49: Investment return, building a foundation in the wilderness

The Myriad Ages Desolate Sea was vast, and the raft drifted like a leaf. After the attack by the Shadow-scaled Sea Serpent, navigation became exceptionally cautious. Lin Xuan sat cross-legged at the front of the raft, controlling its direction while introspecting. His trip to the Demon Palace yielded immense gains, but how to transform these gains into more tangible strength, especially in a way that aligned with his unique 'Investment Return' path, required careful planning.

His gaze swept over the Three women on the raft.

Su Wanqing, as cold and clear as the moon, her Taiyin Youying Bloodline had already undergone Awakening. Their bond was the deepest, having reached the 'Spiritual and Physical Fusion' Realm. She was a 'high-quality asset' that had been invested in long ago with bountiful returns, requiring only continuous 'maintenance' for a promising future.

Qu Feiyan, as alluring as fire, her thoughts unfathomable. Her previous actions, seemingly provocative, were they not a different kind of 'investment'? Investing in her attention, her assistance, and even her uncontrollable ambition. Although the risk was quite high, the potential returns... Lin Xuan recalled her several timely interventions and the unique efficacy of the Red Dust Charming Bone Technique, feeling that this 'investment' might be worth continuing.

Gongsun Yu, innocent and naive, with excellent Aptitude and immense potential in lightning techniques. Her dependence and trust in him were evident; she was a highly promising 'initial stock.' Helping her dispel evil Qi and stabilize her Cultivation had already been a successful 'investment.' Now that she was on the verge of a Breakthrough, perhaps he could... make an additional investment?

With a thought, Lin Xuan made a decision. He took out a jade bottle from his Storage Pouch, containing three drops of the 'Rejuvenating Spirit Liquid' he had previously refined, used for rapid spiritual power recovery and slight tempering of the Meridians. This item no longer had much effect on his Golden Core Cultivation, but for Gongsun Yu, who was in the Foundation Establishment Stage, it was an excellent aid for breaking through her Bottleneck.

"Miss Gongsun." Lin Xuan turned and handed the jade bottle to Gongsun Yu, who was staring blankly at the sea.

"Ah? Big Brother Lin?" Gongsun Yu snapped back to reality, seeing the jade bottle with some confusion.

"You have reached the Peak of the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, just a step away from the False Core. This item may help you, stabilize your Foundation, and increase your chances of Core Formation," Lin Xuan said gently, his gaze sincere.

Gongsun Yu was stunned for a moment, then her small face lit up with immense surprise and emotion. She took the jade bottle, clutching it tightly in her hand, her eyes slightly red: "Big Brother Lin... thank you! I... I will definitely not disappoint you!" She felt the pure medicinal power within the jade bottle, and even more, she felt Lin Xuan's unreserved trust and support. This friendship, like sending charcoal in winter, weighed heavily in her heart.

[Ding! Investment in Gongsun Yu successful! Triggering a three-hundred-fold return! Obtained one 'Violet Heavens Lightning-Patterned Wood' (a top-grade Material for refining lightning-attribute Magic Treasure), and one 'Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivation Insight' (can assist the target in solidifying their Foundation).]

The System prompt arrived as expected. The returned items were not earth-shattering, but the 'Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivation Insight' was exactly what he needed, perfect for giving back to Gongsun Yu to help her achieve perfect Foundation Establishment.

Lin Xuan smiled slightly, not immediately giving the returned insight to Gongsun Yu. Instead, he planned to bestow it upon her at the critical moment of her Breakthrough, for a better effect.

This scene naturally fell into the eyes of the other two women.

Su Wanqing's expression was calm, seemingly unsurprised. Her bond with Lin Xuan was already deep, and she had long been accustomed to Lin Xuan's seemingly casual yet always precise 'gifts'; she herself was the biggest beneficiary. Only when she looked at Gongsun Yu, a subtle softness appeared in her cold eyes.

As for Qu Feiyan, her seductive eyes flashed with brilliance. She saw clearly that the Medicinal Pill Lin Xuan casually gave out was of extremely high quality, a veritable treasure for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator! And the reason he gave was grand and unassailable, making others feel indebted instead.

"This Junior Martial Brother... his methods are truly becoming more sophisticated," Qu Feiyan mused inwardly. "He seems to be helping others, but in reality, he's weaving an invisible net, making these Fairies willingly gather around him and be used by him... yet they feel grateful."

Far from being repulsed, she became even more excited. This method of controlling people's hearts and investing in the future had a similar effect to the Seduction Skill she Cultivated, but it was more grand and on a higher level. She increasingly felt that Lin Xuan possessed things she needed to learn and... conquer.

She swayed her waist and gracefully walked to Lin Xuan's side, her voice carrying a perfectly pitched envy and playful complaint: "Junior Brother is truly generous~ taking such good care of Junior Sister Gongsun. I wonder if I, Senior Sister, have the good fortune to also receive an 'investment' from you?" She deliberately emphasized the word "investment," her seductive eyes like silk, carrying a hint of probing.

Lin Xuan glanced at her, how could he not know the thoughts of this enchantress. He smiled faintly: "Senior Sister Qu is joking. Senior Sister's Cultivation is profound, and her experience is rich. My humble tricks, I fear, would not enter Senior Sister's Dharma Eye. Moreover, Senior Sister has helped me many times before, and I have not yet properly thanked you."

His words were flawless, both indicating that Qu Feiyan was strong and didn't need his 'investment,' and hinting that he remembered her 'investment' and would surely repay it in the future, while also tossing the ball back.

Qu Feiyan was momentarily stifled by his words, then she giggled: "Junior Brother's mouth is truly becoming more eloquent. Fine, fine, I, Senior Sister, will just wait for your 'thanks' then~" She no longer pestered him, but her anticipation for Lin Xuan's so-called 'thanks' grew even stronger.

The raft temporarily returned to peace. Gongsun Yu took the Rejuvenating Spirit Liquid and began to close her eyes to break through to the False Core Realm. Su Wanqing acted as her Protector. Qu Feiyan, appearing languid, was actually quietly Cultivating, digesting what she had gained from the Demon Palace.

Lin Xuan, meanwhile, was immersed in the 'Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivation Insight' returned by the System. Although it was a path he had already traveled, reviewing it from a higher Realm, combined with his own experiences, he actually made new discoveries, performing an invisiblesorting out of his own Foundation, making his Golden Core even more round and flawless.

Several days later, while sailing, Lin Xuan's heart stirred, sensing a faint fluctuation from the communication jade talisman in his Storage Pouch, which was used to contact Daoist Shoujing.

He took out the jade talisman and probed it with his Divine Sense.

Daoist Shoujing's voice carried a hint of fatigue, yet it was even more solemn: "Little friend Lin, I am greatly relieved that you all were able to safely leave the Demon Palace and reactivate the Star Lock. However, the Demon Palace has undergone an abnormal change; although the Seal is temporarily stable, the Awakening of the Demon Lord's will has exceeded expectations, and it may not last long. This old man must fully suppress the Purifying Demon Spring nodes and has no time for other matters."

"Furthermore, according to my senses, the aura of the 'immortal abode pivot token' on you all has triggered a deeper resonance... The Misty Immortal Palace is not just one remnant of the Demon Palace. If you wish to completely resolve the demon calamity, or seek a permanent way to leave the Desolate Sea, you must gather the scattered core fragments and reassemble the authority of the Immortal Palace..."

The message ended there, as if Daoist Shoujing had encountered some trouble on his end.

Lin Xuan held the jade talisman, his brows slightly furrowed. Daoist Shoujing's message contained a massive amount of information. The hidden danger of the Demon Palace was not removed, and there were other parts of the Misty Immortal Palace scattered outside? Gather the core fragments and reassemble the authority of the Immortal Palace?

This was undoubtedly a more difficult, but potentially even more astonishing... investment path!

He looked at the vast Desolate Sea, his gaze becoming profound. Perhaps, this Myriad Ages Desolate Sea, considered a place of exile, also held clues to the Immortal Palace fragments?

And all of this was inseparable from strength, inseparable from... more 'investments' and 'returns'.

His gaze swept over the three exquisite women on the raft once more, a new plan already forming in his mind.

The investment had just begun.