Jiang Chen thought to himself, 'By leveraging my influence, I can certainly prevent any potential discord among Black Wood Island's cultivators.'
'Gu Ran is likely to leave Black Wood Island in search of new opportunities elsewhere.'
'Considering his current cultivation base, he'll probably avoid the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect and opt for the fringe regions instead.'
'The fact that Feng Liu remains a supporting character is likely related to upcoming events in the plot.'
'Exploring these peripheral areas should be my next priority.' After a period of thoughtful consideration, he reached this conclusion and proceeded to meticulously examine the islands surrounding Black Wood Island.
In doing so, he unveiled a multitude of newly emergent supporting characters!
Among these was the You Clan.
'The You Clan, recognized for their strong bond with the Feng Clan, should logically be part of the supporting characters' group.'
'As per the initial storyline, they were expected to become adversaries with Gu Ran following Feng Hongbo's murder by his hand. Gu Ran would likely have been blamed for the demise of You Dan.'
'But now, having disrupted the plot on Black Wood Island, Feng Liu remains alive. Through Feng Liu, the You Clan is still set to become Gu Ran's enemy, establishing the stage for the next part of the narrative.'
'However, akin to the You Clan, the Cai and Gan Clans are also home to supporting characters. These three clans should all play supporting roles within the same subplot.'
'Yet, it's probable that the subsequent Cai and Gan Clans won't directly engage in enmity with Gu Ran, which leads to the question, what part of the storyline will they be entangled in?' As he ruminated, Jiang Chen didn't interrupt his divine sense.
Instead, he persisted in his search for the other supporting characters in the vicinity.
Suddenly, a formidable figure entered the radar of Jiang Chen's divine sense—it was Wu Qian.
Wu Qian's cultivation base resided at the Late-stage Dao Palace realm.
However, he lacked Gu Ran's protagonist halo, nor did he harbor anything akin to the 'Endless Dark Blood Moon' bloodline.
He was merely an ordinary person.
Boosted by Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, Jiang Chen's soul had already ascended to the Transcendence realm.
Furthermore, Jiang Chen had mastered numerous cultivation methods associated with soul power.
Due to his careful demeanor, Wu Qian remained oblivious to the fact that he was under surveillance.
'Wu Qian... Previously, his Fate Value stood above six thousand, and now it's unexpectedly surged to seven thousand. Could it be that the forthcoming plot concerning Gu Ran has ties with him?' Jiang Chen appeared thoughtful, slowly solidifying his hypothesis.
If Wu Qian, a cultivator at the Dao Palace realm, didn't possess a special justification, why would he seclude himself in such a secluded sea region?
Hence, Wu Qian must harbor a secret.
This secret, as per the original storyline, might be a significant boon that Heavenly Fate had arranged for Gu Ran.
'The You Clan, the Cai Clan, the Gan Clan, and the Dao Palace realm great powerhouse, Wu Qian!'
'Next, Gu Ran will first cross paths with the You Clan!' Forming his own conjecture, Jiang Chen began to attentively observe the unfolding events.
Time gradually ebbed away.
Sequestered within a humble dwelling on Black Wood Island, Gu Ran sat cross-legged on a bed, absorbed in his cultivation.
After a while, he gently exhaled a breath of turbid qi, marking the end of his practice session.
Feeling a sense of relief, Gu Ran thought, 'The adverse effects of the 'Ageless Spirit - Extinguishing Origin' have been resolved.'
'The teleportation formation on Black Wood Island has also been fixed and is nearly ready for activation.'
'The moment has arrived for me to leave Black Wood Island and venture elsewhere to hunt demonic beasts and enhance my cultivation base.' Rising from the bed, he cloaked his presence and set off towards Black Wood Island's Teleportation Hall.
He quickly approached the teleportation array and paused.
The repair work was in its final stages, with several cultivators in the vicinity.
These cultivators all sought to capitalize on this opportunity to exit Black Wood Island, Feng Liu among them.
Yet, a considerable number also chose to stay. The rise of Zhang San as a new power on Black Wood Island had ushered in a wave of fresh opportunities, a gamble many were willing to take.
Soon, joyous shouts resounded from up ahead—the teleportation array had been successfully reactivated!
Elated, someone exclaimed, "Fantastic!"
"Finally, we can leave this cursed island!"
"We're too near to the origin of the demonic beast tide here, it's dangerous. I must find a way to reach Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island!"
"Count me in! I'm also aiming for Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island. Let's go together!"
A lively chatter erupted among the assembled cultivators, who swiftly moved toward the newly operational teleportation array.
In an instant, the teleportation array was teeming with people.
"Spirit stones!" A voice shouted, tinged with urgency, "Anyone who wishes to teleport must offer up spirit stones!"
"We've spent a substantial amount of resources repairing the teleportation array, and using it requires spirit stones. If you're not willing to part with them, step aside!"
These stern declarations came from several cultivators.
At this, a handful of cultivators paled and reluctantly withdrew from the teleportation array.
Subsequently, the teleportation array was set in motion, and the cultivators who had parted with their spirit stones were instantaneously teleported away.
Pensive, Gu Ran thought, 'Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island... With my current power, I wouldn't be able to defend myself there. I need to reach the Dao Palace realm before heading to Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island. Otherwise, if a Dao Palace realm powerhouse from the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect were to find me, I'd be annihilated with a mere flick of their finger.'
'Additionally, I'm not sure if the recent demonic beast tide has fully subsided. I should first explore the surrounding islands...' After a brief period of consideration, he discreetly took his position on the teleportation array.
In a burst of light, he disappeared!
Simultaneously, one of Jiang Chen's death warriors, tasked with tracking Gu Ran, was likewise teleported.
"Proceed with the teleportation at once!" Feng Liu handed a significant number of Spirit Stones to the cultivator overseeing the teleportation array, his voice laced with urgency.
The cultivator shot him an understanding glance and shook his head.
He was indifferent to others' plights, his sole focus was on collecting his dues for the service rendered.
As such, he promptly initiated the teleportation array, transporting Feng Liu to the same destination as Gu Ran.
Three Mountains Island, this was an island significantly larger than Black Wood Island.
It boasted three colossal peaks, interspersed with a multitude of smaller mountains—it was akin to a mini continent adrift in the sea.
The three primary forces on Three Mountains Island were the You Clan, the Cai Clan, and the Gan Clan.
These were the three clans of supporting characters Jiang Chen had earlier identified.
As per the original plot progression, they were all probably destined to be decimated by Gu Ran.
Jiang Chen had entertained the idea of leveraging the power of the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect to either directly eradicate or relocate these three clans, thereby depriving Gu Ran of his potential targets for flaunting his prowess.
However, such a move would invariably lead to changes, and crucially, the plot surrounding the You Clan could likely implicate Wu Qian.
The reason Wu Qian, a cultivator in the Late-stage Dao Palace realm, would opt to reside in such an isolated location, was most probably due to the presence of some sort of treasure.
If a treasure could compel a Late-stage Dao Palace realm cultivator to remain in such a desolate spot for numerous years without any inclination to depart, then that treasure might be of the Transcendence realm.
What Jiang Chen needed to ensure was not only thwarting Gu Ran's chance at seizing opportunities, but the ideal strategy would be to appropriate Gu Ran's opportunities!
Treasures of the Transcendence realm were immensely valuable to Jiang Chen at this juncture, especially considering that he was presently incapable of acquiring them from the System Mall.
'One step at a time,' Jiang Chen thought to himself, 'First, let's determine whether Gu Ran and the You Clan will opt for direct conflict or subtler tactics.'
'Back on Black Wood Island, the approach was more shrouded in secrecy, but now they are more likely to confront each other openly. A protagonist's journey is, after all, varied, not monotonous...' With this in mind, he signaled the death warriors on Three Mountains Island to stand by for orders.
Indeed, he had already sent the remaining death warriors to infiltrate the ranks of the three clans on Three Mountains Island!
A Message from AlphaWIA:
By joining the membership, not only do you support the ongoing development of the novel, but you also gain access to read up to Chapter 338.
The first protagonist, armed with a system, takes the stage.
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
Ko-fi: [https://bit.ly/3KJOiH3]
Chapter 251: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
Jiang Chen thought to himself, 'By leveraging my influence, I can certainly prevent any potential discord among Black Wood Island's cultivators.'
'Gu Ran is likely to leave Black Wood Island in search of new opportunities elsewhere.'
'Considering his current cultivation base, he'll probably avoid the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect and opt for the fringe regions instead.'
'The fact that Feng Liu remains a supporting character is likely related to upcoming events in the plot.'
'Exploring these peripheral areas should be my next priority.' After a period of thoughtful consideration, he reached this conclusion and proceeded to meticulously examine the islands surrounding Black Wood Island.
In doing so, he unveiled a multitude of newly emergent supporting characters!
Among these was the You Clan.
'The You Clan, recognized for their strong bond with the Feng Clan, should logically be part of the supporting characters' group.'
'As per the initial storyline, they were expected to become adversaries with Gu Ran following Feng Hongbo's murder by his hand. Gu Ran would likely have been blamed for the demise of You Dan.'
'But now, having disrupted the plot on Black Wood Island, Feng Liu remains alive. Through Feng Liu, the You Clan is still set to become Gu Ran's enemy, establishing the stage for the next part of the narrative.'
'However, akin to the You Clan, the Cai and Gan Clans are also home to supporting characters. These three clans should all play supporting roles within the same subplot.'
'Yet, it's probable that the subsequent Cai and Gan Clans won't directly engage in enmity with Gu Ran, which leads to the question, what part of the storyline will they be entangled in?' As he ruminated, Jiang Chen didn't interrupt his divine sense.
Instead, he persisted in his search for the other supporting characters in the vicinity.
Suddenly, a formidable figure entered the radar of Jiang Chen's divine sense—it was Wu Qian.
Wu Qian's cultivation base resided at the Late-stage Dao Palace realm.
However, he lacked Gu Ran's protagonist halo, nor did he harbor anything akin to the 'Endless Dark Blood Moon' bloodline.
He was merely an ordinary person.
Boosted by Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, Jiang Chen's soul had already ascended to the Transcendence realm.
Furthermore, Jiang Chen had mastered numerous cultivation methods associated with soul power.
Due to his careful demeanor, Wu Qian remained oblivious to the fact that he was under surveillance.
'Wu Qian... Previously, his Fate Value stood above six thousand, and now it's unexpectedly surged to seven thousand. Could it be that the forthcoming plot concerning Gu Ran has ties with him?' Jiang Chen appeared thoughtful, slowly solidifying his hypothesis.
If Wu Qian, a cultivator at the Dao Palace realm, didn't possess a special justification, why would he seclude himself in such a secluded sea region?
Hence, Wu Qian must harbor a secret.
This secret, as per the original storyline, might be a significant boon that Heavenly Fate had arranged for Gu Ran.
'The You Clan, the Cai Clan, the Gan Clan, and the Dao Palace realm great powerhouse, Wu Qian!'
'Next, Gu Ran will first cross paths with the You Clan!' Forming his own conjecture, Jiang Chen began to attentively observe the unfolding events.
Time gradually ebbed away.
Sequestered within a humble dwelling on Black Wood Island, Gu Ran sat cross-legged on a bed, absorbed in his cultivation.
After a while, he gently exhaled a breath of turbid qi, marking the end of his practice session.
Feeling a sense of relief, Gu Ran thought, 'The adverse effects of the 'Ageless Spirit - Extinguishing Origin' have been resolved.'
'The teleportation formation on Black Wood Island has also been fixed and is nearly ready for activation.'
'The moment has arrived for me to leave Black Wood Island and venture elsewhere to hunt demonic beasts and enhance my cultivation base.' Rising from the bed, he cloaked his presence and set off towards Black Wood Island's Teleportation Hall.
He quickly approached the teleportation array and paused.
The repair work was in its final stages, with several cultivators in the vicinity.
These cultivators all sought to capitalize on this opportunity to exit Black Wood Island, Feng Liu among them.
Yet, a considerable number also chose to stay. The rise of Zhang San as a new power on Black Wood Island had ushered in a wave of fresh opportunities, a gamble many were willing to take.
Soon, joyous shouts resounded from up ahead—the teleportation array had been successfully reactivated!
Elated, someone exclaimed, "Fantastic!"
"Finally, we can leave this cursed island!"
"We're too near to the origin of the demonic beast tide here, it's dangerous. I must find a way to reach Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island!"
"Count me in! I'm also aiming for Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island. Let's go together!"
A lively chatter erupted among the assembled cultivators, who swiftly moved toward the newly operational teleportation array.
In an instant, the teleportation array was teeming with people.
"Spirit stones!" A voice shouted, tinged with urgency, "Anyone who wishes to teleport must offer up spirit stones!"
"We've spent a substantial amount of resources repairing the teleportation array, and using it requires spirit stones. If you're not willing to part with them, step aside!"
These stern declarations came from several cultivators.
At this, a handful of cultivators paled and reluctantly withdrew from the teleportation array.
Subsequently, the teleportation array was set in motion, and the cultivators who had parted with their spirit stones were instantaneously teleported away.
Pensive, Gu Ran thought, 'Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island... With my current power, I wouldn't be able to defend myself there. I need to reach the Dao Palace realm before heading to Ageless Spirit Heavenly Island. Otherwise, if a Dao Palace realm powerhouse from the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect were to find me, I'd be annihilated with a mere flick of their finger.'
'Additionally, I'm not sure if the recent demonic beast tide has fully subsided. I should first explore the surrounding islands...' After a brief period of consideration, he discreetly took his position on the teleportation array.
In a burst of light, he disappeared!
Simultaneously, one of Jiang Chen's death warriors, tasked with tracking Gu Ran, was likewise teleported.
"Proceed with the teleportation at once!" Feng Liu handed a significant number of Spirit Stones to the cultivator overseeing the teleportation array, his voice laced with urgency.
The cultivator shot him an understanding glance and shook his head.
He was indifferent to others' plights, his sole focus was on collecting his dues for the service rendered.
As such, he promptly initiated the teleportation array, transporting Feng Liu to the same destination as Gu Ran.
Three Mountains Island, this was an island significantly larger than Black Wood Island.
It boasted three colossal peaks, interspersed with a multitude of smaller mountains—it was akin to a mini continent adrift in the sea.
The three primary forces on Three Mountains Island were the You Clan, the Cai Clan, and the Gan Clan.
These were the three clans of supporting characters Jiang Chen had earlier identified.
As per the original plot progression, they were all probably destined to be decimated by Gu Ran.
Jiang Chen had entertained the idea of leveraging the power of the Ageless Spirit Heavenly Sect to either directly eradicate or relocate these three clans, thereby depriving Gu Ran of his potential targets for flaunting his prowess.
However, such a move would invariably lead to changes, and crucially, the plot surrounding the You Clan could likely implicate Wu Qian.
The reason Wu Qian, a cultivator in the Late-stage Dao Palace realm, would opt to reside in such an isolated location, was most probably due to the presence of some sort of treasure.
If a treasure could compel a Late-stage Dao Palace realm cultivator to remain in such a desolate spot for numerous years without any inclination to depart, then that treasure might be of the Transcendence realm.
What Jiang Chen needed to ensure was not only thwarting Gu Ran's chance at seizing opportunities, but the ideal strategy would be to appropriate Gu Ran's opportunities!
Treasures of the Transcendence realm were immensely valuable to Jiang Chen at this juncture, especially considering that he was presently incapable of acquiring them from the System Mall.
'One step at a time,' Jiang Chen thought to himself, 'First, let's determine whether Gu Ran and the You Clan will opt for direct conflict or subtler tactics.'
'Back on Black Wood Island, the approach was more shrouded in secrecy, but now they are more likely to confront each other openly. A protagonist's journey is, after all, varied, not monotonous...' With this in mind, he signaled the death warriors on Three Mountains Island to stand by for orders.
Indeed, he had already sent the remaining death warriors to infiltrate the ranks of the three clans on Three Mountains Island!
A Message from AlphaWIA:
By joining the membership, not only do you support the ongoing development of the novel, but you also gain access to read up to Chapter 338.
The first protagonist, armed with a system, takes the stage.
Patreon: [https://bit.ly/3OHBfqz]
Ko-fi: [https://bit.ly/3KJOiH3]
Chapter 251: [https://bit.ly/3Oy8eO0]
