440: Spirit Talisman Master Yu Jing (two-in-one thanks to Meowo_0 book friend’s 5000 reward)

The azure sea surface rippled gently, the waves becoming increasingly calm and soft.

Countless Cultivators flew in and out of Tianxiang Island.

The market was filled with constant shouts of vendors, and the taverns were extremely boisterous.

After the beast tide, the Mortal side of many Cultivators, hidden deep in their hearts, resurfaced.

They drank spirit wine, changed out of their robes stained with Yao Beast blood, and donned fine silk and satin.

They walked under the sun, tilting their heads slightly, enjoying a long-lost sense of ease.

Lin Shiming stepped off the Teleportation Array, his Storage Pouch now containing many more spirit items.

Among these spirit items were a portion of Purple Mansion Jade Liquid, two purple profound treasure jade, two hundred Foundation Establishment Pills, and a large quantity of second and third-order Magical Artifacts.

These were all rewards from the Zifu Demon Slayer Leaderboard.

Lin Shiming, without a doubt, ranked first on Tianxiang Island's Zifu Demon Slayer Leaderboard, and even on Rising Sun Island's overall leaderboard, he was still first, though rewards were calculated according to each specific leaderboard.

The second and third places on the leaderboard went to Nine Heavens Hermit and Lin Shijie.

Of course, this was also a result of Lin Shiming sharing his achievements.

Immortal Master Hongyu didn't make things difficult for Lin Shiming in this regard; even if she had, these rewards would still have fallen into the Lin Family's hands.

In addition, the Lin Family also had to distribute rewards to the Cultivators on Tianxiang Island.

As for the specific Cultivators to receive them, Lin Shiming planned to let Nine Heavens Hermit handle it.

With treasures in his Storage Pouch, the bustling streets revealed their former prosperity, and in the future, even more Cultivators would gather here.

The Lin Family, coupled with Nine Dragon Island's Fengxing Chamber of Commerce, would attract countless more Cultivators to Nine Peaks Island than there were now.

The war had ended, but for Nine Dragon Island and even Nine Peaks Island, there would likely be a continuous influx of Cultivators into the deeper Outer Sea!

However, facing this impending prosperity, Lin Shiming didn't show much joy, especially when he saw the rebuilt pavilions, the lingering traces in the corners, and felt that some figures were missing from the market.

The Lin Family had not fared well during this beast tide.

When Lin Shiming arrived at the foot of Purple Jade Mountain, gazing at the Lin Family before him and the Ascension Ladder, he finally felt a sense of relief.

Before him was a scene completely different from the market; after the Purple Jade Mountain's layout was restored, it was filled with white cloths and white candles, and the somber tolling of bells echoed continuously.

Everyone wore white robes, their expressions solemn, and countless Cultivators kowtowed with each step on the Ascension Ladder.

Each step was a kneeling bow, immensely devout.

Leading them were Lin Shiyuan and Lin Shilei.

All these kneeling worshipers had close relatives who had perished in the beast tide.

They kowtowed with each step, as if carrying back the spirits of their heroes.

Lin Shiming did not speak, merely offered a devout bow.

The entire Lin Family observed three days of mourning.

The Ancestral Hall was brightly lit day and night with candles.

Lin Shiming also wore plain clothes and remained silent in the Ancestral Hall for three days.

It wasn't until the fourth day that Nine Heavens Hermit arrived flying from the market with Lin Houwei. Lin Shiming also emerged from the Ancestral Hall and took his place in the main hall.

“Elder Jiuxiao, you've worked hard these past few days!” Lin Shiming spoke from the heart.

During the Lin Family's days of mourning, Nine Heavens Hermit had been in charge of all matters, big and small, in the market.

It should be known that although the beast tide had ended, there were still residual Yao Beasts in various parts of the island.

“This is what I should do!” Nine Heavens Hermit shook his head.

“It's just that I am ashamed of my insufficient strength...” Nine Heavens Hermit clearly thought of Lin Yuqing.

He also thought of the white cloths covering the Lin Family mountain.

“Elder Jiuxiao, there's no need to feel guilty. This matter is due to the Lin Family still being weak!” Lin Shiming shook his head. Nine Heavens Hermit had not abandoned them during the great battle and had contributed to guarding Tianxiang Island, so Lin Shiming would not blame him.

“Elder Jiuxiao, do you still remember our previous agreement?” Lin Shiming asked.

Nine Heavens Hermit's eyebrows raised, and he became somewhat excited.

“Of course, I remember.”

“Now that the beast tide has stabilized, we can return to the Eastern Domain. Also, I might need to trouble Fellow Daoist Jiuxiao with something here!” Lin Shiming took out many Dragon scales (dragon scales) from the mutating demon king. These Dragon scales (dragon scales) were colorful and continued to change even after a long time since death.

“This is?”

“I'd like to ask Elder Jiuxiao to help refine a High Grade Fourth-Order Magic Treasure, preferably a stealth Magic Treasure!”

“Won't that be a bit wasteful?” Nine Heavens Hermit hesitated. These were the Dragon scales (dragon scales) of a Fifth-Order Dragon, and a rare mutating dragon at that.

Its Materials could be considered Medium Grade Fifth-Order Materials.

Using them to forge only a High Grade Fourth-Order Magic Treasure was truly overkill.

“It's fine. This time was extremely dangerous. If there's any left over, I hope Elder Jiuxiao can refine a Wuxiang Sword!”

Lin Shiming naturally understood that this decision had been carefully considered by him for a long time. Upon reaching the Eastern Domain, safety would be paramount. Having offended the Heavenly Demon Sect, both Immortal Master Tianmo and Immortal Master Liuhe might be waiting for him to walk into their trap.

Fifth-Order Magic Treasures were good, but the Lin Family didn't have a Fifth-Order Artifact Refiner, nor could he use a Fifth-Order Magic Treasure.

Obtaining the Core Formation Pill safely now was the most prudent course of action.

“Alright, but it might still require quite a few Materials!” Nine Heavens Hermit nodded.

Lin Shiming then took out a token, allowing Nine Heavens Hermit to select from the Lin Family's Treasure Pavilion. Even if something wasn't available, it should be spread throughout the Family immediately.

After the discussion concluded, Nine Heavens Hermit was about to leave when Lin Shiming took out a jade pot. The pot was filled with fragrance, and in an instant, Nine Heavens Hermit's body froze.

Nine Heavens Hermit's nose twitched. He looked at Lin Shiming's wine pot, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Finally, he tentatively looked into Lin Shiming's eyes.

Lin Shiming smiled and nodded.

Then he handed over the spirit gourd.

“This wine, Moon in Water!”

“The Coral Alliance's only Fifth-Order spirit wine, Moon in Water?”

Nine Heavens Hermit was greatly surprised, then even more hesitant to accept it.

His hand trembled slightly.

“Elder Jiuxiao, that's right, but there's only a small cup. I hope Elder doesn't mind the small amount!” Lin Shiming said.

“As a mere Guest Elder, a Fifth-Order spirit wine is a great favor for achieving the Dao. How dare I complain about the amount?”

“Elder Lin, words cannot express my gratitude. I, Xu, will surely protect the Lin Family in the future and will teach Lin Houwei and Lin Shizhong everything I know, holding nothing back!” Nine Heavens Hermit spoke solemnly.

He now had two disciples: Lin Houwei, who inherited the Nine Heavens Spirit Water Scripture, and Lin Shizhong, who inherited Artifact Refining.

Lin Shiming also nodded; he trusted Nine Heavens Hermit.

Not only because of his character, but also because Nine Heavens Hermit's signature was on the family jade book.

Nine Heavens Hermit left solemnly, and Lin Shiming also looked forward to the scene when the Magic Treasure would be refined.

Taking out the Fifth-Order spirit wine was also a decision he had made long ago. The Fifth-Order spirit wine could allow Nine Heavens Hermit's Cultivation to advance further, making the future trip to the Eastern Domain more secure.

Of course, that gourd didn't contain all of it; he had saved a cup's worth. This Fifth-Order spirit wine might not mean much to other Cultivators, but for Nine Heavens Hermit and Lin Houwei, it might even allow them to Break through a minor Realm in the Purple Mansion.

However, he wouldn't give Lin Houwei's portion to him now.

Lin Houwei was currently at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage and had been accumulating for a long time. As long as he Cultivated steadily for ten or twenty years, he could Break through to Peak Foundation Establishment and then begin preparing to Break through to Purple Mansion.

The current Lin Family not only had a continuous supply of water spirit pearl but also various Cultivation Spirit Pills, and the Cultivation of the Family members was rapidly increasing.

After meeting Nine Heavens Hermit, Lin Shiming arranged for his eldest brother, Lin Shijie, to distribute the leaderboard rewards issued by Rising Sun Island.

As he handed over his Storage Pouch, the other party also handed Lin Shiming a Storage Pouch.

Inside the Storage Pouch was the Medium Stage Fourth-Order Spirit Puppet, and in addition to the Spirit Puppet, there were several soul suppressing stones.

Lin Shijie was now also a Purple Mansion Cultivator and would attend some Purple Mansion trade fairs. The soul suppressing stones inside were specially acquired by him for Lin Shiming.

“Big Brother, I appreciate the thought. You should keep this Spirit Puppet for yourself. Consider it for protecting the Family!” Lin Shiming took out the soul suppressing stones but did not take back the Spirit Puppet.

Although Lin Shijie's Sword Intent had reached Sword Qi Coagulation, he was only at the Early Violet Palace Stage.

He needed this Spirit Puppet more than Lin Shiming did.

“Shitao needs it more!” Lin Shijie shook his head, refusing to accept it.

“I've also prepared something for Shitao, Big Brother. Nine Dragon Island still needs to send someone to Nine Peaks Island. At that time, I might not be able to go to Nine Peaks Island, so I'll have to trouble you, Big Brother!” Lin Shiming handed the Storage Pouch to Lin Shijie, finally placing several High Grade Fourth-Order Magic Treasures inside.

Among them were the wind chasing boots, the spirit locking whip, and the purple jade cloth that Lin Shiming had once used.

These three were all Medium Grade Fourth-Order Magic Treasures, which were now somewhat insufficient for Lin Shiming.

Lin Shijie only nodded when he heard about guarding Nine Peaks Island.

Without a Formation and a Spirit Puppet, he might not be able to hold the fort on Nine Peaks Island.

After Lin Shijie left, Lin Shiming finally had some free time and headed towards the Family's Laiyu Peak.

Purple Jade Mountain had a total of five peaks, with Laiyu Peak being the foremost, which was once the Ziyu Sect's place for entertaining guests and visitors.

Now, it was where the Lin Family housed its Guest Elders and Cultivators who had married into the Family.

After the beast tide ended, quite a few Cultivators joined the Lin Family.

These were all elites among Loose Cultivators, each with impressive combat power and excellent skills.

What caught Lin Shiming's attention was a Guest Elder of the Lin Family.

An Talisman Master introduced by Lin Shijin, who was also the best Spirit Talisman Master in the Talisman Hall of Nine Peaks Island, capable of easily carving various High Grade Third-Order Spirit Talismans.

When Lin Shiming arrived at the door of that Talisman Master, he found that the Talisman Master and Lin Shijin were chatting happily.

What Lin Shiming hadn't expected was that the Spirit Talisman Master was actually a woman.

She had a very quiet appearance, completely a delicate and refined young lady.

It was hard to believe that she was a Loose Cultivator.

Lin Shiming did not disturb them, merely waiting outside the pavilion door. The two were currently engaged in an unusually intense discussion about Spirit Talismans.

Of course, from his perspective, it was a one-sided instruction.

After waiting for a full incense stick's worth of time, the female Cultivator was the first to notice Lin Shiming, reminded Lin Shijin, and opened the door.

“Seventh Brother, this is Great Master Yu Jing, whom I wanted to introduce!” Lin Shijin quickly introduced her.

“She wants to become a Guest Elder of the Lin Family. She has the strength of a Fourth-Order Spirit Talisman Master!”

Lin Shijin's introduction was quite disorganized, and Lin Shiming couldn't help but glance at Lin Shijin again, frowning slightly.

“Senior Lin!” Yu Jing also spoke, bowing to Lin Shiming.

Lin Shijin could call him Seventh Brother because they were of the same generation and both Family members. As she was only a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator, she naturally had to call him Senior.

“Shijin, Seventh Brother will talk to her!”

Lin Shijin also nodded. This matter had been discussed before the evacuation of Nine Peaks Island.

It had only been delayed until now because of the beast tide.

After Lin Shijin left, Yu Jing invited Lin Shiming into the room and prepared and poured hot tea for him.

Yu Jing's demeanor was very composed, exuding a dignified, virtuous, serene, and elegant aura, like a lilac flower.

“Speak, Fellow Daoist Yu. You had Shijin find me, not just to join the Lin Family, right?” Lin Shiming took the tea and drank it in one generous gulp.

The tea was a very common Third-Order spirit tea, but it was very fragrant.

Lin Shiming did not use his power to pressure her; for him, there was no need to do so now.

But he could guarantee that Yu Jing was not a Loose Cultivator; instead, she gave him the same feeling as Lei Xuan.

Both were core Family members of a fallen Family.

In the South Sea, due to the chaos of Yao Beasts and the vastness of the sea, it could even be said that a Family could rise at any time, and a Family could fall at any time.

“Senior Lin sees clearly. While I, your Junior, join the Lin Family, I do indeed have a request. I am also willing to hand over the Legacy Immortal Cave of a Golden Core Family's Old Ancestor. This Old Ancestor was also famous for Artifact Refining!” Yu Jing showed no concern about being seen through by Lin Shiming; instead, she continued to speak.

After speaking, she boldly looked at Lin Shiming, but there was no ripple of emotion on Lin Shiming's face.

Although the current Lin Family was still only a Purple Mansion Family, it actually already had the shadow of a Golden Core Family. Many of the Lin Family's Cultivation Techniques could be Cultivated to Golden Core, and there were three Cultivators with unique Spiritual Roots, and even one Spirit Body Cultivator.

The Legacy Immortal Cave of a Golden Core Cultivator, though precious, was not surprising to Lin Shiming.

Lin Shiming did not answer, and Yu Jing was clearly somewhat disappointed.

She knew it was due to the disparity in strength, and furthermore, because she had presumed Lin Shiming would agree, she hadn't prepared her words at all.

Now that she had spoken halfway, she didn't know whether to continue or stop.

“Senior Lin, my Family, the Yu Family, was one of the three major subordinate forces of the Golden Core Family, the Xu Family. However, after that Golden Core Family's Old Ancestor went out and perished, the Xu Family declined and was suppressed by enemies. My Family was also deliberately targeted, and I, your Junior, had no choice but to pretend to be a Loose Cultivator, hiding for over thirty years...” Yu Jing spoke slowly. At this moment, she already understood.

That Legacy was not something she could obtain. She even revealed the address and her enemies completely.

And she was indeed a Fourth-Order Talisman Master, and her Cultivation was not the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, but Peak Foundation Establishment, only suffering from a lack of treasures to Break through to Purple Mansion, having refined for nearly twenty years.

She could only refine one type of Fourth-Order Spirit Talisman, the Low Grade Fourth-Order Spirit Talisman Water Dragon Talisman.

However, being at Peak Foundation Establishment and able to refine Fourth-Order Spirit Talismans was enough to prove her excellent talent in Spirit Talismans.

“The Lin Family will not help you seek revenge, but within the Lin Family, there is a chance for Purple Mansion, even Purple Mansion Jade Liquid is highly possible. At that time, you can seek revenge yourself!”

“Additionally, as a Guest Elder, the Lin Family's Spirit Medicine for Breaking through to Purple Mansion cannot be treated equally, so you must earn greater merits and more contribution points!”

“Guest Elders who join the Lin Family will receive normal Elder and Guest Elder benefits. Furthermore, when the Lin Family goes to seek the Legacy Immortal Cave in the future, you will receive ten percent of the benefits obtained!”

Lin Shiming finally spoke.

Yu Jing stood in place, clearly contemplating!