Chapter 233 : Sudden Upheaval

Chapter 233: Sudden Upheaval

“Fellow Daoist Lin, are you really leaving? Actually, our Lu Clan can look after this cave abode for you for a while.”

Lu Yujian tried to persuade him with a helpless expression, but Lin Changan simply smiled and shook his head.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, I’ve spent a century cultivating to get where I am today. Truth be told, I’m a bit unwilling to stay stagnant, so I want to venture out and seek some opportunities.

Of course, I’m informing you now—three months from now, I’ll pack up and depart.”

Having known each other for so many years, and with a decent relationship with the Lu Clan, Lin Changan naturally had to inform them before leaving.

Especially since this was Yuling Island; at the very least, it would give the Lu Clan some time to prepare.

“In that case, allow me to wish Fellow Daoist Lin an eternal path on the Immortal Way.”

Seeing that Lin Changan was determined to leave, Lu Yujian could only solemnly offer his well wishes. Perhaps one day, he too would follow the same path Lin Changan chose today.

On Yuling Island, Hu Jin from the late Foundation Establishment stage had already left, and now Lin Changan was about to depart.

The other Foundation Establishment cultivators had likely long expected this day would come.

After all, those who didn’t spread their legacy or indulge in pleasures, and instead persevered in bitter cultivation daily—such cultivators always had their eyes set on the road ahead.

Perhaps they might fall along the way, but it was precisely because of countless cultivators like them who forged ahead unceasingly that the world of cultivation had legends of Golden Core Elders and Nascent Soul True Lords.

However, in the ninth month of the Five Dragon Island Gathering, during the third auction, earth-shattering news broke out—

A rebellion on Five Dragon Island!

Dozens of Golden Core cultivators in battle!

Countless cultivators who had suffered under Five Dragon Island’s oppression over the past century joined forces to plan an uprising.

“The island’s protective grand formation was destroyed. Numerous robber cultivators released sealed sinister spirits using special magical artifacts, throwing Five Dragon Island into chaos. Even the Palace of Blazing Fire joined forces with several Core Formation cultivators to launch a full assault on the island...”

Upon hearing this news, Lin Changan was visibly shocked.

To think that even an entity as powerful as Five Dragon Island had been breached.

And the one who delivered this news—Lu Yujian—wore an equally grave expression.

“That’s not all! Word is that the Island Lord of Five Dragon Island had been frantically amassing wealth over the years, all in preparation for forming his Nascent Soul. Somehow, this secret got leaked.

Several late-stage Core Formation robber cultivators then joined forces and orchestrated the rebellion…”

A Nascent Soul! A chaotic battle among Core Formation cultivators.

After hearing all that had happened on Five Dragon Island, Lin Changan couldn’t help but feel a lingering sense of dread.

Thankfully, he wasn’t on the island—otherwise, who knew what might’ve happened in the midst of such turmoil?

“It’s also because Five Dragon Island went too far these years, inciting resentment. I heard that several late-stage Core Formation cultivators fought during the attack, and even the Island Lord himself was gravely wounded!”

“Fellow Daoist Lin, be extra cautious in the coming days. The entire sea region around Five Dragon Island is in disarray.”

Grateful for Lu Yujian’s warning, Lin Changan cupped his hands and said, “Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Lu.”

This was exactly why he had maintained a good relationship with the Lu Clan all these years—clans like these always had far better information channels than a drifting cultivator like himself.

Returning to his cave abode, Lin Changan’s expression was heavy.

“Yun Yao gave a warning before... Could this incident be connected to the Mystic Yin Divine Sect?”

That thought made Lin Changan’s heart skip a beat.

After all, the Mystic Yin Divine Sect had another name—the Mystic Yin Demonic Sect!

“With Five Dragon Island descending into chaos, the Fog Sea of Tongtian might actually be a safer place for me.”

With that in mind, Lin Changan began packing. It seemed he would have to leave earlier than planned.

Inside the cave abode, the Wind-Chirp Bird chirped curiously, while the Azure-Horned Bull mooed loudly in the pool.

“Alright, you two, let’s get going.”

He tucked the Wind-Chirp Bird into the Spirit Beast Pouch and hid it inside his robe, while the Azure-Horned Bull simply stared with wide eyes, standing in place awaiting orders.

Anything of value in the cave abode—especially the spirit plants—he gathered without leaving a single one behind.

Even mosquito legs were still meat.

One only understood the value of oil and salt when managing a household.

He even dismantled the formation of the cave abode itself, though he hesitated over the island’s protective formation. In the end, he sent a voice transmission to Lu Yujian.

He would soon be heading far away, so the formation tower should be handed over to the Lu Clan.

He even left some Spirit Stones in the groove of the formation tower.

There was no need to damage his reputation over a few Spirit Stones.

Moreover, he was merely heading to the Fog Sea of Tongtian to gather Core Formation materials and avoid the chaos—it wasn’t like he wouldn’t return in the future.

“First, I’ll gather the necessary items for Core Formation. If I’m going to break through, I’ll need to visit Sea Abyss City. I might even need the Lu Clan’s help to find a departing spirit vessel.”

Just as he finished packing and was about to leave, a jade voice-transmission token began to glow.

“This is... Yun Yao!”

…

Fifty li away from Yuling Island, above a stretch of sea, Yun Yao stood pale-faced in midair.

“Brother Lin, this is Yun Yao’s promise from back then.”

As a jade box flew over and opened, Lin Changan’s face showed a flash of astonishment.

“This is... a mid-grade third-rank wood-attribute Demon Core!”

He had expected a Core Formation spirit item, but not this—a mid-grade third-rank Demon Core.

Given that both of them were familiar with the Three-turn Core Condensation Art, Lin Changan felt deeply moved.

This mid-grade third-rank wood-attribute Demon Core doubled the success rate of Core Formation compared to a low-grade one.

Such a gift was incredibly precious.

Before Lin Changan could offer thanks, Yun Yao, as if pressed for time, solemnly instructed him on a few matters and handed him a map of the Fog Sea of Tongtian.

“Brother Lin, this map marks out danger zones within the Fog Sea of Tongtian, as well as areas occupied by powerful robber cultivators.

Knowing that Brother Lin has a Wind-Chirp Bird, you’re likely headed there to search for Core Formation spirit items. I wish you early success in your breakthrough.”

Looking at Yun Yao’s pale face and the weighty sincerity in her hand, Lin Changan retrieved a bottle of spiritual liquid from his storage pouch.

“This spiritual liquid was something I obtained by chance. Though I don’t know what treasure it is, it has miraculous effects in regenerating flesh and healing bones.”

Yun Yao didn’t hesitate. She simply nodded and accepted the spirit item.

Watching her vanish into the distance as a streak of light, Lin Changan sighed softly.

Though it was a fulfillment of a promise, Yun Yao had every reason not to help.

This favor—he would remember it well. As for the so-called spiritual liquid, it was actually a third-rank spiritual liquid he had bought at high cost, into which he had infused his own spiritual power.

That infusion gave it a potent life force. He had tested it on both the Azure-Horned Bull and the Wind-Chirp Bird.

Its effects mimicked the infused power for a short time.

Judging by Yun Yao’s current state, she was likely seriously wounded in the battle on Five Dragon Island.

“But this generous gift…”

Staring at the third-rank mid-grade Demon Core in one hand and the map of the Fog Sea of Tongtian in the other, Lin Changan stood in silence.

“Yun Yao hadn’t found a Core Formation item before, and now suddenly she has one. Could she have looted it from Five Dragon Island?”

Thinking back to Tianxuan City, this woman had once robbed the Gathering Treasures Pavilion of the Palace of Blazing Fire. And now she robbed again!

She really was a repeat offender!

And that Mystic Yin Demonic Sect’s style… Lin Changan couldn’t help but shiver.

He’d best avoid getting entangled with them.

The Mystic Yin Demonic Sect had a nasty reputation, not to mention numerous robber cultivators as underlings.

“Better get going—right now, the Fog Sea of Tongtian is probably the safest place for me.”

With that, Lin Changan summoned his flying spirit artifact, a gourd, and flew toward the Fog Sea of Tongtian.

…

Meanwhile, far away, Yun Yao, looking grave, took out the jade bottle in her hand and drank the spiritual liquid in one gulp.

“Brother Lin, I hope you succeed in forming your core. This is all I can do for you now.”

But just as she sighed and put the bottle away, the liquid she drank transformed into pure life force.

She could feel the wounds in her body beginning to heal, especially those inflicted during her intense battle with a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator from the Long Clan on Five Dragon Island.

Even the subtle cracks on her Golden Core were beginning to mend.

“This... what kind of treasure is this?!”

Surprise flashed in Yun Yao’s eyes. Injuries to the Golden Core were notoriously difficult to heal, and any mistake could leave hidden damage.

“Looks like Brother Lin has his own fateful encounters and secrets.”

At this moment, Yun Yao’s complexion appeared somewhat rosy—those internal hidden injuries had unexpectedly healed completely.

Thinking back to Tianxuan City, Lin Changan’s Wind-Chirp Bird, and the fleeting sense of life-threatening danger she had once felt—

Yun Yao silently let out a sigh of relief. It seemed that even without her help, this Brother Lin didn’t need to worry.

“Since that’s the case, I should return to the sect and give my all to compete for the position of Saintess!”

As this thought surfaced, a look of determination appeared on Yun Yao’s face.

In the world of cultivation, strength reigned supreme. Only by becoming strong could she control her own fate, and only then could she, like that bird, soar freely through the skies.

Freedom!

…

Fog Sea of Tongtian, Azure Wave Island Marketplace.

Many cultivators from the Five Dragon Island sea region, to escape the turmoil, began fleeing here.

After Lin Changan disguised himself and entered the marketplace, the first thing he did was gather intelligence.

In the world of cultivation, information came first.

He wouldn’t dare act recklessly—otherwise, the price might be his life.

“Did you hear? The Island Lord of the Long Clan obtained a treasure for forming a Nascent Soul, and now many late Core Formation cultivators have their eyes on him.”

“No kidding. That’s a spirit item for forming a Nascent Soul—even those Nascent Soul old monsters covet such a treasure. If it weren’t for fear of Bihai Palace behind them, those old monsters would’ve already shown up to snatch it…”

“This time the Long Clan suffered heavy losses, and many forces are eyeing them. Truly a time of crisis.”

“Sigh, now you can’t even find a chance to board a spirit vessel if you want to leave…”

While wandering through the marketplace, Lin Changan overheard many bits of information. Most of these cultivators, like him, were solitary rogue cultivators.

Many were banding together to head to the outer seas or the Fog Sea of Tongtian.

Although both places were dangerous, the current turmoil on Five Dragon Island made those options appear safer.

Even a number of robber cultivators had already withdrawn from the island.

“The situation is changing too fast.”

After gathering the intel, Lin Changan shook his head inwardly.

Yet at the same time, having reached a bottleneck in cultivation, who would willingly waste away their life? Who didn’t want to gamble for once?

In disguise, Lin Changan posed as a False Core cultivator and visited Fatty Lei’s shop once more.

Inside, human puppets were still mechanically and numbly butchering demon-beast meat, while Fellow Daoist Lei busily gave commands.

“Damn it! You bunch of robber cultivators don’t even dare stay in the Five Dragon Island sea region anymore—you’ve all crawled back here. What can you even do in this marketplace all day? Why haven’t you gone out to hunt demon beasts yet?”

“Let me tell you, from now on, any shady goods you bring in will be reduced by another ten percent!”

“What?! Senior Lei, that’s too harsh!”

“Yeah, another ten percent—how are we supposed to survive?”

Several fierce-looking cultivators in the shop whined pitifully.

But Fatty Lei, holding a folding fan with the character “Virtue” revealed, snorted and replied:

“Blame that turtle bastard! He dumped all the Long Clan genius’s magical artifacts on me in one go—if you’re going to swindle someone, don’t use me as the scapegoat!

Even though the Long Clan suffered this time, a starving camel is still bigger than a horse. My little body can’t withstand the fallout.”

Having just entered the shop and hearing Fatty Lei grumble, Lin Changan maintained a calm expression.

Targeting one shop to unload everything?

He had been in a rush to sell.

Besides, if you open a store for black market business, there are risks involved—that was something he was well aware of.

“Yo, this fellow Daoist looks unfamiliar?”

Spotting a False Core cultivator walk in, Fatty Lei smiled and cupped his hands with curiosity.

This time, Lin Changan was disguised as a gaunt False Core cultivator.

“I’d heard that the auction at Five Dragon Island’s marketplace would have Core Formation spirit items, so I came all this way. Who knew this mess would break out—I had to lay low for a while.”

“No kidding.” The shopkeeper didn’t suspect anything and simply sighed along.

Yet behind his chubby face, his small eyes gleamed with a trace of cunning.

The messier the world, the more profit his black market would make.

“I came here this time after hearing that Fellow Daoist has the most well-informed news. I’d like to ask about the current situation.”

Lin Changan chuckled awkwardly. Even though he’d already gathered plenty of information on his own—

Still, consulting a professional and spending Spirit Stones for intel would always yield more comprehensive results.

“So you’re here for information, Fellow Daoist? No problem.”

The moment he realized it was business, Fatty Lei smiled broadly and invited Lin Changan into the back room.

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators outside looked on with envy.

A False Core cultivator was still considered a member of the Core Formation realm.

A whole level above Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Only those of such standing could be invited into the inner room.

“Fellow Daoist, here is the information you requested.”

After reading the intel, Lin Changan’s brows furrowed deeply.

He hadn’t expected the chaos in the sea region around Five Dragon Island to involve so much.

Bihai Palace, as the overlord of the Sea Abyss of Beasts, had ruled for too long—many had long grown resentful.

After all, Bihai Palace controlled the largest resources in the Sea Abyss of Beasts.

Over the past millennia, there had been wars in the Sea Abyss of Beasts.

“The two Palace Masters of Bihai Palace have been in seclusion for over a hundred years. Rumors say they suffered cultivation deviation while practicing a secret art and have been recuperating in secret.

In recent years, Bihai Palace has recruited many cultivators—even the recently formed Nascent Soul cultivator, Master Lu, was recruited. And many forces from outer-sea sects have been quietly testing the waters…”

After reviewing this detailed overview of the Sea Abyss of Beasts’ power structure, Lin Changan felt the Spirit Stones had been well spent.

The Long Clan of Five Dragon Island had acted tyrannically for years. Bihai Palace had issued multiple warnings, but the Long Clan continued acting with impunity.

“This Long Clan really is insane—betting everything on whether they can produce a Nascent Soul cultivator. If they lose, the backlash might be too much for the clan to bear!”

Lin Changan shook his head inwardly.

But from another perspective—if one always played it safe and missed an opportunity, could they truly be content?

“Fellow Daoist Lei, do you think the Long Clan is being suppressed deliberately?”

The intel didn’t explicitly say so, but everything pointed to the Long Clan having bitten the hand that fed it. Perhaps Bihai Palace’s slow response was a calculated move to send a warning.

Faced with Lin Changan’s question, Fatty Lei simply smiled and shook his head.

“How would we know? We’re just False Core cultivators—in the eyes of those powerful forces, we’re nothing but slightly bigger ants.”

Lin Changan shook his head with a smile, then put away the intel and cupped his hands in farewell to Fatty Lei.

Judging from the situation, Five Dragon Island would probably remain chaotic for some time.

But who cared about the outside world’s chaos?

He had already gathered all the necessary materials. This time, he would focus entirely on collecting Core Formation spirit items within the Fog Sea of Tongtian.

And he would cultivate in the Yin Spring Spiritual Vein!

Until he reached perfection in the late Foundation Establishment stage—he wouldn’t come out!