Chapter 789 – 8000 Mile Black Swamp
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Situ Chuan crashed into the Nine Flower Lake, causing ice cold water to splashed into the clear skies.
A single spear strike had sent Situ Chuan rocketing into the lake, but Lin Ming was still flying high in the air as if he hadn't used much energy at all.
"How terrifying!"
As everyone looked at Lin Ming fluttering high in the air, those several Revolving Core martial artists that had nearly coughed up blood turned even more pallid. A moment ago, they had felt an irresistibly powerful strength in the aftermath of that collision just now. In truth, they were all inferior to Situ Chuan. Although Situ Chuan was older than they were, his cultivation had still reached the peak of the second stage of Life Destruction.
But that Lin Lanjian, his age was unknown. Perhaps he might not even be over 26 years of age. His cultivation was only at the late Revolving Core realm and yet his strength was enough to completely suppress Situ Chuan.
This caused them all to feel greatly frustrated and helpless. This simply didn't seem like a talent that a human should possess.
It wasn't just the Revolving Core martial artists that were startled, but the several other Princes in the audience were also shocked. Lin Ming would inevitably become one of the highest peak powerhouses of the Sky Spill Continent. Such a person would be able to wield near-unlimited influence throughout the entire continent in the future. And the most important factor was that he didn't belong to any of the four Divine Kingdoms or their subordinates. His future possibilities were endless!
Bang!
The surface of the water erupted as Situ Chuan shot upwards. At this moment, his face was white and his hair was a ruined mess. His entire body was dripping with water and he was embarrassed beyond being embarrassed.
Lin Ming indifferently looked at Situ Chuan. Situ Chuan's defensive ability to withstand attacks was too strong. Even though he had been heavily struck twice, his injuries actually weren't heavy at all.
However, this was also within reason. The 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' had become famous as an offensive battle technique of the Demon Emperor. But, it originally wasn't used only as an offensive ability, but also a defensive one. The Blood Drinking Seals could be used to attack as well as defend.
Situ Chuan had fused Blood Drinking Seals into his protective true essence, causing his protective true essence to surpass common sense!
'That Situ Chuan is definitely a true master. Although he might be a little weaker than Corpsemancer, it wasn't by too much. And if he had used that arcane ability to stimulate his bloodline just now then he would even be able to surpass Corpsemancer. Too bad for him, the one he ran into today is me.'
Meeting Lin Ming was Situ Chuan's own bad luck. As the saying went, know yourself, know the enemy, and be undefeatable. Lin Ming had already practiced Situ Chuan's 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' for many years now, and the version he studied was far more complete.
For instance, all of those moves Situ Chuan used just now like Blood Seal Twisting Murder, Primeval Spear Strike, the slaughter path, Lin Ming knew all of those techniques like the back of his hand. There might be no one more clear about the characteristics of Blood Drinking Seals than he was.
Before they fought, all of Situ Chuan's techniques had already been thoroughly understood by Lin Ming. How could he still fight?
And what was lamentable was that Situ Chuan's two great pillars – the Concept of Space and the slaughter path – were all completely defeated by Lin Ming, making it so that he couldn't display the true strength of the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art'.
Then, Situ Chuan's only advantage over Lin Ming was that his cultivation was a realm and a half higher than his. But even so, with the support of his battle spirit, Eight Inner Hidden Gates, comprehension of Concepts, and many other factors, all of this made it so that Situ Chuan was tyrannically oppressed from start to finish.
Originally, Situ Chuan's terrifying defensive power was the reason that he could rank on the Destiny Decree. However, defense couldn't be compared to offense. Offense could be used to suppress others, but being better in only defense meant that one would be smacked around a lot longer. And as the battle had continued, Situ Chuan had seemed incomparably distressed as it looked as if he were being slapped around without any strength or resistance.
In his current state, Situ Chuan's face violently distorted with anger. He couldn't accept this defeat. He would rather lose a hundred years of his life than admit defeat to Lin Ming.
"Brother Situ, you've lost." Yang Yun rose up and said.
Situ Chuan's lips twitched, blue veins popping out on his forehead. Again and again he had lost miserably. Situ Chuan could no longer say that he would finish the rest of the 10 moves with Lin Ming. And, even though he didn't wish to admit it, continuing this battle would be futile – he would simply be beaten down again.
"Don't fight, the two of us are not his opponent. Continuing to fight is just shaming yourself." A true essence sound transmission sounded out in Situ Chuan's ears. This message had come from Situ Feng.
"This boy obviously understands all of your abilities, he should also have inherited the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art'. However, we know nothing about him. All we can see is that there is the shadow of the 'Great Desolate Halberd Art' in his techniques. We must report this matter to his Highness the Divine Emperor and allow him to decide what shall be done!"
Situ Chuan's grim face seemed indecisive. Then, he grit his teeth and slowly fell down from the air.
"Ten jin of million year wood spirit jade and one jin of wood spirit jade quintessence." Lin Ming said.
As Situ Chuan and Situ Feng heard these words, their lips spasmed. Even with their own great net worths, producing these sorts of treasures would still be extremely difficult.
"I haven't brought those things with me. I can compensate you with spirit essence stones and other things." Situ Chuan said with a dark and gloomy expression.
Lin Ming chuckled, "Million year wood spirit jade and wood spirit jade quintessence are priceless treasures that cannot be bought; their value cannot be estimated with mere spirit essence stones. With so many heroic young elites here, there are countless treasures on them. With your status as an Asura Divine Kingdom Prince, borrowing them shouldn't be too difficult."
"You!"
Situ Chuan's intestines painfully twisted together as he heard Lin Ming's words. Situ Feng was afraid he would open his large mouth and say something irreproachably stupid so he stepped forwards and said, "Since we were willing to make a bet, we're are also prepared to lose. Your Highness the Crown Prince, please allow us to borrow your wood spirit jade!"
There was only one Divine Kingdom Crown Prince present – Yang Yun. The Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom had the richest wood spirit jade resources, so he was the only one here capable of easily bringing out ten jin of wood spirit jade and a jin of wood spirit jade quintessence.
Yang Yun smiled as he stood up and said, "Everyone here are grand characters of the Sky Spill Continent. For us to all gather here at my Nine Flowers Banquets is also a stroke of destiny. We must not harm our friendships. Since Brother Lin desires wood spirit jade, I indeed have some that I may lend to Brother Situ."
As Yang Yun spoke, he took out a jade box from his spatial ring. The crystal clear and dazzling jade box was only three inches long. After opening it, a brilliant flaming light suddenly bloomed outwards. Yang Yun took out a wood spirit jade the size of a quail egg from the jade box. Everyone was startled at the sight of this wood spirit jade – the color was an unexpected deep gold.
"That is wood spirit jade quintessence!"
Even though the martial artists present were extraordinarily wealthy individuals, this was also the first time they had seen the rare wood spirit jade quintessence.
Yang Yun said, "Wood spirit jade quintessence is countless times more valuable than common wood spirit jade. Don't look at how small this wood spirit jade quintessence in my hands is; the truth is that there is already one jin and three taels here. As for the million year wood spirit jade, I haven't brought that with me today. After some time I shall go to the kingdom's treasury and select some suitable material for Brother Lin."
Lin Ming said, "Your Highness Crown Prince is too polite. The extra three taels of this wood spirit jade quintessence are far more than enough to make up for ten jin of million year wood spirit jade."
Lin Ming had inherited the memories of that Realm of the Gods alchemist so he had an approximate understanding of the value of wood spirit jade.
"Haha, alright then." Yang Yun didn't argue. A blue light surrounded the jade box and the box then slowly flew towards Lin Ming.
Lin Ming received the jade box and placed it within his spatial ring, "Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Lin Ming's words were sincerely spoken from the heart. Ever since coming to the Nine Furnace Divine Palace, Lin Ming had a very favorable impression of Yang Yun.
"Haha, the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom is truly extravagant. That wood spirit jade quintessence is mined from the 8000 Mile Black Swamp of the Sea of Miracles!" The Great Smelting Prince said with a smile.
"The Sea of Miracles' 8000 Mile Black Swamp?" Lin Ming asked as he heard the Great Smelting Prince's words. In his mind, a strange association was forming.
"Mm? Brother Lin hasn't heard of the Black Swamp before?" The Great Smelting Prince shot Lin Ming a strange look but continued to explain, "The Sea of Miracles is known as being the Sea of No Return and the Ocean of Endless Storms. It is the most terrifying life forbidden zone in the entire Sky Spill Continent!"
As the Great Smelting Prince spoke to here, the Seven Star Divine Kingdom High Successor also smiled, shaking his head as he added, "Brother Ouye, your description of the Sea of Miracles as a life forbidden zone is far too pale. There are many areas in the Sky Spill Continent known as life forbidden zones, but the truth is that there are only one or two big cats within. Most of them can be handled by a mere Revolving Core powerhouse."
As the Seven Star High Successor spoke to here, the other martial artists smiled. Indeed, to martial artists of different boundaries of strength, the definition of a life forbidden zone was also different.
"Old Third Li, you don't need to interrupt me." The Great Smelting Prince said with a teasing laugh. It was obvious from his casual tone that he had a good personal friendship with the Seven Star High Successor.
"The Sea of Miracles is a true life forbidden zone, and also the most dangerous land in the entire Sky Spill Continent, bar none. After entering deep into the Sea of Miracles, it is said that the entire sea is a lifeless, pitch black, and the skies are forever covered in layers upon layers of lightning storms. It isn't an exaggeration to say that entering the Sea of Miracles is an absolute death sentence, without exception. Even Divine Sea Supreme Elders are the same. Up until now, there has never been a record of anyone ever having managed to cross the Sea of Miracles. Even the four Divine Kingdoms' Divine Emperors all worship and revere the Sea of Miracles."
"And surrounding the entire Sea of Miracles is the 8000 Mile Black Swamp, which can also be considered as the shores of the Sea of Miracles. Because the land topography is similar to a beach and shallow tidelands, the entire surrounding of the Sea of Miracles appears to look like a black swamp. Even though this black swamp is lower risk than the Sea of Miracles, it still isn't a place that a Divine Sea powerhouse can freely enter and leave. There are even Divine Sea powerhouses that can perish within if their luck is poor enough. For instance, even if I were to enter into the 8000 Mile Black Swamp, it wouldn't matter how many magical treasures and defensive items I brought with me; I would never return."
The Great Smelting Price had a self-deprecating smile as he spoke to here, but Lin Ming's heart was actually racing with emotions. This Sea of Miracles sounded exactly like the Eternal Demon Abyss!
The Eternal Demon Abyss was also known as the land of no return. When the number one top powerhouse of the Holy Demon Continent had reached a bitter bottleneck in his cultivation, he had entered the Eternal Demon Abyss to search for a lucky chance. But, the result was that he had died there, never to return!
And around the Eternal Demon Abyss was the 1000 mile forbidden zone. Although the risks were far, far lower than in the true Eternal Demon Abyss, it still wasn't a place that an Emperor level martial artist could freely enter.
Whether it was the High Lords of the 12 Skysplit Towers or the Tower Masters themselves, none of them had even returned alive after entering the 1000 mile forbidden zone. As for Lin Ming, he had only managed to escape the 1000 mile forbidden zone by relying on the memories of the Demon Emperor as well as his own unique abilities.
And listening to this Great Smelting Prince's words, the 8000 Mile Black Swamp was extremely similar to the 1000 mile forbidden zone of the Eternal Demon Abyss.
The Skill Spill Continent had the Sea of Miracles and the Holy Demon Continent had the Eternal Demon Abyss. Could this really have been a mere coincidence?
As Lin Ming was thinking this, the Great Smelting Prince's next words raised even greater waves in Lin Ming's mind.
He said, "Every 10 years, there will be a black tsunami that comes from the Sea of Miracles. Normally, the tsunami will reach out to a distance of 8000-9000 miles, completely covering the 8000 Mile Black Swamp."
"This black tsunami is wholly terrifying. If one is caught within, then that is certain death. But although this black tsunami is terrifying, there are still great advantages to be had. That is that the wood spirit jade floating in the Sea of Miracles will rush out into the Black Swamp where it can be mined by others. Thus, even though the four Divine Kingdoms were founded over 10,000 years ago, the amount of wood spirit jade resources have never fallen off, always manag managing to continuously replenish themselves."
Chapter 790 – Heavencraft Xiaoxiao's Request
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Lin Ming took a deep breath, unable to calm his heart. The Sea of Miracles and the Eternal Demon Abyss were both absolute life forbidden zones, both of them able to bury even Divine Sea Supreme Elders.
Although the surrounding area was relatively safer, it still wasn't a place where anyone below the Divine Sea realm could hope to live through.
In addition, the Sea of Miracles and the Eternal Demon Abyss both had eruptions. The Sea of Miracles had its black tsunamis and the Eternal Demon Abyss had its great black waves. After erupting, both of them would carry materials from their center. The Sea of Miracles would bring out wood spirit jade and the Eternal Demon Abyss would bring out Demon God Bones.
Wood spirit jade was the condensed essence of ancient spiritual plants.
Demon God Bones were the condensed essence of powerful ancient martial artists and vicious beasts.
How similar they were!
The Sea of Miracles was simply the Sky Spill Continent's Eternal Demon Abyss. It would be impossible to describe their similarities as being just coincidental. They must be linked somehow!
Thinking of the apocalyptic catastrophe that happened in the Sky Spill Continent 100,000 years ago, the immortal goddess deeply slumbering within the Eternal Demon Abyss, as well as the eternally beating 100,000 year heart of the ancient Great Emperor, Lin Ming had absolute belief that all of these was because of some incredible unknown secret.
"Brother Lin?" The Great Smelting Prince couldn't help but ask Lin Ming as he saw him deep in thought.
"It's nothing, I was just shocked by the mysteries of this Sea of Miracles. I wonder, is there anything else special about this Sea of Miracles?"
"Yes, I hear that there exists a Temple of Marvels that floats above the skies in the Sea of Miracles. It is illusory and elusive like a dreaming mirage. It's only that this temple is deep within the Sea of Miracles and guarded by some wild and ancient sea beasts. These sea beasts can emit a pressure that can stop even the heart of a Divine Sea Supreme Elder. These are existences that are beyond our imagination." The Great Smelting Prince sighed as he spoke to here. Although he was considered fairly strong within the four Divine Kingdoms now, he was simply not worth mentioning when compared to those ancient and mystical existences in the Sea of Miracles.
Let alone him, even his father, the Divine Emperor, wouldn't be able to return if he went to the Sea of Miracles. The great vastness of this world surpassed all of their imaginations.
'The Sea of Miracles has this sea beast and the Eternal Demon Abyss has the ancient great beast; this is truly surprisingly consistent.' Lin Ming was already fully convinced that there was some sort of inevitable relation between the Sea of Miracles and the Eternal Demon Abyss. They might be two entrances into a world.
But what was strange was that in the vast and endless universe, why would such miraculous mysteries appear on the incomparably ordinary world of the Sky Spill Continent? That ancient vicious beast that seemed like a God beast was not a being that even general Realm of the Gods powerhouse characters like the Demon Emperor could compare with.
Has anyone entered the Temple of Marvels before?" Lin Ming asked.
"Hilarious." The Big Dipper High Successor smiled as he shook his head. "That temple is a legend to begin with; moreover, it exists deep in the Sea of Miracles. No one who has ever stepped foot into the Sea of Miracles has returned, so how could anyone have entered it?"
As the Temple of Miracles was brought up, the Nine Flower Banquet became even more lively. Many martial artists began speaking of certain fables of the Sea of Miracles, making Lin Ming feel even more complicated and confused.
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After the banquet reached its end, Lin Ming was invited by Yang Yun to the Crown Prince Palace. At this time, Yang Yun was wearing a five-clawed golden dragon robe, and floating in front of him was a jade array disc. On top of the array disc was a projected map of the entire Sky Spill Continent.
The four Divine Kingdoms, the Sea of Miracles, and even ancient family clans and hidden worlds were all shown on the map, looking incomparably broad and wondrous.
Yang Yun looked at this map and suddenly said, "Brother Lin, I heard that you are collecting top grade wood spirit jade?"
"Yes."
Yang Yun didn't ask why Lin Ming was gathering wood spirit jade. He looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, "Why don't you consider joining a side force? You can borrow their power to rapidly collect wood spirit jade and they would even be able to protect you, so why not do it? For instance, about today's matter… Asura Divine Kingdom's Situ Chuan and Situ Feng bullied you because you didn't have any great power supporting you from behind. That is the only reason that they dared to attack you. Moreover… perhaps Brother Lin has already been included on the Asura Divine Kingdom's hit list. If you somehow end up falling into the hands of the Asura Divine Kingdom's top powerhouses in the future, then the consequences would be disastrous!"
Yang Yun's intentions were obvious. He wished to win Lin Ming over to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.
Lin Ming had already guessed Yang Yun's goal before the Nine Flower Banquet started.
If he joined the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, then collecting wood spirit jade would naturally not be a problem anymore. As long as he was able to prove of sufficient value, then the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom wouldn't begrudge him any amount of wood spirit jade. And with the shelter of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, he also wouldn't need to fear the Asura Divine Kingdom anymore.
However, there were simply too many secrets on Lin Ming's body. If he joined the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom then he would be surrounded by Divine Sea powerhouses everywhere. It would be far too easy for those Supreme Elders to monitor him without him knowing at all.
Not to mention everything else, but if just his Cosmic Melting Furnace that he used for alchemy was revealed to those old monsters, then his fate could be imagined.
Lin Ming wasn't used to letting others control his fate, nor would he join a Holy Land level influence.
"I thank Your Highness the Crown Prince for your reminder. But, I am used to freely wandering about and don't wish to temporarily join any side influence."
"Oh? Well, that is indeed regrettable." Yang Yun shook his head as if he were feeling rather sorry for everything. "If Brother Lin has a change of mind, then my Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom's doors are open for you at any time."
Thank you Crown Prince Your Highness for your kindness. In the future, if possible, I will certainly thank you for your hospitality." Lin Ming cupped his fists together. He had already succeeded in obtaining the wood spirit jade quintessence. Now, in addition to the Five Color Fruit, Void Temper Root, skyflower stones, and dragonspine grass, he already had 80-90% confidence that he could successfully refine the Fivefade Void Pill. It was nearly time to leave the trouble-laden Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom.
Lin Ming had already made his plans. First he would refine the Fivefade Void Pill and then open the third of the Eight Inner Hidden Gates. Then, he would look for some remote hidden area to safely make a breakthrough to Life Destruction.
When he had enough strength, he would make sure Divine Phoenix Island was safe and sound and then he would begin the final preparations to ascend into the Realm of the Gods.
After Lin Ming bid his farewells to Yang Yun, he first returned to his own room. As he passed through the door, he saw that Xiaoxiao was sitting on the bed, a bit stunned, as if she had lost her soul.
There were still tears hanging from the corners of her eyes; it was obvious she had just been crying.
"Miss Heavencraft?" Lin Ming asked with some surprised. He didn't know what matter Xiaoxiao had experienced, but this was his room. Her room should be next door, and since it was already nighttime, what was she doing in his room?
"Sir Lin…"
As Xiaoxiao saw Lin Ming, she nipped her lips and began to speak before she hesitated. She looked extremely pitiful.
"What's the matter? It's fine to say it."
Xiaoxiao took several deep breaths to calm herself down. But, tears still glistened in her eyes. She said, "I saw the Nine Furnace Guard's Fleeting Dragon… he, he showed me some things."
Xiaoxiao's lips quivered as she spoke, as if whatever it was had been terrifying.
"What is it?"
"It's evidence about my father, my grandfather, and even more ancient Family Heads from more distant times… that is the dark history of my Heavencraft Family Clan…"
Xiaoxiao seemed to use up every last ounce of her strength to speak. She grabbed the table to support herself, revealing a smooth jade white arm even as her full and milky breasts fiercely heaved up and down.
"This evidence is real?"
"It… it should be." Xiaoxiao had helped and managed the trading company for so many years that she could certainly distinguish if it were true or real. It was only because the evidence was real that she was at a complete loss of what to do.
She didn't know what the Nine Furnace Guard wished to do, but such detailed evidence absolutely couldn't be collected in a short one or two days. That meant that the Nine Furnace guard had already been investigating her Heavencraft Family Clan for a long time!
Could it be that Yang Yun wanted to control her Heavencraft Family Clan?
With an absolute disparity in masters and strength, as well as enough reasons to act, Xiaoxiao had no doubt that as long as Yang Yun wished to, he could easily annex their Heavencraft Trading Company!
To Xiaoxiao, it was like she had been struck by a bolt of lightning out of nowhere!
"You say that Yang Yun wants to swallow up your Heavencraft Trading Company, but do you think that the Heavencraft Trading Company is worth him doing so?" Lin Ming asked in reply.
"I have no idea… the Nine Furnace Guard only showed me the evidence, they didn't actually say what they planned to do with it…" Xiaoxiao shook her head. Although she was still extremely afraid, she had a faint guess about some possibilities. It wasn't worth it for Yang Yun to spend so much time and effort on just the small Heavencraft Trading Company. But, if the Nine Furnace Guard investigated not just the Heavencraft Trading Company but other organizations too, then there was likely to be great turbulence in the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom's future. For such a small fish as her trading company, it was likely they would be washed away in the chaos.
"You told me this because you want me to help you?" Lin Ming directly asked. Xiaoxiao wouldn't tell him all this just because she wanted to talk.
"I…" Xiaoxiao's eyes flashed with shimmering tears. She bit her lips until they turned white and said, "I would like to request Mister Lin stay in the Heavencraft Trading Company for some time again. I beg you!"
Xiaoxiao bowed as she spoke. Lin Ming froze for a moment, startled, before understanding Xiaoxiao's intentions.
Lin Ming had helped Xiaoxiao obtain the position of Family Head and Xiaoxiao had repaid him with the dragonspine grass. Their former agreement should now have come to an end. Lin Ming could leave the Heavencraft Family Clan at any time.
Xiaoxiao wished for Lin Ming to stay in order to be the warding charm of their Heavencraft Family Clan.
Behind the Nine Furnace Guard lay Yang Yun. And Xiaoxiao had seen with her own eyes just how much Yang Yun valued and favored Lin Ming. If Lin Ming stayed in the Heavencraft Family Clan then it was likely that Yang Yun would give Lin Ming face and leave the Heavencraft Family Clan a path out of this chaos. After all, the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom had six great commercial organizations, and the Heavencraft Trading Company was ranked near the end of these six. All the trading companies were far from being able to compare to the two great banks and the Hundred Treasure Auction House.
After Lin Ming understood all of this, he shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, but I can't promise you that."
Staying at the Heavencraft Trading Company was impossible. Lin Ming had already been locked on to by the Asura Divine Kingdom. If he continued to stay at the Heavencraft Trading Company, that would only be possible if he joined the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom and found shelter under them. Otherwise, he would just be seeking his own death.
Hearing Lin Ming's instant rejection, Xiaoxiao paled. She already knew it was a tough, nearly impossible request, but she never thought that Lin Ming would refuse her so simply and decisively without any wriggle room at all.
She fell to her knees like a broken puppet. After several breaths of time, she bit her lips and seemed to fill with determination, as if she had come to a momentous decision. She reached out her slender and trembling fingers to grip the collar of her clothes. "Sir Lin, I beg you to save me, save the Heavencraft Trading Company. If you can help me I am willing to do anything for you. I… I…"
Tears fell down Xiaoxiao's face, her body quaking as she began to unravel the buckles of her clothes, revealing a pure, powder white neck.
Chapter 791 – Refining the Fivefade Void Pill
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Xiaoxiao's collar was originally very high. As she peeled it off, the deep purple cloth cast a faint silhouette on her pure white skin. Under the swaying and dim candlelight, her luscious body flowed like smooth wood spirit jade; it seemed exceptionally soft and beautiful.
After untying the first buckle, Xiaoxiao seemed to have found her courage. She then continued with the second and the third buckle as she bit her tender lips and said, "Sir Lin, I know that you have the eye and appreciation of the Crown prince. I… I'm merely the head of a small trading company; I haven't even held a succession ceremony yet. There's nothing I can bring out that would be able to move you again save for my pure virgin body. Still, even though I know that I am not enough, I have nothing else to offer you…"
Xiaoxiao closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling in the light. Two drops of crystal clear tears silently fell from the corners of her eyes.
Lin Ming never thought that such a sudden change would occur. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
These were the cruel and callous rules of the world.
In the face of absolute power there was no mercy or sympathy. In order to survive, one had to pay a high enough price. Even the exquisite and beautiful Heavencraft Xiaoxiao, a beautiful woman that could cause the downfall of nations and had near endless resources, even she could do nothing but bow her head before a stronger power. Otherwise, she could only wait for her own destruction.
This was the sorrow of the weak.
This was their never ending plight.
Lin Ming shook his head and said, "Miss Heavencraft, you don't have to do this and cause yourself to suffer."
"I'm completely willing. Compared to the foundation of my family clan, what worth is my body? Much less, Sir Lin is also a chosen talent gifted by the heavens. As for me, I'm but a nobody. My only fear is that Sir Lin despises my average appearance."
As she spoke, she quietly pulled down her veil, revealing an appearance as soft and as glorious as the bright moon. Her purple overcoat also fell, sliding down her fragrant shoulders and ravishing breasts.
She felt a cold wind brush by her body, whereafter her originally pale face blushed a bright red. In fact, she wouldn't have pushed Lin Ming away if he ever desired her. If it weren't for him, she would've already been abducted by Corpsemancer, living a life where she couldn't even die if she wished to.
"Miss Heavencraft, I won't stay at the Heavencraft Trading Company. You don't need to ask me anymore."
A simple and succinct refusal. Xiaoxiao froze where she was.
Lin Ming stood up and let out a long sigh. If he stayed at the Heavencraft Trading Company, he was doomed to seek asylum underneath the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. Otherwise, he would never cross over the perils of the Asura Divine Kingdom.
Moreover, if Yang Yun really cleaned up and annexed the trading companies and the other great financial organizations of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, only leaving behind the Heavencraft Trading Company, then this was the same as Lin Ming owing Yang Yun a great favor. One and then two, Lin Ming would slowly become entangled in the affairs of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. At that time, it would be equal to having joined them.
There might be over a dozen Emperor level powerhouses in the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, and Lin Ming had on him the Cosmic Melting Furnace and the Burning Star Flame. These were treasures that Divine Sea alchemists would go mad with jealousy over. The only choice would be for him to not use these treasures ever; otherwise, once he was discovered by those old fellows with incomparably sensitive perceptions, his fate might even be worse than falling into the hands of the Asura Divine Kingdom.
As he looked at the pitiful and beautiful Xiaoxiao, he had a suspicion floating in his mind. 'When Yang Yun invited me, he also invited Xiaoxiao. Had he already planned for all of this to happen?'
Although these sorts of methods left Lin Ming very unhappy, the truth was that the Nine Furnace Guard had only shown the evidence to Xiaoxiao. No one had forced her to look to Lin Ming for help, as if nothing that had happened so far involved Yang Yun. Even Lin Ming couldn't be sure whether or not he was involved.
Besides, no one forced him to promise Xiaoxiao anything. The choice between a beauty and to leave was his to make.
"Why…?" Xiaoxiao fell to the ground in exhaustion, her voice shaking.
By joining the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, Lin Ming would have resources, the trust and appreciation of the Crown Prince, the asylum of the Divine Kingdom, and so much more! This was a massive opportunity that others couldn't even dream of!
Lin Ming didn't intend to reveal his thoughts that he felt somehow Yang Yun had plotted this. Regardless of this, because of the many secrets on his body, he didn't intend to involve himself in the upcoming whirlpool.
As he saw Xiaoxiao's miserable appearance, he eventually couldn't bear it any longer. He sighed and said, "Miss Heavencraft, while I can't agree to your request, I can leave a letter here for you. As for His Highness the Crown Prince, I can't say whether or not he'll value my words."
Lin Ming was self-aware of his own status and strength. Although he could be said to have endless potential, his strength was still far from reaching the peak of the Sky Spill Continent. If he could rank at the top of the Destiny Decree, then he could perhaps request a favor. But, for now, it wouldn't be easy to do so. As for leaving a so-called letter behind… Its main content would be to thank Yang Yun for his gracious hospitality while also vaguely mentioning Xiaoxiao.
If Yang Yun agreed, this would be considered as Lin Ming owing Yang Yun a favor.
"Thank you, thank you so much Sir Lin…" Xiaoxiao bowed again. She was already more than satisfied with this result.
She waited for Lin Ming, her fingers pressed against the purple belly band around her waist, still not moving to put her clothes back on.
Lin Ming looked at the nervous Xiaoxiao who was overwhelmed with anxiety. Then, he smirked and said, "Miss Heavencraft, please, put some clothes on. While you are indeed beautiful, I already have a wife, and two at that."
Lin Ming couldn't help but acknowledge that he was attracted to Xiaoxiao's body. Even though his will was firm, he inevitably felt the fires of lust stir up within him. But not only did he have Mu Qianyu, but more importantly he also had Qin Xingxuan who he hadn't even had a marriage ceremony with or brought to the nuptial chamber. If he were to have sexual relations with another girl before completing his marriage with Qin Xingxuan, then this would be no different from betraying her.
Xiaoxiao blushed red and hurriedly dressed herself. She felt something in her heart but she couldn't quite place her finger on what it was. Although she had made her decision during a time when she was nervous and not totally willing, she had still firmed her determination. For everything to suddenly end like this, she couldn't help but feel an inexplicable sense of failure.
After waiting for Xiaoxiao to dress, Lin Ming picked up a pen and some paper, and began writing a letter to Yang Yun. This could also be considered his parting farewell.
......
Three days later at nighttime, within the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, at a mountain range that lay close to the Sea of Miracles, a green masked youth landed on the ground like a ghost. This youth that wore a wood spirit jade mask was Lin Ming.
A wood spirit jade mask could block even the perception of a Divine Sea Supreme Elder. It could be called the power most formidable and yet most simple method to hide one's identity.
The reason he dared to walk within the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom was all dependent on this wood spirit jade mask.
Moreover, these were the lands of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. Even if the Asura Divine Kingdom intended to hunt him down, they wouldn't blatantly and flagrantly do so here.
Still, he remained as careful and safe as he could. After leaving the Crown Prince Palace, he walked through several different transmission arrays and also changed routes several times before arriving at this nearly inaccessible and remote mountain range.
The heaven and earth origin energy here was barren to the point of nearly not existing. Without any resources here, martial artists wouldn't search this place either.
Bang!
With a thrust of his spear, its sharp sword pierced through the mountain side like a knife cutting through tofu, immediately opening up a 200 foot deep cave. Lin Ming smoothed out the cave, reorganizing the lay out a bit, and then lay down several cloaking array formations and alarm array formations around the entrance. Only then did he fully enter.
These array formations all had wood spirit jade powder added to them. They were excellent at isolating energy.
He cut several more chambers in this cave and arranged the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array in the largest chamber. With Demonshine's help and in addition to his memories of the array formation, although he couldn't reproduce the complete power of the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array in the Demon God Imperial palace, he could still simulate 30-40% of it.
Then, Lin Ming waved his hand and a reddish-golden small bronze furnace flew out of him, spinning in the air. It soared into the air, spinning and growing until it became several dozen feet high with a golden light shining out from within. Brilliant flames burned all over the surface. This was the Cosmic Melting Furnace.
For the sake of security, this hiding place he chose had extremely poor heaven and earth origin energy. He had no choice but to fill all corners of the room with great numbers of spirit essence stones and fire-attribute top quality true essence stones. For a time, the entire chamber was thick with fire-attribute origin energy. The Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array released red clouds and the Cosmic Melting Furnace glowed an even brighter crimson color.
Alchemy was an extremely tedious and complicated process. On top of that, he had only studied alchemy for less than a year. Even though he had inherited the complete experiences and knowledge of the Realm of the Gods alchemist and had even used over half of all the precious medicinal materials he had obtained from the Yin Yang Profound Palace and the South Sea Demon Region's medicine gardens, he still wasn't skilled enough to have absolute confidence he could successfully refine or even control a top grade pill such as the Fivefade Void Pill.
He estimated that he would need to practice alchemy for another one or two years if he wanted to increase his chances of successfully refining the Fivefade Void Pill to 70-80%. However, he couldn't afford to wait for such a long time. His only chance was to use the wood spirit jade quintessence and forcibly increase his chance of success.
Although this method was extremely wasteful, time was the most precious commodity to him.
He didn't immediately start refining the Fivefade Void Pill. First, he refined some ordinary pills. This was to familiarize himself with the techniques again and also to preheat the Cosmic Melting Furnace. This would provide the best conditions for refining.
This Cosmic Melting Furnace was also one of the main reasons Lin Ming dared to refine the Fivefade Void Pill. As a quasi-Saint artifact, the Cosmic Melting Furnace could increase the chances of successfully refining the pill by 20-30%.
After concocting three pills in the furnace, Lin Ming took out all the materials required to refine the Fivefade Void Pill from his spatial ring. He then activated the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array, and with a flick of his hand, a wisp of the Burning Star Flame flew into the Cosmic Melting Furnace.
The Burning Star Flame was a reward he acquired from Timeworn Phoenix City. It was considered a good Flame Essence even within the Realm of the Gods and its effects for alchemy were naturally astounding. It wasn't something that the alchemists of the Sky Spill Continent and their earth-step Flame Essences could compare with.
Of course, while a higher grade Flame Essence was more useful and effective for alchemy, the premise of all this was that one could control it. Otherwise, if the energy fluctuations of the Flame Essence were too strong, then it would be easy to burn the alchemy materials down to ash.
But this was not a problem to Lin Ming. With the Heretical God Seed as well as his extremely high comprehension of the Concept of Fire, he could control the Burning Star Flame with absolute precision.
It was with all these various reasons combined that Lin Ming dared to refine the Fivefade Void Pill.
With another slap of his hand, the skyflower stones were the first material to fly into the Cosmic Melting Furnace. Lin Ming then added the Concept of Burning Heat and a touch of the Concept of Annihilation to the Burning Star Flame. At that point, with the assistance of the Eight Dragon Jade Dawn Array, it only took several more breaths of time before the hard and inflammable skyflower stones began to burn and melt.
This was a speed that a general alchemist couldn't hope to keep up with.
Next was the dragonspine grass. Dragonspine grass was different from the fire resistant skyflower stones. If the heat was even a trace too much then it would be burnt down to nothing.
Lin Ming controlled the Flame Essence and urged it to weaken. The golden totem engraved on the Heretical God Seed began to blaze with a brilliant light. Underneath the steady flame, the dragonspine grass turned into green droplets.
Underneath Lin Ming's control, the two different liquids merged together, becoming a crystal clear whole.