Chapter 231 : Planning for Core Formation

Chapter 231: Planning for Core Formation

“Could this be the demon core of a third-rank Sinister Spirit Beast King!”

As the jade box was opened, a demon core as black as ink was revealed, exuding a sinister aura. Everyone couldn’t help but exclaim in shock.

Though all third-rank demon beasts, it was clear that few would choose to hunt Sinister Spirits, preferring to join others in slaying regular beasts.

It wasn’t just about the lower value—more importantly, hunting Sinister Spirits was too dangerous.

After all, these spirits hid in places dense with Yin Qi, and their methods of attack were extremely strange, causing many cultivators great headaches.

Upon seeing this item, a burly man in yellow clothes widened his eyes, then burst into loud laughter:

“Fellow Daoist has quite the skill. I’m willing to make your acquaintance. However, hunting Sinister Spirits... is really not worth it.”

Among similar attributes, Sinister Spirit demon cores were slightly more valuable than the Five Elements demon cores, but aside from the core, there was practically nothing else of value on the spirit.

Demon beasts, on the other hand, had scales, shells, blood essence, even claws, fangs, and horns—all of which combined could match the value of two demon cores.

More importantly, when two or three False Core Cultivators hunted a demon beast together, disputes over loot were less likely to arise.

Now that Lin Chang’an had brought out such an item, though the others looked at him with changed expressions, he only clasped his hands and smiled:

“I was just lucky. Since I cultivate a fire-attribute technique, I have no advantage hunting sea beasts, so I could only make a living in the Fog Sea of Tongtian.”

Upon hearing he cultivated a fire-attribute method, the others nodded in understanding.

But the fact that Lin Chang’an needed two wood-attribute demon cores left them all looking at one another.

“Fellow Daoist, if you were at a trade meet for Golden Core Cultivators, you might easily find what you seek. But most of us here are False Core Cultivators, half of whom must stay long-term within our clans…”

An elderly False Core Cultivator with white hair sighed in melancholy upon seeing yet another third-rank demon core.

His gaze held memories, but also complicated emotions.

It wasn’t that they didn’t dare hunt third-rank demon beasts—it was that they couldn’t!

Each bore the responsibility of their clan’s future. It was hard enough producing a False Core Ancestor to ensure centuries of prosperity—how many would dare take such risks?

Seeing everyone looking at one another, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly, then changed his tone again:

“If that won’t work, I’m willing to exchange for one low-grade, third-rank wood-attribute demon core, and a pill formula for the Crystal Condensing Pill. Does anyone have these?”

Lin Chang’an felt helpless—this Sinister Spirit demon core was the only clean item he could offer.

The third-rank Corpse Core and third-rank turtle shell were not things he could show in public—at least not here.

“Fellow Daoist, I have a spirit herb—would you consider it?”

Several cultivators tried to speak to him via voice transmission, but Lin Chang’an discreetly shook his head at them all.

The alluring elder woman from the Pavilion of Mystic Sound who was hosting the exchange paused in thought after witnessing this, then said aloud:

“Fellow Daoist, our sect does have a low-grade, third-rank wood-attribute demon core—but only one. Perhaps we could add this as well?”

As she raised her hand, she produced a bottle of pills. Lin Chang’an immediately smiled.

A third-rank pill that increased cultivation—this was truly a valuable item, even though it only contained three pills.

“Very well, I’ll exchange for these with Fellow Daoist.”

Though it wasn’t the formula he wanted, these three third-rank pills were still something he needed.

Due to his poor spiritual root aptitude, he would likely hit a bottleneck at 90 experience points, causing his cultivation to stagnate.

At that point, if he attempted Core Formation by force, the risk of failure would be great. This was why cultivators with worse aptitude found it much harder to form a core.

But with this pill, he could forcibly raise his cultivation.

Yun Yao had previously given him third-rank cultivation-enhancing pills. Adding these to that stock made Lin Chang’an overjoyed.

He had also obtained a third-rank wood-attribute demon core. Lin Chang’an quietly let out a breath of relief.

“With this, the Three-turn Core Condensation Art only lacks two more demon cores.”

What followed were cultivators bringing out all kinds of materials for exchange—even the lowest of them were beyond what the Foundation Establishment circle could dream of.

Many items tempted Lin Chang’an greatly, especially those odd and rare materials for refining magical artifacts.

Unfortunately, as a False Core Cultivator, he was merely an amateur. Forming a core remained his top priority.

If he couldn’t even accomplish that, possessing artifact crafting materials would only go to waste.

“The Blood Fiend Sword is also a good treasure, but it's not something I can easily take out.”

Lin Chang’an thought quietly. That Blood Fiend True Lord was a late Golden Core cultivator who once aspired to Nascent Soul—who could know what dangers lay in exposing such a treasure?

Besides, that magical artifact was currently on the Wind-Chirp Bird. It was extremely effective in slaughtering Sinister Spirits.

Just as he was losing interest and considering waiting for tomorrow’s auction to seek out the Crystal Condensing Pill formula, an unusual item caught his attention.

A gaunt cultivator revealed a sinister grin and raised a storage pouch as thin as a cicada’s wing.

Once mana was infused, it adhered seamlessly to his skin—completely unnoticeable.

More importantly, it defied spiritual sense detection.

“Fellow Daoists, this storage pouch is crafted from extremely rare materials, and even includes the rare Illusory Stone.

Once attached to the skin or hidden, even a late-stage Golden Core Cultivator’s spiritual sense can’t detect it…”

A storage pouch with such a function? Lin Chang’an silently nodded—this cultivation world was indeed full of strange wonders.

But as the cultivator continued explaining, someone sneered:

“Fellow Daoist, this Illusory Stone is also known as Yin Spirit Stone, often found where Sinister Spirits gather. It's a prime material for stealth and shadow-type magical artifacts. But for storage pouches? I imagine the internal space must be tiny.”

The others suddenly understood. Some shook their heads, smiling—this item had limited use.

But others seemed intrigued. Used to store valuable items discreetly, it could be effective.

“Yin Spirit Stone can conceal spiritual energy and block spiritual sense probing.”

Lin Chang’an learned this and mentally winced.

He had spent much time in Sinister Spirit territory—had he overlooked many precious materials?

“Looks like I should buy some illustrated guides to rare ores at this auction.”

This was related to artifact crafting—an area in which Lin Chang’an was lacking.

Back in the trading area, even after being exposed, the gaunt cultivator was unfazed. He sneered instead:

“Fellow Daoists, this storage pouch only uses a bit of Illusory Stone and has small space, true—but who dares say it's useless? Don’t your juniors need to secretly gather Core Formation items? Or perhaps one day, a Fellow Daoist may stumble upon a great opportunity. Know this—many robber cultivators raise spirit beasts with exceptional noses…”

Everyone understood his implication.

Some shook their heads, believing they’d be lucky just to form a core themselves—their descendants weren’t that talented.

Others hesitated, perhaps considering a gamble before their life’s end—but the price of the item wasn’t low.

One could say it was a “chicken rib”—a support item.

It didn’t enhance combat strength and cost quite a bit.

“I wonder what Fellow Daoist wants in exchange?”

Someone couldn’t help but ask. The man smiled and replied:

“Pills, talismans—anything like that is fine. If it’s spirit stones, then at least fifteen thousand mid-grade spirit stones.”

At that price, even those interested scoffed.

It was rare, yes—but who would spend so much on something like that?

Fifteen thousand mid-grade spirit stones could nearly buy a low-grade Core Formation item for a junior.

“Fellow Daoists?”

The gaunt False Core Cultivator was a bit embarrassed—perhaps he had set the price too high.

But that’s how trade meets worked—only when both parties agreed on the value would an exchange happen. Otherwise, nothing would be traded.

When everyone fell silent, Lin Chang’an felt tempted. He feigned contemplation before shaking his head and saying:

“I am interested—but the price is too high.”

“Fellow Daoist, even Golden Core Cultivators can’t detect this item with spiritual sense…”

The two of them began bargaining via voice transmission. Some watched; some wanted to speak but reconsidered.

Even at a discount, this “chicken rib” item wasn’t worth it.

Yet some began eyeing Lin Chang’an—perhaps he had treasures on him?

The reason Lin Chang’an was tempted was because he had encountered such robber cultivators before.

Some raised spirit pets that could sniff out the number of spirit stones in one’s pouch.

Who could guarantee that he wouldn’t run into such cultivators again?

As a fake Core Cultivator, he was bound to be targeted when collecting Core Formation items.

If one day the aura of a third-rank spirit item—or worse, a Core Formation item—was detected in his pouch, he’d be in deep trouble.

“What’s more, the Core Formation items I need far exceed what ordinary cultivators require. In any case, caution is never a mistake. Spending ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones for peace of mind—worth it!”

Lin Chang’an’s gaze flickered—he deemed it worth it.

But not every cultivator possessed his kind of wealth.

Those who could attend the Pavilion of Mystic Sound’s trade meet might appear to be from major clans in the eyes of low-level cultivators, but among peers, they still couldn’t match the deep foundations of the great sects.

“Fellow Daoist!”

“One cultivation-enhancing pill.”

In the end, the two finalized the deal. Lin Chang’an reluctantly traded the pill for the item.

Upon inspecting it, his face darkened—it really was small inside, only enough to hold something the size of a single pouch.

The gaunt cultivator grinned awkwardly, secretly relieved—he had finally gotten rid of this thing.

“Though tiny, it gives me an extra layer of insurance.”

Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly. Both parties in this trade felt they had gotten what they needed without loss.

A low-grade third-rank demon core and an ordinary Core Formation spirit item were about equal in value, both worth around fifty thousand mid-grade spirit stones.

The three cultivation-enhancing pills previously traded to him by the Pavilion of Mystic Sound were each worth roughly ten thousand spirit stones.

The trading event had gone smoothly—after all, with a veteran mid-stage Golden Core cultivator from the Pavilion of Mystic Sound presiding, no one dared to stir trouble.

Once the trading concluded, the Pavilion’s maidservants entered—some danced, some played music. The spirit wine and spirit fruits were truly a luxury.

The Pavilion elder’s intentions were also clear—there was a hint of recruitment.

For instance, the Pavilion had many female cultivators. If mutual affection developed, one could become a Worshipped Elder under the Pavilion and form a Dao companion, even bear children.

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an shook his head inwardly. He had no desire for this—his path had only just begun.

Many female cultivators within the Pavilion, lacking potential in cultivation, were willing to find a strong cultivator, bear children, and raise the next generation.

To the Pavilion, this not only roped in a Worshipped Elder but also cultivated future bloodlines for the sect.

For the elder themselves, building a family independently came with immense costs and risks. Having a sect backing them would indeed prevent many future troubles.

Even if they fell, their descendants would still be protected.

…

“Pity—what I need now is to form a core!”

After walking out of the Many Treasures Pavilion, Lin Chang’an’s eyes gleamed with determination. This trade meet for Golden Core cultivators had made him acutely aware of the importance of cultivation.

As long as one’s cultivation was strong, one could take whatever they desired in the world of cultivation.

Some were moved and chose to stay; others, like him, departed.

But those who stayed weren’t simply hoping to become Worshipped Elders of the Pavilion.

If a clan had an outstanding disciple, forming marriage ties with a Pavilion disciple was also a way to build influence and connections.

“I see Fellow Daoist is capable—if there's a chance in the future, how about hunting demon beasts together?”

Outside, the False Core Cultivator in yellow clasped his hands with a laugh.

Lin Chang’an smiled and waved his hand: “Very well. If there is a chance in the future, I shall surely seek Fellow Daoist.”

It was just pleasantries. As he chatted with the man in yellow, Lin Chang’an cautiously observed two individuals in the distance who seemed to be tailing him.

But Lin Chang’an merely sneered. While conversing with the burly man, he subtly tapped the Wind-Chirp Bird inside his spirit beast pouch.

In an instant, the aura of a true Golden Core cultivator surged forth, causing the two in hiding to break out in a cold sweat.

This man had backing!

“Let’s go!”

Still smiling, Lin Chang’an bade farewell to the others and disappeared into the streets of the marketplace.

“I told you—anyone daring to hunt a Sinister Spirit Beast King is definitely no ordinary person.”

The man in yellow glared at the pair and voiced his opinion.

The two, however, sighed with lingering fear. One of them forced a smile and said:

“It was all a misunderstanding. We merely saw that Fellow Daoist needed a wood-attribute demon core and even traded for that concealed storage pouch…

It was clear he was preparing Core Formation spirit items for his junior. We just wanted to win him over and hunt demon beasts together.”

The other quickly waved his hand: “Let’s not. This Fellow Daoist clearly has a true Golden Core cultivator guarding him outside—he doesn’t need us at all.”

From beginning to end, they believed Lin Chang’an had a Golden Core cultivator secretly protecting him.

Maybe it truly was a misunderstanding, but greed didn’t usually appear from the start—it grew slowly.

Many close friends turned against each other after obtaining a precious treasure, greed overwhelming reason, leading to deadly conflicts.

Such things happened far too often.

Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an hid among the crowd, continuously changing his appearance and identity using powerful Breath Concealment Techniques.

Only when his False Core Realm divine sense and keen perception confirmed that no one was following him did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

“Better safe than sorry. If anyone found out I’m a fake Core Cultivator, who wouldn’t be tempted?”

Shaking his head, Lin Chang’an secretly adhered the hidden storage pouch directly to the skin on his chest.

He placed the precious low-grade third-rank wood-attribute demon core, third-rank Corpse Core, and a bottle with just a bit of Blackwater Liquid inside.

The third-rank turtle shell wouldn’t fit.

“With this, even if I meet a powerful cultivator, I won’t have to worry about being exposed.”

Especially with those Core Formation items—he didn’t want some robber cultivator’s spirit pet sniffing them out.

Spending ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones for a bit of security could prevent many unnecessary troubles—well worth it.

“Next up is purchasing resources. I fear something major may happen on Five Dragon Island—better stock up now.”

His gaze gleamed as he looked at the bustling and peaceful Five Dragon Island. He couldn’t shake the feeling of wanting to flee.

At least Yun Yao wouldn’t deceive him.

Given Yun Yao’s status as the Saintess of the Mystic Yin Sect, she surely knew of some impending event.

…

The next day.

Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin appeared at a restaurant near the docks of Five Dragon Island.

“We finally got the information. If we want to head to other seas or Sea Abyss City, we can only board those trading ships.

But their requirements are very strict—those without a clean background aren’t even allowed aboard…”

Old Hu grumbled with indignation. He was a respectable rogue cultivator—of course his background was clean!

Lin Chang’an only shook his head with a smile: “Alright, Old Hu, quit complaining. These merchant ships are just being cautious.”

It made sense. These ships carried heavy cargo. If they let just anyone aboard for some spirit stones, and that person turned out to be colluding with robber cultivators...

Who wouldn’t be worried?

“So that means, now our only option is to board spirit vessels that specifically cross seas.”

Lin Chang’an’s expression grew serious. These vessels were all operated by powerful forces behind the scenes.

Unlike being allowed to hitch a ride on merchant ships, these voyages were outrageously expensive.

After hearing this, Hu Jin could only spread his hands in frustration:

“These merchant ships are robbing us blind. One slot costs eight hundred mid-grade spirit stones! Highway robbery! And they only come around once every three to five years—only Five Dragon Island has them.”

“Of course, if you don’t want to pay spirit stones, you can always band together with other cultivators and cross the sea yourselves.”

Hearing that, Lin Chang’an’s eye twitched and he shook his head—immediately rejecting the idea.

He fell into brief contemplation, quickly realizing Hu Jin’s intent—he probably wanted to leave this place.

But Lin Chang’an had the Wind-Chirp Bird, and the Fog Sea of Tongtian was a rare opportunity for him.

“Old Hu, I’m afraid I’ll need to stay here a while longer.”

Lin Chang’an didn’t explain much, but Hu Jin understood. He looked at him with a gaze full of envy.

This left Lin Chang’an confused—what’s with that look?

“Old Lin, you’re truly fortunate—a role model for us cultivators. I get it, I get it!”

Hu Jin admired him deeply. This Old Lin was something else—he had once relied on Daoist Yun, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, back in Tianxuan City.

And now, she had formed her core, and he was still with her. It made Hu Jin green with envy.

Afraid his fellow cultivator might be doing poorly, yet also jealous that he was doing so well.

“Who would've thought, after all these years, that Daoist Yun has already formed her core.”

Hu Jin sighed emotionally—he had seen the escaping light that night clearly.

More importantly, Yun Yao hadn’t even tried to hide it from him.

Lin Chang’an had no words—what was he supposed to say to that!?

“Alright, after tomorrow’s auction, we’ll part ways.”

“Okay.”

Both were over a hundred years old—there was no need for sentimental farewells.

They both knew this parting was for the sake of their own futures.

Hu Jin’s eagerness to leave was partly due to the Emerald Alligator Turtle matter, but likely also because he wanted to form his core.

Likewise, Lin Chang’an’s reason for staying was to prepare for Core Formation.

But to some, it seemed he was just mooching off a woman.