https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-231-Hai-Lao-Smoking-A-Familiar-Face-in-a-Foreign-Land-Part-1-/12964271/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-232-Ice-Emperor-Hai-Dongpo-Reborn-Lin-Fan-Part-1-/12964277/
Chapter 231: Hai Lao? Smoking! A Familiar Face in a Foreign Land (Part 2)
Chapter 231: Hai Lao? Smoking! A Familiar Face in a Foreign Land (Part 2)
"Damn, it's him?!"
"Wu Xin Lao Mo!"
"It's said that he once wanted to join the Buddhist sect, but when he failed, he grew resentful and hunted down many talented individuals with Buddhist connections. He was rejected by the Buddhist sect, and now... he's got some guts!"
"Huh? These baldies are just ignoring him?"
"Even he's being ignored, so it must have nothing to do with us."
"In that case, we can leave without worry."
As they watched Wu Xin Lao Mo safely depart, the gathered cultivators relaxed, and one by one, they stepped into the formation.
Lin Fan and his companion followed the crowd.
The power of the formation swept over them, but it had no effect on Lin Fan. Even with his Thousand Transformations Technique, he couldn't see through the scarecrow disguise, and he successfully left without being detected.
"Master is amazing," Lin Fan's companion praised.
After leaving the Western Region and entering the Northeast Domain, Xiao Ling'er couldn't help but smile, "This trip was almost perfect."
"I guess so," Lin Fan nodded, but then spread his hands, "But in reality, it wasn't my skill... it was..."
Barrett Patriarch was enough! But he couldn't say that.
If he did, he might attract unwanted attention, leading to future troubles.
At that moment, Lin Fan was feeling a bit conflicted.
Should he make public the fact that Barrett Patriarch had defeated the seven supreme beings of the Buddhist sect?
The Buddhist sect had a powerful taboo, a super taboo! If he revealed this, the other regions, or powerful figures with grudges against the Buddhist sect, would surely take advantage of the situation. They would settle their scores, and the taboo would no longer be containable.
Once the taboo was exposed, the entire Buddhist sect might face a reckoning.
However, this was not what Barrett Patriarch desired.
But if he made it public, it would cause great trouble for the Buddhist sect, and the benefits were also evident. At the very least, it would make San Dian, Jiase, and Many Fish safer.
"Sigh."
"Forget it, for now, let's follow Barrett Patriarch's wishes and keep it a secret."
"He must be waiting for someone who can change the situation in the Western Region and the Buddhist sect. He doesn't want the Buddhist sect to be completely wiped out, leaving no trace in the Immortal Martial Continent."
...
Lin Fan didn't talk about Barrett Patriarch, but Xiao Ling'er and Yao La knew what he meant, so they didn't ask further.
They secretly admired Barrett Patriarch's strength and righteousness.
Soon after, they began preparing to visit the Hai Clan.
Meanwhile, in a remote area of the Western Region, Tang Wu had just killed several young monks, and his face turned green.
"Why are there still more?!"
He didn't dare linger, quickly hiding his tracks and fleeing frantically.
But inside, he was filled with anger and frustration.
And immense confusion!
Why? Why him?
He had just managed to recover and heal his injuries, and not long after leaving, he encountered these monks with such intimidating auras.
He hadn't planned to interact with them; at most, they would just pass by each other.
But to his surprise, as soon as they saw him, their eyes lit up like old perverts seeing a beautiful woman. Without hesitation, they pounced on him like 'chu~', as if he was their prey.
Fortunately, he was decisive enough to have already refined that old thing into his martial soul; otherwise, he might have been suppressed by them!
After killing them, not long after...
Another group of monks appeared.
From small fries to big shots!
Tang Wu didn't dare delay and turned to flee.
But once he started running, it seemed like he couldn't stop.
Wherever he went, he was pursued and killed!
It was as if the land was filled with monks.
And these monks were all crazy! They relentlessly chased and attacked him, fighting with all their might. No matter how he tried to hide, it was useless!
Even when he used various transformation techniques to change his appearance and form, he was still pursued relentlessly.
He was still being hunted down.
Up until now, it was still happening!
As he fled in anger, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Who is targeting me? It can't be that I'm this unlucky, even after that old thing is gone!"
"Could it be...!"
Suddenly, he thought of the Ninth Stage old monk.
"Could it be...!"
"It must be him! Only he has the power and influence to command so many monks!"
"It has to be him!"
"He's asking for death!"
Tang Shen Wang was furious.
Damn it! He had finally gotten lucky and obtained so many superior Buddha bones, but that old thing appeared out of nowhere, without even a greeting, and said incomprehensible things like 'it's you, it's you, it's you', and then proceeded to torment him!
After that, he took away Tang Shen Wang's treasure and started chasing him relentlessly.
If Tang Shen Wang hadn't been clever enough to make the old thing reveal itself, his ashes might have been scattered by now.
After all that, they still arranged for so many people to hunt him down. Is there no justice? No heavenly principles?
"Aren't you afraid of being struck by heavenly thunder?!" Tang Shen Wang clenched his teeth.
Unfortunately, before he could run far, another group of monks spotted and stopped him, and another battle ensued!
This time, it was a group of Arhats.
Although they weren't Arhats of the Mahayana Buddhist sect, many of them had already reached the Seventh Stage.
The group of Arhats joined forces, relentlessly attacking Tang Wu.
Fortunately, with the Ice Emperor Divine Ring, he could fully utilize the Ice Emperor Treasure Art. In the end, he killed and severely injured many Arhats, but he also escaped with half his body battered...
Before he could fully recover, he encountered an Eighth Stage Bodhisattva! Tang Shen Wang managed to escape with his life, but he was injured on top of his previous wounds, leaving almost no part of his body unscathed.
How dare they!"
"How dare they indeed!"
"If you seek death, you have already found your path to it!!!"
Tang Shenwang's heart roared with madness.
His feet carried him away at an ever-increasing speed.
But each time, before he could escape far, his old wounds had yet to heal when new ones were inflicted.
"How could I be so unlucky?"
"Ah?"
He couldn't fathom the reason, and even felt despair.
His mind became increasingly twisted.
But he didn't know that he was already incredibly lucky.
In this region, Human Buddhas were scarce, and he ran relatively fast. Each time, he 'coincidentally' avoided the eyes and ears of the Human Buddhas. By the time they received news and arrived, he had already slipped away.
Otherwise~
Tang Shenwang would have already wet himself.
...
Hai Clan.
Known as the eccentric family in the Northeast Domain, they still held some status.
But they weren't one of those supreme clans, nor were they among the top-ranked powers. Instead, they were... eccentric, yet a formidable existence among the first-rate clans.
Thus, they were quite famous.
When Lin Fan and the others entered the territory of the Hai Clan, they began their investigation. However, after three days, they had made no significant breakthroughs.
They could gather some clues, but none were important enough to be of high value.
Whether it was the reason why the Hai Clan didn't use Crystal Flame, or if the Hai Clan had some mysterious curse or restriction, they found nothing of significance.
One night, the two gathered, setting up a soundproof barrier and began their discussion.
"Regarding this matter, fellow cultivator and Ling'er, what are your thoughts?"
Lin Fan asked.
Xiao Ling'er looked at Yao Mu, who was standing beside them with only the upper half of her body visible.
Yao Mu pondered for a moment, then said, "It seems that this is the deepest secret of the Hai Clan. We won't be able to find out through investigation. Perhaps, we can only uncover the truth by visiting them directly."
"However, the Hai Clan is a large and influential family, eccentric as they may be. If we simply ask them, it's unlikely we'll succeed."
"Indeed."
"So, I have an idea."
Lin Fan smiled, "Let's continue our investigation tomorrow."
"But we won't hide and keep it secret. Instead, we'll increase our efforts and be more open about it!"
"Oh?!"
Yao Mu was taken aback, then quickly understood.
"Fellow cultivator, do you mean...?!"
Xiao Ling'er also instantly realized, "Master means that we should be more open and increase our efforts, attracting the attention of the Hai Clan, and then they'll come looking for us?"
"Exactly!"
Lin Fan nodded with a smile, "I think Yao Mu is right. The Hai Clan is large and influential. If we take the initiative to visit them, even if we beg them, they might not give us a good reception, let alone allow us to meet any important figures."
"But this is their territory. If we openly investigate their secrets here, it will naturally attract their attention."
"According to common sense, they will definitely send people to investigate."
"As long as we withstand the first wave, we'll have a high chance of meeting the higher-ups of the Hai Clan."
"Makes sense!" Yao Mu contemplated for a moment, then said, "It seems that's the only way."
"That's good."
Xiao Ling'er also agreed.
Asking for favors... was the most passive approach.
The other party might not even agree to meet, and even if they did, they might just send a housekeeper or someone of lower status to dismiss you.
Wanting to meet their important figures? That would take some waiting.
This was true, whether in the 'modern' world or in the Immortal Martial Continent.
That's why Lin Fan chose to go against the grain.
"Then let's do it!"
"Since you agree, we'll increase our efforts."
Lin Fan made the decision.
They set off again, asking everyone they met about sensitive topics like the Hai Clan's 'secrets' and the 'mystery of the Crystal Flame'.
Those who were asked felt their scalp tingling and their bodies turning cold.
"Ah, what's this?"
"I don't know anything!"
"Ask someone else, I know nothing!"
"Why are you asking me? Don't bring trouble to me."
"??? What did you say? I'm deaf."
"Pfft, what kind of talk is that? I've never met you, I've never met you, and I've never spoken to you!"
"..."
The two of them went their separate ways.
Those who were questioned were all flustered, quickly distancing themselves and hurrying away.
Whether it was a small cultivator on the street or the owner of a shop in the city...
Anyone asked about these topics remained silent.
It wasn't that they knew but didn't answer; it was that...
They didn't know and couldn't answer.
They feared being discovered and dealt with by the Hai Clan.
"Interesting."
"So, the Hai Clan's prestige, no, their 'authority' among the 'common folk' is quite intimidating. These people dare not discuss such topics?"
Lin Fan pondered, and at the same time, noticed someone tailing him, and he couldn't help but smile.
He wasn't in a hurry and entered another shop.
Just as he was about to ask a question, he suddenly saw a familiar face behind the counter and was taken aback.
The other person looked up and was equally stunned.
"Lin... Lin Uncle?"
"Liu Xun?"
The two stared at each other, both bewildered.
"How could you be here?!" they exclaimed in unison.
Then, they both laughed.
"Hahaha~!"
"Long time no see, but I never thought we'd suddenly meet in the Northeast Domain. It's truly fate playing tricks, and also destiny!"
"It's destiny!" Liu Xun exclaimed.
"Fate, beyond words," Lin Fan sighed.
Speaking of which, the Liu Clan was also doing increasingly well.
After that battle, the other two of the three major families in the Hongwu Immortal City had fallen from grace. In name, they were still among the three major families, but in reality, the Liu Clan had been secretly making moves.
As enemies, they naturally wouldn't hold back!
Outside the city, they hunted down members of the two clans.
Within the city, they conducted legitimate business, acquisitions, and employed various commercial tactics to gradually suppress and chip away at the two major families.
This led to the Liu family's businesses expanding and their wealth growing.
With increased wealth, they could extend their 'claws' further, buying more valuable items.
Whether it was equipment, cultivation techniques, secret arts, or alchemy materials, it directly boosted the overall strength of the Liu family.
In the path of cultivation, wealth is of utmost importance.
As long as one can protect their wealth, all other difficulties will be significantly reduced.
Naturally, the Liu family's current wealth attracted covetous eyes.
However, as the Liu family's strength grew, the Moon Embrace Sect also rose to prominence, directly deterring many petty thieves from targeting the Liu family.
Consequently, for at least the past few years, the Liu family has been firmly established.
Especially Liu Wanli, who is exceptionally intelligent.
When he realized that the Moon Embrace Sect's top combat power was no weaker than the Liu family's, he went all out with investments, offering various benefits. Whenever they needed manpower, the Liu family contributed money and resources.
He firmly tied himself to the Moon Embrace Sect's battle ship.
As a result, even fewer people dared to mess with the Liu family.
Moreover, within Hong Wu Immortal City, there was also that Loose Cultivator keeping watch.
However...
Today, upon meeting Lin Fan again, Liu Xun's feelings were particularly complex.
Joy and surprise were inevitable.
But more so, he felt a mix of emotion and daze.
Recalling several years ago, when he first heard of the Moon Embrace Sect, what did he think?
Just a broken sect...
Why bother allying with them?
Just kill them and take the person back, right?
If not for his father's constant reminders and his own obedience, by now, the Liu family's graves would probably be three zhang tall, right?
No, that's not right.
There probably wouldn't even be graves.
Most likely, they would have been turned to ashes, with no graves to speak of.
But...
His father's judgment of people was incredibly accurate!
It was as if he could foresee the future.
Liu Xun secretly thought it was absurd.
Recalling the past, he had looked down on the Moon Embrace Sect, but his father scolded him and said that in the future, the Liu family might be able to rely on the Moon Embrace Sect to soar.
At the time, he didn't believe it.
But now...
Hasn't the Liu family soared?
During the previous battle with the Ri Yue Immortal Dynasty, the Liu family didn't contribute much, but they still gained numerous benefits.
Additionally, with the daily cultivation of high-quality medicines, the Liu family's strongest member has reached the fifth level of the seventh stage, not far from the sixth level!
He himself has also reached the fifth level of the sixth stage, with a promising future.
The average cultivation level of the clan members has increased by more than one major stage compared to before their cooperation with the Moon Embrace Sect!
Many of the Liu family's talented disciples have joined the Moon Embrace Sect.
The Moon Embrace Sect's surplus medicines are all handled by the Liu family...
Indeed, the benefits are numerous, and the speed of wealth accumulation and clan members' strength improvement is beyond imagination.
Liu Xun sighed.
After a brief moment of astonishment, the two of them went to the inner hall, with Lin Fan smiling and saying, "From your attire, you should be the manager of this shop?"
"I didn't know that your Liu family even has businesses in the Northeast Region?"
"It's a long story."
Liu Xun explained, "In the beginning, not long after we started cooperating with the Moon Embrace Sect, the Chen and Jiang families were eyeing us, and my father was cautious, fearing that if the Liu family bought spiritual medicines on a large scale, they would notice and gradually uncover the truth."
"If that happened, it would undoubtedly be a disaster for our Liu family."
"So, we utilized almost all our connections, asking the clan elders to go as far as possible to 'remote' areas to purchase medicinal ingredients, thus avoiding the eyes and ears of the two families and preventing excessive purchases in the same location, which could lead to price increases..."
"It was from that time that, with the help of some old friends, our Liu family gradually established some businesses in the Northeast Region."
"After that, the Moon Embrace Sect flourished, producing more and more medicines of higher quality. With ambition, we wanted to expand our business to the Northeast Region."
"It's been three years."
Liu Xun spread his hands, "It wasn't under my management at first."
"A few months ago, my father insisted that I come over, saying that someone was plotting something in secret and that I should keep an eye on it, considering it a test for me."
"Heaven knows, I really didn't want to come. I just wanted to cultivate at home and become stronger."
"But I couldn't disobey my father's orders."
He felt helpless.
Lin Fan realized, "So that's how it is!"
"How's business?"
"It's naturally excellent." Liu Xun smiled, "Don't you know how good the medicines produced by your sect are? As soon as they're displayed, they're snatched up!"
"Why are you still calling me 'Uncle Lin'? I've told you countless times, let's call each other brothers!"
Lin Fan emphasized, then said, "But it's true, there's no way Ling Er's refined medicines won't sell."
"You mentioned that there might be trouble?"
"It shouldn't be a big problem." Liu Xun waved his hand, "By the way, why did you come to the Northeast Region? From what you said, it seems you're also looking for some information?"
It's Lin Fan's choice to call each other brothers.
But he still has to call him Uncle Lin.
After all, his father also calls Lin Fan 'brother,' so if he also calls him 'brother,' wouldn't that be too confusing?
"I'm here to gather information." Lin Fan nodded and informed him about the Crystal Flame.
"The Hai family?"
"The local lords, and we Liu family don't know about this matter either. I'm afraid we can't be of much help." Liu Xun apologized.
"No need for that."
"I already have a plan."
Lin Fan blinked, "Let's drink! Meeting an old friend in a foreign land, we should have a few cups!"
(End of Chapter)
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