Lying Low While Cultivating Immortality in Two Worlds

A moment later.

“Many thanks, Young Master.”

Zhong Lingxiu rose to his feet. After Fang Qing withdrew the mysterious spirit fire and Zhong Lingxiu consumed a medicinal pill, his complexion had already improved considerably.

“The sect you spoke of. Is it real?”

Fang Qing stood with his hands clasped behind his back and asked casually.

“It is real. The sect is called the Heavenly Frost Sect. It possesses a Nascent Soul cultivator. My ancestors once had ties with the sect. After I went to the Eastern Sea cultivation world, I was fortunate enough to enter its gates. Later, after enduring countless hardships to successfully form my Core Formation, I finally gained an audience with my master and was accepted as a nominal disciple.”

Zhong Lingxiu respectfully handed over a jade slip. “These are this humble one’s experiences and observations from the Eastern Sea cultivation world.”

“Very good, very good.”

Fang Qing accepted it, planning to study it carefully later.

Sooner or later, he would have to make a journey to the Eastern Sea cultivation world himself.

As for the dangers of the Ten Thousand Mile Sea Route, to a Core Formation cultivator they were nothing too serious.

“In a moment, come outside with me and put on a little show. From today onward, you will preside over Taibai Island, standing as a third power alongside the Blue Sea Sect and the Sea-Destroying Alliance.”

Fang Qing revealed his plan.

He could not be bothered to step into the spotlight personally. Since that was the case, he might as well let a genuine Core Formation cultivator “seize” Taibai Island and establish a sect there instead.

Verdant Jade Island was already overwhelmed with troubles. Surely they would not dare create enemies on two fronts?

‘At that time, I can also use this man’s identity to get a share of the opportunities within the Zhoutian Star Palace ruins.’

Fang Qing silently praised his own cleverness, then glanced at Zhong Lingxiu again, still remembering the grudge from the fishery years ago.

“Your aptitude is not bad. I will not grant you a Bright Son position. You should learn to develop yourself properly… no, cultivate properly!”

He had accepted quite a few disciples over the years. Among the positions of Bright Sons and Wisdom Consorts, only two remained vacant.

Those positions had only become available after he extinguished the lives of Fachuan and Fajian back then.

As for Qin Ruxue, Xiang Dahu, and Xu Hei, they were all old subordinates. He felt too embarrassed to kill them just to reclaim their positions.

‘As expected, once someone sits in a Bright Son or Wisdom Consort position, removing them becomes incredibly difficult unless they die completely.’

‘They are practically corpses occupying seats, wasting those positions to the extreme. Why can’t they simply be reassigned and reclaimed freely? That person on Great Snow Mountain still needs to work harder.’

Fang Qing shamelessly complained despite benefiting greatly himself.

Rumble rumble!

The grand array roared. Buddhist chants echoed through the air as golden light filled the heavens.

“Island Master.”

Bei Lingshu looked toward Xiang Dahu beside her. “I wonder what has become of the Island Master. I have already sent a message back to the sect.”

What she truly wanted to ask was whether they should flee while the Core Formation cultivator was still occupied by Fang Qing.

Although Qi Refining cultivators would most likely fail to escape, Foundation Establishment cultivators still had a slim chance of surviving.

But Xiang Dahu’s expression remained solemn as he shook his head firmly. “I will follow the Island Master unto death.”

‘As expected, this man is utterly loyal to Fang Qing.’

Bei Lingshu hesitated slightly, but by then it was already too late.

Crash!

The Buddhist radiance parted, revealing Zhong Lingxiu’s figure.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression cold and aloof like a plum blossom standing proudly amidst snow.

Meanwhile, blood trickled from the corner of Fang Qing’s lips, his vitality seemingly greatly damaged.

“Not bad, not bad. To withstand three strikes from this lord, your cultivation is fairly profound. I hear you are also an alchemist?”

Zhong Lingxiu smiled faintly. “Would you like to serve under me?”

“In your dreams!”

Fang Qing let out a long sigh. “The Blue Sea Sect has shown me great kindness. I cannot betray my sect.”

Hearing this, even Bei Lingshu felt moved.

‘Only at a critical moment does one truly see a person’s character. Yet the sect has remained so suspicious of him. They are truly heartless.’

“Hahaha! Whether you submit or not, you will submit.”

Zhong Lingxiu waved his hand, and a streak of white light landed upon Fang Qing’s body. “I have already placed a restriction on you. From now on, you will remain imprisoned within the Ice Soul Cave, obediently refining pills for me.”

He turned toward the other cultivators, releasing his Core Formation pressure without restraint. The Qi Refining disciples immediately turned pale, stumbling and collapsing all around.

“Submit, or die. As cultivators of the Blue Sea Sect, the sect that exterminated the Zhong Family, this lord has already shown you considerable mercy. Those who do not wish to die may come forward obediently and allow this lord to place spiritual sense restrictions upon you.”

Behind Zhong Lingxiu, icy spiritual radiance gathered like a suspended heavenly sword, ready to descend at any moment.

Bei Lingshu bit her lip, desperately wanting to imitate Fang Qing and refuse defiantly, yet both her body and spiritual sense trembled uncontrollably.

“Greetings, Island Master…”

Beside her, Xiang Dahu suddenly dropped to his knees.

That single kneeling motion seemed to drain away the last remaining courage in the hearts of the Qi Refining disciples. One after another, without speaking a word, many silently knelt as well.

“Hahaha…”

Zhong Lingxiu threw his head back in laughter, then looked toward Bei Lingshu.

“And you? To this day, this lord’s hands have yet to be stained with the blood of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Somehow, revenge still feels lacking in sweetness.”

Bei Lingshu remained silent. With a single glance, Zhong Lingxiu understood. She did not want to die, yet could not bring herself to beg for mercy aloud.

In the end, she was still too thin-skinned. But as long as they did not wish to die, there would naturally be plenty of chances to persuade them into surrender later. Since he did not wish to commit needless slaughter, this was the only way.

With that thought, he immediately pointed toward Xiang Dahu. “Good. From today onward, you shall serve as the Chief Steward of Taibai Island. First, take these two Foundation Establishment cultivators away and imprison them. Then send notices to all parties across the region. My Zhong Family has returned!”

Even though it was partly an act, when Zhong Lingxiu spoke those final words, his eyes unknowingly reddened slightly, carrying an air of soaring ambition and renewed spirit.

…

Sanyuan Island.

A sound transmission talisman trailing flames flew into the main hall.

“Disaster…”

The moment Zhan Hongxiu read it, her scalp went numb. “The Zhong Family’s former ‘Ice Soul Prodigy,’ Zhong Lingxiu, has returned. He has already reached Core Formation and occupied Taibai Island? No, it should be said that he has reclaimed Taibai Island. Quickly, summon all the guest elders at once!”

Before long, numerous cultivators gathered together.

Closest to Zhan Hongxiu stood the merfolk female Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Aside from her were several former fellow disciples who had once wandered abroad. Most were at the late Qi Refining stage.

“The former guardian of Taibai Island, Fang Qing, once showed me great kindness. Yet now it is said that Zhong Lingxiu has captured him and forced him into alchemy refinement.”

Zhan Hongxiu passed the sound transmission talisman around before speaking. “Xiang Dahu, the Chief Steward of Taibai Island, has already sent word. True Personage Zhong commands our submission. What do you all think?”

“The Zhong Family truly were the rightful masters of Taibai Island. However, Sanyuan Island occupies a strategically important location and has always remained neutral.”

The merfolk Foundation Establishment cultivator spoke, her voice clear and melodious. “Unfortunately, the Minor Huan Sea has once again fallen into a three-way balance of power. If we do not align ourselves with one side, then in the coming chaos we will simply be the first to decline and perish.”

“At present, the three major Core Formation factions are Taibai Island, the Blue Sea Sect, and the Sea-Destroying Alliance. Taibai Island is undoubtedly the mortal enemy of the Blue Sea Sect. The Blue Sea Sect remains the strongest, with two Core Formation cultivators. It is very possible Taibai Island may ally with the Sea-Destroying Alliance.”

A late-stage Qi Refining guest elder stroked his beard as he spoke. “If that happens, the Blue Sea Sect’s position as hegemon will no longer be stable. The skies of the Minor Huan Sea are ultimately destined to change.”

“The key question is where we ourselves should go.”

The group argued back and forth before eventually turning all their gazes toward Zhan Hongxiu.

In the cultivation world, strength had always determined everything. Foundation Establishment cultivators decided matters. Those beneath merely followed.

Countless thoughts swirled through Zhan Hongxiu’s heart. Her life had been filled with upheavals, and she had already made far too many major decisions.

Almost immediately, she followed her instincts and made her choice.

“My Sanyuan Island may submit to True Personage Zhong. However, Fang Qing of Taibai Island once showed me kindness. We may use this as our reason. Sanyuan Island shall side with Taibai Island in the hope that True Personage Zhong will show Fang Qing at least some degree of mercy.”

“The Island Lord is compassionate and kind-hearted, never forgetting old favors. Truly a role model for us all.”

Several guest elders exchanged glances and voiced their praise. Yet inwardly they thought:

‘This is clearly because she sees the Blue Sea Sect declining and wants to switch allegiance early, yet she still wraps herself in the banner of old gratitude to preserve appearances. Still, it does sound rather respectable when phrased this way.’

…

Verdant Jade Island.

“Uncle. Senior Sister Qin Ruxue has come seeking an audience.”

Within the waterside pavilion, Linghu Zhong looked utterly exhausted. He set down the documents in his hands just as Linghu Qiuye, now at Foundation Establishment, entered and quietly reported.

“Sigh… She must be here to beg me to ask the ancestor to rescue Junior Brother Fang. What standing do I have to make such a request? Refuse her.”

After giving a few instructions, Linghu Zhong added, “Go explain things properly. The sect is already stretched to its limits. The two ancestors are powerless to help as well. Who told Junior Brother Fang to run wild outside all these years? Now look what happened. Fortunately, he is only being imprisoned and forced to refine pills. His life is not in danger.”

“And according to the reports sent by our Qi Refining spies on Taibai Island, this Junior Brother Fang still remains loyal to the sect. That Xiang Dahu, on the other hand, grovels shamelessly at Zhong Lingxiu’s feet like a watchdog.”

After dismissing Linghu Qiuye, Linghu Zhong stared at the scroll in his hand, still finding it difficult to believe.

“That Zhong Lingxiu, truly reached Core Formation? Our sect has gained yet another great enemy.”

He already held vague suspicions that the current Sect Master Shi was in much the same state as his own ancestor back then. Compared to a genuine early Core Formation cultivator, there was still a considerable gap.

If Zhong Lingxiu joined forces with Heiyuan True Personage, then the Blue Sea Sect’s two Core Formation ancestors likely would not be able to withstand them and would only be able to retreat behind the grand formation.

After all, Heiyuan True Personage was no weakling. Back then, although he had been defeated while facing two Core Formation combatants at once, he had not lost disgracefully.

“And we still do not know how strong Zhong Lingxiu is in actual combat. Coming from the Eastern Sea cultivation world, he clearly cannot be ordinary.”

Linghu Zhong let out a sigh. He rubbed the pressure points on his temples to ease his exhaustion, his thoughts growing hazy.

“Our Blue Sea Sect fought for decades to pacify the Minor Huan Sea. So how has everything somehow returned to the same situation as before?”

…

Elsewhere.

High above Taibai Island.

Heiyuan True Personage gazed at Zhong Lingxiu, who stood beneath the Ice Soul Pearl while clad in armor of frost. He forced a smile onto his face.

“Congratulations on achieving Core Formation, fellow Daoist. Even back then, this old man could already tell that you possessed extraordinary talent and were far from ordinary.”

“Hmph. Back then, you also hunted me down.”

Zhong Lingxiu gritted his teeth. “But between us, there is no blood feud as deep as the one between me and Verdant Jade Island.”

“Exactly…”

Joy stirred in Heiyuan True Personage’s heart. “Which means there remains great potential for cooperation between us, especially concerning the Blue Sea Sect and that ancient ruin.”

Back then, he had indeed stolen the ruin map and information from Zhong Lingxiu. But compared to the hatred of exterminating an entire family, that matter was far less severe.

When driven by benefits, Core Formation cultivators could absolutely join hands.

Yet the negotiations that followed left Heiyuan True Personage feeling utterly miserable.

Every casual sentence Zhong Lingxiu uttered struck directly at his weak points, pressing right against the limits of what he could tolerate.

In the end, he could only darken his face and agree to all of Zhong Lingxiu’s conditions, surrendering a considerable portion of benefits.

Naturally, Heiyuan True Personage had no idea that the disciple beneath him was already a traitor who had long since sold away all of his secrets.

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