Chapter 243 : Fusang Divine Wood

Chapter 243: Fusang Divine Wood

“Now this is real flying!”

Beneath a streak of azure escape light, Lin Chang’an’s face showed a look of intoxication.

The sensation of moving as one's mind wished, flying purely by his own escape light without relying on any external tools, was something entirely incomparable to anything before.

A ray of escape light appeared atop an immortal mountain. Gazing down at this earthly paradise, a surge of heroic ambition rose in his heart.

It was as if the entire world lay beneath his feet.

Feeling the breath of heaven and earth, at that moment, Lin Chang’an finally understood why so many cultivators enjoyed traveling through scenic mountains and rivers.

It was simply because they could arrive in an instant, and this all-encompassing view easily gave cultivators a sense of their own power.

【Third-rank Low-grade Formation Master (Beginner 1/100)】

Seeing his insights in formation arts, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile.

He hadn’t lied about his formation skills — he had merely broken through just before reaching Core Formation.

When out and about, one’s identity relied entirely on what one declared for oneself.

Take before, for instance — he had only just broken through to Core Formation, yet those who came to recruit him all sought to make him risk his life.

But once he revealed he was a third-rank Formation Master, the cultivators who came knocking afterward wore entirely different expressions.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, our Xie Family is undoubtedly a major clan in the Falling Star Sea Region. So long as you are willing to join us, our Xie Family promises…”

When another voice attempted to recruit him via a voice-transmission talisman, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but shake his head and replied that he had already agreed to head to the Five Dragon Island Sea Region.

Reciprocating courtesy wasn’t just a matter of etiquette — it also ensured he didn’t offend anyone.

After all, families capable of recruiting him were all powerful in their own right.

If he didn’t even bother to reply, these Golden Core cultivators with lifespans of hundreds of years—who knew what consequences that might bring in the future?

So, there was no need to offend people unnecessarily.

Still, this proved one thing: the value of Formation Masters.

Among cultivators of third-rank crafts, Formation Masters were clearly rarer. And at this stage, whether it was hunting demon beasts or managing a Golden Core cultivator’s cave abode—

Or guarding mountain gates and clans—grand formations were needed.

To put it simply, the clans trying to recruit him now valued his third-rank Formation Master capabilities.

Whereas before, they valued his newly advanced Core Formation cultivation—meaning they wanted him to work as a disposable asset.

These were two completely different types of roles.

“Now that I’m also a Core Formation cultivator, while my lifespan has greatly increased, my cultivation speed has also accelerated significantly.

For each minor realm, even a fast cultivator needs sixty years. That doesn’t even account for bottlenecks and other issues.”

Standing atop the mountain peak with a breeze brushing through his hair, Lin Chang’an’s previous passion upon forming his core began to cool down.

After all, he was just a newly advanced Core Formation cultivator. And given his spiritual root and the quality of his core, his cultivation speed would be even slower than most.

“The materials needed to refine Spirit-Mending Pills to enhance spiritual roots and core quality can’t be gathered overnight. But for now, after forming my core, I can still rely on external power to quickly increase my strength.”

At this thought, Lin Chang’an’s gaze flickered.

Magical treasures!

As a Core Formation cultivator, he could now use magical treasures. Especially having a life-bound magical treasure—it could significantly increase a Core Formation cultivator’s combat strength.

Magical treasures were categorized as low-grade, mid-grade, high-grade, and top-grade.

He already possessed a Blood Fiend Sword that had fallen to third-rank mid-grade. If needed urgently, he wouldn’t be lacking in magical treasures.

“The biggest difference between a False Core cultivator and a true Core cultivator lies in the ability to wield magical treasures.”

A False Core cultivator could at most control one magical treasure. True Core cultivators, both in terms of spiritual sense and mana quality, far surpassed False Core cultivators.

Some True Core cultivators with strong spiritual sense could control two magical treasures upon just reaching Core Formation and still have energy left to cast spells.

“With my current ability, I can still manage the third-rank mid-grade Blood Fiend Sword fairly well.”

Lin Chang’an raised his hand, and a blood-red long sword appeared in his palm. A look of melancholy crossed his face.

This magical treasure had been in his possession for many years, and now he could finally wield it.

“But I still need to prepare a life-bound magical treasure.”

Considering his cultivation method and his life-bound spirit plant, a wood-attribute magical treasure was naturally the most suitable.

“This ancient cultivation method does contain several techniques for refining wood-attribute magical treasures, but it seems some are incomplete.”

At that thought, Lin Chang’an frowned secretly.

He hadn’t thought much of it before, as he was only a Foundation Establishment cultivator — it all seemed too distant then.

But now, it was different.

Many cultivation techniques in the world of cultivation were split into three parts—or even more—and often hid secrets.

Only by combining all parts could their true nature be revealed.

“Based on the existing clues, the other two withered leaves — one is on Five Dragon Island, currently in the possession of the Long Clan, gifted to them by the Wang Clan in the past.

The other is in the hands of the Palace of Blazing Fire. But this Palace of Blazing Fire has long been hiding within the Fog Sea of Tongtian. Given the situation, if I want to acquire the two withered leaves of the Immortal Vine, I really have no choice but to head to the Five Dragon Island Sea Region.”

One reason was to uncover the true secrets of his cultivation method; the other was the divine ability of creating an external incarnation.

With one more leaf, he could gain another avatar — an extraordinary divine ability nearly defying the heavens.

“I previously didn’t want to get involved because I lacked the strength. But now, it’s a different story.”

At this thought, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile.

This time, he was no longer acting alone.

Behind him now stood none other than the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace—his concubine’s background.

“But I really do have quite a few matters to handle: life-bound magical treasure, the withered leaf, and guarding the Five Dragon Island Sea Region.”

Just thinking of what lay ahead, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but sigh. He truly had a toilsome fate, with not a moment of rest.

He had thought that once he became a Core Formation cultivator, he could roam the world freely.

Only after breaking through did he realize—he was merely a slightly stronger cultivator now. At best, in some remote sea abyss regions, he could barely qualify for a seat at the table.

“It’s time to return. Though Sea Abyss City is grand, it was never my true foundation.”

Looking at the prosperous Sea Abyss City, Lin Chang’an secretly shook his head.

He wondered how Old Hu was doing.

…

【Lifespan: 140 // 586】

【Realm: Early Core Formation (0/100)】

That year, he formed a true core in Sea Abyss City.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, please take a look at this hundred-year spirit contract.”

That day, inside the steward hall of Bihai Palace, Master Tan personally appeared, with another Golden Core steward bearing witness.

After reading it, Lin Chang’an solemnly signed the spirit contract.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, rest assured. Our Bihai Palace’s spirit contract is actually quite lenient. All you need to do is fulfill your duty of guarding the sea region.

Even in the event of unavoidable natural disasters or man-made calamities, as long as they’re reported in time, our Bihai Palace usually won’t hold you accountable.”

The Golden Core steward who stored away the third-rank spirit contract said this with a broad smile.

The spirit contract didn’t care whether a real name or alias was signed—it was bound by a spiritual imprint based on one’s mana.

However, for a third-rank spirit contract, once your strength broke through to Nascent Soul, it could be naturally broken.

But in just a hundred years, no one had ever willingly broken it.

“As for Fellow Daoist Lin joining other forces or doing other things, our Bihai Palace places no restrictions.”

Seeing the other party’s relaxed smile, Lin Chang’an silently nodded.

Just as he said, the contract’s constraints were minimal, offering great freedom. Otherwise, Lin wouldn’t have come to Sea Abyss City to form his core.

“Many thanks, Fellow Daoist.”

Once the formalities were complete, the other steward smiled at the two and rose to leave.

“Well then, what follows concerns only the two of you. I won’t disturb you further.”

As the steward departed, Lin Chang’an and Master Tan rose together and exchanged farewells.

But after exiting the grand hall, Master Tan, wearing a smiling face, slowly took out an identity jade token.

“Fellow Daoist, this identity token represents the Sixth Elder’s faction within Bihai Palace.”

The white-jade-like token bore the character “Hai” on one side and “Lu” on the back—clearly marking the Sixth Elder.

Once Lin Chang’an accepted this identity token, it meant he now bore the mark of the Sixth Elder’s faction.

“Thank you, Master Tan.”

Lin Chang’an dared not underestimate this small identity jade token. With it, within Bihai Palace’s jurisdiction, at the very least, trade ships would treat him with clear deference.

No one dared to obstruct him casually.

After all, behind him stood none other than a Nascent Soul cultivator.

“Master, Fellow Daoist Lin.”

Outside the hall, Lu Yushu, who had been waiting, looked at Lin Chang’an emerging from within. A trace of envy surfaced in his eyes.

Sometimes, a hundred-year Spirit Contract was an honor.

Not everyone who wished to sign one could do so.

For instance, he had also formed a core in Sea Abyss City. Yet, as a False Core cultivator, he wasn’t even qualified to sign a hundred-year Spirit Contract.

He could only wait outside the hall.

“All right then, if the Lu Clan forms a merchant guild in the future, Fellow Daoist Lin, we’ll trouble you to handle some trouble on occasion.”

From start to finish, Master Tan never fully trusted him.

But that actually made Lin Chang’an feel more at ease.

“Please rest assured, Fellow Daoist Tan. I shall give my utmost effort.”

Seeing Lin Chang’an’s solemn expression, Master Tan couldn’t help but wave his hand with a hearty laugh.

“Fellow Daoist Lin jests. In truth, as long as you cooperate with the Xuanyin Pavilion, certain things are still quite easy.”

Lin Chang’an merely smiled without replying.

Joining the Xuanyin Pavilion—well, the terms had to be suitable.

…

On the third day, Lin Chang’an and the Lu Clan, on their return journey, boarded a merchant ship of the Xuanyin Pavilion.

Only when Sea Abyss City vanished from view did Lin Chang’an sigh softly.

He had left after all.

Inside the Sixth Elder’s great hall.

Within the dignified and imposing hall, Master Tan, who once held lofty airs before outsiders, now followed respectfully behind his elder sister.

“Sixth Elder, this is the layout plan for the merchant guild and the Five Dragon Island Sea Region.”

The Sixth Elder, seated at the top, had a face shrouded in mist, making it impossible to see clearly. But when she raised her hand and viewed the detailed arrangement in the jade slip, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips.

“You two siblings aren’t bad. Let’s set talent aside—the important thing is, neither of you considered any benefits for the Tan Clan.”

Faced with the Sixth Elder’s teasing, the short and stocky Master Tan below secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he had good judgment.

“Your subordinate wouldn’t dare.”

“All right, the only issue with you two is that you're a little too timid.”

Looking at the pair, the Sixth Elder waved a hand dismissively. Having cultivated to her level and status, let alone a confidant—

Even finding someone to speak calmly with was rare indeed.

“That lass from Xuanyin Pavilion has good talent. A pity all her focus is on the sect. One wonders if she’ll ever come to regret it in the future.”

But after reading Lin Chang’an’s dossier, the Sixth Elder let out a rare soft “hm,” then shook her head and said:

“For a rogue cultivator to emerge as a third-rank Formation Master shows this one’s talent in formations. A pity his innate aptitude is too poor.”

To finally encounter a cultivator with notable talent in formations—this stirred the Sixth Elder’s thoughts for once.

Just treat him as a spare piece on the board. If he could grow into a high-grade third-rank Formation Master, perhaps he might have some value yet.

…

“Lin Chang’an, a rogue cultivator from the Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace in Yue Kingdom…”

Aboard the spirit vessel, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt read through the intelligence gathered—from Lin Chang’an’s beginnings as a drifting cultivator, to his growth in Tianxuan City.

Even his developments on Five Dragon Island were documented.

Only the twenty-year span during the great chaos in the Five Dragon Island Sea Region showed a gap in his tracks.

“Judging by this dossier, this Fellow Daoist Lin appears to be a cautious, trouble-avoiding, diligent cultivator. As for those twenty years…”

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s beautiful eyes flickered. After those twenty years, Lin Chang’an had suddenly approached the Lu Clan and come to Sea Abyss City, claiming to seek a Core Formation opportunity.

Then, upon arriving in Sea Abyss City, he went into seclusion for five years—emerging having successfully formed his core.

“It seems that during those twenty years, Fellow Daoist Lin must have been scheming to obtain a Core Formation spirit item.”

For a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, acquiring a Core Formation item was a daunting task. But if he were a third-rank Formation Master, then it made sense.

As the current head of Xuanyin Pavilion, she naturally had to understand the temperament of each potential recruit.

Lin Chang’an’s dossier was, by all accounts, flawless.

If he were merely an average Core Formation cultivator, then his cautious behavior would undoubtedly be displeasing.

After all, if one were expected to risk their life, such a smooth and evasive type would be undesirable.

But as she valued his abilities as a third-rank Formation Master, his caution became a bonus.

At the very least, he wouldn’t stir up trouble.

Thus, during the return trip to the Five Dragon Island Sea Region, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s attitude toward him underwent a sudden shift—for the better, and by no small margin.

That very night.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, since you’ve now formed your core, when do you plan to hold your Core Formation ceremony? When the time comes, our Xuanyin Pavilion can help organize it.”

During this meeting, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was particularly warm. In the main hall aboard the spirit vessel, female disciples of the Xuanyin Pavilion played music and danced gracefully, their alluring forms full of elegance.

Even Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but nod—this Path of Melody was truly vast and profound.

It even brought a pleasant peace to his mind and spirit.

However, when the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt suddenly offered to host his Core Formation ceremony, he couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

“Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, are you perhaps planning to sink your claws into me?”

This tall woman in a palace gown merely gave a soft laugh and waved her hand, prompting the other disciples in the hall to respectfully take their leave.

But her next words changed his expression.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, you’re now a Core Formation cultivator. You must know how difficult cultivation becomes from here on, especially in refining your life-bound magical treasure. And since you practice a wood-attribute technique—

If you’re willing to serve as a guest elder of our sect, we’re willing to offer a Fusang Divine Tree for you to refine your life-bound magical treasure.”

Fusang Divine Tree!

“Fellow Daoist of Rainbow Skirt, are you sure it’s a Fusang Divine Tree and not Fusang Divine Wood?”

Lin Chang’an was momentarily stunned, almost thinking he’d misheard.

Let alone a divine tree—even a mere piece of Fusang Divine Wood was enough to arouse the greed of Nascent Soul cultivators.

Practicing a wood-attribute cultivation method, Lin naturally knew much about divine woods—especially with his ancient cultivation method, which recorded over a hundred methods for refining magical treasures from divine woods.

Seeing the shock on Lin Chang’an’s face, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt covered her mouth with a soft laugh.

“Fellow Daoist, if it were a true Fusang Divine Tree—or even just a piece of divine wood—if I had it, I would’ve already offered it to Bihai Palace.

This Fusang Divine Tree has lost most of its spirituality and vitality. It has even been tainted with filth, so now it’s merely a third-rank spirit wood with decent qualities. It no longer qualifies as divine wood—but it’s more than enough to refine a life-bound magical treasure.”

Hearing the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s explanation, Lin Chang’an came to a realization. No wonder she had been so generous.

So it turned out the tree had lost much of its spiritual essence and was tainted—he would still have to expend effort to extract uncontaminated material suitable for refining into a magical treasure.

Still, if she had really offered a piece of genuine Fusang Divine Wood—one of the three most famous divine woods—he wouldn’t have dared to accept it.

That thing was truly scalding to the touch.

However, when the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt mentioned that this Fusang Divine Tree had originally been a treasure from a secret realm in Yue Kingdom—

Lin Chang’an’s heart stirred.