Chapter 187: Settling on Five Dragon Island
These past three days, within Sea Abyss City, Lin Chang’an and the others had truly broadened their horizons.
Inside the vast Immortal City, countless new and unseen things of the cultivation world were gathered together.
Spirit pets, pills, puppets, formations, spirit wine, and many other resources from different kingdoms all opened his eyes.
At the same time, he was also shocked at the rental price of cave abodes here for cultivators.
The cost was not ordinarily expensive.
“This place of residence for cultivators was mostly developed for cultivators of Bihai Palace. To put it plainly, only after joining Bihai Palace can one enjoy these benefits.”
Or, for the descendants of Bihai Palace cultivators who had lived here for generations, these were free.
Only some of the higher-grade cave abodes still required spirit stones.
“No wonder so many ferocious-looking cultivators, after entering here, would reveal a sense of relaxation. The atmosphere truly is excellent.”
Along the way, Lin Chang’an secretly nodded. Before this, as outsiders, whenever they heard the words Sea Abyss of Beasts, their faces would inevitably change.
It seemed to be synonymous with fear, yet Bihai Palace was a safe haven within this land of ferocity.
No wonder Bihai Palace had become so great—by sheltering countless cultivators who sought a stable place to cultivate, generation after generation, it had accumulated into an indestructible power.
“It was said that countless tens of thousands of years ago, this place was desolate, a land ruled by demon beasts. The forebears of Bihai Palace led countless cultivators, opening it up generation by generation until it became what it is today.
Later, countless cultivators gathered here, and it gradually formed into its current state.”
For these three days, Yun Yao had acted as their guide, introducing them and helping them familiarize themselves with the local customs.
Old Ghost and He Yan, however, seemed to have tasks of their own, and after one day, they separated.
“Here, there is hardly any monopoly by the sects of the Seven Kingdoms. As long as you have spirit stones or the necessary resources, you can exchange for anything you want.
At the very least, here Core Formation spirit items, magical artifacts, even third-rank demon cores, as well as inheritances of formations and talismans—all had clearly marked prices…”
Three days later.
Lin Chang’an and Old Hu sighed reluctantly, choosing to leave Sea Abyss City.
If they had a choice, they would have loved to stay here for secluded cultivation.
Unfortunately, joining Bihai Palace came with too many restrictions. They could only follow the Seven Kingdoms Alliance to settle in a new place.
As for Yun Yao, Old Ghost, and He Yan, Lin Chang’an had thought they would part ways, but unexpectedly, the three traveled with them.
“Old Hu, why don’t you join Bihai Palace?”
The treatment of Bihai Palace could hardly be called poor. Quite a few rogue cultivators among their group had been tempted and chose to join.
However, after hearing this, Old Hu only sighed:
“How could it be so easy? These benefits are only for cultivators whose ancestors have lived here for generations. As for us newcomers—
To integrate, we must first join the hunting fleets, and only after slowly building merits can we truly blend in…”
After hearing this, Lin Chang’an nodded slightly. He himself had not joined for the same reason.
No matter which faction one joined, restrictions would follow. Both of them had come here only to find a foothold to cultivate and seek opportunities for Core Formation.
Even if one sought a peaceful life, that would only be after all hope of Core Formation was gone—and then Sea Abyss City would be the first choice.
Besides, with his current Foundation Establishment cultivation, he could not casually expose his wealth.
“Let’s go. The Seven Kingdoms Alliance has been assigned to the seas around Five Dragon Island and Star Pole Island. This place suffers constant sea beast attacks.
Do not underestimate these islands. Each governing island has abundant spiritual energy and numerous smaller islands, enough for small sects to develop.”
Sighing in emotion, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu boarded the Alliance’s spirit ship.
The vastness of the Outer Sea far exceeded their imagination.
The so-called Seventy-two Outer Islands were merely the main islands with the densest spiritual energy and Bihai Palace formations.
Each main island had countless smaller islands surrounding it like stars.
If one did not want to spend spirit stones, they could find an unclaimed island. The Outer Sea was endless, with countless unowned islands full of spiritual energy. But they also had to face all kinds of demon beasts.
It was said only powerful cultivators chose to seek solitary cultivation on such unowned islands.
The Sea Abyss of Beasts was not only home to sea beasts. Some spirit birds were also extremely ferocious, after all, they fed on sea beasts.
……
This time, the spirit ship flew for only one month before they reached their destination.
The various powers of the Seven Kingdoms chose to unite in this perilous environment, joining forces to adapt to their new cultivation land.
At the same time, these forces also offered tempting conditions to recruit rogue cultivators traveling with them. In this distant land, they could be considered fellow countrymen.
Faced with such temptation, quite a few rogue cultivators chose to join.
But most still refused.
After all, those who had come here were mostly cultivators determined to seek Core Formation opportunities.
And none were foolish. Joining such forces might well mean becoming expendable.
“Brother Lin, Old Hu, within the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, you may go anywhere you wish, but under no circumstances should you get involved with Lihuo Palace or Shensword Sect.”
After disembarking from the spirit ship, Yun Yao and the others seemed to have received some order. Their faces changed suddenly, and they quickly transmitted this warning before leaving in haste.
“Old Lin, this…!?”
Old Hu looked nervously at Lin Chang’an. Both of them seemed to have faintly guessed something.
“Damn it. The Sea Abyss of Beasts truly deserves its name as the Sea of Ten Thousand Demons. We’ve just arrived and already there’s trouble.”
The three great sects of Yue Kingdom were originally born of the Mystic Yin Sect. Now that they had come onto someone else’s territory, how could they expect welcome?
As for why only Lihuo Palace and Shensword Sect were warned against, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu already had some guesses.
Xuanyin Pavilion had already formed ties with Bihai Palace. And besides, after decades of war, Xuanyin Pavilion had nearly been crippled.
“Old Lin, we should first find a safe place to cultivate.”
……
Five Dragon Island.
The archipelago stretched like scattered stars, ships coming and going frequently, and from afar, one could see merchant vessels laden with demon beast resources.
This sight was very much like the beast tide aftermath back in Tianxuan City.
But here, it was the norm.
Lin Chang’an, Old Hu, and many fellow rogue cultivators arrived at this unfamiliar island.
They also saw mortals living here.
“Immortals and mortals living together… This is completely different from our Seven Kingdoms.”
As they walked, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu nodded to themselves. They also changed into local-style robes to quickly adapt to the customs here.
The marketplace of Five Dragon Island.
This was the largest marketplace here.
“Old Lin, did you notice? The lower-level cultivators seem especially happy about the arrival of new cultivator forces in this area.”
Along the way, they noticed some oddities. Holding the jade slip he had bought in Sea Abyss City, Lin Chang’an said softly:
“Of course they’re happy. With sea beasts rampaging in this region, the arrival of many cultivators naturally brings joy.”
According to the jade slip records, in the Outer Sea, storms, gales, and natural disasters were frequent. The usual sea beast incursions were already equivalent to beast tides they had once witnessed.
If in the Sea Abyss of Beasts there was talk of beast tides, even Core Formation cultivators would feel fear.
“Immortal Masters, is this your first time in the marketplace? We are local guides and know everything about it…”
When they arrived at the marketplace gate, many mortals and low-level cultivators approached them with bright smiles.
Since there were many traveling together, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu did not refuse, choosing a more clever-looking mortal.
This young servant was indeed shrewd, leading the two cheerfully while introducing everything about the marketplace.
“In our Five Dragon Island region, there are countless scattered islands. Each island is suitable for Foundation Establishment families to manage, but it is not exactly good business.
With sea demons rampant, every time it is only by the Island Lord of Five Dragon Island requesting aid from Bihai Palace that we manage to survive…”
Good heavens.
Hearing that even mortals knew such things, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu both twitched at the corners of their mouths.
As expected, finding a foothold would not be easy.
Still, for the major powers of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance, if they truly united, it might not be impossible to take root here.
Crisis was also opportunity.
“And the Island Lord of Five Dragon Island is a Guest Elder of Bihai Palace. It’s said his cultivation is already at Late Core Formation. As for this marketplace, no proof of identity is required, and no spirit stones need to be paid.”
“If the two Immortal Masters wish to find a cultivation cave abode, there are specialized rental caves within the marketplace. The further toward the outskirts, the cheaper they are. Some islands even provide annual benefits…”
Listening to the servant’s words, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu secretly exchanged transmissions.
Although they had expected this, they were still inwardly shocked.
The endless resources of the Sea Abyss of Beasts were accompanied by endless dangers.
These sea beasts did not require them, as back in Yue Kingdom, to risk venturing deep into the Yunwu Mountain Range.
Simply by staying on the islands, each year some sea beasts or spirit birds would invade—they could just wait for them to come.
Of course, the premise was that one had the strength.
“Old Lin, you have to admit, under Bihai Palace’s governance there truly is a human touch. They are willing to draw cultivators here to suppress sea beasts and protect mortals.”
“Old Hu, don’t underestimate these mortals. Each of these islands is equivalent to a small kingdom. The mortals here all have cultivator ancestors, so the chance of being born with spiritual roots is high.”
In the Seven Kingdoms, spiritual roots were rare among mortals, but here they were common. If a sect wanted to expand, developing here was without doubt ideal.
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered as he looked at the sea chart in his hand. Called islands, but in truth they were very large—at least from the perspective of mortals.
After this mortal servant had shown them around, the two men had a clearer picture.
Renting cave abodes closer to the main island was naturally safer, though also more expensive.
After giving the mortal a few spirit crystals, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu went to find a tavern.
……
“Old Lin, we’ve truly broadened our horizons. No wonder countless cultivators flock to the Sea Abyss of Beasts. Its resources are endless.”
At the table, Old Hu spoke with deep admiration. Only by personally coming here could one realize how small they had been before.
As self-satisfied Foundation Establishment cultivators, here they were as common as weeds.
Lin Chang’an nodded as well. Back in Yue Kingdom, they had been like frogs at the bottom of a well.
In Tianxuan City, his mid-Foundation Establishment cultivation and status as a second-rank high-grade talisman master had put him above most.
But among those who came here, all had some special ability.
Still, there were advantages. With so many resources available, it was far easier for him to secretly sell talismans and pills.
“Old Hu, let’s first rent a cave abode here and cultivate for a few years. Once the situation stabilizes, we’ll reconsider.”
“Alright. The arrival of the Seven Kingdoms Alliance may bring joy to the mortals, but for the local cultivator families, conflict is inevitable.”
The two conversed through transmission in the tavern, deciding on their next steps.
For the Seven Kingdoms Alliance to take root, they would inevitably need to interact with local powers. Cooperation would bring mutual benefit, but conflict would also arise.
That was unavoidable.
This was why Lin Chang’an, Old Hu, and many rogue cultivators chose to wait and see.
Once the Alliance established itself, they could either join them or attach themselves to local forces as guest elders. Opportunities would abound.
After gathering some news in the tavern, they prepared to rent a cave abode and exchange some resources.
At the cave rental office, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu encountered some familiar faces, as well as many new ones.
After all, it wasn’t just the Seven Kingdoms who had come to the Sea Abyss of Beasts.
“Talisman Master Lin, Fellow Daoist Hu, there’s an island here. Since we’re all from the same homeland, and many friends are already nearby…”
Small groups of rogue cultivators exchanged quietly. Lin Chang’an and Old Hu’s identities attracted attention.
After all, befriending a second-rank high-grade talisman master was never a loss.
After secretly discussing, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu agreed to join three other Daoists in choosing an island.
Among the three, two were a married couple—the man scholarly and refined, the woman gentle and graceful, clearly deeply affectionate.
The other was a bald burly man, who grinned at Lin Chang’an and Old Hu.
Afterward, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu paid the rent, which was not expensive—more a formality.
But all five knew well that they would need to maintain the island’s formation. Whenever storms or tsunamis struck, they would have to activate the formation themselves.
The spirit stone costs would fall on them.
The five Foundation Establishment cultivators, together with local cultivator families, would hold the island.
“Old Lin, this place is close enough, and the spiritual energy is good. Even with some sea beasts, the danger won’t be too great.”
Hearing Old Hu’s transmission, Lin Chang’an secretly nodded.
Beast tides, natural disasters, human calamities—the Sea Abyss of Beasts would not remain peaceful.
After exchanging introductions, the five separated to purchase their supplies.
……
“Second-rank demon core, the best material for refining Foundation Establishment Pills, come get it if you need!”
“Second-rank high-grade artifact refinement inheritance—Qingzhen Loose Cultivator’s Forging Notes, fair price!”
“Magical artifact gained from killing a robber cultivator…”
“Second-rank sea beast cubs, raise them well, and once they grow, finding spirit items in the Sea Abyss will be as easy as reaching into a bag…”
Walking the marketplace streets, Lin Chang’an was filled with emotion.
The cultivators here were truly bold—or rather, the abundance of resources had made items that were precious back in Yue Kingdom and only seen at high-level trade fairs, now common on the roadside.
“Resources are dead things. Only when turned into one’s own strength do they have meaning.”
Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly. Resources did not equal strength. But with strength, resources were easy to obtain.
He began purchasing items he needed, as well as some local things of interest.
Though his spirit stones were not many, he still had plenty of talismans. Barter was always popular in the cultivation world.
“For now, I should stabilize and cultivate in seclusion, aiming to break through to late Foundation Establishment as soon as possible.”
Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly, but suddenly stopped before a stall.
“A quasi–third-rank fire-attribute demon beast crystalline core!”
“Fellow Daoist, this came from a quasi–third-rank fire-attribute spirit bird, slain months ago by several of us together. This core fell into my hands.”
The Foundation Establishment cultivator at the stall spoke calmly, explaining the source of the treasure. His body exuded baleful energy, clearly showing his strength.
Lin Chang’an’s eyes flickered. His cultivation could not break through without years of bitter effort, but his Wind-Chirp Bird had surpassed the Azure-Horned Bull.
Now at the peak of mid-second-rank, it was only a step away from advancing.
If he had a late second-rank spirit pet, his ability to protect himself would greatly increase.
After all, with the Wind-Chirp Bird’s speed and its beak that could pierce protective light, it was a deadly threat when used unexpectedly.