The Azure Sea Returns to the Tide, Fortune Arrives
"Qiu Luoyan, how dare you—"
A powerful voice echoed from the main hall of the headquarters.
At the same time, the Law Power aura of the three Nascent Soul elders appeared in various halls of the main hall.
"I never imagined that it was you, Alliance Leader Qiu, who was colluding with both insiders and outsiders."
The Alliance Leader Zuo frowned deeply, his thick, purplish-black eyebrows furrowed in surprise.
The leader of this alliance exuded a Law Power pressure that resembled an ancient iceberg, with icy chill spreading for dozens of miles.
The two Nascent Soul elders beside Qiu Luoyan felt an instinctive sense of fear and unease.
Among the three leaders, the Alliance Leader Zuo is the most powerful and has the most seniority, wielding great power within the alliance.
"So, among the three leaders, the one my teacher trusts the most is not me."
Suddenly, Qiu Luoyan realized something and gave a self-deprecating smile.
Previously, the elimination of Vice Alliance Leader Wan had surprised her greatly.
The Grand Elder and the Alliance Leader Zuo joined forces to temporarily remove Alliance Leader Wan was detrimental to the stability of the alliance, from the core circle.
"Over the years, I've gradually come to realize that a mysterious force has infiltrated the Merchant Alliance, posing a significant threat. Some high-ranking members are suspected of being bribed, colluding with outsiders, causing the Merchant Alliance to suffer substantial losses..."
The Grand Elder's voice was low and his face showed bitterness.
On his deathbed, he orchestrated a power transition to lure out the culprits and purge the corrupt elements within the alliance.
Unexpectedly, it shot down a wild goose!
The biggest traitor was his trusted confidant whom he had personally promoted within the alliance.
Fortunately, the leader he trusted most was Zuo Tianxiong.
After the Grand Elder stepped down from his post.
The Alliance Leader Zuo holds the greatest power and interests within the alliance. His seniority, connections, and strength are second to none, making him the helmsman who controls the overall direction of the Merchant Alliance.
This old rival, on the contrary, considered the bigger picture.
Loyalty to the Merchant Alliance, or rather, loyalty to the power he wields and the enormous interests behind it.
Furthermore, the Alliance Leader Zuo still harbors ambitions to reach the Nascent Soul Late Stage, demonstrating a vision far surpassing that of the Vice Alliance Leader Wan.
The Alliance Leader Zuo also noticed the hidden dangers within the Merchant Alliance and cooperated with the Grand Elder to set up a scheme before his death.
"Hehehe... Teacher truly lives up to his reputation as an old fox who has lived for over a thousand years! Before his death, he toiled tirelessly for the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the continuation of the Wei Family."
The Alliance Leader Qiu's smile was alluring, yet held a hint of the uncanny.
"Unfortunately, the moment the Azure-Eyed Beast was summoned from the main headquarters, the outcome was already sealed!"
Upon hearing this, the poisoned Grand Elder and Wei Dongjun felt a chill in their hearts.
At this moment, they still do not understand why Alliance Leader Qiu would betray the Merchant Alliance.
Alliance Leader Qiu alone couldn't have orchestrated such a grand scheme.
There are likely hidden mysterious figures outside, or the support of top forces in the Heavenly Star Sea.
Just then...
The sounds of a battle could be heard outside the main island, with screams growing louder as they approached.
"The Insect Demon have invaded the archipelago!"
"Run! Get to headquarters and ask for help..."
Several powerful, Evil Dao Nascent Soul auras traversed the archipelago's waters, heading straight for the main island of the headquarters.
The Merchant Alliance cultivators they encountered on the road were mercilessly slaughtered.
Tens of thousands of Golden Flame Insect ravaged the sea, gnawing and devouring the corpses of cultivators one by one.
Two fourth-tier Flying Corpse Zombie darted through the sky, spewing purplish-gray corpse fire from their mouths.
If an ordinary cultivator gets even a trace of it, they will instantly turn into a pool of corpse water.
"The Insect Emperor's foresight is truly remarkable; the main formation of the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance's headquarters has indeed been severely damaged!"
"Hehehe... With that Great Demon King transferred from the Merchant Alliance headquarters, the Insect Emperor is practically invincible in these archipelago!"
Two Evil Dao Nascent Soul Cultivator let out strange laughter and fawned over him.
A swarm of insects, resembling golden clouds, surrounded a mysterious Black-Robed Man in black robes wearing a bronze mask.
His hair was gray, and his eyes were like lightning, as if he were a ghost or a god.
The faint, elusive aura of Evil Dao Law Power seemed to emanate from the abyss, vast and unfathomable.
The bronze mask prevented Divine Sense from detecting it.
In the Heavenly Star Sea, no one knows the true appearance of the Insect Demon.
"With coordinated attacks from within and without, we will capture the main island!"
The Insect Demon's voice was hoarse and gloomy as he led a vast swarm of golden insects to be the first to attack the Main Island Array.
Two Evil Dao Nascent Soul and two fourth-tier Flying Zombie followed closely behind, charging towards the Main Island Array.
Pfft...
The overwhelming Golden Flame Insect Swarm clung to the weak points of the great formation, frantically devouring them.
The Golden Flame Insect is covered in golden flames, and its core is like a black bean with golden spots. It is impervious to blades and spears and has a strong immunity to various Law Technique attacks.
Even when attacked by the array's Restriction, resulting in charred and dead bodies, and some being stunned, they were replenished by large Golden Flame Insect Swarm.
This insect can quickly recover from injuries and increase its combat power by feeding on and absorbing the Spiritual Qi of the formation and the corpses of its own kind.
"Qiu Luoyan, how dare you collude with the enemy Insect Demon from the Outer Sea!"
The Alliance Leader Zuo's expression was grim and quite unpleasant.
He didn't even bother with the Grand Elder; he flipped his hand and took out a Array Flag to stabilize the damaged Island Protection Array.
The Insect Demon is even more dangerous.
If they were to breach the main island, it would bring devastating disaster.
The speed at which the Golden Flame Insect Swarm broke through the formation exceeded expectations.
Some of the larger Golden Flame Insect reached the fourth level. After devouring the corpses of their own kind, their aura surged, and their attacks became increasingly ferocious.
The light from the outer island's grand formation visibly dimmed.
The Archipelago Headquarters at this moment.
Due to external crises and power struggles, a large number of high-ranking cultivators were transferred to other regions to guard posts.
The defensive capabilities of the main headquarters were thus greatly weakened.
"Alliance Leader Zuo, prioritize defending the great formation and blocking the Insect Demon."
The Grand Elder's gaze was gloomy as he took out a Spirit Contract Jade Tablet and quickly established communication.
Qiu Luoyan's beautiful eyes narrowed as she stared at the jade tablet in the Grand Elder's hand:
"Hand over the Great Demon King's life contract! Out of consideration for past kindness, I promise to spare Wei Dongjun's life."
Alliance Leader Qiu was not worried about the Grand Elder contacting the Azure-Eyed Beast.
The Azure-Eyed Beast went to a distant sea area and was restrained by a Grand Master of the Black Sea Merchant Alliance.
Even using Cross-Sea Array would require travel time, and distant water cannot quench immediate thirst.
As Alliance Leader Qiu spoke, he waved the Array Flag in his hand, opened the array portal, and coordinated with the attack of the Insect Demon and others.
The two Nascent Soul elders accompanying him attacked Wei Dongjun, who had mostly neutralized the poison.
"Block the Insect Demon!"
The Alliance Leader Zuo led his men to the entrance of the formation, waving the Array Flag and vying with the Alliance Leader Qiu for control of the formation.
Buzz! Boom!
The Alliance Leader Zuo summoned a small Ice Crystal Hill, which swelled in the face of the cold wind and transformed into a Mystic Ice Mountain hundreds of feet tall, blocking the gap in the formation.
The icy winds spread for dozens of miles, freezing a large number of Golden Flame Insect.
Some insects lost their golden flames, froze to death, or went into hibernation.
The two Evil Dao cultivators, along with the corpse fire of the fourth-order Flying Zombie, landed on the Mystic Ice Mountain, and could not be conquered in a short time.
Gazing at that Mystic Ice Mountain.
The Insect Demon's eyes were filled with disgust. It wielded a Treasure Ruler with flashing blue lightning patterns, creating cracks on the surface of the array barrier.
The Treasure Ruler is an Ancient Treasure, and it is being struck on an iceberg.
The Mystic Ice Mountain roared, blasting open a small portion of it, and many frozen Golden Flame Insect crawled out.
"Alliance Leader Qiu, if we can't obtain the Life Contract, destroying it is fine."
The Insect Demon commanded in a cold voice.
Its body was covered with a layer of Golden Insect Armor, which blocked the attacks within the great formation and the erosion of the Alliance Leader Zuo's Mystic Ice Divine Ability.
"Ahem... Even if it costs me my life, I will not let the Life Contract fall into your hands."
The Grand Elder's voice was weak as he put the Life-Contract Jade Tablet into his Storage Ring.
Its withered body rippled with the spiritual light of emerald water, temporarily suppressing the Heart-Severing Poison and ignoring the attacks of ordinary Nascent Soul Realm.
But at this moment...
The Azure Flood Dragon Phantom surrounding Wei Dongjun dimmed and disappeared, broken by the Law Treasure of the two Nascent Soul elders.
The Pure White Clam Pearl in his mouth absorbed the Heart-Severing Poison, turning into a pile of gray-black fragments that scattered on the ground.
The Grand Elder entrusted Wei Dongjun with his life-saving items, his legacy, and his wealth in advance.
That top-tier poison-removing pearl neutralized most of his "Heart-Severing Poison," but the poison within his body was not eradicated, and the remaining Heart-Severing Poison was spreading and growing stronger.
Buzz!
Wei Dongjun then unleashed a mid-grade fourth-tier life-saving talisman, his entire body enveloped in a deep blue Water Shield, blocking the attacks of the two elders.
Having regained his Law Power, he summoned a Azure Water Gourd.
Boom!
The Azure Water Gourd surged forth with Water Dragon Ripple of water, rushing towards the three Alliance Leader Qiu.
The two elders were forced back by the torrent of water, their Qi and Blood and qi churning, and they hurriedly used their defensive Law Treasure to resist.
The Alliance Leader Qiu was surrounded by Azure Mist Wind Waves, with an invisible Cold Autumn Wind that neutralized the Water Dragon Ripple.
The gourd in Wei Dongjun's hand seemed to contain the waters of the Three Rivers and Five Lakes, continuously unleashing a torrent that impacted the three Alliance Leader Qiu.
"The Wei Family Clan-Suppressing Magic Treasure! Our teacher truly passed them all on to you."
"Hehe, I bet the true Demon King's destiny contract resides with Dongjun?"
The Alliance Leader Qiu looked at Wei Dongjun with a smile and tentatively asked.
Based on her understanding of the Grand Elder, this is highly likely.
The Life-Contract Jade Tablet I just saw was probably a fake.
Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder and Wei Dongjun exchanged a glance.
The grandfather and grandson were expressionless, revealing nothing, perhaps they were communicating in secret.
A chilling chirping sound rang out.
The Nether Wind Swallow of only a few feet, stirred up a large swath of gloomy, gray Yin Nether Wind Mist that enveloped the Grand Elder and Wei Dongjun.
The Nether Wind Swallow gradually became ethereal and illusory, transforming into a Yin Nether state resembling Nascent Soul Spirit Body.
Despite the protective aura of spiritual light surrounding them, the Wei Family grandfather and grandson were unable to completely block the corrosive force of the Yin Nether Wind.
The Alliance Leader Qiu intensified his offensive, wielding nine Autumn Leaf leaf-shaped magical Law Treasure that transformed into countless Autumn Leaf Wind Blade, each over ten feet long. The surrounding cave dwellings and buildings were sliced into countless fragments, like tofu being cut.
The chilling atmosphere of autumn enveloped and sealed off the Wei Family grandfather and grandson.
In addition, the outer layer of Netherworld Wind provides a means to prevent the Nascent Soul from leaving the body, making it a life-or-death situation.
However, Alliance Leader Qiu remained constantly vigilant against the Grand Elder's counterattack.
At his peak, this person was a top-tier Nascent Soul Middle Stage, capable of even going toe-to-toe with powerful cultivators.
Therefore, she dared not push too hard, fearing a mutually destructive outcome.
They even deliberately delayed, allowing the "Heart-Severing Poison" to take further effect and kill the Grand Elder's lifespan.
At the same moment, the Insect Demon launched a fierce attack.
Under the attacks of the Insect Demon, the Evil Dao Nascent Soul, and the Fourth-Order Flying Zombie, the Mystic Ice Mountain shattered into pieces.
More Golden Flame Insect Swarm broke through the iceberg, adapting to the power of the mysterious ice.
Pfft...
The swarm of insects devoured the array frantically, and some Golden Flame Insect even managed to squeeze into the array through cracks in the formation.
The Island Protection Array is weakening and won't last much longer.
Once the Insect Demon and the Golden Flame Insect Swarm invade, no one in the entire archipelago will be able to stop them.
"Qiu Luoyan! The Life-Contract Jade Tablet is indeed in my hands. Come and take it if you dare!"
Wei Dongjun took a deep breath, his eyes cold and filled with resentment and murderous intent.
Whoosh! Boom!
The Nascent Soul Soul's Law Power surged into the Azure Water Gourd, unleashing a beam of light resembling a dragon raising its head, briefly piercing through the Netherworld Wind overhead.
At the same time, he activated a mid-grade fourth-tier Lightning Escape Talisman with his finger.
Sizzle! Boom!
With a thunderous roar, Wei Dongjun transformed into a bolt of lightning and fled towards the outside of the main island.
"Don't even think about it!"
Alliance Leader Qiu was prepared; a Silver Needle Ray flashed from his sleeve, predicting that it would strike Wei Dongjun had just activated his Lightning Escape Talisman.
Puff!
Wei Dongjun's already dimmed water-like protective shield was pierced, and a silver Law Treasure, as thin as a hair, pierced into his robe.
Fortunately, Wei Dongjun's inner Golden Silk Soft Armor, barely managed to block the subsequent force of the silver needles.
However, the sharp autumn aura contained in the extremely fine silver needles penetrated his soft armor and injured his internal organs.
Wei Dongjun groaned, his figure transforming into lightning as he spat out a mouthful of blood in mid-air.
The methods employed by Alliance Leader Qiu are not limited to this.
The nine Autumn Leaf-Shaped Magic Treasure hovering around him each had willow branches extending from their stems, each several dozen feet long, which flashed towards Wei Dongjun's body.
Several sturdy willow branches slapped against the air, vibrating eardrums and blocking Wei Dongjun's path above his head.
It seemed that Wei Dongjun was about to be blocked and entangled.
At the critical moment.
The Grand Elder suddenly made his move, and the azure light around his body surged several feet.
His withered body stood upright, his eyes like torches.
Filled with the ethereal light of the clear water, his body swelled and grew, returning to the tall and upright stature of his youth.
Dry skin regains its fair and delicate appearance, and the wrinkled face reveals the sharp features of youth, making it handsome and extraordinary.
Lifespan and vital essence are rapidly burning.
The Grand Elder has recovered to his peak condition, with his Law Power and spiritual pressure approaching that of Nascent Soul Great Cultivator.
He raised his hand, which was shimmering with azure light.
His once white hair was now dyed jet black, fluttering in the wind.
Boom! Whoosh--
Giant waves surged into the sky from the sea surrounding the main island, as if worshipping the sea gods.
On the vast sea, billions of seawater, drawn by a mysterious force, present a huge, gentle whirlpool.
For tens of thousands of miles around, the sea surged and trembled rhythmically.
Endless water elemental power surged forth, converging towards the sonic overlord at the center of the whirlpool.
At that moment, the sound of the ocean waves enveloped the entire main island and spread to the surrounding islands and waters.
"The Azure Sea Returning Tide Melody-- "
The cultivators on both sides present were shaken to their core, their qi and Qi and Blood Law Power were in disarray, and their senses were overwhelmed by the magnificent sound wave.
The Golden Flame Insect Swarm that were devouring the large formation were shaken off in large swaths, dazed.
The Insect Demon paused its attack, a look of apprehension flashing in its eyes.
The Grand Elder's deadly move was originally prepared for the "Insect Demon".
Fortunately, the Grand Elder, who had been poisoned by the deadly Heart-Severing Poison, could not sustain his killing move.
Call!
The Grand Elder's palm, rippling with azure light, made a sweeping motion, as if the power of waves from ten thousand miles around converged into a single palm.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Qiu Luoyan and the other two were sent flying backwards, as if swept away by the mighty force of the ocean tide.
Qiu Luoyan groaned, the blood trickling from the corner of her mouth making her lips appear even more vibrant.
The spiritual light of the two Nascent Soul elders vanished, their Law Treasure fell to the ground, and the sound of bones shattering echoed from their bodies as they were sent flying hundreds of feet away.
"The Grand Elder, who rarely leaves his residence, actually possessed such abilities?"
"He has comprehended the sixth level of the ' Azure Sea Returning Tide Melody,' and even faintly touched upon the legendary seventh level of the True Intention Spirit Transformation."
The pressure on the Alliance Leader Zuo was greatly reduced. He breathed a sigh of relief and, while marveling at the situation, couldn't help but feel fortunate.
Sizzle! Whoosh--
Lightning flashed across the clouds over the main island.
Just as the Grand Elder unleashed the "Azure Sea Returning Tide Melody," suppressing the entire attack, Wei Dongjun seized the opportunity to escape the encirclement and death trap.
"Grandfather..."
Wei Dongjun was overcome with grief, his eyes moist as he gazed at the main island of the headquarters, at the towering figure that commanded the sea tides.
Just one strike.
The Grand Elder's aura rapidly declined.
The swollen blue waters dimmed and disappeared, the hair turned white again, and many withered and fell away.
His facial skin became dry and shriveled again, covered with brownish-gray age spots.
The Grand Elder's cloudy eyes had completely dimmed, but he followed the aura and "watched" his grandson Wei Dongjun escape in the direction he fled.
The life force of this physical body was completely extinguished; under the outbreak of the Heart-Severing Poison, it no longer possessed any vitality.
"Pity."
The Grand Elder let out a final sigh.
If it weren't for the ambush, the silver needle Law Treasure piercing his heart, causing a fatal wound and triggering the Heart-Severing Poison...
At his peak, he could unleash a burst of power for at least a dozen breaths.
At that time, we will teach the Insect Demon a lesson and also make the traitor despair.
Unexpectedly, the Insect Demon and Qiu Luoyan launched the first attack.
As a result, he could only barely unleash the power of a single strike.
It remains to be seen whether Wei Dongjun, who has been poisoned, will be able to escape this calamity.
Can the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance weather this crisis?
Whoosh!
An aged, dull, azure nascent Nascent Soul detached from the Grand Elder's body.
He picked up a Storage Ring and fled in the opposite direction from Wei Dongjun.
Netherworld Wind swept through from above.
The aged Nascent Soul let out a muffled groan, its spiritual light dimmed, its escape speed sluggish, and its speed reduced by more than half.
A strange, ghostly wind eroded the Nascent Soul Spirit Body, causing large patches of corrosion and peeling off its surface.
"Alliance Leader Qiu, which one should we pursue?"
The injured Nascent Soul elder beside him took a healing elixir and asked for instructions.
Wei Dongjun and the Grand Elder's Nascent Soul fled in opposite directions.
The Grand Elder 'Nascent Soul was holding Storage Ring, inside which was the Life-Contract Jade Tablet he had just used.
"The Grand Elder's attack just now exhausted his lifespan. His Nascent Soul is old and withered, and his spirit is depleted. Even if he escapes, he won't live for long."
The Alliance Leader Qiu's gaze remained calm as he quickly analyzed the situation.
Based on her understanding of the Grand Elder and her intuition, she believed that the Great Demon King's Life Contract was most likely given to Wei Dongjun.
The Nascent Soul soul leaving the body and taking the Storage Ring was likely intended to cause them to split their forces in pursuit, thus creating more opportunities for Wei Dongjun to survive.
"Ah Yan, go after that old geezer's Nascent Soul."
Alliance Leader Qiu was still worried, so he sent Nether Wind Swallow, who was able to restrain the Nascent Soul Spirit Body, to pursue the Grand Elder.
Even though he clearly guessed the Grand Elder's intention, he dared not gamble.
What if the Life Contract is in that Storage Ring?
No one can be 100% certain.
A bird, Nether Wind Swallow, chirped merrily.
It transformed into a semi-ethereal, Yin Nether form and rapidly pursued the Grand Elder's Nascent Soul.
In this state, Nether Wind Swallow is equivalent to Nascent Soul Spirit Body, and its escape speed exceeds normal limits.
The Grand Elder's life force was exhausted, and his Nascent Soul Spirit Body was being eroded by the Nether Wind. He was tracked down and targeted by the Nether Wind Swallow, and could not escape his fate.
"Wei Dongjun's ' Heart-Severing Poison ' has not yet been neutralized; he cannot escape the Sunset Glow Sea Region —quickly pursue him!"
Alliance Leader Qiu led two Nascent Soul elders in pursuit of Wei Dongjun's escape route.
She was 90% certain that the Great Demon King's Life Contract lay with Wei Dongjun.
The waters around the archipelago are turbulent.
A handsome man in white, riding a dark blue Mystic Water Big Turtle, was heading towards the main island.
Hidden Mist Island is the most remote fourth-tier mid-grade training Dao Field from the main island, tens of thousands of miles away.
Furthermore, Guest Elder are not allowed to enter the main island of the headquarters at will.
Therefore, Lan Chang'an arrived late after the dramatic change in the Merchant Alliance.
"The Azure Sea Returning Tide Melody..."
Lan Chang'an stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the still turbulent waves, the rhythmic sound of the tide reaching his ears.
The "Azure Sea Returning Tide Melody" is a top-tier overseas water-based technique, and mastering it requires not only water-based talent.
One must also possess musical talent, observe the tides and listen to the waves, and use sound to enter the Tao.
The sixth level, <The Azure Sea Returning Tide Melody>, normally corresponds to the Nascent Soul Late Stage.
At the height of his power, the Grand Elder reached this level, enabling him to contend with and exchange blows with great cultivators.
Whoosh!
The Mystic Water Turtle traverses the sea surface, its speed greatly enhanced, comparable to that of Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator.
They were now thousands of miles away from the main island.
Huh?
Lan Chang'an's powerful Divine Sense senses detected the abnormal fluctuations at the soul level.
A chilling aura, unsettling to the soul, accompanied by a sharp and cruel chirping of birds, came from the distant sky.
"The Netherworld Wind? The Nether Bird?"
"Big Turtle, adjust your direction."
Lan Chang'an's heart stirred, and he unleashed his Nascent Soul Late Stage Divine Sense, commanding the Mystic Water Turtle to meet the attack.
A moment later, the sky darkened with clouds.
A gloomy, Netherworld Wind swept across an area of several miles.
The Grand Elder's aged nascent Nascent Soul was growing weaker and weaker, being pulled by the Netherworld Wind behind him.
A sharp, excited chirping of sparrows came from behind me.
"Nascent Soul Spirit Body at its peak in the mid-stage, though extremely weakened, is a rare and highly nourishing tonic for the soul."
With wingspans of several feet, the seemingly small and cute Nether Wind Swallow reveals a longing and greed in its eyes.
Its tracking and locking onto the distant Nascent Soul has a playful, cat-and-mouse feel to it.
In a direct confrontation with Nascent Soul Cultivator of the same level, it might not necessarily gain the upper hand.
However, if it is a spiritual Nascent Soul has lost its physical body, it is at Nether Wind Swallow's mercy, like a meal on a plate.
"... Is it over yet?"
The aged Nascent Soul, in its escape, gradually lost consciousness, sighing in despair.
He felt his limits; his Nascent Soul Spirit Body was on the verge of collapse and dissipation.
If it weren't for the desire to create a chance for his grandson, he might not have had such a strong will to persevere for so long.
We cannot allow ourselves to be devoured by the Nether Wind Swallow, thus increasing the enemy's strength.
The Grand Elder was prepared to self-destruct his Nascent Soul at any time, hoping to injure Nether Wind Swallow.
Just then...
A powerful aquatic elemental force emanated from a fourth-tier water-type Demon King ahead.
On the Big Turtle stood a man in white robes, his Law Power of Nascent Soul True Lord faintly visible.
"A fourth-tier Spirit Turtle, could it be that one...?"
The Grand Elder guessed the visitor's identity and felt a sense of unease.
Could it be that Lu, the Guest Elder, is approaching us now, perhaps to support the Insect Demon and Alliance Leader Qiu's actions?
If this is the case, the Bishui Merchant Alliance is in grave danger!
Perhaps it's fate hitting rock bottom and bouncing back.
The worst-case scenario that the Grand Elder feared did not occur.
"What kind of monstrous beast dares to hunt down cultivators of our alliance!"
The white-clad man atop the Big Turtle stood with his hands behind his back, his sleeves fluttering, and a clear, sharp shout rang out.
That rebuke sounded like the will of an High Antiquity master.
Thunder roared through the clouds, annihilating all spirits and gods in the universe.
In an instant.
The gloomy, overcast Netherworld Wind in the sky vanished like smoke.
"Sir, spare my life--"
The Nether Wind Swallow felt a chill run through its body as it sensed a powerful Divine Sense, radiating an overwhelming aura and carrying the fury of thunder, pressing down on its frail bird form.
It froze in mid-air, trembling; even in the Yin Nether, it was filled with fear and dread.
"This Divine Sense..."
The Grand Elder's Nascent Soul immediately felt the cold, turbid energy dissipate, and his consciousness became clearer.
That Nascent Soul Late Stage Divine Sense, through a sonic technique, dispersed the Yin Nether and Evil Qi, but did not harm the Grand Elder's Nascent Soul in the slightest.
"Within this Merchant Alliance, there is actually a hidden Nascent Soul Great Cultivator..."
After the initial shock, the Grand Elder was overjoyed, seeing a glimmer of hope in the darkness.
Judging from Lan Chang'an's actions, he is not in cahoots with the Insect Demon and the Alliance Leader Qiu.
With such overwhelming strength, they attacked together just now, and the Grand Elder and Wei Dongjun were not able to escape; they were all wiped out.
Soul-Splitting Spike!
Lan Chang'an made a hand Hand Seals with one hand, his eyes flashing with a cold, eerie light, and terrifying spiritual fluctuations surged in the void.
An invisible, bluish-gray spike, like the fangs of Nine Nether White Bone deepest hell, pierced through the soul and struck Nether Wind Swallow, who was trying to escape.
A sharp, agonizing scream.
Nether Wind Swallow withdrew from its Yin Nether state, its soul was torn apart by a sharp pain, and its consciousness was in complete chaos. The swallow's feathered body plummeted towards the sea.
Poof!
Its body plunged into the sea, the water was cool, and it had just regained consciousness.
The wings were grabbed tightly by a hand.
From a third-person perspective.
A series of illusory tree afterimages swept across the void, and a white-robed youth with flowing green light grabbed Nether Wind Swallow's wings.
Before it could even struggle...
Nether Wind Swallow, whose soul was injured, was slapped and immediately vomited blood and fainted.
"Heh, a mere swallow, daring to try and send a message to its master in front of me."
Lan Chang'an placed Restriction on the swallow, imprisoning its magical Law Power, and then sealed it in Jade Box, affixing Sealing Talisman.
The Nether Wind Swallow truly lives up to its reputation as a member of the Yin Nether race.
Despite enduring his Soul-Splitting Spike, which was at the level of a Grand Cultivator, his soul was only injured, showing no signs of collapse.
"Why is the Grand Elder so badly injured? What happened at the Merchant Alliance headquarters?"
Lan Chang'an looked at the weak, powerless, and still-shaken old Nascent Soul Nascent Soul.
The Grand Elder composed himself and looked at the white-robed True Lord before him, who possessed a lofty and serene demeanor.
Amidst the rising and falling waves.
The man was gentle and refined, with deep and far-reaching eyes. His tied-up black hair was mixed with silver and white, and moved with the wind.
His demeanor was weathered and aged, as if he had experienced countless cycles of time.
"True Lord Lu, this is our first meeting."
The Grand Elder's Nascent Soul gave a bitter smile.
Regret and guilt appeared on Nascent Soul's face.
When the power shifted at the main island headquarters, he was overly suspicious and prevented this Guest Elder from interfering.
If they had listened to Wei Dongjun and the Azure-Eyed Beast's advice and chosen to trust Elder Lu, the outcome might have been very different.
"I was previously too suspicious and misjudged Elder Lu..."
"Grand Elder, please don't take offense. I'm just a newcomer, and it's only natural that I haven't gained your trust yet."
"I only wish to find a stable environment to cultivate in peace and quiet, without any conflict with the world. I have no ambition or ulterior motives regarding the power of the Merchant Alliance."
Lan Chang'an had already realized that the Grand Elder 'Nascent Soul Spirit Body was on the verge of collapse.
He kept it brief and spoke frankly to the Grand Elder.
"Grand Elder, did you have any last wishes before you passed away?"
Lan Chang'an stretched out his palm and let the Grand Elder's weak and dim nascent Nascent Soul land on his palm.
The Evergreen Mana Mantra was used to grant it a brief respite before it died.
The Grand Elder's complexion had improved considerably, and he vaguely sensed the deeper meaning in Lan Chang'an's words.
His first meeting with Lan Chang'an was without any prior grudge or favor.
The other party has no obligation to help this dying man fulfill his last wishes.
"My wish is that Wei Dongjun can avert this calamity, that the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance can weather this crisis, complete the power transition, and stabilize the overall situation."
The Grand Elder Nascent Soul's nascent soul glowed red as he uttered his final vow.
Lan Chang'an's face twitched slightly:
That old fox, he's splitting one wish into several parts, isn't he?
They had to save Wei Dongjun's life while also helping the Merchant Alliance weather the crisis.
Afterwards, a power transition must be completed to stabilize the core base.
"I, Lu, am merely practicing Divine Sense techniques; I am not Nascent Soul Late Stage cultivator. The Grand Elder's wish is quite difficult to fulfill."
Lan Chang'an wore a wry smile.
In reality, the Grand Elder's wish was roughly in line with his expectations and within a controllable range.
The details of his wish are all roughly in one direction, tied to the large ship of the Merchant Alliance.
It's much more reliable than the last wish of the True Lord Ming Shui.
"I, Lu, accept this wish, but the Grand Elder must also grant me a small request..."
Lan Chang'an communicated secretly via Divine Sense.
Several layers of Restriction have been set up around it to prevent outsiders from investigating.
"No problem! My nascent Nascent Soul Spirit Body has reached its limit. If it weren't for True Lord Lu extending my life, it might have already dissipated and returned to the world."
"True Lord Lu, please take this."
The Grand Elder had no complaints, and the aged Nascent Soul closed its eyes.
"Rest assured, Grand Elder, I, Lu, will clean up the mess at the Archipelago Headquarters for you."
Lan Chang'an smiled slightly and clasped his hands together.
The Grand Elder Nascent Soul did not struggle; it was enveloped by a force of rules and vanished without a trace.
Nine Imprint Tablet, the Fourth Life's framed seal.
The pale image of the Purple-Robed Daoist peeled away and disappeared, turning into a clump of shimmering, pure white crystalline particles.
At this moment, the divine power of the Fourth Life of Master Lihuo has already possessed Lan Chang'an.
What is stripped away is the imprint of reincarnation and the Divine Soul Origin.
"Go."
With a thought, Lan Chang'an invoked a Reincarnation Power of his Sixth Life, allowing the Divine Soul Origin of the Master Lihuo to return to the great cycle of heaven and earth.
After all, Master Lihuo has worked tirelessly for so long; perhaps we should let his soul return to the heavens and earth.
The soul essence that was devoured and shattered by the Nine Imprint Tablet cannot trace back to this life, even if there is an afterlife.
Immediately afterwards.
Within the Fourth Life frame, a majestic image of a man in a green robe dominating the waves of the sea is depicted.
"Peak of the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, with a divine soul aura approaching the Nascent Soul Late Stage!"
Lan Chang'an was overjoyed; the harvest exceeded his expectations.
However, at present, the Fourth Life reincarnation of Azure Sea Grand Elder has not yet been activated.
Once you fulfill your wish and resolve the karmic debt, you can transform it into a simulated reincarnation.
This is also why Lan Chang'an inquired about her wishes in advance.
At this moment, Lan Chang'an fully understood the fortuitous opportunity to stay at the headquarters.
The Fourth Life the Nine Imprint Tablet, with a top-tier Nascent Soul Middle Stage like Azure Sea Grand Elder taking over, is a rare and great fortuitous opportunity.
That's all I've learned.
This dramatic turn of events at the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance made Lan Chang'an's trip worthwhile.
"Oh, and this Storage Ring too?"
Lan Chang'an opened his palm, revealing a Storage Ring left behind by the Grand Elder Nascent Soul's Nascent Soul.
Before his death, Azure Sea Grand Elder did not give instructions on what to do with the Storage Ring.
Lan Chang'an tacitly accepted this as a gift and compensation from the old man.
Time is of the essence.
Lan Chang'an didn't have time to take stock of his gains in his Storage Ring.
Flames soared into the sky from the direction of the main island.
The "Insect Demon" was extremely powerful, suppressing Alliance Leader Zuo and others. A large number of Golden Flame Insect poured into the formation, wreaking havoc and killing.
Outside the main island.
The three Nascent Soul, Alliance Leader Qiu, are pursuing Wei Dongjun "Heart-Severing Poison" has relapsed.
"Sigh, I guess I'll have to step in and clean up this mess."
Lan Chang'an sighed, then transformed into a streak of azure Escape Light and sped across the sea and sky.