Seeing this Master Tan speak so frankly, he laughed and said:

"My disciple from the Lu Family is quite good, engaged in commerce for years. My sister now manages a few merchant ships under the Sixth Elder. I believe when the time comes, the Profound Sound Pavilion and Mr. Lin will lend a hand..."

Quite the character!

Looking at Master Tan’s demeanor, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help but feel peculiar.

He had seen those who rose by relying on their sisters and continuously drained them.

But it was his first time seeing someone who, unwilling to be looked down upon, wanted to prove himself and strengthen his sister’s power.

Fairy Ni Chang beside him also showed a peculiar expression, indicating that this person had been planning for his sister all along.

This... seemed to pose no conflict with them, but rather, mutual benefit.

Noticing the two’s strange expressions, Master Tan remained calm and said:

"In the past, I was unattractive, and only my elder sister didn’t despise me, even helping me achieve Foundation Establishment. After she became the Sixth Elder’s concubine,

everyone said it was to gather Core Formation resources for me. Now, everything I do is to tell them what my sister can do for me, I can do too!"

Such deep sibling affection left Lin Chang’an in silence.

Perhaps Master Tan wanted his sister to hold her head high, not to be mocked for using family resources only to support her brother.

"Master Tan, your sincerity is admirable,"

At their level of cultivation, having such feelings is indeed rare and precious.

Lin Chang’an understood he was likely chosen for his clean background, unlikely to attract trouble.

From the beginning, Master Tan had trusted only the Lu Family.

However, with Lu Yushu having formed a Fake Pill, he needed someone to shield him.

For a moment, the three raised their cups and exchanged toasts, since it was indeed a win-win situation for all.

Even Lin Chang’an was tempted; he had to guard the Outer Sea for Bihai Palace for a hundred years. Previously, when he went to Five Dragons Island, he was alone, without any backing.

Naturally, he didn’t want to meddle in this turmoil.

But now things were different. With support, going there seemed like joining the table, which wasn’t a bad thing at all.

Thinking of this, Lin Chang’an’s eyes gleamed.

The Long Family even had another piece of Profound Celestial Immortal Vine Withered Leaves. Having cultivated for so many years, one withered leaf had only partially rejuvenated.

If he had to cultivate one from scratch, it would be even more demanding.

If he had the chance to obtain this withered leaf from the Long Family, he might be able to cultivate two external avatars, adding a layer of security.

What he needed to do didn’t seem difficult. On the surface, he would guard Five Dragons Island while collaborating with the Lu Family, helping them gradually form a guild.

In the future, stabilizing the shipping routes behind Master Tan’s sister would also be beneficial for him.

"All things considered, it seems very profitable."

Realizing this, Lin Chang’an smiled.

And Fairy Ni Chang, having already received permission from the Sixth Elder, found it worthwhile to connect another link with the Sixth Elder’s concubine.

The banquet livens up for a while.

...

After the banquet, as Master Tan departed, Lu Yushu respectfully bowed and said:

"Mr. Lin."

"Mr. Lu, you’re too polite. In the future, both of us will be responsible for guarding a side of Bihai Palace, ensuring peace in our area."

Lin Chang’an nodded with a smile, clearly agreeing to Master Tan’s invitation at the banquet.

After all, it wasn’t as if he’d be sent into the vanguard.

Lu Yushu let out a sigh of relief, knowing that following the Patriarch’s advice to recommend Mr. Lin was indeed wise.

Collaborating with someone familiar is naturally better than an unfamiliar person.

Especially like Lin Chang’an, an ascetic with no entangled interests.

Seeing the two had more to discuss, Lu Yushu politely excused himself and left.

"I never expected Mr. Lin to have such talent in arrays; our Profound Sound Pavilion does have many array legacies."

Left alone in the room with Lin Chang’an, Fairy Ni Chang once again expressed her intention to form an alliance.

It’s not that Lin Chang’an was particularly appealing, but fellow Loose Cultivators from the same hometown were rare and reputable.

Especially someone newly in Core Formation, the ideal time to forge an alliance.

Outside alliances seeking to recruit might not lack Core Formation cultivators, but the fear was that those involved would have ulterior motives.

There have been incidents of outside Core Formation Elders taking over and occupying nests.

Faced with Fairy Ni Chang’s offer, Lin Chang’an was somewhat hesitant. He accepted Master Tan’s terms because the entanglement wasn’t deep.

Moreover, it had benefits for him, but the Profound Sound Pavilion could potentially clash with the Long Family over Spirit Lands.

"Fairy Ni Chang, I’m accustomed to ascetic cultivation, and generally not good at contesting with others."

Lin Chang’an’s unwillingness to get involved in their power struggles made Fairy Ni Chang feel more at ease.

"Mr. Lin, you’re joking. Our Profound Sound Pavilion also prefers not to contend with others, just wishing to provide a stable cultivation place for our disciples. Besides, you hail from the Yue Kingdom, you should understand our Profound Sound Pavilion."

With a broad smile, Fairy Ni Chang found herself increasingly satisfied with Lin Chang’an.

Good-natured, knowing when to advance and retreat, wanting just a peaceful place to cultivate, and being from the same Yue Kingdom as her—it greatly increased her fondness in this foreign land.