Chapter 214 : Blackwater Liquid

Chapter 214: Blackwater Liquid

Fog Sea of Tongtian.

On a desolate island shrouded in sinister energy, a lone figure slowly descended.

“Here it is.”

According to the memory of the Zhong Clan’s Three Fiends, Lin Chang’an had finally arrived at this deserted island.

With the Breath Concealment Technique and Hidden Spirit Gauze masking his presence, the moment Lin Chang’an set foot on the island, he saw sinister spirits drifting around the beach.

“Sinister spirits are almost common in the Fog Sea of Tongtian. They can even be occasionally found in the Sea Abyss of Beasts.”

After all, under the terrain of the Sea Abyss, the chilling yin energy was abundant. With cultivators and demon beasts constantly slaughtering each other, sinister spirits on these seas were endless.

“This place doesn’t seem any different from other places where sinister spirits gather.”

Lin Chang’an frowned. He gazed at the gray fog enveloping the island, but his divine sense was like sinking into a swamp, hard to extend.

【Spirit Eye (Perfect 9862/10000)】

As a flash of spiritual light passed through his eyes, the hidden sinister spirits drifting in the fog were all revealed.

“These years I’ve never slacked in cultivating the Spirit Eye. As expected, it is useful at crucial moments.”

Lin Chang’an was extremely satisfied with the miraculous effects of the Spirit Eye.

There were countless objects in the cultivation world that could block divine sense. Though Spirit Eye was not as versatile as divine sense, it compensated for this weakness in dangerous situations.

Moreover, he had reaped benefits many times relying on Spirit Eye. So, even though he had been purchasing Spiritual Liquid to nourish his life-bound spirit plant, he had never neglected his Spirit Eye cultivation.

“The most basic Spirit Eye, very few cultivate it in the cultivation world. After all, it consumes time. With that time and resources, one could buy a targeted magical artifact or spirit artifact instead.”

Now, his Spirit Eye was only one step away from reaching the highest realm.

“It is said that if Spirit Eye reaches the highest realm, cultivating other eye-related divine abilities will yield twice the result with half the effort.”

Not everyone had his talent. Many cultivators, after failing or stagnating, eventually gave up on cultivating it.

“Chirp chirp!”

At the moment the Wind-chirp Bird appeared, its eyes lit up as it stared at the sinister spirits within the gray fog, as though seeing delicious food.

Yet the bird was extremely intelligent. Instead of pouncing right away, its first reaction was to nuzzle Lin Chang’an’s cheek, trying to flatter him.

“Alright, there’s food for you here. But more importantly, inside the island there’s a sinister spirit vein. Perhaps there’s a sinister spirit beast king, maybe not quite at third-rank, but close.”

Lin Chang’an stroked the Wind-chirp Bird with a smile, though his eyes carried gravity.

The strength of the Zhong Clan’s Three Fiends had required such caution, even daring to strike on this island. That alone showed how dangerous this place was.

“Chirp chirp!”

“Enough, don’t make too much noise. Have a little appetizer first.”

Lin Chang’an shook his head and draped the Hidden Spirit Gauze over the Wind-chirp Bird.

Sure enough, the next instant the Wind-chirp Bird, full of excitement, transformed into an invisible streak of light. It instantly swooped upon the mindless sinister spirits that only acted on instinct.

With one bite, before the sinister spirits even sensed danger, they had already become the bird’s food.

Concealing his aura with cultivation technique, Lin Chang’an watched from afar and nodded silently.

“All things counteract one another. For these sinister spirits, encountering a nemesis like the Wind-chirp Bird, they simply have no power to resist.”

The restraint was far too severe.

Low-rank sinister spirits lacked intelligence, driven only by instinct. So even as they watched their companions devoured before their eyes, they remained dazed as if oblivious.

That was why Lin Chang’an allowed the Wind-chirp Bird to feed this way.

“No wonder the Palace of Blazing Fire once issued a bounty. In the Fog Sea of Tongtian, a spirit pet that restrains sinister spirits is practically comparable to a mighty magic treasure.”

Shaking his head, Lin Chang’an quietly advanced into the island, his aura concealed. The sinister spirits seemed not to see him.

Only within two zhang of him could they sense the aura of a living person. Yet before they could go mad with excitement, the Wind-chirp Bird swallowed them with ease.

“Chirp chirp!”

The Wind-chirp Bird frolicked, its pale-golden eyes shining with joy, as though it had stumbled into a mountain of delicacies.

“In places where sinister spirits gather, once a strong living aura bursts forth, these fearless, mindless sinister spirits will swarm immediately.”

After he walked into the valley, the Wind-chirp Bird perched upon his shoulder.

With Hidden Spirit Gauze and Breath Concealment Technique, Lin Chang’an had almost been invisible throughout. His expression grew grave as he gazed at the valley ahead.

“In this valley, sinister energy gathers. Judging by the aura, there are at least a dozen quasi–third-rank sinister spirits inside. And the surrounding numbers exceed a thousand…”

With Spirit Eye, Lin Chang’an easily pierced through the fog’s concealment, even faintly glimpsing a semi-corporeal sinister spirit.

“Could this be a sinister spirit beast king on the verge of reaching third-rank!”

Lin Chang’an’s expression darkened as he retrieved from his Storage Pouch the Demon Beast Compendium he had bought on Five Dragon Island for eight hundred mid-grade spirit stones.

“Found it!”

Sinister Spirit Yaksha, also called the Sinister Spirit Beast King, was a creature born from gatherings of sinister spirits. This abomination could manifest a corporeal form.

Reading this entry, Lin Chang’an’s face revealed delight. No wonder the Zhong Clan’s Three Fiends believed there was a Core Formation spirit item, the Blackwater Liquid, here.

This place very likely had it.

“Since I’ve come, I can’t return empty-handed.”

Lin Chang’an’s gaze swept the surroundings gravely. There were indeed thousands of sinister spirits.

This was why many cultivators, though knowing that such sinister-spirit-infested islands brimmed with spiritual energy, were unwilling to attack them.

Because sinister spirits were countless. Unlike demon beasts, whose corpses could yield materials to offset the cost, sinister spirits left nothing.

And even if one temporarily conquered such an island, the dense yin energy would keep attracting more sinister spirits endlessly.

Thus, only great powers would seize such islands, and only when necessary.

Yet not all islands were fit for sects or clans. For instance, this island was too small: too worthless for a great power, but too dangerous for a small one to hold.

Moreover, it lay deep within the Fog Sea of Tongtian, where powerful demon beasts roamed, and could even attract sinister spirit beast kings.

Hence, most cultivators would not covet such islands.

“However, for sinister spirits, my Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation is a nemesis.”

At this point Lin Chang’an smiled. This formation, though lethal against cultivators, was far more devastating against spirits due to elemental restraint.

He concealed his figure once more, then he and the Wind-chirp Bird circled around the valley, burying formation flags and plates.

…

Inside the valley heavy with sinister energy, seventeen sinister spirits exuding terrifying aura floated about, greedily devouring yin qi.

By instinct, weaker sinister spirits numbered over a thousand on the outskirts.

And at the valley’s deepest point, a half-corporeal sinister spirit beast king sat upon the vein’s spring, ravenously absorbing yin qi.

Suddenly, the ferocious Sinister Spirit Yaksha snapped its eyes open, blood-red pupils full of brutality and devoid of humanity.

“Roar!”

Sensing something, it let out a piercing roar. The sinister spirits all around instantly went into frenzy.

But by then Lin Chang’an had already completed his formation. Seeing this, he only smiled.

“Your senses are sharp indeed, no ordinary sinister spirit. But unfortunately, it’s already too late.”

Blood Fiend Scarlet Sun Formation · Activate!

As Lin Chang’an formed a hand seal, blood-red light flared up around the valley, sealing it completely within a crimson barrier.

The next moment, fire-attribute spiritual energy surged within the barrier.

Before the fire-devouring demon spirits even fully formed, many weaker sinister spirits were already screaming in agony within the blistering heat.

With a boom, sinister spirits began to collapse and dissipate.

“These sinister spirits are fierce indeed, but as extreme beings, they are heavily affected by elemental restraint.”

Roar!

Seven fire-devouring demon spirits appeared, flames surging as they pounced like tigers among sheep.

At that same moment, with the formation fully activated, the Wind-chirp Bird gave a sharp cry and turned into a golden streak, plunging into the mass of sinister spirits.

The activation enraged the dozen quasi–third-rank sinister spirits, as well as the semi–spirit beast king.

Born with revulsion toward fire and baleful energy, the sinister spirits all went berserk.

“Perfect time to test my sword light infused with baleful qi.”

With the formation opened, Lin Chang’an did not remain idle—or rather, he was already aching at the spirit stones consumed by the formation.

After all, no matter how many sinister spirits were slain, there would be no spoils in the end.

It was better to rely on his powerful recovery and kill more sinister spirits, thereby reducing the formation’s consumption.

In an instant, within the formation, countless sinister spirits roared.

However, with Lin Chang’an’s sword light, along with the yang-attribute magical artifact and spirit artifact obtained from the Zhong Clan’s Three Fiends, it was like a tiger among sheep.

The fire-devouring demon spirits were even fiercer. Ordinary sinister spirits could not even inflict harm; just brushing against them would cause them to collapse with shrieks.

As for those dozen quasi–third-rank sinister spirits, they ended miserably—either swallowed by the Wind-chirp Bird or devoured by the fire-devouring demon spirits.

“Roar!”

The sinister spirit beast king erupted, unleashing terrifying power. With a swipe, it tore a fire-devouring demon spirit to shreds.

Yet the exploding flames scorched its body, forcing a shriek of rage and pain from the beast king.

“Fortunately this sinister spirit beast king has not yet fully evolved. If it had developed basic intelligence, it wouldn’t be fighting this way.”

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an did not advance recklessly. Instead, he controlled hand seals from afar, activating his divine ability.

Giant Sword Technique.

Before him, a sword light swelled, transforming into a ten-zhang-long giant sword that shone with dazzling brilliance.

Carrying terrifying might, it slashed straight toward the sinister spirit beast king.

But the beast king was unafraid, roaring furiously as it charged.

“Roar!”

The sword light, with power comparable to a False Core cultivator’s strike, exploded with immense force. The beast king let out a pitiful howl.

The Wind-chirp Bird’s eyes gleamed. With a sharp cry, it turned into golden light and ripped off one of the beast king’s arms.

But the sinister body, howling in rage and fear, began re-forming its arm. Yet its yin aura was already weakened.

The Wind-chirp Bird excitedly devoured the severed arm.

At last, the sinister spirit beast king felt fear—and tried to flee.

But within this formation, it would have needed to command all sinister spirits to gather and attack the barrier together to stand a chance of escape.

Clearly, its intelligence was low.

As a result, the thousands of sinister spirits fled only by instinct, screaming in chaos.

But within the formation, they were either swallowed by the Wind-chirp Bird, torn apart by fire-devouring demon spirits, or burned away by the formation’s blistering aura.

Three hours later…

From outside, concealed by the formation, the valley was silent.

Inside the crimson barrier, the fiery-red world had reduced over a thousand sinister spirits to nothing, not even ashes remained.

At the end, the sinister spirit beast king—destined to evolve into a Sinister Spirit Yaksha—was surrounded by the Wind-chirp Bird’s greedy gaze. Golden flames swirled from its beak.

With a final shriek, the beast king was sucked into the bird’s belly.

“Finally finished.”

The victory was brilliant. With absolute elemental restraint, in just over three hours, over a thousand sinister spirits were annihilated.

Such extreme restraint was exceedingly rare.

Yet gazing at the silent valley, Lin Chang’an let out a bitter laugh.

“To think, not even a single piece of loot. No wonder cultivators despise sinister spirits.”

Killing a first-rank demon beast at least yielded flesh and hide, yet these thousand sinister spirits left nothing at all.

…

There was no need to clean the battlefield. Lin Chang’an shook his head, maintaining only concealment and defense on the formation. The searing heat within began to dissipate.

This also reduced the formation’s consumption.

He did not want to risk being ambushed while investigating.

He would save where he could—but never on things he shouldn’t, for formations were his greatest protection.

Walking into the valley, he saw a dark cave mouth. Within, a spiritual spring bubbled with spirit liquid, making Lin Chang’an’s eyes light up.

“This is a yin vein spiritual spring! As expected, places where sinister spirit beast kings are born will have this… but where’s the Blackwater Liquid!?”

Staring with wide eyes and using Spirit Eye to observe, he finally spotted the legendary Blackwater Liquid.

Though both were liquid, the Blackwater Liquid did not dissolve into the spring water—in fact, its quality was higher.

It lay at the bottom of the spring.

“How come there’s only this little!”

Lin Chang’an’s eyes widened. After taking such risks, and expending over a thousand spirit stones on the formation—was this all?

“Damn it!”

Even as he cursed, he carefully retrieved from his Storage Pouch a finely-crafted jade bottle made from century-old Cold Jade.

He used Object Manipulation Technique to carefully guide the fingertip-sized Blackwater Liquid into the bottle.

Yet the palm-sized bottle was not even covered at the bottom.

“This… is this enough to assist in Core Formation?”

Lin Chang’an fell silent. Clearly, this amount of Blackwater Liquid was insufficient.

Even so, its value already exceeded all his expenses here.

And besides, this yin vein spiritual spring—Lin Chang’an took a deep breath, releasing the Azure-horned Bull and summoning the Wind-chirp Bird to guard.

“You two, protect me.”

The Azure-horned Bull lowed, while the Wind-chirp Bird, already full, perched on its horn, patting its chest proudly as if to promise.

Lin Chang’an inhaled deeply. Until now, he had only purchased spirit liquid.

Now that he had strength, with the Wind-chirp Bird and his formation, he could seek out these spiritual springs himself.

Others’ springs were controlled by powerful cultivators, but these sinister-spirit-infested lands were unclaimed.

And today, he had witnessed the Wind-chirp Bird’s overwhelming restraint against sinister spirits.

Even quasi–third-rank sinister spirits were crushed.

“Next, it’s time to cultivate the Art of Spirit Refinement.”

Lin Chang’an sat cross-legged, forming hand seals. A faint spiritual light shone within his dantian as his life-bound spirit plant was summoned.

The Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine landed in the spring, greedily devouring.

Before his eyes, dead leaves revived, spreading fresh greenery.

Even its roots seemed to recover strands of life energy.

Through his bond with the life-bound plant, Lin Chang’an felt profound energy flowing back into his body.

Several days later.

【Realm: Late Foundation Establishment +1 (13/100)】

As the yin vein spring dried up, Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes.

“This feeling is truly wonderful.”

He grinned with excitement, finally finding a shortcut to rapid growth.

His spiritual root aptitude was poor and his cultivation speed slow—but his life-bound plant was not. As it absorbed, so too did his body.

This effect had always existed, but with too little spirit liquid, it had never been this obvious.

“Or perhaps ordinary cultivators simply cannot quickly absorb and convert so much spirit liquid, but with my life-bound spirit plant, I can achieve dual cultivation.”

A life-bound spirit plant was inseparably linked to its cultivator—prospering and declining together.

“In that case, I truly must seek more places where sinister spirits gather. Though Blackwater Liquid is rare, yin vein spiritual springs are common enough.”

Such springs aided cultivation, much like pills, but cultivators had digestion limits.

For him and his life-bound plant, pills might be slow, but springs were pure nourishment.

His eyes glimmered. Seeking Core Formation spirit items while accelerating cultivation was killing two birds with one stone.

As for the spirit stones and other expenses—he no longer cared.

Those spirit stones could not buy such direct improvement.

Of course, he knew not every time would be so lucky. But even so, this was faster than bitter cultivation.

“I am already one hundred and six years old. If I rely on step-by-step cultivation, wouldn’t Core Formation have to wait until one hundred fifty or sixty? And the Five Dragon Sea Region is far from peaceful.

Who knows whether accident or tomorrow will come first? Gaining strength is the most important thing.”

Moreover, gathering Core Formation spirit items was urgent.

“In the Fog Sea of Tongtian, treasures may be hard to find, but places where sinister spirits gather are everywhere.”

With a satisfied smile, Lin Chang’an was about to rise and retract his formation when he suddenly sensed two cultivators arriving on the island.