Chapter 358 ·Manipulating the Seven Kingdoms Alliance
Chapter 358: Manipulating the Seven Kingdoms Alliance
Bibo Island.
“Seven Kingdoms Alliance! Xuanyin Pavilion!”
After accompanying Xu Lingfeng and the others around Bibo Island before seeing them off, Meng Xinghai returned alone to his cave abode. The gentle smile on his face gradually disappeared.
Replacing it was a sinister gaze fixed directly toward the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s territory and Lin Chang’an’s cave abode.
“Xinghai, how did matters go?”
At this moment, a figure slowly appeared behind him, the voice carrying evident weakness.
“Mother, rest assured. The situation on Bibo Island has already stabilized. Although we lost control over Bibo Island, we have also gained True Lord Lu, a Nascent Soul cultivator, as our backer.”
Facing his mother, Meng Xinghai sighed gloomily.
If only his parents had been able to give him another hundred years, would things really have fallen to such a state?
“That’s good. But you must remember—your little thoughts cannot escape the eyes of a Nascent Soul True Lord. You absolutely must not act recklessly.”
As a mother, how could she not understand her own child’s thoughts?
The middle-aged woman could not help but reveal a sorrowful expression.
If not for the severe injuries suffered by the couple and their dwindling lifespan, why would their descendants need to live under another’s roof?
“Mother, rest assured. Precisely because of this, regarding Senior Sister Su, Master Lu’s disciple, Xinghai does not dare harbor the slightest improper thought.”
Mentioning this matter filled Meng Xinghai with frustration.
Originally, he had believed that once the Meng Clan handed Bibo Island over to True Lord Lu, they would gain his absolute support.
Who would have expected that True Lord Lu would immediately draw the Seven Kingdoms Alliance into the situation?
With his intelligence, how could Meng Xinghai fail to understand?
This True Lord Lu clearly did not trust the Meng Clan. Whether it was taking disciples or any other arrangement, it was all for share interest.
As for Senior Sister Su Miaoyin, rumors said she was True Lord Lu’s only blood-related child.
Before his little thoughts could even fully arise, he had already felt the cold Nascent Soul pressure from True Lord Lu, frightening him so thoroughly that he no longer dared entertain even the slightest idea.
“Mother, go rest for now. I’ll handle everything on Bibo Island from here. Nothing will fall into disorder.”
Under his gentle expression, the middle-aged woman nodded tiredly before departing.
Left alone within the great hall, Meng Xinghai began calculating his plans.
“The best way to dismantle the Seven Kingdoms Alliance is to begin from within—especially Xuanyin Pavilion…”
Particularly the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, this late Core Formation female cultivator, caused his heart to burn with desire.
It was a pure desire for increased strength.
He possessed the desire to make her his cultivation furnace, yet he also knew he could not do so for now. A late Core Formation female cultivator was someone he was temporarily willing to cooperate with in pursuit of greater ambitions.
Even through ordinary dual cultivation methods, he could still greatly increase his cultivation speed and break through to late Core Formation sooner.
“What is authority worth? In the cultivation world, strength is what truly matters!”
Thinking of this, Meng Xinghai revealed a cold smile.
Did the Palace Master of Rainbow Skirt wholeheartedly wish to revitalize Xuanyin Pavilion?
Fine!
He could give her that opportunity.
At the same time, however, what he gave away would not come cheaply.
But before that, the fact that Elder Lin’s concubine was also a Core Formation cultivator caused Meng Xinghai to narrow his eyes.
A significant portion of Xuanyin Pavilion’s current confidence came from this very person.
A Third-rank Formation Grandmaster, possessing a Mid Third-rank demon beast and tremendous personal strength—comparable to late Core Formation cultivators.
“This Elder Lin has ties with the Nascent Soul cultivators of Bihai Palace, so it’s better not to move against him lightly. But a mere Core Formation concubine… that is rare indeed.”
Female cultivators were already scarce.
High-level female cultivators were even rarer.
The dual cultivation secret technique he cultivated happened to be perfectly suited for rapidly increasing his strength, helping him break through to late Core Formation sooner.
……
“Senior Sister, what kind of place is the Fog Sea of Tongtian? If spoken nicely, it’s a chaotic region. If spoken bluntly, this place is simply a nest of crooked demonic cultivators.
Among the cultivators raised here, how many are truly good people?”
After seeing his Senior Sister return, Xu Lingfeng could not help but sneer.
That surnamed Meng wore the face of a gentle gentleman every day.
Did he think he had been raised by a righteous sect?
Calling him a demonic brat would already be praise.
“Senior Sister, this person absolutely cannot be trusted. What kind of business does Bibo Island conduct? The only thing such a place can raise is demonic offspring.”
Xu Lingfeng’s disdainful expression amused the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.
Did he really think she was that foolish?
Besides, did she even need him to say it?
“Enough, Junior Brother. How could I not know what kind of place Bibo Island is? But you must remember—Bibo Island now bears the surname Lu.
Whether it is the Meng Clan or our Seven Kingdoms Alliance, do not stir up trouble.”
“And although the Seven Kingdoms Alliance is bound together by shared interests, we must still remain cautious.”
Under the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s calm tone, it was clear she possessed a powerful sensitivity toward both good and evil. Combined with the actions of the other sects and great clans within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, they were obviously attempting to push the strongest Xuanyin Pavilion to the forefront.
All beneath heaven bustle for profit.
All beneath heaven scramble for gain.
At the end of the day, whether it was the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, the Meng Clan, or even herself, everyone acted for share interest.
“Yes, Senior Sister.”
Xu Lingfeng took a deep breath.
He also understood that although Xuanyin Pavilion appeared to be the number one sect among the Seven Kingdoms, it had likewise become the faction standing at the forefront on Bibo Island.
After Xu Lingfeng departed, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt returned to her cave abode on Bibo Island. Looking over the intelligence reports concerning the turmoil throughout the various sea regions of the Beast Sea Abyss, she softly sighed.
“I only hope the sect can safely survive this turmoil.”
Whenever the larger situation entered chaos, it always resulted in the reshuffling of powers.
Forget Core Formation sects—even Nascent Soul factions had fallen before.
The destruction of the Sinister Soul Sect remained a vivid lesson from the past.
……
Half a month later.
A spirit ship from Sea Abyss City arrived, immediately causing the Core Formation cultivators of both the Meng Clan and the Seven Kingdoms Alliance to respectfully head out to receive it.
Even Lin Chang’an personally attended, because the arriving person was Su Miaoyin—the direct disciple and blood-related daughter of Master Lu, guest elder of Bihai Palace.
This time, both the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and the Meng Clan side had exhausted great effort to welcome the highly distinguished Su Miaoyin.
“Greetings, Daoist Su.”
As the figure descended from the spirit warship, Lin Chang’an felt momentarily dazed.
His old acquaintance from Yue Kingdom, Su Miaoyin, seemed not to have changed much at all.
She still wore a plain gray-white Daoist robe. Though loose and simple, it could not conceal her naturally graceful curves. Instead, the restrained style only made one’s imagination wander further.
Her hair flowed like black ink, loosely tied with only the simplest peachwood hairpin. Several strands casually fell beside her snow-white cheeks.
“Fellow Daoists are too courteous.”
Her ethereal voice echoed gently.
Su Miaoyin’s transcendent aura resembled a cold plum blossom beneath moonlight. Yet when she raised her head, those soul-stirring eyes completely contradicted her detached temperament.
“Haha, Daoist Lin, you really are here.”
At this moment, another person descended together from the spirit warship—unexpectedly Song Tingfeng, the third disciple of Master Lu and one of the people closest to Lin Chang’an back in Tianxuan City.
“Daoist Song.”
Hearing the familiar voice and chatterbox mannerisms, Lin Chang’an smiled brightly.
Brother Song truly had not changed.
“I can’t compare to Daoist Lin’s fame these past years—reforging your core and wholeheartedly pursuing bitter cultivation.”
Compared to before, Song Tingfeng now possessed several additional traces of easygoingness. His figure had also grown somewhat plumper.
The only difference was that when he looked at Lin Chang’an, there was now a trace of envy in his eyes.
Looking at the white hair near Song Tingfeng’s temples, Lin Chang’an could clearly sense that Song Tingfeng’s foundation had been damaged.
Not everyone possessed the fortune necessary for Core Reforging and Re-cultivation.
Talent, opportunity, and luck—
All were part of one’s strength.
Clearly, Song Tingfeng lacked some fortune.
“Daoist Rainbow Skirt, Daoist Lin.”
When Su Miaoyin saw the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt and Lin Chang’an, she also smiled.
After so many years, it was rare to encounter old acquaintances again.
The cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance present did not appear overly surprised.
After all, Tianxuan City had once formed an alliance with Xuanyin Pavilion, so the two sides were naturally familiar with each other.
Moreover, Lin Chang’an had once served as a guest elder in Tianxuan City. After forming his Golden Core, his information had long since become known to everyone.
However, the Meng Clan faction’s expressions subtly shifted.
If Su Miaoyin grew too close to the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, that would certainly not be good news for them.
“Daoist Su has traveled from afar. We have already prepared a banquet in the main hall.”
The Meng Clan Couple stepped forward with smiling faces to welcome her.
At the same time, Meng Xinghai respectfully cupped his hands and said—
“Senior Sister Su.”
Although the Meng Clan still retained the title of Island Lord on Bibo Island, they were no longer its true masters.
At best, they were merely stewards under the Nascent Soul cultivator True Lord Lu.
Su Miaoyin smiled faintly before entering Bibo Island under the accompaniment of the crowd.
At the same time, Bibo Island also ushered in its grand gathering.
Su Miaoyin’s arrival represented True Lord Lu himself. The spirit warship had brought countless high-grade resources.
The marketplace on the island was prosperous and bustling, with countless cultivators flooding in precisely for these spirit items.
……
Under the night sky, the marketplace glowed brilliantly with lights.
The streets of the marketplace were filled everywhere with passing rogue cultivators.
The opening of the auction attracted countless Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Meanwhile, the Core Formation Cultivator Trading Gathering personally presided over by Su Miaoyin—the direct disciple of a Nascent Soul True Lord and his only blood-related child—likewise attracted innumerable cultivators.
Even many hidden Core Formation cultivators deep within the Fog Sea of Tongtian rushed over upon hearing the news.
Inside the great hall of the Trading Gathering, Lin Chang’an and the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt sat at the same table.
One reason was because Lin Chang’an belonged to Xuanyin Pavilion as an elder.
The other was that, with Lin Chang’an’s current identity and status, he was hardly inferior to late Core Formation cultivators.
“Daoist Rainbow Skirt, it seems the sect has recently been collecting large amounts of Foundation Establishment and Core Formation spirit items.”
With the turmoil spreading throughout the Outer Sea, many factions had already begun gathering such strategic resources.
It was not strange for Xuanyin Pavilion to make such moves, but Lin Chang’an clearly had other intentions.
The Black Market on Bibo Island had already entered a stable phase. Its profits were excellent, and during this grand marketplace gathering, he had already disposed of many things that could not see the light.
Yet the items of greatest value still remained in his hands.
“Could it be that Daoist Lin possesses some treasure?”
As a Third-rank Formation Master, Lin Chang’an had an extremely broad network of acquaintances. Even the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt could not compare in this regard, and she was fully aware of it.
“Daoist Rainbow Skirt, previously two fellow Daoists concealing their auras visited me within the Black Market. They had also purchased formations from me before, and this time they sold me a valuable piece of information.”
There were now less than sixty years remaining before the Secret Realm opened.
Relying solely on the Black Market and other slow methods to earn Spirit Stones was simply too slow.
Thus, after careful consideration, Lin Chang’an realized that the current joint cooperation of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance was a perfect opportunity.
Previously, while using the Sinister Spirit Beast King to explore the Fog Sea of Tongtian, he had exterminated numerous Sinister Spirit Beast Kings.
Naturally, during this process he had also accidentally discovered several islands containing spirit mines.
Compared to the Blackwater Liquid he had obtained, spirit mines naturally held the greatest value.
For rogue cultivators, however, they lacked the ability to mine them.
The Seven Kingdoms Alliance was different.
Sects and great clans fully possessed the capability to mine them.
“These two fellow Daoists have hunted Sinister Spirit Beast Kings for many years. Otherwise, they would not have traded Sinister Spirit Demon Cores with me. At the same time, they discovered three spirit mines, one of which possesses enormous value…”
After Lin Chang’an secretly transmitted this information, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt could not help but feel tempted.
Rare spirit mines were crucial strategic resources no matter the era.
Their value to a sect was enormous.
As for Lin Chang’an’s words, after some brief thought, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt did not doubt them.
After all, many of Lin Chang’an’s trade goods previously involved Sinister Spirit Demon Cores. Many people had already suspected that not all of these demon cores were hunted personally by Lin Chang’an.
Quite likely, many came from hidden demonic cultivators or robber cultivators secretly trading with him.
“With Xuanyin Pavilion’s strength alone, we cannot swallow three spirit mines…”
Taking advantage of the time before the Trading Gathering officially began, Lin Chang’an and the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt privately discussed the details of these three spirit veins.
They intended to draw the Seven Kingdoms Alliance into participating together so everyone could jointly mine them.
“Agreed. This is a good matter. If confirmed true, Daoist Lin will naturally receive considerable benefits.”
Hearing the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s words, Lin Chang’an smiled calmly.
Slowly earning Spirit Stones through marketplaces—how could that compare to mining?
As Core Formation cultivators gradually continued arriving, the great hall became increasingly lively.
Whether Core Formation cultivators or False Core cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, all seated themselves around Xuanyin Pavilion, naturally forming a small circle.
Opposite them sat Meng Xinghai together with the Meng Clan’s three Core Formation elders, all smiling as they cupped their hands toward the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
At this moment, within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s circle, many people revealed shocked expressions after hearing the news of the spirit mines.
“Daoist Lin, are your words true?”
“These two fellow Daoists require certain precious resources. As long as we jointly obtain them, they said future trades can continue. However, the transactions must proceed one spirit mine at a time.
But the difficulty of mining them will not be small. At minimum, Core Formation cultivators will be needed to guard them, along with concealment formations…”
Lin Chang’an spoke in a solemn tone while discussing matters with the crowd.
After hearing how cautious these two cultivators were, everyone nodded in understanding.
The Seven Kingdoms Alliance would first provide part of the precious resources in exchange.
The other side would then reveal the location of one spirit mine. After confirming the mine truly existed, the remaining resources would be delivered before proceeding with further transactions.
Regarding this arrangement, the Core Formation cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance secretly nodded thoughtfully.
None of them believed there was any issue.
Caution was perfectly normal.
As for trading one spirit mine at a time, they could also understand it.
If it were them, they would do the same.
“If true, then these two people are likely part of a very powerful Sinister Spirit hunting squad.”
“Indeed. I’ve long heard that certain cultivators rely on cultivation methods that counter Sinister Spirits, spending years hunting them within the Fog Sea of Tongtian to exchange for resources. The Blackwater Liquid circulating across several surrounding sea regions is all supplied by such cultivators.”
“We absolutely must not underestimate this matter. At that time, Daoist Lin will probably need to contribute significantly.”
One of them thought about the difficulty of mining and could not help but look toward Lin Chang’an with a friendly smile.
Lin Chang’an also smiled and nodded.
These spirit mines lay within the Fog Sea of Tongtian. The long distance meant someone would inevitably need to guard them, while large numbers of cultivators would be required for mining.
Only sect factions like the Seven Kingdoms Alliance could accomplish this.
However, the islands also required formations for protection and aura concealment to avoid discovery.
In other words, formation expertise would once again require Lin Chang’an, this Third-rank Formation Master.
Through this entire arrangement, all the various cultivation resources he required could now be searched for by every Core Formation cultivator within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
After mining operations began, the formations would also require him.
One could say that he was the greatest hidden beneficiary behind everything.
“If these three spirit mines truly can be mined, then we can earn enormous amounts of Spirit Stones in a very short period of time.”
“Mm. This matter is extremely important, but it would still be best to report it to True Lord Lu.”
“Indeed.”
As everyone discussed the matter, Lin Chang’an revealed a smile.
The spirit mines in his possession had now essentially become turning waste into treasure.
Many resources that were normally difficult for him to gather alone could now be included as conditions, allowing the entire Seven Kingdoms Alliance to search for them on his behalf.
One could say that he was now nearly experiencing the same treatment of a Nascent Soul cultivator like True Lord Lu—
Manipulating the Seven Kingdoms Alliance to gather resources for him.
Second chapter update tonight.