Chapter 339 : The Secret of He Yan’s Death
Chapter 339: The Secret of He Yan’s Death
Treasure Pavilion.
On this day, quite a number of Core Formation Cultivators arrived one after another, which inevitably drew the astonishment of some Qi Refinement Cultivators.
However, the Foundation Establishment Cultivators clearly knew more. Watching the streaks of escaping light descending one after another, aside from respectfully offering greetings, what filled their hearts even more was envy.
Inside the trading hall, dragons and phoenixes were carved everywhere. The seats used by Core Formation Cultivators were all crafted from precious spirit wood.
The moment one stepped into the hall, one could clearly feel a dense concentration of spiritual energy, giving off a deep and secretive atmosphere.
“How extravagant. Even these tables and chairs are actually made from third-rank spirit wood.”
Leaning against the wide and comfortable ebony chair engraved with cloud patterns, Lin Changan casually surveyed the surroundings.
The surrounding walls were built from heavy bluestone blocks. Several ink paintings with profound artistic conception hung on them, along with a number of formation flags and formation plates that emitted faint restriction fluctuations, serving as decorations.
“These are not simple decorations, but restrictions meant to isolate the interior from the outside and prevent spying.”
As a Third-rank Formation Master, Lin Changan naturally discovered that these seemingly ordinary decorations actually contained restriction fluctuations.
Moreover, the tables and chairs of the Core Formation Cultivators were not arranged neatly in rows. Instead, they were placed in an orderly circle around the central jade platform, forming a semi-encircling structure.
Clearly, they had been prepared specifically for the trading gathering.
“Mas… Young Master.”
Under the fragrance of spirit tea, the Sword Attendant beside him respectfully served tea.
When traveling outside, if a female cultivator Sword Attendant addressed someone as “Master,” it could easily cause trouble. It was better to keep a low profile.
Calling him “Young Master” would at most make others assume she was a concubine or Dao companion.
Lin Changan showed a faint smile. Watching the cultivators arriving one after another, he nodded in greeting.
Although he did not know them, basic courtesy was still necessary.
“Sit.”
Lightly embracing the slender waist of the Sword Attendant, Lin Changan secretly observed the surroundings. This time, quite a large number of Core Formation Cultivators had arrived.
Beautiful maids served spirit tea and spirit fruits. Some Core Formation Cultivators enjoyed them with cheerful smiles, while others maintained cold expressions as if strangers should stay away.
However, many of the cultivators present this time were foreign cultivators.
With his cultivation at the Mid Core Formation Stage, he sat in an inconspicuous seat near the middle.
“Master, earlier someone purchased intelligence from the Treasure Pavilion. Quite a few sects and rogue cultivators from the outer seas have come to this trading gathering.”
During the past few days, the Sword Attendant had not been idle. She had secretly gathered intelligence, and now she leaned in Lin Changan’s arms.
As she peeled a crystal-clear grape and fed it into Lin Changan’s mouth, she secretly transmitted her voice.
Lin Changan lightly sucked her jade-like fingers, displaying the demeanor of a carefree wanderer, and nodded with a smile.
After all, among those present, few cultivators maintained a normal image. Most deliberately pretended to appear less threatening.
Just then, a commotion sounded in the hall.
“Look! The disciple of Mystic Yin Ancestor has arrived.”
“So it’s him!”
“Hmph, crooked demonic path.”
Wearing a tall crown and dressed in a dazzling dark-purple robe radiating brilliance, Huang Tianxiao slowly entered the hall, dressed in extremely luxurious attire.
Two False Core female cultivators accompanied him, and he directly took a seat in the most conspicuous position in the front row.
Behind him followed an ugly old man with yellow teeth, wearing an expression full of flattery.
Upon seeing this person, many cultivators immediately sneered.
“So it’s him—the Yellow-toothed Dog.”
“I heard this Yellow-toothed Dog used to be quite handsome, but he schemed against his own Dao companion and ended up cursed by an evil spell, becoming this ugly.”
“A curse? Heh, that’s because you don’t know the inside story. He coveted his Dao companion’s inheritance. Unfortunately, he only obtained an incomplete cultivation method, and the deeper he cultivated it, the more he gradually became like this.”
“Second Brother, others may laugh at him, but our cultivation is shallow and we are in the outer seas. Be careful.”
Amid the mockery and ridicule, Lin Changan also learned this man’s background.
This person was a ruthless demonic cultivator in the outer seas. He regularly devoured the flesh, blood, and bones of female cultivators to alleviate the pain caused by the curse within his body.
At the peak of the Mid Core Formation Stage, he had always wanted to break the curse. However, high-grade spirit treasures were too costly, and major forces had no interest in helping him.
The Mystic Yin Divine Sect was a great demonic sect and perhaps had methods to break such curses. That was why the current situation had arisen.
A dignified Mid Core Formation Cultivator now fawned beside Huang Tianxiao, causing many cultivators to shake their heads.
After Huang Tianxiao sat down, a cultivator in a black robe sitting beside him directly mocked him.
“Even Mystic Yin Ancestor doesn’t put on such airs. Fellow Daoist is quite arrogant.”
“Haha, perhaps this Fellow Daoist Huang is simply enjoying his final days. After all, who knows when his own ancestor might refine him into a corpse puppet.”
Although Huang Tianxiao was the direct disciple of Mystic Yin Ancestor, several people present were not afraid of him and seized the opportunity to ridicule him.
Huang Tianxiao’s eyes flashed with cold light. Then he sneered.
“Fellow Daoist from the Immortal Rosy Clouds Sect, I heard that when you went out with your Senior Sister, only you fled back alone. I wonder what happened that made you abandon your once-beloved Senior Sister?”
“You!”
The cultivators exchanged sarcastic remarks, each exposing the other’s scandals.
From the situation, it was clear that the major forces of the outer seas had no small amount of friction among themselves.
However, this was Sea Abyss City.
Faced with the mockery among these Nascent Soul-level forces of the outer seas, the other cultivators either looked straight ahead as if they saw nothing, flirted with the maids beside them, or stared intently at the wine cups in their hands as if the wine could produce flowers.
Without exception, no one wished to get involved.
“Fellow Daoists, apologies for making you wait.”
At that moment, two streaks of escaping light flashed, and a pair of elderly men with about seventy percent similar appearances appeared.
“Two Late Core Formation Cultivators!”
From his inconspicuous seat, Lin Changan immediately sensed their cultivation through perception and became serious.
“If you have grudges, get out of Sea Abyss City and settle them in a life-and-death battle. Don’t perform your little play here!”
If the older-looking elder appeared benevolent, the grey-haired elder beside him was filled with hostility.
He showed no courtesy and directly interrupted them coldly.
The several people immediately fell silent, though their eyes remained calm despite their suppressed frustration.
Seeing this scene and recalling the elder’s words, Lin Changan seemed to realize something.
“It seems several outer sea forces have already formed an alliance. Their earlier quarrel was merely an act for others to see. Unfortunately, Bihai Palace simply refused to give them face.”
Thinking this, Lin Changan smiled and began playing with the Sword Attendant’s jade-like hand.
“In front of true strength, any scheming tricks are nothing but a joke.”
“Yes, Master. The Sword Attendant understands.”
The Sword Attendant’s ears flushed red, but seeing the current situation stirred something in her heart.
Her master’s words seemed to refer to himself as well. Without sufficient strength, he too had to conceal his identity alongside her.
“Hehe, Fellow Daoists, Sea Abyss City has rarely seen such a grand occasion. So many Daoists have arrived recently. Therefore, the Treasure Pavilion, representing Bihai Palace, specially held this trading gathering.”
The elder on the jade platform spoke with a smiling face.
However, everyone present understood the hidden warning within his polite words.
“Allow this old man to start things off.”
This was the foundation of powerful strength. There was no need for excessive politeness. Not only were the Core Formation Cultivators present not dissatisfied, they actually sighed in relief.
At least they would not be dragged into the struggles between great forces.
“This old man has some pills and demon beast materials here. If any of you need them, feel free to trade. Of course, rare items from the outer seas would be even better.”
Seven spirit items floated above the jade platform: pills, demon cores, and precious materials such as demon beast horns.
“That’s the horn of a Narwhal Demon Beast—extremely rare and an excellent material for refining magical artifacts.”
“I have a section of third-rank high-grade spirit material. I wish to exchange it for that bottle of cultivation-enhancing pills.”
“I have this…”
Once the trading began, the hall quickly became lively.
Everyone seemed to forget the earlier conflict.
All eyes were filled with anticipation for the trading gathering.
Lin Changan felt greatly enlightened seeing the variety of items. Many spirit treasures were things he had never even seen before.
“Although hunting Sinister Spirits in the Fog Sea of Tongtian means I rarely lack spirit stones or materials, I truly don’t possess many rare treasures like these.”
Only cultivators who frequently ventured into the outer seas hunting demon beasts and exploring relic cave abodes would possess so many unusual spirit items.
In this regard, it was indeed Lin Changan’s shortcoming.
When he needed something, he could only come to trading gatherings or purchase it from shops.
The lively trading continued. Cultivators who obtained the items they wanted smiled happily.
For Core Formation Cultivators, many spirit items were extremely difficult to purchase with spirit stones.
Barter was the only option.
During this time, Lin Changan also exchanged for several rare materials useful for refining magical artifacts and formations.
Just as he was inwardly satisfied with the trip, the next trading item suddenly caused his expression to change.
“Fellow Daoists, I have here a third-rank early-stage corpse puppet. Surely you all know the Yin-Sha Corpse Refining Method of our Mystic Yin Divine Sect.”
As Huang Tianxiao’s cold voice echoed, a ferocious corpse puppet appeared on the jade platform, radiating terrifying sinister energy.
Many cultivators gasped in shock, and quite a few revealed eager expressions.
“This Yin-Sha Corpse is different from ordinary corpse puppets. Not only is it indestructible and immensely strong, it can continuously improve itself by devouring blood essence. Most importantly, it will never backfire against its master!”
“As everyone knows, raising a third-rank spirit pet takes enormous time and effort, and it may even devour its master. But the Yin-Sha Corpse is different—instant combat power…”
While the crowd discussed excitedly, a trace of sorrow appeared in Lin Changan’s heart. Yet his face remained calm as he stared at the corpse puppet.
A corpse puppet with third-rank combat strength was far more valuable than the materials of a third-rank demon beast.
“Young Master Huang, I have a spirit herb over one thousand five hundred years old…”
“Fellow Daoist, I have…”
For Early Core Formation Cultivators and those newly entering the Mid Core Formation Stage, such a corpse puppet was very attractive—it meant gaining an extra combat force.
However, Late Core Formation Cultivators showed no interest at all and simply watched calmly.
This showed the difference between early and late Core Formation stages.
At their level, they would not waste time and resources slowly cultivating such a puppet.
Furthermore, without the secret techniques of the Mystic Yin Divine Sect, raising it further would be extremely inefficient.
At that moment, Lin Changan sensed someone looking at him.
It was the man seated beside Huang Tianxiao.
“Fellow Daoist, would you be willing to trade that concubine furnace of yours? If you agree, my Young Master is willing to exchange two third-rank corpse puppets.”
The ugly old man with yellow teeth revealed a disgusting smile. However, he used voice transmission to speak.
Looking at the petite beauty beside Lin Changan, he licked his lips.
Once the Young Master finished using this female cultivator, he could slowly consume her flesh himself.
Lin Changan’s expression changed slightly upon hearing this. The Sword Attendant beside him also heard the transmission.
Her fists clenched, and killing intent appeared between her brows.
However, Lin Changan ignored the man completely. His calm gaze fell directly upon Huang Tianxiao.
“Fellow Daoist Huang, I have a mid-grade third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core. Would it be acceptable for exchange?”
Swish!
The hall suddenly fell quiet.
Even though no one knew what had been said in the voice transmission, among cultivators of the same level, such transmissions could not escape notice.
“Interesting.”
After being ignored, the yellow-toothed old man revealed killing intent, but Huang Tianxiao merely smiled contemptuously.
“You brat! You—”
Before the yellow-toothed old man could finish threatening him, the elder of Bihai Palace hosting the gathering suddenly laughed loudly.
“So it’s Fellow Daoist Lin. The Sixth Elder has praised you greatly.”
As soon as those words were spoken, many cultivators’ expressions changed. Their gazes fell upon the yellow-toothed old man as they watched with amusement.
“My cultivation is insignificant. I do not deserve the Sixth Elder’s praise.”
With just a few words exchanged, everyone understood that Lin Changan also had powerful backing.
The yellow-toothed old man’s face turned ugly and embarrassed. He looked toward Huang Tianxiao for help.
However, Huang Tianxiao did not care about such a clown. Understanding the situation, he smiled lightly and clasped his hands.
“Since Fellow Daoist wants this corpse puppet, you may have it.”
Lin Changan also smiled politely and waved his hand. A mid-grade third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core floated over.
Only the yellow-toothed old man secretly transmitted an apology.
Lin Changan remained calm. The moment the fool spoke, he already knew he had been dragged onto the chessboard.
There was no way to avoid it.
If he had remained silent, the two elders above would have spoken anyway, using the opportunity to display the authority of Bihai Palace.
It was better to strike first and reveal his backing.
No matter Huang Tianxiao’s intentions, he would not create trouble with someone backed by Bihai Palace for the sake of a notorious demonic cultivator.
Indeed, Huang Tianxiao now ignored the yellow-toothed old man completely.
Many cultivators revealed mocking smiles.
“Heh, the Yellow-toothed Dog kicked an iron plate.”
“Serves him right.”
The yellow-toothed old man’s face turned ugly and embarrassed. He retreated awkwardly to the last row and sat in a corner.
The surrounding cultivators were mostly Early Core Formation Cultivators who did not dare provoke him.
Thus the matter passed.
“Master!”
The Sword Attendant respectfully brought over the small corpse token and the blood-colored coffin containing the corpse puppet.
Lin Changan nodded calmly.
The yellow-toothed old man had merely been a minor interruption.
As the trading gathering continued, Lin Changan stroked the coffin in his hand.
Using a strand of special mana, he began probing the fragmented memories remaining in He Yan’s corpse.
Fragments of memories flashed by.
Especially the scene of He Yan’s painful roar before death caused the chill in Lin Changan’s eyes to grow even colder.
“Huang Tianxiao! Mystic Yin Divine Sect!”