Chapter 229 : Golden Core Cultivator Yun Yao

Chapter 229: Golden Core Cultivator Yun Yao

Fog Sea of Tongtian.

At the center of an island shrouded in sinister energy, under the concealment of a formation, a loud and resounding cry rang out.

A terrifying Wind-Chirp Bird, its wings spanning nearly three zhang, swept across the area. All Sinister Spirits were annihilated, and even the Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King let out a screech of fear.

Unfortunately for it, under the absolute suppression of elemental counteraction, the result was a one-sided massacre.

【Lifespan: 112/286】

【Realm: Late-stage Foundation Establishment (28/100)】

At a distance, beside the Yin Vein Spiritual Spring of another island, Lin Changan, who was sitting cross-legged, slowly opened his eyes.

“This Yin Vein Spiritual Spring… unless one cultivates an extreme Yin and freezing technique, it's truly unsuitable for ordinary cultivators to cultivate here.”

This was also why, despite the abundance of spiritual energy on many of these islands, few cultivators came to occupy them.

As for him, the only reason he could cultivate here was thanks to his cultivation method and the backfeeding from his life-bound Spirit Plant, allowing him to absorb the spiritual energy forcefully.

“Still, this Blackwater Liquid really is a rare find.”

Lin Changan sighed and shook his head. With the help of his Third-rank Spirit Pet, the Wind-Chirp Bird, he had been hunting Sinister Spirits and collecting Blackwater Liquid while continuing his cultivation.

“It’s been over half a year… looks like someone really did take the blame for it.”

At this thought, Lin Changan revealed a rather strange expression.

Last year, the genius Long Changfeng of Five Dragon Island was slain—a matter that had stirred great unrest. Being cautious, Lin Changan had not dared return for more than half a year.

Yet, unexpectedly, not long ago news broke out—Rong Qing had actually formed a core!

Although it was a False Core, it was still a core nonetheless.

To the outside world, it seemed as though this person had greedily seized Long Changfeng’s Core Formation Spirit Item.

“With that fellow Daoist Rong’s ambition… to go so far as to collude with robber cultivators in secret—he must’ve been forced into a desperate situation to risk forming a core like that.”

Lin Changan shook his head. From their past conversations, he had sensed Rong Qing’s tenacity.

The man’s cultivation was solid, and his talent was notable. If he advanced steadily and acquired a good Core Formation Spirit Item, Lin Changan believed he had hope of forming a true golden core.

Unfortunately, according to information he had gathered in the marketplaces, even though Rong Qing had formed a False Core, he had aged drastically—clearly the result of using some forbidden art.

“In the world of cultivation, there’s no shortage of secret techniques that increase the odds of breaking through bottlenecks—but their side effects are severe. Either they burn away lifespan and potential or result in grave consequences.”

Shaking his head again, Lin Changan mused—unless absolutely necessary, no one would form a core that way; the price was just too high.

“Well, no matter. I should plan for my own Core Formation now.”

Previously, Hu Jin had already returned. However, Lin Changan felt that cultivating within the Fog Sea of Tongtian was actually faster than on the island, so he didn’t go back.

He rose slowly and began packing up his things while calling for the Wind-Chirp Bird.

In the next instant, a clear, resounding chirp echoed, and the majestic Wind-Chirp Bird—about three zhang in size—appeared in sight.

Moments later, it shrank visibly and perched obediently on his shoulder.

“Master.”

Seeing the Wind-Chirp Bird obediently spit out a jade bottle containing a small amount of Blackwater Liquid, Lin Changan raised an eyebrow.

“This is?”

“Master, a hundred li away on another island, a group of cultivators came to capture Sinister Spirits. They fought the Third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King to mutual injury. After they fled, I just…”

The Wind-Chirp Bird proudly puffed its chest, claiming it had behaved properly—merely taking advantage of the opportunity.

“So you’re saying, you were going to return and report that this place was no longer safe, and just happened to finish off the Sinister Spirit Beast King too, right?”

Looking at the bird putting on a show of flattering shoulder-massage, Lin Changan was speechless.

Still, he didn’t blame the Wind-Chirp Bird.

A Third-rank Demon Beast was far beyond what he could afford to raise. Keeping it semi-wild was perfect—self-sufficient and even bringing him benefits.

But he also knew clearly—his ability to roam the Fog Sea of Tongtian largely depended on the Wind-Chirp Bird. On his own, it would be far too dangerous.

Therefore, he only allowed the Wind-Chirp Bird to patrol within a hundred li radius and instructed it to report any human cultivators immediately.

Besides, the Wind-Chirp Bird was incredibly intelligent. At least, Lin Changan had never heard of a Third-rank Demon Beast with such intelligence.

In such a short time, it had even learned to mimic human cunning and tactics.

It now knew how to profit from the misfortunes of others.

“You just keep sneaking food… when your next evolution comes and my cultivation isn’t high enough, and Evergreen Art can’t save you, you’ll realize the consequences.”

But as Lin Changan calmly spoke, the Wind-Chirp Bird fluffed up its feathers and glared with wide eyes.

It had almost forgotten—advancing its cultivation too quickly meant facing a trial by fire and rebirth.

Its bloodline inheritance made clear that every evolution was a tribulation.

And its master’s mana could assist in overcoming it.

“Master, I still have this.”

In the next moment, the Wind-Chirp Bird spat out another item—a Third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core, making Lin Changan’s eyelid twitch.

He knew it. This bird was downright sneaky.

“Next time, remember to tidy up the battlefield and destroy anything suspicious—especially traces.”

Having gained a nice reward, Lin Changan gave a satisfied smile while lecturing the Wind-Chirp Bird on what to do in the future.

“Mmhm!”

The Wind-Chirp Bird nodded eagerly, humbly absorbing the wisdom passed down by its master.

Lin Changan was relatively at ease with it. The bird had not the slightest ferocity typical of Demon Beasts.

If it couldn’t win, it’d flee faster than him.

So he wasn’t at all worried it might suffer a loss.

“But earlier, you mentioned seeing cultivators capturing Sinister Spirits?”

Lin Changan frowned, and the Wind-Chirp Bird nodded dutifully, describing how the cultivators used black banners to capture and seal the Sinister Spirits.

“Capturing Sinister Spirits isn’t unheard of. When those robber cultivators attacked Yuling Island, they used similar methods—but lately, it’s become more frequent.”

Over the past half-year, having stayed in Sinister Spirit-dense areas, he had indeed seen many cultivators doing the same.

Even marketplaces had bounties related to Sinister Spirit gathering sites.

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

He had no clan, no sect—why should he care what those robber cultivators planned?

“Let’s go. It’s time to prepare properly for the Five Dragon Island gathering. Next step—Core Formation!”

With a firm gaze, Lin Changan resolved that after acquiring the necessary resources, he would cultivate long-term in Sinister Spirit-converging areas.

After all, the dense spiritual energy here allowed for much faster cultivation than on Yuling Island—and he could gather Blackwater Liquid, a Core Formation Spirit Item, in the process.

Killing two birds with one stone.

“Still, it’s a pity the Wind-Chirp Bird doesn’t counter aquatic demon beasts…”

Lin Changan let out a greedy sigh. If all the Sinister Spirits he’d slain had been replaced with demon beasts, the sheer amount of resources would’ve been staggering.

“Let’s go.”

Lin Changan withdrew the formation and disappeared into the vast Fog Sea with the Wind-Chirp Bird.

At the same time, he took out his personal map and continued marking it.

The Fog Sea of Tongtian was full of unknown regions. The ones he explored were all such places. Every time he encountered a new island, he made a note of it.

This was his own personal map.

After all, caution was never a mistake. Every year, countless cultivators got lost within the Fog Sea of Tongtian and ended up trapped to death.

…

Yuling Island.

Lin Changan finally returned. But this time, upon arriving at his cave abode, he spotted a familiar figure sitting in the pavilion.

“Yun… Yun Yao!”

Startled, Lin Changan saw Yun Yao sitting gracefully in the pavilion. Upon seeing him, she revealed a rare smile.

“Brother Lin, if you hadn’t come back soon, I might’ve left already.”

Yun Yao, who was usually dressed in sharp and practical combat attire, was wearing a palace dress today—her heroic aura slightly subdued.

But on closer look, Lin Changan’s pupils contracted, and he cupped his hands respectfully.

“Congratulations… Fellow Daoist Yun on achieving Core Formation.”

Sensing the pressure emanating from Yun Yao, Lin Changan realized she had broken through to the Core Formation Realm and couldn't help showing a hint of envy.

As he offered his congratulations, Yun Yao raised an eyebrow, prompting Lin Changan to quickly change his address to “Fellow Daoist.”

These two words—"Senior"—were never spoken aloud.

This allowed Lin Changan to quietly breathe a sigh of relief. It seemed Yun Yao still remembered the bond between them.

After all, in the world of cultivation, such things were all too common.

“Brother Lin, Yun Yao has not forgotten the promise made back then.”

Yun Yao gave a gentle smile. She knew Lin Changan was cautious, so she got straight to the point.

“But as for the Core Formation Spirit Item, Brother Lin, you’ll still need to wait a while longer.”

For Yun Yao, now a Core Formation cultivator, to still remember this promise was already quite rare in the cultivation world.

How could Lin Changan dare to ask for more? He simply waved his hand with a smile.

Then, within his cave abode, he hosted his first guest at the Core Formation level.

Just like back when she had formed her Foundation, he had supported Yun Yao, and she had returned the favor.

They had supported each other all the way, and of all those they had once known, only the two of them remained in this pavilion now.

Perhaps stirred by the setting, the two gazed into their cups of Spirit Tea, their eyes dimming slightly.

“I wonder how they’re doing now.”

“Don’t worry. I exchanged letters a few years ago. Now that Yue Kingdom is part of the Seven Kingdoms, with the miasma spreading, no powerful cultivators would bother to covet those lands…”

As they conversed and laughed, Lin Changan spoke of his communications with Erniu, Shen Lie, and the others over the years, and how they were doing.

They had come to understand the loneliness of the cultivation path.

Just reaching Foundation Establishment had left many of their old friends behind—until only the two of them remained.

And now, Core Formation.

Yun Yao upholding her promise was part of it, but perhaps another part was that she didn’t want her former companions to truly be reduced to just one person’s shadow.

“Back then, I returned to the Divine Sect and went into seclusion to break through. Thankfully, I had Fellow Daoist Hu’s Three-turn Core Condensation Art—I was lucky to form a True Core. After that, came the competition for the position of Saintess…”

Listening to Yun Yao’s colorful life journey, Lin Changan couldn’t help but feel envious.

That so-called True Core… even if not an Immortal Golden Core, was likely at least an Upper-grade Golden Core.

Otherwise, how could the Mystic Yin Divine Sect, a Nascent Soul-level sect, allow an ordinary Core Formation female cultivator to compete for the position of Saintess?

“Truly envious of you, Yun Yao. Your status in the sect must be extraordinary by now.”

Lin Changan didn’t hide his envy. Back when they had all tried to join a sect, they had failed.

Only Yun Yao had succeeded.

And now, once again—it seemed Yun Yao was the fabled genius, the favored child of destiny.

“Brother Lin, it’s not so easy. The real competition for the position of Saintess has only just begun.”

Yun Yao shook her head lightly with a smile, then changed the subject, clearly unwilling to talk about the matter of the Saintess.

Seeing this, Lin Changan didn’t press further either.

Afterward, Yun Yao began sharing her experiences from forming her core. Lin Changan grew even more serious, not daring to miss a single word.

These were priceless Core Formation insights.

“Brother Lin, you must remember well—Core Formation cannot be rushed. But your foundation is solid…”

Listening to her words, Lin Changan cupped his hands.

“One step away from Core Formation, yet it feels like a chasm. Perhaps it's that unwillingness to accept fate… But I still need more time.”

To outsiders, the thought of someone with Lin Changan’s talent and current cultivation aiming for Core Formation might seem laughable.

But in Yun Yao’s eyes, what she saw was the unwavering will he had maintained for over a century.

“Brother Lin’s Dao Heart is steadfast, far beyond ordinary cultivators. Yun Yao first offers her congratulations in advance—may Brother Lin soon attain Core Formation. Only then can you seek the chance to refine your spiritual roots.”

The two of them talked at length in the pavilion.

From the experiences of the past years, to memories of their friends in Yue Kingdom, to future plans for Core Formation.

But when it came to Yue Kingdom, most of what they shared were nostalgic memories of youth.

At their age, it was still the time for striving. But for those friends who never reached Foundation Establishment, their time was nearly up.

Under the bright moonlight, night had unknowingly fallen.

And Lin Changan could tell—Yun Yao was in a hurry to share her Core Formation insights.

“Brother Lin, I still have important matters within the sect. I’m afraid I cannot stay long.”

Yun Yao gave a bitter smile and a look of apology.

Lin Changan smiled and cupped his hands.

“But Brother Lin, since you’re planning to attend the Five Dragon Island gathering—after the first auction, you must leave quickly.”

Before leaving, Yun Yao seemed to want to say more, but instead lightly bit her lip, then sent him a voice transmission.

Under the moonlight, as he watched her cool and elegant escape light vanish into the distance, Lin Changan couldn’t help but be filled with envy.

“Flying with escape light… So this is what it means to be a Core Formation cultivator!”

Back when he had faked being one, it was still just a fake.

Only once the figure vanished did Lin Changan collect his thoughts and begin to ponder.

“Yun Yao’s warning earlier… could something be about to happen?”

Lin Changan frowned. After so many years without seeing each other, they had been a bit awkward at first.

But as they talked, that awkwardness quickly disappeared—the bond between them hadn’t changed.

Yet, neither had pried into the other's secrets.

For instance, when it came to the Mystic Yin Divine Sect, especially the matter of the Saintess, Yun Yao always avoided the topic.

Similarly, Lin Changan noticed that Yun Yao’s gaze had drifted toward his waist more than once.

“She noticed!”

Lin Changan sighed inwardly—Yun Yao, as expected.

She must’ve already sensed the aura of the Wind-Chirp Bird, his Third-rank Spirit Pet.

That was one of his secrets.

…

Meanwhile, Yun Yao, flying away from Yuling Island, no longer had that smile on her face. Instead, her expression turned icy cold.

“Damn it, I couldn’t even stay a while longer!”

Looking at the Voice-recording Talisman in her hand, a frosty glint flickered in Yun Yao’s eyes.

“But I said what needed to be said. With Brother Lin’s caution, he definitely won’t take risks.”

A coy voice came from the talisman—feminine and seductive.

“Oh my, where has Junior Sister Yun been? You’ve been gone half a month—did you go meet a lover? Hehehe. Junior Sister, you mustn’t fool around.

This Water Yin Demonic Art—without a Cold Jade Body, it only unleashes its extreme Yin and freezing power through a pure, untouched body…”

That fox-like, teasing voice echoed, making Yun Yao silently curse, Bitch.

“Enough nonsense. But Senior Sister, you’d better not ruin the Patriarch’s plan. The Long Clan on Five Dragon Island has been overbearing for far too long, and now they’ve obtained that item…”

After speaking, Yun Yao looked back at the fading silhouette of the island in the distance and quietly let out a sigh of relief.

The methods Brother Lin used to conceal himself even made her feel a hint of danger—seemed she didn’t have to worry anymore.