Chapter 220: All Allies · Arrival at Darkness Island

Chapter 220: All Allies · Arrival at Darkness Island

The Fubing Sect had risen rapidly in recent years, gathering many formidable solitary cultivators. Their alliance formed a coalition to dominate and oppress other cultivators. The Right Protector, relentless in his pursuit, sought to exploit the situation for personal gain.

The Right Protector stood at the prow, his frost-white hair and billowing black robe a stark silhouette. His cold gaze fixed ahead, the golden tidal wave of his spiritual aura pressed down with such force that the Three Immortals Sect’s Spirit Ship trembled beneath its weight.

A crushing aura of Golden Core Perfect Completion surged like a tidal wave, overwhelming the Three Immortals Sect’s Spirit Ship. It pressed down on Yu Zhenyang and his companions like a boulder on their chests. Even Qiu Fanghui felt his breath hitch and his scalp prickle. Though he himself was a Golden Core Perfect Completion cultivator, he paled in comparison to elite warriors hardened by battles in the Outer Sea. Worse still, the enemy’s massive ship likely harbored more than one expert, and other vessels might lurk nearby. A fight would spell disaster.

Only Xiao Chen remained unfazed, his complexion unchanged.

“Fellow Cultivator Qiu, please think of a solution!” Yu Zhenyang urgently transmitted mentally. “You claimed to have many friends in the Outer Sea earlier. We’re all allies—let’s avoid conflict.”

Qiu Fanghui had visited the Outer Sea twice before. During idle conversations, he had boasted of his extensive connections. Now, he inwardly cursed his own exaggerations. Back then, he was merely a Golden Core Initial Stage cultivator, running errands for a senior expert. He knew no true powerhouses. Yet admitting this now would only save face.

Fine, treat a dead horse as alive for now.

“Everyone, stay calm. Let me negotiate with them,” Qiu Fanghui transmitted mentally to the four companions. He secretly crushed a protective Jade Talisman in his sleeve, then forced a composed expression as he stepped forward.

Though his heart raced, he stroked his beard and smiled. “Protector, hold on! I am Qiu Fanghui. I once shared spirit tea with Elder Peng Qinglan at Darkness Island. Today, we’re merely passing through—might we trouble you for safe passage?”

He extended a small storage bag. “Here are 100,000 spirit stones as a token of appreciation for your patrol’s efforts.”

In truth, Qiu had never met Elder Peng. He’d only heard of him during an auction thirty years ago. Hoping the spirit stones would deter scrutiny, he spun the lie.

Cao Mingjie on the ship stared at the bag, his heart aching. 100,000 spirit stones! But this was no time to economize—relics ahead might repay the loss.

Yu Zhenyang transmitted urgently, “Fellow Cultivator Qiu, add more stones if needed. Just keep this old fox calm… Consider it a bandit’s ransom.”

“Is that so?” The Right Protector narrowed his eyes. “You mean Elder Peng Qinglan?”

A test. He had already scanned the five opponents, detecting only a Golden Core Late Stage. Their Spirit Ship was ordinary, lacking composite formations. If Qiu faltered, he’d strike immediately.

He subtly gripped a formation disk behind his back. The Ice Serpent statue’s eyes rotated, coming alive, while attack formations at the stern began charging.

Ma Wenbo, watching closely, warned, “Danger! Talismans at their stern are activating—we might have to fight!”

Yu Zhenyang brandished defensive formation flags, eyes fixed on Qiu. Fellow Cultivator Qiu, our fate rests on you.

Cao Mingjie, a Golden Core Initial Stage cultivator, trembled under the aura pressure. The glowing runes spelled doom for him.

Xiao Chen, hearing Ma’s warning, gripped his mechanical claw. If Qiu knew the enemy, all would be well. If not, time to test his new weapon.

“I do know him!” Qiu’s Adam’s apple bobbed. Trapped, he nodded firmly. “Yes, Elder Peng Qinglan.”

“Haha! We’re all allies, all allies!” Qiu laughed nervously, studying the Right Protector’s silence.

The Right Protector’s face tightened, his cold stare silencing Qiu’s forced laughter. The air thickened with tension.

The Three Immortals Sect trio’s hearts sank as Fubing Sect cultivators emerged—two Golden Core Late Stage and four Golden Core Middle Stage, spiritual artifacts gleaming with malice. They awaited the Right Protector’s command.

Yet the order never came.

Confused, the Fubing cultivators exchanged glances. Why delay?

Unbeknownst to them, the Right Protector’s back was drenched in cold sweat. Many cultivators harbored secrets—his was a Fortune Character Shell, a shellfish he’d found as a fledgling. Its natural “fortune” pattern had brought luck, warning him of danger by heating up.

Now, it seared his chest like a branding iron—a warning stronger than ever.

What’s wrong? He raced through possibilities. The omen struck as he activated the formation disk. Qiu’s obvious lie suggested no threat. Yet the others were mere Inner Sea cultivators.

His gaze swept the four, lingering on Xiao Chen. Strange. His aura is hidden, unreadable.

The sect leader had warned of a new relic awakening in Darkness Sea, drawing hidden experts. Could this be a disguised master?

The Right Protector stiffened, feigning indifference. A glance at Xiao Chen’s hand revealed a rectangular box—the hallmark of an esoteric spiritual artifact.

What is that? Could he be from a hidden sect?

The others showed fear, as expected of ordinary cultivators. But Xiao Chen’s calm, emotionless gaze felt like a predator sizing up prey.

“Haha!” The Right Protector suddenly barked laughter. “An ally of Elder Peng! We’re all allies here!”

“Keep your spirit stones. We don’t take from kin!” He stressed “allies,” repeating it twice.

The six Golden Core cultivators behind him froze.

“Do we have an Elder Peng Qinglan?” a Golden Core Late Stage whispered.

“Follow the Protector’s lead,” another muttered, though equally puzzled.

Qiu Fanghui, released from paralysis, joined the laughter. “Allies, allies!”

Phew! Lucky guess! He’d remember “Peng Qinglan” for future boasts.

The tension dissolved. Yu Zhenyang rejoiced—Fellow Cultivator Qiu’s connections truly impressed. Ma Wenbo, once skeptical of Qiu’s bragging, now marveled. How else could he face the Right Protector and turn hostility into warmth?

Cao Mingjie resolved to court Qiu’s favor.

“Fellow Cultivator Qiu, no need to detour—save time,” the Right Protector urged.

“No, no,” Qiu waved. “We’ll yield the path. Your sect has urgent matters.”

The Right Guardian suddenly gripped his arm. "Fellow Cultivator Qiu, no worries. We'll go this way."

He had already fully entered his role. "The Sea Blockade is only for outsiders. We're all allies here. What are you afraid of, Fellow Cultivator Qiu?"

Since he suspected Xiao Chen might be here for the Relic, the Right Guardian couldn't afford to waste time.

"I... This..."

Qiu Fanghui stammered. "The Sea Blockade is a rule. Don't interfere with your sect's operations."

He worried that entering the blockaded area might lead to encountering other patrol teams, which they might not be able to bluff their way through.

"No problem. I'll personally escort you..."

The Right Guardian had intended to say, "I'll personally escort you there", but then realized that would mean lingering near Xiao Chen for days.

He quickly changed his plan. "Take this Fubing Flag. As long as you hang it at the top of the mast, you'll pass unimpeded."

Hearing this, Qiu Fanghui had no reason to refuse further.

The Spirit Ship turned around and resumed its original course.

"Fellow Cultivator Qiu, I really have patrol duties to attend to. You all take care!"

Before parting, the Right Guardian waved them off, appearing quite familiar.

Only after the ship vanished and the seashell on his chest cooled did he exhale in relief.

Thankfully, his quick thinking today had saved his life at the last moment.

"Thank the heavens Fellow Cultivator Qiu was here. We made it safely."

On the Spirit Ship, Yu Zhenyang and others enthusiastically praised him. "Fellow Cultivator isn't just skilled in techniques—your connections are vast. You're truly a role model for us all."

Qiu Fanghui felt a bit flattered. "Ah, my friends are just too kind."

...

While they chatted animatedly, Xiao Chen sat alone, pondering. He felt something odd—the Right Guardian's attitude shift seemed too sudden.

Still, he didn't dwell on it. There was no need.

Rather than scheming endlessly, he'd rather relax by the sea breeze and return to his quarters to focus on cultivation.

Cultivation realm was the foundation of everything.

As long as he grew strong enough, any challenge would simply be met with "meet force with force, water with earth."

Perhaps thanks to the Fubing Flag, the Spirit Ship indeed passed through the blockaded sea area smoothly without further incident.

On the thirtieth day of June, they successfully reached the northern edge of the Darkness Sea.

There, they found the legendary Darkness Island.

Though the map suggested Darkness Island wasn't large, in reality, it stretched over 450 kilometers east to west and 150 kilometers north to south—the largest island within a 25,000-kilometer radius.

"Fellow Cultivator Golden Light Technique, we've arrived."

After anchoring the Spirit Ship, Yu Zhenyang notified Xiao Chen. "We still have time. Let's rest here for two days."

"Better restock supplies and gather information before exploring the Relic."

"We've discussed it—we're heading to Darkness Pavilion to try some Outer Sea specialties. Fellow Cultivator Golden Light Technique, care to join?"

Actually, it was a banquet invitation from Qiu Fanghui.

Xiao Chen usually kept to himself, seeming somewhat aloof.

But he didn't mind socializing. He nodded. "Sure, I'd like to experience the local flavors."

Due to its elongated terrain, Darkness Island's bazaar split into eastern and western halves.

The east side, established by the Yin Corpse Sect, housed grand restaurants and bustling market formations.

The northwest was a gathering of solitary cultivators—a makeshift open-air market on flat land, where vendors had even built simple shelters over time, forming a settlement.

Darkness Pavilion naturally stood in the East Market.

The group descended from their flying swords ten kilometers from the bazaar, walking the rest of the way.

Many bazaars had such rules—some even used formations to restrict flying within.

But as they landed, they saw a sword beam streaking past, stopping only at the bazaar entrance.

In the Outer Sea, rules weren't as strict.

Primarily, the Yin Corpse Sect conserved formation energy, activating aerial restrictions only within the bazaar itself, not the outskirts.

"They say the Outer Sea differs from the Inner Sea. Looks like the styles aren't similar either."

Cao Mingjie, on his first trip outside, had been curious all the way. But upon entering the bazaar, he felt disappointed—nothing special about the Outer Sea's architecture.

"This is human-constructed territory. Naturally, the style's the same."

Qiu Fanghui proudly gestured. "If you want diversity, you'd need to visit Alien Race Forbidden Realms or east of the Mercy Sea."

"Back in my day, I visited the Merfolk Forbidden Realm. Saw the merfolk's ocean palace."

Eastern Territory had long whispered rumors of alien races.

But as Qiu Fanghui said, alien races lived deep within, rarely seen.

"Of course, if Fellow Cultivator Cao truly wishes to see aliens, I know a place."

Qiu Fanghui smiled mysteriously. "In the East Market, there's a Zangchun Pavilion. They have merfolk who've taken Humanoid Transformation Pills."

Most yao beasts required Golden Core Stage to transform, some bloodlines needing even higher—Nascent Soul or beyond.

But certain demon races, like foxes, could take human form at Golden Core Stage. Others could use Humanoid Transformation Pills.

"Ah... I'll pass."

Cao Mingjie shook his head with a wry smile. "Such high-end pleasure houses are gold sinks. I can't afford them."

After all, even third-rank spirit beasts were expensive.

"Not necessarily."

Yu Zhenyang grinned. "Who knows? Maybe we'll earn plenty of spirit stones at the Relic."

Chatting, they reached Darkness Pavilion in the East Market's center.

As Darkness Island's landmark, despite arriving before the afternoon mealtime, the place was already bustling with guests.

Many newcomers to the island chose to visit here first.

"Apologies, all private rooms are booked today—and for the next ten days."

An attendant brought bad news. "Rumors say the Relic opens on the tenth day of the seventh month. Ever since three days ago, everything's been reserved."

"Would you like to try our signature grilled fish?"

Yu Zhenyang and Qiu Fanghui discussed, then decided to eat anyway.

Xiao Chen, indifferent to food, cared more about the Relic's opening time.

While the others studied the menu, he pulled the attendant aside. "Has the Relic's time been confirmed?"

"Where did you hear this?"

The attendant shook his head. "I'm just a Foundation Building cultivator. How would I know such matters? It's all hearsay."

"They say the Yin Corpse Sect spread the news, but I don't know if it's true."

Xiao Chen didn't press him. Foundation Building cultivators naturally knew little.

"Fellow Cultivator here for the Tianxing Sect Relic too?"

A middle-aged cultivator at a nearby table chimed in. "The Relic opens on the tenth day of the seventh month, at the third watch of the night."

"The news didn't come from the Yin Corpse Sect. It was from Master Luoming of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, merely spread by the Yin Corpse Sect."

The speaker wore a green robe with a jade belt, holding a folding fan.

Two companions sat with him, similarly dressed.

"Thank you for the information, Fellow Cultivator."

Xiao Chen bowed. "I'm Hermit Golden Light Technique. May I ask your name?"

The man returned the bow. "I'm just a solitary cultivator, Cheng Jie."

They nodded politely, not exchanging more.

For Cheng Jie, they'd be competitors in the Relic soon—no need to share more intelligence.

Xiao Chen didn't see them as rivals, but he wasn't one for idle chatter.

"Fellow Cultivator Golden Light Technique, pick some dishes."

Yu Zhenyang handed him the menu. "I don't know your tastes. Choose a few you like."

Xiao Chen took the menu without much interest, pointing randomly. "I'll have the 'Qunying Huicui' then."

Darkness Pavilion's efficiency was impressive.

Soon arrived their best-selling signature dish—Jade Belt Golden Scales Soup.

Made with tender sea bream strips as the "jade belt" and golden-fried shrimp as the "golden scales", served in small bowls holding about 150 grams each.

Yet each bowl cost a staggering 300 spirit stones.

Xiao Chen tasted it—the fish melted in his mouth, the shrimp firm and chewy.

Delicious, but utterly useless for cultivation.

Judged as all style, no substance.

The meal continued with endless flattery of Qiu Fanghui—boring.

Xiao Chen didn't want to join the sycophants, nor just eat mindlessly.

After all, his body cultivator appetite could devour hundreds of kilograms, but that'd draw attention.

So he glanced around, killing time.

But this time, he noticed something.

In the southeast corner sat three graceful female cultivators.

Though wearing different dresses, they all carried identical pouches at their waists.

Clearly disciples of Yunchi Sea's Tianyin Sect.

Rumored to master the Sound Slaughter Art, over 70% of Tianyin Sect's members were female cultivators, with honorary elders and sect servants making up the rest.

A female-dominated sect, yet holding an exalted status in Yunchi Sea.

One of the most renowned sects in all Eastern Territory.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end