As the grand gathering on Five Dragons Island approached, merchant ships from all corners converged, including those from Bihai Palace, accompanied by Golden Core cultivators from the Law Enforcement Hall escorting them.

"Old Lin, I originally thought I’d have you call me senior, but it seems that’s now impossible."

On this day, at Celestial Spring Peak, a familiar laugh echoed, and Lin Chang’an was already prepared, having readied spirit wine and spirit flesh in the pavilion.

"Old Hu, it’s been over twenty years without a word from you. I thought something had happened to you."

Upon meeting, the complex emotions in their eyes were hard to conceal.

Over twenty years ago, before they parted, both were at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, once hoping that when they met again, they could still call each other ’friend’, a wish with hidden blessings.

Unexpectedly, when they met again, they had truly fulfilled that initial wish.

"Mr. Lin!"

"Mr. Hu!"

After the laughter, they gathered their complicated feelings and solemnly cupped their hands in salute.

The term ’friend’ witnessed their journey from the Foundation Establishment Late Stage to Core Formation.

"Come, come, I’ve brought some fine spirit wine prepared for after reaching Core Formation this time."

With a carefree laugh, Old Hu took out a jug of fine wine he had stored from his storage bag.

Outside the pavilion, the Cyan-Horned Bull mooed, seemingly sensing a familiar aura, and appeared pleased.

Upon seeing this familiar scene, Hu Jin couldn’t help but smile and nod, as the Cyan-Horned Bull had accompanied them on their occasional gatherings in the past.

While Lin Chang’an and Hu Jin were reuniting, the various forces on Five Dragons Island were not at peace.

...

Profound Sound Pavilion.

"Sect Leader, the Core Formation cultivator from Bihai Palace’s Law Enforcement Hall turns out to be an old acquaintance of Elder Lin, who headed straight to Elder Lin’s cave residence upon arriving at Five Dragons Island."

The arrival of merchant ships from Bihai Palace was notable, but the fact that the cultivator escorting them belonged to the Law Enforcement Hall made it all the more significant.

No one expected that the first destination for this Law Enforcement Hall Core Formation cultivator would be the honored guest elder of Profound Sound Pavilion, Tier Three Array Master Lin Chang’an’s cave residence.

Meanwhile, the intelligence from various major forces noted this development as well.

Within Profound Sound Pavilion, Liu Ruyu respectfully reported the latest intelligence she had received.

Fairy Ni Chang, the leader of Profound Sound Pavilion, upon hearing this, showed a rare hint of surprise.

"It turns out this person is also from the Yue Kingdom, no wonder."

Looking over the intelligence on Hu Jin from Bihai Palace’s Law Enforcement Hall, Fairy Ni Chang’s expression turned contemplative, and everything made sense.

"It seems our honored guest elder’s invitation was indeed worthwhile."

Despite Hu Jin being only in the early Core Formation stage, what interested the various forces was his status.

"Sect Leader, should we go pay a visit?"

Liu Ruyu tentatively suggested, and upon hearing this, Fairy Ni Chang chuckled and nodded.

"This time, you personally make the trip, but first, do not disturb their reunion."

"Understood."

...

Long Family.

"I never thought that such a remote and spiritually poor place would produce so many Core Formation cultivators."

The Long Family received this information as well, and several Core Formation elders in the family were secretly alarmed.

"The cultivator from Bihai Palace’s Law Enforcement Hall personally came. Our Long Family must arrange a meeting, no matter what, we mustn’t offend him."

"Yes!"

At the same time, other Core Formation family forces received this news as well.

Many people sighed at Lin the Array Master’s broad network of connections, and yet one after another arranged meetings with the cultivators from Bihai Palace and this Law Enforcement Hall Core Formation cultivator.

...

Celestial Spring Peak.

The two drank and discussed Tao in the pavilion, both having just entered the early Core Formation stage, sharing each other’s insights and various anecdotes from over the years.

"Old Hu, you’ve certainly garnered quite the presence this time. A lot of people have arrived below the mountain."

Lin Chang’an teased, able to sense from his cave residence the numerous arrivals outside, their purpose obvious, aimed at Hu Jin.

With an exaggerated expression of self-importance, Hu Jin held his head high.

"Of course, now old Hu here has the backing of Bihai Palace."

Seeing Old Hu’s playful demeanor, Lin Chang’an smiled and shook his head, but still offered a reminder:

"Old Hu, the Law Enforcement Hall is unlike any other. You should still be cautious in the future."

The name alone implies that while it’s a core department of Bihai Palace, it’s also a place prone to making enemies, and carries considerable risk.

"Don’t worry, Old Lin, old Hu isn’t that foolish."

The two exchanged a glance and burst into laughter. Lin Chang’an had also come to understand that Old Hu’s family had almost produced a Nascent Soul cultivator in the past.

This left Lin Chang’an speechless, as he had always thought Old Hu was boasting, never imagining there was no exaggeration at all.

"By the way, Old Lin, here’s intelligence on Blood Evil Master. In the future, you and I can use some of Blood Evil Master’s treasures with peace of mind."

Seemingly reminded of something, Hu Jin joyfully brought forth a jade scroll with a wave of his hand.

As for Blood Evil Master, Lin Chang’an had sought information but certainly not as thoroughly as Bihai Palace could.

With divine sense probing, he gained a deeper understanding of Blood Evil Master, as his previous information consisted only of fragmented memories.

There were still many experiences lacking.

"Blood Evil Master roams the Demon Beast Abyss, categorized among Loose Cultivators, known for his reckless combat style and formidable swordsmanship, rarely provoked by others..."

Those who dare provoke him are invariably eliminated by Blood Evil Master...