Chapter 364 ·Rising Fame, The Beginning of the Layout

Bibo Island’s mountains rose and fell in endless stretches, while the marketplace remained incomparably lively.

However, after the Seven Kingdoms Alliance’s Core Formation cultivators returned carrying a dried corpse, the atmosphere became somewhat heavy.

The Seven Kingdoms Alliance collectively felt both furious toward the Meng Clan and delighted at their misfortune.

They were furious because the Seven Kingdoms Alliance had long known their spirit mines would eventually attract attention, yet they never expected the first party to make a move would actually be the Meng Clan.

As for their delight—

The Meng Clan had terrible luck and encountered Huang Tianxiao of the Profound Yin Demonic Sect, the cultivator known as the number one beneath Nascent Soul.

As a result, they lost one cultivator.

Even if his lifespan had nearly run out, he was still a peak late Core Formation cultivator.

The sudden loss of one such cultivator dealt an enormous blow to the Meng Clan.

However, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance did not directly seek accountability from the Meng Clan.

Instead, they delivered the headless dried corpse to True Lord Lu.

Several months later, True Lord Lu’s disciple once again arrived at Bibo Island, issuing a warning to the Meng Clan.

At the same time, the Meng Clan was ordered to compensate the Seven Kingdoms Alliance with a portion of benefits.

Thus, the matter was considered settled.

Yet a rift between the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and the Meng Clan had now formed.

If Huang Tianxiao, the so-called number one beneath Nascent Soul, once again committing ruthless slaughter and forcefully killing a veteran peak late Core Formation cultivator caused his fame to soar further—

Then the Mutated Demon Beast Azure-Horned Ox also became immensely famous immediately afterward.

Lin Chang’an could practically be said to have become famous because of his ox.

A Third-rank Mutated Spirit Beast—

Even throughout the Demon Beast Sea Abyss, only a handful existed.

“A Mutated Demon Beast… Over these past several hundred years, you could count the number appearing in the Demon Beast Sea Abyss on two hands.”

“Exactly. I heard the previous Mutated Demon Beast appeared over a hundred years ago in the Outer Sea—a Mutated Whale Kun. In a single gulp it swallowed several Core Formation cultivators and even robbed a Bihai Palace merchant ship.”

“I heard some Mutated Demon Beasts are good while others are bad. Formation Master Lin truly has astonishing luck. I’m honestly envious.”

“Who wouldn’t be? The Azure-Horned Ox itself is already a thick-skinned earth-attribute demon beast. Yet its mutation turned into a Petrification Divine Ability, which also belongs to the earth attribute.”

“That Mid Third-rank Azure-Horned Ox may only be Mid Third-rank, but relying on its mutation divine ability, its combat strength probably already rivals Late Third-rank demon beasts…”

Whether on Bibo Island or Five Dragon Island, news about the Mutated Demon Beast Azure-Horned Ox spread throughout the surrounding sea regions.

Lin Chang’an once again rose to fame.

However, at this moment on Bibo Island, many cultivators from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance came specifically to visit Lin Chang’an.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, although this matter isn’t easy to pursue further, that surnamed Meng truly isn’t human.”

“Exactly!”

“Fellow Daoist Lin, Fellow Daoist Qiu, these are healing spirit medicines and antidote pills sent by the Meng Clan.”

Facing everyone’s visits, although Lin Chang’an’s expression remained ugly, he still behaved like someone who understood the bigger picture.

In the end, with a dark expression, he accepted the gifts sent by the Seven Kingdoms Alliance—

Or rather, the portion of benefits ceded by the Meng Clan.

After everyone left, Lin Chang’an, who had maintained a dark expression within the cave dwelling, slowly revealed a smile once no one remained.

“Consider it compensation for exposing the Azure-Horned Ox.”

True Lord Lu had already issued orders.

The Meng Clan had also publicly agreed to cede substantial benefits.

Thus, this matter could only end here.

Lin Chang’an had gained quite a bit from this incident.

At the very least, the Meng Clan had heavily ceded several shops and portions of marketplace profits to him.

“Master, this servant was incompetent.”

Beside him, the pale-faced Sword Attendant lowered her head while speaking.

If her strength had not been too weak, her master would not have been forced to expose the Azure-Horned Ox.

Yet Lin Chang’an merely shook his head.

At his current realm, unless it involved Nascent Soul spiritual objects, he could still protect ordinary treasures.

“In the cultivation world, strength ultimately determines everything. If I were merely a False Core cultivator, or even an ordinary rogue cultivator, perhaps people would target me. But now things are different.”

A Third-rank Mid-grade Formation Master.

Connected with the Sixth Elder of Bihai Palace.

Mid Core Formation cultivation himself.

And battle strength comparable to late Core Formation sword cultivators.

Let alone all those combined—even just one alone would already be enough for self-preservation.

The appearance of the Mutated Azure-Horned Ox instead further increased the weight of his strength rather than attracting covetous eyes.

“Fortunately, I had previously given you an inner armor for protection. Otherwise, this truly could have become dangerous.”

At this moment, Lin Chang’an gently stroked the dragon-scale inner armor removed from the Sword Attendant’s body and could not help feeling lingering fear.

One scale upon the inner armor had already dimmed, completely losing its luster.

Upon closer inspection, one could see a hair-thin needle hole.

“There are still some remaining scales from the Thunder Flood Dragon last time. Once we return, I’ll repair it again. The treasure armor can continue being used.”

Lin Chang’an stored away the armor.

Meanwhile, the Sword Attendant respectfully brewed spirit tea nearby.

“This time your performance was quite good. You handled the enemy calmly.”

Lin Chang’an remained very satisfied with the Sword Attendant’s composure and tactics.

She did not choose to confront the enemy head-on.

Instead, she continuously set up planned ambushes while retreating.

Otherwise, she would never have lasted until his arrival.

At the same time, the Sword Attendant fully displayed the terrifying advantages of the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body.

Despite only being at early Core Formation, her combat strength already rivaled Mid Core Formation sword cultivators.

Even Lin Chang’an felt somewhat envious of her sword path talent.

“It is all because Master taught me well. Without Master, Sword Attendant would never have reached this point.”

This time, the Sword Attendant also revealed corresponding strength.

Even many Core Formation cultivators from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance viewed her differently.

The respect shown during their visits earlier was extremely obvious.

In the end, cultivators still respected strength above all else.

However, what the Sword Attendant truly worried about in her heart was whether she had affected her master’s greater plans.

“Enough. Put these things away properly. After all, these are all gifts of apology sent by the Meng Clan.”

As Lin Chang’an looked at the compensation before him, cold light flickered within his eyes.

Did they truly think he was made of clay?

This time, pulling the Seven Kingdoms Alliance into isolating the Meng Clan was merely the beginning.

He did not care whether the other side acted intentionally or unintentionally.

He only knew one thing—

The hatred of obstructing one’s Dao could never coexist under the same heavens.

“Master, the dried corpse left behind… Nascent Soul cultivators won’t notice anything strange, right?”

The Sword Attendant hesitated before finally voicing her concern.

Lin Chang’an calmly waved his hand.

“Don’t worry. These Sinister Baleful Corpse Puppets were originally specialties of the Profound Yin Demonic Sect. Furthermore, to avoid exposure, all wounds on the corpse were completely gnawed apart by the corpse puppets. Absolutely no traces were left behind.”

To avoid even the slightest possibility of exposure, he had not even left behind the severed head.

Certain bizarre secret techniques in the cultivation world could extract fragmented memories from a dead cultivator’s head.

“Let’s go. This time we’ll return to Five Dragon Island and remain quiet for a while. But this matter has only just begun.”

Although the Seven Kingdoms Alliance chose to maintain peace on the surface after this incident—

In secret, they no longer merely guarded against the Meng Clan.

They had completely targeted them.

One could already imagine that the Meng Clan’s future days would not be pleasant.

……

Bibo Island, within a secret hall of the Meng Clan.

Rows of Soul Lamps were placed throughout the hall.

Yet the Soul Lamp representing the strongest cultivator of the Meng Clan had already extinguished long ago.

Even the lamp oil had solidified.

“Father! Your son absolutely will not let you die unjustly like this!”

Within the hall, Meng Xinghai knelt silently before the Soul Lamps, his eyes filled with endless hatred.

“The Seven Kingdoms Alliance! And Huang Tianxiao! What a so-called number one beneath Nascent Soul!”

At this moment, a weary figure slowly emerged.

It was Madam Meng.

Yet after experiencing her husband’s death, she had visibly aged significantly overnight.

“Mother!”

After walking out, Madam Meng looked at her son and revealed a sorrowful expression.

“This time your father simply had poor luck. Originally, retreating would not have been a problem. Who could have expected he would encounter members of the Profound Yin Demonic Sect?”

In her heart, she believed no one from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance could possibly have killed her husband.

This entire incident was simply carelessness combined with bad luck.

And within the cultivation world, cultivators with bad luck were not uncommon.

Many geniuses encountered unfortunate incidents, developed Heart Demons, and ultimately remained trapped within the Core Formation realm for life.

Others suffered severe injuries.

Some were even unlucky enough to offend Nascent Soul mighty cultivators directly.

Thus, from top to bottom, the Meng Clan—

Including Madam Meng herself—

Never suspected the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.

After all, there had been countless witnesses present at the time.

Moreover, the injuries left by several Sinister Baleful Corpse Puppets had fully confirmed the evidence.

“Huang Tianxiao!”

The moment his father’s killer was mentioned, fierce light flashed through Meng Xinghai’s eyes.

Others might not know—

But how could he not know his own father’s strength?

Peak late Core Formation cultivation.

A body full of magical artifacts.

Especially the Black Blood Divine Needle.

With even slight carelessness, even same-realm cultivators could suffer disaster.

No one throughout the Seven Kingdoms Alliance possessed such ability.

Only that man could kill his father!

Meng Xinghai secretly swore an oath.

Once he broke through to late Core Formation and eventually advanced into Nascent Soul, he would absolutely avenge his father and eradicate the demonic sect.

How could Madam Meng fail to notice the hatred within her son’s eyes?

Her expression immediately became solemn as she warned deeply:

“You are forbidden from acting recklessly. Even if you break through to late Core Formation, you are not allowed to seek revenge. Although the title of number one beneath Nascent Soul contains some exaggeration, there were already rumors that this man once forcefully slew a Third-rank Thunder Flood Dragon.

“Even your father could not gain any advantage against him. Unless you can attain Nascent Soul, absolutely do not provoke him!”

As Madam Meng warned him, sorrow also filled her eyes.

Life and death were unpredictable.

Yet she and her husband had weathered countless storms together for several hundred years.

Who could have expected such an ending?

“Mother, rest assured. I will cultivate diligently and strive to break through to late Core Formation as soon as possible, then seek opportunities for Nascent Soul.”

Seeing Meng Xinghai nod firmly, Madam Meng finally revealed a trace of relief.

This time, the Meng Clan had suffered tremendous losses.

They directly lost a peak late Core Formation combat force.

And all his magical artifacts were gone as well.

Whether fortunate or unfortunate—

The Seven Kingdoms Alliance currently suspected the Meng Clan targeted the spirit mines rather than any other reason.

……

Time flowed onward.

In the blink of an eye, another two years passed.

As the Secret Realm’s opening drew nearer and nearer, the Outer Sea of the Demon Beast Sea Abyss grew more turbulent with each passing day.

Major incidents occurred nearly every month.

Massacres, robberies, and exterminations of entire sects happened frequently.

As a result, the events on Bibo Island were gradually forgotten.

At the same time, it signified that the older generation of Core Formation cultivators were gradually stepping off the stage.

Replacing them were the rising new generation of Core Formation cultivators.

Every generation produces new talents.

And the cultivation world was no exception.

As for the cultivator whose fame shone brightest in recent years—

It was undoubtedly Huang Tianxiao, the number one beneath Nascent Soul.

He committed one shocking case after another.

Even Lin Chang’an, cultivating far away on Celestial Spring Peak at Five Dragon Island, could not help revealing an odd expression.

“These two sea regions are separated by such vast distances, yet major crimes occurred within only three days of one another. Even Nascent Soul cultivators’ escape techniques wouldn’t make it in time. This Huang Tianxiao truly has quite the reputation.”

Clearly, he was not the only person making Huang Tianxiao take the blame.

Many people committing evil deeds would deliberately use Huang Tianxiao’s name afterward.

“I wonder whether the title of number one beneath Nascent Soul attracts too much hatred… or if the Profound Yin Demonic Sect itself is simply too hated.”

Looking at the intelligence in his hand, Lin Chang’an was secretly speechless.

His revenge against Huang Tianxiao was purely because there was enmity between them.

As for others, perhaps they simply hated and envied that title.

Although the cultivation world had many low-profile Core Formation experts who avoided causing trouble, that did not mean they could silently accept someone of the same realm riding above their heads.

【Lifespan: 234/793】

【Cultivation: Mid Core Formation (75/100)】

Inside the pavilion, Lin Chang’an looked at his cultivation progress and could not help but reveal a satisfied smile.

His cultivation was continuously advancing. Breaking through to late Core Formation in another twenty or thirty years should not be difficult.

“Breaking through to late Core Formation at around two hundred fifty or sixty years old proves considerable potential and the possibility of forming the Nascent Soul.”

But that was only among ordinary cultivators.

These years of turmoil had also produced many geniuses.

There were quite a few cultivators who had just reached two hundred years old and already broken through to late Core Formation.

Compared to them, he could only be considered ordinary.

“Cultivating quickly doesn’t mean much. Only those who reach the end are truly strong.”

Lin Chang’an possessed sufficient confidence in this point.

Thus, when he saw the intelligence on those geniuses, he was not discouraged in the slightest.

Instead, he remained calm.

Back then, there had been countless cultivators more talented than him.

And the result?

The grass on their graves had already yellowed and regrown generation after generation.

Lin Chang’an then turned his gaze toward the letter just delivered by the Xuanyin Pavilion cultivator.

“A letter from Yue Kingdom? It has already been several years.”

He slowly opened the letter.

The writers were still juniors such as Li Yifan, Shen Fan, and Wei Yingying.

There were also letters from the Zhou Family, but most of them were delivered alongside gifts, counted as thanks for his care toward the Zhou Family.

Lin Chang’an gladly accepted this.

After all, many Zhou Family disciples within Xuanyin Pavilion could be considered to have him invisibly as a backer.

As he read the letter, Lin Chang’an’s gaze gradually grew quiet.

After a long while, he sighed softly, his expression filled with melancholy.

“Yifan has grown old as well. Yingying is no longer that mischievous girl from back then.”

The jade talisman letters of cultivators were infused with cultivator mana.

Lin Chang’an could clearly sense that Li Yifan’s mana carried an aged and twilight aura.

Combined with Wei Yingying’s mention in the letter—

Over the years, as his prestige as a Core Formation cultivator became stronger, many people increasingly treated him with reverence born from strength and status.

Naturally, other aspects gradually faded.

The same was true of old acquaintances from Yue Kingdom.

Only Yingying, that girl, remained quite clever. She still used her familiar tone and those little junior-sister tricks learned since childhood.

In every letter, she would describe the various changes in Yue Kingdom, as well as the changes among everyone.

The letter mentioned that Li Yifan had grown old.

Although he was a Mid Foundation Establishment cultivator, hidden injuries from his younger years had already filled him with twilight aura.

“Counting the years, Yifan is already two hundred. Erniu, Shen Lie, and Little Junior Sister… they have all been gone for so long.”

Sitting inside the pavilion, Lin Chang’an stared blankly into space as memories of his more than two hundred years surged through his mind.

The smiles of familiar people had stopped midway.

They had already reached the end of their journeys, while he still continued advancing along this road.

There had been bitterness and laughter.

Without realizing it, he had already walked so far.

“Time truly isn’t enough to use.”

Lin Chang’an shook his head and sighed.

Time was merciless.

Even Deity Transformation cultivators could not withstand its erosion.

Perhaps only legendary immortals could.

Although Foundation Establishment cultivators started with a lifespan of two hundred years, and some could even live nearly three hundred years, those were still the minority.

Most experienced too much throughout life.

Various hidden injuries, high-intensity battles, and other burdens all overdrew their vitality.

Even as their bodies aged, old ailments within the body would affect their lifespan.

“Still, everyone is living quite well now.”

Yingying had mentioned the development of the Li Family in the letter, along with the descendants of herself and Shen Fan.

This made Lin Chang’an reveal a gratified smile.

Birth, aging, illness, and death—

Even he could not transcend them.

Now that everyone had no major regrets, they had already surpassed ninety-nine percent of cultivators in the cultivation world.

As for his own lifespan, it had hardly changed at all.

That was purely because of the power of his Regenerative Body and his cultivation method.

Thus, injuries and high-intensity battles had not affected his lifespan.

Still, Lin Chang’an considered sending several Longevity-Nourishing Pills to these juniors when replying this time.

Longevity-Nourishing Pills did not truly increase lifespan.

Rather, they were a wood-attribute medicine that worked subtly and quietly, slowly healing hidden injuries within cultivators while replenishing vital energy.

True spirit items capable of heaven-defyingly extending lifespan were treasures even Nascent Soul cultivators would fight over.

……

Mystic Sound Peak.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, today is truly rare. To think you actually came to visit.”

Inside an elegant pavilion, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt wore a pure white dress. Her beautiful head was slightly lowered, her calm gaze falling upon the mist rising from the spirit tea, while a faint smile rested at the corner of her lips.

Lin Chang’an smiled without speaking.

After raising the spirit tea personally brewed by the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt and taking a light sip, he narrowed his eyes with an expression of enjoyment.

Only after a long while did he speak.

“Daoist’s tea skills are becoming increasingly proficient.”

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt smiled lazily, her pale cyan-white gauze dress revealing her delicate collarbones.

Her jade-like fair skin was moist and rosy.

The beautiful curve before her chest pressed closely against the plain gauze dress, its outline faintly visible.

Ever since the matter with the Shape-shifted Sinister Spirit Beast King, the relationship between the two had clearly grown much closer.

Especially after Lin Chang’an learned of her cultivation method and physical condition, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had thought over many things during these years.

From the perspective of利益, although her Dao Heart was firm, due to her cultivation method, the difficulty of forming the Nascent Soul had doubled, and the so-called advantage of her Heavenly Spirit Root had vanished entirely.

If something happened to her in the future, then with Fellow Daoist Lin’s current strength and the Azure-Horned Ox, he would be enough to ensure Xuanyin Pavilion’s inheritance did not end.

From a personal perspective, after years of becoming familiar and understanding each other subtly and naturally, she had gradually begun to like being together with him.

Only at Celestial Spring Peak—

Or rather, only by his side—

Could she avoid thinking about too many things and rarely calm her heart enough to listen to the sound of “high mountains and flowing waters.”

“Ever since breaking through to late Core Formation, troublesome matters have increased.”

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s gaze was distant.

Female cultivators were already few.

Late Core Formation female cultivators were even rarer.

Combined with Xuanyin Pavilion’s growth over these years, the Meng Clan of Bibo Island and even certain cultivators from Bihai Palace had been faintly testing her.

She was not foolish.

Nowadays, who knew how many people were watching her and Xuanyin Pavilion’s foundation?

“At the end of the day, Xuanyin Pavilion still lacks foundation. If we had a few more Mid Core Formation cultivators, we would not be so easily targeted.”

Simply put, many people could see Xuanyin Pavilion’s weakness.

The only late Core Formation cultivator was her.

Lin Chang’an had joined later as a guest elder.

The remaining ones were only Xu Lingfeng and Liu Ruyu.

As long as someone could consume her, occupying the nest and seizing Xuanyin Pavilion’s foundation would not be difficult.

Sometimes developing too quickly was not necessarily a good thing.

Facing the current situation, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt gazed lazily at Lin Chang’an, also using it to conceal the panic within her heart.

He had no clan descendants.

He was also from Yue Kingdom, so he could not be considered an outsider.

Asking her own heart—

If it were Fellow Daoist Lin, it was not impossible.

“Fairy Rainbow Skirt, good tea.”

Under Lin Chang’an’s smiling expression, he did not know what this Fellow Daoist Rainbow Skirt was thinking.

Or rather, his purpose in coming here today was something else entirely.

The two each had different thoughts.

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt thought of the many scenes with Lin Chang’an over these years.

What appeared more often in her mind were scenes of the two listening to music together, drinking tea and discussing the Dao, or her playing the zither while he appreciated it—

That relaxed companionship.

Yet what Lin Chang’an thought of was that two years had already passed since the previous incident, and he still had not found an opportunity against the Meng Clan.

But one was no gentleman if he did not avenge a grievance.

Besides, he was the one who had suffered losses.

In any case, it was publicly known that the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and the Meng Clan did not get along.

As for him, that went without saying.

“Fairy Rainbow Skirt, a few days ago, someone came to invite me to Five Dragon Island Marketplace for a transaction.”

Thinking to this point, Lin Chang’an’s expression gradually became solemn.

He then described a scene he had directed and acted out between himself and his incarnation.

“A transaction?”

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt looked puzzled.

Holding her spirit tea, she did not understand why Lin Chang’an suddenly mentioned this.

It was merely a transaction.

Could it be some kind of treasure?

Thinking this, two charming dimples appeared on the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s cheeks as she lightly laughed.

“Fellow Daoist Lin has earned quite a lot over these years. Could it still be insufficient? I do have many Spirit Stones here. If they are not enough, the sect also has some resources that can be lent to Daoist for the trans—”

Before she could finish saying the word “transaction,” Lin Chang’an silently took out one magical artifact after another from his Storage Pouch.

This caused the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s smile to stiffen.

The word “transaction” had only left her lips halfway.

Astonishment appeared in her beautiful eyes. Then, as she solemnly looked at these treasures, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt gradually fell silent.

The two remained in this silent atmosphere for a full long while before the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt spoke.

“Fellow Daoist Lin… don’t tell me you sold your Celestial Spring Peak!”

This sentence left Lin Chang’an speechless.

He understood what the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt meant.

She was saying that acquiring these treasures had probably emptied his entire fortune.

“Sigh, I more or less emptied out my entire family fortune. I even took out my hidden trump card formations before managing to trade for these treasures.”

There were not many magical artifacts before them, but every one of them was absolutely a High-grade Third-rank magical artifact.

A long blade, a sword, a turtle-shell shield, and two other magical artifacts.

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt did not recognize the latter two, but the first three were clearly treasures once belonging to Island Lord Meng of Bibo Island.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, this person is truly arrogant. Selling these treasures back to our Seven Kingdoms Alliance is clearly an act of intimidation.”

After a long silence, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt shook her head solemnly and voiced her conjecture.

As for suspecting Lin Chang’an?

Even she did not believe that.

A peak late Core Formation cultivator, carrying so many powerful treasures—

Even if a cultivator of the same realm could defeat him, killing him would be extremely difficult.

At the very least, she herself had not even the slightest confidence.

Moreover, Lin Chang’an had been at Five Dragon Island at the time.

Both the timing and the later meeting between Lin Chang’an and the others were clear.

They had all personally witnessed Island Lord Meng committing violence before encountering the demonic sect cultivator.

Thus, even the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, who knew Lin Chang’an had hidden strength, held not the slightest suspicion.

Unless Lin Chang’an possessed an avatar technique.

Forget the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt—

Even Lin Chang’an himself would not believe it.

When he mentioned this matter, his expression still looked somewhat unpleasant.

“I purchased the Black Blood Divine Needle. As for the remaining magical artifacts, I plan to trade them on Five Dragon Island.”

Lin Chang’an’s emotional expression instead seemed perfectly natural to the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt.

After all, the personal concubine he had personally raised had nearly been killed.

The other party had also targeted their spirit mines, clearly seeking to sever their sect’s Dao path.

Forget Lin Chang’an—

The entire Seven Kingdoms Alliance had been holding back anger over this matter.

“Then this is perfect. We can use this opportunity for the Seven Kingdoms Alliance to hold a Trading Gathering on Five Dragon Island. At the same time, we can spread word of these magical artifacts.”

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also revealed a smile filled with schadenfreude.

Although the matter had already passed for two years, as long as there was an opportunity to make the Meng Clan lose face, no one within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance would be unhappy.

Lin Chang’an naturally nodded gladly as well.

The reason he took out these magical artifacts was not merely to vent anger.

Refining these magical artifacts directly would simply be too wasteful.

First, they could be exchanged for important cultivation resources.

Second, he also wanted to see what reaction the Meng Clan would have.

Would they dare step out of Bibo Island to trade back the former clan leader’s relics—

Or continue hiding on the island like turtles?

Ever since the previous incident, the Meng Clan had remained extremely cautious.

He also wanted to test them and see whether there was an opportunity.

After all—

He held grudges very deeply!

“Fairy Rainbow Skirt, before this Trading Gathering begins, we should first send a letter to the Meng Clan of Bibo Island. I personally wrote it.”

Under Lin Chang’an’s calm smile, he slowly took out a letter.

The letter clearly described how great a price he had paid to trade for these treasures.

As for that mysterious individual—

He could not afford to provoke him.

Even if the Meng Clan learned about it, they would have nothing to say.

After all, from beginning to end, the victim had always been Lin Chang’an.

Now he had merely traded for some magical artifacts originally belonging to the Meng Clan. That was perfectly normal.

The Meng Clan even had to thank Lin Chang’an—

Thank him for recovering their clan’s relics.

As for how they would reclaim them, that depended on the sincerity of the Meng Clan.

At the same time, Lin Chang’an could conveniently include two magical artifacts he personally refined within the transaction, ensuring no one would become suspicious.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, I believe this Trading Gathering will definitely be very interesting.”

At this moment, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt seemed to think of something and covered her lips while revealing a radiant smile.

Lin Chang’an also chuckled and nodded.

Afterward, the two looked at one another and continued drinking tea while discussing the Dao, rarely enjoying this brief moment of leisure.

The Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s zither music echoed throughout the hall.

Lin Chang’an also rarely relaxed enough to quietly listen.

Only after Lin Chang’an had already departed did the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt stand alone outside the hall, gazing toward the disappearing figure with ripples appearing within her eyes.

“What exactly was I originally planning to do…”

Only after he left did the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt finally react.

“Next time, I absolutely must play two rounds of chess with him.”

After thinking of something, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt bloomed into a smile.

She then gracefully lifted the teacup upon the table and lightly took a sip with natural elegance.

Her tea skills truly were not bad.

……

Seven Kingdoms Alliance.

“The magical artifacts belonging to that surnamed Meng actually ended up in Xuanyin Pavilion’s hands? The person behind this is far too arrogant. Killing someone and then coming back to provoke them—what kind of hatred exists between him and the Meng Clan?”

“Who cares? In any case, these treasures are all extremely valuable.”

“I just wonder what treasures the Meng Clan will use to exchange for them.”

“Hmph hmph, not one of those surnamed Meng are good people. Let’s see how they clean this mess up now.”

After receiving Xuanyin Pavilion’s letter, the Core Formation cultivators of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance all revealed expressions of schadenfreude.

This time, the Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had notified everyone in the name of Xuanyin Pavilion.

In other words—

Xuanyin Pavilion would take the blame.

A cultivator hiding his identity had come to Five Dragon Island and traded away these treasures.

Elder Lin of Xuanyin Pavilion paid an enormous price to obtain them.

Whether publicly or secretly, outsiders could say nothing about it.

Within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, some people gleefully awaited the show, while others secretly pondered whether they might have an opportunity to obtain one or two of the treasures.

Especially that turtle-shell defensive shield.

A High-grade Third-rank defensive magical artifact.

That was the most attractive treasure.

Among magical artifacts, offensive types were the most common.

Defensive ones were comparatively rare, so naturally their prices were much higher.

“Still, obtaining these treasures won’t be so easy.”

“What’s there to fear? Once the Meng Clan can’t afford them, are we not allowed to buy them? Does the Meng Clan really think they have such great face?”

“Exactly. They truly think they’re something special. Our Seven Kingdoms Alliance are the true direct subordinates of True Lord Lu.”

The Seven Kingdoms Alliance sneered coldly.

No one there was foolish.

To forge iron, one must first be strong oneself.

Did the Meng Clan truly think they were disciples personally raised by True Lord Lu since childhood?

The Seven Kingdoms Alliance stood on righteous grounds.

No one could find fault with this matter.

……

Meanwhile, after the Meng Clan of Bibo Island received Xuanyin Pavilion’s letter, they were equally furious.

“Madam, this Huang Tianxiao is far too arrogant!”

“This is utterly bullying people! He’s obviously slapping our faces!”

Inside the hall, other members of the Meng Clan angrily slapped the tables.

From beginning to end, none of them believed Lin Chang’an had any issue.

Someone came to trade magical artifacts.

After Lin Chang’an discovered it, he paid a great price to acquire them.

Although there was indeed intent to vent anger—

At the end of the day, the Meng Clan was still the party at fault.

Thus, even the Meng Clan themselves did not feel Lin Chang’an had done anything wrong.

“Mother!”

Even Meng Xinghai wore a gloomy expression.

This was clearly an open slap to the Meng Family’s face.

“Enough. All of you, shut up.”

Madam Meng coldly shouted with imposing authority.

The aura of a peak late Core Formation cultivator instantly forced everyone to calm down.

“The person behind this merely wants to provoke conflict. Haven’t there already been plenty of such incidents in the Outer Sea these years?”

At this point, Madam Meng directly sneered.

As the Secret Realm’s opening approached, more and more factions wanted to muddy the waters.

“First, send a reply to the Seven Kingdoms Alliance. Especially Xuanyin Pavilion—we, the Meng Family, must properly thank them. And also this Fellow Daoist Lin!”

When speaking to this point, Madam Meng fell somewhat silent before ultimately sighing softly.

“Tell them the previous incident was caused by others sowing discord. The Meng Clan deeply thanks Fellow Daoist Lin for redeeming these magical artifacts.

“This Trading Gathering, our Meng Clan will definitely attend.

“We absolutely will not let Fellow Daoist Lin suffer losses!”

These magical artifacts were not only high quality.

More importantly, they concerned the Meng Clan’s dignity and reputation.

At the same time, she could not bear seeing her husband’s magical artifacts fall into others’ hands.

Whether for public or private reasons—

They absolutely had to reclaim these treasures.

……

Celestial Spring Peak.

Dressed in white robes embroidered with cloud patterns, Lin Chang’an stood within the pavilion, gazing toward the undulating mountains and rivers of Five Dragon Island while revealing a smile.

“The layout has already begun. Now it depends on whether the Meng Family takes the bait.”

After suffering such a huge loss, before his strength had become sufficient, he could only bury the matter within his heart.

Now that he possessed strength, if he still remained silent—

Then wouldn’t all his years of cultivation have been wasted?