Family Cultivation: I can see the prompts

437: Double island reward and celebration banquet (two in one)As Lin Shiming stepped out of the Teleportation Array on Rising Sun Island, he felt as if he was witnessing the aftermath of the beast tide, with Cultivators once again populating the area.

The towering glazed tile buildings, adorned with redwood windows, exuded a unique aura.

On the streets, Cultivators of all kinds moved back and forth.

There were Qi Condensation Cultivators, Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and even a good number of Purple Mansion Cultivators, their eyes filled with fatigue but also a hint of joy from surviving a great calamity.

Merchant caravans, dressed in silk robes, moved with hurried steps.

After enduring the beast tide, the Coral Alliance naturally had a large quantity of Yao Beast Materials; the body parts of Yao Beasts could be transformed into Magical Artifacts, their spirit beast meat sold, and most importantly, their inner cores could be used to refine Medicinal Pills.

In the South Sea Cultivation World, many Medicinal Pills that enhance cultivation primarily use Yao Beast inner cores as their main ingredient.

The Medicinal Pills given to Lin Shiming by Immortal Yulin and Fuling Fairy, for instance, were primarily made from Yao Beast inner cores.

At this time, the price of Yao Beast Materials was at its lowest, but in a few years, it would rise again, as the number of Yao Beasts would significantly decrease after the beast tide.

Thinking of this, Lin Shiming even considered approaching the merchant caravans.

The Lin Family also possessed many Yao Beast Materials, and immediately after the beast tide ended, the Lin Family began to repurchase these Materials.

While the Lin Family could eventually process these Materials, circulating a portion of them immediately would be more beneficial for the Lin Family’s development.

Most crucially, if the Lin Family could establish connections with merchant caravans, their inns, and even other Lin Family Materials, could be sold.

This would also build the Lin Family’s reputation, and then, even turtle spirit coconut might be sold.

It could increase the success rate of high-level Cultivators; Lin Shiming had never heard of other similar spirit items in the South Sea, and the Lin Family’s success was due to Lin Houwei’s accidental discovery.

As long as it was properly advertised, he believed that many Immortal Masters, Daoists, or large Families would be willing to purchase it.

This was more reliable and safer than doing business with the Azure Cloud Fox Clan.

After all, the Lin Family also possessed Immortal Master-level combat power, and Lin Shiming was even subtly referred to as the Coral Alliance’s top Purple Mansion Cultivator.

This title was naturally exaggerated, but for the Lin Family, it was a mixed blessing.

Lin Shiming also urgently needed to further improve his strength.

This time, all his methods had essentially been exposed.

This left him with a strong sense of insecurity.

“Island Lord Lin, the Immortal Master requests your presence!” Just then, a beautiful woman in a purple dress spoke softly.

The woman was exceptionally beautiful, with a neat ponytail, and her cultivation was at the Purple Mansion Late Stage, which made him glance at her a few more times.

“Then I shall trouble Fairy!” Lin Shiming was still a bit puzzled, but when the woman produced a token inscribed with the words “Red Leaf,” he understood.

Lin Shiming realized that Real Person Hongye had finally sought him out.

This meeting had been delayed due to the Teleportation Array’s setup; otherwise, it would have taken place immediately after his discussion with Real Person Kuangfeng.

However, for Lin Shiming, a conversation with Real Person Hongye was essential.

Real Person Hongye was, after all, his direct superior.

Surprisingly, however, the destination was not the Red Leaf Palace but the Xuri Palace.

Lin Shiming’s expression became solemn; he couldn’t discern whether Real Person Hongye was hinting at something or trying to extract information.

But since the System prompt hadn’t sounded, and he had already notified Yan Yang Sword, he felt somewhat confident.

He continued to follow the purple-dressed woman, attempting to glean information along the way.

However, the purple-dressed woman skillfully evaded his questions, never directly answering Lin Shiming.

Their pace was swift, and they soon arrived before the palace.

Upon re-entering the Xuri Palace and seeing the exceedingly opulent palace, Lin Shiming felt a slight sense of emotion.

The last time he came, he was still under the machinations of Real Person Xuri, and it was here that he first learned about purple zenith sandalwood.

“Island Lord Lin, Real Person Hongye is waiting in the palace. Also, Real Person Xuri is in seclusion, so please try to keep the noise down!” The purple-dressed woman bowed slightly, then withdrew.

Lin Shiming’s doubts deepened, but he said nothing and entered the Xuri Palace.

He then saw Real Person Hongye, dressed in a red silk robe.

Today, Real Person Hongye wore a long red hairpin, her long hair still tied with a red string, looking both vibrant and beautiful.

Like a fiery maple.

“You’re here, sit!” Real Person Hongye’s tone was extremely calm.

“I apologize for making Senior wait!” Lin Shiming quickly bowed, then found a seat.

“Young Friend Lin, I want to ask you, what is your view on the situation of Rising Sun Island?” Real Person Hongye spoke directly, without any pretense.

This made Lin Shiming pause; he had initially thought Real Person Hongye would inquire about his origins or why the Lin Family had concealed themselves, but he hadn’t expected Real Person Hongye to bypass all of that.

Instead, she discussed the current situation. His mind raced, but he still couldn’t grasp Real Person Hongye’s main point, so he could only take it one step at a time:

“Senior Hongye (Senior Red Leaf), Rising Sun Island is located on the periphery of the Coral Sea Area, rich in local Yao Beasts, so it is naturally a good location...”

“I want to hear the truth, just as I won’t ask about your origins or Real Person Xuri, I hope you won’t be evasive!” Real Person Hongye interrupted directly.

There was a hint of impatience in her tone, which made Lin Shiming pause, and then he made a decision in his heart.

He paused, then replied again:

“The location of Rising Sun Island is indeed good, but it is also an extremely awkward position. Towards the Inner Sea, it is close to the Nine Dragon Sea Area, and the Outer Sea borders the Yao Race. To its left and right, it is situated between Tianliu Island and Golden Thunder Island, making it a strategically contested area!”

“This is also where beast tides are most likely to erupt!”

This time, Lin Shiming himself felt a chill, and it was no wonder that before this, the twelve outer islands of Rising Sun Island seemed to have been infiltrated.

The Island Lord of Tianxiang Island was from Nine Dragon Island, Lianyun Island was controlled by Golden Thunder Island, and among the remaining twelve outer islands, Guanghao Island was most likely controlled by Tianliu Island.

Although Lin Shiming didn’t know about the remaining islands, he estimated the situation wouldn’t be much better.

And Real Person Xuri, instead of clearing them out, had often protected them.

This was naturally not due to his good temper, but because he was unable to clear them out.

There were many intricate connections involved.

It was fine that Lin Shiming dealt with Purple Jade Sanren because Nine Dragon Island was, after all, an external force, and with one of their own killed by a Mid Purple Mansion Realm Lin Shiming, they could only swallow the bitter pill.

Real Person Xuri’s strength was insufficient; he could only strive to improve his own strength and rarely interfered with the outer islands.

Lin Shiming looked up again, at Real Person Hongye.

At this moment, she showed a thoughtful expression, as if she had become somewhat interested.

And Real Person Hongye before him had repeatedly made Lin Shiming look up to her.

Real Person Xuri’s governance was one thing, but Real Person Hongye was clearly different; she was decisive, from actively attacking to designing an Alliance with Tianliu Island, and then borrowing the Coral Alliance’s Magical Formation.

This was an Immortal Master who truly wanted to make Rising Sun Island the private property of the Ye Family.

If it were Real Person Xuri, he would have probably fled long ago.

However, Lin Shiming was somewhat puzzled: Real Person Gufeng was a Late Golden Core Stage existence, so why hadn’t he presided over Rising Sun Island before?

Instead, he let Real Person Xuri control it.

Unless, the time of Real Person Gufeng’s Breakthrough was recent...

“Very well said!” Real Person Hongye nodded.

“The Coral Alliance is currently divided into three factions: the neutral faction led by the Alliance Master, the radical faction primarily led by Golden Thunder Island, who once advocated expanding Human Race territory by half a sea area, and the defensive faction led by Tianliu Island!”

“The location of Rising Sun Island is even more crucial!”

“Therefore, for the peace of the sea area, this Immortal Master believes that the Lin Family is also on our side and should naturally bear the responsibility of guardianship!”

“How about the Lin Family taking charge of Tianxiang Island and Lianyun Island?” Real Person Hongye asked.

At this, Lin Shiming was also startled!

He knew Real Person Hongye would keep him, after all, Rising Sun Island needed to be reorganized, requiring many Purple Mansion Cultivators, and among them, those with courage and ideas were not many.

But for the Lin Family, Tianxiang Island alone was actually enough.

In fact, while developing Tianxiang Island, Tianliu Island could also be developed simultaneously!

However, Real Person Hongye giving up Lianyun Island was like giving up a huge piece of the profit pie, and also tying down the Lin Family’s Golden Core-level combat power.

Yet, at this moment, Lin Shiming couldn’t refuse.

He had already offended Golden Thunder, and coupled with his proximity to Tianliu Island, Lianyun Island had also been completely overrun by the Yao Race before.

Even if the Lin Family were to occupy it, they would need to resettle Cultivators and Mortals, and also prevent Golden Thunder Island’s Cultivators from infiltrating again.

Then, the Cultivators from the Lin Family who migrated to Tianliu Island would also have to be relocated back.

Taking charge of two islands.

This would inevitably sever some ties with Tianliu Island.

However, for Lin Shiming, developing on Tianliu Island was not good news either, as going there would inevitably infringe upon the interests of Tianliu Island’s direct lineage.

The beast tide there was not as severe, and the casualties were only a small number of Purple Mansion Cultivators and a large number of Foundation Establishment and Qi Condensation Cultivators.

“At the same time, this Immortal Master can promise you that for the next hundred years, Tianxiang Island and Lianyun Island will not need to complete Alliance missions, and for the Teleportation Array, Tianxiang Island will only be charged one-tenth of the Alliance’s share!”

If Real Person Hongye’s previous offer of benefits was vague, then the current benefits completely made it impossible for Lin Shiming to refuse.

This was virtually gifting these two outer islands to the Lin Family.

That meager one-tenth share was also the Alliance’s share, which would not pass through Rising Sun Island’s hands but go directly to the Coral Alliance.

Real Person Hongye had indeed paid a great price.

From twelve outer islands, it became ten outer islands.

“Thank you, Immortal Master!” Lin Shiming ultimately agreed.

Not to mention the Lin Family’s reputation gained on Tianxiang Island, and the ability to connect to the Eastern Region, plus the additional Nine Peaks Island that could be included in the Lin Family’s territory, giving them great autonomy.

Things wouldn’t be so good on Tianliu Island.

He also had confidence that he would break through to the Golden Core Stage within a hundred years, and by then, even if the beast tide came again, the Lin Family’s survival capability would be even stronger!

Moreover, in a hundred years, the Lin Family would already be a Jiaolong Clan!

“Also, a reminder: do you know why Real Person Kuangfeng possesses so many Secret Manuals and ancient legends? He might not necessarily be a Loose Cultivator...”

After Real Person Hongye finished speaking, she sat back in her chair and said no more.

She picked up her tea and slowly began to drink it.

Lin Shiming also tactfully took his leave, his heart now holding a bit more caution towards Real Person Kuangfeng, though he wouldn’t take Real Person Hongye’s attempt at sowing discord seriously.

His relationship with Real Person Kuangfeng was mostly transactional, so it was impossible for him to be entirely unguarded.

But there was no need for him to distance himself from Real Person Kuangfeng; he also had the System prompt, and he believed he could grasp the appropriate extent.

After Lin Shiming left, Real Person Gufeng also unhurriedly walked out... The celebration banquet was held at noon, at the Coral Alliance branch hall on Rising Sun Island.

Lin Shiming had also received missions here before.

Soon, he arrived at a large hall, where Purple Mansion Cultivators specifically guarded the entrance. Lin Shiming happened to see Real Person Kuangfeng, who was smiling at Lin Shiming.

And directly transmitted a message:

“Did that old man Gufeng say bad things about me?”

The voice transmission made Lin Shiming involuntarily stiffen, then feel a bit awkward.

“Don’t worry, even if you don’t answer, I know. His daughter even wanted to marry me, and like you, I don’t like the daughters of Golden Core Immortal Masters!” Real Person Kuangfeng said again, in his usual offhand manner.

Which made Lin Shiming feel a little ashamed.

The two entered, one on the left and one on the right.

Inside the hall, Lin Shiming felt a little restrained; the entire hall was set with five or six tables, and the lowest-grade items on the tables were all Fourth-Rank spirit fruits and spirit foods.

One pot of wine, in particular, exuded a Fifth-Rank spiritual fragrance.

Even Lin Shiming couldn’t help but swallow.

This was a true Golden Core Spirit Banquet.

Real Person Xueshan and Real Person Fengxing sat at the head table, with even Tian Liu True Person only on one side.

In the entire hall, Lin Shiming roughly estimated there were over thirty Immortal Masters.

Most of them were Immortal Masters from the Coral Alliance, a smaller number were Immortal Masters from Nine Dragon Island, and there were two Immortal Masters from Thousand Buddha Island.

Among the Immortal Masters within the Coral Alliance, there were also Immortal Masters from various inner islands; Golden Thunder Island had sent one Immortal Master, though it wasn’t Golden Thunder himself.

Clearly, with Golden Thunder Island breached, Golden Thunder’s injuries were definitely not light.

Nevertheless, the Immortal Master from Golden Thunder Island was still at the Late Golden Core Stage, showcasing their formidable strength.

This time, the one who was truly apprehensive was Lanling True Person; Lanling True Person had previously been on Ziyang Island and clearly held great animosity towards Rising Sun Island, while Golden Thunder Island had suffered heavy losses in this beast tide.

Both his backing and his own strength were at a disadvantage.

“Alright, everyone is here, the celebration banquet begins!” Real Person Xueshan clapped her hands and stood up.

The other Immortal Masters also stood up, all looking at Real Person Xueshan, awaiting instructions.

“This is a celebration banquet, and also a warning banquet!”

“Do you know why the celebration banquet is held on Rising Sun Island?”

“Because Rising Sun Island defended against the attack of the Yao Race’s Jiaolong Clan!”

As Real Person Xueshan spoke, the Immortal Master from Golden Thunder Island also lowered his head.

“Golden Thunder Island’s defense was inadequate; in the future, the number of participants in the Ziyang Secret Realm will be reduced, and their share of the Heavenly Secret Realm will decrease!”

“Rising Sun Island’s Secret Realm participant count will increase by ten, and its share of the Heaven Rank island will increase according to its Golden Core combat power!”

“Tianliu Island’s Ziyang Secret Realm participant count will increase by ten, and its share of the Heavenly Secret Realm will increase!”

...The punishments and rewards were announced without any reservation, and this was clearly pre-arranged, as no one raised any objections.

Furthermore, the Immortal Masters from Nine Dragon Island and Thousand Buddha Island were also made aware.

While Lin Shiming was surprised, he also gained a deeper understanding of the Coral Alliance; of course, he wasn’t sure if this loose structure was for show or if it was genuinely how things were.