Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 232 Planning for Core Formation [10,000 words update, please vote]

"Could this be the demon core of a third-tier Yin Spirit Beast King?!"

The jade box was opened, revealing a demon core as black as ink, which also exuded a sinister aura, causing everyone to gasp in shock.

Although both are third-tier demonic beasts, it is clear that few people would rather team up with others to hunt demonic beasts than hunt this Yin spirit.

Not only is it of low value, but more importantly, hunting evil spirits is too dangerous.

After all, these evil spirits hide in places where yin energy gathers, and their attack methods are extremely strange, causing headaches for many cultivators.

Upon seeing this item, the burly man in yellow glared, then burst into loud laughter:
"Fellow Daoist, you are very capable. I am willing to be your friend. However, hunting Yin Spirits is of very low value."

Among those of the same attribute, the demon core of the Yin Spirit attribute is slightly more valuable than the demon cores of the Five Elements, but apart from the demon core itself, the Yin Spirit has almost no other value.

But demonic beasts are different. Their scales, shells, flesh and blood essence, and even some sharp claws, teeth, and horns, combined, are comparable to two demon cores.

More importantly, when two or three pseudo-core cultivators hunt demonic beasts, disagreements are less likely to arise regarding the distribution of spoils.

After Lin Chang'an took out this item, despite the changed expressions on everyone's faces, he smiled and cupped his hands in greeting:
"I've been lucky, and with my cultivation of fire-attribute techniques, I'm at a disadvantage when hunting sea monsters, so I have to make a living in the Tongtian Mist Sea."

The crowd understood the cultivators who practiced fire-attribute techniques.

However, everyone looked at each other in bewilderment at the fact that Lin Chang'an needed two wood-attribute demon cores.

"If you were at a trading fair for True Core cultivators, you would probably find what you're looking for very easy. But most of us are Pseudo Core cultivators, and half of us are required to stay within our clans year-round..."

One of the elderly, white-haired pseudo-core cultivators couldn't help but sigh with melancholy upon seeing yet another third-tier demon core.

His eyes seemed to hold a hint of reminiscence, and his expression was complex.

Hunting third-tier monsters isn't something I dare not do, it's something I can't do!

They all bear the weight of their families' rise and fall. It's not easy for a fake elixir ancestor to emerge, who can ensure the family's prosperity for hundreds of years. How many dare to take the risk?

Seeing the bewildered looks on everyone's faces, Lin Chang'an sighed inwardly, but changed his words again:
"If that doesn't work, I'll exchange it for a low-grade third-tier wood-attribute demon core and a recipe for a Crystal Condensation Pill. Does any fellow Daoist have one?"

Lin Chang'an felt helpless; the only relatively clean Yin Spirit Demon Core he could offer was this one.

Both the third-tier corpse pill and the third-tier tortoise shell cannot be exposed to the light of day; at the very least, they cannot be taken out here.

"Fellow Daoist, I have a spiritual herb that you might find suitable?"

Several cultivators secretly transmitted their voices, but Lin Chang'an shook his head in unison.

The beautiful elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion, who was presiding over this trade fair, pondered for a moment after witnessing this scene, and then spoke up:
"Fellow Daoist, our sect does have a low-grade third-tier wood-attribute demon core, but there's only one. How about adding this to the list?"

As soon as the elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion raised his hand and took out a bottle of pills, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but smile.

A third-tier pill to enhance cultivation—this is a good thing, even though there are only three.

"Alright, I'll exchange this item with you, fellow Daoist."

Although it wasn't the pill formula he wanted, these three third-tier pills were still something he needed.

His spiritual root aptitude is poor, and he will probably encounter a bottleneck and stagnate in his cultivation after reaching 90 experience points.

If he were to force himself to form his core at this point, the chances of failure would be very high. This is why it is more difficult for cultivators with lower aptitude to form their core.

However, this elixir could help him forcibly improve his cultivation level.

Yun Yao had given him a third-tier pill to enhance his cultivation before, and with this one as well, Lin Chang'an was overjoyed.

At the same time, he also obtained a third-tier wood-attribute demon core, and Lin Chang'an secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"In this way, the Three-Turn Core Condensation Technique is only two demon cores away from completion."

The resources that the cultivators brought out for exchange next, no matter how bad, were still far superior to those in the Foundation Establishment circle.

Lin Chang'an was tempted by many of the things he saw, especially the strange and unusual materials used to refine magical artifacts.

Unfortunately, this fake Core Formation cultivator was just a fraud; his primary goal was to form his own Core.

If you can't even achieve the Core Formation stage, then having all the materials to refine these magical treasures is a waste.

"Actually, the Blood Fiend Sword is also a good magic weapon, but it has many implications and cannot be taken out easily."

Lin Chang'an pondered silently. This Blood Fiend True Man was a late-stage Core Formation cultivator who had also plotted to reach the Nascent Soul stage. Who knew what risks he might encounter if he brought him out?

Moreover, this magic weapon, when possessed by the Phoenix Bird, is even more powerful in slaughtering evil spirits.

Just as he was losing interest and preparing to wait until tomorrow's auction to devise the formula for the Crystallizing Pill, a rare item appeared that piqued his interest.

A gaunt cultivator revealed a sinister smile, and with a wave of his hand, a storage bag as thin as a cicada's wing appeared in his palm.

With the application of magical power, the object adhered perfectly to the skin, making it impossible to detect anything amiss.

More importantly, divine sense is unpredictable.

"Fellow Daoists, this storage bag is made of extremely rare materials, and it is further enhanced with the rare material Illusion Stone."

"If it fits snugly against the skin or is hidden away, even the divine sense of a late-stage True Core cultivator would be unable to detect it..."

Seeing that there was a storage bag with such capabilities, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but nod in admiration. The world of cultivation was truly full of wonders.

However, as this person continued speaking, one of them scoffed and said:
“Fellow Daoist, this Phantom Stone is also known as the Yin Spirit Stone. It is generally found in places where Yin spirits gather. It is an excellent material for crafting concealment and shadow-type magic treasures. As for crafting storage bags, I'm afraid the space is not very large.”

The others also suddenly realized, and some shook their heads with a smile after understanding, saying that this thing was not very useful.

Some people, however, seemed thoughtful, thinking that this item would be quite good for collecting precious things.

"The Yin Spirit Stone has the effect of concealing spiritual energy and shielding against divine sense probing."

After learning about it, Lin Chang'an not only gained knowledge, but also felt a pang of heartache.

He spent a lot of time in the land of spirits, so did he miss out on many precious things?
"It seems that we should also purchase some catalogs of rare minerals at this auction."

This is about knowledge of weapon crafting, which is also something Lin Chang'an lacks.

In the trading market, after being exposed, the gaunt cultivator was not angry, but instead sneered:

"Fellow Daoists, this storage bag did indeed use only a small amount of Phantom Stone material, and the space is also very small, but who dares to say it's useless? Could it be that one of your descendants has outstanding talent?"

"Don't we need to secretly collect Core Formation spiritual items? Or perhaps one day a fellow cultivator will be lucky enough to obtain an opportunity. You know, many Tribulation Cultivators specifically raise demonic beasts with exceptionally sensitive noses..."

The implication was obvious to everyone.

But some people shook their heads helplessly, thinking that they were already lucky to be able to form their core, and there was no one as outstanding as them among the younger generation.

Some people hesitated, perhaps thinking that before their lifespan ended, they would try their luck for their descendants, but this item was not cheap.

It can be said that this item is useless, merely an auxiliary item.

It doesn't improve combat power, and the cost is considerable.

"I wonder what you would like to exchange this for?"

Someone couldn't help but ask, and this person smiled and said:

"Pills and talismans are both acceptable, but if it's spirit stones, at least 15,000 mid-grade spirit stones are required."

Upon hearing the price, many people, after their initial shock, immediately revealed a cold smile.

This item is rare, but who in their right mind would spend such a high price to buy it?

Fifteen thousand mid-grade spirit stones, with a little more, could buy some inferior Core Formation spirit items for future generations.

"Fellow Daoists?"

The gaunt, fake-core cultivator was somewhat embarrassed, as if he had asked for too much.

That's how trade fairs are; people trade when they need something, and if both sides think it's worthwhile, they won't trade.

Seeing that no one spoke, Lin Chang'an was somewhat tempted. He pretended to ponder for a moment, then shook his head and said:

"I am interested, but your price is too high."

"Fellow Daoist, even the divine sense of a Core Formation cultivator cannot detect me..."

After that, the two began to communicate and negotiate the price via telepathy. Some of the others watched from the sidelines, while others wanted to speak up, but after thinking about it, they hesitated.

Even if you try to lower the price, it's really not worth it to have something so useless.

However, some people were secretly watching Lin Chang'an, and many believed that if Lin Chang'an wanted this item, he probably had a treasure on him.

Lin Chang'an was tempted because he had encountered such a tribulation cultivator before.

By raising a spirit pet, one can sense how many spirit stones are in his storage bag.

Who can guarantee that they won't encounter such a calamity someday?

After all, his status as a fake Core Formation cultivator is fake, and he will inevitably attract attention when collecting Core Formation spiritual items in the future.

If one day someone discovers the aura of a third-tier spiritual item or a Core Formation spiritual item in my storage bag, it will be troublesome.

"Moreover, the amount of Core Formation materials I need is far greater than that of ordinary cultivators. In short, it's always better to be safe than sorry. It's worth spending 10,000 mid-grade spirit stones for peace of mind!"

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered, and he thought it was worth it.

But not all cultivators have his wealth.

Those who can attend the Xuan Yin Pavilion Trade Fair may be considered powerful clans by low-level cultivators, but among those of the same level, their foundation is not as good as that of these major sects.

"Fellow!"

"A pill to enhance cultivation."

Finally, the two reached a deal, with Lin Chang'an reluctantly trading pills for the item. Upon seeing it, his face darkened; the space was indeed quite small, barely able to hold an item the size of a small package.

The gaunt cultivator wore an embarrassed smile, but secretly breathed a sigh of relief, finally managing to get rid of the thing.

"Although it's small, it's an extra layer of insurance for me."

Lin Chang'an nodded secretly. Neither party felt they had lost out in the transaction; both had obtained what they needed.

A third-grade low-level demon core is worth about the same as an ordinary Core Formation spirit item, roughly around 50,000 mid-grade spirit stones.

The three cultivation-enhancing pills that Xuan Yin Pavilion had previously traded to him were worth about 10,000 spirit stones each.

The trade fair went very smoothly. After all, with the veteran mid-stage Core Formation cultivator from Xuan Yin Pavilion in charge, no one dared to cause trouble.

After the transaction was completed, the maids of Xuan Yin Pavilion came up one after another, some dancing, some playing music, and the spiritual wine and fruits were a real treat.

However, the elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion's words also implied a desire to recruit him.

For example, there are many female cultivators in Xuan Yin Pavilion. As long as they are compatible, they can become a respected elder under Xuan Yin Pavilion and form a Daoist couple with each other, and have children.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an secretly shook his head. His ambitions lay elsewhere, and this opportunity was just the beginning of his journey.

Many female cultivators within the Xuan Yin Pavilion, lacking any hope of improving their cultivation, naturally wish to find a powerful cultivator to bear children and raise their offspring.

For Xuan Yin Pavilion, this not only allows them to win over a retainer, but also to cultivate fresh blood for the sect's future.

For the elders who are enshrined, establishing their own families on their own presents too many demands and risks. If they have the backing of a sect, they can indeed avoid a lot of unnecessary troubles.

Even after something happens to them, their descendants will still be protected.

……

"Unfortunately, what I need now is to form my core!"

After leaving the Treasure Pavilion, Lin Chang'an's eyes shone with determination. This Core Formation cultivator trade fair made him realize the importance of cultivation level.

As long as one's cultivation level is high enough, one can take whatever one wants in the cultivation world.

Some were tempted and stayed, while others left like him.

But those who stayed because they were tempted did not just want to become worshippers in the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

Having outstanding disciples within the clan and forming marriage alliances with disciples of the Xuan Yin Pavilion is also a means for both sides to develop their influence and connections.

"I see that you are quite skilled, fellow Daoist. If there is an opportunity in the future, how about we hunt demonic beasts together?"

After coming out, the burly man in yellow, a fake Core Formation cultivator, smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

Lin Chang'an smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Alright, if there is an opportunity in the future, I will definitely come to find you, fellow Daoist."

It was just polite talk. Lin Chang'an cautiously watched the two people who came out from a distance, as if they were keeping an eye on him.

But Lin Chang'an sneered and, while talking to the man in yellow, subtly patted the phoenix in the spirit beast pouch.

In an instant, the aura of a True Core cultivator enveloped them, causing the two people in the shadows to break out in a cold sweat.

This guy has connections!
"Come on!"

Lin Chang'an smiled and bowed to everyone in farewell before disappearing into the streets of the market.

"I told you long ago that this person dared to hunt the Yin Spirit Beast King, so he is definitely not a good person."

The burly man in yellow glared at the two men with annoyance and began to speak.

However, both of them sighed with lingering fear, and one of them said with a wry smile:
"It's all a misunderstanding. This fellow Daoist doesn't need a wood-attribute demon core, nor is it about trading this storage bag made of insulating material."

It's obvious he's planning to help his juniors acquire spiritual treasures for Core Formation. We brothers were just thinking of recruiting this fellow Daoist to hunt demonic beasts together.

The other person hurriedly waved his hand and said, "No need, fellow Daoist, there is a True Core cultivator hiding outside, there is no need for us."

From beginning to end, they all believed that there was a True Core cultivator behind Lin Chang'an, who had been hiding outside all along.

Perhaps it was a genuine misunderstanding, but human greed doesn't exist from the beginning; it grows gradually.

Many friendships break out when friends become greedy after acquiring a precious treasure, wanting to keep it all for themselves.

There are far too many cases like this.

Lin Chang'an, hidden among the crowd, used his powerful concealment technique to constantly disguise and change his identity.

He only breathed a sigh of relief after his pseudo-core-level divine sense and powerful perception failed to detect anyone following him.

"In short, it's always better to be safe than sorry. If others knew that my fake Core Formation cultivation was fake, who wouldn't be tempted?"

Lin Chang'an shook his head and secretly pressed the hidden storage bag directly against his chest.

It contained a precious third-grade low-quality wood-attribute demon core, a third-grade corpse core, and a small amount of Xuan Shui liquid, which was only left at the bottom of the bottle.

This third-tier tortoise shell won't fit.

"In this way, even if we encounter a powerful cultivator, we won't have to worry about them discovering anything."

He especially didn't want this Core Formation spirit object to be detected by the spirit pets of some Tribulation cultivators.

Spending 10,000 mid-grade spirit stones to buy yourself insurance can avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble; it's worth it.

"Next is to procure supplies. Something big is probably going to happen on Five Dragons Island, so we need to buy more this time."

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered as he looked at the now prosperous and peaceful Five Dragons Island, and he always felt a sense of wanting to escape.

At least Yun Yao wouldn't lie to him.

Given Yun Yao's status as the Holy Maiden of the Xuan Yin Divine Sect, she must know that something big is about to happen.

……

Day two.

Lin Chang'an and Hu Jin appeared in a restaurant near the Wulong Island pier.

"We've finally figured it out. If we want to go to other sea areas or to Haiyuan City, we can only take these merchant ships that come and go."

However, these merchant ships have extremely high requirements; those without a clean record are simply not allowed to board…

Looking at Old Hu speaking angrily, he said that he was a respectable rogue cultivator with an innocent background.

However, Lin Chang'an smiled and shook his head, saying, "Alright, Lao Hu, stop complaining. These merchant ships are just being cautious."

Come to think of it, those merchant ships are carrying heavy cargo. If they were to let just anyone aboard for a few spirit stones, what if someone among them secretly colluded with cultivators?

With this collusion between outsiders and outsiders, who wouldn't be worried?

"In other words, the only option now is to take a special spirit ship that crosses the sea."

Lin Chang'an's expression turned solemn. These spirit ships, which were specially designed to cross the seas, were all manipulated behind the scenes by these powerful forces.

This is also different from taking monks on a merchant ship; the price is extremely high.

After hearing Lin Chang'an's words, Hu Jin helplessly spread his hands and said:
"These merchant ships are outrageous! They charge 800 mid-grade spirit stones for a single spot. That's outrageous! And they only offer this once or twice every three to five years. Only Five Dragon Island has this service."

"Of course, if you don't want to spend these spirit stones, then you can team up with other cultivators and cross the sea."

Lin Chang'an's eyes twitched at this point, and he shook his head speechlessly, choosing to deny it outright.

Lin Chang'an pondered for a moment. He could naturally see what Hu Jin was thinking; he probably already had the idea of ​​leaving this place.

But with the Phoenix Bird at hand, the Tongtian Mist Sea is a rare blessed land for him.

"Old Hu, I'm afraid I'll have to stay here for a while."

Although Lin Chang'an didn't explain much, Hu Jin understood and looked at him with envy.

This puzzled Lin Chang'an. Why did Old Hu's gaze seem so strange?
"Old Lin, you are blessed. You are a role model for all of us cultivators. We understand! We understand!"

Hu Jin looked on with envy. This old Lin was really amazing. Back in Tianxuan City, he lived off the money of Fellow Daoist Yun, a late Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Now that they've reached the Core Formation stage, they can still continue to eat it, which makes him extremely envious.

I'm both afraid that you're not doing well, and afraid that you're doing well.

"I never expected that after so many years, Fellow Daoist Yun would have already formed his core."

Hu Jin sighed with emotion; he had seen the elusive light that night very clearly.

More importantly, Yun Yao did not hide anything from him.

Lin Chang'an was speechless after hearing Hu Jin's words.

What can he possibly say?
"Alright, let's leave after the auction tomorrow."

"Row."

They're all over a hundred years old, so there's no real sense of difference between them.

Everyone knows that this temporary separation is for their own future.

Hu Jin's eagerness to leave was likely due to two reasons: one was the matter of the Jade Crocodile Turtle, and the other was probably to achieve Core Formation.

Similarly, he stayed here to prepare for forming his core.

But in some people's eyes, he seemed to have become a gigolo.

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(End of this chapter)