Chapter 239 : Finally Reaching Sea Abyss City

Chapter 239: Finally Reaching Sea Abyss City

On the deck.

This time, all the cultivators had come out, and the Long Clan’s cultivators did not stop them.

“This...”

After exiting the cabin, they saw the countless supplies aboard the Long Clan’s spirit vessel being moved away, box by box, by the cultivators of the demonic sect.

As for the cultivators being taken away, they too were being escorted onto the demonic sect’s spirit vessel one after another.

If there had still been many complaints in the hearts of cultivators before, at this moment, every one of them now silently patted their chests in lingering fear.

Fortunately, the Long Clan had been ruthless enough this time, bringing so many goods. Otherwise, they might not have been able to satisfy this group from the demonic sect.

As for the small loss on their own part?

It was nothing compared to the Long Clan’s supplies.

Looking at the scene, the Long Clan’s cultivators all wore gloomy and unpleasant expressions—far worse than anyone else.

Upon witnessing this, Lin Chang’an sneered inwardly. If he hadn’t known the truth, he might have even sympathized with them.

But now! He only wanted to repay this great favor from the Long Clan properly in the future.

“These goods are probably the resources meant to purchase Nascent Soul insights. These ordinary Long Clan cultivators may not know, but the leading ones definitely do.”

Hidden among the crowd, Lin Chang’an maintained a calm expression, showing the same post-crisis relief as the other cultivators.

“Please convey this to the Island Lord of the Long Clan: the Mystic Yin Sect sincerely thanks him for this generous gift.”

Once all the goods had been emptied, a cold and aloof voice came from atop a hideous, enormous flying vessel of the demonic sect.

Upon hearing this voice, Lin Chang’an was stunned for a moment. He immediately pretended to act naturally and looked up with the crowd.

Descending in flowing white garments—it was indeed Yun Yao.

The Long Clan’s Core Formation cultivator aboard the spirit vessel had a dark, ugly expression. Others might not understand, thinking it was a mockery, but he knew all too well what was truly meant.

“Very well! The Long Clan sincerely thanks the Mystic Yin Sect for this great kindness and will not forget it.”

To outsiders, it seemed as if the Long Clan was bowing its head, which instantly balanced out the emotions of the other cultivators who had suffered losses.

Some even felt sympathy for the Long Clan.

Their losses were far worse than anyone else’s.

That’s just human nature.

As the demonic sect’s spirit vessel was about to set off, He Yan from the demonic sect respectfully approached and whispered a message.

After hearing it, Yun Yao’s beautiful eyes trembled slightly, and she glanced back with the corner of her eye, spotting Lin Chang’an among the crowd.

The two exchanged a brief glance, then looked away calmly.

As if nothing had happened.

But their years of mutual understanding had already conveyed the meaning between them.

Take care!

...

They could only watch helplessly as the giant flying vessel of the Mystic Yin Sect departed. Many hot-blooded cultivators on board, unaware of the truth, had bloodshot eyes and clenched teeth.

“Elder! This is outrageous—they took all the goods on our entire ship!”

“Exactly! We gave offerings even to sect forces we passed by, but none were this vicious!”

Seeing all these indignant Long Clan cultivators, the False Core Cultivator leading them, who clearly knew the inside story, suddenly barked in a low voice:

“Silence!”

“You call this bravery? What? You think with that little bit of hot-bloodedness, we should’ve all died here today?”

Though it sounded like a reprimand, this False Core Cultivator was inwardly somewhat comforted—at least some in the Long Clan still had fire in their bones.

These people were the future of the Long Clan.

“Many thanks, Elder Long.”

“Yes, many thanks to the Long Clan.”

On the deck, many cultivators who had originally been distressed and angry about their own losses now came forward to console the Long Clan.

Of course, some were sincere, while others were just putting on a show.

Watching this scene from within the crowd, Lin Chang’an, though he acted no differently than the rest, sneered in his heart.

The Long Clan truly had remarkable tactics.

They struck from behind the scenes, yet gave face publicly.

If he hadn’t known the truth, he’d have thought they were helping him even as they sold him out.

“Fellow Daoist Lin, are you all right?”

Upon stepping onto the deck this time, Lin Chang’an encountered Madam Lu and Lu Yujian. Upon seeing them, he forced a strained smile.

“At least I’m doing better than those who were taken.”

Lu Yujian had clearly seen the earlier scene and was visibly enraged, though helpless to act.

At the side, Madam Lu sighed helplessly and secretly sent a voice transmission:

“Fellow Daoist Lin, my son and I were fortunate enough to escape inspection this time only because of Yushu’s master’s background.”

Madam Lu explained in this manner to show Lin Chang’an that she truly had limited ability—it wasn’t that she didn’t want to help.

Lin Chang’an naturally understood and gave her a nod to express his acknowledgment.

...

The following days were peaceful.

Since there were no more goods on the spirit vessel, everyone was allowed to move freely.

Yet many cultivators wore bitter expressions. The price of this voyage had nearly emptied their coffers, and the demonic sect had taken from them yet again.

Now, many cultivators had already been drained of all their spirit stones.

After experiencing this incident, many were filled with worry.

But curiously, no one seemed to suspect the Long Clan. After all, their losses appeared to be the greatest.

As for the dozens of missing fellow cultivators—no one mentioned them again.

At this time, within the ship’s cabin, Lin Chang’an was calmly facing a visitor from the Long Clan.

He knew that since he wasn’t taken away, someone would definitely come to see him.

“Talisman Master Lin, this journey was a grave oversight on our Long Clan’s part—we truly offer our deepest apologies.”

At the very first meeting, this False Core Cultivator from the Long Clan apologized with utmost sincerity.

One had to admit, his attitude was impeccable.

But Lin Chang’an understood all too well what they were really wondering about. With a bitter smile and a sigh, he replied:

“This time, I was simply lucky. Fortunately, I once served in Tianxuan City under True Lord Lu, and through talismans made a few connections.”

The message embedded in this statement made the Long Clan’s cultivator appear enlightened.

Tianxuan City had ties with the Mystic Yin Sect—this information was not unknown to them.

As for the probing from this False Core Cultivator, Lin Chang’an didn’t withhold anything. There was no need to hide He Yan’s identity.

Besides, He Yan sparing him had been witnessed—there was no hiding it.

“My nephew happened to join the Mystic Yin Sect, which helped me avoid this disaster.”

“So that’s how it is.”

After hearing this, the False Core Cultivator eased his wariness by a bit.

Among cultivators, such connections to people from the same hometown weren’t uncommon—understandable, really.

Moreover, there was no need to create further conflict aboard the ship over Lin Chang’an alone.

“Take care, senior.”

“Talisman Master Lin, do rest well—we’ll be arriving at Sea Abyss City in just a few days.”

After seeing the guest off, Lin Chang’an maintained his facade the entire time, appearing exactly like someone who had narrowly avoided disaster thanks to an acquaintance.

...

Mystic Yin Island.

A gloomy island shrouded in sinister ghostly fog.

As a massive flying vessel descended from the sky, the cultivators on the island looked upon it with respectful expressions.

Aboard the vessel—

“He Yan, do you admit your guilt?”

“Please spare me, Saintess! I admit my guilt! But this person is the uncle of a hometown acquaintance who once saved my life. I willingly accept punishment!”

Under the watchful eyes of all, He Yan confessed swiftly and decisively.

Seeing this, many of the accompanying demonic cultivators couldn’t help but glance over.

Some sneered, while others had complicated expressions.

For a person like He Yan who valued old ties, few could truly dislike him.

Even among evildoers, they hoped to befriend such a person—just in case one day they found themselves in danger and needed a helping hand.

Thus, quite a few people actually pleaded on He Yan’s behalf.

But most of these people were either opportunistic or hypocritical cultivators.

After all, aside from these surface reasons, who didn’t know that He Yan was under the Saintess?

He Yan himself wasn’t stupid either. A bunch of fools—did they really think he was a simpleton?

As the one in charge of this operation, Yun Yao swept her indifferent gaze across the crowd and said calmly:

“In that case, this vacancy must be filled within three months.”

“Yes!”

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.

She didn’t even bother to pretend—she clearly meant to tell everyone that He Yan was her subordinate, and this was how she punished him.

Who had a problem with it?

Naturally, no one dared to speak.

As Yun Yao looked at Mystic Yin Island before her, a trace of cold frost flashed through her eyes.

“Big Brother Lin, I hope your Core Formation goes smoothly this time.”

If he failed in forming his core, Yun Yao sighed inwardly—perhaps she would advise Lin Chang’an to return to the Yue Kingdom.

After all, comparatively speaking, the Yue Kingdom was a small, stable place—far better than the harsh life in the Sea Abyss of Beasts.

“All prepare to disembark.”

The dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators with specialized skills who had been taken away had long since become utterly hopeless, filled with bitter hatred toward the Long Clan.

“Well, to put it plainly, you were sold off by the Long Clan for a good price. But it’s not all bad to be in the Mystic Yin Sect—get used to it.

Our sect also runs proper marketplaces and business channels.”

This group consisted of second-rank skilled cultivators, and they weren’t treated too roughly.

After all, they might be useful in the future.

“Long Clan! Damn it...”

“Hmph, let’s see how far the Long Clan can go.”

“Exactly. There are no secrets under heaven. Just wait, Long Clan, we’re not done yet.”

One after another, these Foundation Establishment cultivators who had been sold looked furious and stifled. They had clearly paid to travel to Sea Abyss City—

Yet they had ended up paying to be sold right into the demonic lair of Mystic Yin Island.

Seeing their outcome, Yun Yao shook her head indifferently. She had no power to change it.

She just wanted to live on.

Mystic Yin Island.

“Heh heh, that Long Clan boy really is going all out... Too bad Nascent Soul isn’t so easily achieved.”

In a hoarse voice, within a sinister hall deep inside the island, a gaunt figure revealed a faint smile.

…

“We’ve arrived!”

With a shout of astonishment, countless cultivators on the deck turned to look in shock at the distant sight.

Towering peaks reaching into the clouds, an enormous island, and a vast, majestic immortal city radiating with overwhelming might came into view.

Even Lin Chang’an, who had visited once before, couldn’t help but marvel again upon seeing it.

“Sea Abyss City, finally arrived!”

【Lifespan: 134/294】

【Realm: Late Foundation Establishment (93/100)】

This time, due to the detour taken by the Long Clan’s flying vessel, the journey had taken more than half a year.

Lin Chang’an looked at his cultivation and let out a quiet sigh.

He could already feel his bottleneck. If he attempted a breakthrough now, it would be reckless and wasteful.

“I still have a few third-rank pills that aid in cultivation. First, I need to find a cave abode and go into closed-door cultivation for a few years. Once everything is ready—then I’ll form my core!”

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an glanced sideways at Madam Lu and couldn’t help but feel a bit envious.

Lu Yushu was truly blessed—he had a Core Formation master as his teacher, and the clan gave him full support.

Unlike Lin Chang’an, who had to rely entirely on himself.

“Big Brother Lin, is this Sea Abyss City? It’s huge!”

Beside him, Lu Yujian was already dazed, completely awestruck by the scene before him—just like Lin Chang’an had been on his first visit.

“Mother, have you been here before?”

“I... This is my first time too.” Madam Lu was also stunned, but her thoughts were more occupied with the matter of Core Formation for the family.

So she quickly composed herself, wearing a solemn expression as she watched the flying vessel approach the dock.

As he stepped off the vessel and left the Long Clan’s domain, Lin Chang’an finally relaxed the tension he had been holding inside.

“Patriarch Lu, Fellow Daoist Lu, you two have important matters. I shall take my leave first.”

Once disembarked, Lin Chang’an cupped his hands and bade farewell to the Lu family members.

At this moment, Madam Lu understood Lin Chang’an’s intention—after all, she had come here for her clan’s Core Formation business.

“In that case, I wish Fellow Daoist Lin eternal success on the path of immortality.”

“May your immortal path be everlasting!”

After parting at the docks, Lin Chang’an donned a bamboo hat and calmly headed toward Sea Abyss City.

As for whether the Long Clan was tailing him—he didn’t believe they would dare cause trouble here.

Just as he had expected, on the flying vessel, the Long Clan’s managing mid Core Formation Elder silently watched Lin Chang’an leave, then gently shook his head.

“Don’t stir up trouble. According to our investigation, this person is cautious by nature. Even if he suspects us, he wouldn’t dare spread rumors recklessly.

These rogue cultivators may not have other skills, but their ability to stay alive and use their brains is unmatched.”

“Besides!” At this point, the elder paused, then sighed deeply.

“Besides, it’s no longer necessary. The Clan Patriarch is already preparing to break through. If successful, everything else becomes meaningless.”

If he failed...

This elder with little lifespan left could only smile bitterly in his heart. The Long Clan had taken a huge gamble this time.

But did they have any other choice?

After dominating the Five Dragon Sea Region for over a hundred years, the Long Clan had grown used to limitless resources—offending too many in the process.

The Long Clan had long since been forced onto the fire!

Now, they could only stake the entire clan in one final gamble.

If successful, the Long Clan would soar to new heights.

…

“Fellow Daoist Lin, here is your Permanent Residence Identity Jade Token.”

“Thank you.”

Outside the massive city gates, Lin Chang’an had applied for a permanent residence identity jade token.

After all, he had come here to enter seclusion and then break through to Core Formation—not for anything else.

Seven days wouldn’t be enough.

“Three thousand low-grade spirit stones.”

Lin Chang’an handed over the spirit stones and received his identity jade token, his face finally showing a smile.

His identity was clean, so of course he used his real name.

The only downside was—if the token was lost, it had to be reissued from scratch.

“I’ve finally returned here again!”

Upon stepping into Sea Abyss City and feeling the thick spiritual energy in the air, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help lifting his bamboo hat, revealing a rare expression of relaxation.

At last, the constant vigilance of his journey could ease.

“I wonder how Old Hu has been these twenty-two years—has he already formed his core?”

Walking down the wide street, Lin Chang’an gazed upon the vast immortal city with a sigh.

Now that he had arrived, he took out the voice-transmission talisman he had exchanged with Old Hu back then. He sent a message, and seeing no reply, he put it away.

Then, he headed straight for the direction of cave abode rentals.

He didn’t want any more unexpected incidents—first, find a cave and go into seclusion.

Then—form his core.