Chapter 284: Arrangement for the Descendants of Old Acquaintances
Celestial Spring Peak.
After Lin Chang’an came out of seclusion, he sat calmly inside the pavilion. Beneath the pavilion steps stood the three people brought by the Sword Attendant.
“Master!”
With a light wave of Lin Chang’an’s hand, the Sword Attendant understood immediately and respectfully stepped forward to brew a pot of fine spirit tea for her master.
“Shen Zhuang, Li Tianmo, Zhou Bingxuan pay respects to Elder Granduncle…/Senior Lin.”
Shen Zhuang and Li Tianmo felt uneasy, unsure whether this form of address would anger this Ancestor Granduncle Lin.
Zhou Bingxuan was also anxious. Unlike the other two, whose ancestral ties were closer, she could only address him as Senior.
After hearing the Sword Attendant’s report, Lin Chang’an learned that the three had already been here for a year.
During this year, they had cultivated in meditation at Celestial Spring Peak while also learning how to raise spiritual fish.
This point satisfied Lin Chang’an greatly. At the very least, for now, they could still be considered teachable.
“Elder Granduncle… that form of address truly shows how many years have passed in the blink of an eye.”
Looking at the two of them, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly with a hint of melancholy.
The two were the grandsons of Shen Fan and Li Yifan. Calling him Elder Granduncle was reasonable.
In the life of a cultivator, witnessing the changes of time once again allowed him to experience it personally.
Time was truly merciless.
“Shen Zhuang, Li Tianmo.”
Shen Zhuang inherited more of Shen Fan’s appearance, looking like an honest and rigid person. He had not inherited the clever liveliness of his grandmother Wei Yingying.
As for Li Tianmo, his appearance was quite refined. He carried himself like a gentle scholar.
This made Lin Chang’an smile slightly. He had not expected the descendant of Second Bull Li Yifan to look like a scholar.
However, when he looked at Zhou Bingxuan, Lin Chang’an noticed a face that bore about seventy percent resemblance to someone from the past. His gaze flickered briefly, and he fell silent.
“You are called Zhou Bingxuan. What is Zhou Bingyun to you?”
Upon hearing this, Zhou Bingxuan quickly lowered her head and cupped her hands.
“Zhou Bingyun is my grandaunt. My grandmother is Zhou Bingbing.”
When Lin Chang’an heard these familiar names again, he could not help but sigh softly. Memories from the past surfaced in his mind.
So that was the case.
No wonder this girl resembled Bingyun by seventy percent. The Zhou Family must have noticed this resemblance before arranging for her to come here.
He was perfectly aware of the Zhou Family’s small calculations.
When one became a Core Formation Cultivator, it would actually be abnormal if those around him had no intentions at all.
Having intentions was acceptable—but one had to know the proper limits.
“I see.”
As Lin Chang’an nodded, Zhou Bingxuan secretly raised her head and observed this legendary cultivator often spoken of by her clan and grandmother.
Clad in white robes, he appeared handsome and elegant. He lacked the imposing aura one might expect from a Core Formation Cultivator.
Instead, he exuded a transcendent temperament like a pine tree—refined and detached from the mundane world.
“First, tell me about the situation in Yue Kingdom.”
Facing the three of them, Lin Chang’an spoke calmly. If they were worth cultivating, he did not mind lending them some support.
“Elder Granduncle, the situation in Yue Kingdom is currently peaceful. As for the neighboring countries…”
Shen Zhuang had an honest personality. His speech was less articulate than Li Tianmo’s, but he made up for it with sincerity.
As the two of them continued describing the situation in Yue Kingdom, Lin Chang’an listened and nodded secretly.
The backbone of the Seven Kingdoms had all gone outside. Internally, there were no powerful cultivators left, so no major upheavals could arise.
However, among the Seven Kingdoms, many sects and major clans that had suffered heavy losses had already begun shifting their focus. They were sending some promising disciples back to preserve their legacy.
After all, the Beast Sea Region was not an easy place to stay.
Xuanyin Pavilion had been able to rise because of connections and because it followed the greater trend.
While the two spoke continuously, Zhou Bingxuan stood awkwardly to the side, unsure what to do. Her family was relatively distant in relation, so she could hardly join the conversation.
After listening to the two of them finish, Lin Chang’an nodded slightly and then looked toward Zhou Bingxuan.
“The Zhou Family has developed well in recent years. How are things now?”
When she heard herself being addressed, Zhou Bingxuan stiffened. She did not dare conceal anything and remembered the clan’s instructions: if asked anything, she must answer everything truthfully.
Even the clan’s secrets.
“Senior Lin, after the clan successfully cultivated the quasi–third-rank guardian spirit beast Blackwater Turtle, our clan’s resources became relatively abundant.
“At the same time, with the accumulation of these past years, the clan has gradually developed further. Thirteen disciples have joined Xuanyin Pavilion. Five remain in Yue Kingdom, while the rest have come here…”
Good heavens.
This girl Zhou Bingxuan truly revealed everything. Shen Zhuang and Li Tianmo beside her stared in astonishment.
Even clan secrets could be spoken openly?
She even revealed her own spiritual root aptitude, causing Shen Zhuang and Li Tianmo to widen their eyes.
Hadn’t she said earlier that she had a mid-grade spiritual root? Why had it suddenly become a top-grade spiritual root?
The two exchanged bewildered glances. Their own talents were merely slightly above mid-grade spiritual roots.
After hearing this, Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly.
“The person in the Zhou Family who made this decision truly had far-reaching foresight. Of course, the key point is that they succeeded.”
It was just like his own plan for Core Formation. Before he succeeded, many people mocked him. But after success, everyone came forward to flatter and curry favor.
Back then, although the Zhou Family had developed well, they lacked a Core Formation prodigy. Therefore, resources had been tilted toward their guardian spirit beast.
At the same time, the Zhou Family kept a low profile externally—avoiding trouble, avoiding disputes, and focusing quietly on development.
Now that they possessed a quasi–third-rank guardian spirit beast, as long as they did not provoke powerful enemies, the Zhou Family could remain secure for a thousand years.
Even if their external expansion failed, relying on the quasi–third-rank Blackwater Turtle alone would allow them to maintain their status as a Foundation Establishment clan in Bamboo Mountain Marketplace.
Now that they had this security, the Zhou Family had begun planning expansion outward.
Moreover, the greatest advantage of the Blackwater Turtle was its extremely long lifespan and its docile nature.
“Not bad.”
Taking a sip of spirit tea, Lin Chang’an looked at the three and pondered for a moment before instructing the Sword Attendant:
“Arrange for them to continue cultivating. As for tending the spiritual fish and spiritual plants, set that aside for now. Normally they can assist you in managing these miscellaneous affairs. Do not delay your own cultivation.”
The Sword Attendant respectfully nodded.
“Yes, Master.”
Seeing this scene, the three of them were reminded inwardly.
Clearly, this cold and beautiful Foundation Establishment senior was no ordinary servant. They must show her proper respect.
“You three are still young. Remember to seize the opportunity and cultivate diligently. In the world of cultivation, strength ultimately decides everything.”
Looking at them, Lin Chang’an showed the concern of an elder as he advised them.
“Thank you for your concern, Elder Granduncle/Senior Lin.”
Two had slightly above mid-grade spiritual roots, while one had just reached a top-grade spiritual root. Overall, their talents were quite good.
Top-grade spiritual roots were already among the upper echelon in the cultivation world. As for Earth-grade spiritual roots, they were considered highly promising even within Nascent Soul factions.
Heavenly Spirit Roots were another matter entirely—information about them would be completely sealed.
Lin Chang’an’s gaze flickered.
The three were not very old, yet they had already reached the sixth or seventh level of the Qi Refinement Realm.
If they could reach Foundation Establishment in the future, they could help oversee some of his external businesses.
Even if they fell short, late-stage Qi Refinement cultivators could still be assigned certain tasks.
After all, his enterprises had grown larger over the years. Someone trustworthy would eventually need to watch over them.
More importantly, he did not wish to waste time on such trivial matters.
The Sword Attendant alone could not handle everything.
“During the years I was in seclusion, did anything happen?”
Inside the pavilion, the three stood respectfully while the Sword Attendant poured tea and reported the events that had occurred outside during these years.
At the same time, she was subtly reminding them of what their master cared about.
“Master, three months before you left seclusion, a major event occurred. At the border between the Five Dragon Island Sea Region and the Fog Sea of Tongtian, a secret realm appeared.
“The border region has already fallen into chaos. After news spread, many cultivators rushed there… even several False Core and Core Formation cultivators have already fallen…”
When Lin Chang’an heard that a secret realm had appeared, he was slightly surprised.
But then he remembered that this was the Beast Sea Region and quickly understood.
In the Beast Sea Region, it was perfectly normal for cave abode relics to appear.
Powerful cultivators ventured deep into the outer seas seeking opportunities. For various reasons they eventually passed away within temporary cave abodes, which later became treasure sites for future cultivators.
However, this time the situation seemed severe. Even at the beginning, several Core Formation cultivators had already died.
Upon hearing this, the three younger cultivators were shocked.
In Yue Kingdom, Core Formation cultivators were figures they regarded as lofty and unreachable—yet here they had already heard of several dying just like that.
“Cave abode relics? Ancient cultivators or something else?”
Lin Chang’an frowned.
The Sword Attendant answered solemnly.
“Master, according to the information from Xuanyin Pavilion, it likely does not belong to ancient cultivators. But after the secret realm appeared, a ghostly mist emerged and covered the entire area.
“With formation restrictions present, only some leakage has appeared so far. At present, only Qi Refinement cultivators can enter, so the specific situation is still unknown…”
After hearing this intelligence, Lin Chang’an shook his head.
It truly was a troubled time.
Fortunately, it lay at the border of the Fog Sea of Tongtian. For now, he only wished to cultivate peacefully, so it did not affect him much.
Just then, a Voice-recording Talisman began to glow.
It was a message from Fairy of Rainbow Skirt of Xuanyin Pavilion. Because of the secret realm incident, countless foreign cultivators had arrived in the Five Dragon Island Sea Region.
The three major factions planned to temporarily set aside their grievances and join forces to stabilize the marketplace.
“The marketplace, huh… For Five Dragon Island, this is also an opportunity.”
Listening to Fairy of Rainbow Skirt’s divine sense message from the talisman, Lin Chang’an nodded inwardly.
More foreign cultivators meant tremendous business opportunities—especially for those exploring secret realms or killing and robbing others.
As a third-rank formation master, he might soon encounter a rare opportunity.
As for how Xuanyin Pavilion knew he had just left seclusion, Lin Chang’an understood clearly.
On Celestial Spring Peak, there was a spirit herb field tended by Xuanyin Pavilion disciples. Many spirit birds and beasts were also raised here by female disciples assigned by the pavilion.
All of this had been approved by him.
After all, who would refuse free benefits?
“Besides, if a Core Formation Cultivator truly wished to hide, how could low-level cultivators possibly monitor them?”
Lin Chang’an remained calm.
Xuanyin Pavilion disciples stationed at Celestial Spring Peak were simply a way to maintain closer relations.
Ordinary announcements of seclusion or emergence were merely for outsiders to see.
For example, if he announced seclusion, Xuanyin Pavilion disciples would immediately report back to their sect that Elder Lin would be in seclusion and unavailable for guests or formation work during that time.
Shen Zhuang, Li Tianmo, and Zhou Bingxuan soon settled down at Celestial Spring Peak.
“Icexuan Junior Sister, you deceived us quite thoroughly. A top-grade spiritual root yet you told us it was mid-grade.”
When they met again, Li Tianmo joked humorously. Shen Zhuang simply smiled honestly and did not take it to heart.
According to his grandmother, speaking the complete truth in the cultivation world could get one killed.
Thus Shen Zhuang always remembered her teachings—speak less outside, work more, and conceal nothing when facing Elder Granduncle Lin.
“Senior Brothers, I apologize for what happened earlier.”
Although Zhou Bingxuan appeared nervous before Lin Chang’an, she was lively and intelligent with the two of them.
“Alright, now we should cultivate peacefully. Hopefully one day we can reach Foundation Establishment.”
“Foundation Establishment!” Even Shen Zhuang showed yearning.
After arriving here for a year, they had seen the vast world beyond Yue Kingdom and realized how small they truly were.
“Foundation Establishment is not so easy. I heard Sister Mei say that her elder sister only succeeded because the clan funded it.”
Although cultivation at Celestial Spring Peak allowed them to enjoy abundant spiritual energy, Lin Chang’an would not casually grant rewards.
Even so, many people fought for the chance to come here.
Not only because of the cultivation environment, but because Lin Chang’an, a Core Formation elder, did not have the strange temperaments typical of many Core Formation cultivators.
He rarely assigned tasks to subordinates.
This allowed them far more time to cultivate.
“I heard Elder Granduncle Lin is famous for bitter cultivation. Many disciples here have stayed for over ten years without receiving a single task.
“Even the senior sisters from Xuanyin Pavilion are the same. Because they can cultivate peacefully here, the sect is practically fighting over these positions.”
Their conversation revealed one clear truth: achieving Foundation Establishment by their own efforts would be extremely difficult.
As for seeking help from others—
none of them considered it.
Zhou Bingxuan, however, secretly looked at the two with a cunning smile.
She was determined to become the first among them to reach Foundation Establishment.
As for Foundation Establishment resources, she never worried about them.
Since the clan had allowed her to stay here, they would certainly provide the necessary materials.
Shen Zhuang scratched his head honestly.
Foundation Establishment Pills?
His grandmother had mentioned that since he could remain here, both his grandfather and grandmother would arrange to send Foundation Establishment resources.
Only Li Tianmo felt awkward.
In terms of background, the Shen Family’s resources were concentrated since they had not formed a large clan, while the Zhou Family was a long-established Foundation Establishment clan.
Compared with them, the Li Family’s foundation was the weakest.
“Moo! Moo!”
Outside the pavilion, after seeing his master emerge from seclusion, the Azure-Horned Ox bellowed repeatedly. This time it even showed rare anxiety.
It did not even eat its favorite spirit fruits or spirit herbs. Instead, it constantly circled its master nervously and tried to curry favor.
Lin Chang’an took a leisurely sip of tea before speaking slowly.
“You foolish ox finally know how to be anxious? I waited for you for so many years. Now that you made me wait, I only made you wait half a year and you’re already impatient?”
Previously, he had waited for the Azure-Horned Ox to break through and had even prepared resources long ago.
But the ox loved eating too much. Its bloodline mutated and delayed things until now.
During the time Lin Chang’an was refining his life-bound magical artifact in seclusion, the Azure-Horned Ox had finally reached the verge of breakthrough.
Now the ox finally tasted the feeling of anxiety.
Lin Chang’an felt somewhat satisfied.
“Master, the Azure-Horned Ox reached the breakthrough threshold six months ago. Because Master was in seclusion, it suppressed its cultivation all this time.”
The Sword Attendant hesitated slightly before speaking on its behalf.
The Azure-Horned Ox immediately showed gratitude and nodded repeatedly.
Since arriving here, aside from cultivation, the Sword Attendant had spent most of her time caring for the Azure-Horned Ox. After so many years, they had naturally formed a bond.
Seeing the ox’s anxious appearance—and the Sword Attendant speaking up for it—Lin Chang’an finally set down his teacup.
“I will first visit Xuanyin Pavilion. When I return, I will prepare for your breakthrough.”
“Moo! Moo!”
The Azure-Horned Ox wagged its tail excitedly.