Chapter 186: Sea Abyss City
The massive spirit ship of Tianxuan City flew swiftly across the skies. At the border of the Seven Kingdoms, it met with several slightly smaller spirit vessels, then advanced together as one.
Mighty and vast, there were more than twenty flying vessels in total. Such a formation was so imposing that even a third-rank demon beast, upon seeing it, would flee in terror.
One Nascent Soul cultivator, along with the elite gathered from the Seven Kingdoms—this force was incomparably strong.
At the same time, the Seven Kingdoms formed an alliance, calling themselves the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
The Seven Kingdoms Alliance wanted to revere the sole Nascent Soul cultivator as their leader, yet this Master Lu only accepted the title of Elder Guest.
The Alliance was required to hand over resources, while Master Lu contributed nothing more than lending his influence to find a safe foothold for them in the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
This was the influence of a Nascent Soul cultivator.
Between Core Formation and Nascent Soul, a single rank apart, was a difference as vast as heaven and earth.
——
Several months later, the flying vessels traveled at a speed not inferior to that of Core Formation cultivators’ escape light.
“These sects are all sly foxes, leaving behind one or two False Core cultivators and some elite disciples on their own territories.
At the same time, the major families under their rule were also forced to send cultivators to join the sects, or to follow along on this journey. Though fraught with danger, it was also full of opportunities.”
On the deck of the flying vessel, Lin Chang’an gazed curiously at the boundless sea of clouds stretching before him.
All around, many cultivators whispered quietly.
This ship belonged to Tianxuan City, and most of its passengers were rogue cultivators. Naturally, they were unafraid of being overheard by the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
Lin Chang’an secretly nodded. These sects were not foolish. After this migration, the rear would be left empty and vulnerable, easily falling into turmoil.
Thus, they had chosen the simplest path: everyone became one body, forming the Seven Kingdoms Alliance.
All families under their rule submitted to the sects, their younger disciples taken in as sect disciples.
At the same time, Foundation Establishment cultivators were drawn out to accompany their sect peers to the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
From then on, they shared prosperity and loss together.
The Seven Kingdoms Alliance also jointly decreed that forces remaining within the Seven Kingdoms were forbidden from attacking one another.
“The Seven Kingdoms Alliance, when stepping out into the world, huddled together for warmth. This too was a survival instinct.”
“Look! Those seabirds, and the demon beasts in the water—we’ve never seen such creatures before!”
On the deck, countless seabirds never before seen flew across the skies.
And below, within the endless sea, demon beasts unknown to them swam. Shouts of amazement from cultivators resounded one after another.
To them, this was an entirely new world.
“This sea breeze… its aura is clearly different from before.”
Lin Chang’an keenly noticed the difference carried within the sea wind.
“Brother Lin, this place is already considered the outer perimeter of the Sea Abyss of Beasts. The deeper we go, the richer the spiritual energy will become, and the more numerous the sea beasts will be.”
“The outer perimeter!”
Hearing Yun Yao’s words, Lin Chang’an’s eyes revealed a flash of astonishment.
Though he had long heard Yun Yao speak of the rich spiritual energy in the Sea Abyss of Beasts, merely this outer perimeter—still not even a spirit vein land—already held such abundant energy.
In that moment, Lin Chang’an finally understood why the Sea Abyss of Beasts was so perilous, yet still drew countless cultivators like moths to a flame.
“Even just this outer perimeter, its spiritual energy is already on par with Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace.”
One must know, although Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace was but a small marketplace, it was at least built atop a spirit vein.
As they drew closer to the Sea Abyss of Beasts, Yun Yao’s expression grew increasingly complicated.
Yet in the Abyss, whether cultivation resources or spiritual energy, both far surpassed Tianxuan City.
“Brother Lin, the Sea Abyss of Beasts is a place of mixed dragons and serpents. It is said that tens of thousands of years ago, this was where the Great Jin Dynasty exiled its evil cultivators.
Over time, it became a sacred land for countless robber cultivators and demonic cultivators, also known as the ‘Sea of Ten Thousand Demons’. Even Bihai Palace, it is rumored, was a branch of the Great Jin imperial family that had been exiled here to guard the Abyss.”
Yun Yao lowered her voice to transmit this message. Lin Chang’an had already heard such things before, but when it came to the strongest force within the Sea Abyss of Beasts—Bihai Palace—
Lin Chang’an still could not help but feel shaken.
Nine Great Elders, all Nascent Soul cultivators. Two Palace Masters, both late-stage Nascent Soul powerhouses.
Under them were countless subsidiary forces that had submitted to Bihai Palace, including major merchant guilds and numerous medium and small sects.
Bihai Palace was undeniably the most powerful force within the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
“At the same time, the Sea Abyss of Beasts also had the Sixteen Sects of the Sea Suppression, with orthodox sects, demonic sects, and rogue cultivators beyond count…”
Listening to Yun Yao’s words, Lin Chang’an once again felt the same smallness he had experienced when first stepping into the world of cultivation, facing a brand-new heaven and earth.
“No wonder all cultivators were both tempted by the Sea Abyss of Beasts, yet also filled with dread toward it.”
Lin Chang’an sighed. Not only must one resist the assaults of sea beasts, but the human factions themselves were also innumerable.
In his eyes, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance was already a massive existence. Yet within the Sea Abyss of Beasts, it was but a respectable medium force.
As for True Lord Lu, for the Alliance, he was nothing more than a guest bought with benefits—mere borrowed tiger’s skin.
Afterwards, the two shifted their talk back to cultivation.
As they drew closer to the Abyss, the cultivators aboard the vessels too felt the density of the spiritual energy. Countless faces revealed barely contained excitement.
Lin Chang’an himself did not remain idle aboard the ship. Aside from alchemy, he continued drawing talismans and studying formation insights, never wasting a moment.
There were even Foundation Establishment cultivators who organized trading gatherings aboard, exchanging useful items with one another.
——
This journey broadened the horizons of the Seven Kingdoms cultivators, leaving them shaken by this new world.
Along the way, they saw third-rank great demons fleeing in terror within the seas, and even glimpsed spirit birds flashing across the skies above the Nine Heavens.
Endless demon beasts—this meant endless resources.
Throughout the journey, they had not encountered demonic cultivators blocking their path, nor pure robber cultivators.
After all, with a Nascent Soul cultivator presiding, unless faced with bitter enemies, no one would dare provoke them lightly.
As the vessels advanced, they finally began to spot traces of other cultivators upon the seas.
Spirit vessels, merchant caravans, and hunters—both cultivators and mortals.
From time to time, escape lights streaked across the skies. Scene after scene caused the pride of the Seven Kingdoms cultivators to fade away, their expressions turning solemn.
This was no longer the Seven Kingdoms, no longer a place where Core Formation cultivators alone were revered as ancestors.
“Old Lin, look at the physiques of the mortals here—they are far sturdier than our Seven Kingdoms’ people!”
As they entered the inner seas, there were more mortal ships. These mortals hunted sea fish valiantly together, aided by several cultivators standing at the prows.
“ These mortals seemed to have cultivated some body-refining techniques.”
Lin Chang’an was secretly startled as well. The folk customs here were clearly somewhat fierce.
At his side, Yun Yao nodded lightly and explained:
“ The Sea Abyss of Beasts is filled with abundant spiritual energy. Moreover, the mortals here are descendants of cultivators who once came to this place. Though they have no spiritual roots, their physiques are extremely strong.
Most mortals have cultivated some crude body-refining techniques, and their strength is generally not weak. Long-term hunting of sea beasts, and consuming their flesh, not only strengthens the body but also increases the chances of birthing descendants with spiritual roots...”
“ Fierce folk customs, abundant spiritual energy, and endless resources—no wonder cultivators from all nations flocked to this place.”
Lin Chang’an secretly sighed. He could also understand why many cultivators, after forming their cores here, still risked returning to their homelands.
Nothing else—he had personally witnessed three to five Core Formation cultivators joining hands to hunt a third-rank demon beast along the way.
In the Seven Kingdoms, where it was rare to ever see a Core Formation cultivator, here it was common to occasionally spot them streaking by in escape light.
In this place, a Core Formation cultivator could only be called a strong cultivator, whereas in their homelands, such a person was regarded as a revered ancestor.
Many cultivators with no further prospects naturally preferred to return home, to enjoy the status of an ancestor, to spread their lineage, or to shelter their sect and be admired.
——
【Lifespan: 91/252】
【Realm: Foundation Establishment Middle Stage (84/100)】
That day, Lin Chang’an slowly opened his eyes and felt his cultivation progress. He could not help but nod secretly.
“ I had thought this journey would slow my cultivation speed, yet it has not affected it in the slightest.”
Although the flying vessel was equipped with a spirit-gathering formation, on this journey they had passed through many areas poor in spiritual energy, which naturally should have caused an impact.
But ever since entering the Sea Abyss of Beasts, the spiritual energy was so dense that Lin Chang’an finally understood one thing:
So long as there was still hope on the immortal path, no one would be willing to leave this place.
“ Ninety-one years old. It has already been half a year since leaving the Seven Kingdoms.”
Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly, as familiar faces flashed through his mind.
Though he felt some longing, his path had only just begun. He could only offer blessings in his heart.
At this moment, exclamations rang out outside the flying vessel.
“ Look! That is the legendary Sea Abyss City!”
Countless cries of astonishment rang out. Even some False Core cultivators, upon seeing the distant scene, could not help but lose themselves for a moment.
“ Heavens above, so this is the legendary sacred land of cultivation, Sea Abyss City!”
When Lin Chang’an and the others walked out, they too were struck with awe. They had only heard the rumors before, but only by seeing with their own eyes could they feel their own insignificance beneath such vast grandeur.
Towering peaks soared straight into the clouds. The entire colossal island was itself a grand immortal city exuding a boundless and majestic aura.
Compared to this, their once-proud Tianxuan City was not even worth mentioning.
“ This… is Sea Abyss City!”
Lin Chang’an stared blankly at the immortal city shrouded amidst clouds and mist.
“ To see the vastness of heaven and earth is to know one’s own smallness.”
At this moment, Lin Chang’an finally grasped the meaning of those words.
They were like mayflies beneath the heavens.
“ Old Lin, look! This is Sea Abyss City.”
As they drew nearer, more and more lights filled the skies. Below, enormous sea ships cut through the waves.
Countless cultivators flew overhead—some standing upon artifacts, some riding tiny boats, others upon all kinds of exotic flying artifacts.
Many even rode upon flying demon beasts.
From time to time, streaks of escape light flashed past, or traveled in groups of three or five.
Yet without exception, all of these escape lights avoided their flying vessel.
After all, with the aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator present, no fool would dare fly overhead.
When their twenty-plus flying vessels slowly docked outside the Sea Abyss City harbor, Lin Chang’an and the others finally returned to their senses.
Back when the Seven Kingdoms had allied together, such a fleet had been enough to awe countless cultivators.
But now, stopping outside Sea Abyss City, they were nothing more than an insignificant part of the scenery.
The truth was simply that the number of trading ships here was too many.
“ My word, Old Lin, just think—if one day we could open a black market here, wouldn’t we make a fortune?”
At his side, Old Hu’s eyes widened. He thought of the black market he had run in Tianxuan City, which now seemed utterly laughable.
“ Old Hu, you really dare to dream!”
Lin Chang’an chuckled, patting Old Hu on the shoulder. Yet he asked curiously:
“ Old Hu, didn’t you say your ancestors also came from the Abyss? Why do you look just as awestruck as I do?”
At these words, Old Hu snapped irritably:
“ My ancestors never said Sea Abyss City was this huge!”
The group all felt as though they had stepped into a grand garden, simply staring at this massive city in a daze.
“ Sea Abyss City was established by Bihai Palace. Together with the Sixteen Sects of the Sea Suppression and other major forces, they agreed that no wars are allowed to take place here.”
Just then, as their flying vessels docked, a Nascent Soul cultivator’s aura swept over them. Immediately after, a deep voice followed.
“ Hahaha, congratulations, Daoist Friend Lu, on advancing to Nascent Soul.”
“ Elder Six flatters me. I, Lu, am but a mere rogue cultivator. To have formed a Nascent Soul is but heaven’s fortune, far inferior to Elder Six, who stepped into Nascent Soul two hundred years ago.”
The meeting of the two Nascent Soul cultivators had little to do with them.
Those aboard the vessels also understood the situation.
“ The Seven Kingdoms Alliance is a newly arrived outside force. But that is unimportant—for every year, countless outside forces arrive in the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
Some come fleeing calamities, others escaping pursuit, and some, like us, driven here by natural disasters...”
Listening to Yun Yao’s explanation, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu both understood.
The Sea Abyss of Beasts—those four characters themselves revealed the reason.
The greatest enemies of both cultivators and mortals here were demon beasts.
If in the Seven Kingdoms a beast tide erupted perhaps once in a hundred years, here they were constant companions.
For any outside force wishing to settle here, the method was simple: they must first guard one of the outer sea islands.
These islands were rich in spiritual energy, no worse than Tianxuan City. But forces stationed there had to protect the mortals living on them.
In other words—they had to defend against sea demon incursions.
“ The Seventy-two Outer Islands surround Sea Abyss City, guarded by the Sea-Suppressing Grand Array of Bihai Palace...”
As Yun Yao continued explaining, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu nodded repeatedly.
They had heard of it before, but to see it with their own eyes was an entirely different matter.
“ Enough. Everyone is only allowed three days’ stay. Those who wish to remain in Sea Abyss City to cultivate may do so, provided they have enough spirit stones.
True Lord Lu has already agreed to become a Guest Elder of Bihai Palace. Three days later, the Seven Kingdoms Alliance will move to their new residence. If you wish to follow, return within three days...”
As the voice of the Tianxuan City cultivator echoed, the passengers could no longer wait to disembark.
Yet when processing their Identity Jade Tokens to enter Sea Abyss City, many cultivators with families turned pale.
Not long after, many weakly-cultivated family members bowed their heads in embarrassment and chose to remain on the vessels.
“ All cultivators entering Sea Abyss City must process an Identity Jade Token. A temporary pass costs one hundred spirit stones for seven days’ residence. Three thousand spirit stones can purchase a permanent resident Identity Jade Token...”
Hearing this, Lin Chang’an was secretly shocked. The revenue from this alone must be astronomical each year.
Though expensive, the safety within Sea Abyss City was beyond doubt.
“ Brother Lin, all cultivators under Bihai Palace’s rule who render merit, or even those who fall in battle, their descendants may move freely within the cities under Bihai Palace’s control...”
Hearing Yun Yao’s explanation, Lin Chang’an finally understood. No wonder he had seen a few ordinary-looking men and women—cultivators at only the Qi Refining stage. Yet when they produced their Identity Jade Tokens,
the Foundation Establishment guards not only allowed them through without obstruction, but even smiled warmly and nodded respectfully.
This scene filled Lin Chang’an with a sense of humanity—especially here, in the chaotic Sea Abyss of Beasts.
“ No wonder Bihai Palace has stood unshaken. In this treacherous, scheming world of cultivation, they have provided countless cultivators with a haven of peace.”
It was the belonging of a home!
Afterward, Lin Chang’an, Old Hu, and Yun Yao each paid one hundred spirit stones for a seven-day temporary pass and entered the legendary Sea Abyss City.