I am evergreen in the world of cultivating immortals

Chapter 495 Full of Suspicion, Changes in the Merchant Alliance

"Rong Lu will prepare for a few days before going out to take action."

Lu Chang'an spoke calmly, without disobeying the orders of this Vice Alliance Leader Wan.

After all, this is the common will of the Chamber of Commerce Elders.

Perhaps the bigwigs of both sides, including Alliance Leader Zuo and Deputy Alliance Leader Qiu, do not want him, this variable, to stay at the Archipelago Headquarters.

Lu Chang'an has been a member of the business alliance for over twenty years, which seems like a long time.

However, compared to those direct descendants who are formal elders, who have spent hundreds of years here, or even were born and raised here, their contributions seem insignificant.

Back in the Yunxia Sect, it took Lu Chang'an two hundred years to truly integrate into the community.

“I am very pleased that Elder Lu was willing to help in this critical moment. On behalf of the headquarters, I would like to express my sincere gratitude.”

"Regardless of whether this mission succeeds or fails, Elder Lu will receive compensation and a sixty-year rest period."

The deputy leader of the alliance had a chubby, round face, with wrinkles from smiling, making his eyes appear as narrow as slits.

He believed that Lu Chang'an would not try to stop the tide by acting futilely, given the collective decision of the headquarters.

After leaving behind a warrant, Alliance Leader Wan departed from Hidden Mist Island.

……

However, this leader of the Wan Alliance ultimately misjudged Lu Chang'an's intentions.

a few days later.

Lu Chang'an remained on Hidden Mist Island, making no move to leave the headquarters.

The Alliance Leader was displeased and sent the General Affairs Elder to urge him on.

Lu Chang'an gave a perfunctory response, thus delaying the matter for some more time.

Half a month passed, and he still hadn't been transferred.

The leader of the alliance was quite dissatisfied and found it unbelievable.

Why doesn't Elder Lu follow the rules of struggle?

Did he think that he could stay at headquarters by resorting to such dishonest means?

With a gloomy face, Alliance Leader Wan personally went to Hidden Mist Island to question and urge Lu Chang'an.

result.

Upon arriving at Hidden Mist Island, I learned that Lu Chang'an had been invited to visit Wei Dongjun's residence.

"Wei Dongjun... these two aren't actually on the same page?"

The Alliance Leader's eyes flickered as he pondered for a moment.

At least in their dealings with Lu Chang'an, the Grand Elder and Wei Dongjun had a disagreement.

Wei Dongjun introduced Lu Chang'an to him and they had a good relationship.

Since it involves the lineage of the Grand Elder, Alliance Leader Wan cannot easily cause trouble.

Moreover, Wei Dongjun has been getting close to the Azure-Eyed Beast in recent years and has received the protection of the Merchant Alliance's guardian deity.

One possibility cannot be ruled out.

The Grand Elder may have already given the Great Demon King's life contract to Wei Dongjun.

……

Lantian Island is a mid-grade fourth-tier spirit island located near the main island.

This island is similar in size to Hidden Mist Island, but it has a flat terrain and a large area of ​​spirit fields, which produce a lot of fruit.

The island is planted with a large amount of blue iridescent grass, which emits a faint glow at night, like a blue crescent moon.

Inside the main hall of the cave.

Wei Dongjun hosted a banquet for Lu Chang'an, and said with a guilty tone:
"I, Wei, do not have enough authority at the headquarters, which has caused Fellow Daoist Lu to suffer injustice."

"However, Elder Lu can rest assured that no one will dare to act forcefully in my residence."

Previously, Wei Dongjun had hinted to Lu Chang'an to stay at the main headquarters in the archipelago as much as possible and become his ally and help.

Most of the guest advisors of the main island, including some direct elders, have been transferred out.

Currently, there are very few retainers remaining on the island; they are all confidants of the Grand Elder or the three Alliance Leaders.

"With Fellow Daoist Wei's words, I am at ease. If I were transferred out, I would not be confident in dealing with the 'Insect Demon' and the 'Whale Skeleton Giant Ship'."

Lu Chang'an drank a cup of fourth-grade immortal wine and said with a carefree and unrestrained air.

Wei Dongjun returned the toast without giving it much thought.

Lu Chang'an cultivated to the mid-Nascent Soul stage for about a hundred years, so there was inevitably a gap between him and the top experts in the mid-Nascent Soul stage.

Of course, Elder Lu possesses a fourth-tier spirit turtle, has killed a black dragon, and is quite skilled in combat, so his future potential is promising.

at the banquet.

The two raised their glasses and drank heartily, their faces flushed with alcohol, and they were slightly tipsy.

At some point, a third person appeared at the table.

He was a young man in a blue robe with a scathing pattern, who at first glance looked somewhat roguish.

The young man had large, deep blue eyes with a faint golden luster around them, which was quite striking.

For an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator, meeting those golden and jade-green eyes would be like being struck by lightning, causing their heart to tremble.

“Uncle Bijing, you’ve come at the perfect time. It’s just the two of us, Brother Lu and I, at the table, which feels a bit lacking in atmosphere.”

Wei Dongjun was not surprised and smiled as he poured a glass of wine for the blue-eyed youth.

Lu Chang'an smiled, met the gaze of the blue-eyed youth, and nodded in acknowledgment.

"What kind of wine is this? It tastes like swill, it has no potency whatsoever?"

The blue-eyed youth finished his drink, frowned, and spoke with dissatisfaction.

Wei Dongjun chuckled awkwardly.

The low-grade fourth-level spirit wine he served his guests was so strong that even Nascent Soul cultivators couldn't hold their liquor after drinking too much.

"Come! Let me show you my Azure Flame Wine!"

The blue-eyed youth casually took out an antique-looking wine pot.

With a flick of his sleeve, three large bowls replaced the original cups and saucers.

The large bowl in front of Lu Chang'an was filled with clear, turquoise spirit wine.

Wei Dongjun's lips curled into a bitter smile as he stared at the Azure Flame Wine in the large bowl, feeling utterly overwhelmed.

This Azure Flame Wine is not only of a higher grade, but it is also a strong liquor specially made for the Demon King.

Without hesitation, Lu Chang'an downed the Azure Flame Wine in his bowl in one gulp.

At first, I felt a chilling aura penetrate my internal organs and bone marrow, making me shiver.

Then, it felt as if a raging fire was burning inside my body, spreading throughout my entire being.

"Good wine! Such strong liquor."

Lu Chang'an couldn't help but praise, a fine sweat beading on his forehead, the lingering effects of the wine making him feel relaxed and comfortable.

The Azure Flame Wine subtly enhanced his fourth-level body refinement, equivalent to a month of arduous cultivation.

The blue-eyed youth drank a bowl of wine in one gulp, slightly surprised, and cast an approving glance his way.

hiss!
After drinking a bowl of Biyan wine, Wei Dongjun felt extremely uncomfortable and was covered in sweat.

Her fair face glowed red as she secretly used her magic to counteract the effects of the alcohol.

However, the Azure Flame Wine was too potent, and with his early Nascent Soul cultivation, it wasn't easy for him to neutralize it.

"Come again!"

The blue-eyed youth gave him no chance to sober up.

He then downed two more large bowls.

Lu Chang'an was very straightforward; he drank with the blue-eyed youth, both of them downing their drinks in one gulp.

Wei Dongjun drank it down as if it were bitter medicine, forcing himself to hold his nose.

After finishing three large bowls, Wei Dongjun became dizzy and disoriented.

He lay on the table and soon became engrossed in his own world.

"Elder Lu has a remarkable capacity for alcohol and a powerful physique, unlike ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators."

The blue-eyed youth refilled his glass, a carefree smile on his face.

"I feel very welcome to see you today. Let's have a few more drinks!"

"Lu also felt a sense of affinity."

Lu Chang'an laughed heartily.

This is not just empty pleasantries.

He sensed a similar aura from the blue-eyed youth, however faint it was.

To be precise, the aura of the green-eyed youth was more similar to that of Xuan Shui Jun.

They have all been nourished by the power of Evergreen magic.

The two slowed down their drinking pace.

They started talking about some topics.

As long as it didn't involve core secrets, Lu Chang'an would talk about anything under the influence of alcohol.

Including past paths.

Originating from the inland, he stayed in Kunzhou and Dayuan before eventually arriving in Tianxinghai.

Lu Chang'an has traveled to many places and possesses numerous Nascent Soul memories, making him extremely knowledgeable.

Some of the topics discussed, such as local customs and traditions, could even catch the eye of this great demon king occasionally.

For example, the human-faced dragon, a descendant of the true spirit, and the black phoenix in the late stage of the fourth rank.

……

"Elder Lu stayed in Dayuan. Did you meet the great cultivator of Zhenhai Sect, 'True Lord Fuhai'?"

The blue-eyed youth asked several questions about the Great Abyss, which Lu Chang'an answered satisfactorily. Finally, he took the initiative to mention the Great Cultivator of Zhenhai.

Lu Chang'an's heart stirred. It was rumored that the Azure-Eyed Beast had clashed with the Overturning Sea True Monarch.

He replied, "I was fortunate enough to see him once from afar. The Great Cultivator Zhenhai is indeed exceptionally talented and lives up to his reputation."

"Oh?"

The blue-eyed youth became interested and asked another difficult question:
"Elder Lu, in your opinion, who is stronger between me and the True Lord of the Overturning Sea in a battle at sea?"

“The True Lord of the Overturning Seas should be superior.”

Lu Chang'an spoke frankly.

Even though the Azure-Eyed Beast is in the sea, its supernatural powers and magic can still be amplified.

The blue-eyed youth's expression stiffened, as if he was displeased.

"However... if Fellow Daoist Bijing can cultivate to the peak of the late stage of the fourth rank and reach an even higher level of innate divine abilities, he will be invincible in a battle against the Great Cultivator Zhenhai."

Lu Chang'an added.

"Elder Lu is quite insightful and very frank."

Upon hearing the following words, the blue-eyed youth nodded approvingly.

Lu Chang'an did not flatter or fawn; he spoke the truth, and his insights aligned with Lu's own.

Drinking is also a pleasure!
I can drink with him and keep up with his knowledge and perspective.

Looking across the entire Blue Ocean Business Alliance, no one else can do it.

Moreover, he naturally felt close to Lu Chang'an and Xuan Shuijun.

"Ah Dong has good judgment. I will persuade that suspicious old employer."

Before dawn, the blue-eyed youth finished his last drink, took his leave, and departed.

A swirling vortex of turquoise water swallowed its form, and it disappeared.

The next moment, the blue-eyed youth emerged from the underwater whirlpool dozens of miles away.

Lu Chang'an was moved.

If one were to fight this beast in the water, one would likely not gain the upper hand.

Of the vast Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, only this Great Demon King poses a threat to Lu Chang'an.

But it was only a threat.

As long as they don't venture deep into the sea to fight, this beast poses a limited threat to Lu Chang'an.

In fact, Lu Chang'an had shown some leniency in his previous assessment of Lu's abilities.

Even if the Azure-Eyed Beast cultivates to the peak of the late fourth stage, it will most likely be suppressed by the Overturning Sea True Monarch in a battle in the sea, and at most it will not have difficulty protecting itself.

The Great Cultivator Zhenhai received the inheritance of the Sacred Land of Transformation, and his divine weapon, the Zhenhai Halberd, is equivalent to a true spiritual treasure in the sea.

In battles between cultivators of the same realm, magical artifacts play a significant role.

……

Until noon.

Wei Dongjun had just sobered up and his magical powers had improved.

Upon learning that Lu Chang'an had spent the night drinking with the Azure-Eyed Beast, Wei Dongjun's face lit up with joy:
"Elder Lu has gained the Great Demon King's approval, and the Elder Council's transfer order cannot sway him. Now he can stay at the Merchant Alliance headquarters with peace of mind."

"This is also the result of Brother Wei's matchmaking."

Lu Chang'an nodded and smiled.

After a night of drinking, the Azure-Eyed Beast was more satisfied with him, which meant he had passed the most important test.

This great demon king is the strongest force in the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance, the pillar of strength.

The Grand Elder and the three Alliance Leaders must respect its opinion.

On that day, Lu Chang'an returned to Hidden Mist Island openly and honestly.

For some time afterward, the elders' council did not send anyone to urge Lu Chang'an again.

The eldest elder kept to himself and did not give any instructions, seemingly tacitly approving his grandson's "protection" of Lu Chang'an.

The matter of the transfer to another location will be put on hold for now and left unresolved.

Lu Chang'an wasn't cowardly or afraid of death, so he stayed at the headquarters of the Merchant Alliance.

The divination indicated that his chances of staying at the headquarters were greater than those of going elsewhere.

Lu Chang'an couldn't help but weigh the gains and losses.

That night, I drank with the Azure-Eyed Beast and gained its trust, but I may have exposed my foundation in the fourth-order body refinement and Evergreen Technique.

……

A month later.

The external situation changed drastically, and bad news kept coming from the business alliance's branches.

The hostile force, the "Black Sea Business Alliance," is further probing, seizing industries, and expanding its sphere of influence.

The influence of its affiliated chambers of commerce has expanded significantly into the sea area where the Azure Sea Business Alliance is located.

Their actions crossed the line for the Blue Ocean Business Alliance.

Not only that.

A Nascent Soul cultivator from the Black Sea Merchant Alliance has appeared in the nearby sea area.

In the Tianxing Sea, there is an unwritten understanding among the top powers.

Nascent Soul cultivators generally keep each other in check and will not easily attack ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.

Unless it's a personal grudge, or there's absolutely no constraint of equal combat strength.

If it were the latter, the other side would have already withdrawn or surrendered.

Although the powerful cultivators of the Black Sea Merchant Alliance have not yet made a move, their bullying of the weak has already brought immense pressure!
The Bihai Business Alliance is facing internal troubles, and the power transition has not yet been completed.

The Black Sea Business Alliance is taking advantage of this opportunity to expand its territory. If we don't respond, they will keep testing our limits and exert maximum pressure.

Due to the restrictions of the Heavenly Star Sea rules, the Black Sea Merchant Alliance dared not openly provoke a war of cultivation.

If they go too far, the Star Moon Palace may step in to make a judgment.

……

The gun is easy to hide, and the dark arrow is hard to prevent.

The worst has happened.

A few days ago.

The "Insect Demon" appeared in the sea area controlled by the Azure Sea Merchant Alliance and killed an early-stage Nascent Soul elder who was stationed at a branch of the alliance.

This incident shocked the top management of the Bihai Business Alliance.

It is said that the Nascent Soul Elder was devoured by the Golden Flame Insect Swarm and his remains were never found.

The elder was protected by a fourth-order formation, but he was devoured by the swarm of golden flame insects, which easily broke through the formation.

The insect demon is adept at concealment and disguise, disappearing without a trace after committing its crimes.

Looking across the Heavenly Star Sea, below the late Nascent Soul stage, the Insect Demon has virtually no rivals.

This demon has strong means of self-preservation and is said to possess a strange insect that can sense danger.

He was hunted down by Nascent Soul cultivators more than once, but failed each time.

The vast open sea is extremely deep and teeming with monsters and sea creatures, making tracking difficult.

With this move, the Insect Demon declared that it would avenge the annihilation it suffered years ago.

The Insect Demon is the common enemy of Tianxinghai.

The Azure Sea Alliance once joined forces with many other forces to besiege and hunt down the Insect Demon, severely injuring it.

Now, the Azure Sea Business Alliance is beset by internal and external troubles, and the Insect Demon's revenge, taking advantage of the chaos, seems to have a plausible reason.

Lu Chang'an felt that everything was too coincidental.

The Insect Demon, the Whale Skeleton Giant Ship, and the Black Sea Merchant Alliance all launched their attacks at this juncture.

The king of the whale-shaped shipwreck may have been bribed or hired by a rival merchant alliance.

However, the Insect Demon is the public enemy of Tianxinghai, having committed heinous crimes and is being besieged by many forces.

The Insect Demons are neither good nor evil, and they have also killed high-level cultivators of the Black Sea Merchant Alliance, so it is unlikely that the two colluded.

In comparison, the whale carcass posed little threat.

The Blue Ocean Business Alliance did not remain passive.

Some time ago, another sea raiding force, the "White Bone Ghost Boat," also attacked the Black Sea Merchant Alliance's Spirit Island and merchant ships, killing, burning, and looting, causing losses.

The two forces of the Sea Kings were briefly locked in a balance of power, and the number of raids decreased.

But before the Blue Ocean Business Alliance could vent its anger...

The appearance of a high-ranking cultivator from the Black Sea Merchant Alliance deterred the "White Bone Ghost Boat" from daring to plunder.

……

In response to the enormous external crisis, the Business Alliance headquarters convened a meeting of elders.

The elders reached a consensus.

Only the Great Demon King, the Azure-Eyed Beast, can resolve this crisis.

Only a Great Demon King can restrain the powerful cultivators of the Black Sea Merchant Alliance and prevent them from exerting further pressure.

Only a great demon king can reliably defeat or intimidate the arrogant insect demon.

Ordinary mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators are no match for the Insect Demon, and may even perish. As is customary, when the Azure-Eyed Beast makes a crucial move, it is usually accompanied by the Grand Elder.

First, we must supervise and prevent this beast from being exploited by other forces and losing control of it.

Secondly, there is concern that the Azure-Eyed Beast might kill excessively, lack human understanding, and kill those it shouldn't have, thus making too many enemies.

But now, the Grand Elder is old and nearing the end of his lifespan.

Who will accompany the Azure-Eyed Beast to fight?
Apart from the Grand Elder, the three Alliance Leaders are the most qualified.

At the meeting of elders.

With a smile, Vice Alliance Leader Wan made a bold suggestion:
"The Grand Elder has dedicated his life to the Merchant Alliance, but now that he is old and frail, how can he bear such great risks? I suggest that Dongjun accompany the Azure-Eyed Beast out to deal with this."

"If Dongjun can stabilize this situation and prove his ability, I agree to let him take over the Great Demon King's life contract."

These words caused a huge uproar.

The internal conflict within the business alliance lies in the transfer of control of the Great Demon King.

The Left Alliance Leader, the Ten Thousand Alliance Leader, and most of the elders disagreed with allowing the relatively inexperienced Wei Dongjun to take over.

The Vice Alliance Leader Wan has now made it clear that he is using a strategic retreat to advance, sending Wei Dongjun out to deal with the crisis.

Wei Dongjun, do you have the guts?
Would the Wei family dare to gamble?

The elder, with a full head of white hair, frowned and fell silent.

The leader of the alliance made a ruthless move.

If anything happens to Wei Dongjun when he goes out, the Wei family's Nascent Soul cultivator lineage will be cut off.

At that time, the Wei family will completely lose its voice within the alliance, let alone control the Great Demon King.

Alliance Leader Qiu suggested, "I may accompany Elder Wei out."

If Qiu Luoyan were to lend a hand, Wei Dongjun would be safer when he went out.

However, this was opposed by the leader of the alliance:
"The headquarters of the Merchant Alliance needs a strong leader to oversee it; it cannot be left empty. In addition to the Black Sea Merchant Alliance's Grand Master, we also need strong opponents to deal with the Insect Demon and the Sea Calamity King."

"Besides, how can the fact that Alliance Leader Qiu provided assistance and protection prove Elder Wei's abilities?"

Wei Dongjun was repeatedly questioned about his abilities, which angered him.

He was willing to accept the bet, but his grandfather, the eldest elder, stopped him through telepathic communication.

……

That night.

Inside the cave on Hidden Mist Island.

Wei Dongjun was in a bad mood and drank alone, briefly explaining the contents of the Elders' Council to Lu Chang'an.

He sighed, "It's a pity that Grandpa doesn't understand Elder Lu. Otherwise, it would have been a safer option for the two of us to join forces with Uncle Biqing."

Lu Chang'an was a guest advisor discovered and recommended by Wei Dongjun, a method of assistance that Alliance Leader Wan could hardly object to.

The better Lu Chang'an performs, the more it proves Wei Dongjun's ability and vision.

"Fellow Daoist Wei, there's no need to overthink it. Your ancestor wouldn't dare to gamble

Lu Chang'an chuckled and made a definitive statement.

At this critical moment, how could the Grand Elder dare to gamble with his only grandson who was at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm?
With the Azure-Eyed Beast facing powerful cultivators, it couldn't possibly be constantly concerned for Wei Dongjun's safety.

The Grand Elder was unwilling to take even a one-tenth or one-hundredth risk.

Once the Azure-Eyed Beast is restrained, and then there is a sneak attack from a top-tier mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator like the Insect Demon, the consequences would be unimaginable.

At the same time, the possibility of a conspiracy involving collusion between insiders and outsiders cannot be ruled out.

Once Wei Dongjun dies, the Wei family will lose its power in the business alliance and be relegated to a second-rate family.

The Grand Elder is too suspicious.

At his age, he adopts a conservative strategy and dares not be radical.

Unlike when I was younger, when I could try again after failing and had the chance to make mistakes.

Just like emperors in the mortal world, they often expand their territories in their youth and prime. It is truly commendable that they are not confused when they reach their seventies or eighties.

Birth, aging, illness, and death are natural laws.

Even Nascent Soul cultivators are not immortals; they too will experience physical and mental exhaustion, losing their drive and ambition.

"If Wei had already cultivated to the mid-Nascent Soul stage, there wouldn't be so much trouble."

Wei Dongjun sighed bitterly.

He faces such resistance because his cultivation level and experience are insufficient.

"For Brother Wei's age, his cultivation speed is already considered fast among his peers in the Nascent Soul stage."

Lu Chang'an looked him over and comforted him.

Wei Dongjun advanced to the Nascent Soul stage when he was over two hundred years old, and is now only over three hundred years old.

Moreover, his progress in the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm is not slow; he will reach the peak of the early stage in a few decades at most.

Unfortunately, the Grand Elder's lifespan was coming to an end, and time was running out for him.

……

The council of elders convened again the following day.

The result was beyond Lu Chang'an's expectations:
The deputy leader of the alliance was transferred to another region to accompany the Azure-Eyed Beast in dealing with the pressure from the Black Sea Merchant Alliance.

This was the result of discussions between the Grand Elder and the Left Alliance Leader, with the Autumn Alliance Leader seconding the proposal.

The fact that the deputy leader of the alliance was expelled from the core circle naturally sparked protests and dissatisfaction.

Why did Zuo Mengzhu, who wasn't on his side, suddenly turn against him?

But the Grand Elder promised that after arranging his affairs, he would go out to fight the "Insect Demon," the greatest threat, to the death.

Neither Alliance Leader Wan nor Alliance Leader Qiu would face a significant risk if they were to confront the Insect Demon alone.

The Grand Elder chose the most dangerous mission, clearly not intending to return alive.

Given his condition, even if he isn't killed by the insect demon, the intense and brutal battle will cause him to lose a significant amount of his vital energy and lifespan.

The Grand Elder sacrificed his life to protect Wei Dongjun; Vice Alliance Leader Wan had nothing to say and could only obey the Elders' Council's decision.

This way.

With Wei Dongjun remaining at the main headquarters and having the assistance of Alliance Leader Qiu, he can keep Zuo Alliance Leader in check.

If that guest minister Lu is trustworthy, Wei Dongjun's position in the headquarters will be even more unshakeable.

For the sake of the bigger picture, the leader of the Left Alliance could not openly take action against Wei Dongjun, partly due to concerns about the Azure-Eyed Beast.

If relations truly break down, the business alliance will fall apart, and no one will benefit.

……

The next day.

The Azure-Eyed Beast and Vice Alliance Leader Wan set off to deal with the pressure from the Black Sea Merchant Alliance, while also deterring the rampant Insect Demons.

The Grand Elder began making arrangements for his funeral, departing a little later.

At this critical moment.

Bishui Business Alliance received a letter of visit from "Tianwaidao".

The celestial physician Lingchun, upon learning of the Grand Elder's condition, wished to come and visit him, hoping to try a method to prolong his life.

Tianwai Island and Bihai Business Alliance have a good relationship, not only due to their close trade ties, but also because of their shared history.

The Azure-Eyed Beast was saved by a celestial physician, which enabled it to achieve its later status as a great demon king and thus resolve the crisis of the merchant alliance.

The Azure Sea Business Alliance already owes the Immortal Doctor a favor.

Given such a long history and friendly relationship, it is normal diplomatic courtesy for Tianwai Island to send people to express their condolences.

Never thought of it.

The Grand Elder ordered a reply, rejecting the goodwill of Tianwai Island and even Lingchun Zhenjun.

……

The forbidden area of ​​the headquarters, the Shushi Garden.

Qiu Mengzhu and Wei Dongjun arrived together and entered the Grand Elder's recuperation garden.

"Grandpa, why did you refuse the visit from Tianwai Island? The miraculous doctor Lingchun has the ability to bring you back to life, and perhaps he can extend your life by a few more years."

Wei Dongjun and his companion came to persuade the Grand Elder.

As a sacred place for independent cultivators, Tianwai Island maintains neutrality and, in principle, does not participate in the conflicts between other forces.

That being said.

Leveraging the influence of Tianwai Island and the prestige of the Immortal Physician would be beneficial to the current situation of the Bihai Business Alliance.

Even if the Immortal Physician Lingchun only visits in private, it can still boost the Wei family's morale and confidence.

"Elder, I've heard that the Immortal Physician Lingchun has developed a new formula for a longevity pill. How can you give up such a chance to extend your life?"

The leader of the Autumn Alliance spoke with concern, lightly pursing her pale coral-pink lower lip as she offered advice.

Qiu Luoyan possesses a calm demeanor and a heroic beauty in her bone structure.

A long, light blue robe accentuated her tall and graceful figure. Her dark blue hair was styled into a simple, elegant bun, secured with a swallowtail hairpin.

"My old and decaying body is already halfway to the grave. Even if I live for another two years, just to prolong my life, it will be meaningless."

The elder opened his cloudy, degenerated white eyes, his withered face covered with dark brown age spots.

He looked at Alliance Leader Qiu and Wei Dongjun, and calmly stated:

"The relationship between Tianwai Island and our alliance has indeed always been good. The Immortal Physician Lingchun saved the Azure-Eyed Beast and has also done our merchant guild a favor."

"Including you, Luo Yan. You were seriously injured while fighting for the Merchant Alliance back then, but were saved by a celestial physician who protected your Dao foundation. Only then were you able to advance to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm."

The Autumn Alliance Leader listened quietly, her long eyelashes lowered, her eyes clear and serene, recalling the events of that year.

"The Merchant Alliance owes Physician Lingchun a debt of gratitude that I will never forget."

The Grand Elder's gaze deepened, and his tone suddenly shifted:
"But right now, the overall situation of the Merchant Alliance is stable, and the transfer of power is of paramount importance. No matter how great the kindness of Physician Lingchun is, she is ultimately an outsider."

"Why should outsiders interfere in matters that are internal to the business alliance?"

After saying this, the elder closed his eyelids and rested.

Wei Dongjun and Qiu Mengzhu were taken aback.

During this sensitive period, the Grand Elder trusted no one and was wary of outsiders.

It wasn't just Lu Chang'an.

This also includes Lingchun Zhenjun, who has been kind to the business alliance.

Lu Chang'an was able to stay at the headquarters because of the dual recognition from Wei Dongjun and the Great Demon King.

Even so, Lu Chang'an cannot enter the main island at will.

Wei Dongjun looked at his elderly grandfather and pondered for a moment.

Suddenly, he realized a problem:
The timing of Lingchun Zhenjun's greeting and visit was somewhat auspicious.

They arrived at the perfect time, when the alliance was beset by internal and external troubles and was at its most critical moment.

Perhaps the Heavenly Island and the Immortal Physician Lingchun wanted to offer help in their time of need.

But Grandpa was very suspicious and ignored the temptation of longevity, refusing the doctor's visits and keeping his distance.

……

Since the Grand Elder insisted on this, Alliance Leader Qiu and Wei Dongjun had no choice but to give up.

"Elder, you are half a mentor to Luo Yan. Without your guidance, Luo Yan would not have achieved what she has today within the alliance."

Qiu, the leader of the alliance, took a deep breath, his tone revealing respect and gratitude.

"From both a moral and logical standpoint, Luo Yan hopes that her teacher will pass away peacefully in his old age."

"Today, Luo Yan has a request: she hopes to go out in your stead and fight the 'Insect Demon' to the death."

She stepped forward, bowed deeply, and was about to kneel in respect.

The Grand Elder was moved, and a rare hint of warmth appeared on his face.

"No need for that, get up quickly. I am an old man with no oil left to burn, and I have no intention of living any longer."

The Grand Elder raised his arm slightly, and said with satisfaction:
"If you're so inclined, you could simply look after Dongjun within the alliance..."

Following the Grand Elder's magical power, Qiu Luoyan, who had been kneeling in devout worship, was forced to rise.

Suddenly.

A silver needle flashed from her sleeve and pierced the Grand Elder's chest.

laugh--

The elder was caught off guard; the protective aura around him had just begun to flare when it was pierced by a needle.

puff!
The elder's arm stiffened, and a tiny needle mark appeared on his chest.

The bloodstains spreading from the wound instantly turned grayish-white, giving it a deathly still appearance.

"Cough cough... It was you..."

"【Heartless Poison】...What is your relationship with the 'Heartless Poison King'?"

The Grand Elder clutched his chest, his face filled with grief, and looked at Alliance Leader Qiu in disbelief.

This Jurchen ruler was a trusted confidant whom he had personally promoted, and he became the vice leader of the merchant alliance.

The Poison King of Absolute Heart is the most powerful evil Nascent Soul cultivator in Tianxinghai when it comes to using poison.

The deadly poison he concocted was extremely potent; anyone struck by it would instantly lose their heartbeat and die.

Even those in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm who are poisoned by the Heart-Severing Poison may not survive; there have been cases of people dying from it.

The only nemesis of the Poison King of Absolute Heart is the Immortal Physician Lingchun.

This demon was later defeated by the immortal healer and retired for many years due to serious injuries.

"Autumn Wild Goose, you—"

Wei Dongjun, standing to the side, was furious, his inner power surging.

He watched helplessly as Alliance Leader Qiu plotted against his grandfather, but it was too late to stop him.

He never expected that Qiu Luoyan, the senior sister he had always admired, would be a major traitor hidden within the alliance.

As soon as Wei Dongjun activated his magic, his body shuddered violently, and he staggered unsteadily.

Suddenly.

His heart stopped beating, his blood froze, and his magical powers were almost completely out of control.

The life force within his body seemed to transform into deathly stillness in an instant.

"Oh no... the Heart-Severing Poison!"

Wei Dongjun looked extremely embarrassed, realizing that he had also fallen into a trap.

He made a pact with Qiu Mengzhu to persuade his grandfather to accept the condolences from Changqing Immortal Doctor, which might extend his life by a few years.

The two had been walking side by side, very close, so they were probably poisoned by the invisible and odorless Heart-Severing Poison.

There were no open wounds or bleeding. The type of poison he was given was different, and its effects were slower, so it wasn't as deadly as his grandfather's.

Even so, it poses a great threat to cultivators in the early stages of the Nascent Soul realm, making their survival extremely difficult.

……

"Teacher, hand over the Jade Pendant of the Azure-Eyed Beast! I have an antidote that can save Wei Dongjun's life."

The leader of the Autumn Alliance had a cold expression, and a set of array flags appeared in his hand.

Boom!

Before the words were even finished, the entire main island formation began to shake violently.

Multiple array bases exploded, causing the spiritual light of the late-stage fourth-order island-protecting array to dim by more than half.

The island-protecting formation stopped its collapse and remained at the mid-grade fourth rank, but the area where the formation base was destroyed had many flaws.

The main island's grand formation was originally jointly managed by the three alliance leaders.

Qiu Mengzhu also inherited the authority of the Grand Elder and took charge of the array hall.

After Vice Alliance Leader Wan left, his authority over the formations increased by one-third.

Fortunately, the key point of the formation required the combined incantations of the three alliance leaders to activate, and therefore it was not destroyed.

As Alliance Leader Qiu waved the array flag, the array in the forbidden area of ​​the main headquarters was broken.

Whoosh!Whoosh!
Two elders of the Merchant Alliance, both at the early Nascent Soul stage, broke into the cave of the Grand Elder.

"Alliance Leader Qiu."

The two elders flew over and joined Qiu Luoyan.

One is a formal elder, a direct descendant of the Business Alliance;

The other person was a guest elder, Qiu Luoyan's confidant.

As the deputy leader of the alliance, she held the power over the array hall, making it easy for her to bring in a guest elder to handle matters.

The jade bracelet in Qiu Luoyan's hand emitted a hazy, gray mist.

A chilling bird call rang out.

In the mist, a mysterious swallow with wingspans of several feet and surrounded by a phoenix appeared.

The small-sized Nether Swallow exuded a chilling aura, transforming into a gray phoenix shadow that circled above the heads of the Grand Elder and Wei Dongjun.

"Netherwind Swallow!"

Wei Dongjun's heart sank. His belt glowed with spiritual light, and the phantom of a blue water dragon coiled around him, protecting him.

The Netherwind Swallow excels in speed and is effective against the Nascent Soul leaving the body.

With a sweep of the Nether Wind, those who have left their bodies will either become dizzy and disoriented, their escape speed will be slowed down, or their sea of ​​consciousness will be shattered and their souls will be scattered.

"It seems that the teacher has entrusted all his protective treasures to you."

Qiu Luoyan looked at the illusory image of the Azure Water Dragon surrounding Wei Dongjun, who was unable to break through quickly even at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Boom!

The two Nascent Soul elders unleashed their magic weapons to attack, but they were easily blocked by the illusory image of the Azure Water Dragon.

Wei Dongjun regained some of his magical power, and held a flawless white pearl in his mouth.

The pure white pearl in its mouth absorbed the deadly poison, turning grayish-black in a breath or two.

call!
Wei Dongjun let out a long breath. Thanks to the protective treasure his grandfather had given him beforehand, he was finally able to neutralize most of the poison and regain control of his magic.

Qiu Luoyan focused most of her attention on the Grand Elder.

Even if this frail old man was poisoned by the more deadly Heart-Severing Poison, which was several times more lethal.

"Cough cough! At the end of my lifespan, being able to drag out this wild goose like you makes my death worthwhile."

The elder's withered body rippled with turquoise light, slightly twisting as if it had transformed into a boneless, semi-liquid state.

At this moment, the Grand Elder's life force was waning, and the deathly aura permeated his internal organs and bone marrow.

Unless the immortal physician Changqing personally arrives and resolves the Heart-Severing Poison, there is no chance of recovery.

"Bring it out? Did you already suspect it all along...?"

Qiu Luoyan frowned slightly, her expression changing subtly.

With the plan in place, everything went smoothly.

However, the Grand Elder's performance was somewhat unexpected.

After a brief moment of surprise and confusion, there was a sense of relief that my wish had been fulfilled.

(End of this chapter)