206: Chapter 206 The Plan for Tianxing City! The Harvest of the Infant Carp Beast! Elder Gu Arrives! Agree to Go to Headquarters!

Tianmen Peak.

The morning sunlight pierced through the clouds, spilling onto the platform at the Peak, gilding the entire mountain in a faint golden glow.

Lu Qiu stood with his hands behind his back, his sleeves fluttering gently in the morning breeze as he overlooked the churning sea of clouds below.

Amidst the swirling mists, the towering mountains and scattered islands in the distance were faintly visible.

The sea breeze brushed against his face, carrying a faint salty scent that was refreshing to the heart and spirit.

Lu Qiu took a deep breath and retrieved that piece of black divine wood from his Storage Pouch to examine it carefully.

It was still pitch black, its surface covered in mysterious patterns, with no fluctuations of Spiritual Qi.

If the gold intelligence hadn't clearly pointed out that this was "divine wood," he would have almost suspected it was just an ordinary piece of firewood, the kind that no one would pick up if thrown on the side of the road.

"Divine wood... divine wood..." Lu Qiu muttered to himself, his gaze flickering.

To be able to completely exhaust the Spiritual Vein of an entire desert island, and to lie dormant for ten thousand years only to be on the verge of regaining vitality—this thing could not possibly be simple.

He recalled the scene on that desert island.

For hundreds of miles around, not a blade of grass grew, and there was no sign of life, as if something had drained away all its life force.

He had never seen such a sight on any other desert island.

And this piece of black wood was the culprit.

"What is your origin, exactly?" Lu Qiu stared at the black wood, as if trying to see right through it.

The black wood lay quietly in his palm, completely unresponsive, like a dead object.

Lu Qiu pondered for a moment, then walked towards the core of the Tianmen Peak Spiritual Vein.

That was the place with the densest Spiritual Qi on the entire mountain, where swirling mist permeated the surroundings, nourishing the whole mountain.

He bent down and gently placed the piece of black wood at the core of the Spiritual Vein.

Since this wood could drain the Spiritual Vein of an entire desert island, it must require a massive amount of Spiritual Qi.

Now, placing it upon the Spiritual Vein of Tianmen Peak might help it regain its vitality.

As for whether it would damage or even destroy the Spiritual Vein of Tianmen Peak... Lu Qiu did not care.

He had never intended to live on Kuixing Island for long.

If the Spiritual Vein here was destroyed, it would have no effect on him whatsoever.

Moreover, Kuixing Island belonged to the Star Palace; if it were destroyed, it would be the Star Palace's loss. What did that have to do with him?

"Divine wood..."

He stared at the black wood, a flash of anticipation in his eyes. "I want to see what makes you worthy of being called divine wood."

The black wood lay quietly on the rock, still showing no reaction.

Lu Qiu waited for a while, but seeing no abnormalities, he turned and left.

Returning to the hall of the Immortal Cave, Xin Ruyin was sitting at the desk, holding a Jade Slip in her hands with a focused expression.

That Jade Slip was the "Nine Nether Array Canon" he had brought back.

Sunlight filtered through the lattice window, casting a soft halo over her.

She was wearing a moon-white dress today, her dark hair cascading down like a waterfall. Her features were as beautiful as a painting, and she carried an ethereal temperament.

She would occasionally frown in thought, then smile knowingly, and sometimes she would trace a few runes in the air with her fingers, deducing the changes in the Formation.

Those runes flickered with faint spiritual light, lingering in the air for a moment before dissipating.

Xiaomei sat to the side, holding the glowing purple Purple Crystal Sable in her arms, watching Xin Ruyin with boredom.

The Purple Crystal Sable yawned lazily and continued to gnaw on a piece of purple spirit crystal in its claws.

"Young Miss, you've been reading for three days now, aren't you tired?" Xiaomei couldn't help but ask.

Xin Ruyin didn't even lift her head, saying faintly, "Not tired."

Xiaomei pouted and looked at the Purple Crystal Sable again: "Look at her, so diligent. Look at you, all you know is how to eat."

The Purple Crystal Sable rolled its eyes at her and continued gnawing on the purple spirit crystal.

Lu Qiu walked into the hall and couldn't help but smile at this scene.

Xin Ruyin raised her head. Seeing him enter, a trace of tenderness flashed in her eyes. She put down the Jade Slip and stood up to welcome him: "Husband Lu."

Lu Qiu walked over, sat down beside her, and held her hand, asking softly: "How is it?"

Xin Ruyin's eyes sparkled with irrepressible joy.

She gripped his hand back, her voice tinged with excitement:

"Husband Lu, this 'Nine Nether Array Canon' is truly a miraculous book! Many of the Formations recorded inside are ancient secret techniques long since lost. Especially the 'Nine Nether Profound Yin Formation' and the 'Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation'; their ingenuity far exceeds anything I have seen before. The 'Nine Nether Profound Yin Formation' uses Nine Nether Qi as its Foundation, invoking the power of Profound Yin to trap enemies invisibly; the 'Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation' can even directly attack the Primordial Spirit, making it impossible to guard against."

She paused, the light in her eyes intensifying—it was a joy and anticipation that came from the bottom of her heart: "If I can fully comprehend this volume of the Array Canon, my attainments in Formation will surely reach another level! By then, perhaps I might truly, as Senior True Person Ling Yun said, have the hope of glimpsing that legendary Realm of a 'Formation Grandmaster'."

Lu Qiu looked at her bright eyes and felt the warmth in her palm, a deep sense of gratification rising in his heart.

Xin Ruyin, that Formation Genius from the original story who had perished while still in the Qi Refinement Stage due to the Dragons Roar Physique, had now, under his cultivation, become a Core Formation True Person.

She had the "Great Evolution Art" to temper her Divine Sense, the "Xuanji Pupil" to discern the patterns of Formations, the constant guidance of that Nascent Soul Great Power, True Person Ling Yun, and the various Formation classics he had collected for her. Now, she even had this volume of the "Nine Nether Array Canon"...

Her attainments in Formation had long since surpassed that tragic Genius from the original story.

One day, she would truly be able to become the number one Formation Master in the Human Realm, respected by ten thousand people.

And not that tragic figure from the original story who made people sigh with regret.

"It's good that it's useful."

Lu Qiu squeezed her hand and said gently: "Take your time to comprehend it, no rush. If you need any Materials in the future, just tell me. Also, ask Senior True Person Ling Yun for more guidance."

Xin Ruyin nodded, her eyes filled with tenderness and gratitude.

She leaned on his shoulder and whispered: "Husband Lu, thank you."

Lu Qiu gently stroked her long hair without speaking.

Xiaomei, watching from the side, covered her mouth and giggled.

Xin Ruyin's cheeks flushed slightly, and she glared at her: "Xiaomei!"

Xiaomei stuck out her tongue, grabbed the Purple Crystal Sable, and slipped away.

In the Quiet Room, Lu Qiu sat cross-legged.

The stone door slowly closed, isolating all sounds from the outside world.

Inside the room, there was only the gurgling sound of the spirit eye spring and the occasional faint fluctuation of Spiritual Qi.

He closed his eyes and began to contemplate his next plan.

Currently, his cultivation was at the Late Core Formation Stage.

He possessed three Level Six Spirit Pets: the Bloodline Flood Dragon, the Golden-Backed Demonic Mantis, and the Infant Carp Beast, each possessing combat power equivalent to a human Late Stage Core Formation Cultivator.

He possessed an army of Illusion Spirit Butterflies, numbering around 15,000, including several thousand Level Four ones and over a dozen Level Five ones.

If released with full force, it would be enough to plunge any faction without a Nascent Soul monster sitting in charge into an illusion, enough to make any Cultivator lose their composure.

He possessed over a dozen ancient treasures.

The space locking mirror, yinming sword, restriction breaking pearl, blood devouring pearl, soul-protecting jade tablet, treasure-fixing coin, Qilin seal, fossil mirror, peerless sword, xuan xing pearl... each had unique Divine Abilities and wonderful uses.

His Lifebound Treasure, the chixiao thunder fire pearl, was refined from Ten-Thousand-Year Purple Flame Thunder Crystal and had astonishing power.

That one time he struck, instantly killing a Late Core Formation Stage Puppet, still made him feel satisfied when he thought about it.

He possessed numerous secret techniques: the seventh level of the Spirit Shocking Thorn, where seven thorns released simultaneously could severely injure the Primordial Spirit of a Late Stage Core Formation Cultivator; the Dragon Imprisonment Seal at Major Achievement, which could enslave Level Six Yao Beasts; the Burning Heaven Fire Domain at entry-level, which could set up the Burning Heaven Great Formation...

With such a Foundation, even in the Chaotic Star Sea, where experts were as numerous as clouds, he could be considered a figure of some standing.

Next, Lu Qiu's goal was naturally to form a Nascent Soul.

But the difficulty of forming a Nascent Soul...

Countless Cultivators with outstanding talent were stuck at the Late Core Formation Stage for hundreds of years, unable to take that step until death.

It required not just hard cultivation, but also a comprehensive improvement in Opportunity, Comprehension Ability, and state of mind.

He thought of those legendary Nascent Soul monsters—Extreme Yin Ancestor, Six Paths Extreme Sage, the few Grand Elders of the Myriad Laws Sect... which one of them was not brilliant and talented, which one of them had not experienced trials and hardships?

The road to forming a Nascent Soul could be called a narrow escape from death.

Nowadays, he did not lack the cultivation resources needed for the Core Formation Stage.

He could refine various Medicinal Pills that increased cultivation, such as the snow lotus pill and the Azure Crystal Pill, at any time.

The spirit eye spring provided sufficient Spiritual Qi, allowing his cultivation speed to far exceed that of ordinary people.

But to form a Nascent Soul, what he lacked were items for forming a Nascent Soul.

The supreme treasures that could help him form a Nascent Soul—these were what he needed most next.

For others, Opportunity could not be sought, only encountered.

But Lu Qiu had the gold intelligence Golden Finger; if he was lucky, it wouldn't be hard to search for an Opportunity to form a Nascent Soul.

"It's time to leave this Kuixing Island."

Lu Qiu opened his eyes, his gaze profound, as if he could pierce through the stone walls of the Quiet Room and look at the world outside.

Calculating the time, since coming to the Chaotic Star Sea from Tiannan, he had stayed on this Kuixing Island for nearly thirty years.

Thirty years.

From a False Core Cultivator to today's Late Core Formation Stage.

From having nothing when he first arrived to having a faction of his own today.

The progress was astonishing.

This was entirely due to the many Opportunities Lu Qiu had collected relying on the gold intelligence System, and his daily persistent hard cultivation.

Every Opportunity was a leap; every leap paved the way for the next Opportunity.

But now, the Opportunities on Kuixing Island had long been squeezed dry by him.

The Cultivators on this island, those hidden treasures, those undiscovered spiritual Materials, had long been scavenged by him.

Often, it would take half a year for one or two silver Opportunities to appear.

For Lu Qiu, these were already insignificant little things, such as a several-hundred-year-old Spirit Medicine hidden somewhere, or a decent spiritual material on some Loose Cultivator.

To obtain more Opportunities, to find the key to forming a Nascent Soul, he had to leave Kuixing Island and head to a new place.

And this place had to be one where high-level Cultivators gathered, where all kinds of Opportunities emerged one after another, and which was suitable for cultivation.

Lu Qiu already had a target in mind.

Tianxing City.

As the base camp of the Star Palace, Tianxing City was the most prosperous and largest gathering place for Cultivators in the entire Chaotic Star Sea.

Twelve inner star islands guarded it, and twenty-four outer star islands surrounded it; countless Cultivators traded, cultivated, and lived here.

All major factions had strongholds here, and various Opportunities emerged one after another.

It was said that just the number of resident Core Formation Cultivators in Tianxing City was in the hundreds, and Nascent Soul Stage monsters also appeared from time to time.

There was the largest trading platform for Cultivators, the most complete resources, and the densest information.

That place was definitely a good destination.

Perhaps he could find the Opportunity to form a Nascent Soul there.

Lu Qiu had made up his mind.

Of course, leaving Kuixing Island did not mean he intended to abandon this Foundation.

Now, Wood Dragon, Kan Qin, and True Person Yuan Jun were all under his control.

The entire ruling class of Kuixing Island was his people.

This place could be developed into a base camp; if he encountered danger in the future, he could escape here.

Or if he needed any resources, he could ask them to help collect them.

Wood Dragon managed the resource allocation of Kuixing Island, and Kan Qin and True Person Yuan Jun each had their own connections and channels. With them here, Kuixing Island was his backyard.

Cunning rabbits have three burrows; this was his consistent principle.

The next day.

Lu Qiu summoned Xiaomei.

Having become an Early Core Formation Cultivator, although Xiaomei's personality was still lively, she was becoming more and more reliable in handling affairs.

She stood in front of Lu Qiu, blinking her big eyes, waiting for instructions.

"Xiaomei, go to Hidden Star Island," Lu Qiu said. "Find Zhao Wen and have him return immediately."

Xiaomei was stunned, her lively eyes full of doubt: "Zhao Wen? Isn't he the Vice Island Master on Hidden Star Island? Why call him back?"

Lu Qiu said faintly: "I have other arrangements."

Back then, to leave a retreat for himself, he had sent Zhao Wen to Hidden Star Island to develop.

With his Early Core Formation cultivation, Zhao Wen had been thriving over there and had indeed secured the position of Vice Island Master.

After operating in secret all these years, he must have accumulated quite a few connections and resources.

Now that the entire Kuixing Island was under his control, this place was naturally the best retreat.

The significance of Zhao Wen staying on Hidden Star Island was not great.

Although Xiaomei was curious, she didn't ask more questions. She knew that her master had his reasons for doing things.

She acknowledged the order and turned to leave.

Half a month later, a streak of light landed outside Tianmen Peak.

Zhao Wen had returned.

He was still the same composed person, wearing a green robe, with a resolute face and a steady gaze.

Seeing Lu Qiu, he immediately stepped forward and respectfully knelt on one knee to salute:

"Master, your subordinate has returned."

Lu Qiu sized him up.

He hadn't seen him for many years, but Zhao Wen's aura was even more steady; clearly, he hadn't been idle on Hidden Star Island.

His Early Core Formation cultivation had stabilized significantly, and there were signs of moving towards the Middle Stage.

His eyes were still clear, and he hadn't become arrogant because he had become an Island Master.

"Get up."

Lu Qiu said, his tone gentle: "You have done well on Hidden Star Island all these years."

Zhao Wen stood up, stood with his hands by his sides, his expression respectful: "It is all thanks to your cultivation, Master. On Hidden Star Island, I have, according to your instructions, secretly made friends with several powerful figures on the island and planted a few eyes and ears. If you have any need, Master, you can use them at any time. This is my report Jade Slip, please take a look, Master."

He took out a Jade Slip from his bosom and offered it with both hands.

Lu Qiu took it, probed it with his Divine Sense, and quickly browsed through it.

The Jade Slip recorded in detail Zhao Wen's management situation on Hidden Star Island over the years—who he had made friends with, which eyes and ears he had planted, what information he had mastered, what Opportunities he had discovered—it was clear and detailed.

Lu Qiu nodded with satisfaction. He had always been at ease with Zhao Wen's handling of affairs.

This person was loyal, meticulous, and reliable; he was one of his most capable assistants.

"Next, I have a new task for you." Lu Qiu put away the Jade Slip and looked directly at Zhao Wen.

Zhao Wen's expression tightened: "Please give your orders, Master!"

Lu Qiu said slowly: "I want you to go to Tianxing City."

Zhao Wen was slightly startled.

Tianxing City?

That was the base camp of the Star Palace, the most prosperous place in the Chaotic Star Sea.

Lu Qiu continued: "You go to Tianxing City first to get a foothold and secretly probe the situation. Understand the distribution of forces there, the trading rules, the cultivation environment, find out which places have Opportunities to be found, and which figures are worth making friends with. Prepare for my subsequent arrival in Tianxing City."

Zhao Wen immediately understood.

His Master was going to Tianxing City.

That was the core of the Chaotic Star Sea, where Opportunities and dangers coexisted.

His Master letting him go to scout the path first was trust in him.

He solemnly clasped his fists, his voice firm: "Your subordinate obeys, I will definitely find out everything for you, Master!"

Lu Qiu nodded, then took out several jade bottles and a list from his Storage Pouch and handed them to him.

"Take these Medicinal Pills with you, you can use them when you get to Tianxing City. The list contains some Materials I need; keep an eye out for them in secret, and if you have any news, send a Sound Transmission Talisman back."

Zhao Wen took them and carefully put them away.

Lu Qiu gave a few more instructions, such as "don't expose your identity," "don't make enemies," "retreat immediately if you encounter danger," and so on.

Zhao Wen noted them down one by one.

Finally, Lu Qiu said: "Go. Once you arrive at Tianxing City, settle down first, figure out the situation, and wait for me to come."

Zhao Wen bowed deeply, turned, and left.

His escape light disappeared into the horizon, and Lu Qiu withdrew his gaze.

...

Half a year later.

On this day, Lu Qiu left Tianmen Peak and arrived at a sea area near Kuixing Island.

The sea surface was as calm as a mirror, with sunlight scattering over it, shimmering and sparkling.

Occasionally, a few flying fish would leap out of the water, only to fall back into the sea shortly after.

In the distance, a few seabirds circled, emitting crisp cries.

Lu Qiu hovered in mid-air, his Divine Sense extending out like an invisible radar, spreading deep into the seabed.

A moment later, a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Wuwah—!"

A cry like that of an infant came from the seabed.

The sound penetrated the seawater, shooting straight into the clouds, carrying intense joy and excitement.

Immediately after, the sea surface broke, and a blue figure shot into the sky!

It was none other than the Infant Carp Beast!

It hovered in mid-air, soaking wet, its dark blue scales shimmering in the sunlight, refracting a dreamlike luster.

Its infant-like face was full of excitement, its eyes curved into crescent moons, and its four tender, lotus-root-like human hands tightly clutched four items, waving them at Lu Qiu as if presenting a treasure.

"Wuwah! Wuwah!" It called out, the sound like an infant acting spoiled, or perhaps asking for credit.

Lu Qiu looked closely, and a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

The first item was a stalk of fire-red spiritual material shaped like coral, about a foot tall, with crystal-clear branches exuding scorching fire Spiritual Qi—a Millennium Fire Coral!

This item could be used in medicine or Artifact Refining and was of great value.

If used to refine a fire-attribute Magic Treasure, it could greatly increase its power.

The second item was a fist-sized, deep blue Ore with fine golden patterns on the surface, with a faint flow of starlight—Deep Sea Xuan Iron!

A top-grade material for refining Magic Treasures, extremely rare on the market. A piece this large could refine at least two Magic Treasures.

The third item was an egg-sized, golden orb exuding a warm glow—a Wind Fixing Pearl!

This item could calm waves and stabilize sea areas; it was a treasure for navigation and setting up Formations.

If placed on a ship, it could resist storms; if placed in a Formation, it could enhance stability.

The fourth item was a stalk of emerald-green spirit grass with heart-shaped leaves, about half a foot tall, exuding rich wood Spiritual Qi—a Millennium Heart Soul Grass! This grass could be used to refine Medicinal Pills that nourish the Primordial Spirit and was also effective for Nascent Soul Cultivators.

The four treasures were all at the level of Millennium-grade spiritual Materials and were of great value!

"Well done!" Lu Qiu praised, reaching out to take the four treasures and putting them into his Storage Pouch.

The Infant Carp Beast circled around Lu Qiu excitedly, calling out "Wuwuwahwah," its infant-like face full of smugness, as if saying, "Aren't I amazing?"

Lu Qiu smiled and took a blood bead from his Storage Pouch, flicking it toward it.

The blood bead was condensed from the Essence Blood of a Level Six Yao Beast devoured by the blood devouring pearl. It was deep red and exuded powerful blood energy, which was highly nourishing for a Level Six Yao Beast.

This was refined by Black Fiend using the Essence Blood of a Level Six Yao Beast and was incredibly precious.

The Infant Carp Beast swallowed it in one gulp, and a flash of blood light enveloped its body. It squinted its eyes comfortably and let out a satisfied whimper.

It hovered in mid-air, allowing the medicinal power of the blood bead to dissolve within its body, feeling the pure blood energy nourishing its Physical Body and Bloodline.

A moment later, it opened its eyes, and its infant-like gaze was full of gratitude and attachment.

It swam to Lu Qiu's side, nuzzled his palm with its head, and let out a low "Wuwu" moan.

Lu Qiu reached out and patted its head, saying gently: "Continue treasure hunting. If you find good things, Master has more rewards."

The Infant Carp Beast nodded, dove into the sea, and disappeared.

Only ripples were left on the sea surface, which soon dissipated.

Lu Qiu looked at the sea, feeling satisfied.

With the Infant Carp Beast as a treasure-hunting expert, he had gained another source of income for his future days in Tianxing City.

In that vast ocean, who knew how many rare spiritual Materials and ancient ruins were hidden? With the Infant Carp Beast, they could all be found eventually.

...

Time passed, and the seasons changed.

Two and a half years had passed since the trip to the deserted island.

Tianmen Peak, Quiet Room.

Lu Qiu sat cross-legged, his aura as calm as water. After two and a half years of cultivation, his cultivation had improved further. Although there was still a distance to the Peak of the Late Core Formation Stage, his Foundation was becoming more solid.

Inside his Dantian, the scarlet gold Golden Core rotated slowly, emitting a warm glow.

Every time he circulated the Crimson Sky Burning Heaven Technique, the Golden Core would swell slightly, and his magic power would become more condensed.

The chixiao thunder fire pearl hovered beside the Golden Core, rotating with it, greedily absorbing the magic power emitted by the Golden Core.

Every bit it absorbed made its light brighter, and its connection with Lu Qiu tighter. Now, this Lifebound Treasure was in complete harmony with his thoughts, moving at a single thought.

His cultivation of the Void Concealment Art had also made progress.

He could barely activate this secret technique to briefly merge himself into a spatial rift.

That feeling was very strange, as if he were between reality and illusion, able to see everything outside, but people outside could not see him.

Although it could only be maintained for a few breaths, it was enough to save his life at a critical moment.

On this day, a Sound Transmission Talisman broke through the air, passed through the Restrictions of the Quiet Room, and fell into his hand.

The Sound Transmission Talisman was pale gold, the unique mark of the Liulian Hall.

He probed it with his Divine Sense, and a familiar voice came from within, with a hint of probing.

"Elder Lu, I am Gu Yuan, now in Kuixing City. I wonder if Elder Lu has any free time to come to the White Water Tower for a chat? There is an important matter to discuss."

Elder Gu.

After many years, this old fellow had finally come.

An important matter to discuss?

A sneer tugged at the corners of Lu Qiu's mouth.

What important matter?

It was nothing more than that old affair that had been delayed for many years.

The fifteen-year agreement between him and Elder Gu had passed several years ago.

Back then, he had used "Dao Companion Core Formation" as an excuse to push the deadline to fifteen years.

Now, Xin Ruyin had long since successfully formed her Core, but she kept it secret from the outside world.

This excuse could no longer be used.

With this old fellow coming to Kuixing Island this time, Lu Qiu knew with his eyes closed that he would definitely force him to go to the headquarters of the Liulian Hall to meet that Hall Master Nangong.

"Hall Master Nangong... Nixing Alliance..."

Lu Qiu muttered to himself, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Over the years, he had also secretly collected a lot of information about the Liulian Hall headquarters.

That Hall Master Nangong, as the Vice Palace Master of the Liulian Hall and a Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm expert, was said to have immense power within the Liulian Hall, second only to the Palace Master.

In the original story, the later turmoil in the Liulian Hall was likely caused by this Hall Master Nangong, representing the Nixing Alliance, seizing the Foundation of the Liulian Hall.

Elder Gu inviting him to the headquarters was nothing more than wanting to force him to join the Nixing Alliance.

The Nixing Alliance had been hidden for over a hundred years, and it was precisely by using this method that they had gathered a large number of high-level Cultivators.

"You want me to hand over a wisp of my Primordial Spirit so that my life and death are under your control from now on?"

Lu Qiu sneered: "Dream on."

However, he did not intend to refuse directly.

Refusing would only make Gu Yuan suspicious and make that Hall Master Nangong pay more attention to him.

With his current strength, although he didn't fear Gu Yuan, it would be a big trouble if he attracted the full pursuit of the Nixing Alliance.

Behind that Nixing Alliance, there were real Nascent Soul Stage monsters sitting in charge.

He needed time.

He needed more time to go to Tianxing City to find an Opportunity for Nascent Soul Formation, to improve his strength, and to accumulate enough trump cards.

When he successfully formed his Nascent Soul, he would have enough confidence whether to fight or flee.

So...

"Since you want me to go, I will grant your wish."

A calculation flashed in Lu Qiu's eyes, and the smile on his lips deepened: "It just so happens that I can also see what kind of person this Hall Master Nangong is and how capable he really is."

Taking a deep breath, Lu Qiu turned into a streak of escape light and flew towards Kuixing City.

...

A moment later.

Kuixing City, Tiandu Street, White Water Tower.

The familiar pavilion still stood at the edge of the square, with people coming and going, and business was booming.

Several Foundation Establishment Cultivators were talking at the entrance. Seeing an escape light descend, they quickly stepped aside, their eyes full of awe.

Lu Qiu landed his escape light at the entrance and walked in.

In the first-floor hall, several clerks were attending to customers, and someone was checking the accounts behind the counter.

Seeing Lu Qiu enter, a sharp-eyed clerk quickly greeted him, full of smiles: "Elder Lu! You have come! Elder Gu has been waiting on the third floor for a long time. Please follow me!"

Lu Qiu nodded and followed him upstairs.

The stairs were narrow and deep, and the walls on both sides were embedded with moonlight stones, emitting a soft light. With every step, one could feel the faint pressure from upstairs.

That was the aura of a Core Formation Cultivator.

In front of the VIP room on the third floor, the clerk knocked gently and said respectfully: "Elder Gu, Elder Lu has arrived."

"Please come in." Gu Yuan's familiar voice came from inside, with a bit of enthusiasm and a bit of anticipation.

The door opened, and Lu Qiu stepped inside.

The VIP room was still decorated in the familiar way—sandalwood tables and chairs, landscape paintings by famous masters on the walls, spirit-calming sandalwood incense burning on the desk, and bamboo curtains half-rolled in front of the windows.

The afterglow of the sunset shone through the window lattice, casting mottled light and shadow on the floor, coating the whole room in a warm orange layer.

Gu Yuan sat at the main seat. Seeing him enter, he quickly stood up to greet him.

His face was full of enthusiastic smiles, and the smile was still as harmless as if it were a reunion of old friends who hadn't seen each other for many years.

If Lu Qiu hadn't known his background, he would probably have been deceived by this appearance.

"Elder Lu! Long time no see, I hope you have been well!"

Gu Yuan stepped forward quickly, took Lu Qiu's hand, and looked him up and down: "Oh my, Elder Lu's demeanor is even better than before. It seems that your cultivation has improved again over the years!"

Lu Qiu smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said: "Elder Gu is overpraising me. It is Elder Gu who is in good health and looks radiant; I suppose you have been doing well these years."

The two exchanged pleasantries and sat down as host and guest.

Gu Yuan personally poured tea for him. The tea was fragrant and curling, high-quality spirit tea, exuding faint Spiritual Qi.

Cao Hu had already tactfully retreated and gently closed the door.

Only the two remained in the room, and the atmosphere was somewhat subtle for a moment.

Gu Yuan picked up the teacup, took a sip, and sighed: "Elder Lu does not know, but over the years, I have suffered greatly."

His face showed a bit of helplessness and relief, and the expression was just right, making people feel sympathetic.

Lu Qiu raised his eyebrows slightly, revealing just the right amount of concern: "Oh? What do you mean by that, Elder Gu? Could it be that you encountered some trouble?"

Gu Yuan shook his head and said slowly: "After I left Kuixing Island, I was ordered to go to a dangerous place to carry out a mission. That dangerous place was in the depths of the Chaotic Star Sea, and it was said to be an ancient ruin where Yao Beasts often appeared. I thought it was just an ordinary errand, but I didn't expect..."

He paused, a flash of lingering fear in his eyes: "But I didn't expect to encounter a Level Six Yao Beast. That beast was extremely fierce, and I only escaped with my life by exhausting all my strength, but I was also seriously injured. I have been in seclusion to heal my wounds for these years, and only recently have I fully recovered."

He looked at Lu Qiu and said with emotion: "It was fortunate, if that beast had been a bit fiercer, this old life of mine would have been left there."

Lu Qiu nodded repeatedly: "Elder Gu is a lucky person and will surely have good fortune in the future. Now that the injury is healed, you will surely make further progress in the future."

In his heart, he cursed: This old fellow has a tough life, actually not dying in that Yao Beast's mouth. If he had died, he would have saved himself a lot of trouble.

Gu Yuan waved his hand, said a few humble words, changed the subject, looked directly at Lu Qiu, and his expression became serious:

"Elder Lu, I have come here this time, besides catching up, to ask one thing."

Here it comes.

Lu Qiu sneered in his heart, but his face remained calm. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said lightly: "Elder Gu, please speak."

Gu Yuan looked at him, his eyes burning, as if he wanted to see through him.

He said slowly: "When I left Kuixing Island, I had an agreement with Elder Lu. At that time, Elder Lu said that after his Dao Companion formed her Core, he would follow me to the headquarters to meet Hall Master Nangong. Now that many years have passed, I wonder if Elder Lu's Dao Companion..."

He deliberately dragged out his voice, staring closely at Lu Qiu, observing every change in his face.

Lu Qiu put down his teacup, his expression calm, without any panic or hesitation.

He met Gu Yuan's gaze and said lightly: "Elder Gu is thoughtful. Ruyin successfully formed her Core several years ago and is now stabilizing her Realm. Everything is fine."

A flash of brilliance crossed Gu Yuan's eyes, and a look of surprise appeared on his face.

"Oh? That is truly a cause for celebration! Elder Lu and his Dao Companion are truly a match made in heaven, both forming their Cores, which is the envy of others! I have cultivated for hundreds of years and have seen countless Dao Companions, but it is rare to see a couple like Elder Lu and his wife who have both formed their Cores!"

He paused and then said: "Since that is the case, the agreement from back then..."

Lu Qiu knew there was no reason to refuse this time.

He was silent for a moment, as if thinking, and as if weighing.

A moment later, he nodded slowly, his tone calm, without any waves:

"Elder Gu, rest assured, I, Lu, keep my word. In half a month, I will follow Elder Gu to the headquarters to meet Hall Master Nangong."

Hearing this, Gu Yuan's face immediately bloomed with a bright smile, the smile carrying relief and joy.

He nodded repeatedly and smiled: "Good! Good! Elder Lu is indeed straightforward! I will immediately send a message to Hall Master Nangong to inform him of this good news! Hall Master Nangong will be very happy to hear that Elder Lu is willing to go!"

Lu Qiu smiled slightly, picked up his teacup, and covered the coldness in his eyes.

He took a sip of tea, the fragrance of the tea permeating his lips and teeth, but it could not cover the coldness in his heart.

Gu Yuan, Nangong Hai, Nixing Alliance...

Since you want to play, I will play a game with you.

Let's see who is the pawn and who is the chess player in the end.