Chapter 848 - 110: Jiuhua Alliance Visitors_2

The path of the martial arts will continue, but more will be taken one step at a time, never dreaming of leaping ahead.

Yin Yue carefully watched Su Tong; she was certain that Su Tong’s words were sincere, but it was precisely this sincerity that caused Yin Yue’s brow to furrow.

Having interacted with Lin Xi for the past few months, she clearly knew that Lin Xi greatly admired Su Tong. Although Lin Xi is still young, this admiration will not diminish with age, only transforming into another kind of sentiment.

Lin Xi and Su Tong have nearly a ten-year age gap; if Su Tong only feels grateful towards Lin Xi, it may eventually lead to Lin Xi being heartbroken.

I need to tell Lin Chen that we can’t let Lin Xi only know someone like Su Tong; it’s better to meet other geniuses.

...

...

In the courtyard.

Lin Chen looked at the Five-Layered Treasure Pagoda he had summoned, his expression rather peculiar. The Divine Control Record seemed tailor-made for him, making cultivation extraordinarily smooth.

Is it because the strength of my divine soul has reached level 10?

"Regardless, this pagoda must not be revealed to outsiders. I must study the divine soul attack technique myself."

Lin Chen withdrew the pagoda. The Divine Control Record contained many divine soul attack techniques. When fighting with Zeng Xi, he noticed that the divine soul could undergo various changes. However, he could only use these attack techniques as references, as they were derived from the evolved Divine Control Record.

Assume the Divine Control Record is mathematics; then these attack techniques are formulas.

They are researched by martial artists who cultivate the Divine Control Record themselves. Zeng Xi, being a disciple of the Thousand Mechanism Sect, had a unique advantage, able to directly use attack techniques comprehended by predecessors, while Lin Chen must understand them independently.

"It’s a pity I can’t enter the Martial Arts Mountain now; otherwise, I could use the Martial Derivation Mirror to evolve the attack techniques of the Divine Control Record."

Unable to use the Martial Derivation Mirror, Lin Chen wasn’t too disappointed. Divine Soul attack techniques cannot be cultivated overnight, and with the Divine Control Record, he could eventually comprehend his own attack techniques.

The predecessors of the Thousand Mechanism Sect were able to develop their attack techniques by continuously understanding on the foundation of their predecessors.

"Perhaps I should visit the Thousand Mechanism Domain."

The Thousand Mechanism Domain is home not only to the Thousand Mechanism Sect but also other sects, all of which have methods for divine soul cultivation.

...

...

Three days later.

Lin Chen welcomed Lord Kong in the village.

This was the first time Lord Kong personally came to Linhu Village since Lin Chen returned home.

"Lord Kong."

This time, Lord Kong’s arrival was simple; there was no notification to the officials of Raozhou Prefecture, as he came directly by boat to Linhu Village.

In the lakeside garden at his teacher’s house, Lin Chen accompanied Lord Kong and his teacher for tea.

"Lin Chen, I didn’t mean to disturb your cultivation, but there are some matters I need to discuss with you this time."

Kong Qifeng looked at Lin Chen, the young boy from back then had completely grown now, and the aura revealed with each gesture was stronger than any Innate Powerhouses he had encountered.

"Please, speak."

"Our Canglan Island is preparing to form a coalition with some other islands to compete for martial resources in an alliance form."

"Form a coalition?"

Lin Chen’s face held a contemplative look. When visiting Brother Hu in Coastal City, Brother Hu had mentioned the matter of island alliances.

Currently, there are over two thousand islands in the East Sea, and competition among them is fierce. Many weaker islands rely on some stronger islands or sometimes form alliances among medium-sized islands to prevent oppression from other islands, the so-called grouping for warmth.

"Lord Kong, who proposed this suggestion?"

"Several elders of the Martial Arts Alliance."

Upon hearing Lin Chen inquire about who proposed the suggestion, Kong Qifeng’s old eyes also showed contemplation, asking, "Is there anything inappropriate?"

"There’s no need; forming an alliance would instead involve Canglan Island in unnecessary conflict."

Lin Chen shook his head to reject it, explaining:

"Lord Kong, due to my relationship, the East Sea Divine Palace would give certain considerations to Canglan Island, and other islands, including sects in the Eastern Sea, would do the same. But once we choose to ally, and become involved in disputes among islands, this special status of Canglan Island would be lost."

"Just like when I first showed my talent at the Martial Hall, the County Magistrate granted me the fish market of Poyang County, but I didn’t let my family run the fish market. Instead, I gave it to the families of a few friends, because I knew, based on my martial potential, those noble families in Poyang County were willing to make good relations with me, and would give me face in many matters."

"But this has a prerequisite, which is that my presence does not affect their interests. Once it does, those nobles may not give me face, and may even suppress me."

Lin Chen explained why he didn’t have his family run the fish market back then, and believed that Lord Kong’s wisdom could understand.

If Canglan Island does not ally with any other island, does not get involved in the conflicts and interests of other islands, and maintains its own existence, other islands would give face.

If Canglan Island allied with other islands, if there was conflict between islands within the alliance and others, once it erupted, Canglan Island’s participation would mean others might not give face.

Lord Kong and others have this intention, not because they don’t understand the principle, but because they have no certainty.

Placing the entire Canglan Island on one person is quite risky; comparatively, grabbing this opportunity to form an alliance with other islands to improve the overall strength and status of Canglan Island is what most would choose.

"I understand."

Kong Qifeng nodded; he naturally understood Lin Chen’s meaning, and he too actually disagreed with forming alliances with other islands. However, Canglan Island wasn’t his alone, and currently, the Martial Arts Alliance comprises the Eight Kingdoms united.

But Kong Qifeng also believes, if he told them Lin Chen doesn’t advise alliance, no one in the Martial Arts Alliance would oppose.

"The matter in the Martial Arts Alliance would have disputes, mainly because the suggestion for alliance came from people of Jiuhua Island, and the strength of Jiuhua Island ranks top ten among many islands, with over a hundred islands in Jiuhua Alliance. It’s one of the three major alliances."

With thousands of islands in the East Sea Territory, there are dozens of alliances of various sizes, but only three strong alliances, and the Jiuhua Alliance is one of them.

Other islands wanting to join the Jiuhua Alliance need to apply actively, but must meet two conditions.

First, an Innate Third Realm powerhouse must sit on the island.

Second, the island must have no fewer than ten Innate powerhouses.

Canglan Island doesn’t meet either condition, but Jiuhua Alliance still wanted to include Canglan Island, which is why many were moved.

After Kong Qifeng’s explanation, Jia Nanzhu, who was beside him, spoke: "In this light, the Jiuhua Alliance’s willingness to include us is likely due to Lin Chen."

"Yes, everyone in the Martial Arts Alliance understands this, but since Lin Chen thinks it’s inappropriate, let’s decline."

Kong Qifeng nodded; Lin Chen hesitated for a while, thinking he should reassure Lord Kong and others.

"Lord Kong, our Canglan Island should not ally with anyone, just develop like this. Even without me, there’s still Senior Brother Pei, we won’t be bullied."

The existence of Senior Jiang, without his consent, Lin Chen didn’t disclose to Lord Kong.

Yet, no matter what, Senior Jiang wouldn’t turn a blind eye if he saw Canglan Island in crisis.

When Innate powerhouses entered Canglan Island, Senior Jiang didn’t act probably because he felt Canglan Island hadn’t reached the point of life and death.

Kong Qifeng came quietly and left in haste. After learning Lin Chen’s attitude, he headed back to the Capital City overnight.

Originally, Lin Chen thought this matter would end there, but a day later, an urgent message from the Capital made his expression darken.

On that day, Lin Chen directly flew northwards towards the Capital City’s direction.