Chapter 361 ·Five Years of Time
Chapter 361: Five Years of Time
Celestial Spring Peak.
Within the pavilion, Lin Chang’an rubbed the jade talisman in his hand, his expression somewhat solemn.
“Big Brother Lin, it is not convenient for me to appear recently…”
Divine Sense voice transmission echoed from the transmission jade talisman, causing Lin Chang’an’s heart to tighten slightly.
With Yun Yao’s current cultivation and status, along with her importance to the Profound Yin Old Monster, she would not easily be assigned dangerous tasks.
Then this level of caution could only mean one of two possibilities—
Either someone accompanying her possessed strength not inferior to his own, making her afraid of exposing herself.
Or someone was secretly monitoring her.
“The Profound Yin Divine Fire within Yun Yao concerns an opportunity even Nascent Soul old monsters seek to scheme over. Since Yun Yao was able to come out, then her own identity likely hasn’t been exposed.”
Lin Chang’an speculated inwardly before ultimately sighing softly.
“In the end, it still comes down to strength. If we possessed Nascent Soul strength right now, why would we need to be so cautious?”
Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an suddenly revealed a strange expression.
Why did it feel as though he and Yun Yao resembled villains?
He was colluding with the Holy Maiden of the demonic sect while engaging in acts of rebellion.
“Master!”
At this moment, Sword Attendant respectfully prepared the spirit tea.
Since Lin Chang’an could not help with anything right now, he could only suppress his countless thoughts deep within his heart for the moment.
After taking a sip of spirit tea, Lin Chang’an suddenly raised his brows slightly and softly asked:
“This spirit tea has been changed?”
“Master, this was specially gifted recently by other Core Formation cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance after hearing that Master enjoys tea.”
Lin Chang’an nodded upon hearing this.
So it was spirit tea from other sea regions.
It differed somewhat from what he was accustomed to drinking before, but it was still excellent spirit tea.
He did not mind nor dislike it.
Drinking tea was like cultivation itself—one had to constantly explore new worlds and avoid remaining stubbornly confined to old habits.
Afterward, Lin Chang’an drank spirit tea while gazing at the scenery of Celestial Spring Peak, countless worries surfacing within his heart.
“In the cultivation world, strength ultimately determines everything.”
Regarding matters involving the Profound Yin Demonic Sect and Yun Yao, he was almost completely powerless.
Yet within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, although all were Core Formation cultivators, his strength and status were already comparable to late Core Formation cultivators.
This caused the other Core Formation cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance to show intentions of befriending and currying favor with him.
Otherwise, Core Formation cultivators would not specially send spirit tea to him.
“Although I’m comparable to late Core Formation cultivators, much of that comes from my spirit pet and identity as a Formation Master. I still must break through to late Core Formation as soon as possible.”
Facing Yun Yao’s situation, this feeling of being unable to help caused an urgent sense of pressure to arise within Lin Chang’an’s heart.
If he could break through to late Core Formation sooner, his strength would increase several more levels.
Especially the Profound Heaven Spirit Body—
If he could cultivate it successfully, then even when facing Nascent Soul cultivators, he would possess at least a thirty percent chance of escaping alive.
“Recently, the Lu Clan, the Long Clan, and many other clans all wished to visit Master.”
Sword Attendant respectfully reported the recent situation from the side.
Lin Chang’an merely smiled and shook his head.
He clearly understood what these people were thinking.
Nothing more than coveting the利益 of Bibo Island.
“Enough. If they come again in the future, have cultivators from Xuanyin Pavilion receive them. At the end of the day, I am still an elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, not some rogue cultivator.”
Having Xuanyin Pavilion appear publicly was the best choice.
After all, the Nascent Soul cultivator True Lord Lu behind Bibo Island had permitted the Seven Kingdoms Alliance to settle there.
Not Lin Chang’an alone.
He was not foolish enough to expose himself merely for minor gains.
Right now, the internal cooperation of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance remained in its honeymoon period, and he himself was earning tremendous profits.
“Do not concern yourselves with these matters for now. The current situation is constantly changing. Once true chaos begins, even Core Formation cultivators will merely become chess pieces upon the board.”
As he spoke, Lin Chang’an looked toward Sword Attendant.
Sword Attendant immediately understood and respectfully cupped her fists.
“Master, rest assured.”
Lin Chang’an remained relatively at ease regarding Sword Attendant.
Immediately afterward, he set down his tea cup and rose, walking toward the cave abode.
Meanwhile, the Azure-Horned Ox soaking within the water pool let out a low moo upon seeing this.
Sword Attendant skillfully retrieved two spirit fruits from her Storage Pouch.
The moment the Azure-Horned Ox saw the spirit fruits, it widened its ox eyes as if asking Sword Attendant—
Since when had they become this extravagant?
Spirit fruits were now distributed two at a time?
It remembered things were not like this before.
“Recently, Master has been providing more cultivation resources.”
Sword Attendant instantly understood the Azure-Horned Ox’s meaning.
She gently stroked its fur while rarely revealing a faint smile.
Ever since the Black Market of Bibo Island had been secured and the spirit mine began operations, the profits of the entire Seven Kingdoms Alliance greatly increased.
As someone profiting from both sides simultaneously, Lin Chang’an naturally earned overflowing wealth.
Whether it was Sword Attendant or his spirit pets, cultivation resources naturally had to increase accordingly.
After all, improving their strength was ultimately beneficial to him.
……
Within the cultivation chamber of the cave abode.
Lin Chang’an took out the three Dragon Blood Fruits he had exchanged from Meng Xinghai during the Trading Gathering, revealing a smile.
“Three thousand-year Dragon Blood Fruits are enough to save me over ten or twenty years of bitter cultivation.”
As for directly breaking through, that was still impossible.
After all, body refinement differed from other cultivation paths. What it emphasized was the gradual process of water dripping through stone.
He had not broken through to Third-rank body refinement long ago.
Although his cultivation resources were abundant, progression still needed to follow a step-by-step process.
Of course, if it were some Fourth-rank heavenly treasure effective for body refinement, then minor realm breakthroughs could indeed be achieved within an extremely short period of time.
However, such treasures were precious even to Nascent Soul cultivators.
How could they possibly easily fall into his hands?
The resources he possessed now were merely resources accessible to Core Formation cultivators.
“Next comes stable cultivation.”
Lin Chang’an took a deep breath before first consuming one Dragon Blood Fruit and beginning refinement and cultivation.
……
Time flowed like water.
Five years passed in the blink of an eye.
During these five years, several major events occurred throughout the Outer Sea.
Shape-shifted great demons appeared.
Nascent Soul cultivators engaged in battle.
An entire branch of Bihai Palace cultivators was massacred.
The curtain of chaos had gradually begun to lift, and disorder among Core Formation cultivators no longer even qualified to take center stage.
Even in the remote sea region of Five Dragon Island, many foreign cultivators arrived.
Though somewhat chaotic, perhaps due to the region’s remoteness, combined with the joint cooperation of Xuanyin Pavilion, the Four Seas Merchant Guild, and the Long Clan, no major disturbances occurred.
Meanwhile, throughout the surrounding sea regions, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance led by Xuanyin Pavilion experienced rapid growth over these five years.
Foundation Establishment cultivators constantly emerged.
Even Core Formation spirit items were secretly collected by the Seven Kingdoms Alliance in an effort to greatly strengthen themselves before the true turmoil descended.
Within the cave abode at Celestial Spring Peak, Lin Chang’an sat before a desk while holding his breath and concentrating.
Holding a spirit brush, his hand moved like dragons and phoenixes dancing as he drew a Third-rank spirit talisman.
【High-grade Third-rank Talisman Master (Grandmaster 1/5000)】
As the completed talisman emitted restrained spiritual light, Lin Chang’an revealed a satisfied smile.
“High-grade Third-rank Talisman Master. I’ve finally broken through.”
Among the vast inheritance of the Sinister Soul Sect he had previously obtained, there naturally existed many arts related to the Hundred Arts of Cultivation.
Talismans were among them.
Although he had focused more on formations over the years, stones from other mountains could still polish jade.
Formations encompassed all things.
The drawing of formation patterns within formations naturally shared common principles with talismans.
“Now that both my talismans and formations have reached High-grade Third-rank, this level of craftsmanship ensures that no matter which Nascent Soul faction I join, life would not be too bad.”
Lin Chang’an smiled broadly as he slowly set down the spirit brush.
At the same time, a powerful aura surged from his body.
【Lifespan: 232/792】
【Cultivation: Mid Core Formation (71/100)】
“However, as my cultivation grows deeper, my cultivation speed is no longer as fast as before.”
Only eleven experience points had increased over five years.
Lin Chang’an could not help but sigh inwardly.
Though if outsiders learned of this, they would likely become green with envy.
But he himself knew exactly how many resources he had consumed during these five years.
Having his current cultivation realm was entirely natural.
“There are less than fifty years remaining before the Secret Realm opens. Signs of chaos have already begun appearing outside.”
Lin Chang’an pondered inwardly.
His body refinement had now reached the peak of early Third-rank.
Only one final step remained before breaking through to Mid Third-rank.
With his current simultaneous cultivation of法, body, and Divine Sense, he did not dare claim invincibility among those of the same realm.
But he absolutely possessed the ability to crush the overwhelming majority of late Core Formation cultivators.
At this moment, the cave abode’s main door opened, and the Sword Attendant respectfully walked in.
“Master, the cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance have visited several times already. They said the third spirit mine has been mined for two years and wish to ask whether another spirit mine can be contacted?”
Over these five years, Lin Chang’an had successively sold three spirit mines to the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
Through this, he had obtained many rare resources from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
At the same time, he openly refined formations and other items for them. It could be said that the Seven Kingdoms Alliance had given him benefits while also feeling extremely grateful toward him.
Of course, over these years, Lin Chang’an had not only contacted the Seven Kingdoms Alliance. He had also secretly sold several small spirit mines to factions from other sea regions.
At first, he had feared being suspected, but unexpectedly, he was far from the only one who possessed news of spirit mines.
There were countless cultivators in the Fog Sea of Tongtian. What he had explored was merely a drop in the ocean.
Two years ago, the Four Seas Merchant Guild had somehow also obtained two spirit mines and began integrating their forces to mine them.
This instead made Lin Chang’an secretly sigh in relief. In this way, the possibility of him being exposed became even lower.
“They still want another spirit mine? Do they truly think these are mortal gold and silver treasures?”
Facing the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s greed, Lin Chang’an helplessly shook his head.
He only had one relatively large spirit mine left in his hands.
Human strength had its limits.
Even though he had the Sinister Spirit Beast King Twin-headed Tiger helping him explore, how could that compare to the explorations of countless cultivators?
“Then Master, should we still give this spirit mine information to the Seven Kingdoms Alliance?”
The Sword Attendant could not help lowering her voice and asking in confusion. Others might not know, but how could she not know? All of this was merely her master transferring things from one hand to the other.
“There’s no rush for this final spirit mine. If it’s too easy, it will easily arouse suspicion.”
After thinking for a moment, Lin Chang’an still shook his head and decided to delay it first.
With the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s strength, the reserves of this final spirit mine would at most take twenty years to mine completely. It could only be said that this spirit mine was relatively precious.
Currently, he did not lack Spirit Stones or ordinary cultivation resources, so it would be better to use this spirit mine to exchange for resources he truly needed.
For example, a late Third-rank Wind-attribute demon core, along with some additional cultivation resources.
“By the way, Master, the Purple Copper Mine needs escorting…”
As the Sword Attendant reported this, Lin Chang’an was not surprised.
Every year or half a year, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s spirit ship would transport the mined spirit ores once, and Core Formation cultivators would always be assigned responsibility.
As a Core Formation cultivator, the Sword Attendant was naturally among them.
“Since you’re going, bring the Azure-Horned Ox along.”
Over these five years, the Sword Attendant had also been responsible for escorting twice and earned considerable rewards. Lin Chang’an naturally would not stop her.
However, for safety’s sake, he habitually had the Sword Attendant bring the Azure-Horned Ox along.
With the Sword Attendant’s own strength, combined with the Mid Third-rank Azure-Horned Ox, even if they encountered a late Core Formation cultivator, they would still have the strength to fight.
……
Bibo Island.
“The Seven Kingdoms Alliance has developed rapidly recently. I heard they discovered a spirit mine deep within the Fog Sea of Tongtian. Damn it!”
Inside the great hall, the Meng Clan Couple looked at the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s recent development, their expressions clearly ugly.
“This True Lord Lu is truly wonderful. We handed over our entire family business, yet in the end, he paid no attention to Xinghai, this disciple of his.”
Whenever they thought of this matter, the Meng Clan Couple felt stifled. However, faced with a Nascent Soul cultivator, they could only complain secretly. How would they dare show even the slightest dissatisfaction?
Yet from the perspective of a Nascent Soul cultivator, the Meng Clan had already been on the verge of collapse and could no longer control Bibo Island. Their so-called offering of their family business had merely been for their own sake.
Neither side owed the other anything.
In True Lord Lu’s view, he had at least left them some face by allowing the Meng Clan to remain on Bibo Island.
As for a disciple accepted through利益, how could such a person possibly become a trusted confidant?
Especially since Meng Xinghai was already nearly two hundred years old and was already a Core Formation cultivator. Even if True Lord Lu sincerely taught him, how much master-disciple affection could there be?
Finally, the couple exchanged glances and sighed softly. Now, before their lifespans reached their end, they could only leave more foundation for their descendants.
“How has Xinghai’s cultivation been recently?”
“Sigh. Ever since Fatty Lei and the others betrayed us, and with the two of us injured, our female cultivator business has plummeted. Moreover, Xinghai is now already at Mid Core Formation.
Although this harvesting and supplementing secret technique is powerful, it still requires matching female cultivators.”
When the Meng Clan Couple spoke of harvesting female cultivators, they seemed long accustomed to it.
After all, in a place like the Fog Sea of Tongtian, who wasn’t from some crooked demonic path?
Moreover, the path of harvesting and supplementing was not absent even among the righteous path. It was merely not placed openly on the surface.
“Whether in talent or willpower, Xinghai is stronger than both of us. I only hope he can break through to late Core Formation before we pass away. Then the two of us can die with our eyes closed.”
The Meng Clan Couple looked every bit like a loving husband and wife.
Meanwhile, inside Meng Xinghai’s cave abode, weak and terrified pleas for mercy echoed continuously.
“Young Island Lord, spare… my life. Leave me a little… a little mana…”
On the bed, a Foundation Establishment female cultivator widened her eyes. Her jade-like skin visibly withered, becoming like a dead tree drained of all flesh and blood.
Her full head of black hair also turned gray in an instant, losing its former color. With eyes full of unwillingness, she gradually lost all signs of life.
“Trash!”
After a long while, once the withered corpse had been squeezed dry, an angry voice rang out, and the corpse was tossed aside in disgust.
At this moment, Meng Xinghai lay on the bed with his clothes in disarray. There was no trace of the refined gentlemanly image he showed outside. He now looked entirely like a cold demonic cultivator.
“Ever since Bibo Island changed hands, there have been fewer and fewer cultivation furnaces.”
Looking at the dried corpse on the ground, Meng Xinghai’s expression was gloomy.
There were two major reasons for this.
First, his parents were severely injured and had little lifespan remaining. In addition, the previous turmoil on Bibo Island had caused the business to shrink greatly.
Second, although True Lord Lu was not exactly a righteous figure, as a Nascent Soul Elder of Bihai Palace, he still had to care about appearances.
This resulted in no one from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance engaging in the cultivator trafficking business after they settled on Bibo Island. Relying on the Meng Clan alone, the business had sharply declined.
“What are they all pretending to be righteous figures for? At the end of the day, when it comes to killing each other for利益, the righteous path does no less than the demonic path.”
Meng Xinghai sneered. With a raise of his hand, a fireball flew out, and the dried corpse turned to ash within the flames.
“If I can obtain a Core Formation cultivation furnace, I can break through to late Core Formation in at most twenty years!”
Thinking of this, Meng Xinghai’s eyes revealed a firm look.
Once his parents passed away in meditation, if the Meng Clan did not have a late Core Formation cultivator, they would likely truly be suppressed by the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.