26: Chapter 26 The Chen Family of Crescent Moon

New Moon Island, Chen Family.

The manor was built on the southern slope of the mountain in the center of the island, known as "Woniu Mountain". It faced south, with its back to the mountain and facing the sea, occupying the best geographical position. A small, first-grade Low Grade Spiritual Vein snaked down the mountain. Although the Spiritual Qi was thin, it gave the manor a sense of purity. The manor's buildings were primarily made of bluestone and spirit wood. While not luxurious, they were quite elegant, showing that the owner did not blindly pursue luxury but understood how to cultivate the mind and nature.

Guided by Chen Hai, Lin Wan passed through the front courtyard and stepped into the main hall. In the hall, a middle-aged Cultivator, wearing a dark blue robe, with a scholarly appearance and about fifty years of age, had been waiting for a long time. His aura was condensed, and he had already reached the Middle Stage Foundation Establishment. This was the Island Master of New Moon Island, head of the Chen Family, Island Master Chen Song.

"Father, this is Senior Lin, who saved the child, Junior Sister, and Junior Brother." Chen Hai stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and briefly recounted the ambush on the beach and how he was saved by Lin Wan.

Island Master Chen Song's gaze was like lightning, quickly sweeping over Lin Wan. With his Middle Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, he could naturally see that Lin Wan's aura was floating, his complexion was pale, and his hair was gray, clearly indicating he was suffering from unhealed severe injuries and a great loss of Origin Qi. His cultivation... seemed to only be at the Early Stage Foundation Establishment, and his aura was unstable; perhaps his Realm was even damaged. However, this person's eyes were deep and calm. Facing him, an Island Master, he was neither humble nor arrogant, possessing a composed demeanor that was certainly not comparable to ordinary Loose Cultivators. What shocked him even more was that Lin Wan's casual strike earlier—killing a Late Stage Qi Refining pirate with a pebble—showed a control over power and timing that was definitely not something an ordinary Early Stage Foundation Establishment could achieve.

"This old man, Chen Song, unworthy as the Island Master of New Moon Island, has met Fellow Daoist Lin. Many thanks to Fellow Daoist for your righteous action in saving my son and my Disciple." Island Master Chen Song cupped his hands, his tone polite but carrying a hint of scrutiny.

"Island Master Chen is too polite. Lin encountered a shipwreck and drifted here; it was just a coincidence." Lin Wan returned the salute, his voice calm. "Disturbing your esteemed mansion is truly a last resort; I hope you will forgive me."

"Fellow Daoist, you are too modest. It is the Chen Family's honor to have you visit our humble abode. Since you are injured, if you don't mind, please stay here and recuperate. Although our humble abode is simple, we do have some common Medicinal Pills that can help with your urgent needs." Island Master Chen Song said enthusiastically, then immediately instructed the butler standing to the side, "Go, clean up the 'Tingzhu Pavilion' in the West Wing and invite Fellow Daoist Lin to move in. Also, take a bottle of 'Jade Marrow Pill' and two bottles of 'Recovery Powder' to give to Fellow Daoist Lin."

The butler accepted the order and left.

"Many thanks for Island Master Chen's generosity, Lin will accept it with shame." Lin Wan thanked him. Jade Marrow Pill was a common healing Medicinal Pill for the Foundation Establishment Stage, and Recovery Powder could restore Spiritual Qi; it was indeed helpful for his current situation. This Island Master Chen was so generous upon their first meeting; either he was truly grateful, or he had other motives. However, one should be at peace with whatever happens. Recovering from his injuries was the priority right now.

"Fellow Daoist, please go and rest first. In the evening, this old man will set up a small banquet to welcome you and introduce you to some Fellow Daoists on the island." Island Master Chen Song said with a smile.

"Thank you for your trouble." Lin Wan did not refuse further and followed the butler to the Tingzhu Pavilion in the West Wing.

Tingzhu Pavilion was an independent small courtyard located on the west side of the manor. It was quiet and elegant, and indeed, several clumps of spirit bamboo were planted in the courtyard. A breeze blew, causing them to rustle. The small courtyard came with a simple gathering and soundproofing Formation. Although crude, for the current Lin Wan, it was a rare place of tranquility.

The butler delivered the Medicinal Pills and left behind a sharp-witted servant at the second level of Qi Refining to wait for commands, then bowed and retreated.

Lin Wan closed the courtyard gate and activated the Formation. Only then did he completely relax, and a wave of uncontrollable weakness and sharp pain instantly swept through his body. He stumbled a few steps, sat down on the meditation cushion in the quiet room, and immediately took out the Jade Marrow Pill and Recovery Powder gifted by Island Master Chen Song, taking one of each.

The Medicinal Pill dissolved, and the gentle medicinal power dispersed into his limbs and bones, repairing the damaged Meridians and supplementing his weak Spiritual Qi. Although the effect was far inferior to his previous Life-Generating Creation Pill, it was better than nothing. He immediately circulated the basic healing method from the "Great Five Elements True Scripture", guiding the medicinal power to focus on nourishing the almost shattered five elements sword core.

Looking internally, the situation in his Dantian was still shocking. The five elements sword core was dim and covered in spiderweb-like cracks, as if it would shatter at any moment. The Dantian Origin was nearly exhausted, with only a weak Five Elements spiritual light flowing at the very core, maintaining the most basic vitality. The Meridians were withered and dried up, with multiple ruptures. His Divine Soul was dim and covered in fine scars. What was even more troublesome was that the "Ten Thousand Ghost Death Qi" of the Ghost Hand Daoist, although suppressed, had not been eradicated. It was like a lurking poisonous snake, entrenched in several important acupoints and Meridian nodes, waiting for an opportunity to counterattack. The loss of Origin and Lifespan caused by burning essence blood and using the Blood Escape Talisman was like a bottomless pit, which could not be filled by ordinary Medicinal Pills.

"Foundation damaged by nearly half, Lifespan reduced by at least a hundred years... This injury is even more serious than expected." Lin Wan felt heavy. If he could not find Heaven And Earth Treasure to repair his Foundation and make up for his Lifespan, his cultivation in this life would likely be unable to advance, and it was even possible that as the injury worsened, his cultivation would regress and he would die when his Lifespan was exhausted.

"System, display treasures that can repair the Golden Core Foundation and make up for Lifespan."

The System store refreshed, listing a few types.

[Five Elements Heaven-Mending Pill (Fifth Grade): Can repair the Foundation of a Five Elements attribute Golden Core, with a certain chance to improve the Golden Core's quality. Requires Fortune Points: 50,000 points.]

[Ten Thousand Year Stone Milk (Fourth Grade): Can make up for Lifespan loss of less than a hundred years, slightly strengthening the Physical Body Foundation. Requires Fortune Points: 30,000 points/drop.]

[Earth Origin Fruit (Fourth Grade): Contains Earth Origin, can stabilize the Dao Foundation and restore Origin Qi. Requires Fortune Points: 20,000 points/piece.]

[Lesser Returning Pill (Third Grade): Can slightly repair Meridian and Divine Soul damage. Requires Fortune Points: 1,000 points/pill.]

The prices were despairingly high. The Five Elements Heaven-Mending Pill and Ten Thousand Year Stone Milk both required tens of thousands of Fortune Points. He currently only had 7,500 points left, not even enough to buy an Earth Origin Fruit. He could buy a few Lesser Returning Pills, but it would be a drop in the bucket.

"It seems that in the short term, I cannot rely on the System. I must find a way to gain a foothold here, collect resources, and plan slowly." Lin Wan put away his thoughts and focused on healing. The top priority was to stabilize his injuries first, restore a portion of his combat power, and at least have the ability to protect himself.

After secluded cultivation in Tingzhu Pavilion for three days, having consumed most of the Medicinal Pills gifted by Island Master Chen Song and consumed a few Medium Grade Spirit Stones, Lin Wan's injuries were finally stabilized and no longer worsening. The cracks in the five elements sword core were temporarily bonded by the medicinal power, the Dantian Origin had recovered by about 10%, and the Meridians had also been repaired somewhat, allowing him to circulate his Cultivation Technique more smoothly. His cultivation was stabilized at the Early Stage Foundation Establishment, but his aura was floating, his combat power was probably only slightly stronger than an ordinary Early Stage Foundation Establishment, and he could not sustain it for long. The gray-white hair could not be restored and became his most obvious feature at the moment.

During these three days, Island Master Chen Song sent people to deliver light spirit meals every day, his attitude respectful, but he never took the initiative to disturb him. That servant was also very dutiful and never talked much. This made Lin Wan's impression of the Chen Family improve a little.

On the evening of the fourth day, Island Master Chen Song personally came to Tingzhu Pavilion to invite Lin Wan to the banquet.

The banquet was set in the main hall. In addition to Island Master Chen Song, Chen Hai, and the Junior Sister (named Lin Xue, Qi Refining 8th Layer) and Junior Brother (Zhao Hu, Qi Refining 7th Layer) who were saved that day, there were two others. One was an old man in a gray robe with a scholarly face and an aura at the Early Stage Foundation Establishment; he was a Guest Elder of the Chen Family, surnamed Sun, who was skilled in Alchemy. The other was a tall, sturdy, dark-skinned middle-aged man with a full beard, whose aura was also at the Early Stage Foundation Establishment; he was the head of another Cultivator Family on the island, the "Liu Family", Liu Mang. Besides the Chen Family, New Moon Island also had two smaller Cultivator families, the Liu and Wang families, each occupying part of the Spiritual Fields and fishing grounds, usually interacting and competing with each other.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, this is Alchemist Sun, our Chen Family's retained Alchemist. This is Family Head Liu, a Family friend of our Chen Family." Island Master Chen Song introduced.

"Met Fellow Daoist Lin." Alchemist Sun cupped his hands, his gaze lingering on Lin Wan for a moment, especially looking at his gray-white hair, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly restrained it.

"Haha, Fellow Daoist Lin, I heard from Brother Chen that you are amazing, killing a Late Stage Qi Refining pirate brat with just a wave of your hand! Liu admires capable people the most. Come, let me toast you!" Liu Mang's voice was like a bell, he picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp, quite heroic.

"Family Head Liu is too kind. Alchemist Sun, nice to meet you." Lin Wan also picked up his wine cup and took a small sip. He had not recovered from his severe injuries and was not suitable for drinking; Island Master Chen Song had already ordered it to be replaced with spirit tea.

During the banquet, Island Master Chen Song and Liu Mang enthusiastically introduced the customs and power distribution of New Moon Island and the Xingluo Archipelago. Lin Wan mostly listened quietly, occasionally asking a few questions.

It turned out that the Xingluo Archipelago was extremely vast, composed of tens of thousands of islands of various sizes, roughly divided into three areas: the Inner Sea, Middle Sea, and Outer Sea. New Moon Island was located on the edge of the Outer Sea, with thin Spiritual Qi and scarce resources, being the most inconspicuous existence in the archipelago. The Inner Sea area had rich Spiritual Qi and several medium-sized Spiritual Veins, controlled by several powerful Golden Core families and Sects of the "Thousand Islands Alliance". The Middle Sea was a mix of dragons and snakes, with countless large and small forces and fierce fighting. As for the Outer Sea, like New Moon Island, it was mostly occupied by small Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment families and Loose Cultivators, surviving by hunting low-level Yao Beasts in the sea, collecting Spiritual Plants and Ore from the seabed, and planting spirit grain and Spirit Medicine. Life was hard, and they always had to guard against pirates, Yao Beast attacks, and exploitation by large forces from the Middle and Inner Seas.

"Our New Moon Island is still relatively stable. With Brother Chen sitting in charge, ordinary pirates dare not easily provoke us. However, recently, the surrounding sea area doesn't seem very peaceful." Liu Mang took a swig of wine and frowned. "I heard that the people of the 'Black Shark Bandits' have been active frequently in our Outer Sea area recently. Several small islands have already suffered, being looted, and even the Island Masters were killed. The ones who attacked Hai and the others a few days ago might be scouts of the Black Shark Bandits."

"Black Shark Bandits?" Lin Wan looked at Island Master Chen Song.

"They are a group of fierce bandits entrenched in the 'Black Wind Strait' area. The leader calls himself 'Black Shark' and has Middle Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation. Under him are four major leaders, all at the Early or Middle Stage Foundation Establishment, with hundreds of minions. They have been rampant in the Middle and Outer Seas for many years, with cruel methods and a habit of plundering, even daring to rob the merchant ships of the Thousand Islands Alliance." Island Master Chen Song looked solemn. "If they are really eyeing New Moon Island, I'm afraid... it's going to be troublesome."

Middle Stage Foundation Establishment, several Early/Middle Stage Foundation Establishment, and hundreds of Qi Refining minions. This force, for New Moon Island, which only had Island Master Chen Song at Middle Stage Foundation Establishment, plus Liu Mang and Alchemist Sun at Early Stage Foundation Establishment, could be described as a disaster.

"Brother Chen doesn't need to worry too much. Although the Black Shark Bandits are fierce, our New Moon Island is in a remote location, and there isn't much wealth, so they might not look at us. Even if they really come, we can resist with the defensive Formation on the island, combined with the efforts of the three families. If it really doesn't work, we can ask for help from the Feng Family on 'Bibo Island'. The Feng Family Old Ancestor is at Great Perfection Foundation Establishment and has some relationship with the Thousand Islands Alliance." Liu Mang said, but his confidence was clearly insufficient.

The Feng Family was the overlord of a medium-sized island a thousand miles away from New Moon Island. The Family had three Foundation Establishment Cultivators, and the Old Ancestor was at Great Perfection Foundation Establishment, which was considered a top force in the Outer Sea. The Chen Family, Liu Family, and Wang Family were nominally attached to the Feng Family and had to hand over a lot of tribute every year. But whether the Feng Family would go head-to-head with the notorious Black Shark Bandits for the sake of these "vassals" of New Moon Island was hard to say.

Lin Wan listened silently, understanding in his heart. This New Moon Island looked calm, but it was actually full of crises. Externally, there was the threat of the Black Shark Bandits, and internally, the three families seemed harmonious but were actually full of interest struggles. As an "outsider Foundation Establishment", in this environment, he was both a variable and could become a target.

"When soldiers come, use generals to block; when water comes, use earth to cover. If the Black Shark Bandits really dare to come, we will fight to the death." Island Master Chen Song said in a deep voice, then looked at Lin Wan, revealing an apologetic look. "I'm sorry for letting Fellow Daoist see this. You are a guest from afar and should have been resting peacefully, but instead, you had to hear about these troublesome matters."

"It's fine. Since Lin is temporarily residing on your island, I should stand together with the island through thick and thin." Lin Wan said lightly. He needed the Chen Family as a foothold and also needed time to recover. Within his ability, he didn't mind taking action, which would also repay the Chen Family for taking him in. Moreover, fighting with fierce bandits like the Black Shark Bandits might allow him to get familiar with the fighting style of overseas Cultivators faster, and in life-and-death battles, accelerate the recovery of his injuries and hone his Sword Intent.

"With Fellow Daoist's words, this old man is relieved." A look of joy appeared on Island Master Chen Song's face. A Foundation Establishment Cultivator, even if injured, was a great help. He immediately said: "Since your injuries are not yet healed, please rest peacefully on the island for the time being. As for the island's affairs, we will take care of them. If you need anything, just ask."

The banquet ended in a slightly heavy atmosphere.

Lin Wan returned to Tingzhu Pavilion and continued his secluded cultivation to heal. He had to recover some strength as soon as possible to deal with the potential crisis.

The next half month was calm. Every day, besides healing, Lin Wan used his weak Spiritual Qi to nourish his five elements sword and familiarize himself with the overseas environment. Island Master Chen Song, Liu Mang, and others came to visit from time to time, bringing some Medicinal Pills and spirit meals, and their attitude became increasingly polite. The residents of the island were also quite respectful to this "Senior Lin" who saved the Young Island Master and lived in the Island Master's mansion.

Lin Wan's injuries were slowly recovering under the nourishment of Medicinal Pills and his own Cultivation Technique.

His Dantian energy had recovered to about twenty percent, and most of his Meridians had been repaired, allowing him to circulate his Cultivation Technique with relative ease and cast some simple Spells.

Although the five elements sword core remained dim, the Five Elements spiritual light at its core had stabilized significantly, and its self-rotation speed had increased slightly.

However, the loss of his Origin and Lifespan could not be replenished in the short term; his gray-white hair was clear proof of this.

His cultivation was stabilized at the Early Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, but his combat power, relying on the Foundation of his Five Elements Spirit Body and his partially recovered Dantian energy, should be no weaker than an ordinary Cultivator at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, though he could not sustain it for long.

On this day, Lin Wan was in the courtyard, using his finger as a sword, slowly practicing a set of the most basic sword techniques from Tianjian Peak, familiarizing himself with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi and the rhythm of combat, which were slightly different from those in the mainland.

Suddenly, a rapid bell tolling came from outside the manor, breaking the island's tranquility.

" Clang! Clang! Clang! "

The bell rang nine times, rapid and shrill, instantly spreading across the entire island.

" Enemy attack! It is the highest level of alert! " the servant standing outside the courtyard rushed in, his face deathly pale as he reported.

Lin Wan stopped his movements and looked outside the manor.

He could feel several not-so-weak auras rapidly approaching from the sea, the strongest of which was clearly at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage! There were also three auras at the early and Middle Stages of the Foundation Establishment Stage, as well as dozens of chaotic auras at the Qi Refinement Stage.

The Black Shark Bandits had arrived.

Moreover, they had arrived faster than he had anticipated.

" So they have finally come. " Lin Wan's eyes were slightly cold, with not much surprise.

He straightened his slightly oversized cyan Daoist robe (a gift from Island Master Chen Song), carried his five elements sword on his back, and walked slowly out of Tingzhu Pavilion.

The front courtyard of the manor was already filled with a murderous atmosphere.

Island Master Chen Song, Liu Mang, Alchemist Sun, as well as Qi Refinement Stage Disciples like Chen Hai, Lin Xue, and Zhao Hu, along with some Cultivators from the Wang and Liu families, had all gathered.

Everyone looked nervous, gripping the Magical Artifacts in their hands tightly.

Island Master Chen Song, with a solemn expression, stood at the very front.

Beside him stood an old man in a brocade robe whose face was somewhat similar to Island Master Chen Song's, but whose aura was only at the Great Perfection of the Qi Refinement Stage; he was likely the head of the Wang Family.

" Fellow Daoist Lin. " Seeing Lin Wan, Island Master Chen Song hurriedly greeted him, his eyes filled with a hint of apology and pleading, " The Black Shark Bandits are attacking, and their leader is none other than that 'Black Shark', who is at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage. His three top lieutenants, 'Poison Tooth', 'Blood Hook', and 'Ghost Shuttle', are all at the early to Middle Stages of the Foundation Establishment Stage. There are also dozens of Qi Refinement Stage underlings. This time, I am afraid it will be difficult to resolve peacefully. Fellow Daoist, your injuries have not yet healed, and I should not have troubled you, but... "

" Island Master Chen, there is no need to say more. Since I am on the island, I will naturally do my part. " Lin Wan interrupted him, his gaze sweeping across the distant sea.

He saw three long, narrow speedboats, painted entirely black, with ferocious shark heads carved on the bows and black skull flags flying, breaking through the waves and approaching the island's dock at high speed.

Figures were looming on the ships, and a monstrous evil aura was surging.

" Good! With the help of Fellow Daoist, our New Moon Island may not necessarily be without the strength to fight! " Island Master Chen Song's spirit was lifted, and he shouted to the crowd, " Activate the island protection Formation! All Disciples at the Middle Stage of the Qi Refinement Stage and above, follow me to meet the enemy! Women, children, and the weak, retreat into the secret chamber in the mountain belly! "

Following his order, several Formation Flags around the manor lit up, and a layer of pale cyan light screen slowly rose, enveloping the entire manor.

This was the "Yi Wood Azure Light Formation" that the Chen Family had managed for many years.

It was only a Low Grade second-tier Formation with limited defense, capable of resisting the attacks of a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator for only a short time.

At the same time, the three Black Shark Bandit speedboats had already docked.

Dozens of bandits in black, holding various weapons and exuding fierce auras, jumped off the ships like dumplings into a pot and quickly assembled on the beach.

The four leading men had particularly powerful auras.

The one in the middle was eight feet tall, broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, with a ferocious face.

There was a hideous scar on his face that ran diagonally from his forehead to his jaw, almost splitting his face in two.

He was the leader of the Black Shark Bandits, "Black Shark", at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, with a violent aura.

He held a thick-backed scimitar as wide as a door panel, which gleamed with black light and had blood-colored light flowing on the blade; one could only wonder how much blood it had drunk.

The person on the left was tall and thin with a sallow complexion, black fingers, and green light in his eyes.

He was the second lieutenant, "Poison Tooth", at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, who excelled in poison techniques.

The person on the right was as short and stout as an iron tower, with a face full of flesh, holding a pair of hideous iron hooks covered in barbs.

He was the third lieutenant, "Blood Hook", at the Middle Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, possessing immense strength.

The last person was a hunched old man holding a pitch-black fish fork with sinister eyes.

He was the fourth lieutenant, "Ghost Shuttle", at the Early Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, said to be skilled in water escape and sneak attacks.

" Island Master Chen Song! Liu Mang! If you are sensible, open the Formation immediately and hand over all the wealth, Spirit Medicine, and female Cultivators on the island. This seat can spare your lives! Otherwise, once this island is breached, no one will be left alive! " Black Shark's voice sounded like muffled thunder, rolling over with undisguised killing intent and greed.

" Black Shark! Do not be arrogant! Although our New Moon Island is small, we are not people to be slaughtered at will! If you want wealth, ask the sword in my hand first! " Island Master Chen Song responded sharply, a three-foot blue blade already in his hand.

The blade flashed with cold light; it was a decent High Grade first-tier Magical Artifact.

" You refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit! Little ones, attack for me! Break this turtle shell, and whatever is inside belongs to whoever grabs it! " Black Shark grinned and waved the thick-backed scimitar in his hand, " Poison Tooth, Blood Hook, Ghost Shuttle, follow me to break the Formation! Others, set fires everywhere to create Chaos! "

" Kill — —! "

Dozens of bandits shouted in unison, rushing toward the manor like a tide.

Various Spells, Magical Artifacts, and Talismans rained down on the pale cyan light screen, erupting into a continuous roar.

The light screen fluctuated violently, its radiance rapidly dimming.

Black Shark, Poison Tooth, Blood Hook, and Ghost Shuttle all attacked the weakest point of the light screen simultaneously.

Black Shark's thick-backed scimitar turned into a black blade light several feet long, carrying the power to split mountains and rocks, slashing fiercely at the light screen.

Poison Tooth opened his mouth and sprayed a cloud of foul-smelling green poisonous mist, corroding the spiritual energy of the light screen.

Blood Hook crossed his twin hooks, tearing out a harsh screeching sound.

Ghost Shuttle moved with eerie agility, his fish fork like a poisonous snake, specifically piercing the nodes of the light screen.

" Bang! Crack... "

Under the fierce joint attack of the four Foundation Establishment Cultivators, the Yi Wood Azure Light Formation, which was not of a High Grade to begin with, held up for only a dozen breaths before it shattered with a loud crash, dissipating into countless points of light.

" Kill your way in! " Black Shark laughed wildly, taking the lead and rushing toward the main gate of the manor.

The bandits behind him, like sharks smelling blood, swarmed in, instantly engaging in a melee with the Cultivators of the Chen, Liu, and Wang families, as well as some Loose Cultivators on the island.

Shouts of killing, screams, and the sound of metal clashing instantly filled the manor.

Island Master Chen Song faced Black Shark, his blue blade turning into streaks of cold light, clashing with the black blade light.

Although his cultivation was a small stage lower, his sword technique was steady and his Foundation was solid, so he barely managed to hold him off for a while.

Liu Mang faced Blood Hook; both were men of great strength, and they fought in a stalemate, but Liu Mang was clearly at a disadvantage.

Alchemist Sun faced Poison Tooth; he circled around using pill fire and a few defensive Magical Artifacts, looking quite disheveled and in constant danger.

Ghost Shuttle moved like a ghost, specializing in assassinating Qi Refinement Stage Cultivators, and several had already died in an instant.

Young Disciples like Chen Hai, Lin Xue, and Zhao Hu also formed a Formation to protect themselves, fighting against several bandits at the Late Stage of the Qi Refinement Stage, and the situation was precarious.

The entire manor instantly turned into a slaughterhouse.

Blood splashed, severed limbs flew, and a rich smell of blood permeated the air.

Lin Wan stood on the steps in front of the main hall, watching all this with cold eyes.

He did not act immediately, but was observing, observing the fighting style of these overseas Cultivators, observing the tactics of the Black Shark Bandits, and also evaluating the degree of his own recovery.

" There is someone watching the show over there! His hair is all white, is he not a sickly invalid? Brothers, butcher him! " A one-eyed bandit at the eighth level of the Qi Refinement Stage noticed Lin Wan, whose aura was not apparent on the steps, and grinned, bringing three accomplices at the Middle Stage of the Qi Refinement Stage, brandishing ghost-head blades, and pounced to kill him.

Lin Wan's gaze swept over, his feet did not move, he just raised his right hand, pointing with his finger like a sword, and lightly tapped at the one-eyed bandit who was rushing in the front.

" Shhh — —! "

A pale golden, condensed-as-silk Geng Metal Sword Qi shot out from his fingertip, as fast as lightning, instantly piercing through the one-eyed bandit's glabella and coming out from the back of his head, bringing up a spray of blood.

The grin on the one-eyed bandit's face had not yet faded, but he froze, fell to the ground with a thud, and died instantly.

The other three bandits stopped in horror, looking at Lin Wan in terror, as if they had seen a ghost.

The leader at the eighth level of the Qi Refinement Stage was killed by this "sickly invalid" with a casual tap?

Before they could react, Lin Wan flicked his fingers continuously, and three more Geng Metal Sword Qi shot out.

The three bandits did not even have time to scream before they followed in his footsteps.

Having dealt with a few underlings casually, Lin Wan's gaze finally fell on the core of the battle.

At this moment, Island Master Chen Song had been shaken back by a slash from Black Shark, spitting blood, and cracks had appeared on the blue blade in his hand.

Liu Mang had also been smashed away by a heavy blow from Blood Hook, collapsing a wall, his life or death unknown.

Alchemist Sun was forced to retreat repeatedly by Poison Tooth's poisonous mist, his protective spiritual light dim, and he was on the verge of being unable to hold on.

Ghost Shuttle moved like a ghost, shuttling through the crowd, constantly reaping lives.

Inside the manor, nearly half of the Cultivators from the three families had been killed or injured, and the defeat was certain.

" Island Master Chen Song, die! " Black Shark laughed wildly, and the black blade light rose again, turning into a ribbon, aiming straight at Island Master Chen Song's head, intending to cut him in two with one slash.

Island Master Chen Song looked desperate; he no longer had the strength to resist.

Just at this critical moment, a calm voice sounded:

" Noisy. "

The voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

Immediately following, a chaotic dark golden, unadorned, yet seemingly capable of suppressing one side of space sword light, like a surprise from beyond the heavens, arrived first despite being launched later, accurately tapping on the weakest point of that fierce black blade light.

" Ding — —! "

The crispest sword sound seemed to be able to cleanse the soul.

That astonishingly powerful black blade light was actually like fragile glass, shattering upon impact, turning into countless black points of light.

Black Shark's expression changed drastically.

He felt a heavy, sharp, yet terrifying force carrying the rotation of the Five Elements and endless life coming from the blade, shaking his arm numb, his blood and Qi churning, and he retreated three steps before he could stand firm.

He looked up in shock.

He saw that on the steps, the Cultivator in the cyan robe with gray-white hair, whom his subordinates had mocked as a "sickly invalid", had appeared in front of Island Master Chen Song at some point, holding a long sword that was entirely chaotic dark gold with a simple and ancient style, looking at him with a calm expression.

The aura emanating from his body was clearly only at the Early Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, yet it made him, who was at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage, feel a hint of palpitations.

" Who are you?! " Black Shark was both shocked and angry.

When did such a person appear on New Moon Island? A casual sword strike could actually break his full-strength blow?

" The person who will kill you. " Lin Wan's tone remained as calm as ever, as if he were talking about a trivial matter.

Before the words fell, he took a step, and his figure had disappeared from the original spot.

The next instant, he appeared on the left side of Black Shark, and the five elements sword turned into a chaotic surprise, stabbing straight at his ribs.

The sword move was not fast, but it carried a strange, viscous, and heavy feeling, as if the surrounding space had been solidified and suppressed by this sword move.

Black Shark was terrified and let out a wild roar.

The thick-backed scimitar whirled, bringing a shrill sound of piercing the air, and slashed at the five elements sword, attempting to break the skill with force.

However, the moment the five elements sword touched the blade, the sword body trembled slightly, and the five-colored brilliance of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth flashed away.

A massive force of the Five Elements mutually generating and rotating endlessly erupted suddenly!

" Clang — —!!! "

With a deafening loud noise, Black Shark felt an irresistible huge force coming, his tiger's mouth cracked, and the thick-backed scimitar was actually shaken out of his hand!

His whole person was hit like a wild elephant, spewing blood, flying backward, breaking several large trees, and falling heavily to the ground.

His chest collapsed, he did not know how many ribs were broken, and his aura instantly withered.

One sword, severely injuring the Black Shark at the Late Stage of the Foundation Establishment Stage!

The whole scene was dead silent.

Whether it was the Black Shark Bandits or the Cultivators of the three families, everyone stared at this scene in a daze, as if they had seen a ghost.

Poison Tooth, Blood Hook, and Ghost Shuttle were even more scared out of their wits.

Their leader was severely injured by a single sword strike?! What kind of monster was this Cultivator in the cyan robe?!

Lin Wan withdrew his sword, his gaze sweeping over the dumbfounded Poison Tooth and the others, and said lightly: " Scram, or, die. "

The calm tone contained supreme majesty and killing intent.

Poison Tooth and the others looked at each other, seeing the fear in each other's eyes.

Even their leader had been severely injured by one sword strike; if they went up, they would also be throwing their lives away.

" Retreat! Retreat quickly! " Poison Tooth screamed, the first to turn around and flee desperately toward the seaside.

Blood Hook and Ghost Shuttle also followed without hesitation.

The remaining bandits saw that their leaders had run away, and they were even more scared out of their wits, scattering in all directions, only hating that their parents had given them two fewer legs.

In the blink of an eye, the fierce Black Shark Bandits had escaped cleanly, leaving behind only corpses all over the ground and a messy manor, as well as the severely injured Black Shark who was struggling to get up on the ground.

Lin Wan walked to Black Shark and held the five elements sword against his throat.

" Se... Senior, spare my life! This Junior had eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai and offended Senior! I am willing to offer all my wealth, just begging Senior to spare my life! " Black Shark's face was ashen, begging repeatedly, without any of his previous arrogance.

" Your wealth will naturally belong to me after I kill you. " Lin Wan said lightly, the tip of his sword slightly protruding, about to end his life.

" Wait! Senior! I know a secret! A secret about the Immortal Cave of 'True Lord Bishui'! It is right in the depths of this Xingluo Archipelago! Just begging to exchange it for my life! " Black Shark roared urgently, as if he had grasped the last straw.

True Lord Bishui? The Immortal Cave of a Nascent Soul True Lord? Lin Wan's sword paused slightly.