Chapter 312: Arrival at Martial Meet Island, Silent Clashes Begin!
Gu Yan's expression stiffened the moment she heard those words, and she forced a bitter smile. "There are only three slots available. If Young Master Lin Fan wants two, the clan won't agree."
"Heh, then I'll speak with someone in your clan who can make that decision," Lin Fan replied with a faint smile.
Hearing that, Gu Yan's lips curled in resignation. She was beginning to regret suggesting Lin Fan as the external aid—now it felt like she was riding a tiger with no way off.
Seeing her conflicted expression, Lin Fan chuckled. "Relax. I won't put you in a difficult spot. Come on, let's go find your clan's elder so you can fulfill your promise and hand over the complete sea chart."
"…Alright," Gu Yan nodded, then added, "But I should tell you now, the Chaos Demon Sea is far more vast than most imagine. There are some unexplored zones even we don't have mapped."
"So, our so-called 'complete' chart only covers what's been surveyed. As for the unknown regions, only the Sea Demon Tribe might be able to navigate those."
"I understand," Lin Fan nodded.
"Then let's get going. We've already lost over a month here. With only half a month left before the Martial Meet, we're cutting it close," Gu Yan said. "I'll fill you in on the other four clans and the rules along the way."
Lin Fan had no objections and nodded in agreement.
At Gu Yan's command, the Gu Clan disciples swiftly packed up the camp, and the group set off from Xuanling Island.
At one corner of the island, a massive crimson ship—nearly a hundred zhang long—stood proudly. Its hull was covered in layers of red iron plating, giving it a distinctly fortified appearance.
The sail bore a large "Gu" character fluttering in the wind. This was clearly the vessel used by Gu Yan's group.
The Chaos Demon Sea was vast and treacherous, with unpredictable weather and sea beasts. Aside from high-level cultivators who could fly across the waters, most traveled safely aboard specially reinforced ships like this.
Several Gu Clan disciples had remained stationed on the ship. When Lin Fan and Lin Dong boarded with Gu Yan and the others, a few curious glances turned their way.
"Miss Gu Yan," a gray-robed elder approached her respectfully after she boarded.
"Uncle Qin, set sail. Head for Martial Meet Island," Gu Yan instructed.
"Yes," the elder nodded, though his shrewd gaze briefly swept over Lin Fan and Lin Dong.
"These two are Young Master Lin Fan and Young Master Lin Dong," Gu Yan said flatly. "We owe our success in obtaining the Life Xuanling Fruits to them."
The elder offered a polite smile. "Many thanks to you both."
Lin Fan waved his hand lightly. "It was just a deal—no need for thanks."
The elder paused for a moment but didn't press further.
Soon, the massive crimson vessel raised its sails and surged into the depths of the sea, heading toward the setting sun.
The vast ocean roared with life.
Huge waves rolled in from the distance, crashing thunderously against the ship's hull.
At the bow, Lin Fan and Lin Dong stood side by side, gazing out at the endless horizon.
"Brother Lin Fan, that Desolate Aura really is mysterious," Lin Dong said quietly, his voice low enough that only Lin Fan could hear.
"When I used Devouring Power to refine it, I didn't expect it to trigger the stone talisman. It's the first time it's ever actively absorbed a special energy. I think it might help restore it."
Lin Fan smiled. "Don't worry. Securing a spot in the Desolate Tower won't be a problem."
After a month and a half of seclusion, Lin Fan had refined four drops of Earthcore Spirit Pulp and reached the Perfect Life Xuan Stage.
With his Yuan Power alone, he could crush the Martial Meet's so-called Shura Mode and claim the championship.
If the Gu Clan didn't agree to his terms, he could just turn to the Su or Song Clans instead.
And if none of the Five Great Clans wanted to make a deal—he could flip the table.
With his Perfect Grandmaster Spirit Power as a Symbol Master and his other monstrous abilities, even facing all five clans simultaneously wouldn't scare him.
Not to mention… he still had his Rotating Wheel Realm Devouring Heaven Corpse—his greatest trump card.
Lin Dong nodded quietly without adding more.
At that moment, Gu Yan approached. "Young Master Lin Fan, I'll now brief you on the Martial Meet and the notable young elites from the other four clans."
"Please do," Lin Fan nodded politely.
"The destination is called Martial Meet Island. It also happens to be where the Desolate Tower is located…"
Gu Yan began her detailed explanation. "The other four clans are not to be underestimated. Their younger generations are exceptionally strong."
"The most formidable opponents include Wei Zhen of the Wei Clan, Su Yan of the Su Clan, Song Chen of the Song Clan… and the most troublesome—Shentu Jue of the Shentu Clan."
Gu Yan's expression grew serious when she mentioned Shentu Jue.
As she spoke, Lin Fan and Lin Dong gradually gained a solid understanding of the four clans and the rules of the Martial Meet.
Lin Dong's face grew heavier as he listened. The strength of these "younger generation" fighters rivaled elite elders from the Eight Great Super Sects back in the Eastern Xuan Region!
But Lin Fan? He wasn't concerned in the slightest.
In his eyes, the Five Great Clans… didn't have a single opponent worth his time.
…
After roughly ten days of sailing, Lin Fan began to notice an increasing number of ships appearing around them.
Ships surged in from all directions, converging ahead. The sight of countless vessels gathering was truly a magnificent one.
"We've arrived at Martial Meet Island," Gu Yan announced from the bow. Her eyes sparkled with delight as a vast landmass came into view on the horizon.
Lin Fan looked ahead and saw a massive island, more like a small continent.
Even with so many ships swarming the sea, there was still plenty of room—proof of the island's sheer scale.
"That's the Gu Clan's ship…"
"Isn't that Gu Yan at the bow? Ice-cold beauty, huh."
"I heard Gu Yuntian was seriously injured and won't be competing. The Gu Clan's chances look grim this year."
"…"
As the Gu Clan's ship neared the island, numerous gazes turned toward them. Whispered discussions filled the air.
Gu Yan frowned slightly but remained composed, waving her hand to steer the ship toward the Gu Clan's private dock—where their guards were already waiting.
"Let's go," she said to Lin Fan and Lin Dong as they neared the shore.
With that, Gu Yan leapt from the ship and landed gracefully on the dock.
Lin Fan, Lin Dong, and the other Gu disciples followed closely behind.
"Sister Gu Yan, you've finally arrived!"
As soon as she landed, several young Gu Clan disciples rushed to greet her.
She acknowledged them with a nod and looked toward a middle-aged man among the crowd. "Uncle Gu Ling."
Standing beside Gu Ling was a handsome man whose eyes lit up as he stared at Gu Yan—but she completely ignored him.
"Xiao Yan, this is Mo Tao, the external aid we hired this time," Gu Ling said with a smile, stepping aside to reveal the man.
"We meet again, Miss Gu Yan," Mo Tao said with practiced elegance, offering a refined smile.
Gu Yan gave him a flat glance, barely nodding, then casually gestured toward Lin Fan. "Uncle Gu Ling, this is the external aid I brought—Lin Fan."
Whoosh!
As soon as she said that, Gu Ling and the surrounding Gu disciples froze and turned to look at Lin Fan.
Mo Tao's smile instantly stiffened. He glanced at Lin Fan, a shadow flickering in his eyes.
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