Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 245 Return to Five Dragon Island! Core Formation Celebration! [Double updates will resume tomorrow]

"The Fusang Divine Tree!"

"Indeed, this tree has lost much of its spiritual energy and has been polluted by unknown sources. It will take considerable effort to extract the usable parts from it, but it is still a rare piece of spiritual wood."

The fairy in the rainbow dress spoke calmly, revealing that this treasure was indeed obtained from the secret realm.

She hadn't initially planned to take it out, but Lin Chang'an's status as a third-tier array master made him worthy of this treasure.

Lin Chang'an also understood and fell into deep thought.

This ancient cultivation method records hundreds of magical treasures made from spiritual wood, among which the Fusang Divine Wood ranks among the top three.

Simply put, wood-attribute techniques are generally countered by metal and fire attributes.

Fusang wood is one of the very few types of wood that contains fire.

"If it is the true Fusang Divine Tree, it may even be able to control fire with wood in the later stages."

However, he didn't think much of it, only marveling at how many secrets the Cloud and Mist Mountains held.

The Blood Fiend True Man, the ancient cultivators, and the blurry, incomplete images in his memory all secretly alarmed him.

Once my cultivation level is high enough, I must go and see what secrets lie hidden deep within the Cloud Mist Mountains.

"Elder Guest of Xuan Yin Pavilion!"

Faced with the invitation from Fairy Ni Chang, Lin Chang'an pondered for a moment before proposing his own conditions.

He does not get involved in the power struggles, but only provides assistance through formations.

If Xuan Yin Pavilion requires it, then the price will be different.

Similarly, the third-tier formations he created were sold to the Xuan Yin Pavilion first, and all the formation inheritances within the Xuan Yin Pavilion were made available to him.

Both sides then presented their respective conditions.

In the end, Fairy Ni Chang readily agreed, as she had originally been interested in Lin Chang'an's array formation skills.

The two then reached an agreement, and Lin Chang'an became a guest elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion.

Guest elders have great freedom and few constraints.

Similarly, the number of spirit stones obtained each year will not be much.

But this was perfect for Lin Chang'an, as he only wanted to cultivate peacefully this time.

……

This time, the Xuan Yin Pavilion's merchant ships, operating under the banner of the Sixth Elder of the Bi Hai Palace, did not take a detour and passed through various sea areas without any hindrance.

As a result, he returned to the familiar waters of Wulong Island in less than two months.

"I didn't expect you to be back so soon."

Seeing the familiar scenery of Five Dragons Island, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh. He thought he was going to have to change places to cultivate, but he never expected to return so quickly.

However, this time, Xuan Yin Pavilion brought them to Xuan Yin Pavilion's territory.

"Welcome, Sect Leader."

The purple flags of the Xuan Yin Pavilion fluttered in the wind, and the cultivators of the Xuan Yin Pavilion had been waiting for a long time.

During this time, Lin Chang'an also learned from the Lu family about the changes in Five Dragons Island and Xuan Yin Pavilion over the past six years.

The Long family has lost power, but even a starved camel is bigger than a horse.

The Grand Elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion passed away three years ago, but two new Core Formation cultivators have emerged in Xuan Yin Pavilion.

Currently, Xuan Yin Pavilion has three Core Formation cultivators on the surface, with Fairy Ni Chang being the sect leader, who is in the mid-Core Formation stage and has the highest cultivation level.

"Master!"

As Fairy Ni Chang disembarked, the cultivators of Xuan Yin Pavilion respectfully stepped forward one by one.

The fairy in the rainbow-colored dress smiled as she introduced Lin Chang'an, Lu Yushu, and others to everyone.

Xuan Yin Pavilion hosted a welcome banquet for everyone. Although the Lu family did not join Xuan Yin Pavilion, the two sides still share common interests.

Moreover, the Lu family would naturally be willing to befriend the Xuan Yin Pavilion, since the relationship with Master Tan is too far-fetched to be of immediate help.

When it was Lin Chang'an's turn, after Fairy Ni Chang introduced him as a guest elder of Xuan Yin Pavilion, the cultivators of Xuan Yin Pavilion all bowed respectfully.

"I met the elder."

Seeing the Foundation Establishment cultivators so respectful now, Lin Chang'an couldn't help but nod.

This is the impact of strength.

In the past, even if he were a fake Core Formation cultivator in disguise, he would have been eager to leave, fearing that his disguise would be exposed.

Unlike now, when one can rightfully accept the title of "senior" or "elder" from a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

He is no longer a fake Core cultivator, but a true Core cultivator.

Inside the main hall of the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

Spiritual fruits and teas were served continuously, and the graceful dances of the female cultivators inside the hall were captivating.

There is also that unique and mysterious sound.

The welcoming banquet left both sides very satisfied.

……

"Elder Lin, this place is Tianquan Peak in Five Dragons Island. There is a spiritual spring here, also known as Spirit Spring Peak."

The Fairy of Rainbow Robes personally ordered someone to bring him to this training ground. This was not the territory of the Mysterious Sound Pavilion, but the location of the array set up by the Azure Sea Palace.

This is also the place he needs to guard this time.

"It truly is a sacred place."

Before entering this place, Lin Chang'an naturally saw the resentment in the eyes of many Long family cultivators before they left.

After all, this place used to belong to the Long family.

Unfortunately, after Lin Chang'an received the jade token from Bihai Palace and Xuan Yin Pavilion came to inform them, this place no longer belonged to the Long family.

"Thank you both very much."

The two cultivators who led the way were the two newly promoted Core Formation cultivators from the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

They are Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu.

A man and a woman, both handsome and pretty.

However, Xu Lingfeng clearly showed a hint of dissatisfaction from the beginning, or rather, when he saw his sect leader, Fairy Ni Chang, he did not hide the admiration in his eyes at all.

"Elder Lin, you're too kind."

Looking at the two of them, especially the faint hostility in Xu Lingfeng's eyes, it seemed as if he was being warned not to have any wild thoughts.

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but be speechless. Xuan Yin Pavilion's business was indeed quite large, but he didn't want to be tied down by it, as it would also be a troublesome thing.

"Both of you are exceptionally talented, but it has to be Fairy Ni Chang who has actually formed the legendary Immortal Golden Core. Her future Nascent Soul stage is also promising."

Lin Chang'an looked at the two with a sigh. This female cultivator, Liu Ruyu, clearly admired her sect leader and senior sister. Upon hearing this, she naturally nodded proudly.

However, Xu Lingfeng noticed the hidden meaning in the message and his face flushed red.

Lin Chang'an smiled calmly. He was no longer the Foundation Establishment cultivator he once was; he was now a proper Core Formation cultivator.

He's even a third-tier array master. Let alone the Xuan Yin Pavilion, he'd be treated with utmost respect wherever he goes.

If you upset him, he'll directly attack your lungs.

If you admire your sect leader, that's your business. Don't provoke me. If you're unhappy with me, I'll tell you directly that you're not qualified.

Xu Lingfeng is a mid-grade Golden Core cultivator; reaching the late stage of Core Formation is already his limit in this lifetime.

Liu Ruyu, like him, is a low-grade Golden Core cultivator, which shows how rare high-grade Golden Core cultivators are.

Those who form a superior-grade Golden Core are all legendary Nascent Soul seeds.

His low-grade Golden Core was just a hair's breadth away from reaching the mid-grade Golden Core level; even among rogue cultivators, he was a legend.

Most independent cultivators, and even disciples of families and sects, are considered quite good if they can form a pseudo-core.

In front of the two of them, Lin Chang'an smiled and raised his hand to set up his own formation at the foot of the spirit peak before entering the cave.

……

Outside the cave, Liu Ruyu couldn't help but roll her eyes at her senior brother.

"Senior Brother Xu, what did I say? This Elder Lin is a third-tier array master. I heard from the sect leader that he has powerful backers. He told you to be polite, but you got the short end of the stick."

Liu Ruyu said this in an annoyed tone, which made Xu Lingfeng's face turn red.

“Junior sister, we are from the same clan, how can you side with outsiders?”

"Senior brother, I'm not siding with outsiders, but there's something I've said before the Grand Elder was alive: the future of the sect leader is far beyond our reach."

What we need to do is not hold the sect leader back, and even more importantly, not have any unrealistic expectations.

Xu Lingfeng's face flushed red at his junior sister's blunt words.

"Junior sister, is it wrong for me to have feelings of affection? Besides, I don't believe that other male cultivators don't have them either."

Xu Lingfeng said angrily, "I can't just not let him think about it at all."

"Senior brother, let's just focus on doing our own jobs."

Liu Ruyu shook her head. Ever since the Grand Elder passed away, her senior brother had become increasingly audacious.

"...It has to be the cave dwelling of a Core Formation cultivator."

Upon arriving at his new cave dwelling, Lin Chang'an revealed a satisfied expression.

This is the true cave dwelling.

The entire mountain peak belongs to him.

With its beautiful mountains and clear waters, Yinchuan boasts a waterfall.

An elegant pavilion built among the mountain peaks connects to the cave dwelling behind it.

In particular, there is a spiritual spring inside the cave, bubbling with spiritual water, and a drop of crystal-clear spiritual liquid hangs from a ten-thousand-year-old stalactite.

"Every ten years or so, a bottle of third-tier spirit liquid can be collected, and every one hundred and fifty years or so, a small bottle of core-forming spirit material, Heavenly Spirit Water, can be produced. These are extremely valuable and unavailable on the market."

Looking at this pool of spiritual spring water, this was the part that Lin Chang'an was most satisfied with.

He used it to cultivate his natal spiritual plants; now he has a place for it.

Even a Core Formation spiritual item is given out every 150 years. Indeed, the different circles you're in lead to different treasures.

The circle of Core Formation spiritual objects that I previously thought was unattainable has now appeared in my own cave after I achieved Core Formation.

Of course, he also knew that all of this was due to his status as a third-tier array master. Otherwise, even if he had someone behind him, he wouldn't have been able to get such a treasure land.

With a pat on the spirit beast pouch, the Green Horned Ox emerged and excitedly roamed the mountains, for this was the first time it had such a large home.

The phoenix bird, needless to say, transformed into a golden streak of light, concealing its form as it excitedly flew through the mountains.

"The entire mountain peak is something I never dared to imagine before, and the spiritual energy here is incredibly rich."

Lin Chang'an couldn't help but sigh, "As expected, you still need to rely on a powerful force."

If he hadn't had the Sixth Elder backing him up, he dared to say he would have encountered difficulties from the Long family if he had come alone.

"Five Dragons Island actually has five unique peaks and spiritual veins, and the spiritual veins near each of these peaks are enough to accommodate several Core Formation cultivators for cultivation."

Although the Long family has left, they still wield considerable influence among local families.

Standing atop the spiritual peak, Lin Chang'an, with a calm expression, could naturally see the various cultivation families in other spiritual lands.

There are at least three families that cultivate immortality using fake pills.

However, the Lu family will also be there.

With the abilities of a pseudo-core cultivator from the Lu family, they are not qualified to occupy a main spiritual peak, but they are capable of occupying a secondary spiritual land.

"However, if the Lu family is coming over next, we'll probably have to make some moves."

A new emperor brings a new court, and now that he is the rightful peak master, he naturally has the right to intervene in this matter.

There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Since Master Tan sent him here, he naturally had to help the Lu family establish a foothold first.

"Helping the Lu family is helping ourselves, but we can't lose our own eyes and ears and our own power."

Lin Chang'an's eyes flickered, and he was secretly making plans in his heart.

He wouldn't let the Lu family truly ride roughshod over him, but he didn't want to bother building up his own power, so he naturally relied on the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

The conditions agreed upon with Xuan Yin Pavilion beforehand, which stipulated that the other party would readily deliver the entire Fusang Divine Tree, were not so simple.

Under his rule, Xuan Yin Pavilion was allowed to intervene, and in return, they received the appropriate annual compensation.

"I just want to cultivate in peace, so I hope you won't disturb me."

Standing atop the sacred peak, Lin Chang'an murmured to himself, not wanting anyone to disturb his cultivation.

……

Five months later.

News of Lin Chang'an's Core Formation celebration had already spread throughout the waters of Five Dragon Island.

After all, she is the representative of the concubine of the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace, a guest elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, a third-level array master, and one of the five spiritual peaks guarding Wulong Island.

Regardless of their identities, no one wants to offend them openly.

This time, Xuan Yin Pavilion took the initiative to hold a Core Formation celebration for him, and the reason was quite convincing: to congratulate their own elders.

At the same time, news of Lin Chang'an's legendary experiences and his identity as a genius third-tier array master spread, which moved many forces.

A third-tier array master is an extremely rare talent in this remote sea area.

Especially since Lin Chang'an was originally a rogue cultivator, many rogue cultivators from the seven kingdoms saw him as a target.

As the Core Formation Ceremony approached, the families and forces surrounding the Tianquan Peak spiritual veins were the first to come and pay their respects to Lin Chang'an in order to celebrate his Core Formation.

On this day, various families and Foundation Establishment cultivators who flew on swords came to visit Tianquan Peak.

Guang Lin Chang'an's status as a third-tier array master was enough to make these cultivators befriend him.

"Master Pengsha has arrived!"

As the Foundation Establishment cultivator presiding over the Core Formation Ceremony of Xuan Yin Pavilion shouted loudly, a Pseudo-Core Formation cultivator arrived with a beaming smile.

Streaks of light, flying boats and magical artifacts, and spirit beast mounts shimmered with dazzling colors.

Most of the guests who came to offer their congratulations were Foundation Establishment cultivators, with occasional visits from Core Formation and Pseudo-Core Formation cultivators.

"Fellow Daoist Peng."

Lin Chang'an, as the person in charge, greeted them with a smile. Since the visitors were guests, it was naturally not appropriate for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to be personally greeted by him.

But those who have achieved the False Core Formation are already qualified.

"I dare not accept such praise. I did not expect Fellow Daoist Lin to be a third-tier array master. I am afraid I will have to trouble you in the future."

"Fellow Daoist Peng, you're too kind."

With a broad smile, Lin Chang'an knew that the biggest benefit of this Core Formation celebration, besides the gifts, was the opportunity to build connections.

After all, as a master of formations in public, what he needs is this network of connections, whether he wants to earn spirit stones or open up business opportunities for this Master Tan.

“The reclusive cultivator Wudan of Yue Kingdom received a Lingzhi herb every 430 years. Congratulations to True Immortal Lin on his long life of immortality.”

"The Jiang Kingdom Sect congratulates True Person Lin and presents a jade slip containing fragments of a third-order formation and a section of third-order spirit wood."

The cultivators who came to offer their congratulations this time included representatives from all the major sects of the seven kingdoms, which made Lin Chang'an beam with joy.

When you're away from home, it's always more comforting to hear the voices of cultivators from your own sect.

Of course, he knew that these people were interested in his connections and his ability as a third-tier array master.

Otherwise, a mere ordinary True Core cultivator wouldn't warrant the sects of the seven kingdoms traveling thousands of miles to offer their congratulations.

Of course, the Xuan Yin Pavilion deserves credit for this; otherwise, these forces wouldn't have received the news.

"The Lu family congratulates Master Lin."

Madam Lu, with a beaming smile, led the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Lu family on their visit.

Among them was Lu Yushu, a newly promoted pseudo-Dan cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist Lu."

Upon seeing Lu Yushu, Lin Chang'an smiled and cupped his hands in greeting.

However, Lu Yushu looked at the Core Formation celebration with envy in his eyes.

This is not just the difference between a fake Core cultivator and a true Core cultivator, but more importantly, it reflects the prestige of a third-tier array master.

"Thank you, Fairy Ni Chang."

Today's Core Formation celebration is so grand, and Xuan Yin Pavilion has naturally contributed a lot. Many people also came because of Xuan Yin Pavilion's reputation.

Lin Chang'an knew exactly what was going on, so he naturally thanked him with a smile on his face.

The fairy in the rainbow-colored dress nodded with a light smile.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, you are too kind. Helping you is also helping my Xuan Yin Pavilion."

After exchanging a glance, the two smiled.

"May the Xuan Yin Divine Sect grant True Person Lin a long and prosperous immortal path!"

Just then, the voice of the Xuan Yin Divine Sect suddenly rang out, and many cultivators immediately became solemn.

The Xuan Yin Divine Sect is a demonic force that has always been at odds with the Bi Hai Palace. They were behind the turmoil in the Five Dragons Island waters.

However, upon seeing that the person who arrived was He Yan, Lin Chang'an understood the situation, but in front of everyone, he still pretended not to recognize him and gave him a hypocritical greeting.

He Yan smiled and nodded to everyone, without showing any excessive enthusiasm.

Even members of the Long family came over during this time.

However, most other forces are just watching the show. The waters around Five Dragon Island are quite lively right now, with the old and new forces changing hands, which is bound to cause some twists and turns.

But Lin Chang'an ignored all of this. After all, he was a third-tier array master and didn't need to charge into battle. He just did his job and didn't care about anything else.

Meanwhile, the Fusang Divine Tree—no, it should be called the Divine Tree—that he had been longing for finally arrived from the Xuan Yin Pavilion.

　I'll resume double updates tomorrow, with the update time set for 12 noon. I originally wanted to separate them, since the editor said that a six-hour interval would be optimal.

　　But after thinking about it, since the author is also a reader, and naturally wants to finish a book in one go, I'll update both chapters at once.

　　By the way, I'd like to ask for your votes next month.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)