Immortal Cultivation Begins with Drawing Talismans

Chapter 357 ·《Six Desires Demonic Art》



Chapter 357: 《Six Desires Demonic Art》

The ‍​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​‌​​‌​‌​​​​​‌​‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‍events on Bibo Island had finally come to an end.

No ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍one had expected that the Meng Clan Couple would manage to profit from both sides.

They ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍handed over the island and family business to True Lord Lu, ensuring the safety of their descendants and clansmen while also securing a Nascent Soul backer for their son.

At ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍the same time, they packaged up all the resisting Core Formation cultivators on the island and sold them to the Crimson Fire Old Monster.

Although ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍countless people secretly cursed the Meng Clan Couple’s methods behind their backs, they still had to admit one thing—this single move had eradicated every hidden danger that would have remained after their deaths.

After ‍​‌​‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌​‌‌‌​‍all, given the condition of the Meng Clan Couple, once they passed away in meditation, their descendants and clansmen would never have been able to hold onto Bibo Island.

What no one expected was just how decisively the couple had made their choice.

As parents, they had used themselves as bait to enter the game.

But what countless cultivators discussed even more enthusiastically was what the Crimson Fire Old Monster had mentioned—that something had happened to Master Lu back in the Outer Sea. What exactly was it?

However, after revealing that major secret, the Crimson Fire Old Monster immediately entered seclusion upon returning.

Many people began to suspect that this so-called incident had probably left even the Crimson Fire Old Monster stained by involvement, which was why he now kept silent.

At the same time, some of True Lord Lu’s past deeds were also exposed, causing countless cultivators to secretly become wary of these seemingly honest cultivators who, in reality, might stab you in the back at any moment.

……

Bibo Island.

“Master, within this past year, the scale of business in the Bibo Island marketplace has expanded several times over compared to before. Especially with the abundant goods arriving from Sea Abyss City…”

In the cultivation world, time was the cheapest thing of all. In merely one year, the Bibo Island marketplace had already seemingly forgotten the previous turmoil.

The Black Market beneath the night glowed brilliantly with lanterns, filled with prosperity and liveliness.

Meanwhile, atop a spirit peak on the island, Lin Chang’an stood looking down over the marketplace below.

At the side, Sword Attendant respectfully reported everything.

【Lifespan: 227/790】

【Cultivation: Mid Core Formation (58/100)】

Seeing his lifespan nearing eight hundred years, Lin Chang’an could not help but reveal a smile. Sword Attendant’s report only made him even happier.

The profits from the Bibo Island marketplace were astonishing.

“Not bad. Previously, this Black Market could only rely on the Outer Sea. Though it secretly had dealings with several merchant guilds, how could they compare to Bihai Palace?”

Now, under the influence of True Lord Lu’s identity as a guest elder of Bihai Palace, they could openly connect with resources from every sea region.

Not to mention the resources from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s major factions and Xuanyin Pavilion.

The current Bibo Island possessed abundant resources and extensive connections. Naturally, the marketplace’s profits multiplying severalfold was only reasonable.

“Master, in addition, over this past year, within the Five Dragon Island marketplace, the Four Seas Merchant Guild has shrunk considerably. Many clans have secretly begun selling resources to Xuanyin Pavilion…”

Hearing this, Lin Chang’an revealed a strange smile.

This timing had truly arrived at the perfect moment.

The opening of the Secret Realm was imminent. The various sea regions were in turmoil, and countless cultivators hiding from chaos—or from trouble they themselves had caused—had fled into the Fog Sea of Tongtian.

With more cultivators came greater demand, and naturally the Black Market within the Fog Sea of Tongtian would profit even more.

Coincidentally, at this critical moment, the Four Seas Merchant Guild had previously suffered a major incident and sustained devastating losses. Even now, they had yet to recover.

As a result, within the Five Dragon Island marketplace, Xuanyin Pavilion had successfully broken through from the outside and now faintly suppressed both the Four Seas Merchant Guild and the Long Clan.

Especially since the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s factions were now bound together through shared interests, no one wished to create chaos amidst the turmoil. Thus, even if the Four Seas Merchant Guild wanted to divide them, the current situation gave them no opportunity.

“Crisis is also opportunity. That saying truly isn’t false at all.”

Without this turmoil and danger, how could such an opportunity have existed?

“Master, these are the marketplace’s recent earnings.”

At the end, Sword Attendant produced three bulging Storage Pouches. Seeing this, Lin Chang’an merely smiled calmly and waved his hand, taking only one of them.

“This place is unlike Five Dragon Island. Danger can appear at any moment. If you encounter any spirit items you like or that are useful for cultivation, don’t be stingy.”

The cultivation world possessed countless spirit items. Especially now that the scale of Bibo Island’s Black Market business was growing larger and larger, who knew when some rare and bizarre treasure might suddenly appear.

As long as one carried sufficient Spirit Stones, one naturally possessed confidence.

However, Sword Attendant looked at the remaining Storage Pouches in her hand and lowered her head solemnly.

“Master, the Sect Master and the marketplace already provide me with my own stipend. Moreover, Master has already given me many cultivation resources.”

As a Core Formation cultivator stationed at Bibo Island, Sword Attendant naturally enjoyed the stipend appropriate for a Core Formation cultivator.

Xuanyin Pavilion had long since distributed its own share as well.

Yet after hearing this, Lin Chang’an casually waved his hand.

“That is what your strength deserves.”

Lin Chang’an’s sources of income were now simply too numerous. The Black Market was merely one part of it.

More importantly, he wished to rely on the Black Market to handle certain things that could not be exposed to the light.

“Ling’er, look at how prosperous the Black Market has become. This is the precursor to greater turmoil. Cultivate diligently.”

Just as Lin Chang’an was instructing Sword Attendant to cultivate properly, a familiar visitor arrived outside the cave abode.

“Daoist Lin, that fellow surnamed Meng went to visit Senior Sister again. Everyone knows what he’s thinking…”

The visitor was unexpectedly Xu Lingfeng of Xuanyin Pavilion, who now spoke with obvious indignation.

Lin Chang’an felt somewhat speechless.

Back then, Xu Lingfeng had guarded against him as though guarding against a thief. Yet now, he came visiting every few days, looking as if he would rather benefit allies than outsiders.

At this moment, Lin Chang’an truly wanted to say that he preferred the arrogant Xu Lingfeng from before, rather than this fellow Daoist who constantly came to ramble endlessly.

“Daoist Xu, have some tea.”

Helplessly, Lin Chang’an brewed a cup of Spirit Tea and pushed it over.

Yet Xu Lingfeng, still filled with righteous indignation, continued complaining and venting dissatisfaction toward the man surnamed Meng.

“If he hadn’t entered under True Lord Lu’s sect, how could his position as Young Island Lord possibly remain secure!”

When mentioning this person, Xu Lingfeng’s eyes revealed deep vigilance.

This person was precisely the Meng Clan Couple’s son, Meng Xinghai, a Mid Core Formation cultivator with fairly good talent.

Currently, the official Island Lords of Bibo Island were still the Meng Clan Couple. However, both had suffered severe injuries and did not have many years left to live.

As for Meng Xinghai, as True Lord Lu’s disciple, and with his parents having handed over all the Bibo Island family business, he naturally possessed the identity of Young Island Lord.

He was also the officially acknowledged next-generation Island Lord of Bibo Island under True Lord Lu.

Lin Chang’an held no dissatisfaction toward this at all.

After all, his parents had fought for it with their lives. If others were dissatisfied, then they could also fight for such opportunities for their own descendants.

Moreover, the benefits divided on the island and what one earned through one’s own ability were two entirely different matters.

“Daoist Lin, we are all people from Yue Kingdom ourselves.”

Xu Lingfeng looked toward Lin Chang’an. There was no longer the slightest trace of his former unwillingness to submit.

This Elder Lin at least came from Yue Kingdom. He did not lust after authority and was also a bitter cultivator focused solely on cultivation. At the end of the day, they were still their own people.

But what was Meng Xinghai?

A complete outsider.

Moreover, he possessed his own clan. Back then, there had even been three Core Formation cultivators following the Meng Clan Couple on the island.

Adding in the fact that the Meng Clan Couple themselves—these two Late Core Formation cultivators—were still alive…

If his Senior Sister truly became targeted by that side, then in the future, would Xuanyin Pavilion bear the Meng surname? Or would it simply be absorbed directly into Bibo Island?

Thus, the current Xu Lingfeng would rather his Senior Sister become somewhat closer to Lin Chang’an than allow that surnamed Meng fellow to succeed.

At the end of the day, Xu Lingfeng’s instincts were simply acting for the sect’s interests, along with a bit of xenophobia.

“Daoist Xu, the Bibo Island marketplace has only just entered a stable phase. Everyone should focus on cooperating properly.”

At this moment, Lin Chang’an had no interest in such matters.

Whether it was himself or the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, both were wholeheartedly focused on increasing their strength and pursuing the Nascent Soul Great Dao.

Seeing Lin Chang’an’s refined gentlemanly appearance, Xu Lingfeng helplessly sighed before finally lifting his teacup for a sip.

“Daoist Lin, Daoist Qiu, this Black Market Trading Gathering has attracted many people. Even Fellow Daoist Su, disciple of True Lord Lu, will be attending.”

After one year, the Bibo Island marketplace had finally stabilized completely.

At the same time, in order to establish its reputation and attract even more cultivators, a grand marketplace event would specifically be held this year.

An auction, and even a grand Core Formation Cultivator Trading Gathering—Lin Chang’an naturally already knew about it.

……

After a long while, he finally watched Fellow Daoist Xu depart.

“This Daoist Xu really is…”

Lin Chang’an shook his head, though he could understand Xu Lingfeng’s vigilance.

It was just like back in the Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace. When a large number of foreign rogue cultivators suddenly flooded in, it would inevitably create turmoil that affected one’s cultivation environment.

Naturally, as a local cultivator, one would instinctively develop some xenophobic mentality.

“Still, no matter who it was, they would remain wary of the Meng Clan—unless they had a Nascent Soul cultivator backing them.”

Meng Xinghai, the future Island Lord of Bibo Island, possessed Mid Core Formation cultivation and extraordinary talent.

Then there were the Meng Clan Couple themselves, both Late Core Formation cultivators, along with the three remaining Core Formation elders they had left behind.

Just calculating it like this, the Meng Clan alone possessed six Core Formation cultivators on Bibo Island.

Not to mention the Meng Clan’s overall family strength, which had not developed weakly over the years.

With such a force, who wouldn’t fear them one day pulling off a dove occupying the magpie’s nest?

“Master, Xuanyin Pavilion has secretly been gathering Core Formation spirit items recently.”

After Xu Lingfeng departed, Sword Attendant solemnly reported the latest intelligence concerning Xuanyin Pavilion.

Lin Chang’an calmly nodded.

“That is only natural. With turmoil approaching, Xuanyin Pavilion naturally needs to prepare more reserves.”

In fact, over the past ten years or so, prices for Foundation Establishment and Core Formation spirit items had already begun rising.

If Xuanyin Pavilion wanted to prepare more foundations for the sect, they naturally needed one or two additional Core Formation cultivators.

“Let’s go take a look at the marketplace. It’s about to become lively during this period.”

Setting down his teacup, Lin Chang’an smiled calmly before bringing Sword Attendant with him as they transformed into Escape Light and headed toward the marketplace.

As they departed in streaks of light, Sword Attendant lightly waved her hand.

The two streaks of Escape Light vanished, while the teacups inside the pavilion were skillfully cleaned away.

Only the teacup Xu Lingfeng had used directly turned into powder.

The Bibo Island marketplace was enormous.

The streets, pavilions, and merchants all around wore smiles as they greeted passing cultivators.

Meanwhile, the gloomy environment of the Fog Sea of Tongtian made the glowing magical lanterns across the island shine like everlasting spring throughout all seasons.

Patrolling cultivators, passing rogue cultivators, and the families of cultivators residing on the island made the place resemble a true city.

Yet this was merely the surface.

After entering the mountain valley, the hollowed-out mountain interior was even livelier.

Only Foundation Establishment cultivators were permitted entry here.

Level after level extended upward, while even the mountain cliffs themselves were crowded with lively cultivators shouting advertisements.

“Daoist friend, this is second-rank late-stage demon beast essence blood. Whether for cultivation or alchemy, it’s first-rate material!”

“Your magical artifact is too expensive…”

The surroundings were filled with cultivators shouting prices and bargaining, creating extraordinary liveliness.

However, upon entering the marketplace and hearing these familiar accents, along with seeing many resources unique to the Seven Kingdoms, Lin Chang’an could not help but smile.

“This feeling… truly brings back memories.”

This familiar sensation had only existed back in Tianxuan City.

Likewise, it was something Sword Attendant behind him could not understand.

Lin Chang’an brought Sword Attendant all the way before a towering pavilion.

“Daoist Lin, you’ve finally arrived. Come take a look at these materials. These were all refined separately by the artifact refiners of our Seven Kingdoms Alliance…”

“Exactly. With these materials, can Daoist Lin improve the island-protecting formation even further?”

Upon seeing Lin Chang’an, the two Core Formation cultivators immediately revealed enthusiastic smiles.

Whether as a third-rank Formation Master or through his own strength, Lin Chang’an was someone worthy of respect and flattery.

Lin Chang’an also smiled politely.

Looking at the materials, he nodded in satisfaction.

“With these materials, the island-protecting formation’s power can increase by another thirty percent. At that point, unless a Nascent Soul cultivator personally arrives, ordinary Core Formation cultivators will absolutely be unable to break the formation.”

Lin Chang’an was highly confident regarding this.

The first major business deal after obtaining the Bibo Island marketplace had been hiring Lin Chang’an, this third-rank Formation Master, to completely redesign the island-protecting grand formation.

After all, the previous turmoil on Bibo Island had already heavily damaged the formation.

More importantly, after the previous rebellion, who knew whether its secrets had already leaked.

Regardless of whether the Seven Kingdoms Alliance acted out of personal reasons or otherwise—

The island-protecting grand formation absolutely had to be replaced.

And among the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, the strongest in formation mastery was naturally Lin Chang’an.

Combined with their shared homeland background, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance naturally delighted in befriending him.

This left the Meng Clan faction somewhat displeased, but they also did not wish to provoke trouble for no reason and could only endure it for the time being.

Lin Chang’an’s island-protecting grand formation for Bibo Island was precisely the Four Symbols Black Tortoise Formation.

An absolutely defensive formation.

Even with the same formation, the difference between one used personally by cultivators and one used as an island-protecting grand formation was enormous. The difficulty of arrangement was worlds apart.

Naturally, Lin Chang’an had also earned quite a fortune from arranging the formation.

Looking at Lin Chang’an, a Core Formation cultivator who resembled a little old man smiled cheerfully and secretly transmitted his voice in a lowered tone:

“Daoist Lin, I heard that the Meng Clan will be bringing out quite a few treasures at this Trading Gathering. Among them is even a thousand-year-old Dragon Blood Fruit.

The medicinal effect of this spirit fruit is far too overbearing, but for demon beasts and spirit pets, it is an exceptional treasure…”

Hearing this, Lin Chang’an revealed a grateful smile and cupped his hands.

“To think such a treasure would appear. It seems I truly need to make more preparations.”

Naturally, he understood the other party’s goodwill.

Although the Seven Kingdoms Alliance was not weak overall, Meng Xinghai was still the disciple of True Lord Lu.

Factional struggles existed everywhere.

On Bibo Island now, there were only two factions—the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and the Meng Clan faction.

Lin Chang’an smiled as he greeted everyone. After inspecting the marketplace for a while, he carried the formation materials and began repairing the island’s formations.

At the same time, he also gathered a great deal of useful information.

“Dragon Blood Fruit… this is a sacred medicine for tempering the body, especially effective for demon beasts.”

Lin Chang’an secretly pondered this.

He had not considered giving it to his spirit pets.

After all, the Azure-Horned Ox had only recently broken through, so consuming it now would not have much effect. As for the Wind-Chirp Bird, it was still some distance away from late Third-rank.

Instead, it suited him rather well.

“My progress after entering the Third-rank Body Refinement stage has already noticeably slowed. If I can obtain the Dragon Blood Fruit as assistance, it should accelerate my body refinement cultivation.”

As for the medicinal power being too tyrannical for human cultivators to endure—that had never been a problem for Lin Chang’an.

With his early Third-rank physique and Regenerative Body, he was no weaker than demon beasts of the same rank.

“It’s not merely about increasing combat strength through body refinement. More importantly, after I break through to late Core Formation cultivation, I must quickly raise my body refinement to keep pace.”

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but think about his plans for forming the Nascent Soul.

Body refinement, spirit refinement, and magic refinement—once all three reached late Core Formation, using his life-bound spirit plant, the Mysterious Sky Immortal Vine, as the foundation, he would then be able to condense the Xuantian Spirit Body.

Aside from its many wondrous uses, the most direct effect of the Xuantian Spirit Body was greatly increasing the chances of forming the Nascent Soul.

“If there’s an opportunity, I’ll obtain it.”

This gathering was considered the first major marketplace event after the Seven Kingdoms Alliance took control of Bibo Island.

The Seven Kingdoms Alliance, the Meng Clan, and even the disciples sent over by True Lord Lu would all bring out some truly valuable treasures.

At present, his cultivation was steadily improving. Although his body refinement benefited from Demonic Energy assistance and progressed quickly, he had cultivated it for too short a time and still needed more time to catch up.

……

Several days later.

He received a voice-transmission from Yun Yao saying she would return for this Bibo Island Marketplace Grand Gathering.

This made Lin Chang’an sigh emotionally.

This was the prestige of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

No matter how powerful the Seven Kingdoms Alliance or the Meng Clan Couple were, they merely possessed several Late Core Formation cultivators. Even if they gained a few more, these major factions would not pay much attention.

But once backed by a Nascent Soul cultivator like True Lord Lu, everything changed.

However, on this day, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt arrived with several fellow Daoists to visit.

“Daoist Lin truly deserves to be the strongest Formation Master of our Seven Kingdoms Alliance. This craftsmanship is unmatched.”

“Indeed. And Daoist Lin’s Dao Heart is exceptionally firm. Back then, when we heard that Daoist Lin had reforged his core and cultivated anew, we greatly admired you.”

“Exactly. If Daoist Lin did not usually remain hidden from public attention, your reputation would have spread long ago.”

Inside the pavilion, Xu Lingfeng led two fellow Daoists while speaking with smiling faces, occasionally glancing toward another person nearby.

Lin Chang’an had cultivated for over a hundred years, yet even during his Core Formation Ceremony he had never received this much praise. It left him speechless.

Of course, he clearly understood that Xu Lingfeng was not truly praising him so enthusiastically.

He was using him to suppress and mock Fellow Daoist Meng Xinghai beside them.

“Fellow Daoists flatter me too much. With Daoist Rainbow Skirt here, I dare not make a fool of myself.”

Lin Chang’an quickly waved his hand modestly.

Although he was now a Core Formation cultivator with considerable strength and not someone who feared trouble casually—

That did not mean he enjoyed provoking conflict.

As he spoke, he did not forget to glance toward the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.

Yet the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt acted as though she heard nothing. Her beautiful head was slightly lowered as her calm gaze rested upon the mist rising from the spirit tea. Her cherry lips parted slightly, exhaling softly like a spring breeze brushing over a lake—gentle and lingering.

This scene left Lin Chang’an utterly speechless.

This spirit tea was practically being appreciated like an art form.

Meanwhile, among the crowd, Meng Xinghai still wore a smile despite Xu Lingfeng’s attempts to ostracize him. A gentle smile remained hanging at the corners of his mouth.

Dressed in azure robes, handsome in appearance, with clear eyes and refined speech, he gave others the feeling of a spring breeze.

At the very least, Lin Chang’an’s first impression of him was fairly good.

“Daoist Meng’s breadth of knowledge truly broadens one’s horizons.”

During their Dao discussion, everyone had to admit one thing—Meng Xinghai truly possessed exceptional knowledge.

After all, he had grown up within the Fog Sea of Tongtian under the guidance of two Late Core Formation parents who had built an entire foundation of power. How could he lack foundation?

Facing Lin Chang’an’s praise, the refined and gentlemanly Meng Xinghai modestly cupped his hands.

“Brother Lin flatters me. I merely bask in the glory of my parents. I cannot compare with the fellow Daoists here.”

He showed no intention of avoiding the fact that he relied on his parents’ prestige.

Everyone drank tea within the pavilion while discussing the Dao, speaking of various strange tales and cultivation matters.

Throughout the gathering, Meng Xinghai’s speech remained elegant and his knowledge extensive.

Even Xu Lingfeng, who remained highly wary of Meng Xinghai, could not help but secretly admit one thing deep down—

This person truly was not merely relying on his parents’ reputation.

Only after the Dao discussion ended and everyone rose to bid farewell did the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt remain seated, her head slightly lowered without the slightest intention of standing.

Seeing this, Xu Lingfeng’s thoughts shifted. He smiled and cupped his hands toward Meng Xinghai.

“Daoist Meng, today we truly hit it off immediately. Last time on Bibo Island, I didn’t properly tour the place. Why don’t we walk around together?”

“Exactly, exactly. Daoist Lin traversed the entire Bibo Island for the sake of the island-protecting grand formation. How could rough men like us compare?”

Faced with the actions of these three men, Meng Xinghai did not grow angry. Instead, he lightly smiled and returned the gesture, as though he had not seen through their intentions at all.

“Then Meng shall properly guide the three fellow Daoists through the scenery of Bibo Island.”

Although smiling outwardly, Meng Xinghai’s heart was filled with coldness.

Just wait until this Young Island Lord catches an opportunity!

……

After everyone departed, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt still sat within the pavilion quietly drinking spirit tea.

Looking at Lin Chang’an, before he could speak, she opened her lips slightly and apologized directly:

“Daoist Lin, please do not blame me. Between the two factions on Bibo Island, you will ultimately have to make a choice.”

With the two factions on Bibo Island, Lin Chang’an—a Third-rank Formation Master with considerable strength—naturally became someone everyone wished to recruit.

As for remaining neutral?

That would only result in being disliked by both sides.

Neutrality also required strength.

Lin Chang’an naturally understood this. He himself was already an elder of Xuanyin Pavilion and closer to the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, which also aligned more with his own interests.

“However, this Daoist Meng seems rather unusual.”

Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes slightly.

Although Meng Xinghai gave him a good impression, he always felt the man was hiding his true capabilities.

Just like himself, Meng Xinghai clearly would not easily expose his real thoughts to outsiders.

“This person’s scheming runs extremely deep. Though he normally remains inconspicuous, considering the previous actions of the Meng Clan Couple, those actions did not match the behavior style those two previously displayed.”

After some deliberation, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt finally set down her teacup. A grave expression appeared between her brows as she slowly voiced her suspicions.

Lin Chang’an was immediately startled upon hearing this.

“Daoist, are you suggesting that whether it was seeking refuge under True Lord Lu or selling off all the island’s Core Formation cultivators to True Lord Crimson Fire, this person was involved behind the scenes?”

If true, then Lin Chang’an truly needed to become more wary.

Such ruthlessness was not something simple.

“Daoist Lin, do you know what cultivation method I practice?”

Unexpectedly, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt rarely brought up her own cultivation method.

Lin Chang’an was momentarily stunned before solemnly replying:

“When I treated Daoist’s injuries previously, I sensed something, but I do not know the specifics.”

The two had fought side by side many times, and through their healing interactions, he only knew that the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt cultivated some form of soul-type demonic cultivation method.

He simply did not understand why she suddenly mentioned it.

“What I cultivate is the Six Desires Demonic Art.”

Her calm voice echoed softly.

Yet Lin Chang’an was instantly shocked.

How could he not know the great reputation of this cultivation method?

Especially within the various records of the Sinister Soul Sect, there existed forbidden records concerning this cultivation method.

《Six Desires Demonic Art》 was known among righteous cultivators as the number one demonic cultivation method, while demonic cultivators themselves were also extremely wary of it.

Rumor stated that several thousand years ago, the Six Desires Demon Lord had relied upon this cultivation method to become a legendary Deity Transformation cultivator, shaking the cultivation world.

Though it was a demonic cultivation method, it was simultaneously a technique capable of restraining the majority of demonic cultivators.

Everyone knew that demonic cultivation methods were famous for rapid advancement and overwhelming power, but they also easily twisted the temperament and mentality of their practitioners.

The mind-capturing abilities of the Six Desires Demonic Art happened to perfectly suppress demonic cultivators lacking mental stability.

“Daoist Rainbow Skirt, I truly never expected you to cultivate this cultivation method.”

However, after learning what cultivation method she practiced, Lin Chang’an showed no envy whatsoever.

Instead, his gaze contained solemnness and admiration.

Seeing Lin Chang’an’s expression, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt merely smiled calmly.

“Back then, the sect faced the danger of annihilation. Rainbow Skirt could not simply stand by and watch. Only by cultivating such a powerful cultivation method could I gain the strength to protect myself.”

Lin Chang’an naturally understood this.

Back in Yue Kingdom, Xuanyin Pavilion had been jointly crushed by the Palace of Blazing Fire and the Divine Sword Sect. The sect suffered devastating losses and stood on the verge of destruction.

At that time, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt simply had no choice.

“This cultivation method circulates within the demonic path, yet very few people cultivate it. Rumor says that cultivators practicing this cultivation method will face doubled Heart Demons when condensing the Nascent Soul!”

This was also why this cultivation method, known as the number one demonic cultivation method, was simultaneously regarded as taboo.

Demonic cultivators already faced overwhelmingly powerful Heart Demon Tribulations.

This cultivation method doubled that danger.

Furthermore, after Core Formation cultivators switched to cultivating this cultivation method, they would face temptations born from the six desires within their hearts. One moment of carelessness would send them plunging into the abyss through cultivation deviation.

Clearly, when the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt switched to cultivating this cultivation method after reaching Core Formation, she had already made her choice.

“Daoist Rainbow Skirt possesses great righteousness. Lin truly admires you.”

At this moment, Lin Chang’an could not help but sigh emotionally.

He had never joined a sect before and thus could not fully understand the feelings of someone like the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, who had grown up within a sect since childhood.

Yet that did not prevent his admiration toward her.

As a Heavenly Spirit Root cultivator, she was originally destined to become a Nascent Soul seed.

Yet for the sake of her sect, she cultivated this demonic cultivation method. Although it did not completely sever her path toward the Nascent Soul, it had destroyed every advantage her Heavenly Spirit Root once possessed.

At the same time, Lin Chang’an suddenly understood.

No wonder back at Celestial Spring Peak, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had reminded him to temper his mental state.

“With this cultivation method, I can sense some of the goodwill or malice from cultivators of the same realm.”

Suddenly, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt looked toward Lin Chang’an and smiled brilliantly.

From Meng Xinghai, she had sensed thick greed and malice. Combining that with the existing intelligence, she concluded that he likely intended to turn her into a cultivation furnace鼎.

In contrast, from beginning to end, Fellow Daoist Lin possessed a firm Dao Heart. What she sensed from him was only goodwill.

“The Six Desires Demonic Art… the cultivation world truly is fascinating. However, I believe that with Daoist’s determination, one day you will certainly break the cocoon and emerge as a butterfly.”

“Then I shall borrow Daoist’s auspicious words.”

The two looked at one another before both revealing smiles.

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