Chapter 377 - 249: Neighbor’s Invitation, Gui Water Essence

Chapter 377: Chapter 249: Neighbor’s Invitation, Gui Water Essence

Faced with their neighbor’s invitation.

Lin Changheng and Xu Maoling accepted and both attended.

This had become something of an annual tradition between them—a small gathering to exchange news and strengthen their friendship.

This time, it was Cheng Suling’s turn to host.

Compared to Lin Changheng’s Moonrest Island and Xu Maoling’s Rising Sun Island, Cheng Suling’s island was remarkably different.

One could say that Moonrest Island, with its faint Array Light shimmering amidst clouds and water, resembled a dormant giant turtle. It hid its hard Armor Shell beneath the misty waves, stern and motionless, exuding a cold, forbidding aura that warned strangers away.

Xu Maoling’s Rising Sun Island, on the other hand, presented a completely different scene. Crisscrossing Spirit Fields were filled with golden Spirit Grain that rippled like ocean waves in the wind. Spirit Plant Cultivators moved among them, busy and fulfilled. A rich vitality and Earth Spirit Qi washed over anyone who approached, much like a well-tended, bountiful farm in the mortal world—grounded and warm.

Cheng Suling’s island, however, was utterly different from the other two.

This island had no dazzling splendor, no bustling crowds. From a distance, one could only see exceptionally lush and verdant forests, arranged in staggered layers as if they had existed since antiquity. It exuded a natural air of tranquility and peace, yet it was also deep and unfathomable. It calmed the hearts of onlookers, who in turn dared not defile it.

Lin Changheng had once quietly focused his vision, using the Divine Light from his Three Techniques Combined to observe it. Only then could he glimpse its Mysterious nature—

The island’s Earth Qi flowed smoothly and harmoniously, like Qi and Blood coursing through a human body, completing its own Circulation without the slightest impediment.

The placement of every blade of grass and tree, every stone and spring, appeared random, but in truth, it aligned with the profound principles of nature. Their respective energies were interconnected, subtly forming a vast and exquisite natural layout.

It didn’t resist outsiders. Instead, in a more masterful way, it subtly "blended" the island into its surroundings. It was as if it were a part of the world’s grand tapestry, causing people to either unconsciously overlook its existence or feel a sense of closeness, making it difficult for them to harbor ill intent.

Furthermore, several elegant bamboo buildings and wooden pavilions were built into the mountainside, using the forest as a screen and flanked by rocks and streams. They showed no trace of craftsmanship, looking as if they had naturally grown there.

The entire island revealed no overt power, yet it possessed a profound depth that no one would dare underestimate.

This was the handiwork of the Geomancer, Cheng Suling. She set no Killing Arrays and built no high walls. Instead, she followed the natural flow, tended to the Earth Veins, and arranged the landscape, allowing the land to become a blessed sanctuary in itself, one that was in harmony with the Celestial Dao.

This was a more High Level, more subtle form of defense—like a clap of thunder from a silent sky.

Lin Changheng couldn’t help but praise her internally. ’As expected of a Geomancer! To manage an island so perfectly in tune with the rhythm of nature, making it seem like a naturally formed paradise. Such skill is truly extraordinary.’

Although he possessed the Insight Skill, which was similar to a Geomancer’s abilities, it was in fact far inferior.

It was severely lacking in every respect.

After all, Geomancy was a rare and Mysterious Skill; it was bound to have its unique advantages.

...

Entering the island this time, Lin Changheng was still filled with amazement.

If not for his inherent caution, he would have certainly asked her to help manage his own island’s Earth Veins.

But if he did that, his island would have no secrets left. That might be fine under normal circumstances, but if she harbored ill intent or left some hidden measure behind, the consequences would be unthinkable.

Thus, Lin Changheng simply made do with his own setup.

However, learning the Geomancy Skill himself was also unnecessary. He understood the principle of not biting off more than he could chew.

"Esteemed guests, this way please."

A Maid in a simple, elegant white dress emerged slowly to welcome them.

"Thank you."

"Please lead the way, miss."

Lin Changheng and Xu Maoling were both amiable. They exchanged a smile, nodded, and followed her.

Soon, they were in the main hall, where an impressive scene had been prepared for them.

It was truly a grand affair.

There were even Female Attendants dressed in matching, iridescent Immortal Skirts, ready to perform.

"Brother Xu, Brother Lin."

A beautiful woman entered from the back with a smile. She wore an aqua-green, wide-sleeved dress that flowed like clouds and had a simple Cyan Jade Hairpin in her hair. Her makeup was subtle, yet she possessed a pure and transcendent air.

Her steps were light, and her aura was as graceful as a Fairy’s. Her Cultivation was, impressively, at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment.

She gave the two a graceful bow, her smile gentle. "It has been a while. I hope you’ve both been well. I only just returned from a trip and almost missed our appointed hour."

"Not at all, not at all. Your business comes first, of course. It doesn’t matter if our gathering is a little early or late," Xu Maoling said with a laugh.

"Brother Xu is right. Please, don’t worry about it, Fairy Cheng."

Lin Changheng was not concerned either.

Cheng Suling smiled faintly and gestured for them to follow. "Fellow Daoists, please, take your seats. We can talk as we drink."

The three sat down, with Cheng Suling as the host and the two men as guests. Soon, Maids brought out Spirit Fruit Immortal Brew, all of it of the highest quality.

Accompanied by the melodious sounds of string and bamboo instruments, several Dancing Girls in iridescent gowns floated into the hall. They danced with sublime grace, their movements a beautiful counterpoint to the view of the lake and mountains outside.

After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew even more congenial.

Cheng Suling’s etiquette was perfect, her conversation elegant. She was neither overly effusive nor coolly distant.

She chatted with Xu Maoling about interesting anecdotes from around Jade Belt Lake and tips for Spirit Plant cultivation. From time to time, she would deftly steer the conversation toward Lin Changheng, asking about his general insights on Cultivation—nothing too personal—or recommending scenic spots on the lake. She handled the conversation with perfect tact, displaying high emotional intelligence and masterful social skills.

When the time came to depart, Lin Changheng and Xu Maoling prepared to take their leave.

"Brother Xu, Brother Lin."

Just then, Cheng Suling called out to them.

"Is there something else, Fairy Cheng?"

Lin Changheng immediately stopped and asked with a smile. Xu Maoling also looked toward her.

In response, Cheng Suling simply waved her hand, setting up a Sound Insulation Array that enveloped the three of them.