Chapter 256 : Old Hu Arrives

Chapter 256: Old Hu Arrives

On the eve of the Five Dragon Island Gathering, merchant ships from all directions gathered in droves, including those from Bihai Palace. Among them were Golden Core cultivators from the Palace’s Law Enforcement Hall, escorting the merchant ships.

“Old Lin, I was hoping you’d still call me ‘Senior’... looks like that’s not happening now.”

That day, at Celestial Spring Peak, a familiar voice echoed, and Lin Chang’an was already prepared, having set spirit wine and spirit meat in the pavilion.

“Old Hu, it’s been over twenty years without a trace of news—I thought something happened to you.”

Upon reuniting, the emotions in their eyes revealed the complex feelings in their hearts.

Over twenty years ago, when they parted ways, both were in the late Foundation Establishment stage. Back then, they had hoped that when they met again, they could still call each other ‘Fellow Daoist’—a kind of silent blessing.

Unexpectedly, they had truly fulfilled that blessing upon this reunion.

“Fellow Daoist Lin!”

“Fellow Daoist Hu!”

Following their laughter, the two quickly composed themselves and exchanged respectful bows with solemn expressions.

That single “Fellow Daoist” bore witness to their arduous journey from late Foundation Establishment to the Golden Core stage.

“Come, come—I brought some fine spirit wine this time, brewed in preparation for forming the Core.”

Old Hu laughed heartily and took out a sealed jar of aged wine from his storage pouch.

Outside the pavilion, the Azure-Horned Ox mooed joyfully, seemingly sensing a familiar presence and becoming cheerful.

Seeing this familiar scene, Hu Jin couldn't help but nod and smile. Back then, whenever they occasionally met, this Azure-Horned Ox was always at their side.

While Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin reunited like old friends, things were far from quiet among the major powers of Five Dragon Island.

……

Xuanyin Pavilion.

“Palace Master, the Golden Core cultivator from Bihai Palace’s Law Enforcement Hall turns out to be an old acquaintance of Elder Lin. He headed straight to Elder Lin’s cave abode as soon as he arrived on the island.”

After all, the arrival of a Bihai Palace merchant ship was already noteworthy—but the fact that the escort was from the Law Enforcement Hall made it even more so.

What no one had expected was that the Law Enforcement cultivator's first destination upon arrival was not to liaise with the Pavilion, but to head straight to the cave abode of Xuanyin Pavilion’s Guest Elder—Third-rank Formation Master Lin Chang’an.

With intelligence gathered by all major factions, they quickly learned about this Golden Core cultivator from Bihai Palace’s Law Enforcement Hall.

At that moment, inside Xuanyin Pavilion, Liu Ruyu was respectfully reporting the latest intel.

And the Pavilion Master—Fairy of Rainbow Skirt—showed rare surprise upon hearing the news.

“He’s also from Yue Kingdom? No wonder.”

Looking over the information on Hu Jin from Bihai Palace’s Law Enforcement Hall, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt revealed a look of realization. That explained everything.

“Looks like our Guest Elder was definitely worth the invite.”

Though Hu Jin was only at early Golden Core stage, what mattered to all parties was his identity.

“Palace Master, should we pay them a visit?”

Liu Ruyu asked cautiously. Upon hearing this, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt chuckled and nodded lightly.

“This time, you go in person—but don’t interrupt their reunion just yet.”

“Yes.”

……

Long Clan.

“To think that in such a remote and spirit-poor region, so many Golden Core cultivators have emerged.”

The Long Clan had received the same intel, and several of the clan’s Golden Core Elders were secretly astonished.

“A Law Enforcement cultivator from Bihai Palace personally came—we must send someone to pay respects. No matter what, we must not offend him.”

“Yes!”

Meanwhile, other Golden Core clans and forces had also received the message.

Many sighed at how well-connected Lin the Formation Master was. Each began arranging to visit the cultivator from Bihai Palace’s Law Enforcement Hall.

……

Celestial Spring Peak.

The two sat drinking and discussing the Dao within the pavilion. Both had recently stepped into the early Golden Core stage and exchanged insights on their paths, along with strange tales from the past years.

“Old Hu, your visit really brought the crowd. Quite a few folks showed up at the base of the mountain.”

Lin Chang’an teased, fully aware from within his cave abode that a large number of visitors had arrived—clearly drawn by Hu Jin.

Upon hearing this, Hu Jin lifted his head proudly.

“Of course! Old Hu here’s got Bihai Palace behind him now.”

Seeing Old Hu’s goofy expression, Lin Chang’an chuckled and shook his head—but still reminded:

“Old Hu, the Law Enforcement Hall isn’t like the others. You’d better stay cautious.”

Everyone knew from the name alone: though the Law Enforcement Hall was a direct branch of Bihai Palace, it was also a place prone to offending others, and carried significant risk.

“Relax, Old Lin—I’m not a fool.”

The two exchanged glances and laughed again. Lin Chang’an also learned that Old Hu’s ancestor had nearly reached the Nascent Soul stage.

That left Lin Chang’an speechless. He had always thought Old Hu was bragging—but it turned out, not even a little.

“By the way, Old Lin—here’s some intel on Blood Fiend True Lord. We can safely use some of his treasures in the future.”

As if suddenly remembering something, Hu Jin smiled broadly and raised his hand, pulling out a jade slip.

Lin Chang’an had done his own investigations into Blood Fiend True Lord, but nothing could compare to the intelligence Bihai Palace had gathered.

Probing it with his divine sense, he gained deeper understanding of Blood Fiend True Lord. After all, what he had before were only fragmented memories.

Details of the experiences and history had been sorely lacking.

“Blood Fiend True Lord roamed the Sea Abyss of Beasts. A rogue cultivator, he was rarely provoked due to his suicidal battle style and powerful sword techniques…”

Any who dared provoke him were always eradicated at the root…

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration. Though ruthless, Blood Fiend True Lord had been extremely cautious, never offending powerful cultivators.

It seemed that most of his enemies were already dead. Reading this, Lin Chang’an secretly sighed in relief.

Previously, he had kept the Blood Fiend Sword Talisman Treasure hidden out of fear of being implicated.

“One hundred years ago, Blood Fiend True Lord ventured into the Sea Abyss Secret Realm. Afterward, he vanished. Rumor has it he was seeking a Nascent Soul opportunity, and then disappeared without a trace.”

But reading the last report about his disappearance, Lin Chang’an seemed to realize something.

“Even so, we should still remain cautious.”

After all, they had obtained treasures belonging to Blood Fiend True Lord. If implicated, things could turn ugly.

However, they were now Golden Core cultivators—not the weak Foundation Establishment cultivators of the past. Golden Core inheritance attracted disaster.

“I knew you’d be the cautious one, Old Lin.”

Looking at Lin Chang’an, Hu Jin laughed loudly. With a pat on his storage pouch, two flying daggers gleaming with cold light floated into the air.

“These are—!”

Lin Chang’an immediately recognized them as the artifacts acquired from Blood Fiend True Lord’s relics. But now, their appearances seemed somewhat altered.

“Just did a bit of repair.”

Moments ago, he’d mocked Lin Chang’an’s cautiousness, yet here he was—more cautious than anyone.

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an was left speechless.

But his eyes gleamed. Perhaps... this was an opportunity.

【Killing Origin Sword Art (Supreme)】

This sword art, thanks to his Regenerative Body, had been cultivated to the Supreme realm over the years. Its power was immense—but so were the side effects.

After all, demonic arts that harmed the user were known for their fast progress and formidable might.

As long as one didn’t fear death, demonic cultivation techniques advanced by leaps and bounds.

“Maybe I can publicly claim to have inherited Blood Fiend True Lord’s legacy, presenting myself as a sword cultivator—renowned for powerful strikes among peers.

That would explain my formidable combat strength, intimidate petty enemies, and more importantly, conceal my actual primary cultivation technique.”

Sometimes, revealing one’s strength wasn’t a bad thing.

Only the strong command respect.

Lin Changan's eyes flickered. This Killing Origin Sword Art, judged by the standards of mortal martial techniques, was merely a sword technique, while his main cultivation method, Evergreen Art, belonged to the category of internal arts.

However, the backlash of this Killing Origin Sword Art was extremely intense. Without a proper cultivation method, practicing it would only lead to qi deviation.

Coincidentally, his main technique could perfectly neutralize this flaw—perhaps even surpassing the original method designed to go with it.

In other words, even if he exposed that he was cultivating the Killing Origin Sword Art, others wouldn't suspect that he had another primary cultivation method.

After all, the Evergreen Art he cultivated not only excelled at concealment but—more importantly—the deeper he delved into it, the more he sensed that it involved significant karmic entanglements.

Moreover, with his poor spiritual aptitude, cultivating such a flawed demonic technique and progressing slightly faster in the future would still seem reasonable.

“Cultivate low-key. Once I become a Nascent Soul cultivator, I’ll naturally have no need to fear anyone.”

Thinking this, Lin Changan couldn’t help but lift his head, his gaze making Old Hu feel puzzled.

“Old Lin, what’s with that look in your eyes?”

Lin Changan responded with a smile full of hidden meaning.

“Old Hu, your current status is anything but simple. With Bihai Palace as your powerful backing, a mere Core Formation inheritance can naturally be protected…”

Seeing that look in Lin Changan’s eyes, Hu Jin repeatedly waved his hands and said helplessly, “Alright, alright. I knew you'd be cautious as always, Old Lin.”

“Fine, since I revealed this flying dagger artifact long ago, those in Bihai Palace already knew. You getting exposed was only a matter of time too.”

Today, Hu Jin brought intelligence on Blood Fiend True Lord, which also included one detail—Bihai Palace was already aware of the fortuitous encounters the two had acquired.

In fact, in Bihai Palace’s eyes, their Core Formation opportunities likely stemmed from that same source.

“Thanks a lot, Old Hu.”

Lin Changan smiled broadly. A complete late Core Formation inheritance falling into one person’s hands could easily provoke envy.

But if two people received it, and both had backing, others would naturally weigh the risks before acting.

Moreover, since both had successfully reached Core Formation, many would assume the fortunate encounter had likely already been depleted.

After all, it produced two Core Formation cultivators.

“Come, let’s have a drink to celebrate our step into the Core Formation realm!”

Their smiles carried a deep, indescribable melancholy. Only they knew how arduous this journey had been.

Especially when they talked about their old friends.

“I went back to Yue Kingdom once. Visited the Beast-Taming Zhou Clan, and a few other old friends... they all... and Old Jia too…”

Mentioning past friends, the joy of reaching Core Formation had long faded, and the wine in their cups tasted bittersweet.

“This cultivation path is damn cruel. Watching old friends fall behind one by one, age and wither… and in the letters—after learning we had formed cores—even Old Jia…”

“The tone of his letters clearly shifted to a more respectful one. That old feeling…”

With a bitter smile, Hu Jin downed his drink in one gulp.

This was the loneliness of the cultivation path.

Lin Changan had long sensed it too. Perhaps it was only because people like Erniu, Shen Lie, and Wei Buyi were aging as well, that he slowly began to let go.

“Alright, Old Lin. I have to head out. Otherwise, us showing off with our early Core Formation cultivation would look too pretentious.”

Setting down his cup, Hu Jin rose with an easygoing grin.

Lin Changan also smiled, watching his old friend leave to attend to business.

After Hu Jin left Tianquan Peak, he immediately encountered representatives from several major forces who had long been waiting.

As an early Core Formation cultivator, Hu Jin didn’t dare to act arrogantly. With a hearty smile, he conversed with everyone.

These major forces respected him not because of who he was, but for the face of Bihai Palace behind him—and Hu Jin knew it well.

...

“Blood Fiend Sword, a talisman treasure.”

At that moment on Tianquan Peak, Lin Changan slowly took out this talisman treasure. Usually, it was kept well hidden, but today, he planned to formally bring it into the light.

“With Old Hu as cover… besides, as a mere rogue cultivator, it makes perfect sense that I’d form my core only due to some fortuitous encounter.”

Wearing a calm smile, Lin Changan unsheathed the ancient sword. In that instant, an overwhelming wave of blood fiend aura spread out.

The blade glowed a deep blood-red.

“A third-rank formation master, combined with a sword cultivator’s might—enough to deter some people.”

A smile crept onto Lin Changan’s face as he slowly caressed the sword’s blade. At the same time, a hidden sword intent began to emanate from his body.

In the end, strength was everything for a cultivator.

“Killing Origin Sword Art” is a demonic technique with heavy side effects but extremely high power. Even among sword techniques, it ranks at the top.

With a wave of Lin Changan’s hand, several sword gleams appeared. These gleams, however, were illusory and clearly less solid than those produced by the divine ability “Sword Shadow at Will”.

“Besides, its power is inferior too. These illusory sword gleams can only deliver about ten to twenty percent of the real attack power. Still, this technique combines offense and defense—useful in its own way.”

Shaking his head, Lin Changan waved a hand and dismissed the sword gleams.

Comparing the two, each had its own strengths and weaknesses.

One was a sword technique, the other a pure sword-path divine ability.

Killing Origin Sword Art clearly consumed far less mana—so long as the body could endure the backlash, it was usable.

Sword Shadow at Will was harder to cultivate, with attack power on par with talisman treasures, but the mana cost was high.

“But with my Regenerative Body, all of this seems to be a perfect fit.”

An odd look appeared on Lin Changan’s face. It truly felt like it had been tailored for him.

Or rather, this ancient cultivation method he trained in—once he refined the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine as his Life-bound Spirit Plant—had gifted him a Regenerative Body. If he didn’t cultivate such self-injurious yet powerful techniques, it would be a total waste.

“Why does it feel like my cultivation path is veering more and more toward demonic techniques…”

Shaking his head, Lin Changan sighed.

“But with Old Hu’s visit, I can use the opportunity to openly reveal this technique—it’ll serve as a good cover.”

Nodding to himself, Lin Changan noted that the only ingredient missing for crafting the Spirit-Mending Pill was a third-rank mid-grade Yang-attribute demon core.

Though his storage pouch held quite a few spirit stones, they clearly weren’t enough to buy such a demon core.

“Seems like I’ll have to prepare to head out and hunt demon beasts soon.”

Thinking this, Lin Changan let out a helpless sigh.

He had lacked spirit stones during the Qi Refining Stage, lacked them during Foundation Establishment, and even now at Core Formation, he was still lacking them.

He lacked the third-rank inheritances of the four great cultivation arts!

He lacked materials for crafting the Spirit-Mending Pill!

His talisman treasure was still the Blood Fiend Sword he found in that ancient ruin!

Counting it all carefully—even with three third-rank skills—he still lacked too much. After all, his needs were large, and he had only recently advanced to Core Formation.