Summoning Zhang Cunfu, Song Shan Blessed Land

Having settled the matter with the magic talisman, Xiao Chen planned to head directly to the New Cultivation World.

"You're leaving already after just getting back?"

Su Li's long, slender fingers unconsciously intertwined. "The day after tomorrow is the Fifteenth Moonlit Night."

"If it's not urgent, how about we wait until the day after tomorrow to leave?"

Before the previous separations.

Xiao Chen would always try to benefit from the Moon Witch Legacy before leaving after the Moon Eclipse ended.

This time, however, he had a new plan. "It's not anything urgent, but I have a business deal that's been dragging on for quite a while, and I need to go and take a look at it myself."

"But this time is different from before. If everything goes smoothly, I can be back tomorrow."

"Even with some delays, it shouldn't affect the Moon Eclipse."

"So I was thinking of leaving early and coming back quickly."

Since that's the case, Su Li didn't linger any longer.

Instead, she changed the subject and advised, "That's not what I meant. Since you have important things to do, there's no need to rush."

"When traveling, one's own safety should always be the top priority."

"Especially for transactions involving several million Spirit Stone, we need to be extra careful."

"Be careful not to be deceived, and also be wary of envious people who might covet your wealth."

Xiao Chen smiled calmly, "Don't worry, it's just a normal transaction. I know what I'm doing."

"Besides, I still have the talisman you drew for me to protect me."

"With this thing, no one below the Spirit Transformation can stop me."

After Su Li, Xiao Chen left Secluded Doom Island.

This time, he deliberately changed his route and went south, finding a Desolate Island 50,000 miles away as his new transit point.

In fact, he himself was unsure whether moving back and forth would leave any traces in the same spot.

It's just a simple speculation, a conjecture, or a preparation made just in case.

However, Xiao Chen was not being overly worried; rather, he had given it considerable thought.

His idea was this: since Nascent Soul Cultivator use Law Technique in battle, they will leave Magic Trace nearby that can be traced.

Furthermore, it will simultaneously generate Spiritual Power fluctuations that can spread over thousands of miles.

Such an act of traversing Two Realms would likely leave a trace or cause some kind of spatial fluctuation.

After all, theoretically speaking, doing so would require far more power than Fourth-Order Cultivator engaging in combat.

Therefore, Xiao Chen has never noticed any trace of it so far.

However, he was still somewhat worried, perhaps because his Spiritual Sense Strength was not high enough, or perhaps because his understanding of the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth was not yet sufficient.

It's possible that to a more powerful cultivator, such traces or spatial fluctuations would be very obvious.

In short, it's to prevent problems before they occur.

Xiao Chen preferred to spend more time and create more distance to minimize potential risks.

This is also why he didn't choose to return directly from Gui Yun Market when he came back last time.

The main reason for this was that they insisted on traversing only after leaving the effective control range of the blessed land.

Aside from the change of location, the process of traveling through the city remains exactly the same as before.

After a wave of dizziness that had become somewhat familiar, the colors in front of Xiao Chen changed, and he found himself back in the New Cultivation World.

Last time he chose to travel through a small mountain stream, and sure enough, he returned there again this time.

This once again proves that he will return to the place where he left.

"Hiss~, there's so little Spiritual Qi here!"

Having spent more than half a year in the Compassion Sea, Xiao Chen had already readjusted to the abundant Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi that surrounded him at all times.

Therefore, after passing through, a huge sense of disparity immediately arose again.

Although it has no real impact.

But every hair on his body seemed to be telling him that he was uncomfortable.

This can probably be seen as a disguised form of the difficulty in transitioning from luxury to frugality.

Fortunately, with his previous experience, Xiao Chen quickly readjusted to the environment.

Then they left through the mountain stream and arrived at Gui Yun Market with practiced ease.

His goal this time was very clear: to deliver the spiritual items ordered by the Rebellious Immortal Alliance and finalize the deal.

I also took the opportunity to learn more about the market situation here.

As for the rest, we'll talk about it after the fifteenth.

Therefore, Xiao Chen left Secret Mark at the usual spot and then arrived near the Dark Alley.

While strolling around in front of a few shops at the alley entrance, they waited for Zhang Cunfu to arrive.

He had previously seen a fusion Spirit Robe in front of the shop here and learned about the Fusion Artifact Refining Technique.

Upon arriving this time, I discovered that the Spirit Robe seemed to have been sold and replaced with a Flying Sword in a box.

Not only that, Xiao Chen glanced inside.

It was also discovered that the overall number of defensive magical Spirit Artifact in the store had decreased significantly.

Many of the places that originally held Spirit Robe and spirit shields have now been replaced with offensive Spirit Artifact such as swords, spears, and clubs.

The remaining small portion also saw their prices increase by several hundred Spirit Stone.

If you calculate carefully, it should be about 50% more expensive than a year ago.

Although the increase is not much, normally, fixed shops are different from street stalls, and their prices do not change easily in a short period of time.

After all, a year isn't a very long time for Golden Core cultivator.

Moreover, with Spirit Artifact costing tens of thousands of coins, and many ordinary cultivators lacking Xiao Chen's abilities, it might take them two or three years just to raise the Spirit Stone.

If you finally manage to scrape together the money, only to find that the price has changed when you arrive.

Unless the shop can provide a reasonable explanation, it will likely be considered a shady shop, and the seller will simply walk away and refuse to do business there again.

"The price of defensive Spirit Artifact has gone up; this is not a good sign."

Xiao Chen frowned slightly. "Is something going to go wrong?"

Based on past experience, the price of defensive Spirit Artifact will only increase when people sense that danger is approaching.

But he still couldn't quite understand it.

Given that this Holy City is high above, suppressing everything, what trouble could possibly arise?

However, Xiao Chen did not rush to ask someone directly, but planned to ask Zhang Cunfu later.

Firstly, it would reduce suspicion, and secondly, as a disciple of the Gui Yun Sect, the other party would have more and more reliable information.

While he was shopping and waiting...

Meanwhile, Zhang Cunfu sat in a small room in the courtyard of the Market Warehouse, looking at the account books in front of him with worry.

He wasn't worried about the bill itself, but rather he was repeatedly pondering whether he should go to the Gui Yun Sect to turn himself in in order to ensure his family's safety.

The reason he had such thoughts was certainly not because he was tired of living.

It's related to a major event that happened six months ago.

Coincidentally, it happened shortly after Xiao Chen left.

Not far from the Ze Realm Blessed Land, a massive fourth-order battle broke out in Song Shan Blessed Land.

The specific truth is currently being kept under wraps.

According to Zhang Cunfu's extensive inquiries, he finally obtained relatively reliable inside information from acquaintances.

It is said that the Evergreen Sect, which governs the Song Shan Blessed Land, discovered that there was actually a branch of the Rebellious Immortal Alliance within its own territory.

They quickly mobilized nearby resources and launched a large-scale raid.

At least a dozen Nascent Soul True Lord have been seen appearing in the vicinity.

The final result was also very good – one of the two Nascent Soul evil cultivators from the Rebellious Immortal Alliance was killed and the other was injured.

The former's head was hung at the entrance of the local Pine Mountain Market, and it is said that it would remain there for a full ten years to warn others that this was the Rebellious Cultivator.

The latter was captured on the spot and became a prisoner.

At the same time, nearly a hundred rogue cultivators suspected of secretly assisting the Rebellious Immortal Alliance were also captured.

Among them, there were about thirty Golden Core cultivator.

The fate of these people was naturally extremely tragic.

Not only will he himself be doomed, but his family and friends will also be implicated.

All the cultivators who were usually close to them were arrested and taken back to the Evergreen Sect for the most rigorous investigation.

If you don't have connections outside, you wouldn't need to go through the trouble of running around and making arrangements.

Eighty percent of them probably won't make it out alive.

Although this happened in Song Shan Blessed Land, it still terrified Zhang Cunfu.

The main problem was that he couldn't get in touch with Xiao Chen; he only knew that something had happened outside.

Moreover, the more they inquired, the more serious the situation seemed to become.

Whether those arrested cultivators were genuine accomplices or succumbed to torture, they inadvertently revealed the identities of even more cultivators.

As a result, the True Disciple of the Evergreen Sect were almost constantly searching for people with the list on their hands.

Moreover, it not only affected Song Shan Blessed Land, but three months ago it even came to Gui Yun Market and forcibly took a Spirit Farmer back for investigation.

Three months have passed, and there's been no good news at all, not even a definite answer, let alone the good news of their release.

Faced with this situation, even a perfectly good person would have to live in fear.

Not to mention someone like Zhang Cunfu, who already had something to hide.

At first, he thought Xiao Chen might be trying to avoid trouble.

However, as the days went by, there was still no sign of their product going live.

They didn't even provide a Secret Mark for communication.

Zhang Cunfu grew increasingly frightened, beginning to worry that something might have happened to Xiao Chen as well.

His concern wasn't out of genuine care, but rather out of fear that in the worst-case scenario, the mole might be exposed.

If that's the case, it would be better for him to turn himself in and cooperate with the investigation.

He will be sacrificed to ensure the safety of the remaining five members of his family.

Objectively speaking, the Evergreen Sect should be unable to find any evidence that he was colluding with the Rebel Rebellious Immortal Alliance.

Because Xiao Chen was using False Identity, he had absolutely no connection with those arrested Rebellious Cultivator.

However, Zhang Cunfu was unaware of this, and naturally couldn't help but overthink, which gradually led to him being unable to eat or sleep.

For example, even though he should be checking the accounts right now, he finds himself sitting at the table, lost in thought.

Even though they know that worrying won't solve the problem, they just don't have the willpower to do anything and are wasting their time.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Suddenly, a series of urgent knocks sounded at the door, startling Zhang Cunfu.

Immediately, the image of those fierce -Flying Sword looking, Vicious Evil- True Disciple of the Evergreen Sect from three months ago flashed into his mind.

Fortunately, the next moment, his familiar voice came from the doorway.

"Manager Zhang, another invitation has arrived, and it's signed by that same merchant from last time."

The speaker was one of his trusted subordinates, who was usually responsible for assisting with trivial matters, such as arranging various banquets.

In fact, many cultivators had to wait in line to invite Zhang Cunfu to dinner.

After all, objectively speaking, the Market Warehouse Manager is quite prestigious, enough to surpass 99% of the cultivators in the market.

In particular, he had firsthand information on the Material Allocation; even a single word he uttered would be enough to feed a large group of people.

"Bring it in for me."

Upon hearing that it was one of their own, Zhang Cunfu immediately breathed a sigh of relief, sat up straight, and adopted a solemn posture.

The so-called traveling merchants were, of course, guests disguised as members of the Rebellious Immortal Alliance.

They had previously paid a 30% deposit, hoping to purchase a batch of urgently needed spiritual items.

More than half a year has passed, but the delivery is still nowhere to be seen.

Especially now that the Evergreen Sect has also cracked down on a branch, the Rebellious Immortal Alliance has suffered a significant loss of manpower and resources.

Not only that, but to make matters worse, the other members also hid themselves as much as possible to avoid being exposed.

They dared not take any action in the short term, let alone start collecting supplies again.

In other words, the Rebellious Immortal Alliance not only failed to fill the existing shortage of spiritual resources.

Instead, they will have to face an even more serious problem: a shortage of internal spiritual resources.

They are now eager to obtain spiritual replenishment from every possible source.

Therefore, True Lord Su Bai thought of Zhang Cunfu, the Divine Ability Warehouse Manager, who was suspected to be the illegitimate son of the Grand Elder Gui Yun Sect.

Over the past three months, I have invited him to Hao Wei Zhai restaurant multiple times.

First, they would make up all sorts of excuses to complain, wanting him to ship the goods quickly so they could start the next transaction soon.

Secondly, I also hope to get some inside information or get some hints from him.

Actually, it was not wise for Zhang Cunfu to go see them at this time.

However, under pressure from Xiao Chen, he neither wanted nor dared to lose such a major client.

So he had no choice but to accept the invitation and engage in polite but insincere conversation with them at the dinner table.

Even though they know nothing about it, they still have to pretend that they have their own plans, that they can handle the spirit object soon, and that everyone just needs to wait patiently.

To be honest, he's had a tough time too.

Having received the invitation, Zhang Cunfu also put his mind at ease.

After quickly checking and tidying up yesterday's bills, I left the warehouse to attend the banquet.

Meanwhile, he was devising a plan to cover up his previous lie when they met, continuing to stall for time.

They slowed their pace as they walked towards Hao Wei Zhai.

As I passed the corner next to the warehouse, even though I had been disappointed three hundred times, I still couldn't help but glance at the corner of the wall again out of the corner of my eye.

He then looked away in disappointment and continued on his way.

Wait a minute, did he just see a mark?

In an instant, all of Zhang Cunfu's muscles tensed up.

His first reaction was to quickly turn around and check the situation.

However, with his excellent self-control, he forcibly suppressed the impulse.

Instead, they pretended nothing was wrong and continued walking forward.

I walked along, trying to calm myself down, until I felt I could control my emotions, before stopping in front of a street stall.

Pretending to select medicinal herbs from the stall, she subtly adjusted her position and angle while glancing at the corner of her eye again.

Very good, it is indeed the communication Secret Mark given by Senior Xiao!

Thank goodness, Senior Xiao is indeed safe, so he should be safe too.

Zhang Cunfu wasn't worried at all that someone was using fake markings to trick him into revealing the problem.

If Gui Yun Sect had discovered that he was suspected of having any connection with the Rebellious Immortal Alliance, they wouldn't have needed to resort to such complicated methods; they would have simply sent people to arrest him and interrogate him.

Conversely, since no one has made an arrest, it means he hasn't been exposed yet, and is at least safe for the time being.

The reason he's being so cautious now is simply because he's worried that with so many people around, he might inadvertently give himself away.

"Give me one of both."

Zhang Cunfu casually bought two Spirit Herb and continued to act as usual, only quickening his pace slightly.

Then, full of anticipation, I arrived at that Dark Alley.

"A Fu, it's been a long time."

Xiao Chen appeared from behind him as usual. "Did you miss me while I was away?"

He had only intended to tease the other person.

To everyone's surprise, Zhang Cunfu suddenly turned his head, his eyes seemingly glistening with tears. "Senior Xiao, I knew you would be alright!"

"I've been waiting day and night, and I'm so glad to see you again!"

Um?

What's going on with you?

Xiao Chen was completely bewildered by his words.

Are our feelings really that deep?

So much so that you miss me so much after only half a year apart.

To be honest, Xiao Chen never believed that Zhang Cunfu would be loyal to him; at best, they were just using each other.

He needs an inside man, a pawn who can gather information and sell spirit items.

The other party succumbed to his power and was forced to cooperate, requiring him to provide resources and support.

In this situation, it's a miracle if the two people don't become enemies.

Therefore, after a moment of rational thought...

Xiao Chen immediately made a judgment—something must have happened here!

Moreover, it was a major issue that Zhang Cunfu couldn't handle at all, which is why he urgently needed him.

Since that's the case, he calmly began to probe for information. "Hmph, of course I'm fine, do you even need to tell me?"

"Or do you dare doubt my abilities?"

Without waiting for a reply, he calmly asked, "Alright, stop pretending with me."

Tell me about your situation.

"Don't ask anything yet. Tell me everything you know in detail so I can understand what the outside world is thinking."

No matter how clever Zhang Cunfu was, he couldn't have imagined that someone could travel to another world.

Therefore, without any suspicion, he immediately told Xiao Chen everything he knew.

Of course, there were also some embellishments describing how worried and concerned they were, as well as words of loyalty and flattery.

At the same time, he concealed the part about his wild thoughts, even his desire to turn himself in.

"I see."

After understanding the current situation, Xiao Chen was not flustered at all; in fact, he was quite happy.

After all, he was using False Identity and wasn't afraid of being investigated.

On the contrary, the more chaotic the outside world is, the easier it is for him to take advantage of the situation.

For example, if the Rebellious Immortal Alliance lost so many resources, he would be happy to lend a helping hand to them.

Of course, you have to pay for it.

For example, the current widespread pursuit of rebels from the Rebellious Immortal Alliance will inevitably cause chaos in several nearby blessed lands.

It will also attract most of the attention.

Then Xiao Chen can take the opportunity to sell the spiritual items he brought to the Wilderness Cultivators.

At the same time, I'll try to buy some good stuff like Clear Dew Foundation Establishment Pill and bring it back with me.

At a time like this, people probably don't have time to pay attention to him.

In short, chaos is a good thing; the more chaotic, the better!

Seeing Xiao Chen's confident and composed demeanor, Zhang Cunfu felt much more at ease.

Despite the dire situation, the company's own online platform seemed remarkably calm.

Does that mean their branch doesn't have much of a problem?

For Zhang Cunfu, as long as it doesn't involve himself and his family, it's a good thing. He no longer has to live in constant fear.

Look at you, all scared and terrified!

Xiao Chen glanced at him. "It's nothing serious, why are you so scared?"

"Remember this: as long as I'm here, the sky won't fall."

"As long as I'm alright, I'll make sure you're alright too."

"So you don't need to overthink things. Just focus on doing the things I assign you."

"I've already brought the goods over."

"Since they're in a hurry, why don't you take all the goods over there later?"

As he spoke, Xiao Chen took out a separate Storage Ring and handed it over, then instructed, "Also, please pass on a message to them for me."

"If you want more spiritual items, you can continue trading."

"However, the rules will be changed this time. A 50% deposit will be required before delivery."

"Of course, there are advantages to doing this. In this way, we can return the spiritual item to them within ten days to half a month, or at most two to three months."

ah?

Zhang Cunfu was stunned upon hearing this.

They actually want to continue trading?

As the Warehouse Manager of a large market, he was certainly aware of what he was selling.

Half of them are on the banned sales list.

Zhang Cunfu was a little confused as to how so many forbidden spiritual objects could be summoned under these circumstances.

Could they have really looted some blessed land?

Despite his doubts and confusion, he immediately nodded obediently, "Understood, I will definitely convey your words to them verbatim."

Since Senior Xiao has said so, he must have his reasons and considerations.

Those Nascent Soul True Lord stand high and see far, so they must have a broad vision and a long-term plan.

He's just a chess piece; he shouldn't overthink things. He should just follow orders.

"The prices of defensive Spirit Artifact in the market seem to be fluctuating abnormally lately."

Xiao Chen then asked, "Tell me your thoughts?"

His phrasing was Clever Trick; it didn't mean there shouldn't be price fluctuations, but rather that the fluctuations were abnormal.

The range of "abnormal" is too broad; if you're determined to find a problem, you can always find one.

Zhang Cunfu frowned upon hearing this.

Before each Immortal Selection Festival, the price of defensive Spirit Artifact slowly rises. Is there anything unusual about this?

But since Xiao Chen asked that question, there must be something he hadn't noticed.

So Zhang Cunfu pondered it carefully for a while.

He then carefully replied, "I didn't see anything wrong at first, but after your explanation, senior, it seems a little abnormal."

"Based on previous instances, the price of Spirit Artifact typically peaks after the Immortal Selection Festival."

"The price increase here has been significantly faster this time."

"I dare to guess that it might be related to the upcoming Great Purge."