Chapter 368 ·The Meng Clan’s Response, The Meeting of Two Women

Bibo Island.

The matter of Madam Meng’s death was not publicly announced by the Meng Clan. However, after two magical artifacts appeared within the marketplace, an uproar immediately erupted.

The black longsword was Madam Meng’s life-bound magical artifact, while the turtle-shell magical artifact had only recently been redeemed with great difficulty.

Moreover, when this defensive magical artifact appeared, it had already become fragmented wreckage.

“Madam Meng was killed by people from the demonic sect!”

“Who exactly is the murderer, to dare act so arrogantly!?”

“I heard the murderer even left behind harsh words, demanding that the Meng Clan hand over the fragmentary Secret Realm map, along with clues regarding a Nascent Soul-forming spirit item inside the Secret Realm…”

“A Nascent Soul-forming spirit item!”

With Lin Chang’an’s avatar secretly spreading information, rumors instantly filled the skies.

Yet many people believed it.

After all, anyone relentlessly targeting the Meng Clan must naturally have some connection involving利益 and karma. Otherwise, who would have nothing better to do?

First came the fragmentary Secret Realm map, then rumors that the Meng Clan couple had left behind clues related to treasures within the Secret Realm. Instantly, the Meng Clan became like ants on a hot pan.

Inside the cave abode.

“Master, during this recent period, quite a few people have been watching the Meng Clan. There were even several Late Core Formation cultivators who came to mourn Madam Meng…”

After hearing Sword Attendant’s respectful report, Lin Chang’an could not help but reveal a gloating smile.

Originally, he had no grievances with the Meng Clan.

But since the Meng Clan wanted to scheme against him—

“Looks like this time the Meng Clan will suffer greatly.”

Meanwhile, as Sword Attendant looked at her master, warmth rose within her heart.

Others might not know, but she had already vaguely guessed that these methods were her master’s retaliation.

And all of this had started because of her.

“Master, True Lord Lu of Bihai Palace has already spoken. Most people no longer dare provoke the Meng Clan openly, but among the desperados within the Fog Sea of Tongtian, things are different.”

The Meng Clan had not been faring well recently either. Within just a few short years, they had successively lost two peak Late Core Formation cultivators, effectively losing over half their strength.

Meanwhile, Meng Xinghai was merely at the Mid Core Formation Realm. Among the clan’s two Core Formation elders, one was even an outsider serving as a guest elder.

In total, there were only four Core Formation cultivators remaining.

Trying to maintain such a large foundation with this strength was clearly becoming difficult.

In contrast, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance had vigorously developed over the years and instead gained several new Core Formation cultivators, causing their strength not only to remain intact but actually increase.

The momentum of over twenty Core Formation cultivators had already surpassed Bibo Island at its peak.

“Master, Sect Master Nishang arranged for someone to come over, wishing to trade for several bottles of Spring Eye Spiritual Liquid from you.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes slightly.

“How many disciples of the Xuanyin Pavilion are preparing to attempt Core Formation?”

“Reporting to Master, the Xuanyin Pavilion publicly has two, but as for the true number, it is unknown.”

The Xuanyin Pavilion had undergone rapid development over the past hundred years, especially after gaining control over the entire Yue Kingdom as their foundation. The base of low-level cultivators had become solid and substantial.

Naturally, quantitative accumulation eventually caused qualitative change. It was perfectly normal for some cultivators to have reached the point where they needed to seek Core Formation opportunities.

Moreover, all the other sects had begun emptying their family reserves amid the chaotic situation just to increase their strength. Naturally, the Xuanyin Pavilion would do the same.

One more Core Formation cultivator—even merely a False Golden Core cultivator—could potentially mean one more layer of survival ability amidst turbulent times.

“Looks like Fellow Daoist Nishang has also begun making preparations.”

Lin Chang’an secretly pondered. Whether it was planning for the Secret Realm or facing the unstable situation, the Xuanyin Pavilion currently needed to strengthen its power.

“Then inform the sect cultivators that the Meng Clan still has three bottles of Spring Eye Spiritual Liquid available for trade.”

“Yes, Master.”

These years spent within the Xuanyin Pavilion had been quite comfortable, and given his relationship with Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, he naturally was not unwilling to part with merely three bottles of spiritual liquid—especially since it was an equal-value trade.

Thinking about it now, before he realized it, he had already joined the Xuanyin Pavilion for nearly a hundred years.

Over these hundred years of accumulation, he had personally witnessed the Xuanyin Pavilion’s growth.

It was simply unknown how many Core Formation cultivators the sect would gain this time.

“Oh right, Master. Some time ago, Zhou Bingxuan came asking about the Core Formation spirit item Heavenly Spirit Water from Celestial Spring Peak. The Zhou Clan is willing to pay a huge price for it, and Li Tianmo is also interested.”

Heavenly Spirit Water was a Core Formation spirit item born from the spiritual spring of Celestial Spring Peak. Approximately every hundred and fifty years, a small bottle of Heavenly Spirit Water would be produced.

Back when Lin Chang’an had first taken residence at Celestial Spring Peak, he had once lamented how Core Formation spirit items were unattainable treasures during his Foundation Establishment days.

Yet now, with changes in identity and strength, such things had become easily within reach.

After hearing this, Lin Chang’an lightly chuckled and rarely spoke in a teasing tone:

“Looks like quite a few people have already set their sights on the Core Formation spirit item of my Celestial Spring Peak.”

Heavenly Spirit Water was considered a superior Core Formation spirit item, especially for cultivators cultivating water-attribute and wood-attribute cultivation methods, where it provided openly acknowledged enhancement effects.

With the cultivation of Zhou Bingxuan and Li Tianmo, they had not yet reached the point of attempting Core Formation.

But Core Formation opportunities always had to be planned in advance. Nobody waited until reaching the bottleneck before beginning preparations.

“Ling’er, how much longer until Celestial Spring Peak’s Heavenly Spirit Water is ready?”

“About another ten years.”

Core Formation spirit items no longer attracted Lin Chang’an’s interest. Most affairs within the cave abode were now managed by Sword Attendant.

Lin Chang’an nodded lightly after hearing this.

The moon nearest the water gets reflected first.

His relationship with the two was relatively close, so naturally they did not wish to miss this opportunity.

Moreover, it was an equal-value exchange, not freeloading.

As for the Xuanyin Pavilion, Lin Chang’an understood clearly.

Although Fairy of Rainbow Skirt usually appeared gentle and mild, she actually possessed absolute authority regarding control over the sect.

The Xuanyin Pavilion would absolutely not allow hidden dangers to be planted within itself.

Therefore, he could already infer that the majority of the Xuanyin Pavilion’s Core Formation prospects over these years were likely cultivators raised within the Xuanyin Pavilion from childhood.

Such cultivators possessed strong loyalty and belonging toward the sect.

As for Zhou Bingxuan, although her talent was excellent, unfortunately she had joined too late.

Furthermore, the current Zhou Clan had developed quite well, possessing a quasi-third-rank guardian spirit beast within the clan.

Additionally, the Zhou Clan vaguely leaned toward relying on him.

Though his relationship with Fairy of Rainbow Skirt was good, one matter was one matter.

Lin Chang’an could understand this point.

If he himself stood from the sect’s perspective, he would make the same choice.

Within the cultivation world, there had been many cases where originally proper sects ended up being overtaken by powerful clans.

The most typical example was the Huang Clan of the Palace of Blazing Fire.

Rather than calling it a sect, it would be more accurate to say it was a sect serving the Huang Clan.

“Core Formation spirit items… their prices have multiplied recently.”

Lin Chang’an pondered secretly.

Over these years, relying on the Sinister Spirit Beast King Twin-headed Tiger, he had hunted large numbers of sinister spirits within the Fog Sea of Tongtian and naturally obtained considerable quantities of Blackwater Liquid as well.

Accumulated bit by bit, although he had already sold a fair amount previously, he still possessed a large stockpile.

Core Formation spirit items previously worth around fifty thousand mid-grade Spirit Stones had now directly skyrocketed to around eighty thousand.

“During this period, Core Formation spirit items are scorching-hot treasures to all the major factions.”

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but reveal a thoughtful expression.

This was an excellent opportunity.

Moreover, the excuse was extremely simple.

Weren’t the cultivators previously selling spirit mines simply a group who hunted Sinister Spirit Beast Kings year-round?

This group sat atop spirit mines without mining them, clearly indicating they belonged to the type without clans or sects.

And within the Yin Vein lands where Sinister Spirit Beast Kings resided, Blackwater Liquid was naturally born.

The Blackwater Liquid in these people’s hands was obviously being hoarded in hopes of selling it at a high price.

A perfect closed loop.

“Looks like after some time, I should properly discuss the Dao with Fellow Daoist Nishang.”

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an could not help but smile.

At the same time, after this battle against Madam Meng, he had also gained a clear understanding and positioning of his own strength.

With dual cultivation in cultivation method, body refinement, and spirit cultivation, even without relying on external forces, his strength was already no weaker than ordinary Late Core Formation cultivators.

In fact, if others remained unaware of the power of his body refinement and spirit cultivation, they could easily be overturned by him from a single moment of carelessness.

In terms of magical artifacts, the current him no longer lost out to the Nascent Soul prospects of major factions.

Combined with hidden trump cards such as the Wind-Chirp Bird and the Azure-Horned Bull—

As well as formations and other support—

Ordinary Late Core Formation cultivators would not even have the chance to escape from his grasp.

“Without realizing it, my current strength beneath the Nascent Soul Realm has already entered the first tier.”

As for becoming the number one beneath the Nascent Soul Realm, Lin Chang’an never even considered it.

The cultivation world was simply too vast.

Among disciples of truly deep-rooted sects, the ancient treasures he painstakingly repaired might not even be considered rare goods in the hands of those Nascent Soul prospects.

Some of those people might even possess life-saving methods personally bestowed by Nascent Soul cultivators.

These were not gaps he could easily bridge.

……

Madam Meng’s death—

Under normal circumstances, the killing of a peak Late Core Formation cultivator would absolutely be considered a major event.

But the Outer Sea had recently been undergoing constant turmoil, with one major event after another occurring. Before long, her death was buried beneath newer incidents.

Bibo Island, Meng Clan.

“Y-Young… Clan Leader, what should we do now?”

One elder originally wished to address him as Young Master, but suddenly remembered that Madam Meng had already fallen. Meng Xinghai was now the clan leader, so he hastily corrected himself.

Another elder also wore a face full of sorrow. His talent was poor, and Mid Core Formation would likely be the limit of his entire life.

“Clan Leader, although True Lord Lu has spoken in our protection, distant water cannot extinguish nearby fire. In the end, we outsiders are still outsiders.

Recently, the marketplace industries have declined significantly. Many clans and merchant guilds that once maintained relations out of respect for the former clan leader and clan leader’s wife are now contacting the Seven Kingdoms Alliance instead…”

In simple terms, the Meng Clan’s industries had become extremely bleak recently.

Yet Meng Xinghai merely listened solemnly to the two elders’ words. It seemed that after losing his support pillars, a heavy burden had fallen upon his shoulders.

At this moment, however, his heart was instead exceptionally calm.

“What are you panicking for? Has our Meng Clan accumulated little over these past several hundred years? It’s merely temporary turmoil. The clan’s reserves are sufficient to survive this hardship.”

The Meng Clan appeared to have suffered severe losses, but in truth, his parents had already been nearing the ends of their lifespans. This had merely happened sooner than expected.

It simply occurred earlier than expected, leaving him without enough time to break through into the Late Core Formation Realm.

At its core, the Meng Clan’s current strength had not actually weakened by that much.

Two Mid Core Formation cultivators.

Two Early Core Formation cultivators.

A Meng Clan guarded by four Core Formation cultivators—

Compared with any sect or major clan within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, only the Xuanyin Pavilion could firmly suppress them. The others all fell short.

Moreover, considering his age and potential, breaking through into the Late Core Formation Realm was merely a matter of time.

“Arrange manpower to strengthen business relations with the Seven Kingdoms Alliance. This is also what Master Lu wishes to see, and the Seven Kingdoms Alliance likewise will not reject benefits advantageous to both sides.

Also, I heard the Xuanyin Pavilion has recently been gathering Core Formation spirit items. Send people to visit them. And regarding the fragmentary Secret Realm map rumored outside…”

Upon hearing Meng Xinghai’s words, one elder’s expression changed drastically as he directly interrupted:

“Clan Leader, that is the opportunity the old clan leader left behind for the rise of our Meng Clan!”

Yet Meng Xinghai remained silent for a long while before finally sighing and waving his hand.

“Right now, even if our Meng Clan claims we don’t possess it, nobody will believe us. Since outsiders already believe it, then we might as well openly seek the greatest possible benefits from it.”

“Tell Sect Master Nishang that our Meng Clan possesses absolute sincerity. The fragmentary Secret Realm map—even the Secret Realm opportunity itself may be shared, provided she is willing to become Dao companions with me.”

This time, Meng Xinghai approached things with sincere intentions rather than the greedy thoughts of harvesting yin essence he had once possessed.

After hearing this, the two elders also fell silent.

If things proceeded this way, the Meng Clan and Seven Kingdoms Alliance would naturally become even closer, directly allowing the Meng Clan to survive their weakened period. The benefits would naturally be enormous.

Meng Xinghai had reached this conclusion after calm consideration.

So-called opportunities—

In the end, they were still merely uncertain possibilities that had not yet materialized.

Based on his understanding of Fairy of Rainbow Skirt, her heart was wholly focused upon the sect. She likely did not even possess the courage to venture into the Secret Realm personally.

At that time, if he succeeded, then naturally he would control the so-called shared opportunities.

If his luck proved poor and he perished within the Secret Realm, then he could still leave behind a path of retreat for the clan.

A weakened Meng Clan posed little threat to the Xuanyin Pavilion and instead could become useful assistance.

Compared with the outside rumors regarding that surnamed Lin, if he entered the Secret Realm and died within it, then absolutely nothing would remain afterward.

Whereas in his case, there would still remain a comparatively weak and easily controllable Meng Clan.

And if he managed to emerge alive—

No matter how he looked at it, his potential far surpassed that surnamed Lin.

After thinking everything through repeatedly, he truly could not find any reason why Sect Master Nishang would reject such an offer.

This was completely a mutually beneficial arrangement.

……

As time passed, the matter of Madam Meng’s death, along with revelations that the Meng Clan possessed a fragmentary Secret Realm map and knowledge regarding certain opportunities within the Secret Realm, did not fade away with time.

The Meng Xinghai who inherited the title of Island Lord of Bibo Island in name, however, acted unexpectedly.

Not only did he firmly deny the matter at first, he instead openly admitted to it afterward.

He even personally arranged for the matter to be reported to True Lord Lu.

And this True Lord Lu was, after all, a Nascent Soul cultivator. He had already accepted the great gift from Bibo Island previously—if he continued taking more now, his conduct would look far too ugly.

At the very least, he was still a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Moreover, Meng Xinghai was nominally his disciple.

Thus, True Lord Lu released a statement, temporarily calming the matter down.

Yet Meng Xinghai’s subsequent actions caused even Lin Chang’an to look at him differently.

The Meng Clan began engaging in various trade dealings with the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, along with mutual exchanges of precious resources.

Although the Seven Kingdoms Alliance and the Meng Clan were not on good terms, throughout the world people pursued profit—there were no eternal enemies.

This point caused Lin Chang’an to feel he had somewhat underestimated Meng Xinghai.

Unfortunately, he had already acted twice previously. If he continued targeting them, who knew what sort of precautions the other side might have prepared?

Moreover, now that even True Lord Lu had stepped in, if he continued causing trouble, who knew whether a Nascent Soul cultivator might eventually be drawn out.

Thus, he could only sigh inwardly and admit the brat’s luck was good.

However, if an opportunity appeared in the future, he would not hesitate in the slightest.

……

Stars shifted and time flowed. In the blink of an eye, three years passed.

【Lifespan: 240/795】

【Cultivation: Mid Golden Core Realm (88/100)】

Inside the cave abode on Bibo Island, Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes. Yet regarding his cultivation realm, he frowned slightly.

“As cultivation rises higher, cultivation speed truly slows down as well.”

Previously, three years could still improve seven or eight experience points.

But now, he felt that even gaining two points after cultivating for a year already left him somewhat powerless.

And this was despite his cultivation conditions being better.

One could easily imagine that breaking through into the Late Golden Core Realm later would require even more tempering.

However, he had already mentally prepared himself for this long ago.

This was also perfectly normal.

Otherwise, Late Golden Core cultivators would have flooded the cultivation world long ago.

“At most another ten or twenty years. Breaking through into the Late Golden Core Realm shouldn’t be a problem. At this age, that’s already not bad within the cultivation world.”

At only two hundred forty years old, reaching this cultivation level already far surpassed the majority of cultivators of the same realm.

【Third-rank High-grade Formation Master (Grandmaster 705/5000)】

“And in the path of formations, I already broke through to the third rank long ago. Right now, I can appropriately reveal some news about touching the bottleneck of third-rank high-grade formations.”

Lin Chang’an’s gaze flickered.

At his age, reaching third-rank high-grade formations was not outrageous.

Someone like Su Miaoyin counted as a true monster. His talent at most counted as genius-level.

Soon afterward, Lin Chang’an slowly rose and exited seclusion.

Walking out of the cave abode and seeing the gloomy gray atmosphere of Bibo Island, he could not help but lightly shake his head.

Comparatively speaking, he still preferred the cave abode at Celestial Spring Peak, where the sun rose and moon fell amid changing seasons.

Rather than this Fog Sea of Tongtian, eternally shrouded in gloomy mist all year round.

“Master!”

After Lin Chang’an exited seclusion, Sword Attendant also sensed it. Escape light flashed as she likewise emerged from the cave abode.

“Not bad. In only a few more years, you’ll probably break through into the Mid Core Formation Realm.”

Seeing Sword Attendant’s cultivation progress, Lin Chang’an nodded in satisfaction.

Sword Attendant revealed a smile.

At last, she could keep pace with her master’s footsteps.

Rarely leaving seclusion, Lin Chang’an habitually brewed a pot of Spirit Tea and leisurely reclined in his chair while gazing at the bustling marketplace in the distance.

However, after the stone tablet marking his cave abode’s closed cultivation was withdrawn, many people received news that he had exited seclusion.

Xu Lingfeng happened to be on the island trading goods. After hearing the news, he directly came to pay a visit.

……

“Fellow Daoist Lin, that Meng fellow has been visiting every few days over these recent years. Even dogs can tell what sort of intentions he harbors. If not for the sake of the True Lord Lu behind him—

“He would’ve been kicked out long ago. What kind of thing is he? Although we can’t really be considered righteous sects, we absolutely would never engage in the business of trafficking cultivators…”

Inside the pavilion, Xu Lingfeng angrily slapped the stone table while continuously speaking ill of Meng Xinghai.

In short, he simply looked down on him in every possible way.

His mentality completely embodied the phrase ‘better to give to friendly nations than outside thieves,’ leaving Lin Chang’an speechless.

He even inwardly wondered whether Xu Lingfeng had similarly spoken about him behind his back in the past.

“Fellow Daoist Xu, Fellow Daoist Meng is still a disciple of True Lord Lu. When outside, you and I should still be somewhat careful.”

Lin Chang’an helplessly raised his Spirit Tea in gesture.

Yet Xu Lingfeng showed not the slightest embarrassment and instead shook his head while cupping his fists.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, back then I indeed displayed displeasure toward you, but I never once doubted your character. After a hundred years of friendship, if I still couldn’t see through your nature, then I truly would be blind.”

Xu Lingfeng’s completely frank attitude caused Lin Chang’an to laugh helplessly.

This person really was exactly like this.

At the very least, although he disliked things, he displayed it openly and never harbored malicious intentions toward him.

Thinking from another perspective, if it were his own admired senior sister, naturally he would not wish to hand her over cheaply to an outsider.

And Lin Chang’an himself had originally come from rogue cultivator origins.

Although he too was a rogue cultivator, there was one thing Lin Chang’an had to admit—

Among rogue cultivators, the majority truly were selfish and self-serving people.

Even he himself could not escape this truth.

Meanwhile, cultivators within sects, although also selfish, still possessed an additional sense of belonging regarding their sects and clans compared with rogue cultivators.

Therefore, during every period of chaos, most of the destruction and disorder were committed by rogue cultivators.

These sects and great clans instead preferred stable cultivation environments.

It was not that rogue cultivators were inherently evil.

Rather, it was simply the inherent flaws of human nature.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, actually, over these years, whenever Senior Sister had time, she would still visit Celestial Spring Peak to help you take care of your spiritual flowers and rare fruits.”

After all these years, Xu Lingfeng had also seen through matters.

At the very least, this Fellow Daoist Lin was sincere.

Of course, the more important point was that Lin Chang’an lacked descendants or a family clan. No matter how one looked at it, he was still better than that Meng fellow.

“Then I truly should thank Fellow Daoist Nishang.”

Lin Chang’an cupped his fists with an amused smile.

Over these years, he had cultivated on Bibo Island because the cultivation environment there was better, so he rarely returned to Celestial Spring Peak.

However, Fellow Daoist Xu’s matchmaking mentality left him speechless.

This fellow had clearly also set his sights on his entire fortune.

Still, if he possessed nothing at all, who would even look at him?

Seeing Lin Chang’an’s expression, Xu Lingfeng could not help but inhale deeply before lowering his voice solemnly:

“Fellow Daoist Lin, I’ll speak honestly. That Meng fellow has already secretly promised Senior Sister that as long as she agrees to become Dao companions in name, he’s willing to share the Secret Realm opportunities together in the future…”

Dao companions in name!

After hearing this, Lin Chang’an narrowed his eyes.

Meng Xinghai truly was decisive enough.

He could also tell that the other party wanted to borrow the momentum of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.

Yet Xu Lingfeng merely sneered repeatedly.

“What kind of thing is he, that Meng fellow? My Senior Sister obviously dislikes him, yet he sticks around like dog-skin plaster…”

Listening to Xu Lingfeng’s words, Lin Chang’an lightly smiled and nodded.

Although the Meng Clan appeared fairly decent and their promises were not bad, the Xuanyin Pavilion’s true foundation still lay within the Yue Kingdom, not here.

“Oh right, Fellow Daoist Lin. It’s fortunate you exited seclusion this time.

“The sect is preparing to hold a grand competition. On the surface, it’s for distributing Foundation Establishment Pills and selecting talented disciples for cultivation.

“But secretly, it’s actually to prepare Core Formation opportunities for disciples within the sect. If Fellow Daoist Lin has time, you could come take a look together.”

When Xu Lingfeng spoke these words, it also demonstrated that after a hundred years, Lin Chang’an had deeply earned the Xuanyin Pavilion’s trust.

Otherwise, for major matters like these, someone like him—a guest elder—would rarely gain access to such core secrets.

“Oh? Then this time I shall return together with Fellow Daoist Xu to take a look.”

Lin Chang’an did not reject the Xuanyin Pavilion’s goodwill.

After all, the other party had already shown goodwill. He was not some socially clueless person.

At the very least, he was still an elder of the Xuanyin Pavilion.

Yet while Lin Chang’an and Xu Lingfeng discussed recent events on Bibo Island—

Two guests arrived at Celestial Spring Peak on Five Dragon Island.

……

Celestial Spring Peak.

Beneath the peach trees, inside the pavilion, two figures sat drinking Spirit Tea while their pieces crossed paths in battle across the chessboard.

“Fellow Daoist Nishang, it’s your move.”

Wearing white combat attire, Yun Yao calmly glanced at the other party using tea-drinking to conceal herself, revealing a trace of boredom.

Meanwhile, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt held her Spirit Tea while staring at the chaotic chessboard where she had been utterly slaughtered into complete collapse, leaving her speechless.

“Fellow Daoist Yun’s chess skills remain as exquisite as ever, just like back at Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace or Tianxuan City.”

The two were originally old acquaintances.

Back then, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt had been the most dazzling heaven’s favored genius of the Yue Kingdom, while Yun Yao had merely been an ordinary genius from the Palace of Blazing Fire.

Later, through Su Miaoyin in Tianxuan City, the two became more familiar.

After all, back then they shared common enemies.

At the time, Yun Yao had not sold information about the Palace of Blazing Fire to them.

“Fellow Daoist Nishang, your chess skills remain as ordinary as ever. Though your state of mind has improved quite well over these years—you can lose thirty-six games in a row without changing expression.”

Yun Yao’s teasing tone left Fairy of Rainbow Skirt speechless.

Was her chess really this terrible?

Clearly, when facing Fellow Daoist Lin, she slaughtered him completely.

Looks like once she had time later, she needed to challenge Fellow Daoist Lin to a few games again.

Ultimately, a crisp sound rang out as the white piece landed upon the chessboard, symbolizing Fairy of Rainbow Skirt conceding defeat.

“Enough, Fellow Daoist Yun. We haven’t met for many years, yet I never expected Fellow Daoist to already reach this level.”

Wearing a pale cyan-white dress, Fairy of Rainbow Skirt looked at Yun Yao’s current cultivation with endless emotion.

Back in the Yue Kingdom, she had been the number one genius of the Seven Kingdoms, while the other party had merely been a freshly established Foundation Establishment cultivator who acted rather restrained before her.

Later, she had once again taken the lead by forming her Golden Core in Tianxuan City, leaving a vast gap between them.

Yet unexpectedly, after merely a little over a hundred years, the other party had already caught up to her footsteps.

Perhaps her former self might have felt unsettled.

But now, she could calmly face everything.

The two calmly looked at one another, both inwardly believing the other shared an exceptionally close relationship with Big Brother Lin/Fellow Daoist Lin.

Otherwise, could Celestial Spring Peak truly be entered and exited so casually?

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt inwardly pondered deeply.

Regarding the relationship between Fellow Daoist Lin and Yun Yao, she knew the old information very clearly and did not think too much about it.

The two had embarked upon the immortal path together and supported each other for so many years.

Having some private friendship was only natural.

Meanwhile, Yun Yao inwardly muttered that even if the other party thought until her head broke, she would never guess the true relationship and schemes between herself and Big Brother Lin.

“The dignified Saintess of the Mystic Yin Divine Sect, even cultivating the incomplete Water Yin Demonic Art to this level. Back then, the Palace of Blazing Fire truly misjudged you.”

“Enough, Fellow Daoist Nishang. Stop probing already. Here is the fragmentary Secret Realm map. Let’s discuss the transaction between us.”

“Along with the Mystic Yin Divine Sect’s information regarding the Secret Realm, I’ll trade this treasure.”

“Not enough…”

Inside the pavilion, the two conducted a transaction involving the fragmentary Secret Realm map that outsiders fiercely fought over.

Beneath Yun Yao’s calm expression, this fragmentary Secret Realm map had originally been obtained from the descendants of Blood Fiend True Lord.

It was merely that back then, she had not understood its value. She only learned later.

Now that the Secret Realm’s opening was imminent, the old devil required her to enter the Secret Realm and naturally would prepare matters properly for her.

Thus, the fragmentary map in her possession naturally had to be sold for a good price.

Eventually, the two reached an agreement.

Spring winds drifted gently as the two bid farewell amid countless peach blossoms dancing through the air.

Pink petals brushed past Yun Yao’s brow.

After pondering for a moment, she softly said:

“Fellow Daoist Nishang, I hope that after the Secret Realm, there will still be another chance for us to meet again.”

Fairy of Rainbow Skirt also fell silent.

She had cultivated for over two hundred years. After her master and relatives passed away, only the sect remained to accompany her.

And after walking this path all the way until now—

Thinking about it carefully, only a few fellow daoists truly remained.

“We will meet again. Though hopefully by then, Fellow Daoist Yun won’t recklessly cultivate demonic arts and suffer cultivation deviation like back in the Yue Kingdom, temporarily losing your memories.

“That period of time remains unforgettable for both Fellow Daoist Su and myself.”

At the mention of this matter, Yun Yao directly snorted coldly. Without another word, she turned and departed.

Just wait.

One day, she would completely suppress this former heaven’s favored genius beneath herself.

ㄴ【Fellow daoists, after midnight tonight it’ll be double monthly tickets. Fellow daoists with tickets, please hold onto them—tonight they’ll count double.】