The Peddler Gains Renown, All Superiors Arrive

The next day, Locust Flower Old Lane, Ge Family Courtyard.

The Young Peddler still sat cross-legged on his bed, studying the Melon Cultivation Art and Anle Zishen's Logbook. However, he also allocated a portion of his attention to sensing the vague movements throughout Qiantang County.

Because of the earth-shattering changes yesterday, he didn't need to be too meticulous to understand the current situation inside and outside the county.

It had changed drastically!

It had changed into an incredibly lively scene.

Let's talk about outside the county first. Those wilderness areas, secluded valleys, and secret forests, which originally harbored many low-tier spirits, man-eating demons and ghosts, etc., had now been swept clean by the Guǐ Wǔ Cultivators rushing in from all directions.

They weren't all doing this intentionally. Some, like the Righteous Sects such as Shaolin and Wudang, were deliberate. But more were simply because too many people had arrived, and some just had itchy hands.

This was a blessing for the Wild Village Towns that had long suffered from disturbances. At least for a while, they could have peace.

The closer one got to Sunset Mountain, the safer it was. Guǐ Wǔ Cultivators from all over the world were heading towards this mountain and a sect located on it.

Now, regarding the county city, although Ge Xian was in his room, as soon as he activated his senses, his mind would immediately roar.

A large number of "Qi machines" of various types and strengths flickered continuously, forcing Ge Xian to narrow his sensory range to the vicinity of his own courtyard to avoid constant bombardment.

In just one day, Qiantang County had become the focal point of the Dayuan Dynasty.

The news spread so quickly, perhaps because the entire Guǐ Wǔ Cultivation World spared no expense using costly special methods for communication, or perhaps due to other mysterious, unknown reasons.

It was rumored that even Guǐ Wǔ sects from the Western Regions, such as the [Tianshan Sect] and [White Camel Mountain], were heading to Qiantang.

It was evident that if they didn't have any special means, they would definitely not be able to make it in time for the Dao Discussion Conference and the Martial Arts Competition for Marriage, which were scheduled to begin in just two days.

Even with such tight timing, the number of Guǐ Wǔ Cultivators gathered in this area was increasing exponentially every few hours.

The usually dormant Human Cultivators, scattered across various regions and rarely interacting, were flocking here from far and wide.

All these changes were due to what he witnessed with his own eyes yesterday:

"The sect leader of the Ancient Tomb Sect, Li Wa, relocated her sect from Zhongnan Mountain and settled outside Qiantang County, on Sunset Mountain."

"On the same day, she led her disciples to attack and conquer a Mortal Transformation Snake Demon, which they then devoured. Their cultivation advanced greatly, Li Wa herself stepped into the [Mortal Transformation Realm], comprehended her Innate Divine Ability, and announced that she would hold a Dao Discussion Conference in three days. At that time, she would reveal the Method of Mortal Transformation and hold a Martial Arts Competition for Marriage for her adopted daughter."

When this news spread throughout all the provinces and regions of the Dayuan Dynasty, no cultivator who practiced Guǐ Wǔ could resist.

It concerned their Dao Path!

No matter how far away, they had to come.

Major Guǐ Wǔ Sects like Shaolin Temple, Wudang Sect, and Ming Cult even dispatched their sect leaders and Grand Elders, showing immense importance.

At the same time, Li Wa's reputation immediately surpassed all Guǐ Wǔ Grandmasters, rising above all Guǐ Wǔ Cultivators to become the undisputed number one.

For the foreseeable future, more and more Guǐ Wǔ Cultivators will gather, occupy Qiantang, and steal the spotlight.

What made Ge Xian feel strange was that Lu Hualong and Yelü Yuyan, the perverted couple in charge of Qiantang County, had no reaction to this, even though their influence was about to be completely overshadowed.

Even Lu Hualong, that scoundrel, had stopped the important matter of bringing refugees into the city.

For a time, he couldn't guess what this Demon County Magistrate intended.

He could only shift his focus back to himself. Yesterday, he personally witnessed the sect leader of the Ancient Tomb Sect advance to the Mortal Transformation Realm and unleash his Innate Divine Ability. The sight of Sunset Mountain turning to jade from a single breath of Qi had truly shocked Ge Xian.

"In the Dao Entry Realm, it's said that absorbing Qi into the body counts. Most cultivators in the world are in this realm."

"The Foundation Establishment Realm is much harder. One must achieve Dao Transformation, until one can possess a complete Demon Body and unleash various Demon Arts. Currently, I only need one more Dragon Face to completely achieve Dao Transformation. I should be considered to have advanced my Evil Dragon Aspect to the [Foundation Establishment Realm]. This should be soon. By absorbing and plundering more Dragon Qi, I should be able to achieve it."

"The Mortal Transformation Realm means completely shedding the mortal body and comprehending at least one Innate Divine Ability... The key here is the Meditation Method, which is a secret art in all major sects and extremely difficult for outsiders to obtain. I can search for it while continuing to absorb Dragon Qi, hoping to accumulate more and trigger a qualitative change through quantitative change, and comprehend an Innate Divine Ability on my own."

"Speaking of which, Li Wa was able to turn a mountain into jade just after entering the Mortal Transformation Realm. She was very imposing."

"If that's the case, the Innate Divine Abilities of Lu Hualong and Yelü Yuyan should be even more terrifying. Previously, when these two fought the Eternal Life Cult's evil cultivators, and the night they tried to capture me, they showed their might. However, the degree didn't seem to reach the point where they could unleash their Innate Divine Abilities, so I didn't get to see them."

"The backbone of the Cultivation World's combat power is probably this Mortal Transformation Realm... As for the subsequent realms of Tong Shen, Manifestation, and He Dao, they are currently ethereal matters. There's nowhere to inquire about them."

Ge Xian pondered, but his face showed no confusion.

He already had a plan for his Cultivation Path.

By taking in and absorbing simultaneously, his progress far surpassed that of any other cultivator from any other sect.

He was quite content, developing low-key, not daring to be too greedy to avoid trouble.

If he were truly an impatient and foolishly greedy person, he could have opened that [Lord She Treasure Pouch] a few days ago and absorbed the embryo within, which was suspected to contain the Rat Clan Evil God Will. He would have been able to forge the 'Son of God Aspect' and advance to the Foundation Establishment Realm overnight.

As of now, that item was still hidden away by Ge Xian, gathering dust.

While this peddler was pondering and studying the Secret Manuals, Suddenly, his brow furrowed.

Through the doorway, he looked directly into his own courtyard.

An Uninvited Guest?

His face first showed surprise and doubt, but soon some memories surged in his mind, making Ge Xian immediately show a helpless expression. He couldn't help but complain in his heart: "After all, I took over the Original Body Shell, so I should bear the corresponding debts. But this Young Peddler is truly clueless. Why choose to be a Spy of all things? Now his Superior has come knocking."

Before the thought had even settled, Ge Xian quickly stuffed the two Secret Manuals into his embrace.

He then got up and opened the door halfway, transmitting a message outward: "A Distinguished Guest arrives. The situation in the city is tight, so I cannot personally welcome you. Please enter quickly."

As soon as he finished speaking, a barely perceptible Qi fluctuation flashed in front of the empty doorway, and then the door closed on its own without any wind.

Before Ge Xian, two figures directly appeared.

One was an unremarkable middle-aged man, and the other a handsome young monk in a red robe, who looked very kind, with smile lines around his mouth.

The former clearly respected the latter, being extremely courteous, almost to the point of fawning.

What's more, the former was the superior of a spy organization that Ge Xian's original body had joined.

The red-robed monk appeared and looked directly at Ge Xian. Buddhist light flickered in his eyes. He didn't know what he saw, but he nodded with great satisfaction and said with a light laugh:

"Little brother, your foundation is not bad. You've actually awakened the [Mind's Eye] talent, making you most suitable to join my Buddhist sect."

"This humble monk is Faxian. After this matter is concluded, you can return to Bozhou with me to cultivate the Maitreya Buddha Dharma. You will surely be able to build your foundation, and perhaps even transcend the mortal realm."

Upon hearing this, Ge Xian feigned a look of joy.

His mind buzzed briefly, and then he couldn't help but complain internally.

"Bozhou, Maitreya Cult... Good heavens!"

"The original body's judgment was indeed sharp. The first spy organization it joined was from Liu Futong, the top rebel leader of the current Dayuan Dynasty."

"This red-robed monk feels very dangerous, and his insight is also sharp. Although he didn't see through my Charm and Cultivate talent, he managed to mention Supernatural Perception."

"I wonder what his cultivation realm is. It sounds like he's from the [Maitreya Cult]. A heretical Buddhist sect that dares to support rebels and isn't afraid of the Myriad Laws Sect's power, how weak could they be?"

"Damn it, I can't even find a good reason to refuse. Am I going to be tricked into joining Liu Futong? And end up drowned in the river?"

While Ge Huolang was having many thoughts in his mind.

His unremarkable middle-aged superior also looked at Ge Xian and praised:

"At the time, I just casually planted a seed, and I didn't expect Brother Ge's talent to be so good, and that he's also so quick-witted."

"I heard you've already infiltrated that scoundrel Lu Hualong's Propaganda Team, and you have a close relationship with his subordinates Zhang Buzu and Zhao Wuyou, the Two Ghoul Generals. This is excellent."

"If Brother Ge has already gathered any intelligence, you can tell me, and you will be richly rewarded."

"If there's any good news, it can also facilitate your future cultivation in the Maitreya Cult."

Hearing this, Ge Xian knew he couldn't blame the previous him; it was something he brought upon himself.

If he hadn't been so conspicuous, this "superior" might not even remember recruiting a peddler as a spy.

With a wry smile, Ge Xian quickly finished his thoughts and then truly began to hand over intelligence.

He picked and chose from what he knew, sharing some with the two of them. For example, the Ghoul Generals under Lu Hualong would occasionally sigh about their elder brother's past, or that Lu Hualong still had a wife, who was suspected to be a Fox Whore madam, and so on.

Both listened and showed interest.

Especially the red-robed monk, who showed none of a monk's detachment. Instead, he grew excited upon hearing gossip and secrets, and interjected with a laugh:

"Innate Tiger Mark Tiger Eyes, a prodigy in youth, gathering heroes... halfway through, his temperament drastically changed, punishing the good and rewarding the evil, devouring his brothers to forge ghouls... this is indeed a cultivation path for a [Gu-Eating Spirit Monster]."

"Lu Hualong is quite remarkable."

"As for that wife, since she's surnamed Yelü, she must be the daughter of the Jiangzhe Province Chancellor [Yelü Tianzheng]. This person cannot be underestimated; he is a Spirit Connection Realm expert. Rumor has it he has forged a full eight Innate Divine Abilities alone. As long as he is here, Jiangzhe Province will forever be a tough nut to crack."

"But she's still the daughter of a powerful regional governor. How did she become a madam? Willow Oriole Alley, is it? This skin sac of mine is passable. It's fate that I should go meet those charming fox women..."

This monk, named Faxian, would drive the conversation to lewd topics at the drop of a hat.

Ge Xian already had no hope for the [Maitreya Cult], and now he was even more convinced that this was a heretical Buddhist sect.

And his "Superior," whose name was not even mentioned, was also somewhat interested, but more than anything, he wanted to probe the troop distribution in Qiantang County and its surroundings, as well as the number and strength of the Daoist sects.

He kept asking questions, and Ge Xian only gave fragmented answers.

After listening for about ten seconds, Faxian grew impatient and interrupted:

"Alright, alright, don't trouble Brother Ge."

"He's just a peddler from the Propaganda Team. It's already remarkable that he could uncover such secrets. How could he possibly gather information on Qiantang's military strength for you?"

"I'm going to join the fun at Sunset Mountain, and now I'm going to enjoy myself at Willow Oriole Alley. I don't have time to listen to your rambling. That's all."

"Brother Ge has rendered meritorious service by providing intelligence. I shall give you this string of prayer beads for protection... consider it forging a good karma between us. I'll come back in a few days to take you away. With Mind's Eye, you should cultivate Buddhist dharma soon. How can you be a spy and informant here? If you were to be lost carelessly, I wouldn't get credit for bringing someone into the fold."

After saying these very candid words, Monk Faxian took off the prayer beads and put them into Ge Xian's hand. Then, he grabbed the middle-aged spy and they gradually faded into the void. The doorway opened, and the two left decisively.

They came quickly and left quickly.

He seemed like an honest monk with a straightforward personality, but Ge Xian couldn't help but suspect: this fellow was probably in a hurry to meet those fox whores at Willow Oriole Alley.

After the two left, Ge Xian looked at the string of Blood Bodhi Prayer Beads in his hand. With Faxian's introduction and his own perception, he immediately understood its effect: when worn, if danger is encountered, one can activate a layer of Buddhist light protective shield with a thought, which can resist attacks from cultivators in the Dao Entry Realm for half an hour, and will shatter with a single blow from a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator.

"Although I got a string of prayer beads with protective powers, I face the risk of being forcibly taken away in a few days."

"The gains do not outweigh the losses, the gains do not outweigh the losses."

Ge Xian muttered as he went to close the door, while simultaneously beginning to ponder how to break this dangerous situation.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he closed the door and returned to his bed, not long after.

He seemed to sense something again, and suddenly looked back at his Locust Flower Small Courtyard. The familiar perception and memories of his Original Body surged forth. Instantly, Ge Xian's face froze, and he felt as if he was completely unwell.

"Another... another one?"

As Ge Xian's heart thundered, he immediately guessed what was happening.

Because of the Sunset Mountain incident, Qiantang was now a gathering place for Guǐ Wǔ Cultivators. Such a high-level event had also attracted people from various rebel armies and other forces.

Among them, there must have been the spy organizations that the Original Body had rashly taken on one by one back then.

Coincidentally, Ge Huolang had gained some reputation during this period.

Thus, the "Superiors" who had originally forgotten the Young Peddler had their memories activated.

"Just sent away Liu Futong's people, who will be the second family this time?"

"Is it rebels, or other forces?"

Although Ge Xian felt a great sense of foreboding, he remained calm.

He first stuffed the Buddhist prayer beads into his embrace, then followed suit, half-opening the Doorway and sending out a telepathic message to welcome his guest.

After all, it was a secret meeting, not something that could be done openly.

The visitor also had means; the empty Doorway closed on its own without any wind.

In front of Ge Xian, two figures appeared once more.

One was the Superior who had recruited the Original Body in his memories. He looked like an old man who lived by the fish market, reeking of salt and fish.

The other was a middle-aged scholar, with a full forehead, refined and wise.

After appearing, the first to scrutinize Ge Xian was, as expected, the middle-aged scholar, whose identity was clearly much higher, just like Monk Faxian under Liu Futong earlier.

Ge Xian let him look, while also guessing which faction these two belonged to and thinking of sending them away quickly.

But the next moment, when the middle-aged scholar spoke loudly, Ge Huolang seemed to hear something incredible, and his mind roared.

"The young man's talent is extraordinary. Besides the [Mind's Eye] talent, he seems to have awakened another mysterious talent."

"Although it's not very compatible with the Dragon Nest Secret Method cultivated by the cultivators under our Lord, it doesn't matter. Our Lord is benevolent and loves the people, his influence is growing, and he has many prodigies under him. Many Dao lineages have sent people to join us and provide strong support. Finding a suitable secret method for you will not be difficult."

"I am Shi Er, and I can vouch for you."

"If you are willing, after this matter is concluded, you will come to Gaoyou with me."