Infinite Professions

Chapter 167 - 80: Changes (Part 2)

After all, according to legend, in the cultivation world, there are only immortals and spirit beasts; no one has ever heard of any immortal demons.

Let alone these spirit monsters of the Water Race, neither human nor demon, their humanoid forms incomplete, seemingly irrelevant to the character "immortal."

Fish Dragon Island?

Could I have fallen into a demon nest?

Lin Miao’s heart skipped a beat, and his expression became even more tense, subconsciously distancing himself from the youth.

The youth noticed his reaction but remained unfazed, clearly accustomed to such things, and spoke calmly, "Follow me, and don’t speak nonsense."

With that, he walked forward again.

Seeing this, although nervous, Lin Miao had no choice and could only follow swiftly.

The two moved forward, crossing an interchange bridge; the lake water grew shallower, the mist thicker, until finally a silhouette of an island came into view.

The youth was in front, Lin Miao behind; they descended from the bridge, stepping onto the bank through the mist, feeling the spring breeze gently brush their faces, cleansing their bodies and minds. Being new, Lin Miao was enveloped in this feeling and paused, lost in the sensation.

The youth didn’t mind, turning back to wait for him until he snapped out of the strange feeling, then spoke, "This is the outer Fish Dragon Island, where the spiritual aura is denser compared to the water towers in the lake, yet not everyone can reside here."

With that, he led the way again.

Startled, Lin Miao hastily followed.

The two continued onward, the fog deepening until they reached a threshold, and suddenly it cleared.

The mist vanished, revealing mountains and waters. Lin Miao gazed out, seeing fields sectioned into plots, filled with exotic flowers and strange grasses, as well as rice shining bright like gold.

Many exotic people and spirit monsters were diligently working just like in the ponds outside the island. Occasionally, rare and exotic beasts, cyan simurghs, and white cranes roamed freely.

The youth led the way, and many farmers by the fields greeted him.

"Oh, Junior Brother Fang!"

"What, another newcomer to the island?"

"So young, quite lucky!"

"This guiding job is easy, unlike us who have to toil in the fields every day."

"If you think it’s easy, why not switch? You can’t bear to part with the harvest, can you?"

"Hahaha!"

Some greeted, some teased in jest.

The youth nodded in response, while Lin Miao grew more tense, sticking closely behind.

After passing through the fields, they came upon a grove where trees were dense, adorned with exotic flowers and fruits, some emitting fragrant, sweet aromas that made Lin Miao swallow unconsciously, his heart stirred with yearning.

Fortunately, he restrained himself, making no rash actions, and followed closely behind the youth.

Thus, they passed through the grove and finally came upon the dwellings, mostly grand halls and temples, intricately decorated and imposing.

"Alchemy Room!"

"Talisman Pavilion!"

"Artifact Room!"

"Array Hall!"

"..."

Seeing these buildings, Lin Miao’s eyes widened with wonder, yet the youth did not elaborate, directly leading him into a pavilion.

Lin Miao looked up and saw three words above the pavilion: "Dharma Transmission Pavilion!?"

"Yes, the Dharma Transmission Pavilion!"

The youth, at the front, spoke lightly, "Those who reach Fish Dragon Island, as long as they are not extremely wicked, are allowed entry to our Fish Dragon Island, where they can receive cultivation techniques to cultivate their character and nurture their nature."

"Is this... an Immortal Sect?"

Hearing this, Lin Miao finally awoke, realizing what kind of opportunity he had encountered.

An Immortal Sect!

A sect from the legendary cultivation realm. Entering it is like a fish leaping the dragon gate, embarking on the path of cultivation, on the road to becoming immortal.

Who would have thought that what he believed to be mere Jianghu legends would become his reality today.

Could he truly have such an opportunity?

In an instant, Lin Miao’s heart surged with emotion, and the suspicion of having entered a "demon nest" was entirely forgotten.

The youth, unconcerned, led him to the front desk, telling the keeper, "Newcomer guide."

"Hmm!"

The keeper nodded, then turned and left.

The youth also turned back, looked at Lin Miao, and spoke seriously, "Our Fish Dragon Island does not accept treacherous or malicious individuals. Later, the disciples of the Dharma Transmission Hall will register your information and verify it, you must not speak any falsehoods."

"This... yes!"

Lin Miao was taken aback but immediately replied, "I will honestly report everything, without the slightest deceit."

"Hmm!"

The young man nodded: "After registering, your Spiritual Root will be tested. If you possess one, you will pursue the Immortal Dao; if not, the Martial Dao. The Dharma Transmission Hall will teach you the Technique. Normally, there are small lectures given by instructors, and if the Island Master is available, there will be major lectures on Dao, not to be missed."

"Small lectures?"

"Major lectures on Dao?"

Lin Miao murmured softly, then nodded repeatedly: "Little brother understands!"

The young man continued speaking: "Besides basic cultivation techniques, you must choose a skill from various art techniques, whether fishing or farming, to earn merit and survive!"

"Fishing or farming?"

Lin Miao was taken aback: "Even the Immortal Sect requires labor?"

"Of course."

The young man looked at him calmly: "Those who do not labor shall not eat. Fish Dragon Island does not accommodate idlers. If you feel it’s unsuitable, I will send you away now."

"No, no, little brother understands!"

These words woke Lin Miao instantly: "I will certainly devote myself wholeheartedly, not to become an idle freeloader!"

The young man’s expression remained unruffled: "Fish Dragon Island rewards achievements. In the Steward Hall, there are various tasks: fishing, farming, pill-making, talisman crafting, artifacts, arrays, and teaching and transmitting techniques. Once proficient in your skills, you can complete them to earn merit."

"Merits can be exchanged for Spirit Stones, talismans, pills, dharma artifacts, cultivation techniques, and also for residences within or outside Fish Dragon Island."

"Three years of learning techniques, five years of cultivating skills. During these eight years, no merit is required, and you can stay freely. But after eight years, merits must be maintained to continue remaining on Fish Dragon Island."

"Remember, my Fish Dragon Island follows the True Righteous Dao, not the Evil Dao or Demon Cultivators. There are rules and laws set; whether inside or outside the island, none shall break them, or enforcement will follow!"

"..."

The young man provided a general overview of the various regulations of Fish Dragon Island.

Lin Miao’s heart felt an urgency mixed with caution, as he hesitantly said to the young man: "To not hide from senior brother, little brother bears a deep sea of blood vengeance. In the future, if I succeed in my skills, may I be permitted to leave the island for revenge..."

"You may."

The young man’s expression unchanged: "But revenge is revenge; do not indiscriminately kill innocents. Otherwise, orders will be issued to leave the island and enforce punishment on you."

"This... little brother understands!"

Lin Miao’s eyes sharpened, then he solemnly expressed.

The young man continued his routine work: "Those who can enter Fish Dragon Island likely carry some fate. If you possess any exotic treasure, you can have it appraised here. Rest assured, no one will seize your treasure, just clarify its use. You may keep it, but the consequences are your own risk. After all, not every piece of Immortal Fate is a treasure; some are perilous harmful items."

"This..."

Upon hearing this, Lin Miao couldn’t help but glance at his ring.

At this moment, the guard from the Dharma Transmission Hall returned: "It’s ready, you may enter."

"Let’s go."

The young man didn’t speak further, leading him inside the hall.

On the other side...

Fish Dragon Island, Dharma Hall.

An individual is seated on a high platform.

It is Shen Hex, eyes lowered, looking at a person below, a youth dressed as a man but of female form, her brows radiating spiritual energy, along with a valiant and daring demeanor.

She knelt below, while Shen Hex sat on the platform above with a sigh: "You’ve been with our sect for twelve years. Though possessing natural spirit and wisdom, the time is too short; you haven’t reached Foundation Establishment, only Qi Refining Cultivation now. Returning to worldly conflicts may bring disaster upon you!"

"Master’s diligent concern, disciple understands!"

She knelt and spoke deeply: "But disciple bears a deep sea of blood vengeance that must be avenged, with a sister whose fate is unknown, cannot not be sought. Once mundane matters are settled, I shall return to serve master on Fish Dragon."

"Very well, very well!"

Shen Hex, hearing this, no longer persuaded, simply dropped an item—a Storage Pouch: "Go, but remember, vengeance can be sought, don’t harm the innocent. If you use my techniques for wrongdoing, I will not spare you!"

"Disciple understands!"

The woman whispered solemnly, holding the Storage Pouch in both hands, then bowed and exited the hall.

Shen Hex shook his head and dispatched a streak of Spirit Light. Moments later, a fish shadow swam in the void: "Master, what is it?"

Shen Hex spoke: "Yuxiu is leaving the island. You are to protect her, but remain unnoticed."

"Ah?"

The fish shadow flicked: "Again with that troublesome little girl? She refuses to stay put, running out, demanding me as her bodyguard. I refuse!"

Seeing this, Shen Hex said no more, simply tossing a jade bottle.

"I’m going!"

The fish shadow snatched the jade bottle, then said to him: "Master, what are you doing? Am I the kind of fish that only acts for profit? You hurt this fish’s feelings; just this once... it won’t happen again!"

With that said, it swam away.

Shen Hex shook his head and similarly got up to leave.