297: Changes in Zekong and Zhang Family's Trials

It was early autumn, and Fangmu Mountain, with its towering peaks, made the night air feel like cold water.

Inside Lin Shitao's Immortal Cave, Lin Shiming and Lin Shitao sat close together.

The moonstone on the wall illuminated the small Immortal Cave, casting a bright and warm glow.

Various peach blossom paintings could vaguely be seen on the walls.

There was still a small window and a dressing table.

Lin Shiming's face was slightly flushed; the turtle spirit coconut had indeed affected him, and upon entering the Immortal Cave, he instinctively embraced Lin Shitao.

Lin Shitao did not resist. After a symbolic struggle, she stopped moving, burying her head very low, her breathing quickening slightly.

Even without seeing her pretty face, one could imagine it was flushed crimson.

Lin Shitao's body trembled, and on her snow-white neck, her jade-like ears quivered most intensely!

Even though she was a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, she was still a young woman, especially when nestled in the arms of the one she loved.

Most importantly, she kept feeling a Spiritual Artifact pressing against her!

Lin Shiming hadn't expected the wine to be so potent and could imagine what kind of spiritual ingredients had been added to it.

Moreover, with an elegant and beautiful young woman in his arms, he glanced at her side profile and saw her dewy eyelashes trembling slightly, which made him even more restless and unable to control himself.

His hand even moved involuntarily to caress Lin Shitao's body.

A wonderfully delicate sensation surged into his heart.

“Mmm…”

Lin Shitao instinctively hummed, and Lin Shiming was suddenly surprised.

Around his neck, a jade ring Magical Artifact glowed with bursts of white light, making his mind clearer.

Seeing the skirt that was almost pulled down, he immediately stopped.

His path of Cultivation was still long and arduous.

And he couldn't affect Shitao.

If their relationship affected Lin Shitao's chances of breaking through to the Golden Core, he would regret it for the rest of his life.

Foundation Establishment Cultivators have a lifespan of two hundred and fifty years, Purple Mansion Cultivators have five hundred years, and Golden Core Cultivators have a thousand. If he didn't want to see Lin Shitao pass away before him, then Lin Shitao also needed to break through to the Golden Core.

“Shitao, let's wait until we reach the Golden Core Stage before we begin!” Lin Shiming said.

Lin Shitao, in a voice as faint as a mosquito, softly hummed in response.

She still didn't lift her head.

Lin Shiming used the Purple Wood Heart Sutra to refine the alcohol's effects. He had to admit that this turtle spirit coconut was indeed extraordinary, and from Lin Houyong's reaction, it probably could genuinely increase the chances of having offspring.

It was just that the probability was unknown.

Moreover, this was clearly spirit wine made from a third-tier spirit turtle, and the Materials were not easy to find. Their Lin Family had already raised some second-tier sea spirit turtles, but raising third-tier spirit turtles involved too many variables, making it extremely difficult with the Lin Family's current strength.

However, even so, this turtle spirit coconut was extraordinary.

Of course, the Lin Family temporarily couldn't sell it.

The source of the sea turtles and spirit coconuts couldn't be explained.

By the time Lin Shiming had consumed the last trace of spirit wine, Lin Shitao had already brewed tea beside him.

That day, the two talked for a long time under the cover of night.

After five years apart, there were naturally many topics, but for Cultivators, conversations often led to moments of silence, with some difficulty in connecting.

One excelled in Alchemy, the other in sword practice.

Eventually, they just looked at each other and smiled.

Yet, they felt a surprising sense of peace.

My heart finds its home here!

The two didn't know how long they talked, only that day turned into night, and Fangmu Mountain once again became busy.

Lin Shitao had to go to the Alchemy Pavilion again, and Lin Shiming also went to check out the other surprise Lin Zekong and Lin Houyong had mentioned.

Lin Shiming handed over all the collected three yuan forging spirit flowers to Lin Shitao.

He asked her to try refining the Three-Essence Spirit Refining Pill and also gave her the Spirit Splitting Art.

Then he arrived at the Family's Martial Arts Hall. Today was also the day Lin Shiming was to lead the Family's Cultivators to Qingyun Market.

Besides Lin Zekong and Lin Zelu, who were participating in the Qingyun Grand Competition, the Lin Family's caravan would also travel with them.

By the time he arrived, almost everyone else had gathered.

Although Lin Shiming was no longer the Family Head, his current status was even higher than the Family Head's.

“Fifth Grandfather, Fifth Uncle, Thirtieth Uncle!” Lin Shiming looked at Lin Yuzheng and Lin Houyong, quickly stepping forward to greet them.

Lin Yuzheng was still the same as before, but his eyes still held an undeniable weariness and old age.

Lin Yuzheng was over a hundred years old.

Behind him was still Lin Houyuan, the chubby Thirtieth Uncle, who now appeared more mature, his keen eyes flickering. Lin Houyuan was now in charge of more than half of the Commerce Hall.

And behind the group, Lin Zekong was also among the crowd, though his eyes seemed to dart around, as if he had made up his mind. Lin Zelu, on the other hand, looked at Lin Shiming with a mix of curiosity and admiration!

“Seventh Uncle!” The two, despite their different actions, called out in unison.

Under Lin Shiming's gaze, Lin Zekong also stepped forward and said:

“Seventh Uncle, Ze Kong has thought it through. From now on, I will redouble my efforts and voluntarily give up my triple salary. I hope Seventh Uncle will approve!”

Lin Zekong spoke with conviction, which surprised Lin Shiming quite a bit.

“For this Grand Competition, Ze Kong also voluntarily requests to fight, to contribute to the Family. Even if I die in battle, I will never regret it!”

Lin Zekong's words finally made Lin Shiming nod.

The entire Lin Family did not lack Geniuses, nor did it lack those who were arrogant or self-righteous, who might ultimately harm the entire Family.

This was why he had disliked Lin Zekong before.

Moreover, the Cultivation world has never been a place to find excuses or fairness. It is true that a fifth-layer Qi Refining Cultivator fighting a sixth-layer Qi Refining Cultivator is unfair, but one must know that Cultivators like Lin Zekong and Lin Zecheng, who started with a triple salary, received three times the Family's stipend, had more freedom in choosing Cultivation Techniques, and received careful guidance from high-level Family Cultivators.

If they still needed excuses when fighting a sixth-layer Qi Refining Cultivator, then such Cultivators were not worth the Family's full cultivation.

Such Cultivators lacked courage; how could they establish themselves in the Cultivation world?

“Determination is good, but what about strength?” Lin Shiming asked again.

Lin Zekong didn't waste words. He made a hand seal, then plucked from his Storage Pouch, and three green lights appeared. In front of him, three Wood Puppets emerged.

The continuous spiritual power of the Green Wood Art, plus his Two Spiritual Roots which gave him purer spiritual power, allowed him to control three Wood Puppets at once.

The aura of these Wood Puppets was clearly no weaker than any Late Stage Qi Refining Cultivator. Coupled with the Blood Crocodile he brought out and the many Wood Vine Technique seeds he activated, an ordinary Late Stage Qi Refining Cultivator would indeed fall into Lin Zekong's attack Domain.

Moreover, Lin Zekong's Cultivation Technique was clearly no longer the Green Wood Art.

“Alright!” Lin Shiming nodded.

He was clearly surprised and pleased by Lin Zekong's control of the Wood Puppets.

At the same time, the fact that the other party had changed his Cultivation Technique and was walking his own path made him even more gratified.

He hadn't forgotten that the previous Lin Zekong, with Two Spiritual Roots, had chosen the more conservative Green Wood Art instead of a better wood-attribute Cultivation Technique, primarily cultivating only the Wood Vine Technique, foolishly copying his own Cultivation journey.

But one should know that when he first Cultivated the Green Wood Art, it was only because the Lin Family lacked Cultivation Techniques, and wood-attribute Cultivation Techniques were scarce, making it a reluctant choice.

When Lin Zekong chose his Cultivation Technique, the Lin Family had many wood-attribute Cultivation Techniques, including High Grade Yellow Rank and even Low Grade Profound Rank ones.

It could be said that his Heart-Nature and choices were both extremely foolish.

It even made him too lazy to explain!

“Alright, it's permitted. If you win, your triple salary will also be restored!”

“But I still need to tell you, being a Foundation Establishment Family and having Two Spiritual Roots are both gifts from your Family and parents, not your own pride and glory. What you need to do is strive to go further on the path of Cultivation, become a Daoist, or even an Immortal Master, protect the Family, and make the Family proud of you!”

After Lin Shiming finished speaking, he also looked at the other Ze Generation Cultivators.

Because the Family's Cultivators were growing too quickly, and the Family was developing too fast, the Ze Generation Cultivators had more or less some issues. This was also why he wanted to reform the Hall of Teachings.

While enhancing the Family's cohesion, it also allowed these juniors, who were new to the Cultivation world, to at least not perish so easily in the Cultivation world.

“Thank you, Seventh Uncle, for your guidance!” All the Ze Generation clansmen nodded in gratitude.

And the elders like Lin Yuzheng and Lin Houyong were even more relieved.

“Seventh Uncle, Ze Lu is also willing to fight for the Family!” At this moment, Lin Zelu also stepped out from the side.

In his hand, he held a Formation Plate.

The appearance of the Formation Plate made Lin Shiming momentarily stunned.

“You are a Formation Master?”

“Replying to Seventh Uncle, I can use a second-tier High Grade Formation!” Lin Zelu replied with bright eyes.

Hearing Lin Shiming's words, he felt even more encouraged!

Lin Shiming finally understood the surprise Lin Houyong had mentioned. In his early twenties, he was not only a seventh-layer Qi Refining Cultivator but also a second-tier High Grade Formation Master. This Formation talent was definitely far superior to his Second Uncle, Lin Houshou.

This was the undisputed choice for the future head of the Lin Family's Formation Hall; even Lin Shiyun couldn't compare to him.

Even with Three Spiritual Roots, his future achievements were absolutely limitless.

In terms of Alchemy talent, Lin Shitao was exceptionally gifted. Besides her, there was Lin Houshou's Formation talent, but his Second Uncle's Cultivation talent was inferior, and his future achievements would definitely stop at the third tier.

As for artifact refining talent, Lin Shizhong could only be described as outstanding. Now, with the emergence of someone with extremely strong Formation talent, Lin Shiming was genuinely gratified.

“Shiming, this is still Fourth Uncle's great-grandson!” Lin Houyong said from the side.

After speaking, his expression changed, showing both joy and a hint of annoyance.

“This kid, he doesn't even talk about his Family background, just like Fourth Uncle!” Lin Houyong added with a smile, inevitably recalling the deceased Lin Yutie.

Lin Shiming hadn't expected Lin Zelu to be Lin Yutie's great-grandson, but upon closer inspection, he did bear a strong resemblance.

His personality was also very similar.

He, like Lin Shilei, was a descendant born from Lin Yutie's mortal lineage.

After further discussion about the policies for Qingyun Market, Lin Shiming and Lin Yuzheng led the team, with Lin Shiyi following.

They set off for Qingyun Market.

On the spirit boat, Lin Shiming still stood at the very front.

He let the strong winds buffet him, but such winds were far too weak compared to the Sword Intent on the sword carving stone.

His body only felt a slight sharpness.

His attention was also on a room within the spirit boat.

It was Lin Zekong, who was comprehending a Jade Slip. The Jade Slip contained the Heavenly Wood Spirit Planting Secret Method.

This Secret Method was most suitable for wood-attribute Cultivators with high talent, and Lin Zekong had shown unusual performance compared to before, so he naturally wouldn't be stingy.

Only a stronger Family could provide him with greater assistance, and his own strengthening would also make the Family more prosperous.

Mutual benefit was his Dao of Cultivation.

Besides that, he also gave Lin Zelu many Formation Plates he had seized over the years.

He let the latter study and understand them. Of course, if the other party could repair or even use these Formation Plates, they could naturally make a name for themselves in the Grand Competition.

The game with the Zhang Family could not involve only concessions, nor could it be a direct confrontation.

Hiding the strength of a Late Foundation Establishment Stage, if a Qi Refining Cultivator also hid their strength, it would be even more suspicious.

Besides piloting the spirit boat, Lin Shiming also chatted with Lin Yuzheng for a long time, recalling scenes from thirty years ago. Lin Yuzheng felt even more emotional.

He kept praising him and offered some unique insights about the Family, Qingyun Market, and the Zhang Family.

Lin Shiming kept nodding.

Half a day later, the spirit boat landed outside Qingyun Market.

After the beast tide that year, the entire market town was encircled by a massive city wall.

This not only restored Qingyun Market to its former prosperity but also elevated its liveliness to a new level.

Lin Shiming constantly saw Qi Refining Cultivators entering and exiting the city.

Then disappearing into the Qingyun Mountain Range.

On the city wall, there were also Cultivators conducting inspections.

Lin Shiming, however, piloted the spirit boat, maintaining his speed without slowing down, ignoring everything as he headed towards the Lin Family's controlled shops within the market.

This immediately caused a group of inspecting Cultivators to release various spiritual talismans.

As Lin Shiming entered the market, three Foundation Establishment Cultivators flew over from a distance.

The leading Foundation Establishment Cultivator had a square face, a long beard, and extremely sharp eyes, exuding a terrifying pressure.

His Late Foundation Establishment Stage strength was fully revealed, and behind him were two Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Cultivators.

Lin Yuzheng also transmitted a message to Lin Shiming.

“Shiming, this is Zhang Haogang, the Zhang Family's steward in charge of Qingyun Market! He is a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Body Cultivator!”

“Who goes there? Don't you know that flying is forbidden in Qingyun Market?” Zhang Haogang shouted loudly.

“Lin Shiming of the Lin Family. However, when did Qingyun Market have this rule, and why does the Lin Family not know?” Lin Shiming replied coldly.

The Zhang Family's silent convening of the market division competition showed their attitude.

It was not only overbearing but also a test!

He had indeed intended to be forbearing this time, letting the Zhang Family be the trailblazer in Yunzhou.

But he couldn't be too weak; constant concessions would be too obvious.

Furthermore, he also represented Daoist Zi Xuan.

“Then go ask Free Spirit Yunling? This Zhang only enforces the law!” Zhang Haogang took out two gauntlets. Instantly, his Qi and blood surged like a mountain, transforming into endless fist shadows that rushed towards Lin Shiming.

Free Spirit Yunling was the Zhang Family's Purple Mansion Cultivator.

With these words, there was no room for discussion.

However, Lin Shiming didn't believe that a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Body Cultivator could decide whether there was room for discussion.

From his hand, the Zilai Sword flew out. Endless Sword Intent of grass permeated the air, and the Heaven-Slaying Sword Style was unleashed with a single strike.

Immediately, a single sword cleaved the mountains, and countless Spirit Lights spread out.

Zhang Haogang's face changed drastically. He took out a yellow Dragon Bell to quickly defend, his body uncontrollably retreating.

“Who gave you the guts to test my Lin Family, or are you trying to test Tianjian Peak?”