Chapter 244 : Return to Five Dragon Island! Golden Core Celebration!

Chapter 244: Return to Five Dragon Island! Golden Core Celebration!

“Fusang Divine Wood!”

“That’s right. This tree has greatly lost its spiritual energy and has been tainted by unknown filth. It still requires effort to extract the usable portions, but it remains a rare spiritual wood.”

Despite Fairy of Rainbow Skirt's calm tone, this treasure had indeed been something she acquired from that secret realm.

Initially, she had not planned to take it out, but Lin Chang’an’s identity as a third-rank formation master made him worthy of such a treasure.

Lin Chang’an also realized its value and couldn’t help but ponder deeply.

This ancient cultivation method recorded over a hundred types of spiritual woods used for artifact crafting, and among them, this Fusang Divine Wood ranked in the top three.

The reason? Wood-type cultivation methods were typically countered by metal and fire.

Yet the Fusang Wood was among the rare exceptions — wood imbued with fire.

“If it were a true Fusang Divine Wood, it could even reach the realm of controlling fire through wood in the later stages.”

However, he didn’t dwell on it for long and merely marveled at the many secrets hidden within the Yunwu Mountain Range.

The Blood Fiend True Lord, the ancient cultivators, and those vague, fragmented memories in his mind all left him secretly alarmed.

Once he became stronger in the future, he would definitely venture deep into the Yunwu Mountain Range to uncover its mysteries.

“Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion!”

Faced with the invitation from Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, Lin Chang’an paused in thought before stating his own conditions.

He wouldn’t involve himself in faction disputes — he would only offer assistance through formations.

If Xuanyin Pavilion had any additional needs, those would be negotiated separately.

Likewise, the third-rank formations he crafted would be sold to Xuanyin Pavilion with priority, and in return, Xuanyin Pavilion would open up all its formation inheritances to him.

Subsequently, both parties listed their respective terms.

In the end, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt gladly agreed. After all, it was Lin Chang’an’s formation mastery she truly valued.

Once terms were agreed upon, Lin Chang’an officially became a Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion.

Guest Elders enjoyed great freedom with minimal restrictions.

Naturally, that also meant they didn’t receive many spirit stones annually.

But that suited Lin Chang’an perfectly — his only wish was to cultivate in peace this time.

...

This time, Xuanyin Pavilion’s merchant vessel, flying the banner of the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace, didn’t need to take any detours. As they passed through each sea region, they met no resistance.

In less than two months, they had returned to the familiar sea around Five Dragon Island.

“Never thought we’d be back so soon.”

Seeing the familiar scenery of Five Dragon Island, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but sigh. He had thought he’d have to settle somewhere new to cultivate, never expecting such a swift return.

However, this time, Xuanyin Pavilion had brought them to its own territory on the island.

“Welcome, Pavilion Master.”

Xuanyin Pavilion’s purple flag fluttered in the wind, and a number of its cultivators had already been waiting.

During this time, Lin Chang’an had learned from the Lu Clan about the changes on Five Dragon Island and within Xuanyin Pavilion over the past six years.

The Long Clan had lost its standing, but even a dead camel was still larger than a horse.

Xuanyin Pavilion’s Chief Elder had passed away three years ago, but two new Core Formation cultivators had since emerged.

Now, on the surface, Xuanyin Pavilion had three Core Formation cultivators, with Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, the Pavilion Master, at mid Core Formation, making her the most powerful among them.

“Pavilion Master!”

As Fairy of Rainbow Skirt disembarked, Xuanyin Pavilion’s cultivators respectfully stepped forward.

Smiling, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt introduced Lin Chang’an, Lu Yushu, and the others to the crowd.

Xuanyin Pavilion even hosted a welcoming banquet for them. Though the Lu Clan hadn’t officially joined Xuanyin Pavilion, they shared common interests.

Besides, the Lu Clan naturally wished to associate with such a powerful force. After all, the connection with Master Tan was too distant to offer immediate support.

When it came time for Lin Chang’an’s introduction, as soon as Fairy of Rainbow Skirt presented him as a Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, all the cultivators respectfully bowed.

“Greetings, Elder.”

Watching one Foundation Establishment cultivator after another show him such respect, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but nod in approval.

Such was the influence of strength.

If it had been before, even when he was disguised as a False Core cultivator, he would have been anxious and eager to flee, fearing exposure.

But now, he could stand proud and accept being called Elder or Senior by Foundation Establishment cultivators.

After all, he was no longer a False Core, but a true Golden Core cultivator.

In Xuanyin Pavilion’s sect hall—

Spirit fruits and spirit tea were served endlessly, while graceful female cultivators danced elegantly, captivating the audience.

And then there was the unique Xuanyin music.

The welcoming feast left both sides thoroughly satisfied.

...

“Elder Lin, this is Tianquan Peak, one of Five Dragon Island’s mountains. It has a spiritual spring, also known as Spiritual Spring Peak.”

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt personally had people escort him to this cultivation site. It wasn’t under Xuanyin Pavilion’s jurisdiction but a formation node established by Bihai Palace.

It was also the location Lin Chang’an would be responsible for overseeing.

“It truly is a spiritual land.”

Before entering, Lin Chang’an had naturally noticed the repressed frustration in the eyes of many Long Clan cultivators as they departed.

After all, this area had previously belonged to the Long Clan.

But once Lin Chang’an received the jade token from Bihai Palace and Xuanyin Pavilion delivered the notice, this place no longer belonged to the Long Clan.

“Many thanks to both Fellow Daoists.”

The two who led the way were Xuanyin Pavilion’s newly advanced Core Formation cultivators — Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu.

A man and a woman — both attractive and charming.

Yet from the start, Xu Lingfeng’s expression clearly carried a hint of displeasure. Or perhaps it was his barely concealed admiration for Fairy of Rainbow Skirt whenever he saw her.

“Elder Lin is too polite.”

Looking at the two, especially noticing the veiled hostility in Xu Lingfeng’s eyes, as if warning him not to harbor any thoughts, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but feel exasperated.

Xuanyin Pavilion’s foundation was indeed solid, but he had no intention of tying himself down. That would only lead to unnecessary trouble.

“You two are indeed talented, but Fairy of Rainbow Skirt has already formed the legendary Immortal Golden Core. Reaching the Nascent Soul Realm in the future is within reach.”

Lin Chang’an wore an admiring expression as he looked at them. The female cultivator Liu Ruyu, evidently admiring her Senior Sister the Pavilion Master, nodded proudly upon hearing this.

But Xu Lingfeng picked up on the hidden undertone in his words, and his face flushed red.

Lin Chang’an smiled faintly. He was no longer just a Foundation Establishment cultivator — he was a proper Golden Core cultivator.

He was even a third-rank formation master. Even beyond Xuanyin Pavilion, who wouldn’t treat him with courtesy?

If someone annoyed him, he’d jab them straight in the heart.

You’re infatuated with your Pavilion Master? That’s your business. Don’t provoke me. If you do, I’ll just say outright — you’re not qualified.

Xu Lingfeng possessed a mid-grade Golden Core. His limit in this lifetime would likely be the late Core Formation stage.

Liu Ruyu, like him, had a low-grade Golden Core. That alone showed how rare high-grade Golden Cores truly were.

Anyone who formed one was regarded as a potential Nascent Soul cultivator.

As for himself, with a low-grade Golden Core and only a small step away from mid-grade, even among rogue cultivators, he was already legendary.

Most rogue cultivators — even many clan and sect disciples — would be fortunate to form a False Core.

Right in front of the two, Lin Chang’an cheerfully raised his hand and began setting up his formation at the base of the spiritual peak before entering his cave abode.

...

Outside the cave, Liu Ruyu shot a glance at her Senior Brother.

“Senior Brother Xu, what did I tell you? Elder Lin is a third-rank formation master. Pavilion Master also mentioned he has powerful backing. I told you to be respectful — now you’ve embarrassed yourself.”

Liu Ruyu said with some annoyance, making Xu Lingfeng flush red.

“Sister, we’re from the same sect — why are you siding with an outsider?”

“Senior Brother, I’m not siding with anyone. I’m just reminding you of what the Chief Elder used to say — the Pavilion Master’s future is beyond what we can reach.

What we should do is avoid holding her back — and especially not entertain impossible fantasies.”

Faced with her blunt words, Xu Lingfeng’s face turned crimson.

“Sister, is it wrong for me to admire her? And besides, don’t tell me I’m the only male cultivator who does.”

Xu Lingfeng said bitterly — it couldn’t be that he wasn’t even allowed to think about it, right?

“Senior Brother, let’s just focus on our duties.”

Liu Ruyu shook her head. Ever since the Chief Elder passed away, her senior brother had grown increasingly audacious.

...

“Now this is a Golden Core cultivator’s cave abode.”

Upon arriving at his new cave abode, Lin Chang’an wore a look of satisfaction.

Now this was a proper cave abode.

The entire mountain peak was his.

The scenery was lush and beautiful, with the Silver River Waterfall cascading down.

Elegant pavilions were constructed across the peaks, connecting to the cave abode nestled behind.

Especially within the cave abode, there was a spiritual spring gurgling continuously, with a droplet of clear, crystalline spiritual liquid suspended from a stalactite that had formed over ten thousand years.

“About one bottle of third-rank spirit liquid could be collected every ten years, and every one hundred fifty years, a small vial of the Golden Core spirit item—Heavenly Spirit Water—would be produced. These are priceless on the market.”

Gazing at the spiritual spring, this was the part that satisfied Lin Chang’an the most.

He now had the perfect place to cultivate his life-bound spirit plant.

Even more so, the Golden Core spirit item would manifest every 150 years. As expected, different circles led to exposure to different treasures.

The Golden Core items that were once out of reach — after forming his core, they now appeared right in his own cave abode.

Of course, he understood clearly that all of this came from his status as a third-rank formation master. Otherwise, even with powerful backing, he wouldn’t be given such a treasured place.

With a pat on his spirit beast pouch, the Azure-Horned Bull sprang out and joyfully romped across the mountain, clearly thrilled to have such a vast home for the first time.

As for the Wind-Chirp Bird, it didn’t even need mentioning — it turned into a golden streak of light and zipped excitedly across the mountain in its hidden form.

“An entire mountain peak. This was unimaginable before. And the density of spiritual energy here...”

Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but sigh. Truly, having the backing of a powerful force made all the difference.

Without the prestige of the Sixth Elder to act as a deterrent, if he’d come alone, he was sure the Long Clan would have made trouble for him.

“Five Dragon Island actually has five unique spirit vein peaks. Each of them has enough spiritual energy to support the cultivation of several Golden Core cultivators.

Though the Long Clan has fallen, many local family forces still remain.”

Standing atop the spiritual peak, Lin Chang’an observed with calm eyes. He could clearly see the other cultivation clans inhabiting various spiritual lands.

There were even three cultivation families with False Core cultivators alone.

The Lu Clan would also be arriving.

With only False Core cultivators, the Lu Clan wouldn’t qualify to occupy one of the main spiritual peaks, but they could certainly claim one of the secondary spirit lands.

“However, if the Lu Clan plans to move in, there’ll probably be a conflict.”

With a new ruler comes new officials. Now that he was the rightful lord of this peak, he naturally had the authority to get involved.

There was no such thing as free benefits in this world.

Since Master Tan had sent him here, he naturally had to help the Lu Clan establish themselves first.

“Helping the Lu Clan is helping myself. But I can’t go without my own sources of information and influence.”

Lin Chang’an’s eyes gleamed, calculating silently.

He wouldn’t let the Lu Clan ride roughshod over him, but he also didn’t want to go through the trouble of building his own faction. Naturally, he’d rely on Xuanyin Pavilion.

In the agreement he’d made with Xuanyin Pavilion, their willingness to send him the entire Fusang Divine Tree showed that the terms weren’t simple.

He allowed Xuanyin Pavilion to intervene in his domain, and in return, they owed him proper compensation each year.

“I just want to cultivate in peace. Hopefully, none of you will disturb me.”

Standing on the spiritual peak, Lin Chang’an murmured to himself. He truly hoped to avoid any disturbances in his cultivation.

...

Five months later.

News of Lin Chang’an’s Golden Core celebration had long spread across the Five Dragon Island sea region.

After all, he was the spokesperson for the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace’s concubine, a Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, a third-rank formation master, and publicly stationed as the overseer of one of Five Dragon Island’s five major spirit peaks.

Each of these identities alone was enough that no one dared offend him.

This time, Xuanyin Pavilion even took the initiative to host the Golden Core celebration, with the full excuse of congratulating one of their own elders.

At the same time, news of Lin Chang’an’s legendary past and his talent as a third-rank formation master spread, stirring many forces.

A third-rank formation master — in this remote sea region — was an exceptionally rare talent.

And Lin Chang’an had emerged from a drifting cultivator background, which inspired many other rogue cultivators from the Seven Kingdoms, giving them a role model to aspire to.

As the Golden Core celebration drew near, the clan powers around the Tianquan Peak spirit vein were the first to arrive with respectful visits to congratulate Lin Chang’an.

That day, Tianquan Peak welcomed a steady stream of clan cultivators and Foundation Establishment cultivators flying in on swords.

Just Lin Chang’an’s status as a third-rank formation master alone was enough to draw these cultivators to befriend him.

“True Lord Pengsha has arrived!”

With a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Xuanyin Pavilion loudly announcing the guests, a False Core cultivator arrived with a cheerful face.

Streams of escaping lights, flying vessels, and spirit beast mounts filled the skies in dazzling colors.

Most of the guests were Foundation Establishment cultivators, with occasional visits from Golden Core and False Core True Lords.

“Fellow Daoist Peng.”

As the host, Lin Chang’an greeted them with a smile. Though he wouldn't personally greet every Foundation Establishment cultivator, a False Core cultivator certainly warranted it.

“Don’t flatter me! I never imagined Fellow Daoist Lin was a third-rank formation grandmaster. I fear I’ll have to trouble you in the future.”

“You're too kind, Fellow Daoist Peng.”

Lin Chang’an smiled brightly. Besides the ceremonial gifts, the biggest benefit of this Golden Core celebration was building connections.

As a publicly recognized formation grandmaster now, he needed connections — whether for earning spirit stones or paving the way for Master Tan’s commercial plans.

“Drifting cultivator from Yue Kingdom, Wu Dan, presents a 430-year-old Split-Spirit Ganoderma. May True Lord Lin’s Dao last forever.”

“Sect from Jiang Kingdom congratulates True Lord Lin with a jade slip containing a partial third-rank formation insight and a section of third-rank spiritual wood.”

Even sects from the Seven Kingdoms had come to offer congratulations, making Lin Chang’an beam with joy.

When away from home, hearing the voices of one’s homeland’s sects felt especially heartwarming.

Of course, he knew what they were truly after — the connections he had, and his identity as a third-rank formation master.

Without that, merely being a regular Golden Core cultivator wouldn’t have drawn the major sects of the Seven Kingdoms to travel so far to offer congratulations.

Naturally, Xuanyin Pavilion deserved much credit for this. Without them, these sects wouldn’t even have heard the news.

“The Lu Clan congratulates True Lord Lin.”

Madam Lu, smiling brightly, arrived with the Lu Clan’s Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Among them was the newly promoted False Core cultivator, Lu Yushu.

“Fellow Daoist Lu.”

Seeing Lu Yushu, Lin Chang’an greeted him with a cupped fist and a smile.

However, Lu Yushu’s eyes were full of envy as he gazed at the grand celebration.

This wasn’t just about the difference between False and True Core — the weight of being a third-rank formation master was far more substantial.

“Many thanks to Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.”

Such a grand celebration could not have taken place without Xuanyin Pavilion's full effort. Many had come purely out of respect for Xuanyin Pavilion.

Lin Chang’an was well aware of this and offered his heartfelt thanks with a bright smile.

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt responded with a light chuckle and nod.

“You’re too kind, Fellow Daoist Lin. Helping you is helping Xuanyin Pavilion.”

Their eyes met, and both broke into smiles.

“Mystic Yin Sect wishes True Lord Lin a long and prosperous cultivation journey!”

At that moment, a voice from Mystic Yin Sect rang out, and many cultivators immediately grew serious.

Mystic Yin Sect — a demonic faction — had long been at odds with Bihai Palace. During the past unrest in the Five Dragon Island sea region, they had been secretly involved.

However, upon seeing the visitor was He Yan, Lin Chang’an immediately understood. Still, he pretended not to recognize him in front of everyone and gave a courteous but hollow greeting.

He Yan also smiled and nodded to everyone, keeping his enthusiasm in check.

Even members of the Long Clan showed up during the event.

Still, most forces treated the situation as entertainment. With the current turbulence in the Five Dragon Island sea region, the transition between old and new powers was bound to stir conflict.

But Lin Chang’an paid it no mind. As a third-rank formation master, he didn’t need to charge into battle — he just needed to handle what was within his responsibility and ignore the rest.

At long last, the Fusang Divine Tree — no, the Divine Tree — that he had been yearning for was finally delivered by Xuanyin Pavilion.