Chapter 590: Visiting Chen Yilong

At Wood Dragon Pavilion, in a secluded courtyard, Chen Yilong, Sun Hongyu, and their daughter Chen Yue were enjoying tea and conversation. Chen Yue had already reached the Core Formation stage, currently at the first level.

“Husband, Yue’er is not getting any younger. It's time we found her a suitable match,” Sun Hongyu said, looking at Chen Yue with a playful smile.

“I don't want to get married! I want to stay with Mom and Dad forever,” Chen Yue pouted, dismissing the idea.

“Silly girl, the path of cultivation is arduous. Having someone to support each other makes it easier. However, anyone who wishes to marry my precious daughter must possess genuine talent and skill. Rakes and good-for-nothings need not apply,” Sun Hongyu said with a doting smile.

Chen Yue was their only daughter, doted on since childhood. She was proud and arrogant, looking down on most Core Formation cultivators.

A low horn sound echoed. Chen Yilong took out a blue conch from his embrace and cast a spell into it. A male voice suddenly emerged: “Master, three Core Formation cultivators have arrived outside. Two of them are Senior Wang Changsheng and his wife.”

“Fellow Daoist Wang? Quickly invite them to my residence.”“Yes, Master.”

Chen Yue stood up and said, “Guests have arrived. I’ll go prepare some tea and refreshments.”

Shortly after, Wang Changsheng, Wang Ruyan, and Wang Huashan arrived at Chen Yilong’s courtyard.

After brief pleasantries, the six of them sat in the stone pavilion, enjoying tea and conversation.

“It’s been many years. Fairy Chen has indeed advanced to the Core Formation stage. Congratulations!” Wang Changsheng offered his congratulations to Chen Yue with a sincere smile.

“Madam Wang is also impressive, having reached the Core Formation stage as well. Fellow Daoist Wang, if you have no urgent matters, you are welcome to stay at our Wood Dragon Pavilion for a few more days,” Chen Yilong extended the invitation warmly, as Wang Changsheng was accompanied by two Core Formation cultivators, and Chen Yilong naturally wanted to befriend him.

He and Wang Changsheng had hunted demonic beasts twice, and Wang Changsheng had left a good impression on the Chen couple.

“In that case, we would be imposing. Fellow Daoist Chen, I have a few questions I’d like to ask you for guidance,” Wang Changsheng clasped his fist towards Chen Yilong and spoke sincerely.

“Please, Fellow Daoist Wang, speak freely. I will tell you everything I know without reservation.”

“I wish to lease an island. What is the process for doing so?”

Chen Yilong pondered for a moment before explaining: “The Coral Sea boasts tens of thousands of islands, controlled by four major powers: the Grand Unity Immortal Sect, Yellow Dragon Island, Heavenly Sea Pavilion, and Cold Flame Sect. The Grand Unity Immortal Sect, however, originates from the Eastern Barrens and is not a local power; they have no authority over the allocation of islands.”

As he mentioned the Eastern Barrens, he cast a meaningful glance at Wang Changsheng.

The South Sea is rich in cultivation resources, so it’s not unusual for cultivators from the Eastern Barrens, Central Plains, and even the Northern Borders to be active here.

“Tens of thousands of islands are controlled by these three major powers. To lease an island, you must complete a specific mission and pay a certain amount of spirit stones as annual rent. Furthermore, if your affiliated power issues a command, you must obey it. For instance, our Wood Dragon Pavilion is subordinate to the Cold Flame Sect. If the Cold Flame Sect gives any orders, such as apprehending a wanted criminal, our Wood Dragon Pavilion must fully cooperate.”

“If your Wood Dragon Pavilion encounters trouble, will the Cold Flame Sect help resolve it?” Wang Ruyan asked.

Sun Hongyu smiled faintly and explained: “The world is bustling, and people come and go for profit. Who would do something without any benefit?”

Wang Changsheng understood this well. The relationship between Wood Dragon Pavilion and the Cold Flame Sect was similar to that between cultivation sects and cultivation families in the Eastern Barrens. Ordinarily, they managed their own affairs, but if trouble arose, they would seek help from the powerful, though compensation was required. The only difference was that cultivation families in the Eastern Barrens didn't need to pay spirit stones to the cultivation sects.

“So, leasing an island requires completing a mission? Is there anything specific about these missions?”

“As far as I know, all islands controlled by the Cold Flame Sect with a third-tier spirit vein have already been leased out. Islands with second-tier spirit veins might still be available. As for the missions, those depend on the Cold Flame Sect’s specific requirements. Sometimes, powers that lease islands from the Cold Flame Sect cannot hold onto them—for instance, if a beast tide erupts and the cultivators stationed there are wiped out by demonic beasts, the Cold Flame Sect will naturally reclaim the island. Similarly, if rent cannot be paid, the Cold Flame Sect will also reclaim the island. Every fifty years, the Cold Flame Sect leases islands to outsiders, supposedly for easier management. In another ten years, the Cold Flame Sect will again be leasing islands. At that time, I can accompany you to the Cold Flame Sect to lease an island. I know several Core Formation cultivators in the Cold Flame Sect and can put in a good word for you. However, if you cannot complete the Cold Flame Sect's mission, they will not lease an island to you.”

Wang Changsheng suddenly understood. The Cold Flame Sect’s strategy was brilliant. They leased out surplus islands, collected annual rent, and could call upon the leasing powers for help if needed. This was also a reason why the South Sea was rich in cultivation resources. If the Eastern Barrens cultivation world adopted such a system, the cultivation families there would have an even harder time.

While leasing an island with a third-tier spirit vein wasn't possible, an island with a second-tier spirit vein would still be good. However, the wait was a bit long, as it would be ten years from now.

Wang Changsheng sincerely sought Chen Yilong’s advice on leasing an island, preparing for his family’s future development in the South Sea.

These questions were not secrets, and Chen Yilong patiently answered each one, promising to introduce Wang Changsheng to Core Formation cultivators within the Cold Flame Sect.

If Wang Changsheng leased an island from the Cold Flame Sect, the Wang family and Wood Dragon Pavilion would essentially be "eating from the same pot" and could become allies.

Chen Yilong suddenly remembered something and said, “Oh, right, Fellow Daoist Wang, didn’t you mention before that you were looking for third-tier Spirit Water of Heaven and Earth? One of my close friends possesses third-tier Spirit Water of Heaven and Earth. I’ve tried to trade for it with him, but he’s not willing to part with it easily. After some time, I can introduce you to him. Whether you can obtain the Spirit Water of Heaven and Earth will be up to you.”

“That’s excellent! I’ll trouble Fellow Daoist Chen then.” Wang Changsheng looked delighted. The Spirit Water of Heaven and Earth he possessed was only enough for him to cultivate to the sixth level of Core Formation, yet his cultivation technique could reach the ninth level.

Sun Hongyu pondered for a moment, then asked seemingly casually, “Fellow Daoist Wang, are you an artifact forger or an alchemist? Ordinary people usually have no use for something like Spirit Water of Heaven and Earth.”

Wang Changsheng sensed a hidden meaning in Sun Hongyu’s words and calmly replied, “I am an artifact forger. Spirit Water of Heaven and Earth has an amplifying effect on artifact forging, so naturally, I hope to acquire more of it. Why? Is Madam Chen also an artifact forger?”

Sun Hongyu chuckled softly and shook her head, saying, “No, I’m not. But my husband is a third-tier artifact forger.”

Wang Changsheng looked at Chen Yilong with a hint of surprise.

Chen Yilong smiled and modestly said, “I am not quite a third-tier artifact forger yet, but I’m close. Speaking of which, my friend is a genuine third-tier mid-grade artifact forger, and he’s quite passionate about artifact forging. When the time comes, we can all exchange insights on artifact forging.”

As he spoke, the smile on Chen Yilong’s face deepened.

Third-tier artifact forging materials are quite expensive, making it challenging to learn artifact forging independently and become a third-tier artifact forger. However, exchanging insights with other artifact forgers can provide significant inspiration.