168: Chapter 168 A Visit to Master Mulong! Deputy Island Master!

Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Eight: Visiting Wood Dragon! Vice Island Master!

"Since the island master invited me personally, Hei Sha will respectfully obey."

Hearing Wood Dragon's straightforward recruitment, Hei Sha's raspy voice showed no hesitation as he directly accepted.

Lu Qiu had arranged for him to undergo Core Formation on Kuixing Island specifically to establish a foothold here. Wood Dragon's proactive invitation played right into their hands.

Upon hearing this, a flash of joy flickered through Wood Dragon's eyes before vanishing.

Having another Core Formation Stage combatant settle down would enhance Kuixing Island's overall strength. Whether dealing with potential competition from surrounding islands or reporting to the Star Palace behind them, they would have more confidence.

His own weight and control as the island master would naturally rise as well.

"Hahaha, good! Fellow Daoist Hei Sha is indeed straightforward!"

Wood Dragon laughed, appearing quite delighted. "Such a happy occasion calls for a celebratory drink! Come, allow this old man to introduce my deputies and fellow Vice Island Masters of this island—Fellow Daoist Yuan Jun and Fellow Daoist Kan Qin."

He turned slightly and pointed toward the two people behind him.

True Person Yuan Jun had a majestic countenance. He nodded slightly toward Hei Sha, his sharp gaze scrutinizing this new "peer" who possessed a fierce aura.

True Person Kan Qin remained as cold as ever, merely giving a faint salute without saying much.

Hei Sha also cupped his hands toward the two: "Greetings, Fellow Daoist Yuan Jun, Fellow Daoist Kan Qin."

The group exchanged a few more pleasantries, which were nothing more than polite formalities like congratulating Hei Sha on his successful Core Formation and asking if he was accustomed to the Chaotic Star Sea after just arriving.

Hei Sha didn't say much, but his responses were appropriate. Combined with his Core Formation Stage cultivation, no one felt he was being rude.

Finally, Wood Dragon warmly invited him: "Fellow Daoist Hei Sha has just achieved the Great Dao and likely needs time to stabilize your Realm and familiarize yourself with your new power. This old man's Immortal Cave is at Tian Zhu Peak; you are welcome to visit at any time. Why don't we set a date so I can fulfill my duties as a host and discuss the specifics of your settlement on this island?"

Hei Sha pondered for a moment before saying raspily, "I appreciate the island master's kindness. I do indeed need some time to stabilize my cultivation and organize my gains. In three months, I will certainly visit Tian Zhu Peak personally."

"Excellent! Then I shall await your grand arrival at Tian Zhu Peak," Wood Dragon said with a smile and a nod.

"Then we shall not disturb Fellow Daoist Hei Sha's quiet cultivation." Wood Dragon cupped his hands in farewell, then transformed into three Escape Lights with Yuan Jun and Kan Qin, vanishing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

As the three island masters departed, the invisible pressure enveloping the area also dissipated.

The many Cultivators watching from outside finally seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and the clamor of discussion rose again. However, the looks they cast toward the Listening Bamboo Pavilion were now completely different, filled with awe and curiosity.

After staying a moment longer and seeing the black-robed figure return to the courtyard and the Formation close again, the crowd gradually dispersed... Time flowed like water, and three months passed in a flash.

Inside the Quiet Room of the Listening Bamboo Pavilion.

Hei Sha sat cross-legged. The violent, overflowing Blood Evil Qi around him had been retracted significantly. Although it still carried a cold and fierce feeling, he could now control it freely, and it no longer radiated wildly.

The sense of power instability brought by condensing the fiend core had been initially solidified under the effects of the spirit eye spring and three months of uninterrupted stabilization.

More importantly, he had already initially refined the two Magic Treasures Lu Qiu had given him!

One was a Flying Sword that was entirely emerald green with a slender blade, emitting a faint cold light and a subtle wood spirit Qi—the green brilliant sword!

This sword was obtained from a Core Formation Cultivator of the Yu Ling Sect. Although not top-tier, its attributes were gentle and did not completely conflict with the Evil Qi of the Blood Refining Divine Light. Furthermore, it was sharp and swift, making it an excellent offensive Magic Treasure.

The other was a palm-sized, ancient square Seal that was dark gold throughout. It was carved with complex patterns of mountain ranges being suppressed and was exceptionally heavy—the golden malice seal!

This Seal was obtained from the fallen Loose Cultivator, True Person Jin Sha. It was his Lifebound Treasure, containing pure gold and earth attributes along with a suppressing Evil Qi. Its power was immense, and it was particularly skilled at overwhelming others with force and sealing them, perfectly compensating for Hei Sha's lack of control and area-of-effect attacks.

Coupled with several powerful secret techniques recorded in the fragments of the Xuan Yin Sutra, such as the 'Blood Spirit Drill' specifically for breaking through Protective Aura, and the 'Yin Demon Slash' which was incomparably sharp and condensed into substance, Hei Sha's current combat power was already quite good among Early Core Formation Cultivators. He was definitely not a soft persimmon anyone could squeeze.

The door to the Quiet Room opened silently, and Lu Qiu walked in.

His gaze swept over the steady-auraed Hei Sha, and he nodded in satisfaction. Then, he flipped his hand to reveal an object.

It was a bead the size of a longan, entirely jet-black, with fine silver patterns flowing on its surface, as if a miniature starry sky were sealed within it.

As soon as the bead appeared, it emitted an ancient, profound aura carrying a hint of spatial fluctuations.

"This is the 'xuan xing pearl,' a rare spatial-attribute ancient treasure. It possesses the wonderful uses of protection, trapping enemies, and teleportation, and its power is extraordinary. ancient treasures do not need long-term nurturing and refinement like Magic Treasures; they can be initially activated just by infusing enough magical power, making it perfect for your current use."

Lu Qiu handed the black bead to Hei Sha. "With this bead by your side, your means of self-protection and confronting enemies will reach a higher level."

This 'xuan xing pearl' ancient treasure was obtained from Old Ancestor Li when Lu Qiu was ordered to surround and suppress the Li family, who were spies for the Devil Sect, years ago.

A flicker of emotion passed through Hei Sha's crimson eyes as he solemnly took the xuan xing pearl. It was ice-cold to the touch, and with a brief contact of his Divine Sense, he could feel the vast and mysterious power contained within.

"Let's go. It's time to keep the appointment with Wood Dragon." Lu Qiu turned and walked out of the Quiet Room... The two left the Listening Bamboo Pavilion, and Hei Sha summoned a decent-quality flying Magical Artifact, carrying them both toward the Qingyun Mountain Range at the core of Kuixing Island.

The Qingyun Mountain Range stretched for thousands of miles, occupying nearly one-third of Kuixing Island's area. The mountains were majestic and shrouded in spiritual mist, serving as the gathering place for the island's Spiritual Veins.

The three main peaks were like three sharp swords piercing the clouds, standing out among the mountains: Tian Zhu Peak, Tian Xiao Peak, and Tianmen Peak.

Driving the flying boat, Hei Sha soon entered the range of the Qingyun Mountain Range.

Below, the mountains were lush and green, spiritual birds flew about, and occasionally waterfalls could be seen like silk ribbons. The concentration of Spiritual Qi was significantly higher than in the outside world.

Following the map's guidance, the flying boat flew straight toward the deepest, highest, and most majestic peak of the mountain range—Tian Zhu Peak.

As they approached a platform surrounded by white clouds halfway up Tian Zhu Peak, Lu Qiu flicked a Sound Transmission Talisman, which shot into the clouds.

Before long, the clouds billowed, and a green Escape Light flew out, landing on the platform to reveal a handsome young man with Early Foundation Establishment cultivation.

Upon seeing Hei Sha, the youth immediately bowed and saluted, his attitude respectful: "Junior Chen Tao, by order of my master, Wood Dragon, is here specifically to welcome Senior Hei Sha. Senior, please follow me."

His gaze then fell on Lu Qiu, filled with inquiry.

Hei Sha's voice was raspy: "This is a Junior of mine, surnamed Lu."

Lu Qiu took a step forward, a gentle smile on his face as he cupped his hands. "I am Lu Qiu. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Chen."

Seeing Lu Qiu's steady aura and that he was also a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, Chen Tao did not dare to be negligent and quickly returned the salute. "So it is Fellow Daoist Lu. It is a pleasure to meet you. Please, both of you."

Under Chen Tao's lead, the two passed through the cloud layer, and the view suddenly opened up.

Halfway up the mountain, amidst ancient pines and strange rocks, a magnificent Immortal Cave entrance was revealed.

The entrance was built of white jade, with the four ancient characters 'Tian Zhu Blessed Land' written above. On either side, spiritual springs gurgled and immortal cranes strolled; it was truly a scene of an immortal's home.

Entering the Immortal Cave, the interior was an even more wondrous world. The space was vast, with pavilions, small bridges, and flowing water, and the Spiritual Qi was so dense it turned into mist.

Chen Tao led the two to an elegant and spacious reception hall, where boys had already served spiritual tea and immortal fruits, the fragrance filling the air.

A moment later, Wood Dragon walked in slowly, still in his black Daoist robe, with a warm smile.

"Fellow Daoist Hei Sha has arrived as scheduled. This old man failed to welcome you from afar; I hope you will forgive me."

Wood Dragon laughed and cupped his hands. His gaze fell on Hei Sha, and noticing that his aura was much more stable and solid than three months ago, he secretly nodded.

"The island master is too polite," Hei Sha returned the salute.

Both sides took their seats as host and guests.

Wood Dragon's gaze then turned to Lu Qiu, and he smiled. "This young friend has a dignified appearance and refined cultivation. He must be the Junior Lu Qiu mentioned by Fellow Daoist Hei Sha, right?"

Lu Qiu stood up and bowed respectfully. "Junior Lu Qiu greets Senior Mu Long."

Wood Dragon's Divine Sense imperceptibly swept over Lu Qiu. Sensing his Late Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation, he was slightly startled.

This youth was not old, yet he possessed such cultivation and a very solid Foundation. It seemed his talent was extraordinary; no wonder he was brought along by this newly-promoted Core Formation Hei Sha.

The smile on his face grew even wider as he praised, "Friend Lu has such cultivation at a young age; the younger generation is truly to be feared! I wonder if you would be willing to settle and Cultivate on our Kuixing Island along with Fellow Daoist Hei Sha? Although this island is not some top-tier blessed land, the Spiritual Qi is acceptable and the rules are clear, making it perfect for talents like you to practice in peace."

Hei Sha spoke at the right time, his voice still raspy: "The island master's kind intentions are appreciated on his behalf. It's just that this kid is young and vigorous, and his heart is set on the vast world of the outer seas. He always wants to go out and experience the world and is unwilling to be confined to one island for long. I find it hard to force him."

Hearing this, Wood Dragon stroked his beard and nodded, his eyes showing understanding and admiration. "Young people have ambitions everywhere; it's a good thing to be brave and strive! We Cultivators are essentially fighting against heaven for our lives. Being trapped in one place indeed makes it difficult to see the full picture of the Great Dao. Since Friend Lu has this ambition, this old man can only wish you a bright future and that the Great Dao is within reach."

Lu Qiu chimed in at the right moment, his tone sincere: "Thank you for your understanding and kind words, Senior. I will travel to increase my knowledge. If I grow weary one day or achieve success, I will certainly consider returning to Kuixing Island. At that time, I hope Junior Martial Uncle Hei Sha and Senior will not find me bothersome."

He deliberately clarified the "Junior Martial Uncle" relationship, positioning Hei Sha as a Senior of his sect.

Wood Dragon laughed heartily. "Well said, well said! The gates of Kuixing Island will always be open for talents like you!"

After the pleasantries, Wood Dragon's expression turned slightly serious as he got down to business. "Fellow Daoist Hei Sha, since you have decided to settle on this island, with your Core Formation Stage cultivation, you naturally cannot be treated like others. According to the island's custom, and to make it easier for you to participate in island affairs and enjoy corresponding rights and responsibilities, I intend to recommend you for the position of Vice Island Master. Your status would be equal to that of Fellow Daoists Yuan Jun and Kan Qin. What do you think?"

Vice Island Master!

This undoubtedly brought Hei Sha directly into the core power circle of Kuixing Island, giving him immense trust and status.