Chapter 353 : True Lord Lu Emerges, Black Market Bibo Island
Chapter 353: True Lord Lu Emerges, Black Market Bibo Island
Time flowed on, and the ever-changing tides of the World of Cultivation were no different from the mortal world.
The rise and fall of various powers all happened in the blink of an eye.
In the mere hundred-plus years since Lin Chang’an arrived at the Beast Sea Abyss,
he had witnessed the domineering peak of the Long Clan, and its later decline into restraint and low profile.
He had also seen Xuanyin Pavilion struggle through repeated setbacks before finally gaining a firm foothold, as well as the rapid rise of the Four Seas Merchant Guild after taking advantage of the Long Clan’s fall.
Likewise, with the internal turmoil of the Four Seas Merchant Guild in recent years, its power had shrunk drastically. By the time the major internal families reacted and united once more against external forces,
the guild had already lost nearly one-third of its market share in the Five Dragon Island Marketplace.
Xuanyin Pavilion seized the opportunity to devour a large portion of that profit, yet knowing its own strength was insufficient and fearing retaliation, it directly dragged the Seven Kingdoms Alliance into the situation.
Many forces within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance had not fared well in recent years. Having finally seized such an opportunity, how could they possibly let it slip?
For a time, the Five Dragon Island Marketplace became a stage where one faction stepped down as another rose to perform.
On Celestial Spring Peak, Lin Chang’an stood high above, gazing down at the changes of time. Only the mountains and rivers remained unchanged, causing him to sigh with emotion.
“Fellow Daoist, when we first came here together from Yue Kingdom, in just over a hundred years, everything has changed like a mortal dynasty. Truly, the winds shift and the land remains like a painting.”
Clad in white, Lin Chang’an stood upright. Observing the shifting tides of time only made him more resolute on the path of cultivation.
【Lifespan: 226/789】
【Realm: Mid Core Formation (56/100)】
If his lifespan had been any shorter, how could he have had the leisure to watch the changes of time?
Looking at his lifespan, Lin Chang’an felt quite satisfied. If it had been any less, who would have the mood to contemplate the transformations of heaven and earth?
At the same time, over the past five years, his cultivation had advanced considerably. The greatest contributor was the Ice Marrow Jade Liquid spirit wine, whose effects were long-lasting and potent.
“Only a Fellow Daoist like Lin can be so carefree.”
Inside the pavilion, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt looked at the elegant white-robed figure and could not help but reveal a trace of envy.
Their circumstances and identities were different, and thus their perspectives on the same century of upheaval were completely different.
To her, a hundred years carried a heavy responsibility.
Seeing the rise and fall of the Long Clan, the Four Seas Merchant Guild, and even the Divine Sword Sect and Palace of Blazing Fire that once suppressed Xuanyin Pavilion in Yue Kingdom—some even disappearing into the river of time—
she only felt an increasing sense of urgency.
She feared that Xuanyin Pavilion would one day follow the same path.
“Only by achieving the Nascent Soul Great Dao can a sect stand firm for a thousand years.”
Though she envied Lin Chang’an’s carefree demeanor, she held no regrets. She slowly stepped forward to stand beside him, gazing at the vast landscape below.
“It’s a pity. No matter how beautiful the scenery here is, it still cannot compare to Yue Kingdom.”
“I didn’t expect Fellow Daoist to be someone so attached to home.”
Lin Chang’an teased with a smile, and Fairy of Rainbow Skirt nodded lightly.
“It’s hard to leave one’s homeland. If given the choice, who would willingly wander through storms in a foreign land?”
The two exchanged glances and chuckled softly before returning to sit within the pavilion.
Over the past five years, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s injuries had long since healed, yet she remained reclusive. Rumors spread outside that her foundation had been damaged.
“Back then, I must thank Fellow Daoist Lin for saving my life. Otherwise, I might have already lost heart and given up on this path.”
Facing her toast, Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded, though inwardly he did not believe a word.
After years of acquaintance, he knew her Dao heart was firm. Even if her foundation had been damaged, she would have sought spiritual treasures to heal it.
“Fellow Daoist has pretended to be injured these past five years while drawing the Seven Kingdoms Alliance into the situation. That’s quite a grand game you’ve played.”
Though it seemed she had ceded many benefits to the alliance,
those external forces lacked roots here. To establish themselves, they had to rely on Xuanyin Pavilion.
This effectively provided an external shield—any turmoil would first fall upon the rootless Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
“Fellow Daoist Lin, I came this time for two matters. One is to deliver a letter. The other concerns an opportunity.”
As she spoke of serious matters, her expression became solemn.
“A letter?”
Lin Chang’an was puzzled. Anyone he could contact, he already did. Even a letter from Old Hu wouldn’t require her personal delivery.
But when she handed over the letter, and he broke the sealing talisman, the contents left him stunned.
“Su Miaoyin… and Song Tingfeng!”
A hundred years had passed without news. Back then, after arriving at the Beast Sea Abyss, they had followed their master, True Lord Lu, and became honored guests of Bihai Palace.
Later, rumors said True Lord Lu sealed off his island. Others claimed he had ventured into distant outer sea treasure lands and only recently returned.
All the letters Lin Chang’an had sent had sunk without a trace.
Song Tingfeng’s letter explained that he had followed his master to the Death Sea, which caused the long silence. After returning and seeing the accumulated letters, he finally replied.
He mentioned that he had fortunately undergone Core Reforging and started cultivation anew, though that was his limit.
Upon hearing of Lin Chang’an’s experiences, he expressed great envy.
Reading the letter, Lin Chang’an could not help but laugh helplessly—it was the same familiar rambling tone.
The Death Sea was an extremely distant and dangerous region, chaotic and perilous. It was normal for there to have been no news for so long.
After all, it was outside the jurisdiction of Bihai Palace.
“True Lord Lu must have been planning something. That place is not somewhere human cultivators would casually enter.”
Lin Chang’an pondered silently. Though the letter revealed little, he could infer much.
With True Lord Lu’s caution—even possessing the strength to suppress the three major sects of Yue Kingdom—he had still planned meticulously for years.
He likely sealed off all news for a century to prevent leaks.
Su Miaoyin’s letter, on the other hand, contained many congratulations—on Lin Chang’an’s progress in formations and his Core Reforging.
She also mentioned his agreement with the Sixth Elder and provided detailed intelligence about a secret realm.
After a long while, Lin Chang’an put away the letters and looked up. Fairy of Rainbow Skirt explained:
“For the past hundred years, no one knew what True Lord Lu was doing. His three disciples disappeared for a century, yet only two returned.
There are rumors he discovered an ancient secret realm—one restricted to Core Formation cultivators. Others say he has connections with great demon powers…”
She relayed all the intelligence she knew.
Lin Chang’an nodded thoughtfully. Matters involving Nascent Soul cultivators were not something he wished to meddle in.
Whatever the rumors, they had nothing to do with him.
“However, now that True Lord Lu has reappeared, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance—and even you, Fellow Daoist—must feel more confident.”
Lin Chang’an smiled.
Back then, the alliance had finally boarded True Lord Lu’s ship—only for him to disappear into seclusion.
It was infuriating.
They couldn’t stop offering tribute—but who dared refuse?
Perhaps he didn’t know who gave tribute, but he would definitely know who didn’t.
“Just as you said. Now that True Lord Lu and his disciples have returned, the alliance has not missed any tribute over the years.”
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt sighed helplessly.
“The second matter is also related to his return.”
“Two years ago, the Meng couple of Bibo Island in the Fog Sea of Tongtian were injured. With their lifespan nearing its end and their only heir too weak…”
“…they became disciples under True Lord Lu.”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an’s expression grew increasingly strange.
“So in other words… the Meng couple couldn’t suppress the situation and simply handed Bibo Island over to True Lord Lu?”
This was truly a profitable disciple acceptance.
Even Lin Chang’an felt envious. This was the power of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
The profits of Bibo Island were comparable to those of the Five Dragon Island Marketplace.
“Correct. Since the Seven Kingdoms Alliance has shown loyalty, True Lord Lu entrusted Bibo Island to them.
But the island already had multiple factions, so this naturally caused dissatisfaction.”
Lin Chang’an understood immediately—this was the “opportunity” she mentioned.
Bibo Island was essentially a large black market.
Taking control of it meant that, aside from tribute to True Lord Lu, all remaining profits would belong to them.
Within the alliance, Xuanyin Pavilion held the greatest power—and thus the greatest say.
As one of its members, Lin Chang’an would gain considerable benefits.
The profits of a black market… it was impossible not to be tempted.
“Fellow Daoist… you’ve really calculated this well.”
Lin Chang’an smiled.
“Once we secure Bibo Island, cultivation resources will multiply. Even gathering intelligence or locating demon beast lairs will become much easier.”
She spoke the truth.
With Bibo Island, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance would reap enormous benefits.
And behind them stood True Lord Lu—and even Bihai Palace.
Without interference from other Nascent Soul cultivators, they would hold overwhelming advantage.
Currently, only she had reached the late Core Formation stage. Most others were in the early or mid stages.
With Lin Chang’an’s support and Xuanyin Pavilion’s foundation, they could claim a large share.
Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly.
He had already experienced the benefits of black markets.
Resources were one thing—but more importantly, it allowed him to discreetly dispose of artifacts, talismans, and pills.
Everything untraceable.
He could even use avatars to create the illusion of mysterious sellers.
The intelligence benefits were even greater.
Where valuable items appeared, how to acquire them—he would know everything.
“Fellow Daoist… this is indeed a tempting opportunity.”
In the end, Lin Chang’an admitted he was tempted.
Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled in response.