First Arrival at Gui Yun Market

Heading southwest.

As we gradually came into view along the way, we realized that we had arrived in a relatively prosperous area.

However, Xiao Chen discovered that the Spiritual Qi Concentration here remained unchanged.

It's incredibly stable.

The further south you go, the more valleys and basins you encounter along the way.

Scattered among them are some Spirit Field of varying sizes.

The larger ones can cover several hundred acres, often relying on nearby Spirit Vein, where neat and uniform spirit medicine are planted.

The smaller ones are only one or two acres in size.

At the very center is a visible spring, responsible for supplying Spiritual Qi to the surrounding spirit medicine.

However, regardless of the size of the Spirit Field, they were all firmly covered by the Spirit Gathering Formation, ensuring that not a single trace of Spiritual Qi would leak out.

At the same time, Xiao Chen also noticed that the Spirit Herb were planted extremely densely in those Spirit Field.

Regardless of size, the Spirit Field are almost entirely devoid of open space, except for irrigation ditches.

The monks' own dwellings were all built outside, without exception.

During the day, they enter the formation while working, and once the work is finished, they come out to rest or cultivate.

The intention behind this is obvious: to prevent low-level cultivators from using the Spiritual Qi in the Spirit Gathering Formation for extended periods of time while nurturing the Spirit Herb.

"Hiss~, is it like this everywhere?"

Xiao Chen then passed by a large area of Spirit Field, totaling more than 500 acres, which were clearly built using the Second-Order Spirit Vein in the middle mountain.

This Spirit Field is too large in area and has an irregular shape.

A single Spirit Gathering Formation is clearly insufficient to provide effective coverage.

However, Xiao Chen saw that three large Spirit Gathering Formation had been constructed below.

The third Spirit Gathering Formation even extended more than ninety feet, encompassing a small pond next to the Spirit Field.

That small pond wasn't actually a true sacred spring.

It's just that there used to be a stream flowing through the Spirit Vein, but it was blocked by a pond that was dug by humans.

Then, a waterwheel that required human power was designed to divert the stream water, which carried a faint Spiritual Qi, from the pond back into the Spirit Field.

Xiao Chen passed by in the morning.

Just then, they saw a Foundation Establishment Cultivator leading several Qi Refining disciples, orderly turning a waterwheel to transport the spiritual water that had accumulated in the pond the previous night.

"Good heavens, they're even going after the stream."

This was the first time Xiao Chen had ever seen such a scene; even the Li Fire Sect had never been this frugal.

Looking at the arrays of Spirit Gathering Formation below, he seemed to guess the reason why the Spiritual Qi in this realm was so thin and strangely uniform.

That's at least part of the reason.

That is because the Spirit Gathering Formation in this world is too powerful, causing Spiritual Qi to be intercepted from various sources.

Xiao Chen hadn't paid much attention to the fact that the basin and the spiritual spring had been fenced off before.

But now, seeing that the Spirit Vein were all sealed off, he finally realized the serious consequences of doing so.

What would happen if all the Spirit Vein of this world were sealed off by Spirit Gathering Formation?

It's not hard to deduce that this place was originally a world brimming with Spiritual Qi, but due to an overly powerful Spirit Gathering Formation, it was forced into its current barren state.

"I'm speechless. You've used such great technology for this?"

Xiao Chen was somewhat speechless.

However, he could understand the situation.

When the first intelligent person in this world begins using Spirit Gathering Formation to intercept Spiritual Qi, it's only a matter of time before such consequences occur.

If Xiao Chen learns how to set up the Spirit Gathering Formation here and sends it back to his original Cultivation World...

I fear that in a few years, that place will become like that too.

Thinking about it this way, he felt it best to carefully consider whether or not to transfer the array techniques from here over.

There are many ways to earn Spirit Stone; you don't necessarily have to choose this one.

Of course, this doesn't mean he rejects this method; he still needs to learn the necessary skills, but he must be cautious in disseminating them.

"But the rogue cultivators of this realm are probably in dire straits."

Xiao Chen sighed, thinking that the rogue cultivators in the Compassion Sea were much happier than those here.

At least over there, most of the Spiritual Qi dissipates into the world, and there's even Spiritual Qi Tide every morning.

"Another Golden Core cultivator?"

After encountering Spirit Field, Xiao Chen quickly discovered another strange phenomenon.

In a Second-Order Spirit Field of about sixty acres, a Golden Core cultivator was patrolling with his hands behind his back.

He supervised a group of Foundation Establishment Cultivator had mastered the art of cultivating Spirit Planting Technique as they cast spells to nurture Spirit Herb.

It should be noted that, so far, Xiao Chen has encountered a total of thirteen first-tier Spirit Field and three Second-Order Spirit Field.

The former were all led and guarded by Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

The latter are all supervised by Golden Core cultivator.

The key issue is that, forget about the several hundred acres of Spirit Field mentioned earlier; this place only has a mere sixty acres. Is it really worth mobilizing Golden Core cultivator for such a trivial matter?

"Could it be that there are quite a few Golden Core cultivator in this realm?"

Xiao Chen secretly guessed that since the rogue cultivators were victims of the Spirit Gathering Formation Spirit Gathering Formation, there must also be beneficiaries of it.

In places where Spiritual Qi is highly concentrated, it is very likely that more Golden Core cultivator can be cultivated.

The specifics of what happened still require further investigation.

However, the situation in the Cultivation World is more complex than I initially imagined.

"Fortunately, I was careful enough not to act rashly after noticing the thin Spiritual Qi."

Xiao Chen secretly rejoiced.

If one truly believed this was some barren land where one could dominate the surrounding area with their cultivation, they might have already attracted the attention of major local powers.

Given the complexity of the situation in this realm, I should continue to maintain a cautious and low-key approach.

Of course, being cautious doesn't mean completely refusing to communicate.

For example, when you need to ask for directions, you might as well ask where it's convenient to get there.

Seeing another Second-Order Spirit Field ahead, Xiao Chen immediately landed near Spirit Field.

He actively spread a wisp of the Golden Core's oppressive aura.

"Oh, which fellow Daoist has come here?"

A deep, resonant voice immediately came from the side.

Turning around, they saw a middle-aged cultivator wearing a yellow and black Spirit Robe and a hair-binding crown walk out.

He first looked Xiao Chen up and down, sizing him up.

Then his gaze fell on the three Storage Ring in his hand, lingering for a moment as if observing the details.

Finally, he looked at his face, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.

Judging from the style of the Storage Ring, this unfamiliar fellow Daoist does not seem to be a local.

"Fellow Daoist, I am Golden Light Rogue Cultivator."

Xiao Chen cupped his hands in a fist salute. "At the request of a friend, I am currently preparing to go to the vicinity of Ze Jing Blessed Land to handle a private matter."

"I'm new to this place and not yet familiar with the route."

"Excuse me, how far is it from there to reach the blessed land?"

One questioning tip is to avoid asking questions directly in your own name. Instead, start by saying, "I have a friend who..."

"So it's Daoist Jinguang in person! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

A smile appeared on the other person's face, "This place is not far from Ze Jing Blessed Land."

"Go about two thousand li further south, and you'll see colorful clouds returning to the stream in the distance; that's Gui Yun Peak, where this blessed land is located."

"However, if Daoist Jinguang wants to go to Gui Yun Market, you'll have to head a little east."

As he spoke, he turned and pointed to the southeast.

He enthusiastically explained, "If you go straight to Gui Yun Peak, it'll be difficult to find the market area later."

"Many fellow practitioners from other places often go to the wrong place."

Unexpectedly, the cultivators in this realm were quite friendly, and they actually helped point out the location of the market.

Now Xiao Chen no longer needs to search for it himself.

He immediately bowed again in thanks, saying, "I didn't know there was such a custom. Thank you for telling me, fellow Daoist."

The middle-aged cultivator smiled slightly and said, "Daoist Jinguang, you're too kind. It was nothing, just a small favor."

"I am Hong Xingfeng, a retainer of the Yang Gao City Gao Family. My greatest hobby in life is to make friends with fellow Daoists from all over the world."

"I will stay here to look after the Spirit Field from now until the end of the year."

"If Daoist Jinguang needs anything, whether it's to do some business or to find a job in exchange for cultivation resources, just come here to find me."

Hong Xingfeng smiled honestly and looked like a warm-hearted older brother.

But in reality, he was probably a middleman.

No wonder they were so enthusiastic; they wanted to leave a good impression so they could perhaps earn a commission in the future.

But it doesn't matter, Xiao Chen is actually lacking a partner who has familiar local connections and a wide circle of friends.

As long as the other person is a law-abiding citizen, he wouldn't mind making another friend.

"Alright, if I need anything another day, I will definitely come to find Daoist Hong."

Xiao Chen immediately nodded in agreement. "However, I have some personal matters to attend to today, so I'll take my leave now."

Although he really wanted to stay and chat a little longer, hoping to get some information out of them.

But he just made an excuse that he had something to do, so he can't forget about it.

If we really want to talk, we'll have to wait a couple of days before coming back.

Upon hearing this, Hong Xingfeng's smile widened, "Of course, of course. Fellow Daoist Jinguang, please take care. I have duties to perform, so please excuse me for not seeing you off further."

After watching Xiao Chen leave.

He then took out a thick notebook from his Storage Ring and turned to the latest page.

With a few strokes, he sketched out Xiao Chen's approximate appearance, his figure and face almost perfectly accurate.

Then, below, the following labels are added: Golden Light Rogue Cultivator, outsider, asking for directions.

He then closed his eyes and carefully recalled what had just happened.

First, he drew a question mark under ' Golden Light Rogue Cultivator ', and then he drew a small question mark under 'asking for directions'.

The name of the outsider is unreliable, and similarly, the purpose of his questioning may not be entirely credible.

However, Hong Xingfeng didn't think much of it and simply put the roster away.

The two met by chance, and who knows if they will ever see each other again? It's not worth wasting time and energy.

Just making a quick note, in case we have the chance to meet again in the future, or even collaborate.

Then it's not too late to think about it carefully later.

Otherwise, you'd have to be extra careful with everyone you meet; even a hundred hearts wouldn't be enough.

Thanks to Hong Xingfeng's guidance, Xiao Chen no longer needed to search on his own and arrived directly at Gui Yun Market.

This market town, sharing the same name as the Gui Yun Sect, occupies a vast area.

There are all kinds of houses lined up one after another, roughly estimated to be tens of thousands of rooms.

Meanwhile, not far from the Market Outer Perimeter, there are several equally large gardens and squares, as well as a unique wall.

The wall was divided into two parts.

First, there is a huge wooden wall at the entrance of the market, made of many wooden planks, one zhang high and three zhang wide.

It was painted with white primer and covered with hundreds of different Wanted Notice.

This part is actually quite normal; the special part is the second half.

Behind the wooden wall, the remaining walls were made of interlocking black iron spears and chains.

Xiao Chen saw that every so often, there would be a corpse impaled on a spear.

A quick glance reveals hundreds of people, and if you walk around the area, there would likely be even more.

"What does this mean? Is it a case of killing the chicken to scare the monkey?"

Xiao Chen couldn't quite understand. Wouldn't it look ugly to hang such things outside the market?

He walked to the foot of the wooden wall and looked up at the layers upon layers of wanted Wanted Notice.

A large warning sign was prominently displayed in the center.

Those Spirit Thief shall be killed without mercy!

Anyone who harbors or conceals those Spirit Thief, or who knows about such activities but fails to report them, will be considered an accomplice and punished!

Providing timely and valid clues will earn you a Gui Yun Sect; those who perform outstandingly may be granted a blessed cave abode.

There is another line of smaller print below.

Practicing Devil Cultivation Method harms both oneself and others; fellow Daoists, do not make this mistake for yourselves.

"Spirit Thief?"

The name was simple and easy to understand; Xiao Chen could easily grasp its meaning.

But judging from this, is stealing Spiritual Qi actually more serious than cultivating Devil Cultivation Method?

Are you really sure you haven't got it backwards?

To be fair, petty theft is at most a minor offense, but cultivating demonic Devil Cultivation Method and becoming a demonic cultivator is a truly heinous crime.

However, this may be a unique feature of this world's customs and traditions.

Therefore, although Xiao Chen didn't quite understand, he still expressed his respect.

He glanced at the Wanted Notice.

Nearly half of the cultivators listed above were explicitly labeled as ' Spirit Thief ' and were wanted throughout the entire territory by the Gui Yun Sect.

Among them are a few individuals, the longest-recorded and most heavily accused of Spirit Thief.

Below the Wanted Notice are the names of many other sects and Lineage, including the Yang Gao City Gao Family.

It was a joint bounty; capturing any one of them would earn multiple rewards.

Besides them, Xiao Chen also saw a slightly yellowed Wanted Notice closest to him.

Its content is: to capture Shi Ruiqing, the demonic cultivator from the Rebellious Immortal Alliance.

As long as you can provide valid clues, you can obtain a cave abode located in a blessed land.

Next to it was a newly posted Wanted Notice.

There was neither a portrait nor a name on it.

It was only mentioned that the night before last, Spirit Thief attacked the Market Warehouse, killing two warehouse guards and attempting to plunder the Spirit Stone stored there through illegitimate means.

Fortunately, a senior disciple of the Gui Yun Sect intervened in time, successfully forcing the opponent back and protecting the Spirit Stone.

The enemy has already fled north in panic. All Lineage along the route are advised to be vigilant and take precautions.

A hefty reward is offered for this person's identity information; the reward will be doubled for anyone who provides valid clues within five days.

"They fled north the night before last?"

Xiao Chen immediately recalled the sounds of battle he had vaguely heard the night he arrived.

If I'm not mistaken, then it should be the Spirit Thief attacked the market, right?

Unfortunately, he didn't go out to join the fun at the time, so he knew nothing about the other person's identity and probably won't be able to claim the reward.

But then again, it's probably better not to get involved in these messy things.

The most urgent task is to go to the market town to experience and learn about the local customs and find out about the situation in this area.

"Strange, where is everyone?"

Xiao Chen strolled through the market, but felt a strange sense of desolation.

Not only were there almost no people on the streets, but the place seemed to have been abandoned.

What's even stranger is that it's already afternoon.

However, most of the shops in the market were closed, with their doors and windows tightly shut, and they were not open for business at all.

What's going on?

Xiao Chen was a little confused. "Could it be that I came at the wrong time?"

"It can't just be that they're closed for the Chinese New Year, can it?"

That's definitely not the reason.

Even though the timelines of the Two Realms are different, according to the information provided by Hong Xingfeng, this is not a holiday.

Xiao Chen carefully examined the shops and then realized that they did not appear to be abandoned.

Every household's door panels were polished to a shine, and many shops with copper bells or colorful ribbons hanging under their eaves were completely free of dust.

It's obvious that someone is taking care of it.

"Hey, what the hell?"

If Xiao Chen hadn't Divinity Veil, he would have had every reason to suspect that he was under an illusion.

Fortunately, just as he was looking around...

Suddenly, a thin old man emerged from the alley on the right and hurried out of the market.

"Wait a minute, young... um, old gentleman."

The other cultivator was only at the Foundation Establishment, but Xiao Chen hesitated for a moment, feeling that calling him "young friend" was not quite appropriate, so he changed his address at the last minute.

In any case, he didn't really care that much about these formalities or seniority.

Upon hearing his greeting, the old man raised his slightly cloudy eyes and looked at him, then immediately lowered his head tremblingly.

He bowed respectfully and said, "This old man pays his respects to the True Person."

He was about to ask further, "What are your instructions, True Person?"

But after he finished speaking, he hesitated for a moment, and ultimately swallowed the rest of his question.

"Sir, I am passing through this area and would like to find a place to rest."

Xiao Chen went straight to the point. "But why are all the gates in this market closed?"

Where has everyone gone? Is there some kind of holiday today?

Um?

Upon hearing this question, the old man couldn't help but look up at him.

A look of obvious surprise appeared on his aged face, and his eyes were filled with incomprehension.

Then, as if remembering something, he immediately lowered his head.

He bent even lower. "Reporting to the True Person, today is not a festival."

"The reason the door is closed is because it's only late afternoon, and everyone is cultivating in their respective places and doesn't have time to come out."

"Just wait a little longer, and by evening, the shops will naturally open their doors to customers ahead of time."

ah?

They only open for business in the evening?

Xiao Chen was taken aback by this answer.

Aren't your local customs a bit too strange?

Who's the nice person who always comes out at night?

Is it something that can't be exposed to the light of day?

That doesn't make sense either. They're all from the same place, and the Spirit Farmer in the Spirit Field outside are already up and working very early.

Xiao Chen really wanted to ask: Why does everyone only come out at night?

However, from the old man's surprised and confused reaction, he realized that in this world, this should be considered a matter of common sense.

Unless you intend to kill them to silence them, it's best not to ask these questions.

Besides, since it's something like common sense, it's not difficult to acquire; you should be able to figure it out after observing it for a couple of days.

We have now received news that the market will open this evening.

That's enough. We can figure out the rest gradually.

So Xiao Chen feigned a sigh, "Ah, I've been cultivating for so long that I've gotten the dates wrong. Well, it's alright then, old sir, if you have something to attend to, please go ahead and do your work."

Upon hearing this, the old man bowed respectfully once more. "This old man takes his leave."

Then he quickened his pace and hurried out of the market.

"It should be about an hour and a half until evening."

Xiao Chen looked up at the sky and estimated the time. "What can we do in this little bit of time?"

After thinking for a moment, he decided to go to the Market Outer Perimeter.

I reread those Wanted Notice, just to gather information and pass the time.

After looking around for a while, the setting sun finally reached the edge of the mountains and was about to disappear below the horizon.

At the same time, some sounds gradually came from inside the market.

The shop assistants and managers had already come out ahead of time, ready to open the doors and welcome customers.

So Xiao Chen returned to the market.

I slowed my pace and observed the gradually bustling market environment.

In just one hour, the once quiet market became much more lively.

As lanterns were lit one by one, many pedestrians gradually appeared on the streets.

Many of the cultivators looked tired, as if they had been busy all day.

Walking on the street, I frequently greeted acquaintances warmly and chatted with them from time to time.

For them, this seems to be a way to relax.

However, this actually helped Xiao Chen understand the situation here.

He immediately pricked up his ears, carefully listening to the scattered conversations around him.

Although these are just a few words, they are enough to understand the environment.

Of course, Xiao Chen would filter out most of the useless greetings and polite words, focusing on memorizing the useful information.

"Hey, Daoist Li, what brings you out so early today?"

"Oh dear, don't even mention it. I've been so busy cultivating lately, spending too much time in the spiritual cave, that I'm finding it increasingly difficult to calm my mind."

"That's true, you need to get out more often."

Spiritual Cave?

A glint of light flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes.

If nothing unexpected happens, this should be the reason why the people in the neighborhood didn't come out during the day.

Judging from the name, it must still be underground.

I have no idea what kind of place this is. Could it be a cultivation chamber built in the ground?

He pondered as he went, while also gathering other information.

"Daoist Zhang, have you heard? The youngest grandson of the Ling Gu Jin Family, the one the old lady loves most, has gone out to start his own household."

"I found out yesterday; I heard they went outside the mausoleum."

"Oh, didn't they say the other day that the Jin Family's old lady doted on this little grandson? How come she was thrown out?"

"Daoist Zhao, don't you know? I heard it was the old lady who made the decision, allowing him to establish his own separate household outside, and even allocating forty acres of Spirit Field."

"Oh my, it seems you're really favored!"

Ling Gu Jin Family?

They sound quite powerful; they must be a prominent local Lineage.

After all, he could allocate Spirit Field to his second grandson based solely on favoritism, instead of passing it on to his eldest grandson or the most talented disciple in the clan.

Under normal circumstances, this indicates that they possess an abundance of cultivation resources.

If you encounter any cultivators from the Jin Family later, be extra careful.

Avoid conflict with these powerful cultivators unless absolutely necessary.

Of course, when the time truly came to act, Xiao Chen wouldn't hesitate.

If forced by circumstances, conflict with these powerful clans and cultivators will be unavoidable.

Then we need to be decisive and efficient, and try to do it as cleanly as possible.