Chapter 252 : Identities Are All Self-made

Chapter 252: Identities Are All Self-made

“Indeed, Old Hu formed his core earlier than me.”

After listening to Old Hu’s Voice-recording Talisman, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile.

Hu Jin had reached Core Formation five years earlier than him, and also did so in Sea Abyss City.

The difference was, after forming his core, Hu Jin relied on ancestral blessings and actually managed to connect with Bihai Palace. Now, he had officially become a Core Formation Guest Elder of the Enforcement Hall in Bihai Palace.

Whether in terms of treatment or otherwise, he enjoyed a far more comfortable position than someone like Lin Chang’an.

That was Bihai Palace’s trusted aide—there were rewards for cultivation techniques and magical treasures.

After Hu Jin formed his core, he had intended to help him once, but the seas around Five Dragon Island were in turmoil, and no one could be found, while he himself was tied to his responsibilities.

Time passed, his cultivation stabilized, and when he went to Sea Abyss City back then, Hu Jin had just entered seclusion.

Listening to Hu Jin’s experiences, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but feel envious—Old Hu’s journey really did sound more and more like that of a chosen child of fortune.

“But Old Hu was quite thoughtful.”

As for whether Hu Jin was making excuses, with Lin Chang’an’s current status, he could easily assign someone to discreetly inquire and find out if anyone had indeed sought him out back then.

So on this point, Hu Jin wouldn’t lie.

“Who would’ve thought that my caution back then led me to miss such an opportunity.”

Lin Chang’an shook his head with a smile, though he felt no regret.

Even if Hu Jin had truly sent someone to find him, he might not have believed it.

After all, the Sea Abyss of Beasts was filled with demonic and robber cultivators with countless tricks. Many cultivators had been lured out to the outer seas by so-called friends, only to be robbed of all wealth and even sold as resources.

Selling cultivators had always existed in the world of cultivation, and in the Sea Abyss of Beasts, it was done openly.

“A Core Formation Guest Elder of the Enforcement Hall... What a tremendous opportunity indeed.”

Lin Chang’an envied that. The Enforcement Hall of Bihai Palace was not a place ordinary cultivators could enter.

But likewise, once someone joined, the resources they received for cultivation were far superior to those available to common rogue cultivators.

Cases like Old Hu’s were not unheard of in the cultivation world—those who cultivated successfully could indeed benefit from ancestral blessings.

There was once a rumor in the great cultivation holy land of Great Jin. A cultivator had clearly held an Ascension Token from a major sect, but due to poor aptitude, could only remain a rogue cultivator.

In the end, he was killed, and only then did the Ascension Token’s origins come to light. Unfortunately, the sect recognized bloodline inheritance, not the token itself.

“In two years or so, will Old Hu make a trip to the Five Dragon Sea?”

Looking at the voice message, Hu Jin had said he might visit in two or three years if he had time.

At this, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but shake his head with a smile—this Old Hu’s temperament truly hadn’t changed.

“But joining Bihai Palace really is a huge opportunity for a regular rogue cultivator.”

Unfortunately, he himself harbored great fortunes. Whether it was the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine or other things, none could be easily exposed.

So he could only envy a little. Even if given the chance, he wouldn’t go to Bihai Palace.

Reconnecting with his old friend Hu Jin added a companion to Lin Chang’an’s otherwise lonely path of cultivation.

Among the friends from Tianxuan City in Yue Kingdom who could still keep up with his pace, only Yun Yao and this Hu Jin remained.

He Yan, due to exhausting his potential with a secret technique, would likely find core formation even harder.

“Still, after reaching the Core Formation stage, everyone must walk their own path.”

Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile. Though they no longer stayed together, simply knowing that his friends had reached Core Formation was already a pleasant thing.

In the days that followed, after a brief rest, Lin Chang’an set out for the Fog Sea of Tongtian.

On the surface, it was to help Xuanyin Pavilion recruit a Third-rank Alchemist. In secret, he impersonated a Core Formation cultivator from the Long Clan, aggressively ordering about a Wind-Chirp Bird for several high-profile appearances in the Fog Sea of Tongtian.

He even used a Talisman Treasure from the Long Clan, fully cementing the identity of a Core Formation cultivator of the Long Clan.

As for Lihuo Palace and Xuanyin Pavilion refocusing their attention on the Long Clan—well, that had nothing to do with him.

After all, when he boarded their Spirit Vessel, he paid all the required fees. If not for encountering an acquaintance, he might’ve been sold off by the Long Clan.

He hadn’t forgotten that debt.

...

【Lifespan: 143//598】

【Realm: Early Core Formation Stage (2/100)】

That year, Lin Chang’an turned 143. Four years into his Core Formation stage, his cultivation still advanced slowly.

He had no choice but to quicken his efforts to gather materials for Spirit-Mending Pills.

Five Dragon Island, Many Treasures Pavilion.

“Fellow Daoist Wen, I believe you’ve seen our Xuanyin Pavilion’s sincerity. In the entire Five Dragon Sea, only we Xuanyin Pavilion possess such strength.”

This time, they had finally invited the elusive Third-rank Alchemist, Fellow Daoist Wen. The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt couldn’t help but smile.

She had already gathered intelligence on Fellow Daoist Wen beforehand, and sure enough, he had a clean background and no notably bad temperament.

Moreover, he came from Shayun Kingdom, which was part of the Seven Kingdoms homeland.

“Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, I’m willing to join Xuanyin Pavilion, but only as a Guest Elder. I have no problem with alchemy, but as for combat... I’m afraid you’ll have to seek someone else…”

Under the Avatar Technique, Lin Chang’an disguised himself as this False Core Cultivator named Wen, presenting himself as someone averse to battle.

He had supposedly suffered a major trauma and developed an eccentric personality, focused solely on alchemy and gathering resources.

Upon hearing this, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt nodded inwardly. It seemed this Fellow Daoist Wen had a resolute Dao heart and was still plotting to reforge his core and cultivate anew.

This didn’t surprise her—after all, Core Formation cultivators were merely powerful beings, not desireless immortals.

Finally, inside the Many Treasures Pavilion, this Third-rank Alchemist Wen Fang and the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt signed a Third-rank Spirit Contract.

Xuanyin Pavilion could not forcibly order him around. Most of the time, he was only responsible for refining pills, and Xuanyin Pavilion would need to provide the materials.

Moreover, it could not hinder his cultivation. If pill refining affected his training, extra fees applied.

Ultimately, both parties reviewed the terms and left their Spiritual Imprints on the Spirit Contract.

In that moment, Lin Chang’an’s main body sensed a subtle constraint—it was the binding force of the contract.

Thankfully, it was only a sixty-year contract.

More importantly, the contract did not contain any clause requiring him to risk his life for Xuanyin Pavilion.

Which meant that if anything happened to Xuanyin Pavilion, he could withdraw at any time.

Likewise, he could not do anything to harm Xuanyin Pavilion.

“To think that Fellow Daoist Wen is skilled in refining Crystal Condensing Pills.”

Though this False Core Cultivator Wen Fang had harsh terms, that only made the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt feel he was all the more credible.

“As long as Fellow Daoist prepares the ingredients, I can begin pill refinement at any time. Of course, if I can use the sect’s Third-rank Alchemy Furnace, the success rate will be slightly higher.”

Under a hoarse voice, Wen Fang kept his face hidden beneath a cloak. His calm tone radiated clear confidence in his alchemical skill.

Third-rank Alchemists were rare. In the end, under Lin Chang’an’s self-directed performance, his avatar acquired Chihuo Peak—this spirit vein-rich location.

“Palace Master.”

With the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt finalizing the agreement with his avatar, Lin Chang’an’s main body also smiled.

After all, he had rendered a great service to Xuanyin Pavilion, and the rewards promised by this Palace Master Fairy of Rainbow Skirt could not fall short.

...

“Fellow Daoist Lin, this Fellow Daoist Wen seems very wary.”

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt sent a secret message, and Lin Chang’an’s main body slightly furrowed his brows before shaking his head and replying:

“Palace Master, I truly do not know. But this Fellow Daoist Wen’s heart is focused on reforging his core to reclaim his True Core. This is by no means a short-term goal.

Moreover, in the Five Dragon Sea, the only force capable of recruiting him would be the Long Clan.”

Through his veiled transmission, Lin Chang’an essentially meant—he’s just a False Core Cultivator. Even if he’s a Third-rank Alchemist, he would never risk betrayal so easily.

And in Five Dragon Island, though the Long Clan was powerful, they had offended too many. No one would rashly seek refuge there now.

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt silently agreed.

Even so, Lin Chang’an still found it a bit ridiculous—this Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was overly cautious, even going so far as to sign a Third-rank Spirit Contract.

Normally, recruiting a Core Formation cultivator didn’t require such measures.

Clearly, she didn’t fully trust this person.

...

Chihuo Peak.

“This will be Fellow Daoist’s future cultivation abode.”

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt and Lin Chang’an personally escorted this Third-rank Alchemist Wen Fang to the site.

Looking at the abundant spiritual energy of this place, though the mountain peak was bare and barren, its interior directly linked to the earthfire below, making it scorching hot and unsuitable for most spirit plants to survive.

Yet, it was an excellent place for refining pills, crafting artifacts, or for cultivators cultivating fire-attribute techniques.

Although Core Formation cultivators already possessed pillfire, combining it with earthfire not only saved mana but also improved efficiency.

Thus, if conditions allowed, many Core Formation cultivators would choose a cultivation abode suited to their needs.

“This cave abode isn’t bad.”

Lin Chang’an’s avatar nodded in pretense, then, in front of the two, raised his hand and summoned formation flags and disks, directly setting up a mountain-guarding formation on Chihuo Peak.

It wasn’t until the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt departed with a smile, saying that disciples would later deliver daily cultivation supplies, that she took her leave.

Inside the cave abode on Chihuo Peak, watching the departing Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, Lin Chang’an quietly let out a breath of relief.

“She’s finally gone. This external avatar still can’t remain separated for long.”

This plan of his wasn’t just to claim a Guest Elder’s stipend from Xuanyin Pavilion—it was mainly to prepare in advance.

Firstly, he could openly reveal the identity of an alchemist. After all, if he stayed hidden while collecting third-rank pill materials, he would expose himself sooner or later.

Rather than that, it was better to reveal it openly and even use it to gather wealth and resources.

Secondly, it was to occupy another spirit vein cave abode. Currently, aside from being a Core Formation cultivator himself, he also had a Wind-Chirp Bird.

In the future, perhaps even the Azure-Horned Bull would advance. Securing another spirit vein cave abode was certainly no bad thing, and also provided him a backup plan.

Looking at the avatar beside him, both revealed smiles.

Seeing oneself with shared vision was a bit unsettling at first, but with time and practice, its convenience became clear.

“Next, we’ll secretly link the formations of our two mountain peaks through the earthfire.”

Tianquan Peak and Chihuo Peak were adjacent, and Lin Chang’an was a Third-rank Formation Master himself.

Moreover, he was using the earthfire to connect them in secret. Unless another Third-rank Formation Master went deep underground, it would be hard to detect anything.

And even if discovered—so what? They were friends. In such a turbulent cultivation world, having a hidden trump card was only natural.

Next, Lin Chang’an secretly arranged the formation, while externally, Xuanyin Pavilion’s reputation was on the rise.

First, they recruited a Third-rank Formation Master, then a Third-rank Alchemist. This was far more valuable than recruiting an ordinary Core Formation cultivator.

Formation techniques—whether hunting demon beasts outside or setting up a protective formation for a clan—were indispensable to Core Formation cultivators.

As for Third-rank Alchemists, what attracted people most were not same-realm cultivators, but those preparing for Core Formation.

After all, the materials needed to refine third-rank pills were extremely rare. Few Core Formation cultivators could afford to use pills casually in their daily cultivation.

At most, they would prepare some healing pills just in case.

Of course, if they encountered a bottleneck in cultivation, they might seek out a third-rank pill to break through.

After this Third-rank Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion successfully refined his first batch of Crystal Condensing Pills, Xuanyin Pavilion publicly announced it.

As a result, many families were tempted and chose to seek shelter with Xuanyin Pavilion.

Thus, with two Core Formation cultivators skilled in third-rank arts joining in succession, the sect grew increasingly prosperous.

...

Spring passed and autumn came. In the blink of an eye, two years had passed.

【Lifespan: 145//599】

【Realm: Early Core Formation Stage (3/100)】

“That Old Hu finally found time to visit.”

One day, inside a pavilion, upon receiving a Voice-recording Talisman delivered by a disciple of Xuanyin Pavilion, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but smile.

Such was the power of strength. Back when he was still a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he had to go to Many Treasures Pavilion personally to leave letters for old friends.

But after reaching Core Formation, any letter or Voice-recording Talisman with his name would be personally delivered by Xuanyin Pavilion disciples.

Even letters sent to Yue Kingdom no longer incurred charges. Every time a merchant ship returned, cultivators from Xuanyin Pavilion would personally visit the Li, Shen, and Zhou families.

They would inquire whether there were any letters addressed to their Guest Elder.

Today, it was a Foundation Establishment female disciple of Xuanyin Pavilion who respectfully brought the Voice-recording Talisman.

“After all these years, this old friend’s status has certainly risen.”

Lin Chang’an shook his head with a smile. According to Hu Jin’s message, he came this time escorting a Bihai Palace merchant ship from Sea Abyss City.

It was a convenient opportunity to visit him.

Of course, Lin Chang’an also understood—given his position as a Core Formation cultivator of the Enforcement Hall, this was likely a deliberate visit. Otherwise, why come to this remote sea region?

“But it’s been six years since I formed my core, and my cultivation has only increased by three points. I must accelerate my progress on the Spirit-Mending Pill.”

Lin Chang’an fell into thought. By now, most of the materials for the Spirit-Mending Pill were nearly gathered.

Previously, he had traded one wood-attribute demon core for an earth-attribute one.

Adding to that, his avatar Wen the Alchemist had secured a fire-attribute demon core from Xuanyin Pavilion.

“With mid-grade third-rank demon cores, I now have wood, earth, and fire attributes—only water and metal remain.”

“The Heaven-Mending Pill truly is a creation of heavenly fortune. Even the downgraded Spirit-Mending Pill is an extraordinarily rare spiritual pill.

If word got out, it would surely incite countless greedy hands.”

Lin Chang’an shook his head silently. Unfortunately, his strength was limited, so he couldn’t directly refine the Heaven-Mending Pill.

Still, this wasn’t bad either. The cultivation world wasn’t lacking in secret techniques or spiritual pills that could cleanse spiritual roots or enhance the quality of one’s core, but all came with trade-offs.

The Spirit-Mending Pill was remarkably balanced in comparison.

“The Heaven-Mending Pill is similar to a Core-recasting Secret Art, but it excels in stability. First it cleanses spiritual roots, then gradually improves the core quality, rather than a sudden leap.”

In fact, he also possessed a Core-recasting Secret Art obtained from the Blood Fiend True Lord’s relic. It had lower requirements.

But the risk was greater.

It required dissolving one’s current core into liquid—Core Liquefaction—and forming a new core again.

In theory, Core Recasting would raise one’s core quality by at least one grade, and required minimal supplementary resources.

But the risk of backlash was high. Failure could even result in dropping an entire realm.

So Lin Chang’an didn’t even consider it and directly chose the safer Spirit-Mending Pill.

With ample lifespan and multiple mastered skills, there was no need to take such a huge risk.

“Various secret techniques that were once out of reach for Foundation Establishment cultivators, turn out to be not so rare in Core Formation circles.”

This upgrade in circles had indeed broadened his horizons over the years.

Various secret arts to cleanse spiritual roots were available, though costly. If used on oneself, a Core Formation cultivator could grit their teeth and afford it.

But using it on descendants or others? Even they would hesitate—too expensive.

There were also various spiritual items to enhance core quality—not nonexistent.

“The Spirit-Mending Pill alone—with its materials—no Core Formation cultivator would be willing to use it on anyone else.”

Lin Chang’an shook his head again. Just the five mid-grade third-rank demon cores were valuable enough. Forget giving them to descendants—even Core Formation cultivators in the mid stage wouldn’t waste them.

One could even purchase a fine magical treasure with that amount.

He was only willing to use them on himself, for the sake of his own path. Otherwise, no Core Formation cultivator would bear the cost.

“But in half a month, there will be a Core Formation cultivator trade fair on Five Dragon Island, and two months after that, the Five Dragon Island Gathering.”

Lin Chang’an began to calculate his current resources. Two more mid-grade third-rank demon cores would require a large number of spirit stones. He would likely have to barter and find a solution.

And Old Hu’s visit—this Bihai Palace merchant ship—was also heading to the gathering.

Five Dragon Island had been in turmoil for a long time. Now that it had finally calmed down on the surface, the long-absent gathering was to be held again.