Shen Lianxin was always reticent, his words brief and to the point. Though it seemed like a question, his presence to speak with Lin Fei alone indicated his resolution.
"Brother Shen, our pact with the eight families is already concluded," Lin Fei responded.
"We've journeyed across oceans from Great Chang in our pursuit of the Dao, and only upon glimpsing Fairy Mist Island did we find hope."
Shen Lianxin spoke with serene clarity, and Lin Fei understood. It was not the eight families that Shen Lianxin cared for but Fairy Mist Island itself. Indeed, Fairy Mist Island held a unique significance to both Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin. Even if they were to return to Great Chang in the future, They would have to embark from Fairy Mist Island.
"We share a bond of sentiment with Fairy Mist Island. Brother Shen, I comprehend your meaning now. However, you've just grasped the Saber Momentum and should not descend the mountain. I'm about to look for a task, so might as well return to Fairy Mist Island to help them resolve this crisis. After all, we cannot allow the sea bandits to occupy Fairy Mist Island."
Shen Lianxin nodded, saying, "With Brother Lin descending the mountain, I am naturally at ease. The task falls to you then, Brother Lin!"
Shen Lianxin rose and departed the cave dwelling. That was his nature, no need for empty pleasantries, he trusted Lin Fei completely. Since Lin Fei was willing to descend, he was sure to defuse Fairy Mist Island's crisis.
"Fairy Mist Island..." Lin Fei murmured softly. The mere thought of it brought Great Chang to his mind. But it was not yet time to return there. He was not even a Martial Sovereign yet, and the vast ocean was perilous. Even with his current strength, the sea remained fraught with danger. Perhaps only by attaining Martial Sovereign status could he ensure some self-preservation at sea.
"Whoosh."
In the next instant, Lin Fei had transformed into a streak of flowing light, heading towards Fairy Mist Island.
...
Fairy Mist Island, the Zhao Family Residence.
At that moment, within the Zhao household were gathered many cultivators, almost encompassing all the significant forces on Fairy Mist Island.
"Have the eight great families not yet arrived?"
A Zhao Family Foundation Establishment True Person inquired coldly.
"They have not come."
"Hmph, this time, all of Fairy Mist Island's forces have been marshaled, even inviting some Foundation Establishment True Persons to assist. Only the eight families were unable even to summon a single Martial Saint. What face have they to remain on Fairy Mist Island?"
A hint of anger lurked in the True Person of the Zhao Family. It wasn't just the Zhao family that was displeased. All the forces on Fairy Mist Island shared the same sentiment. The eight families were once considered homes to martial saints. How was it that they couldn't even invite a single martial saint now? It was evident that these families were unwilling to lend their strength.
Facing a crisis of potential annihilation, every power on Fairy Mist Island was pooling their resources and offering various incentives to invite top-tier Foundation Establishment True Persons. For instance, the Zhao family had invited a leading Foundation Establishment True Person from Red Hades Mansion, True Person Lu Zhen.
True Person Lu Zhen was ranked on the "Hades List" – a list that ranked Foundation Establishment True Persons not by their cultivation but by their battle prowess. Despite being ranked 38th out of 50, it was an impressive feat. Anyone who could make it onto this list could be considered amongst the top-tier powerhouses just below the Golden Core True Persons.
Be it in Red Hades Mansion or even the vast ancient continent, they were undoubtedly considered formidable. The Zhao family had only managed to invite someone of True Person Lu Zhen's stature due to past favors they had done for him and by offering him precious treasures and numerous benefits.
"True Person Zhao, are the eight families not the martial saint families of Fairy Mist Island?" True Person Lu Zhen suddenly asked.
True Person Zhao nodded, "Indeed, they were once."
"Eight martial saints once emerged from Fairy Mist Island, each of them top-tier, and exceptional," True Person Lu Zhen seemed to have heard of them.
However, a member of the Zhao family shook their head, "That was in the past. The current eight families don't even have a single martial saint. They've declined. Moreover, during this life-and-death crisis for Fairy Mist Island, every faction and family is trying to muster as much help as possible. What about the eight families? No movement, not a single martial saint found. They didn't even bother to attend the discussion on how to counter the sea bandits."
True Person Zhao's voice grew colder, "Hmph, if we survive this crisis, I must rally all the forces on Fairy Mist Island to expel the eight families from here!"
It was clear that Zhao True Person was genuinely angered.
True Person Lu Zhen offered a faint smile, remarking, "True Person Zhao, why let anger cloud your judgment? It's merely a band of pirates. Should they dare approach, I shall deal with them on your behalf. As for the eight families, their ancestors undeniably made significant contributions to Fairy Mist Island. Perhaps, the glory of these families has truly waned. They can no longer secure the services of a Martial Saint. And even if they do, how formidable could such a Martial Saint be? Against those pirates, who are mostly Foundation Establishment True Persons, a single Martial Saint can only do little."
True Person Lu Zhen, gently shook his head. It wasn't that he looked down upon Martial Saints, but he held a formidable rank on the Hades List!
Even when making comparisons, it was only with the Limit Martial Saints. Mere ordinary Martial Saints, even if they were elite, what of it? True Person Lu Zhen scarcely gave them a second thought. This wasn't arrogance. It was confidence! The confidence the Hades List bestowed upon him!
"Indeed, with True Person Lu Zhen who else do we truly need? Even if the eight families brought forth a Martial Saint, it would merely be a token representation. They wouldn't play a pivotal role."
True Person Zhao echoed the sentiments of Lu Zhen. It wasn't mere flattery. Lu Zhen truly possessed such prowess. Otherwise, the Zhao family wouldn't have invested so much to enlist him. With Lu Zhen by their side, Fairy Mist Island had the confidence to repel the pirate onslaught. After all, who knew the kind of formidable figures lurking amongst the pirates? However, with True Person Lu Zhen, the odds were overwhelmingly in their favor.
"The eight great families have arrived!"
At that moment, the eight great families finally made their appearance. People then noticed them following a young martial artist. The young artist radiated a vitality akin to a blazing sun.
A Martial Saint! Only a Martial Saint could exude such terrifying vitality.
"It seems the eight families aren't entirely inept after all, managing to find a Martial Saint! However, I suspect he's just an ordinary Martial Saint. Still, something is better than nothing. Having one is certainly preferable to having none."
True Person Zhao's, expression softened slightly.
"We must greet this Martial Saint, as he is our guest after all."
True Person Lu Zhen remained seated, implying that it was Zhao who should greet the Martial Saint the eight grand families had invited. After all, in Lu Zhen's view, there was no one on Fairy Mist Island worth rising for.
Zhao nodded in agreement. Thus, he rose to approach the eight grand families, courteously inquiring, "I thank the Martial Saint for coming to aid Fairy Mist Island. May I ask for your esteemed name?"
"Ancient Origin Sect, Lin Fei."
"Lin Fei? The same Martial Saint Lin Fei who left our Fairy Mist Island for the Ancient Origin Sect?"
True Person Zhao recalled him. Yet, only half a year had passed since. He hadn't given it much thought. Even if he was a Martial Saint from the Ancient Origin Sect, he was merely an outer sect elder. How powerful could he be? The reputation of the Ancient Origin Sect might earn him a slight degree of regard, but that was all. Now, facing the threat of pirates, other factors were irrelevant. Power was paramount!
While Zhao might not have been too concerned, True Person Lu Zhen was visibly shaken upon hearing "Ancient Origin Sect, Lin Fei."
In an instant, True Person Lu Zhen stood up, "Might you be the very Lin Fei who defeated Jiang Tianyun in the Illusion Worry City, the foremost elder of the Ancient Origin Sect's Law Enforcement Hall, and renowned Saber Saint?"
Lu Zhen's demeanor turned serious.
Shen Lianxin was always reticent, his words brief and to the point. Though it seemed like a question, his presence to speak with Lin Fei alone indicated his resolution.
"Brother Shen, our pact with the eight families is already concluded," Lin Fei responded.
"We've journeyed across oceans from Great Chang in our pursuit of the Dao, and only upon glimpsing Fairy Mist Island did we find hope."
Shen Lianxin spoke with serene clarity, and Lin Fei understood. It was not the eight families that Shen Lianxin cared for but Fairy Mist Island itself. Indeed, Fairy Mist Island held a unique significance to both Lin Fei and Shen Lianxin. Even if they were to return to Great Chang in the future, They would have to embark from Fairy Mist Island.
"We share a bond of sentiment with Fairy Mist Island. Brother Shen, I comprehend your meaning now. However, you've just grasped the Saber Momentum and should not descend the mountain. I'm about to look for a task, so might as well return to Fairy Mist Island to help them resolve this crisis. After all, we cannot allow the sea bandits to occupy Fairy Mist Island."
Shen Lianxin nodded, saying, "With Brother Lin descending the mountain, I am naturally at ease. The task falls to you then, Brother Lin!"
Shen Lianxin rose and departed the cave dwelling. That was his nature, no need for empty pleasantries, he trusted Lin Fei completely. Since Lin Fei was willing to descend, he was sure to defuse Fairy Mist Island's crisis.
"Fairy Mist Island..." Lin Fei murmured softly. The mere thought of it brought Great Chang to his mind. But it was not yet time to return there. He was not even a Martial Sovereign yet, and the vast ocean was perilous. Even with his current strength, the sea remained fraught with danger. Perhaps only by attaining Martial Sovereign status could he ensure some self-preservation at sea.
"Whoosh."
In the next instant, Lin Fei had transformed into a streak of flowing light, heading towards Fairy Mist Island.
...
Fairy Mist Island, the Zhao Family Residence.
At that moment, within the Zhao household were gathered many cultivators, almost encompassing all the significant forces on Fairy Mist Island.
"Have the eight great families not yet arrived?"
A Zhao Family Foundation Establishment True Person inquired coldly.
"They have not come."
"Hmph, this time, all of Fairy Mist Island's forces have been marshaled, even inviting some Foundation Establishment True Persons to assist. Only the eight families were unable even to summon a single Martial Saint. What face have they to remain on Fairy Mist Island?"
A hint of anger lurked in the True Person of the Zhao Family. It wasn't just the Zhao family that was displeased. All the forces on Fairy Mist Island shared the same sentiment. The eight families were once considered homes to martial saints. How was it that they couldn't even invite a single martial saint now? It was evident that these families were unwilling to lend their strength.
Facing a crisis of potential annihilation, every power on Fairy Mist Island was pooling their resources and offering various incentives to invite top-tier Foundation Establishment True Persons. For instance, the Zhao family had invited a leading Foundation Establishment True Person from Red Hades Mansion, True Person Lu Zhen.
True Person Lu Zhen was ranked on the "Hades List" – a list that ranked Foundation Establishment True Persons not by their cultivation but by their battle prowess. Despite being ranked 38th out of 50, it was an impressive feat. Anyone who could make it onto this list could be considered amongst the top-tier powerhouses just below the Golden Core True Persons.
Be it in Red Hades Mansion or even the vast ancient continent, they were undoubtedly considered formidable. The Zhao family had only managed to invite someone of True Person Lu Zhen's stature due to past favors they had done for him and by offering him precious treasures and numerous benefits.
"True Person Zhao, are the eight families not the martial saint families of Fairy Mist Island?" True Person Lu Zhen suddenly asked.
True Person Zhao nodded, "Indeed, they were once."
"Eight martial saints once emerged from Fairy Mist Island, each of them top-tier, and exceptional," True Person Lu Zhen seemed to have heard of them.
However, a member of the Zhao family shook their head, "That was in the past. The current eight families don't even have a single martial saint. They've declined. Moreover, during this life-and-death crisis for Fairy Mist Island, every faction and family is trying to muster as much help as possible. What about the eight families? No movement, not a single martial saint found. They didn't even bother to attend the discussion on how to counter the sea bandits."
True Person Zhao's voice grew colder, "Hmph, if we survive this crisis, I must rally all the forces on Fairy Mist Island to expel the eight families from here!"
It was clear that Zhao True Person was genuinely angered.
True Person Lu Zhen offered a faint smile, remarking, "True Person Zhao, why let anger cloud your judgment? It's merely a band of pirates. Should they dare approach, I shall deal with them on your behalf. As for the eight families, their ancestors undeniably made significant contributions to Fairy Mist Island. Perhaps, the glory of these families has truly waned. They can no longer secure the services of a Martial Saint. And even if they do, how formidable could such a Martial Saint be? Against those pirates, who are mostly Foundation Establishment True Persons, a single Martial Saint can only do little."
True Person Lu Zhen, gently shook his head. It wasn't that he looked down upon Martial Saints, but he held a formidable rank on the Hades List!
Even when making comparisons, it was only with the Limit Martial Saints. Mere ordinary Martial Saints, even if they were elite, what of it? True Person Lu Zhen scarcely gave them a second thought. This wasn't arrogance. It was confidence! The confidence the Hades List bestowed upon him!
"Indeed, with True Person Lu Zhen who else do we truly need? Even if the eight families brought forth a Martial Saint, it would merely be a token representation. They wouldn't play a pivotal role."
True Person Zhao echoed the sentiments of Lu Zhen. It wasn't mere flattery. Lu Zhen truly possessed such prowess. Otherwise, the Zhao family wouldn't have invested so much to enlist him. With Lu Zhen by their side, Fairy Mist Island had the confidence to repel the pirate onslaught. After all, who knew the kind of formidable figures lurking amongst the pirates? However, with True Person Lu Zhen, the odds were overwhelmingly in their favor.
"The eight great families have arrived!"
At that moment, the eight great families finally made their appearance. People then noticed them following a young martial artist. The young artist radiated a vitality akin to a blazing sun.
A Martial Saint! Only a Martial Saint could exude such terrifying vitality.
"It seems the eight families aren't entirely inept after all, managing to find a Martial Saint! However, I suspect he's just an ordinary Martial Saint. Still, something is better than nothing. Having one is certainly preferable to having none."
True Person Zhao's, expression softened slightly.
"We must greet this Martial Saint, as he is our guest after all."
True Person Lu Zhen remained seated, implying that it was Zhao who should greet the Martial Saint the eight grand families had invited. After all, in Lu Zhen's view, there was no one on Fairy Mist Island worth rising for.
Zhao nodded in agreement. Thus, he rose to approach the eight grand families, courteously inquiring, "I thank the Martial Saint for coming to aid Fairy Mist Island. May I ask for your esteemed name?"
"Ancient Origin Sect, Lin Fei."
"Lin Fei? The same Martial Saint Lin Fei who left our Fairy Mist Island for the Ancient Origin Sect?"
True Person Zhao recalled him. Yet, only half a year had passed since. He hadn't given it much thought. Even if he was a Martial Saint from the Ancient Origin Sect, he was merely an outer sect elder. How powerful could he be? The reputation of the Ancient Origin Sect might earn him a slight degree of regard, but that was all. Now, facing the threat of pirates, other factors were irrelevant. Power was paramount!
While Zhao might not have been too concerned, True Person Lu Zhen was visibly shaken upon hearing "Ancient Origin Sect, Lin Fei."
In an instant, True Person Lu Zhen stood up, "Might you be the very Lin Fei who defeated Jiang Tianyun in the Illusion Worry City, the foremost elder of the Ancient Origin Sect's Law Enforcement Hall, and renowned Saber Saint?"
Lu Zhen's demeanor turned serious.
