499: Naming and situation (two-in-one, please subscribe with a monthly ticket)

Inside the Grotto-heaven World, the Sword Qi settled into tranquility.

All the Spirit Beasts and those within the Grotto-heaven began to stir.

"Congratulations, Master, for reaching another level!" Old Wood was still the first to step out. After all this time, Old Wood's appearance seemed even more radiant.

His cultivation had also impressively reached the Mid Purple Mansion Realm, becoming a Medium Grade Fourth-Order mingxin tea.

Clearly, he had benefited greatly from the Ziyang Pagoda.

As Old Wood stepped out, Thunder Child also emerged:

"Congratulations, Master, for reaching another level!"

Thunder Child had grown much taller; if he was like a young child before, he now looked like a teenager, dressed in a golden lightning robe, like a small God of Thunder.

"Congratulations, Master, for reaching another level!"

Following closely, the Star Spirit Shell, Water Spirit Shell, and even the mysterious Black Spirit Fish began to speak, congratulating Lin Shiming.

"Congratulations, Master, for reaching another level!" The Red-haired Demon Monkey also spoke.

He had refined the spiritual fire for twenty years, mastering it to an even greater extent, and had also spent twenty years in seclusion. Compared to before, his temper had mellowed considerably.

Jin Chi, however, still didn't speak, only chirped a few times.

Finally, he called out "Master."

Lin Shiming was quite emotional at this moment. This seclusion was definitely the most invaluable one he had experienced in all these years!

He used the Inference Aura five times, adding to his original three, and spent a full twenty years to finally break through to the fourth level of the Dao of the Sword.

In the past, he would never have believed that someone could comprehend the sword in twenty years.

But fortunately, he had successfully broken through. Now he was confident in killing most Middle Stage Golden Core Cultivators, and he had some confidence facing ordinary Late Golden Core Stage Cultivators!

Of course, there was also an unexpected surprise: his Golden Core had grown another circle, and its Sword Intent aura was even stronger!

Even though he had focused on comprehending the sword for these twenty years, the increase in Sword Qi during this period still raised his cultivation, almost as much as if he had simply Cultivated.

This was related to the sword core he had condensed.

In fact, he felt that if he were to seclude himself for another ten years, he would be confident in breaking through to the Middle Stage Golden Core.

If this speed were to be revealed, it would likely shock many Cultivators!

At the Purple Mansion Realm, an increase in one level of cultivation required a cycle of several decades!

At the Golden Core Realm, it was normal for there to be no progress or change even after a hundred years.

Yet, Lin Shiming's progress now seemed to be on a cycle of several decades.

"Red-haired Demon Monkey, your intelligence is quite developed now. Calling you 'Red-haired' no longer suits you. From now on, you shall be called Lin Shiyan!"

"Master, you're giving this old monkey a name?" The Red-haired Demon Monkey was stunned. He had spent twenty years in seclusion, thinking Lin Shiming would forgive him.

But he never expected Lin Shiming to bestow a name upon him.

"Not satisfied?" Lin Shiming retorted.

"Satisfied, satisfied! Thank you, Master! Shiyan will definitely assist Master with all his might to ascend to the Immortal Dao!" Lin Shiyan immediately knelt down.

"Jin Chi, you shall be called Lin Shijin!" Lin Shiming then looked at Jin Chi.

Jin Chi still had ten wings: four pairs of golden wings and one pair of snow-white wings.

He chirped twice, indicating his agreement.

"Master!" he then mumbled a 'Master' again.

"Star Spirit Shell, you shall be called Shixing!"

"Water Spirit Shell, you shall be called Shishui!" Currently, there weren't many Cultivators of the Shi Generation in the Lin Family, especially those who hadn't broken through; almost all of them had passed away.

The Lin Family having so many new members of the Shi Generation wouldn't be too abrupt at all!

And for Lin Shiming, the emergence of these new Shi Generation members might bring him more inner comfort, and the passage of time wouldn't affect him as much.

"Master, will I be called Lin Shilei then?" Thunder Child also asked curiously.

"No, there's already a Shilei. You shall be called Lin Shizhu!" Lin Shiming explained.

Thunder Child was also extremely happy, repeatedly bowing with cupped hands:

"Thank you, Master! The name Master chose is truly wonderful!"

"Old Wood, how about Lin Houming, taking the meaning of 'Mingxin spirit tea'!" Lin Shiming then looked at Old Wood.

Old Wood's expression froze. He hadn't expected to receive a name as well.

He had been called Wood Demon, Old Wood, and mingxin tea, but Lin Houming was a first.

He was naturally excited, but after much thought, he still spoke:

"This old man dares not take the Hou Generation. Please, Master, retract the Hou Generation!"

Lin Shiming thought for a moment, then nodded: "Then it shall be Lin Shicha. Normally, I will continue to call you Old Wood!"

"Very good, thank you, Master!" Old Wood also nodded. All the beasts here now had names.

This represented Lin Shiming's recognition of everyone.

Only the Black Spirit Fish's eyes were somewhat dim.

It had no name, which meant it hadn't received Lin Shiming's recognition, even though it was a Purple Mansion Great Demon.

"Master, what about Wang Jiao?" The Red-haired Demon Monkey, Lin Shiyan, asked.

Wang Jiao was still in the process of breaking through, and there was no movement yet.

Clearly, breaking through to a Fifth-Order Flood Dragon still required a considerable amount of time.

"He shall be called Lin Shilong. May he one day become a true Dragon!" Lin Shiming hesitated for a moment before speaking.

After he finished, he recited everyone's names once more, and only after confirming there were no errors did he nod.

The four half-dragons nearby had now absorbed enough Dragon Qi, and their cultivation had all reached the Late Stage Third-Order, just waiting for Lin Shiming to perform the Bloodline Restoration for them to become Flood Dragons!

They would become the Lin Family's sixth to tenth Flood Dragons!

Lin Shiming didn't immediately perform the Bloodline Restoration for them. Instead, he prepared to leave the Grotto-heaven to observe the changes in the Lin Family.

Upon exiting the Grotto-heaven, his Divine Sense spread outwards.

He saw a Shuangmu Island, even larger than before, appear before his eyes.

Vast expanses of buildings, and a full six Spirit Peaks.

Among them, Qinglian Peak was the largest and most filled with Immortal Qi, constantly enveloped in mist. From top to bottom, it was covered with Sword Pavilions, Illusion Heart Pavilions, and countless Cultivators flying up and down.

Many Cultivators also entered seclusion on Qinglian Peak. As the Qinglian Peak with the richest Spiritual Qi in the Lin Family, it was undoubtedly the most transcendent.

Besides Qinglian Peak, there were also Thousand Wood Peak, Wuyan Peak, Qingtao Peak, Hundred Array Peak, and Shanmo Peak.

These five peaks were named after the first five people in the Lin Family to break through to the Purple Mansion Realm.

All five peaks were covered with Fourth-Order pure Spiritual Veins.

Thousand Wood Peak had a fire-attribute Spiritual Vein, with a volcano on the mountain. It also nurtured Magic Treasures and was filled with Spirit Peach Trees, becoming another unique feature of the Lin Family.

Wuyan Peak housed the Lingfu Dongtian (Spirit Talisman Grotto-heaven) Spirit Talisman Pavilion, and it had an earth-attribute pure Spiritual Vein.

In short, as it evolved, each of the five peaks had its own unique characteristics.

His Divine Sense swept over the Hall of Teachings and the enormous Lin Family square, which was also the venue for the Lin Family's Ascension to Immortality Assembly.

He also saw the Alchemy Pavilion and the Artifact Refining Pavilion.

While he was filled with emotion, he also breathed a sigh of relief.

The prosperity of Shuangmu Island meant that Tianxiang Island, Jiuyue Island, and Lianyun Island would also be safe.

However, in the Hall of Teachings, he saw his father again.

A white-haired Lin Houyuan.

Lin Shiming's body trembled. His father had failed.

He was still in the Late Foundation Establishment Stage!

This time, he had seen Yu Jing in the Purple Mansion Realm, and Lin Zeli in the Purple Mansion Realm, but he hadn't expected his father to have failed in his Breakthrough.

His heart ached a little, and he also came to the Hall of Teachings, sitting behind the Chang generation's seats.

Lin Houyuan saw Lin Shiming, somewhat surprised, but he didn't stop lecturing. For the Lin Family, Legacy and lecturing were the most important, and could not be interrupted under any circumstances.

And those of the Chang generation also noticed Lin Shiming. They were surprised but didn't speak, only their faces showed excitement, and they studied with even greater fervor.

After finishing the key points of the Fireball Art, Lin Houyuan and Lin Shiming walked out.

Lin Houyuan walked in front, and Lin Shiming walked behind.

Just like back then, when Lin Houyuan taught Lin Shiming.

Lin Shiming was still upright, while Lin Houyuan was slightly hunched now.

"Father, you only need to try breaking through again in a few years. The Family has the Illusion Heart Pavilion and longevity fruits!" After a long while, Lin Shiming spoke.

"Of course, do you think your father is old?" Lin Houyuan replied noncommittally.

"The way I taught you to Cultivate back then, I naturally won't be defeated so easily. It's just that after failing the Breakthrough, I suddenly felt a bit idle. After all, many Cultivators in the Family have grandchildren to teach, but I don't, so I can only come and teach the Chang generation!" Lin Houyuan's words made Lin Shiming's face turn pale.

He was actually talking about him now.

"Shiming, I don't think we need to wait any longer!" Lin Houyuan spoke again.

"I know, Father!" Lin Shiming also nodded.

"Even if you're not ready to be a father, you'll have to take this step sooner or later. If we wait for Shitao to break through to Golden Core, perhaps I, your father, won't live to see that day!"

"I dreamed of your mother. She wants to see her grandson!" Lin Houyuan spoke again.

Lin Shiming didn't answer, his mind feeling a bit numb.

He understood Lin Houyuan's meaning; he was worried about the next beast tide.

This change concerned breaking through to Nascent Soul and the transformation of the Coral Alliance. By then, the Coral Alliance might even become history, so how could he not worry about Lin Shiming.

It's just that Lin Houyuan didn't say it directly, only wanting to leave a thought.

And also to leave a thought for Lin Shitao.

Lin Shiming and Lin Houyuan walked for a long time, then returned for another class.

By the time the sun set, Lin Shiming also left the Hall of Teachings and appeared in the Family's Council Great Hall.

Lin Yanjiao's cultivation was even more solid now, having reached the Peak Foundation Establishment. The Family head's advisory group in the Council Great Hall had also been replaced, with both young Cultivators and older Shi Generation members among them.

"Seventh Grand Uncle, the Family's situation over these past twenty years is as follows!" Lin Yanjiao also took out a Jade Slip and began to report.

"Seventh Grand Uncle, in the past twenty years, four Purple Mansion Cultivators in the Family have successfully broken through: Aunt Zeli, Ancestor Houwei, Aunt Yu Jing, and Uncle Ze Lu!"

"There are twenty more Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and two hundred more Foundation Establishment Cultivators!"

"In terms of Spiritual Veins, the Family has gained four Fourth-Order Spiritual Veins!"

"We've acquired two more Mid-Grade Spirit Stone Mines, two Yellow Grade Secret Realms, and one Mysterious Grade Secret Realm!"

"These are all thanks to Uncle Zewen and Uncle Ze Kong!" Lin Yanjiao reported one by one.

What Lin Shiming hadn't expected was that Lin Zewen had actually succeeded. He had now managed to have the subordinate forces occupy more than half of Baibing Island from Lanling Island!

Although nominally, Baibing Island was still part of Lanling Island's sea area, more than half of it was already under the governance of the Lin Family's Lianyun Island.

"Additionally, the Family has acquired a Fourth-Order top-grade purple zenith sandalwood Spirit Wood!" Lin Yanjiao continued, excited.

"Hmm, well done!" After listening, Lin Shiming praised them, feeling somewhat relieved.

The praise and relief were for Lin Yanjiao and Lin Zewen; they deserved commendation for these twenty years.

However, twenty years of peace without problems also indicated that future crises might be more widespread.

Of the Six Great Sea Regions, including Coral Sea Area, Chilan Sea Area, and Tianzhao Sea, how many would remain intact then?

"Oh, right, Seventh Grand Uncle, a year ago, someone from Thousand Machine Island delivered a Storage Pouch and instructed us to wait for you to open it!"

Lin Yanjiao handed over a Storage Pouch.

Lin Shiming took note of this. Upon opening the Storage Pouch, he indeed found a shimmering golden Spirit Puppet!

This Spirit Puppet was entirely crafted from precious gold, supplemented with Dark Light Crystal, heavy ironwood, and Heavenly Colorful Mud, radiating Spirit Light and countless spirit patterns.

Within its eyes, a faint Flood Dragon seemed to flow, indicating that the Divine Soul used was also a Flood Dragon's Divine Soul.

It was truly a grand undertaking.

Thousand Machine Island had indeed not cut corners. Lin Shiming released the Spirit Puppet.

Lin Yanjiao was also curious. She had seen the Early Stage Golden Core Spirit Puppet in Lin Xianzhi's care once before.

But she hadn't expected this to still be a Spirit Puppet, and its aura seemed much stronger than the previous one.

"Not bad!" Lin Shiming and the Spirit Puppet clasped hands. This time, unlike the previous time where he had the upper hand, in this test of strength, the Spirit Puppet actually had the advantage!

However, Lin Shiming was somewhat puzzled as to why Thousand Machine Island would send the Spirit Puppet back without waiting for him.

"Was it Immortal Master Xuanji or Real Person Qianji who delivered it?" Lin Shiming continued to ask.

"Immortal Master Xuanji!" Lin Yanjiao thought for a moment, then nodded.

"What about Immortal Master Hongye's side? Are there any instructions?" Lin Shiming asked again.

"Yes, it seems she wants you to absolutely attend the next Golden Core Assembly!"

"Moreover, the next Golden Core Assembly will be held on Coral Island, and there are only two years left!" Lin Yanjiao added.

"Yan Jiao, from today onwards, issue a lockdown on Shuangmu Island and begin mass preservation of Family seeds. Additionally, Lianyun Island is to completely withdraw from Baibing Island and defend Lianyun Island!"

"The defenses of Jiuyue Island and Tianxiang Island must be increased, ensuring that the Family's Purple Mansion combat power is five or more!"

Lin Shiming had a bad feeling. Perhaps the calamity wasn't ten years away!

It might even be at the Golden Core Assembly two years from now.

Although this feeling came from nowhere, he deeply believed it.

Before that, Lin Shiming wanted to go to the Eastern Region and also visit the Small World of Tai Bai Sword Palace again.

To see the Taiyi Sword Grass once more!

He had to take full precautions. Even Immortal Master Kuangfeng had entrusted him with his Legacy, so what reason did he have not to make greater preparations, even if it was to protect Immortal Yulin, for the Sixth-Order Legacy, or for the favor owed to a Nascent Soul Cultivator.

Leaving the Council Great Hall, Lin Shiming went to the Sword Pavilion. Inside the Sword Pavilion, Yan Yang Sword saw Lin Shiming standing there, speechless with surprise for a long time.

"You brat, you succeeded?" Yan Yang Sword sounded somewhat incredulous.

"I succeeded!" Lin Shiming nodded.

"Damn it, you're faster than me!" Yan Yang Sword directly cursed!

This scene left Lin Shiming dumbfounded, but then he recalled Yan Yang Sword's former appearance and found it perfectly reasonable!

"With your current Realm, you can go there now. In this situation, only Senior Grass can control it!"