Chapter 255 : Another Withered Leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine Located

Chapter 255: Another Withered Leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine Located

Long Clan.

Five Dragon Island possessed five main spirit vein peaks. Currently, the Long Clan still occupied two of them, and that was already after they had retracted their influence.

Xuanyin Pavilion actually held one spirit vein, while another was divided among multiple factions. Lin Chang’an occupied the main peak, followed by the Lu Clan, along with several other families and Xuanyin Pavilion’s forces.

It was far from a short-term task to fully digest this spirit vein among the major powers.

As for the final spirit vein, it was jointly held by two local Core Formation families, and back then, according to Master Tan, there seemed to be ties to someone close to the Fifth Elder of Bihai Palace.

“It seems those above don’t want to see a strong and unified Five Dragon Island. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have let the Long Clan remain.”

On the way, Lin Chang’an analyzed the situation, and couldn’t help but shake his head inwardly. He didn’t want to get involved in the power plays of these factions.

Still, the current stable situation on Five Dragon Island was to his advantage.

After all, no one wanted a chaotic and unstable cultivation environment.

“Three Fellow Daoists, our Clan Head failed in attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul stage and is currently in seclusion to heal. He is unable to greet you personally—please forgive us.”

Upon entering the Long Clan, this burly middle-aged Core Formation cultivator, now in charge of the Long Clan, greeted them with a smiling face, though his tone subtly carried a trace of forcefulness.

Although all were Core Formation powers, even within that, there were distinctions of strength.

The Long Clan had contended for the Nascent Soul stage before. Though they failed, their foundation still remained.

Especially now, with the appearance of the Long Clan’s other two Core Formation cultivators, they fully displayed their strength.

“Fellow Daoist Long is too courteous.”

Faced with the subtle assertiveness from the Long Clan, even someone as inherently proud as Xu Lingfeng had to lower his head at this moment.

After all, the Long Clan had dominated Five Dragon Island for over a hundred years—their former prestige still lingered.

However, just after subtly revealing their formidable background, the Long Clan immediately turned with smiling faces and softened tones, expressing their current goodwill.

Though Liu Ruyu was a woman and rarely voiced her opinions normally, in matters like this, she actually earned a sideways glance from Lin Chang’an.

“This Xu Lingfeng appears forceful, but in truth lacks a broad strategic vision. In contrast, this Liu Ruyu possesses it.”

Faced with the Long Clan’s hidden needles behind their smiles, she seamlessly shifted the topic to the merchant ship from Sea Abyss City.

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an quietly nodded. As expected, women were born to act.

However, there was something off about this Xu Lingfeng. It was normal for a sect prodigy to become proud after forming a Core, just like he himself had once felt the world was at his feet after reaching the Core Formation stage.

Then came the news about the Wind-Chirp Bird from Yun Yao, which immediately brought his low-profile journey back on track.

But Xu Lingfeng… Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes. Ever since forming his core, his perception had become keener—he could sense subtle emotional fluctuations.

Earlier at the trade fair, and just now as well, Xu Lingfeng’s emotions seemed oddly stable, unlike what he projected outwardly.

“But this is an internal matter of Xuanyin Pavilion. I don’t want to get involved—it could easily backfire.”

Lin Chang’an shook his head inwardly. Who knew if this wasn’t all a show by Xuanyin Pavilion for outsiders?

“Come, come, Fellow Daoists, please sample our Long Clan’s spirit tea.”

The three Core Formation cultivators of the Long Clan welcomed Xuanyin Pavilion’s three Core Formation cultivators with smiles all around, though inside, there was a hint of frustration and helplessness.

The Long Clan looked powerful on the surface, but had acted too arrogantly before, losing their backers.

Meanwhile, Xuanyin Pavilion and two other clans had aligned themselves with a Sea Abyss City backer. As time passed, their respective strengths shifted, leaving the Long Clan melancholy.

This cultivation world truly was a constant cycle of rising and falling.

Still, for now, everyone needed a stable situation. Barring any surprises, there wouldn’t be any upheaval for the next hundred years.

After all, none of the powers were foolish. Everyone wanted profits, but no one wanted excessive losses.

A classic “the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind” scenario could easily unfold.

No one wanted to become someone else’s stepping stone.

“Good tea.”

Ever since arriving at the Long Clan, Lin Chang’an actually felt refreshed. The once unreachable Long Clan now had to greet him with smiling faces.

This was the influence of strength.

“Glad you like it, Fellow Daoist Lin.”

Looking at Lin Chang’an, the burly Core Formation cultivator from the Long Clan sighed inwardly. He never imagined that the incident on the spirit vessel back then would plant a hidden danger for the clan.

If it were an ordinary Core Formation cultivator, they wouldn’t care. But a third-rank Formation Master?

Unless necessary, no one wanted to offend him.

This time, the Long Clan had sincerely invited Xuanyin Pavilion as guests.

“By the way, before you formed your core, Fellow Daoist Lin once took our Long Clan’s spirit vessel to Sea Abyss City. Along the way, you encountered robber cultivators and suffered significant losses. That was our Long Clan’s failing.”

After chatting for a while, one of the Long Clan’s Core Formation cultivators seemed to recall something and suddenly turned to Lin Chang’an with an apologetic smile.

Lin Chang’an’s expression remained calm. If he were a solitary rogue cultivator, he naturally wouldn’t press the issue.

But now he had backing and was a guest elder of Xuanyin Pavilion. Xuanyin Pavilion needed him as a third-rank Formation Master, and at times, he needed them too.

“Fellow Daoist Long is too courteous.”

“This matter truly was our Long Clan’s fault.”

Before Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu, the Long Clan’s burly Core Formation cultivator smiled broadly, showing no attempt to hide his intent to foster good relations.

He even mentioned compensating for the previous incident.

“In that case, I must truly thank Fellow Daoist Long.”

Lin Chang’an responded with a calm smile. Why refuse free benefits?

As for grudges?

Simple. As long as he got what he needed, he wouldn’t mind letting it go with a smile.

After all, regarding the Wind-Chirp Bird, he still needed the Long Clan to draw the attention of the Mystic Yin Divine Sect and Palace of Blazing Fire.

In front of Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu, the Long Clan directly invited Lin Chang’an to the treasury, showing no intent to hide anything.

But before arriving, Lin Chang’an had already sent them a voice transmission. Both were naturally aware of the history between him and the Long Clan.

……

As the smiling Core Formation cultivator of the Long Clan clapped his hands, nine maidservants holding jade boxes slowly entered.

The nine late-stage Qi Refining maidservants opened the jade boxes, stunning Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu, the two Core Formation cultivators of Xuanyin Pavilion.

“All nine of these are Core Formation–stage wood-attribute cultivation methods?”

Lin Chang’an, too, was shocked by the Long Clan’s display, clicking his tongue inwardly.

Even Xuanyin Pavilion probably didn’t have such depth to produce nine Core Formation–stage wood-attribute techniques at once.

Currently, the Long Clan still had five known Core Formation cultivators. Among them was the former Island Lord of Five Dragon Island, rumored to be recuperating from a failed Nascent Soul breakthrough.

A late-stage peak Core Formation cultivator—even injured—was not to be underestimated.

Lin Chang’an released his divine sense. Under everyone’s gaze, he unreservedly began inspecting the nine techniques.

Each jade slip had restrictions, allowing only partial viewing, but it was enough to understand the basics.

“This technique produces gentle mana, average in all aspects, but harmonizes the five energies, solidifies the foundation, and extends lifespan—a longevity art.”

“This one isn’t suited for combat. Though its mana is average, it’s extraordinarily pure. It’s easy to cultivate and suitable for breaking bottlenecks.”

After reviewing five techniques, Lin Chang’an frowned.

Most were weak in combat, placing them at the bottom among peers of the same stage.

These techniques had clear flaws—no powerful divine abilities—but their upside was an easier time breaking bottlenecks.

Finally, with the seventh technique, he found one with decent combat potential.

“This technique excels in sustained combat, with mana surpassing peers and two powerful escape arts…”

But at the ninth and final technique, Lin Chang’an finally saw the one he had been yearning for—only to feel somewhat disappointed.

The jade slip clearly recorded one spell cultivation and one body refinement technique.

“This technique was found by our Long Clan in a secret realm. It is a rare dual cultivation method of spell and body…”

Hearing the Long Clan’s introduction, Lin Chang’an’s expression hardened—only Core Formation level?

“It seems the Nascent Soul stage technique has been hidden by the Long Clan.”

Understandable. If he were in their shoes, he wouldn’t fully disclose everything either.

Was this the technique he truly wanted? No!

What he truly craved was the withered leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine.

And the jade slip before him was clearly a copy etched by the Long Clan, with no telling whether the latter part of the technique contained hidden tricks.

After reading the final technique, Lin Chang’an couldn't help showing a trace of disappointment.

Upon seeing this, the burly cultivator of the Long Clan clenched his palm slightly, while Liu Ruyu and Xu Lingfeng exchanged glances and both revealed faint smiles.

It seemed this Fellow Daoist Lin clearly wanted to seize the opportunity for a major benefit. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be this greedy.

What Lin Chang’an truly wanted was the withered leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine.

The jade slip was clearly a copy—meaning the original still remained with the Long Clan.

Just as Lin Chang’an was deep in thought, a figure appeared, instantly stirring a response from the life-bound spirit plant in his body.

The newcomer bore a seven-tenths resemblance to Long Changfeng, but looked even more composed.

Seeing this person arrive, the burly Core Formation cultivator of the Long Clan immediately laughed and said to Lin Chang’an:

“Fellow Daoist Lin, this is the mid-grade third-rank water-attribute demon core you requested.”

Following the direction of his hand, the entering Long Clan cultivator respectfully opened the jade box in his hand.

As the jade box opened, a golden demon core radiating a strong aura appeared before them.

Judging by its quality and size, it was indeed a mid-grade third-rank demon core.

“Long Changqing, elder brother of Long Changfeng, once a genius of the Long Clan… Didn’t expect him to also be the clan’s Core Formation prospect.”

Based on the intel he had previously gathered about the Long Clan, Lin Chang’an instantly deduced the man’s identity.

Mid Foundation Establishment? No—it had to be a concealment treasure. This person was clearly late-stage Foundation Establishment, on the verge of perfection.

With his powerful perception, Lin Chang’an immediately discerned the depth of his cultivation.

Yet, something inside this person's storage pouch gave off a familiar aura—and combined with the stir in his life-bound spirit plant…

“As expected… how could I be the only one to discover the secret of that withered leaf?” Lin Chang’an thought with shock.

Good news—he had finally located the withered leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine within the Long Clan.

Bad news—it was in the hands of a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, and it seemed the Long Clan had discovered the leaf’s secret too.

Countless thoughts swirled through his mind, and Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly. It seemed the Long Clan intended for this person to switch to that cultivation method after forming a core.

After all, Foundation Establishment cultivators wouldn’t normally change techniques easily; the safest course was to do so after breaking through a realm.

As a Core Formation prospect, the Long Clan would certainly protect him. Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an frowned slightly.

If an opportunity arose, he certainly wouldn’t mind taking back what belonged to him from a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But there was no need to take excessive risks—after all, the Mysterious Sky Spirit Root was in his possession.

At worst, he’d spend more time nurturing it. Eventually, he would cultivate a second, third, or even more leaves.

Right now, his priority was still enhancing his spirit root and Golden Core quality—only that would allow him to keep pace and aim for Nascent Soul. That was the true priority.

“I’ve memorized this person’s mana signature.”

At this point, Lin Chang’an gave him a calm, quiet glance.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, this water-attribute mid-grade third-rank demon core is something our Long Clan obtained with great effort.”

Long Changqing wore a humble smile, seemingly not regarded as an important junior in the Long Clan.

After working through his thoughts, Lin Chang’an looked at the demon core and immediately showed a satisfied smile.

The burly Long Clan cultivator also smiled at the sight, then turned to look at Liu Ruyu and Xu Lingfeng.

After all, Lin Chang’an was now a guest elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, and this could also be seen as a way to resolve past misunderstandings between their Long Clan and Xuanyin Pavilion.

“Fellow Daoist Lin!”

In secret, Liu Ruyu and Xu Lingfeng exchanged voice transmissions with Lin Chang’an. The three of them smiled and nodded toward the Long Clan.

The Long Clan returned the smile. Though the loss of a mid-grade third-rank demon core stung, resolving this matter made it worthwhile.

“Come, come, Fellow Daoists, this way please.”

The Long Clan soon hosted a banquet. The two sides chatted merrily, and they even discussed various business partnerships.

At the same time, the Long Clan had Long Changqing personally serve and entertain the guests, presenting him as the future overseer of some family industries.

It was a good opportunity for him to get to know the Core Formation cultivators of Xuanyin Pavilion.

This made sense. In a strong family, those with great talent focused on cultivation, while those slightly lacking would begin managing family industries early on.

Only Lin Chang’an, after witnessing this, sighed inwardly. The Long Clan was indeed being cautious nowadays.

As for the demon core transaction, not a single word was spoken.

But Lin Chang’an understood clearly—both parties had silently agreed to put the spirit vessel incident behind them.

Still, he thought to himself: “It’s fine to let the past go, including the scapegoat role in the Wind-Chirp Bird affair.”

A banquet where both the Long Clan and Xuanyin Pavilion enjoyed a pleasant conversation.

The feast concluded.

Inside the Long Clan’s great hall, the three Core Formation cultivators sat together, their smiles now gone.

“Damn it, back when our Long Clan was strong, that cheap wretch from Xuanyin Pavilion was nothing!”

“Enough. These are troubled times. What we need to do now is stabilize the current situation and buy the clan more time.”

Finally, the three turned their gaze toward Long Changqing, now the Long Clan’s most promising new Core Formation candidate.

“Changqing, how are your preparations?”

Facing the three elders, Long Changqing cupped his hands with a firm expression and replied:

“Changqing will not let the clan down. Once I form my core, I shall switch to cultivating this ancient technique.”

“Good!”

The three exchanged glances, each revealing a solemn expression.

With a determined gaze, Long Changqing thought of his genius younger brother, feeling a wave of complex emotions.

If not for that incident with his brother, he wouldn’t have become the clan’s number one Core Formation prospect.

“Brother, don’t worry. The clan still has me. The Long Clan will not fall!”

……

Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an, transformed into an escape light as he flew back, was immensely satisfied.

He had nearly gathered all materials for the Spirit-Mending Pill, lacking only a metal-attribute mid-grade third-rank demon core.

And this time, he had unexpectedly uncovered the location of another withered leaf of the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine within the Long Clan. Overall, this visit to the Long Clan had not been in vain.

“I’ve already memorized this person’s mana aura. If the chance arises, I might just obtain the item.”

Eyes gleaming, Lin Chang’an considered the current situation—Long Clan's decline had attracted many watching eyes.

Nurturing a new generation into Core Formation wouldn’t be so easy.

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