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Amidst a collapsed mountain, dust still swirled in the air.

A fierce Core Formation-level battle had just ended.

Zhang Tieshan coughed up blood, forcibly circulating his spiritual power to stabilize his shaking and weakened body.

Looking at the corpse of the True Dan stage cultivator not far away, a gleam of joy flashed in his eyes.

"Not bad. A Fake Dan cultivator managing to slay a full-powered True Dan stage cultivator. Even in the grand and ancient Central State\'s cultivation world, it\'s a rare sight."

A childlike yet deliberately aged voice echoed in Zhang Tieshan\'s mind.

"If not for your help, Senior Artifact Spirit, this junior wouldn’t have been able to achieve this," Zhang Tieshan said humbly as he stepped forward to collect the spoils from the Feng Kingdom True Dan cultivator’s body.

Three years ago, after trading for the Five Element Earth from Lan Chang\'an, the progress in restoring his spiritual treasure fragment had advanced significantly, awakening more of the treasure’s spiritual power.

Though it could only unleash a portion of its abilities and for a short time, it was already enough to suppress most ordinary magical treasures.

"When do you plan to reform your core?"

"After this mission, I was hunted by the Feng Kingdom’s True Dan cultivators. This is the perfect opportunity to leave the sect and battlefield for a while. Once my wounds are healed, I’ll head to Wangyue Immortal City to transform the core back into liquid and form my core again."

Zhang Tieshan swallowed two pills and answered respectfully.

"Hmm. With my assistance, your Core Formation will be smooth. If I grant you a bit of spiritual treasure energy, it could even enhance the quality of your core."

"Thank you for the generous gift, Senior!" Zhang Tieshan exclaimed joyfully.

"If you can help this Artifact Spirit recover more fragments and absorb other pieces of spiritual essence, this minor benefit is nothing."

The childlike voice continued.

"By the way, you can use that remaining portion of Five Elements Soil during your Core Formation."

"Five Element Earth?" Zhang Tieshan asked, puzzled.

"Five Elements Soil, also known as the universal soil source, can be used as a spiritual object for Core Formation. Not only can it improve the quality of the core, but it also stabilizes the formation process, reducing risk."

"Unfortunately, since your cultivation method isn’t earth-based, it won’t yield its full potential as a core-forming spiritual object."

...

Back at Autumnwind Isle, in the underground chamber beneath the residence.

Lan Chang\'an took out two jars of Five Element Earth, one of which was only half full.

The Earth Burrowing Rat’s eyes lit up with excitement, nearly drooling as it stared at the two jars in its master’s hand.

"Five Elements Soil—the legendary Heaven and Earth spiritual object, the universal soil source. And the Earth Burrowing Rat is a creature of the earth element..." Lan Chang\'an quickly understood.

He recalled that he had only ever encountered brief mentions of the Five Element Earth in ancient texts and was unclear on its full uses.

At the moment, Lan Chang\'an could only confirm that the Five Element Earth could be used as a core-forming spiritual object for earth-elemental beasts or cultivators with earth-aligned cultivation methods.

Whether it could be used as a general-purpose core formation item was still uncertain.

"If the Five Elements Soil can be universally used as a spiritual object, then that trade with Zhang Tieshan might not have been as advantageous as I thought..." Lan Chang\'an mused.

Fortunately, he had strictly controlled the amount of Five Element Earth he traded.

If that superior Core Dissolution Technique could significantly enhance the quality of his future core, then the deal would still be worth it.

"Hmm, this half jar of Five Element Earth—should be enough for you, right?" Lan Chang\'an asked with a smile.

Squeak, squeak!

The Earth Burrowing Rat nodded eagerly, like a chick pecking at grain, extending its paw to receive the half jar of Five Element Earth.

But just as it was about to take it, Lan Chang\'an seemed to think of something and pulled the jar back.

Squeak?

The Earth Burrowing Rat looked puzzled, staring pitifully at its master.

"Follow me!"

Lan Chang\'an led the way through a tunnel, heading toward the bottom of a deep pool.

At the bottom of this pool stood a stone chamber, concealed by a formation that shielded it from water.

Inside the chamber was a large porcelain vat filled with multicolored soil, where the Xuanmu Vine was planted. The vat had a large hole at its base, allowing the Five Element Earth within to connect with the soil of the lakebed and absorb the natural essence of the earth.

Nearby, the Profound Water Turtle was busy performing a cloud rain spell, watering the Xuanmu Vine.

Focused intently on its task, the Profound Water Turtle didn’t even notice Lan Chang\'an and the Earth Burrowing Rat enter the chamber.

Although the Profound Water Turtle was normally lazy, it was very diligent when it came to watering the Xuanmu Vine.

This unusual behavior led Lan Chang\'an to suspect that the turtle was gaining some hidden benefit from the process.

However, he had yet to observe any significant changes in the turtle.

Lan Chang\'an himself frequently nourished the vine with his Evergreen mana, but he hadn’t felt any clear benefits either.

Puh-oh!

Annoyed by the disturbance, the Profound Water Turtle let out a grumpy noise as Lan Chang\'an dug a small portion of the Five Element Earth near the gourd vine.

The Earth Burrowing Rat shot a stern glare at the turtle, which quickly quieted it down.

"Is this enough?"

Lan Chang\'an handed the small portion of Five Element Earth to the Earth Burrowing Rat.

After regularly nourishing the Xuanmu Vine, Lan Chang\'an had discovered that the Five Element Earth from this spot seemed to possess greater spiritual essence—an indescribable vitality.

In comparison, the Five Elements Soil stored separately seemed to lack that same level of spiritual vitality.

Squeak!

The Earth Burrowing Rat looked a bit disappointed as it took the reduced portion of Five Element Earth.

After a brief exchange, Lan Chang\'an confirmed that this amount of soil would suffice.

The reason the Earth Burrowing Rat had wanted more was that Five Elements Soil, aside from being a core-forming spiritual object, had immense benefits for earth-elemental beasts in general.

...

"A mere Earth Burrowing Rat, and it gets not one but two superior core-forming spiritual objects. Even the direct disciples of the Flame Departing Palace probably don’t receive such treatment," Lan Chang\'an thought to himself as he headed back to the residence, feeling a twinge of envy.

It was a bit ironic that his spiritual pet was receiving better resources for core formation than he, the master.

The Five Element Earth, as a core-forming spiritual object, wasn’t necessarily suited to him.

Even if it was usable, it wouldn’t be as compatible with his attributes as it was for the Earth Burrowing Rat.

Still, with his Core Dissolution Technique, Lan Chang\'an didn’t feel the need to covet the Earth Burrowing Rat’s fortune.

The Core Dissolution Technique he had acquired was a secret method for humans and wouldn’t easily apply to demonic beasts unless it were modified.

Furthermore, when he made the trade with Zhang Tieshan, they had both sworn an oath to their heart demons.

The technique couldn\'t be casually passed on to others.

"With two superior core formation items, the Earth Burrowing Rat has a very good chance of achieving a True Dan. But allowing it to form its core at the Xia Family in Qingsha Bay might not be wise."

Lan Chang\'an knew he needed to adjust his plans.

For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, even one at the late stage, having a spiritual pet at the Fake Dan stage was already an extraordinary fortune.

However, this wasn’t unheard of.

Zhou Qingxuan from the Beast Taming Zhou Family had possessed a quasi-third-rank demonic beast while still at the Foundation Establishment stage.

But for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to have a True Dan-stage spiritual pet—that would be something astonishing.

If such a scenario occurred...

Lan Chang\'an would instantly attract the attention of the top ranks in the cultivation world of Jing Kingdom, and his reputation would spread to the surrounding nations.

Unless he had a powerful backing, this would be difficult to handle.

Previously, Lan Chang\'an had planned to have the Earth Burrowing Rat form its core at Qingsha Bay, considering the relatively low probability of this causing major issues.

However, if it did happen, he would have to flee with the Earth Burrowing Rat and find a new place to cultivate.

Moreover, the Jing Kingdom Merchant Alliance would likely investigate his background thoroughly, which could lead to his true identity being exposed.

"Unfortunately, the phenomenon caused by core formation is difficult to conceal. Even a third-rank grand formation wouldn\'t be enough to hide it."

Lan Chang\'an felt a headache coming on.

The celestial phenomena generated during core formation would reveal the quality of the core.

At least in his previous life, there had been no way to conceal this.

Perhaps only cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage or above, or highly skilled formation masters, might possess such abilities.

"It seems I\'ll have to collaborate with the Snow Fox Merchant Association. Their secluded spiritual vein site is more suited for demonic beasts, and more importantly, it\'s in a remote location. The core formation phenomena won\'t attract much attention..."

With his plans altered, Lan Chang\'an knew he needed to make more thorough preparations.

...

Back in the underground chamber at Autumnwind Isle.

Having obtained the Five Element Earth, the Earth Burrowing Rat entered seclusion once more.

By absorbing the essence of the soil source within the Five Element Earth, it could further strengthen its foundation.

Meanwhile, Lan Chang\'an focused on a heavy, half-completed puppet, pouring all his attention into perfecting its design.

In the blink of an eye, half a year passed.

Finally, Lan Chang\'an made a breakthrough in his puppet-making skills, successfully crafting a quasi-third-rank puppet.

"With this puppet, even if an early True Dan cultivator comes, I’ll be able to withstand them head-on."

Lan Chang\'an examined the armored puppet before him, which wielded a massive shield.

Puppet crafting wasn’t as intricate as refining magical weapons or treasures. As long as the materials were durable enough, the puppet would function properly.

Puppet masters didn’t need to understand the core techniques of artifact refining. Their primary focus was on forging materials, mechanical construction, and soul-based puppet control techniques.

Of course, for certain high-end components, puppet masters could still seek the help of artifact refiners.

Satisfied, Lan Chang\'an stored away the armored puppet.

Not long after, the Earth Burrowing Rat emerged from seclusion, and together with its master, they made another trip to the bottom of the deep pool.

Since they were planning to travel far, Lan Chang\'an decided to take the Xuanmu Vine along, as well as the Profound Water Turtle.

"You two stay here and look after Autumnwind Isle. I’ve already prepared several months\' worth of commonly used second-rank pills."

Lan Chang\'an summoned his two assistants, Xia Mingcheng and Xia Wenyue.

Xia Mingcheng was a legitimate alchemy apprentice, a first-rank alchemist with decent talent.

Xia Wenyue, on the other hand, leaned more toward pharmacology and medicine, serving as both an alchemy assistant and a maid on Autumnwind Isle.

"Yes, Alchemist Wu."

After receiving their instructions, the two bowed and left.

...

Lan Chang\'an flew toward the center of Qingsha Bay to meet with Young Master Xia Mingqu, notifying him of his impending journey.

Since saving Xia Shenglan, the Xia Family had grown even more trusting of Lan Chang\'an.

When Lan Chang\'an mentioned his upcoming trip, Xia Mingqu didn’t try to stop him.

Half an hour later...

Lan Chang\'an left the Xia Family\'s cultivation grounds with a peculiar expression on his face.

During their conversation, Xia Mingqu had subtly tested the waters, probing into Lan Chang\'an\'s feelings toward Xia Shenglan.

It seemed the Xia Family wanted to match him with Xia Shenglan.

"Looks like Xia Shenglan’s relationship with her husband in the Xin Family is on the brink of collapse."

"And Xia Shenglan still hasn’t returned to the Xin Family..."

Lan Chang\'an realized that the relationship between the two most powerful families within the Wufu Merchant Association, the Xia Family and the Xin Family, had deteriorated to the point where open conflict was imminent.

At its core, the tension stemmed from an unequal distribution of power and resources.

Decades ago, the Xia Family had been the dominant force in the Wufu Merchant Association, with the guild leader\'s position always held by the Xia family.

But ten years ago, a Fake Dan cultivator emerged from the Xin Family, younger than the Xia Family’s patriarch, Xia Hongyu.

Although the Xia Family had ceded some power, the Xin Family remained dissatisfied, clashing with the Xia family over their differing approaches to guild management.

If Xia Shenglan stayed with the Xin Family, she would be completely isolated and strictly monitored by her husband’s family.

...

One month later.

In the northern part of Jing Kingdom, within a branch of the Black Fog Mountain Range.

A steel fortress stood in a valley basin, concealed by a third-rank formation.

Inside the side hall of the steel fortress, a man and a woman sat across from one another.

"Xiang Immortal, I apologize for keeping you waiting."

Hanyu Immortal, with her silver hair and snow-white robe, her skin as delicate as jade and her demeanor icy, politely apologized to Lan Chang\'an.

"No matter. After all, this spiritual vein site isn’t solely owned by your merchant guild."

Lan Chang\'an, disguised as an elderly man with a straw raincoat and the surname Xiang, responded calmly.

Half a month ago, Lan Chang\'an had reached out to Hanyu Immortal from the Snow Fox Merchant Association, planning to borrow their special demonic spiritual vein located in the Black Fog Mountain Range.

Hanyu Immortal had readily agreed but also imposed some conditions.

In addition to paying a usage fee for the site, Lan Chang\'an would owe the Snow Fox Merchant Association a favor.

The guild only asked for a verbal commitment.

Naturally, Lan Chang\'an agreed without hesitation.

Upon arriving at this secret base, Lan Chang\'an learned that the Snow Fox Merchant Association shared ownership of the site with another merchant guild, and one of the guild’s spiritual pets was currently attempting to break through to the third rank.

"The formation and the training chamber are prepared. Please, Xiang Immortal, follow me."

Receiving a message via jade slip, Hanyu Immortal gestured for Lan Chang\'an to accompany her.

They walked side by side until they reached the heart of the steel fortress: a grand cultivation hall.

This hall was equipped with a Spirit Gathering Formation and a Demonic Fiend Formation, its spiritual pressure nearing that of a third-rank spiritual vein—perfect for a beast attempting to break through to the third rank.

"What’s your companion’s name? And what kind of demonic beast are they attempting to raise to the third rank?"

A burly man in a tiger-skin cloak stood at the entrance to the cultivation hall, his tone indifferent as he asked.

Hanyu Immortal gave Lan Chang\'an a knowing glance.

"So, this is Huxiao Immortal from the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association."

Lan Chang\'an had heard of him before. Hanyu Immortal had mentioned that this man was the overseer of the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association at this site.

Upon arriving at this special spiritual vein, Lan Chang\'an had also learned that although the Snow Fox Merchant Association and the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association jointly controlled the site, the latter had more authority.

This was because the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association was far stronger and known as the best in Jing Kingdom when it came to beast taming.

The Snow Fox Merchant Association had initially discovered this spiritual vein site, but after the information leaked, they had been forced to share it with the Ten Thousand Beasts Merchant Association.

"I’m just a minor loose cultivator who formed a Fake Dan in a small place. I haven\'t yet taken on a Daoist title. The beast attempting to form its core this time is an earth-element demonic beast."

Lan Chang\'an didn’t reveal any useful information.

He had previously communicated with Hanyu Immortal that this core formation for his spiritual pet would need to be kept highly confidential.

Huxiao Immortal snorted coldly but didn’t ask any more questions as he opened the door to the cultivation hall.

The Snow Fox Merchant Association controlled half of the site’s usage rights, and he had no reason to block their access.

...

"Huxiao Immortal\'s previous quasi-third-rank tiger demon died in battle. Later, he raised the offspring of that tiger demon, which attempted to form its core a month ago by consuming a Sha Yuan Pill, along with a standard core-forming spiritual object. Unfortunately, the tiger demon’s attempt failed. The pill’s medicinal power was too intense, causing a backlash that resulted in the tiger demon’s cultivation level dropping..."

Inside the cultivation hall, Hanyu Immortal explained the situation.

This was likely the reason for Huxiao Immortal\'s foul mood.

"Understandable," Lan Chang\'an nodded before listening to Hanyu Immortal’s instructions on how to use the hall.

"This formation token can control the hall’s formations, adjusting the intensity of the spiritual pressure..."

After a few more words, Hanyu Immortal left the hall.

She was quite curious about the type of spiritual pet Lan Chang\'an was raising to the third rank and what kind of core-forming spiritual objects he had prepared.

However, Lan Chang\'an had been tight-lipped, revealing no crucial details.

Still feeling uneasy about the hall\'s formations, Lan Chang\'an added several more layers of his own restrictions.

He even placed isolating materials crafted from Shadowstones around the cultivation bed, preventing any outside spiritual sense from probing the area.

Once everything was ready...

The Earth Burrowing Rat emerged from its spirit pet bag and sat on the stone bed in the center of the hall.

Squeak!

The Earth Burrowing Rat glanced at its master, then closed its eyes in peace, beginning to circulate its bloodline power and demonic energy.

Lan Chang\'an sat a few zhang behind it, personally guarding the process.

Half a day later, the Earth Burrowing Rat had smoothly entered the initial stages of core formation, with its essence, energy, and spirit steadily rising.

The early stages of core formation posed little risk.

Lan Chang\'an’s gaze drifted toward the northeast, beyond the Black Fog Mountain Range.

Looking in that direction, his eyes seemed to pierce through countless distances, spanning across Jing Kingdom, passing by the Beast Taming Zhou Family and Wuqi Mountain.

Further north, his gaze eventually reached the location of the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm.

"I\'m already 146 years old. The last time the Green Underworld Mysterious Realm opened was exactly fifty years ago."