You Cultivate, I Farm

Chapter 308: Establishing Dominance in the Courtyard

"Guessing like this won't solve anything. We must investigate the origin of these sea creatures and ascertain the cause."

"Daoist Lu, you usually focus on cultivating spirit plants. Perhaps your combat power is slightly inferior to ours, but you have the ability to detect anomalies in the sea creatures."

"Here's the plan: you search around Eternal Wind Island to see if you can find other sea creatures affected by pollution."

"Zhou and I will patrol the nearby waters around Eternal Wind Island, looking for traces of those evil spirits or cultivators."

"Alright."

Despite Shi Zhong's seemingly belittling task assignment, Lu Xuan didn't mind at all and readily agreed.

Shi Zhong and Zhou Bingyu each controlled a streak of sword light, speeding low over the surface of the sea.

Lu Xuan took out the Waterwalking Pearl from his storage bag, held it in his mouth, and jumped into the sea.

In the deep water, he moved effortlessly, unaffected by the environment.

Then, based on whether the Pure Jade on his chest reacted, he judged whether the sea creatures had been affected by pollution.

After circling around Eternal Wind Island, Lu Xuan returned to shore, laying on the ground a sea turtle demon with black spines on its back and two different species of sea creatures.

These were the three abnormal sea creatures he had searched for.

After waiting for about half an hour, Shi Zhong and Zhou Bingyu returned to the island one after another, riding streaks of sword light.

"Daoist Shi, Daoist Zhou, I searched around Eternal Wind Island and found three contaminated sea creatures. Did you find anything on your end?"

Both of them shook their heads.

"I searched meticulously within a radius of three hundred li around the island but found no traces of evil spirits or cultivators."

"However, since we've found several abnormal creatures, it's no longer an isolated incident. Most likely, there are evil spirits or cultivators hidden on this island."

Shi Zhong's expression turned grave as he affirmed.

Lu Xuan nodded in agreement.

"We three are similar in background, all sent by our sects to guard an island. The safety of the island we're assigned to is closely tied to us."

"So, let's each delineate a region and notify the respective forces to be vigilant and prepared."

Shi Zhong produced a huge map with detailed information about various islands.

Since the archipelago was vast, with hundreds or even thousands of li between islands, it was necessary for the three of them to work together to notify others.

"I'll choose this area."

Lu Xuan pointed and selected a region that included the Song family on Kongming Island and the Ning family on Zhongning Island.

"Alright, let's go with that. If you discover any traces of evil spirits, remember to inform me."

Shi Zhong said solemnly.

They nodded and left one after another.

Upon returning to Kongming Island, Lu Xuan didn't immediately go to his own courtyard but instead went to where the Song family resided.

"Senior Lu, you're back? How was your fishing trip on the sea?"

Song Yu rushed over anxiously upon receiving the news.

He had already learned from Song Yun that Lu Xuan had been invited to fish for sea creatures.

"It was a mixed bag. The good part belongs to me, but the bad part belongs to you guys."

Lu Xuan smiled.

"I wonder where the bad part lies; please enlighten me, Senior."

Upon hearing Lu Xuan's words, Song Yu's heart skipped a beat, and he asked hastily.

"When fishing, we unexpectedly found several sea creatures contaminated by impurities. We investigated nearby and speculated that there may be evil spirits or cultivators lurking among the islands."

Lu Xuan said slowly.

"What should we do then?"

A trace of worry appeared on Song Yu's face.

"It's just a possibility, nothing to worry too much about."

"But what needs to be done must be done. From today onwards, make sure to protect the waters where the Kongming Spirit Fish reside. Try to keep them close to Kongming Island and avoid pollution."

"At the same time, restrict the activities of the family's cultivators and minimize their exploration outside."

"Lastly, keep an eye out for any unusual occurrences on Kongming Island. If you find any traces of evil spirits or cultivators, inform me immediately."

Lu Xuan commanded.

"Yes, I will ensure their protection, constrain our clan members, and conduct regular patrols."

Lu Xuan's words gave Song Yu a sense of direction, calming his mind.

"By the way, the forces on other islands probably aren't aware of this news yet. Could you remind them on my behalf?"

Lu Xuan informed Song Yu of the areas assigned to him and finally added:

"We can skip reminding the Ning family on Zhongning Island; after the incident with the Void Algae, they wouldn't believe it even if we told them."

He casually set up an obstacle for Ning Deshan.

"Sure! I'll do my best to keep them in the dark."

The Kongming Spirit Fish, which was the Song family's lifeline, had almost been wiped out by the Void Algae released by the Ning family on Zhongning Island. Song Yu wished for nothing more than for the Ning family to suffer a major loss.

"Very well. I'll head back to my courtyard now. If there's anything urgent, you can contact me using a communication talisman."

Lu Xuan said to Song Yu before returning to his own courtyard.

This time, participating in the auction organized by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce had been quite rewarding.

He had acquired a Grade Three Rock Armor Turtle egg and a bottle of highly coveted Grade Three Spirit Liquid, the Xuan Yuan Heavy Water.

He had also met two major cultivators from prominent sects, and the initial impressions were quite favorable. Additionally, during the fishing process, he had caught a juvenile Azure Dragon Carp, a species different from the usual.

The only somewhat unpleasant aspect was the discovery of traces of evil spirits and cultivators.

This made him much more cautious.

Although his current strength was close to the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, with numerous treasures and abundant means to deal with enemies, he should still exercise caution in this archipelago.

After all, evil spirits and cultivators were notorious for their sinister and treacherous methods, and one couldn't predict what tricks they might have up their sleeves.

He pondered carefully about how he should proceed in the future.

"First, I must put aside fishing for the time being."

"The closer to the outer sea, the higher the danger. The likelihood of encountering evil spirits or cultivators increases, as evidenced by those polluted creatures."

Although fishing gave him a sense of achievement similar to opening light orbs, Lu Xuan still prioritized safety and tried to avoid putting himself in harm's way.

"Not only must I stop fishing, but I must also reduce the chances of going out. It's better to stay in the courtyard to cultivate spirit plants and raise spirit beasts."

Lu Xuan thought to himself.

"Of course, if evil spirits or cultivators invade Kongming Island, I still have to deal with them within my capabilities."

Lu Xuan naturally wouldn't forget his responsibilities; guarding Kongming Island meant protecting the safety of the cultivators on the island.

As long as it didn't jeopardize his own safety.

"For now, this arrangement will suffice. If I truly detect any traces of evil spirits, I'll adjust accordingly."

He silently mapped out his course of action for the next period of time.

"Hide in the courtyard and mind my own business, regardless of evil spirits or cultivators."

Staying obediently in the courtyard to cultivate spirit plants and raise spirit beasts would suffice.