Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 241 Applying for a Core Formation Cave
Haiyuan City.

"Fellow Daoist, the spiritual energy here is quite abundant."

In front of a cave dwelling, a middle-aged cultivator dressed in the robes of the Azure Sea Palace introduced the cave dwelling to Lin Chang'an with a smile.

After hearing this, Lin Chang'an nodded slightly and paid the rent for the room with the spirit stones he had previously exchanged.

It's true that it's full of spiritual energy, but the price is also really high.

However, after seeing the other person receive the spirit stones with a broad smile, he couldn't help but ask:

"May I ask, fellow Daoist, what steps are required before applying for a Core Formation spiritual land?"

Faced with Lin Chang'an's question, the middle-aged cultivator showed no surprise. Instead, he chuckled and nodded as if it were commonplace, and began to explain.

The visiting cultivators paid a high price to rent the cave dwelling for five years. Judging from their cultivation level, they were clearly preparing for the Core Formation stage.

There are far too many cases like this.

"Actually, fellow Daoist, rest assured. No one will dare to interfere with your Core Formation within Haiyuan City, let alone have any designs on it. Of course, the premise is that you do not easily go outside the city."

As for the rules, they are quite simple: cultivators who successfully form their core under the protection of Haiyuan City must guard it for a hundred years…

Listening to the other party's detailed explanation, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly.

Although it's a century-long task to guard the area, it doesn't mean you're forced to hunt monsters or anything like that. Instead, it's like what he did on Jade Spirit Island before.

What is needed is to assist in maintaining local stability, mainly to prevent animal tides.

It offers a high degree of freedom and has no mandatory tasks.

"So that's how it is. No wonder the Azure Sea Palace has remained the overlord of the Demon Beast Abyss for ten thousand years."

Upon learning that there were no hidden clauses, Lin Chang'an nodded secretly.

The Azure Sea Palace offers a lot of room for manipulation, but if you really think about it, you'll understand one thing.

That means you're just working for Bihai Palace, but you're not actually one of them.

Ironically, the way Bihai Palace did this won the hearts of its followers and also won the hearts of many Core Formation cultivators.

However, he knew one thing: every cultivator who had just formed their core was full of vigor and ambition.

However, newly formed cultivators require a lot of resources, such as cultivation techniques for the Golden Core realm, and even natal magic treasures.

Over the course of a hundred years, witnessing the true gap between himself and the cultivators of the Azure Sea Palace, his initial anger subsided as time passed, and he gradually accepted his ordinary life.

Many cultivators, on the contrary, join the Azure Sea Palace.

They don't force people, but they still manage to get many to willingly go up there—that's what you call skillful tactics.

"That's really impressive." Lin Chang'an couldn't help but admire.

"Of course, if we fail, it's nothing. The Azure Sea Palace has no shortage of Foundation Establishment cultivators. If you want to join, you can only start from the Demon Hunting Team step by step."

The middle-aged cultivator said with a smile that every time he saw these outside cultivators, he would feel fortunate that his ancestors had foresight.

Having joined the Azure Sea Palace long ago, he no longer needs to fight so desperately against these outside cultivators.

Seeing the other person's happy expression, Lin Chang'an was speechless.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. For the same type of cave dwelling, the price for cultivators from the Azure Sea Palace to rent a high-grade cave dwelling is only half, while for them, as outsiders, it's half again as much.

"I wish you, fellow Daoist, a speedy attainment of Dao and formation of the Golden Core."

"Then I'll take your kind words, fellow Daoist."

After bowing and watching the other party leave, Lin Chang'an took the jade token and entered the cave.

It's just an inconspicuous cave nestled in the mountains, but the spiritual energy here is indeed very rich.

"I will go into seclusion for five years to refine all the third-tier pills and complete all the preparations before forming my core!"

Lin Chang'an took a deep breath, then set up his own formation in the cave and patted the spirit beast bag.

The Green Horned Ox and the Phoenix Bird were released at the same time.

Upon arriving in the new place, the phoenix's eyes lit up with excitement; it was finally free from holding back its excitement after the long journey.

The Green Horned Ox was also excited and delighted. The spiritual energy here was very rich for it, especially since there was even a pool that it liked.

"I'm going into seclusion to cultivate now. You two should stay in your cave and cultivate quietly."

The green-horned ox leisurely soaked in the pool, enjoying a rare moment of bliss.

The phoenix, however, gave it a disdainful look and then meticulously built itself an exquisite, golden little nest.

Upon entering the cave, Lin Chang'an sat down cross-legged, took a deep breath, and began his five-year seclusion.

"A third-tier pill, let me see just how far it can push the limits!"

[Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (93/100)]

……

Meanwhile, in Haiyuan City, there were two people: Madam Lu and Lu Yujian.

"Big brother."

Upon seeing Lu Yushu again, this seemingly proud genius became somewhat uneasy as he prepared to form his core, and there was a noticeable unnaturalness between his brows.

"Patriarch, cousin."

The family's long journey to help made Lu Yushu feel even more burdened.

After the two brothers met, Lu Yujian spoke excitedly, completely unaware of his mother's worries.

"Greetings, Master Tan."

After the short-statured Master Tan appeared, the two members of the Lu family bowed respectfully.

Lu Yushu respectfully addressed him as "Master".

However, seeing Lu Yushu's seemingly well-hidden anxiety, Master Tan shook his head in disappointment.

Do you know why I didn't stop your Lu family from coming?

In front of the two members of the Lu family, Master Tan spoke these words frankly.

This made Lu Yushu's face stiffen, and he was clearly at a loss.

Lady Lu seemed to have guessed something, but in front of a Core Formation Realm cultivator, she could only remain silent.

Master Tan shook his head and said:

"It's because I want you to see for yourself how much your family has sacrificed for you, and what you will be burdened with in the future. You were too lost before, your heart was in turmoil!"

Master Tan spoke frankly and directly pointed out Lu Yushu's current problems.

He has good talent, but if he were to form his core now, his mental state would be a major problem.

"You two should catch up recently, and then you should go into seclusion. Once you've adjusted your condition, you can try to form your core."

"Yes, Master."

"Thank you, Master Tan."

Seeing how dedicated Master Tan was, Madam Lu expressed her gratitude.

However, after the brothers Lu Yujian and Lu Yushu left, Master Tan squinted and looked calmly at Madam Lu.

“Patriarch Lu, the current situation in the waters around Five Dragon Island is very unsatisfactory. This is an opportunity for your Lu family.”

"Yes, yes, Master Tan, rest assured, our Lu family will never forget Master Tan's great kindness."

Madam Lu spoke respectfully, while Master Tan shook his head slightly, then got up and left.

……

After Master Tan returned to his cave, a beautiful and elegant Core Formation cultivator seemed to have been waiting for him for a long time.

"sister!"

Just moments ago, Master Tan had acted like a high-ranking Golden Core cultivator, but upon seeing the figure inside the cave, he immediately shrank back in fright.

The female cultivator calmly replied, "You have quite the nerve to meddle in these matters."

"I just wanted to do something for you, sister."

"Can't you just be a little more considerate? The waters around Five Dragon Island are just a remote area, and the elders have already started supporting people there."

Otherwise, how could the Xuan Yin Pavilion have so easily taken up residence on Five Dragons Island? Don't you even use your brain?"

The nun said irritably that her brother thought everyone was looking down on him and that he had to do something big to make a name for himself.

“I’m warning you, although the waters around Five Dragon Island are remote, the higher-ups don’t want another Dragon family to appear, you understand?!” “Sister, I’m over two hundred years old, I’m not stupid, it’s just a matter of maintaining a balance between a few factions.”

Tan Zhenren, who was short in stature, had a flushed face, and everyone looked down on him, including his own sister.

Seeing her younger brother's unconvinced expression, Tan sighed helplessly. It wasn't that simple.

What's so special about a mere stretch of sea that could make the Sixth Elder, a Nascent Soul cultivator, start making plans? It's a pity that my younger brother only saw this much.

But no bigger plan was seen.

Oh well, my younger brother is just making a small fuss; he just wants to do something for the Sea Palace.

If it succeeds, it will at least be considered a merit.

……

The turbulent changes in the outside world had nothing to do with Lin Chang'an anymore.

He is currently in seclusion, completely immersed in his cultivation.

Years are like a shuttle.

Five years have passed in the blink of an eye.

【Lifespan: 139/296】

[Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (98/100)]

"The limitations of spiritual root aptitude are indeed significant; no wonder forming a core is so difficult."

Lin Chang'an slowly opened his eyes, a rare look of helplessness on his face.

Five years of arduous cultivation, and that was with the help of third-grade pills. One can only imagine how difficult it must be for those low-grade spiritual root cultivators who do not have third-grade pills to cultivate.

"Ninety-eight years of experience is almost the limit. Even if you continue to study hard for decades, the effect will not be significant, and it will only delay your progress."

Now that I'm nearly 140 years old, if I wait a few more decades, I'll miss the best age to form my core.

"But I'm almost done with my preparations."

Thinking of his preparations for forming his core, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but take it out of his storage bag.

Two portions of Xuan Shui Liquid and two premium Ningjing Pills.

"And this Three-Turn Core Formation Technique, with two low-grade third-rank demon cores and one mid-grade third-rank core, can increase the core formation rate by at least 40%."

Combining this with his four Core Formation spiritual items, Lin Chang'an secretly made plans.

Although it is difficult for a low-grade spiritual root to form a core, I am 30% confident, and the Three-Turn Core Formation Technique increases that by 40%.

These four Core Formation spiritual items, while not increasing by 30% or 40%, won't be too far off.

"Nearly 140 years old, with the Third Stage of Core Formation Technique, plus four Core Formation Spiritual Objects, the odds of winning are 98%!"

……

After leaving the pass, Lin Chang'an packed his things, taking with him the Phoenix Bird and the Green Horned Ox spirit pet.

They arrived at a grand hall in the Immortal City of the Sea Abyss.

"May I ask your honorable surname, senior?"

A slender female cultivator with bright eyes and white teeth, dressed in pink, slowly walked over to greet Lin Chang'an.

"My name is Lin Chang'an. This is my identity jade token. I wish to rent a cave dwelling to form my core."

"Senior is about to form his core!" Upon hearing this, the pink-clad female cultivator was initially startled, but her expression immediately became even more respectful.

"Please wait a moment, senior. The Immortal City will verify your identity before making any arrangements."

Lin Chang'an had already inquired about this process beforehand, so he was familiar with it.

"Fellow Daoist Lin?"

A familiar voice rang out; it was Lu Yujian.

Even Lu Yujian, Madam Lu, Lu Yushu, and this Master Tan are all acquaintances.

Upon seeing this, Lin Chang'an cupped his hands and said:

"Greetings, Master Tan."

Meeting here again, and seeing the current situation, both sides know the truth.

Lu Yujian suddenly realized that Fellow Daoist Lin had actually prepared a Core Formation artifact, and that his trip to Haiyuan City was probably also for Core Formation.

Lin Chang'an also appeared calm, after all, who would go around talking about preparing a Core Formation spiritual item?

"So it was you. Very good."

Surprisingly, Master Tan used his divine sense to examine Lin Chang'an and actually showed a hint of satisfaction.

He possessed a profound aura, a solid foundation, and cultivated a wood-attribute technique.

Thinking of this, Master Tan actually smiled, a rare occurrence for him.

"Young friend Lin is here to register, so leave this matter to me."

Lin Chang'an was also somewhat taken aback; why was this Master Tan being so kind to him all of a sudden?

"Thank you, Master Tan."

However, Master Tan was secretly calculating in his heart that he would not lose out if he failed. If he had another fake Core cultivator as an assistant, it would be better for him to place him in the Five Dragons Island sea area.

"Fellow Daoist Lin!"

Lu Yushu, who had come with him to prepare for Core Formation, looked at Lin Chang'an with some disdain.

Since learning of his master's plans, he has been adjusting himself to his best condition over the past few years.

Lin Chang'an might have a chance to form a fake core, but he's not bad either.

With his aptitude, there is a good chance he can form a true core.

There's no need to curry favor with a rogue cultivator who has little chance of even achieving a fake core.

However, Lin Chang'an was completely unaware of all this; he could only feel helpless.

He would rather wait a few more months than have anyone help him.

After all, he and this Master Tan were not related.

"Young friend Lin, after you reach the Core Formation stage, will you have somewhere to go?"

Sure enough, he knew that there is no such thing as unearned help in this world.

Faced with Master Tan's kind smile, Lin Chang'an dared not conceal anything and respectfully cupped his hands, saying:

“Reporting to the True Immortal, I have a past relationship with two of True Lord Lu’s disciples. If I were to be lucky enough to form a false core, I would probably have to shamelessly ask for a more stable job.”

Although both are guarded by the Bihai Palace, the locations arranged for them are naturally different depending on whether there are guards or not.

Lin Chang'an's embarrassed smile implied that he also had some connections.

Upon hearing this, Master Tan's expression changed, but he still smiled and nodded, saying:
“That’s good. I was thinking that since young friend Lin came from the waters of Five Dragons Island, he would probably prefer to be stationed in a familiar place in the future.”

Back to the waters off Wulong Island?

Lin Chang'an was stunned after hearing this. Was he out of his mind?

The Five Dragons Island sea area is in such a mess, we should return it.

However, at that moment, Lu Yujian secretly transmitted his voice to him, briefly explaining the current situation in the waters around Five Dragon Island.

"Two years ago, the Dragon Island Master failed to forcibly form a Nascent Soul and was severely injured by the backlash. Now, the authorities in the Five Dragon Island waters are preparing to make new arrangements..."

Upon hearing this, and looking at the Lu family and this Master Tan, Lin Chang'an seemed to understand something.

"I appreciate Master Tan's kindness, but I should first consider forming my core; otherwise, everything else is just empty talk."

Lin Chang'an sighed with melancholy, which prompted Master Tan to nod slightly.

Indeed, once you fail, everything is empty.

　My whole body feels weak, and my hands and feet are ice cold.

　　The author overestimated himself, thinking he could rise to the occasion, but...

　　The author will try to update Chapter Two tonight. Thank you all for your support.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)