Chapter 381 ·Nascent Soul Possession, Counter-kill!

At ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍dawn on the second day.

Inside ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the octagonal pavilion, Lin Chang’an twitched at the corner of his eye as he looked speechlessly at the Fengming Bird drooping its head while standing on his shoulder.

“You’re ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍at least an exotic beast, and even the Golden Flame Divine Bird among exotic beasts, yet this is all the talent you have?”

After ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍hearing this, the Fengming Bird also felt guilty. Could this really be blamed on it? Master, didn’t you also fail to enter a state of enlightenment?

“Master, ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍you can’t blame me either. Maybe the methods you human cultivators use simply don’t work on me.”

Lin ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍Chang’an was rendered speechless. Didn’t work on demon beasts? Then what about the Green-horned Ox?

At the very least, he himself had made progress.

【Third-rank High-grade Formation Master +954 (Grandmaster 2063/5000)】

His comprehension in the Dao of formations made him feel as though clouds had parted to reveal the sky. Especially the insights regarding restriction-breaking formations he had obtained from the Yin Soul Sect’s formation inheritance.

Those insights had suddenly enlightened him on many matters, directly increasing his experience by nearly a thousand points.

It could be said that this single enlightenment had saved him nearly twenty years of effort.

As for other gains, there were not many. Right now, the matter weighing most heavily on his mind was still the secret realm.

He still had confidence in dealing with the other dangers within the secret realm, but the restriction-breaking within the maze would definitely be fraught with peril.

Moreover, it was also connected to his search for Nascent Soul spiritual objects. Under this subtle intuition, this rare enlightenment had all been focused on the Dao of formations.

“However, my state of mind also seems to have improved somewhat. The increase is just too slight, so there’s no particularly obvious feeling.”

Lin Chang’an secretly pondered this. Meanwhile, the Fengming Bird beside him felt guilty while also looking at the Green-horned Ox in the pool, which seemed to be digesting something—the very same ox it usually mocked.

This immediately gave it a sense of crisis.

Could it be that it truly only relied on its bloodline talent? That in every other aspect, it was even inferior to this gluttonous Green-horned Ox?

This disparity caused a trace of urgency to arise within the Fengming Bird, which had always been proud of its superior bloodline.

“Master, I’m going back to cultivate.”

After Lin Chang’an nodded, the Fengming Bird transformed into a streak of light and flew into the cave abode.

It flew all the way to the Fusang Divine Tree inside the underground cavern, then nestled into its golden silk bird nest and resumed cultivation.

Seeing this scene, Lin Chang’an could not help but curl his lips upward, revealing a smug smile.

No matter how crafty you are like a fox, you still can’t outplay the scheming of humans.

Usually, the Fengming Bird always relied on its superior bloodline and often slacked off during cultivation. This time would count as a lesson for it.

As for the Fengming Bird having poor talent?

He himself had gained enlightenment, so how could the Fengming Bird possibly be lacking?

At this moment, Lin Chang’an could clearly sense that while the Fengming Bird cultivated with closed eyes, a tiny strand of nearly invisible golden flame was being exhaled from its small nostrils.

“It seems it has gained some comprehension regarding this Golden Flame. It’s just that the Fengming Bird’s bloodline is too high-grade, so the effect isn’t obvious.”

Or perhaps it was because the Fengming Bird’s cultivation was still too low and it could not yet display the might of its Golden Divine Flame.

“Moo!”

At this moment, the Green-horned Ox in the pool awoke. The instant it woke up, it revealed a gluttonous expression and stared excitedly at the two spiritual fruits left behind by Fairy of Rainbow Skirt beside the pool.

In the next moment, its ox tongue swept out, and crisp crunching sounds rang from its mouth as it chewed the spiritual fruits.

This left Lin Chang’an speechless. This gluttonous stupid ox truly only had eating on its mind.

“What do you feel?”

The Heavenly Demon Dance consumed an enormous amount of energy. Even Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, with her Late Core Formation cultivation, could only perform it once; otherwise, it would injure the source of her soul and affect future advancement.

Moreover, the cultivator performing it had to possess a firm Dao Heart and sufficient cultivation.

Otherwise, not only would there be no benefits, they would instead be affected by the demonic energy of the Six Desires Demonic Art and develop heart demons, causing more harm than gain.

Facing its master’s question, the Green-horned Ox looked puzzled.

Big eyes stared into small eyes. Lin Chang’an laughed and scolded helplessly:

“I’m asking whether you gained any enlightenment.”

“Moo moo!” The Green-horned Ox’s confused bovine eyes clearly had no idea what had happened.

It only remembered that the sound produced by Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s silver rope golden bell magical artifact last night had sounded pleasant. Then it narrowed its eyes and fell asleep. How would it know what happened afterward?

“Forget it. Asking a stupid ox like you is pointless. Show me your divine ability.”

States of enlightenment could not directly increase cultivation. Cultivation had to be accumulated bit by bit through one’s own effort.

As for those cultivators whose cultivation advanced greatly after enlightenment, it was because their accumulation had already reached sufficient levels and they merely lacked the opportunity for breakthrough.

After enlightenment, they happened to break through, which was why their cultivation appeared to surge dramatically.

“Moo!”

The Green-horned Ox mooed pitifully, then exhaled a ball of white light from its mouth and nose.

In the next moment, all flowers and plants within one zhang before it instantly turned to stone, causing Lin Chang’an’s eyes to widen.

“You stupid ox, these spiritual plants have been cultivated for over a hundred years.”

After realizing it had caused trouble, the Green-horned Ox rolled its eyes and immediately mooed repeatedly before diving into the pool, acting as though it knew it was wrong.

Lin Chang’an was speechless. Yet as he looked at the petrified flowers and plants, his expression gradually became serious.

“The petrification color is deeper than before.”

Petrification divine abilities also varied in quality. Lin Chang’an raised his hand to inspect the petrified matter and fell into thought.

The petrification was now several degrees harder than before.

The improvement of the petrification divine ability would enhance both the Green-horned Ox’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but shift his gaze toward the Sword Attendant, who was seated cross-legged at the entrance of the cave abode in silent comprehension.

“Even the Green-horned Ox gained this much. I wonder how much the Sword Attendant has gained.”

Among sword cultivators in the cultivation world, those possessing sword cultivation physiques generally had astonishing comprehension.

Most spiritual physiques merely enhanced bodily talent, but sword cultivation physiques were among the extremely rare physiques that also enhanced comprehension.

Furthermore, after years of nurturing, the Sword Attendant’s sword Dao talent, aside from the boost from her physique, was also exceptionally outstanding in itself.

Otherwise, she would never have reached Core Formation before the age of one hundred. Especially in all forms of sword Dao divine abilities and spells—she almost mastered them after seeing them once. After cultivating them for a short time, it was equivalent to ten years of effort for ordinary cultivators.

As Lin Chang’an protected the Sword Attendant for another two hours, the blazing sun hung high in the sky, shining brilliantly upon her body when a faint spiritual glow emerged.

“This is!”

This immediately caused Lin Chang’an to reveal a shocked expression. The gains of the Green-horned Ox, the Fengming Bird, and even himself had only made him happy, but not overly astonished.

Although his progress in formations had saved him nearly twenty years, it was built upon possessing superior inheritance and years of accumulation.

That was simply a case of deep accumulation erupting forth.

However, the faint spiritual glow radiating from the Sword Attendant was a feeling he was all too familiar with.

“Sword Shadow Following the Heart? No! This is even purer sword intent. The Sword Attendant has comprehended a sword intent unique to herself.”

The faint spiritual glow around the Sword Attendant gradually condensed into invisible sword gleams circling around her body.

With Lin Chang’an’s powerful divine sense and spirit eyes, he could clearly see those tiny phantom sword gleams.

Such talent caused even him to feel heartfelt envy.

“To comprehend one’s own sword intent—this is a once-in-ten-thousand sword Dao genius. She has completely walked out her own path.”

Lin Chang’an even felt somewhat jealous. In the cultivation world, any cultivator capable of walking their own path, so long as they did not perish midway, would without exception become a renowned existence dominating an entire region.

Of course, following the path of predecessors was not necessarily inferior. Having a mature cultivation path could also save much time.

Each had their own destiny.

After a while, as the sword gleams around her gradually dissipated, the Sword Attendant slowly opened her eyes. Within her mismatched pupils of icy blue and pale gold flickered a trace of sword intent.

Yet after seeing Lin Chang’an, a smile immediately appeared on her face.

“Master!”

Lin Chang’an could sense that this sword intent was extremely intimate toward him, proving that the Sword Attendant trusted him from the bottom of her heart.

“Very good. From now on, your path in the sword Dao will likely need to be walked by yourself.”

Lin Chang’an merely followed paths already walked by others, whereas the Sword Attendant now had to walk her own road.

Under Lin Chang’an’s gaze, the Sword Attendant began sensing the changes within herself.

All forms of sword Dao divine abilities became even more natural and effortless to use. Especially the divine ability Sword Shadow Following the Heart, whose mastery had directly caught up to Lin Chang’an’s current level of comprehension.

Although the Sword Attendant was still only at Mid Core Formation and could only condense six sword gleams, Lin Chang’an could clearly sense the power of those six sword gleams.

“If I were also at Mid Core Formation right now, then with my mastery of this divine ability, I would be roughly equal to the Sword Attendant. But in terms of power, the sword intent born from walking one’s own path is clearly superior.”

In other words, even using the same sword Dao divine ability, anything cast by the Sword Attendant would be thirty percent stronger than cultivators of the same level.

This was not merely due to comprehension in the sword Dao, but because this enlightenment had once again further developed the advantages of her Heavenly Spirit Sword Physique.

“Top-tier spiritual physiques truly defy reason.”

Lin Chang’an could not help but sigh emotionally. He had cultivated the sword Dao bitterly for over two hundred years, yet he had been caught up to by a Sword Attendant who had only cultivated for a little over one hundred years.

Sometimes, there truly was a difference between people.

“According to the ancient records, among the three great top-tier sword cultivation physiques, once one comprehends a sword intent unique to oneself, sword cultivators of the same level are almost incapable of resisting them.

“The same techniques and divine abilities become easier and smoother in their hands, while their power greatly surpasses others. Furthermore, as the cultivator’s cultivation deepens, all sorts of mysterious wonders emerge that cannot be described to outsiders…”

After recalling the records from the ancient texts, Lin Chang’an could not help but feel envious. However, he himself was not lacking either.

“As long as I can cultivate the Profound Heaven Spiritual Physique, it will be no inferior to the world’s top spiritual physiques, perhaps even surpassing them.”

Lin Chang’an was also confident in the potential of the Profound Heaven Spiritual Physique.

Once the Profound Heaven Spiritual Physique was completed and he broke through to Nascent Soul, his physique would evolve from a self-healing body into an Undying Body.

An Undying Body—not to mention human cultivators—even among records of shape-shifted great demons, there were very few possessing such talent.

Besides this, there were many other wondrous uses as well.

“No rush. The path of immortal cultivation has only just begun.”

Looking toward the bright heavens, Lin Chang’an revealed a confident smile.

……

At the cave abode of Fairy of Rainbow Skirt on Profound Sound Peak.

After returning, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt sat alone beside an ancient zither, gazing absentmindedly at the flourishing, picturesque scenery of the sect.

Then, as though she had thought of something, she ultimately released a soft sigh.

“If not for the burden of the sect, I would have willingly followed you.”

Though she could not have her wish fulfilled, a beautiful and moving smile blossomed upon Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s face.

Sometimes, remaining together was not necessarily the best companionship.

She had cultivated for over two hundred years and possessed a firm Dao Heart. Naturally, she knew what she needed and what she insisted upon.

She had already walked this path for so long—how could she simply abandon it?

She too had her own road to walk.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, who would have thought you would also become a steadfast conviction within my heart.”

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled radiantly. If her previous unwavering conviction had been the sect, then now there was another figure added within her heart.

Only by proving the Nascent Soul Dao would there be a chance.

“A conviction does not necessarily become a heart demon!”

As her Dao Heart became even more resolute, recalling scene after scene from last night, and finally their clasped hands beneath the moonlight, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s heart became crystal clear.

After a long while, clear and cheerful zither music echoed within the pavilion.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, if I am the first to step into the Nascent Soul realm, I certainly will not let you leave so easily again.”

As her light voice rang out, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt revealed yet another smile.

From beginning to end, the Profound Sound Pavilion had never labeled itself a righteous sect. In the end, the Profound Sound Pavilion also originated from the demonic path, and she herself cultivated a demonic cultivation method.

If she truly formed a Nascent Soul, she would not mind capturing this Fellow Daoist Lin and bringing him back.

“I hope we can both safely emerge from the secret realm and achieve the Great Dao of Nascent Soul soon.”

……

Half a year later, the merchant ship of the Profound Sound Pavilion prepared to set sail. Li Tianmo arrived at the dock of Five Dragon Island with his Foundation Establishment wife, Zhou Xiuwan.

Most of those seeing him off were Foundation Establishment disciples of the Profound Sound Pavilion.

“A thousand-li farewell must still end in parting. Fellow Daoists, take care.”

Before the dock, Li Tianmo gazed at one familiar face after another, as well as the vast world before him, filled with reluctance.

However, the Li Clan still needed him.

“Brother Li, treasure yourself.”

Shen Zhuang and Zhou Bingxuan also came to bid farewell. Yet when Li Tianmo looked at the two of them, his eyes dimmed, though he still forced out a smile while suppressing the bitterness in his heart.

“These are my failed experiences from attempting Core Formation. Though not precious, I still hope the two of you can achieve Core Formation in the future.”

“Many thanks.”

Under the gazes of Zhou Bingxuan and Shen Zhuang, Li Tianmo boarded the merchant ship with his wife and gradually disappeared beyond the horizon.

The crowd seeing him off also gradually dispersed, leaving only Shen Zhuang and Zhou Bingxuan behind.

“The three of us came here together back then. Now only the two of us remain.”

Shen Zhuang also sighed with rare sentimentality, while Zhou Bingxuan beside him spoke firmly:

“Perhaps leaving this land of trouble is not such a bad choice.”

The Li Clan now needed Li Tianmo to shoulder the burden. If anything truly happened to him, the Li Clan might very well decline.

Afterward, the two parted ways. However, as Shen Zhuang watched Zhou Bingxuan’s departing figure, his emotions became somewhat complicated.

Whether in talent or foundation, he was inferior to Zhou Bingxuan. Remaining on Five Dragon Island now was merely due to his obsession with achieving Core Formation.

“But being able to reach this point has already surpassed many others.”

Finally, Shen Zhuang smiled and flew toward his own cave abode.

……

Within the sea region of Five Dragon Island.

Lin Chang’an arrived as promised, coming before the cave abode of the female cultivator surnamed Ye to set up the formation and complete the transaction.

“Fellow Daoist Lin truly deserves the reputation of a Third-rank High-grade Formation Grandmaster.”

This mature and charming female cultivator surnamed Ye stepped forward with a seductive smile, flattering him warmly.

Lin Chang’an merely smiled calmly and nodded.

“The formation has already been delivered. May Fellow Daoist now hand over the Fire Lingzhi to me?”

The thing that truly interested him about this female cultivator surnamed Ye was precisely this relatively rare fire-attribute spiritual herb she had produced.

After returning, he could refine a furnace of fire-attribute spirit pills for the Fengming Bird, perhaps helping it break through sooner.

“Fellow Daoist Lin truly is impatient. This little woman shall return to the cave abode to retrieve it immediately.”

The female cultivator surnamed Ye smiled seductively. As she brought him to the entrance of the cave abode, she intentionally leaned lightly against him.

A soft and overflowing sensation was transmitted over. What should have been an extremely alluring scene instead caused Lin Chang’an’s heart to skip a beat, while the Profound Heaven Immortal Vine within his dantian trembled slightly.

Suddenly sensing the rubbing and kneading from the large hand, the beautiful female cultivator surnamed Ye immediately revealed a seductive expression.

“Hehe, Fellow Daoist Lin truly is heartless. After taking this little woman’s benefits, you even wish to swallow this little woman whole. Truly unwilling to suffer even the slightest loss…”

Lin Chang’an’s current appearance of insisting on taking payment before discussing anything else caused the woman to laugh continuously.

However, after fiercely kneading her once in his hand and watching the seductive female cultivator surnamed Ye return into the cave abode, Lin Chang’an’s heart began pounding violently.

“Something’s wrong! That feeling earlier—she truly is hiding something!”

At this moment, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes. The formation plate prepared for the transaction within his palm was silently switched with another secondary formation plate.

It was not that he was overly cautious or suspicious. Rather, while intentionally allowing himself to be seduced and touching the woman earlier, he had clearly sensed a feeling of palpitating danger.

It was as though something had locked onto him.

However, Lin Chang’an was still confident in his current strength and inwardly sneered.

With my current cultivation, unless it is a Nascent Soul cultivator, I fear no one.

Meanwhile, after entering the cave abode, the female cultivator surnamed Ye no longer retained her previous glamorous appearance. Feeling the lingering pain from being kneaded earlier, a trace of killing intent appeared in her eyes.

“Husband, this little woman has already been taken advantage of so much, yet you’re still laughing!”

At this moment, as though sensing something, the female cultivator surnamed Ye spoke with irritated annoyance.

“Hmph, what advantage? In a moment, this body will belong to this seat.”

At this moment, the cave abode contained only the female cultivator surnamed Ye, yet she was clearly communicating through voice transmission with something inside her body.

“In the entire Five Dragon Island sea region, there are only a few who satisfy Husband’s conditions for possession. Among them, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt from the Profound Sound Pavilion and this Lin Chang’an possess the best bodies, age, and talent…”

“Not bad. At only two hundred and fifty years old, yet already at Late Core Formation. After this old man possesses him, I can restore my cultivation at the fastest speed…”

At this moment, within the body of the female cultivator surnamed Ye, a fiery-red Nascent Soul miniature figure spoke with imposing dignity.

“Damn that Bihai Palace! To think they colluded with the demon race and those Ghost Domain scum to scheme against this old man. Once this old man restores his cultivation, this debt will be repaid sooner or later!”

This Nascent Soul was actually none other than the Crimson Fire Old Monster, whose incident in the Outer Sea had caused an uproar some time ago. Who would have thought that after the destruction of the Blazing Fire Sect, he would actually be hiding here?

The female cultivator surnamed Ye also harbored greed within her heart. She had originally fled to the Five Dragon Island sea region to avoid the turmoil.

Yet unexpectedly, a Nascent Soul old monster had suddenly launched a surprise attack. How could she possibly resist?

Had her aptitude and talent not been insufficient, she likely would have already been possessed long ago.

However, this could also be considered a rare opportunity for her. The other party had even promised that after the possession succeeded, he would take her as a concubine.

For a female cultivator at the Early Core Formation stage, attaching herself to a Nascent Soul old monster was undoubtedly a path to the heavens.

Although there were risks involved, without any risk at all, how could she ever have the opportunity to cling to such a lofty Nascent Soul old monster?

“Fellow Daoist Lin, the only thing to blame is that you are too young.”

……

After a while, the mature and charming female Core Formation cultivator surnamed Ye walked out smiling, carrying the freshly picked Fire Lingzhi in her hand.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, this is the treasure you wanted. However, there is another treasure as well. Why not follow this little woman back into the cave abode to retrieve it?”

Her water-blue collar was pulled extremely low, revealing those abundant, full, jade-white curves.

Faced with such ultimate temptation, Lin Chang’an revealed the fascinated smile of a man enchanted by beauty after receiving the Fire Lingzhi.

“In my eyes, Fellow Daoist Ye herself is the finest treasure.”

With a startled cry, Lin Chang’an directly wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her up. Yet in the next moment, instead of heading into the cave abode, he brought her beneath a large tree outside.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, what are you…”

Vines suddenly emerged, arranging the female cultivator into an unusual posture. This left the female cultivator surnamed Ye both anxious and furious. Damn this refined-looking Lin Chang’an—he actually played this wildly.

“Something’s wrong!”

As the vines tightly bound her from all sides, the sudden change caused the Primordial Spirit within the female cultivator surnamed Ye’s body to abruptly notice something.

Suddenly, a thunderous sound erupted from within her body. At the same time, the aura of the female cultivator surnamed Ye transformed drastically, and a terrifying oppressive pressure descended.

The moment Lin Chang’an sensed this aura, his expression changed.

This aura was wrong!

“What a cautious junior. This old man is becoming increasingly fond of your body!”

Suddenly, the female cultivator surnamed Ye released a booming voice. Combined with that familiar magical power aura—

Lin Chang’an’s figure explosively retreated while his heart shook violently in shock.

“Crimson Fire Old Monster, how are you here!”

Having previously read the memories of Core Formation cultivators from the Blazing Fire Sect, he naturally recognized this aura after it erupted.

Combined with this terrifying divine sense pressure, this could only belong to a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Previously, he had only heard that the Crimson Fire Old Monster had disappeared, and even that the Blazing Fire Sect had been destroyed. How could this person possibly be here?

Moreover, from the current situation, this Nascent Soul old monster had clearly lost his physical body, with his Nascent Soul residing inside this female cultivator.

Yet all of this happened in the blink of an eye. From the moment the Crimson Fire Old Monster’s aura appeared and a strand of firelight burned through the vines, Lin Chang’an had already explosively retreated outside the cave abode.

At the same time, the water-attribute formation surrounding the cave abode began to appear.

“Boy, are these despicable tricks all that Blood Fiend taught you!”

The sudden change clearly indicated that Lin Chang’an still controlled the formation he had just arranged, causing the Crimson Fire Old Monster to become enraged.

The instant the formation activated, while his voice still lingered in place, a crimson-red shadow suddenly flashed behind Lin Chang’an.

Blocking his escape route.

Boom!

Nine Sun-piercing Divine Swords appeared around Lin Chang’an, transforming into a blazing sword shield burning with scorching flames.

“Haha, excellent! It’s even a magical artifact refined from Fusang Divine Wood. Today, this old man will claim both your body and magical artifacts!”

The Nascent Soul of the Crimson Fire Old Monster laughed sinisterly. This boy was also a chess piece of the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace. Old grudges and new hatred—today he would first collect some interest.

Although Lin Chang’an was shocked when facing a Nascent Soul cultivator, he was not completely panicked.

If this were a Nascent Soul cultivator at full strength, he naturally would not stand the slightest chance. But this was merely a Nascent Soul that had hidden for so long before preparing for possession. One could imagine just how severe the injuries were.

Even the Nascent Soul was likely damaged.

“If Senior were at full strength, this junior naturally would not have the slightest chance of victory. But now Senior is merely a lone Nascent Soul barely controlling the body of a Core Formation cultivator. Just how much strength can you truly wield!”

While explosively retreating, Lin Chang’an shouted coldly without the slightest hesitation as terrifying sword gleams burst forth.

The “female cultivator surnamed Ye” angrily raised a defensive barrier.

However, sword gleams poured down like torrential rain with booming explosions.

Under the dense bombardment, cracks visible to the naked eye gradually appeared across the sturdy defensive barrier. Seeing this, the Crimson Fire Old Monster revealed a trace of anger.

“Damn it, this body’s cultivation is too weak, and it’s not even a possession vessel.”

Yet hidden among the countless sword gleams were nine terrifying sword shadows. Suddenly, with a cracking sound, the pupils of the Crimson Fire Old Monster inside the barrier contracted.

The nine sword shadows became lodged before the magical power barrier. Just as they could no longer advance even half an inch further, dazzling light abruptly erupted.

Boom!

The nine sword shadows condensed by Lin Chang’an self-destructed. The peak power unleashed was comparable to the self-destruction of three Third-rank High-grade Magical Artifacts.

However, Lin Chang’an did not dare relax in the slightest. Sword gleams continued pouring down like a violent storm without pause in the assault. Even as his magical power rapidly drained, he did not forget to slap his storage bag.

In an instant, countless Third-rank talismans transformed into lightning flashes, fire flashes, and even several Soul Stabilizing Talismans that shot toward the enemy.

“Detestable junior, since you destroyed this old man’s body, then use your own body as compensation!”

Amid the storm of sword gleams came an enraged roar. The body of the female cultivator surnamed Ye was directly swallowed by the sword gleams, leaving not even a scrap of flesh behind.

A fiery-red Nascent Soul the size of a palm appeared, and the Crimson Fire Old Monster revealed a furious expression.

He was a dignified Nascent Soul cultivator, yet he had actually been looked down upon by a mere Core Formation cultivator.

“So many Third-rank talismans!?”

Alongside the sword rain came countless Third-rank talismans, causing the pupils of the Crimson Fire Old Monster in Nascent Soul form to contract in shock.

Third-rank talismans were strategic resources even within the Demon Beast Sea Abyss, yet Lin Chang’an actually possessed so many.

“Junior, this old man wants to see just how many trump cards you still have!”

Although the body of the female cultivator surnamed Ye had been destroyed, after exposing his Nascent Soul, the Crimson Fire Old Monster’s strength instead increased rather than decreased. With a cold shout, a magical power barrier spread around him.

“Not good!”

This fiery-red Nascent Soul was far too fast. Lin Chang’an’s pupils contracted sharply. After leaving the body, the speed of a Nascent Soul became even faster.

Not to mention Core Formation cultivators—

Even Nascent Soul cultivators of the same realm found it extremely difficult to capture a Nascent Soul after it left the body.

“Old monster!”

Lin Chang’an roared furiously. At this moment, he no longer cared about concealing himself. A powerful aura of qi and blood erupted as his defenses suddenly strengthened.

“Third-rank body cultivator!”

If Lin Chang’an possessing so many Third-rank talismans had already shocked him earlier, then Lin Chang’an now revealing dual cultivation of body and magical arts caused the Crimson Fire Old Monster’s eyes to widen with greed.

A Late Core Formation cultivator only a little over two hundred and fifty years old, a Third-rank High-grade Formation Master, and secretly also a Third-rank body cultivator.

This person absolutely possessed a tremendous opportunity.

At this moment, the Crimson Fire Old Monster became even more determined to possess him. At that time, those opportunities would certainly help him recover rapidly.

“Boy, this old man shall gladly accept this dual cultivation body!”

The fiery-red phantom instantly appeared before him. The speed of a Nascent Soul was so fast that Core Formation cultivators could not react at all.

At this moment, amidst his shock and fury, ruthlessness also appeared within Lin Chang’an’s eyes.

Although this move was somewhat risky, he could no longer care about anything else.

Facing a Nascent Soul, he had no chance of escape. His only option was to stake everything on one gamble and rely on the devouring ability of the Profound Heaven Immortal Vine.

“Old ghost, even if I die, I’ll drag you down with me!”

Just as the Nascent Soul was about to burrow into Lin Chang’an’s glabella, a strand of dark light suddenly appeared.

“Ah—”

A miserable scream rang out, causing the Crimson Fire Old Monster’s Nascent Soul to dim considerably.

“This is the Yin Spirit Drill of the Shape-shifted Sinister Spirit Beast King from the Ghost Domain!”

The Crimson Fire Old Monster’s Nascent Soul was both shocked and furious. This strike had heavily injured his Nascent Soul, yet having already reached this point, how could he possibly abandon the body already within reach?

“Boy, this old man wants to see just how many opportunities you truly possess!”

Boom!

The dimmed Nascent Soul instantly escaped into Lin Chang’an’s glabella, and Lin Chang’an’s divine sense erupted with a thunderous roar.

Within the Sea of Consciousness space, a massive opening was torn apart by a cloud of fire.

As the Crimson Fire Old Monster invaded the Sea of Consciousness, he revealed a sinister smile while endless seas of flame surged upward, preparing to seize this body.

Buzz!

Suddenly, within the Sea of Consciousness space, an immortal vine radiating terrifying life force slowly rose upward.

Three emerald immortal leaves blossomed with mysterious radiance. A horrifying suction force descended, directly swallowing the endless sea of flames within the Sea of Consciousness, along with the invading Nascent Soul.

“No!”

The Crimson Fire Old Monster revealed an expression of utter disbelief as he looked at the Profound Heaven Immortal Vine in terror.

His Nascent Soul actually seemed to be imprisoned. Under this suction force, he was utterly incapable of resisting.

Fear originating from the soul itself filled him with horror.

Once sucked inside, both soul and spirit would scatter completely, vanishing forever from heaven and earth.

Yet the Profound Heaven Immortal Vine gave him no opportunity at all. Amid a scream of soul-deep terror, he was directly devoured and transformed into nourishment.

……

Meanwhile, in the outside world, Lin Chang’an still stood above the spiritual island.

At this moment, his face was pale, and a layer of sweat covered his forehead.

The divine sense of a Nascent Soul cultivator was simply too powerful. Even after weakening much of the opponent’s Nascent Soul power through the Yin Spirit Drill, the nearly thousand years of memories were far too vast.

Boom!

Massive scenes of memories continuously flashed within the Sea of Consciousness, reflecting the legendary life of this Nascent Soul cultivator.

Possessing a Fire Spiritual Physique and extraordinary talent, he advanced triumphantly all the way into Core Formation before encountering the even more renowned True Man Blood Fiend.

The two met during a treasure struggle, where he suffered a crushing defeat. Yet the cold and arrogant gaze of True Man Blood Fiend filled him with resentment.

Afterward, he cultivated bitterly. Entering a secret realm, he encountered True Man Blood Fiend once more, while countless people around praised that man, causing deep frustration within him.

He later obtained a Nascent Soul spiritual object through opportunity, while True Man Blood Fiend mysteriously disappeared.

Afterward, he achieved the Nascent Soul Dao and became one of the Nascent Soul great powers of the Demon Beast Sea Abyss, establishing his own sect in what could truly be called a legendary life.

Later, upon learning of Blood Fiend’s death, he laughed triumphantly. In the end, he was the one who had the final laugh.

Yet this experience also made him understand that those capable of cultivating to such a level valued opportunities even more.

When the secret realm opened, he secretly contacted others and began laying plans. Yet his subordinates later informed him that the Fourth-rank Shape-shifted Sinister Spirit from the Ghost Domain wished to cooperate with him.

Combined with the inheritance of the Yin Soul Sect, the fact that the Shape-shifted Sinister Spirit Beast King was trapped upon the island, and his own cultivation of fire-attribute techniques, his overwhelming confidence led him into the Ghost Domain.

Unexpectedly, it was all a conspiracy. The Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace and a shape-shifted poisonous flood dragon ambushed him. He roared madly and self-destructed his body, barely seizing a sliver of survival…

“So this is the life of a Nascent Soul cultivator!”

After a long silence, Lin Chang’an opened his eyes with a weary expression and landed at the formation core.

Regarding the life of the Crimson Fire Old Monster, Lin Chang’an could only summarize it in one word—

Legendary!

Rather, it should be said that every Nascent Soul cultivator’s life was enough to write an entire legendary tale with themselves as the protagonist.

“The Ghost Domain is actually involved in something this massive!”

At this moment, Lin Chang’an was inwardly alarmed and finally understood why the Crimson Fire Old Monster had appeared in the Five Dragon Sea.

The old monster only had a few targets suitable for possession, and he himself had been the easiest to lure out.

Inviting him to arrange a formation within the Five Dragon Island sea region—who could possibly imagine that a Nascent Soul cultivator would be lying in ambush there?

“However, in the end, the Crimson Fire Old Monster merely made wedding clothes for me.”

After surviving the calamity, Lin Chang’an could not help but smile.

The experiences of forming a Nascent Soul and the entire life of a Nascent Soul cultivator—these were priceless treasures to him.

“I must leave this place first. Absolutely no rumors can leak out!”

After recovering slightly, Lin Chang’an calmly inspected the scene. Since the battle had been extremely brief, no traces had been left behind.

Still, he repeatedly checked twice more, erasing the traces remaining beneath the tree and creating the appearance that nothing had ever happened.

Although according to the memories, the Crimson Fire Old Monster had hidden himself extremely well, who knew whether the Bihai Palace cultivators secretly investigating might discover something.

The cave abode of the female cultivator surnamed Ye should not be touched recklessly, nor should this formation.

After thinking everything through, Lin Chang’an slapped the Green-horned Ox. In the eyes of outsiders, he had merely completed the formation setup before leaving.

As for the disappearance of the female cultivator surnamed Ye afterward, it had nothing to do with him.

Right now, he still needed to return and sort through the treasures of this Nascent Soul cultivator.

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