082: Seeking a Way Out in the Dark Market, Only to Find It's All Empty Talk

Just as Chen Dengming and Zhu Xun settled in Jue Lin City, within the Moon Reflection Sect of the Eastern Region, Yue Kun, the Foundation Establishment cultivator and Nangong Yun's master, had also finished reviewing the detailed events surrounding his disciple's death and immediately grasped some unusual information.

"Chen Dengming, that Rogue Cultivator who was selected from Nanxun along with Nangong Yun, actually plotted to kill Nangong Yun, who went to find him?"

"Hiss, it can't be called a design, but rather an accident created using the Water Yin Wood Lush Poison Gu Art. This person is already Qi Cultivation High Level cultivator? How could he be so fast?"

A look of confusion flashed in Yue Kun's eyes. He immediately waved his hand, and a Jade Slip flew out from inside the room and landed in his hand.

The Jade Slip contained all the information about the two people selected in the first Ascension Convention.

"Chen Dengming is a mortal at the seventh level of the Innate Xiantian, with Dual Spirit Root Spirit Roots of metal and wood, which are mutually destructive. His affinity with Spiritual Qi is close to the middle grade. He is calm and decisive, and will live to be eighty-three. His potential is not great. He has taken the Youth Preserving Pill and mastered the unorthodox Gu technique."

On that day, the five envoys offered the "Life-Damaging Seedling Pulling Technique," "Great Fireball Technique," "Gold Touch Technique," "Wood Escape Technique," "Qi-Clearing Pill," and "Three Yuan Spirit Gathering Technique" in exchange for Gu techniques.

"The Life-Damaging Seedling Pulling Technique?"

Yue Kun removed the Jade Slip, his eyes flashing slightly as he narrowed them, pondering the possibilities.

But after a moment, he shook his head in confusion, "It's unlikely. Chen Dengming is eighty-three years old. Even for someone who lives a long life, it's impossible for him to have cultivated the <Life-Damaging Seedling Pulling Technique> to such a high level. His aptitude can't be changed much, so it's difficult for him to reach the Qi Cultivation High Level Refining so quickly."

Could it be that the wrong person was killed, and the one who killed Nangong was another cultivator named Chen Dengming?

Regardless of the speculation, this matter remains shrouded in mystery.

Yue Kun got up and paced around the room, his brows furrowed deeply.

If it were just Nangong Yun, his death wouldn't matter.

This person has proven himself to be of little value, and he wouldn't care if he died.

But now, a suspicious Chen Dengming has been brought into the picture, who is suspected to be Qi Cultivation High Level Refining cultivator.

This truly shows that the same rice can feed a hundred different kinds of people.

They both come from the same place, but their life experiences are different. Nangong Yun clearly has a better cultivation environment, while Chen Dengming is stronger.

Even though there is still a lot of information that cannot be confirmed, Yue Kun still feels that there may be something strange about this.

Unfortunately, Chen Dengming, who killed Nangong Yun, had already left Bright Moon Workshop and disappeared without a trace. Finding him would be no easy task.

"It won't be easy, but we have to give it a try. There are many suspicious points about this matter, and it's not certain whether it's true or not. There's no need to disturb the ancestor immediately. I'll go and take a look myself first."

A few days later, early autumn officially arrived.

Among the many terraced Spirit Field in Jue Lin City, many spirit farmers are already busy with the autumn harvest. The whole mountain is filled with the scent of ripe Spirit Plant, making the mountain breeze seem particularly light and fragrant.

Outside the city, on the plains, the pines and cypresses are lush and green, and the red leaves are as red as fire.

Amidst the golden mulberry and chinaberry trees, a boar-like demon Demon Beast at the Qi Cultivation Fourth Level scattered in panic, letting out a scream like a pig being slaughtered.

However, the murderous aura behind him remained constant, neither increasing nor decreasing, and no matter how the pig demon tried to escape, it always posed a constant threat from behind.

The pig demon had no idea of the danger involved and could only keep fleeing.

But no matter how it charged left or right, a large fireball or a golden spear would often come and restrict its range of movement.

"Roar--"

The pig demon grew increasingly impatient, letting out a roar as it attempted to force its way through the encirclement while carrying the fireball.

But at that moment, a golden thread flashed like lightning and slammed into the pig demon.

With a loud thud, the pig demon was nearly knocked to the ground by the enormous force, its hooves wobbling in a daze.

The golden thread hummed and flew back into the air, revealing a dark golden Golden Silkworm Gu that was larger than an ordinary one, with particularly prominent blood-red patterns on its tail, exuding a Sha Qi.

The pig demon gradually became exhausted, panting heavily, drool dripping from its mouth full of tusks, and even spewing out several blobs of filth from its rear end, clearly terrified and wetting itself in fear.

Just then, a figure swooped down from the tree behind them.

The newcomer held a tree branch in his hand. Suddenly, the branch burst open, turning into countless swirling mycelium and spores, which enveloped the pig demon with a single finger.

The pig demon let out a miserable scream, its last bit of strength for struggle was taken away, and a large number of poisonous mycelium spores grew into its Flesh and Blood, gradually taking control of it.

After a cup of tea.

The pig Demon Qi stood up, panting, and swayed strangely as it approached Chen Dengming. Its entire body seemed to be convulsing, making it appear somewhat deranged and bizarre.

"After depleting its internal energy in advance, it is indeed much easier to control with less Spiritual Qi, and its resistance is also reduced."

It seems that in future battles, this Water Yin Wood Lush Poison Gu Art should be used as a backup plan, and it's best not to use it at the beginning.

Chen Dengming twitched his fingers slightly, controlling the pig demon to take two graceful steps, and then leaped up, landing on the pig demon's back.

With a casual wave of his hand, a few buzzing sounds came from the distant mountains and forests.

In an instant, several golden threads followed closely behind a red thread, like colorful ribbons, streaking through the air and encircling Chen Dengming's left and right shoulders.

However, they turned out to be three Golden Silkworm Gu (numbers one through three) and Blood Centipede Gu.

The Blood Centipede Gu now has six wings, and a row of five curved, venomous stingers like scorpion tails have grown from its tail. Its eyes are deep red, and its pincer-like mouthparts are stained with blood. Its bloodthirsty gaze is fixed on the pig demon.

"This isn't for you to eat, so be careful. Don't just chase after me and take a bite out of it. Last time you took a bite out of that one, I lost more than ten Low-grade Spirit Stones."

Chen Dengming waved his hand, chasing away the Blood Centipede Gu.

Two days ago, both the Blood Centipede Gu and the Golden Silkworm Gu had completed their advancement and become much stronger.

The Golden Silkworm Gu can knock out ordinary mid-stage Qi Refining Demon Beast with just its iron head impact. If it also uses its mouth, there's no need to use the strongest poison; a single charge can tear and pierce through its prey, killing it instantly.

Although the individual strength of the Blood Centipede Gu is not that strong, the potency of its poison is even more terrifying, possibly even surpassing that of the Golden Silkworm Gu. Its body is also no longer as fragile as before, and its vitality is undoubtedly much stronger.

After collecting all the Gu Worm into his Beast Taming Bag, Chen Dengming controlled the pig demon to carry him, speeding towards Jue Lin City. He transformed into a fellow Daoist riding a pig, further depleting the pig demon's strength and accelerating his practice of Daoist techniques.

After settling in Jue Lin City, Chen Dengming has been going out of the city to practice his Daoist arts after completing his daily cultivation.

During this period, in addition to continuing his research into the mysterious path of Martial Immortal, he mainly practiced the Qi Cultivation High Level technique, the <Water Yin Wood Lush Poison Gu Art>.

Strive to master this technique as soon as possible so that it can be cast instantly and used in battle.

However, Qi Cultivation High Level Refining techniques consume too much Spiritual Qi, are very difficult to cast, and require specific casting materials such as fresh tree branches.

This also means that Chen Dengming's practice of this method will not be very efficient.

There are few trees in Jue Lin City, so Chen Dengming mostly goes outside the city to practice his Daoist magic.

Now, he has also cultivated the <Water Yin Wood Lush Poison Gu Art> to the entry level, which has extended his lifespan by another five years, bringing his Lifespan Limit of 402 years.

"Having cultivated to this point, it's very difficult for me to continue extending my lifespan. I've mastered all the methods that can extend lifespan, reaching the level of proficiency and mastery. To advance further, I'll need to practice diligently."

"Techniques like 'Flowing Qi Turning Gold Technique into Gold' and 'Gold Touch Technique' require an immense amount of effort and time to master."

Chen Dengming knew that if he wanted to continue to extend his lifespan rapidly, he would have to learn more advanced new Daoist techniques.

However, we still have over a hundred years to live, so there's no need to rush.

If he cannot resolve his bone age issue, join Immortal Sect Dao Gate, or break through to the Foundation Establishment on his own within the next fifty or sixty years, then he should start to worry.

"Gah--"

As they approached the Jue Lin City, Chen Dengming manipulated the mycelium to seep into the heart and brain, killing the pig demon 'without blood'.

He then put the body into his Storage Bag and stepped into the city.

A residential area for the deceased's family.

Chen Dengming threw the pig demon he had just hunted into the yard and handed it over to Zhu Xun to deal with later.

"Another Qi Cultivation Fourth Level demonic boar. Wasn't it said that there were very few Demon Beast near Jue Lin City?"

Zhu Xun carefully examined the pig demon, muttering in confusion, and even had the idea of going back to his old ways.

"Perhaps the commotion caused by the Liang and Yu families last time has led to an increase in the number of Demon Beast in the vicinity. So far, the guards of Jue Lin City haven't been seen going out to deal with it."

Chen Dengming said calmly.

In the past few days, he went out to practice his Daoist magic, and including this demonic boar, he had already hunted two Demon Beasts.

This frequency is not unusual in the mountains and forests near Bright Moon Workshop.

However, this is quite rare in Jue Lin City, which is known for having no Demon Beast running rampant within a hundred miles around.

However, when Chen Dengming mentioned two Cultivation Family, Zhu Xun suddenly understood.

Many people died outside the city recently, and their corpses, left unattended, will attract Demon Beast to devour them.

The guards of Jue Lin City may not have been unaware of the Demon Beast appearing outside the city, but they might have intended to use the Demon Beast to clean up the corpses, so they did not go out of the city to hunt them down for the time being.

Zhu Xun clicked his tongue and shook his head, saying, "Fishing? The guards of Jue Lin City are all a bunch of fishing enthusiasts. They really know how to fish. It seems they're in the baiting stage now. Once they've attracted all the fish, they'll cast their nets."

Demon Beast eat people, and people eat Demon Beast; it seems to be a vicious cycle.

The number of Demon Beast gathered by the cultivators guarding Jue Lin City increased. If they were all wiped out in one fell swoop, a large amount of Demon Beast meat resources would be stockpiled in an instant. If many things are explained too clearly, it will send chills down one's spine.

"How's the search going?" Chen Dengming changed the subject.

Zhu Xun stood up, clapped his hands, frowned, and shook his head. "I've contacted several local bullies these past few days, but I haven't found any clues. It's highly likely that Fellow Daoist Jiang isn't in Jue Lin City."

They all say that there are too many cultivators entering and leaving Jue Lin City every day, so it's still difficult to find a Rogue Cultivator.

"If Fellow Daoist Jiang can stay in Jue Lin City, they can find him, because most cultivators who come to Jue Lin City are just passing through, and very few can stay for long. They will definitely be able to find him."

"It seems Qiangzi isn't in Jue Lin City."

Chen Dengming nodded slightly, having anticipated this outcome.

"However, a local tyrant joked that someone as capable as Fellow Daoist Jiang, who can create array plates but isn't very strong, might be taken away by the parade members once he displays his talent."

"A parade?"

"They're the same group of people who sold the women of the Yu family in the Marketplace before; they're specifically in charge of this business."

The female members of the Yu family left behind by the Liang family were all handed over to the parade for disposal. They were responsible for controlling, training, and then packaging and trading them to customers.

Chen Dengming frowned deeply, but thinking of Qiangzi's ability to escape and his quick wit, he felt that he probably wouldn't fall into the hands of the parade members, and immediately felt relieved.

"Keep an eye on this matter. After you've dealt with this pig demon, you'll be going out of town to hunt Demon Beast. Take advantage of the current excitement and be careful."

"Alright, Fellow Daoist Chen, don't worry. By the way, these are the Spirit Stone from when I made the Law Artifact last time."

"Hmm? Selling well."

Chen Dengming accepted the dozens of Low-grade Spirit Stones, somewhat surprised, as he had thought the recent events involving the Yu family would lead to a drop in the price of Law Artifact in the Marketplace.

Zhu Xun thought, "Hehe, I have my own ways of selling it for a higher price."

Chen Dengming smiled, but shook his head inwardly, thinking, "That's the only bad thing about you, Old Zhu. You get all excited over the slightest bit of kindness."

If these Law Artifacts were handed over to Qiangzi to sell, given his extensive business experience and his sophisticated analytical skills, he would certainly sell them for a higher price.

While Zhu Xun dealing with the pig demon, Chen Dengming calculated the time and realized that there were still at least two hours until the Qi Le Auction House's Dark Market would begin tonight.

He immediately returned to his room, prepared a nourishing bath for the Little Array Spirit, and after the little sprite had bathed, he began his cultivation in a way that Keeping a Beauty in a Golden House.

After being nourished many times, the Little Array Spirit's spirit body seemed to have become much more solid, its perception range had become wider and more acute, and it could dance all day without getting tired.

Such vigorous energy also strengthened Chen Dengming's bold idea of nurturing the Little Array Spirit, and he had begun to inquire about some Cultivation Method suitable for ghost cultivators.

Unfortunately, the Cultivation World is too complicated. Not to mention rare ghost cultivation Cultivation Method, even his own Cultivation Method are difficult to obtain.

So beautifully made up, with red makeup and green sleeves, dancing in flowing robes...

More than an hour passed quickly.

My proficiency with the <Three Yuan Spirit Gathering Technique> has improved further.

The status of the Cultivation Method has changed on the panel.

"<Three Yuan Spirit Gathering Technique>: (Ninth Level 207/900)"

Judging from the current progress of cultivation, even if the resources of the 'treasure land' in 'Wealth, Companions, Dharma, and Place' are stronger.

If he wants to cultivate to the Qi Cultivation Tenth Level, staying in Jue Lin City for a month is definitely not enough.

If the bone age problem is still not resolved after a month, Chen Dengming plans to extend his lease in Jue Lin City, preparing to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage on his own.

After putting away the array plate, Chen Dengming changed his clothes and prepared to head to the Dark Market.

He saw this Dark Market transaction as the best chance in recent times to resolve his current predicament.

According to the Merchant Alliance manager, some items that are difficult to sell openly might be sold in the Dark Market.

Examples include Qi Cultivation High Level techniques, cultivation Cultivation Method with a spirit gathering effect of over 50% (e. g., the Three Yuan Spirit Gathering Technique), and Body Cultivation Method that can rejuvenate bone age, etc.

Chen Dengming was about to put a Breath Concealing Bead in his mouth, but after thinking for a moment, he put the bead down again.

Now he has changed his name and appearance, and even his style of doing things is different from before. He has transformed into a not-so-troublesome suspected demonic cultivator named 'Gao Hu', and he must continue to maintain this style of acting on a daily basis.

Evening.

Through the back door of Qi Le Auction House, figures appeared one after another, some wearing black cloaks, some wearing straw hats, and some wearing masks.

These people almost all exuded a faint spiritual aura, and after they appeared, they were immediately welcomed inside by the greeters standing at the back door of the auction house.

Chen Dengming was wearing a fierce-looking demon mask at this moment.

After handing over the invitation letter given by the Merchant Alliance boss, I followed a Xiantian greeter into the entrance passage of the Dark Market.

"Immortal Master, please come inside and enjoy some spiritual tea while you sit for a moment. The Dark Market will officially open in half an hour."

Led by the greeters, Chen Dengming entered a large hall, where a pretty woman wearing a butterfly mask immediately served exquisite fruits and spiritual teas for him to enjoy.

Chen Dengming silently sipped his tea while observing his surroundings.

Within the dimly lit, cool-toned hall, one could see what appeared to be an illusionary formation at work.

One by one, cultivators were welcomed in and sat down, but their features were mostly unclear, and only blurry, indistinct figures could be seen.

"This illusion array should be just the simplest kind of deception Formation, Jiang Qiang could also make."

Chen Dengming observed for a moment, then closed his eyes and leisurely waited for the Dark Market Trade Fair to begin.

Half an hour passed quickly.

As the doors to the hall closed, the entire hall suddenly became brighter.

An elderly man, dressed in a striking golden robe, descended from the upper passage, radiating a powerful spiritual aura. He smiled and clasped his hands in greeting to the surroundings.

"Welcome, fellow Daoists, to the Dark Market hosted by my Qi Le Auction House."

I, Jin Mufeng, will still be here to oversee the transactions for you all. If there are any new fellow Daoists, please be aware of the rules of this Dark Market: for any commodity, the highest bidder wins, and it is a cash-on-delivery transaction. We are not responsible for anything once you leave this trading place.

During the transaction, no one may leave their seat or inquire about or probe the identity of others; violators will be expelled.

Chen Dengming opened his eyes, looked at the old man with strong spiritual power in front of him, and his gaze narrowed slightly.

This old man was actually a cultivator at the Qi Cultivation Tenth Level, which could be said to be the strongest Strength Realm below Foundation Establishment.

With this elderly man personally overseeing the Dark Market, it certainly added a lot of prestige and security to the trade fair, which is probably why the Dark Market is becoming increasingly popular.

Soon, as Jin Mufeng announced the official start of the trade fair, the surrounding lights dimmed again, and a cold voice spoke first.

"I have nothing to sell this time, but I am looking to purchase a type of Gu Worm called the Golden Silkworm Gu. This Gu resembles a cicada. A single Gu is not very powerful, but it becomes quite formidable when used in swarms. I once saw a female cultivator in my sect use it. Does any fellow Daoist have Golden Silkworm Gu?"

Chen Dengming was taken aback, then his eyes turned strange.

Unexpectedly, someone requested the Golden Silkworm Gu from the very beginning.

Moreover, judging from his appearance, he seems to be a disciple of the Wonderful Sound Sect, and has probably seen Lüo Bing use the Golden Silkworm Gu before.

He carefully examined the person seeking to buy, but couldn't discern anything amiss.

The distance between them was too great, and the illusion array nodes where their seats were located had the effect of shielding spiritual power, making it impossible to judge the person's strength.

After a short while, no one answered. The buyer sighed in disappointment and fell silent.

Chen Dengming was not surprised by this. There were only two sects in the Eastern Region that practiced Gu refining: the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect and the Thousand Flower Valley. Both were very mysterious, and neither sect necessarily had the method to refine the Golden Silkworm Gu. How could the Golden Silkworm Gu be available on the market?

Chen Dengming remained silent, but began to ponder in his heart.

Soon, the other cultivators also began trading.

After observing for a while, Chen Dengming made a move when a cultivator was selling a high-level Law Artifact. He symbolically bid for a while, and although he didn't win it in the end, it still made many cultivators look at Chen Dengming's position.

Those who can afford high-level Law Artifact are naturally capable of using them. Even if they are not at the Qi Cultivation High Level, they are probably at the Qi Cultivation Sixth Level Refining, which is considered to be above average, proving that they have a certain purchasing power.

After a while, the trade fair was coming to an end, but no one was selling Qi Cultivation High Level techniques or decent Cultivation Method. As for Body Cultivation Method that could change bone age, no one was selling them either.

Chen Dengming's eyebrows furrowed, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

He recently visited the Merchant Alliance manager again, bringing gifts, to inquire about the precautions for operating the Dark Market, so as to be prepared.

The other party had boasted about how amazing this place was, but after experiencing it firsthand, it seems rather unrealistic and exaggerated.

He could only speak in a deep voice using ventriloquism.

"Fellow Daoists present, who among you is capable of demonstrating Qi Cultivation High Level of the Metal and Wood elements?"

"Cultivation Method that can achieve a level of 50% or higher in spirit gathering is also acceptable. Alternatively, if there is Body Cultivation and bone forging Cultivation Method that can rejuvenate bone age, I would also be quite interested."

(I'm still a little short of reaching the monthly pass target, but I've already updated 11,500 words today! Keep it up tomorrow, folks!)

Life's circumstances are inherently different; destiny is shaped by adaptability.

Seeking a way out in the Dark Market, I found it to be a charade, all talk and no action.