Mortal: Fairy Song Yu has issued you a task.

Chapter 115 Current Status of Kuixing Island

The hooded man's hand missed its mark. Though his expression was hidden by his mask, his eyes clearly darkened. "Fellow Daoist, have you not heard of the Giant Whale Gang? Our Giant Whale Gang's influence extends across the islands of the Chaotic Star Sea, and we even have several Core Formation elders within our ranks!"

"Hmph~" Yuan Yao coldly exposed, "The Giant Whale Gang is just a name without substance; each gang operates independently. The leader of Kui Xing Island is only at the late Foundation Establishment stage; what's so remarkable about that?"

She then turned to Lin Jingchu apologetically and said, "Fellow Daoist Lin, I am truly sorry for causing you trouble. Consider today's guide fee as my apology; there is no need for further payment."

Lin Jingchu smiled slightly: "I despise people who break their promises. Since the payment has been agreed upon, how can I back out over such a trivial matter? Not a single spirit stone will be less than what is owed."

The bearded man, seeing that the monk in the blue robe was ungrateful, was about to speak sarcastically when his expression suddenly changed and he stopped abruptly.

He sensed the sudden surge of late-stage Foundation Establishment spiritual pressure emanating from the other party, as well as their murderous gaze.

The hooded man was also taken aback by the sudden surge of power, his imposing manner immediately diminishing. He laughed and said, "Haha, you're right, fellow Daoist. We were being presumptuous. Please make yourself at home, fellow Daoist!"

As he spoke, he secretly transmitted his voice to his companion: "Bearded man, run! This man is definitely a former cultivator, his murderous aura is even stronger than the gang leader's." After saying that, he hurriedly joined the crowd with the bearded man and made a quick getaway.

Yuan Yao breathed a sigh of relief and said gratefully, "Thank you for helping me out, Fellow Daoist Lin. However—although most of these Giant Whale Gang members are bullies who prey on the weak, their members are a mixed bunch and they act without restraint. We lost face today, and there might be some trouble in the future."

Lin Jingchu said calmly, "It's nothing." If he really angered him, he could release the million Heavenly Crystal Ants from his spirit beast pouch and become an "Insect Demon."

After getting rid of those two troublesome fellows, Lin Jingchu, under Yuan Yao's guidance, successfully purchased a jade slip containing detailed illustrations and descriptions of common spiritual plants in the Chaotic Star Sea.

Having purchased most of the necessary items, and seeing that it was still early, he was in no hurry to say goodbye. Instead, he invited Yuan Yao to sit and chat for a while at a quiet teahouse by the roadside.

Yuan Yao was naturally happy to accompany him, since the payment was calculated by the hour. Moreover, this Fellow Daoist Lin was generous, had considerable cultivation, and was quite elegant; she was naturally eager to make more of his acquaintance.

"Waiter, bring me a pot of your finest spiritual tea," Lin Jingchu said loudly to the shopkeeper as he led Yuan Yao to a private table by the window.

"Coming right up, please wait a moment, sir!" A quick-handed waiter called out and soon brought over a pot of steaming hot tea.

Steam rises gently, and the aroma of tea fills the air.

Lin Jingchu poured Yuan Yao a cup and casually asked, "I saw quite a few Foundation Establishment stage cultivators on the island today. Is this because the Three Immortal Sects are opening their doors and recruiting?"

"That is indeed one of the reasons," Yuan Yao said, taking a sip of tea and nodding. "However, on ordinary days, there are more Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered on Kui Xing Island than on other ordinary islands in the Inner Star Sea."

"Oh? What is the reason for this?" Lin Jingchu looked puzzled. "To be honest, Fairy, I have always lived in the outer sea, and this is indeed the first time I have set foot here."

"I see." Yuan Yao suddenly understood and explained, "Actually, this is also inextricably linked to the calamity of the Demon King."

"The main star palace of the Chaotic Star Sea uses twelve inner star islands and twenty-four outer star islands as array eyes to set up a large isolation array."

This formation emits a special spiritual wave that causes low-level demonic beasts below the seventh rank to instinctively feel uncomfortable and avoid approaching.

"Without the almost endless source of sea beasts in the Outer Star Sea, the number of monsters in the Inner Star Sea has been firmly suppressed by our human cultivators, allowing ships of all sizes to sail safely and enabling mortals on various islands to live and multiply in peace."

"However, with the destruction of the array's core on Kui Xing Island, a gap appeared in this sea area. Since then, low-level demonic beasts from the outer space have often roamed here."

"For this reason, the waters surrounding Kui Xing Island have become a treasure trove for hunting monsters and obtaining resources." Although the monster resources are far inferior to those of the outer star sea, they are safer, which is why new cultivators keep coming here to stay.

To my shame, this is largely how I manage to earn a living.

Lin Jingchu feigned sudden realization, then casually asked, "Fellow Daoist Yuan, have you been making a living on Kui Xing Island all these years, using this method?"

Yuan Yao laughed at herself, "This humble woman has limited talent and has no achievements in the various arts of cultivation such as alchemy, weapon crafting, and talisman making. In order to earn some meager cultivation resources, I can only resort to this last resort, relying on my familiarity with the island's markets to guide people and make connections, earning a few hard-earned spirit stones."

Speaking of this, she recalled what she had just seen and couldn't help but feel envious. This fellow Daoist Lin was truly wealthy, casually taking out seven or eight top-grade magic artifacts to sell, many of which were the same model. In addition, he also purchased alchemy formulas and spiritual plant books, so it seemed that he was probably a person who excelled in both alchemy and artifact making, and his future was limitless.

Lin Jingchu took a sip of tea: "Why not join a sect? With the protection of a sect, your cultivation resources and safety will be guaranteed, and you won't have to suffer such harassment."

Yuan Yao was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Actually—I wasn't alone back then. I had a senior sister who grew up with me and we depended on each other for survival. During the Demon King's calamity, we were separated while fleeing."

"Over the years, I have been traveling between Kui Xing Island and Sang Xing Island and Wei Xing Island, which are also part of the southwestern alien islands, hoping to hear news of my senior sister. If I join a sect, I will inevitably be unable to control my own destiny and may never have this freedom again."

Upon hearing this, Lin Jingchu said solemnly, "I see. Fellow Daoist Yuan is willing to wander far and wide in search of fellow disciples. Such loyalty and righteousness are truly admirable."

Yuan Yao shook her head and then said, "Actually, the main reason is that I haven't encountered a particularly suitable sect to recruit me. This time, the Three Immortals Sect is opening its gates wide, and I'm also planning to try my luck and see if I can become an inner disciple."

"If this goes well, you'll have the protection of a sect, and the restrictions won't be as strict as those for outer sect disciples. You'll also have the convenience of finding people. Brother Lin, you must have come here for the Three Immortals Sect's recruitment? With your cultivation and skills, you'll surely be easily hired as a guest elder."

Lin Jingchu nodded: "That's indeed the intention. By the way, Fairy Yuan has lived on this island for a long time; do you have any suggestions regarding the location of the cave dwelling?"

When Yuan Yao heard that the other party really intended to settle on Kui Xing Island, she felt a slight, inexplicable joy in her heart.

Over the years, she has met many male cultivators, including many suitors. However, this fellow Daoist Lin in front of her is superior in appearance, cultivation, and background. Moreover, he is courteous and elegant in his interactions, which makes her somewhat interested.

She composed herself and smiled, "Of course I know. Although the Demon King raged and vented his anger on the island after he escaped, fortunately, the Sixth Elder of the Star Palace returned in time to repel him, so the spiritual veins on the island were not damaged."

"Speaking of places rich in spiritual energy, there are Tianzhu Peak, Tianxiao Peak, and Tianwu Peak. Among them, Tianzhu Peak has the strongest spiritual vein, but the best sections are occupied by the core disciples and elders of the Three Immortals Sect. Tianxiao Peak and Tianwu Peak are slightly inferior in spiritual energy compared to it."

"Tianxiao Peak is isolated in the eastern part of Kuixing Island, and its advantage lies in its tranquility. Tianwu Peak, on the other hand, is closer to the main city, and there are more medicinal gardens on the peak, so there are more cultivators coming and going, making it more convenient."

"Between Tianzhu Peak and Tianwu Peak, there is also Biyue Lake, whose spiritual energy is slightly less than that of the three peaks —"

As Lin Jingchu listened to the other person's detailed explanation, a chill suddenly swept through his heart.

He turned his head and saw that Song Yu was standing quietly at the entrance of the teahouse, looking at him and Yuan Yao, who was smiling sweetly across from him, without any expression.

When Song Yu saw Lin Jingchu looking at her, she took light steps and entered the teahouse, going straight to the table.

"Senior sister is here, please have a seat." Lin Jingchu quickly stood up to greet her and led her to a seat.

Song Yu's gaze lingered on Lin Jingchu's face for a moment before turning to Yuan Yao, a gentle and warm smile spreading across her face, her voice soft: "And who is this fairy?"

Yuan Yao had stopped speaking when Song Yu appeared. Now she quickly stood up, curtsied, and said, "I am Yuan Yao, and I greet this elder sister. I am employed by Fellow Daoist Lin to guide him to the market on Kui Xing Island."

"So it's Fairy Yuan Yao." Song Yu nodded slightly, her gaze shifting to Lin Jingchu, her smile unchanged. "Have you prepared everything you needed, Junior Brother?"

Lin Jingchu nodded immediately: "It's all taken care of." As he spoke, he quickly took out a small bag of spirit stones that he had prepared beforehand and handed it to Yuan Yao: "Thank you for guiding us, Fairy Yuan. This is the agreed reward."

Yuan Yao took it, put it into her sleeve without even looking at it, and bowed gracefully to the two of them again: "Fellow Daoist Lin, Sister Song, I shall take my leave now." After saying that, she turned and left tactfully.

Only Lin Jingchu and Song Yu remained at the tea table.

With a flick of her skirt, Song Yu gracefully sat down beside Lin Jingchu and took a clean teacup for herself.

"Junior brother has good taste. You've found such a beautiful and charming guide so soon after arriving. You must be the envy of many." Song Yu regained his usual aloof expression, his lazy and magnetic voice revealing little emotion.

But Lin Jingchu felt as if the teahouse had turned into a vinegar shop. He immediately picked up the teapot, filled Song Yu's cup with tea, and said seriously, "Senior Sister is joking. No matter how charming she is, how can she compare to even a fraction of Senior Sister? I was new to this place and didn't know anyone, and it just so happened that this Miss Yuan took the initiative to approach me, so I hired her. That's all."

Song Yu did not pick up the tea, but looked directly at the person beside him: "But I see that you seem quite pleased, Junior Brother. If you truly have feelings for that Fairy Yuan, you might as well say so. You and I are stranded in this world, and if we could add another sister, the three of us could travel together, which would not be a problem. Moreover, that Miss Yuan also has feelings for you, Junior Brother. If you put in the effort, you might just be able to make it happen."

"Senior Sister's insightful understanding is getting more and more amazing, but I swear to God, I am devoted to her." Lin Jingchu felt a pang of jealousy, thinking to himself that handing over the "Great Evolution Manual" to Song Yu for comprehension was truly like shooting himself in the foot.

He quickly recounted Yuan Yao's account of her past and background.

An orphan's background, a deceased master, a missing senior sister, and a broken self—

Finally, Song Yu gently blew on the tea foam, took a sip, and said, "She is indeed a woman of deep affection and righteousness, with a pitiful background."

She looked up at Lin Jingchu, then changed the subject: "I arrived a moment earlier than you and went to the Immortal Guiding Pavilion to inquire. The Three Immortal Sects' recruitment of guest elders this time has clear terms and requirements, divided into two categories."

"The first type is the War-Repair Guest Recruitment. Ten of them will be recruited to assist in eliminating ferocious sea monsters threatening shipping routes or islands. These guest recruits enjoy the best benefits, including a cave dwelling, a high salary, and a share of the spoils, but they also face many restrictions and are frequently required to be at the command of others."

"The second category is the Hundred Crafts Guest Elders," selected based on their skills in alchemy, weapon crafting, and talisman making, with a maximum of two people per skill. They only need to complete a fixed quota of alchemy tasks each year, and the rest of their time is entirely at their discretion with minimal restrictions on movement. Their salary is slightly lower, at one hundred spirit stones per year, but they can still choose a high-quality cave dwelling on the island, and receive additional rewards for completing tasks."

After listening, Lin Jingchu had already made up his mind: "Let's not delay, let's go to the Immortal Guiding Pavilion now."