Chapter 240 : Applying for a Core Formation Cave Abode

Chapter 240: Applying for a Core Formation Cave Abode

Sea Abyss City.

“Fellow Daoist, the spiritual energy in this place is quite abundant.”

In front of a cave abode, a middle-aged cultivator dressed in Bihai Palace robes was smiling broadly as he introduced the cave abode to Lin Changan.

After hearing this, Lin Changan nodded slightly and handed over the Spirit Stones he had exchanged earlier as rent.

The spiritual energy was indeed rich—but the price was just as steep.

However, upon seeing the cultivator’s beaming face as he received the Spirit Stones, Lin Changan couldn’t help but ask,

“May I ask, Fellow Daoist, are there any other procedures required before applying for the Core Formation cultivation ground?”

Faced with Lin Changan’s inquiry, the middle-aged cultivator didn’t show the slightest surprise. Instead, he nodded with a knowing smile and began to explain.

It was very common for outside cultivators to come here and spend a large sum to rent a cave abode for five years, especially when their cultivation clearly indicated preparation for Core Formation.

This sort of thing happened frequently.

“In fact, Fellow Daoist, you can rest assured. In Sea Abyss City, no one dares to disturb a cultivator attempting Core Formation, nor would anyone even think of trying—of course, that’s as long as you don’t leave the city lightly.

As for the rules, they’re simple. Any cultivator who successfully forms a Core under the protection of Sea Abyss City must guard the city for a hundred years…”

As he listened to the detailed explanation, Lin Changan silently nodded.

Although it required a hundred years of service, it wasn’t about being forced to slay demon beasts or anything like that. It was more like his time on Yuling Island.

The duty involved assisting in maintaining local stability, primarily defending against beast tides.

There was a high degree of freedom, and no mandatory missions.

“So that’s how it is. No wonder Bihai Palace has remained the overlord of the Sea Abyss of Beasts for tens of thousands of years.”

Upon realizing there were no hidden terms, Lin Changan nodded again in approval.

Bihai Palace offered a wide range of autonomy, but upon closer thought, one would realize a simple truth:

You were essentially working for Bihai Palace, but you weren’t one of them.

Yet it was precisely this approach that won over many people’s hearts, including many Core Formation cultivators.

Still, Lin Changan understood one thing clearly—every newly formed Core cultivator was full of ambition.

But just when they needed many resources—like Core Formation cultivation methods or even a life-bound magical treasure—that was when the gap between them and the cultivators of Bihai Palace would become apparent over time.

As the years passed, that sense of pride would dissipate, and they would gradually accept a more ordinary existence.

Quite a few cultivators would end up joining Bihai Palace.

They didn’t force anyone, but they had a way of making people willingly submit. That was true finesse.

“Truly impressive,” Lin Changan couldn’t help but admire.

“Of course, if you fail to form your Core, it doesn’t matter much. Bihai Palace isn’t short on Foundation Establishment cultivators. If you want to join, you’ll have to start from the Demon-Hunting Squad.”

The middle-aged cultivator smiled widely. Every time he saw these outside cultivators, he felt grateful that his ancestors had the foresight.

They had joined Bihai Palace early on, and now he didn’t have to fight desperately like these outsiders.

Looking at the man’s blissful expression, Lin Changan was speechless for a moment.

But thinking about it, it made sense—cave abodes of the same level were only half the price for Bihai Palace’s cultivators. Outsiders like him had to pay twice as much.

“Wishing you early success in reaching Core Formation, Fellow Daoist.”

“Then I shall borrow your kind words.”

After cupping his hands and watching the cultivator leave, Lin Changan finally took the jade token and entered the cave abode.

It was just an inconspicuous cave abode nestled among the mountains, but the spiritual energy here was indeed dense.

“The next five years will be spent in seclusion. I’ll refine all the third-rank pills and prepare everything for Core Formation!”

Taking a deep breath, Lin Changan began to set up his formation within the cave abode. Then he patted his Spirit Beast Pouch.

The Azure-Horned Bull and Wind-Chirp Bird were released simultaneously.

Upon arriving in this new place, the Wind-Chirp Bird immediately perked up. It no longer had to hold back—this entire journey had been stifling for it.

The Azure-Horned Bull was also delighted. The spiritual energy here was dense, and it even found a pool of water it liked.

“I’m going into seclusion to cultivate. You two stay in the cave abode and cultivate obediently.”

The Azure-Horned Bull leisurely soaked itself in the pool, enjoying the rare relaxation.

Meanwhile, the Wind-Chirp Bird gave a disdainful glance and began constructing a gleaming, delicate nest for itself with picky flair.

Inside the cave abode, Lin Changan sat cross-legged, took a deep breath, and officially began his five-year seclusion.

“Third-rank pills—let’s see how far I can push the limits!”

【Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (93/100)】

…

Meanwhile, in Sea Abyss City, Madam Lu and Lu Yujian.

“Elder Brother.”

Upon meeting Lu Yushu again, this seemingly proud genius showed a trace of unease while preparing for Core Formation, a slight tension evident between his brows.

“Patriarch, Cousin.”

The Lu Clan had come from afar to assist him, and this kindness only made the pressure on Lu Yushu’s shoulders even heavier.

After the two brothers reunited, Lu Yujian excitedly chatted away, unaware of his mother’s worried expression.

“Greetings, Master Tan.”

When the short-statured Master Tan arrived, the Lu Clan members greeted him respectfully.

Lu Yushu even bowed and addressed him as Master.

Yet upon seeing the nervousness that Lu Yushu tried hard to hide, Master Tan shook his head in mild disappointment.

“Do you know why I didn’t stop your Lu Clan from coming here?”

Right in front of the Lu Clan duo, Master Tan spoke bluntly.

Lu Yushu’s expression stiffened, clearly caught off guard.

Madam Lu seemed to sense something but could only remain silent before this Core Formation master.

Master Tan shook his head and said,

“It’s because I wanted you to see for yourself how much your clan has sacrificed for you—and what burdens you will carry in the future. You were too lost before. Your heart was in disarray!”

Master Tan spoke frankly and directly pointed out Lu Yushu’s problem.

His talent was good, but with such an unstable mindset, forming his Core now would be a major issue.

“Spend some time catching up with your family. Then go into seclusion. Only when your mindset is right can you attempt Core Formation.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Thank you, Master Tan.”

Seeing how much effort Master Tan had put in, Madam Lu sincerely expressed her gratitude.

After Lu Yujian and Lu Yushu left, Master Tan narrowed his eyes and turned to Madam Lu with a calm expression.

“Patriarch Lu, the current situation in the Five Dragon Island waters is unsatisfactory. This is your Lu Clan’s opportunity.”

“Yes, yes. Master Tan, please rest assured. Our Lu Clan will never forget your great kindness.”

Madam Lu responded respectfully, and Master Tan lightly shook his head before turning to leave.

…

After returning to his cave abode, Master Tan found a graceful, dignified female Core Formation cultivator waiting for him.

“Sister!”

Just moments ago, he had appeared as a lofty Core Formation expert, but now, seeing the figure inside the cave, Master Tan shrank his neck in fear.

The female cultivator responded calmly, “You’ve got some nerve to get involved in this.”

“I just wanted to help out a bit for your sake…”

“Can’t you use your head? The Five Dragon Island region is remote. The elders already started supporting their chosen candidates.

Otherwise, do you think Xuanyin Pavilion would have entered Five Dragon Island so easily? Use your brain.”

She spoke with clear irritation. Her younger brother always believed others underestimated him and insisted on making a name for himself.

“I’m warning you. Though Five Dragon Island is remote, the higher-ups don’t want another Long Clan to appear. Do you understand!?”

“Sis, I’m over two hundred years old—I’m not stupid. It’s all about maintaining a balance of power.”

Master Tan’s face turned red. Everyone looked down on him, even his own sister.

Watching her younger brother’s indignant expression, the female cultivator sighed helplessly.

If it was just about a remote sea region, there was no need for the Nascent Soul Sixth Elder to begin laying out a plan.

But her little brother could only see the surface.

He failed to notice the larger scheme.

Forget it. He was just stirring up some minor skirmishes—trying to contribute a little to Bihai Palace.

If he succeeded, it would at least count as a merit.

…

As for the turbulent changes in the outside world, they no longer had anything to do with Lin Changan.

He was now in seclusion, fully immersed in cultivation.

Time flew by.

In the blink of an eye, five years had passed.

【Lifespan: 139/296】

【Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (98/100)】

“As expected, the limitations of a low-grade spiritual root are significant—no wonder forming a Core is so difficult.”

As Lin Changan slowly opened his eyes, a rare hint of helplessness appeared on his face.

Five years of arduous cultivation—and he had third-rank pills. One could only imagine how difficult cultivation must be for low-grade spiritual root cultivators without third-rank pills.

“Ninety-eight experience points—it's almost at the limit. Even if I continue cultivating for several more decades, the results wouldn’t be significant. It would only delay me.”

At his current age of nearly 140, if he waited several more decades, he would miss the prime age for Core Formation.

“Fortunately, I’ve just about finished preparing.”

Thinking of the preparations he had made for Core Formation, Lin Changan took out several items from his Storage Pouch.

Two portions of Blackwater Liquid, two premium Crystal Condensing Pills.

“And this Three-turn Core Condensation Art, along with two low-grade third-rank Demon Cores and one mid-grade third-rank. Together, they should boost my Core Formation success rate by about forty percent.”

Combining these with the four Core Formation Spirit Items he possessed, Lin Changan silently calculated.

Although forming a Core with a low-grade spiritual root was difficult, he had a thirty percent base chance. The Three-turn Core Condensation Art increased that by forty percent.

These four spirit items, even if they didn’t boost it by another thirty to forty percent, wouldn’t be far off.

“Nearly one hundred forty years old, with the Three-turn Core Condensation Art and four spirit items—I’ve got a ninety-eight percent chance of success!”

…

After exiting seclusion, Lin Changan packed up his belongings and brought along his spirit pets, the Wind-Chirp Bird and Azure-Horned Bull.

He made his way to a grand hall in Sea Abyss Immortal City.

“May I ask for Senior’s name?”

A slender, pink-robed female cultivator with bright eyes and fine features approached and greeted Lin Changan.

“I am Lin Changan. Here is my Identity Jade Token. I wish to rent a cave abode for Core Formation.”

“Senior is preparing for Core Formation?” The pink-robed female cultivator was first startled, then her demeanor grew even more respectful.

“Please wait a moment, Senior. The Immortal City will also need to verify and review your identity before making arrangements.”

Lin Changan was already familiar with this procedure, having inquired beforehand.

“Fellow Daoist Lin?”

A familiar voice called out—it was Lu Yujian.

And with him were Madam Lu, Lu Yushu, and Master Tan—all familiar faces.

Seeing this, Lin Changan cupped his hands and said,

“Greetings, Master Tan.”

Meeting again under these circumstances, both sides immediately understood the situation.

Lu Yujian was suddenly enlightened—it turned out Fellow Daoist Lin had prepared the spirit items for Core Formation. He must have come to Sea Abyss City for that very purpose.

Lin Changan, on the other hand, remained calm. After all, who would publicly announce they had gathered their Core Formation spirit items?

“So it’s you—not bad at all.”

Unexpectedly, Master Tan scanned Lin Changan with his divine sense and revealed a satisfied expression.

His spiritual energy was thick, his foundation solid, and he cultivated a wood-attribute technique.

Thinking of this, Master Tan even showed a rare smile.

“Little Friend Lin is here to register? Leave this matter to me.”

Lin Changan was a bit surprised. Why was Master Tan being so kind all of a sudden?

“Many thanks, Master Tan.”

However, Master Tan was secretly calculating. If Lin Changan failed, it was no loss. But if he succeeded—even as a False Core cultivator—he could become a valuable asset for his plans in the Five Dragon Island waters.

“Fellow Daoist Lin!”

Lu Yushu, who had come to attempt Core Formation as well, glanced at Lin Changan with some disdain.

Ever since he had learned of his master’s plans, he had spent the past few years bringing himself to peak condition.

Perhaps Lin Changan might manage to form a False Core by luck—but Lu Yushu had the potential for a True Core.

There was no need to curry favor with a drifting cultivator who barely had hope for a False Core.

Yet Lin Changan knew none of this. He merely sighed inwardly.

He would rather wait a few extra months than accept help from anyone.

After all, he had no ties to Master Tan.

“Little Friend Lin, after forming your Core, do you have a destination in mind?”

As expected—there was no such thing as free help in this world.

Faced with Master Tan’s gentle smile, Lin Changan dared not conceal anything. He respectfully cupped his hands and replied,

“To report to Master: I had an old acquaintance with two disciples of True Lord Lu. If I am fortunate enough to form even a False Core, I’ll likely seek a safer post through them.”

Although still under the guard of Bihai Palace, the assignments varied depending on one’s connections.

With a somewhat embarrassed smile, Lin Changan implied he had some connections.

Upon hearing this, Master Tan’s expression shifted slightly but he still smiled and nodded:

“Very well. I had thought that since Little Friend Lin came from the Five Dragon Island waters, you might be willing to return there after Core Formation.”

Return to the Five Dragon Island waters?

Lin Changan was stunned. Was he insane?

That place had become an absolute mess—why would he return?

Just then, Lu Yujian transmitted a short message to him:

“Two years ago, the Island Lord of the Long Clan failed in forcibly attempting Nascent Soul formation and suffered severe backlash. The powers above are now preparing to restructure the Five Dragon Island waters…”

Upon hearing this and glancing at the Lu Clan and Master Tan, Lin Changan began to understand.

“Master Tan, I appreciate your kind intentions. But for now, I must focus on my Core Formation. Without that, all else is just empty talk.”

With a wistful sigh, Lin Changan’s words made Master Tan nod slightly.

Indeed—without success, everything else was meaningless.

The whole body would be drained, hands and feet cold.