Chapter 65: The Drifting Cloud Gains a Soul and Is Named Ling'er

“The Flowing Cloud Pendant can enhance your cultivation speed and improve your innate talent. While it cannot change your spiritual roots, it does greatly increase the rate at which you absorb spiritual energy. Of course, the Flowing Cloud Pendant is not invincible; after reaching the Nascent Soul stage, your cultivation speed will gradually slow as your realm rises.” Judging by how swiftly Lin Yanghao was progressing now, this was surely the merit of the Flowing Cloud Pendant. Otherwise, given his talent, even breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage would have been difficult.

“As an innate spiritual treasure, the Flowing Cloud Pendant naturally offers more than just this. It can also purify the true essence within your body. Although this may cause your realm to rise more slowly than others, your strength will be several times greater than cultivators at the same stage,” Ling’er, the artifact spirit, continued.

“So that’s why! My spiritual energy has become so pure—all thanks to the Flowing Cloud Pendant.” Lin Yanghao found it hard to contain his excitement, his face lighting up with a flush of joy at this sudden news.

“There are five innate spiritual treasures in existence, all born at the dawn of heaven and earth. These are the Chaos Ring, the Flowing Cloud Pendant, the Heaven-Covering Umbrella, the Heavenly Firmament Cauldron, and the White Mist Stone. Each is scattered across different planes within the chaos. Every one of them contains two laws of the universe and greatly aids in comprehending those laws. Legend has it that whoever gathers all five treasures can command the very Dao of Heaven—and attain immortality!” Ling’er’s voice grew excited as she spoke.

“What! Does that mean if I collect the remaining three, I could control the Dao and become immortal?” Lin Yanghao’s imagination instantly soared.

“How could that be? Even if you gather all five treasures now, it would be useless. With your meager cultivation, you couldn’t comprehend the complete laws unless you reach the realm of Divine Sovereign. So for now, focus on your cultivation and the pursuit of Dao!” Ling’er shot Lin Yanghao a scornful look.

“Oh, right. This Divine Sovereign realm you mentioned—what exactly is it? Is it the next step after the Immortal World?” The mention of this new realm piqued Lin Yanghao’s curiosity. As for the laws, he couldn’t be bothered for now—such things were far beyond his current reach.

“I cannot tell you now, as it would affect your state of mind. When your strength is sufficient, I will naturally explain it to you.”

“All right, then. Tell me how to use the Chaos Ring instead!”

“With your current abilities, each time you break through to a new realm, you may enter the Chaos Ring to cultivate. Time flows ten times faster inside than in the real world, so every entry is a precious chance, though there are limits. At your present stage, ten years inside is already quite good—so don’t waste it! Last time, you squandered an opportunity,” Ling’er explained to Lin Yanghao.

Lin Yanghao nodded, finally understanding the truth.

“I’ve chatted with you long enough—I'm tired now, I’m going to rest. Don’t bother me unless it’s important,” Ling’er said. Having finished her introductions, she was in no mood to say more.

“Wait! I have one more question!” Seeing Ling’er about to leave, Lin Yanghao grumbled inwardly, “You’re just an artifact spirit—do you really need to rest? You look like a little girl, but in truth, you’re probably some ancient monster who’s lived for countless years!”

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re thinking! I forgot to mention, our minds are linked—I know everything you think! If you insult me again, I’ll make sure you suffer!” Ling’er retorted fiercely.

Lin Yanghao froze in shock. Mind-linking? What kind of sorcery was this?

“All right, all right, my fault. Do you know how to resurrect someone?” Lin Yanghao’s thoughts turned to Feng Shihan.

“You mean your little sweetheart? In her condition, without a soul or a body, even my master had no way to revive her. There may be only one solution...” Ling’er paused.

“What is it? Tell me!” Lin Yanghao urged anxiously. Ling’er’s master seemed incredibly powerful, yet even he could not raise the dead? Lin Yanghao felt the world collapsing around him, but hope rekindled at the mention of a possible way.

“Sigh! It’s what I just told you—gather all five innate spiritual treasures, command the Dao, and naturally you’ll be able to resurrect Feng Shihan.” After finishing, Ling’er sighed, thinking, “Yet another romantic fool tormented by love,” before vanishing from Lin Yanghao’s sight.

“As long as there’s hope, it’s enough. I already possess two of them—once I find the other three, I will save Feng Shihan!” Soon after, Lin Yanghao immersed himself in cultivation.

Originally, Lin Yanghao had believed that ascending to the Immortal Realm would grant him a way to revive Feng Shihan. Now he realized the path was as arduous as reaching the heavens themselves. Yet Lin Yanghao did not give up; as long as hope remained, he would persevere.

Having sorted out his thoughts, Lin Yanghao felt a wave of relief wash over him. To his delight, he had broken through in his state of mind.

“Ling’er, are you there? Come out, I need to talk to you.” Suddenly, Lin Yanghao remembered how Ling’er had mocked his talisman-crafting techniques and figured she must know better methods.

“What do you want now? Didn’t I tell you not to call me unless it’s important?” Ling’er replied impatiently.

“You said before that my method of crafting talismans was wrong. So tell me—how should it be done?” asked Lin Yanghao.

“You mean the Talisman Crafting Record? That was created by my master.”

“What? Your master created it? Then how exactly does it work? Why are there so few types of talismans in it?” Lin Yanghao shouted inwardly, “Is everything your master’s doing? Is your master omnipotent? Even the Talisman Crafting Record is his creation?!”

“Few types? My master’s Talisman Crafting Record actually contains every talisman in existence. It’s probably sealed by my master. Once you reach the appropriate realm, it will unlock naturally. I remember my master always used a brush dipped in a spiritual herb called Purple Vine when crafting talismans,” Ling’er patiently explained to Lin Yanghao.