Sea Abyss City.

"Fellow cultivator, the spiritual energy in this place is quite abundant."

In front of a cave dwelling, a middle-aged cultivator dressed in Bihai Palace attire was introducing the cave to Lin Chang’an with a beaming smile.

Lin Chang’an nodded slightly after hearing this and handed over the Spirit Stones he had previously exchanged for the rent here.

The spiritual energy is indeed abundant, but the price is also truly expensive.

However, seeing the other party’s face light up upon receiving the Spirit Stones, he couldn’t help but inquire:

"May I ask, fellow cultivator, are there any steps required before applying for a Core Formation Spirit Land?"

Faced with Lin Chang’an’s question, the middle-aged cultivator was not at all surprised, and instead nodded with a customary light smile, beginning to explain. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Visiting cultivators coming here and renting a cave dwelling at great expense for five years, with the other’s cultivation, it was obvious they were preparing for Core Formation.

This kind of situation was all too common.

"Actually, rest assured, fellow cultivator, here in Sea Abyss City, no one dares to cause trouble during Core Formation, or even have the thought, provided that you don’t easily leave the city.

As for the rules, they’re simple: successful Core Formation cultivators under the protection of Sea Abyss City must guard the city for a hundred years..."

Listening to the detailed explanation, Lin Chang’an nodded quietly.

Although it’s a hundred years of guarding, it’s not a strict mandate to hunt Demon Beasts, but rather similar to his previous experience on Jade Spirit Island.

The requirement is to assist in maintaining local stability, mainly to prevent Beast Tides.

There is a high degree of freedom, no compulsory tasks.

"So that’s how it is. No wonder Bihai Palace has remained the overlord of the Demon Beast Abyss for thousands of years."

Learning there were no hidden clauses, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but quietly nod.

Bihai Palace offers a lot of flexibility, but in contemplating, one would realize one thing.

That is, you’re working for Bihai Palace but not actually part of it.

Yet, this approach of Bihai Palace wins the hearts of people below, and also, many Core Formation cultivators.

But he knew one thing, each newly achieved Core Formation cultivator is at their most spirited time.

Yet the resources needed for a new Core Formation cultivator are vast, such as Golden Core Realm cultivation techniques and even Lifebound Treasures.

Over a hundred years, seeing the true gap between oneself and Bihai Palace cultivators, with the passage of time, that exuberance would fade, gradually accepting their mediocrity thereafter.

Many cultivators would instead join Bihai Palace.

They don’t force it, but they get many people to willingly join, and that’s the brilliant strategy.

"Truly impressive," Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but admire.

"Of course, if you fail, it’s nothing, Bihai Palace isn’t short of Foundation Establishment cultivators. If you wish to join, you can only start with the demon hunting teams step by step."

The middle-aged cultivator said with a smiling face. Every time he saw these visiting cultivators, he felt fortunate that his ancestors had foresight.

Having joined Bihai Palace early, now he didn’t have to struggle like these visitors.

Seeing the happiness on the other party’s face, Lin Chang’an was speechless for a moment.

However, thinking about it, it’s true. For the same cave dwelling, the rent for a High-Level cave dwelling is only half for Bihai Palace cultivators, while these visiting cultivators have to pay twice as much.

"I wish you an early path to Core Formation, Mr. Zhu."

"Thank you for your kind words, fellow cultivator."

After seeing the other leave, Lin Chang’an waved his hand, holding the Jade Token, and entered the cave dwelling.

Just an inconspicuous cave between the mountains, but the spiritual energy here is indeed very rich.

"Now, let’s close for five years and refine all Tier Three Elixirs, and complete all preparations before Core Formation!"

Lin Chang’an took a deep breath, then set up his own Array in the cave dwelling, and tapped the Spirit Beast Bag.

The Cyan-Horned Bull and Phoenix Cry Bird were released simultaneously.

Upon arriving at a new place, the Phoenix Cry Bird immediately looked around pleased, finally, it didn’t need to hold back anymore; the journey almost suffocated it.

The Cyan-Horned Bull was also joyously pleased; the spiritual energy here was very abundant to it, especially with a water pool that it liked.

"I’ll be in closed cultivation next; you two just cultivate honestly inside the cave dwelling."

The Cyan-Horned Bull leisurely soaked into the pool, enjoying the rare moments of leisure.

The Phoenix Cry Bird cast a disdainful glance, choosy as ever, built itself a fine, golden nest.

Upon entering the cave dwelling, Lin Chang’an sat cross-legged, drawing a deep breath, and began his five-year retreat.

"Tier Three Elixirs, let’s see how far I can push the limits!"

[Realm: Foundation Establishment Late Stage (93/100)]

...

Meanwhile, within Sea Abyss City, Madam Lu and Lu Yujian.

"Big brother."

Seeing Lu Yushu again, the once proud genius now felt some anxiety preparing for Core Formation, a touch of unease evident between his brows.

"Patriarch, cousin."

The family’s distant journey to assist brought about deep gratitude, yet the burden seemed to weigh heavier on Lu Yushu’s shoulders.

Upon meeting, Lu Yujian excitedly spoke, oblivious to his mother’s concerns.

"Greetings, Master Tan."

When the short-statured Master Tan appeared, the Lu family members bowed respectfully.

Lu Yushu further respectfully addressed him as master.

Yet witnessing Lu Yushu’s well-disguised anxiety, Master Tan shook his head, slightly disappointed.

"Do you know why I didn’t stop your Lu family from coming?"

In front of the Lu family, Master Tan spoke bluntly.

This made Lu Yushu’s face stiffen, obviously a bit overwhelmed.

Madam Lu seemed to guess something but remained silent in front of the Core Formation Master.

Master Tan shook his head and said:

"It’s because I want you to see for yourself how much your family has sacrificed for you and what burden you’ll carry in the future. You were too lost before; your heart was in turmoil!"