Chapter 371 ·Three Years, Core Formation Phenomenon

Time ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍flowed like the sun and moon in flight. Since the last Xuanyin Pavilion sect grand competition, another three years had passed in the blink of an eye.

And ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍during these three years, as the Outer Sea continued descending into turmoil, many events occurred.

First ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍came Meng Xinghai of Bibo Island marrying two False Golden Core female cultivators from the Zhu and Liang Clans of the Four Seas Merchant Guild as Dao companions.

The ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍type of equal wives.

This ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍disciple of True Lord Lu, although only possessing Mid Core Formation cultivation, inherited treasures left behind by his parents, along with considerable backing.

In ‍​‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍terms of overall strength, Meng Xinghai was not much weaker than Late Core Formation cultivators.

For a time, the Four Seas Merchant Guild gained a central pillar and was no longer the scattered alliance of利益 from before.

Instead, it became a true merchant guild led by Meng Xinghai together with the Zhu and Liang Clans.

The Meng Clan’s betrothal gifts even included several superior Core Formation spirit items, causing considerable shock.

The Meng Clan’s four Core Formation cultivators, combined with the numerous subordinate clans and small sects under the Zhu and Liang Clans, vaguely possessed momentum directly chasing after the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.

Celestial Spring Peak.

“Master, over these recent years the Four Seas Merchant Guild has completely changed its previous decline. After reorganizing and rebuilding itself, its influence is now hardly weaker than our Seven Kingdoms Alliance…”

After Lin Chang’an returned from Bibo Island, Sword Attendant respectfully reported the recent developments.

Although he had already learned some information while on Bibo Island, hearing it once more from someone he trusted was an entirely different matter.

After hearing about the changes over these three years, even Lin Chang’an could not help secretly nodding.

This Meng Xinghai truly was no simple character.

“After seeing that he couldn’t achieve his goals with the Xuanyin Pavilion, he immediately allied himself with the Four Seas Merchant Guild. Meng Xinghai truly is a capable figure.”

He had to admit one point—

This person was exceptionally decisive.

Once he saw something could not be accomplished, he showed absolutely no hesitation or dragging indecisively.

“Looks like the current Four Seas Merchant Guild truly is no longer what it used to be.”

Previously, the Four Seas Merchant Guild merely conducted business together to earn Spirit Stones.

When real trouble arose, not a single person would step forward.

But things were different now.

With Meng Xinghai taking the lead, the Liang and Zhu Clans supporting him, along with his background, the clans remaining within the Four Seas Merchant Guild no longer behaved as casually as before.

The Meng Clan, backed by a Nascent Soul cultivator, fully possessed the confidence to pursue accountability from those beneath them.

Once the previously scattered Four Seas Merchant Guild solidified itself, it truly became a formidable force.

“I never expected this person would truly establish himself successfully.”

Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes.

If not for fearing the involvement of True Lord Lu behind him, he definitely would have sought an opportunity to eliminate this man.

After all, truly killing him would amount to slapping a Nascent Soul cultivator’s face.

Still, he could allow this person to act arrogantly for a while longer.

There would be plenty of opportunities later.

【Lifespan: 243/796】

【Cultivation: Mid Golden Core Realm (92/100)】

Inside the pavilion, Lin Chang’an looked at his cultivation progress over these three years and could not help sighing softly.

Even with his current Earth-grade Spiritual Root cultivation speed and superior Golden Core aptitude, he had encountered a bottleneck.

During the first year, his cultivation barely increased by two points.

Then over the next two years, it directly dropped to merely one point of experience per year.

Now he could clearly feel this bottleneck.

And this was already with his current aptitude.

One could easily imagine why so many Core Formation cultivators within the cultivation world spent their entire lives lingering at the Early or Mid Core Formation Realm.

His aptitude merely meant he possessed the qualifications of a Nascent Soul prospect.

It did not mean guaranteed advancement into the Late Core Formation Realm.

Take Xu Lingfeng as an example.

With mid-grade Golden Core aptitude, theoretically his future potential completely allowed him to cultivate into the Late Core Formation Realm.

With great fortune, he might even possess a chance to break through into Nascent Soul.

Yet after breaking through into Mid Core Formation, his cultivation speed became like sinking into a swamp—extremely slow.

As a result, Xu Lingfeng’s cultivation had nearly stagnated entirely. Without one or two hundred years, breaking through was likely impossible.

And various accidents might occur midway.

Perhaps he would remain trapped at Mid Core Formation for life.

Talent, fortune, and resources—

Not one of the three could be lacking.

“Right now my cultivation resources are already excellent, practically top-tier among cultivators of the same realm. This situation is perfectly normal. From here onward, I can only continue bitter cultivation.”

At his current cultivation realm, especially after encountering this kind of bottleneck, ordinary third-rank high-grade cultivation-enhancing pills would already produce unsatisfactory effects.

Unless they were quasi-fourth-rank pills.

But treasures of that level were hardly easy to obtain.

……

Just then, two streams of cyan magical light flickered from the mountainside of Celestial Spring Peak, riding flying swords toward the cave abode above.

When the two figures appeared outside the pavilion, they immediately cupped their fists respectfully and said:

“Lingyue and Lingxing greet Elder Lin.”

The two were precisely Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing, the sisters who had cultivated at Celestial Spring Peak for the past three years.

Although they had come to temporarily borrow the cave abode for cultivation, that did not mean Lin Chang’an had directly vacated his own cave abode for them.

Instead, the two had opened a cave abode halfway up the mountain and enjoyed the spiritual energy of a Core Formation cultivator’s spiritual peak.

Green spiritual light flickered around the sisters, clearly indicating cultivation of wood-attribute cultivation methods.

This time, Lin Chang’an returned from Bibo Island because the two had already reached complete perfection in their cultivation aura and arrived at the stage of preparing for Core Formation.

Back then, he and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had conducted secret arrangements.

Although the two had publicly received Core Formation spirit items—

Privately, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt still provided varying levels of hidden support based on differences in talent and potential.

This too was only natural.

The cultivation world had never contained the word fairness.

This return to fulfill his transaction with Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was merely incidental.

More importantly, Sword Attendant had also touched her bottleneck and was preparing to break through into Mid Core Formation.

He intended to use the Wen Dan Master avatar to provide Sword Attendant with breakthrough pills.

“Not bad. Fellow Daoist Nishang previously informed me about the cultivation methods you two cultivate.

“Your talents are decent. Although among the seven you can only be considered ordinary—

“You are twin sisters. With minds connected and jointly comprehending Dual Cultivation Secret Techniques, your potential instead ranks among the highest of the seven.”

This was likewise Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s secret arrangement and also served as concealment.

Everyone believed the sect’s most talented disciples were in secluded cultivation within the sect.

Who would have imagined they were actually arranged at Celestial Spring Peak?

Sibling cultivators were not uncommon within the cultivation world.

But those capable of achieving genuine heart-mind connection were extremely rare.

With certain secret methods assisting Core Formation, the Zhao Sisters’ high-grade Spiritual Roots could display advantages comparable to Earth-grade Spiritual Roots.

“Here are two portions of Blackwater Liquid. When entering secluded Core Formation cultivation, first consume this spiritual liquid to stabilize the magical power within your bodies before taking the Condensed Crystal Pill for Core Formation…”

These two were outstanding younger talents carefully nurtured by Fellow Daoist Nishang with great effort invested into them.

And Lin Chang’an had lived comfortably within the Xuanyin Pavilion over these years. Saying he possessed no feelings toward it would be false.

Unfortunately, after the Secret Realm, nobody knew what the future held.

Therefore, within his abilities, he still intended to help the Xuanyin Pavilion somewhat.

After all, he was still an elder, and the Yue Kingdom was also his homeland.

The Condensed Crystal Pills previously granted by Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had all come from his Wen Dan Master avatar and were all rare精品 quality.

As for these two portions of Blackwater Liquid—

Though appearing ordinary, Lin Chang’an had still acted upon a trace of sympathy.

Within the Blackwater Liquid contained a strand of pure Profound Heaven magical power, greatly beneficial toward Core Formation.

Especially for cultivators cultivating wood-attribute cultivation methods, it invisibly granted another layer of advantage.

“Many thanks, Elder Lin.”

Looking at the two portions of Blackwater Liquid, Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing inevitably revealed excited expressions.

After all, what Foundation Establishment cultivator did not wish to form a core?

Moreover, the sisters had grown up within the sect since childhood and could practically be said to have personally witnessed the sect’s turbulent rise and fall.

“Enough. Your Sect Master holds great expectations for you two. You’ve already memorized the Core Formation心得 thoroughly. From here onward, everything depends upon your own fortunes.”

Lin Chang’an smiled and waved his hand, not placing excessive pressure upon the two.

After obtaining the Core Formation spirit items, the sisters exchanged a glance with connected hearts and simultaneously revealed determined expressions.

“We definitely will not disappoint the Sect Master or Elder Lin.”

The sisters formed cores together using this secret method.

The advantage lay in displaying benefits comparable to Earth-grade Spiritual Root Core Formation.

But the drawbacks were equally obvious—

Shared glory and shared loss.

For example, if one sister could form a superior Golden Core while the other could only form a mid-grade Golden Core—

Then under shared glory and shared loss, the final result would only average out into two mid-grade Golden Cores.

If one failed, the other likewise could not successfully form a core.

Watching the sisters depart, Sword Attendant had already prepared Spirit Tea within the pavilion.

“Ling’er, what do you think regarding the two of them forming cores?”

Relaxed for once, Lin Chang’an reclined lazily upon his chair and raised his gaze toward Sword Attendant.

Sword Attendant nodded solemnly.

“Although wood-attribute cultivation methods are not known for offensive power, they excel through steady accumulation.

“Over these years, Sect Master Nishang secretly nurtured the two without拔苗助长.

“Their cultivation foundations are extremely solid. Although much time was wasted, making them among the oldest of the seven—

“With secret methods assisting them and their connected hearts, they instead possess the highest probability of Core Formation among the seven.”

Listening to Sword Attendant’s analysis, Lin Chang’an likewise nodded lightly.

This Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had already begun nurturing the sect’s next generation a hundred years ago.

Fortunately, the Xuanyin Pavilion had developed well over this century and could provide sufficient resources.

“However, during these three years, two people have already failed Core Formation. One barely managed to form a False Golden Core.”

Sword Attendant solemnly stated this reality.

And it was precisely this unfavorable beginning that cast a layer of gloom across the entire Xuanyin Pavilion.

Among the seven, two had already failed from the outset.

If all of them failed, or if only one succeeded, then the Xuanyin Pavilion would undoubtedly suffer catastrophic losses.

After all, the years of nurturing, combined with this round of Core Formation attempts, had already nearly emptied the Xuanyin Pavilion completely.

At current prices where Core Formation spirit items cost eighty to ninety thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones, just seven Condensed Crystal Pills alone were worth five to six hundred thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones.

Not to mention all the hidden resource favoritism.

After hearing this, Lin Chang’an secretly shook his head.

He could also imagine Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s current mood.

“Next, it truly depends upon the two sisters’ fortunes.”

Their talents were not poor, they possessed secret method assistance, and they had tempered themselves climbing upward from the bottom step by step. Their willpower was likewise excellent.

Unfortunately, Core Formation considered too many factors.

The reason Fairy of Rainbow Skirt valued these sisters so highly was because they had cultivated wood-attribute cultivation methods throughout their entire paths.

Among all cultivation method attributes, wood and water possessed comparatively weak offensive power.

But likewise, their characteristic of thick accumulation and gradual release allowed them to surpass cultivators of other attributes when breaking through bottlenecks.

“Seven Core Formation cultivators. I wonder how many will ultimately succeed.”

Meanwhile, as Sword Attendant poured tea, she continued solemnly reporting recent developments.

“Recently, because of the unstable situation, there have actually been more newly advanced Core Formation cultivators than in previous years. Whether the Four Seas Merchant Guild or the Seven Kingdoms Alliance—

“Recently all the major factions, due to the turmoil, have spared no expense consuming their clan and sect foundations to increase their strength…”

Lin Chang’an secretly nodded after hearing this.

Turmoil likewise represented increased opportunities.

At the same time, all the major clans and sects understood clearly—

Nobody knew whether they could survive this round of turmoil.

Naturally, they spared no effort strengthening their clans and sects.

For example, this time the Xuanyin Pavilion had nearly emptied its century-long accumulation merely to scheme for seven sets of Core Formation spirit items.

“Only by surviving this round of turmoil can the sect continue developing. If it fails to survive, then no matter how great the sect’s accumulation is, it merely becomes wedding garments for others.”

Resources in hand did not necessarily belong to oneself. Perhaps tomorrow they would become materials inside someone else’s storage pouch.

Only strength truly belonged to oneself.

……

Xuanyin Pavilion Main Peak.

An ancient hexagonal stone pavilion quietly stood there, its flying eaves and raised corners carved full of the weathering of countless years.

Inside the pavilion, two figures sat cross-legged opposite one another.

They were precisely Lin Chang’an and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s cyan-white long dress fluttered gently in the mountain breeze. Her eyes were slightly closed, her expression calm and without ripples, yet the white chess piece between her fingers still had not fallen.

“Fellow Daoist Nishang, you’ve lost this match.”

Dressed in white robes, Lin Chang’an rarely managed to overturn the game on the chessboard and could not help revealing a relaxed smile.

In the end, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt softly sighed and slowly laid down her piece, signifying surrender.

In their chess matches, she had always won before.

Yet today, she had already lost three games consecutively.

“It seems my mental state still isn’t sufficient.”

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled faintly.

She had originally believed that after over a hundred years of tempering her mental state, her accomplishments were already considerable.

Unexpectedly, her heart still became unsettled in the end.

Yet Lin Chang’an gently shook his head and refuted:

“It is not that Fellow Daoist’s mental state is insufficient, but rather that this concerns your own obsession.

“If Fellow Daoist could truly let go of everything, then Lin truly would have to ask for guidance from Fellow Daoist regarding whether you have already attained the immortal path of having no desires and no pursuits.”

What cultivator lacked their own obsessions?

For example, Lin Chang’an wished to break through into the Nascent Soul Realm and continuously strengthen himself so that within the cultivation world he could also become one who moved the chess pieces, rather than being a chess piece himself.

As for Fairy of Rainbow Skirt—

The obsession in her heart was always leading the Xuanyin Pavilion toward prosperity.

If cultivators possessed no obsessions at all, then they would not possess the heart to become strong.

“Today, Fellow Daoist has enlightened me.”

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled absentmindedly.

Recently, among the last two Core Formation attempts, only one False Golden Core cultivator had emerged.

It truly had disturbed her mental state somewhat.

Just as Lin Chang’an prepared to begin another game, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt clearly saw through his intentions. Calmly and without revealing anything, she put away the chessboard and personally began brewing tea instead.

Looking at the removed chessboard, Lin Chang’an felt speechless for a moment.

He had only won three games.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, this is freshly picked Spirit Tea. Please.”

Mist curled around the exquisite teacup as a faint fragrance drifted through the air.

It was hard to tell whether it was the fragrance of tea or Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s own body fragrance.

Lin Chang’an lifted the teacup and took a light sip, unable to help revealing an expression of enjoyment.

“To receive tea personally brewed by Fellow Daoist—throughout the Xuanyin Pavilion, I fear there are very few who enjoy such treatment.”

Hearing Lin Chang’an’s teasing words, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt merely smiled gracefully and naturally.

“If Fellow Daoist wishes, you may visit Xuanyin Peak at any time.”

After hearing this, Lin Chang’an directly smiled and shook his head.

Although he had not inquired much over the years, he knew clearly that with this woman’s personality, she absolutely would not willingly give up on the Secret Realm.

“If this generation of disciples within your sect turns out unsatisfactory, then what does Fellow Daoist intend to do?”

Setting down the Spirit Tea, Lin Chang’an looked toward the determined Fairy of Rainbow Skirt with a trace of curiosity in his heart.

One matter concerned the Secret Realm and the path toward Nascent Soul.

The other concerned the sect itself.

Yet within Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s pale autumn-water eyes, there was not the slightest trace of struggle.

As she set down her teacup, a faint and shallow curve naturally rose at the corner of her lips.

Not joy—

But rather a kind of calm serenity akin to “stealing half a day of leisure from mortal life.”

After a long while, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled lightly and softly said:

“Back then, Fellow Daoist once said there are things worth doing and things not worth doing.

“Nishang thinks the same way.”

After hearing this, Lin Chang’an lightly nodded and already understood the answer.

To Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, the Xuanyin Pavilion was home.

How could she possibly abandon the sect and ignore it?

If she truly did so, she would likely leave behind a heart demon in the future.

Still, the fact that Fairy of Rainbow Skirt could act so freely according to her heart without the slightest struggle already surpassed countless others in terms of mental state.

“It will succeed. With the Xuanyin Pavilion’s current foundation, I believe it will not disappoint Fellow Daoist.”

Lin Chang’an chuckled lightly.

Although it sounded like consolation, in truth he already possessed confidence.

At the very least, the two at his Celestial Spring Peak still possessed a seventy to eighty percent chance of successfully forming cores.

After hearing this, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled faintly and could not help turning her gaze toward the direction of Celestial Spring Peak.

The two girls she valued most had better not disappoint her.

“Oh right, I’ve already entrusted Fellow Daoist Wen, but this third-rank mid-grade pill still lacks one main ingredient before the furnace can be opened.”

This visit concerned Sword Attendant’s breakthrough matter.

Likewise, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt came for Liu Ruyu’s breakthrough matter.

Liu Ruyu possessed low-grade Golden Core aptitude and had now also touched a bottleneck.

Under normal circumstances, the sect naturally would not waste resources on her.

But Fairy of Rainbow Skirt planned to scheme for the Secret Realm.

If she departed, the sect would inevitably require someone capable of carrying the burden.

At that time, with Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu remaining behind as two Mid Core Formation cultivators, along with two or three newly advanced Core Formation cultivators of the next generation, the sect’s self-preservation would remain secure.

Only then could Fairy of Rainbow Skirt放心 scheme for the Secret Realm.

“I’ve already inquired about this spiritual fruit. Half a year from now, the marketplace auction hosted by the Four Seas Merchant Guild will auction this spiritual fruit.”

After hearing this, Lin Chang’an lightly nodded.

Third-rank mid-grade pills that enhanced cultivation possessed extremely valuable ingredients and were difficult to gather.

Not to mention the current chaotic situation—

The prices of all materials had already doubled long ago.

This joint pill refinement between the two also revealed one thing—

The Xuanyin Pavilion’s resources were truly nearly exhausted for this new generation’s Core Formation attempts.

The two sides jointly refined pills, and after the pills were completed, distribution naturally depended upon the materials each side provided.

Soon afterward, the two seemed to sense something and simultaneously turned their gazes toward Celestial Spring Peak.

“It’s beginning.”

After seeing this, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt slowly set down her teacup.

The entire process produced not the slightest sound.

Even the bottom of the cup touching the stone table felt lighter than nothingness itself, leaving behind only a strand of increasingly tranquil tea fragrance interwoven with the calm aura surrounding her, refreshing the heart and spirit.

……

A phenomenon suddenly rose above Celestial Spring Peak.

“This is a Core Formation phenomenon!”

“They’re the two Xuanyin Pavilion disciples. Three years ago, those two disciples entered Celestial Spring Peak and never came out again.”

The Core Formation phenomenon above Celestial Spring Peak attracted the attention of many people.

Within Five Dragon Island’s marketplace, numerous cultivators from major clans gazed toward Celestial Spring Peak.

Some felt envy.

Some were red-eyed with jealousy.

Others were filled with unwillingness.

Within the marketplace, many bold robbery cultivators secretly hated the sight.

“These major sect disciples are truly cautious. Before forming cores, they all hide inside their sects and refuse to come out.”

As the situation grew increasingly unstable, many robbery cultivators hoping to risk everything secretly watched the Core Formation prospects of major clans and sects.

They only hoped to luckily pick up a leak.

Such incidents were not unheard of within the cultivation world.

Unfortunately, after the Xuanyin Pavilion granted Core Formation spirit items, it strictly ordered the seven individuals not to leave the sect and instead enter secluded cultivation.

When the Core Formation cultivators of the Four Seas Merchant Guild saw this scene, some sneered while others rejoiced at their misfortune.

“I heard the Xuanyin Pavilion already had two failed Core Formation attempts earlier. I wonder whether this one can succeed.”

“I wonder how much foundation the Xuanyin Pavilion still has left to squander.”

“Hmph. How could Core Formation possibly be so easy?”

Naturally, the Four Seas Merchant Guild did not wish for the Xuanyin Pavilion to rise.

It would be best if all their Core Formation prospects failed.

There were many cultivators harboring malicious intentions, yet not one dared disrupt this Core Formation attempt.

This was because after the Core Formation phenomenon appeared above Celestial Spring Peak, the mountain-protecting formation had already activated.

Then a deep bull roar echoed outward.

The cultivators on Five Dragon Island all knew that this third-rank mid-stage Mutated Spirit Beast possessed strength comparable to Late Core Formation cultivators.

Who would foolishly provoke it for no reason?

……

Unlike the outside world, many cultivators with cave abodes nearby emerged from secluded cultivation and gazed upward around Celestial Spring Peak.

“It’s Celestial Spring Peak!”

“They’re finally attempting Core Formation!”

Those capable of establishing cave abodes nearby were mostly Xuanyin Pavilion disciples and naturally hoped for success immensely.

Among them were Li Tianmo, Zhou Bingxuan, and Shen Zhuang.

At this moment, countless emotions flickered within the gazes of the three as they looked toward this phenomenon.

Just then, Sword Attendant’s cold shout rang out from Celestial Spring Peak.

“The mountain-protecting formation has activated. No one may move recklessly.

“Anyone daring to leave the mountain without permission, ascend the mountain, or damage the formation—kill!”

Sharp sword qi shot into the heavens.

The peak Initial Core Formation sword intent caused many cultivators to feel immense pressure.

Even many False Golden Core and Core Formation cultivators observing the excitement revealed fear within their eyes after sensing this sharp sword intent.

“What terrifying sword intent!”

“That Formation Master Lin truly possesses great fortune.”

Outsiders discussed endlessly while many Xuanyin Pavilion cultivators already arrived nearby to act as protectors.

Several days later, swirling rosy clouds rolled through the skies above Celestial Spring Peak, expanding steadily and orderly.

This caused many secretly observing cultivators to reveal strange expressions.

“The foundation is solid. Neither hurried nor impatient. The Core Formation will likely succeed.”

“Hmph. Wood-attribute cultivation methods indeed possess such advantages, but the key lies in the later momentum. Core Formation still distinguishes between False Golden Core and True Golden Core.”

Some sighed emotionally.

Naturally, others became jealous beyond measure.

Several more days passed.

The swirling rosy cloud vortex in the sky continued condensing and spreading, unknowingly approaching a radius of one li.

This caused many people’s hearts to sink.

“Heh heh, looks like a True Golden Core is certain now.”

Some cultivators friendly toward the Xuanyin Pavilion—or those unrelated to the matter—spoke with smiling faces.

Meanwhile, certain cultivators hostile toward the Four Seas Merchant Guild looked gleefully toward that group.

At this moment, within the cave abode halfway up Celestial Spring Peak, Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing sat cross-legged within a spiritual spring, palms pressed together.

Pure wood-attribute magical power connected and fused into one unified whole.

Cultivators of wood-attribute cultivation methods were always known for possessing dense and stable magical power.

By this stage, many cultivators would already show signs of exhaustion.

Yet under the sisters’ Dual Cultivation Secret Technique, combined with the advantages of wood-attribute cultivation methods, they displayed not the slightest trace of fatigue.

At this moment, under the assistance of the Blackwater Liquid within their bodies, their liquid magical power continuously condensed further.

There was even a strand of life-filled power slowly merging into it, causing the magical power within the sisters’ bodies to begin undergoing qualitative transformation.

“Elder Sister!”

“Younger Sister!”

In the next instant, the two simultaneously consumed the Condensed Crystal Pill.

At this point, the sisters had already become one body.

With palms and soles pressed together while cultivating identical cultivation methods—

They had practically fused entirely into one.

Having reached this stage in Core Formation, there was no retreat path left.

The sisters shared glory and shared loss.

As crystal granules smoothly appeared within their bodies, excited expressions appeared on the sisters’ faces.

The process of condensing the core had gone exceptionally smoothly for them.

……

Outside, countless people revealed shocked expressions.

The Core Formation phenomenon was actually still continuously rising.

The rosy clouds in the sky had already expanded to several li in radius.

After witnessing this scene while guarding Celestial Spring Peak, Sword Attendant lightly nodded.

“Master previously said that if it were merely a low-grade or mid-grade Golden Core, there would be no need for concealment.

“But if the Golden Core quality rises further, then use formations to obscure it.”

In the next moment, Sword Attendant formed hand seals, activating the Spirit Gathering Formation hidden halfway up the mountain.

This was not merely Lin Chang’an’s arrangement.

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had already coordinated this beforehand as well.

As immense quantities of spiritual energy poured back into the Spirit Gathering Formation, the Core Formation phenomenon outside visibly stagnated, causing many people to secretly sigh in relief.

“As expected. I knew the Xuanyin Pavilion couldn’t possibly be that lucky.”

“Hmph. The Xuanyin Pavilion truly got lucky.”

The phenomenon already clearly indicated that a True Golden Core was certain.

But now the momentum of the phenomenon was climbing toward mid-grade Golden Core quality, naturally causing many people to grow alert.

However, momentum stagnating during the process of impacting Golden Core quality was also perfectly normal.

“One burst of effort, then decline, and finally exhaustion.

“What a pity. Since the first attempt failed to break through, the next attempts will only become more difficult.”

Many people sighed emotionally after seeing the Core Formation phenomenon.

Just one step away—

And it would have reached mid-grade Golden Core quality.

Yet inside Celestial Spring Peak, under the massive spiritual energy pouring inward, the sisters’ Core Formation was not as outsiders imagined.

At some unknown point, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt and Lin Chang’an had also appeared atop the mountain peak.

“These two girls truly didn’t disappoint my expectations.”

As the momentum continuously climbed higher, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt no longer cared about the Spirit Stones constantly consumed by the Spirit Gathering Formation.

Compared to the sisters’ current achievements, what did this little expenditure amount to?

“I’ll control the formation.”

As a third-rank high-grade Formation Master, controlling this Spirit Gathering Formation was simplicity itself.

Under Lin Chang’an’s subtle manipulation—

What outsiders saw was unwilling Core Formation rosy clouds continuously attempting to break through.

However, after several days, outsiders only witnessed the phenomenon of one burst of effort, then decline, and finally exhaustion.

“Low-grade Golden Core!”

The Four Seas Merchant Guild members secretly watching this scene finally sighed in relief.

Others had flickering gazes.

Even if there was deviation, it likely would not differ by too much.

But after thinking carefully—

Could those sent to Celestial Spring Peak possibly be the most talented ones?

Although the Xuanyin Pavilion’s secrecy measures were excellent, information would inevitably leak over three years.

The beautiful twin sisters arranged at Celestial Spring Peak—

To outsiders, the meaning was obvious without words.

Clearly, the Xuanyin Pavilion intended to win over Lin Chang’an, this Core Formation elder.

This was likewise deliberately displayed by Fairy of Rainbow Skirt for outsiders to see.

“What a pity. Just one step away from mid-grade Golden Core.”

“Indeed. The slightest difference leads to a thousand-mile gap. If they could’ve formed mid-grade Golden Cores, their future achievements would’ve been extraordinary.”

Many rogue cultivators shook their heads regretfully, though even more sorrow filled their hearts.

Even sect cultivators like those from the Xuanyin Pavilion found Core Formation this difficult—

Not to mention rogue cultivators like themselves.

Thus, their sighs were not merely for the Xuanyin Pavilion disciples.

More than anything, they sighed for themselves.

Yet within Celestial Spring Peak, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s face rarely flushed red, her heart undoubtedly filled with excitement.

“Superior Golden Core!”

Under the concealment caused by massive Spirit Stone consumption, outsiders knew nothing.

But within the formation, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt could clearly sense it.

The sisters had jointly condensed superior Golden Cores.

Unfortunately, they lacked sufficient follow-up momentum and failed to reach the quality needed to impact an Immortal Golden Core.

Meanwhile, inside the cave abode, Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing, who were in secluded Core Formation cultivation, clearly knew when to advance and when to retreat.

They immediately began stabilizing their realms and continuously strengthening their existing achievements.

“Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Nishang. Your sect has gained two more Core Formation cultivators. The next generation has successors now.”

After seeing this scene, Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded in congratulations.

These two girls had finally not wasted his assistance.

“Fellow Daoist Lin is also a member of my Xuanyin Pavilion. We should celebrate together instead.”

Unable to suppress her excitement, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled and teasingly replied.

This finally stabilized the heart she had spent years scheming for the sect.

Ahead, there were Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu, her junior brother and junior sister.

Now there were also rising stars of the next generation—

And two possessing superior Golden Core quality with limitless futures.

It could be said that even if the remaining three all failed Core Formation, she would already feel completely satisfied.

With just these two superior Golden Cores, as long as no accidents occurred, they would be enough to preserve the sect’s foundation for the next several hundred years.

“Indeed. We should celebrate together.”

Lin Chang’an also smiled and nodded.

Naturally, he could understand why Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was so excited.

She devoted herself wholeheartedly to the sect and had even emptied a hundred years of accumulation for this matter.

The great turmoil was approaching.

If the Xuanyin Pavilion’s younger generation failed to rise, nobody knew what dangers they might encounter.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, if among the remaining three there can still emerge one more successful Core Formation cultivator, then before the Secret Realm opens, I intend to arrange for people to return and guard the Yue Kingdom.”

At this moment, amidst her joy, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt finally revealed her plans with a smile.

Previously she had not spoken of it because she feared disappointment in the end and rejoicing for nothing.

But now things were different.

Her plans could fully be carried out.

“Return to the Yue Kingdom to stand guard?”

After hearing this, Lin Chang’an lightly nodded.

“This plan is indeed prudent. After all, nobody knows what sort of turmoil the Demon Beast Sea Abyss will experience. Having someone return to the Yue Kingdom can at least preserve the sect’s foundation.”

The Yue Kingdom was the Xuanyin Pavilion’s true root.

This much he understood clearly.

……

Meanwhile inside the cave abode, Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing slowly opened their eyes within the spiritual spring, feeling the leap in Divine Sense, magical power, and生命层次.

They could not help revealing delighted expressions.

“Elder Sister, we broke through.”

“Yes. This way, the sect won’t continue burdening the Sect Master anymore.”

Superior Golden Core quality—

This completely exceeded the sisters’ expectations.

Even Fairy of Rainbow Skirt initially only believed it would already be good enough if the sisters could form mid-grade Golden Cores.

“Elder Sister, during Core Formation I sensed a strand of pure wood-attribute life aura. Could this be because of the secret method we cultivate?”

“Perhaps. After all, the two of us cultivate the same cultivation method along with this Dual Cultivation Secret Technique.”

Elder Sister Zhao Lingyue was too delighted to think deeply about it.

Afterward, the sisters slowly stood up in joy.

The sound of dripping water slid from their snow-white skin as the two emerged from the spiritual spring.

In order to achieve the best effects while cultivating together within the spiritual spring, the two had actually remained completely naked.

However, this scene was just witnessed by Lin Chang’an and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt upon entering.

After all, the two possessed extremely powerful Divine Senses.

In the next moment, Lin Chang’an awkwardly turned and left, leaving only Fairy of Rainbow Skirt to walk into the cave abode alone.

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