Xue Yilin heard the words, and a chill suddenly burst forth from his smiling eyes.
Then, with a wave of his sleeve, he shot three black streaks directly from his cuff.
These black streaks did not head for Lin Jing, but aimed straight at Jin Jue.
Jin Jue, for his part, would never have imagined that Xue Yilin would kill him at this moment. He didnât have time to react before the three black streaks pierced through his body.
He looked at Xue Yilin with eyes full of disbelief.
Afterward, Jin Jue lost his breath and plummeted directly into the sea below.
However, that was not all.
The three black streaks seemed to carry a potent poison, as Jin Jueâs body began to decay while he fell.
First the skin, then the flesh, and finally the internal organsâall corroded completelyâ¦
By the time Jin Jue hit the sea, he was nothing but a blackened skeleton.
It was truly horrifying.
After killing Jin Jue, Xue Yilin once again reverted to his smiley demeanor.
He then turned his head and said to True Lord Ye Lin:
âTrue Lord Ye Linâ¦â
âThis guy was very dishonest.â
âYet a mere Golden Core Stage cultivator fancied to drive a wedge between our relationship.â
âI decided to take action and solve the problem myself. I hope that doesnât upset you, True Lord Ye Lin.â
True Lord Ye Lin looked down at the sea below, his expression revealing none of his emotions.
And then he spoke:
âIndeed, that man deserved to die; you have spared me the trouble, Brother Xue.â
The actions of the two left Lin Jing somewhat confused.
Originally, Lin Jing thought that the two had come to assist Jin Jue.
But unexpectedly, Xue Yilin took action and killed Jin Jue outright.
Even Lin Jing had not reacted in time.
Following that, True Lord Ye Lin looked at Lin Jing opposite him and asked:
âBrother Linâ¦â
âThere have been rumors saying that youâve secluded yourself. Could it be, Brother Lin, that you have actually been preparing to advance to the Nascent Soul Stage?â
Lin Jing nodded:
âI had some insights before, so I went into seclusion, hoping to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm.â
âFortunately, luck was on my sideâ¦â
True Lord Ye Lin nodded and said:
âBrother Linâs luck indeed seems fortuitous.â
âNow that Brother Lin has become a Nascent Soul Cultivator, there is no need to keep certain matters from you any longer.â
Upon hearing this, Lin Jing became puzzled.
âWhat matters?â
True Lord Ye Lin continued:
âIt is about the territorial redivision of the Thousand Islands Domain.â
âThe Thousand Islands Domain has many islands, but the forces within it are extremely fragmented.â
âTherefore, the three major islands intend to consolidate the domainâs strength and redivide the regional powers.â
âEspecially for us Nascent Soul Cultivators, after the redivision, it is estimated that each one of us will be able to manage a not insignificant region.â
âAnd Brother Xue has come this time to convey this message.â
Xue Yilin then also spoke:
âBrother Linâ¦â
âThis territorial redivision is extremely beneficial to us Nascent Soul Cultivators. After the redivision, each of us will oversee several, or perhaps dozens of islands.â
âAnd those other island masters will be under your jurisdiction. At that time, you will be the ruler of this maritime domain.â
After hearing this, Lin Jing pondered for a moment before asking:
âWhat about us? Will we have to obey the three major islands?â
Xue Yilin nodded and said:
âYesâ¦â
Lin Jing frowned at onceâ¦
To obey the three major islands was to lose freedom and be subjugated to others for their benefit.
Seeing Lin Jingâs hesitation, Xue Yilin said:
âBrother Lin, please be assured.â
âThough it is to obey the three major islands, the islands beneath them will not be required to offer anything up.â
âMoreover, this is a defensive alliance agreement.â
âIts purpose is also to collectively defend against external enemies when they arise, without causing any harm to the islands themselves.â
âOn the contrary, if outsiders seek to forcibly take over the islands, the three major islands will provide protection.â
Having heard this, Lin Jing finally understood.
The territorial division was actually a strategy to strengthen the management of the Thousand Islands Domain by the three major islands.
Xue Yilin continued to speak:
âLin Daoyouâ¦â
âNow that you have reached the Nascent Soul Stage, you count as having stepped into the upper echelons within the Thousand Islands Domain.â
âIn two months, come to Yue Tian Island to attend the territorial division conference. At that time, all Nascent Soul Cultivators from our Thousand Islands Domain will be present.â
âMoreover, the Island Masters of the three great islands will be there in person to carry out the division.â
After pondering for a moment, Lin Jing nodded and said:
âAlrightâ¦â
âSince that is the case, I will definitely head over in two months.â
At this, Xue Yilin returned to his usual smiling demeanor, cupped his fists towards Lin Jing, and said:
âThen at that time, I will await Lin Daoyou on Yue Tian Island.â
Lin Jing also cupped his fists in response to Xue Yilin:
âRest assured, Xue Daoyou, I will certainly go.â
Xue Yilin said with a smile, âThatâs very goodâ¦â
At that moment, Lin Jing, puzzled, asked Xue Yilin:
âXue Daoyou, if someone disagrees with this territorial division, what will happen?â
Xue Yilinâs eyes, though squinted, flashed coldly as he replied directly:
âThis time, the division of power is personally ordered and overseen by the Island Masters of the three great islands.â
âIf someone truly disagrees, they must either leave the Thousand Islands Domain or⦠never be able to leave again.â
âI think nobody would seek discomfort for themselves by opposing the Island Masters at the Divinity Transformation Stage.â
âLin Daoyou, you agree, donât youâ¦â
Lin Jing nodded:
âIndeedâ¦â
â¦â¦
Xue Yilin said to Lin Jing:
âAlrightâ¦â
âLin Daoyou, Night Lin and I were merely passing through this place, but we have other matters to attend to now, so we shall take our leave.â
âLin Daoyou, farewell!â
At this moment, Night Lin, who had remained silent up until now, also clasped his hands and said to Lin Jing:
âLin Daoyou, farewell!â
Lin Jing, in turn, clasped his hands and said to the two:
âSince you both have matters to attend to, I wonât keep you any longer.â
âXue Daoyou, Night Linâ¦â
âFarewell!â
Just as they were about to leave, Xue Yilin suddenly turned his head and asked Lin Jing:
âLin Daoyou, Jin Jue just mentioned that you practice the long-lost Five Elements Divine Art, is that correct?â
Lin Jing had fought JinâAo earlier, and since they were not far from each other, they might have seen him use the Five Elements Divine Art.
Therefore, Lin Jing did not have much to hide.
Lin Jing looked at the still-smiling Xue Yilin and nodded:
âYes, I indeed practice the Five Elements Divine Art.â
âPreviously, I acquired this spell by chance from an enemyâ¦â
âMay I know what advice Xue Daoyou has to offer?â
Xue Yilin waved his hands repeatedly, his face still smiling as he said:
âLin Daoyou, you give me too much credit; I dare not presume to teachâ¦â
âItâs just that I may need to ask for a small favor from you in the future.â
âOf course, for requesting your help, I will surely offer a reward that will satisfy you.â
Upon hearing this, Lin Jing asked casually:
âXue Daoyou, may I know what kind of help you need?â
Xue Yilin said:
âItâs not yet certain at this moment. I will tell you once itâs confirmed.â
âOf course, it will entirely depend on whether Lin Daoyou is willing. Even if you decide not to help, I wonât bear any grudge.â
âWell, with that saidâ¦â
âLin Daoyou, we shall meet again.â
Without waiting for Lin Jing to answer, Xue Yilin and Night Lin left the place together.
And once again, Lin Jing was left alone in this placeâ¦