207: Chapter 207 Ascending to Star Island! Golden Opportunities Abound! Meeting Nangong Hai!

Tianmen Peak, Immortal Cave hall.

The night was deep; moonlight spilled through the window lattice, casting mottled shadows on the ground.

The candlelight on the table flickered gently, illuminating Xin Ruyin's face, which wore an expression of worry.

Lu Qiu sat before the table, holding a teacup; the tea fragrance curled upwards, but he had no heart to taste it.

He had sat like this for a long time, his gaze passing through the window lattice, looking out at the pitch-black night sky.

Xin Ruyin sat beside him, her gentle eyes filled with worry.

She looked at Lu Qiu's profile, watching his slightly furrowed brow, and a wave of soreness welled up in her heart.

"Husband Lu, must you really go?" she asked softly, her voice carrying a trace of unease and reluctance.

Lu Qiu collected his thoughts and turned to look at her.

Under the moonlight, her face was like jade, yet her brows were knitted with an inseparable sorrow.

He set down the teacup and took her hand, feeling the warmth of her palm, and a wave of warmth surged in his heart.

"I have to go this time," he nodded, his tone calm.

Xin Ruyin was silent for a moment before saying, "That is the headquarters of the Liulian Hall, after all, and Star Island is full of experts. That Hall Master Nangong is at the Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm; if he harbors ill intentions..."

She paused, gripping his hand tightly, her eyes filled with worry: "Husband Lu, I am afraid."

This "I am afraid" caused a slight ache in Lu Qiu's heart.

He knew that Xin Ruyin was not a timid person.

Back in Tiannan, when she followed him to this Chaotic Star Sea regardless of the consequences, she had never once said the word "afraid."

Now that she was afraid, it was not because she feared encountering danger herself, but because she feared he would not return.

Lu Qiu looked at her and said softly, "Ruyin, rest assured. With my current strength, even if an Early Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator were to attack, I have the confidence to escape."

He was not speaking empty words.

Late Core Formation Stage cultivation, Early Nascent Soul Stage Divine Sense, three Level Six Spirit Beasts, tens of thousands of Illusion Spirit Butterflies, over ten ancient treasures, his Lifebound Treasure the chixiao thunder fire pearl, plus the Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman, ten thousand mile teleportation talisman, life-substituting gu, and the void escape boat...

With such foundations, even if he truly encountered an Early Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, he would have the power to fight.

If he couldn't win, he could at least escape.

Moreover, that Hall Master Nangong was only at the Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm, still quite far from a true Nascent Soul.

Xin Ruyin looked at him, her eyes filled with trust and reliance.

She knew that Lu Qiu never did things he wasn't sure of; since he said he had confidence, he must have it.

This past month, Lu Qiu had not made much preparation.

The time was too short; it was already too late to do anything.

He simply polished his mana and adjusted his state to the best.

Soon, the month was up.

"Ruyin, I am ready to leave."

In the hall, Lu Qiu bid farewell to Xin Ruyin.

"Then... when will you be back?" Xin Ruyin asked.

Lu Qiu thought for a moment: "The journey to Star Island is long, and dealing with Hall Master Nangong will likely take some time. It could be as short as half a year or as long as several years. Rest assured, I will return as soon as possible."

Xin Ruyin nodded and said nothing more.

She took out a set of Formation equipment from her Storage Pouch and handed it to Lu Qiu with both hands.

It was an exquisite set of Formation equipment composed of dozens of Formation Flags and several Formation Plates.

The Formation Flags were deep purple and about a foot long, with complex runes drawn on their surfaces that faintly shimmered with a dim light; the Formation Plate was ink-black, palm-sized, with profound patterns carved on its surface, exuding an ancient and mysterious Aura.

"This is..." Lu Qiu was slightly stunned. He took the Formation equipment, which felt heavy in his hand, and he could faintly feel the powerful force contained within.

Xin Ruyin said softly, "This Formation is called the 'Nine Nether Earth Element Formation.' It is a Formation I deduced this past month based on what I have learned, combined with the 'Nine Nether Formation Canon.'"

She paused and explained, "The complete version of the Nine Nether Earth Element Formation requires forty-nine Formation Flags, along with a main Formation Plate and auxiliary Formation Plates, and can withstand the attacks of a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator. However, this set is only an incomplete version. Time was too tight, and I could only refine it to this extent—thirty-six Formation Flags and one main Formation Plate."

She looked up at Lu Qiu, her eyes filled with a trace of apology: "Even so, it can temporarily withstand the attacks of a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator and buy you time to escape. Husband Lu, take it with you, and if you encounter danger, set it up immediately."

Lu Qiu looked at the Formation equipment in his hand, then looked back up at Xin Ruyin.

Under the moonlight, her face was somewhat pale, and her Aura was somewhat weak; it was clear that she had exhausted a great deal of mental energy to refine this set of Formation equipment over the past month.

His heart ached, and he reached out to pull her into his embrace, saying softly, "Ruyin, thank you for your hard work."

Xin Ruyin leaned into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his chest, and said softly, "Being able to help Husband Lu, it is not hard work."

Lu Qiu stroked her long hair, feeling the warmth radiating from her body, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.

There was gratitude, pity, and reluctance.

This woman had followed him since the Qi Refining Stage, walking with him all the way to this day.

She had never asked for anything, only silently supporting him, helping him, and giving for him.

"Wait for me to return," he whispered, his voice carrying an unprecedented solemnity.

Xin Ruyin looked up, met his eyes, and nodded earnestly.

Lu Qiu left Tianmen Peak and went directly to Kuixing Island to meet up with Gu Yuan.

A moment later, two streaks of light quickly left Kuixing Island.

The headquarters of the Liulian Hall was located on Star Island, one of the twelve inner islands of the Star Palace.

Even though both were Core Formation Cultivators with astonishing flying speeds, this trip would still take at least a month or so.

A month later.

Star City.

When Lu Qiu first saw this gigantic city, even with his experience, he couldn't help but be slightly shocked.

The city walls were dozens of zhang high and stretched as far as the eye could see; they were all built from neatly cut cyan boulders, and the stones were joined seamlessly, forming a unified whole.

Runes flowed on the city walls, and the dense light of Restrictions wove together into a huge protective net, enveloping the entire city.

That majestic Aura made people look on with awe.

The city gate was over ten zhang wide, allowing dozens of people to pass through side by side.

It was currently the afternoon, and the flow of people was like weaving fabric, with heavy traffic.

There were Cultivators riding Spirit Beasts, aristocratic Disciples riding in flying carriages, Loose Cultivators walking on foot, and caravans pulling goods; it was bustling and lively.

Lu Qiu followed behind Gu Yuan, entering the city with the flow of people.

The streets inside the city were wide and flat, enough to accommodate ten carriages side by side.

Shops stood on both sides, with signboards and banners fluttering in the wind; the sounds of hawking, bargaining, and laughter intertwined, merging into a massive wave of noise.

Cultivators came and went in an endless stream, with cultivation levels ranging from the Qi Refining Stage to the Core Formation Stage.

Lu Qiu could even sense several faint but powerful Auras; those must be great Cultivators at the Late Core Formation Stage or even the Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm. Although they were well-hidden, they were unable to escape his Divine Sense.

"As expected of an inner Star Island," Lu Qiu thought to himself.

His Divine Sense quietly unfolded, like invisible tentacles, sensing everything around him.

Three Core Formation Auras were in the restaurant on the left.

One Aura was sharp and fierce, likely a Sword Cultivator; one Aura was cold and gloomy, likely cultivating a Demonic Path Cultivation Technique; one Aura was calm, and its depth could not be determined.

Two Core Formation Auras were in the marketplace on the right.

The two seemed to be companions, chatting as they walked, occasionally pointing at the shops along the road.

There was also a faint, powerful Aura in the depths of the city—that was at least the Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm. That Aura was obscure and profound; if not for Lu Qiu's powerful Divine Sense, he would not have been able to detect it at all.

Each of the twelve inner islands of the Star Palace had a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator guarding it.

The Island Master of Star Island was said to be a powerful figure in the Early Nascent Soul Stage, holding a high position in the Star Palace.

Although the headquarters of the Liulian Hall was established here, its presence was not outstanding.

Because there were also branches of the Four Great Merchant Alliances and other major forces of the Chaotic Star Sea here, with experts as numerous as clouds, and the forces were intricate and complex.

Seeing him looking around, Gu Yuan's eyes flashed with a hint of pride as he smiled: "Elder Lu, this is your first time to Star Island, right?"

Lu Qiu nodded, his gaze still sweeping around: "Indeed, although Kuixing Island is good, it is still far inferior to Star Island."

Gu Yuan laughed and patted him on the shoulder: "That is only natural. Star Island is an inner Star Island; there are dozens of resident Core Formation Cultivators alone. After we finish our business, I will definitely accompany Elder Lu for a good tour, letting you witness the prosperity of this inner Star Island."

Lu Qiu smiled slightly and cupped his hands: "Then I will have to trouble Elder Gu."

The two passed through several streets and arrived in front of a huge palace.

The palace occupied a vast area, with vermilion gates three zhang high, copper-cast door nails, and a magnificent Aura.

A huge plaque hung on the lintel, with the three ancient characters "Liulian Hall" inscribed on it; the strokes were vigorous and powerful, faintly shimmering with spiritual light.

Below the plaque stood two Foundation Establishment Stage guards, dressed in uniform cyan Dharma robes, with solemn expressions.

Gu Yuan led Lu Qiu into the palace, passing through several courtyards, and arrived at a quiet side courtyard.

Several spirit bamboos were planted in the courtyard, their leaves lush and green, exuding a faint Spiritual Qi.

Beneath the bamboo was a gravel path that wound its way into the courtyard.

There was a spirit spring in the courtyard, with spring water bubbling and flowing, and swirling mist permeating the surroundings; taking a deep breath made one feel refreshed.

"Elder Lu, you will rest here for the next few days."

Gu Yuan pointed to a guest room in the courtyard and smiled: "Hall Master Nangong is out and has not returned; it will take a few days for him to come back. When he returns, I will come to notify you. This courtyard is protected by Restrictions, so it is safe; Elder Lu can rest assured and stay here."

Lu Qiu nodded and cupped his hands: "Thank you, Elder Gu."

Gu Yuan gave a few more instructions before taking his leave.

Lu Qiu entered the room and waved his hand to set up several Restrictions, isolating the inside from the outside.

He sat cross-legged on the couch, his gaze sweeping over the room.

The room was not large, but it was elegantly furnished, with spirit tea and spirit fruits placed on the table, and a landscape painting hanging on the wall, with a distant and profound artistic conception.

However, his mind was not in this room.

Nangong Hai, Nixing Alliance...

Finally, are we going to meet...

Three days later.

Early morning.

Sunlight spilled through the window lattice, casting mottled shadows in the room.

Lu Qiu woke up from his Cultivation and habitually checked the Opportunity information.

The gold pages slowly unfolded, and the reorganized information for the day came into view.

[silver information]: In the "Yunlai Inn" in the East District of Star City, room Earth-3, the Late Foundation Establishment Stage Loose Cultivator Chen Han hides a thousand-year-old "Purple Jade Ginseng" on his person; this item can be used to refine a Medicinal Pill that advances cultivation in the Core Formation Stage.

[silver information]: In the herb garden in the backyard of "Baicao Hall" in the West District of Star City, a "Seven Star Grass" that is about to mature is hidden. The shopkeeper, Meng Yuan, thinks no one knows, but it has actually been targeted by several Cultivators; on the day the Seven Star Grass matures, there will surely be a struggle.

[gold intelligence]: In a remote courtyard in the South District of Star City, the False Core Loose Cultivator Li Hun hides a powerful ancient treasure on his person—the "Mysterious Thunder Pearl."

A flash of brilliance appeared in Lu Qiu's eyes!

gold intelligence again!

Since arriving on this Star Island, gold intelligence has been reorganized every day for the past three days!

The first day, it pointed to a defensive ancient treasure on an Early Core Formation Cultivator. That person was named "Zhou Tong," a retainer for a certain shop, who often frequented the marketplace with several Foundation Establishment Stage followers by his side.

The second day, it pointed to a bottle of rare spirit liquid in a secret underground exchange.

That underground exchange was located deep beneath Star City and required a special token to enter; the things traded inside were all things that could not see the light of day.

[part:deepseek-chat]

On the third day, it pointed to the Profound Thunder Pearl on this Li Hun.

Kuixing Island truly lived up to its reputation as an inner star island, teeming with high-level Cultivators and endless opportunities!

If he could gather all the intelligence here, how much would his foundation increase?

A surge of fervor welled up in Lu Qiu's heart.

But he quickly suppressed this impulse.

He was still unfamiliar with Kuixing City, unaware of its power distribution, interpersonal relationships, and potential risks.

Acting rashly could easily invite unnecessary trouble.

Especially among the Cultivators mentioned in that intelligence, some were Loose Cultivators, while others might have backing from powerful factions.

For example, that Zhou Tong was backed by the manager of a certain shop; that underground exchange was backed by some mysterious faction; although this Li Hun operated alone, surviving in a place like Kuixing City meant he must have his own methods.

He quietly recorded this intelligence, planning to investigate each lead when the Opportunity arose later.

No rush, take it slow.

...

Over the next few days, Gu Yuan indeed kept his word.

He came to find Lu Qiu daily, taking him around Kuixing City.

The two walked through bustling commercial streets, visited lively marketplaces, and went to several famous restaurants and teahouses.

Gu Yuan provided commentary along the way, while Lu Qiu observed everything.

"Elder Lu, look, this is 'Heavenly Treasure Pavilion,' an establishment of the Four Great Merchant Alliances. Their business spans the entire Chaotic Star Sea; they have everything, as long as you can afford the Spirit Stones," Gu Yuan said, pointing to a resplendent, gilded building.

Lu Qiu looked over and saw a five-story pavilion, exquisitely carved and richly ornamented.

People came and went in a constant stream at its entrance, clearly indicating excellent business.

"Over there is the 'Heavenly Secrets Pavilion,' specializing in buying and selling intelligence and information. It's said that as long as you have Spirit Stones, you can even buy the private affairs of the Star Palace Island Masters," Gu Yuan pointed to another place.

Lu Qiu's heart stirred.

Intelligence and information?

Now that was a good place.

It might come in handy in the future.

The two walked through street after street, passing through market after market.

Gu Yuan's introductions were detailed, and Lu Qiu remembered everything carefully.

After a few days, he had gained a preliminary understanding of Kuixing City.

Kuixing City truly lived up to its reputation as an inner star island, with a complex and intricate web of power on the island.

The strongest was naturally the Island Master's lineage.

The Island Master of Kuixing Island was said to be a great power at the Early Stage of the Nascent Soul Stage, holding an extremely high position within the Star Palace. Under his command were several Vice Island Masters at the Late Core Formation Stage and an elite law enforcement team that maintained order on the island.

That law enforcement team was said to have fifty members, each at least at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, with the captain at the False Core Realm. They worked in perfect coordination and possessed formidable combat strength.

Following them were the Four Great Merchant Alliances.

The Four Great Merchant Alliances all had branches in Kuixing City, with vast influence and immense financial resources, maintaining connections with all factions.

Their shops occupied the best locations in the city, thriving with business and raking in vast profits daily.

It was said that the Four Great Merchant Alliances engaged in constant covert and overt struggles, often clashing fiercely over business, yet they maintained a facade of civility on the surface.

Then came the Liulian Hall.

Although the Liulian Hall was also a cross-island commercial Alliance, it still fell short compared to the Four Great Merchant Alliances.

Even so, they held considerable influence in Kuixing City, especially in the mid to low-end markets.

While the Liulian Hall's shops weren't as luxurious as those of the Four Great Merchant Alliances, their prices were reasonable and their goods comprehensive, making them popular among Loose Cultivators and small Families.

Finally, there were the various great clans.

These clans had been rooted in Kuixing City for many years, each excelling in different areas: some in Alchemy, some in Artifact Refining, some in beast taming, each with their own industries and spheres of influence.

For example, the Chen Family of the 'Danxia Pavilion' in the west of the city had generations of Alchemists; it was said an ancestor had produced a great Alchemist of the Nascent Soul Stage. The Li Family of the 'Heavenly Craft Workshop' in the north of the city excelled in Artifact Refining; their Magical Artifacts were of superior quality and in constant demand.

On this island alone, there were dozens of Core Formation Cultivators.

Far beyond what Kuixing Island could compare to.

Lu Qiu committed all this information to memory, preparing for future actions.

...

One morning.

Lu Qiu was meditating in his room when he suddenly sensed the Formation Restriction outside his room being triggered.

He opened his eyes, stood up, and opened the door.

Standing outside was Gu Yuan.

Today, he wore formal robes, a smile on his face, but his eyes held a trace of hidden meaning.

"Elder Lu, Hall Master Nangong has returned. I will take you to pay him a visit now," Gu Yuan said.

Lu Qiu nodded, straightening his robes slightly: "Thank you, Elder Gu."

The two left the side courtyard, passed through several inner courtyards, and arrived before a side hall.

The side hall was not large, its exterior plain and unadorned, even somewhat old.

But the Restriction at its entrance was extremely powerful, with Spiritual light flowing and runes flickering, clearly meticulously arranged.

Using his Divine Sense to probe, Lu Qiu could detect the terrifying power contained within that Restriction. Forcing entry would likely cause even a Late Core Formation Stage Cultivator to suffer greatly.

Gu Yuan took out a token and waved it at the Restriction.

A beam of light shot from the token, resonating with a node within the Restriction, which slowly split open a gap.

"Elder Lu, please follow me," Gu Yuan said, entering first.

Lu Qiu followed behind him into the side hall.

The hall was empty, containing only an incense altar and a bronze tripod.

A statue of a deity, unknown which immortal, was enshrined on the altar; sandalwood incense burned in the tripod, its thin smoke curling and emitting a faint fragrance.

Gu Yuan walked to the altar and pressed a spot underneath it.

A slight mechanical sound rang out, and the ground suddenly cracked open, revealing a staircase descending downward.

The staircase was deep and dark, its destination unknown, with only moonlight stones embedded in the walls on either side emitting a faint glow.

"This is Hall Master Nangong's secluded cultivation place."

Gu Yuan explained, his voice echoing in the empty passage, "The Hall Master prefers quiet and dislikes disturbances, so he established his secluded cultivation chamber underground. This way, even if chaos reigns outside, it won't affect him. Elder Lu, please."

Lu Qiu nodded and followed him down the stairs.

But inwardly, he sneered.

Secluded cultivation place set underground?

Wasn't it more likely to avoid prying eyes?

He quietly activated his Xuanji Pupil, a faint golden light swirling in his eyes.

Instantly, the surrounding scene became clear in his vision.

The walls on either side of the staircase were densely covered with runes, forming an extremely profound isolation Formation.

Those runes were ancient and profound, interlinked to form an impenetrable barrier.

The sophistication of this Formation was enough to block all external detection; even the Divine Sense of a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator would find it difficult to penetrate.

Indeed.

This place was where Hall Master Nangong planned to make his move against him.

In a place like this, even if something happened, no one outside would know.

No one would hear you even if you screamed your lungs out.

Lu Qiu remained vigilant inwardly, but his expression betrayed nothing as he followed Gu Yuan downward.

The staircase was long; they walked for roughly the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before finally reaching the end.

At the end was a heavy stone door.

The stone door was also covered in runes, connected to the surrounding Formation, clearly part of the Restriction as well.

Gu Yuan took out the token again and waved it at the stone door.

The runes on the stone door glowed faintly, then slowly slid open to both sides.

A wave of rich Spiritual Qi rushed out!

That Spiritual Qi was far more refined than that of the outside world, even surpassing the spirit eye spring at Tianmen Peak by a few degrees!

Lu Qiu took a deep breath, feeling refreshed and invigorated, his internal spiritual power becoming more active.

Gu Yuan stepped aside and made an inviting gesture: "Elder Lu, please."

Lu Qiu stepped inside.

It was a spacious chamber, roughly ten zhang square and three zhang high.

Moonlight stones were embedded in the walls around the chamber, their soft light illuminating the entire space as bright as day.

The floor was paved with high-quality jade, warm, smooth, and faintly shimmering with Spiritual light.

In the center of the chamber was a spirit eye spring, its water gurgling as misty vapor permeated the surroundings.

The spring water was crystal clear, faintly revealing several sparkling Spirit Stones at the bottom, emitting a soft glow.

No wonder the Spiritual Qi here was so rich; it turned out there was a spirit eye spring, and its quality was even higher than the one at Tianmen Peak.

Beside the spirit eye spring sat a middle-aged man in a meditative posture.

He had a square face, sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, a three-strand long beard, and wore a deep purple, luxurious robe. His Aura was as deep and still as water, yet faintly exuded a sense of pressure.

His eyes were closed, as if in meditation or deep thought.

That Aura far exceeded the Late Core Formation Stage.

Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm!

This person was the Vice Hall Master of the Liulian Hall, Nangong Hai!

Gu Yuan stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said in a reverent voice: "Reporting to the Hall Master, I have brought Elder Lu."

Nangong Hai slowly opened his eyes.

In that instant, a powerful Spiritual Pressure swept out from him, pressing down on Lu Qiu like a tangible force!

That Spiritual Pressure was so strong it could leave an ordinary Early Core Formation Cultivator breathless, even forcing them to their knees on the spot!

Lu Qiu's expression remained unchanged. He stood with his hands behind his back, letting the Spiritual Pressure wash over him.

With his Divine Sense strength comparable to an Early Stage Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, this level of Spiritual Pressure was insufficient to faze him.

He could even clearly sense that this Spiritual Pressure was merely a probe, not a full exertion of power.

A flicker of surprise passed through Nangong Hai's eyes—a mix of astonishment and scrutiny.

Immediately, the Spiritual Pressure swiftly retracted, as if it had never appeared.

"Gu Yuan, you may leave," Nangong Hai said calmly, his voice deep and authoritative.

Gu Yuan acknowledged the order, bowed, and retreated.

He glanced back at Lu Qiu, his gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny.

The stone door slowly closed behind him with a heavy thud.

Inside the chamber, only Lu Qiu and Nangong Hai remained.

Nangong Hai examined Lu Qiu, his gaze as sharp as an eagle's, as if trying to see through him.

That gaze swept over Lu Qiu from head to toe and back again, missing nothing.

After a moment, he slowly spoke, his voice deep and authoritative:

"You are Lu Qiu?"

Lu Qiu stepped forward, cupped his hands in salute, his expression respectful yet composed: "This subordinate is indeed Lu Qiu. Greetings, Hall Master Nangong."

Nangong Hai nodded, his gaze still fixed on him, but his tone suddenly turned cold:

"Making this Hall Master wait a full twenty-plus years, Lu Qiu, you have quite the nerve."

That voice carried an unquestionable accusation and a hidden anger, like a volcano on the verge of eruption, pressing down on Lu Qiu.

Lu Qiu's expression remained unchanged, neither subservient nor arrogant: "Hall Master, please calm your anger. This subordinate indeed has difficulties I cannot easily speak of. I beg the Hall Master's forgiveness."

Nangong Hai gave a cold laugh, the smile carrying a chill: "Difficulties? What difficulties could make this Hall Master wait twenty years for you? Do you know how many people have wished to see this Hall Master in these twenty years and failed?"

Just as Lu Qiu was about to explain, Nangong Hai waved his hand, cutting him off.

"Enough, I do not wish to pursue past matters."

He stared at Lu Qiu, his gaze blazing as if it could pierce through a person's Soul: "Lu Qiu, do you know the purpose for which this Hall Master summoned you to the headquarters?"

Lu Qiu's heart tightened.

Here it comes.

He raised his head, meeting Nangong Hai's gaze, his expression as calm as still water, revealing no ripples: "This subordinate does not know. I beg the Hall Master to clarify."