Chapter 130 : Bribery
Chapter 130: Bribery
The formation nexus of the Sea-Converging Returning Island Array formed its own miniature formation space.
Through the trajectory of the great array’s circulating power, Chen Beiwu could even see the vast heaven and earth spiritual energy liquefying into drop after drop of silver-blue essence, gradually surging toward the depths of the island, constantly strengthening the spiritual vein of Qingsu Island.
‘Turning the sea into an island, nurturing a spiritual vein with heaven and earth spiritual energy—what an incredible method!’ Chen Beiwu’s eyes revealed a look of astonishment.
It was not that he had never seen the world, but the grand array set down by the third-rank formation master of the Southern Wastes was simply too powerful. It could actually channel geomantic fortune, change heaven and earth, and in the span of decades, nurture a superior third-rank spiritual vein.
If the array could persist long enough, sustained for thousands or even tens of thousands of years, the underground spiritual vein of Qingsu Island might even have a chance of advancing into a fourth-rank spiritual vein.
‘If I can study and fully understand the principles of this array and publish a paper in the Immortal Alliance, perhaps I could win the Formation Dao Progress Award from the Artifacts Pavilion.’
Remembering this matter in his heart, Chen Beiwu began carefully examining the formation nexus.
“Buzz.”
At that moment, the spirit beast pouch at his waist shook, and a streak of golden light suddenly appeared on his shoulder.
“Gulu?” Gold Egg looked around with a puzzled expression.
It discovered that the concentration of water-element spiritual energy here was very high, even slightly surpassing that of the Moon-in-Water Dwelling.
‘That’s normal. This is the core of the grand array, very close to the array eye where the Flood Dragon corpse lies.’ Chen Beiwu explained.
Because the Patrolling Formation Envoy was required to regularly inspect the array of Qingsu Island, his status was far above that of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Thus, he was completely clear about the hidden secrets of the Sea-Converging Returning Island Array.
The Flood Dragon corpse that served as the array eye was certainly priceless, yet not enough to stir up greed in him.
“Gulu?” Gold Egg tilted its head.
Unlike the Great Hui, which was close to transforming into a Flood Dragon, the aura of the dragon within this array space was even denser, strong enough to stir a faint tremor and craving within its bloodline.
‘Don’t worry, just cultivate. The spiritual energy you absorb and refine here doesn’t even amount to a drop in the ocean compared to the whole array.’ Chen Beiwu chuckled.
Hearing this, Gold Egg’s eyes lit up, and it began cultivating with the All Laws Converge, Heaven Book of the Divine Tree.
Meanwhile, Chen Beiwu lowered his gaze, checking the array while pondering how he could obtain ownership of the Heaven-Eye Blackhawk from Yu Pan.
A quarter of an hour later, Chen Beiwu exhaled a breath of turbid air.
To forcibly seize treasures through robbery or killing fellow sect members went against his cultivation principles. Using force to threaten would only leave him with a Foundation Establishment enemy.
And when it came to enemies, his principle was only one: to prevent trouble before it began, eliminating danger while it was still a sprout.
After much consideration, Chen Beiwu realized that apart from enticing with benefits and making a trade, it seemed that Junior Sister Yu Pan had no other ending than death.
“Forget it. A twisted melon is never sweet.” Chen Beiwu shook his head, deciding instead to focus on tempting with benefits, proceeding gradually.
After all, his current cultivation was still insufficient to suppress a second-rank Lesser Beast. If he could not win the Heaven-Eye Blackhawk’s willing submission, then even if he obtained ownership, it would be useless.
Not to mention, the Heaven-Eye Blackhawk was among the second-rank Lesser Beasts with near unmatched battle power—any slight backlash would spell a great disaster.
By noon the next day, Chen Beiwu finished inspecting the entire Sea-Converging Returning Island Array. After confirming that the formation nexus had no problems, he reluctantly left with Gold Egg.
“Senior Brother Chen.”
Seeing Chen Beiwu appear, Yu Pan hurriedly greeted him.
“Junior Sister Yu, how long have you been waiting for me?” Chen Beiwu asked in surprise, while suspicion also rose in his heart.
For the other party, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, to actually wait here for him overnight—
Could it be that she had noticed something strange about him yesterday and had come here to probe?
“Not long. Master Lu has an important matter and wishes to invite you for a discussion.” Yu Pan spoke frankly.
She herself was not in a hurry, but that did not mean Lu Lei and the others were not.
Of the thirty-six Sea-Converging Returning Island Arrays on Qingsu Island, twelve already had problems.
If Chen Zi’ang showed diligence and checked one per day, in less than a week he would discover the abnormalities and report them to the sect.
At that point, all the Foundation Establishment cultivators of Qingsu Island would be arrested and held accountable by the sect—even if not killed, they would be flayed alive.
Hearing this, Chen Beiwu’s heart stirred, feeling something was off.
They had just met yesterday, yet Master Lu was already sending an invitation today. Even if he was the sect-appointed Patrolling Formation Envoy, this was somewhat unreasonable.
After all, he was only a small Qi Refining cultivator, and could not bring the other party progress in the sect.
“Then I’ll trouble Junior Sister Yu to lead the way.” Chen Beiwu said.
If there was business, why not mention it yesterday? Why insist on moving it to today?
He wanted to see exactly what scheme Master Lu was plotting.
…
At the Drunken Fragrance Pavilion.
As soon as Chen Beiwu stepped into the private room, twelve beautiful female Qi Refining cultivators, with delicate faces, graceful figures, and elegant temperaments, began to dance enchantingly.
Two bolder ones, carrying a faint fragrance, pressed close to him, hooking their arms around his, and led him forward.
“Patrolling Envoy, please take a seat.” Lu Lei pulled out a chair for Chen Beiwu and then sat opposite him.
Courtesy beneath others’ station always meant they had a request.
Seeing this, Chen Beiwu sat calmly, his confidence growing.
Glancing around the room, he noticed that Qingsu Island’s judicial inspector, Xiao Qing, was seated nearby, smiling with alluring charm.
Yu Pan also sat down on his left side. Chen Beiwu seemed to have entered a spider’s den, surrounded by enchanting beauties, with even the air carrying a faint fragrance of rouge.
“What purpose do the three of you have in finding me? You may as well speak directly.” Chen Beiwu said softly.
Upon hearing this, Lu Lei waved his hand, signaling for the dancing female cultivators to leave.
In an instant, only four people remained in the private room.
Xiao Qing exchanged a glance with Lu Lei.
Immediately, she pressed close, wrapping her arm around Chen Beiwu’s elbow, and said tenderly, “We have a matter we’d like to ask the Envoy to help mediate.”
“All of you preside over the land reclamation and island-construction project of Qingsu Island, busy with affairs. It’s inevitable you’ll encounter some matters. Could it be that this has something to do with the Sea-Converging Returning Island Array?” Chen Beiwu probed.
The three remained silent.
“Then it’s best not to talk about this. If you continue, I won’t be able to handle it.” Seeing the situation, Chen Beiwu tactfully refused.
The Sea-Converging Returning Island Array concerned the sect’s future strategic planning. As a mere Patrolling Formation Envoy, he could not possibly bear such a heavy burden.
Lu Lei lightly coughed twice, breaking the silence, and then took out a jade box from his storage ring, opening it to reveal neatly arranged, sparkling spirit stones.
‘Ten, hundred, thousand, ten thousand!’
Sweeping his divine sense across, Chen Beiwu discovered that the jade box contained no less than fifteen thousand lower-grade spirit stones. Such a vast sum was enough to severely cripple the wealth of a Foundation Establishment family.
“This is a token of goodwill from all the cultivators of Qingsu Island. If the Envoy likes, Qingsu Island can offer this every five years.”
At this, Lu Lei looked directly at Chen Beiwu and spoke gently, “Of course, if Lord Patrolling Envoy wishes to focus on cultivation, we can handle these trifles ourselves, sparing you from worry.”
“Forgive me, everyone.” Chen Beiwu swept his gaze around, speaking in a deep voice, “The sect has treated me with great kindness. This is not something I can decide.”
With that, he pushed the spirit stones back across the table.
Lu Lei’s meaning had been obvious: if he accepted the spirit stones, he would have to pretend he saw nothing and devote himself solely to cultivation.
In an instant, the atmosphere within the private room became tense, like drawn swords.