https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-312-Why-Did-the-Elder-Master-Rebel-Holding-Ji-Haoyue-Hostage-Part-2-/12965123/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-313-Hongwu-Immortal-Alliance-Something-s-Wrong-Part-2-/12965131/
Chapter 313: Hongwu Immortal Alliance? Something's Wrong! (Part 1)
Chapter 313: Hongwu Immortal Alliance? Something's Wrong! (Part 1)
2024-06-01
Every five hundred years, the tribulation is terrifyingly powerful, far surpassing ordinary tribulations, so throughout the long history of the Immortal Martial Continent, there have only been two and a half people who have successfully passed the twelfth tribulation.
As for the reason why there's half a person...
It's because the remaining half is of questionable authenticity, and there's controversy surrounding it.
And these two and a half people...
Without exception, none of them were forced to undergo Body Dissolution to become Loose Immortals.
In other words, they did it willingly!!!
In any case...
The power of Loose Immortals varies greatly.
Hongwu, having survived at least one Loose Immortal Tribulation, is a formidable opponent, and Lin Fan wasn't sure if he could handle it. After all, the strongest among his shared disciples was only at the peak of the Eighth Stage.
While quantitative changes can lead to qualitative changes to some extent, the gap between the Eighth and Ninth Stages is too vast. Even with his Triple Flower Summit, he could, at most, handle a Ninth Stage Immortal once or twice).
Facing an opponent of unknown strength...
Escaping with his life would already be a good outcome.
But if he escaped, what would happen to the Moon Holding Sect?
"Indeed, it's best to stay away for now."
"Continue to play it safe."
"!"
...
Everything that followed seemed to unfold according to Lin Fan's expectations.
Ji Haoyue stayed in the Moonlight Lineage.
As a guest.
Every day, he 'strolled' and observed.
At first, he had many complaints, especially when he saw his former disciples now referring to the main lineage as 'our Moon Holding Sect'...
Even the core and direct disciples did the same, frequently mentioning the sect, which made him truly dissatisfied.
He was so angry he could explode nine times a day!
But...
After two days, he fell silent.
He was still angry.
But...
At least the disciples were genuinely more energetic and motivated.
Their strength was increasing at a pleasing rate!
Every day, a large group of them broke through to the next small realm.
Although these breakthroughs were minor, it still made Ji Haoyue secretly sweat.
In the past, when he was the sect leader, their 'talent' wasn't this good, and they didn't have this much drive!
Even the disciples were getting along better with each other!
This was ridiculous, and Ji Haoyue couldn't make sense of it.
You say that your monthly allowance is high-quality alchemy pills, and your cultivation speed has qualitatively improved—I can understand that, after all, they're from the Pill Tower...I'm convinced!
But how the hell are you guys getting along better?
What does this have to do with the pills?
Moreover...
You guys are making me anxious.
I want to find some faults, but I don't know where to start...
This, this, this... How am I supposed to deal with this?
For a moment, Ji Haoyue felt uncomfortable.
Although he had decided to stay and observe the situation, this was still a bit too much.
You guys are making me feel awkward!
Thinking of this, Ji Haoyue fell deeper into silence.
...
On the day of the grand opening of the mountain gate.
Lin Fan tried to maintain his composure, but... he still had a bit of anticipation.
What if an 'SSR' appeared this year?
Unfortunately...
None was found.
There were no time-travelers paying respects to the mountain, nor anyone fitting the protagonist template, which made him feel a little disappointed. However, he had prepared himself mentally, so it was only a slight disappointment.
"It's all standard."
Looking at the list of disciples and sensing their talent, Lin Fan muttered.
"Moreover, the Hongwu Immortal Alliance is up to something again, and it's even more intense this time."
Lin Fan frowned slightly.
This year, the Hongwu Immortal Alliance was still poaching disciples.
And with even greater force than last year!
The various benefits were practically maxed out, and they even declared that they would allocate a portion of the Hongwu Immortal City's tax revenue to help cultivate new disciples from various sects and factions.
The attraction was truly overwhelming.
Of course, if Lin Fan wanted to poach disciples, it would be quite simple.
He just needed to publicly announce the quality of their monthly allowance...
and he would undoubtedly attract a large number of people.
But...
There's no need for that.
Once it's made public, the Moon Holding Sect would become a target, and although the alchemy lineage is powerful, they aren't robots!
Alchemy masters need rest and cultivation too.
The Moonlight Lineage has over a million people, and the pills are already enough for the alchemy masters to consume. Recruiting more people in a short time would be difficult to manage.
Why create trouble for himself?
"However..."
"No matter how you analyze it or think about it, the Hongwu Immortal Alliance is suspicious."
"There's no such thing as a free lunch."
"You don't get free pies falling from the sky."
"It seems like there are many benefits, but in reality, it's likely that you're after their interest, and they're after your principal."
"Our Moon Holding Sect is too close to Hongwu Immortal City, so we must be vigilant."
"..."
Thinking of this, Lin Fan contacted Wang Teng and said, "I remember Yulin Palace joined the Hongwu Immortal Alliance?"
"Thank you, Master, for your concern. My father and them did join the Hongwu Immortal Alliance," Wang Teng smiled and said, "and it's said that they were extremely lucky this year, receiving two Celestial Prodigy disciples. With proper cultivation, their future is promising."
"My father also successfully became a small steward within the Immortal Alliance, so Yulin Palace is doing well."
"Is that so?"
Lin Fan slightly furrowed his brows and then reminded, "This Hongwu Immortal Alliance... I always feel something is off. It's best if you remind your father to be cautious."
"If it doesn't work out..."
"We can find a separate place for them and help them relocate."
"Don't let any mishaps happen."
"This..."
Wang Teng's expression turned slightly anxious, "Could it be? Every time my father mentions the Hongwu Immortal Alliance, he's full of praise..."
But on second thought, the actions of the Hongwu Immortal Alliance are indeed suspicious.
He frowned, "I'll go and advise Father."
"Mhm."
Lin Fan sighed, "I'm not sure what the Hongwu Immortal Alliance is planning, but I don't believe they're truly such self-sacrificing saints."
"In any case, it's best to be cautious in all matters."
"Just tell your father that if they're willing, they can move to the place where the original Xi Men family was located. That area is still empty, and I can gift them several Spirit Mountains."
Wang Teng was very loyal.
Especially after breaking free from destiny and walking out of fate, he was worthy of trust.
His old man...
If he can be saved, then he should be saved.
Lin Fan had a very open-minded perspective, or perhaps, he was thinking far ahead.
After all...
If he didn't remind him, and something really went wrong later, wouldn't Wang Teng have to go and save him)?
If he went to save him, and his strength was insufficient, wouldn't he have to rely on himself and the Moon Holding Sect? It's not like he could just abandon Wang Teng as a disciple, right? So, he reminded him beforehand that if they could avoid the risk, it would be best, and if they couldn't, then there was no other way, and they should just do what they had to do.
Otherwise, what else could he do?
"Thank you, Master."
Wang Teng responded seriously, "I'll contact Father immediately, and I hope..."
"He'll listen to your advice."
"If he doesn't listen, then I can only..."
He didn't finish the rest of his sentence.
But Lin Fan guessed that he wanted to say that if his father didn't listen, he would go and tie him up?
Hmm...
That would work too.
As long as nothing unexpected happens, it's fine.
"Speaking of which..."
"What is that Hongwu guy up to?"
"It can't be a blood sacrifice, right?"
"..."
"Do you mean he's not a loose immortal, but a 'loose demon'?"
"Ugh, let's not make wild guesses, it's better to be prepared early."
Lin Fan took a deep breath.
"Speaking of which..."
"The alchemy pills that those guys gave to Sang Biao this year were also sent to them."
"It's a pity that we're busy with many things right now, but after some time, when the timing is right, we'll relocate the sect."
"The entire sect is relocating!"
Nowadays, although Lin Fan has managed the Moon Holding Sect well, it still lacks the 'foundation' compared to others.
Or rather...
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
It's like comparing apples and oranges.
Ordinary Spirit Mountains have spiritual energy, and it's possible to cultivate there.
But how can they compare to those places with abundant spiritual energy? Not to mention the Cavern Heaven and Earthly Paradise.
The Xi Men family was originally part of the Moon Holding Sect's old site, which was a truly good location. Compared to the 'outer area' where the Moon Holding Sect is currently located, it's bound to be much better.
When managed, the potential is much higher.
Before, he lacked strength, and he couldn't expose Lu Ming's identity, but now he doesn't have to worry about that.
Lu Ming is already the 'Branch Steward' of the Moon Holding Sect, and the territory under his control can be given to the main lineage... No problem, right?
Relocating there, managing it well, and having the opportunity to closely support the Moonlight lineage would be quite beneficial.
"We need to make some preparations."
"..."
Over on Wang Teng's side.
He felt that his master's words made sense.
Previously, he spent most of his time focusing on his Artificial Sun Fist and the elemental system, and now he has already figured out over thirty types of elements.
And he has already started to apply them initially.
So, he didn't have any spare time to ponder those messy matters.
But now, after Lin Fan brought it up, he felt extremely uneasy, and his heart raced.
"My master wouldn't deceive me!"
"Since he's reminding me, there must be something about to happen."
"After all, my master has never made a mistake."
"Phew..."
Wang Teng trusted Lin Fan completely.
He immediately took out the telepathic jade talisman to contact his father, Wang Yulin, "Father!"
"Hahaha, Wang Teng, you sure know when to bring it up. Today, your father is very happy."
"Our Yulin Palace is about to soar to new heights!"
"!!!"
For some reason, the happier Wang Yulin laughed, the more uneasy Wang Teng felt in his heart, even... even a little bit funny. I'm telling you, Yulin Palace recruited two Celestial Prodigies this year, both with excellent talent, although far inferior to you, but with great potential for the future!"
"As long as we focus on nurturing them, hehehe."
"And the Alliance Leader has already spoken, saying that our Yulin Palace has performed exceptionally..."
"Father!"
Hearing Wang Yulin's cheerful laughter, Wang Teng became more and more anxious and interrupted him, "There's something wrong with the Hongwu Immortal Alliance!"
"???"
"What's the problem? Don't talk nonsense."
"The Hongwu Immortal Alliance is a blessing for small sects like us! With the Immortal Alliance, we don't have to live in fear, and we even have various resource subsidies. Moreover, the Alliance provides us with ways to earn resources..."
"It's like a one-stop service!"
"Son, you don't understand. Hongwu is a good person, wholeheartedly dedicated to us small sects. Don't dare to speak ill of him, or else, I won't go easy on you."
Wang Teng: "..."
He had no choice but to endure and said, "Dad, why would heaven drop a pie?"
"My master said that as long as you're willing to leave the Hongwu Immortal Alliance, the Xi Men family's territory can be reserved for you, and they can have several Spirit Mountains..."
"That place is rich in resources and abundant in spiritual energy. As long as you're willing..."
"Go to hell!"
"How dare you slander and badmouth the Alliance Leader?!"
"Don't let it happen again, or else, neither of us will be spared!"
Hmph!
"Sigh."
Hearing Wang Yulin's words, Wang Teng sighed inwardly, feeling helpless.
"As expected, the worst-case scenario has happened."
"This won't do, I need to think of a way."
Between his father and his master, whom should he trust?
Nonsense!
Don't you know the difference between close and distant relatives?
Of course... I believe in Master!
If Master says there's a problem, then there definitely is. If Father says there isn't, then he must have been deceived by Hongwu Loose Immortal and the Hongwu Immortal Alliance.
Although I don't know the specifics, the conclusion must be as such.
So...
I must save Father from this predicament.
As for the others in Yulin Palace...
If I can save them, I will, but if I can't, there's nothing I can do.
With this thought, he immediately said, "Father, yes, yes, I was wrong. I shouldn't have spoken ill of the Alliance Leader. What was it? I'm coming right now to talk to you in person."
"Don't come!"
But who knew...
Wang Yulin quickly spoke up, "Don't you dare come!"
"Stay as far away from me as possible!"
"You, who blasphemes against the Alliance Leader, don't deserve to be my son. You don't deserve to come here."
"Scram!"
"Don't ever show your face again!"
After saying this, he abruptly ended the communication).
What?!
Wang Teng was left dumbfounded.
What kind of poison has my father been afflicted with? Just because I said something bad, he wants to sever our father-son relationship and never see each other again? He never used to be like this!
"So, the brainwashing methods of the Hongwu Immortal Alliance..."
"It's unimaginable."
"Hmm?"
"No, that's not right!"
"Father's words and behavior are all strange. There's definitely something wrong here, something is definitely amiss."
"But..."
"What exactly is the problem?"
Suddenly, Wang Teng's expression changed: "Oh no, I have to go there quickly."
"Even if I have to tie him up, I'll bring him back."
He hurried off without delay.
...
"Are you leaving already?"
Sensing that Wang Teng had already departed, Lin Fan narrowed his eyes slightly. "So, as I said..."
"It seems it's not that simple to avoid the risk."
"And if that's the case..."
He immediately contacted Liu Xun.
He learned that Liu Xun was still developing the family's shops in the Northeast Domain.
So, he contacted Liu Wanli.
"Sect Leader?!"
Liu Wanli was surprised. "Why are you suddenly contacting me, Elder?"
"Liu Family," Lin Fan got straight to the point, "You've been in Hongwu Immortal City all these years. Recently, have you noticed any unusual activities in the City Lord's Mansion or any extraordinary events in the city?"
"What?!"
Liu Wanli was startled. "Could it be that the Hongwu Loose Immortal...?"
His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said, "As for unusual activities in the City Lord's Mansion, I haven't noticed any. The City Lord's Mansion is too mysterious. We Liu Family may be considered the top family in Hongwu Immortal City, but in reality, we're just so-so."
"Especially compared to the City Lord's Mansion, we're nothing."
"But, the extraordinary events in the city..."
"There is one."
"What is it?"
"In the past two years, the City Lord has launched a 'Talent Recruitment Program.'"
"A talent recruitment program?" Lin Fan was taken aback.
"Yes, including but not limited to granting residence to contemporary Celestial Prodigies, providing cultivation resources and treasures for the older generation of powerful cultivators, offering housing, and more."
"They're using these to attract those 'talents' to settle down."
"In other Immortal Cities, this isn't anything unusual, but in Hongwu Immortal City... as far as I know, this is the first time."
"!"
Lin Fan felt something was amiss.
It's normal for an Immortal City to attract talent. After all, Immortal Cities compete with each other, and they need to develop, and development is inseparable from talent.
But...
They never did this before, and they suddenly started doing it in the past two years?
Doesn't this coincide with the Hongwu Immortal Alliance's actions of poaching talents from surrounding sects? Thinking of this, Lin Fan changed the topic. "Liu Family, how well do you know this Hongwu?"
Could it be that Hongwu is the problem?!
Liu Wanli's scalp went numb, and he quickly replied, "Sect Leader, this... I don't know much about that Loose Immortal."
"He's extremely mysterious."
"I only know that around 20,000 years ago, he was already the City Lord, but back then, he wasn't a Loose Immortal yet. He was just an extremely powerful and renowned Ninth Stage Loose Cultivator."
"Later..."
"I can't remember the exact year..."
"But it should be over a thousand years ago."
"At that time, rumors suddenly spread that Hongwu had become a Loose Immortal through Body Dissolution."
"The City Lord's Mansion didn't deny it, and the news spread like that."
"As for his character..."
"He's truly mysterious."
By the end of the conversation, Liu Wanli was startled by his own words.
Goodness!
Hasn't the Liu Family been settled in Hongwu Immortal City for tens of thousands of years?
How can we know so little about the City Lord?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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