The Zhao Sisters, Overbearing True Lord
Above the islands thousands of miles away.
Two streaks of Escape Light flashed across the clear blue sky.
A light, ethereal mist, like a veil, enveloped the beautiful figures of the two female cultivators.
"Sister, can you hurry up? We need to get back to the Lineage island soon."
Zhao Yueshu flew ahead, her figure graceful and her face radiant, her eyebrows slightly raised, her gaze sparkling.
The woman appeared to be around twenty years old, dressed in a magnificent purple wide-sleeved dress, adorned with silk ribbons and precious hairpins and jewels, exuding the noble air of a direct descendant of the Aristocratic Clan.
The elder sister's slender figure behind her resembled a bamboo grove under the moon. The Escape Light emanating from her Golden Core Realm Formation stage was somewhat restrained and mixed, unlike her younger sister's, which was crystal clear.
"Younger sister."
Zhao Shiyao called softly, her brows furrowing slightly, her breathing quickening, as if she couldn't keep up.
This woman has bright, intelligent eyes, a straight, elegant nose, and a cool, refined demeanor.
She wore a classic sky-blue long dress, covered with a snow-white gauze overlay, her fairy-like skirt fluttering in the wind.
The sea breeze ruffled her long, flowing hair; her profile was like a painting, serene and beautiful.
Her skirt billowed in the wind, outlining her graceful figure.
The two women's graceful figures were like a stunningly beautiful scene on the sea.
It attracted the admiring glances of passing Merchant Alliance and cultivators, with high-level cultivators even stopping to admire it.
They either asked around or whispered among themselves.
"Those are the Zhao Sisters, who advanced to the Golden Core Realm one after the other several years ago and are quite well-known in the archipelago," someone replied.
"Biological sisters? I observe that one of the women is only at the False Core Formation stage."
"Yes, they are half-sisters, but the elder sister is more beautiful and has a better temperament."
"It's a pity they only formed False Core. If both women were true core cultivators, they would surely have created a beautiful love story, attracting the interest of Nascent Soul Old Monsters."
Someone said regretfully, "Could it be that my sister isn't talented enough?"
"My sister has excellent aptitude; she possesses High-Grade Spiritual Root."
"Then why..."
"The Zhao Family was robbed by pirates a few years ago, losing important resources and suffering a great loss. It will take decades for the family to recover. The Zhao Sisters are close in age and Golden Core Realm stage at the same time. The Zhao Family does not have enough resources to support both of them to the Golden Core Realm at the same time."
"It is said that the elder sister gave the best Golden Core Realm resources to her younger sister."
"I see. Such deep sisterly affection is truly precious. Sister Zhao Family is indeed a woman of exceptional virtue and wisdom..."
Several members of the Merchant Alliance expressed either regret or admiration.
"The situation is probably not that simple."
An old cultivator Golden Core Realm a Confucian scholar, who had reached the Core Formation stage, shook his head and said:
"I do know some inside information: Zhao Yueshu's mother comes from a powerful Golden Core Realm Lineage within the alliance; her older sister Zhao Shiyao's mother was just a Rogue Cultivator died young, leaving her without any support within the clan."
Upon hearing this, the cultivators suddenly understood.
Half-sisters, competing for the path to immortality, how could there be any sisterly affection between them?
My sister is probably forced to do this by circumstances.
"Looking into this woman's eyes and brows, there seemed to be a lingering trace of melancholy."
The elderly scholar gazed at Zhao Shiyao's retreating figure, feeling a pang of pity and a sense of bewilderment.
It seems to evoke memories of a figure from my youth that haunted my dreams.
Until that day, the clear blue shadow merged into the sea and sky under the moonlight.
He came to his senses and murmured:
"A sky-blue skirt reflects the sea's hue, moonlight veils her ethereal beauty."
The headquarters of the Merchant Alliance is located in the Luoxia Archipelago.
A thick sea fog spread out before Lan Chang'an and Alliance Leader Qiu.
"Elder Lu, Hidden Mist Island is just ahead."
The island, about thirty or forty miles long, is shrouded in mist and clouds, its interior a deep blue-green that blends seamlessly with the surrounding sea.
Due to the natural sea fog and the island's environment, this fourth-tier Spirit Vein island seems to be invisible in the sea.
Cultivators unfamiliar with the environment of the Luoxia Archipelago might not even know that a Spirit Vein island exists there.
The environment is acceptable.
Lan Chang'an surveyed the spirit island below and was generally satisfied.
Hidden Mist Island, spanning dozens of miles, has a terrain that slopes from east to west, and is covered with vast expanses of lush, verdant spiritual trees.
The island's highest peak is several hundred feet high, and at its summit stands an ancient-style cave.
It is named "Cloud Sea Abode".
Behind the cave dwelling are high cliffs overlooking the sea; amidst the swirling clouds and mist, the sound of the tide can also be heard.
Watching the clouds and listening to the tides.
It offers a detached perspective, as if overlooking the overseas Cultivation World.
At the center of Hidden Mist Island lies a bottomless, deep, emerald-green pool, its water icy cold and surrounded by a layer of frost.
"That's the ' Clear Frost Pool ' on the island. The stone walls at the bottom of the pool contain Cold Moon Stone and are connected to the underwater Spirit Vein, so it's not suitable for excavation."
"True Lord Lu is not Fire Element cultivator, and the fourth-tier Spirit Turtle is more water-based and cold in nature, so this place is quite suitable for him."
Qiu Luoyan smiled faintly as she introduced the situation of Hidden Mist Island to Lan Chang'an.
"This is it."
Lan Chang'an immediately made the decision to obtain the Array Flag and cave tokens for Hidden Mist Island from Alliance Leader Qiu.
Hidden Mist Island is the fourth-tier Spirit Vein Dao Field furthest from the main island, and its environment is also suitable for Lord Mystic Water's cultivation.
The downside is that the fourth-order Spirit Vein branch it belongs to is relatively small in scale.
It's just enough to accommodate Lan Chang'an and Lord Mystic Water's cultivation.
If Di Yan Jun were also present, the Spiritual Qi supply on Hidden Mist Island might be insufficient.
"Elder Lu, please stay in the archipelago for a while to get used to the situation. If there isn't enough manpower on the islands, you can borrow some from the Merchant Association Headquarters."
Before parting, Qiu Luoyan gave Lan Chang'an a Jade Slip containing basic information about the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance and the Archipelago Headquarters.
This includes information on the welfare benefits, corresponding obligations and responsibilities of Guest Elder within the alliance.
The cultivators of the Merchant Alliance differ somewhat from those of traditional sects; most of them do not have Daoist Title.
For example, Zuo Tianxiong and Qiu Luoyan use their surnames to address their titles or fellow practitioners.
The cultivators of the Merchant Alliance do not engage in empty talk but pursue practical benefits. They expand their Lineage businesses and acquire more resources to improve their cultivation.
A few days later.
Lan Chang'an completed the partial renovation of Hidden Mist Island.
The island formations and cave Restriction were re-established.
A small Underground Palace was built between Clear Frost Pool and Cloud Sea Abode, with tunnels connecting the two ends.
Without Di Yan Jun present, the excavation efficiency is somewhat lower.
Lan Chang'an directed Lord Mystic Water and a fourth-tier Puppet to begin construction, which proceeded relatively quickly.
However, the giant tortoise is inevitably somewhat clumsy when it comes to engineering.
Underground Palace.
The Mystic Heaven Gourd Vine vines take root beside the cold spring stream, their leaves reflecting faint dappled sunlight.
The Underground Palace is located in a place where it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Lan Chang'an used the strange formation set up in the "Frost Pool" to distort and guide the light of the sun, moon and stars.
Therefore, at this moment, the Mystic Heaven Gourd Vine's roots are connected to the earth's veins, and its leaves can absorb the power of the sun, moon, and stars.
The Heavenly Star Sea Region is ablaze with stars.
At night, the Mystic Heaven Gourd Vine grows faster than Great Abyss.
"Nailed it."
After the Mystic Vine took root, Lan Chang'an officially settled down in the Heavenly Star Sea Region.
That year, Lan Chang'an was 641 years old.
It has been six years since I left Tianheng Continent and Yuan Province.
The next morning.
Lan Chang'an appeared at Cloud Sea Abode, the highest cliff on Hidden Mist Island.
The cliff behind the cave.
The clouds and mist swirl around, seemingly within reach. The sound of waves crashing against the cliffs rises and falls below.
Lan Chang'an's earlobes vibrated at a high frequency, expanding several degrees, entering a mysterious sensory realm.
In this environment, one naturally cultivates the "Listen-to-the-Sea Divine Ear," and Divine Ability abilities subtly improve.
Without needing Divine Sense or physical eyes, he could grasp the minute details of the area within hundreds of miles of Hidden Mist Island.
In the Near Sea, several third- or fourth-tier islands shrouded in a thin mist of spiritual light are mostly Guest Elder Dao Field.
Occasionally, Merchant Alliance cultivators patrolling the sea, or maritime merchant cultivators riding Spirit Pet Escape Light flying birds, would pass by.
The Luoxia Archipelago, located in the heart of the Heavenly Star Sea, are the headquarters of the Merchant Alliance.
This isn't a branch headquarters, so you rarely see Qi Refining Realm cultivators here.
Most of them are Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators, followed by Core Formation True Person.
The proportion of Pseudo-Core True Person is higher in the mainland compared to other areas.
In the Great Qing Land, Foundation Establishment cultivators who have no hope of the Golden Core Realm might be able to try for a False Core in the resource-rich sea.
Before noon, Lan Chang'an returned to Cloud Sea Abode.
After the routine practice.
Lan Chang'an took out the Jade Slip left behind by Alliance Leader Qiu.
As Guest Elder of the Merchant Alliance, they enjoy benefits and must perform their duties once every twenty years.
The most common role is to be dispatched to guard and protect the Merchant Alliance's industries.
For example, the island Immortal City, the merchant guild's giant Spirit Boat, and important mining and fishing grounds.
They typically serve for ten years, followed by a ten-year rotation.
During this period, there will be subsidies in the form of Spirit Stone and elixirs.
The places they guard are mostly bustling islands with fourth-order Spirit Vein, so it doesn't affect their cultivation.
In some harsh environments, there are no fourth-order Spirit Vein. In such cases, there will be additional Merchant Alliance contribution subsidies.
These are just routine tasks.
There are also some unexpected situations, such as wiping out pirates who robbed cultivators on the trade routes and driving away Great Demon King and sea beasts that were causing havoc.
These types of tasks may involve certain risks, but the rewards are higher, and the rest period after completion is longer.
"Merchant Alliance contributions... can be exchanged for a far wider range of scarce Tier 4 resources than the Great Dayu Imperial Clan."
Lan Chang'an examined the information on the Jade Slip and was intrigued.
Over the past one or two centuries, he has exploited the royal family extensively. Meanwhile, overseas resources are scarce in Great Abyss, creating a complementary relationship.
The exchangeable treasures and spiritual items are what he needs to advance to the Tier 4 Middle-Grade Puppet.
It also contains the Essence Blood of Demon King and Sacred Medicine needed for body refinement.
At its highest level, there are even near-fifth-tier materials and spiritual herbs.
"As expected of a top-tier overseas power, one of the four major Merchant Alliance."
While reflecting on his experience, Lan Chang'an checked the contribution required from the Merchant Alliance for the top-tier resources.
As a result, the required contributions from the Merchant Alliance were all astronomical.
Garrison missions are relatively safe, but the contribution points earned are not much, only enough to exchange for ordinary Tier 3 or 4 resources.
Those strategic materials and rare spiritual treasures are priced several times or even ten times higher than ordinary resources of the same level.
Relying solely on garrisoning would take an unknown amount of time.
However, there are high-risk bounty notices within the Merchant Alliance, which can be exchanged for high contribution points.
The target is a formidable enemy or hostile force of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
For example, the infamous Insect Demon; the Demon King Dragonborn who has clashed with the Merchant Alliance; and the two Great Sea Kings who are enemies of the Merchant Alliance...
There is also a list of assassinations of opposing forces, but it has not yet been made available to Lan Chang'an.
Among them, "Insect Demon" has the highest wanted number.
The Insect Demon's wanted status is not limited to the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance; most forces in the Heavenly Star Sea have put a bounty on his head. He has committed heinous crimes in the surrounding sea areas.
Over the past few centuries, several Nascent Soul experts have died at the hands of the Insect Demon.
The Insect Demon is a mysterious insect cultivator in the Nascent Soul Middle Stage stage, proficient in poison arts and Gu techniques, capable of killing without leaving a trace.
Its Golden Flame Insect Swarm, after devouring the flesh and blood of numerous high-level cultivators and Demon Beast, reached a terrifying level.
Nascent Soul Middle Stage gets caught in a swarm of insects, they'll be severely injured, if not killed.
Below the Nascent Soul Late Stage, the Insect Demon is virtually invincible, causing immense harm to the Heavenly Star Sea and the surrounding waters.
Moreover, the Insect Demon possesses remarkable survival skills. In addition to being adept at disguise and concealment, it is said to also possess a strange insect that senses danger.
Often, before Nascent Soul Great Cultivator even arrives at the scene, this demon will have already fled and disappeared into the vast sea.
"This demon's strength is at least comparable to the leader of the Great Qing Demonic Sect, but he is far more dangerous and cunning..."
Lan Chang'an shook his head slightly, not believing he was confident he could kill this fiend.
Defeating someone with serious injuries is pointless; you won't get the bounty.
A top-tier existence in the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, far surpassing even the True Lord Ming Shui.
Even though decades have passed and Lan Chang'an's Divine Ability abilities have increased considerably, he is no longer a newly Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator.
Eat your food slowly, one bite at a time.
Lan Chang'an planned to accumulate more materials and upgrade all the ordinary fourth-tier Puppet in the Puppet Array to the same level of high-quality ones.
As for the true fourth-tier Puppet, it has already reached its peak. It is just waiting for the future to accumulate strength and then break through to become a mid-tier fourth-tier Puppet Master.
Nighttime.
After reading the contents of the Jade Slip, Lan Chang'an found a wealth of information about the Merchant Alliance's industries and related Lineage, which would be helpful for him in carrying out his missions in the future.
"Star Sand Island... the Zhao Family."
Based on the information and using Divination Art, Lan Chang'an identified a medium-sized maritime merchant Lineage under the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
He chuckled softly and muttered to himself:
"Unexpectedly, Fairy Zhao also bears the surname Zhao in this life."
The Zhao Family of Star Sand Island also resides in these Luoxia Archipelago.
It is 20,000 to 30,000 miles away from Hidden Mist Island where Lan Chang'an is located.
Those who cultivate immortality in their next life may not necessarily have Spirit Root or a predestined affinity with immortality.
According to his calculations, Fairy Zhao must have experienced several mortal lives before rekindling her immortal destiny in the Heavenly Star Sea.
Lan Chang'an did not rashly approach Fairy Zhao.
Firstly, the Fairy Zhao in this life doesn't know him at all.
When the two met, they acted as if they were strangers.
Secondly, cultivators focus on this life, even if they awaken some memories of their Previous Life later.
The Fairy Zhao in this life is not entirely the same person as Zhao Siyao in the Previous Life.
Unless it is the reincarnation of a great being, whose achievements in the Previous Life laid the groundwork for a future immortal destiny.
In this situation, one can only become dominant after awakening their Previous Life.
Lan Chang'an and Fairy Zhao knew each other for two or three hundred years in their Previous Life, and their karmic ties were deep. He was willing to take care of her destiny in her next life.
He vividly remembered the tragic figure of Fairy Zhao appearing when he was undergoing his Inner Demon Tribulation.
Zhao Siyao failed to form her true core in her Previous Life and perished on the battlefield of the Demonic Path, which ultimately left Lan Chang'an feeling resentful and even a little guilty deep in his heart.
Otherwise, Fairy Zhao wouldn't have appeared during the Inner Demon Tribulation, and wouldn't have been used by the Outer Realm Heavenly Demon to shake his Dao heart and will.
Lan Chang'an pondered for a long time how to approach Fairy Zhao's life without it feeling abrupt.
His actions will affect Fairy Zhao's fate and destiny in this lifetime, so he must act with caution.
Inside the cave, Lan Chang'an performed divination and prophecy for a while longer.
"Hmm? Fairy Zhao about to fall into the lowest point of her life? Now is the perfect time to help her out, and her resistance will be reduced."
Lan Chang'an smiled, having found a suitable entry point.
Six months later.
Lan Chang'an adapted to his cultivation time on the Merchant Alliance Islands and Hidden Mist Island.
Two months ago, he passed the review of the Merchant Alliance Council of Elders and completed the final procedures to become Guest Elder.
During this period, Wei Dongjun visited twice, and Alliance Leader Qiu also came once.
Lan Chang'an exchanged brief greetings with several Guest Elder and advisors from the vicinity.
At the top level of the Merchant Alliance, there are still two people Lan Chang'an hasn't met.
One of them is another Vice Alliance Leader Wan, Wan, who is away handling affairs and has not returned.
Secondly, there is the Grand Elder of the Merchant Alliance, the transcendent being who wields power over a late-stage fourth-tier Great Demon King.
As a descendant of the Grand Elder, Wei Dongjun has a close relationship with Lan Chang'an, perhaps with the intention of winning him over.
Clearly, the Grand Elder had not ignored him.
One night, the guardian deity of the Merchant Alliance, the "Azure-Eyed Beast," quietly swam past from the depths of the sea off Hidden Mist Island.
After secretly observing Lan Chang'an and Lord Mystic Water for a moment, the Azure-Eyed Beast silently departed.
Only Lan Chang'an, possessing the divine senses of the Nascent Soul Late Stage Divine Sense and having cultivated the <Listen-to-the-Sea Divine Ear>, could confirm the traces of that Great Demon King's presence.
Lan Chang'an realized that the Grand Elder of the Merchant Alliance did not trust him very much, and even had doubts about him.
Lan Chang'an could understand this.
The Grand Elder's lifespan is not long, and he is getting old; it's normal for old people to become suspicious.
That morning.
Lan Chang'an calculated the time, then rode his Escape Light and left Hidden Mist Island.
This was the first time since he joined the Merchant Alliance that he had left the Dao Field and flown thousands of miles away.
Apart from the top echelons of the Merchant Alliance, most of the major maritime Lineage under its umbrella were unaware of his joining as Nascent Soul Guest Elder.
at the same time.
The Zhao Family on Xingsha Island was bustling with activity and filled with joy today.
"The Zhao Family is truly blessed; a female cultivator from their clan has actually been able to marry Core Formation True Person from the Chen Family of Giant Shark Island."
"It is said that the Chen Family's upper echelons did not approve of this marriage alliance. However, that ' Chen Muge ' had his eye on the Zhao Sisters."
Merchant Lineage on nearby islands glanced at them with envy.
For ordinary maritime merchant Lineage, female cultivators Golden Core Realm stage are precious and will not easily marry out.
However, the marriage partner is a Nascent Soul Lineage within the Merchant Alliance, which is a rare opportunity for them to climb the social ladder and form an alliance.
Inside the main hall of the Zhao Family on Xingsha Island.
The clan leader, a Late Core Formation, was discussing details with a beautiful woman from the Chen Family who represented the Golden Core Realm.
"Didn't we agree that you would only marry Yue Shu? Why are there any additional conditions attached to the engagement today?"
The Zhao Lineage patriarch's face was etched with wrinkles, and he looked troubled.
"Double happiness, why not?"
The beautiful woman from the Chen Family, Golden Core Realm the Core Formation stage, didn't seem to mind and said with a smile:
"Mu Ge has already withstood pressure from higher-ups to marry a daughter of the Zhao Family as his principal wife. Besides, he truly loves Zhao Shiyao; let her accompany him as a concubine."
The additional conditions imposed by the Giant Shark Chen Family, silenced several high-ranking members of the Zhao Family.
Chen Muge of the Chen Family fell in love with Zhao Shiyao at first sight many years ago and insisted on marrying her.
Unfortunately, Zhao Shiyao only formed False Core.
The Chen Family of Giant Shark Island would never allow Chen Muge to marry a False Core cultivator as his legal wife.
Chen Muge was too fixated on his goal and refused to give up.
Zhao Shiyao was the white moonlight in his heart.
At this time, Zhao Yueshu, who had formed Midstream True Core, stood out.
The elders of the Chen Family, as a compromise, suggested that Chen Muge marry Zhao Yueshu first. As for Zhao Shiyao, they could always take her as a concubine later.
When Chen Muge met Zhao Yueshu, he found that she was also exceptionally beautiful and had Higher Vehicle temperament; after forming her True Core, her potential far surpassed that of her older sister.
Chen Muge also took a liking to his younger sister and agreed to the Lineage's arrangement.
On the beach of Xingsha Island.
"Pastoral Song, this is the place I loved to come to most when I was a child."
Zhao Yueshu, with her crescent-shaped eyebrows and a gentle smile, strolled around the island with Chen Muge.
Chen Muge had a fair complexion, sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. He wore Cloud Crown and a dark blue robe with sea patterns. He stood tall and had an extraordinary demeanor, befitting Core Formation Cultivator from the Aristocratic Clan.
This was the kind of man Zhao Yueshu dreamed of; she had fallen for him at first sight many years ago.
Unfortunately, at that time, Chen Muge only had his sister Zhao Shiyao in his heart and didn't see her in the corner at all.
Oh? Your sister likes coming to the beach too?
"No, my sister prefers quiet and isn't very active. She often just sits there in the bamboo grove, lost in thought, sometimes for half a day at a time."
"Bamboo forest?"
Chen Muge's eyes lit up, and he became interested, so he went to the bamboo forest several miles away.
"Shiyao!?"
Her elegant figure in the sky-blue dress was as beautiful as a poem or a painting, like a fairy descended from heaven, and came into Chen Muge's view.
His heart skipped a beat, and his long-suppressed affection was finally revealed.
Zhao Shiyao hung her head, feeling lost and sad, a bitter feeling rising within her.
She has lost too much over the years.
Her mother was a Rogue Cultivator who passed away a dozen years after giving birth to her.
The playboy's father, after much difficulty, turned over a new leaf and started doing some serious work within the alliance.
As a result, he perished in the jaws of a giant sea monster during his trade journey, leaving no trace of his remains.
If it weren't for her excellent Spirit Root aptitude, the Zhao Family might not have acknowledged her as an illegitimate daughter, allowing her to be cultivated by Lineage immortal cultivators and merchants.
She Higher Vehicle exceptional talent and high comprehension, along with an extraordinary appearance and temperament, which caught the eye of a promising young man from Nascent Soul Aristocratic Clan.
It seemed her life was about to soar to new heights.
However, he encountered a major setback at the stage of the Golden Core Realm.
My sister's mother is the legal wife, and her Lineage's influence is stronger than that of the Zhao Family family on Xingsha Island.
She had no parents and no one to rely on.
If I had competed with my sister for fortuitous opportunity, I might not be alive today.
The Lineage's limited resources for the Golden Core Realm were all poured into the younger sister Zhao Yueshu.
The younger sister obtained a complete Higher Vehicle fortuitous opportunity to form her Golden Core Realm, and successfully formed her true core.
To compensate her, the Lineage reluctantly lent her a low-quality Crystal Condensation Pill.
Even for inferior Crystal Condensation Pill, other Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivators within the clan would fiercely compete for them, practically fighting tooth and nail.
If you give up, you won't have this opportunity again in the next few decades, and you will miss the golden age for the Golden Core Realm.
When she attempted to condense her core, her mind was unstable, and she performed only moderately, ultimately only achieving False Core.
The difference between a genuine elixir and False Core is so small that it almost eliminates any hope of advancing to the next realm.
Let's not even talk about the hopelessness of the Dao Path.
Her beautiful marriage, which was rightfully hers, was also taken away by her younger sister.
Although she had no feelings for Chen Muge.
But looking around, there was no better match for her. Besides, Chen Muge was deeply in love with her and had pursued her for many years.
now.
Everything, everything is lost.
Ironically...
The clan elders actually tried to persuade her to come as part of her dowry and become Chen Muge's concubine.
She absolutely refused, preferring to die a glorious death rather than become a concubine.
Today is the engagement day of the two clans.
Looking back on her life, Zhao Shiyao realizes it has been incredibly difficult!
"Shiyao! I'm so sorry you had to suffer like this."
I saw Fairy Zhao, looking lonely and sorrowful, in the bamboo forest.
Chen Muge's eyes reddened; he felt a pang of pity and a secret sense of shame.
He flew over, ready to comfort the beauty.
"Chen Muge, don't come any closer!"
Zhao Shiyao drew a magic sword, her eyes cold and her expression resolute:
"If you wish to persuade me to become your concubine, please refrain from speaking. If the Chen Family tries to use their power to oppress me, I would rather die than surrender!"
She held the magic sword to her neck, stopping Chen Muge in his tracks.
"Shiyao, don't be impulsive, let me explain..."
Chen Muge dared not approach.
Zhao Shiyao took to the air, sheathed her magic sword, and flew towards the Xingsha Island.
Chen Muge felt uneasy and followed.
"Muge, after we get married, the Lineage will gradually persuade my sister..."
Zhao Yueshu stomped her foot angrily, feeling jealous and resentful.
She couldn't understand why, as his fiancée, she still couldn't replace her sister's place in Chen Muge's heart.
Zhao Shiyao flew to the vicinity of the clouds.
A cold wind blows, and her flowing black hair hides a single tear.
In this life, her Dao Path was interrupted, she lost everything, and suffered countless injustices.
Today, she didn't want to see Chen Muge anymore, and even less did she want to see her smug younger sister.
She even had the idea of leaving the Lineage.
Leave the past behind and start anew.
However, the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance is too powerful, influencing a vast surrounding sea area, making it difficult for her to escape the prison of this Cultivation World.
Just then...
A streak of Escape Light swept through the clouds above, accompanied by a gentle male voice:
Why is this fairy so sorrowful?
Zhao Shiyao's heart skipped a beat as she realized that the person above her was a senior.
She composed herself, lowered her head, and curtsied.
"Raise your head."
Amidst the clouds and mist, a handsome White-Robed Man slowly descended, his black hair, tied up, interspersed with silver-white strands.
The man stood with his hands behind his back, his sleeves fluttering. He appeared to be in his thirties or forties, exuding a weathered and aloof air.
His aura was profound and restrained; only when he got close did the Law Power and spiritual pressure of Nascent Soul True Lord become faintly visible.
"Greetings, True Lord."
Zhao Shiyao had never faced a high and mighty Nascent Soul True Lord directly before, and she was terrified.
She dared not disobey and raised her slightly pale, pretty face.
With tears still wet on her face, Fairy Zhao looked pitiful and helpless.
"You arrived overseas too late, which led to this calamity."
Lan Chang'an looked at Zhao Shiyao, who bore a striking resemblance to her from his Previous Life, and sighed inwardly.
In her previous life, Fairy Zhao's life ended with False Core, leaving her with a lifelong regret.
Unexpectedly, in this life, I have formed False Core again.
There is a rumor in the Cultivation World that even if a cultivator receives another chance at immortality in their next life, it is difficult to surpass their Previous Life.
Of course, this is just an inaccurate rumor, intended to encourage cultivators to cherish their destiny in this life and not to pin their hopes on the next.
Upon seeing Zhao Siyao's reincarnation, Lan Chang'an believed that the rumors had some basis.
For cultivators reincarnating, it's not that they can't surpass their previous lives, but rather that it's quite difficult.
With external forces and fortuitous opportunity, this curse can be broken.
What is your name, Fairy?
"I am Zhao Shiyao, a cultivator from the Zhao Family of Star Sand Island. I dare not call myself a fairy."
Zhao Shiyao calmed her emotions, and her clear, bright eyes glanced at the Nascent Soul True Lord.
For some reason, she had a strange feeling of déjà vu.
She was certain that she had never met this senior in her life.
"Shiyao!"
Chen Muge chased after him from behind, showing concern.
He was taken aback when he saw a strange White-Robed Man talking quietly to Zhao Shiyao.
Who are you, sir?
Chen Muge was dissatisfied and was about to reprimand him.
But upon getting closer, he sensed a faint spiritual pressure from True Lord, which frightened him so much that his face turned pale.
"The Chen Family Giant Shark Island, Chen Muge, pays respects to the True Lord."
Chen Muge bowed respectfully.
He had a bad feeling.
The unfamiliar Nascent Soul Old Monsters looked at Fairy Zhao with a very gentle gaze.
"May I ask, Your True Lord, which Guest Elder from the Archipelago Headquarters are you?"
Relying on his family background, Chen Muge asked a question.
Chen Muge knew that most of the formal Nascent Soul elders in the Merchant Alliance were backed by maritime merchant Lineage and could recognize them.
Only the Guest Elder, who are directly under the command of the main headquarters and have little contact with the merchant Lineage under its command, are unfamiliar with it.
Lan Chang'an ignored Chen Muge, leaving him awkwardly standing aside.
"Pastoral Song, Sister..."
Zhao Yueshu caught up with them.
Following behind were high-ranking cultivators from the Zhao and Chen families who had rushed to the scene upon hearing the news.
"This senior..."
The Lineage and the beautiful woman from the Chen Family, Golden Core Realm Formation stage, looked at them with surprise and doubt, offering their inquiries.
That Nascent Soul True Lord, leaving Zhao Shiyao before him, said without a doubt:
"This woman is destined for me; today I will take her as my concubine!"
These words shocked the cultivators from both races present, and their expressions varied.
More than anything, there was confusion and bewilderment.
"Having only met him once, this True Lord wants to take me as his concubine. This... is far too domineering."
Zhao Shiyao's face was filled with shame and indignation, and her heart felt increasingly desolate.
Before he could resolve to sever ties with his Lineage, he was targeted by Nascent Soul Old Monsters.
Gazing at the profile of this True Lord, a feeling of closeness and familiarity inexplicably arises.
Suddenly, she felt neither the dissatisfaction she had expected, nor the determination to rather perish than surrender.
"Shiyao..."
Chen Muge was unwilling to give up and kept giving Zhao Shiyao meaningful glances, his expression revealing pain and pleading.
The beautiful woman from the Chen Family, Golden Core Realm, fell silent, not uttering a sound.
"May I ask your honorable name, senior?"
The Lineage and others were secretly overjoyed and gave Zhao Shiyao encouraging and supportive hints.
If Zhao Shiyao could become True Lord's concubine, it would be a greater boost to the clan than if Zhao Yueshu married Chen Muge as his principal wife.
After all, Chen Muge was just a promising young talent in the Chen Family and could not influence major Lineage decisions.
"True Lord surname is Lu, and I reside on Hidden Mist Island."
Lan Chang'an, with a pleasant expression, tossed a Storage Bag to the Lineage, essentially buying out Zhao Shiyao's betrothal gifts.
Upon receiving the heavy Storage Bag, the Lineage was overjoyed, for its resources were sufficient to support at least three Foundation Establishment cultivators in their attempt to break through to the Golden Core Realm.
"Pastoral Song, we're engaged..."
Zhao Yueshu took Chen Muge's arm, her voice soft and sorrowful, and advised him not to act impulsively.
My sister suddenly caught the eye of Nascent Soul True Lord.
Zhao Yueshu was in a bad mood, and her jealousy and resentment grew stronger.
Why is my sister so lucky?
She was naturally beautiful and had an extraordinary temperament. In her early years, she was noticed by Chen Muge, a genius of the Chen Family.
I thought that once my sister formed False Core, I would only be able to look up at her from afar.
Unexpectedly, even after Chen Muge was engaged to her, he still couldn't forget his sister.
Now, even Nascent Soul True Lord happens to be passing by has taken a liking to my sister at first glance.
"Let's go back first."
Chen Muge clenched his fists and took a deep breath.
Faced with the tyrannical power of the Nascent Soul Old Monsters, he ultimately dared not voice his objections.
The Guest Elder surnamed Lu interfered in the Chen Family's marriage alliance, and he plans to return to report to the patriarch.
Guest Elder are not part of the Merchant Alliance's inner circle, and their authority differs greatly from that of formal elders.
Chen Family Nascent Soul is his great-grandfather. If he is willing to take charge, there might be a way to turn the tide and rescue Shiyao from the fire.
Seeing that her fiancé had given up, Zhao Yueshu breathed a slight sigh of relief.
Before parting, she couldn't help but glance at her sister and that True Lord.
In terms of demeanor and charm, even her fiancé couldn't compare to that True Lord Lu.
A pang of sadness welled up in her heart, but then she thought again:
"There's no such fortuitous opportunity a free lunch. This Nascent Soul Old Monsters is cunning; it might not be a good thing for you to become his concubine."
"Perhaps, it will one day be nothing more than a furnace or a plaything..."
Thinking of this, Zhao Yueshu felt a little better.
After all, such examples are not uncommon in the Heavenly Star Sea Region.