Within the Floating Cloud Platform, above the newly completed mountain gate of the Incense Accumulation Sect in the Que Luo Immortal Abode.
Li Ling sat at his desk, a confidential letter in hand, deep in thought.
It was already winter of Incense Accumulation Year 90. He had successfully moved this floating island here to serve as his retreat for secluded cultivation.
He had now handed all sect affairs back to his disciples and turned his attention to the bigger picture, only to discover that there was no chance of peace and quiet at all.
The situation was far less promising than he had anticipated.
Over the years, Northsky Island could hardly be accused of doing nothing. They had hunted demons, struck at evil cultivators, suppressed pirates, and worked to resolve the chaos in the North Sea.
Unfortunately, the overall situation had long since deteriorated. Beyond Northsky Island, no powerful faction could shoulder responsibility for the entire North Sea, so evil could never be rooted out completely.
"This is a serious problem. One careless move, and the whole thing could blow up again," Li Ling said.
"The present situation is like a great house called the North Sea that has just suffered a plague of rats. After a tremendous effort, all the rats visible in the open have been killed, but plenty of rotting corpses remain, breeding all manner of cockroaches and flies. There are even young rats hiding in dark corners, ready to make a comeback at any moment.
"Not to mention the stray cats and dogs drawn in from outside...
"Northsky Island is a clumsy, sluggish old man. All that exertion has left him gasping for breath, his eyes dim and his movements slow. He simply has no strength left to deal with it."
Mu Qingsi was also in