Unlimited priesthood

Chapter 146 Changes
And so, decades passed.

Dongting Lake, Yulong Island.

"Hmm~!"

As darkness receded like the tide, Lin Miao slowly awoke.

"This is where?"

Lin Miao looked around in a daze, and everything in front of him went from blurry to clear. It was an antique-style bedroom, and a faint sandalwood scent filled the air, which made him feel refreshed and quickly come to his senses.

"What is this place?"

"Why am I here?"

"Where are those people...?"

A series of questions then turned into alertness, prompting him to quickly sit up.

Just then, footsteps sounded, the door opened, and a person walked in.

He was a young man dressed in gray, a light and simple color, who had an otherworldly air about him.

He entered the room and saw Lin Miao sitting up warily. He wasn't too surprised and simply said in his usual tone, "You're awake?"

"you……"

Lin Miao looked at him with suspicion and uncertainty, still unable to let her guard down, and could only cautiously probe, "Did you save me?"

"No."

The young man in gray shook his head: "But it's about the same."

"About the same?"

Lin Miao frowned, her eyes showing confusion.

"This is Yulong Island."

The young man in gray said calmly, "It is your fate to have ended up here."

"Icy Dragon Island?"

"Opportunity?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Miao frowned even more: "Why did I come here?"

"That's a question for you to answer."

The young man in gray looked at him indifferently: "What happened to you before?"

"I……"

Lin Miao was taken aback and sat there.

He was from the Chen Kingdom and came from the Lin family of Yun Ning. His father, Lin Zhan, was one of the three heroes of Yun Ning and was known as the Mad Lion Lin Zhan. He also had a reputation in the martial arts world.

Several months ago, while traveling the world, he obtained a rare treasure. He intended to return home to celebrate with his parents, but upon arriving home, he discovered that his entire family had been slaughtered, his parents had both died tragically, and a group of mysterious people were lying in ambush on him.

He was filled with grief and indignation and fought them, but he was no match for the overwhelming force. In the end, he relied on the power of the magical treasure to break through the encirclement and jump into the Yun Ning River next to his home to survive.

And then... there will be no more.

After jumping into the river, he fell into a coma and woke up here.

Oh, right, that rare treasure!
Lin Miao's eyes narrowed, and his right hand unconsciously reached for his fingers until he found a ring on his right ring finger, at which point his tense heart relaxed slightly.

The young man in gray saw his actions but didn't point it out, only saying calmly, "Have you figured it out?"

"This……"

Lin Miao was taken aback, then turned around, quickly got off the bed, knelt down and thanked the other person profusely: "Thank you for saving my life, brother!"

He had figured it out: the other party was not the mysterious group that slaughtered his family. The target of that group was clearly the rare treasure in his possession. The fact that the treasure was still in his hands and had not been taken away by the other party was enough to prove that they were related.

If they are not enemies, then they are benefactors, and it is only right to pay them a grand bow.

Unexpectedly, the gray-clad youth shook his head: "I told you, I didn't save you."

"Then this..."

Lin Miao was even more puzzled upon hearing this and didn't know how to respond.

"It was Yulong Island that saved you."

The young man added, then turned around and said, "Come with me."

"Yes!"

Although he didn't understand, he was under the other party's roof and didn't want to ask too many questions, so he could only get up and follow him.

Stepping out of the room and into the outside world, one sees clouds and mist swirling around, resembling a fairyland.

Lin Miao stopped and looked ahead. He found himself in the middle of a vast, misty lake, with overpasses and pavilions spanning it.

The place I am in right now is one of the pavilions, which seems to be a dwelling for residents.

The young man walked ahead, and he dared not slack off, so he followed closely behind, and couldn't help but look around along the way.

These pavilions and towers, built on the lake and standing amidst the mist and clouds, are connected by overpasses and plank bridges. Underneath the plank bridges, black boats can be seen passing through, revealing ponds and fishing fields carved out of the lake. Fishermen row boats on the ponds, throwing out feed to feed the fish and shrimp.

Although they are all fishermen, their clothing and appearances vary. Some wear straw raincoats and bamboo hats to dress as fishermen, some wear blue and white robes like learned scholars, some wear Taoist robes and monk robes like hermits, and some are even beautiful women with pearls, phoenix crowns, and colorful palace dresses.

Some of them traveled in small boats, feeding fish and shrimp in the ponds, while others simply went down into the paddy fields to dig out sections of white jade-like lotus roots, as well as various other rare delicacies that he couldn't quite describe.

It wasn't just humans; there were also non-human beings. Red-crowned cranes walked across the pond with their slender legs, using their long beaks to peck out lotus roots, as well as various poisonous insects and pests, the former being put into their pouches and the latter into their bellies.

These white cranes are merely anthropomorphic in their movements. In addition, there are creatures that have already become human, namely shrimp soldiers and crab generals, fish spirits and water monsters, carrying shrimp claws and crab pincers, with fish heads and strange appearances, working in this pond just like the fishermen.

"Monster!?"

Despite having weathered many storms, Lin Miao couldn't help but change color upon seeing this scene and hurriedly chased after the young man.

"Stop talking nonsense!"

The young man turned around and said, "They are aquatic creatures enlightened by the island lord. They are just like us humans, fish-dragon islanders. How can they be called monsters?"

"Water, aquatic creatures?"

Lin Miao stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide with astonishment.

Born into a martial arts family and having spent many years wandering the martial world, he had heard many stories of immortal destiny and even vaguely knew of the existence of the "cultivation world." He could barely accept cultivation and the strange sights before him.

But he couldn't quite accept these shrimp soldiers, crab generals, fish spirits, and water monsters.

After all, in the legends, the world of cultivation only has immortals and spirit beasts, and there has never been any talk of immortals or demons.

Not to mention these aquatic spirits, which are neither human nor demon, their human form is incomplete, and they have no connection with the word "immortal" at all.

Yulong Island?
Could I have stumbled into a den of demons?

Lin Miao's heart skipped a beat, and she became even more nervous, unconsciously distancing herself from the young man.

The young man observed his reaction but remained unmoved, clearly used to it. He simply said in a low voice, "Come with me, and don't talk nonsense."

Having said that, he continued walking forward.

Seeing this, Lin Miao was nervous, but had no choice but to hurry up and follow.

The two walked forward, crossed the overpass, and the lake water gradually became shallower and the fog became thicker until finally the outline of an island came into view.

The young man walked in front, followed by Lin Miao. The two walked down the plank bridge and stepped onto the embankment through the clouds and mist. They felt the spring breeze on their faces, and their bodies and minds were cleansed. Lin Miao, who was new to the place, did not stop and was immersed in the scenery.

The young man didn't mind, turned around, and waited for him for a moment until he was awakened from that strange feeling before speaking: "This is the outer area of ​​Fish Dragon Island. Compared to the water pavilion in the lake, the spiritual energy is much richer, but not everyone can live here."

Having said that, he led the way again.

Lin Miao was startled and hurriedly followed.

The two continued on their way, the fog growing thicker and thicker until it finally cleared up at a certain point.

The clouds and mist vanished in an instant, revealing the mountains and rivers. Lin Miao looked around and saw rows of fields, filled with all sorts of exotic flowers and rare herbs, as well as plump, golden rice.

Many strange people and spirits, like the ponds outside the island, work diligently in the fields. Occasionally, one can also see rare and exotic animals, such as blue phoenixes, white cranes, tigers, and leopards, walking around on their own.

The young man led the way, and many farmers in the fields greeted him when they saw him.

"Hey, Junior Brother Fang!"

"What? Someone else has come to the island?"

"So young, lucky indeed!" "This job of guiding is much easier, unlike our daily toil in the fields."

"If you think it's easy, why don't you go? Aren't you just reluctant to give up the harvest from the fields?"

"Ha ha!"

Some people greeted them, while others made lighthearted jokes.

The young man nodded in response, and Lin Miao, even more nervous, could only follow closely behind.

After passing through the field, he came to a woodland, where the trees were lush and the trees were covered with exotic flowers and fruits. Some of them emitted a sweet fragrance, which made Lin Miao's Adam's apple bob and he unconsciously swallowed a lot of saliva. His heart was also filled with a flutter of excitement.

Fortunately, he restrained himself and did not make any rash moves, following closely behind the young man.

After passing through the garden, one finally comes to the residences, which are mostly palaces and temples, with carved beams and painted rafters, and an extraordinary atmosphere.

"Alchemy room!"

"The Talisman Pavilion!"

"The instrument room!"

"Array Hall!"

"..."

Looking at these buildings, Lin Miao was even more curious, but the young man didn't say much and led him directly to a pavilion.

Lin Miao looked up and saw three characters on the pavilion: "Pavilion of Transmission of Dharma!?"

"Excellent, the Dharma Transmission Pavilion!"

The young man spoke calmly: "Anyone who enters Fish Dragon Island, as long as they are not extremely wicked, can enter the gates of Fish Dragon Island, where we will teach them skills and methods to cultivate their character."

"This is... a cultivation sect?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Miao finally realized the extraordinary opportunity he had encountered.

Immortal gate!

The legendary sects of the cultivation world, once you enter them, it's like a fish leaping over the dragon gate, embarking on the path of cultivation and the road to immortality.

I originally thought it was just a legend, but now it has become my own reality.

How could I have such a fortunate opportunity?
In an instant, Lin Miao's heart was filled with excitement, and he completely forgot about his earlier suspicions about the "demon's den".

The young man, however, did not care. He led him to the front of the platform and said to the person on duty, "Guide the newcomer."

"Ok!"

The person on duty nodded and then turned and left.

The young man turned around and looked at Lin Miao, speaking solemnly: "Our Fish Dragon Island does not accept wicked and vicious people. The disciples of the Dharma Transmission Hall will register you and record your background and verify it later. You must not make any false or fabricated statements."

"This is!"

Lin Miao was taken aback, then replied, "I will certainly tell you the truth and dare not deceive you in the slightest."

"Ok!"

The young man nodded: "After you are registered, your spiritual root will be examined. If you have it, you will cultivate the path of immortality; if not, you will cultivate the path of martial arts. The Dharma Transmission Hall will teach you the techniques. You will receive small lessons from your teachers on a regular basis. If the island lord comes out of seclusion, there will be large lectures. Don't miss them."

"Small group lectures?"

"Large lectures?"

Lin Miao murmured to himself, then nodded repeatedly, "I understand!"

The young man continued, "Besides the basic training, you also need to choose one of various arts, such as fishing or farming, to earn merit and make a living!"

"Fishermen and farmers?"

Lin Miao was taken aback: "Do immortal sects also have to do labor?"

"of course."

The young man looked at him calmly: "No one gets what they don't work. Fish Dragon Island doesn't support idlers. If you feel this is inappropriate, then I will send you away now."

"No, no, no, I understand!"

These words instantly snapped Lin Miao out of her daze: "I will definitely do my best and not be a lazy freeloader!"

The young man remained expressionless: "On Fish Dragon Island, merit is the measure of success. There are various tasks in the Hall of Affairs, such as fishing, farming, alchemy, talisman making, crafting, array making, as well as teaching and transmitting techniques. Once you have mastered your skills, you can take on and complete these tasks to earn merit."

"Merit can be exchanged for spirit stones, talismans, pills, magic weapons, cultivation techniques, and other items. It can also be used to obtain cave dwellings or houses inside and outside Fish Dragon Island."

"Three years of studying the law, five years of training in skills. During these eight years, you will not be charged any merits and you can live there for free. But after eight years, you will need to maintain your merits in order to continue to stay on Fish Dragon Island."

"Remember, our Fish Dragon Island is a righteous and orthodox sect, not an evil or demonic sect. We have established laws and regulations that must not be violated, whether inside or outside the island. Otherwise, the law will be enforced!"

"..."

The young man gave a brief explanation of the various rules and regulations of Yulong Island.

Lin Miao felt a chill run down his spine, yet also hesitated, and said to the young man, "To be honest, senior brother, I bear a deep-seated hatred. If I succeed in my training, could you allow me to leave the island and seek revenge...?"

"can."

The young man remained unmoved: "But revenge is revenge, and you must not kill innocent people indiscriminately. Otherwise, someone will be ordered to leave the island and punish you according to the law."

"This...I understand!"

Lin Miao's eyes sharpened, and he then stated his position in a deep voice.

The young man continued with his routine: "Those who can enter this Fish-Dragon Island all have some kind of destiny. If you possess any rare treasures, you can have them appraised here. Don't worry, no one will steal your treasures. Once you understand their uses, you can keep them, but you will have to bear the consequences yourself. After all, not all items from the Immortal Destiny are treasures; many are dangerous and harmful."

"This……"

Upon hearing this, Lin Miao involuntarily looked at his ring again.

At this moment, the guard on duty at the Dharma Transmission Hall returned: "It's alright, go in."

"Let's go."

The young man didn't say much, and led him into the hall.

the other side……

Fish Dragon Island, Zhengfa Hall.

On the high altar, a person sat upright.

Shen He lowered his eyes and looked down at a person below. It was a young man with red lips and white teeth, dressed in men's clothing, but he was actually a girl. His eyebrows were full of spirit, and he also had a heroic and decisive air about him.

She knelt on the ground, while Shen He sat on the altar and sighed, "You have been in my sect for twelve years. Although you possess innate wisdom and intelligence, your time is still too short. You have not yet achieved Foundation Establishment and are currently only at the Qi Refining stage. If you return to the mortal world and face its conflicts, I fear you will be afflicted with calamity!"

"Master's good intentions are understood by your disciple!"

She knelt down and said in a deep voice, "But I bear a deep-seated hatred that I cannot leave unavenged. My sister's fate is unknown, and I cannot leave her unaccounted for. Once I have settled my affairs in the mortal realm, I will return to Fish and Dragon to serve my master!"

"It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter!"

Upon hearing this, Shen He stopped trying to persuade him and simply tossed down an object—a storage bag: "Go, but remember, grudges can be avenged, but the innocent must not be harmed. If you use my methods to commit evil deeds, I will not forgive you!"

"Disciple understands!"

The woman spoke in a deep voice, picked up the storage bag with both hands, and then bowed and left the hall.

Shen He shook his head, waved a beam of spiritual light, and a moment later a fish shadow swam through the void: "What is it, Master?"

Shen He said, "Yuxiu is leaving the island. You go and protect her, but you must not let her know."

"what?"

Fish Shadow waved his hand: "It's that little brat again. Why is she running off instead of staying put? And she wants me to be her bodyguard? No way!"

Seeing this, Shen He didn't say anything more and simply tossed out a jade bottle.

"I'm going, I'm going!"

Fish Shadow snatched the jade bottle in its mouth, then said to him, "Master, what are you doing? I'm the kind of fish who won't do anything without a profit. You're really making me sad. This is just this once... don't do it again!"

Having said that, it wagged its tail and flew away.

Shen He shook his head and got up to leave as well.

　One more update

　　
　
(End of this chapter)