Chapter 367 ·Casting the Net, Madam Meng Dies

Ever since enjoying a branch of the Spiritual Spring, the spiritual energy within Lin Chang’an’s cave abode on Bibo Island had visibly become denser.

Lin Chang’an also temporarily chose to cultivate on Bibo Island. After all, the spiritual energy here truly was much richer.

Although at his current realm, no obvious difference could be seen in a short time, over the long term there would still be subtle gaps.

At his current realm, since he still sought to scheme for the Nascent Soul Realm, any resource that could accelerate cultivation even slightly was something worth fighting for.

Bibo Island, Lin Chang’an’s cultivation ground.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, the spirit mine excavation over these past three years has gone extremely smoothly. It has been enough for our Seven Kingdoms Alliance to earn a huge fortune.”

The cultivator from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance arrived with this round of dividends, his face full of excitement. Three years ago, in order to obtain this spirit mine transaction, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance had paid an enormous price.

But the rewards had also been tremendous. This spirit mine was exceptionally precious.

“That’s good. The outside world is becoming increasingly chaotic. In the end, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance are our own people. Taking this opportunity to strengthen our power is the key.”

“Fellow Daoist Lin speaks truly.”

This Core Formation cultivator from the Seven Kingdoms Alliance also smiled brightly. In these past few years, by operating the Black Market on Bibo Island while secretly mining spirit ore, they had finally escaped the hard days of before.

Lin Chang’an also smiled and nodded. By binding the interests of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance together with his own, he had become the greatest beneficiary.

Especially when the Seven Kingdoms Alliance gathered resources for the spirit mine transaction, he had profited immensely.

In addition, the annual dividends from the spirit mine excavation were also a considerable income.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, now that the dividends have been delivered, I shall take my leave first.”

“Safe travels, Fellow Daoist.”

Lin Chang’an smiled as he watched the other party leave. Then, seeing the heavy Storage Pouch, he became even more satisfied.

When trading high-grade spirit ores, aside from half being paid in Spirit Stones, the other half was mostly paid in high-grade cultivation materials.

【Lifespan: 237/794】

【Cultivation: Mid Golden Core Realm (82/100)】

At the same time, with abundant cultivation resources and a cultivation ground with even denser spiritual energy, the accumulation of various conditions ensured that his cultivation speed had still not slowed down.

“The higher one’s cultivation, the more one can feel how difficult cultivation becomes.”

Lin Chang’an could already sense that if not for the greater amount of cultivation resources he had invested these past few years, his cultivation speed likely would have already slowed.

“Moo!”

At this moment, the Azure-Horned Bull lying outside the cave abode seemed to smell something. Excitedly, it ran over, its eyes staring fixedly at the Storage Pouch in its master’s hand.

Seeing this, Lin Chang’an smiled helplessly and casually took out two Spirit Fruits from the Storage Pouch.

“You really do have a good nose.”

From this point alone, it could be seen that ordinary Storage Pouches were still somewhat lacking in concealing aura fluctuations.

Especially with higher-rank demon beasts, whose sense of smell became increasingly sharp.

However, Lin Chang’an was not worried about this. He then took out a close-fitting pouch from his robes.

This was a treasure the Thunder Flood Dragon had left him last time. This kind of high-rank spatial pouch not only possessed great capacity, but also had extremely powerful concealment and aura-suppressing abilities.

After he transferred the materials into this spatial pouch, the Azure-Horned Bull could no longer smell the previous aura.

“In recent years, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance has focused heavily on Bibo Island. Coupled with the unstable situation, many sects and great clans have already intentionally or unintentionally begun transferring their influence toward the Fog Sea of Tongtian.”

After lightly patting the bull’s head, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes as he gazed at the gloomy marketplace on the island.

After all, there were several spirit mines here, so it was natural for the Seven Kingdoms Alliance to shift their focus.

Only the Xuanyin Pavilion had developed rather well over the years. The others had merely barely established themselves, so abandoning them was not much of a pity.

However, the Meng Clan was no easy opponent either. They had actually formed an alliance with the Four Seas Merchant Guild, and for a time, they truly faintly displayed momentum capable of contending equally against the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.

But Lin Chang’an understood clearly that the alliance between the Meng Clan and the Four Seas Merchant Guild was merely a basic cooperation of interests. If they truly had to fight to the death, the Four Seas Merchant Guild would be the first to collapse.

Yet above them stood a Nascent Soul True Lord, so it was impossible for both sides to openly clash.

“The Seven Kingdoms Alliance is now completely bound together by interests. Move one part, and the whole body is affected. No one wishes to destroy the excellent prospects before them.”

The current situation had instead stabilized the Five Dragon Island sea region and Bibo Island, which was naturally a good thing for him.

After all, everyone desired a stable cultivation environment.

“However, I’ve arranged this game for so long. It’s about time to cast the net.”

As if thinking of something, Lin Chang’an could not help but look toward the brightly lit marketplace.

He had laid out this scheme for three years, scattering bait for so long because he wanted to catch a big fish.

“Let’s go. It’s time to visit a few fellow daoists and conveniently purchase some cultivation materials from the marketplace.”

Lin Chang’an lightly patted the Azure-Horned Bull, and then man and beast headed toward the marketplace together.

However, the current him was already merely an avatar.

……

Bibo Island Marketplace.

“It’s only been a few years since I came here, yet this marketplace has become far livelier than before.”

“Of course. Ever since the Seven Kingdoms Alliance joined, and with a Nascent Soul True Lord backing them, the marketplace naturally keeps expanding.”

The streets of the marketplace were filled with cultivators coming and going. Every single one radiated baleful energy, clearly showing they were not easy people to deal with.

Today, however, two graceful figures arrived at the Black Market. Both women had disguised themselves, wearing black combat attire and hooded cloaks. Whenever they spoke to others, they deliberately used hoarse voices.

“Two fellow daoists, the materials you seek are all used for refining magical artifacts. Ordinary rogue cultivators rarely possess such items in the marketplace. However, the Meng Clan and the Seven Kingdoms Alliance shops definitely have them.”

“Many thanks, Fellow Daoist.”

Lin Chang’an’s two avatars, disguised as the Wang Sisters, moved one before the other as they purchased cultivation materials within the marketplace.

However, they had already been targeted in secret.

Inside the Meng Clan’s grand hall.

“Young Master, the Wang Sisters you ordered me to watch have arrived. That little girl has also condensed a False Golden Core.”

Hearing the report, Meng Xinghai was momentarily stunned before disappointment flashed through his eyes.

A False Golden Core?

As expected, their aptitude was too poor.

He had originally hoped they might condense a true Golden Core. In that case, harvesting their yin essence would have produced even greater effects for him.

Ever since meeting the two women at the trading convention three years ago, they had disappeared without a trace afterward. Half a year later, they appeared on Bibo Island, which caused him to set his sights on them once more.

It was precisely this level of caution that gradually dispelled his suspicions.

This was exactly the careful conduct expected of rogue cultivators.

Afterward, as they gathered materials for the Crystal Condensing Pill, all of it had occurred under his secret observation.

Yet because of his suspicious personality, along with his desire to see how far the other party could go, Meng Xinghai had patiently waited for his prey.

Later, after the Wang Sisters gathered enough Core Formation Spirit Items, they still chose to visit the Xuanyin Pavilion on Five Dragon Island and ask Alchemist Wen to refine pills for them. It was expensive, but his reputation was excellent.

As a result, there was no news for more than a year. When they finally reappeared, he was still disappointed.

“A False Golden Core. Pity it isn’t a true Golden Core, but it’s still better than Foundation Establishment cultivators.”

No matter how poor a False Golden Core was, Foundation Establishment cultivators could not even compare.

Meng Xinghai secretly sighed. His expectations had simply been too high.

But after waiting for three years, these fish had already grown fat enough. Two female False Golden Core cultivators were still fairly decent.

It was time to cast the net.

If he delayed any longer, the fish might escape.

“Go inform my mother—”

However, before he could finish speaking, his mother, Madam Meng, walked in.

In only a few short years, the once still-charming woman now had additional fine wrinkles on her face, and much more white hair as well.

“Xinghai, how many times have I told you? The situation is unstable now. Who knows how many people are secretly watching you.”

After seeing his mother, Meng Xinghai cupped his fists and explained the situation.

“Two female False Golden Core cultivators!?”

Madam Meng frowned slightly. She already knew of this matter.

“The two women are currently gathering materials to refine magical artifacts. If we miss this opportunity, there may not be another chance.”

Who knew what might happen tomorrow amid this chaotic situation? These two women might even flee to another sea region.

“If that is the case, then the identities of these two should not pose much of a problem.”

For three years, they had watched the two women carefully and cautiously gather Core Formation Spirit Items before finally helping the younger sister form her core.

Not only Meng Xinghai—even Madam Meng had not become suspicious.

After all, who would lay out a scheme lasting three whole years? Furthermore, from beginning to end, they themselves had always remained hidden in the shadows.

Whenever the two women saw cultivators with powerful cultivation, they would avoid them and never make contact.

This kind of caution and avoidance of major factions completely matched the conduct of rogue cultivators.

“Two female False Golden Core cultivators already possessing magical artifacts. If we want to capture them alive, the clan elders may not be capable enough.”

This was also why Meng Xinghai intended to personally take action.

Defeating, killing, and capturing alive—each was progressively more difficult than the last.

“That is true. The relationship between these two women is so deep that they may even possess a joint attack technique. Capturing them alive indeed will not be easy.”

Madam Meng did not suspect anything else. However, when she looked at her son, she still revealed a comforting smile.

“Leave this matter to your mother this time, lest too great a disturbance is caused.”

They were merely two female False Golden Core cultivators with simple backgrounds. Even though her lifespan was nearing its end and her combat power had declined significantly, she was still impossible to shake.

Meng Xinghai did not say much in response and simply nodded.

“Then I’ll trouble Mother.”

“Two female False Golden Core cauldrons should be enough for you to use for some time. Combined with the resources already prepared, once you return this time, you will enter closed-door cultivation. Strive to break through to the Late Golden Core Realm as soon as possible!”

Seeing the reluctance and anticipation within his mother’s eyes, Meng Xinghai’s heart trembled. He then firmly nodded and cupped his fists.

“Mother, rest assured. I will definitely let you witness my breakthrough into the Late Golden Core Realm.”

Once he broke through to the Late Golden Core Realm and inherited the legacy his parents left behind, he would be enough to become a powerful figure.

In other words, one of the so-called great cultivators among Core Formation cultivators.

……

Inside the marketplace.

“Two fellow daoists, this piece of Iron Essence was tempered by pill fire. It is absolutely a superior material for refining magical artifacts.”

Inside one of the Meng Clan’s shops, the Wang Sisters bargained fiercely with the shopkeeper, acting exactly like rogue cultivators. In the end, they finally bought the item while looking pained at the expense.

Meanwhile, Madam Meng, who observed secretly from the shadows, silently nodded after repeated confirmation.

“With my peak Late Golden Core divine sense investigation, unless the other party is a Nascent Soul cultivator, the only other possibility is that they cultivate some kind of secret technique.”

Madam Meng still possessed confidence in her own strength.

As for the possibility that the other side cultivated some secret technique?

How could the other party possibly know that they had already been watching them three years ago?

Knowing that the harvesting secret technique cultivated by her son was one of the top dual cultivation secret arts of the demonic path, it had been obtained by the couple a hundred years ago from a cave abode within a Secret Realm.

No outsider knew of this matter at all.

It was precisely because of this that Bibo Island used the business of cultivator trading as cover while secretly abducting female cultivators with decent cultivation.

Up until now, only the husband and wife pair, along with Meng Xinghai, knew of this secret technique. Even the clan itself still remained unaware.

“Madam, the Iron Essence has already been traded.”

As the shopkeeper entered and respectfully reported the matter, Madam Meng calmly nodded.

Afterward, she draped herself in a layer of black gauze and secretly departed from Bibo Island, waiting for the two fish to emerge.

……

“Elder Sister, with this piece of Iron Essence, we’ll finally be able to refine a decent magical artifact.”

After the sisters left Bibo Island, they concealed their auras all along the way and circled around several times before finally cautiously departing in one direction and vanishing into the misty clouds.

Numerous black reef islands covered the sea surface, and the sisters’ False Golden Core cultivation was disguised extremely well.

At this moment, Lin Chang’an inwardly felt speechless. It had already been three years, and this time his other identity had also revealed itself as having just condensed a False Golden Core.

Could the Meng Clan really endure watching a cooked duck fly away?

“Hopefully this time two Meng Clan elders will come, or even better, Meng Xinghai himself personally takes action.”

Lin Chang’an secretly pondered. Two female False Golden Core cultivators—under normal circumstances, an Early Core Formation cultivator could easily defeat them, but capturing them alive would be far more difficult.

Currently, among the Meng Clan, the only ones capable of this were either the two great elders acting together, or Meng Xinghai and Madam Meng.

As for the other one, he merely counted as a guest elder of the Meng Clan and was ultimately an outsider.

Moreover, from the fragmented memories he had obtained before, Lin Chang’an knew that the secret technique acquired by the Meng Clan was connected to one of the demonic grand sects among the Sixteen Sects of Zhenhai.

Therefore, not many people within the Meng Clan knew about it. The possibility of involving outsiders was not high.

“I’ve been cross-dressing for three years already. If it weren’t for setting up this trap, who would do something like this?”

Lin Chang’an was inwardly irritated. The last time he disguised himself as a female cultivator had been during Foundation Establishment. He never expected that after reaching Core Formation, he would have to do it again. Instantly, he mentally added several more grievances against the Meng Clan.

However, right at this moment, he suddenly sensed something. The two female cultivator avatars of Lin Chang’an instantly revealed expressions of astonishment.

“Madam Meng herself came out!?”

With his powerful perception, he instantly recognized whose aura was following them.

Yet Lin Chang’an’s reaction was somewhat speechless. Was this fish big?

Naturally, it was big.

A peak Late Core Formation great fish.

But the fish he truly wanted to catch was Meng Xinghai, the young fish.

Not this old fish whose eyes were practically about to close already.

At this moment, a sudden sound of something cutting through the air came from behind.

“Not good! Cultivator robbers!”

The Wang Sisters’ expressions changed drastically as they cried out in alarm. In the next instant, the two joined forces and released several layers of mana shields behind them.

A black sword radiance flashed and effortlessly pierced through all five defensive shields.

“Not good, it’s a Late Core Formation great cultivator!”

The sisters cried out in shock, their beautiful faces pale. Without daring to hesitate in the slightest, they immediately threw out two third-rank talismans before rapidly fleeing.

Meanwhile, after this probing attack, Madam Meng became even more convinced that there was no trick involved.

“Hehe, two little friends, this old woman bears no ill intentions. Leave behind the Iron Essence in your possession.”

Madam Meng’s indifferent gaze revealed that she still wished to take down the two women in the easiest manner possible.

After hearing these words, the younger sister among the two visibly became flustered.

“Elder Sister, it’s a Core Formation great cultivator. Let’s give her the Iron Essence!”

“Shut up! How could a Late Core Formation great cultivator possibly care about a mere piece of Iron Essence? Don’t be fooled. The other party definitely harbors malicious intent!”

The sisters’ mutual voice transmissions completely dispelled the final trace of doubt in Madam Meng’s heart, causing her to reveal a cold sneer.

“Hehe, such cautious little girls. Unfortunately, you won’t be leaving today!”

Madam Meng shouted coldly as her escape light suddenly accelerated, instantly appearing before the two women. Just as the terrifying sword radiance was about to strike—

The surrounding space suddenly transformed.

Layers upon layers of watery barrier formations abruptly rose.

“Not good, there’s an ambush!”

Madam Meng was horrified. At the instant the other side erupted into action, she also discovered something and immediately looked toward the seawater below.

“Hehe, Madam Meng truly is cautious, to have discovered me so quickly.”

A figure emerged from the water—it was Lin Chang’an’s true body. However, he was currently disguised in black robes with his face covered.

While the mantis stalked the cicada, the oriole waited behind.

All along the way, he had followed beneath the water using the Water Escape Technique from the Five Elements Escape Arts.

This also proved that all these years cultivating his Water Escape Technique had not been in vain.

“Who exactly are you!?”

After the formation barrier trapped her, Madam Meng’s face turned incomparably gloomy. She had never expected this to be a trap.

Yet before Lin Chang’an could even say anything, the black sword within Madam Meng’s palm suddenly slashed toward the Wang Sisters.

One should always squeeze the soft persimmon first.

“Madam Meng truly remains vigorous despite your age.”

Before the attack arrived, the Wang Sisters opened their sandalwood lips slightly, yet what emerged was a strange synchronized male voice.

Boom!

Sword cries echoed out as a sturdy defensive shield appeared before the Wang Sisters, along with a layer of Water Escape reinforced by the formation, blocking this attack.

At the same time, an attack that caused chills to rise within her heart came from behind.

It was Lin Chang’an’s true body wielding the Blood Fiend Demonic Saber.

“Who exactly are you people, and why are you scheming against my Meng Clan!?”

Madam Meng roared furiously. Her refined combat instincts caused her to instantly summon a turtle-shell defensive magical artifact without hesitation.

It was precisely her husband’s magical artifact.

The terrifying dark-red saber radiance slashed against the turtle-shell magical artifact, erupting with dreadful baleful energy.

“A demonic-path magical artifact!”

The horrifying baleful energy unleashed by the Blood Fiend Demonic Saber, combined with that refined demonic energy, caused Madam Meng’s pupils to contract sharply.

Her heart was filled with terror. Since when had their Meng Clan become worthy of attracting the attention of such demonic cultivators?

Immediately afterward, the Wang Sisters behind her also erupted with peak Early Core Formation combat strength, causing Madam Meng to become even more certain of her judgment.

To conceal themselves from her divine sense investigation, ordinary rogue cultivators absolutely could not possess such advanced aura-concealing secret techniques.

Only personal disciples from several major sects could possibly master such advanced concealment secret arts.

Meanwhile, Lin Chang’an’s two external incarnations transformed into escape light and did not participate in battle. Instead, they entered the water-attribute formation and began forming hand seals to control the formation.

After all, with Lin Chang’an’s current strength, his three external incarnations could at most unleash peak Early Core Formation battle power.

Against a desperate peak Late Core Formation cultivator, they still fell short.

Lin Chang’an did not wish to suffer any losses himself.

“Who exactly are you? If my Meng Clan has offended your eyes, my Meng Clan is willing to withdraw from Bibo Island—”

“Enough nonsense!”

Lin Chang’an shouted coldly as he closed in wielding the demonic saber, showing not the slightest mercy. Every slash carried explosive killing intent.

“You’ve gone too far!”

Madam Meng also roared repeatedly. While controlling the black sword that outwardly displayed overwhelming sharpness, fear had already begun rising in her heart as she secretly searched for an opportunity.

Yet within this water-attribute formation, none of her voice-transmission methods could escape.

Even the formation space itself was wrapped in an icy water domain, with invisible pressure waves crashing down layer after layer.

“A demonic cultivator skilled in sinister cold water-attribute secret arts… who exactly is this person!?”

Countless major and minor factions from the Sea Abyss of Demon Beasts flashed through Madam Meng’s mind before she seemingly locked onto several possibilities, causing her heart to tremble in terror.

How could the Meng Clan possibly provoke an existence of this level?

To even go so far as to set up such a scheme meant only one thing—

The Meng Clan was merely a chess piece. The other party’s true target was not the Meng Clan at all.

“Damn it!”

In the face of major powers, Madam Meng knew that even if her husband were still alive and joined forces with her, they still would not amount to much.

“Since your esteemed self is willing to use such methods, then we rogue cultivators are not so easy to bully either!”

Under the formation’s killing suppression, Madam Meng’s expression became increasingly grim. With a furious shout, several of her hidden trump cards were revealed one after another.

The terrifying sword intent raged wildly, causing even Lin Chang’an to inwardly tremble at this sharp aura.

As expected of a great Core Formation cultivator who had carved out a reputation for herself. Her strength absolutely could not be underestimated.

“Fellow Daoist talks far too much. You should obediently head to the afterlife. You won’t be lonely afterward—the entire Meng Clan, including that precious son of yours, will all accompany you…”

“Don’t even think about it!”

After hearing that the other side was even scheming against her son, Madam Meng’s eyes split with fury. She now realized that their true target this entire time had likely been her son.

She herself had merely thrown herself headfirst into the trap.

Black sword radiances rained down like a torrential storm, tearing apart countless layers of water.

Seizing this opportunity, Madam Meng directly burned her Essence Blood and shouted coldly as her figure rapidly retreated out of the water domain and rushed straight toward the formation barrier.

She intended to use this opportunity to break through the formation barrier.

Yet at this moment, a phoenix cry suddenly echoed out.

A terrifying scorching aura suddenly descended, forcing Madam Meng to hurriedly control the turtle-shell defensive magical artifact before her.

The Wind-Chirp Bird was simply too fast.

Boom!

Flames filled the sky as Madam Meng was sent flying in a miserable state, while the spiritual light on the turtle-shell defensive magical artifact dimmed somewhat.

Yet amid the roaring of water dragons, the formation once more attempted to drag her back into the water domain.

“A fire-attribute third-rank spirit pet! A third-rank water-attribute formation!”

At this moment, Madam Meng was filled with terror. The other side possessed far too many methods.

“You’re merely a Mid Core Formation cultivator. Who exactly are you—AHHH!”

Profound Soul Spike!

Under the divine sense attack, Madam Meng accidentally suffered a direct hit and released a scream of agony. Lin Chang’an, wielding the Blood Fiend Demonic Saber, instantly charged forward.

“Fellow Daoist truly speaks too much.”

With a vicious saber strike, he directly smashed Madam Meng down into the waters below.

In an instant, water dragons roared as they frantically tore at their target.

The turtle-shell defensive magical artifact flickered with spiritual light.

“You demonic-path thief! When this old woman rampaged through the Sea Abyss of Demon Beasts, you didn’t even know where you were yet!”

After suffering repeated heavy injuries, Madam Meng roared furiously, her eyes erupting with monstrous killing intent.

She could no longer escape!

But even so, she still intended to send the information out.

The last time the Meng Clan had been cleanly killed off by Lin Chang’an, it was mainly because the other party’s mana and mental strength had already been excessively depleted. Combined with an unguarded sneak attack, he had succeeded in one decisive strike.

However, Madam Meng was exceptionally cautious. Even with Lin Chang’an’s strength, trying to quickly kill a peak Late Core Formation cultivator head-on was truly no ordinary difficulty.

“Divine sense attacks, sinister cold water-attribute formations, and that fire-attribute exotic beast—you are from the Mystic Yin Divine Sect!”

As though she had guessed something, Madam Meng could not help but roar angrily:

“What a fine case of a thief crying thief. That fire-attribute exotic beast had clearly long since fallen into your demonic sect’s hands, yet you’ve still spent all these years searching everywhere for it.”

Lin Chang’an sneered inwardly. Being misunderstood like this was perfect. It meant all his painstaking efforts had not been wasted.

The Blood Fiend Demonic Saber flashed with terrifying saber radiance, nine water dragons roared forth, and the Wind-Chirp Bird launched rapid assaults.

For a time, Madam Meng was suppressed into a miserable state. The protective magical artifact before her had already dimmed considerably, clearly reaching the end of its strength.

“Even if this old woman dies, I’ll still splatter the blood of you great sect disciples!”

Madam Meng fiercely roared as the turtle-shell magical artifact before her suddenly emitted unstable spiritual light.

“Not good, she’s going to self-destruct her magical artifact!”

Lin Chang’an revealed a furious and shocked expression as the nine water dragons instantly merged into nine layers of mana shields before him.

Yet Madam Meng acted even more decisively. At the instant the magical artifact self-destructed, she directly spat out a mouthful of Essence Blood onto her black sword magical artifact.

In an instant, sword radiance burst forth amid the white explosion light and shot toward the barrier wall.

“My son, the Mystic Yin Divine Sect—”

Crack!

The barrier wall fractured as a gap was forcibly blasted open, and Madam Meng’s information transmission was sent out.

But at that same moment, a streak of black light arrived from behind.

Yin Spirit Drill!

Puchi!

Blood splattered everywhere as her chest was directly pierced through. Madam Meng revealed an expression of utter disbelief.

After self-destructing her magical artifact, the other party had not dodged at all—instead, he had forcefully endured it head-on!

The Blood Fiend Demonic Saber burst out through her body, revealing Lin Chang’an’s figure behind her. Although somewhat disheveled, the powerful vitality and blood energy surging around him—

Along with certain marks visible on his skin—

Caused Madam Meng to cry out in terror:

“Third-rank body refinement!”

Yet Lin Chang’an gave her no opportunity whatsoever. His savage fist directly smashed toward her chest.

Boom!

Her protective spiritual light shattered apart. Amid the splattering blood, Madam Meng’s once-beautiful chest caved inward, while her eyes widened completely.

At this moment, Madam Meng suddenly realized something.

The other party had done it deliberately.

He had forced her into self-destructing her magical artifact, giving her hope while simultaneously launching a sneak attack.

In other words, the other party had intentionally allowed her to send that information back.

“Puchi!”

As blood splattered everywhere, Madam Meng’s Golden Core was forcibly dug out alive by Lin Chang’an. At this moment, the brutality of body cultivators was displayed in full.

At the same time, the Blood Fiend Demonic Saber devoured souls and absorbed essence, greedily consuming the Essence Blood of a Core Formation cultivator to strengthen itself.

“It’s you…”

Before dying, Madam Meng finally saw a corner of Lin Chang’an’s face and instantly recognized him.

“Your Meng Clan targeted my people. Now I’m simply repaying the favor. That’s not excessive, is it?”

With an indifferent smile, Lin Chang’an raised his hand and began searching through Madam Meng’s memories.

“In the cultivation world, life and death are unpredictable. But don’t be too pleased with yourself. Your Mystic Yin Divine Sect’s schemes will never succeed. My son has entered under True Lord Lu’s tutelage. In the future—”

Crack!

Her neck was directly snapped, cutting off her breath entirely.

Lin Chang’an merely let out a cold mocking sneer.

“You’ve lived several hundred years in vain, yet you’re still this naïve. No matter how promising the future is, doesn’t that simply mean he’s useless right now?”

Even until death, Madam Meng still believed Lin Chang’an belonged to the Mystic Yin Divine Sect.

The life of Madam Meng, this female Core Formation cultivator, had undoubtedly been brilliant and dazzling.

Gifted with extraordinary talent and astonishing comprehension, along with fortunate opportunities, she later met her husband. Together, husband and wife carved out their dominance and established the foundation of Bibo Island.

Such a magnificent life.

Yet in the end, she still faced the unavoidable fate of failing to break through in cultivation and nearing the end of her lifespan.

Just like mortal emperors—

No matter how great their achievements and glory, after a hundred years, they still could not escape birth, aging, sickness, and death.

Half a moment later.

Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes. Looking at the corpse that had already been dried up by the Blood Fiend Demonic Saber’s devouring, he casually clenched his hand.

Instantly, raging flames ignited upon the corpse, reducing it to ashes within the fire.

“Master!”

The Wind-Chirp Bird excitedly flew beside him, staring directly at the object in his master’s hand.

“Alright, this is your reward.”

The Golden Core in his hand was directly tossed toward the Wind-Chirp Bird. The next moment, it caught it in its beak and emitted crisp chewing sounds.

Human Golden Cores, just like demon beast cores, were supreme nourishment for demon beasts.

Afterward, when Lin Chang’an inspected Madam Meng’s Storage Pouch, he could not help but shake his head.

“She truly was nearing the end of her lifespan. She left nearly all her assets within the clan.”

He had laid out this scheme for three entire years, originally wanting to catch a huge fish.

The fish was certainly big enough.

But it was also an old fish.

He did not even know whether this counted as profit or loss.

He only knew that if he did not cast the net today, there would no longer be another opportunity afterward.

“Fellow Daoist Meng, this time your luck was good. Your mother suffered the calamity in your place. Hopefully you’ll continue having such good fortune in the future.”

Lin Chang’an sneered coldly.

Several dozen breaths later, the battlefield had been completely cleaned up.

Soon afterward, sea winds swept past the area, making it seem as though nothing had happened here at all.

……

Bibo Island.

Meng Xinghai suddenly felt his eyelids twitching slightly. As a cultivator, he paid great attention to signs and omens.

But immediately afterward, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his heart, arriving with terrifying speed.

The next moment, within the Meng Clan’s soul lamps, the lamp representing his mother—the strongest cultivator currently within the Meng Clan—suddenly extinguished.

“Mother!”

Meng Xinghai instantly erupted with rage and spat out a mouthful of blood. Only after a long while did he slowly open his eyes once more, now filled with fury.

First he lost his father.

Now his mother as well.

This filled him with overwhelming hatred.

Yet before dying, his mother had not managed to send back even a single piece of information.

In truth, within the formation earlier, Madam Meng believed her transmission had been sent out, unaware that Lin Chang’an’s formation still had another hidden layer over it.

Who knew what exactly the other party might have discovered?

Lin Chang’an did not want to expose himself because of even the slightest oversight.

……

Meanwhile, inside the marketplace.

One of Lin Chang’an’s avatars was currently smiling while purchasing cultivation materials throughout the marketplace.

With his current cultivation and the enhancement of his Life-bound Spirit Plant, he could disguise himself as a Mid Core Formation cultivator so perfectly that nobody could see through it.

Unless they fought him directly, his disguise would never be exposed.

“Formation Master Lin, this is the refined iron you requested.”

Lin Chang’an nodded in satisfaction and completed the transaction. Suddenly sensing something, the corners of his lips curled upward into a faint smile.

The matter was complete.

After wandering around the marketplace for a while, he entered a restaurant and completed the reunion with his true body, merging back into one.

Seated upstairs in the restaurant, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes while gazing at the bustling marketplace below, feeling a trace of relief arise in his heart.

“Once Madam Meng’s magical artifacts appear in the marketplace, things should become even more interesting.”

As for suspecting him?

Impossible.

He possessed a perfect alibi—he had been purchasing materials within the marketplace the entire time.

“Still, no wonder Meng Xinghai was so desperate to increase his strength. So he’s also plotting for a Secret Realm.”

Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes as the memories he had searched surfaced in his mind.

The Meng Clan had hidden things deeply indeed.

They actually possessed a fragmentary map of a Secret Realm.

ㄴ Thanks to all fellow daoists for your support.