Chapter 217-219 (Patreon)

217. Encountering Old Acquaintances at Sea

The sea was vast, with waves rolling. Smelling the saltiness in the air, Lin Fei felt a sense of "familiarity." He had been drifting on the sea for several months. Even though his will was strong, he couldn't help but feel a little lost. Now, having finally found the Ancient Continent and his martial path forward, he once again came to the sea. However, this time, Lin Fei came to the sea for cultivation.

Fairy Mist Island divided the sea into the near sea and the open sea. The near sea was the sea area near Fairy Mist Island. This was a relatively safe area, with not many powerful sea beasts. After all, sometimes some Foundation Establishment True Persons would patrol the near sea. But once one left the near sea and reaches the open sea, there are many more sea beasts.

Lin Fei flew all the way and quickly arrived at the open sea. He didn't have to wait long before he sensed a sea beast.

"Saber momentum, suppress!"

Lin Fei unleashed his saber momentum. Immediately, it enveloped the sea beast. The transcendent saber momentum instantly suppressed the sea beast, rendering it unable to move.

"Shoo."

Next, Lin Fei flicked a finger. A thread of saber essence flew out, turning into a heavenly saber, directly beheaded the sea beast. For a moment, blood filled the air.

"Sky Reaching Tower, collect!"

For Lin Fei, killing a Foundation Establishment level sea beast was too easy. Saber momentum plus saber essence, it couldn't be easier.

"Hmm? There's another sea beast?"

Under Lin Fei's saber momentum, he discovered another sea beast. This sea beast seemed slightly stronger than the one Lin Fei had just killed.

Suddenly, Lin Fei thought of the three Saint-level saber techniques he had just practiced. These saber techniques, Lin Fei wanted to practice these all the way to transcendence, and perfection, giving birth to saber intent, and finally evolving into saber momentum.

Saber techniques were all for battle, only battle could improve saber techniques. So, Lin Fei had an idea. He flicked his finger.

"Shoo."

A thread of saber essence flew out. This thread of saber essence actually turned into a rainbow light. Its speed was too fast. It was actually the Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique that Lin Fei had recently mastered.

"Plurt."

The next moment, the Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique instantly severed the head of the sea beast. The sea beast didn't even have a chance to resist.

"So strong! The Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique, even in the mastery realm, is so mysterious and powerful. And when combined with my saber essence, it makes the Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique invincible."

Lin Fei felt a chill in his heart. A Saint-level saber technique was indeed extraordinary. Of course, there was also the support of his transcendence saber momentum. Externally, saber momentum could suppress enemies. Internally, it could support saber techniques.

The role of saber momentum for saber practitioners was just too great. Martial Saints with and without saber momentum were on completely different levels.

"Your Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique has slain a Foundation Establishment sea beast, and in its excitement, it has fallen into enlightenment."

"Enlightenment?"

Lin Fei was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected that merely using the Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique to slay a sea beast would trigger enlightenment of the technique. It seemed that the Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique had a pretty good aptitude for understanding.

Lin Fei had long known that the martial arts he possessed each had different characters. Even their aptitude for comprehension was different. The Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique slayed a Foundation Establishment sea beast and fell into enlightenment. But other saber techniques might not necessarily do the same.

Every saber technique had its own opportunities. They couldn't all be treated the same way. However, the Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique didn't stay enlightened for long.

"Your Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique's enlightenment is over. By virtue of its extraordinary understanding, it has comprehended the realm of transforming into a rainbow, and the progress of cultivation has increased by 100%."

"Your Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique has broken through to the transcendence realm!"

In Lin Fei's mind, the system's voice sounded again. The Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique had indeed broken through. It had directly broken through from mastery to transcendence!

Lin Fei tasted the sweetness of success. He then caught a few more sea beasts. Unfortunately, aside from the Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique's enlightenment and breakthrough to transcendence, the other two saber techniques, Holy Spirit Saber Technique and Flame Burning Heaven Saber, did not fall into enlightenment. They merely made some progress in cultivation, but they didn't break through to transcendence. And after killing the sea beasts multiple times, the improvement to his saber techniques was limited.

Seeing that his saber techniques were no longer improving, Lin Fei stopped killing sea beasts.

"Let's first try out the flesh and blood of these sea beasts."

Lin Fei didn't return to Fairy Mist Island. He just wanted to give it a try. It was troublesome to go back and forth. So, with a flash, he directly entered the Sky Reaching Tower.

Inside the Sky Reaching Tower, several sea beasts were piled up. A large amount of fresh blood permeated the air. Lin Fei took a deep breath.

"Let's begin."

With that, Lin Fei began to consume the flesh and blood of the exotic beasts. After his body had undergone a rebirth, consuming some exotic beast's flesh and blood was absolutely normal. Large amounts of exotic beast flesh and blood were consumed by Lin Fei.

At the same time, the Blood Essence Nine Transformations within Lin Fei's body also started operating on their own. Clearly, it was stimulated by a large amount of exotic beast flesh and blood. Therefore, the cultivation speed of the Blood Essence Nine Transformations also started to rapidly increase.

50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%......

As Lin Fei consumed a large amount of exotic beast flesh and blood, the transformation, quickly converted into blood essence in his body. Lin Fei's physical body, at a speed visible to the naked eye, was rapidly improving. And Blood Essence Nine Transformations was also undergoing a momentous transformation.

"Boom."

The blood essence in Lin Fei's body directly doubled. Equivalent to twice the original amount. Moreover, Blood Essence Nine Transformations had broken through from the first transformation to the second at this moment.

"As expected, consuming the flesh and blood of exotic beasts is effective. Can I keep consuming the flesh and blood of exotic beasts until Blood Essence Nine Transformations forms the Energy Flower?"

A glint of sharpness flashed in Lin Fei's eyes. So, he continued to consume the flesh and blood of the exotic beasts. However, as soon as he consumed more, Lin Fei immediately felt a change.

Slow!

The speed of Blood Essence Nine Transformations transforming blood essence had slowed down. Or rather, it wasn't that the efficiency had become slower. But rather, Lin Fei needed more of them. So, it appeared to be slowing down in converting blood essence. However, blood essence was still increasing. That was enough. So, Lin Fei continued to consume the flesh and blood of sea beasts and convert blood essence within the Sky Reaching Tower.

At this moment, on the sea surface, a rainbow light was frantically fleeing towards Fairy Mist Island. However, behind him, there were a full three rainbow lights. Their speed was even faster.

In the rainbow light, Zhao Mingyu's face was flushed red. The aura on his body had become extremely chaotic. Even his Magic Body had been severely injured.

Zhao Mingyu had actually reached the Foundation Establishment stage! He relied on two Foundation Establishment pills and then exhausted all he had to buy another Foundation Establishment pill. Therefore, he had gathered a total of three Foundation Establishment pills.

After taking three Foundation Establishment pills, Zhao Mingyu successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage and became a Foundation Establishment True Person!

According to the rules of the Zhao family, upon being promoted to Foundation Establishment True Person, one could obtain an island.

The Zhao family owned numerous islands. Each island had some resources. Zhao Mingyu was assigned to Liuli Island. He didn't expect to encounter pirates before he'd even stayed on Liuli Island for long. The pirates attacked Liuli Island. Even with Zhao Mingyu, a Foundation Establishment True Person, in charge, Liuli Island was still captured.

Zhao Mingyu fought as if his life depended on it. He self-detonated a magic treasure only then did he manage to escape narrowly. However, in the vast sea, there were three Foundation Establishment True Persons from the pirates chasing after him.

"Damn it, I've just established my foundation and I have hundreds of years of life left, how can I die? Moreover, these pirates must have a big conspiracy. I must go back and tell my family, tell everyone on Fairy Mist Island. I can't die, I absolutely can't die here..."

Zhao Mingyu gritted his teeth. He once again forcefully maintained his stance. He performed a spell. Immediately, his injuries worsened once again.

"You can't escape. Why not join us, with your aptitude, it's hard for you to reach the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment in your lifetime. But if you join us, you might even reach the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment or even the later stage! Isn't it much better than staying in the small Fairy Mist Island?"

Three Foundation Establishment True Persons from the pirates tried to confuse Zhao Mingyu's mind. But in reality, how could they possibly really accept Zhao Mingyu? If Zhao Mingyu really stopped, they would immediately destroy him.

"Black Blood Needle, go!"

One of the pirates, a flash of black light in his hand, disappeared in a flash. Inaudibly, it pierced through Zhao Mingyu's protective spell in an instant. And, it pierced through Zhao Mingyu's body.

"Crack."

Cracks had appeared on Zhao Mingyu's body. Clearly, it was not far from collapsing.

"Pfft."

Zhao Mingyu even spat out a mouthful of blood. The whole person fell towards the sea below.

"Splash."

Zhao Mingyu fell into the sea.

"My life is over."

Zhao Mingyu knew that he had no hope. There was no doubt he would die!

However, when he fell into the sea, from the corner of his eye, he vaguely saw a hint of treasure light. And this strand of treasure light was very familiar. He took a closer look. On the sea surface, there was actually a tower floating. This tower, Zhao Mingyu was too familiar with it. It was because of this tower Zhao Mingyu changed his fate and became a Foundation Establishment True Person.

"Is... is it Senior? It must be Senior Lin! I heard that Senior Lin has become an Outer Sect Elder of the Ancient Origin Sect. He's back? Senior, save me, I am Zhao Mingyu, please save me!"

Zhao Mingyu staked his last bit of spiritual power and quickly approached the tower. The three Foundation Establishment True Persons from the pirates also saw that tower.

"Is there someone else?"

"That's a tower, is it a magic treasure?"

"This Zhao Mingyu is shouting for help, could it be that there is a powerful Foundation Establishment True Person nearby?"

"Hmph, maybe Zhao Mingyu doesn't know this tower at all. He just wants to drag others down."

"Anyway, first kill Zhao Mingyu, then see what this tower is all about."

The three Foundation Establishers looked at each other. They made a decision immediately.

"Shoo."

Immediately, the Black Blood Needle flew out again. This needle against the now desperate, severely injured Zhao Mingyu. It would surely kill with one blow!

"Senior, save me..."

Zhao Mingyu's eyes were wide open. He saw the Black Blood Needle, but he was powerless to resist now. He could only shout desperately towards the tower. However, the tower seemed to have no response and the Black Blood Needle was already close at hand.

"Suppress!"

Suddenly, a cold voice sounded. Immediately afterward, that Black Blood Needle stopped two inches away from Zhao Mingyu. The Black Blood Needle was shaking violently. However, it had been suppressed. It was a luxury to even move a little.

218. Killing a Foundation Establishment is as easy as killing a chicken

"What?"

The Foundation Establishment cultivator who controlled the Black Blood Needle had an inexplicably horrified look on his face. He was frantically urging his spiritual power, displaying his seal. However, it was useless. His Black Blood Needle seemed to be firmly suppressed. It couldn't move at all.

"Swoosh."

Lin Fei stepped out of the Sky Reaching Tower.

"Senior, it really is you, please save me..."

Seeing Lin Fei, Zhao Mingyu was overjoyed. This was simply a narrow escape.

"Zhao Mingyu..."

Of course, Lin Fei recognized Zhao Mingyu. Just didn't expect that Zhao Mingyu had already established his foundation. As for the three Foundation Establishments that were pursuing Zhao Mingyu, Lin Fei had also heard Zhao Mingyu's words.

Pirates! These three Foundation Establishment True Persons were all pirates.

Lin Fei had a thought. The Sky Reaching Tower instantly flew into his body. At the same time, he moved. With one step, he arrived in front of Zhao Mingyu. In front of Zhao Mingyu, the Black Blood Needle was still trembling. However, it was suppressed by Lin Fei's saber momentum, unable to move.

Lin Fei stretched out his fair hand and directly reached for the Black Blood Needle.

"Hmm? He's courting death! Flesh and blood body dare to touch my Black Blood Needle. Even if you're a Martial Saint, the Black Blood Needle can instantly pierce through your palm covered with True Essence."

Seeing Lin Fei actually trying to grab the Black Blood Needle directly. The owner of the Black Blood Needle couldn't help but sneer in his heart. They had already seen Lin Fei was a Martial Saint.

After all, the difference between a Martial Saint and a Foundation Establishment True Person was too great. The vitality of a Martial Saint was incredibly powerful, like a blazing sun. It was too conspicuous.

His Black Blood Needle specialized in breaking flesh and blood. There had been several Martial Saints died from the Black Blood Needle before. However, when Lin Fei's hand grabbed the Black Blood Needle, he gave it a hard pinch.

"Crack."

The Black Blood Needle broke! The spiritual light flickered, and then completely disappeared. Lin Fei casually threw the Black Blood Needle into the sea.

"The magical treasure is not bad, but it's too weak."

Lin Fei said in a calm tone. He really didn't use much strength just now. This time, Lin Fei just wanted to test how strong his physical body was now. After all, he had consumed so many sea beasts this time. The blood essence accumulated in Lin Fei's body was already unimaginably large. Although it was still far from condensing the Energy Flower, compared to his previous body, it was at least ten times stronger!

So, with a casual pinch of his physical body, Lin Fei found that the magic treasure was even more fragile than he had imagined, and it broke directly.

Now Lin Fei understood, why back then, Zhao Canglong, facing the elder who had condensed an Energy Flower, exploded with one punch.

Perhaps, the elder who had condensed an Energy Flower back then didn't even use ten percent of his strength.

Once Martial Saints started cultivating their physical body and reached the point of condensing an Energy Flower, that would be indestructible and incredibly powerful. Even the magic treasure of a Foundation Establishment True Person would be easily crushed.

"Not good, his physical body is too powerful, and he's probably not far from condensing the Energy Flower."

"We're no match for a Martial Saint like him."

"Retreat quickly!"

Seeing this scene, the three Foundation Establishments were greatly shocked, knowing that the Martial Saint in front of them was probably not easy to provoke!

Those who could crush magic treasures barehanded, even if they hadn't condensed an Energy Flower, were not far off. This was a top-tier Martial Saint!

Such a Martial Saint is very terrifying. Impervious to swords and spears, immune to fire and water, indestructible. Even magic treasures can be easily crushed.

They were just at the early stage of the Foundation Establishment, and they didn't have powerful magic treasures in their hands. Facing such a top-tier Martial Saint, how could they take advantage? Moreover, they were pirates!

Therefore, without any hesitation, the three Foundation Establishment cultivators made a decision and ran away. Even the owner of the Black Blood Needle, at this moment, was forcibly enduring the pain of backlash and quickly fleeing.

"Hum?"

But just as they wanted to leave, a vast saber momentum enveloped them, instantly trapping them inside.

"Suppress!"

Lin Fei uttered a single word.

"Boom."

The saber momentum was suppressed with all its might. The three Foundation Establishments were like they were stuck in the mud. They were finding it difficult to move. Even the circulation of spiritual power in their bodies became somewhat difficult.

"Saber momentum? How can there be such a terrifying saber momentum, who are you?"

The faces of the three Foundation Establishment cultivators changed dramatically. Even if Lin Fei was about to condense an Energy Flower, they could still escape. But with a Martial Saint with saber momentum, their chances of escape were slim to none. There was only one way. That was to kill the opponent!

"Spare no effort, kill him!"

The three Foundation Establishment True Persons were very decisive. Knowing that Lin Fei had a saber momentum, they could not escape. Therefore, they made a prompt decision. Their internal spiritual power surged. They used their magic treasures and spells again, bombarding Lin Fei.

Lin Fei's saber momentum was indeed strong. It could suppress some of the power of a Foundation Establishment True Person. But it wasn't to the point of completely suppressing the other party, making them immobile.

The three Foundation Establishments were very decisive when they started, they exerted their magic bodies. In the void, a large amount of Spiritual Qi was gathered. The entire saber momentum was filled with storms, flames, etc. These were all spells. There were even magic treasures!

The Black Blood Needle could be suppressed by the saber momentum, but that was because the Black Blood Needle was not very powerful. For other magic treasures, Lin Fei's saber momentum might not be able to suppress them.

Seeing the three's fierce counterattack, Zhao Mingyu couldn't help but tremble in his heart. However, Lin Fei was as calm as ever. In his view, this was a true Foundation Establishment True Person!

The Foundation Establishments he had killed before were too weak. Whether in will or strength, both were weak. As for the sea beasts, although they were also at the Foundation Establishment level, they had no magic treasures, only some innate abilities. Compared to Foundation Establishment, they were somewhat inferior. And these three Foundation Establishment True Persons were all pirates. Being able to fall into piracy, apart from anything else, their combat experience was definitely very rich.

"Swoosh."

Lin Fei reached out his hand. There wasn't much movement. He simply flicked his finger. Three strands of saber essence flew out instantly, condensing into three large sabers.

"Boom."

As soon as these three large sabers appeared, they immediately erupted with an earth-shattering momentum. One of the large sabers swung out. It was like a brilliant sun. Moreover, it seemed to burn the void. This was Flame Burning Heaven Saber. One saber swung out, burned the sky, and boiled the sea!

There was also a large saber turned into a rainbow light. This was the Rainbow Transformation Saber. Its speed was as fast as a startled swan.

There was another saber, holy, grand, magnificent. One saber swung out like a god coming down from the heavens, possessing infinite power. This was the Holy Spirit Saber Technique.

Three great saber techniques were all top-tier saber techniques at the Martial Saint level.

"You..."

They felt Lin Fei was so bold that he didn't make a move and he only used a strand of true essence. Of course, they didn't know about saber essence. They just took saber essence as the true essence of a Martial Saint.

Even if Lin Fei had saber momentum, the three Foundation Establishment True Persons felt insulted. Just a strand of true essence, and he wanted to defeat them? It was a fantasy. They were also dignified Foundation Establishment True Persons! And they were even notorious pirates!

"Puff."

However, the Rainbow Transformation Saber vanished in a flash. Then, a Foundation Establishment True Person widened his eyes as if he couldn't believe it. From his head, a line of blood emerged. With a "plop", the body of a Foundation Establishment True Person fell into the sea. He was dead! The Rainbow Transformation Saber was like a rainbow. Against the enemy, it always took only one slash!

"Boom."

Next was the Holy Spirit Saber Technique. Upright and open-minded, with one slash, the other party's magic treasure was directly shattered.

"Crack."

The magic treasure shattered. The saber essence instantly turned his law body into minced meat. The second Foundation Establishment was also dead. Only the last Foundation Establishment True Person was left. His soul was in great fear. How would he dare to make a move?

The Flame Burning Heaven Saber seemed to carry a sky full of flames. One slash swung out. The flames were rampant, and instantly engulfed the last Foundation Establishment True Person. In an instant, he was burned to ashes. He was dead!

Three Foundation Establishment True Persons had been chasing Zhao Mingyu before. Now, Lin Fei killed them all with a flick of his finger and a strand of saber essence.

Moreover, in the entire process, those three Foundation Establishment True Persons had no power to fight back.

"Killing Foundation Establishment is like killing a chicken..."

This sentence emerged in Zhao Mingyu's mind. At this moment, wasn't Lin Fei's method of killing the Foundation Establishment like killing a chicken?

Zhao Mingyu thought that he had succeeded in Foundation Establishment and he was a dignified Foundation Establishment True Person, feeling that he might not be far behind Lin Fei.

But what was the result? The further he went and the higher he stood, the more terrifying he found Lin Fei was. That was far beyond his imagination.

"Swoosh."

Lin Fei turned around, standing with his hands behind his back, looking calmly at Zhao Mingyu. But it made Zhao Mingyu feel his scalp tingle. His whole body felt like it had fallen into an ice cellar, the pressure was immense.

"Zhao Mingyu, what exactly happened?"

After a while, Lin Fei slowly asked.

219. Lin Fei's Fury

The scrutiny in Lin Fei's gaze had placed a significant amount of stress on Zhao Mingyu just moments prior.

Hearing Lin Fei's inquiry now, Zhao Mingyu felt slightly relieved and promptly responded, "Senior, thanks to your blessings, I gathered three Foundation Establishment Pills, successfully established my foundation, and was assigned by my family to oversee the Liuli Island. Unexpectedly, pirates invaded and shattered the protective array of Liuli Island. The entire Liuli Island was pillaged.

I escaped in the ensuing chaos, only to be pursued relentlessly by these pirates. Fortunately, I encountered you, senior. Otherwise, I fear I would not have survived."

Even now, Zhao Mingyu felt a chill of fear at the memory.

"A horde of pirates, pillaging as their primary objective. Why did they specifically target you? Moreover, they dispatched three Foundation Establishment level experts to pursue you relentlessly. This does not match the usual behavior of pirates," Lin Fei calmly analyzed, his gaze fixed on Zhao Mingyu.

He knew that there was more to Zhao Mingyu's story than he had disclosed.

As expected, Zhao Mingyu gritted his teeth and revealed, "Senior, you are no outsider. When I was escaping from Liuli Island, I overheard some information from the pirates. It turned out that the pirates' purpose was not merely to pillage. They intended to completely conquer Fairy Mist Island. Our Fairy Mist Island has no major power to intervene. This has inadvertently become the pirates' ideal target. Senior, I must rush to convey this information back to Fairy Mist Island. Once there, the various powers on Fairy Mist Island will be prepared for the upcoming threat."

Lin Fei nodded in understanding. So that was the case. Those pirates were quite audacious indeed. However, upon closer consideration, it seemed plausible.

Fairy Mist Island had no major powers, only minor families of Qi cultivators and small organizations. If it were to fall, it would merely fade into obscurity. Once the pirates took control of this place, they might abandon their pirate status.

After all, given a choice, who would willingly choose the pirate life?

However, Zhao Mingyu's escape and his potential to relay this information back to Fairy Mist Island would allow the various powers there to prepare in advance.

"Alright, return and deliver your message," Lin Fei stated, showing no intention of getting involved.

Having existed for such a long time, Fairy Mist Island and its families of Qi cultivators surely had some means to resist. If they were truly helpless, the pirates would have conquered them long ago. They wouldn't probe Fairy Mist Island's strengths and weaknesses in such a manner.

The intermittent harassment from pirates who dared not launch a direct attack on Fairy Mist Island was actually an attempt to discern the true strength of Fairy Mist Island. This suggested that the pirates were somewhat wary of Fairy Mist Island.

Zhao Mingyu left. He needed to hurry back to Fairy Mist Island with the information. Lin Fei didn't give the matter much thought. Once the message reached Fairy Mist Island, the numerous Foundation Establishment True Persons there would naturally devise a solution.

"System," Lin Fei summoned his system panel, checking his martial arts progress.

Host: Lin Fei

Martial Arts Realm: Early Martial Saint

True Intention Myriad Transformation Technique: Early Stage (Progress: 6%)

Blood Essence Nine Transformations: Seventh Transformation (Progress: 12%)

Holy Spirit Saber Technique: Mastery (Progress: 58%)

Flame Burning Heaven Saber: Mastery (Progress: 65%)

Rainbow Transformation Saber Technique: Transcendence (Progress: 10%)

Saber Momentum: Transcendence (Progress: 0%)

Lin Fei had spent approximately three days at sea. In this triad of days, his practice of the True Intention Myriad Transformation Technique progressed steadily at a rate of 1% per day. By now, he had escalated from 3% to a whopping 6%. Each of his three martial arts saber techniques, each hailing from the level of a Martial Saint, had also made appreciable advancements. Naturally, the centerpiece of his focus was the Blood Essence Nine Transformations.

Over these three days, Lin Fei consumed the flesh and blood of sea beasts without ceasing. Hence, each passing moment saw an increase in the essence of blood circulating within him. At present, Lin Fei's Blood Essence Nine Transformations had escalated from the first transformation to the astounding seventh transformation.

Seven transformations implied a sixty-four-fold increase in Lin Fei's blood essence - a truly terrifying magnitude. In such circumstances, he could even attempt to condense an Energy Flower.

However, Lin Fei was not one to rush. The condensation of an Energy Flower was not a task to be taken lightly. A failed attempt would deplete his blood essence, leading to its decay and even a slight erosion of his foundation. A long period of recovery would be needed.

Thus, without absolute certainty, Lin Fei would not risk condensing an Energy Flower. The Blood Essence Nine Transformations had made it clear: once the nine transformations were achieved, his blood essence could multiply to a horrifying two hundred and fifty-six fold! At that time, with the blood essence multiplied two hundred and fifty-six times, the condensation of an Energy Flower would be a sure success.

This was a significant reason why Lin Fei chose the path of Blood Essence Nine Transformations. Mastering it to the highest realm would allow for the condensation of the Energy Flower.

However, Lin Fei found that his current consumption of ordinary sea beast flesh and blood no longer provided any substantial benefits.

The progress of his Blood Essence Nine Transformations had noticeably slowed. He had a fair idea as to why. After all, he had already achieved seven transformations, and the total volume of blood essence in his body had grown exceptionally large. How much blood essence could ordinary sea beasts provide?

If he were to keep slaughtering one beast after another, Lin Fei feared that it would take three to five years of relentless killing to advance to the eighth transformation.

And then, perhaps a decade or even several decades of slaughtering and consuming the flesh and blood of sea beasts daily might finally bring him to the Blood Essence Nine Transformations.

Perhaps for other Martial Saints, a mere decade or several decades to condense an Energy Flower would be a cause for jubilation and unparalleled exhilaration.

But for Lin Fei, it was far too lengthy. With his martial arts pursuits so arduous, he must naturally provide them with the best resources, not resort to inefficient, cumbersome methods.

Moreover, the ocean held its share of dangers.

Constant slaughter by Lin Fei and his sustained presence in the outer seas could potentially provoke a mighty sea beast, one comparable to a Martial Sovereign or Golden Elixir, thereby putting him in danger.

Even if he survived smoothly in the outer seas for ten years, a single day of danger could nullify all his decade-long efforts.

"Better to return to the Ancient Origin Sect. If I can obtain more potent exotic beast flesh and blood..."

Lin Fei had made up his mind.

As an external elder of the Ancient Origin Sect, and a Martial Saint among the major factions, he ought to fully utilize this relationship, rather than behaving like an independent martial artist, killing sea beasts relentlessly.

Now that his Blood Essence Nine Transformations had reached seven transformations, he was quite close to his goal.

Thus, Lin Fei set a course for Fairy Mist Island.

Soon, he arrived back at Fairy Mist Island and headed straight to the Shangguan household.

At the moment, Shangguan Feiyun seemed quite agitated.

On seeing Lin Fei, his face brightened.

Shangguan Feiyun hurried forward, "Elder, you're finally back. Fairy Mist Island is in grave danger. News has emerged that a group of sea pirates plans to capture Fairy Mist Island. The whole island is in a state of anxiety."

However, Lin Fei was not surprised. Instead, he calmly replied, "I am aware. Therefore, I have returned to bring people back to the Ancient Origin Sect."

"You're leaving?" Shangguan Feiyun's countenance changed slightly.

"Do you eight great families think I'll stay on Fairy Mist Island to guard you all? What transpires between us is merely a transaction. The ten external disciple quotas I promised will be delivered. But beyond that, it has nothing to do with me."

Having said this, Lin Fei ignored the complex expression on Shangguan Feiyun's face, and with a wave of his hand, he lifted the ten geniuses from the eight great families with his saber essence.

"Let's go!"

With his companions, Lin Fei rose into the air and disappeared into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Shangguan Feiyun wore a complex expression, muttering softly, "Yes, it's just a transaction between us...But after all, Elder Lin has some ties of kindness with our eight great families. If anything happens in the future, we can still seek Elder Lin's help. As for the affairs of Fairy Mist Island, let those of the Foundation Establishment True Person and Qi cultivator families worry about it. Our eight martial art families haven't had a Martial Saint for too long, we've been in decline..."

Lin Fei paid no heed to the thoughts of the eight great families.

He returned to the Ancient Origin Sect with the ten disciples of the eight great families and immediately exercised his privilege as an outer sect elder, admitting five of them as outer disciples of the Ancient Origin Sect. However, the remaining five required the recommendation of Shen Lianxin. Thus, Lin Fei made his way to Shen Lianxin's cave abode.

"Hmm?"

As he stepped into Shen Lianxin's abode, Lin Fei's eyes narrowed as he fixated his gaze upon Shen Lianxin.

"Brother Shen, you're injured again! Tell me, who inflicted this upon you? And with such a ruthless hand at that. With injuries like these, you'll need at least a year to recuperate!"

Upon seeing Shen Lianxin's condition, a glint of cold fury flashed across Lin Fei's eyes. Such injuries were clearly inflicted deliberately!