Chapter 299: Meeting Again
Five Dragon Island Marketplace.
“Moo!”
The Azure-Horned Ox happily shook its head back and forth, looking left and right at the lively marketplace.
On both sides of the marketplace’s wide bluestone-paved streets, there were quite a few cultivators with mounts and spirit pets.
However, the Azure-Horned Ox had restrained its aura. Otherwise, the appearance of a Third-rank Spirit Pet would attract attention—something Lin Chang’an did not want.
As for others associating the Azure-Horned Ox with him?
After the Azure-Horned Ox broke through to the Third-rank, many cultivators had been influenced by it. For a time, Azure-Horned Ox cubs became highly sought-after in the marketplace.
Along the way here, Lin Chang’an had already encountered no fewer than six or seven First-rank Azure-Horned Ox.
“Moo!”
When the Azure-Horned Ox saw Spirit Fruits displayed on a stall, its eyes immediately widened. However, after sniffing them, it realized they were ordinary Spirit Fruits. It instantly snorted through its nose and revealed a look of disdain.
Seeing this scene, Lin Chang’an shook his head.
The Azure-Horned Ox had clearly forgotten the days when it used to eat these low-grade Spirit Fruits.
Many Treasures Pavilion.
Although Lin Chang’an had restrained his aura along the way, the moment he entered the Many Treasures Pavilion of Xuanyin Pavilion, he was recognized at first glance.
“My name is Jian Ming. Greetings, Elder!”
This time, the shopkeeper of the Many Treasures Pavilion had been replaced by a middle-aged Foundation Establishment cultivator at the late stage. At this moment, he respectfully led Lin Chang’an upstairs.
However, when Lin Chang’an looked at the face that resembled the former shopkeeper, he rarely asked a question.
“Little friend, was the previous shopkeeper your elder?”
“Elder Lin, the previous shopkeeper was my father.”
The middle-aged cultivator Jian Ming did not dare show the slightest neglect after hearing Elder Lin’s inquiry and respectfully reported.
At the same time, he could not help but sigh inwardly that his father had truly accumulated quite a bit of goodwill over the years.
When Lin Chang’an heard that the previous shopkeeper had already passed away in meditation, he could not help but sigh inwardly.
Time truly passed quickly.
He had barely noticed it himself, yet when he looked back, the familiar faces around him had already been replaced by a new generation.
Meanwhile, the green mountains and clear waters of Five Dragon Island remained the same as ever.
“Elder Lin, please sit!”
Upon arriving at the top-floor pavilion of the Many Treasures Pavilion, Lin Chang’an sat upright at the tea table.
Beside him, the Sword Attendant coldly waved her hand, signaling the servant maids who had come to serve to leave. She herself skillfully picked up the teapot and began brewing tea.
Seeing this scene, Jian Ming—the Foundation Establishment cultivator—was filled with envy.
This was the status of a Core Formation Cultivator.
Even Foundation Establishment cultivators had to serve them in such a manner.
“Enough. I came here because I heard that you have a clue about high-grade Yin-attribute spirit jade?”
This high-grade Yin-attribute spirit jade was related to sealing demonic energy, so Lin Chang’an naturally had to pay attention to it.
After hearing the question, Jian Ming revealed a bitter smile and cupped his fists.
“Please punish me, Elder. Previously, a Foundation Establishment cultivator indeed possessed Yin-attribute spirit jade of Third-rank quality. However, this person seems to know that Elder Lin has been collecting this spiritual item in recent years.
He actually wished to use this opportunity to request a meeting with Elder Lin. Therefore, the item was not sold to our shop. Otherwise, it would have already been personally delivered to Elder Lin’s Cave Abode.”
After hearing this, Lin Chang’an remained calm.
He had begun publicly collecting Yin-attribute spiritual items two years ago. This was no secret; anyone interested could easily find out.
Moreover, Yin-attribute spiritual items were widely used—for nourishing the Primordial Spirit, Artifact Refinement, Alchemy, and even formations.
Thus Lin Chang’an was not worried about people guessing.
Furthermore, collecting spiritual items beneficial to cultivation was extremely common on Five Dragon Island—even among Core Formation cultivators.
There was nothing unusual about it.
“It seems this person has a request.”
Anyone insisting on meeting a Core Formation True Person clearly had some other matter.
Lin Chang’an did not find it strange.
However, Jian Ming beside him had already begun sweating and lowered his head nervously.
“I did not know Elder would arrive today… I just notified this person…”
Seeing how nervous Jian Ming was, Lin Chang’an chuckled and casually waved his hand to indicate it was fine.
He was still young. He was not one of those old monsters who had lost hope in cultivation or whose temperaments had grown eccentric after long years.
“Master.”
The Sword Attendant respectfully poured more tea.
Hearing this, Jian Ming secretly felt relieved. He had long heard that Elder Lin was gentle and approachable.
Seeing him today, his temperament truly was mild.
“Elder, please rest assured. I will go urge this person immediately!”
Jian Ming was anxious inside, hoping everything would proceed smoothly.
He hurried downstairs, arranging for high-grade pastries and the finest Spirit Fruits to be delivered upstairs. At the same time, he continuously used a Voice-transmission Talisman to urge the person.
Meanwhile, seated in the pavilion and looking down over the bustling marketplace, Lin Chang’an watched the busy figures below.
It gave him a strange feeling.
After sipping a mouthful of spirit tea, Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly.
Once, he had been one of those countless people below. Yet through relentless effort, he had reached this position.
This feeling…
Was truly satisfying.
“Master, that person probably either wishes to become your disciple or has other intentions.”
Over the years, the Sword Attendant had begun speaking more openly about her thoughts.
Looking at the Sword Attendant’s slightly baby-faced youthful appearance combined with her cold and aloof expression, Lin Chang’an found it rather amusing.
“Having intentions is normal. In the cultivation world, if one does not compete, where would resources come from?”
Lin Chang’an chuckled and raised his teacup.
Seeing that her master’s mood had not been affected, the Sword Attendant respectfully stood behind him again.
…
A short while later, a hurried young figure arrived at the Many Treasures Pavilion. Under Shopkeeper Jian Ming’s displeased gaze, he was quickly brought upstairs.
“Elder, the person has arrived. He is the one who possesses the Third-rank Yin-attribute spirit jade.”
As Jian Ming spoke hurriedly, the young man beside him immediately cupped his fists.
“I made the senior wait. Please forgive this junior.”
Seeing the two of them trembling with fear, Lin Chang’an smiled and waved his hand.
Jian Ming understood immediately and respectfully withdrew, leaving the man behind.
“I heard you possess Third-rank Yin-attribute spirit jade?”
Lin Chang’an asked directly.
It was not arrogance—cultivation realms were strictly hierarchical. Without such an item, this person would never have had the opportunity to meet him.
“Yes, Senior. It is this item!”
The young man, who had clearly only recently reached Foundation Establishment and whose aura was still unstable, respectfully took out an object from his Storage Pouch.
The object was pitch-black and about the size of a plate. The moment it appeared, a chilling Yin aura spread out, causing even the Sword Attendant to become slightly alert.
She immediately stepped forward, took the item from the young man, inspected it carefully, and after confirming there was no problem, respectfully placed it before Lin Chang’an.
“It is indeed a Third-rank material.”
Although Lin Chang’an appeared calm, his heart became serious.
This item appeared to be a fragment from a shattered whole.
From the intricate patterns and traces on it, Lin Chang’an could clearly tell—
It was a broken formation plate.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at the young Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Was this intentionally delivered… or merely accidental?
“Where did you obtain this item?”
“I dare not deceive Senior. This item was obtained by my grandfather within a Secret Realm. Because of it, my grandfather suffered disaster. I ask for nothing else—only that Senior help me avenge him…”
Tears flowed as he spoke.
It was a typical story in the cultivation world: obtaining a treasure opportunity, family destroyed, and the survivor escaping under protection.
Now he was willing to offer the treasure in exchange for revenge.
However, Lin Chang’an’s smile only grew wider.
The item suddenly floated back into the young man’s hands.
“Senior!?”
The young man was shocked.
Was this Third-rank spiritual item not valuable enough?
Even if the senior would not personally avenge him, giving him a top-grade Spirit Artifact, cultivation method, or pills would allow him to take revenge himself.
Just as he was about to beg again, Lin Chang’an had already turned away and calmly continued drinking his spirit tea.
The Sword Attendant stepped forward, a trace of killing intent between her brows. She extended her arm and said coldly:
“Please!”
The gesture clearly meant for him to leave.
His face changed repeatedly. Under the pressure of a Core Formation cultivator, he lowered his head and said hoarsely:
“I have disturbed Senior.”
Holding his spiritual item, he walked down the stairs.
Only two people remained in the pavilion.
“Ling’er, why do you think I did not accept that item?”
Lin Chang’an asked with a smile.
The Sword Attendant answered calmly with six words.
“This person has malicious intentions.”
Lin Chang’an immediately laughed.
Even the Sword Attendant could see it—how could he not?
A fragment of a formation plate from a Secret Realm.
What was the other party trying to do?
Lin Chang’an was a Third-rank Formation Master. By studying this formation plate, he could potentially determine the origin of the formation, then obtain information about where it was located in the Secret Realm.
Clearly, the man wanted to lure him into becoming interested in the Secret Realm.
In the current situation of Five Dragon Island, too many people wished to fish in muddy waters.
If Five Dragon Island was not chaotic, how could the waters be stirred?
“Previously I only enjoyed the待遇 of a Xuanyin Pavilion Elder. Now it seems I must also bear some responsibilities.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head with a smile.
If the person truly had malicious intentions, the target was not merely him—but Xuanyin Pavilion.
“Let’s go. Come with me to meet an old acquaintance.”
Before leaving, Lin Chang’an instructed Shopkeeper Jian Ming to investigate the person’s background and report it to the sect.
As for wrongfully accusing him?
The cultivation world had always been governed by the law of the jungle.
“However, that person is likely not from Five Dragon Island. And the spiritual item itself is genuine. This is a very clever way to exploit cultivators’ greed.”
If it truly was a misunderstanding, Xuanyin Pavilion would purchase the item normally after the investigation.
If not—
His fate would be obvious.
Lin Chang’an did not dwell on it further.
He had someone important to meet.
As for the Third-rank Yin-attribute spirit jade, there would be plenty of opportunities to collect it slowly.
…
Inside a tavern in the marketplace.
As the private room door opened, a familiar white-robed figure appeared.
“Brother Lin.”
Seeing Lin Chang’an, Yun Yao—dressed in a white palace gown—revealed a smile.
“Yun Yao.”
Lin Chang’an smiled and nodded, naturally sitting down at the table.
Beside him, the Sword Attendant showed a trace of surprise.
She had never seen her master treat someone so casually and warmly.
However, she quickly composed herself and stepped forward respectfully to pour wine for them.
Yun Yao raised her brows slightly and glanced at the lovely Sword Attendant before teasing:
“I’ve long heard that Brother Lin has kept a beautiful cultivator by his side these past years. I didn’t expect it to be true.”
Although the two had reestablished contact two years ago, they had rarely met privately.
Despite both being Core Formation cultivators, their identities were extremely sensitive.
Who knew if someone might be watching?
“Yun Yao, this is Qiu Ling’er.”
Lin Chang’an introduced her directly.
“Greetings, Senior.”
It was the first time her master had introduced her to someone.
The Sword Attendant immediately realized that Yun Yao must hold a very important position in her master’s heart.
She respectfully cupped her fists.
However, she could not help secretly examining Yun Yao.
“Not bad. Her appearance hasn’t embarrassed Brother Lin. Though her cultivation is somewhat lacking.”
“Yes! This servant will work hard in cultivation so that I will not embarrass Master in the future.”
Seeing Yun Yao immediately begin criticizing, Lin Chang’an could not help but smile bitterly.
Yun Yao glared at him slightly, though without anger.
In the cultivation world, powerful cultivators having a few concubines was nothing unusual.
Moreover, Lin Chang’an had spent these years cultivating diligently, which satisfied her greatly.
As for the Sword Attendant, Yun Yao only showed a slight temper.
Having grown up in a mortal royal residence, she had no jealousy regarding multiple wives or concubines.
In her heart, with Brother Lin’s temperament, only cultivation could allow them to continue walking together on the path of immortality.
If someone fell behind—
They would merely become scenery along the road of life.
“Yun Yao, Ling’er is also one of our own.”
Hearing this, the Sword Attendant trembled.
She hurriedly bowed toward Yun Yao.
“This Sword Attendant greets Mistress!”
Yun Yao had intended to tease further, but the sudden title caused panic to flash in her eyes. She instinctively looked toward Lin Chang’an.
Seeing his smiling expression, Yun Yao relaxed and smiled calmly.
Her personality possessed both the straightforward heroism of a female general and the noble elegance of imperial royalty.
She was not narrow-minded.
Moreover, although the two had deep feelings for each other, they had never crossed the final boundary.
Not because they were unwilling—
But because both carried their own secrets.
And above Yun Yao’s head still hung a massive burden that left her breathless.
After this small episode, Yun Yao resumed conversing with Lin Chang’an with graceful composure.
“Brother Lin, this time Yun Yao no longer wishes to be the Saintess of the Mystic Yin Divine Sect.”
Her calm voice caused Lin Chang’an’s heart to jump.
His expression gradually became serious.
Previously, Yun Yao had paid a great price for the position of Saintess.
Why suddenly—
“Yun Yao, is it that you cannot… dare not… or do not wish to?”
The atmosphere grew somewhat tense.
The Sword Attendant quietly poured wine for the two.
After a long moment, Yun Yao set down her wine cup and smiled faintly.
“I do not wish to. I dare not. And I cannot.”
Lin Chang’an fell silent.
These words meant that Yun Yao had encountered an enormous problem.
Yet the next moment she suddenly burst into laughter and waved her hand.
“Brother Lin, don’t worry. I’m already used to rebelling and fleeing. I have experience.”
Lin Chang’an was speechless.
Listening to Yun Yao, it seemed she was preparing to betray and flee the Mystic Yin Divine Sect.
But could this really compare to when she left the Palace of Blazing Fire?
“Cough… requesting monthly votes.”