Chapter 1065
Partners, Undersea Spirit Eye
As a Nascent Soul Elder of the "Four Seas Merchant Alliance", Long Ziyun is responsible for managing all the shops, large and small, of the alliance throughout the entire "Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent".
Besides her daily cultivation, she had just as many duties as Song Qingming and other Nascent Soul cultivators from the sect.
Although the purchase of the "Earth Vein Pearl" was something that Song Qingming had agreed upon with the "Four Seas Business Alliance" several years ago.
However, for just two spiritual items that aren't particularly valuable, the Four Seas Merchant Alliance could easily send any Golden Core elder to deliver them to Crimson Cloud Mountain.
There's definitely no need for Long Ziyun, the Nascent Soul Grand Elder of the Merchant Alliance, to personally travel all the way to the "Floating Cloud Mountains".
Seeing that Song Qingming had asked her the purpose of her visit directly, Long Ziyun remained silent for a moment before quickly putting down her teacup.
"Fellow Daoist Song, besides bringing you these two Earth Vein Pearls, I have another matter I wish to ask you in person when I come to the Floating Cloud Mountains."
Fellow Daoist, do you recall that our alliance wanted to build an intercontinental teleportation array leading to the Thunder Origin Sea?
Now that the alliance has made its decision, I came here to ask Fellow Daoist Song if he could lend a hand.
"I remember I already responded to you back then, fellow Daoist, that if your alliance really intends to build an intercontinental teleportation array and needs help setting up the array, I will certainly do my duty without hesitation."
However, my skill in array formations is still limited, so I can only lend a hand from the sidelines. I hope you won't find it offensive, fellow Daoist.
The second trade fair was held at Chiyun Mountain decades ago.
Song Qingming had once heard from Long Ziyun that the "Four Seas Business Alliance" wanted to build a large-scale intercontinental teleportation array connecting the cultivation world of "Eastern Phoenix Immortal Continent" and "Thundercloud Sea".
However, at the time, Long Ziyun claimed that she only had this idea and had not confirmed it. Song Qingming thought that she was just saying it later.
Unexpectedly, the "Four Seas Business Alliance" actually intended to make this happen.
Moreover, judging from Long Ziyun's attitude in inviting him for help, the other party had probably already made a decision internally and was just waiting to start building the formation at any time.
Upon hearing Song Qingming's reply, Long Ziyun quickly smiled and nodded, saying, "Fellow Daoist Song is now a mid-level fourth-grade array master, a rare existence even in the entire Eastern Phoenix Continent. Your words are a bit too modest."
Please rest assured, fellow Daoist, our alliance has been preparing for this matter for decades, and we will also invite other fellow Daoists skilled in formations to help. We certainly won't put you in a difficult position."
Seeing Long Ziyun's confident and assertive tone, Song Qingming nodded slightly and said nothing more.
After agreeing to help Song Qingming, Long Ziyun picked up the spiritual tea on the table, took a sip, and continued:
"By the way, Fellow Daoist Song, I wanted to ask you about the construction of the intercontinental teleportation array."
"Fellow Daoist, please speak frankly!"
"As Fellow Daoist Song knows, building an intercontinental teleportation array is not something that my Four Seas Merchant Alliance can handle alone."
In order to maintain the long-term operation of the teleportation array, we will need the help and cooperation of your local sects.
Previously, our alliance had intended to cooperate with the Yunyang Sect of the East Sea on this matter, but the two sides had been discussing the cooperation for a long time without reaching an agreement.
To be honest, I have another important matter to discuss with the Yunyang Sect when I came to the Floating Cloud Mountains.
I wonder what your relationship is with the Yunyang Sect, and whether you know any fellow Daoists who are on good terms with them and could act as a mediator for our alliance.
"Fellow Daoist is referring to the Yunyang Sect of the East Sea!"
Song Qingming, who was still drinking tea, was so excited when he heard that Long Ziyun wanted him to go to the Yunyang Sect to help mediate. He almost spat out his tea.
"Uh, Fellow Daoist Song really knows cultivators from the Yunyang Sect?"
Seeing Song Qingming's strange expression upon hearing the words "Yunyang Sect," Long Ziyun assumed that there was indeed some connection between them, and a slight smile appeared on her face.
However, after Song Qingming recounted his two interactions with the other party in detail, the joy on Long Ziyun's face quickly faded, and her eyes gradually turned serious.
".."
"Hehe! Fellow Daoist Long, please don't take offense."
To be honest, I am not familiar with the Yunyang Sect, nor do I know any close friends among them. I'm afraid I am powerless to help in this matter.
"Fellow Daoist Song, may I take a look at your contract with the Yunyang Sect regarding the Nascent Soul Pill?"
Seeing Long Ziyun looking at him with a hint of doubt, Song Qingming did not hesitate for long and took out the contract he had left behind from his "storage bag".
Only after Long Ziyun clearly saw the contract in her hand did her expression gradually become silent, and after a long while, she continued to speak:
"I have dealt with the Yunyang Sect a few times before, and I never expected them to do something that would violate the contract so badly."
It seems we made a mistake in choosing to cooperate with them!
As a large-scale business alliance spanning several cultivation worlds, the "Four Seas Business Alliance" has been able to develop to its current state solely because of its integrity.
Upon seeing the contract given to her by Song Qingming, Long Ziyun, realizing that the Yunyang Sect would commit such a treacherous act, experienced a complete and drastic change in her impression of them.
The thought of having to continue cooperating with the other party after the "intercontinental teleportation array" is completed in the future filled Long Ziyun with a sense of worry.
Sitting to the side, Song Qingming noticed that Long Ziyun's expression suddenly turned somewhat unpleasant, and naturally guessed that it was because of the things he had just said.
But after all, it was Long Ziyun who asked the question herself, and I was just telling the truth without intentionally wronging anyone.
He felt no remorse whatsoever for this and continued to patiently sip his tea.
After a long silence, Long Ziyun turned her gaze to Song Qingming, who was standing to the side.
"Fellow Daoist Song, besides the Yunyang Sect, do you know anything about other sects in the cultivation world of the East Sea?"
To be honest, besides discussing this matter with the Yunyang Sect, I also wanted to see if there were any other sects in the East Sea cultivation world with whom I could cooperate.
If you, fellow Daoist, find a suitable sect, please feel free to recommend one or two to me. I would be eternally grateful.
"Well, to be honest, although I occasionally travel to the cultivation world of the East Sea, I don't know much about the many sects there, and I don't know many Nascent Soul cultivators."
The only sect with which they had some familiar relationships was the Hundred Flowers Palace on Wanhu Island.
"If Fellow Daoist Long wishes to visit that area, I can write you a letter as an introduction. As for whether I can be of assistance, that depends on your luck."
Since breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm, Song Qingming has visited the East Sea cultivation world quite a few times and gotten to know several Nascent Soul cultivators.
However, among all these forces, the only one capable of cooperating with the "Four Seas Business Alliance" to operate an intercontinental teleportation array is the "Hundred Flowers Palace" where Xia Mo resides.
Decades ago, Song Qingming heard that someone in the "Hundred Flowers Palace" had successfully formed a Nascent Soul, making it the fourth Nascent Soul cultivator.
Furthermore, Xia Mo took a golden ball of light from the Tower of Babel back then, which may contain the "Mysterious Spirit Pill" that helps Nascent Soul cultivators break through to the later stage.
If Xia Mo were to seize this opportunity to advance to become a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, then the "Hundred Flowers Palace" would be on par with the "Yunyang Sect" in terms of sheer strength.
This shows that they are also qualified to become partners of the "Four Seas Business Alliance".
Ultimately, however, these were still just speculations in Song Qingming's mind, and he wasn't sure whether they could actually help Long Ziyun.
Upon hearing Song Qingming mention the "Hundred Flowers Palace" on Wanhu Island, Long Ziyun showed a slight surprise and immediately replied, "Fellow Daoist Song, you mentioned the Hundred Flowers Palace. I have indeed heard of this sect."
However, our alliance has not yet had any dealings with them. If a fellow Daoist could write a letter to introduce us, that would be the best outcome.
"Rest assured, fellow Daoist, if we can truly make this happen, our alliance will never forget your kindness in helping us."
"It was nothing, Fellow Daoist Long, you're too kind. I'll write you a letter right away!"
Upon hearing this, Song Qingming wrote a letter of introduction for Long Ziyun in front of her.
Meanwhile, after receiving a letter personally written by Song Qingming, Long Ziyun quickly took her leave of "Red Cloud Mountain" and continued eastward to the East Sea Immortal Cultivation World.
Before leaving, Song Qingming made sure to mention the "Nurture Pill" to the other party.
Huang Siyuan's injuries have now healed more than halfway, and Song Qingming now needs to prepare a spirit object for her to form an infant in the future.
Golden Core cultivators have limited lifespans. In order to prevent Huang Siyuan's chances of breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm from declining blood and energy, it would be best for her to try to reach the Nascent Soul realm before she turns five hundred.
After watching Long Ziyun leave, Song Qingming put away the two "Earth Vein Pearls" he had obtained. He and Huang Siyuan then toured the surrounding area before entering their respective secluded cultivation caves.
Although Song Qingming already had enough spirit stones to advance his spiritual veins, he still had to consider Huang Siyuan's Nascent Soul formation, so he decided to wait and see about improving his spiritual veins for now.
".."
Time flies, and more than half a year has passed in a short time.
Just as Song Qingming was patiently in seclusion, a letter that flew from the East Sea interrupted him, causing him to emerge from his cave.
The letter was sent by none other than Long Ziyun, who had previously made an appointment with him to ask him to help set up a magic array. Her purpose was to invite Song Qingming to the East Sea for the appointment.
Having already agreed to the other party's request, Song Qingming naturally wouldn't refuse to keep the appointment.
After exchanging some words with Song Qingyu and the others on the mountain, they set off directly for the "East Sea Immortal Cultivation World".
Based on the location provided by Long Ziyun, Song Qingming left "Chiyun Mountain" and headed east, quickly passing through the Duanyun Mountain Range.
After traveling across the sea for more than a month, they finally arrived at a sea area adjacent to the "Eastern Sea Cultivation World" and the outer sea. Soon, a small deserted island in the sea appeared before Song Qingming's eyes. After arriving at the island, Song Qingming first released his divine sense to carefully observe the surroundings.
Seeing that he had not found any other cultivators, he took out a talisman from his body and then activated it by casting a spell.
A moment later, the talisman in Song Qingming's hand turned to ashes and disappeared into the air.
After waiting on the island for almost half an hour, two streaks of light suddenly flew from the distant horizon and landed directly above the deserted island where Song Qingming was, transforming into a male and a female figure.
One of them was Long Ziyun, who had sent a message to invite Song Qingming to come. The other hunchbacked old man was also someone Song Qingming knew, Qi Rong, a Nascent Soul elder of the "Four Seas Merchant Alliance".
When Qi Rong participated in the "Eastern Phoenix Sword Tournament" back then, he had only recently formed his Nascent Soul. Now, a hundred years have passed in the blink of an eye, and his cultivation has advanced to the third level of the Nascent Soul realm.
However, compared to Song Qingming's surprised look, Qi Rong's eyes clearly showed a hint of appreciation.
Back then, he and Song Qingming were both early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators who had only recently advanced to the Nascent Soul stage. However, when they met again, he was still at the third level of the Nascent Soul stage, while Song Qingming's cultivation had already successfully broken through to the sixth level of the Nascent Soul stage.
Even though Qi Rong was a Nascent Soul Elder of the "Four Seas Business Alliance" and had a wealth of knowledge, he still felt a trace of envy for Song Qingming's cultivation speed.
"Fellow Daoist Song, it's been many years! This old man, Qi Rong, greets you with courtesy!"
"Fellow Daoist Song, I thought we'd have to wait for you for a few more days, but I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly!"
"Fellow Daoist Qi, Fellow Daoist Long! In case I was afraid of delaying your alliance's important affairs, I just received the letter and rushed here immediately. Fortunately, I arrived not too late."
"Now that you've arrived, I must make it clear that, in order to prevent any unforeseen circumstances, none of us are allowed to leave this place for the next three years."
Next, our alliance will provide all the spiritual items or elixirs you need for your cultivation.
After the matter is settled, as previously agreed, I will give Fellow Daoist Song another Infant Cultivation Pill at half price. I wonder if Fellow Daoist is willing to accept this condition?
Long Ziyun's statement that she could not leave within three years was to keep the news of setting up the "teleportation array" a secret, which she had already revealed to Song Qingming in a previous letter.
Song Qingming naturally understood their point of view and immediately nodded in agreement.
After reaching an agreement, Long Ziyun and Qi Rong took Song Qingming away from the deserted island and continued flying towards a sea area ahead.
After flying for about a thousand miles across the sea, Long Ziyun, who was walking ahead, finally stopped on a deserted stretch of sea.
He then used magic to produce a golden banner, and then cast a spell to release a beam of spiritual light that shot towards the sea below.
As the golden light fell into the sea, a rune with a diameter of over a hundred feet quickly appeared on the surface. Then, the seawater around the rune receded rapidly, forming a huge whirlpool with a diameter of several hundred feet.
Right in the middle of the whirlpool, a transparent light barrier slowly appeared on the water's surface, and below it was a huge island that stretched as far as the eye could see.
"The Four Seas Merchant Alliance is truly wealthy, managing to hide such a large island beneath the sea. No wonder we haven't heard a word about it for so many years."
Looking at the countless cultivators flying around in the protective barrier below, it seemed that the "Four Seas Merchant Alliance" had been operating here for quite some time.
Over the years, Song Qingming had never heard of them building an intercontinental teleportation array, whether in the East China Sea or the Floating Cloud Mountains.
Thinking of this, Song Qingming couldn't help but sigh.
After activating the sea surface protection, Long Ziyun led Song Qingming and the others into the large formation below, and the sea surface quickly returned to its original calm.
Upon arriving on the island, Song Qingming was quickly led by the two to a cave, where he met several other high-level "array masters" who had also been invited to set up the array.
One of them, whom Song Qingming had met before, was none other than "Old Taoist Qingping," who had helped him repair the teleportation array at "Xuanqing Temple" in the past.
Back when they were repairing the great formation at the Xuanqing Temple, the rival sect, the Qingyuan Sect, launched a surprise attack. The two were comrades-in-arms who fought side by side.
Upon seeing Song Qingming arrive, "Old Taoist Qingping" immediately stepped forward excitedly and bowed.
"Fellow Daoist Song, it's been many years since we last met. I never expected to meet you here again today. We are truly destined to be together!"
"Greetings, fellow Daoist!"
Decades have passed since then, and "Old Daoist Qingping" looks much the same as before, still at the fifth level of the Nascent Soul realm.
Song Qingming, on the other hand, had already surpassed others and broken through to the sixth level of the Nascent Soul realm first, which truly aroused the envy of the other party.
Besides the old Taoist Qingping, there were six other Nascent Soul cultivators present, including Song Qingming.
Two of them were Nascent Soul elders temporarily transferred from other places by the "Four Seas Merchant Alliance" to help set up the magic array, and the remaining three were two rogue cultivators invited by Long Ziyun from "Thunder Origin Sea" to help.
With the addition of Song Qingming and "Old Daoist Qingping", there are now seven high-level "array masters" at the Nascent Soul level on site. This scale is not much smaller than when the "Azure Dragon Sect" repaired the intercontinental teleportation array.
After Song Qingming arrived, the group did not rush to set up the formation, but waited patiently in the cave.
More than a month later, two more Nascent Soul elders dressed in the "Four Seas Merchant Alliance" attire arrived on the island and went directly into the cave.
As soon as the two entered, Song Qingming sensed an extremely powerful aura through his divine sense. It was clear that the two were far more powerful than the many Nascent Soul cultivators in the cave, having already reached the late Nascent Soul stage.
Seeing that the "Four Seas Business Alliance" had actually invited two late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, Song Qingming truly felt their unfathomable depth for the first time.
With their strength, they would rank among the top in the cultivation world, whether in the East China Sea or in a large cultivation world like the "East Phoenix Kingdom".
With such a powerful foundation, it's no wonder that the other party has the strength to want to build an "intercontinental teleportation array".
A thin-faced old man leading the way glanced around, then smiled and nodded to everyone present.
"Fellow Daoists, I am here on behalf of the Four Seas Merchant Alliance to set up the teleportation array. I hope you will all do your best to help us complete this mission."
Once this is accomplished, our alliance will fulfill all your requests and will never go back on our word!
If you have any questions, please feel free to come to the Floating Island of Lei Yuan Sea to settle your accounts.
"We will definitely do our best!"
Upon hearing the promise from the thin-faced old man, all the cultivators present, including Song Qingming, quickly nodded in agreement.
Compared to when he helped the Azure Dragon Sect repair the teleportation array back then, and after dealing with Long Ziyun for so many years, Song Qingming's trust in the Four Seas Business Alliance is significantly higher.
Even if the other party hadn't mentioned these things, he wouldn't have doubted that Long Ziyun would lie to him about them.
After everyone responded, the thin-faced old man nodded in satisfaction, and then led everyone deeper into the cave.
To Song Qingming's surprise, Long Ziyun, who had been guarding outside, also came in with the others, seemingly to cooperate with them in setting up the formation.
Having known Long Ziyun for many years, Song Qingming hadn't noticed that she was also a high-level "array master," which made him a little suspicious.
Upon reaching the depths of the cave, a stone door slowly opened, and the group entered a vast and magnificent hall.
As soon as they entered the hall, a very rich spiritual energy rushed towards Song Qingming, causing everyone present to show a look of surprise.
"I never expected that there would be an underwater spiritual eye hidden here. No wonder the Four Seas Merchant Alliance built the teleportation array here!"
The so-called "undersea spiritual eye" is similar to the "spiritual spring eye" that Song Qingming used when he formed his core. Both are innate spiritual vein eyes that are naturally generated by the spiritual veins of heaven and earth.
However, the "Underwater Spirit Eye" in front of him was of a much higher standard than the "Spirit Springs" that Song Qingming had seen, and its grade had reached the fourth-level high-grade realm.
The "Four Seas Business Alliance" built the intercontinental teleportation array here, where the spiritual energy is abundant enough for them to operate the array normally.
After everyone entered the main point, a somewhat familiar circular array platform appeared in front of Song Qingming and the others in the very center.
However, compared to other magic arrays, this "teleportation array platform" in front of us was lifeless and had no spiritual energy whatsoever.
After walking to the front of the array platform, the thin-faced old man turned around and continued speaking:
"Everyone, I have prepared all the materials needed for the teleportation array. Next, I would like to ask you all to help me cast the spell and inscribe the runes according to the diagram."
After saying that, the thin-faced old man waved his hand, and dozens of various glittering talisman papers appeared in mid-air.
As Song Qingming pondered which of the glowing talismans in mid-air to choose, the "Old Taoist Qingping" beside him couldn't hold back any longer and made his move.
"Since you are all so kind, then I will choose one first!"
No sooner had he finished speaking than "Old Taoist Qingping" used magic to roll up a talisman from mid-air, then turned to the side to examine it carefully.
Seeing this, Song Qingming and the other cultivators who came to help set up the formation also quickly took a talisman each and began to prepare to inscribe the runes.
Having participated in the repair of the Azure Dragon Sect's teleportation array back then, Song Qingming has considerable experience dealing with these runes.
In addition, his array formation skills had reached the "middle level of level four" over the years, and it only took Song Qingming a dozen days to memorize all the runes he had obtained.
At this moment, apart from the two thin-faced old men in the late Nascent Soul stage who had already begun casting spells to inscribe runes, the other cultivators in the main hall were still studying the runes in their hands.
Seeing Song Qingming walk towards the "teleportation platform" first, the thin-faced old man immediately looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"Fellow Daoist, have you completely memorized the runes in your hand?" (End of Chapter)