Chapter 207 : Master Tan

Chapter 207: Master Tan

“Master Tan has arrived!”

At the Lu Clan’s celebratory banquet, as a loud voice echoed, countless Foundation Establishment cultivators rose to their feet, revealing expressions of respect.

A short figure appeared, with upturned nostrils and only a tuft of yellow hair on the top of his head.

Although this Master Tan looked strange, no one dared to show the slightest disrespect.

“Greetings, Master.”

Facing the bows of the crowd, Master Tan nodded proudly. Since childhood, he had been ridiculed for his appearance.

But ever since he had become a Core Formation cultivator, what he loved most was seeing others treat him with this kind of respect.

That feeling—refreshing!

“All right, sit down.”

Only when this short and rather ugly-looking Master Tan strode into the main hall and took his seat did he finally open his mouth, having made enough of a display.

“Thank you, Master.”

The Foundation Establishment cultivators cupped their hands respectfully. As for whether they were displeased at being made to stand longer?

Before a Core Formation cultivator, such a thought did not exist.

Even Lin Chang’an felt no irritation. On the contrary, he sighed with emotion—this was the might of a Core Formation cultivator.

Not to mention standing for a while—even waiting outside the hall, countless people would have been eager to line up.

Afterwards, the Lu Clan cultivators warmly entertained the guests.

During the banquet, Lin Chang’an naturally also saw the Lu Clan’s genius.

Lu Yushu had the appearance of a refined gentleman, his smiling face full of courtesy. His words and actions revealed not the slightest flaw.

Yet Lin Chang’an could sense the pride hidden deep within his eyes.

“But what does that have to do with me?”

With a calm expression, Lin Chang’an turned away and began chatting and laughing with those at his table.

The banquet of the Lu Clan today was of exceptionally high standard. Even he could not help but nod at the freshness of the flavors.

The Lu Clan had indeed spared no expense this time.

After several rounds of wine, as the banquet dispersed, quite a few Foundation Establishment cultivators secretly received invitations from the Lu Clan.

“Old Lin!”

Hu Jin’s expression tightened, while Lin Chang’an’s brows furrowed slightly. Clearly, both of them had received the voice transmission.

“Let’s wait and see. This should be related to that Core Formation Master.”

Not only the two of them—the Wen Couple, Fang Tie, and many other Foundation Establishment cultivators close to the Lu Clan had all received the transmission.

……

Inside the main hall.

As the banquet ended, the Foundation Establishment cultivators who had received the voice transmission looked somewhat puzzled. Yet most guessed it must concern the Core Formation Master.

Naturally, none dared to voice dissent.

“These cultivators are almost all on good terms with the Lu Clan.”

Lin Chang’an swept his gaze around and nodded inwardly. To think there were twenty-seven Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered—what were they planning?

“Fellow Daoists, please forgive us.”

At this moment, Madam Lu, the Lu Clan’s matriarch, stepped forward with a smile of apology, cupping her hands to the crowd.

Behind her, Master Tan’s expression softened as well—at least he no longer looked so arrogant toward the Foundation Establishment cultivators.

“All right, this time it was I who summoned you.”

This short Core Formation cultivator seemed to be a straightforward person.

“In ten years, it will be the birthday of the two Palace Lords of Bihai Palace. Back then, it was thanks to the Palace’s favor that Tan was fortunate enough to form a Core.

This time, I came because Madam Lu discovered the nest of a Roc-beast…”

As Master Tan explained, Lin Chang’an suddenly understood.

So this Master Tan was preparing a great birthday gift for the two Palace Lords of Bihai Palace.

“There is a third-rank early-stage demon beast in this nest. But rest assured, I invited you all only to deal with the other beasts…”

The Roc-beast, a ferocious avian of the Sea Abyss, lived in flocks and was among the last beasts cultivators wished to encounter.

Flying demon beasts were always the hardest to deal with.

At this moment, Madam Lu smiled as she addressed the crowd:

“Of course, our Lu Clan is willing to provide each Fellow Daoist with due compensation. And as for the third-rank demon beast, with Master Tan here,

the other beasts will only need to be held off by all of you.”

Upon hearing this, some Foundation Establishment cultivators’ expressions changed, while others were tempted.

With a Core Formation Master involved, this might be a rare opportunity.

Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered as he listened.

“The male Roc-beast’s feathers are multicolored, not only beautiful but also top-grade materials for refining magical garments.”

As the information surfaced in his mind, Lin Chang’an secretly nodded. It seemed Master Tan truly intended this as a gift.

But he also feared being used as cannon fodder.

Of course, he was not the only one with such concerns. Many cultivators’ eyes flickered, yet none voiced them.

After living for over a hundred years, these Foundation Establishment cultivators were long past the age of reckless impulsiveness.

And Master Tan, having walked this path, could naturally see the doubts in their hearts. But to prevent them from slacking, his expression remained calm as he said:

“Fellow Daoists, rest assured. I only want the feathers and the demon core of this beast. Furthermore, I have an array to trap it.”

At this point, the short Master Tan looked at them and added casually:

“Of course, I won’t force anyone. This bird lives in flocks, with over a dozen second-rank birds. If unwilling, you may leave.”

With a mid-Stage Core Formation cultivator speaking this way, no one dared object.

“Since Master values us, how could we decline?”

“Exactly, since Master has spoken!”

Feeling that there was no hidden scheme, the crowd nodded in agreement.

Even if something seemed wrong, so many people could still flee together.

Lin Chang’an truly did not wish to go. But with so many agreeing, if he stood out, wouldn’t he make himself conspicuous?

Thus, Lin Chang’an smiled and cupped his hands:

“Master may rest assured. Though we cannot deal with a third-rank demon beast, we will certainly ensure that the second-rank birds do not disturb your hunt.”

“Yes, Master, rest assured.”

One by one, the Foundation Establishment cultivators patted their chests in assurance. But none were foolish—if asked to fight the third-rank demon beast head-on, they would never agree.

Even though he was a Core Formation cultivator, at worst, they could escape to another sea region to continue cultivating.

Naturally, Master Tan understood that without some reward, these cultivators would not give their best.

“Fellow Daoists, you need only help me deal with the other birds. Once it is done, the flesh and blood of the third-rank demon beast shall be divided among you.”

At these words, everyone’s eyes lit up.

Even Lin Chang’an’s eyes gleamed. They dared not dream of the third-rank demon core.

But the flesh and blood of a third-rank demon beast was a tremendous supplement for late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Its value was immense.

The cultivators eagerly promised, while Madam Lu explained the details with a smile—especially after revealing Master Tan’s background.

Many eyes shone, and when they looked at Madam Lu again, their smiles grew warmer.

This was clearly giving them a chance to establish ties with Bihai Palace.

The Palace’s power and wealth were immense, and even its guest elders were divided into ranks.

This unremarkable-looking Master Tan might only be an ordinary guest elder, but he had an elder sister who was the concubine of the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace—a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Who would dare offend such a person?

More importantly, with such a connection, he would hardly care for their meager possessions. The chance of being plotted against was minimal.

If they could even leave a good impression, then in the future, when they sought Core Formation resources in Sea Abyss City, they would have another path.

For a moment, smiles toward Master Tan grew even warmer.

Finally, it was agreed that in three months, when the demon beast returned to its nest, they would set out.

……

On the way back, not only Hu Jin but also the Wen Couple and Fang Tie—these three neighbors—traveled together.

“Fellow Daoists, this time it should not be a trap.”

As they walked, Hu Jin pondered the matter and spoke.

Although the chance was small, in the cultivation world one had to be cautious to survive.

“It should not be. After all, offending so many Foundation Establishment cultivators at once—the Lu Clan is not foolish. Besides, this is a rare opportunity.”

Lin Chang’an thought for a moment, then nodded and gave his opinion.

“Indeed. With the Lu Clan leading, if there truly were a scheme, unless that Core Formation cultivator could stay in the Lu Clan forever, otherwise the clan could not withstand the retaliation of so many Fellow Daoists.”

The Wen Couple also voiced their views solemnly, clearly showing they were tempted.

The taciturn Fang Tie then said in a deep voice: “Just as the Lu Clan said, this is truly a rare opportunity.”

Everyone had bitterly cultivated to this point all for the sake of Core Formation. Naturally, no one wished to miss it.

Hearing this, Lin Chang’an secretly nodded, then sent a voice transmission to Hu Jin.

“A third-rank Core Formation Realm demon beast—we have never personally experienced such a thing. This time is just right to witness the might of a third-rank demon beast, so we can be prepared in the future.”

“Correct. Even if there is a trap, in this vast sea, with so many Foundation Establishment cultivators, escaping would not be difficult.”

Old Hu also nodded.

Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered. He wanted to cultivate the Three-turn Core Condensation Art. Since he could not afford a third-rank demon core, hunting a third-rank demon beast was inevitable.

As for Hu Jin, he vaguely suspected that perhaps Hu Jin’s spiritual root aptitude was not bad, and that he did not need to cultivate all three turns of the art.

“Besides, this time we cannot refuse. Perhaps Master Tan himself does not care, but there are quite a few others who want to curry favor with him.”

Lin Chang’an sneered. He was certain that if he withdrew today, tomorrow someone would target him.

Even on Yuling Island, the Lu Clan and other cultivators would exclude him.

“That is true. But at least we still have three months to prepare.”

After that, Lin Chang’an parted ways with them, and the others also began their preparations for the hunt three months later.

……

Back in his cave abode.

“A third-rank Roc-beast, along with over a dozen second-rank Roc-beasts… Facing flying demon beasts will not be easy.”

At this moment, Lin Chang’an opened the “Demon Beast Compendium of the Sea Abyss” he had bought earlier, and indeed found the entry on this ferocious bird that only appeared in the Outer Seas.

“The Roc-beast is a second-rank fierce bird, rarely able to break through to the third rank. Once it does, its feathers are incomparably precious, top-grade material for refining female cultivators’ magical garments…”

After reading the entry, Lin Chang’an understood.

No wonder even Core Formation cultivators came from afar to this sea region.

So although there were many Roc-beasts, those that could break through to the third rank were truly rare.

“And three months later, when the Lu Clan discovered this nest, why were they not afraid it would fly away…”

Lin Chang’an already had a faint guess. Most likely, the Roc-beast was hatching offspring, and thus would not easily move its nest.

“But that has little to do with me. The most important thing for me this time is to observe the battle strength of a third-rank demon beast.”

His eyes gleamed. In this operation, he had no intention of giving his all.

“For safety’s sake, I should take this time to finish making this Talisman Treasure.”

Glancing back, Lin Chang’an looked at the Blood Fiend Sword inside the Spirit-gathering Formation.

The Blood Fiend Sword, radiating spiritual energy, under specks of visible aura light, seemed to be repairing itself.

On its hilt, the three talisman papers had already been eroded into a faint red.

Clearly, the conditions for making a Talisman Treasure were complete.

……

Time passed, and in the blink of an eye, three months arrived.

With the spring winds brimming with vitality, all things revived.

【Lifespan: 105/283】

【Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (10/100)】

Inside his cave abode, Lin Chang’an sat solemnly before the Spirit-gathering Formation.

The Blood Fiend Sword, which once radiated spiritual charm, was now dimmer by three parts.

In front of it, a golden talisman paper shimmered with spiritual light. On it was a blood-colored small sword, exactly identical to the magical weapon before him.

“This is the Talisman Treasure!”

Lin Chang’an’s relieved voice echoed. This golden talisman, which he had spent nearly three months creating, slowly floated into his fingers.

Though the Talisman Treasure was formed, the Blood Fiend Sword had been forced to yield a portion of its power, its spirituality greatly diminished, causing Lin Chang’an to shake his head and sigh.

“A pity. I still cannot control a magical weapon. Otherwise, making a Talisman Treasure—by a Core Formation cultivator’s methods—it would only need to be nourished for twenty to thirty years to fully recover.”

That was why many Core Formation cultivators only created Talisman Treasures when their lifespan was nearly exhausted, to leave behind some means for their descendants.

Otherwise, creating one harmed the magical weapon. For a true Talisman Treasure, the harm was even greater—the magical weapon permanently lost a portion of its power.

For Lin Chang’an, a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, relying only on a Spirit-gathering Formation for restoration, even a hundred years might not restore the weapon.

“A pity, I lack the inheritance to make True Treasures.”

Rather than regret the harm to his magical weapon, Lin Chang’an sighed instead. If he had made a True Treasure, it would have been a much greater protection.

As for the magical weapon—for now, it was little more than a chicken rib.

“This Talisman Treasure can be used ten times. If it is not enough, I will make another in the future.”

Of course, he still hoped he would not need to use it.

“But the time has come to depart.”

After placing the Talisman Treasure into his storage pouch, Lin Chang’an organized his belongings, putting away everything important.

As a lone drifting cultivator, he naturally carried all his possessions with him.

“After this, it will also be time to test my formation.”

Leaving his cave abode, Lin Chang’an stored the Azure-horned Bull and the Wind-chirp Bird into his spirit beast pouch. Determination flickered in his eyes.

Having prepared for so long, it was time to plan for the third-rank demon core.

With a Core Formation cultivator taking action this time, he could also experience the true strength of a third-rank demon beast.