Chapter 382 ·Nascent Soul Treasure Vault

On ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍Bibo Island.

After ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍returning to his cave abode, Lin Chang’an began digesting the gains from this encounter, especially the exhaustion of his divine sense, which required several months of recuperation.

Meanwhile, ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the outside world remained as calm as ever, with no one knowing what had occurred.

Only ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍some forces secretly discovered that cultivators from Bihai Palace seemed to be investigating something around the sea region near the Ghost Domain.

However, ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍during this turbulent period, the sight instead caused other cultivators to become secretly vigilant, thinking Bihai Palace might be preparing some major move.

Inside ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the cave abode.

“A Fire Spiritual Physique, a Nascent Soul cultivator specializing in fire-attribute divine abilities.”

The memories of a Nascent Soul cultivator were far too vast. After returning, Lin Chang’an deliberately spent time recording some of this Nascent Soul cultivator’s cultivation experiences—

As well as the various cultivation methods and divine abilities he had mastered—into jade slips. This was also one of his habits.

This time, his greatest gain was the memory of the Nascent Soul formation process itself, as though he had personally experienced it.

For a Late Core Formation cultivator like him, these were undoubtedly priceless treasures capable of helping him avoid many detours.

Besides that, there were also the experiences related to fire-attribute divine abilities.

“So fire-attribute divine abilities can actually be used like this.”

After immersing himself in these insights for some time, Lin Chang’an suddenly understood and gained a deeper comprehension of the fire path.

Although his natal magical artifact, the Sun-piercing Divine Sword, was tied to his cultivation of a wood-attribute technique, the path he walked was actually one of controlling fire through wood.

Lin Chang’an opened his eyes and raised his hand, snapping his fingers.

Following a rhythmic cadence, a strand of crimson flame suddenly ignited between his fingers before quickly extinguishing. The flickering light and shadow made his face appear even more profound.

Now, he felt his control over flames had reached another level.

After all, this had been a Nascent Soul cultivator proficient in fire-attribute divine abilities. As long as he could thoroughly digest the old monster’s attainments in the fire path, the benefits to him would be enormous.

“It’s just a pity that this Crimson Fire Nascent Soul cultivator had already been schemed against before, resulting in even his storage bag being lost.”

The greedy Lin Chang’an could not help but sigh inwardly. The storage bag of a Nascent Soul cultivator—nothing remained at all.

Thinking about it carefully, it made sense. The Crimson Fire Old Monster had relied on self-destructing his body just to seize a sliver of hope for survival. How could he possibly still have had the chance to bring away his storage bag?

Fortunately, it was not as though nothing remained. While his Nascent Soul escaped, he had still carried his magical artifact with him.

A Fourth-rank fire-attribute flying sword refined from all sorts of precious materials.

Unfortunately, a Fourth-rank magical artifact of the Nascent Soul level was not something a mere Core Formation cultivator like him could control.

Only those with deep magical power and powerful divine sense could wield magical artifacts beyond their own rank, and even then, the consumption was enormous.

Although Lin Chang’an was confident that his magical power and divine sense barely allowed him to control it, this item absolutely could not be exposed.

The moment it was revealed, a Core Formation cultivator possessing the wealth of a Nascent Soul cultivator would attract not only Bihai Palace—

But countless greedy cultivators.

Even the attention of various Nascent Soul cultivators.

“This treasure is truly a burning-hot potato. I can only keep it hidden until after forming a Nascent Soul in the future.”

Thus, Lin Chang’an felt somewhat helpless.

“Besides the cultivation insights of the Crimson Fire Old Monster, this time’s harvest also includes the treasures hidden on a certain island, as well as the growth of my natal spiritual plant.”

At this moment, Lin Chang’an’s expression turned solemn as he sensed the changes within his natal spiritual plant.

After devouring a Nascent Soul, the Profound Heaven Immortal Vine seemed to have become even more spirited. Outside its three emerald immortal leaves, another branch had actually sprouted from the vine.

“It seems that besides nourishing it with high-grade spiritual liquid, devouring powerful Nascent Souls can also stimulate the growth of the Profound Heaven Immortal Vine.”

Looking at the changes in the Profound Heaven Immortal Vine, even Lin Chang’an fell silent.

Nascent Souls!

How many Nascent Soul cultivators had he even met in total? Yet this thing required devouring Nascent Souls.

Not to mention his current self—even after forming a Nascent Soul in the future, he still would not dare claim he could feed Nascent Souls to the immortal vine.

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an sighed helplessly. The Profound Heaven Immortal Vine was becoming increasingly difficult to raise.

However, after devouring the Nascent Soul of the Crimson Fire Old Monster, the Profound Heaven Immortal Vine’s growth and feedback had also significantly increased his divine sense.

The strength of his divine sense had now vaguely surpassed the peak of Late Core Formation, though there was still some distance from the Nascent Soul realm.

The divine sense of Nascent Soul and Core Formation cultivators differed not only in quantity, but also in quality.

After organizing his gains, Lin Chang’an finally focused his attention on the treasures the Crimson Fire Old Monster had hidden on a certain island.

A cunning rabbit had three burrows, and Nascent Soul cultivators possessed countless methods. Even within the turbulent Demon Beast Sea Abyss, the worst-case scenario was merely having their body destroyed before the Nascent Soul escaped and possessed another body for recultivation.

The escape speed of a Nascent Soul spirit body was several times faster than cultivators of the same level.

This made Nascent Soul cultivators extremely difficult to kill, resulting in many Nascent Soul cultivators secretly leaving themselves backup plans.

If their body were destroyed and their Nascent Soul escaped, even possession and recultivation still required vast resources to recover.

Thus, these Nascent Soul cultivators all secretly maintained treasure vaults, fearing that if something happened, they could rely on those reserves to recover their Nascent Soul cultivation as quickly as possible during their weakened state.

However, unless absolutely necessary, Nascent Soul cultivators would not easily abandon their original bodies. After all, after possession, unless one encountered a great opportunity, surpassing one’s former self in cultivation would become extremely difficult.

“According to the memories, although the Crimson Fire Old Monster had only broken through to Nascent Soul for less than three hundred years, making his foundation rather average among Nascent Soul cultivators—

“For me, a mere Core Formation cultivator, this is undoubtedly an enormous opportunity.”

Core Formation cultivators had no room to be picky. Thus, even Lin Chang’an rarely felt greed arising within his heart.

Although there were no Nascent Soul spiritual objects among the treasures, the cultivation resources alone were enough to make him enormously wealthy in one stroke.

“Especially according to the memories, the Crimson Fire Old Monster’s treasure vault contains two Dragon Scale Fruits, enough to push my body cultivation into Mid Third-rank.

“There are also numerous fire-attribute spiritual objects, which would greatly help the Fengming Bird.”

Normally, he was unwilling to casually risk his life for secret realm opportunities and such because he was fully capable of earning sufficient cultivation resources himself.

But now, with a clearly known treasure vault before him, containing many cultivation resources that were ordinarily impossible to encounter even by chance, how could he possibly let such an opportunity slip away?

Especially since the secret realm would open in less than thirty years, he naturally did not wish to miss this chance.

“However, I also cannot be careless. Although the Blazing Fire Sect has been destroyed, according to the memories, the Crimson Fire Old Monster still has two disciples and one bloodline descendant outside.

“After the incident, these three have undoubtedly hidden themselves away. Furthermore, at the moment the Crimson Fire Old Monster’s Nascent Soul was devoured, this bloodline descendant probably sensed it as well.”

Lin Chang’an pondered inwardly. The methods of Nascent Soul cultivators already surpassed the imagination of Core Formation cultivators.

Within the divine sense of bloodline descendants whose cultivation reached a certain level, they could set restrictions. Once their Nascent Soul perished, those restrictions would dissipate.

This was also a method many Nascent Soul cultivators used to leave behind for their descendants.

Of course, there were also many powerful cultivators who died unexpectedly, leaving behind hidden cave abodes that gradually became the “opportunities” or “secret realms” sought by later generations of cultivators.

“In other words, as long as those three were not eliminated by Bihai Palace, the information regarding the treasure vault could very likely leak out.

“It’s even possible that one of them has already fallen into the hands of some cultivator and been interrogated for the location of the treasure vault.”

At this thought, Lin Chang’an could not help but furrow his brows tightly. It seemed this treasure vault still carried uncertainties.

After all, once a wall collapsed, everyone would push it over. Even he, someone who had mastered several Third-rank arts, was tempted by the legacy of a Nascent Soul cultivator—let alone others.

“I’ll investigate it as quickly as possible. If there’s a chance, I’ll seize it immediately. If someone has already gotten there first or the situation changes, I’ll retreat at once.”

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an did not hesitate in the slightest. He immediately left seclusion and openly departed with the Sword Attendant under the guise of hunting Sinister Spirit Beast Kings to earn spirit stones.

In the Demon Beast Sea Abyss, hunting demon beasts was completely normal. Furthermore, both he and the Sword Attendant publicly cultivated the Baleful Origin Sword Art.

Hunting Sinister Spirit Beast Kings, which they naturally countered, was clearly much easier than hunting ordinary demon beasts.

As for the female cultivator surnamed Ye inviting him to arrange a formation for her cave abode, only to disappear afterward?

Not to mention the current chaotic situation—even before the turmoil, one or two Core Formation cultivators suddenly disappearing in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss was completely normal.

No one would suspect Lin Chang’an. After all, his reputation over so many years stood firm, and he had left behind no traces whatsoever.

……

Within a marketplace in a certain sea region of the Outer Sea.

A bloodline descendant of the Crimson Fire Old Monster disguised as a Foundation Establishment cultivator sat cross-legged within a cave abode recovering from injuries when he suddenly sensed something.

“How is this possible!”

His face drastically changed as the restriction within his divine sense began slowly dissipating.

This could only happen after his ancestor had completely perished.

Although the Blazing Fire Sect had been destroyed and his ancestor’s whereabouts unknown, his ancestor had been a Nascent Soul cultivator!

Nascent Soul possession and rebirth was perfectly normal within the cultivation world.

Yet now the restriction within his divine sense was dissipating. This undeniably meant that his ancestor’s Nascent Soul had fallen.

“Who exactly was it!?”

His eyes became vacant. After the brief shock came deep fear and unease.

“I can’t remain in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss anymore. I have to find a way to flee. As for the treasures left behind by Ancestor…”

After hesitating briefly, greed still appeared within his eyes. As long as he obtained the treasures left behind by his ancestor, perhaps not reaching Nascent Soul, but cultivating all the way to Late Core Formation would absolutely not be difficult.

“And those two traitors!”

At this moment, his face filled with rage. After the destruction of the Blazing Fire Sect, the two senior brothers traveling with him had eventually developed evil intentions after some time.

Had he not remained vigilant, he would not merely be injured right now.

“Those two traitors are probably also eyeing the treasure vault. Perfect—I can use this opportunity to eliminate those thieves.”

He sneered coldly. The treasure vault of his ancestor was protected by formations.

Although the information left behind in the restriction within his Sea of Consciousness was limited, the location of the treasure cave abode and the precautions regarding the formations had been clearly marked.

Now that the Crimson Fire Old Monster had perished, no one understood the formations protecting the treasure vault better than he did.

……

Outer Sea of the Demon Beast Sea Abyss.

The seventy-two island sea region of Bihai Palace in the Outer Sea could only be described as the former borderlands of the Outer Sea. Yet after over ten thousand years of evolution—

Countless human cultivators had already established powerful sects and forces within the Outer Sea.

The true Outer Sea was far more dangerous. Without the protection of great formations, the surging seas frequently contained demon beasts hunting human cultivators.

This was the true law of the jungle.

“This is the place.”

On this day, two streaks of light arrived above a reef island. Endless ocean stretched in every direction, with only occasional reef islands protruding from the waters.

“Master, there doesn’t seem to be any treasure vault here?”

The Sword Attendant, dressed in black and concealing her face, had also hidden her identity. At this moment, she frowned while observing the surroundings.

The sea surface here was calm, and due to geological reasons, the seawater possessed an emerald-green color resembling jade.

“Naturally, there isn’t one above the surface. But these Nascent Soul cultivators possess boundless methods. What lies below is another matter entirely.”

“Below?”

The Sword Attendant looked stunned, while Lin Chang’an merely smiled and nodded.

Who had ever said that spiritual islands containing treasure vaults had to exist above the sea? There were spiritual islands beneath the sea as well.

Back then, the Crimson Fire Old Monster had discovered this place after two great demons fought, shattering a spiritual island. After slaying the two demon beasts, the old monster studied the traces thoughtfully.

Afterward, he sank the small island entirely. Within the Demon Beast Sea Abyss, the disappearance of an inconspicuous small island would attract no attention.

Especially since there were still traces of demon beast battle remaining at the scene.

Only afterward did the Crimson Fire Old Monster establish his treasure vault here.

“To think someone proficient in fire-attribute techniques would actually place their treasure vault underwater.”

These Nascent Soul cultivators were truly more cunning than the next. However, before coming here, Lin Chang’an had already circled the nearby area several times.

During these past days, only some Foundation Establishment cultivators or merchant ships had passed by. No other cultivators had been discovered.

“Master, I’ll investigate first!”

Just as the Sword Attendant volunteered, Lin Chang’an shook his head and slapped his storage bag. Immediately, the Sinister Spirit Beast King Twin-headed Tiger emerged.

“Awooo!”

After many years apart, the Twin-headed Tiger revealed a fawning and affectionate expression upon seeing its master.

Before coming here, Lin Chang’an had specifically brought the Twin-headed Tiger and the three Sinister Baleful Puppet Corpses from the Fog Sea of Tongtian. After all, no one knew what dangers they might encounter.

Over the years, the Sinister Spirit Beast King Twin-headed Tiger had essentially been free-range, and the environment of the Fog Sea of Tongtian was extremely suitable for cultivation. Its cultivation had already reached Mid Third-rank.

Of course, this was also related to the fact that every time they met, Lin Chang’an would clear out other Sinister Spirit Beast Kings and reward it with sinister spirit demon cores.

“All right, release your ghost servants and scout the seafloor surroundings for me.”

Looking at the enormous tiger head rubbing against him ingratiatingly, Lin Chang’an smiled and gently stroked its cool, silky fur in comfort.

“Awooo!”

As the Twin-headed Tiger let out a long howl, it spat out a mass of sinister qi from its mouth, which transformed into one unconscious Second-rank sinister spirit after another.

Under the Twin-headed Tiger’s command, these sinister spirits dived into the seafloor and began scouting.

Although Lin Chang’an’s perception was powerful and he had not sensed anyone, he still summoned the Twin-headed Tiger for safety’s sake.

Sinister spirits were naturally extremely sensitive toward living creatures.

After half an incense stick’s worth of time passed without detecting danger, Lin Chang’an put away the Twin-headed Tiger and directly escaped into the water together with the Sword Attendant.

【Water Escape Technique (Grandmaster 73/5000)】

Over the years, he had never abandoned the cultivation of the Five Element Escape Techniques. These elemental escape techniques were among the most fundamental spells and also direct paths toward the Great Dao.

Even Nascent Soul cultivators practiced them, though very few managed to reach true mastery.

【Wood Escape Technique (Grandmaster 1874/5000)

Fire Escape Technique (Grandmaster 97/5000)

Earth Escape Technique (Grandmaster 12/5000)

Metal Escape Technique (Mastery 798/1000)】

Among the Five Element Escape Techniques, his attainments in Wood Escape were naturally the highest, followed by Fire Escape. Perhaps due to wood generating fire and his natal magical artifact, his progress in Fire Escape had also been excellent.

Only then came Water Escape, mainly because he had deliberately cultivated it while living in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss.

Metal Escape Technique progressed the slowest.

However, after reaching the Grandmaster realm, all Five Element Escape Techniques cultivated extremely slowly.

……

At the bottom of the sea, as they descended deeper, complete darkness surrounded them.

However, beneath the divine sense of Core Formation cultivators, they could clearly sense the vicious sea fish all around them.

Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an’s spirit eyes could perceive even more clearly.

“Master!”

As they descended deeper into the seabed, the Heavenly Spirit Sword Physique of the Sword Attendant was extremely sensitive toward all forms of spiritual qi. Although she could not see anything specific, she could sense something unusual and immediately revealed a solemn expression.

“We’ve arrived!”

Looking at the island resting upon the seafloor, Lin Chang’an also revealed a solemn expression. At the same time, he inwardly marveled at the Sword Attendant. It seemed the Heavenly Spirit Sword Physique still possessed many undeveloped abilities.

“This place contains a quasi-Fourth-rank grand formation connected to a spiritual vein.”

Lin Chang’an spoke gravely. Only relying on his powerful divine sense and spirit eyes had he vaguely sensed something.

Then he formed hand seals. Following the method from the old monster’s memories, a streak of light flashed.

The previously ordinary-looking island covered in coral and schools of fish upon the seafloor suddenly revealed a layer of pale-blue light.

This light curtain enveloped the entire island. The surrounding sea fish swam in and out freely, seemingly unaffected in the slightest.

“Be careful. This is a quasi-Fourth-rank illusion formation.”

Under Lin Chang’an’s reminder, the Sword Attendant nodded solemnly and followed closely behind him.

The surface of the light curtain resembled flowing water, incomparably smooth. Yet in the eyes of a Third-rank High-grade Formation Grandmaster like Lin Chang’an, what he saw was a terrifying restriction created by a rare grand formation.

Without possessing the memories of the Crimson Fire Old Monster, he simply had no ability to forcefully break through such a formation.

“Now that the Crimson Fire Old Monster has fallen, no one in this world understands this formation better than I do.”

After passing through the light curtain, Lin Chang’an smiled and removed the magical artifact gifted to him by the Crimson Fire Old Monster from his storage bag.

This magical artifact flying sword, still carrying the aura of the Crimson Fire Old Monster from before his death, formed a protective light membrane around the two under Lin Chang’an’s control.

As Lin Chang’an formed hand seals while continuously changing directions and swimming through the illusion formation, they did not trigger a single restriction along the way.

“Master, I seem to be able to see some traces within the formation.”

“See?”

The Sword Attendant’s words immediately caused Lin Chang’an to become stunned. Since when did the Sword Attendant possess such an ability?

The Sword Attendant frowned as though realizing something, then spoke solemnly:

“Master, it seems I can see through the essence of illusion formations specifically—not all formations.”

The Sword Attendant’s icy blue and pale gold mismatched pupils glowed with spiritual light. Although the surrounding illusion formation was exquisite, it somehow appeared fake in her eyes.

Lin Chang’an grasped the Sword Attendant’s palm, and the two operated their dual cultivation secret technique together. The scene visible within the Sword Attendant’s field of vision also startled Lin Chang’an.

“The Heavenly Spirit Sword Physique… seeing through heart demons…”

This talent of recognizing illusion formations as fake at a glance left Lin Chang’an speechless.

However, after thinking about the Sword Attendant’s spiritual physique, Lin Chang’an suddenly understood.

The three great sword cultivation physiques each possessed their own advantages. Thinking about it carefully, the Heavenly Spirit Qi nurtured within the Sword Attendant’s body was already helpful to Lin Chang’an for breaking through heart demons when forming a Nascent Soul in the future.

How could it possibly provide no benefit to herself?

Moreover, the Sword Attendant was still a human-demon hybrid and had awakened a dragon bloodline of the lightning attribute.

Lightning attributes naturally enhanced the ability to break through illusion techniques. Thus, the Sword Attendant’s current state was not merely due to the advantages of the Heavenly Spirit Sword Physique, but also the additional boost from her awakened lightning attribute.

“So that’s how it is.”

In the end, Lin Chang’an shook his head. Fortunately, it was not so monstrous that she could break through all formations. Otherwise, this spiritual physique would have been far too heaven-defying.

It merely possessed advantages against illusion formations.

In other words, in battles against cultivators of the same level, the Sword Attendant feared illusion techniques and soul-bewildering cultivation methods the least.

“Techniques like Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s Six Desires Demonic Art seem to be completely countered by the Sword Attendant’s talent.”

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but reveal a smile.

……

“We’ve finally arrived!”

With his familiarity regarding the formation, Lin Chang’an led the Sword Attendant all the way without obstruction into the interior of the island.

A golden gate appeared before them. Such a dazzling sight caused Lin Chang’an’s eyelids to twitch. These Nascent Soul old monsters truly all had different tastes.

Or perhaps it was because once one reached the Nascent Soul realm, there was no longer any need to conceal personal preferences. Acting according to one’s own nature was precisely what powerful cultivators could do.

“Master, there are restrictions upon this gate. Those lacking direct bloodline inheritance likely cannot enter.”

After seeing the gate, the Sword Attendant revealed a solemn expression.

Once the gate’s restriction was triggered, the entire formation would activate.

“Not bad. It seems Ling’er has truly learned many things over these years.”

Within the cave abode, Lin Chang’an had never restricted the Sword Attendant’s access to jade slips, ancient texts, and similar materials.

After hearing his praise, joy rose within the Sword Attendant’s heart. Although part of her reading stemmed from personal interest, there was an even greater reason—

What she loved reading most were the jade slips her master had personally studied, especially those where he had annotated his own understandings beneath them. After reading them, she would also leave behind her own notes.

“Bloodline restriction!”

Looking at the gate, Lin Chang’an smiled calmly. If the Crimson Fire Old Monster had successfully possessed his body, then whose bloodline would that count as?

Thus, the so-called bloodline restriction had been left specifically for the Crimson Fire Old Monster’s direct bloodline descendants, while another method had been prepared for himself.

“Rise!”

As Lin Chang’an formed hand seals, twenty percent of the magical power within his body was instantly consumed before the magical artifact ancient sword of the Nascent Soul cultivator finally emitted spiritual light.

“Fortunately, the old monster originally intended to possess me. Otherwise, if this magical artifact had self-destructed, even if I survived, I would have suffered severe injuries.”

Thinking of this, even Lin Chang’an felt lingering fear.

However, the ancient sword flickering with flames slowly flew before the golden gate.

As the sword blade slowly pierced forward, it seemed to enter some kind of restriction. Ripples resembling water waves appeared upon the gate.

This magical artifact had been refined for years by the Crimson Fire Old Monster using his Essence Blood, containing his aura far more strongly than even his own bloodline descendants.

If the Crimson Fire Old Monster arrived here after possession, there were two methods to open the restriction.

The first was by using this magical artifact.

The second was by using the power of the soul.

“Creak!”

With a crisp sound, the golden gate slowly opened, causing Lin Chang’an to reveal delight.

As the magical artifact descended, Lin Chang’an directly stored it back into his storage bag.

After entering the treasure cave abode, there were no additional methods left behind.

Or rather, there was no need for further methods.

Anyone capable of reaching this point, whether descendants or not—

Any additional tricks would merely be unworthy of mention, considering the previous formations had already failed to stop them.

“Master!”

Inside the treasure chamber, even the Sword Attendant widened her eyes in shock.

This treasure vault of a Nascent Soul cultivator was simply too extravagant.

Spirit stones piled up like mountains, along with all kinds of spiritual objects.

Lin Chang’an and the Sword Attendant both stared with widened eyes. At this moment, the Fengming Bird inside the spirit beast pouch seemed to sense something and became restless.

“Master!”

After the Fengming Bird was released, it immediately widened its bird eyes before transforming into a streak of golden light and drilling into the mountain of spirit stones, happily tumbling about in excitement.

“Kekeke, all these sparkling spirit stones—every single one is a middle-grade spirit stone…”

Its wings hugged spirit stones while it fluttered about wildly. The scene left Lin Chang’an speechless. This bird behaved as though it had never seen the world before. It was simply too embarrassing.

However, Lin Chang’an’s gaze shifted toward the various bottles and jars arranged beside the cave abode.

“Quasi-Fourth-rank talismans, Core Formation spiritual objects, Dragon Scale Fruits, Flame Spirit Stones, and all kinds of medicinal pills…”

As he examined them one by one, there were over thirty bottles of medicinal pills alone. Most were for healing injuries, while the rest increased cultivation.

These medicinal pills were obviously prepared for recultivation after possession.

There were also all kinds of precious spiritual herbs, spiritual fruits, and rare ores.

“There are even two top-grade Third-rank Magical Artifacts!”

One was a crimson umbrella flickering with flames—the Fire Spirit Umbrella. It possessed three major abilities: resisting fire, resisting cold, and resisting wind. It had been specially refined by the Crimson Fire Old Monster before reaching the Nascent Soul realm for exploring secret realms.

The other consisted of six Fire Spirit Beads radiating terrifying aura. Each contained a single strike of the Crimson Fire Old Monster’s Nascent Soul fire-attribute divine abilities. Every bead could unleash one attack from his Nascent Soul period.

“This old monster truly prepared everything thoroughly for himself.”

The Crimson Fire Old Monster had clearly considered that if he truly underwent Nascent Soul possession, he would enter a weakened state. Thus, besides medicinal pills for rapid recovery, he had also prepared protective treasures.

“Ling’er, take this magical artifact. This way, there’s no need to prepare another defensive magical artifact for entering the secret realm.”

Because he himself possessed the superior Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor, Lin Chang’an generously handed this treasure over to the Sword Attendant.

As for the six Fire Spirit Beads, in order to ensure the Sword Attendant’s safety, Lin Chang’an also gave her one in advance.

“Many thanks, Master, for bestowing this treasure.”

The Sword Attendant did not act coyly. Upon receiving the treasure, she nodded firmly. She understood her own role—only by becoming stronger could she help her master.

Most of the remaining materials were fire-attribute materials.

There was also a spirit stone pouch directly containing more than five thousand high-grade spirit stones, greatly delighting Lin Chang’an.

High-grade spirit stones were transaction currency among Nascent Soul cultivators.

To Late Core Formation cultivators, they were even more precious, usually reserved for restoring magical power during critical moments or activating formations.

Normally, no one could bear to use them casually.

“These high-grade spirit stones are used for purchasing Nascent Soul spiritual objects or trading with Nascent Soul cultivators.”

Looking at this harvest, Lin Chang’an was truly extremely satisfied.

It was not difficult to imagine just how thoroughly the Crimson Fire Old Monster had prepared his backup plans. After all, the Demon Beast Sea Abyss was already chaotic by nature, not to mention with the secret realm soon opening.

Yet all of it had ultimately become wedding clothes for him.

“With these cultivation resources, do I even need to risk myself this desperately anymore?”

At this moment, Lin Chang’an thought about the fact that less than thirty years remained before the secret realm opened. With the cultivation resources now in hand, after making preparations upon returning, he could directly enter seclusion.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to cultivate in seclusion all the way until the secret realm opened?

“Master, can I eat this quasi-Fourth-rank demon beast great core? I’ll definitely break through to Late Third-rank.”

The Fengming Bird emerged from the spirit stone pile with glowing eyes, staring at a box Lin Chang’an had opened.

“In your dreams!”

Lin Chang’an glared at it irritably. Break through to Late Third-rank by eating this thing?

This treasure was far too precious. Whether refining magical artifacts or using it elsewhere—

Even if it were to nourish the Fengming Bird, it would have to wait until the peak of Late Third-rank.

At this moment, he suddenly sensed something.

“Someone’s here!”

Upon Lin Chang’an’s warning, killing intent flashed through the Sword Attendant’s eyes, while the Fengming Bird revealed a ferocious expression.

Someone dared come steal its treasures? It would definitely kill them.

“No rush. Perhaps there won’t even be a need for battle.”

As though thinking of something, Lin Chang’an looked around the golden, glittering cave abode with a meaningful expression in his eyes.

The cultivation world was not solely about fighting and killing. Since the benefits had already been obtained, who would still risk their life?

“Come. We’ll seize control of this place’s formation core, then prepare to leave.”

After storing away all the treasures here, Lin Chang’an took a deep breath and controlled the Nascent Soul cultivator’s magical artifact to leave some words upon the wall.

Only then did he depart together with the Sword Attendant and the Fengming Bird.

……

Inside the deep-sea spiritual island.

Because of the Water Avoidance Formation established within the island, all seawater had been isolated outside the formation.

“Damn it, those two traitors. Once they enter this illusion formation, let’s see how they survive and escape.”

The sole remaining direct bloodline cultivator of the Crimson Fire Old Monster entered the cave abode in a bedraggled state while revealing a sinister smile.

Turning back to look at the two senior brothers who had followed him all the way and been lured into the trap, he sneered coldly.

“Ancestor, please forgive this unfilial descendant. If your grandson can achieve the Nascent Soul Dao in this life, I shall definitely return to the Demon Beast Sea Abyss and avenge you. But if this life only reaches Core Formation—

“Then Ancestor, please forgive me. Just treat our bloodline as extinct.”

When he arrived before the golden gate of the treasure cave abode, this young Early Core Formation cultivator knelt upon the ground with a face filled with grief and determination as he apologized.

After seeing this scene from within the hidden formation core, Lin Chang’an’s eyelids twitched.

This truly was such a “good grandson.”

One wondered how the Crimson Fire Old Monster would react upon seeing this. Yet thinking about it carefully, it was understandable. Even a Nascent Soul cultivator had perished. If he still thought about revenge, wouldn’t that simply be courting death?

Any normal person would first hide away and cultivate.

Meanwhile, the two people trapped within the formation wore savage expressions. Just as Lin Chang’an secretly refined the formation plate, he suddenly sensed something and immediately changed expression.

“The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. It seems there are tails following behind as well.”

This caused Lin Chang’an’s gaze to flicker. He had originally planned to manipulate the formation to eliminate these two people, but after this change, he deliberately adjusted the formation. Leaving these two alive could restrain the oriole behind them.

“Ancestor, your grandson has arrived!”

As the grandson of the Crimson Fire Old Monster spoke in a sorrowful and heavy voice, he sliced open his wrist and released a large amount of Essence Blood, causing the golden gate to slowly open.

“The injuries are not light. It’s better to leave some mercy when acting.”

Watching this scene secretly, Lin Chang’an shook his head inwardly. After all, the Crimson Fire Old Monster had left him so many good things. As the bloodline descendant of that senior—

He should still provide a bit of care. At the very least, this person could attract the oriole lurking behind them.

As the golden gate slowly opened, the previously empty cave chamber now suddenly contained two bottles of medicinal pills.

“Ancestor! No—”

A disbelieving and miserable scream echoed out. Inside the formation core, Lin Chang’an remained expressionless, while the Sword Attendant beside him acted as though she had seen nothing.

Only the Fengming Bird shook its head upon seeing this.

“Pitiful human cultivator.”

Meanwhile, inside the treasure chamber, the young cultivator’s eyes nearly split apart as he stared at the empty cave chamber, where only two bottles of medicinal pills remained.

The line of writing upon the wall had already explained everything.

The Crimson Fire Old Monster had already come here after possession, and had even left behind a final testament. He stated that he had been targeted by the Profound Yin Old Monster, and if descendants arrived here, it meant he had already fallen.

The Crimson Fire lineage had been schemed against by the Profound Yin Old Monster—this hatred must forever be remembered!

“Ancestor! Ancestor!”

At this moment, his mentality nearly collapsed. His eyes widened in fury.

His ancestor had taken everything, then gone outside and apparently encountered disaster.

And only left him two bottles of medicinal pills?

“How could this happen!”

The young cultivator’s eyes turned bloodshot as he stared in disbelief. After enduring countless hardships, he had finally arrived at the treasure vault.

Yet his own ancestor had already gotten there first?

This scene was difficult for him to accept.

If his ancestor were still alive, things would have been fine. As long as he endured for several decades, once his ancestor returned to the Nascent Soul realm, he would still possess the protection of a Nascent Soul ancestor.

But now, the ancestor was gone! Everything had become wedding clothes for someone else.

As for revenge, the enemy was supposedly the Profound Yin Old Monster?

What did that have to do with him? What he needed right now were cultivation resources, not knowledge of who the enemy was.

He was merely a tiny Early Core Formation cultivator. Even his Nascent Soul ancestor had perished—what could he possibly do?

Damn it all!

His ancestor should at least have left him something!

As the miserable cries echoed, Lin Chang’an, who was refining the formation plate in the neighboring cave chamber, shook his head.

This temperament simply would not do. How could someone like this ever talk about avenging their ancestor in the future?

But who told him to be softhearted?

If he truly informed this junior that the enemy was Bihai Palace, wouldn’t that leave him utterly hopeless?

Thus, he had shown a bit of kindness. A Profound Yin Old Monster was far easier to deal with than Bihai Palace, no matter what.

“It’s just somewhat unfortunate that this Senior Crimson Fire had not spent long in the Nascent Soul realm. There was only a single treasure vault.”

The greedy Lin Chang’an could not help but shake his head. He had heard that some Nascent Soul cultivators who lived longer often prepared more than one treasure vault as backup.

Unfortunately, he had not encountered such luck.

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