CHAPTER 377: CHAPTER 0374: THERE IS STILL SUCH FEUDAL MATTERS

Mortal world.

Above Jiangdu City.

Wei You and Bai Qiu stood in the Void, their gazes directed downward. This place could be considered the last Sacred Land of Martial Arts.

"Senior sister, are all these people connected to that kid? Should we help him keep this place a secret?"

Wei You said, "Hmm, we can ignore the others, but Fan Er told me before that this is his birthplace. There are many of his close friends here. He introduced Martial Arts to this place for their cultivation because he didn’t want them to perish after a hundred years. So, this place must not be touched by other Immortal Sects."

Regardless of anything else.

Wei You’s reputation in the Immortal Path still carried weight. Therefore, after she said these words, hardly anyone would dare to disrespect her.

"Hahaha, if that kid knew that the flourishing of Martial Arts here has unexpectedly birthed several Martial Arts pioneers during this period, I wonder how he would feel. Perhaps he’d be gratified."

"In my opinion, centuries from now, mortal Martial Arts will rise as its own powerful faction."

Bai Qiu laughed.

He didn’t care about matters a hundred years later because by that time, he would have already ascended, and such concerns wouldn’t have anything to do with him.

The trouble was for future generations to deal with.

Wei You raised her hand, deploying layers of Arrays to protect Jiangdu City. Even though Lin Fan had already set up many Arrays here, compared to Wei You’s handiwork, there was still a significant difference.

Now, Jiangdu City stood as solid as a fortress, unbreakable. Any cultivator with some background who saw the Arrays here wouldn’t dare entertain any thoughts and would retreat immediately.

During this period,

several exceptional Martial Artists emerged.

Figures like the old Sword God, Martial Emperor, and other Martial Arts prodigies rose to prominence, their fame spreading across the mortal world. Even individuals from Immortal Sects had heard of them, knowing these people as stubborn champions of Martial Arts.

At the same time, rumors circulated about a child displaying an astounding Martial Arts talent.

It was said that he seemed to have broken through the limits of humanity overnight.

As to whether this was true or not, none could confirm.

But the current situation was enough to show that Martial Arts were developing rapidly. As for what was happening in the shadows, they were unaware.

Immortal Realm.

Lin Fan had slain Chaotic Demon Youth, gaining plentiful rewards, including acquiring two Immortal Treasures, both quite remarkable.

The Red God Whip was somewhat weak, exactly as Chaotic Demon Youth had bitterly mocked in his thoughts.

This treasure was a casual toy crafted over centuries by his father, given to him without much consideration.

But even as a toy, it was still deadly for ordinary Immortals.

"Thankfully, I parted ways with that girl; otherwise, trouble would inevitably follow."

If he had acted alongside that woman, it would have been a completely different story.

In the Immortal Realm for the first time, everything had to be steady.

Eliminate all dangers.

Journeying alone was the safest approach. Once a friendship with that woman formed, running away from trouble would be more bothersome. If emotions developed, it would become a disastrous affair—likely lethal.

He checked his treasures.

Immortal Stones and Elixirs didn’t require examination; they were essential for cultivating Immortal Law.

[Mystical Destiny Pearl: An Immortal King refined this using the essence of five elemental realms over thousands of years. It can transform into various ancient treasures and possesses profound mystical properties.]

This Immortal Treasure was indeed terrifying.

If Chaotic Demon Youth had succeeded in refining the Mystical Destiny Pearl, Lin Fan might not have been his match. Even if victorious, the cost would have been significant.

At this moment.

In a mysterious location.

An ancient powerhouse’s expression turned peculiar. This was the Chaotic Demon Emperor. Just moments ago, he felt an unsettling shift in his thoughts, distinctly sensing that some tether had suddenly disappeared.

"My son has died."

He deeply loved Chaotic Demon Youth for he saw a reflection of his younger self in him.

"Who dares to harm my son’s life?"

Immediately.

The stars of the heavens surrounded the Chaotic Demon Emperor, each representing a constellation, as he tried to divine the circumstances his son had faced. Yet, an obscure gray mist blocked his calculations.

"This obscured energy prevents divination—what formidable ability."

The Chaotic Demon Emperor fell into deep contemplation.

Anyone capable of obstructing a Demon Emperor’s divination must be no ordinary being; possibly even connected to a greater existence.

"Sigh..."

"My son, Chaotic, I foretold your calamity and sent you to borrow the Mystical Destiny Pearl, yet you still met your death."

"My heart aches deeply, but your death is also my opportunity. With nothing left to bind me, I can now strive for the Immortal Venerable Dao Fruit."

If Chaotic Demon Youth could hear his father’s words, he would undoubtedly cry from the depths of his soul.

Father!

As your unworthy child, I cannot repay you properly in death.

But hearing the rest of your words, I fear I’d cough up three liters of blood. Are these even human words?

Am I truly your biological son?

"Ah-choo!"

Lin Fan sneezed, rubbed his nose, and said, "Who’s thinking about me? Seems like it’s been long enough; a lot of people must be missing me."

He had to find time to return to the mortal world and check things out.

But given the current situation, he didn’t have the necessary strength yet.

Arriving at a far-off remote place.

Ensuring that the woman from before could no longer track him.

He sat cross-legged, took out his Immortal Stones, and began refining the Mixed Element Golden Gourd. To gain a foothold in the Immortal Realm, he had to fully refine this treasure to draw out its greater power.

By then, even if he encountered someone stronger, he’d still be able to fight back.

Of course.

With nearly 400,000 years of Mana accumulated, he was an unfathomable force in the mortal world, but average in the Immortal Realm. As long as he avoided terrifying lunatics, he’d manage to stay safe for now.

In this moment.

One Immortal Stone after another transformed into the purest Immortal Energy, merging into the Mixed Element Golden Gourd, beginning the refining process.

With his current strength, refining an Immortal Treasure naturally became easier.

However, refining a treasure as advanced as the Mixed Element Golden Gourd would likely take no less than a thousand years.

"Hmm?"

This moment.

He noticed multicolored gases floating in the depths of the Mixed Element Golden Gourd’s Golden River, appearing as a mysterious and alternative energy.

Previously, he hadn’t noticed this.

As his control over the Mixed Element Golden Gourd grew, he discovered increasingly more within.

"It seems I’ve accessed the deeper secrets of the Mixed Element Golden Gourd."

Lin Fan continued refining, day and night reversed. After an unknown number of days, he consumed all his Immortal Stones, finally opening his eyes and exhaling white mist that shrouded the area, forming a dense fog.

"I’ve grown stronger again."

At present, he didn’t need to cultivate Immortal Law, but Martial Arts demanded his personal dedication. Thus, apart from refining treasures, he spent his idle time cultivating Martial Arts, improving his True Qi, and gradually elevating Martial Arts to the level of Immortal cultivation.

He rose into the air,

turning into a streak of light that disappeared across the heavens and earth.

He didn’t have many enemies now.

But for his safety,

he still actively used Divine Skills to conceal his energy flow. Even though the effect wasn’t significant, it was necessary. Failing to do so might lead to being hunted someday, and that would be well-earned misfortune.

Fiery Immortal City.

This city was one of the largest he had encountered during his journey, abundant with Immortals. The thick Immortal Energy enveloping the city made it far larger than the previous one he visited.

Lin Fan wandered aimlessly within the streets of the city.

Simply exploring the sights.

Without any clue where to head next, his guiding philosophy remained: "Since I’m here, I’ll adapt." He avoided overthinking; wherever fate led him, he followed. If he encountered friendly folks, he’d engage in conversation. If he met hostile ones, he’d find a way to kill them, plunder their treasures, and strengthen himself.

Suddenly.

A group of people chatting passed by.

"The Xiao family is selecting a son-in-law. Who do you think might get lucky enough? Becoming Xiao family’s son-in-law would be like a worm turning into a True Dragon. In Fiery Immortal City, they’d gain unparalleled power."

"Come on, let’s go see what’s happening."

"I heard they’re using a silk ball to choose. Anyone has a chance."

"Even Immortal Sect Disciples traveled here from a million miles away upon hearing this, hoping to test their luck."

Son-in-law selection?

Hah!

Such an outdated and feudal affair exists even in the Immortal Realm?

He had to go and witness this spectacle.

Following the group of passersby, he headed in their direction.

"So many people, huh? Is their specialty being freeloaders?"

Lin Fan scanned the crowd, which numbered in the thousands, including Immortals of notable cultivation among them. They stood amidst the throng, gazing up towards the pavilion from which the silk ball would be thrown.

"Tell me this: does this son-in-law selection always attract this many people? Is the Xiao family’s young lady truly that beautiful?"

It was the Immortal Realm after all; everyone was cultivating Immortal Law. Even if one aimed to cling to wealth and power, wasn’t this a bit excessive?

A man nearby replied, "Not sure; no one’s seen her. But rumors say she’s the most beautiful woman across all realms. Looking at this crowd, you can tell it must be true. Later on, I’ll definitely give it my best shot– just maybe I’ll be chosen."

Lin Fan nodded thoughtfully.

It seemed the allure of becoming a son-in-law was indeed potent.

At that moment, atop the pavilion, a middle-aged man with a booming voice spoke as he channeled his energy to his Dantian.

"Honored young talents, today is the day my youngest daughter selects her husband. Anyone under the age of five hundred years is eligible, regardless of appearance or status. Everything depends on fate."

The middle-aged man exuded an extraordinary aura, clearly a dignified patriarch from a prestigious family.

"Yes! I’m willing to become Xiao family’s dragon-riding son-in-law!"

"Me too!"

"I’ve heard Xiao family’s daughter is a peerless genius. Could she truly be as exceptional as the rumors suggest?"

Following the Xiao Family Master’s announcement, the excited crowd swelled with crimson enthusiasm, as if every person was confident they’d be chosen.

Shortly afterward,

a figure dressed in red robes stepped out.

A mist-veiled woman emerged.

Her face couldn’t be seen through the veil.

But her graceful figure prompted many to gulp down their saliva.

"Hmm, looks like her form is indeed decent. She shouldn’t be too ugly," Lin Fan scrutinized her with a keen eye, assessing every detail.

No wonder she had drawn such a vast crowd.

Within the pavilion,

The middle-aged man previously speaking turned to an elderly figure beside him. "Wood Daoist, do you think this plan will work?"

Wood Daoist, who appeared withering but radiated vitality, replied, "Xiao Family Master, rest assured. I’ve conducted extensive research on the concept of Qi Luck. The silk ball I’ve enchanted is guaranteed to help you find a son-in-law imbued with robust Qi Luck. When the time comes, as long as the Xiao family treats him well and secures his loyalty, the family’s declining fate will naturally resolve itself."

"Excellent, excellent. Many thanks, Wood Daoist," the Xiao Family Master spoke gratefully.

Though there remained one troubling matter—the youngest daughter herself...