Chapter 1037: Chapter 1037: Rename to ‘Dragon Island Chapter 1037: Chapter 1037: Rename to ‘Dragon Island “`
Huang Xiaolong spared no expense in using two Immortality Pills to recruit Mister Dongfang and Miss Zhan.

This was unquestionably a grand gesture.

Moreover, such a reward was beyond the ability of Guan Shan to give!

Huang Xiaolong was not exactly desperately seeking talent. The main reason was that he took a liking to Mister Dongfang and Miss Zhan, and moreover, the Immortality Pills were not so supremely precious in Huang Xiaolong’s eyes.

“Ah~~! This… this…” Mister Dongfang’s eyes were locked onto the red pills in Huang Xiaolong’s palm, his breathing becoming rapid, his body trembling with excitement. With just a sniff, he recognized that the two pills in Huang Xiaolong’s hand were indeed genuine Immortality Pills, not some trickery.

“Young friend… with such a heaven-defying treasure, you… you actually… you still have…” Mister Dongfang said with a trembling voice.

Miss Zhan was also visibly excited, but quickly regained her composure, revealing an exceptional state of mind. “Young man, you truly hide your strengths well. Besides, your willingness to present the Immortality Pills before us is enough to show your great trust in us. After all, if word of this were to spread, you would become the target of many. Alright, in view of this trust, I will not speak of this matter,” she said.

At this time, in Miss Zhan’s eyes, a serious and contemplative expression also emerged.

“How about it? Are the Immortality Pills worth your allegiance to me?” Huang Xiaolong said with a smile.

Mister Dongfang himself was only at the Mana Realm, and one could say that his talent in cultivation was rather poor. Already of an age where his lamp of life was running low and his lifespan was not much, now that he had the chance to extend his life, and even achieve longevity, was there any need for him to hesitate?

“Good! From now on, I shall address you as Island Master,” Mister Dongfang said gravely. “Island Master, I will take one Immortality Pill. Should you not disdain my old bones as useless, from this day on, I shall follow you. Moreover, rest assured, I also have some connections in the overseas cultivator world that might be of use if you wish to continue managing the market on the island. This old man is willing to exert every effort in service!”

After a pause, Mister Dongfang continued, “Island Master, the reason behind my decision is, on the one hand, I cannot resist the lure of the Immortality Pill. Furthermore… my own worth is truly not deserving of such a pill. The Island Master has made me feel a sense of importance that I have never experienced before!”

“Indeed,” Miss Zhan nodded in agreement. “A gentleman dies for those who appreciate him. Island Master! Your gesture of recruiting us with the Immortality Pills is to us a grace of recognition!”

Miss Zhan, too, changed her form of address to “Island Master” when referring to Huang Xiaolong.

In fact, for Mister Dongfang and Miss Zhan, the most touching aspect was the value Huang Xiaolong placed on them.

An Immortality Pill could be traded for an island.

Yet Huang Xiaolong used them to recruit them, indicating that, in his eyes, their worth was equivalent to that of the island!

“Good, it’s pleasantly decided then,” Huang Xiaolong said with an easy smile, passing the Immortality Pills to both Mister Dongfang and Miss Zhan.

Mister Dongfang received the Immortality Pill respectfully.

“Mister Dongfang, you might as well take the pill immediately to avoid any complications,” Huang Xiaolong said with a smile. “What’s consumed is the most secure.”

“Indeed, indeed. Island Master speaks the truth,” Mister Dongfang immediately popped the Immortality Pill into his mouth with glee, then sat down cross-legged and quietly began the process of assimilating it.

Fresh and surging vitality began to flow within his aging body!

“This~~” Miss Zhan hesitated, her face showing reluctance. “Island Master, the Immortality Pill… has a side effect that causes infertility… I… I…”

“Hahaha~~ Worried about that?” Huang Xiaolong laughed, then tossed the Immortality Pill to Miss Zhan. “Then keep it well, and after you have had children, you can take the pill.”

Miss Zhan caught the Immortality Pill reflexively.

At that moment, Huang Xiaolong waved his hand, and two flying swords flew out from within him.

The flying swords shone brilliantly, their bodies like shooting stars.

These were the flying swords that Huang Xiaolong snatched from the will avatar of Master Zhang. That batch of flying swords was of a very high quality, crafted by Master Zhang who collected massive amounts of materials and poured his heart and blood into making them. They were not inferior to the flying swords used by divine skill realm disciples from overseas cultivator sects.

The flying swords floated in mid-air.

Huang Xiaolong waved his mana, erasing the existing imprints on the flying swords, then said to Miss Zhan, “Since you don’t want to take the Immortality Pill right now, take these two flying swords to play with.”

“What?!” Miss Zhan’s delicate body shook with shock. “Such high-quality flying swords… you’re giving them… giving them to me to play with?”

Miss Zhan was truly taken aback.

In fact, she was a loose cultivator, not a disciple of any sect, at most a loose cultivator with some backing.

The flying sword she used was inferior to the two that Huang Xiaolong had released.

“Don’t just stand there. Go on, take them,” Huang Xiaolong said with a smile.

“Well… alright then. Done! From today, I, Zhan Tang, pledge my loyalty to the Island Master!” Miss Zhan declared solemnly, then dripped blood onto the swords, assimilating them and taking them into her body.

“`
“Hmm,” Huang Xiaolong nodded, then turned his gaze toward the six loose cultivators who had brought him to Guan Shan Island’s market.

“If you have nowhere else to go, you can also join me. From now on, this island will be your home,” Huang Xiaolong said with a smile.

He found these six loose cultivators somewhat to his liking and felt sorry for them, which moved him to compassion.

An incredible stroke of fortune had thus fallen upon the heads of six loose cultivators who were as insignificant as cannon fodder in foreign seas.

The six loose cultivators were not fools and were almost beside themselves with gratitude as they knelt on one knee. “We greet the Island Master! From this day forward, we will serve the Island Master with unwavering loyalty, through fire and sword, without ever frowning! We will never stop working ourselves to the bone, not until death!”

“I’ve just arrived overseas and am a bit tight on resources, so I won’t give you anything for now. But rest assured, follow me, and sooner or later, you will enjoy all the good things in life,” Huang Xiaolong promised.

“Well then, the foundation of this island will be these people. Too many people would make it too chaotic, which isn’t good,” he muttered to himself, smiling. “Let’s go, take a look outside.”

The people followed Huang Xiaolong, walking out of the auction hall.

Outside!

A group of figures hovered in mid-air above the island.

The dazzling fluctuations of mana lit up a part of the night sky.

The leader was none other than Guan Shan!

Guan Shan’s presence was majestic, like that of a heavenly deity.

Behind Guan Shan, hundreds of cultivators stood in line, utterly respectful.

The vast Guan Shan Island only had two who chose to stay: Mr. Dongfang and Miss Zhan.

“Island Master Guan, this old bag of bones won’t cause you any trouble. From now on, I’ll stay on this island,” Mr. Dongfang said with a gentle smile.

At this time, Mr. Dongfang had almost completely assimilated the effects of the undying medicine, looking rejuvenated, but Huang Xiaolong had shielded the exuberant vitality of his body to prevent Guan Shan from noticing anything amiss.

“Hmm? Mr. Dongfang, what do you mean by that?” Guan Shan was utterly taken aback.

After all, Guan Shan was absolutely certain that he could take away all the staff members from the island, not leaving a single one behind for Huang Xiaolong.

But unexpectedly, Mr. Dongfang, the market’s chief appraiser, had chosen to pledge loyalty to Huang Xiaolong.

“Mr. Dongfang, think this through clearly,” Guan Shan urged, somewhat anxiously. Mr. Dongfang had played an indispensable role in the market’s success.

Now, unable to take Mr. Dongfang away, rebuilding a new market elsewhere would also be affected!

“Heh, Island Master Guan, I’ve thought it over carefully; this is not an impulsive decision,” Mr. Dongfang said seriously. “I thank you, Island Master Guan, for your past care and concern.”

“Island Master Guan, I have also decided to stay,” Miss Zhan stated, succinct and clear.

“Miss Zhan! I have always treated you well!” Guan Shan’s eyes finally flashed with a hint of fierceness.

“Island Master Guan, everyone has their own aspirations. I hope you will not insist,” Miss Zhan was resolute.

Guan Shan looked at Huang Xiaolong, then at Mr. Dongfang and Miss Zhan, with a complex expression in his eyes.

“Fine, I won’t insist anymore. Since you all wish to remain and guard this solitary island, then… well, I hope one day you won’t come looking for me because, at that time, I will no longer take you in. Humph! Let’s go!” With a wave of his hand, Guan Shan led his followers away on the wind.

In the blink of an eye, they had disappeared into the night sky.

“Now it’s peaceful,” Huang Xiaolong said with satisfaction.

“Island Master, our decision to stay may have provoked some anger from Island Master Guan. While he is upright and open in his dealings, he’s also quite calculating. He may not target you openly, Island Master, but I fear he may cause us trouble in secret,” Mr. Dongfang said, a bit worried.

“Hahaha, don’t worry about it. I’m not afraid of any schemes or plots,” Huang Xiaolong laughed heartily. “Come on, let’s go check out the night market.”

“Island Master, this way please,” Miss Zhan led the way.

The group headed on foot toward the night market.

Meanwhile, from the direction of the night market, streams of figures wrapped in mana rushed up into the air.

All of these were people involved in the night market’s trade, and now, they began to evacuate en masse.

In many inns as well, numerous cultivators were leaving, not waiting for the dawn.

In the sky, some conversations could be heard–
“Let’s hurry and leave, Guan Shan Island is no longer interesting. Even the Island Master of Guan Shan has withdrawn.”

“The market on Guan Shan Island has declined, alas, perhaps this is the principle of ‘prosperity will decline’ indeed.”

“What principle, it’s just that the Island Master of Guan Shan himself didn’t want to play anymore. He transferred the market to a Loose Cultivator.”

“It’s said to be a very weak Loose Cultivator at that. Tsk tsk, that cultivator sure has great ambitions. What virtues and abilities do they have to control a market?”

“In the future, coming here for transactions, security and fairness are probably difficult to guarantee. Better leave early.”

…

“Little Long, these people are underestimating you too much, it’s so infuriating,” Song Yuru said indignantly.

“Let them be. I never intended to keep this market,” Huang Xiaolong said calmly.

Upon arriving at the night market, what came into view was a picture of desolation.

The night market was in disarray, with various kinds of rubbish left behind, and the vast majority of stallholders were already packing up their belongings, ready to leave.

“Ah~~~” Miss Zhan couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

Yesterday’s bustling market had become desolate in the blink of an eye.

‘I wonder if this young Island Master can restore the island to its former glory?’ Miss Zhan couldn’t help but let her thoughts wander.

Huang Xiaolong and the others didn’t wander around the night market for long. The vast night market was almost completely deserted!

Everyone damn well ran off!

No, that’s not right… There was still one person left.

There, at a very small stall, sat a young man cross-legged, dressed in a coarse linen robe, sitting still as if untouched by the eight winds.

Glancing over, Huang Xiaolong saw that the young man’s real age was only in his twenties, his cultivation at the Mana realm, but–
He had strong innate potential!

Once Huang Xiaolong swept him with his divine sense, all information about the young man appeared in Huang Xiaolong’s mind as clear as if he was looking at patterns on his palm.

Huang Xiaolong discovered that if this young man were to challenge the Xuanhuang Tower, he could at least reach the seventh level!

When his little wife, Ma Chuxia, faced the Xuanhuang Tower, she reached the sixth level and became a genius highly sought after by various overseas sects!

Yet this young man in front of him had innate potential that surpassed even Ma Chuxia!

He would certainly be a giant figure in the future.

However, he had not yet grown and seemed very frail at the moment.

Moved by an impulse, Huang Xiaolong quickly walked over.

On the young man’s stall was an ancient-looking token, made of some unknown material, with a dragon carved on it!

The lifelike dragon exuded a desolate and powerful charm, along with a faint dragon’s might.

“Er~~ everyone has scattered, why haven’t you left?” Huang Xiaolong asked the young man with a smile.

“Are you the new Island Master?” The young man’s bright black eyes showed a hint of naivete. “I’m not leaving. I want to sell something.”

After a pause, a look of sorrow appeared on the young man’s face. “My mother is critically ill and I need Spirit Stones to pay someone for treatment… I must sell this token.”

“Island Master, this token is the ‘Azure Dragon Order,'” Mr. Dongfang, as an expert appraiser, immediately recognized the token the young man wished to sell.

“Azure Dragon Order?” Huang Xiaolong was taken aback.

“This item is not very valuable,” Mr. Dongfang said with a smile. “Not far from this island, there is a small island with an ancient ruin on it. Legend has it that this ruin was left by giant dragons from the primordial era. Dragons are exceedingly lustful and would transform into human form to copulate with human women, thus giving birth to many humans with dragon bloodlines. Later, when the giant dragons disappeared from this world, they left behind a ruin. It is said that humans with dragon bloodlines can enter the ruins and receive a profound inheritance, obtaining dragon power!”

“What dragon power is I do not know, it’s not mana, but it should be an exceptionally powerful force. The ruin opens once every fifty years. The Azure Dragon Order is the key to entering the ruins.”

“On the surface, the Azure Dragon Order seems very valuable, but it is only superficially so,” Mr. Dongfang continued to explain. “Because people without dragon bloodlines, even if they enter the ruin with the Azure Dragon Order, cannot inherit the dragon power and can only take a sightseeing trip. The bloodline of the dragon, I’m afraid, has long been extinct in the world of cultivators overseas!”

“Historically, there has been no record of who inherited the dragon power from the ruins. However, based on time calculations, the day when the ruins open is likely a few days away.”

The youth who ran the night market stall had also heard Mr. Dongfang’s words, and his face was a picture of embarrassment, “Mr. Dongfang is right, but… I… have nothing of value, except for this Azure Dragon Token I came across by chance. I simply can’t find anything else to sell… My mother’s illness…”

“Hehe–” Huang Xiaolong’s heart stirred. “I see you’re a filial son. Well then, as the last vendor still at the night market, I’ll give you some extra rewards. And for this Azure Dragon Token, I’ll buy it. How many Spirit Stones?”

“Ah–You… You… If you’re willing… then just… one high-grade Spirit Stone, please–” The youth looked at Huang Xiaolong with pleading eyes.

“Mr. Dongfang, could you lend me a top-grade Spirit Stone?” Huang Xiaolong smiled.

“Island Master, there’s no need for courtesy, where is borrowing needed? Here, take this.” Mr. Dongfang took out a purple Spirit Stone brimming with Spiritual Energy from his chest. This was a top-grade Spirit Stone, which if converted into RMB, would be equivalent to one million yuan.

Huang Xiaolong handed the top-grade Spirit Stone to the youth, then collected the Azure Dragon Token from him.

“Island Master–it’s too much, Island Master…” The youth fumbled with his hands and feet.

“Just take it,” said Huang Xiaolong. “By the way, you must be a Loose Cultivator, right?”

“Yes,” the youth stammered.

“Well, if you ever find yourself with nowhere to go, you can bring your mother and family to this island and seek refuge with me,” Huang Xiaolong offered warmly.

This young talent was extraordinary and destined to become a titan in the future. It was best to win him over ahead of time.

The innocent youth, moved by Huang Xiaolong’s ulterior gesture, had tears brimming in his eyes.

“Also–I may not know what illness your mother has, nor if you can afford a famous doctor. Here, I have this talisman that you might try.” Huang Xiaolong took a blank talisman paper from his chest, used his mana, and drew a talisman on the spot.

This talisman could cure a hundred diseases and was no small matter.

The youth received the talisman with both hands and burst into tears. “Island Master, your heart is kind and benevolent. I will definitely come to seek refuge with you! I will definitely come to seek refuge with you!”

“Alright, hurry back now,” Huang Xiaolong said with a nonchalant smile. He then took out a flying talisman and presented it to the youth.

The youth suddenly knelt down, kowtowed three times to Huang Xiaolong, then mounted the flying talisman and quickly left the island.

“Island Master, I didn’t expect you to be skilled in talisman drawing,” Miss Zhan said, her eyes gleaming with admiration. As a cultivator at the level of Divine Skills, she was worldly and knowledgeable. The talisman that Huang Xiaolong had just drawn was clearly a high-grade one!

‘Tsk tsk, this young Island Master keeps surprising me more and more–could it be that the choice I made today was the right one?’
Qingqing giggled beside him. “What’s so great about that? Our young master knows everything, can do anything, and excels in everything! Strong, invincible!”

“You all don’t know my young master’s true identity yet.” Heimei said haughtily from the side. “If I told you, it would scare you to death!”

“What identity?” both Mr. Dongfang and Miss Zhan exclaimed in astonishment.

“Heimei, shut your mouth!” Qingqing and Xiaohong scolded in unison. “You gossiping little cat!”

Huang Xiaolong spoke indifferently, “Forget it, there’s nothing more to see at the night market. Let’s head back to the auction hall to talk.”

The group made their way back to the auction hall.

They took their seats.

“Island Master, I’ve just scanned with my divine sense, and it seems we’re the only ones left on the island,” Miss Zhan said with a self-deprecating smile. “A truly isolated island indeed.”

“Haha–That’s not a problem at all. I never liked having outsiders come to my island uninvited,” Huang Xiaolong laughed nonchalantly. “Now, this island won’t be called Guan Shan Island anymore. Let me think… I need to change its name…”

“Little Long, why not just call it Little Long Island?” Song Yuru suggested from the side.

“Tch–Little Long Island doesn’t sound good, Wulong Island is better. It can serve as a remembrance of Wulong Manor,” Ying Aoshan also joined in suggesting.

“Little Long Island sounds better–”
“Wulong Island is better–”
The two wives began to argue.

“Stop arguing, let’s compromise and just call it ‘Dragon Island’–” Huang Xiaolong decided in the end.

…