Chapter 346 : Secret Realm Fragment Map
Chapter 346: Secret Realm Fragment Map
Azure Wave Island.
“Haha, greetings, Fellow Daoist.”
“This senior, please.”
In recent days, Core Formation Cultivators had continuously arrived on the island. It was obvious they had all come for this trading gathering.
Inside a dim underground palace, sounds of extravagance echoed freely.
The Core Formation Cultivators who came here either concealed their identities or simply did not care about exposing them. Each of them laughed while holding servant maids in their arms.
Some, however, were naturally solitary and aloof, sitting alone in silence.
All kinds of temperaments could be seen. Yet every Core Formation Cultivator present had cultivated for more than a hundred years. Whether they were truly acting according to their nature or deliberately putting on such appearances was impossible to know.
“Fellow Daoist, the scale of this trading gathering is truly not small. Even three Late Core Formation Cultivators have come.”
The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt in a black robe sat at the same table as Lin Chang’an. Together with the Sword Attendant, there were effectively three Core Formation Cultivators seated together, and for a moment no one dared to underestimate them.
“They are all fighting for that sliver of opportunity.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head calmly, then lifted a cup of Spirit Wine and took a light sip. Beside him, the Sword Attendant also covered her face and respectfully poured wine at his side.
“Haha, apologies for keeping everyone waiting. For all of us to gather here is fate. My wife and I would have liked to drink freely with all fellow Daoists.
But time is precious. Let us proceed directly to the main matter. Once this trading gathering concludes, we shall drink to our hearts’ content and entertain all fellow Daoists.”
Within the dim hall, the owners behind Azure Wave Island appeared. This was the first time Lin Chang’an had seen them.
“To think we can meet the Meng Couple.”
“The Meng Couple are truly extraordinary. Last time they obtained an opportunity inside the First Secret Realm of the Beast Sea Abyss. Not long after, both their cultivations rose to the peak of Late Core Formation.
And with their joint strike secret technique, rumors say they even withstood a strike from a Nascent Soul Cultivator, suffering only light injuries…”
Hearing the surrounding whispers, Lin Chang’an nodded slightly. This information was roughly the same as what he already knew.
On the high platform, the man emitted an aura of authority, while the middle-aged woman calmly gazed at the crowd. As for the praise they heard—
The couple could not hide a trace of pride in recalling their past glory.
Perhaps they had grown older, or perhaps Nascent Soul was no longer within reach. The two had stopped obsessively pursuing Nascent Soul and instead seemed somewhat immersed in the glory of their past years.
“Haha, since the Island Lord has spoken, I, Fatty Lei, will throw out a brick to attract jade and go first.”
Among the Core Formation Cultivators seated at the tables, a pot-bellied Early Core Formation Cultivator, Fatty Lei, laughed cheerfully while patting his belly and cupping his hands to the crowd.
When Lin Chang’an saw this familiar face, his eyes narrowed slightly.
Fatty Lei had actually performed Core Reforging and cultivated anew. Otherwise, he would not have possessed such cultivation today.
When the Sword Attendant saw Fatty Lei, a trace of cold killing intent flashed in her brows. She still remembered the suffering she had endured here.
At that moment, a warm hand gently patted the back of hers. Only then did the Sword Attendant come back to her senses and lower her head, restraining her aura.
Lin Chang’an transmitted his voice with a smile:
“Calm your mind. The suffering you once experienced here was merely part of the road you traveled.”
The killing intent within the Sword Attendant gradually subsided.
Meanwhile, Fatty Lei laughed loudly and casually took several treasures out of his Storage Pouch.
At the same time, many people recognized him. Seeing Fatty Lei’s cultivation, some were surprised while others secretly sneered.
“He only performed Core Reforging now. This lifetime, he’s already reached his limit.”
“This Fatty Lei is extremely insidious. Back then he looked resigned to his fate. Who knows how many cultivators’ blood he sucked dry to rebuild his cultivation.”
Some False Core Cultivators with lower cultivation transmitted messages to each other.
Without exception, all of these transmissions entered Lin Chang’an’s ears.
This caused the corner of Lin Chang’an’s mouth to curl upward as he calmly watched the scene.
To achieve such a feat was extremely difficult.
One requirement was spiritual sense far stronger than cultivators of the same level. The other was cultivating spiritual-sense techniques that made the soul more solid.
Only then could one hear such transmissions.
Lin Chang’an had only barely achieved this after his spiritual sense broke through to the Late Core Formation level, combined with cultivating two spiritual-sense divine abilities and inheriting some teachings from the Sinister Soul Sect.
Otherwise, if merely possessing powerful spiritual sense were enough, how would these people dare to secretly ridicule like this when the Meng Couple—two Late Core Formation Cultivators—were present?
“Haha, Fatty Lei, you’ve really regressed with age. You dare bring out such pitiful treasures? Look at mine.”
Another Core Formation Cultivator clearly from Azure Wave Island also took out his treasures with a smile, adding to the atmosphere.
The Meng Couple were considered legendary among Core Formation Cultivators. Together they built this great foundation and established Azure Wave Island.
As one Core Formation Cultivator after another took out treasures, the lower-level cultivators began exchanging items.
“Oh! Fellow Daoist actually has a Third-rank Demon Beast egg. I am willing to trade these three treasures for it.”
“Fellow Daoist, I have my eye on that Spirit Herb of yours. Look at this horn of mine—it’s the hardest part from a Third-rank Great Demon…”
The atmosphere became lively. However, it was obvious that some Core Formation Cultivators had come for the most important item and were not tempted.
Lin Chang’an calmly sat at the wine table, enjoying Spirit Wine while occasionally chatting with the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.
“The Meng Couple are considered neutral. Over the years they have not involved themselves in any factional struggles. They simply run a Black Market here on Azure Wave Island to earn Spirit Stones.
They have one son who has already reached Core Formation, though he is rather arrogant. This trading gathering is likely also meant to pave the road for their descendant.”
The higher one’s cultivation, the harder it was to have offspring.
Hearing the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s information, Lin Chang’an nodded secretly.
With his powerful perception, he could clearly sense that although the Meng Couple still appeared middle-aged and tried to conceal it, the aura of approaching old age could not be hidden.
“The couple probably only have around a hundred years of lifespan left.”
While Lin Chang’an was secretly observing, the trading gathering grew increasingly heated.
Even under Lin Chang’an’s instruction, the Sword Attendant managed to exchange several decent Spirit Items.
As a cultivator who had raised Alchemy, Talismans, Artifact Refinement, and Formations all to the Third Rank, producing some Talismans or Pills was effortless.
The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was not surprised upon seeing this. She knew Fellow Daoist Lin was a Third-rank Talisman Master.
As for pills, since he was close with Alchemist Wen, there was no reason to suspect anything.
…
Inside the dim hall, the Core Formation Cultivators traded intensely.
Some had wide smiles on their faces, while others shook their heads in disappointment at failing to obtain what they wanted.
Most cultivators, however, still looked unsatisfied—but their Storage Pouches had already traded most of the Spirit Items they brought.
The atmosphere gradually calmed.
Many people turned their gaze toward the Meng Couple, the hosts of this trading gathering.
Everyone knew exactly what the highlight of this event was.
“Haha, it seems all fellow Daoists have their eyes on Meng’s treasure.”
The Meng Couple smiled as the middle-aged man waved his hand.
Six Spirit Items immediately flew out from his Storage Pouch, causing exclamations across the hall.
“Could that be the fragment map of the First Secret Realm of the Beast Sea Abyss?!”
Among the six treasures was a fragment map. Many people widened their eyes, their faces flushing with excitement.
This Secret Realm was not something anyone could simply enter.
Both Core Formation Cultivators and Nascent Soul Cultivators required such a fragment map to enter.
In other words—
The fragment map was the entrance ticket to the Secret Realm.
“Island Lord Meng… could it be that the two of you…?”
Although some were tempted, others remained calm. This item had recently caused countless killings across the Outer Sea.
Every time a fragment map appeared, chaos followed.
Seeing the crowd’s excitement, the Meng Couple exchanged a glance and smiled.
“Fellow Daoists, my wife and I are already this old. Nascent Soul is hopeless for us, and our hearts have long grown weary.
Keeping this fragment map is useless to us and may even invite disaster.
This fragment map is genuine. We originally possessed two copies. One has already been traded to the Four Seas Merchant Guild of Five Dragon Island. The other is here.”
Boom!
Upon hearing it was truly a Secret Realm fragment map, everyone became excited. Even Core Formation Cultivators without the ability to compete stared at it with burning eyes.
Perhaps this was the only chance in their lifetime to see such a treasure.
However, when Lin Chang’an saw the fragment map, he revealed a strange expression.
Back on the island of the Sinister Soul Sect, using the Sinister Spirit Beast King, the Two-headed Tiger, he had obtained treasures from the corpse of a Core Formation Cultivator.
Among them—
There had also been a fragment map.
It was clearly of the same Secret Realm.
“So it is this item. But thinking about it, that cultivator who passed away in meditation inside the Sinister Soul Sect Library Pavilion must have been someone extraordinary. Possessing such an item makes sense.”
Lin Chang’an also recalled another labyrinth map and jade token.
Combining this with the information about the Secret Realm, he had already formed a vague guess.
That labyrinth map—
Was likely the place the Sixth Elder had planned for over a hundred years, specifically bringing Formation Masters like them to explore.
As for the jade token, he still did not know its purpose.
Perhaps it was a symbol of the Sinister Soul Sect’s identity—or something else entirely.
But the labyrinth map ignited excitement within him.
“It is said that this labyrinth constantly shifts and changes. Since this was originally a clue discovered by the Sinister Soul Sect, if no one has touched it for hundreds of years… perhaps I also have a chance.”
There were countless opportunities inside the labyrinth.
Lin Chang’an could not help but feel tempted.
After completing the Sixth Elder’s mission, while he remained here, he might follow the markings on the map and explore.
If it truly contained a Nascent Soul Opportunity—
That would be an enormous gain.
“Besides that, there are five more treasures. Two are Third-rank Late-stage Fire-attribute Demon Cores.
The remaining three are Magical Artifacts my wife and I forged back when we were preparing to enter the Secret Realm.”
Boom!
As the Meng Couple introduced these treasures, the cultivators who had come planning for the Secret Realm immediately grew excited.
Every single item was something they needed.
As for the fragment map, everyone looked at each other, unsure who among them already possessed one.
However, some Core Formation Cultivators who had originally coveted the Secret Realm now felt tempted upon seeing the map.
Previously they had no opportunity.
Now the opportunity was right before them.
“Fellow Daoists, I am willing to exchange a Mid-grade Third-rank Magical Artifact for the fragment map.”
“Haha, what a joke. You think a mere Mid-grade Third-rank Magical Artifact is enough? Daydreaming!”
One person stood up and mocked him before taking out his own treasure.
“Two Island Lords, this Spirit Origin Fruit needs no explanation—1,400 years old, capable of cleansing Spiritual Roots.”
The first item fiercely contested was naturally the fragment map.
But when Lin Chang’an saw this scene, he narrowed his eyes.
Something was wrong.
“Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, it seems we should be careful. There is clearly a problem with this gathering.”
The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt nodded solemnly. Although she was tempted, she also sensed the issue.
Suddenly producing a fragment map—
And also bringing out treasures meant for exploring the Secret Realm.
It was understandable that the Meng Couple themselves would not enter, but the current situation clearly felt off.
Among those present, several Core Formation Cultivators showed anger on their faces.
If they did not compete for the fragment map but instead focused on other treasures—
Would that not prove they already possessed fragment maps?
And fragment maps naturally provoked greed.
Once they left the island, who knew what might happen?
“They are deliberately creating chaos.”
Lin Chang’an frowned, unconsciously tapping the table just as Yun Yao often did while thinking.
“Fellow Daoist, when the Secret Realm opens, it may not even be the Meng Couple’s intention.
But the Sixteen Sects of Zhenhai, Bihai Palace, and other major forces—
All need chaos to weaken the strength of rogue cultivators.”
The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt seemed to realize something.
After every Secret Realm opening, great turmoil always followed.
“Heh.”
While everyone fiercely competed for the fragment map, Lin Chang’an suddenly smiled.
He no longer concealed his appearance and directly revealed his true face.
“This fragment map may not be necessary for Lin, since the Sixth Elder will lead us there. However, I am quite interested in these two Third-rank High-grade Fire-attribute Demon Cores.”
Revealing his identity was also a signal.
He did not possess a fragment map.
But he had backing.
And this place was close to the Five Dragon Island Sea Region.
If trouble could be avoided, Lin Chang’an naturally preferred not to provoke it.
“So it’s Formation Master Lin.”
“Fellow Daoist Lin.”
Over the years Lin Chang’an had befriended many through formation work. When he revealed his true appearance, everyone immediately recognized him.
Indeed—he did not need a fragment map.
That was the advantage of backing from a major power.
Some people even looked at Lin Chang’an with envy. If they had possessed talent in some cultivation art, why would they need to risk their lives fighting like this?
“So it is Fellow Daoist Lin.”
When the Meng Couple saw Lin Chang’an, they also smiled kindly.
An ordinary Mid Core Formation Cultivator was nothing special.
But a Third-rank Formation Master deserved three parts respect.
And if he also had the backing of the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace—
Then the couple would truly treat him with courtesy.
“Fellow Daoists, may this Sinister Spirit Demon Core be exchanged?”
With a calm smile, Lin Chang’an produced a Late-stage Third-rank Sinister Spirit Demon Core.
In terms of value, it was even slightly higher than a Fire-attribute Demon Core.
“Then my wife and I will be taking advantage of Fellow Daoist.”
Seeing the treasure in the jade box, the Meng Couple smiled.
“Fellow Daoists, I wish to exchange this item for the fragment map.”
Just after Lin Chang’an finished exchanging for one Fire-attribute Demon Core, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt spoke.
With a wave of her hand, a long treasure box flew forward.
Inside were:
• a Magical Artifact
• a bundle of jade slips
• a jade bottle containing pills
The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt took a deep breath and secretly transmitted her voice:
“Fellow Daoist Lin, this item is extremely important to me. I have no choice but to take this risk.
If Fellow Daoist is willing, I will offer compensation.
If it cannot be done, Fellow Daoist need not concern yourself with me…”
She had never expected such a treasure to appear at the trading gathering.
But now that she saw the fragment map—
How could she watch it slip away?
Thus she had to take the risk, hoping to obtain it and perhaps ask Lin Chang’an to accompany her afterward.
Lin Chang’an fell silent.
If others merely suspected someone might possess a fragment map—
If the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt obtained it, that would be confirmed.
The Meng Couple had no choice but to create chaos due to pressure from Bihai Palace. But noticing that she was accompanying Lin Chang’an, they secretly exchanged a few transmissions before nodding slightly.
Although this plan was influenced by Bihai Palace—
They did not want to provoke trouble with Lin Chang’an.
Even though the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s treasure was tempting, they exchanged a glance and showed apologetic expressions.
Instead—
They chose to trade with another cultivator present.
A trace of disappointment flashed through the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s eyes.
Lin Chang’an saw everything clearly.
But it also avoided a potential disaster.