The Flying Rat King, Lord of the Merchant Alliance
Moon Empress.
A streak of azure Escape Light, riding the wind and waves, sped across the Heavenly Star Sea.
The overseas monks they encountered on the road either hurriedly gave way or bowed their heads in respect.
One or two Spirit Vein islands occasionally swept past beneath Lan Chang'an's feet.
On the sea surface, occasionally splashes of water rise, and the fleeting shadows of ferocious sea monsters and fish flash by.
A few days ago, Lan Chang'an left the Deep Sea Giant Ship ahead of schedule and did not go to the headquarters of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
He wanted to personally venture into this sea area to experience and investigate it more thoroughly, and then find a more suitable Spirit Vein Dao Field.
At this moment, Lan Chang'an sped through the Star Sea, his Law Power contained, maintaining a speed equivalent to that of Nascent Soul Early Stage.
A few days ago, he activated his escape technique at near full power, resulting in a slightly larger fluctuation in his Law Power.
As a result, the Evergreen Dao Fruit subtly generated a response.
The feeling of "a sudden inspiration, a spontaneous thought" has returned after a long time.
It was as if somewhere in the sea, a destined fortuitous opportunity was waiting for him.
After Lan Chang'an withdrew his Law Power and reduced his escape speed, this sensation quickly subsided.
The Heavenly Star Sea is vast and boundless, spanning an extremely long distance.
Unless there is a fierce battle with significant fluctuations in Law Power, under normal circumstances, there should be no noticeable sensation.
It wasn't that Lan Chang'an was afraid of the Immortal Physician Changqing.
He was new to the place and hadn't yet found his footing.
On the other hand, the Female Immortal Doctor had extensive connections in the Heavenly Star Sea and was a key figure in "Sky-Beyond Island," one of the Three Islands.
On the Deep Sea Giant Ship, Lan Chang'an subtly inquired and learned a great deal about the Immortal Physician Changqing.
This woman's Daoist Title "Ling Chun".
In High Antiquity, there was a great tree called Chun, which took eight thousand years for spring and eight thousand years for autumn.
This Daoist Title is fitting for practitioners of the Evergreen Art, and perhaps it also resonates with this woman's aspirations.
True Lord Ling Chun is suspected to be a mid-to-high-grade fourth-order Alchemist, and is proficient in medicine and pharmacology.
He is renowned throughout the seas as a divine healer and a medical sage, a title that has long surpassed his original Daoist Title.
A miraculous healer, beautiful and kind-hearted, a celestial being descended to earth, pure and virtuous...
This woman has an excellent reputation; her good name is known far and wide.
It is said that she has many admirers.
Many important figures in the surrounding waters owe her favors.
"Can't afford to offend them, can't afford to offend them..."
Lan Chang'an kept his distance, not wanting to alarm that person so soon.
Fortunately, according to his calculations and probing, that True Lord Ling Chun probably did not have very high divination skills.
The obstacles they faced were not as great as they had imagined, but they were still comparable to those Nascent Soul Great Cultivator.
After all, there are too many arts and skills involved in cultivating immortality, and each person has their own area of expertise. Those who live long lives also need to make choices based on their own talents.
With such superb alchemy and medical skills, there's less need to go to great lengths to specialize in other more difficult cultivation techniques.
A few days later.
Lan Chang'an landed on an uninhabited island and rested for a while.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The two Spirit Pet were getting restless, so they flew out of the Spirit Pet Bag to get some fresh air.
Lord Mystic Water, in particular, was extremely excited, looking around and inhaling the water elemental energy of this sea area.
The turtle was like a fish in water, its four short legs splashing and playing in the water before its body quickly disappeared into the sea near the island.
Lan Chang'an nodded inwardly. Once the Mystic Water Turtle arrived overseas, it would adapt to the local environment, and its cultivation efficiency should improve.
Looking at the vast sea around him, Tianyi at the horizon, Di Yan Jun's expression was slightly bewildered.
The Rat Demon doesn't actually dislike water and can swim freely underwater.
However, compared to the boundless ocean, Di Yan Jun prefers the rocky terrestrial environment.
Puff puff puff!
Even though the two Tier 4 Demon King shrank in size and concealed their aura, the fish demons and sea beasts in the Near Sea still scattered and fled.
Di Yan Jun hesitated for a moment.
They soon joined the water and, just like Lord Mystic Water, enjoyed a "buffet" of food.
"In the world of the seas, the Demon Race race prospers, while humanity's fortune is insufficient."
Lan Chang'an activated his Qi Observation Technique, gaining ever deeper insights.
The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi of the Heavenly Star Sea is indeed much stronger than that of Great Abyss.
However, those scattered island Spirit Vein are insignificant compared to the vast ocean.
On both the islands and the mainland, human cultivators have established their power bases.
Beneath the surface, in the unfathomable depths of the ocean, lies the territory of Demon Beast sea creatures.
Especially in the seas far from human islands.
Before and after High Antiquity, the overseas regions were the domain of Demon Beast and sea creatures.
Later, the ancestors of humankind explored and multiplied in the seas, gradually taking root overseas.
Following a racial conflict, the human race and the sea Demon Race made an agreement, drawing a line between them.
The area within the Deep Sea belongs to the Demon Race and sea beasts. Ordinary overseas areas are suitable for human cultivators to live and reproduce.
Some powerful Dragon Descendant travel between human-dominated seas and Deep Sea regions, often wreaking havoc in their territory. Or, after a hearty meal, they vanish without a trace.
This situation is not uncommon in the human-controlled seas.
Cultivators of the same level often cannot defeat powerful demons and giant sea beasts in battles at sea.
The deeper they went into the ocean, the greater the pressure on human cultivators, and their strength was weakened.
In the world of the sea, the Demon Race race possesses immense fortune, which is more beneficial than harmful to Lan Chang'an.
Firstly, the two fourth-tier Spirit Pet received an extra meal.
Secondly, the Mystic Heaven Gourd Vine is not restricted by the luck of any race.
Thirdly, the powerful Demon Race race's fortune interfered with Yan Donglai's fifth-order divination.
This is still the human-controlled sea area.
If one were to reach the Deep Sea world ruled by the "Nine Dragons Hall," the fortunes of the Demon Race and dragon races would be even greater.
If things go wrong, Lan Chang'an can retreat to the vicinity of the Deep Sea.
Even Spirit Transformation Heavenly Monarch would have to give way to a Dragon King who is a descendant of a fifth-tier True Spirit.
Yan Donglai certainly be wary.
The fifth-order divination is suppressed by the Demon Race race's fortune and the True Spirit Bloodline of the Old Dragon King.
As a legendary great cultivator, comparable to Spirit Transformation cultivator, the Dragon King of the Nine Dragons Hall would not dare to ignore him if he rashly entered the Deep Sea.
Half a day later.
Whoosh!
Di Yan Jun flew out of the water, inexplicably restless, and looked in a certain direction.
Lan Chang'an let out a soft exclamation and couldn't help but extend his Divine Sense.
Over time.
Di Yan Jun grew increasingly agitated, his face flushing slightly, revealing a look of delight.
Several dozen breaths later.
A Rat King with golden-brown fur streaked across the sky and looked at Di Yan Jun with surprise.
This Rat King is different in appearance and temperament from ordinary Rat Demon.
Its eyes are silvery-gray like amber, its fur is golden-brown, and its tail is long and bushy, like a luxurious brocade.
It appears elegant and dignified.
The most striking feature is its pair of forelimbs, covered with a semi-transparent membrane, which transform into bluish-gray flying wings in flight.
Its speed of escape is comparable to that of Nascent Soul Middle Stage.
"Flying Rat King!"
Lan Chang'an recognized the origin of the rat and marveled at it.
The Flying Rat is a rare, Heaven Grade Bloodline among Rat Demon, possessing the talents of "flying and escaping the sea" and "treasure hunting and tracking".
They can be considered the aristocracy among rats.
The Flying Rat King before us has reached the peak of the early stage of the fourth rank.
Squeak!
Two Tier 4 Rat King called out to each other from afar in mid-air, communicating joyfully.
Perhaps it's because there are too few of their kind who are also Tier 4 Rat King.
Swish!
The Flying Rat King, amidst a swirling gust of demonic wind, transformed into a human youth draped in a dark brown cloak.
The Cloaked Youth gave Lan Chang'an a wary look.
Di Yan Jun transformed into human form and explained a few words to Flying Rat King.
The latter's expression softened, and he cast a friendly glance at Lan Chang'an, offering a brief greeting.
Two transformed Rat King sank into the Near Sea, playing and communicating.
We spent half a day exchanging ideas.
The Two Rats then reappeared at sea.
"Fellow Daoist, may I take Di Yan Jun to visit the Seabed Secret Realm realm of the Spirit Rat Clan?"
The Cloaked Youth cupped his hands in a respectful gesture to Lan Chang'an, pleading earnestly.
Flying Rat and Di Yan Jun hit it off immediately, both being Tier 4 Demon King, and they admired each other.
Di Yan Jun's eyes flickered with anticipation as he looked at his master.
After pondering for a moment, Lan Chang'an calculated and observed the aura, discovering that the fortune of the Di Yan Jun was steadily rising.
More importantly...
Flying Rat was the first Tier 4 male rat that Di Yan Jun encountered.
He's still a noble among rats, a rich, handsome, and successful man.
For the sake of Di Yan Jun's happiness, Lan Chang'an couldn't refuse.
"When operating in the Heavenly Star Sea Region, don't stray too far from me. As long as you stay within the contractual connection, it will be fine."
Lan Chang'an called Di Yan Jun over and gave him many private instructions.
With the Di Yan Jun Earthly Fiend Demon Power protecting his body, as long as the giant rat's true form is not revealed, human cultivators cannot discern its true origin.
Its bloodline has undergone multiple mutations and enhancements, making its bloodline aura vastly different from that of the original Di Yan Jun.
Through the Flying Rat King, Di Yan Jun can expand his network, Sea of Consciousness monsters, and learn about another side of the overseas situation.
In its free-range state, Di Yan Jun does not require Lan Chang'an to provide a large amount of supplies.
Before parting.
Lan Chang'an took out a Crescent Moon Jade Pendant and handed it to Di Yan Jun.
Once a cultivator reaches the level of Di Yan Jun, it's difficult for a human Nascent Soul to pose a threat, unless they're unlucky enough to encounter Nascent Soul Great Cultivator head-on.
This Crescent Moon Jade Pendant comes from the Star-Moon Palace, the most powerful force in the Heavenly Star Sea.
In the worst-case scenario, Di Yan Jun takes out this item, the Nascent Soul Great Cultivator of the Heavenly Star Sea will naturally show him some respect.
Lan Chang'an has not yet settled in the Heavenly Star Sea and does not need the help of the Star-Moon Palace for the time being, so he simply left it to Di Yan Jun for now.
Upon seeing the Crescent Moon Jade Pendant, a hint of apprehension and surprise flashed in the Flying Rat King's eyes.
"Rest assured, fellow Daoist, I will absolutely not mistreat my friend or put her in danger. In this sea area, I will ensure she feels at home and enjoys all the delicious food."
The Flying Rat King solemnly promised.
Although it possesses Heaven Grade Bloodline, the Flying Rat's talent points lie in flying and escaping into the sea, as well as tracking and treasure hunting.
Combat is not its forte.
Di Yan Jun has a higher cultivation level, a complete set of Law Treasure, and Tier 4 Spirit Talisman Treasure Talisman given by Lan Chang'an, so he won't be bullied by this rat.
Being with the Flying Rat should be mutually beneficial, making it easier to find treasures by fortuitous opportunity.
"Go."
Lan Chang'an waved his hand, watching the transformed Di Yan Jun and Flying Rat depart together.
He suddenly remembered the Treasure Seeking Rat of the Xuemei Mountain Li Clan.
After "serving" the Di Yan Jun for a while, the exquisite and adorable Treasure Seeking Rat became listless, Qi and Blood, and its legs were too weak to walk.
Moon Empress.
Lan Chang'an traversed a long distance in the southwestern sea area of the Heavenly Star Sea.
The dominant force in this sea area is called "Juque Hall," one of the seven major sea sects, which controls and monopolizes many Deep Sea mineral veins.
During this time, Lan Chang'an lingered in several island Marketplace and seaside Immortal City.
He sold some inland goods in batches under the guise of a maritime merchant.
Meanwhile, in a fourth-tier Immortal City within the "Juque Hall" sphere of influence, several fourth-tier sea minerals with unique marine characteristics were traded.
Lan Chang'an had already adapted to the local dialect of this sea area.
The foreign aura had long since dissipated on the Deep Sea Giant Ship, so they would not be regarded as foreign cultivators.
During the transaction, Lan Chang'an personally experienced and understood the situation in the Star Sea, and investigated the major forces in the Heavenly Star Sea.
The Heavenly Star Sea Region encompasses nearly a hundred Great Abyss.
At the very center of the Star Sea lies the only fifth-order Spirit Vein, controlled by the Star-Moon Palace. It boasts a long and rich history, having given birth to Spirit Transformation Heavenly Monarch.
From the heart of the Heavenly Star Sea to its outskirts, numerous top-tier forces are scattered throughout, each possessing Nascent Soul Great Cultivator who control large, high-grade Tier 4 High-Grade Spirit Vein across most eras.
With the Star-Moon Palace as the central hub, a Cross-Sea Array connects prosperous islands and celestial Immortal City under the jurisdiction of top-tier powers.
Some top-tier forces even possess secondary Cross-Sea Array.
Through a Cross-Sea Array, high-level cultivators can easily travel to the sea areas where most top-tier forces are located, thus significantly shortening their travel time.
The Star-Moon Palace nominally commands the Heavenly Star Sea Region.
Adjudicate and mediate conflicts of interest among the major powers and Merchant Alliance in the Heavenly Star Sea.
Of course, the king and queen of the Star-Moon Palace are detached from worldly affairs and generally do not appear in person.
The work of adjudication and mediation was coordinated and overseen by the Grand Elder of the Star-Moon Palace, who Nascent Soul Late Stage.
Lan Chang'an analyzed the situation in the Star Sea, learned about the major top forces, and chose his destination.
First, we can rule out overly powerful super-forces like the Star-Moon Palace.
At the Nascent Soul Middle Stage stage, Lan Chang'an should not join a lower-level Nascent Soul faction.
To advance to the Nascent Soul Late Stage in the future, Tier 4 High-Grade Spirit Vein is a necessary condition.
Therefore, the range he chose was very small.
It mainly refers to the seventeen strongest top-tier forces in the Heavenly Star Sea.
It's best to have more freedom and fewer restrictions.
Thus, most of them were eliminated.
"Sky-Beyond Island, Xiangong Island, Azure Sea Merchant Alliance..."
In Lan Chang'an's mind, there were three places in the Outer Sea that suited him.
Sky-Beyond Island, as a sacred place for independent Rogue Cultivator overseas, is the most free and has a thriving trade.
Unfortunately, this wonderful place was snapped up by the Immortal Physician Changqing.
Xiangong Island is a powerful alliance of forces specializing in mechanical Puppet, which suits Lan Chang'an's identity as a Puppet master.
This island has few restrictions, and its degree of freedom is second only to the Sky-Beyond Island. It also sells non-core mechanical Puppet to outsiders.
The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, as one of the Four Alliances, owns an archipelago in the heart of the Heavenly Star Sea. It is quite inclusive and welcomes many Guest Elder.
Compared to other top-tier forces, the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance has two advantages over Lan Chang'an.
Firstly, the strongest combat force of this Merchant Alliance is a late-stage fourth-tier Demon King.
It's not that the "Azure-Eyed Beast" is weaker than a cultivator of the same level.
Rather, it is because of its role as a guardian deity, not participating in the specific decisions of the Merchant Alliance, so as not to be too calculating or pay too much attention to Lan Chang'an, an Guest Elder.
In contrast, human cultivators of the same level often have more doubts and anxieties.
Lan Chang'an had many secrets and didn't want to attract too much attention under the nose of Nascent Soul Great Cultivator.
Secondly, Zhao Siyao's reincarnation is a medium-sized maritime merchant Lineage under the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
By the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, Lan Chang'an could better look after his old acquaintances.
Lan Chang'an quickly made a decision.
As for Xiangong Island, he could travel there by taking the Cross-Sea Array to purchase supplies and communicate with the island's Puppet masters.
Ten days later.
Heavenly Star Sea, Luoxia Archipelago.
Liesu Island.
The Cross-Sea Array on the high platform was enveloped in light, and the figures of more than a dozen cultivators appeared.
Most of them are high-level cultivators, including both true and False Core cultivators.
One of the White-Robed Man, was handsome and refined, with a few strands of silver hair mixed in with his black hair tied up.
The man was about thirty or forty years old, with deep-set eyes. He stood with his hands behind his back, his sleeves fluttering, exuding a lofty air of having experienced the vicissitudes of life.
"Please, senior."
"The True Lord requests your presence."
The high-ranking cultivators in the same formation were respectful and courteous, and took the initiative to defer to each other.
This Nascent Soul True Lord possessed unfathomable Law Power and an extraordinary demeanor, inspiring awe and submission in all cultivators.
Lan Chang'an nodded and flew out of the high platform where the Cross-Sea Array was located.
Lan Chang'an now looks similar to he did in Great Qing, but he is a decade or two older.
This is a secret technique he practiced in the complete "Evergreen Art," which allows him to transform himself into a younger or older appearance.
This is his true appearance, untouched by time, a seamless whole, not a disguise.
Therefore, it is even more difficult for cultivators of the same realm to detect the clues.
Lan Chang'an Liesu Island before him; there were more than a dozen similar formations on this island.
In the surrounding sea, an archipelago is scattered like stars, shrouded by a large fourth-order formation.
The outer perimeter is a mid-grade fourth-order grand formation, while the inner perimeter is a Tier 4 High-Grade grand formation.
Each of the Spirit Vein islands serves as the foundation stone of the grand formation.
"Such a vast array, spanning archipelagos stretching for tens of thousands of miles, truly befits one of the four great Merchant Alliance —they are incredibly wealthy!"
Lan Chang'an nodded to himself.
As he paused to look around, a Nascent Soul elder from the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance came to greet him.
"Fellow Daoist, your presence on the Luoxia Archipelago is a warm welcome to our alliance. If you have any business to discuss, I, Chen, can assist in making introductions."
The Nascent Soul Cultivator guarding the area, a portly old man of about sixty, warmly welcomed them.
The faint Nascent Soul Middle Stage Law Power emanating from Lan Chang'an made him dare not be negligent, and he lowered his stance.
"Hehe, Mr. Lu does indeed have a business deal to discuss."
Lan Chang'an smiled warmly, showed the token given to him by "Wei Dongjun" that day, and briefly explained his purpose.
After confirming the token.
The well-to-do elderly man surnamed Chen had a friendly smile and his eyes were slightly narrowed.
"So it was Elder Wei who recommended this highly skilled person. My apologies for my lack of respect."
Lan Chang'an keenly noticed that after learning that he had been introduced by Wei Dongjun, the expression of the Chen family elder guarding the town changed somewhat subtly.
Elder Chen, who was on guard duty, took out his communication token and sent a message to the main headquarters of the Luoxia Archipelago.
While waiting, Lan Chang'an spoke with Elder Chen and managed to extract some information.
turn out to be.
Wei Dongjun is a direct descendant of the Grand Elder of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
The Grand Elder of the Merchant Alliance holds a high position and possesses the Spirit Contract artifact of that late-stage fourth-tier Azure-Eyed Beast.
After a short while, like drinking a cup of tea.
A Escape Light from a Nascent Soul flew out from the main island and headed straight for Liesu Island.
The newcomer, a young Nascent Soul Cultivator in a dark blue robe and with a high-bridged nose, was none other than "Wei Dongjun," whom he had encountered on the Deep Sea Giant Ship that day.
"Haha! True Lord Lu is actually Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator. No wonder I couldn't gauge his strength when I was on the giant ship."
Wei Dongjun looked at Lan Chang'an, who had a completely new look, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.
Lan Chang'an did not conceal his Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivation level.
Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivation level can enjoy the corresponding level of benefits, which is conducive to cultivation and will help them eventually break through to the Nascent Soul Late Stage.
Furthermore, the proportion of Nascent Soul Middle Stage in the Heavenly Star Sea is far higher than in Great Qing, and also slightly higher than in Great Abyss.
This is Lan Chang'an's impression after passing through several fourth-tier islands and Immortal City.
The probability of encountering Nascent Soul Middle Stage is higher than that of encountering a cultivator from Great Qing or Great Abyss.
"True Lord Lu, come with me to Luoxia Main Island."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Wei Dongjun led the way.
The two flew in the sky, Wei Dongjun pointed to the main island below and the small and medium-sized islands scattered over a radius of 100,000 miles, introducing the general situation of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance headquarters.
The industries on these islands do not belong to a single power, but rather are a collection of dozens of maritime merchant Lineage, large and small, within the Merchant Alliance.
Even the weakest merchant Lineage in the alliance has a True Core cultivator in charge.
Large maritime merchant Lineage often have Nascent Soul Cultivator in charge, making them members of the Merchant Alliance Council of Elders.
"If True Lord Lu wishes to establish Lineage and have offspring in the archipelago, and to marry into the Inner Sea the alliance, he can become a formal elder of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance."
Wei Dongjun asked a probing question in a joking tone.
"Never mind, I'm all alone and used to a life of leisure. I only wish to be a Guest Elder."
Lan Chang'an shook his head.
The two chatted and laughed, and soon they approached the main island.
At this moment.
A True Lord at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage stage came out to greet them.
"This is Qiu Luoyan, the Vice Alliance Leader of this Merchant Alliance."
Wei Dongjun made no attempt to hide anything and took the initiative to introduce them, clearly indicating that he was quite familiar with this Vice Alliance Leader.
Qiu Luoyan wore a long, cloud-blue robe, her bone structure exuding a heroic air, making her appear calm and capable.
Her long, dark blue hair was simply styled into a neat and tidy bun, secured only by a Ink Jade Swallowtail Hairpin.
Under the setting sun, the woman's fair skin glowed with a luminous sheen, like the clear light of the autumn moon.
"So it's True Lord Lu."
Qiu Luoyan's eyelashes were long and drooping, her lips slightly pursed in a smile, and her lips were outlined with a faint coral pink.
Lan Chang'an and the Alliance Leader Qiu exchanged a glance.
The invisible Divine Sense pressure dissipated after a brief contact between the two.
Boom!
The calm sea below was suddenly churned up with giant waves tens of meters high.
As Nascent Soul Middle Stage female True Lord, Qiu Luoyan's Law Power Divine Sense are much stronger than those of True Lord Ming Shui and True Lord Zixia.
"Ordinary magical Law Power at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage?"
After confirming Lan Chang'an's cultivation level, the Alliance Leader Qiu looked at Wei Dongjun was leading the way:
"Dongjun, I will take Daoist Lu to see Alliance Leader Zuo. Make arrangements as soon as possible and act accordingly."
Wei Dongjun nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Sister Qiu."
According to the alliance's rules, newly joined Nascent Soul Guest Elder need to be approved by the Council of Elders.
As the introducer, Wei Dongjun needs to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
However, with a leader and Vice Alliance Leader present at the headquarters of the Merchant Alliance, they can act expediently and make arrangements for Lan Chang'an first, then proceed to the Council of Elders later.
After all, Wei Dongjun has the Grand Elder of the Merchant Alliance standing behind him.
What the three elders approve of will surely pass at the Council of Elders.
Luoxia Main Island, the Zongmeng Grand Hall.
Through the introduction of Qiu Luoyan.
Lan Chang'an greeted Zuo Tianxiong was seated at the head of the main hall.
Zuo Tianxiong had a broad face and a heavy chin, his face darkened with the marks of time, and his thick, purplish-black eyebrows exuded an imposing presence.
He sat on the throne in the main hall, dressed in a black cloak with thunder patterns, overlaid with scale-skin animal armor, and with a black and gold belt with a python and dragon design around his waist.
This leader of the sect alliance was at the peak of the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, possessing immense Law Power, and his tiger-like eyes gleamed with a sharp light as he opened and closed them.
It was at its zenith, at the height of its power.
"The Nascent Soul cultivator recommended by Dongjun should be fine, but according to the alliance rules, they need to pass the ' Heart-Questioning Mirror ' test."
Zuo Tianxiong, in a businesslike manner, raised his hand and took out an ancient bronze Ancient Mirror.
Alliance Leader Qiu promptly explained, "Rest assured, True Lord Lu, our alliance will only ask a maximum of three general questions that do not involve privacy."
"The two alliance leaders invite you in."
Lan Chang'an glanced at the bronze mirror above his head and felt reassured.
The Alliance Leader Zuo spoke first, asking two questions:
"Where does Daoist Lu come from? Were you sent by an enemy force?"
"Lu comes from the inland region of the Tianheng Continent. His homeland was invaded by the Demonic Path Alliance, and later, facing a formidable enemy, he had no choice but to flee overseas."
"This is my first time overseas, and naturally I have no connection with any of your alliance's hostile forces."
Lan Chang'an answered truthfully.
With his Nascent Soul Late Stage Divine Sense, as long as he doesn't tell a colossal lie, he's confident he can bypass the Heart-Questioning Mirror.
However, the questions raised by the Merchant Alliance do not involve privacy, and to be honest, one can ask about their state of mind.
"What are Daoist Lu's purposes or plans in joining this Merchant Alliance?"
The third question was raised by Alliance Leader Qiu.
"Find a safe and peaceful Spirit Vein training Dao Field to cultivate and improve my strength Divine Ability. If I have a chance to advance to the Nascent Soul Late Stage in this lifetime, I will return to my hometown to seek revenge."
Lan Chang'an spoke eloquently, not minding revealing his ambitions and goals.
The Alliance Leader Zuo and the Alliance Leader Qiu exchanged a smile and nodded slightly.
Reaching the Nascent Soul Late Stage is something every giant in the Heavenly Star Sea dreams of.
Including the two leaders present.
However.
Taking this step and becoming one of the top figures in the Heavenly Star Sea —how easy is that?
Looking across the Inner Sea, great cultivators hold a lofty status, being beings close to the pinnacle of the Human Realm, capable of dominating the regional landscape.
Unbeknownst to many, the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, which possesses Tier 4 High-Grade Spirit Vein, has experienced a shortage of "great cultivators" in the last three hundred years, and was once in crisis.
"Elder Lu has lofty aspirations; we should all strive to emulate him!"
The Alliance Leader Zuo and the Alliance Leader Qiu rose and formally greeted Lan Chang'an.
This moment.
With the approval of the two alliance leaders, Lan Chang'an became Guest Elder of the "Azure Sea Merchant Alliance," a top-tier force in the Outer Sea.
Alliance Leader Qiu personally accompanied Lan Chang'an to process his identity.
"By the way, if True Lord Lu has any powerful Spirit Pet, it would be best to show them off. That way, they can be registered together."
"This is a reminder from the Alliance Leader Qiu said.
"Alright."
Lan Chang'an nodded and gently patted the Spirit Pet Bag.
Whoosh! Boom!
A vast, cold, and turbulent torrent surged forth.
A colossal, dark blue tortoise, eighteen zhang wide and resembling an oval mountain, appeared beneath the two figures, radiating a chilling aura.
"A fourth-tier Mystic Turtle!"
The Alliance Leader Qiu was slightly moved, and a cool sensation came from the soles of his feet.
Call!
Lan Chang'an landed on the Big Turtle. He was handsome and dashing, with flowing sleeves and black hair tied up with silver-white strands. He had a profound and weathered air about him.
The Alliance Leader Qiu was taken aback. Looking at the lofty figure riding the tortoise and treading the waves, he inexplicably had the illusion of admiring its magnificence.
Her intuition told her that this True Lord Lu was probably a person with a story.
Just possessing a fourth-tier Heaven Grade Mystic Turtle is quite remarkable.
The Mystic Water Turtle revealed its presence not long after.
A sense of oppressive vastness surged from beneath the sea, accompanied by the Divine Sense fluctuations of a great cultivator.
The Mystic Water Turtle appeared slightly flustered, feeling uneasy under the immense pressure.
Fortunately, that feeling of oppression was short-lived.
After sweeping his powerful Divine Sense over Lan Chang'an and the Mystic Water Turtle, he lost interest and quickly withdrew.
Lan Chang'an knew that this was just a brief attention from the late-stage fourth-tier "Guardian Sacred Beast" of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
For the first time since joining the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, he felt a sense of threat and pressure.
Just now, even though he was being interrogated by Zuo Tianxiong and Qiu Luoyan at the same time, he didn't feel any pressure.
"Please excuse my Alliance Leader Qiu."
Sweat beaded on Lan Chang'an's forehead as he tried to appear calm.
"It's alright! When our alliance sparred with the Azure-Eyed Sacred Beast back then, we were in a terrible sorry state."
"The Alliance Leader Qiu said with a smile."
Lan Chang'an's slight loss of composure pleased her.
It seems that the feeling of awe and magnificence I had just experienced was just an illusion.
Perhaps it was True Lord Lu's superior appearance and temperament that caused her to make a momentary misjudgment.
"By the way, Alliance Leader Qiu, why didn't our Grand Elder participate in the identity verification just now?"
During the journey, Lan Chang'an asked, puzzled.
The Grand Elder possesses the Spirit Contract artifact of the Azure-Eyed Sacred Beast, and his status and influence within the sect should be above that of the Alliance Leader.
"He cultivated his character and prolonged his life, entrusting most of the alliance's affairs to the alliance leader and two Vice Alliance Leader. He rarely interferes in alliance matters now..."
After careful consideration, Alliance Leader Qiu offered a tactful explanation.
Prolong life?
Lan Chang'an's heart skipped a beat; could the rumors circulating outside be true?
Is that Grand Elder of the Merchant Alliance truly nearing the end of his lifespan?
Fifteen minutes later.
Accompanied by Alliance Leader Qiu, Lan Chang'an successfully registered at the main island headquarters and received his identity token and other items.
At this moment, Lan Chang'an had a sea chart in his hand, which was a map showing the distribution of Spirit Vein islands in the archipelago where the Merchant Alliance headquarters was located.
Next, it is time to choose Dao Field for cultivation.
Based on his cultivation level, Lan Chang'an could choose a mid-grade fourth-order Spirit Vein island from this archipelago.
Alliance Leader Qiu explained very patiently.
There are very few vacant fourth-tier, mid-grade Spirit Vein islands, limiting the options available.
Lan Chang'an chose the one furthest from the main island.
The two flew towards the island.
Thousands of miles later.
A sense of connection was transmitted from the [Nine Imprint Tablet] deep within Lan Chang'an's consciousness.
Back in Great Qing, he left the Reincarnation Mark on Li Erqing and Zhao Siyao.
Under the invisible influence of the Nine Imprint Tablet, they are bound together, their fate unbroken. The probability of meeting again in the next life is greatly increased.
Since arriving on these islands, that sense of connection has been present intermittently, but now it is even clearer and more distinct.
Following his senses, Lan Chang'an glanced discreetly in that direction.