234: Zekong Zecheng, entering the island (two chapters in one)

At Fangmu Mountain's martial arts training ground, the grand competition was in full swing, with one Lin Family disciple after another exerting their utmost effort.

Even Cultivators who weren't participating in the competition were in high spirits.

Firstly, because the competition would select the new Lin Family's Five Geniuses, and also because the Lin Family was reinstating its double and triple stipend reward system!

Lin Shiming arrived at the Qi Refining Stage Middle Stage arena. While feeling the Lin Family's vibrant energy, he also observed the Lin Family's Shi Generation Cultivators, as well as a few Ze Generation Cultivators.

At this time, the grand competition had already begun.

Qi Refining Stage Middle Stage, Qi Refining Stage Late Stage, and Qi Refining Stage Early Stage were held simultaneously in three different venues.

Aside from the Qi Refining Stage Late Stage arena, which required some Family hall masters and Foundation Establishment Elders to guard it in the Early Stages, both the Qi Refining Stage Middle Stage and Qi Refining Stage Early Stage arenas were guarded by the Family's Qi Refining Stage Late Stage Cultivators to prevent accidental injuries from losing control.

The number of participants in the Qi Refining Stage Late Stage arena was not large, and most of the Shi Generation Cultivators were in the Qi Refining Stage Middle Stage.

The few in the Qi Refining Stage Late Stage were mostly at the Qi Refining Stage Seventh Level or Qi Refining Stage Eighth Level.

As for the Hou Generation Cultivators, although many were in the Qi Refining Stage Late Stage and Qi Refining Stage Ninth Level, they were generally over or close to sixty years old and did not participate.

It's worth noting that the oldest Shi Generation member, Lin Shijie, was already close to fifty years old at this time.

Lin Shilei, as one of the younger Cultivators of the Shi Generation, was particularly conspicuous at this moment. His Thunder Hook technique was almost unmatched among the Lin Family's younger generation, and few Cultivators could force Lin Shilei to go all out.

Besides him, Lin Shizhong and Lin Shiyun also performed well.

Lin Shiming watched for a while before coming to the Qi Refining Stage Middle Stage arena. His Divine Sense focused on Lin Zekong and Lin Ze Cheng, the two outstanding talents of the Ze Generation.

The former possessed Water and Wood Dual Spiritual Roots, which were slightly better than his own Spiritual Roots, and he was Cultivating the Green Wood Art.

After more than ten years, the Spirit Light shimmering from the Green Wood Art inadvertently brought back the Cultivation methods of the Green Wood Art to his mind, filling him with a myriad of emotions.

Lin Zekong's opponent was a Shi Generation Cultivator with Four Spiritual Roots, at the Qi Refining Stage Fifth Level.

Lin Zekong's Spirit Vine technique was identical to his own method of fending off enemies back then, but the latter's method of catalyzing the Spirit Vine wasn't particularly superb.

He then waved his spirit beast pouch, and a half-grown Blood Crocodile suddenly rushed out. Coupled with the Wood Vine Technique, he managed to secure a victory.

It just seemed a bit difficult.

The nearby Lin Ze Cheng, however, had an extremely smooth run. Even though he was only at the Qi Refining Stage Fourth Level, due to Cultivating the Blazing Sun Heart Sutra, his Cultivation Technique and sword arts were extremely fierce, forcing many Shi Generation Cultivators into a disadvantage and allowing him to win easily.

The grand competition, being only an external contest, concluded in three days.

Ultimately, the top six in the Qi Refining Stage Late Stage, Lin Shilei, Lin Shijin, Lin Shizhong, Lin Shiyun, Lin Shiqing, and Lin Shiyang, qualified for the internal competition.

And the top eight in the Qi Refining Stage Middle Stage were almost all Shi Generation Cultivators, with only one Ze Generation Cultivator, Lin Ze Cheng.

Lin Zekong, on the other hand, was not selected and lost his qualification for the internal competition.

The latter seemed a bit disheartened, standing still in the arena for a long time, clutching a handful of Wood Vine seeds, some of which had already scattered.

At his feet, the Blood Crocodile, as if sensing its master's disappointment, also lay prostrate, occasionally rubbing its head against Lin Zekong's foot.

As the Family Head, Lin Shiming congratulated each of those who qualified for the internal competition.

All the Cultivators were extremely excited.

As the sun set, the crowd dispersed.

The Family disciples who qualified for the internal competition began preparing, while those who didn't had their stipend levels determined by the Family, leading to either joy or sorrow.

Under the long shadows of the setting sun, Lin Zekong remained, sitting on the arena, staring blankly at the spot where he had failed earlier in the day.

Lin Shiming couldn't help but walk over.

"Seventh Uncle..." Lin Zekong was clearly nervous around Lin Shiming. Upon seeing him approach, his words were a bit hesitant.

"What? Does the sunset on the arena look better?" Lin Shiming looked at the fiery red afterglow and replied.

Lin Zekong immediately pursed his lips and did not answer.

Lin Shiming didn't speak further, but simply sat down as well.

After a while, Lin Zekong suddenly spoke:

"Seventh Uncle, how can a Wood-attribute Cultivation Technique at the fourth level defeat a Qi Refining Stage Sixth Level Cultivator?"

There was a hint of helplessness in Lin Zekong's voice. He was a favored son of heaven, a Dual Spiritual Root Genius, and he Cultivated the Green Wood Art, which Lin Shiming had once Cultivated. Moreover, he was only seventeen years old and at the Qi Refining Stage Fourth Level, not far from the Qi Refining Stage Fifth Level.

"What, do you think the Family's grand competition rules are unreasonable?"

"Or do you think the Green Wood Art isn't as strong as you imagined?" Lin Shiming questioned him in succession.

Lin Zekong did not answer, but the expression on his face spelled out the answer.

"So, you're waiting here for me, just waiting for me to vindicate you?" Lin Shiming spoke again, then suddenly stood up.

He walked towards the distance without looking back.

Lin Zekong was clearly flustered and immediately stood up:

"Seventh Uncle, Ze Kong wouldn't dare!"

"First, think carefully about what a Family is. Come find me when you've thought of the answer!" Lin Shiming said, then paused again and added.

"Also, to correct you, I wasn't good at challenging those above my level during the Qi Refining Stage!"

Lin Shiming was a little disappointed. Of course, he wasn't disappointed by the latter's talent or combat strength, but by his Heart-Nature... The next day, as the grand Formation of Fangmu Mountain reopened, clouds and mist engulfed the entire mountain.

A massive spirit boat soared through the sky towards Lingnan County.

As the spirit boat departed, news of the Lin Family's Auction to be held in the Lingnan County Market, within the Lin Family's territory and throughout Yunzhou, spread like wildfire.

The speed of the High Grade Third-tier spirit boat thrilled all the Lin Family Cultivators participating in the internal competition.

One by one, they stood on the spirit boat's deck, constantly releasing their Divine Sense to gaze into the distance, feeling the fleeting white clouds and the fierce whistling of the strong winds.

Their eyes, however, occasionally glanced at Lin Shiming at the very front of the deck.

There was both awe and longing in their gazes.

This trip to Lingnan County was led by Lin Shiming, with Lin Xianzhi overseeing the spirit boat from within, accompanied by Lin Houxuan, Lin Yuqing, and three Qi Refining Stage Ninth Level Hou Generation Cultivators.

The rest were the Lin Family Cultivators participating in this internal competition.

Lin Ze Cheng was filled with joy and pride. As the only Ze Generation Cultivator participating in the internal competition, he had every right to be proud.

"Sixty-ninth Uncle, we're ostensibly going to aid the Lingnan Market, but in reality, the Qingyun Mountain Range internal competition, I guess not many people would have thought of that!"

Lin Shilei was ranked sixty-ninth in the Shi Generation and was not much older than Lin Ze Cheng.

At Lin Ze Cheng's words, he was also stunned. He naturally knew the destination of this trip. After a moment's pause, he said:

"Is that so!"

"Ze Cheng, this journey is long; you should Cultivate more."

Lin Shilei's answer greatly satisfied Lin Ze Cheng, but at this moment, Lin Yuqing stepped out.

"Instead of chatting, you should observe the Family Head more!" Lin Yuqing reprimanded.

Everyone looked forward, only to see layers of golden light bathing Lin Shiming's body.

It was the Mountain Ape Body Refining Art.

Regardless of how the strong winds battered his body, he remained unmoving!

At this moment, Lin Shiming's body also felt extremely peculiar. Before steering the spirit boat, he had brewed another pot of Third-tier mingxin tea.

With the spirit tea's enhancement, Cultivating the Mountain Ape Body Refining Art under the strong winds had an even more miraculous effect.

His entire body glowed with a Spirit Light, and the power of his Physical Body was visibly strengthening...

The spirit boat briefly stopped at the Lingnan County Market. After handing over some auctioned treasures to Lin Houyong, Lin Houyong presided over the Auction.

The spirit boat then continued towards Shiling Cave, towards the Qingyun Mountain Range...

Above the Poison Valley, as the spirit boat reappeared, the swamps here had begun to show moss and water plants, and the entire valley was now shrouded in a thin, white mist.

It was like a misty spring morning.

The spirit boat descended directly, finally landing in front of an Immortal Cave.

Lin Shiming was the first to leap down. With a few Spirit Arts, the Formation disappeared, and the Immortal Cave door opened wide.

The group entered the underground hall.

Looking at the Teleportation Array in front of them, all the Lin Family disciples, except for Lin Shizhong and Lin Shijin, were a bit bewildered.

Lin Xianzhi, Lin Houxuan, and other Cultivators who already knew were all standing by, ready for battle.

"You are all the outstanding talents of my Lin Family. Across the Teleportation Array, there is a place comparable to a Mysterious Grade Secret Realm. The internal competition will take place within that Secret Realm. You will face Haiyun Birds and Mystic Water Turtle groups. Your internal competition score will be determined by the number and strength of the Spirit Beasts you kill!"

As Lin Shiming spoke, the Lin Family disciples were first shocked, then they became as excited as if they had been injected with chicken blood.

Their expressions were all agitated. Mysterious Grade Secret Realms were rare, even for the Qingxuan Sect.

"This time's gains, the Yao Beasts you kill will be yours. Additionally, of the gains on the island, the Family will collect seventy percent! Eleventh Uncle, Grand Uncle, the same applies to you!" Lin Shiming spoke again.

Lin Houxuan, Lin Yuqing, and the others clearly hadn't expected this to apply to them as well, and they immediately beamed with joy.

Beside them, Lin Shijin began distributing Teleportation Talismans, one for each person. Meanwhile, Lin Xianzhi, at some unknown point, walked to the Teleportation Array and took out three High-Grade Spirit Stones.

After killing Old Devil Chen of the Heavenly Demon Sect, the three of them had each received some High-Grade Spirit Stones. Lin Xianzhi clearly didn't want Lin Shiming to expend Spirit Stones.

Lin Shiming noted this in his heart. Then, the group ascended the spirit platform.

Lin Shiming waved his hand, and the Golden Winged Mantis flew out. As the Azure Lotus Daoist Robe shimmered, the Golden Winged Mantis disappeared, landing on the wall.

And that wasn't all. A zijin gourd flew out, landing beside the Teleportation Array, its lid half-open, revealing the Wind Fire Star Sand.

Only then did Lin Shiming relax. Lin Xianzhi also nodded.

The Teleportation Array naturally needed to be well-protected. Otherwise, if it were destroyed on this side, they truly wouldn't know how to return from the island.

With everything ready, Lin Shiming gestured towards the Immortal Cave entrance again, a Formation Flag opened, and the Immortal Cave's Formation activated at full power.

After Lin Shiming nodded, Lin Xianzhi fully embedded the High-Grade Spirit Stones.

Lin Xianzhi also leaped onto the Teleportation Array.

With a dazzling white light, everyone felt a strong sense of dizziness and a terrifying crushing sensation.

At that moment, everyone felt as if they were about to be crushed into pieces by space.

Then, they found that the Teleportation Talismans in their hands began to flicker, forming a specific light shield that covered them.

The intense dizziness had not yet dissipated, but Lin Shiming had already leaped into the air. A massive Crushing God Plate, emitting a faint glow, protected the Cultivators within.

Beside him, Lin Xianzhi's Azure Lotus Sword also flew out, transforming into streaks of Azure Lotus Sword Light.

Only then did everyone have time to observe their surroundings.

What met their eyes was also a large hall, but in front of them was a giant cave entrance. The entrance had clearly not been opened long ago, and they could clearly see the blue sky outside and the Haiyun Birds flying everywhere.

Chirp!

With a terrifying shriek, the distant Haiyun Birds suddenly began to gather.

"Prepare for battle!"

All the Lin Family disciples quickly took out their Magical Artifacts.

Lin Shiming and Lin Xianzhi had already rushed out first.

The giant cave in front of them was naturally opened by Old Man Chen and Cultivator Xu, and they had even killed a few young birds and hung them at the cave entrance.

If Lin Shiming had come immediately that day, he would have faced an attack from dozens of Haiyun Birds, including some Third-tier Haiyun Birds.

The dizziness from the Teleportation Array was unavoidable. At that time, no matter how strong Lin Shiming's combat power was, he would have been torn to shreds by these Haiyun Birds.

This was why Lin Shiming had to leave that day.

Now, seven or eight days had passed, and the Haiyun Birds had clearly left. However, this giant cave entrance exposed the Teleportation Array, and the Haiyun Birds' terrifying eyesight instantly spotted it.

They angrily called out to their companions.

A few Third-tier Haiyun Birds were the fastest, especially the King Bird leading them. A dense blue light almost completely enveloped it, and then countless wind blades appeared as its wings flapped, rushing towards Lin Shiming.

The Crushing God Plate was the first to meet the enemy.

However, the Haiyun Birds' speed was too fast, and the leading Haiyun King Bird was even at the Third-tier Late Stage.

It easily bypassed the Crushing God Plate.

The amusement in its eyes was like looking at prey that had fallen into its mouth.

The Crushing God Plate immediately began to grind, causing the Haiyun King Bird to pause.

The next moment, Lin Shiming's Soul Splitting Blade flew out, causing the Haiyun King Bird even more pain and a long wail.

And the next moment, countless Poison Flood Dragon Vines suddenly grew out.

Puffs of poisonous mist also rose, instantly spreading over dozens of feet.

The Poison Flood Dragon Vines also coiled towards the Haiyun King Bird.

The Haiyun King Bird didn't even move its claws; only a dense blue light appeared, and countless massive wind blades shredded all the Poison Flood Dragon Vines.

However, the next moment, in the poisonous mist, the broken Poison Flood Dragon Vine stems quickly reconnected, forming new vines that bound the Haiyun Bird's claws and wings.

The Haiyun King Bird was immediately alarmed, but its alarm was too late. A sword light shimmering with azure lotus flowers struck, directly killing the Haiyun King Bird.

The remaining Haiyun Birds consisted of five Third-tier Early Stage and two Third-tier Middle Stage.

Lin Xianzhi engaged the two Third-tier Middle Stage Haiyun Birds, while Lin Shiming unleashed five sets of Purple Wood Mysterious Sky Sword Formation, trapping the five Third-tier Early Stage Haiyun Birds.

All of this happened extremely quickly. All the Lin Family disciples looked at Lin Shiming with adoration, but in the blink of an eye, as Lin Shizhong and Lin Shilei rushed out, the others also reacted.

There were still dozens of Second-tier Haiyun Birds waiting for them to kill. These Haiyun Birds were their internal competition scores, and also a reference factor in determining the true Lin Family's Five Geniuses!

Lin Shiming's Divine Sense almost covered the entire island.

Third-tier water spirit coconut trees and Second-tier water spirit coconut trees all came into view. Besides that, there were many Mystic Water Turtles laying eggs on the beach, and many shrimp and crab type Yao Beasts were also scurrying around.

For the Lin Family, this was truly a treasure island for development!

--- Additional Notes ---

Brothers, this book is still some distance from five hundred subscriptions. The humble author has no choice but to merge chapters. There will certainly be some readers who don't understand or dislike this, but there's no other way. Merging chapters can increase average subscriptions and help me get platform support, so I apologize, but please rest assured, the content will only be more, not less. If I can reach five hundred subscriptions, I promise to update eight thousand words daily, no joke, seriously!!!