The beast tide is imminent, and the seas around Five Dragons Island are about to witness a grand spectacle.
"Mr. Lin, the so-called beast tide in each sea area is merely the result of the sea beastsâ instinctual migration. Around Five Dragons Island, Xingji Island, and Celestial Star Island, it is mainly the Giant Bone Sea Fish Beast.
Of course, there will be other sea beasts, but overall, they are not as numerous as the Giant Bone Sea Fish Beasts. The beast tide that occurs every ten years is a small one, mostly consisting of Tier One sea beasts.
This time, however, is a once-in-a-century great beast tide, and Iâm afraid there will be varying numbers of Tier Two sea beasts appearing..."
After Lin Changâan returned to the island, the Ping, Feng, and Li clans also came bearing gifts, their faces full of amicability.
Listening to the other partyâs recounting of the beast tide, Lin Changâan showed a nonchalant, accustomed demeanor, secretly nodding to himself.
Perhaps after he has lived and cultivated here for decades, he too would become accustomed to it like them.
However, he also understood the true purpose of their visit.
But when the other party mentioned the great beast tide, they clearly showed an expression of anticipation. A once-in-a-century beast tide is undoubtedly a grand feast for these cultivator clans.
"Friend, you came this time with so many heavy gifts; I really feel undeserving."
Lin Changâan humbly waved his hand, while this cultivator simply smiled and nodded.
"Mr. Lin, you are being too polite."
"Lin Mou came to this place only for peaceful cultivation, hoping to break through to the late-stage Foundation Establishment one day, and does not wish to get entangled in any of these affairs..."
Lin Changâan nearly spoke his mind plainly.
The enmity between your three clans and the Lu Family is something he does not want to be entangled in; he simply seeks stable cultivation.
The Lu Family previously sent a letter secretly, so the three clans must have been aware of it, hence their visit and attempts to woo him.
"Mr. Lin, rest assured, as we jointly guard this island, it wonât be long before we have to defend against this beast tide together. If there is anything you need, feel free to say so.
Our three clansâ merchant ships trade frequently, and they can bring along some resources for you, Daoist friend."
Seeing the manner of his speaking, Lin Changâan also smiled and cupped his hands.
"In that case, thank you very much."
Afterwards, the two of them enjoyed tea together. Although the other party regretted not being able to woo him, they thought it was better than being involved with the Lu Family too deeply.
Lin Changâan also took the opportunity to inquire about some local situations.
After all, information in the jade scrolls was mostly one-sided, and certain things required explanations from cultivators who had lived here for hundreds of years.
Especially the local astronomical changes and experiences in dealing with sea beasts, which could not be thoroughly understood through simple intelligence.
After the other party left a gift and departed, Lin Changâan stood at the entrance of his cave dwelling, watching the disappearing figure, squinting his eyes.
"In the contest of family interests, I guess Iâve gained an advantage for nothing."
Immediately, the Cyan-Horned Bull let out a low, and only then did Lin Changâan release the Phoenix Cry Bird.
"But all this has nothing to do with me as long as it doesnât disturb my cultivation."
Shaking his head, Lin Changâan then returned to his cave dwelling, resuming his routine of cultivation, talisman painting, alchemy, and array research to prepare for the beast tide.
He silently made up his mind that after this beast tide, he would seclude himself, and would not come out until he broke through to the late-stage Foundation Establishment.
Moreover, during this beast tide, he had to strive to gather as many resources as possible.
...
Five Dragons Island.
Amidst the ongoing festivities, the various family businesses on the island were earning heftily, laughing all the way to the bank.
Meanwhile, inside a business on the island, where there had been broad smiles, the atmosphere turned grim as soon as someone produced an item.
"Big brother, this is the Fire Sun Sword, our nephew Wang Linâs magical artifact!"
No one imagined that this business was actually the Wang Family, who had contended with the Zhou Family in Cyan Bamboo Mountain Market, only to fall into plight due to a secret realm.
"My son!"
The patriarch of the Wang Family, upon seeing this ordinary top-grade magical artifact, was filled with resentment and fury.
"This artifact was found in the market, with no way to trace its origin."
"Isnât it obvious? It was back then when Li Huo Palace forced our Wang Family into exile, causing us to have to conduct open trade here while secretly indulging in the ways of the tribulation cultivators."
Each Foundation Establishment cultivator spoke with anger; their resentment against Li Huo Palace remained undiminished.
"Say no more, this is Linâerâs lifeblood! And his mission!"
The patriarch of the Wang Family, with a somber expression, directly stopped the crowd.
Back then, the treasures obtained by the Wang Family from the secret realm were discovered by the disciples of Li Huo Palace; to preserve the family, he could only order the tribe to scatter.
As Wang Lin was the young master, he naturally became a big target.
But they had to minimize that target, letting fate decide the outcome.
"We will settle the account with Li Huo Palace someday, but not now."
The cold voice of the Wang Familyâs patriarch reverberated, and everyone solemnly nodded.
"Indeed, Li Huo Palace is now a dog of the Profound Yin Demon Sect; who knows when this dog will be killed."
There were sneers and unwilling souls.
"Enough. Our immediate priority is the cooperation with the Lu Family. This family, after all, promised us that once the deal is done, we can plunder the three clans of Jade Spirit Island at will."
"Big brother, the Lu Family doesnât have many Foundation Establishment cultivators; should we?" A greedy Foundation Establishment cultivator hinted at devouring the Lu Family as well.
However, he was rebuked by the patriarch.
"Even in the business of tribulation cultivation, we must maintain integrity, otherwise who would come to us in the future?"
"Yes, joining hands with the Lu Family inevitably leads to encountering issues that require our assistance, and slow and steady wins the race."