Chapter 301: Homeland! Slaughter!
Celestial Spring Peak.
“Elder, recently the Secret Realm has gradually allowed early Foundation Establishment cultivators to enter…”
Mei Ning and Zhou Bingxuan respectfully reported the latest intelligence, while Lin Changan listened with a calm expression.
From the current situation, the outside world was extremely chaotic.
As the restrictions continued to weaken and more early Foundation Establishment cultivators entered, the items brought out were naturally far better than before.
This would naturally attract various factions. However, even though early Foundation Establishment cultivators could now enter, even if they only explored the outer regions, it was still a situation of nine deaths and one survival.
“Early Foundation Establishment…”
Although he had major matters to accomplish, Lin Changan still needed to arrange certain things beforehand to conceal his true intentions.
Lin Changan waved his hand indifferently, as if he did not care about the Secret Realm at all, and said:
“Now that so many factions are watching the Secret Realm, how could opportunities be obtained so easily? Even if one obtains them, it may not necessarily be a blessing.”
“How is the progress of the materials for the Beauty-preserving Pill that I asked you to gather in the marketplace?”
After Lin Changan changed the topic, Zhou Bingxuan lowered her head and replied respectfully:
“Elder, most of the materials for the Beauty-preserving Pill have already been collected, but several of the main ingredients will still require a bit more time.”
During this period, Lin Changan had instructed his subordinates to collect materials for the Beauty-preserving Pill. He had not concealed this matter, so naturally many people knew about it.
Unfortunately, the Beauty-preserving Pill was considered rather niche. Ordinary cultivators did not care much about appearance. Only the family members of major factions or female cultivators would pay attention to such things.
Recently, rumors had begun circulating outside that Lin Changan, the third-rank Formation Master of Xuanyin Pavilion, favored female cultivators with a youthful, girlish charm.
Wasn’t he even preparing for Alchemist Wen to refine a furnace of Beauty-preserving Pills specifically for the Sword Attendant?
Especially those cultivators who had visited Lin Changan’s Cave Abode. When they recalled the Sword Attendant’s cold demeanor, chubby-cheeked youthful face, and her distinct girlish aura…
Many suddenly realized something.
Powerful cultivators often had their own peculiar preferences and eccentric habits. This was completely normal.
Compared to many others, Lin Changan’s supposed preference was practically normal beyond normal.
As a result, during the past two months, quite a few cultivators had even attempted to present him with beautiful young maidservants and concubines.
This left Lin Changan utterly speechless.
What had originally been a small rumor he allowed to spread had gradually become more and more exaggerated.
His original intention had simply been to conceal his upcoming plan.
“Alright. Recently there have been more and more people with improper intentions. The two of you should announce to the outside world that I will be entering closed-door cultivation for some time.”
Lin Changan waved his hand.
Mei Ning and Zhou Bingxuan cupped their fists respectfully before slowly withdrawing.
However, their eyes occasionally glanced secretly toward the Sword Attendant standing behind him.
How could such small movements escape Lin Changan’s notice?
This made him even more speechless.
Was he really that kind of person?
“Master.”
Beside him, the Sword Attendant peeled a spirit fruit and respectfully handed it over.
Lin Changan turned his head and looked at her chubby-cheeked but cold little face, and a strange expression appeared on his face.
It seemed… that there was indeed a unique charm to it.
Being stared at, the Sword Attendant became extremely nervous. At the same time, she could not help recalling the recent rumors circulating outside.
Could it be that Master truly liked young female cultivators with a youthful appearance?
For a moment, the Sword Attendant secretly made a decision.
She would start saving the Spirit Stones that Master usually rewarded her with.
Although she was a human-beast hybrid and her adolescence would last longer than ordinary cultivators, she would still grow older eventually.
She would save Spirit Stones and buy a Beauty-preserving Pill.
That way, in front of Master, she would forever remain in this appearance.
For the first time, the Sword Attendant—who had always been wholeheartedly focused on cultivation—began to care about her appearance.
“Not bad. You did not disappoint me.”
However, Lin Changan had no idea what the Sword Attendant was thinking.
At this moment, he looked at her with a very pleased mood.
During the past two months, the Sword Attendant had shown no suspicious behavior at all. Not even the slightest emotional fluctuation of fear.
“Come. Follow me into the Cave Abode.”
With a satisfied smile, Lin Changan even patted the Sword Attendant’s head—something he rarely did.
Instantly, the Sword Attendant’s face flushed red as she hurriedly cupped her fists and said:
“Yes, Master!”
…
Inside the Cave Abode, Lin Changan brought the Sword Attendant through layer after layer of restrictions.
The Sword Attendant followed behind, her eyes shimmering faintly.
Even though she noticed many secrets along the way, she showed not the slightest interest.
However, such behavior clearly meant that she had gained deeper trust from her master.
This made a warm feeling rise in her heart.
After passing through the final barrier, a wave of scorching heat suddenly swept over them.
Under the terrifying heat, before the Sword Attendant could react, a streak of light suddenly rushed toward her.
“Master!”
Her clear voice echoed out as she instantly revealed a trace of killing intent.
But in the next moment, she stared in astonishment.
The one who had spoken was actually a golden bird.
The Wind-Chirp Bird tilted its head in confusion, wondering why its master had brought this maidservant inside today.
At the center of the Earthfire Cavern stood a formation platform, where various artifact-refining tools were arranged.
This formation platform had originally been used to refine Lin Changan’s life-bound magical artifact.
Afterward, he naturally would not waste it and instead used it to temper his artifact-refining skills.
Various spirit artifacts were displayed around the platform.
There were even several top-grade spirit artifacts.
“This time when we go out, none of the previous magical artifacts can be used. Replace everything with new ones.”
Being cautious, Lin Changan planned not only to replace all of his own artifacts, but also to prepare an entirely new set for the Sword Attendant.
Having refined artifacts for so many years, he did not care about wasting such a small amount of materials.
“A set of defensive inner armor, one for display, and attack artifacts as well…”
As Lin Changan explained the equipment, the Sword Attendant was stunned.
She had never expected that her master was also an Artifact Refiner—and clearly not an ordinary one.
When she heard him tell her to choose, her face flushed red. It was unclear whether it was due to embarrassment or the intense heat of the Earthfire Cavern.
In the end, the Sword Attendant chose a dark-gold inner armor to wear beneath her magical robe.
For visible defense, she selected a Blackiron Shield—a top-grade spirit artifact.
As for attack weapons, she chose a pair of black twin swords.
“These were all personally forged by Master.”
Holding the new top-grade spirit artifacts, she subconsciously tightened her grip.
Especially the inner armor pressed against her skin. Although it felt cool to the touch, in this scorching environment her face still turned red.
When she looked up again and saw her master standing before the altar, her eyes filled with unusual emotions.
Before leaving, Lin Changan raised his hand.
In an instant, the Fusang Divine Tree transformed into thirty-six sword gleams and was summoned into his body.
…
Because of the Secret Realm, the surrounding seas had become extremely turbulent.
Some people obtained great opportunities and, after forming a Golden Core, aroused the greed of countless cultivators.
Others obtained nothing more than a single spirit herb, yet their entire families were slaughtered because of it.
Major factions had intervened.
Countless rogue cultivators and robber cultivators flocked here, secretly preparing and scheming around the Secret Realm.
The three factions of Five Dragon Island, due to the increasingly unstable situation, temporarily put aside their past grudges and cooperated to maintain order.
Yet the turbulence also attracted countless cultivators.
Although robber cultivators ran rampant, merchant ships and trade became unusually prosperous.
When Lin Changan, Guest Elder of Xuanyin Pavilion, publicly announced that he would enter closed-door cultivation to refine a formation, it caused no disturbance whatsoever.
After all, for years this third-rank Formation Master had frequently entered seclusion to refine formations.
Everyone was already accustomed to it.
Meanwhile, countless skilled cultivators seized this rare opportunity, working day and night with flushed, excited expressions.
Yet no one knew that Lin Changan had secretly left Five Dragon Island with the Sword Attendant.
Their destination—the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
…
Fog Sea of Tongtian.
“Master.”
Along the way, the Wind-Chirp Bird excitedly flew around and played, as if it had been suppressed for a long time.
It kept hopping between the shoulders of Lin Changan and Yun Yao, before finally landing on the Sword Attendant’s shoulder.
The Sword Attendant occasionally glanced curiously at the small golden bird on her shoulder.
It was actually a third-rank great demon.
“Brother Lin, this island was seized by Lihuo Palace back then. They renamed it Lihuo Island. On the island…”
At this time, Yun Yao and Lin Changan had both changed their clothing.
Even the Sword Attendant had changed.
The three of them now wore black combat attire.
If they covered their faces, they would look exactly like robber cultivators.
Golden Core cultivators flew extremely quickly. With Lin Changan assisting in concealing their aura, after several days the three landed on a reef not far from Lihuo Island.
Looking from afar, Lihuo Palace appeared as a gloomy, pitch-black island.
“Brother Lin, it’s right ahead. Before coming, I confirmed it again. The elite Golden Core cultivators of Lihuo Palace have left. This time, on the island…”
Listening to Yun Yao, Lin Changan nodded solemnly.
However, he still used his Spirit Eye to carefully observe the distant island.
Unfortunately, although the Spirit Eye could see through stone and mist, it could not see through formations.
However, he was observing the arrangements outside the formation.
“Brother Lin, how is it?”
“Yes. It is indeed the Four Symbols Black Tortoise Formation.”
After observing carefully for a long time, Lin Changan finally relaxed slightly.
With his current abilities as a third-rank mid-grade Formation Master, he would not make a mistake.
Unless the island’s protective formation was quasi-fourth-rank.
Otherwise, even if it were a third-rank high-grade formation, he would not misjudge it.
“If the formation layout diagram you brought is correct, Yun Yao, then we might not need to break the formation. Instead, we can make use of it.”
Under the gaze of his Spirit Eye, the protective formation clearly was not constantly activated.
Normally only its concealment function operated. The full power of the formation would only activate in emergencies.
Thus, they could sneak inside.
“I have a formation flag here. As long as it is inserted at the northeastern formation core, even if they try to activate the Four Symbols Black Tortoise Formation, there will be a massive flaw…”
With a serious expression, Lin Changan slowly discussed the plan with Yun Yao.
After all, even if Lihuo Palace was weak, it was still a Golden Core sect.
There were only two of them—they had to be cautious.
Meanwhile, throughout the entire discussion, the Sword Attendant stood silently with a black mask, calmly listening to their instructions.
“Spirit pets should be treated as a trump card. Use them only if absolutely necessary.”
Lin Changan’s gaze shifted toward the Sword Attendant.
Her strength was the weakest among them, but she possessed the Heavenly Spirit Sword Body.
Although she was only at mid-Foundation Establishment, her combat power was no weaker than ordinary late-Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Moreover, Lin Changan had given her several life-saving methods.
Dealing with miscellaneous enemies would not be a problem.
…
Lihuo Island.
At the center of the pitch-black island, a massive pit had been excavated.
There was actually a Spirit Stone mine here.
No wonder Lihuo Palace had chosen this place as its foundation.
“Move faster!”
Inside the mine tunnels, reprimanding voices occasionally echoed.
Qi Refinement disciples of Lihuo Palace wielded mana whips, shouting harshly.
Rather than a sect, Lihuo Palace looked more like a fortress.
Three dark figures quietly approached.
Seeing Lin Changan’s confusion, Yun Yao transmitted her voice softly:
“Brother Lin, the families of Lihuo Palace cultivators all live on Mystic Yin Island.”
Lin Changan immediately understood.
No wonder something had felt strange.
Normally, a sect’s island base should contain both mortals and the families of cultivators.
Yet along the way they had only seen patrolling disciples or low-rank cultivators mining.
“Usually the cultivators captured from merchant ships are sold at high prices, and then low-rank cultivators are purchased cheaply to mine here…”
After Yun Yao’s explanation, Lin Changan nodded silently.
This was the reality across much of the Fog Sea of Tongtian.
This place was a paradise for demonic cultivators and robber cultivators.
Here, only the strong survived.
“The Golden Core cultivator is still cultivating in his Cave Abode. An illusion formation has already been set up around it. Let’s eliminate the miscellaneous soldiers here first.”
The three exchanged glances and revealed solemn expressions.
Under the bright moonlight, they raised their hands and donned their masks.
Their special robes made it difficult for others to see through their identities.
In the next moment, a sword appeared in Lin Changan’s hand.
It was a magical artifact taken from the remnants of the Divine Sword Sect.
This time he intended to use the identity of that sect.
Meanwhile, Yun Yao held a curved blade flickering with flames.
Both of them clearly intended to frame their enemies while concealing their own identities.
The Sword Attendant slowly drew her twin swords.
Under the moonlight, the three leaped downward.
The surrounding cultivators remained completely unaware.
The Invisibility Technique and Breath Concealment Technique performed by Golden Core cultivators were far beyond the perception of low-rank cultivators.
“Puchi!”
Blood splattered.
A Foundation Establishment cultivator did not even have time to react before a cold flash of light swept past him.
His hollow eyes did not even know what had happened.
Lin Changan and Yun Yao moved like flickering shadows.
Ambushing Foundation Establishment cultivators was simply a dimensional crushing attack.
Meanwhile, the Sword Attendant wore the Hidden Spirit Gauze given by Lin Changan.
She continuously flashed through the battlefield, targeting Qi Refinement cultivators.
“Ah… it has already been more than eighty years since I left Yue Kingdom. Sometimes I truly want to return and take a look at my homeland.”
On a corridor bridge, an elderly Foundation Establishment cultivator gazed at the bright moonlight with longing.
Beside him, a younger Foundation Establishment cultivator waved dismissively.
“Old brother, don’t look so gloomy all the time. There’s nothing wrong with life here in the Fog Sea of Tongtian.”
The elderly mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator with gray-white hair sighed.
He did not reply.
When he was young, he had thought the same.
Living freely, killing without restraint, indulging every desire—it had once felt wonderful.
But as time passed, he began to miss his homeland.
In Yue Kingdom, there had been rules and restrictions.
Yet there had also been the smiles of family.
Now, when he returned home, the smiles were gone.
Only naked greed remained.
Each time he returned, his family only wanted to see what resources he had brought back.
Even his descendants were the same.
In the demonic sect world, survival came first.
“Back then I thought home was dull and meaningless… but now I realize it was the place where I felt most at ease.”
Now his wife and children still worried about him.
But more than worry, they feared losing the resources he brought back each time.
Thinking of this, the elderly cultivator took a sip of spirit wine.
The smile on his lips was bitter.
“Old brother, stop looking so miserable.”
The young cultivator beside him remained full of heroic enthusiasm.
In his eyes, this was the perfect land for cultivators.
With strength, one could enjoy everything freely.
“Ah…”
The old cultivator sighed again.
He saw his younger self in the man before him.
Just as he tried to suppress his homesickness—
His century of experience suddenly sensed something wrong.
Frowning, he looked at the moonlit surroundings that had become strangely silent.
“Something’s wrong! There’s—”
Blood splattered.
The elderly cultivator’s pupils dilated.
All strength left his body as he collapsed to the ground.
His fading eyes saw the younger cultivator also lying beside him.
In that moment, he seemed to see his younger self.
In his final illusion before death, he saw his homeland.
The younger version of himself had died there.
In this final illusion, he smiled.
Because he had returned home.