Mortal Cultivator: Lin Tianzun

Chapter 72: Initial Formation of Dan, Linghu Summoning (Part )
While waiting, Lin Fan's eyes unconsciously wandered around the cave. This glance only deepened his awe at its opulence and exquisiteness. The dome of the cave's ceiling was inlaid with countless tiny gemstones, their radiance blending with each other, as if encompassing the entire starry sky. As Lin Fan's gaze shifted, the gemstones flickered and danced, seemingly depicting the trajectory of the stars.

Not far away, a bookshelf constructed from spiritual jade caught his attention. The ancient tomes on the shelf each emanated a unique spiritual energy. Some were ancient and weighty, others were ethereal and elegant. Lin Fan suspected these ancient books might contain precious cultivation insights and rare magical secrets. However, for the moment, he could only suppress his curiosity.

His gaze continued to wander, landing on a large spiritual spring in the corner of the cave. The spring gurgled, and wisps of mist rose from the surface. This mist, filled with rich spiritual energy, swirled around the cave like a veil. Beside the spring, several round stones lay, their surfaces smooth as mirrors, faintly reflecting the ripples of the spring and the surrounding scenery.

The cave's large spiritual spring was like a treasure trove of spiritual energy, emitting a dazzling light and rich aura, far surpassing the smaller spiritual spring in Lin Fan's cave. While Lin Fan's own spiritual spring could normally nourish spiritual plants and aid cultivation, it was nothing compared to this spiritual spring.

The spiritual spring within Ancestor Linghu's cave was over ten feet in diameter. Its clear water resembled a vibrant jasper, shimmering in the dim light. From the center, a column of concentrated spiritual energy shot up into the sky, reaching a full three feet high. It then transformed into fine droplets that fell like a spiritual rain, drenching the entire cave in rich spiritual energy. A closer look revealed countless tiny vortices of spiritual energy, intertwining and colliding, releasing tremendous energy.

In comparison, the small spiritual spring in Lin Fan's cave, only about ten feet in radius, was far less vibrant and possessed far less spiritual energy. The spiritual energy from that small spring was a trickle, barely enough to sustain the growth of the surrounding spiritual plants and daily cultivation needs. The spiritual energy from the large spring before him, on the other hand, was like a surging river. Not only was its level several times lower, but the pure spiritual energy it contained was also immense.

Lin Fan stood aside, staring at the spiritual spring, and unconsciously took a deep breath. The rich spiritual energy instantly flowed into his lungs through his nasal cavity. The meridians in his body seemed to be gently awakened, and he felt a tingling sensation.

He secretly marveled in his heart, thinking that if he could cultivate beside this spiritual spring for a period of time, his magic power would surely be greatly improved. However, he also knew that such an opportunity was not something he could easily hope for. In the world of immortal cultivation, the allocation of resources often depended on strength and status.

Time slipped by quietly. Lin Fan remained quiet and respectful, patiently waiting for Elder Linghu to finish his work. He knew full well that in this world of immortal cultivation, where the strong were respected, respect for elders was not only a matter of etiquette, but also crucial to the success of one's own cultivation.

Another half-cup of tea passed before a steady sound of footsteps could be heard from the depths of the cave, each step firm and powerful. Lin Fan looked up and saw an old man in a yellow robe and brocade clothes slowly approaching.

The old man's hair and beard were all white. His hair and beard swayed slightly, like the clouds swirling in the mountains, revealing a sense of transcendence of this world.

However, his face had a scorched yellow hue, as if stained by the ravages of time, losing its original luster. His eyes were even more striking; within those small pupils, the gaze seemed dull and lifeless, like a deep, calm pool, devoid of the slightest ripple.

That's right, this old man was none other than Linghu Patriarch. At first glance, he looked like an ordinary mortal, walking down the street. No one would have ever associated him with the renowned Nascent Soul Stage masters of the Immortal Cultivation World.

Lin Fan stood where he was, secretly amazed. With his current Jindan stage cultivation, he couldn't sense the amazing aura emanating from Ancestor Linghu at all.

This undoubtedly demonstrates that Patriarch Linghu's control over his magical powers has reached the pinnacle, and he can control them freely without leaving any trace.

In front of him, Lin Fan felt deeply insignificant, like a drop in the ocean. This also made Lin Fan feel even more awe and admiration for the unremarkable old man before him. He secretly thought that today's meeting would surely be very beneficial.

When Lin Fan saw Elder Linghu appear, he instantly leaped from his seat like an arrow from a bowstring. He planted his feet firmly together, quickly clasped his hands together, and placed them in front of his chest. He leaned forward at just the right angle, performing a standard and solemn salute.

"Disciple Lin Fan, greetings to my uncle!" His voice was loud and clear, echoing in this spacious cave, and every word was filled with deep respect.

After the ceremony, Lin Fan raised his head slightly, his face filled with humility and sincerity. He continued, "I have just successfully completed my Core Formation. I know the path to immortality is long and arduous, and I will need your guidance from now on."

After saying this, Lin Fan straightened his back, his hands hanging naturally, his eyes looking straight ahead, his expression respectful and focused, standing quietly aside. His eyes showed both the joy and pride of having just entered the Jindan stage, and also full of respect and desire for guidance from Elder Linghu.

His every movement and every expression silently expressed his respect for Ancestor Linghu and his firm belief in the future path of cultivation.

Patriarch Linghu raised his eyes slightly, and in an instant, a sharp and fleeting brilliance flashed in his eyes, which had originally seemed dim, like a meteor shooting out of the night sky.

His gaze was as sharp as a torch, as he carefully examined Lin Fan from head to toe, as if trying to penetrate beyond the surface to the depths of his soul. In a moment, the corners of Elder Linghu's mouth slowly rose, a meaningful smile forming, and he began to praise:
"Indeed, he has already entered the Jindan stage at such a young age, and his foundation is solid and profound. His future path in cultivating immortals is boundless. Given time, he will surely become the mainstay of the Yellow Maple Valley."

As soon as he finished speaking, Patriarch Linghu raised his arm lightly and waved it casually in the air, as if stirring up the mysterious power of the void.

Without warning, a box, as smooth as jade, suddenly appeared suspended in mid-air before Lin Fan. The jade box emanated a soft, tranquil luster, like moonlight streaming down its surface. Runes carved into the box, like ethereal snakes, flickered in the dim light, as if whispering an ancient, mysterious spell. "Open it and take a look," Elder Linghu's voice, deep yet penetrating, echoed through the quiet cave. Lin Fan's hands trembled slightly, a mixture of intense curiosity about the unknown and apprehension about accepting this gift from a senior.

He took a deep breath, slowly extended his hands, and solemnly accepted the jade box as if he were holding the most precious treasure in the world. Then, he gently and slowly opened the lid of the box, fearing to disturb the mysterious object sleeping inside.

The moment the lid of the box was opened, a rich and mellow medicinal aroma wafted into the air, instantly filling the entire cave, refreshing the heart and mind, as if it could wash away the dust deep in the soul.

Lin Fan peered closely and saw a perfectly round pill resting quietly within the box. The pill resembled a meticulously crafted gemstone, its surface ablaze with multicolored light. Each hue contained a unique wave of spiritual energy, interweaving and reflecting each other in a breathtakingly beautiful display.

"This is the 'Gathering Spirit and Strengthening Yuan Pill'. It will be of great benefit to you in stabilizing your Jindan realm. Take it." The words of Ancestor Linghu were like a stone of peace, which instantly calmed Lin Fan's originally fluctuating heart.

Lin Fan woke up as if from a dream. He immediately bowed, bending at almost a ninety-degree angle, and spoke earnestly and respectfully, "Thank you, Uncle Master, for the medicine!"

"Don't leave yet. I have sent messages to several other Jindan stage cultivators in the valley, asking them to come. Let's get to know each other. The foundation building stage elders in the valley will also come." Patriarch Linghu said calmly and orderly.

Upon hearing this, Lin Fan immediately straightened his back and said loudly, "Yes, Uncle-Master." Then, he carefully put the pill away, as if he were a rare treasure, and then respectfully stepped aside, standing straight, looking straight ahead, quietly waiting for everyone to arrive.

In this quiet cave, Lin Fan was full of anticipation, knowing that a meeting of extraordinary significance was about to begin, and this might become another important turning point in his path to immortality.

"Nephew, don't be so reserved. Sit aside and let's have a good chat." Elder Linghu had a kind smile on his face and spoke in a friendly tone, trying to dispel the tense atmosphere around Lin Fan.

Hearing this, Lin Fan's expression was filled with hesitation and hesitation. He quickly waved his hand in response, "I dare not. I should behave properly in front of my uncle."

"Hey, there's nothing to be afraid of. Just sit down when I tell you to." Patriarch Linghu pretended to be angry, but his tone was still gentle, revealing an attitude that could not be refused.

Seeing that he couldn't get the upper hand, Lin Fan whispered, "Then my nephew has overstepped his bounds." After that, he slowly walked to a stool beside him and sat down very carefully, letting his buttocks just slightly touch the edge of the stool. He stood straight with his hands placed neatly on his knees, not daring to even breathe. There was still a bit of awe and nervousness in his eyes, and he would secretly look up from time to time to observe the expression of Linghu Patriarch.

Elder Linghu leaned forward slightly, his eyes filled with concern, and asked in a gentle voice, "Nephew, when did you join our Yellow Maple Valley? How many years have you been devoted to cultivation now? Also, do you have any relatives still alive?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Fan quickly straightened his posture, his back straight, his expression full of respect. He bowed slightly and replied at a moderate and clear pace:

"Reporting to my uncle, it was over eighty years ago that I first stepped into the Yellow Maple Valley. Back then, I was just a young man who had just started out and had only a vague understanding of the cultivation of immortals. I participated in the Ascension Conference and won a spot, which gave me the honor of becoming a member of the Yellow Maple Valley."

Having said this, Lin Fan paused slightly, a trace of reminiscence flashing in his eyes, and then he continued: "Counting on my fingers, it has been more than eighty years since I joined the valley, and now I am over a hundred years old.

This long road to becoming an immortal has been arduous at every step. Fortunately, thanks to the careful guidance of my teachers in the valley and the support of my fellow disciples, I have been able to reach this point today."

When Lin Fan mentioned his family, his eyes dimmed for a moment, and a trace of hard-to-conceal loneliness flashed across his face. He sighed softly, his voice unconsciously lowering a little:

"As for my family... they're all long gone. Before I embarked on the path of cultivation, my family suffered a series of misfortunes, and my loved ones passed away one by one. Afterwards, I devoted myself to cultivation, hoping to find a foothold in this world of cultivation where the strong are respected, and to offer some solace to my departed relatives."

After saying this, Lin Fan lowered his head slightly and fell into a brief silence. Elder Linghu looked at him quietly, his eyes filled with understanding and sympathy. He raised his hand and gently patted Lin Fan's shoulder, saying soothingly, "The past is the past. From now on, in Yellow Maple Valley, you should treat this place as your home. If you have any difficulties, please feel free to speak up."

(End of this chapter)