Sihai Pavilion

"Halt, routine inspection!"

Qinghe Commandery, West Gate.

Several Martial Artists, dressed in Gui Ling Sect disciple attire, glared unpleasantly at every passerby. They were particularly thorough with carriages and ox carts, lifting the covers to inspect them meticulously. No amount of silver could sway them, and the scene was chaotic.

As the ox cart slowly approached, Zhou Wenwu watched this scene, his body gradually tensing.

He knew he couldn't hide anything during such a strict search, which would inevitably lead to a fight.

Fortunately, a few quick glances revealed that Song Zhong was not present, allowing him to breathe a sigh of relief.

Under the imposing authority of the Gui Ling Sect, those entering the city naturally dared not disobey. Many female family members were pulled from their carriages, their faces flushed with shame as they covered themselves with their sleeves, while the men beside them had veins bulging on their foreheads.

Even though the process was slow, the long line moved forward, and soon it was Fang Yuan's turn.

"Is that your wife or daughter in the ox cart? Call her out so I can have a look!"

A disciple with triangular eyes grinned, lewdness flashing in his eyes. He stepped forward flirtatiously, intending to lift the curtain.

"Heh heh..."

Fang Yuan couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing this, his gaze towards the inside of the carriage filled with amusement.

"What are you laughing at?"

Feeling mocked, the triangular-eyed disciple's hand already rested on his saber's hilt.

"Are you Song Zhong's man? I'm laughing at you for not knowing you're about to die, what an idiot."

Fang Yuan shook his head, his right hand opening into a claw and striking out with lightning speed.

Crack! Snap!

Amidst the crisp sounds, the triangular-eyed disciple clutched his arm, falling to the ground in agony.

"Eagle Claw Skill?"

Several Gui Ling Sect disciples beside him exchanged glances. Led by a Green Robe Youth, they charged forward together: "Let's go!"

Thump thump!

Fang Yuan took a deep breath, his skin taking on a dark, ashen hue. He didn't dodge at all, charging forward to engage in a direct confrontation.

After deliberately avoiding swords, other punches, kicks, and blunt weapon attacks landed on him without causing any pain, as if he were merely being tickled.

Conversely, his claws struck out, and each time, a disciple would cry out in pain and fall.

This situation immediately threw the city gate into chaos, with Official Soldiers and even more Gui Ling Sect disciples rushing over.

"Zhou Wenwu, it's your turn!"

Fang Yuan shouted coldly, his figure twisting and turning as he quickly disappeared into the city gate.

"I am the son of Zhou Tong, an Outer Sect Steward of the Gui Ling Sect!"

Zhou Wenwu stepped forward, holding up a iron token high: "With this Sect Token as proof, I am here to report Elder Song Zhong for killing my entire family, seventy-three souls! I implore the Sect to uphold justice for me!"

His final words were almost a desperate roar, audible to everyone present. The disciples of Song Zhong lying on the ground turned ashen upon hearing this.

Even if Song Zhong was powerful, he couldn't cover the sky with one hand in Qinghe Commandery. Now that the victim had publicly accused him, the Sect would undoubtedly be alerted.

"It truly is Nephew Zhou!"

Soon, a group of Gui Ling Sect disciples arrived, escorting an elder with white hair. He looked at Zhou Wenwu and quickly comforted him: "Nephew, rest assured, our Gui Ling Sect will never let go of the scum who slaughter their own brethren!"

He glanced coldly at the disciples of Song Zhong on the ground and waved his hand: "Arrest them!"

Immediately, many disciples stepped forward, producing thick ropes woven from buffalo hide and binding them tightly.

"Uncle Xue, I implore you to dispense justice for me!"

Zhou Wenwu put on a convincing act, tears streaming from his eyes.

In reality, a bone-chilling coldness spread through his heart.

Did the Sect truly know nothing about the events in Qingye City? The elders of his faction had allowed Song Zhong's followers to act so arrogantly here, only appearing after he arrived. This was clearly intended to escalate the matter and put pressure on the Sect Master.

And the Sect Master, sitting comfortably, was fanning the flames.

The entire Gui Ling Sect was like a giant beast, slowly devouring him with its gaping maw!

"By the way, where is the righteous individual who escorted Nephew here?"

Elder Xue felt Zhou Wenwu's pulse, a hint of surprise appearing on his face as he asked.

"Brother Fang? Perhaps he left on his own..."

Zhou Wenwu knew Fang Yuan's reluctance to get involved in the mess and said, "Where is the Sect Master? I wish to meet him immediately!"

"Naturally, but before that, let's meet Elder Han of our faction! He has been waiting for you for a long time!"

Elder Xue grabbed Zhou Wenwu's arm with such force that even if he were uninjured, escape would have been impossible.

"Alright!"

Zhou Wenwu smiled bitterly and agreed.

Amidst the crowd, Fang Yuan, who was silently watching the scene, felt a jolt and quickly dispersed with the flow of people.

"As expected... the internal competition within the Gui Ling Sect has reached a fever pitch. Even if Zhou Wenwu enters the fray now, he'll be treated as a pawn by both sides, unable to act on his own!"

He naturally didn't want to end up in such a situation, so after creating chaos and attracting attention, he quickly fled.

Even Zhou Wenwu, a direct disciple, was in a position where he couldn't control himself. What hope did an outsider like him have?

"However, Song Zhong was in the wrong first this time, and it will be extremely difficult for him to get through this. If he's directly executed, it would save me a lot of trouble..."

In a dark corner, Fang Yuan changed his appearance slightly and then swaggered onto the streets of the commandery city.

The commotion at the city gates earlier didn't last long, and not many within the city noticed, maintaining a scene of bustling prosperity.

Compared to Qingye City, there were more Martial Artists scattered about here, and even among the women, some carried swords, which Fang Yuan couldn't help but notice.

Of course, there were sheltered young ladies in this world who never left their homes, but among women who practiced martial arts, there were many strong individuals.

For example, that Martial Ancestor from the Gui Ling Sect seemed to be a woman, and she was quite famous within Qinghe Commandery.

"The main reason for coming to the commandery city this time was to deliver this bomb, Zhou Wenwu. Secondly, it was to collect more Spirit Seeds, and ideally, to obtain information about Spiritual Lands..."

It was rare for Fang Yuan to travel so far. Now that he had finally reached the commandery city, he naturally didn't want to leave just like that.

Furthermore, he needed to gauge the situation and find out Song Zhong's final fate.

"It's a pity that Spirit Seeds are hard to find, and the secrets of Spiritual Lands are not something ordinary shops would possess. However, if I search them one by one, I should at least gain some insight..."

He looked around and saw a massive pavilion standing in the center of the street. The entrance was bustling with people, clearly indicating good business.

"Sihai Pavilion?"

Fang Yuan muttered a couple of times and walked straight through the entrance.

"Esteemed sir, what can I do for you?"

As soon as he entered, a waiter with a beaming smile approached him, showing no contempt despite Fang Yuan's ordinary attire.

"I'm from out of town. What do you primarily sell here?"

Fang Yuan looked around, his eyes filled with a hint of curiosity.

"You have a discerning eye, sir. Our Sihai Pavilion is the largest marketplace in all of Qinghe Commandery. We sell and buy everything, from general merchandise and daily necessities to secret manuals and weapons, even information and martial arts!"

The waiter replied proudly.

"Oh?!"

Fang Yuan raised an eyebrow. If this waiter wasn't lying, then Sihai Pavilion likely had official backing, or was a front for the Gui Ling Sect.

Otherwise, who would dare to boast so boldly in this city without expecting the Gui Ling Sect to take action?

"Do you truly sell everything?"

"You jest, sir. There are so many rare treasures in the world. If you were to name a few legendary items, we might not have them. But within all of Qinghe Commandery, if even we don't have it, you won't find it anywhere else!"

The waiter smiled slightly, his words sharp and quick.

"That's true..."

Fang Yuan listened, but a sliver of hope arose in his heart: "I'm looking for Spirit Seeds. Do you happen to have any here?"

"Spirit Seeds?"

The waiter seemed to gasp in surprise: "Those aren't cheap!"

"Hm?"

Fang Yuan was somewhat surprised: "You really have them?"

Within this commandery's Gui Ling Sect, there seemed to be a small plot of Spiritual Land specifically for cultivating various Spiritual Objects. If any had leaked out, it wouldn't be entirely unbelievable.

After all, the previous Steward Lin was able to get him a bottle of Crimson Jade Rice Seeds, so Sihai Pavilion shouldn't disappoint him either.

"Do you truly wish to buy Spirit Seeds, sir?"

The waiter's expression showed some hesitation.

"Don't worry, do you think I can't afford it?"

Seeing his reaction, Fang Yuan chuckled and casually tossed out a Gold Leaf: "Take me there!"

On this outing, he had brought all the gold and silver from the sect with him, just in case of unforeseen circumstances. After all, purchasing Spirit Seeds and information about Spiritual Lands was bound to be a significant expense.

"Right away!"

The waiter's eyes lit up: "This way, please, sir!"

Inside Sihai Pavilion, there were many separate private rooms. After passing through a curtain, the noise from the outside was immediately shut out.

"Chamber Thirteen, Section A!"

The waiter led Fang Yuan into a large hall and then bowed and retreated.

Not long after, two charming maids approached, respectfully inviting Fang Yuan to sit and then arranging tea and fruit platters.

"This treatment... has it leveled up again?"

Fang Yuan thought with a wry smile, and then saw an elder resembling a steward walk in. He bowed respectfully to him: "This old one is Qian Fusheng, the humble shopkeeper of Sihai Pavilion. Does the esteemed guest wish to inquire about Spirit Seeds?"

"Exactly, what's so special about this? We can discuss the price!"

Fang Yuan waved his hand, appearing particularly generous.

In reality, he was a little nervous inside, unsure if his net worth was sufficient.

"Spirit Seeds aren't exactly rare items. This pavilion has sold quite a few. However, very few can actually cultivate them. Many renowned cultivators have even gone bankrupt over them. Young man, you must be cautious!"

Elder Qian seemed to offer his advice kindly. "All Spirit Seeds are favored by heaven and earth. Only Spiritual Land can cultivate them on a large scale. And in the entirety of Qinghe Commandery, only the Gui Ling Sect possesses a small plot. As for others…"

He shook his head, his expression saying it all.

"But if one is willing to spare no expense and pile up the land's power, there's still a sliver of hope for survival. Otherwise, how do you think those ephemeral wild spirit plants found in the deep mountains come to be?"

Unfortunately, Fang Yuan was originally an expert in cultivation and had personally nurtured Spirit Seeds before, possessing the experience. Thus, he answered without hesitation.