Deep Suspicion, Changes in the Merchant Alliance
"Rong Lu will prepare for several days before going out to act."
Lan Chang'an spoke calmly, without disobeying the orders of this Vice Alliance Leader Wan.
After all, this is the common will of the Merchant Alliance Council of Elders.
Perhaps the bigwigs of both sides, including Alliance Leader Zuo and Vice Alliance Leader Qiu, do not want him, this variable, to remain at the Archipelago Headquarters.
Lan Chang'an has been a member of the Merchant Alliance for over twenty years, which seems like a long time.
However, compared to those direct descendants and formal elders, who have spent hundreds of years here, or even been born and raised here, their contributions seem insignificant.
Back in the Cloud Glow Sect, it took Lan Chang'an two hundred years to truly integrate into the community.
"I am very pleased that Elder Lu was willing to help in this critical moment, and on behalf of the headquarters, I express my sincere gratitude."
"Regardless of the success or failure of this mission, Elder Lu will receive compensation and a sixty-year rest period."
The Vice Alliance Leader Wan had a chubby, round face, with wrinkles from smiling, making his eyes appear as narrow slits.
He believed that Lan Chang'an would not try to stop the tide by being a mantis trying to stop a chariot.
After leaving behind a warrant, Alliance Leader Wan departed from Hidden Mist Island.
However, this Alliance Leader Wan ultimately misjudged Lan Chang'an's intentions.
Several days later.
Lan Chang'an remained on Hidden Mist Island, making no move to leave the headquarters.
The Alliance Leader Wan was displeased and sent the General Affairs Elder to urge him on.
Lan Chang'an gave a perfunctory response, thus delaying the matter for some more time.
Half a month passed, and he still hadn't been transferred.
The Alliance Leader Wan was quite dissatisfied and found it unbelievable.
Why doesn't Elder Lu follow the rules of struggle?
Did he think he could stay at headquarters by resorting to such dishonest tactics?
With a gloomy face, Alliance Leader Wan personally went to Hidden Mist Island to question and urge Lan Chang'an.
result.
Upon arriving at Hidden Mist Island, I learned that Lan Chang'an had been invited to visit Wei Dongjun's residence.
"Wei Dongjun... these two aren't actually on the same page?"
The Alliance Leader Wan's eyes flickered as he pondered for a moment.
At least in their dealings with Lan Chang'an, the Grand Elder and Wei Dongjun had a disagreement.
Wei Dongjun introduced Lan Chang'an to him, and they had a good relationship.
Since it involves the lineage of the Grand Elder, Alliance Leader Wan cannot easily cause trouble.
Moreover, Wei Dongjun has been getting close to the Azure-Eyed Beast in recent years and has received the protection of the Merchant Alliance's guardian deity.
One possibility cannot be ruled out.
The Grand Elder may have already given the Great Demon King's Life Contract artifact to Wei Dongjun.
Blue Field Island is a mid-grade fourth-tier spirit island located near the main island.
This island is similar in size to Hidden Mist Island, but it has a flat terrain and a large area of Spirit Field, which produce a lot of fruit.
The island is planted with a large amount of Blue Glow Grass, which emits a faint glow at night, like a blue crescent moon.
Inside the main hall of the cave.
Wei Dongjun hosted a banquet for Lan Chang'an, and said with a guilty tone:
"I, Wei, lack sufficient authority at the headquarters, which has caused Daoist Lu to suffer injustice."
"However, Elder Lu can rest assured, no one dares to use force in my residence."
Previously, Wei Dongjun had hinted to Lan Chang'an to stay at the Archipelago Headquarters as much as possible and become his ally and help.
Most of the Guest Elder of the main island, including some direct elders, have been transferred out.
Currently, there are very few Guest Elder remaining on the island; they are all confidants of the Grand Elder or the three Alliance Leaders.
"With Fellow Daoist Wei's words, I am relieved. If I were transferred out, I have no confidence in dealing with the ' Insect Demon ' and the ' Whale Skeleton Giant Ship '."
Lan Chang'an drank a cup of fourth-grade immortal wine and said in a carefree and unrestrained manner.
Wei Dongjun returned the toast without giving it much thought.
Lan Chang'an cultivated to the Nascent Soul Middle Stage for about a hundred years, inevitably falling short of the top experts in the Nascent Soul Middle Stage stage.
Of course, Elder Lu possesses a fourth-tier Spirit Turtle, has slain Ink Flood Dragon, and is quite skilled in combat, so his future potential is promising.
At the banquet.
The two raised their glasses and drank heartily, their faces flushed with alcohol, and they were slightly tipsy.
At some point, a third person appeared at the table.
He was a young man in a blue robe with unicorn patterns, who at first glance looked somewhat roguish.
The young man had large, deep blue eyes with a faint golden luster around them, which was quite striking.
For an ordinary Nascent Soul Cultivator, meeting those golden, jade-green eyes would be like being struck by lightning, causing their heart to tremble.
"Uncle Azure-Eye, you've come at the perfect time. It's just the two of us at the table, Brother Lu and I; it lacks a bit of atmosphere."
Wei Dongjun was not surprised and smiled as he poured the Azure-Eyed Youth a glass of wine.
Lan Chang'an smiled, met the gaze of the Azure-Eyed Youth, and nodded in acknowledgment.
"What kind of wine is this? It tastes like swill, it has no potency whatsoever!"
The Azure-Eyed Youth finished his drink, frowned, and spoke with dissatisfaction.
Wei Dongjun chuckled awkwardly.
The Tier 4 Low-Grade spiritual wine he served his guests was so strong that even Nascent Soul Cultivator couldn't hold their liquor after drinking too much.
"Come! Let me show you my Azure Flame Wine!"
The Azure-Eyed Youth casually took out an antique-looking wine pot.
With a flick of his sleeve, three large bowls replaced the original cups and saucers.
The large bowl in front of Lan Chang'an was filled with clear, turquoise spirit wine.
Wei Dongjun's lips curled into a bitter smile as he stared at the Azure Flame Wine in the large bowl, feeling utterly overwhelmed.
This Azure Flame Wine is not only of a higher grade, but it is also a strong liquor specially made for the Demon King.
Without hesitation, Lan Chang'an downed the Azure Flame Wine in his bowl in one gulp.
At first, I felt a chilling aura penetrate my internal organs and reach deep into my bones, making me shiver.
Then, it felt as if a raging fire was burning inside my body, spreading throughout my entire being.
"Good wine! Such strong liquor!"
Lan Chang'an couldn't help but praise, a fine sweat beading on his forehead, the lingering effects of the wine making him feel relaxed and comfortable.
The Azure Flame Wine subtly enhanced his fourth-level body refinement, equivalent to a month of arduous cultivation.
The Azure-Eyed Youth drank the bowl in one gulp, slightly surprised, and cast an approving glance his way.
Hiss!
After drinking a bowl of Azure Flame Wine, Wei Dongjun felt extremely uncomfortable and was covered in sweat.
Her fair face glowed red as she secretly used her Law Power to neutralize the effects of the alcohol.
However, the Azure Flame Wine was too potent, and with his Nascent Soul Early Stage cultivation, it wasn't easy for him to neutralize it.
"Again!"
The Azure-Eyed Youth gave him no chance to sober up.
He then downed two large bowls in a row.
Lan Chang'an was very straightforward; he downed his drink in one gulp with the Azure-Eyed Youth.
Wei Dongjun drank it down as if it were bitter medicine, forcing himself to hold his nose.
After finishing three large bowls, Wei Dongjun became dizzy and disoriented.
He lay face down on the table and soon became engrossed in his own world.
"Elder Lu has a remarkable capacity for alcohol and a powerful physique, unlike ordinary Nascent Soul Cultivator."
The Azure-Eyed Youth refilled his glass, a carefree smile on his face.
"I feel very honored to see you today; let's have a few more drinks!"
"Mr. Lu also felt a sense of affinity."
Lan Chang'an laughed heartily.
This is not just empty pleasantries.
He sensed a similar aura emanating from the Azure-Eyed Youth, however faint it was.
To be precise, the aura of the Azure-Eyed Youth was more similar to that of Lord Mystic Water.
They had all been nourished by the power of Evergreen Mana.
The two slowed down their drinking pace.
They began to talk about some topics.
As long as it didn't involve core secrets, Lan Chang'an, emboldened by alcohol, talked about everything.
This includes past paths.
Originating from the inland, he stayed in Kun Province and Great Abyss before eventually arriving in the Heavenly Star Sea.
Lan Chang'an has traveled to many places and possesses numerous Nascent Soul memories, making him extremely knowledgeable.
Some of the topics discussed, such as local customs and traditions, even occasionally caught the eye of this Great Demon King.
For example, the Human-Faced Flood Dragon, a descendant of the True Spirit, and the Black Phoenix, a late-stage fourth-order being.
"Elder Lu, you stayed in Great Abyss. Did you see the great cultivator of the Sea-Suppressing Sect, ' True Lord Fuhai '?"
The Azure-Eyed Youth asked several questions about the Great Abyss, which Lan Chang'an answered satisfactorily. Finally, he took the initiative to mention the Great Cultivator of Sea-Suppressing.
Lan Chang'an's heart stirred; it was rumored that the Azure-Eyed Beast had clashed with the True Lord Fuhai.
He replied, "I had the privilege of seeing him once from afar; the Great Cultivator of Sea-Suppressing truly possessed extraordinary bearing and lived up to his reputation."
"Oh?"
The Azure-Eyed Youth became interested and asked another difficult question:
"Elder Lu, in your opinion, who is stronger, me or the True Lord Fuhai, in a battle at sea?"
"The True Lord Fuhai should be superior."
Lan Chang'an spoke frankly.
Even though the Azure-Eyed Beast is in the sea, its Divine Ability Law Power and magical abilities are still amplified.
The Azure-Eyed Youth's expression stiffened, as if he was displeased.
"However... if Fellow Daoist Bijing can cultivate to the peak of the late fourth stage and elevate his innate divine Divine Ability to an even higher level, he will be invincible in a battle against Great Cultivator of Sea-Suppressing."
Lan Chang'an added.
Elder Lu is quite insightful and very frank.
Upon hearing the following words, the Azure-Eyed Youth nodded approvingly.
Lan Chang'an did not flatter or fawn; he spoke the truth, and his insights aligned with Lu's own.
Drinking is also a pleasure!
I can drink with him freely, and my knowledge and perspective are completely on par with his.
Looking across the entire Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, no one else can do that.
Moreover, he naturally felt close to Lan Chang'an and Lord Mystic Water.
"A-Dong has good judgment. I will persuade that suspicious old employer."
Before dawn, the Azure-Eyed Youth finished his last drink, took his leave, and departed.
A swirling vortex of turquoise water swallowed its form, and it vanished.
The next moment, the Azure-Eyed Youth emerged from an underwater whirlpool dozens of miles away.
Lan Chang'an was moved.
If one were to fight this beast in the water, one would likely not gain the upper hand.
Of the vast Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, only this Great Demon King poses a threat to Lan Chang'an.
But it was merely a threat.
As long as they don't venture deep into the sea to fight, this beast poses a limited threat to Lan Chang'an.
In fact, Lan Chang'an had shown some leniency in his previous assessment of Lu's abilities.
Even if the Azure-Eyed Beast cultivates to the late-stage peak of the fourth rank, it will most likely be suppressed by the True Lord Fuhai in a battle in the sea, and at most it will not have difficulty protecting itself.
The Great Cultivator of Sea-Suppressing received the inheritance of the Spirit Transformation Holy Land, and his divine weapon [Sea-Suppressing Halberd] is equivalent to True Spirit Treasure in the sea.
In battles between cultivators of the same realm, Law Treasure play a significant role.
Until noon.
Wei Dongjun had just sobered up and his Law Power had improved.
Upon learning that Lan Chang'an had spent the night drinking with the Azure-Eyed Beast, Wei Dongjun's face lit up with joy:
"Elder Lu has gained the Great Demon King's approval, and even the Council of Elders's transfer order cannot sway him. Now he can stay at the Merchant Alliance headquarters with peace of mind."
"This is also the result of Fellow Daoist Wei's matchmaking."
Lan Chang'an nodded and smiled.
After a night of drinking, the Azure-Eyed Beast was more accepting of him, which meant he had passed the most important test.
This Great Demon King is the strongest force in the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, Sea-Stabilizing Needle.
The Grand Elder and the three Alliance Leaders must respect its opinion.
On that day, Lan Chang'an returned to Hidden Mist Island openly and honestly.
For some time afterward, the Council of Elders did not send anyone to urge Lan Chang'an to return.
The Grand Elder, who rarely left his residence and gave no instructions, seemed to tacitly approve of his grandson's "protection" of Lan Chang'an.
The matter of the transfer to another location will be put on hold for now and left unresolved.
Lan Chang'an wasn't cowardly or afraid of death; he simply refused to leave the Merchant Alliance headquarters.
The divination indicated that his fortuitous opportunity of staying at headquarters were greater than those of going elsewhere.
Lan Chang'an couldn't help but weigh the gains and losses.
That night, I drank with the Azure-Eyed Beast and gained its trust, but I may have exposed my foundation in the fourth-order body refinement and Evergreen Art.
Moon Empress.
The external situation changed drastically, and bad news kept coming from the Merchant Alliance's branches.
The hostile force, the "Black Sea Merchant Alliance," is further probing, seizing industries, and expanding its sphere of influence.
The influence of its affiliated chambers of commerce has expanded significantly into the sea area where the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance is located.
Their actions crossed the line for the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
Not only that.
Nascent Soul Great Cultivator from the Black Sea Merchant Alliance has appeared in the Near Sea.
In the Heavenly Star Sea, there is an unwritten understanding among the top powers.
Nascent Soul Great Cultivator generally keep each other in check and will not easily attack ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.
Unless it's a personal vendetta, or there's absolutely no constraint of equal combat strength.
If it were the latter, the other side would have already withdrawn or surrendered.
Although the powerful cultivators of the Black Sea Merchant Alliance have not yet made a move, their bullying of the weak has already brought immense pressure!
The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance is facing internal troubles, and the power transition has not yet been completed.
The Black Sea Merchant Alliance is taking advantage of this opportunity to expand its territory. If we don't respond, they will keep testing our limits and exert maximum pressure.
Due to the restrictions of the Heavenly Star Sea rules, the Black Sea Merchant Alliance dared not openly provoke Cultivation War.
If they go too far, the Star-Moon Palace may step in to make a judgment.
It's easy to dodge a spear in the open, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark.
The worst has happened.
A few days ago.
The "Insect Demon" appeared in the sea area controlled by the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance and killed an Nascent Soul Early Stage elder who was stationed at a branch of the alliance.
This incident shocked the top management of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
It is said that the Nascent Soul elder was devoured by the Golden Flame Insect Swarm, leaving no trace of his remains.
The elder was protected by a fourth-order formation, yet he was devoured by the Golden Flame Insect Swarm, who easily broke through the formation.
The Insect Demon is adept at concealment and disguise, disappearing without a trace after committing its crimes.
Looking across the Heavenly Star Sea, below the Nascent Soul Late Stage, the Insect Demon has virtually no rivals.
This demon possesses powerful survival skills and is said to have a strange insect that can sense danger.
He was hunted down by Nascent Soul Great Cultivator more than once, but failed each time.
The vast Outer Sea sea is extremely deep and teeming with Demon Beast and sea creatures, making tracking difficult.
With this move, the Insect Demon declared that it wanted to avenge the annihilation it suffered years ago.
The Insect Demon is the common enemy of the Heavenly Star Sea.
The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance once joined forces with many other forces to besiege and hunt down the Insect Demon, severely injuring it.
Now, the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance is beset by internal and external troubles, and the Insect Demon's revenge, taking advantage of the chaos, seems to have a plausible reason.
Lan Chang'an, however, felt that everything was too much of a coincidence.
The Insect Demon, the Whale Skeleton Giant Ship, and the Black Sea Merchant Alliance all launched their attacks at this juncture.
The king of the Whale Skeleton Giant Ship Sea Plunder King may have been bribed or hired by a rival Merchant Alliance.
However, the Insect Demon is the public enemy of the Heavenly Star Sea, having committed heinous crimes and is being besieged and hunted down by many forces.
The Insect Demon are neither good nor evil, and they have also slaughtered high-ranking cultivators of the Black Sea Merchant Alliance, so it is unlikely that the two colluded.
In comparison, the Whale Skeleton Giant Ship posed less of a threat.
The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance did not remain passive.
Some time ago, another Sea Plunder King force, the "Bone Ghost Ship," also attacked the Black Sea Merchant Alliance's Spirit Island and merchant ships, killing, burning, and looting, causing losses.
The two forces of the Sea Plunder King were briefly locked in a balance of power, and the number of raids decreased.
But before the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance could vent its anger...
The appearance of a high-ranking cultivator from the Black Sea Merchant Alliance deterred the "Bone Ghost Ship" from daring to plunder.
In response to the enormous external crisis, the Merchant Alliance headquarters convened Council of Elders.
The Council of Elders reached a consensus.
The current crisis can only be resolved by the intervention of the Great Demon King, the Azure-Eyed Beast.
Only Great Demon King can restrain the powerful cultivators of the Black Sea Merchant Alliance and prevent them from exerting further pressure.
Only Great Demon King can reliably defeat or intimidate the arrogant Insect Demon.
Ordinary Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivators are no match for the Insect Demon, and may even perish.
As is customary, the Grand Elder usually accompanies the Azure-Eyed Beast when it makes a crucial move.
First, we must supervise and prevent this beast from being exploited by other forces and losing control of it.
Secondly, there is concern that the Azure-Eyed Beast might go too far in its killing spree, lacking understanding of human relationships, and kill those it shouldn't have, thus making too many enemies.
But now, the Grand Elder is old and nearing the end of his lifespan.
Who will accompany the Azure-Eyed Beast to the battle?
Apart from the Grand Elder, the three Alliance Leaders are the most senior.
At the Council of Elders.
With a smile, Vice Alliance Leader Wan made a bold suggestion:
"The Grand Elder has dedicated his life to the Merchant Alliance, and now that he is old and frail, how can he bear such great risks? I suggest that Dongjun accompany the Azure-Eyed Beast out to deal with this."
"If Dongjun can stabilize this situation and prove his ability, I will agree to let him take over the Great Demon King's Life Contract."
These words caused a huge uproar.
The internal conflict within the Merchant Alliance lies in the transfer of control of the Great Demon King.
The Alliance Leader Zuo, the Alliance Leader Wan, and most of the elders disagreed with allowing the relatively inexperienced Wei Dongjun to take over.
The Vice Alliance Leader Wan has now essentially made it clear that he is using a strategic retreat to advance, sending Wei Dongjun out to deal with the crisis.
Wei Dongjun, do you have the guts?
Would the Wei Family dare to gamble?
The Grand Elder, with a full head of white hair, frowned and fell silent.
The Alliance Leader Wan's move was ruthless.
If anything were to happen to Wei Dongjun, the Wei Family's Nascent Soul Cultivator would be cut off.
At that time, the Wei Family will completely lose its voice within the alliance, let alone control the Great Demon King.
Alliance Leader Qiu suggested, "I may accompany Elder Wei out."
If the Qiu Luoyan to help, Wei Dongjun will have greater security when he goes out.
However, this was opposed by the Alliance Leader Wan.
"The headquarters of the Merchant Alliance needs a strong leader to oversee it; it cannot be left empty. Besides the Grand Master of the Black Sea Merchant Alliance, we also need powerful figures to deal with the Insect Demon and the Sea Plunder King."
"Besides, how can the fact that Alliance Leader Qiu provided assistance and protection prove Elder Wei's abilities?"
Wei Dongjun's abilities were repeatedly questioned, and he became inexplicably angry.
He was willing to accept the bet, but his grandfather Grand Elder, stopped him through telepathic communication.
That night.
Inside the cave on Hidden Mist Island.
Wei Dongjun was in a bad mood and drank alone, briefly explaining the contents of the Council of Elders to Lan Chang'an.
He sighed, "It's a pity Grandpa doesn't understand Elder Lu. Otherwise, it would have been a prudent plan for the two of us to join Uncle Azure-Eye in the attack."
Lan Chang'an was Guest Elder discovered and recommended by Wei Dongjun, a method of assistance that Alliance Leader Wan could hardly object to.
The better Lan Chang'an performs, the more it proves Wei Dongjun's ability and vision.
"Fellow Daoist Wei, there's no need to overthink it. Your ancestor wouldn't dare gamble!"
Lan Chang'an chuckled and asserted.
At this critical moment, how could the Grand Elder dare to gamble with his only grandson, who Nascent Soul Early Stage?
With the Azure-Eyed Beast facing powerful enemy cultivators, it couldn't possibly be constantly concerned for Wei Dongjun's safety.
The Grand Elder wouldn't even take a one-tenth or one-hundredth risk.
Once the Azure-Eyed Beast is restrained, and then a top-tier Nascent Soul Middle Stage like the Insect Demon launches a sneak attack, the consequences would be unimaginable.
At the same time, the possibility of a conspiracy involving collusion between insiders and outsiders cannot be ruled out.
Once Wei Dongjun dies, the Wei Family will lose its power in the Merchant Alliance and be relegated to a second-rate Lineage.
The Grand Elder is too suspicious.
At his age, he adopts a conservative strategy and dares not be radical.
Unlike when I was younger, when I could try again after failing and had the chance to make mistakes.
Just like emperors in the mortal world, they often expand their territories in their youth and prime. It is truly commendable that they are not confused when they reach their seventies or eighties.
Birth, aging, illness, and death are natural laws.
Nascent Soul Cultivator are not immortals; they too will experience physical and mental decline, and lose their drive and ambition.
"If Wei had already reached the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, there wouldn't be so much trouble."
Wei Dongjun sighed bitterly.
He faces such resistance because his cultivation level and experience are insufficient.
"For Brother Wei's age, his cultivation speed is already considered fast among his peers in the Nascent Soul stage."
Lan Chang'an looked him over and offered words of comfort.
Wei Dongjun advanced to the Nascent Soul Realm at over two hundred years old, and is now only over three hundred years old.
Moreover, his progress in the Nascent Soul Early Stage is not slow; he will reach the peak of the early stage in a few decades at most.
Unfortunately, the Grand Elder's lifespan was nearing its end, and time was running out for him.
The Council of Elders convened again the following day.
The result was beyond Lan Chang'an's expectations:
The Vice Alliance Leader Wan was transferred to another region to accompany the Azure-Eyed Beast in dealing with the pressure from the Black Sea Merchant Alliance.
This was the result of discussions between the Grand Elder and the Alliance Leader Zuo, with the Alliance Leader Qiu seconding the proposal.
The Vice Alliance Leader Wan was expelled from the core circle naturally sparked protests and dissatisfaction.
Why did the Alliance Leader Zuo, who wasn't on his side, suddenly turn against him?
But the Grand Elder promised that after arranging his affairs, he would go out to fight the "Insect Demon," the greatest threat, to the death.
Neither Alliance Leader Wan nor Alliance Leader Qiu would face a significant risk if they were to confront the Insect Demon alone.
The Grand Elder chose the most dangerous mission, clearly not intending to return alive.
Given his condition, even if he isn't killed by the Insect Demon, the intense and brutal battle will cause him to lose a significant amount of his vital energy and lifespan.
The Grand Elder sacrificed his life to protect Wei Dongjun; Vice Alliance Leader Wan had nothing to say and could only obey the Council of Elders's decision.
In this way...
With Wei Dongjun remaining at the main headquarters and having the assistance of Alliance Leader Qiu, he can keep Alliance Leader Zuo in check.
If that Guest Elder Lu is trustworthy, Wei Dongjun's position in the headquarters will be even more unshakeable.
For the sake of the bigger picture, the Alliance Leader Zuo could not openly attack Wei Dongjun, partly due to concerns about the Azure-Eyed Beast.
If relations truly break down and the Merchant Alliance falls apart, no one will benefit.
The next day.
The Azure-Eyed Beast and the Vice Alliance Leader Wan set off to deal with the pressure from the Black Sea Merchant Alliance, while also deterring the rampant Insect Demon.
The Grand Elder began making arrangements for his funeral, departing a little later.
At this critical moment.
Bishui Merchant Alliance received a letter of visit from "Sky-Beyond Island".
The Immortal Physician Ling Chun, upon learning of the Grand Elder's condition, wished to come and visit him, hoping to attempt a method to prolong his life.
Sky-Beyond Island and Azure Sea Merchant Alliance have a good relationship, not only due to close trade ties but also because of a certain historical connection.
The Azure-Eyed Beast was saved by a celestial physician, which enabled it to achieve its later status as Great Demon King and thus resolve the crisis facing the Merchant Alliance.
The Azure Sea Merchant Alliance already owes the Immortal Doctor a favor.
Given such a long history and friendly relationship, it is normal diplomatic courtesy for Sky-Beyond Island to send people to express their condolences.
I never expected that.
The Grand Elder ordered a reply, rejecting the goodwill of Sky-Beyond Island and even True Lord Ling Chun.
The Main Headquarters Forbidden Area, the Shushi Garden.
Alliance Leader Qiu and Wei Dongjun arrived together and entered the Grand Elder's recuperation garden.
"Grandpa, why did you refuse the visit and condolences from Sky-Beyond Island? The Miraculous Touch Reviving Spring Immortal Physician Ling Chun might be able to extend your life by a few more years."
Wei Dongjun and his companion came to persuade the Grand Elder.
As a sacred place for Rogue Cultivator, Sky-Beyond Island maintains neutrality and, in principle, does not participate in the conflicts between other forces.
That being said...
Leveraging the influence of Sky-Beyond Island and the prestige of the Immortal Physician would be beneficial to the current situation of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance.
Even if the Immortal Physician Ling Chun only visits in private, it can still boost the Wei Family's reputation and confidence.
"Grand Elder, I've heard that the Immortal Physician Ling Chun has developed a new formula for Longevity Pill. How can you possibly give up such a chance to prolong your life?"
The Alliance Leader Qiu spoke with concern, lightly pursing her pale coral-pink lower lip as she offered advice.
The Qiu Luoyan possesses a serene temperament and a heroic beauty in its bone structure.
A long, cloud-blue robe accentuated her tall and graceful figure. Her dark blue hair was styled into a simple and elegant bun, secured with a Swallowtail Hairpin.
"My old, decaying body is already halfway to the grave. Even if I were to live two more years, merely prolonging my life, it would be meaningless."
The Grand Elder opened his cloudy, degenerated white eyes, his withered face covered with dark brown age spots.
He looked at Alliance Leader Qiu and Wei Dongjun, and calmly stated:
"The relationship between Sky-Beyond Island and our alliance has indeed always been good. The Immortal Physician Ling Chun saved the Azure-Eyed Beast and has also done our merchant guild a favor."
"Including you, Luo Yan. You were seriously injured while fighting for the Merchant Alliance back then, but were saved by a celestial physician who protected your Dao foundation. Only then were you able to advance to the Nascent Soul Middle Stage."
The Alliance Leader Qiu listened quietly, her long eyelashes lowered, her eyes clear and serene, recalling the events of that year.
"The Merchant Alliance owes Immortal Physician Ling Chun a debt of gratitude that I will never forget."
The Grand Elder's gaze was deep and unfathomable, and his tone suddenly shifted:
"But right now, with the overall situation of the Merchant Alliance stable, the most important thing is the transfer of power. No matter how great the kindness of Immortal Physician Ling Chun, she is ultimately an outsider."
"Why should outsiders interfere in matters that are internal to the Merchant Alliance?"
Having said that, the Grand Elder closed his eyelids and Spirit Nourishing.
Wei Dongjun and Alliance Leader Qiu were taken aback.
During this sensitive period, the Grand Elder trusted no one and was wary of outsiders.
It wasn't just Lan Chang'an.
This also includes True Lord Ling Chun, who has been kind to the Merchant Alliance.
Lan Chang'an was able to stay at the headquarters because of the dual approval of Wei Dongjun and the Great Demon King.
Even so, Lan Chang'an cannot enter the main island at will.
Wei Dongjun looked at his elderly grandfather and pondered for a moment.
Suddenly, he realized a problem:
The timing of True Lord Ling Chun's greeting and visit was somewhat auspicious.
They arrived neither too early nor too late, just when the Merchant Alliance was facing internal and external troubles and was at its most critical moment.
Perhaps the Sky-Beyond Island and the Immortal Physician Ling Chun wanted to Offering Charcoal in Snow.
But Grandpa was very suspicious and ignored the temptation of prolonging his life, refusing the doctor's visits and keeping his distance.
Since the Grand Elder insisted on this, Alliance Leader Qiu and Wei Dongjun had no choice but to give up.
"Grand Elder, you are practically my mentor. Without your guidance, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today within the alliance."
Alliance Leader Qiu took a deep breath, his tone revealing respect and gratitude.
"From both a moral and practical standpoint, Luo Yan hopes that her teacher will pass away peacefully in his old age."
"Today, Luo Yan has a request: she hopes to go out in your stead and fight the ' Insect Demon ' to the death."
She stepped forward, bowed deeply, and was about to kneel in respect.
The Grand Elder was moved, and a rare hint of warmth appeared on his face.
"No need for that, get up quickly. I'm an old man, my life is nearing its end, I have no intention of living any longer."
The Grand Elder raised his arm slightly, and said with satisfaction:
"If you're so inclined, you could simply look after Dongjun within the alliance..."
Following the Grand Elder's Law Power, Qiu Luoyan had been kneeling in devout worship, was forced to rise.
Suddenly.
A Silver Needle Ray from her sleeve, piercing the Grand Elder's chest.
laugh--
The Grand Elder's protective aura had barely begun to ignite when it was pierced by a needle.
Puff!
The Grand Elder's arm stiffened, and a tiny needle mark appeared on his chest.
The blood that had spread from the wound instantly turned grayish-white, giving it a deathly still appearance.
"Cough cough... It was you..."
"[Heart-Severing Poison]... What is your relationship with the ' Heart-Severing Poison King '?"
The Grand Elder clutched his chest, his face filled with grief, and looked at Alliance Leader Qiu in disbelief.
This True Lord ruler was a trusted confidant whom he had personally promoted, and she became the Vice Alliance Leader of the Merchant Alliance.
The Heart-Severing Poison King is the most powerful Evil Dao Nascent Soul Nascent Soul in the Heavenly Star Sea when it comes to using poison.
The Heart-Severing Strange Poison he concocted was extremely potent; anyone struck by it would instantly lose their heartbeat and die.
Even those in the Nascent Soul Middle Stage who are Heart-Severing Poison may not survive; there have been cases of people dying from it.
The only nemesis of the Heart-Severing Poison King is the Immortal Physician Ling Chun.
This demon was later defeated by the immortal healer and, severely injured, went into seclusion for many years.
"Qiu Luoyan, you--"
Wei Dongjun, standing to the side, was furious, his inner Law Power surging.
He watched helplessly as Alliance Leader Qiu plotted against his grandfather, but it was too late to stop him.
He never imagined that Qiu Luoyan, the senior sister he had always admired, would be a major traitor hidden within the alliance.
As soon as Wei Dongjun activated his Law Power, his body jolted violently, and he staggered unsteadily.
Suddenly.
His heart stopped beating, his blood froze, and his Law Power were almost completely out of control.
The life force within his body seemed to transform into Deadly Extinction Qi in an instant.
"Oh no... the Heart-Severing Poison!"
Wei Dongjun's face turned extremely pale as he realized that he had also fallen into a trap.
He and Qiu Luoyan agreed to persuade their grandfather to accept the condolences from the Immortal Physician Changqing, hoping it might extend his life by a few years.
The two had been walking side by side, very close, so they were probably poisoned by the invisible and odorless Heart-Severing Poison Powder.
There were no open wounds or bleeding. The type of Heart-Severing Poison Powder he was given was different, and its effects were slower, so it wasn't as deadly as his grandfather's.
Even so, it poses a great threat to cultivators in the Nascent Soul Early Stage, making their survival extremely difficult.
"Teacher, hand over the Azure-Eyed Beast's Life-Contract Jade Tablet! I have an antidote that can save Wei Dongjun's life."
The Alliance Leader Qiu's expression was indifferent, and a set of Array Flag appeared in his hand.
Boom!
Before the words were even finished, the entire Main Island Array began to shake violently.
Multiple array bases shattered, causing the spiritual light of the late-stage fourth-order Island Protection Array to dim by more than half.
The Island Protection Array halted its collapse and remained at the mid-level of the fourth rank, but numerous flaws appeared in the area where the formation's foundation had been destroyed.
The main island's grand formation was originally jointly managed by the three alliance leaders.
Alliance Leader Qiu, also inherited the authority of the Grand Elder and took charge of the Array Hall.
After Vice Alliance Leader Wan left, his authority over the formations increased by one-third.
Fortunately, the key point of the formation required the combined Method Formula of the three alliance leaders to activate, and therefore it was not destroyed.
As Alliance Leader Qiu waved the Array Flag, the array in the Main Headquarters Forbidden Area was broken.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Two elders of the Merchant Alliance, both at the Nascent Soul Early Stage, broke into the cave of the Grand Elder.
"Alliance Leader Qiu."
The two elders flew over and joined Qiu Luoyan.
One is a formal elder, a direct descendant of the Merchant Alliance;
The other person was Guest Elder, Qiu Luoyan's confidant.
As the Vice Alliance Leader the alliance, she held the power to manage the Array Hall, making it incredibly easy for her to bring in a Guest Elder to handle matters.
The jade bracelet in Qiu Luoyan's hand glowed with a hazy, gray mist.
A chilling chirping of birds rang out.
From within the mist, a mysterious swallow, its wingspan several feet, emerged, surrounded by a phoenix.
The small, Yin Nether swallow exuded a chilling, sinister aura, transforming into a gray phoenix shadow that hovered above the heads of the Grand Elder and Wei Dongjun.
"Nether Wind Swallow!"
Wei Dongjun's heart sank. His belt glowed with spiritual light, and the phantom of a Azure Water Flood Dragon coiled around him, protecting him.
The Nether Wind Swallow excels in speed and is effective against the Nascent Soul leaving the body.
With a sweep of the Nether Wind, those who have left their Nascent Soul will either become dizzy and disoriented, their escape speed will be slowed down, or their Sea of Consciousness will collapse and their souls will be scattered.
"It seems the teacher has entrusted you with all her protective treasures."
Qiu Luoyan looked at the illusory image of the Azure Water Flood Dragon surrounding Wei Dongjun, realizing that Nascent Soul Middle Stage couldn't break through quickly.
Boom!
The two Nascent Soul elders unleashed their Law Treasure to attack, but they were easily blocked by the illusory image of the Azure Water Flood Dragon.
Wei Dongjun regained some of his Law Power, and held a flawless white Clam Pearl in his mouth.
The Pure White Clam Pearl in its mouth absorbed the Heart-Severing Poison poison, turning grayish-black in a breath or two.
Call!
Wei Dongjun let out a long breath. Thanks to the protective treasure his grandfather had given him beforehand, he was finally able to neutralize most of the poison and regain control of his Law Power.
Qiu Luoyan focused most of her attention on the Grand Elder.
Even if this frail old man was poisoned with a more deadly Heart-Severing Poison, several times more lethal.
"Ahem! At the end of my lifespan, to be able to drag out a wild goose like you, I'll die a worthwhile death."
The Grand Elder's withered body rippled with emerald light, slightly twisting as if it had transformed into a boneless, semi-liquid state.
At this moment, the Grand Elder's life force was waning, Heart-Severing Poison aura permeated his internal organs and bone marrow.
Unless the Immortal Physician Changqing personally arrives to neutralize the Heart-Severing Poison, there is no chance of recovery.
"Find out? Did you already suspect it all along...?"
Qiu Luoyan frowned slightly, her expression changing subtly.
With that plan in place, everything went smoothly.
However, the Grand Elder's performance was somewhat unexpected.
After a brief moment of surprise and confusion, there was a sense of relief, as if a wish had been fulfilled.