Immortality and cultivation begin with drawing talismans.

Chapter 373 Five Dragon Island Market

Tianquan Peak.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Ni Chang and Array Master Lin."

"Haha, congratulations to Sect Master Ni Chang on the addition of two more fellow cultivators to your sect."

"Congratulations."

As the celestial phenomenon of Core Formation dissipated and the protective mountain array was removed, representatives of their respective families came forward with beaming smiles to offer their congratulations.

"Fellow Daoists, you are too kind."

On this day, Fairy Ni Chang rarely showed a relaxed expression, greeting everyone with a smile.

This time, the sisters Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing condensed their golden cores, ensuring that the sect would have successors.

This also significantly reduced the pressure on her shoulders.

"Congratulations to the two fairies on attaining the Golden Core stage."

"Yes, we have gained two more like-minded people."

Behind Fairy Ni Chang and Lin Chang'an, the Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing sisters were still recovering from the shock of forming their cores.

Now, facing congratulations from one Core Formation and Pseudo-Core Formation cultivator after another, this change in status made the two sisters feel somewhat dazed for a moment.

These predecessors, whom we once looked up to, are now being treated as equals.

"Calm down. In the current turbulent situation, even a Core Formation cultivator has only just reached the level of a chess piece."

Lin Chang'an could naturally understand the changes in their hearts. When he first formed his core, he also believed that he could go anywhere in the world.

Faced with Lin Chang'an's reminder and the telepathic message from their sect leader, the Zhao sisters, Lingyue and Lingxing, took a deep breath, suppressed their excitement, and bowed to everyone.

"Fellow Daoists, you flatter us. My sister and I have just formed our cores with the help of our sect, and we still need to stabilize our cultivation."

Seeing the Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing sisters surrounded by admirers, many of the Xuan Yin Pavilion disciples who came to protect them showed envy.

This is a Core Formation cultivator! Xuan Yin Pavilion is now known as the number one sect in Five Dragons Island and even the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, but it has taken a hundred years of accumulation to produce a Core Formation cultivator again.

It is easy to imagine how difficult it is for a Core Formation cultivator to achieve this.

"A Core Formation cultivator!"

Among the crowd, Li Tianmo looked at the two dazzling women and, thinking about the current gap between them, could only helplessly suppress his feelings of admiration.

Zhou Bingxuan and Shen Zhuang, standing to the side, exchanged a glance and shook their heads inwardly. Things were different now; the gap between them was too great.

For the three years after the two women followed Lin Chang'an to Tianquan Peak, Li Tianmo often took the opportunity to visit them, and his intentions were obvious to everyone.

Unfortunately, the two sisters were focused on cultivation back then, and they have even less time for it now.

There is an insurmountable gap between Foundation Establishment and Core Formation cultivators.

The disciples of Xuan Yin Pavilion on Tianquan Peak were all smiles, while other forces had different reactions.

……

Upon learning of this, the Core Formation cultivators of the Liang and Zhu clans of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce sighed and shook their heads helplessly.

"The Xuan Yin Pavilion has already established its dominance. Whether there are successors or not is a different matter."

When families and sects are facing a shortage of successors, the veteran Core Formation cultivators within the sect often find themselves constrained and unable to act freely.

"Don't be discouraged. We have witnessed the development of Xuan Yin Pavilion over the past century. This situation is normal."

"Sigh, I hope that the Liang and Zhu clans made the right choice this time."

……

The Long family on Wulong Island.

"The Xuan Yin Pavilion has accumulated a century of experience and can be considered to have risen to prominence."

The Dragon Clan Chief gazed in the direction of the Xuan Yin Pavilion, his eyes filled with envy and reminiscence.

The Long family was once just as glorious, what a pity.

Looking back at the now desolate Long family, he sighed softly.

No matter how powerful you are, you can't stand out without a Nascent Soul cultivator.

“Arrange for someone to deliver a generous gift to Xuan Yin Pavilion. Our Long family cannot afford to be impolite now.”

"Yes!"

……

The Meng family on Bibo Island.

"Patriarch, the Xuan Yin Pavilion has gained two new Core Formation female cultivators. According to intelligence, these two cultivate wood-attribute techniques..."

Upon hearing the report from his subordinates, Meng Xinghai couldn't help but sneer.

"Xuanyin Pavilion, don't they know that female cultivators are also a rare resource? Once they lose power, they will be targeted sooner or later."

Meanwhile, among the seven nations on the island, some were happy, while others were envious and jealous.

After all, we all came from small places, and in just over a hundred years, Xuan Yin Pavilion has become so successful. It would be a lie to say we weren't envious.

After the sisters Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing condensed their golden cores, they naturally attracted a lot of attention, but that was all.

Amidst the turmoil, opportunities also abound, and it's perfectly normal for some to achieve Foundation Establishment and Core Formation.

It is even normal for Core Formation cultivators to perish from time to time in the outer sea.

Xuan Yin Pavilion did not rush to hold the Core Formation Ceremony, but instead announced to the outside world that the two women would go into seclusion to stabilize their cultivation levels.

The celebration will be held after we clear customs.

Meanwhile, some outsiders suspect that Xuan Yin Pavilion has accumulated a great deal of experience over the past century, and that there may be more than just these four people preparing for the Core Formation stage.

Xuan Yin Pavilion has chosen to remain silent, which has given many cultivators within the sect more confidence.

Unfortunately, some people also saw the drawbacks of Xuan Yin Pavilion's actions.

A century of accumulation has been depleted, and now the Demon Beast Sea Abyss is in turmoil, which will not subside within a century.

Unless Xuan Yin Pavilion can seize opportunities amidst turmoil, it will not achieve much in the next hundred years.

The current turmoil has already invisibly increased the costs for all parties involved.

For example, the cost of merchant ships and the competition for resources mean that even a simple escorting of merchant ships requires twice as many cultivators as before.

It wasn't just Xuan Yin Pavilion; almost all families and sects chose this approach.

The more strength we have, the more certain we are to continue.

As for the act of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, if you don't take them yourself, someone else might end up taking them instead.

……

Six months later, at Tianquan Peak.

"Master, of the last two people in Xuan Yin Pavilion, one has formed a false core, and the other has barely formed a low-grade golden core."

As soon as Lin Chang'an stepped out of the cave, the sword attendant respectfully began to report on the situation over the past six months.

He had sensed the fluctuations of spiritual energy before, but he was cultivating and hadn't come out.

I never expected it to turn out like this.

"Of the seven seeded Core Formation cultivators, two failed, three formed true Cores, and two formed false Cores. That's already quite good."

Lin Chang'an didn't think the result was bad; on the contrary, he felt it was already quite good.

With this foundation of newly formed core, he could easily dominate a region during the Seven Kingdoms period.

Now, Xuan Yin Pavilion can truly be considered to have a successor.

Excluding those who joined later and were raised within their own sects, Xuan Yin Pavilion now has six Core Formation cultivators.

If we also include Lin Chang'an's side, Xuan Yin Pavilion is already considered to be in the top tier among Core Formation forces.

They were no less powerful than the Long family, who once dominated Five Dragons Island.

“Sometimes being too strong isn’t necessarily a good thing. The Xuan Yin Pavilion is already very strong now, which will make others in the Seven Kingdoms Alliance wary.”

That's why this fairy in flowing robes didn't shy away from mentioning one thing: that she would arrange for the Core Formation cultivators from her sect to return to Yue Kingdom to take charge in the future.

This also reveals that she is also going to the secret realm.

Having reached this level of cultivation, planning to reach the Nascent Soul stage is perfectly normal.

Unfortunately, while there are many cultivators in the late Core Formation stage in the cultivation world, those who can form the Nascent Soul stage are extremely rare. Forming the Nascent Soul stage is more often attributed to opportunity than talent.

Just like comparing the former Blood Fiend True Man with Lu Zhenjun, or the Crimson Fire Old Demon of the Outer Sea, the one with the best talent among the three was actually the Blood Fiend True Man.

In the end, it was two other people who achieved the position of Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Lu Zhenjun is perhaps somewhat understandable, after all, he has kept his true nature hidden for so long.

But this Crimson Fire Demon is truly inferior to this Blood Fiend True Man.

"How many people who can cultivate to the late stage of Core Formation are not talented? The road ahead depends more on luck and opportunity."

Thinking of this, Lin Chang'an shook his head secretly.

"Also, Master, at the market auction hosted by the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce, it is said that two spiritual items were snapped up in advance."

Before the auction even started, the two most valuable spiritual items were snapped up.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an revealed a mocking smile.

"Although I had long expected that the Four Seas Merchants would not let this treasure fall into our hands, I did not expect it to come so quickly."

Previously, Fairy Ni Chang had been collecting materials to refine a mid-grade third-tier pill with him to enhance cultivation. They were only missing this one main ingredient, but now it's gone.

It's obvious that the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce didn't want the Xuan Yin Pavilion's strength to grow.

"By the way, Master, recently a number of external forces have infiltrated the waters of Five Dragon Island, seemingly looking for someone. The one leading them is a Core Formation cultivator from the Crimson Fire Sect."

The Four Seas Merchant Guild also publicly announced that these two spiritual items were acquired by cultivators from the Crimson Fire Sect.

Just as the sword attendant was reporting, four streaks of light flew in from outside the cave.

The visitors were none other than Fairy Ni Chang, the sect leader of Xuan Yin Pavilion, and three newly formed Core Formation cultivators from the sect: the sisters Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing, and a male cultivator.

"I've met Elder Lin!"

Upon landing, the three newly formed Core Formation cultivators respectfully bowed to Lin Chang'an.

Lin Chang'an smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "Since we are both Core Formation cultivators, we can address each other as fellow Daoists from now on."

However, although the three nodded modestly, their words and actions still conveyed respect, and the form of address remained unchanged.

After experiencing the excitement of reaching the Core Formation stage, the three then learned about the differences among Core Formation cultivators.

Before they arrived, the sect leader, Fairy Ni Chang, had earnestly reminded them of the different ranks among Core Formation cultivators.

Therefore, the three of them were not stupid, especially the sisters Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing, who were as respectful as when the Foundation Establishment cultivators faced Lin Chang'an.

Fairy Ni Chang nodded in satisfaction at this point. One advantage of the current turbulent situation is that it allows these newly formed Core Formation cultivators to clearly understand the implications.

Instead of staying in a small place in one of the seven kingdoms, thinking that once you reach the Core Formation stage you can roam freely.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, I'm afraid we'll have to return empty-handed from this auction."

When the two arrived at the agreed-upon time for the auction, Lin Chang'an wasn't surprised, but nodded slightly and said:
"I've heard about it, but what exactly is the situation? Why are so many external forces involved?"

Lin Chang'an frowned. The situation was already unsettling, and now the Nascent Soul faction had been dragged into this.

"I don't know the specifics, but there are rumors that the Crimson Fire Sect discovered the ruins of a Nascent Soul cultivator's cave, and as a result, the treasures were stolen."

Based on the clues, this person has either fled to the waters around Five Dragon Island or is hiding in the Ghost Realm.

Upon hearing the information from Fairy Ni Chang, Lin Chang'an suddenly realized.

"However, it is unknown whether it is true or false. It is possible that someone is deliberately creating chaos. Such methods have been used quite often in recent years."

After analyzing the situation, the two concluded that the current situation is becoming increasingly chaotic.

"But what I mean is, regardless of whether it's true or false, it's best not to get involved."

Although the rumors about the treasure sound appealing, who knows if it's a trap?

Therefore, Fairy Ni Chang calmly chose to ignore the matter.

However, Lin Chang'an shook his head after hearing this.

"I'm afraid others might not think that way."

He naturally didn't want to get involved, after all, he knew nothing and just blindly went in, which was purely reckless.

After they agreed, they both smiled.

Now that Xuan Yin Pavilion has finally stabilized, Fairy Ni Chang is even less willing to get involved.

The six of them then headed together toward the Five Dragons Island Market.

……

Along the way, Lin Chang'an also learned about the true situation of Xuan Yin Pavilion.

After the Zhao sisters, the newly promoted Core Formation cultivators are indeed all low-grade Golden Core cultivators; there is no need to hide this fact.

Meanwhile, Fairy Ni Chang decided to hold a Core Formation Ceremony three months later.

"Three months later? Sure."

He had received many gifts for both his Core Formation celebration and his sword servant's, and now it was time to return the favor.

Although he received an extra share, Lin Chang'an was even more aware of one thing: as a member of the sect, he would also receive a portion of the benefits after the Core Formation celebration.

Moreover, the stronger the Xuan Yin Pavilion becomes, the better it is for him.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, I'm afraid there will be many Core Formation celebrations in the years to come."

With a sigh and a shake of her head, the Fairy of Rainbow Robes revealed the actual situation.

In normal times, no major family or sect would do something like killing the goose that lays the golden eggs and depleting their resources.

However, given the current turbulent situation, all major powers are sparing no effort to strengthen themselves first.

Lin Chang'an was speechless at what Fairy Ni Chang said. Was he really that stingy?
As for other people's Core Formation celebrations, it depends on who it is, but being polite, he naturally wouldn't mind sending a gift.

If he has no connections or background, and the other party comes to him begging, he will never lower himself to do so.

Lin Chang'an and Fairy Ni Chang chatted casually along the way, which prompted the three newly promoted Core Formation cultivators behind them to whisper among themselves.

"Senior Sisters Zhao, it seems the Sect Leader and Elder Lin have a very good relationship. Could the rumors outside be true?"

Previously, they were Foundation Establishment cultivators and dared not speak recklessly, but now that they are Core Formation cultivators, they can no longer hide their curiosity.

The Zhao sisters, Lingyue and Lingxing, were also curious, but the elder sister, Zhao Lingyue, gently shook her head and secretly transmitted her voice:
"Alright, junior brother, you've successfully formed your core this time. I heard you're planning to become Daoist partners with Junior Sister Tian after the Core Formation Ceremony. Don't forget to invite us then."

After mentioning this matter, the male cultivator blushed slightly, but finally nodded and said:

"Don't worry, I won't betray Junior Sister Tian."

When he mentioned Junior Sister Tian, ​​a warm feeling welled up in the male cultivator's heart.

His childhood sweetheart, Junior Sister Tian, ​​sold all her savings over the years to provide him with resources so that he could successfully form his core.

He could not let down the woman he loved.

The fairy in the light of the escape route seemed to sense something, and couldn't help but glance behind her, a satisfied look appearing on her lips.

Regardless of what happens in the future, at least the disciples she selected and trained within the sect this time are reliable in character, and they haven't forgotten their roots even after reaching the Core Formation stage.

Lin Chang'an, who had also overheard the conversation behind him, revealed a hint of appreciation.

The cultivation technique practiced by this fellow Daoist Ni Chang allows one to sense the mind of others and thus judge whether they harbor malicious intent. This technique is practically a divine weapon for any sect.

Throughout the entire process, the sword attendant remained silent, following behind his master. After a short while, the group saw the bustling market.

As the light descended upon the market, the surrounding cultivators hurriedly showed respect and bowed in greeting.

"It's a Core Formation expert!"

"A Core Formation cultivator!"

Lin Chang'an, Fairy Ni Chang, and the Core Formation cultivator who had served as sword attendants for many years were already used to this situation.

However, the three newly promoted Core Formation cultivators, though calm in the face of this situation, couldn't help but feel a little smug and proud.

After cultivating for over a hundred years and finally forming the core, if one has absolutely no emotions, what difference is there between them and a stone?

They are not immortals without desires, but rather cultivators.

Even though Lin Chang'an and Fairy Ni Chang sensed this, they didn't see anything wrong with it.

As long as you can stay true to yourself, that's enough.

　Chapter Two will be updated tonight.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)