On the surface, this would seem ‘troublesome’ for Lin Jin. After all, if he were to appear as Curator, Lin Jin the ‘cave master’ couldn’t be here.
While this was a problem the Lin Jin of the past could not solve, now that his cultivation was much more profound and with the help of the Four Ocean Gourd, his spells were on a whole new level now.
His Camouflage spell was one such example.
Lin Jin had an obsession with Camouflage, even though it was by no means a brilliant or mysterious spell. It was neither an offense nor a defense spell; it was merely used to conceal one’s presence and to confuse other people.
Despite this, Lin Jin cultivated the spell diligently. While he wasn’t trying to toot his own horn, Lin Jin considered himself to be one of the most proficient practitioners of Camouflage in this world.
Since ancient times, mirages and reflections all had something to do with water. Even in Daojun’s Hieroglyphic, mention of such spells could be found.
Lin Jin was great at understanding new concepts. By incorporating different mysterious theories, he was able to enhance the Camouflage spell to such a degree that it was considered overpowered. Despite this, Lin Jin thought it was only ordinary.
Inside Lin Jin’s cave, he changed into Curator’s getup. From his shoes up to his mask, every detail was intended to bring forth Curator’s domineering aura and temperament.
In terms of appearance, no one should be able to tell that it was Lin Jin.
As Lin Jin would be appearing as Curator, ‘Lin Jin the Cave Master’ had to be present too. And so, with a wave of his arm, a bundle of water energy emerged from the Four Ocean Gourd and gradually condensed into the form of a human.
If no one squinted, they would think this figure somewhat resembled Lin Jin.
Subsequently, a miraculous occurrence happened. After a blinding flash, the figure formed by water energy slowly took on Lin Jin’s shape. In the beginning, it was only about eighty to ninety percent similar because this was Lin Jin’s first time trying out the spell. As he gradually familiarized himself with the intricacies of the spell, the appearance of Lin Jin’s illusion was so convincing that even his close friends would be unable to detect any oddities.
“What a pity this is only an image.” Although delighted, Lin Jin knew this was reserved for emergencies. As an illusion created by the Camouflage spell, its main purpose was to deceive another’s eyes; it was unable to produce verbal speech.
However, this was good enough for the moment.
After fixing his attire and strapping the gourd around his waist, Lin Jin stepped out of the cave with the ‘fake Lin Jin’ following behind him respectfully.
Other people surely wouldn’t see anything wrong.
A large open space had been built inside Dark Wind Cave. This would be used as the ceremony’s venue. By the time Lin Jin arrived, the place had already been filled to the brim.
Most of them were the monsters of Dark Wind Cave. They were a diverse bunch, as they differed in shapes and sizes. One thing remained constant, which was their scary faces. Apart from that, everyone was oddly upright and spoke coherently.
This was one of Lin Jin’s rules, that even monsters had to learn human etiquette. It was only with this could they earn the respect of a human being despite being a monster.
The others were all guests who came to celebrate the occasion with them.
More than a hundred among these guests were monster cultivators.
Truth be told, it was quite difficult to bump into a monster. For example, monsters were rare creatures inside Jade Dragon Kingdom. In every continent, wherever humans prospered, monsters were few and far between.
Meanwhile, in places like Arid Continent or in deep and quiet woods where humans rarely ventured, monsters roamed freely. As both races were born different, it was only natural that their interaction was filled with hostility.
An event like today, where human experts and monster cultivators could share a hall, rarely existed. It was also the first time for many of them.
Through his mask, Lin Jin scanned his surroundings.
Be it monsters or humans, at the sight of Curator’s presence, they all got up to salute him. Even if most of them were only seeing Curator for the first time, they dared not disrespect him.
They couldn’t help it. Not when they have heard the feats Curator was able to achieve recently. Some even said that Curator and Daojun were actually taught by the same teachings so they were experts on the same level.
Otherwise, why would Curator be one of Dark Wind Monster Sect’s two grandmasters while Daojun was the other grandmaster?
They would never believe claims that these two individuals were unrelated.
Lin Jin could guess their thoughts, but he actually only used Daojun’s name to raise his own reputation. However, Lin Jin had faith that it wouldn’t take long before Curator’s fame exceeded Daojun’s as he becomes a living legend.
What surprised him was how a few high monks were among the crowd. No doubt, these monks were from Daluo Temple.
Lin Jin immediately went over to greet them. He had met most of the high monks back at Daluo Temple. Being the temple’s rectors, they held a high status and boasted profound cultivation.
As Daluo Temple was quite a distance away from Arid Continent; Lin Jin felt honored when he realized how far they had to travel, just to celebrate the occasion with them.
To repay their sincerity, Lin Jin treated them with the highest esteem.
“Do you see that? That’s Daluo Temple’s Exorcist Rector.”
“That old monk is really strong and he’s famous for slaying all kinds of monsters and demons. Despite that, he has come all the way to Arid Continent to congratulate a monster sect. The sun must be rising from the west tomorrow.”
“There’s nothing strange about that. It’s not like you haven’t heard of Curator barging into Daluo Temple alone. According to some, their friendship grew after exchanging a few blows. Now, they’re the best of friends.”
“Really?”
A few people who were fans of gossip discussed this quietly.
Besides Daluo Temple, even Zhao Jingyan of Phoenix Palace was here. Lin Jin didn’t specifically inform her so he was surprised to see her here.
She must have kept her ears open for news about Curator, and she must have taken off immediately after hearing about the celebration. Otherwise, she couldn’t possibly have made it here on time.
Since they were close acquaintances, Lin Jin spoke with her two.
Both Daluo Temple and Phoenix Palace were huge organizations, and they possessed strength that rivaled premium countries. They had both sent people to congratulate the new sect and brought gifts too. Many intermediate and premium countries had also sent their envoys as well.
Jade Dragon Kingdom’s envoys had been the first to arrive. There had been rumors that Curator hailed from Jade Dragon Kingdom, and since Curator didn’t deny these claims, Jade Dragon’s reputation had skyrocketed by riding on Curator’s coattails. Now that Curator was establishing a sect, how could they possibly be absent?
Not only did they come, but they even came in a grandiose manner with tons of people.
Heavenly Spiral Kingdom sent people over too.
Instead of irrelevant nobodies, it was the third prince, Feng Ziqian, who came.
This gesture alone told Lin Jin that Feng Junwu was seasoned in the ways of the world. As expected of the emperor of a premium country, he had been very considerate. Feng Ziqian was closely acquainted with Curator and he was now recognized as the next heir to Heavenly Spiral’s throne. Hence, sending Feng Ziqian would demonstrate their respect and sincerity toward Curator.
Many villainous experts and freelance cultivators came too. Some were known across the globe while some were unnamed. One thing for sure though – these guests weren’t nobodies. They were all experts with profound backgrounds of their own.
