Chapter 236

After more than ten days.

In the Samsung Island Group, Muxing Island, Xianxia Sect, Xianxia Peak, in a quiet chamber.

This is precisely where Zhou Sui usually cultivates.

He has only just advanced to the early Golden Core Realm not long ago, and still needs some time to stabilize his cultivation.

Therefore, these past few days, aside from dual cultivation with his Dao Companion, he usually stays in the quiet chamber to cultivate diligently.

"It's been more than ten days already, and the Black Shark Clan chief seems to have made no move."

"Could it really be that, because of the war, he dares not come to take revenge?"

Zhou Sui narrowed his eyes.

To be honest, he has already prepared to flee.

If the Black Shark Clan chief really comes to kill at Xianxia Sect, then he will definitely bring his Dao Companion along to flee.

Anyway, with the protection of the third-tier great array, he can at least hold off a Nascent Soul Ancestor for a while.

Then he can rely on the power of the Teleportation Gu to instantly move a million kilometers.

By then, the Black Shark Clan chief will only be able to eat dust behind him.

However, looking at the current situation, things are not as serious as he imagined.

There is still room for maneuver in the matter.

"No, I cannot entrust my safety to others."

"I must rely on myself."

"Regardless of whether the Black Shark Clan chief intends to come kill or not, I must prepare in advance."

"I must raise my array cultivation to the fourth-tier level."

"Once the array reaches the fourth-tier, even if a Nascent Soul Ancestor comes to kill, it's utterly impossible to break through my fourth-tier array."

Zhou Sui stroked his chin.

At present, his cultivation cannot possibly achieve a major breakthrough in a short time.

After reaching the Golden Core Realm, cultivation speed becomes even slower.

Therefore, if he wants to enhance his combat power, he must still rely on the power of arrays.

Only the power of arrays, by borrowing the power of heaven and earth, can enable one to challenge above one's level.

"If the Array Heart Gu wants to grow, it still needs to rely on a fourth-tier array."

"In this sea region, the only place truly set up with a fourth-tier array is the headquarters of the Wuji Alliance, Wuji Island."

"Calculating the time, my avatar should have also brought the Array Heart Gu to Wuji Island by now."

Zhou Sui narrowed his eyes.

In fact, more than ten days ago, his avatar boarded a Flying Boat, heading for Wuji Island, advancing at great speed.

After several days of travel, it should have nearly arrived at Wuji Island by now.

…………

At this time, near Wuji Island, a port city named Jinghai City.

It can be said that this is also one of the largest port cities of Wuji Island, with the city's population exceeding fifty million.

After all, Wuji Island is still quite large, comparable to a small continent, with a diameter of over one million kilometers.

It is also densely populated, with numerous cities built upon it.

At this very moment, a Flying Boat descends upon this port.

And the avatar Zhou Sui also steps out from the Flying Boat.

He spent more than ten days' time, and finally flew from the Samsung Island Group to Wuji Island.

"Indeed, it is even more prosperous than Xianxia City."

The avatar Zhou Sui enters Jinghai City, gazing at this enormous city, and also secretly marvels.

The last time he arrived at Wuji Island, he also came to this place, Jinghai City.

Only last time he was in a hurry, and did not really wander around.

Now, upon careful inspection, he immediately feels that this city is extraordinary, with a large number of cultivators living within.

Qi Refining Cultivators need not be mentioned — they are everywhere.

Even Foundation Establishment Cultivators can be seen everywhere.

Only Golden Core Cultivators are somewhat rare, but occasionally one or two can be encountered.

This also proves the strength of the Wuji Alliance, truly deserving of its status as the hegemon of this sea region.

Basically, cultivators who have achieved some accomplishment will all come to Wuji Island.

After all, this place has numerous cultivators, abundant resources, and more opportunities.

"Master."

At this moment, Shangguan Xu's figure appears before Zhou Sui, having waited for a long time.

Beside him are his Golden Core guards, Zhang Wen and Li Hu.

These three have also long been controlled by the Demon Seed, becoming his puppets.

It can be said that, over these past few years, they have remained in Wuji Island cultivating.

They have also gathered not a little intelligence for Zhou Sui.

They are quite good puppets and internal spies.

He is also very satisfied with them.

Fortunately, he did not directly kill them back then, but instead used the Demon Seed to control them.

Otherwise, where could he obtain so much information from them?

"How's the information gathering going?"

Zhou Sui asked.

"Master, to obtain a Tier 4 Upper-Grade Grand Array, you probably need to go to the core area of Wuji Island."

"That place is called Wuji Gong, and it is also the headquarters of the Wuji Alliance."

"Inside Wuji Gong, a Tier 4 Upper-Grade Grand Array has been set up—the Wuji Qiankun Array."

"It is said that this Tier 4 Upper-Grade Grand Array has infinite power; even if attacked by dozens of Nascent Soul cultivators, it can still hold."

"It possesses the power to reverse Qiankun and the boundless Void, truly wondrous without end."

Shangguan Xu immediately spoke out the information he had gathered.

"Not bad, not bad."

"Can you freely enter and exit Wuji Gong?"

The clone Zhou Sui inquired.

He did not plan to go himself, after all, such a core area of the Wuji Alliance—if not an internal member, one would certainly be caught and thoroughly interrogated.

But letting Shangguan Xu act would be different.

After all, this kid's father is the Nascent Soul Ancestor Shangguan Qing, who can freely enter and exit Wuji Gong.

And it would not arouse anyone's suspicion.

"I also cannot freely enter and exit Wuji Gong."

"But I can make an excuse, saying I am going to visit my father."

"This way, I can enter Wuji Gong."

Shangguan Xu said in a deep voice.

"Good, then this matter is entrusted to you."

The clone Zhou Sui nodded with satisfaction.

As long as the Array Heart Gu enters the Tier 4 Array Formation within Wuji Gong, after spending a certain amount of time, it can completely control this Tier 4 Array Formation, and simultaneously allow the Array Heart Gu to reach the Tier 4 level.

At that time, my own Array Dao cultivation can also reach the Tier 4 realm.

"Huh?!"

At this moment, the clone Zhou Sui's Heart Eye Power spread out, immediately sensing a breath rapidly approaching, extremely powerful, indeed reaching the Nascent Soul realm.

Before Zhou Sui could react, a graceful figure immediately appeared before him, accompanied by a fragrance that pleased the heart and spleen, enchanting, causing a great shock to the mind.

Immediately, a stunning woman with a light veil on her face, wearing a form-fitting long skirt that outlined her perfect figure, appeared before him.

Zhou Sui immediately recognized the true identity of this stunning woman—Nascent Soul Ancestor Taohua Shangren.

He did not expect to meet this woman again so soon.

"I said, why did I sense an unpleasant aura on the street?"

"Turns out it's you, Shangguan Xu."

"Didn't I tell you last time? If you dare come within one kilometer of my range again, I will definitely take your life—have you forgotten?"

Taohua Shangren stared at Shangguan Xu, her beautiful eyes filled with terrifying killing intent.

The reason she so detests Shangguan Xu.

Is because Shangguan Xu is excessively lustful, even having once set his sights on her maid.

As a result, she personally struck him, nearly beating him to death.

If it weren't for Shangguan Qing personally intervening, Shangguan Xu would have died.

Because of this, she detests Shangguan Xu to the extreme, not allowing him to come within one kilometer of her.

"Sorry, Taohua Senior."

"I didn't know you were nearby."

"If I had known earlier, I would have definitely left immediately."

At this moment, Shangguan Xu seemed to recall those painful memories.

Even though he is now a puppet controlled by the Demon Seed, recalling those memories still fills him with fear, unable to help but tremble in place.

After all, the other party is a Nascent Soul Ancestor.

Even with his father's influence, it may not be enough to save himself.

"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and get lost."

Taohua Shangren seemed to suppress her killing intent, wanting to strike him dead with a palm, but thinking he is Shangguan Qing's son, and the Wuji Alliance still faces the threat of the Sea Clan.

She also cannot act on impulse and affect the Wuji Alliance's greater situation.

For if she angered Shangguan Laozu, it's hard to say what would happen.

"Yes, yes, yes, I'm leaving now."

Shangguan Xu wasted no words, immediately taking two Golden Core guards and swiftly leaving this place.

After Shangguan Xu and his group left, Taohua Shangren's beautiful eyes fell upon Zhou Sui, revealing a scrutinizing look: "If I remember correctly, you are the Foundation Establishment Elder from the Xianxia Sect who joined the Wuji Alliance last time—how did you end up with Shangguan Xu? Are you trying to curry favor with this kid, climbing onto the Nascent Soul Ancestor's coattails?"

As a Nascent Soul Cultivator, her memory is extremely strong, already reaching the level of never forgetting.

Even having seen someone only once, she can remember clearly.

Moreover, Zhou Sui originally had handsome looks and extraordinary demeanor, like a banished immortal.

This makes people remember him even more deeply.

Originally, she detested such men who fawn over power to an extreme degree.

But upon seeing Zhou Sui's face, her heart softened, and her restraint relaxed considerably; she felt perhaps things were not as simple as she imagined.

The reason she is with someone like Shangguan Xu must have its reasons.

Perhaps she has her own hardships, forced to be with Shangguan Xu unwillingly.

"Taohua Shangren truly has eyes like torches."

"I am not trying to curry favor with Shangguan Xu; in fact, I am forced to do so."

"He came to Muling Island and took a liking to my Dao Companion."

"But since the other party is the son of a Nascent Soul Ancestor, I cannot afford to offend him, so I can only go along with it."

Zhou Sui blinked his eyes and laid out the 'truth' of this matter completely.

Of course, this matter is mostly true, with the latter part being two-tenths false.

Shangguan Xu indeed had such thoughts back then, but now he has already been refined by himself into a puppet, utterly dead.

"That guy is indeed a lustful hungry ghost."

"It is rumored that he especially loves other people's Dao Companions; I did not expect him to be even more hateful than imagined."

"If I had known, I would have slapped him to death just now."

Upon hearing this, Taohua Shangren's face showed a hint of anger.

She saw Zhou Sui's gaze also become much gentler; it seems indeed as I previously anticipated—such a man would not stay with such scum.

At a glance, one can tell this man before us is more upright and selfless, brave and kind.

Compared to scum like Shangguan Xu, I do not know how many times better he is.

"Thank you, Taohua Shangren, for your understanding."

Zhou Sui gazed at Taohua Shangren, his heart also involuntarily feeling moved.

The last time I met this Nascent Soul female cultivator was truly too brief; now I can finally be considered truly alone together.

She is indeed the number one beauty of the Wuji Alliance.

Whether appearance or figure, she is incomparably perfect, a rarity in the world.

Especially, a special fragrance emanates from her body, suggesting she possesses a special constitution.

It can simply make every man intoxicated, unable to extricate himself.

If I could marry this Nascent Soul female cultivator, the benefits I could gain would be simply unimaginable.

By then, I would not only gain a Nascent Soul Ancestor as a backer.

But also have a Nascent Soul female cultivator as my Dao Companion.

Whether it be status, position, or resources, all could be greatly enhanced.

"By the way, I still have a sub-Gu of the Infatuation Gu on me."

"Moreover, the Infatuation Gu has also advanced to the Fourth-Tier realm, sufficient to affect the Nascent Soul female cultivator."

"This is a great opportunity."

The clone Zhou Sui felt a stirring in his heart; in fact, it is not only this clone carrying the sub-Gu of the Infatuation Gu—each clone carries a sub-Gu nurtured by the Infatuation Gu.

After all, planting the Gu does not necessarily require the main body to act personally; using the sub-Gu is also completely sufficient.

The reason each clone carries a sub-Gu is naturally as a backup measure.

If there is an opportunity to encounter a Nascent Soul female cultivator one fancies, there will be a chance to act.

Now it seems, indeed, such an opportunity has been encountered.

And once missed, there will be no next time.

Because Nascent Soul female cultivators are not so easily encountered; they are burdened with myriad affairs and often retreat into seclusion.

To meet one even once is already a great stroke of luck.

Whoosh!

Thinking of this, the clone Zhou Sui made a slight movement; instantly, this sub-Gu transformed into an intangible force, soundless and traceless, merging into the Void, permeating all defenses of Taohua Shangren.

Not long after, the sub-Gu entered Taohua Shangren's body.

And Taohua Shangren also noticed nothing.

After all, the power of the Infatuation Gu is not something ordinary people can perceive.

"Your Dao Companion? Could it be those few Golden Core female cultivators from last time?"

"Which one of them exactly is your Dao Companion?"

At this moment, Taohua Shangren also detected no sign of infatuation; at this very moment, she could not help but recall the three exceptionally beautiful Golden Core female cultivators she once tried to recruit, whose appearance, figure, and demeanor were not inferior to her own.

It is only a pity that they did not accept her recruitment; otherwise, they would have followed her to Taohua Island.

"Actually, they are all my Dao Companions."

Zhou Sui answered very honestly.

"What? All of them are your Dao Companions?"

"Such female cultivators—having even one take a liking to you would already be not bad."

"Three Golden Core female cultivators marrying one Foundation Establishment Cultivator? What a joke."

Taohua Shangren was dazed, simply unable to believe what she heard; she thought Zhou Sui was just talking nonsense.

How exactly did this brat manage to make three Golden Core female cultivators take a liking to him, and moreover, have three women serve one husband?

Of course, if Zhou Sui's cultivation were strong, she thinks he might still use special means to force these three female cultivators to marry himself.

But now, Zhou Sui's cultivation is merely Foundation Establishment; how could he force Golden Core female cultivators?

This is like an ant trying to force an elephant—utterly impossible.

The only explanation is that this brat possesses an uncommon charm, enabling the three Golden Core female cultivators to simultaneously favor him, and thus willingly, three women serve one husband.

"Taohua Shangren, Foundation Establishment Realm was in the past."

"After years of arduous cultivation, I have long entered the Golden Core Realm."

Zhou Sui also slightly dispelled the Phantom Demon Transformation Art, leaking out his Golden Core Realm aura.

"You have actually already advanced to the Golden Core Realm?"

"You actually managed to conceal yourself from my perception—it seems you've cultivated an extraordinary Breath Concealment Technique."

"By the way, how old are you now?"

Taohua Shangren gazed deeply at Zhou Sui with her beautiful eyes.

As a Nascent Soul Cultivator, she actually failed to detect any change in Zhou Sui's aura, unable to sense the depth of his cultivation.

It goes without saying that the Breath Concealment Technique Zhou Sui practices is certainly out of the ordinary.

However, similar Breath Concealment Techniques are abundant in the Canglan Sea, so this isn't particularly remarkable.

At most, it's merely a unique secret technique for self-protection.

As a cultivator, the most important thing is actually one's own cultivation—this is the foundation.

Therefore, she doesn't consider it a big deal.

In fact, she herself understands such a Breath Concealment Technique.

The problem is, she is already a Nascent Soul Cultivator—where would she still need to hide herself?

Even if she openly displayed her cultivation, no one would dare act against her.

In the forest, only rabbits need to hide themselves; fierce tigers have always roamed recklessly and without restraint.

"Reporting to Taohua Senior, I am already fifty-four years old."

Zhou Sui answered honestly.

"You've reached Golden Core at just fifty-four?"

"And you come from a remote sea region with scarce resources."

"Your talent and ability are truly extraordinary."

"No wonder those three Golden Core female cultivators took a liking to you, willing to share one husband among three wives."

Taohua Shangren instantly understood the thoughts of those three Golden Core female cultivators; although it's rare for three Golden Core female cultivators to marry a single Foundation Establishment male cultivator, it's not impossible.

The only explanation is that they were captivated by this man's astonishing talent, believing he would surely become a great figure in the future, which is why they willingly submitted and lowered themselves.

Judging by the outcome, those three Golden Core female cultivators indeed made the right gamble.

This man reached Golden Core at merely fifty-four years old.

Even when viewed across the entire Canglan Sea, he counts as an unparalleled genius.

Placed within a Nascent Soul Sect, he could become a True Disciple.

Know that she herself once possessed a Heavenly Spirit Root, had a special constitution, and even her father was a Nascent Soul Cultivator, giving her abundant resources to aid her cultivation from birth.

Thus, she reached Foundation Establishment at eighteen, Golden Core at forty, and Nascent Soul at two hundred.

Now, at five hundred fifty years old, she has reached the middle stage of Nascent Soul.

Although her own advancement speed was slightly slower by comparison, she had so many resources aiding her, enabling her to form Golden Core at forty; if she lacked those resources...

Forming Golden Core at sixty would already be considered not bad.

One can imagine that even if this man's talent falls short of hers, the difference is not great.

This is also a Nascent Soul seedling, with limitless future prospects.

Perhaps those three Golden Core female cultivators took a liking to this very point, which is why they willingly became his wives.

However, these three women are also too foolish.

Because faithless men are all too common in the world, you toil desperately, hoping your husband will become a dragon, cultivating him into a peerless talent among men.

But in the blink of an eye, he shifts his affection elsewhere.

All those years of painstaking effort are now wasted.

If this man is a faithless man, then the female cultivators will suffer terribly.

"Taohua Senior, you overpraise me."

"It's merely perseverance and effort."

"My talent is not as high as imagined."

Zhou Sui spoke very humbly.

"Not bad—speaking frankly, I've taken a liking to you. Join my Taohua Island."

"As long as you're willing to join my Taohua Island, you may freely choose any woman on my Taohua Island."

"Even the eighteen personal attendants of my Taohua Island—you may marry them all."

"Know that the women who can become attendants on my Taohua Island are each one in ten thousand."

"Whether it's talent, appearance, or figure, none will fall short of your Dao Companion."

"As long as you nod in agreement, all these things will be yours."

"Even Taohua Island itself can become your backing."

"Even Shangguan Xu could not possibly threaten you."

Taohua Shangren gazed at Zhou Sui thus, her Peach Blossom Eyes revealing an unfathomable expression.

She directly offered generous terms, seeking to recruit Zhou Sui.

"Thank you for your kindness, Taohua Senior, but I appreciate the sentiment."

"I naturally know that the female cultivators on Taohua Island are each beautiful as flowers."

"This is also renowned in the Wuji Alliance."

"But no matter how good other women are, they cannot compare to my Dao Companion."

"If I were to abandon my Dao Companion and marry other female cultivators, that would be absolutely impossible."

"I, Zhou Sui, rely on myself alone in life—not on women."

Zhou Sui appeared righteous and resolute; without another word, he had initially chosen to reject Taohua Shangren's goodwill.

He didn't even realize that this must necessarily be Taohua Shangren's test.

If he agreed to it himself, Taohua Shangren would not only not be pleased, but would probably get angry instead.

After all, who would like a man who abandons his wife and children?

If he can abandon his hair-wife today, he can abandon himself tomorrow.

This is a life-or-death multiple-choice question, and he would not choose wrong.

Of course, even if Taohua Shangren's recruitment was sincere, he would not agree.

He is a man who eats hard food while pretending to eat soft food, not really eating soft food.

Soft food must be delivered to his mouth before he eats it; there is no such thing as him actively going to eat it.

Moreover, he is now a Golden Core Real Person, long since different from before.

Even if soft food is delivered to his door, he still has to choose; he does not like every kind of soft food.

"Hmph, you are quite capable."

"Earlier, your Dao Companion refused me in front of so many people."

"Now it's your turn to refuse me."

"Do you really think Taohua Shangren has no temper, that you can refuse me repeatedly?"

Taohua Shangren let out a cold snort.

For some reason, seeing Zhou Sui with a deep affectionate look, she became furious all at once.

A feeling named jealousy arose deep in her heart.

Clearly knowing this man is married, she should not have coveted him.

But this feeling, she simply could not control.

"Taohua Senior, I don't mean that."

Zhou Sui was a bit dazed, feeling he had chosen wrongly; could this woman really want to recruit him, give him women, rather than test him?!

"Hehe, not that meaning, then what meaning?"

"Come back with me to Taohua Island, I can slowly listen to your explanation."

Taohua Shangren waved her big hand, taking out a Low-Grade Spirit Treasure from her person—the Binding Immortal Rope.

In an instant, the rope instantly bound Zhou Sui's entire body, tightly and securely, unable to move.

What?!

Zhou Sui was instantly dazed, feeling his Dharma Power could not move even a bit; it seemed this Low-Grade Spirit Treasure's power was extremely strong, able to seal a Cultivator's internal Dharma Power.

He also did not expect this woman to be as fickle as changing faces in June.

Whoosh!

Before Zhou Sui could say anything, Taohua Shangren grabbed him, tied him up five-flower style, her form flashed, and she flew toward the sky, heading for Taohua Island, instantly turning into a stream of light.

In just the time of an hour, Taohua Shangren and Zhou Sui arrived at the renowned Taohua Island.