Chapter 518: Chapter 270: The Long Family’s Miserable Plight

Handling matters with Spirit Stones, Lin Chang’an was serious, despite having a past grudge with the Long Family, but this concerned his reputation.

Should he receive such a hefty remuneration from the Long Family only to be ridiculed, it would ultimately be his reputation that suffers, affecting his future earnings.

Tier Three Array, over the years, within the Profound Sound Pavilion sect, he had gained considerable insights from various ancient array texts.

However, the Five Elements Labyrinth Array was adapted from Old Hu’s former array, while the North Dipper Dual Instrument Formation was genuinely learned at Profound Sound Pavilion.

"North Dipper Dual Instrument Formation!"

Upon hearing this, Long Jie also felt solemn; even for those who were not skilled in arrays, the differences between them could be discerned.

After all, the Five Elements Labyrinth Array could only serve as a Mountain Protection Array for one Spirit Mountain.

Whereas the North Dipper Dual Instrument Formation connects two Spirit Mountains, making it a more powerful array.

"What materials does the North Dipper Dual Instrument Formation require?"

"It requires Yin-Yang..."

As Lin Chang’an slowly revealed the materials for this array, Long Jie’s expression grew increasingly solemn; in the past, the Long Family might have dismissed it, but now...

As Lin Chang’an mentioned that the materials varied in quality, affecting the power of refined array discs and flags.

Long Jie’s expression shifted several times, yet after a brief hesitation, he resolutely said:

"If that’s the case, then I’ll trouble Mr. Lin to set up this North Dipper Dual Instrument Formation."

Upon hearing the Long Family’s choice, Lin Chang’an also nodded lightly, feeling quite satisfied.

He had quite the fondness for this North Dipper Dual Instrument Formation, partly to practice and see the extent of its power.

And naturally, because the required materials were rather rare and plentiful, he had the opportunity to take a portion.

This wasn’t a personal issue, but indeed related to arrays, alchemy, and artifact refining; whenever the opponent provided materials, it wasn’t entirely free of charge.

After all, setting up arrays involved expenditures, which one couldn’t simply replenish oneself.

Therefore, most Array Masters would ask for an extra one or two percent in materials.

This explains why these three skills tend to be rather lucrative.

As for the Talisman path, it was relatively harder to take kickbacks, though powerful later, it did not have as much advantage as the preceding three.

However, among the four major cultivation skills, each has their strengths and weaknesses, and none is inherently superior.

"We’ll have the materials delivered to your residence shortly, Mr. Lin."

"Alright."

After some discussion, they agreed to set it up within two years.

Lin Chang’an also stayed as a guest with the Long Family, witnessing their former glory waning.

However, the hidden arrays in the Long Family’s depths wouldn’t be easily revealed.

Moreover, it’s not as if the Long Family lacks those who understand arrays; they simply don’t have a Tier Three Array Master.

Array flags and discs need to be refined, too.

If he secretly left a backdoor in the array and got discovered, he’d be the one in trouble.

A tarnished reputation virtually spells ruin for an Array Master.

Even when arranging auxiliary arrays between mountains, using spirit grasses and spirit woods can cause slight changes in the array.

Even for Lin Chang’an, the creator of the array, he faced a relatively unfamiliar formation.

Lin Chang’an shook his head silently; he held onto professional integrity.

Later, the Long Family brought him to see their Zitan Spirit Mine, which pleased Lin Chang’an greatly.

Steady and sustainable.

...

Celestial Spring Peak.

"Accepted a big project, I’ll be busy in the coming period."

Looking at the resources sent by the Long Family, Lin Chang’an nodded silently.

If a normal Tier Three Array Master were to handle this, provided the materials were complete, it would take over a year.

However, with two embodiments and perpetual peak state talent, he could complete it in two to three months.

"Hand these materials over to the Profound Sound Pavilion; there’s a jade scroll indicating how they should be refined."

"Yes, master!"

After Lin Chang’an took out several storage bags and jade scrolls, the sword servant accepted them respectfully and departed.

The array needed refined discs and flags, which required artifact refining, and as he couldn’t reveal his identity, he had no choice but to rely on the Profound Sound Pavilion.

"The embodiment of divinity, intriguing!"

Lin Chang’an’s expression turned calm; with him forming a spell gesture, two beams of cyan light glimmered.

[Embodiment of Divinity (Proficiency 32/500)]

A beam of cyan light transformed into an identical figure of Lin Chang’an, while the other turned into a face resembling dry bark, with a somewhat weaker aura.

"Truly worthy of the pinnacle divine techniques of ancient times."

Each time he deployed it, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but marvel; this divine technique was too miraculous.

"Though the embodiment has only thirty percent of my strength, its capacity to assist in alchemy, talisman painting, and array setup is extraordinarily miraculous."

It’s akin to having two embodiments similar to a second Nascent Soul; in times of crisis, they can even withstand calamities for him.

This isn’t just a mere illusionary substitute but a genuine avatar.

Unlike the independent risk associated with a second Nascent Soul.

With an additional embodiment, he’s gained extra time for skill cultivation.

The drawback is that the embodiment cannot stray too far from the main body.

"So many aspirations."

Alchemy, arrays, talismans, artifact refining; reflecting on it, Lin Chang’an sighed softly, his two embodiments transformed into cyan light, merging back into his body.

"While I prepare to retreat and focus on array refining, I should also venture into the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea for some hunting."

Ultimately, hunting the Yin Spirit Beast King is quite profitable.

Not only can he collect Profound Water Liquid, a Core Formation Spiritual Object, but also Demon Cores, apart from the Phoenix Cry Bird, both the Evil Essence Sword Formulas and his Tranquility Talisman suppress the Yin Spirit Beast King.

Only he dares; other cultivators would rather hunt demon beasts than confront the Yin Spirit Beast King.

After all, with dangers present at every turn in the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea, mainly, the value of the Yin Spirit isn’t high.

"Not only do I need Core Formation Spiritual Objects right now, but also the Cyan-Horned Bull."

Lin Chang’an’s eyes flashed; the sword servant can’t solely rely on cultivation; practicing the Evil Essence Sword Formulas demands real combat.

Simultaneously, it enhances the sword servant, making it a win-win.

More importantly, due to previous disturbances in the Five Dragons Island Sea Region, Bihai Palace’s Nascent Soul cultivators took notice, even the Profound Yin Demon Sect distanced themselves from this area recently.

So it’s safe to venture into the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea.

Others fear the misty sea, while he has the Spiritual Eye, perceiving the elusive tempest streaming, and neutralizing the Yin Spirit Beast King.

"Celestial Spirit Sword Body, with the aggressive Evil Essence Sword Formulas, who knows its potential power?"

Reflecting on this, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but squint his eyes.

At the same time, he genuinely needs Spirit Stones.

...

Three months later.

"Finally completed the array inscriptions!"

In the cavern, Lin Chang’an wiped his forehead, revealing a satisfied smile.

With the collaborative efforts of two embodiments, progress was remarkably swift.

"Now’s not the time to hand it over to the Long Family; rather, it’s the moment to venture into the Heaven-Reaching Mist Sea."

Looking at the array flags and discs filling the cavern, Lin Chang’an waved his hand, arranging the disordered flags and discs neatly.

He then began preparations for departure.

Prior to this, his embodiment, Wen Danshi, refined a batch of elixirs for someone, then publicly announced his trip to procure spirit grasses.

He couldn’t continuously remain secluded.

Throughout the Profound Sound Pavilion, everyone knew he took on a major task for the Long Family, even prompting the entire sect’s artifact refiners to mobilize.

Within the earthfire chamber, refining materials into raw embryos for array discs and flags.

Nobody would disturb him during this period.

In the earthfire cavern.

"Moo!"

The drowsy Cyan-Horned Bull, awoken by Lin Chang’an, gazed about confusedly, making Lin Chang’an speechless.

"You silly bull, let’s go."

Even before departure, he took the Phoenix Cry Bird, though it couldn’t be easily revealed, it was his trump card.

Leaving it at home seemed pointless.

...

"Master!"

The prepared sword servant stood, bearing a treasure sword, respectfully saluting.

"Alright, we’ll leave discreetly this time; wear this defensive spiritual artifact."

"Yes, master!"

Observing the inner armor defensive spiritual artifact, the sword servant raised no doubts or objections, adhering solely to orders and actions. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

This was also Lin Chang’an’s work in Tier Two Refining skills.

The sword servant’s response earned Lin Chang’an’s approving nod.

In the next moment, with spell cast, the two departed Celestial Spring Peak silently.

From beginning to end, the sword servant knew nothing of his trump card, the existence of the Phoenix Cry Bird, or Wen Danshi’s identity.

Furthermore, the sword servant never questioned nor probed certain matters.

She focused solely on seizing every opportunity for cultivation.