The Climate Has Formed, The Insect Demon Reappears
Half an hour later.
Lan Chang'an and Wei Dongjun reached a transaction agreement.
Apart from the Dragon Essence Great Elixir and the Flood Dragon Essence Blood, the remaining materials from the Ink Flood Dragon's corpse were packaged and traded to Wei Dongjun.
Several of these mid-stage fourth-tier treasures will greatly advance the material preparation for future attempts to become a mid-stage fourth-tier Puppet Master.
Lan Chang'an knew he had gotten a good deal and owed the other party a favor.
But he had no choice but to accept it.
Selling through other channels yields far lower valuations than Wei Dongjun's, and the tradable materials are of significantly lower quality.
After the deal was reached.
Lan Chang'an and Wei Dongjun chatted happily, and their relationship deepened without them even realizing it.
Intentionally or unintentionally, the conversation drifted to the seventeen top powers of the Heavenly Star Sea, including Sky-Beyond Island.
The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance and Sky-Beyond Island have a good relationship and close trade cooperation.
As a sacred place for Rogue Cultivator, Sky-Beyond Island attracts a large number of Rogue Cultivator from the surrounding seas. Major Merchant Alliance are happy to maintain good relations with this force and conduct trade.
The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance even established an important branch on Sky-Beyond Island.
Not only that.
Several bigwigs in the Merchant Alliance also have a good relationship with Immortal Physician Changqing.
To be precise, Immortal Physician Changqing has a wide network of connections, and many influential figures in the Heavenly Star Sea owe her favors.
According to Wei Dongjun, the Great Demon King of this Merchant Alliance, "Azure-Eyed Beast," nearly perished in a life-or-death battle during the mid-stage of the fourth tier.
Fortunately, the Immortal Physician Changqing intervened, Miraculous Touch Reviving Spring saving the Azure-Eyed Beast's life and preserving its Dao foundation.
The Merchant Alliance raised funds to express their Immortal Physician Changqing, thus incurring a debt of gratitude.
After all, True Lord Ling Chun consumed a small amount of his lifespan when he treated her.
Therefore, the Azure-Eyed Beast is quite close to the Immortal Physician Changqing and feels grateful towards him.
After advancing to the late stage of the fourth rank, the Azure-Eyed Beast personally visited again to express its True Lord Ling Chun for saving it back then.
As night fell, Wei Dongjun was seen off.
Lan Chang'an sighed inwardly, thinking how long-lived the Immortal Physician Changqing must have lived and how extensive his connections were in the Heavenly Star Sea.
Saintly Physician of Miraculous Hands, Merciful Guanyin, Holy Fairy, Goddess Descended to Earth...
In some places, Goddess Shrine have even been built, where she is worshipped and revered by many mortals and some low-ranking monks.
Wei Dongjun had only met True Lord Ling Chun once, but he spoke highly of him.
Although not as exaggerated as rumored, his medical skills were said to be extraordinary, and his heart was exceptionally kind, beyond the mortal realm.
Before coming to the Heavenly Star Sea.
Lan Chang'an had rationally analyzed the situation and concluded that this woman was most likely Changqing Devil Cultivator.
Now I can't help but feel a little shaken.
Could this woman, like him, be neutral and law-abiding, a breath of fresh air in the dark era of cultivation?
Lan Chang'an shook his head, deciding not to think about it anymore.
He had spent a long period of cultivation in the Heavenly Star Sea, giving him ample time to test the waters.
The battle against the dragon must have alarmed the Immortal Physician Changqing, and sooner or later there will be an opportunity for them to come into contact.
Lan Chang'an got up and went through the underground tunnel to the Underground Palace between Cloud Sea Abode and Clear Frost Pool.
"Owner."
Lord Mystic Water stood guard before the Mystic Vine.
Upon seeing Lan Chang'an approach, the tortoise darted over and rubbed against his trouser leg, revealing its eagerness to please him.
To this day, there is no sign that Lord Mystic Water has taken human form.
"Stop yelling, the Dragon Essence Great Elixir is yours."
Lan Chang'an, annoyed, took out the dragon essence pill from the Ink Flood Dragon Essence Great Elixir.
"Thank you, Master."
Overjoyed, Lord Mystic Water opened his mouth and swallowed the Dragon Essence Great Elixir Pill.
"This pill possesses abundant vital energy; slowly refine and absorb it..."
Lan Chang'an gave his instructions.
The Dragon Essence Great Elixir of True Spirit Descendant is far more valuable than the Essence Spirit Great Pill of Demon King of the same rank.
The Ink Flood Dragon remained at the peak of the early stage of the fourth rank for many years, Dragon Essence Great Elixir was not much worse than a mid-grade fourth-rank Great Elixir.
This Dragon Essence Great Elixir is of the water element, making it more compatible with Lord Mystic Water, allowing for maximum absorption and refinement.
If Lord Mystic Water can refine this pill, his foundation will greatly increase, and his cultivation and Law Power will leap forward dramatically.
The chances of reaching the mid-stage of the fourth tier are also higher in the future.
Several days later.
Lan Chang'an used up his huge amount of the Merchant Alliance contribution points to exchange for valuable resources at the headquarters.
In order not to alert the bigwigs of the Merchant Alliance, he exchanged the items in batches, slowly and gradually.
The Puppet Army Formation humanoid, and most of the materials used for puppet making are the same as those used for Law Treasure, so there's no need to worry about revealing the identity of Puppet Refining Grandmaster.
From the perspective of the Merchant Alliance, Lan Chang'an may be preparing to create a powerful Law Treasure.
Besides contributing to exchange for rewards, trading is also very convenient.
The Luoxia Archipelago are home to numerous merchant Lineage under the Merchant Alliance, as well as a fourth-tier Immortal City.
As Guest Elder of the Merchant Alliance, Lan Chang'an can enjoy certain discounts when purchasing and trading resources in the affiliated shops.
Some strategic resources also saw a relaxation of transaction restrictions on him.
These are the benefits of joining the Merchant Alliance.
For a true Rogue Cultivator, just collecting various rare materials would take a lot of time and energy.
Lan Chang'an's stockpiles of supplies in Great Abyss and Great Qing are scarce in the sea, allowing him to profit handsomely from price differences in trade.
After a series of transactions and purchases.
Lan Chang'an not only didn't suffer a major financial loss, but his net worth actually increased slightly.
Through contribution points exchange and procurement within the Merchant Alliance, Lan Chang'an refined and strengthened his Puppet of intermediate grade four and below, easily making up for the material shortage.
The materials needed for crafting and upgrading Tier 4 Middle-Grade Puppet have also been mostly resolved.
After Lan Chang'an killed the Ink Flood Dragon, he became quite prominent within the alliance.
Taking this opportunity, he planned to go into seclusion to cultivate and upgrade his fourth-tier Puppet Array.
Before going into seclusion, Lan Chang'an gave Zhao Shiyao guidance in her cultivation and bestowed upon her the inheritance of water-based Cultivation Method.
Zhao Shiyao enjoys the same treatment as Nascent Soul seed from a major sect, with top-tier elixirs, miraculous medicines, and rare items to aid her cultivation.
They've Golden Core Realm stage.
The quality of the elixir has the greatest impact on cultivation speed and advancement potential.
Zhao Shiyao has formed Half-Step Golden Core, which qualifies her as Nascent Soul seed in some major powers.
Hidden Mist Island Dao Field.
A sign reading "Closed to Guests" was erected, blocking all kinds of social gatherings within the alliance.
During Lan Chang'an's seclusion, he did not restrict Zhao Shiyao's freedom.
She was allowed to return to her parents' home and move freely within the archipelago waters.
Four or five years have passed.
The limelight surrounding Lan Chang'an's slaying of the Ink Flood Dragon has faded.
There wasn't much discussion about it on the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance and Heavenly Star Sea.
It's simply that, according to intelligence from various forces, the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance has gained a relatively strong Nascent Soul Middle Stage Guest Elder.
In the Heavenly Star Sea Region, the proportion of Nascent Soul Middle Stage is higher, so it doesn't necessarily draw the attention of various factions.
The Heavenly Star Sea is vast and boundless, and every year some major events occur there, generating new buzz.
For example, the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance has recently clashed with its old rival, the Black Sea Merchant Alliance, over industrial interests.
The high-level cultivators from both sides clashed at sea, each suffering losses of cultivators and ships.
Meanwhile, the "Insect Demon" has reappeared in the Heavenly Star Sea, reportedly killing a Nascent Soul Cultivator from one of the Seven Great Sea Sects.
That year, Lan Chang'an was 650 years old.
Cloud Sea Abode, Secret Chamber.
"Finally finished."
Lan Chang'an breathed a sigh of relief, looking at the four newly renovated and refined fourth-order humanoid Puppet in front of him.
Puppet Master Wei stood to the side, observing with a smile.
The four humanoid Puppet retain their original white, green, blue, and black robes. They are lined with precision armor, and the materials and components have been comprehensively reinforced.
Even among Tier 4 Low-Grade Puppet, it would be considered a top-quality piece.
Aside from not being true fourth-tier Puppet, they are almost equivalent to Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivators.
Back in the day, if Wang Feng and Yin Yuanhai of Great Qing were to fight head-on, they would most likely not be a match for one of the fourth-tier Puppet.
However, the Cultivation World is constantly evolving.
Lan Chang'an has been constantly improving, while other cultivators cannot possibly stand still.
So many years have passed, and those who were once only at the Nascent Soul Early Stage should now be considered veteran Nascent Soul Cultivator.
"Daoist Lu, would you like to test the strength of the Puppet Array?"
Puppet Master Wei said with some expectation.
He personally handled the tedious and monotonous manual work of crafting and upgrading the Puppet.
The fourth-tier Puppet Array embodies Puppet Master Wei's hard work and dedication.
"No need."
Lan Chang'an thought of the commotion caused by the fourth-order Puppet Array back then, and decided to give up.
When the fourth-order Puppet Array is fully activated, its power is comparable to that of Nascent Soul Great Cultivator. The array Restriction of Hidden Mist Island may not be able to completely conceal it.
If even the slightest trace of their aura were to leak out, it would likely be sensed by the Great Demon King, the Azure-Eyed Beast.
There's no need to worry about the stability of the Puppet Array.
Because the structure of the Puppet Array remained unchanged; only the quality of the four Puppet was improved, allowing them to withstand greater power.
All four Puppet were tested individually, and there were no issues.
Back then, when facing the Great Cultivator of Sea-Suppressing, Lan Chang'an's fourth-order Puppet Array could only passively defend, lacking offensive capabilities.
Now, the quality of the Puppet Array has been comprehensively enhanced, and its offensive capabilities have been improved.
Lan Chang'an estimated that in positional warfare, the fourth-order Puppet Array would pose some threat to great cultivators.
We must not underestimate the attacks from the Puppet Array; we will need to expend more Law Power to defend against them.
We've reached this point.
At this stage, the fourth-tier Puppet Array has been upgraded to its maximum potential.
Unless Lan Chang'an advances to the fourth-tier mid-grade Puppet Master, he will not experience a qualitative leap.
It should be noted that some of the materials used in the fourth-tier Puppet Array have reached the mid-grade fourth-tier level.
In particular, the Commander Puppet of the Puppet Master Wei, as the hub of the Puppet Array, had most of its materials refined or replaced with mid-grade fourth-tier materials.
However, due to a lack of puppet-making skills, it was impossible to raise the core component, the Puppet's "energy level," to the mid-grade fourth rank.
This also means that the fourth-tier Puppet Array is significantly stronger in defense than in attack.
"Puppet Master Wei, it won't be easy for the two of us to advance to the fourth-tier mid-grade Puppet Master by working in isolation."
Lan Chang'an put away the Puppet Array and discussed it with Puppet Master Wei.
He plans to visit Xiangong Island.
This island is a sacred place for the mechanical Puppet of the Heavenly Star Sea.
Head to this island.
One purpose is to exchange for some rare Puppet materials, in preparation for crafting Tier 4 Middle-Grade Puppet.
Secondly, it provides an opportunity to exchange ideas with master Puppet Refining Grandmaster and improve puppet-making skills.
After Lan Chang'an left the pass.
First, they assessed Zhao Shiyao's cultivation progress and answered her questions about water-based cultivation Cultivation Method.
With the insights and experiences of his two "good teachers," True Lord Chahai True Lord Ming Shui, Lan Chang'an could easily grasp them.
For Nascent Soul seed like Zhao Shiyao, enjoying top-tier Cultivation Resources, it's normal for her to reach the peak of the Late Core Formation within a hundred years.
Afterwards, Lan Chang'an visited Wei Dongjun's residence as a courtesy exchange.
After informing Wei Dongjun.
He then used the excuse of "traveling" to leave and depart from the waters of the Luoxia Archipelago.
As Guest Elder, Lan Chang'an enjoys a high degree of freedom within the Merchant Alliance.
Having successfully completed the challenging mission of dealing with the Ink Flood Dragon, Lan Chang'an could enjoy at least thirty years of leisure.
He is only obligated to return to defend the Merchant Alliance headquarters if it faces a crisis.
Moon Empress.
Heavenly Star Sea, Xiangong Island.
Eight Puppet, puppet-like arms, each a hundred feet long, patrolled and guarded the Mechanical Ancient City at the center of the island.
Each of the Puppet's massive fleshy arms seemed to possess sentience, with its embedded purplish-black eyes darting about, scanning the unfamiliar cultivators entering and leaving Xiangong Island.
It exuded a sense of oppression that made ordinary cultivators' scalps tingle, no less than the scrutinizing gaze of Nascent Soul Cultivator.
On the same day.
A Blood-Robed Old Monster swept in from afar and landed on Xiangong Island.
The Blood-Robed Old Monster exuded a bloodthirsty Sha Qi, clearly a Evil Dao cultivator.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Two gigantic, hundred-foot-long Puppet arms of flesh and blood flashed through the air like lightning, arriving atop the Blood-Robed Old Monster's head, their purple eyes gleaming.
"This fellow Daoist looks unfamiliar."
A hoarse voice came from one of the Puppet's massive, fleshy arms.
"I am one of those who share the same path."
The Blood-Robed Old Monster sneered, circulating the Puppet Technique in his hands. An invisible wave of energy transmitted through him, neutralizing the powerful aura of the two giant Puppet arms above his head.
"Honorable Fourth-Order Puppet Master, Xiangong Island welcomes you."
The voice from within the Puppet's massive, fleshy arm instantly changed its tone, becoming gentle yet respectful.
Xiangong Island is an alliance of overseas puppet mechanics.
In this group, skills are a symbol of status.
Xiangong Island also actively recruits mechanical Puppet Master, trading and exchanging skills with like-minded individuals from all over the sea.
Therefore, when the Blood-Robed Old Monster displayed his fourth-tier Puppet Master skills, Xiangong Island welcomed him in without any further interference.
An elegant and beautiful woman in palace attire emerged from the Mechanical Ancient City to greet this distinguished guest.
Lan Chang'an's gaze swept over the figure, confirming that the woman in palace attire was a lifelike Puppet.
It is difficult for cultivators below the Nascent Soul Realm to distinguish between the real and the fake.
Within the Mechanical Ancient City, there are numerous Puppet mechanics, and most of the traded goods are related to this art.
Many Puppet Master came to Xiangong Island to further their studies and improve their Puppet skills.
"Senior, if you wish to trade Puppet or related materials, you can do so directly with the Tiangong Pavilion. We are honest and fair to all."
"If you wish to meet any Puppet master, I can make an introduction and arrange contact."
A palace-dressed female Puppet, with lively and expressive eyes.
"Oh, I wonder which of these Puppet masters are free?"
Lan Chang'an first inquired about it.
It is said that Xiangong Island possesses a legacy of late-stage fourth-tier Puppet.
The most skilled Puppet Master on the island today, though not yet at the Tier 4 High-Grade, is already approaching that threshold.
After a moment's consideration, he chose the elder of Xiangong Island, the Puppet Refining Grandmaster "Iron Skeleton Duke".
This Puppet Refining Grandmaster happened to have some free time.
The Puppet woman in palace attire made contact, and the other party readily accepted the visit.
Three days later.
Inside the Iron Skeleton Duke's administrative building.
Lan Chang'an, in his blood-robed True Lord, was exchanging ideas with a burly, strange old man, half-human and half-machine, who was wrapped in gold and iron.
The burly, strange old man's limbs and parts of his body had been replaced by metal machinery.
Only a few key parts of the flesh and blood belonging to human cultivators remain, such as the heart and head.
Its mechanical body parts are as strong as those of a mid-stage fourth-tier Demon King.
"Fellow Daoist Wei's Puppet skills have brought many new ideas and insights, making me regret not having met him sooner."
After three days and three nights of discussion and debate, Iron Skeleton Duke still seemed reluctant to part ways.
When this Nascent Soul Cultivator surnamed Wei came to visit, Iron Skeleton Duke initially didn't take him seriously.
Iron Skeleton Duke's puppet-making skills were so advanced that he had one foot in the fourth-tier mid-grade Puppet Master. He had once created a flawed fourth-tier mid-grade beast-shaped Puppet.
Later, this Puppet collapsed and was destroyed in the great battle, proving that it could not withstand high-intensity combat.
Although this Puppet Master Wei's puppet-making skills are not as good as Iron Skeleton Duke's, he displayed a true fourth-order Puppet as soon as they met.
Iron Skeleton Duke was moved, and all his arrogance vanished.
A true fourth-order Puppet can give birth to Puppet Spirit that is comparable to a Nascent Soul Spirit Body, completely comparable to a Nascent Soul Cultivator of the same level.
Even with advanced Puppet Spirit cultivation techniques, true fourth-tier Puppet are difficult to create consistently in the Puppet world.
It requires fortuitous opportunity and good fortune; it's something that can't be forced.
Iron Skeleton Duke took it very seriously and shared his puppet-making experience with Puppet Master Wei.
I hope to gain inspiration from the other party in the cultivation of Puppet Spirit.
During this process, Lan Chang'an also took out the puppet-refining inheritance from the Tianheng Continent and verified it with Iron Skeleton Duke.
Apart from the most core <Thousand Mechanisms Soul Derivation Art>, there is no need to hide any other Puppet techniques.
The collision of Puppet techniques from the mainland and the sea inspired many ideas from both sides.
"I have benefited greatly from your Wei over the past three days; I need to go back and digest it properly."
Lan Chang'an then took his leave.
While the two were exchanging ideas, Puppet Master Wei stood aside and listened.
This is equivalent to getting twice the inspiration.
In addition, he also traded with Iron Skeleton Duke for some of the materials he needed for refining puppets.
Although both of them wanted to create Tier 4 Middle-Grade Puppet, one was humanoid and the other was beast-shaped, so they had some complementarity in terms of materials.
"Fellow Daoist Wei, please slow down."
Iron Skeleton Duke treated Lan Chang'an with great respect and personally escorted him out of the Mechanical Ancient City.
Both parties agreed to discuss the matter every few years.
It's unbelievable.
Until their parting, Iron Skeleton Duke never asked Lan Chang'an about his background or which faction he belonged to.
They paid no heed to the Blood-Robed Old Monster's obvious Evil Dao aura.
Lan Chang'an was speechless; the explanation he had prepared for the identity of the Blood Path Old Monster in the Nascent Soul Early Stage was completely useless.
Moon Empress.
Lan Chang'an returned to the Luoxia Archipelago under his original identity.
Hidden Mist Island, inside the cave.
Lan Chang'an and Puppet Master Wei went into seclusion together to absorb and digest the inspiration and gains from their trip to Xiangong Island.
After digesting the inspiration.
Lan Chang'an then discussed the matter with Puppet Master Wei.
Unconsciously, his thinking on advancing to the fourth-tier mid-grade Puppet Master became clearer and more defined than ever before.
"We've almost gathered all the materials, but it's only enough for one attempt at most."
Lan Chang'an's gaze was calm; he had no intention of making a move in the short term.
Even the more skilled puppet maker Iron Skeleton Duke, failed to truly succeed in crafting Tier 4 Middle-Grade Puppet back then.
He plans to explore and inspire others over the next few decades to improve his puppet-making skills.
Prepare more materials, ideally enough to withstand material losses from failures, thus increasing the margin for error.
Time flies.
Nearly thirteen years have passed.
On Hidden Mist Island, Lan Chang'an and Zhao Shiyao spent a peaceful period of cultivation together.
He spends most of his time in seclusion cultivating or improving his various cultivation techniques.
Therefore, there were no unexpected complications or enemies.
The Secret Chamber of Cloud Sea Abode.
The four Green Profound Sword, with their flowing wood grain, exude vitality and emit sharp, silky Sword Qi.
It's done.
Lan Chang'an felt as if he were bathed in a spring breeze, and put away the several Tier 4 High-Grade Green Profound Sword.
All sixteen Green Profound Sword have been nurtured and upgraded to the Tier 4 High-Grade!
The power of the fully formed sword formation will reach an even higher level.
That was the perfect sword formation that True Lord Qingmu had once dreamed of.
The Green Profound Wood Sword Array is a powerful offensive technique that aligns with Wood-Type Technique.
The defining characteristic of this sword formation is its continuous attack.
While its maximum power is not as high as the [Heaven-Splitting Axe], its attack frequency is much higher.
A sustained, high-frequency attack can be extremely painful; once caught in it, the consequences are dire.
Ordinary defensive magical Law Treasure would soon be destroyed by the sword formation.
More importantly...
Lan Chang'an's powerful Divine Sense and Evergreen Mana can maintain the sword formation for a long time, which is enough to threaten Nascent Soul Great Cultivator.
In contrast, the [Heaven-Splitting Axe] consumes too much Law Power, making it impossible to unleash multiple bursts consecutively during combat.
If Lan Chang'an activates the [Heaven-Splitting Axe] more than twice in a row, he might not be able to handle it, Law Power recovery might not keep up.
Unlike Jing Wufeng back then, he possessed the Millennium Spirit Milk, which allowed him to quickly restore a large amount of Law Power.
"There are five years left before we enter the period for the Spirit Treasure Tribulation."
Lan Chang'an calculated the time.
After the Artifact Spirit is born, the control over the Spirit Treasure becomes more refined, and the consumption of Law Power can be reduced.
At that time, the Spirit Treasure will be even more intelligent and may even be able to automatically lock onto enemies to a certain extent.
"After cultivating for over ninety years, nearly a hundred years, Nascent Soul Middle Stage stage, I've finally made up for my past shortcomings."
Lan Chang'an looked back on those days and smiled knowingly.
Now at the age of 663, he has finally reached the Nascent Soul Middle Stage and his power has been fully realized!
If he were to encounter Nascent Soul Great Cultivator again, he would have far more means of threatening them than just barely managing to protect himself.
To be considered truly comparable to a great cultivator, one must at least fight to a draw!
All this talk of maneuvering and resistance is actually just passively taking hits, with only the ability to parry.
Several days later, Lan Chang'an emerged from seclusion again.
At the Nascent Soul Middle Stage stage, his Divine Ability Law Treasure, magical treasures, sword Puppet Array, and other fields were elevated to their peak.
Currently, we are in a bottleneck period.
Why not relax and spend some time with Fairy Zhao, receiving guidance on her cultivation?
Zhao Shiyao would occasionally play music for him.
Over the years since settling on Hidden Mist Island, Zhao Shiyao has discovered her strengths in various skills.
That is the way of music.
Lan Chang'an still remembers that in her Previous Life, Fairy Zhao was trapped in the False Core stage, and in the decades that followed, she fell in love with the Seven-String Zither.
Although she didn't possess the superb skills of the Fairy of the Profound Sound Pavilion, she had still reached a certain level of proficiency.
In this life, Zhao Shiyao picked up the Seven-String Zither again and quickly regained her Previous Life's level of skill.
The ethereal, tranquil, and slightly melancholic familiar zither music briefly distracted Lan Chang'an.
He realized that Zhao Shiyao had awakened more fragments of her Previous Life memories.
"If Shiyao can diligently cultivate her skills in the art of the zither, it will certainly be helpful for her future breakthroughs."
Lan Chang'an passed on the Profound Sound Pavilion's musical heritage and numerous ancient musical scores to Zhao Shiyao.
If one day in the future, Zhao Shiyao's musical skills can reach the level of the Fairy Ni Yue back then, and she can cultivate to the Nascent Soul Realm.
Therefore, it could benefit Lan Chang'an's future advancement.
The Profound Sound Pavilion possesses a magical musical Divine Ability called "Millennium Divine Dream".
The Fairy Ni Yue's early Divine Dream Kiss once transported Lan Chang'an into a Divine Dream scene resembling reincarnation.
At that time, Lan Chang'an's state of mind and understanding of the Great Dao were slightly enhanced.
Unfortunately, Fairy Ni Yue missed the opportunity to advance to the Nascent Soul due to her age.
Otherwise, the <Millennium Divine Dream> activated by the Nascent Soul Realm music could slightly promote the breakthrough of bottlenecks within the Nascent Soul Realm.
Moon Empress in tender companionship with Fairy Zhao.
Lan Chang'an's attention was drawn to the situation within the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
A tense atmosphere permeated the headquarters of the Merchant Alliance.
The main island, outer islands, and fourth-tier Immortal City are all on high alert.
The main island, in particular, is under the heaviest level of security.
Guest Elder are not allowed to enter without permission.
The main island's Tier 4 High-Grade array has been further activated, greatly increasing its defensive capabilities.
Unless absolutely necessary, high-ranking cultivators of the Merchant Alliance are not permitted to enter or leave the archipelago waters at will.
As Tier 4 Diviner, Lan Chang'an sensed a certain omen.
"Is the power transition within the Merchant Alliance finally about to begin?"
Lan Chang'an pondered to himself.
In recent years, rumors have circulated both inside and outside the Merchant Alliance that the Grand Elder's lifespan is nearing its end and he will not live for more than two years.
The Grand Elder planned to pass on the Spirit Contract Jade Tablet of the Azure-Eyed Beast to his grandson, Wei Dongjun.
This matter drew strong opposition from the Merchant Alliance Council of Elders.
The Alliance Leader Zuo and the Vice Alliance Leader Wan, along with most of the elders, opposed this matter.
Without the support of Lineage or other elders, Alliance Leader Qiu, appears to be weak and isolated.
The Grand Elder did not make a public statement and remained silent.
Those with keen insight have already noticed that a storm of power struggle is brewing within the vast Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
The high level of alert at the headquarters of the Merchant Alliance is for the sake of a stable power transition.
At the same time, guard against external hostile forces interfering in the internal affairs of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
When it rains, it pours.
Before the Grand Elder's lifespan was about to end, the hostile force "Black Sea Merchant Alliance" began to take a series of actions.
Many of the businesses under the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance have been suppressed and annexed by the Black Sea Merchant Alliance.
In just a few months, several spirit islands and Marketplace were lost. Many affiliated Lineage and merchant guilds chose to join the Black Sea Merchant Alliance.
The Black Sea Merchant Alliance has a complex background and close business ties with "Abyss City". Some of the merchant Lineage within the alliance were founded by disciples of the Seven Sea Sects.
If it were just overt methods, that would be fine.
The merchant Spirit Ship, island Marketplace, and maritime Immortal City of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance have recently been plundered by powerful pirates.
The supplies were looted, and the number of casualties among the alliance's cultivators was considerable.
The pirates who attacked were the Plunder Ship [Whale Skeleton Giant Ship], one of the Ten Great Sea Calamity Kings.
That Sea Plunder King, ranked among the top three, is a top-tier existence in the Nascent Soul Middle Stage realm.
Unfortunately, at this critical juncture, the Merchant Alliance was frequently raided and plundered on the islands, which was like adding insult to injury.
The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance suspects that hostile forces have hired pirates to raid the repair shop.
However, there is no conclusive evidence.
Furthermore, the Four Seas Merchant Alliance has done such despicable things as secretly colluding with pirates to rob cultivators.
There was another thing that alarmed the top brass of the Merchant Alliance.
The "Insect Demon" that reappeared in the Heavenly Star Sea recently destroyed a remote spirit island belonging to a merchant guild under the Merchant Alliance.
That spirit island was devoured by a swarm of golden insects, leaving it barren and its Spirit Vein completely destroyed, with not a single survivor.
This appears to be the second time the "Insect Demon" has made a move since its reappearance.
The last time was when they killed a Nascent Soul Cultivator from the Seven Sea Sects.
The Merchant Alliance's leadership hopes this is just a coincidence.
If the infamous "Insect Demon" were to take advantage of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance's misfortune, then we would be in serious trouble.
Hidden Mist Island, Cloud Sea Abode.
Amidst the turbulent external world, Lan Chang'an remained calm and composed.
On the cliff behind the cave, Lan Chang'an stood with his hands behind his back, the sound of waves crashing in his ears.
In the past few days, a large number of Guest Elder from nearby islands have been transferred to assist in defense and garrison duties.
Many people applied voluntarily, not wanting to be drawn into the impending storm of the Merchant Alliance conflict.
This includes high-ranking cultivators and Nascent Soul elders from the alliance's core factions, some of whom have been transferred to other large island branches of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
Some high-level cultivators were also involuntarily transferred to the outside world to assist in the defense.
These high-level cultivators may not be trusted by the main headquarters, and there are concerns that their continued presence there could become a variable.
Lan Chang'an is currently on leave and can refuse an external transfer.
However, many of the Guest Elder were also in a period of downtime either voluntarily or cooperatively transferred away from the Merchant Alliance headquarters.
Wei Dongjun came down privately once, hinting that Lan Chang'an should stay at the Archipelago Headquarters.
Lan Chang'an smiled, neither confirming nor denying.
Wei Dongjun is only at the Nascent Soul Early Stage realm; he is not a top figure in the Merchant Alliance.
Whether Lan Chang'an is transferred or not is not up to Wei Dongjun.
Zhao Shiyao also noticed the tense situation at the headquarters of the Merchant Alliance.
She couldn't help but worry and inquired about Lan Chang'an's future.
If Lan Chang'an goes out to guard the area, Fairy Zhao is willing to accompany him.
To go or to stay?
Lan Chang'an did not give a definite answer.
In private.
He consulted the oracle to see which option would be more beneficial to him.
The divination result surprised him slightly.
Soon, Lan Chang'an showed a thoughtful expression.
Several days later.
The headquarters soon received news of Lan Chang'an's future plans.
The elders of the General Affairs Hall proposed that, given the Merchant Alliance's current external crisis, they hoped that Guest Elder Lu could step in to assist in dealing with the [Whale Skeleton Giant Ship], one of the ten most notorious raiding ships.
Lan Chang'an ignored him, pretending not to hear.
According to regulations, he is currently on leave and is not obligated to accept tasks assigned by the headquarters.
Therefore, the Merchant Alliance headquarters only made a proposal, not an order to deploy troops.
Most of the other Guest Elder, upon hearing this suggestion, would be wise enough to promptly transfer to other positions, where they could receive even greater compensation for their contributions.
Lan Chang'an, however, planned to stay at the headquarters, even amidst the storm.
Three more days passed.
Seeing that Lan Chang'an ignored the suggestion from the General Affairs Elder, the Merchant Alliance headquarters sent a high-ranking figure to the mansion to act as an advocate.
The main hall of Cloud Sea Abode.
"Elder Lu, our alliance has only recently returned to its headquarters, and today we are finally able to meet the master who slew the Ink Flood Dragon."
A middle-aged man with a large belly, round face, and plump body, dressed in a loose Shark Sea Robe, said with a smile.
This is Vice Alliance Leader Wan.
The only Vice Alliance Leader that Lan Chang'an had not met before.
With his large belly, Vice Alliance Leader Wan looked like a kind and amiable wealthy businessman, seemingly harmless.
Lan Chang'an sensed that this person possessed profound Law Power, no less than that of the Beast King Valley Grand Elder, the leader of the Great Qing Demonic Sect.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Lan Chang'an asked directly:
"Has Alliance Leader Wan come to request that I, Lu, be dispatched to deal with the infamous [Whale Skeleton Giant Ship]?"
Vice Alliance Leader Wan smiled wryly, "It's truly a last resort. This was an unexpected emergency, requiring Elder Lu to go out on duty. There's no need for a life-or-death battle with the Sea Plunder King; just contain and defend him to minimize losses for the Merchant Alliance's industries. Afterwards, this operation will yield double the contribution and generous compensation."
"Is this the intention of the two alliance leaders?"
"No! This is a resolution of the Council of Elders, and the Grand Elder also approves of it."
The Vice Alliance Leader Wan raised his eyelids slightly and said calmly.
This statement seemed to be the final word.
Grand Elder?
Lan Chang'an was somewhat surprised.
He has Azure Sea Merchant Alliance for many years.
He has made meritorious contributions, keeps a low profile in daily life, and does not participate in internal alliance struggles.
The only Nascent Soul Cultivator with whom he had a good relationship and frequent interactions was Wei Dongjun, the Grand Elder's grandson.
Even after all this, you still can't gain their trust?
Even as his lifespan was nearing its end, the Grand Elder remained wary of Lan Chang'an and wanted to remove this variable from the Merchant Alliance headquarters.