Chapter 352 : Many Benefits
Chapter 352: Many Benefits
Bihai Palace.
“Reporting to the Palace Master, news has arrived from the Five Dragon Island Sea Region. Recently, at the edge of the Fog Sea of Tongtian, a Soul Fragment incarnation of a Shape-shifted Sinister Spirit Beast King has appeared.
This Shape-shifted Sinister Spirit Beast King is possessing and controlling cultivators, luring a large number of Core Formation cultivators. It is likely attempting to recover its strength and plot a method to escape its predicament…”
Inside the dim grand hall, the Nascent Soul Sixth Elder—lofty and revered before outsiders—was now respectfully reporting the situation.
“That is enough. Just a beast frightened out of its wits. Since it wants to stir trouble, let it. At least it can still serve as a decent chess piece.”
A phantom slowly appeared above the hall, startling the Sixth Elder into shrinking his neck.
The one who appeared was none other than one of the two Palace Masters of Bihai Palace—the Palace Master Xingyue. At this moment, she wore a gentle smile, yet her gaze carried an ambiguous sharpness as she stared at the Sixth Elder.
The Sixth Elder hurriedly lowered his head, a trace of unease flickering in his eyes. If not for the Chief Elder being in seclusion, he would never have personally come to report.
“Little Six, I’ve heard that in recent years you’ve neglected your cultivation, spending your days chasing petty gains. You’ve truly brought honor to Bihai Palace.”
Hearing this, the Sixth Elder immediately cupped his fists. “This subordinate dares not!”
“That’s enough. I admonish you only because I do not wish to see your talent wasted. With that time, you might as well cultivate properly. Even when scheming, you should focus on the bigger picture, not these trivial matters.”
Looking at the Sixth Elder below, Palace Master Xingyue shook her head. This Little Six, after living for so long, had truly regressed with age.
Yet when she thought of the bloodline shackles of their clan, she sighed inwardly.
If not for those shackles, who would not wish to pursue the Great Dao?
“This beast still retains some strength. It can be used to deal with those old fellows. Spread some rumors—someone will take the bait.
However, in such a remote sea region, someone actually managed to escape from that beast’s grasp.”
“Reporting to Palace Master, according to the report, it was the Pavilion Master of Xuanyin Pavilion and the drifting cultivator Lin Chang’an who escaped together.”
The Sixth Elder respectfully raised his hand, displaying information about the two within the hall.
Within the phantom projection, detailed records and portraits of both individuals appeared clearly.
When she saw Lin Chang’an’s information, the Palace Master revealed a rare look of realization, as if recalling something.
“So it was him. It seems he does have some capability. And this little girl—late Core Formation cultivation.”
If Lin Chang’an had escaped alone, there might have been doubts.
But if the two joined forces—one at mid Core Formation, the other at late Core Formation, along with a third-rank spirit pet—it was not impossible to escape.
When Lin Chang’an reported to Bihai Palace, he naturally did not claim to have killed the enemy, but instead said that he and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had been severely injured while escaping.
“That’s enough. That place will soon open. Those old things have been planning for centuries—it is time we make preparations as well.”
“Yes!”
After the figure on the jade seat vanished, the Sixth Elder finally let out a sigh of relief.
He would rather face the domineering Grand Palace Master than this seemingly gentle Second Palace Master.
“Damn beast… it seems I must give it a warning. How dare it stir trouble!”
Thinking of how this Shape-shifted Sinister Spirit Beast King had caused him to be noticed by the Second Palace Master, the Sixth Elder clenched his teeth in anger.
He planned to head to the outskirts of the Ghost Domain and give that beast a harsh deterrence.
……
Five Dragon Island Sea Region.
After the previous incident, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt returned to Xuanyin Pavilion and went into seclusion, claiming to be recovering from injuries.
Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an returned to Celestial Spring Peak, leaving the Four Seas Merchant Guild in turmoil.
However, after receiving news from Bihai Palace, the entire Four Seas Merchant Guild fell silent.
Celestial Spring Peak.
“Master, several months ago, it was rumored that the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace personally went to the Ghost Domain. The momentum of a Nascent Soul battle could be felt even from a hundred li away.
Afterward, it was said that the Shape-shifted Sinister Spirit Beast King roared unwillingly. Later, news spread that it reached an agreement with Bihai Palace and would no longer invade territories under Bihai Palace’s control…”
Inside the pavilion, the Sword Attendant respectfully reported.
Lin Chang’an, who was sipping tea, revealed a strange expression.
“If it won’t appear within Bihai Palace’s territory, doesn’t that mean it will go cause trouble in the outer sea?”
Bihai Palace was as domineering as ever. This move clearly displayed its hegemonic authority and would likely plunge the outer sea into unrest again.
Lin Chang’an could already foresee that in the coming decades, the outer sea would experience many disturbances. Whether or not they were truly caused by this Shape-shifted Sinister Spirit Beast King, everything would be blamed on it.
After all, in the realm of human cultivators, such non-human entities had no voice.
“By the way, Master, this is the third-rank high-grade demon core sent by the Four Seas Merchant Guild, along with clues about a wind-attribute demon beast nest.”
Seeing the jade box opened before him, revealing an earth-attribute demon core, Lin Chang’an smiled in satisfaction.
This matter could not be blamed on him. Facing such an enemy had nearly cost him his life—this compensation from the Four Seas Merchant Guild was also meant to appease his anger.
As for the clue about the wind-attribute demon beast nest, Lin Chang’an swept it with his Divine Sense, frowned, and sighed.
The target was too far away and deeply entangled within the vortex of demonic forces.
“Master, there are also spirit stones and pills sent by Bihai Palace cultivators.”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an looked at the resources—especially the rare cultivation-enhancing pills. There was even a bottle of spirit beast pills, clearly meant for the Azure-Horned Ox.
“At least reporting this matter wasn’t for nothing.”
Looking at these spirit items, Lin Chang’an smiled in satisfaction.
He had rushed back and reported immediately to Bihai Palace precisely for these benefits.
Otherwise, losing a set of third-rank formation earlier would have been a huge loss.
“Xuanyin Pavilion likely received a share as well.”
As for the Four Seas Merchant Guild, not only had they failed to recover their merchant ship, but they also lost many cultivators. Their internal stability was shaken.
More importantly—it was a matter of morale.
Unlike sects or clans, a merchant guild could easily fracture internally if mishandled.
“Moo!”
At this moment, the Azure-Horned Ox seemed to sense something. It excitedly climbed out of the pool and approached the pavilion, mooing repeatedly in a flattering manner.
Its eyes were fixed on the jade bottle in Lin Chang’an’s hand—it could feel that the pill inside would greatly benefit it.
“You greedy ox.”
Lin Chang’an chuckled and flicked his hand, sending the jade bottle flying over.
However, the gluttonous Azure-Horned Ox swallowed the entire bottle in one gulp. Seeing this, Lin Chang’an was left speechless.
Still as greedy as ever.
“Train properly. If you still can’t break through to mid third-rank after taking this pill, I might have to reconsider reducing your cultivation resources.”
Lin Chang’an spoke in a mock-threatening tone.
The Azure-Horned Ox, having just swallowed everything whole, looked at its master’s threat and immediately appeared aggrieved.
“Moo moo!”
Was it really its fault?
Of course not!
Among demon beasts, as a Mutated Spirit Beast, its cultivation speed and combat power were already outstanding.
But the problem was—it had to compare itself with rare exotic beasts like the Golden Flame Divine Bird. How could it compete?
As for its master, after undergoing Core Reforging to cleanse his spiritual root, his cultivation speed had surged, coupled with abundant resources.
Even the Sword Attendant possessed one of the Three Great Sword Cultivation Physiques, comparable to a Heavenly Spirit Root.
The Azure-Horned Ox looked around and realized that none around it were ordinary.
For a moment, it felt deeply wronged.
Meanwhile, the Sword Attendant remained silent, blaming herself for her weakness—during the last battle, she had barely been of help.
If not for her master leaving her a formation for support, she would have only been a burden.
“Master!”
Since realizing her weakness, she had become even more silent.
Lin Chang’an said nothing. Sometimes, only by recognizing one’s weakness could one ignite stronger determination.
“Train well.”
【Lifespan: 221/787】
【Cultivation: Mid Core Formation (43/100)】
Looking at his cultivation, Lin Chang’an fell into thought.
With the turmoil in the Four Seas Merchant Guild, Xuanyin Pavilion—or even the Seven Kingdoms Alliance—would likely make moves next.
But as long as it did not affect his cultivation, it had nothing to do with him.
“With the late third-rank earth-attribute demon core in hand, I should first repair the ancient treasure Four Symbols Dragon Scale Armor. And those three Sinister Baleful Puppet Corpses in the outer sea are finally nearing completion.”
After instructing the Sword Attendant to cultivate, Lin Chang’an returned to his cave abode, using three avatars to begin repairing the ancient treasure.
……
Time passed.
With the heavy losses suffered by the Four Seas Merchant Guild, internal divisions grew.
At the foot of Celestial Spring Peak, three figures hesitated.
“Brother Li, do you think this will work?”
“Right now, the Four Seas Merchant Guild is in turmoil—a perfect opportunity. If we can help Elder Granduncle Lin secure more resources, we may have a chance to form a core in the future.”
The three were Shen Zhuang, Li Tianmo, and Zhou Bingxuan.
Shen Zhuang shook his head—Core Formation was too distant for him. He was only at mid Foundation Establishment.
Li Tianmo, however, was ambitious. Seeing even the Sword Attendant reach Core Formation, how could he accept being left behind?
“If one does not strive, what Dao is there to cultivate?”
“Core Formation opportunities are extremely rare. For powerful Core Formation cultivators, they may not be precious—but for Foundation Establishment cultivators, even for many ordinary Core Formation cultivators, they are invaluable treasures.”
Li Tianmo’s eyes flickered as he considered his plan.
He knew that relying solely on connections was naïve—value had to be proven.
Zhou Bingxuan, though more talented, had weaker connections. She also pondered her path.
Eventually, the three ascended the mountain.
“Greetings, Elder Granduncle Lin / Senior Lin.”
In the pavilion, Lin Chang’an glanced at them and nodded.
“You should think carefully. Cultivating steadily may yield fewer resources, but it is safer. Once you involve yourselves in marketplace struggles, undercurrents will surge—even without Core Formation cultivators directly intervening.”
He did not oppose their allegiance.
After all, everyone sought higher ground.
He only disliked those who sought gains without effort.
After hearing their plans, Lin Chang’an understood—they were seizing opportunity from chaos.
“Since you have decided, represent Celestial Spring Peak and connect with the merchant guilds of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.”
He calmly sipped his tea.
Even if he did nothing, others would act. But managing forces himself was not worth sacrificing cultivation time.
These three, however, provided a convenient opportunity.
“No one would complain about having too many spirit stones.”
“And since your cultivation is still lacking, take these pills and talismans.”
The three were overjoyed and bowed deeply.
Watching them, Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly.
Shen Zhuang—steady foundation.
Li Tianmo—ambitious, pragmatic.
Zhou Bingxuan—talented, composed, nearing breakthrough.
“The long road of cultivation… watching the growth of younger generations is also a fine sight.”
As the three departed, Lin Chang’an smiled faintly and returned to studying his jade slip.
……
Descending the mountain, the three were flushed with excitement.
“With Elder Granduncle Lin’s support, we can finally act freely.”
Each held their pills, thoughts diverging.
Yet all smiled.
Their ambitions, shaped largely by their families, now had a path forward.
——
Second chapter will be updated in half an hour