Chapter 372 ·Five Dragon Island Marketplace

Celestial ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍Spring Peak.

“Greetings, ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍Fellow Daoist Nishang and Formation Master Lin.”

“Haha, ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍congratulations to Sect Master Nishang for your sect gaining two more fellow daoists.”

“Congratulations.”

As ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the Core Formation phenomenon dissipated and the mountain-protecting formation withdrew, representatives from various clans arrived one after another with smiling faces to offer congratulations.

“You ‍​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍fellow daoists are too courteous.”

On this day, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also rarely revealed a relaxed expression as she greeted everyone with a smile.

This time, Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing successfully condensed Golden Cores, ensuring the sect had successors.

At the same time, the pressure resting upon her shoulders suddenly decreased by more than half.

“Congratulations to the two fairies for attaining the Golden Core Dao.”

“Indeed. We now have two more fellow daoists among us.”

Behind Fairy of Rainbow Skirt and Lin Chang’an, Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing still had not fully calmed their emotions after forming cores.

Now, facing congratulations from one Core Formation and False Golden Core cultivator after another, this transformation in status left the sisters feeling somewhat dazed.

Those seniors they once needed to look up to were now treating them as equals.

“Calm your hearts. In the current chaotic situation, Core Formation cultivators have merely reached the level of chess pieces.”

Naturally, Lin Chang’an understood the emotional changes within the sisters.

Back when he had first formed his core, he too believed the world was vast enough for him to roam freely.

After Lin Chang’an’s reminder, combined with the voice transmission from their own Sect Master, Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing took deep breaths, forcibly suppressing the excitement in their hearts before cupping their fists respectfully toward everyone.

“You fellow daoists flatter us. We sisters have only just formed our cores through relying upon the sect and still require time to stabilize our realms.”

Watching Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing surrounded like stars orbiting the moon, many Xuanyin Pavilion disciples who had come to protect the ceremony revealed envious expressions.

These were Core Formation cultivators.

Although the Xuanyin Pavilion was now hailed as the number one sect on Five Dragon Island and even within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, it still required a century of accumulation before new Core Formation cultivators emerged once more.

One could easily imagine just how difficult Core Formation truly was.

“Core Formation cultivators…”

Within the crowd, Li Tianmo looked at the dazzling sisters. Thinking about the gap between them now, he could only helplessly suppress the affection within his heart.

Beside him, Zhou Bingxuan and Shen Zhuang exchanged glances before secretly shaking their heads.

The difference between the two sides was now simply too enormous.

During the three years after the sisters followed Lin Chang’an to reside at Celestial Spring Peak, Li Tianmo frequently used various excuses to visit them.

His intentions were naturally obvious to all.

Unfortunately, the sisters had focused wholeheartedly upon cultivation back then.

And now, there was even less possibility.

Between Foundation Establishment and Core Formation cultivators existed an insurmountable gulf.

The Xuanyin Pavilion disciples atop Celestial Spring Peak all smiled joyfully, while the other factions reacted differently.

……

When the Core Formation cultivators of the Liang and Zhu Clans from the Four Seas Merchant Guild learned the news, they helplessly sighed and shook their heads.

“The Xuanyin Pavilion’s momentum is already established. Having successors and lacking successors are completely different matters.”

When clans and sects lacked continuity between generations, their veteran Core Formation cultivators would inevitably become restrained in many matters.

“No need to feel discouraged. We’ve witnessed the Xuanyin Pavilion’s development over this past century ourselves. Such results are only normal.”

“Sigh. Let us only hope that the choice our Liang and Zhu Clans made this time was correct.”

……

Five Dragon Island, Long Clan.

“The Xuanyin Pavilion’s century of accumulated foundation has finally allowed it to rise.”

The Long Clan Patriarch gazed toward the Xuanyin Pavilion’s direction, his eyes filled with envy and memories.

The Long Clan had once possessed such glory as well.

Unfortunately…

Turning his gaze back toward the current Long Clan, which radiated an atmosphere of decline, he softly sighed.

No matter how prosperous one became, without a Nascent Soul cultivator, they ultimately could not truly stand upon the stage.

“Arrange for someone to deliver a great gift to the Xuanyin Pavilion. Our Long Clan cannot afford to lose courtesy now.”

“Yes!”

……

Meng Clan of Bibo Island.

“Patriarch, the Xuanyin Pavilion has gained two new female Core Formation cultivators. According to the information, the two cultivate wood-attribute cultivation methods…”

Listening to the report from below, Meng Xinghai coldly sneered.

“The Xuanyin Pavilion, hmph. Could it be they do not understand that female cultivators themselves are also a rare resource? Once they lose power, they’ll inevitably become targets sooner or later.”

At the same time, within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance on the island, some people rejoiced while others felt jealous and envious.

After all, everyone had come from small places.

Yet within just a little over a hundred years, the Xuanyin Pavilion had flourished spectacularly.

Claiming not to envy them would be false.

After Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing formed their Golden Cores, they naturally attracted considerable attention.

But only to that extent.

Under the current turmoil, opportunities had increased as well.

People achieving Foundation Establishment and Core Formation had become perfectly normal occurrences.

Even Core Formation cultivators occasionally dying within the Outer Sea was considered ordinary.

The Xuanyin Pavilion did not rush to hold a Core Formation celebration.

Instead, they first publicly declared that the sisters needed secluded cultivation to stabilize their realms.

Only after emerging from seclusion would the celebration be held.

At the same time, some outsiders suspected that with the Xuanyin Pavilion’s century of accumulation, these four likely were not the only Core Formation prospects they had prepared.

The Xuanyin Pavilion also chose to tacitly acknowledge this publicly.

Invisible confidence naturally arose among many sect disciples as a result.

Unfortunately, others also saw the drawbacks of the Xuanyin Pavilion’s actions.

Their century-long accumulation had been emptied, and now the Demon Beast Sea Abyss was entering a period of upheaval.

As long as this chaos did not settle within the next hundred years—

Unless the Xuanyin Pavilion could seize opportunities amidst the turmoil, they would not achieve too much during the next century.

Even before the true chaos began, all factions had already invisibly seen their costs increase dramatically.

For example, merchant ship expenses and resource competition.

Even simply escorting merchant ships now required twice the number of cultivators as before.

And this was not limited to the Xuanyin Pavilion.

Nearly all clans and sect factions chose the same approach.

One extra measure of strength meant one extra measure of confidence in continuing onward.

As for behavior akin to killing the chicken to retrieve the eggs—

If you did not take them yourself, someone else might do it instead.

……

Half a year later, Celestial Spring Peak.

“Master, among the Xuanyin Pavilion’s final two individuals, one formed a False Golden Core while the other barely formed a low-grade Golden Core.”

As soon as Lin Chang’an exited the cave abode, Sword Attendant respectfully began reporting the events of the past half-year.

Previously, he had also sensed the fluctuations in spiritual energy, but because he was cultivating himself, he did not emerge.

Unexpectedly, the result turned out to be this.

“Among seven Core Formation prospects, two failed, three formed True Golden Cores, and two formed False Golden Cores. Already quite good.”

Regarding this result, Lin Chang’an did not consider it poor.

Instead, he felt it was already rather impressive.

With this newly formed Core Formation foundation alone, they could easily dominate an entire region back in the Seven Kingdoms.

Only now could the Xuanyin Pavilion truly be said to possess successors.

The current Xuanyin Pavilion, excluding later additions like Lin Chang’an himself, now possessed six Core Formation cultivators who had grown up within the sect itself.

If Lin Chang’an’s side was included as well, then among Core Formation-level factions, the Xuanyin Pavilion had already entered the top tier.

It was no weaker than the Long Clan that once dominated Five Dragon Island.

“Sometimes being too strong isn’t necessarily good. The current Xuanyin Pavilion is already very powerful, and this will inevitably arouse the vigilance of others within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.”

This was why Fairy of Rainbow Skirt openly mentioned one matter—

That in the future, she would arrange for Core Formation cultivators from the sect to return and guard the Yue Kingdom.

At the same time, she also revealed the news that she intended to head toward the Secret Realm herself.

At this cultivation realm, scheming for Nascent Soul opportunities was perfectly normal.

Unfortunately, although there were many Late Core Formation cultivators within the cultivation world, those capable of achieving Nascent Soul were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns.

When speaking of Nascent Soul ascension, more often than not one referred to fortune rather than talent.

For example, whether comparing Blood Fiend True Master with True Lord Lu, or comparing them with the Crimson Fire Old Monster of the Outer Sea—

Among the three, Blood Fiend True Master originally possessed the best talent.

Yet the ones who ultimately achieved the Nascent Soul True Lord realm were the other two instead.

Perhaps True Lord Lu could still be understood somewhat, considering he had hidden himself far too deeply.

But the Crimson Fire Old Monster genuinely could not compare to Blood Fiend True Master.

“Among those capable of cultivating into Late Core Formation, how many truly possess poor talent? Beyond this point, the road depends more upon luck and opportunities.”

Thinking this, Lin Chang’an secretly shook his head.

“Also, Master, the marketplace auction hosted by the Four Seas Merchant Guild—two spiritual items were apparently purchased in advance.”

The auction had not even begun, yet the two most precious spiritual items had already been taken away.

After hearing this, Lin Chang’an revealed a mocking smile.

“Although I already expected the Four Seas Merchant Guild wouldn’t allow those treasures to fall into our hands, I didn’t expect them to act this quickly.”

Previously, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had gathered materials and joined him in refining a third-rank mid-grade cultivation-enhancing pill.

Only one main ingredient remained missing.

Now it was gone.

Clearly, the Four Seas Merchant Guild did not wish for the Xuanyin Pavilion’s strength to increase.

“Oh right, Master. Recently many outside factions have infiltrated the Five Dragon Island sea region, seemingly searching for someone. The ones leading them are Core Formation cultivators from the Blazing Fire Sect.

“And regarding those two spiritual items, the Four Seas Merchant Guild also publicly announced that they were taken by cultivators from the Blazing Fire Sect.”

Just as Sword Attendant reported this, four streams of escape light flew toward the cave abode from outside.

The arrivals were none other than Xuanyin Pavilion Sect Master Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, along with the sect’s three newly advanced Core Formation cultivators: Zhao Lingyue, Zhao Lingxing, and one male cultivator.

“Greetings, Elder Lin!”

After landing, the three newly advanced Core Formation cultivators respectfully cupped their fists toward Lin Chang’an.

Lin Chang’an likewise smiled and returned the gesture.

“As fellow Core Formation cultivators, we may address each other as fellow daoists from now onward.”

However, although the three humbly nodded, respect still filled their actions and speech, and even their form of address did not change.

After the excitement and exhilaration from their Core Formation gradually settled, they finally learned about the hierarchy among Core Formation cultivators.

Before arriving, Sect Master Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had earnestly reminded them about the distinctions within the Core Formation Realm.

Thus, none of them were foolish.

Especially Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing, who remained just as respectful toward Lin Chang’an as they had been back when they were Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Regarding this, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt nodded in satisfaction.

One advantage of the current chaotic situation was that even newly advanced Core Formation cultivators could clearly understand the dangers and relationships involved.

Rather than being like those in the small Seven Kingdoms region, where once someone formed a core they truly believed themselves invincible.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, I fear this auction trip may end fruitlessly for us.”

Lin Chang’an was unsurprised by the arrival of the group at their previously agreed meeting time for the auction.

He simply nodded lightly and asked:

“I’ve already heard about it. But what exactly is happening? Why have so many outside factions become involved?”

Lin Chang’an frowned.

Things were already unstable enough.

How had Nascent Soul-level factions become entangled now as well?

“We do not know the exact details. However, there are rumors saying the Blazing Fire Sect discovered the cave abode ruins of a Nascent Soul cultivator, but the treasures were stolen by someone else.

“According to the clues, this person either fled into the Five Dragon Island sea region or hid within the Ghost Domain.”

After hearing Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s information, Lin Chang’an suddenly understood.

“Still, whether the rumors are true or false remains unknown. It’s possible someone deliberately created chaos. Such methods have become rather common over these years.”

After their analysis, they could only conclude that the situation was becoming increasingly chaotic.

“However, my opinion is that regardless of whether it’s true or false, it’s best not to become entangled.”

Although the treasures being discussed sounded enticing, nobody knew whether there might be traps hidden behind them.

Thus, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt very calmly chose to ignore the matter.

Yet after hearing this, Lin Chang’an lightly shook his head.

“I fear others may not think the same way.”

Naturally, he also did not wish to become entangled.

After all, blindly charging into something without understanding anything about it was simply foolish stubbornness.

After finding their opinions aligned, both revealed smiles.

The Xuanyin Pavilion had only just stabilized with great difficulty, and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt truly did not wish to become dragged into such matters.

Afterward, the six traveled together toward the Five Dragon Island marketplace.

……

Along the way, Lin Chang’an also learned about the Xuanyin Pavilion’s true situation.

After the Zhao Sisters, the newly advanced Core Formation cultivator indeed only formed a low-grade Golden Core.

There was no need to conceal this.

At the same time, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt decided to hold the Core Formation celebration three months later.

“Three months later? That works.”

Previously, both his own Core Formation celebration and Sword Attendant’s had received many gifts.

Now it was time to return the favor.

Although it meant additional expenses, Lin Chang’an understood something even more clearly—

As a member of the sect, after the Core Formation celebration, he too would receive part of the benefits.

Moreover, the stronger the Xuanyin Pavilion became, the more beneficial it was for him as well.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, I fear there will be many Core Formation celebrations during the years to come.”

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt softly sighed and shook her head as she spoke about the actual situation.

During peaceful times, clans and sects normally would never engage in behavior that exhausted their foundations like killing the chicken to retrieve the eggs.

But under the current turmoil, all factions were sparing no effort to strengthen themselves first.

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s words left Lin Chang’an speechless for a moment.

Did she really think he was that stingy?

As for other people’s Core Formation celebrations, that depended upon who they were.

For those who had shown him courtesy, he naturally did not mind offering a gift.

But for those without courtesy or background, they would be the ones begging him to attend—

Why would he lower himself personally?

Along the way, Lin Chang’an and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt chatted familiarly and casually.

This caused the three newly advanced Core Formation cultivators behind them to secretly exchange voice transmissions.

“Senior Sisters Zhao, the Sect Master and Elder Lin seem extremely close. Could the outside rumors actually be true?”

Previously, as Foundation Establishment cultivators, they had not dared speak recklessly.

But now that they themselves were Core Formation cultivators, their curiosity naturally became harder to suppress.

Zhao Lingyue and Zhao Lingxing were likewise curious.

However, Elder Sister Zhao Lingyue gently shook her head and transmitted her voice:

“Enough, Junior Brother. You’ve now successfully formed your core. I heard you plan to become Dao companions with Junior Sister Tian after the Core Formation celebration. At that time, don’t forget to invite us.”

When this topic arose, the male cultivator’s face reddened slightly before he finally nodded.

“Don’t worry. I won’t fail Junior Sister Tian.”

At the mention of Junior Sister Tian, warmth surfaced within the male cultivator’s heart.

This Junior Sister Tian, who had grown up together with him within the sect as childhood sweethearts, had sold all her accumulated savings over the years to provide him with resources so he could successfully form his core.

Naturally, he could not fail the woman he loved.

Meanwhile, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt flying ahead seemed to sense something and could not help glancing backward out of the corner of her eye, a trace of satisfaction appearing at the corner of her lips.

Regardless of the future, at the very least, the disciples she selected and nurtured within the sect this time possessed reliable character.

Even after forming cores, they had not forgotten their roots.

Likewise, after overhearing the exchange behind him, Lin Chang’an also revealed a trace of approval.

The cultivation method cultivated by Fellow Daoist Nishang could sense the minds of others and thereby judge whether someone harbored malicious intentions.

For a sect, this cultivation method was practically a divine weapon.

Throughout the journey, Sword Attendant remained silent, following behind her master.

Soon afterward, the group saw the bustling marketplace ahead.

As streams of escape light landed within the marketplace, the surrounding cultivators hurriedly revealed respectful expressions and cupped their fists in salute.

“Core Formation mighty experts!”

“Core Formation cultivators!”

Lin Chang’an, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, and Sword Attendant were already long accustomed to such situations after many years as Core Formation cultivators.

However, for the three newly advanced Core Formation cultivators, although their expressions remained calm, they still could not suppress a trace of delight and pride within their hearts.

After cultivating for over a hundred years and finally forming cores, if they truly felt no emotions whatsoever, then how would they differ from stones?

They were not immortals free from desires and pursuits.

They were merely cultivators walking the path of immortality.

Regarding this, even after sensing their emotions, neither Lin Chang’an nor Fairy of Rainbow Skirt felt there was anything wrong.

As long as they could preserve their original hearts, it was enough.

RelatedRelatedRelated