559: The Beginning of the Expedition, Yanyang Retreat (2-in-1)

Lin Shiming wasn't surprised at all. For this expedition against the Heavenly Illumination Sect, the Lin Family would send one Super Golden Core, two Golden Cores, ten Purple Mansions, and one hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

As for the Super Golden Core, it was naturally the Autumn Blood Sword.

True Lord Xueshan's calculations were very shrewd; she knew that the Lin Family only had the Autumn Blood Sword as a trump card, not to mention a Nascent Soul, but only a Super Golden Core.

However, Lin Shiming already knew that the Autumn Blood Sword would participate.

So, he wasn't surprised.

After all, it would be fine if True Lord Xueshan didn't know, but now that she did, she definitely wouldn't let the Autumn Blood Sword stay behind, which would make her restless.

As for the Golden Core and Purple Mansion Cultivators, the Lin Family was still being taken care of.

Other inner islands all sent two Golden Cores and thirty Purple Mansion Cultivators.

Of course, even if they requested so, the Lin Family wouldn't bring thirty Purple Mansions.

The Lin Family's Purple Mansion Cultivators had increased a bit in recent years, but that was only relative to the past; compared to other inner islands, they were incomparable.

If he were forced to provide thirty, he would find Spirit Beasts to make up the numbers.

Naturally, for these ten Purple Mansions this time, the Lin Family would also find a dozen Purple Mansion Great Demons to make up the numbers.

These Great Demons were not the Lin Family's natal Spirit Beasts, but Spirit Beasts controlled by the Spirit Control Seal.

At that time, they would be supplemented with Spirit Medicine like blood burst pill to stimulate the Great Demon's potential and allow it to exert greater combat power.

This way, the Lin Family's risk would be slightly reduced.

In addition, the Lin Family also planned to use the fourth-tier war treasure ship this time.

After all, the Lin Family was already considered the second-largest power in the Coral Sea Area, and there was no need to hide any strength.

Further concealment would only make Coral Island more wary.

On the contrary, openly displaying their strength might even earn them recognition.

"Yan Jiao, how many fourth-tier war treasure ships does the Family have now?"

"Replying to Seventh Grand Uncle, there are ten fourth-tier war treasure ships, eleven Early Stage fourth-tier Puppets. In addition, there are fifteen fourth-tier Purple Mansion Great Demons controlled by the Spirit Control Seal, primarily Sea Cloud Birds, Mystic Spirit Turtles, and Azure Feathered Rocs..."

Lin Yanjiao listed the Lin Family's current reserves as if counting her Family treasures.

The fourth-tier war treasure ships, needless to say, were built using methods obtained from the Qingxuan Sect. Now, the Lin Family had even built one fifth-tier war treasure ship.

It was also personally crafted by Real Person Jiuxiao.

In addition, the Spirit Puppets were made using the Spirit Puppet method obtained from Thousand Machine Island, but clearly, Lin Zecheng could currently only refine Early Stage fourth-tier Spirit Puppets.

This wasn't because Lin Zecheng lacked talent in Spirit Puppets, but because Lin Zecheng was also diligently Cultivating. He was now a Mid Purple Mansion Realm Cultivator of the Lin Family, not far from the Purple Mansion Late Stage.

"Alright, the Family will send ten fourth-tier Family treasure ships this time, ten Purple Mansion Great Demons—half Sea Cloud Birds and half Mystic Spirit Turtles—and five Spirit Puppets!" Lin Shiming ordered.

"As for the Purple Mansion candidates, are there any volunteers?" Lin Shiming asked.

"Many, very many!" Lin Yanjiao said with a wry smile.

According to her knowledge, there were many Purple Mansion Cultivators such as Lin Zekong, Lin Zecheng, Lin Zeli, Lin Zelu, Lin Shiyun, Lin Shijin, Lei Xuan, Lin Shilei, and Lin Shiyuan.

This was not counting Lin Shimo, Lin Shiyi, and Lin Shijie.

These three were currently developing on Tengmu Island and couldn't spare time.

"Then let's use a lottery system. Additionally, four-tenths of the gains from this expedition will go to the Family, and the extra one-tenth will be rewarded to Cultivators guarding other areas!" Lin Shiming added.

According to general principles, only three-tenths should go to the Family.

But since failure was almost impossible this time, with four True Lords from the four major powers, it was an overwhelming force.

Coupled with all the preparations the Lin Family had made, they were practically going there for the spoils.

Naturally, individual gains had to be reduced.

Otherwise, these ten people would not be so easy to choose this time.

Moreover, it would also be unfair to Lin Shijie, Lin Shimo, and Lin Shiyi.

Taking out one-tenth made a difference.

Lin Yanjiao nodded upon hearing this and quickly went to give instructions for preparations.

"Also, next time we have a meeting, invite Real Person Jiuxiao!" Lin Shiming hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Real Person Jiuxiao was now almost entirely devoted to the Family, first refining Magic Treasures for him, and then building treasure ships.

It could be said that after his Breakthrough to Golden Core, he hadn't even had a proper Cultivation session.

He could certainly be invited to the Family's general meetings.

In addition, he was also considering inviting Lei Xuan. As for Yu Jing and other Cultivators who married into the Family or Guest Elders, he wouldn't consider them.

Without a hundred years of loyalty, it wasn't that easy to earn his trust.

After the selection rules were decided, the Foundation Establishment candidates were chosen by analogy; those willing to participate drew lots.

Luck was also a form of Cultivation.

Besides, this time, there might be dangers, and some people would naturally be unwilling to go.

After the rules were finalized, Lin Shiming headed to the North Sword Pavilion. Since this involved the Autumn Blood Sword, he naturally had to discuss it with him.

If the Autumn Blood Sword was unwilling to go, he couldn't force him.

Soon, he arrived at the North Sword Pavilion.

The one guarding the pavilion was still a Foundation Establishment Cultivator of the Shi Generation, but the difference was that Lin Shiming was still young, while the other party still appeared slightly aged.

The oldest member of the Shi Generation now was Lin Shijie, already over two hundred and thirty years old.

And Lin Shiming was also over two hundred and twenty years old.

Lin Shiming walked straight into the North Sword Pavilion.

Inside, the Sword Intent was even richer, but unlike before, it was permeated by a sea of blood Sword Intent.

At this moment, Lin Shiming felt a fiery Sword Intent rising abruptly.

In the sky of the Sword Pavilion, the Yan Yang Sword rested on the sword ladder. This time, a crimson spiritual glow revealed a volcano.

The vast fiery Sword Intent, like magma, continuously erupted.

After a long while, as if sensing Lin Shiming's arrival, the crimson light receded.

The Yan Yang Sword descended, along with several other swords.

The Autumn Blood Sword was at the front.

Judging by their expressions, they were very satisfied with Shuangmu Island.

The North Sword Pavilion now had a five-tier Spiritual Vein dedicated to their Cultivation.

Coupled with the Sword Intent from Tai Bai Sword Palace, it was much better than staying on Ten Thousand Swords Mountain, which was a divine mountain but also a cage.

It wasn't that there was no room for improvement there, but that it had been largely eroded, and only by relying on the Taiyi Sword Grass could it barely resist.

"Seniors!" Lin Shiming said.

"Lin has a request."

"No worries, just say it!" The Ying Feng Sword spoke.

His strength had increased significantly recently, but the problem was, it was far too inferior to the Yan Yang Sword.

Moreover, the Yan Yang Sword had recently received guidance from the Autumn Blood Sword.

"Is it about True Lord Xueshan?" The Autumn Blood Sword also spoke.

He saw the problem at a glance.

At the Golden Core Realm, there were very few troubles that could bother Lin Shiming anymore.

It wasn't that Lin Shiming was invincible among Golden Core Cultivators.

The key was that those with profound Golden Core cultivation were all preparing to Breakthrough to Nascent Soul.

And those with lower Realms were naturally no match for Lin Shiming.

"Precisely!" Lin Shiming nodded.

"No problem, I also need to travel more. Perhaps I can gain a clearer understanding of this path of Spirit Cultivation!" The Autumn Blood Sword nodded in agreement.

The Yan Yang Sword, however, hesitated.

"Shiming, I'm almost at the point of Breakthrough..." The Yan Yang Sword said.

"Then naturally, Senior Yan Yang's Cultivation takes precedence. This time, Senior Qiu Xue, Senior Ying Feng, and Senior Leiming will suffice. As for the remaining Seniors, I hope you can help guard Shuangmu Island!"

After Lin Shiming finished speaking, the other swords also nodded in agreement. In fact, the Fei Fu Sword and the minglun sword both wanted to go.

But after Lin Shiming said only three people would go, they could only nod, as Shuangmu Island was also very important.

Given the Lin Family's current state, if they truly went all out, there was a real possibility of trouble at home.

And Lin Shiming's heart was now at ease.

The Yan Yang Sword had already been in the Late Golden Core Stage for a long time, preparing for nearly one hundred and fifty years.

Now, the Nascent Soul Realm was no longer completely sealed off as it was before.

The latter's Breakthrough was self-evident.

"Seniors, please wait for this Junior!" Lin Shiming said.

Then his body vanished beside them, entering the Grotto-Heaven.

Since the swords had all stayed in the Grotto-Heaven before, Lin Shiming didn't need to hide anything.

After about ten breaths of time, Lin Shiming walked out openly.

"Senior Yan Yang, I have a small token of my regard here!" Lin Shiming took out a Storage Pouch and made to hand it to the Yan Yang Sword.

The Yan Yang Sword, seeing this, hesitated slightly.

He probably guessed what was inside.

Although Lin Shiming had mentioned it before, it was a ten-thousand-year Spirit Medicine, and it was fire-attributed.

It was enough to increase the probability of a Breakthrough to Nascent Soul.

"If Senior can wait, Lin might be able to find other treasures!" Lin Shiming added.

And the Yan Yang Sword spoke at this moment:

"No need for so much. When the Opportunity arrives, there's no need to be afraid of this or that!"

"We Spirit Cultivators are inherently different. This time, this sword owes you a favor. In the future, I will never do anything detrimental to the Lin Family, and as long as I am here, I will protect the Lin Family for ten thousand years!" The Yan Yang Sword spoke using an oath of the heavenly dao.

These words carried significant weight and were more beneficial to the Lin Family than the previous Jade Slip.

Seeing this, Lin Shiming no longer hesitated and handed over the Storage Pouch.

The latter glanced at it, even more surprised. Beside the ten-thousand-year Sunset Glow Grass, there was also a top-grade fire spirit stone.

The effect of this top-grade fire spirit stone on their Spirit Cultivation was no less than that of a ten-thousand-year Spirit Medicine.

It could not be measured by High-Grade Spirit Stones.

"Great kindness needs no thanks!" The Yan Yang Sword said respectfully.

The others were curious at this moment, but Lin Shiming hadn't taken it out, and the Yan Yang Sword hadn't said not to ask again.

But at this moment, the few of them were thinking of doing more for the Lin Family.

Perhaps, in the future, the Lin Family could also find some Breakthrough treasures for them.

After chatting with the Yan Yang Sword for a few more sentences, Lin Shiming bid farewell. Before leaving, he took the Autumn Blood Sword, Leiming, and Ying Feng with him.

It was also extremely convenient in Lin Shiming's Grotto-Heaven.

When Lin Shiming returned to the Council Great Hall again.

He found that the Family's Purple Mansion candidates had already been finalized. Among those participating in the battle this time were Lin Zekong, Lin Zecheng, Lin Shijin, Lin Shilei, Lei Xuan, Lin Shiyuan, as well as Lin Zeyi, Lin Houwei, Lin Zelu, and Lin Shizhong.

This draw was quite comprehensive: Lin Shijin was a Spirit Talisman Master, Lin Zeyi was a Sword Cultivator, Lin Shizhong was an Artifact Refiner, and Lin Zelu was a Formation Master.

The remaining Lei Xuan and Lin Shilei were Lightning Cultivators, and Lin Zekong and Lin Zecheng, needless to say, were also formidable.

The entire lineup, although lacking Purple Mansion Late Stage Cultivators, had quite a few Mid Purple Mansion Realm Cultivators.

As for Foundation Establishment Cultivators, Lin Shiming paid less attention.

But what he didn't expect was that Lin Changxing, Lin Zehong, and several other Chang generation Foundation Establishment Cultivators had also participated.

Finally, everyone gathered at the Teleportation Array Plaza.

Each Purple Mansion Cultivator brought a fourth-tier treasure ship, a fourth-tier Spirit Puppet, and a fourth-tier Great Demon.

This way, even if there were changes during chaotic battles, there would be room for buffer, preventing instant defeat.

Now, the Lin Family's Formation Masters also had many promising talents. Arranging Teleportation Arrays in ordinary places no longer required Lin Shiyun, Lin Zelu, and Lin Houshou to act.

The Teleportation Array Plaza was also built extremely large.

It connected all of the Lin Family's territories, as well as the various Secret Realms of the Lin Family.

It meant that as soon as a message came through the Teleportation Array, the Lin Family's Cultivators could respond immediately.

As the Teleportation light lit up.

A group of people appeared on Hongye Island.

At this moment, Hongye Island was much more desolate, and the Spiritual Qi had also dropped significantly.

This was related to the relocation of the Hongye Islands.

But even so, there was still a fifth-tier Spiritual Vein on it.

And yet, the market was even livelier.

Due to the relocation of the Hongye Islands, the affiliated forces also moved with them. Some territories and shops that couldn't be taken away were sold off.

Of course, these were not the Lin Family's shops being sold.

The Lin Family would only replace the previous share of Hongye Island. The remaining treasure shops would still belong to those previous affiliated families.

Besides shop deeds, there were also those buying Spiritual Veins.

After all, Real Person Hongye could take some Spiritual Veins, but still left two fifth-tier Spiritual Veins, one of which was a pure water-attributed Spiritual Vein.

Even if those affiliated families wanted to take their Spiritual Veins, they had to leave some visible ones behind.

Thus, when they went to Golden Thunder Island, they would still need to purchase Spiritual Veins.

That's why the market here wasn't desolate; instead, it felt even more prosperous.

"Senior Lin, my master invites you!" Just then, by the Teleportation Array, a female Cultivator bowed to Lin Shiming.

She then led Lin Shiming and his group towards Red Leaf Palace.

Although Red Leaf Palace was relocating, they still needed to provide many candidates this time.

They were also considered one of the three upper islands.

Soon, Lin Shiming and his group arrived at Red Leaf Palace and found that many people had already gathered in its plaza.

Lin Shiming's Divine Sense swept across.

To his surprise, Hongye Island also had two Golden Core Cultivators this time, but a full forty Purple Mansion Cultivators, and five hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators!

This was far more than the Lin Family.

At that time, not only would they have an advantage in combat, but even if they won, they would have an advantage in seizing territory.

Lin Shiming also wanted to send more Foundation Establishment and Purple Mansion Cultivators, but the Lin Family didn't have such a large pool of resources.

Fortunately, the Lin Family had many Spirit Beasts and Spirit Puppets.

"Junior Brother Lin!"

"Fellow Daoist Lin!"

Two voices sounded, and two female Cultivators walked out.

"This is Daoist Xu, also my father's closed-door Disciple!" Real Person Hongye introduced.

Real Person Hongye was wearing red soft armor this time, exuding an indescribable heroic spirit.

The female Cultivator beside her was much gentler, somewhat resembling Zhao Fuling.

She wore a blue Daoist robe, and her Cultivation was Early Stage Golden Core.

She was clearly a newly Breakthrough Golden Core.

The Hongye Islands were different from the Lin Family, which had so many Spirit Communication Swords.

They still had at least one Golden Core left, who was Real Person Gufeng.

Just like Tianliu Island and Thousand Machine Island, they would definitely leave Real Person Tian Liu and Real Person Qianji behind.

Lin Shiming smiled to himself, he clearly understood their calculations.