200: Chapter 200 Secrets of the Seas and a New Mission

On the first day of rest, Lin Cangchen was still in a dream when he was suddenly awakened by fluctuations of Spiritual Qi from the next room.

The fluctuations were initially a series of violent tremors, like an undercurrent before a tsunami, but they gradually settled, eventually transforming into a steady and profound aura—significantly stronger than before.

"Did the Clan Leader break through?" Lin Cangchen thought, quickly getting up.

Pushing open the door, he saw the Clan Leader walking out of the quiet room. His aura had not yet been fully restrained, and the pressure of the Late Foundation Establishment Stage faintly radiated from him. He appeared more composed and reserved, with a sharp light hidden in his eyes.

"Congratulations, Clan Leader!" Lin Cangchen said with genuine joy.

The Clan Leader also wore a smile. "It was a natural progression. After years of accumulation and the effects of the amber true condensation dew, I have finally taken this step."

The Late Foundation Establishment Stage could be considered a backbone force in the Shattered Star Sea. One could even secure a decent position in Qianliu City.

"Now our Lin Family has a Late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator," Lin Cangchen laughed. "The Grand Elder and the others will surely be happy when we return."

"Focus on the present first," the Clan Leader said, restraining his aura. "We will rest for three days. True Person Chi Yan might arrange a new mission. While the Late Foundation Establishment Stage is good, it is still not enough before a Golden Core True Person."

That was the truth. The two chatted briefly before returning to their rooms to consolidate their cultivation.

When the three days were up, the summons from True Person Chi Yan arrived on time.

The two arrived at the Stone Palace at the heart of the island, where True Person Chi Yan was already waiting. This Golden Core Cultivator was not wearing his signature red robe today, but a plain Daoist robe instead, and his expression was a bit more solemn than usual.

"Sit," he said, pointing to the prayer mats in the hall.

The two sat as instructed. The Clan Leader took the initiative to speak, "Immortal Master, we have come as summoned. May I ask what your instructions are?"

True Person Chi Yan did not answer directly but first sized up the Clan Leader. "You've broken through to the Late Foundation Establishment Stage? Not bad, faster than expected."

"It was just luck."

"There is no luck in cultivation." True Person Chi Yan waved his hand, changing the subject. "I called you here today to discuss a major matter—concerning the pursuit a month ago and the truth about this Shattered Star Sea."

Lin Cangchen and the Clan Leader exchanged a glance and sat up straight.

"Do you know how large the Shattered Star Sea is?" True Person Chi Yan asked.

The Clan Leader answered cautiously, "According to the records, it spans millions of miles, with islands scattered like stars."

"Correct. To Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment Cultivators, this sea area is indeed vast and boundless," True Person Chi Yan's tone turned somber. "But to Golden Core Cultivators and third-rank Yao... this is a cage."

"A cage?" Lin Cangchen's heart skipped a beat.

"The Shattered Star Sea is surrounded by endless astral wind, whether in the deep sea or high in the sky," True Person Chi Yan said slowly. "Those winds cannot be breached by human power. If a Golden Core Cultivator enters, they will perish within three breaths, their Dao vanishing. Third-rank Yao have tried as well, and none have ever returned."

He paused. "Therefore, within this sea area, the highest Legacy for humans is the Golden Core, and for the Yao Race, it is only the third rank. The Nascent Soul Great Dao? The Transformation Path? Here, they are dead ends."

Silence filled the hall.

Lin Cangchen was shocked, but upon careful thought, it seemed logical—no wonder the Five Great Factions of the Shattered Star Sea were only at the Golden Core level at best, and the Yao Race was only third-rank. It wasn't a lack of talent; the path was simply cut off.

"But strangely," True Person Chi Yan continued, "this sea area is rich in Spiritual Qi and resources. Whenever a Spiritual Vein is exhausted, the island will sink and disappear within ten years, and ten years later, a new island with a Spiritual Vein will emerge at a random location. Thus, the Spiritual Qi of the Shattered Star Sea never fades, and spiritual items are never exhausted."

"This is a good thing for low-level Cultivators, but for Golden Core and third-rank Yao..." the Clan Leader chimed in, "it doesn't mean much. If one's cultivation cannot break through, no matter how many resources there are, they just pile up."

"Exactly." True Person Chi Yan nodded. "So for hundreds of years, the Five Great Factions of the Human Race and the two major tribes of the Yao Race have been searching for a way to leave. And this Yao Tide... is because of a rumor."

He looked at the two of them. "There is a rumor that a human Cultivator accidentally obtained a treasure that offers hope of leaving this sea area. Although it's only 'hope,' it's enough to drive all high-level beings mad."

Lin Cangchen suddenly understood. "Those three Fellow Daoists from a month ago..."

"They accidentally learned the possible location of the treasure," True Person Chi Yan said. "The Silver Scale Flood Dragon Clan got word of it, which is why they pursued them at all costs. Unfortunately, those three only knew the approximate location. As for what the treasure specifically is, what it does, or where exactly it is... they didn't know."

"So until now, neither the Human Race nor the Yao Race actually knows what the treasure is?" Lin Cangchen asked.

"Correct," True Person Chi Yan admitted frankly. "We only know it might be related to leaving this sea area. It could be a key, a map, or some kind of Legacy. But regardless, we must find it before the Yao Race does."

Silence fell over the hall once again.

After a moment, the Clan Leader spoke, "Immortal Master, since you've shared these secrets with us, what are your arrangements?"

True Person Chi Yan looked directly at them. "This seat hopes that you will go and find the treasure."

Lin Cangchen's heart jolted, but he kept his face calm.

"There are three reasons." True Person Chi Yan held up his fingers. "First, you have experienced the pursuit of the Silver Scale Flood Dragons and have some understanding of the Yao Race's methods. Second, Clan Leader, you are already at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, so your strength is sufficient. Third, Lin Cangchen, your attainment in Formations is quite good and may be useful during the treasure hunt."

He paused. "Of course, the Yao Race will certainly be watching the Golden Core Cultivators of the Human Race. Therefore, the Golden Core ones cannot move easily. You, being at the Late and Early Foundation Establishment Stages, are less likely to attract attention."

He was being blunt, but both of them heard the underlying message—this mission is dangerous, but you are the most suitable.

The Clan Leader was silent for a moment. "Immortal Master, forgive my bluntness. For such a major matter, why not send the core Cultivators of the City Lord's Mansion? Can outsiders like us be trusted?"

"Precisely because you are outsiders." True Person Chi Yan smiled. "The internal affairs of Qianliu City... might not be clean. The movements of those three Cultivators a month ago might have been leaked from within. This seat does not trust certain people."

He spoke very directly. Lin Cangchen understood—the Five Great Factions seemed united, but faced with the temptation of leaving the sea area, it was hard to guarantee that no one would have ulterior motives.

"The mission is dangerous, but the rewards are generous," True Person Chi Yan continued. "As long as you accept, this seat can provide part of the reward in advance: three 'condensing origin pills' to help Foundation Establishment Cultivators stabilize their cultivation; a second-rank high-grade defensive Spiritual Artifact; and... two slots to enter the 'Qianliu Secret Realm'."

condensing origin pills were worth a fortune, and a second-rank high-grade Spiritual Artifact was even rarer. But what tempted them most was the "Qianliu Secret Realm"—a Secret Realm controlled by Qianliu City that was said to contain Golden Core legacies. It only opened once every thirty years, and its slots were extremely precious.

The Clan Leader did not agree immediately but asked, "What if we refuse?"

"This seat will not force you." True Person Chi Yan's expression was indifferent. "But since you know these secrets, you must remain on Tieyan Island until this matter is concluded—this is to prevent information from leaking. Of course, you will be treated as before, but you cannot leave."

This wasn't a choice; it was clearly house arrest in disguise.

Lin Cangchen complained in his heart, but he didn't show it. He and the Clan Leader exchanged a look.

In fact, both of them knew that while the mission seemed dangerous, they had their own Secret Realm as an ultimate retreat. If things went south, they could just open a temporary entrance and leave. Moreover... they were indeed curious about what that treasure was.

"We need time to prepare," the Clan Leader finally spoke. "We don't know how long this trip will take, so we need to make proper arrangements."

"One month," True Person Chi Yan said. "During this month, you can move freely, prepare supplies, and settle your affairs. You will set out in one month, and this seat will provide you with specific clues and a sea chart."

"Also," the Clan Leader added, "if we really find the treasure, how will it be distributed?"

"The treasure belongs to Qianliu City," True Person Chi Yan said. "But you may make a copy of any relevant information, and this seat promises that if there truly is a way to leave the sea area, I will take you with me. Furthermore, the City Lord's Mansion will provide other significant rewards."

The terms weren't the best, but considering the difference in strength between the two sides, they were reasonable.

"We accept," the Clan Leader finally nodded.

True Person Chi Yan smiled. "A wise move." He took out three jade bottles, a small bronze shield, and a token. "These are the rewards provided in advance. Three condensing origin pills, a second-rank high-grade 'mystic bronze shield', and a Qianliu Secret Realm token. One month later, come here to collect the clues."

The two took the items and left the Stone Palace.

Back at the Tingtao Courtyard, after closing the door, Lin Cangchen breathed a long sigh of relief. "Good heavens, so the Shattered Star Sea is actually a giant prison?"

"For low-level Cultivators, it's a blessed land," the Clan Leader said calmly. "It's rich in Spiritual Qi and resources, and there are no Nascent Soul old monsters suppressing us. But for Golden Core Cultivators... it is indeed a cage."

"That treasure..." Lin Cangchen's eyes lit up. "Clan Leader, do you think it's really possible to leave this sea area?"

"I don't know." The Clan Leader shook his head. "But since there are rumors, we have to go see. Anyway, we have a way out; if it doesn't work, we'll just retreat."

"True." Lin Cangchen smiled. "But we need to prepare well during this month. Formation Materials, Medicinal Pills, Talismans... Oh, and we need to inform the Family."

"Yes, just mention it briefly through the bloodline network; don't go into too much detail," the Clan Leader instructed. "Just say it's a special mission from the City Lord's Mansion and that we need to be away for a while."

After their discussion, Lin Cangchen's consciousness sank into the communication area, and he posted a message:

[Received a special mission from the City Lord's Mansion. Need to go out to find something; return date is uncertain. Family affairs will continue as usual. Don't worry.] — Poster: Lin Cangchen.

Replies came quickly:

Great Elder: Stay safe; survival comes first.

Second Elder: Just say what supplies you need.

Cang Xue: Be careful, brother!

Ling Yan: The Shattered Star Sea is dangerous; be extremely cautious.

Seeing the concern of his clansmen, Lin Cangchen felt a warmth in his heart. Exiting the communication area, he began to take stock of his Storage Pouch.

One month was not long, but not short either.

He had to be fully prepared.

As for that mysterious treasure...

He was actually starting to look forward to it.