellent news.
“Then Lin truly must thank Daoist Meng.”
Lin Chang’an calmly accepted Meng Xinghai’s goodwill.
Meanwhile, Su Miaoyin, who presided over the Trading Gathering, secretly nodded upon witnessing this scene.
“Senior Sister Su, it seems this fellow surnamed Meng is quite sensible.”
Song Tingfeng secretly joked.
Su Miaoyin merely smiled faintly.
If Senior Brother Song knew her master’s evaluation of this person, who knew what expression he would make?
This person’s schemes ran extremely deep, and he cultivated demonic secret arts as well.
Over the years, the business involving cultivator trafficking on Bibo Island—especially female cultivators—had all been orchestrated personally by this man.
Naturally, she also clearly understood the little thoughts he previously held.
Otherwise, he would not currently look at her like a mouse seeing a cat.
The Trading Gathering was extremely successful.
Whether it was the Seven Kingdoms Alliance or the Meng Clan, Bibo Island concerned the interests of both sides, so naturally everyone was happy.
As for Lin Chang’an, his harvest this time was also excellent.
A Mid Third-rank Wind-attribute demon core—even though it still did not fully satisfy his requirements, at least he now possessed a minimum guarantee.
Not to mention the three thousand-year Dragon Blood Fruits, which left even him nodding in satisfaction.
After the Trading Gathering ended, many Core Formation cultivators departed under the cover of night.
After all, after exchanging treasures, many cultivators still felt uneasy in their hearts.
Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an and the Seven Kingdoms Alliance further discussed matters concerning the spirit mines while also communicating with Su Miaoyin and the others.
Regarding this matter, neither Su Miaoyin nor Song Tingfeng held the slightest objection.
Back in Tianxuan City, when Lin Chang’an partnered with others in operating the Black Market, the Spirit Stones he delivered every year were astonishingly generous.
Otherwise, Tianxuan City would never have connected with so many cultivators back then.
However, Lin Chang’an still secretly pondered.
He absolutely could not grow careless.
“With the divine ability of my external incarnation now, all three of my avatars possess early Core Formation strength. At that time, I can bring several people along for the trade. This way, everything will remain foolproof.”
He did not wish to expose any flaws because of a moment of negligence.
Thanks to Fellow Daoist ‘Expired and Invalid’ for the reward of 500 Spirit Stones, and Fellow Daoist ‘Young Master Thief August’ for the reward of 181 Spirit Stones.
Thanks to all fellow Daoists for your support.
【Tomorrow there will only be one chapter update because I need to return to my hometown for a trip. Cough cough, I hope all fellow Daoists can understand.】